bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of critical infrastructure in Ukraine
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, KUDRJASHOV Vasyl
Published: May 2022

Conceptual provisions for the formation of critical infrastructure in Ukraine are clarified. Its content and importance in the implementation of critical functions, as well as the production of critical products and services are defined. Provisions on the importance of adopting a list of critical sectors and their state regulation are revealed, foreign experience in their implementation is highlighted. The analysis of normative documents containing provisions on the formation and development of critical infrastructure in Ukraine is carried out. Their positive sides and problems that need to be solved are highlighted. It is noted that for practical use, they need clarification and specification. In terms of deepening the conceptual provisions, a paradigm of critical infrastructure analysis is proposed, which covers several stages. The content of critical functions is defined, the organizational forms that provide the use of infrastructure for the purpose of production of critical products and services are covered. Their importance in ensuring the development of critical sectors is revealed. There are provisions that in Ukraine (as in other developed countries) sectors of activity ,that are critical, are identified at the legislative level At the same time, attention is drawn to the fact that their list has certain features. Some important sectors in Ukraine are not included in the critical ones. And the names of a number of sectors and their functional purposes need to be clarified. It is concluded that state regulation of critical infrastructure in Ukraine needs to be expanded and detailed. Their main areas include clarification of conceptual provisions, implementation of an appropriate institutional system, financial support and control over implementation by government agencies and the public. It is noted that the implementation of the National Project “Large Construction” is an important step in solving problems of critical infrastructure development. At the same time, it is recommended to develop and implement modernization programs in other critical sectors. Keywords:critical sector, critical functions, critical services, critical infrastructure, critical infrastructure financing, critical infrastructure modernization
Using Telemetry Sensors Mapping the Energetic Costs in European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), as a Tool for Welfare Remote Monitoring in Aquaculture
Authors: Alfonso Sébastien , Zupa Walter , Spedicato Maria Teresa , Lembo Giuseppe , Carbonara Pierluigi
Published: May 2022

Physiological real-time monitoring could help to prevent health and welfare issues in farmed fishes. Among physiological features that can be of interest for such purposes, there is the metabolic rate. Its measurement remains, however, difficult to be implemented in the field. Thus, mapping the fish acceleration recorded by tag with the oxygen consumption rate (MO2) could be promising to counter those limitations and to be used as a proxy for energy expenditure in the aquaculture environments. In this study, we investigated the swimming performance (Ucrit) and the swimming efficiency (Uopt, COTmin), and we estimated the metabolic traits (standard and maximum metabolic rates, SMR and MMR, as well the absolute aerobic scope, AS) of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax; n = 90) in swimming tunnel. Among all tested fish, 40 fishes were implanted with an acoustic transmitter to correlate the acceleration recorded by the sensor with the MO2. In this study, the mean SMR, MMR, and AS values displayed by sea bass were 89.8, 579.2, and 489.4 mgO2 kg−1 h−1, respectively. The Uopt and COTmin estimated for sea bass were on average 1.94 km h−1 and 113.91 mgO2 kg−1 h−1, respectively. Overall, implantation of the sensor did not alter fish swimming performance or induced particular stress, able to increase MO2 or decrease swimming efficiency in tagged fish. Finally, acceleration recorded by tag has been successfully correlated with MO2 and fish mass using a sigmoid function (R2 = 0.88). Overall, such results would help for real-time monitoring of European sea bass health or welfare in the aquaculture environment in a framework of precision livestock farming.
Reverse Adverse Immune Microenvironments by Biomaterials Enhance the Repair of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Wang Hengyi , Xia Yuanliang , Li Baoqin , Li Yuehong , Fu Changfeng
Published: May 2022

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe and traumatic disorder that ultimately results in the loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic nervous function. After SCI, local immune inflammatory response persists and does not weaken or disappear. The interference of local adverse immune factors after SCI brings great challenges to the repair of SCI. Among them, microglia, macrophages, neutrophils, lymphocytes, astrocytes, and the release of various cytokines, as well as the destruction of the extracellular matrix are mainly involved in the imbalance of the immune microenvironment. Studies have shown that immune remodeling after SCI significantly affects the survival and differentiation of stem cells after transplantation and the prognosis of SCI. Recently, immunological reconstruction strategies based on biomaterials have been widely explored and achieved good results. In this review, we discuss the important factors leading to immune dysfunction after SCI, such as immune cells, cytokines, and the destruction of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, the immunomodulatory strategies based on biomaterials are summarized, and the clinical application prospects of these immune reconstructs are evaluated.
Highly Water-Absorptive and Antibacterial Hydrogel Dressings for Rapid Postoperative Detumescence
Authors: Fang Yuan , Li Haibo , Chen Jingting , Xiong Yao , Li Xu , Zhou Jianda , Li Shengli , Wang Shoubao , Sun Binbin
Published: May 2022

Postoperative wound edema, infection, and pain burden the patient’s life. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop an effective antibacterial, multifunctional application to prevent postoperative edema and relieve postoperative pain by making full use of the dehydrating and analgesic effects of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), magnesium oxide (MgO), sodium alginate (SA), and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC) to make a composite hydrogel, which can promote postoperative detumescence. MgSO4//MgO/SA/Na-CMC composite hydrogel dressings have outstanding mechanical properties, high water absorption, and good biocompatibility. MgO endows the hydrogel dressing with excellent antibacterial properties and better antibacterial activity against common bacteria and multidrug-resistant bacteria. In addition, MgSO4/MgO/SA/Na-CMC hydrogel dressing shows superior dehydration and analgesic properties in the postoperative nude mice model. This study shows that the multifunctional MgSO4/MgO/SA/Na-CMC composite hydrogel dressing developed as a surgical incision dressing has broad prospects in the prevention of incision infection, postoperative edema, and analgesia.
Codon-Reduced Protein Synthesis With Manipulating tRNA Components in Cell-Free System
Authors: Li Jiaojiao , Tang Mengtong , Qi Hao
Published: May 2022

Manipulating transfer RNAs (tRNAs) for emancipating sense codons to simplify genetic codons in a cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) system can offer more flexibility and controllability. Here, we provide an overview of the tRNA complement protein synthesis system construction in the tRNA-depleted Protein synthesis Using purified Recombinant Elements (PURE) system or S30 extract. These designed polypeptide coding sequences reduce the genetic codon and contain only a single tRNA corresponding to a single amino acid in this presented system. Strategies for removing tRNAs from cell lysates and synthesizing tRNAs in vivo/vitro are summarized and discussed in detail. Furthermore, we point out the trend toward a minimized genetic codon for reducing codon redundancy by manipulating tRNAs in the different proteins. It is hoped that the tRNA complement protein synthesis system can facilitate the construction of minimal cells and expand the biomedical application scope of synthetic biology.
Approaches to Biofunctionalize Polyetheretherketone for Antibacterial: A Review
Authors: Wang Yihan , Zhang Shutao , Nie Bin’en , Qu Xinhua , Yue Bing
Published: May 2022

Due to excellent mechanical properties and similar elastic modulus compared with human cortical bone, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has become one of the most promising orthopedic implant materials. However, implant-associated infections (IAIs) remain a challenging issue since PEEK is bio-inert. In order to fabricate an antibacterial bio-functional surface, modifications of PEEK had been widely investigated. This review summarizes the modification strategies to biofunctionalize PEEK for antibacterial. We will begin with reviewing different approaches, such as surface-coating modifications and controlled release of antimicrobials. Furthermore, blending modifications and 3D printing technology were discussed. Finally, we compare the effects among different approaches. We aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the antibacterial modification and optimize the design of the PEEK orthopedic implant.
Leveraging Informal Learning Pedagogies to Empower Coastal Communities for Disaster Preparedness
Authors: Pradhananga Piyush , Elawady Amal , ElZomor Mohamed
Published: May 2022

With the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes, people and communities within hurricane-prone zones are often overwhelmed and lack effective preparedness in terms of social connectivity critical for making proactive decisions to survive anticipated disasters. Disaster management agencies traditionally share preparedness guidelines through formal educational and other public media channels (such as academic institutions, articles, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, etc.) only. However, such formal modalities seldom consider the socio-economic status, cultural background, diversity, and education level of communities. Consequently, vulnerable communities are challenged by poor inclusive accessibility, lack of receptiveness, and responsiveness. An Informal Learning Pedagogy (ILP) for hurricane preparedness can be a practical solution to disseminate knowledge on preparedness and hurricane impacts at the community level through nurturing enthusiasm to learn from one another within the community setting, which causes ripple effects that are more profound within a diverse community. This approach would effectively support educating more people about hurricane preparedness. The main objectives of this study are: 1) to assess the hurricane preparedness awareness of people living in a hurricane-prone coastal community in South Florida, United States; 2) to investigate the applicability of adopting novel ILP mechanisms for a disaster-prone community and; 3) analyze and plan for the development of online community-centered hurricane preparedness training with a primary focus on preparedness, warning, evacuation, and early recovery. Developing training modules focused on disaster preparedness through informal learning environments depends on incorporating actual community requirements, which reflect audience-centered needs as part of enhancing the resilience capacity of coastal communities. As such, in this study, an online questionnaire survey focusing on the validation of the research hypothesis was designed and conducted among South Florida residents. The survey data results indicated that participation in disaster-preparedness training through informal modalities highly depends on the length of an individual’s stay in a disaster-prone zone, anticipated benefits of disaster education, and the availability of online training. This research study contributes to the disaster preparedness and response bodies of knowledge by identifying informal ways of communicating hazard preparedness knowledge to advance the resilience capacities in disaster-prone communities.
Transcriptomic Evidence of the Immune Response Activation in Individuals With Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Dominant 2 (LGMDD2) Contributes to Resistance to HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Diez-Fuertes Francisco , López-Huertas María Rosa , García-Pérez Javier , Calonge Esther , Bermejo Mercedes , Mateos Elena , Martí Pilar , Muelas Nuria , Vílchez Juan Jesús , Coiras Mayte , Alcamí José , Rodríguez-Mora Sara
Published: May 2022

LGMDD2 is a rare form of muscular dystrophy characterized by one of the three heterozygous deletions described within the TNPO3 gene that result in the addition of a 15-amino acid tail in the C-terminus.TNPO3 is involved in the nuclear import of splicing factors and acts as a host cofactor for HIV-1 infection by mechanisms not yet deciphered. Further characterization of the crosstalk between HIV-1 infection and LGMDD2 disease may contribute to a better understanding of both the cellular alterations occurring in LGMDD2 patients and the role of TNPO3 in the HIV-1 cycle. To this regard, transcriptome profiling of PBMCs from LGMDD2 patients carrying the deletion c.2771delA in the TNPO3 gene was compared to healthy controls. A total of 545 differentially expressed genes were detected between LGMDD2 patients and healthy controls, with a high representation of G protein-coupled receptor binding chemokines and metallopeptidases among the most upregulated genes in LGMDD2 patients. Plasma levels of IFN-β and IFN-γ were 4.7- and 2.7-fold higher in LGMDD2 patients, respectively. An increase of 2.3-fold in the expression of the interferon-stimulated gene MxA was observed in activated PBMCs from LGMDD2 patients after ex vivo HIV-1 pseudovirus infection. Thus, the analysis suggests a pro-inflammatory state in LGMDD2 patients also described for other muscular dystrophies, that is characterized by the alteration of IL-17 signaling pathway and the consequent increase of metallopeptidases activity and TNF response. In summary, the increase in interferons and inflammatory mediators suggests an antiviral environment and resistance to HIV-1 infection but that could also impair muscular function in LGMDD2 patients, worsening disease evolution. Biomarkers of disease progression and therapeutic strategies based on these genes and mechanisms should be further investigated for this type of muscular dystrophy.
Signaling Proteins Recruited to the Sperm Binding Site: Role of β-Catenin and Rho A
Authors: Wang Huizhen , Kinsey William H.
Published: May 2022

Sperm interaction with the oocyte plasma membrane triggers a localized response in the mouse oocyte that leads to remodeling of oocyte surface as well as the underlying cortical actin layer. The recent demonstration that PTK2B is recruited and activated at the sperm binding site raised the possibility that multiple signaling events may be activated during this stage of fertilization. The present study demonstrated that β-catenin and Rho A were recruited to the cortex underlying bound/fused sperm. To determine whether sperm-oocyte contact was sufficient to initiate β-catenin recruitment, Cd9-null, and PTK2b-null oocytes were tested for the ability to recruit β-catenin to sperm binding sites. Both Cd9 and Ptk2b ablation reduced β-catenin recruitment raising the possibility that PTK2B may act downstream of CD9 in the response to sperm binding/fusion. Further immunofluorescence study revealed that β-catenin co-localized with f-actin in the interstitial regions between actin layer fenestrae. Rho A, in contrast, was arranged underneath the actin layer in both the fenestra and the interstitial regions suggesting that they may play different roles in the oocyte.
Metal Graphitic Nanocapsules for Theranostics in Harsh Conditions
Authors: Yang Yanxia , Li Shengkai , Bu Hongxiu , Xia Xin , Chen Long , Xu Yiting , Chen Zhuo
Published: May 2022

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) with superior physicochemical properties and biocompatibility have shown great potential in theranostics. However, metal NPs show poor stability in some harsh conditions such as strong acid, oxidation, corrosion and high-temperature conditions, which limits their extensive bioapplications. To address such issue, a variety of superstable metal graphitic nanocapsules with the metal cores confined in the nanospace of few-layer graphitic shell have been developed for biodetection and therapy in harsh conditions. In this mini-review, we summarize the recent advances in metal graphitic nanocapsules for bioapplications in harsh conditions. Firstly, their theranostic performance in non-intrinsic physiological harsh environment, including oxidation, corrosion and high-temperature conditions, is systematically discussed. Then, we highlight their theranostic performance in the harsh stomach condition that is strong acidic and pepsin-rich. It is expected that this review will offer inspiration to facilitate the exploitation of novel theranostic agents that are stable in harsh conditions.
Association of Beta-2-Microglobulin With Coronary Heart Disease and All-Cause Mortality in the United States General Population
Authors: Huang Yangxi , Lin Yufeng , Zhai Xiaobing , Cheng Long
Published: May 2022

Few prospective studies explored the association of beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) with coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality. The primary objective of this study was to examine the association of serum B2M with CHD and all-cause mortality. This is a prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of 4,885 adults, aged 40–85 years, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) from 1988 to 1994. The relationships between B2M and CHD and all-cause mortality were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. During a median follow-up of 15.5 years, 845 CHD and 3,388 all-cause deaths occurred among 4,885 participants [2,568 women (55.7%); mean (S.D.) age, 66.4 (12.5) years], respectively. In the unadjusted model, B2M concentration was strongly linearly associated with CHD and all-cause mortality (p-trend < 0.001). After adjusting multivariable factors, a positive linear association between B2M and all-cause mortality was still observed (H.R. for Q4 vs. Q1 5.90; 95% CI: 5.31–6.57; p-trend < 0.001). In the multivariable adjustment model, B2M was significantly associated with an increased risk of CHD mortality (H.R. for Q4 vs. Q1 2.72; 95% CI: 2.07–3.57; p-trend < 0.001). In the stratified analyses, the associations of B2M with CHD and all-cause mortality varied by risk factors, such as age, smoking status, and history of hypertension. The findings suggest a significant relationship between the higher serum B2M concentration and increased risk for CHD and all-cause mortality. Further large-scale follow-up studies are also needed to validate this association.
Therapeutic Effect of Pericytes for Diabetic Wound Healing
Authors: Kim Kyeong Mi , An Hyun-Ju , Kim Sang-Hoon , Kim JuHee , Sim Changgon , Lee Jaemin , Park Sin Hyung , Lee Hyun Il , Jang Inseok , Lee Soonchul
Published: May 2022

Objective

Numerous attempts have been made to devise treatments for ischemic foot ulcer (IFU), which is one of the most severe and fatal consequences of diabetes mellitus (DM). Pericytes, which are perivascular multipotent cells, are of interest as a treatment option for IFU because they play a critical role in forming and repairing various tissues. In this study, we want to clarify the angiogenic potential of pericytes in DM-induced wounds.

Methods

We evaluated pericyte stimulation capability for tube formation, angiogenesis, and wound healing (cell migration) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with in-vivo and in-vitro models of high glucose conditions.

Results

When HUVECs were co-cultured with pericytes, their tube-forming capacity and cell migration were enhanced. Our diabetic mouse model showed that pericytes promote wound healing via increased vascularization.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicate that pericytes may enhance wound healing in high glucose conditions, consequently making pericyte transplantation suitable for treating IFUs.
Cardiac Performance and Cardiopulmonary Fitness After Infection With SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Wood Gregory , Kirkevang Therese Stegeager , Agergaard Jane , Leth Steffen , Hansen Esben Søvsø Szocska , Laustsen Christoffer , Larsen Anders Hostrup , Jensen Henrik Kjærulf , Østergaard Lars Jørgen , Bøtker Hans Erik , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt , Kim Won Yong
Published: May 2022

Aims

Persistent cardiac symptoms are an increasingly reported phenomenon following COVID-19. However, the underlying cause of cardiac symptoms is unknown. This study aimed to identify the underlying causes, if any, of these symptoms 1 year following acute COVID-19 infection.

Methods and Results

22 individuals with persistent cardiac symptoms were prospectively investigated using echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), 6-min walking test, cardio-pulmonary exercise testing and electrocardiography. A median of 382 days (IQR 368, 442) passed between diagnosis of COVID-19 and investigation. As a cohort their echocardiography, CMR, 6-min walking test and exercise testing results were within the normal ranges. There were no differences in left ventricular ejection fraction (61.45 ± 6.59 %), global longitudinal strain (19.80 ± 3.12 %) or tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (24.96 ± 5.55 mm) as measured by echocardiography compared to a healthy control group. VO2 max (2045.00 ± 658.40 ml/min), % expected VO2 max (114.80 ± 23.08 %) and 6-minute distance walked (608.90 ± 54.51 m) exceeded that expected for the patient cohort, whilst Troponin I (5.59 ± 6.59 ng/l) and Nt-proBNP (88.18 ± 54.27 ng/l) were normal.

Conclusion

Among a cohort of 22 patients with self-reported persistent cardiac symptoms, we identified no underlying cardiac disease or reduced cardiopulmonary fitness 1 year following COVID-19.
Extensive Aortic Thromboembolism in a Patient With Erdheim-Chester Disease: A Case Report
Authors: He Jiangping , Fang Xin , Zhang Xianfeng , Chen Kuang , Huang Jiao
Published: May 2022

Background

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare disease that affects multiple systems and is characterized by non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Classic clinical signs include long bone infiltration, central nervous system involvement, diabetes insipidus, and sheathing of the entire aorta. However, thrombosis is not recognized as a typical cardiac manifestation of ECD. Here, we report the case of an ECD patient with extensive arterial thrombus formation and embolism in several sections of the aorta.

Case

A 36-year-old woman was admitted due to recurrent fever and left finger cyanosis for 20 days. Laboratory tests revealed that her C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels were significantly elevated. Thoracic computed tomographic angiography (CTA) revealed thrombosis from the aortic arch to the left subclavian artery accompanied by severe stenosis of the left subclavian artery. Abdominal CTA revealed splenic infarction due to splenic artery embolism and thrombus formation in multiple abdominal arteries. She underwent emergent arterial thrombectomy. During hospitalization, she complained of polyuria. The desmopressin test and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging findings suggested diabetes insipidus. Furthermore, positron emission tomography-computed tomography and bone emission computed tomography showed long bone impairment, and pathological examination of the bone samples confirmed ECD. Steroids and tocilizumab were selected as the initial therapies; however, thrombosis continued to develop. After replacement of tocilizumab with interferon-α, her condition became stable.

Conclusion

Although extremely rare, fatal thrombosis may be a significant cardiovascular manifestation of ECD.
Association Between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study of Chinese Cohort
Authors: Zou Yao-Wei , Li Qian-Hua , Gao Jing-Wei , Pan Jie , Ma Jian-Da , Chen Le-Feng , Lin Jian-Zi , Mo Ying-Qian , Zhang Xue-Pei , Liu Pin-Ming , Dai Lie
Published: May 2022

Background

The nomenclature from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is considered to identify more cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks in the general population. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) carry an excess risk for CVD. However, the prevalence of MAFLD and its relationship with CVD risks in RA have not been reported.

Methods

This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed clinical data from a Chinese RA cohort. MAFLD was diagnosed according to the criteria proposed by an international expert panel from 22 countries in 2020. CVD risk in patients with RA was estimated by the Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China with a 1.5 multiplication factor.

Results

Among 513 included patients with RA, 78.4% were women and the mean ± SD age was 51.8 ± 12.6 years. The prevalence of MAFLD was 21.4%. There were 10.9% patients with RA concomitated with CVD events and 32.4% with a high-estimated 10-year CVD risk. Besides a higher liver fibrosis score and a higher ratio of advanced fibrosis, RA patients with MAFLD had a higher rate of CVD events (17.3 vs. 9.2%) and a higher proportion of high estimated 10-year CVD risk (55.5 vs. 26.1%) than those without. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MAFLD was associated with an increase in CVD events [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.190, 95% CI 1.135–4.227] and high estimated 10-year CVD risk (AOR = 2.483, 95% CI 1.412–4.365, all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease was associated with increased CVD risk in patients with RA, which implies the importance of early detection and management of MAFLD in patients with RA.
Development of a Risk Prediction Model for New Episodes of Atrial Fibrillation in Medical-Surgical Critically Ill Patients Using the AmsterdamUMCdb
Authors: Ortega-Martorell Sandra , Pieroni Mark , Johnston Brian W. , Olier Ivan , Welters Ingeborg D.
Published: May 2022

The occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) represents clinical deterioration in acutely unwell patients and leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Prediction of the development of AF allows early intervention. Using the AmsterdamUMCdb, clinically relevant variables from patients admitted in sinus rhythm were extracted over the full duration of the ICU stay or until the first recorded AF episode occurred. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors for AF. Input variables were automatically selected by a sequential forward search algorithm using cross-validation. We developed three different models: For the overall cohort, for ventilated patients and non-ventilated patients. 16,144 out of 23,106 admissions met the inclusion criteria. 2,374 (12.8%) patients had at least one AF episode during their ICU stay. Univariate analysis revealed that a higher percentage of AF patients were older than 70 years (60% versus 32%) and died in ICU (23.1% versus 7.1%) compared to non-AF patients. Multivariate analysis revealed age to be the dominant risk factor for developing AF with doubling of age leading to a 10-fold increased risk. Our logistic regression models showed excellent performance with AUC.ROC > 0.82 and > 0.91 in ventilated and non-ventilated cohorts, respectively. Increasing age was the dominant risk factor for the development of AF in both ventilated and non-ventilated critically ill patients. In non-ventilated patients, risk for development of AF was significantly higher than in ventilated patients. Further research is warranted to identify the role of ventilatory settings on risk for AF in critical illness and to optimise predictive models.
An Ecodevelopmental Framework for Engaging Diverse Youth in Foster Care and Their Families Into Technology-Based Family Intervention Research Trials
Authors: Folk Johanna B. , Gill Heman , Ordorica Catalina , Rodriguez Christopher A. , Holloway Evan D. , Meza Jocelyn , Tolou-Shams Marina
Published: May 2022

Family-based interventions delivered via telehealth are a promising mode for overcoming barriers to behavioral health treatment among youth in foster care and their families. There is a dearth of research, however, regarding effectiveness of these interventions for youth in foster care, who commonly exhibit complex behavioral health treatment needs. Clinical research in this area directly relates to equity in service access and quality for these youth and families, with numerous barriers and enabling factors to consider in order to improve engagement in clinical trials and bolster the evidence base. We present a framework to better understand the multi-systemic factors impacting youth and family engagement in clinical research on family-based telehealth interventions, drawing on relevant theory, including the bioecological model and ecodevelopmental theory. We also draw on our experiences conducting technology-based clinical research through the Family Telehealth Project, an evaluation of a brief family-based affect management intervention designed specifically for youth in foster care and their families, as a case example. Recommendations for promoting engagement in clinical research on family-based telehealth interventions with diverse youth in foster care and their families are provided.
Testing the Importance of Individual Growth in Predicting State-Level Outcomes Beyond Status Measures
Authors: Petscher Yaacov , Cummings Kelli D. , Killian Michael O. , Woods Makenna , Herrera Sarah
Published: May 2022

The literature reports mixed findings on whether measuring individual change over time on an interim progress monitoring assessment adds value to understanding student differences in future performance on an assessment. This study examines the relations among descriptive measures of growth (simple difference and average difference) and inferential measures [ordinary least squares (OLS) and empirical Bayes] for 800,000 students in grades 4, 8, and 10 and considers how well such measures statistically explain differences in end-of-year reading comprehension after controlling for student performance on a mid-year status assessment. Student differences in their reading comprehension performance were explained by the four growth estimates (simple difference, average difference, OLS, and empirical Bayes) and differed by status variable used (i.e., performance on the fall, winter, or spring benchmark assessment). The four growth estimates examined in the study all contributed significantly to predicting end-of-year reading comprehension when initial, fall performance was used as a covariate. The simple difference growth estimate was the best predictor when controlling for mid-year (winter) status, and all but the simple difference estimate contributed significantly when controlling for final (spring) status.
Validity of Comparative Judgment Scores: How Assessors Evaluate Aspects of Text Quality When Comparing Argumentative Texts
Authors: Lesterhuis Marije , Bouwer Renske , van Daal Tine , Donche Vincent , De Maeyer Sven
Published: May 2022

The advantage of comparative judgment is that it is particularly suited to assess multidimensional and complex constructs as text quality. This is because assessors are asked to compare texts holistically and to make a quality judgment for each text in a pairwise comparison based upon on the most salient and critical differences. Also, the resulted rank order is based on the judgment of all assessors, representing the shared consensus. In order to be able to select the right number of assessors, the question is to what extent the conceptualization of assessors prevails in the aspects they base their judgment on, or whether comparative judgment minimizes the differences between assessors. In other words, can we detect types of assessors who tend to consider certain aspects of text quality more often than others? A total of 64 assessors compared argumentative texts, after which they provided decision statements on what aspects of text quality had informed their judgment. These decision statements were coded on six overarching themes of text quality: argumentation, organization, language use, language conventions, source use, references, and layout. Using a multilevel-latent class analysis, four different types of assessors could be distinguished: narrowly focused, broadly focused, source-focused, and language-focused. However, the analysis also showed that all assessor types mainly focused on argumentation and organization, and that assessor types only partly explained whether the aspect of text quality was mentioned in a decision statement. We conclude that comparative judgment is a strong method for comparing complex constructs like text quality. First, because the rank order combines different views on text quality, but foremost because the method of comparative judgment minimizes differences between assessors.
SIRT1–SIRT7 in Diabetic Kidney Disease: Biological Functions and Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Qi Wenxiu , Hu Cheng , Zhao Daqing , Li Xiangyan
Published: May 2022

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a severe microvascular complication in patients with diabetes and is one of the main causes of renal failure. The current clinical treatment methods for DKD are not completely effective, and further exploration of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathology of DKD is necessary to improve and promote the treatment strategy. Sirtuins are class III histone deacetylases, which play an important role in many biological functions, including DNA repair, apoptosis, cell cycle, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, energy metabolism, lifespan, and aging. In the last decade, research on sirtuins and DKD has gained increasing attention, and it is important to summarize the relationship between DKD and sirtuins to increase the awareness of DKD and improve the cure rates. We have found that miRNAs, lncRNAs, compounds, or drugs that up-regulate the activity and expression of sirtuins play protective roles in renal function. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the biological functions, molecular targets, mechanisms, and signaling pathways of SIRT1–SIRT7 in DKD models. Existing research has shown that sirtuins have the potential as effective targets for the clinical treatment of DKD. This review aims to lay a solid foundation for clinical research and provide a theoretical basis to slow the development of DKD in patients.
Melatonin Improves Quality of Repeated-Poor and Frozen-Thawed Embryos in Human, a Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Bao Zhongjian , Li Guangdong , Wang Rongxiang , Xue Songguo , Zeng Yong , Deng Shoulong
Published: May 2022

Objective

In this study, two experiments were performed to assess the effect and the role of melatonin on human in vitro embryo quality.

Methods

Experiment I: A total of 42 repeated-poor-quality-embryo patients were enrolled, with a total of 181 oocytes retrieval cycles. After IVF, for the same patient, the MT cycles group (10-7 M melatonin added to the culture medium; n=48) were compared with the previous non-MT cycles group (n=133), following by in vitro culture to blastocyst stage and embryo transfer. 31 patients were transplanted with 65 embryo transfer, including 24 MT embryo transfer, 41 non-MT embryo transfer. Cycle outcomes were compared between the two groups. Experiment II:A total of 143 supernumerary human cleavage-stage embryos (from non-repeated-poor-quality-embryo patients) vitrified on Day 3 after IVF were warmed and randomized into two groups: melatonin group (10-7 M melatonin added to the culture medium; n=71) and control group (n=72), and then cultured for 72 h. Rate of blastocyst and high-quality blastocyst, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of culture media as well as embryonic GPX1, CAT, Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, BCL-2, BAX gene expression levels were analyzed.

Results

Experiment I: Results showed that the rate of Day 3 high-quality embryos (29.6% vs.19.5%) in the MT cycles group was significantly higher than that in the non-MT cycles group (P<0.05). The rate of available blastocysts (17.1% vs.12.7%) and clinical pregnancy rate (25.0% vs.17.1%) were in tendency higher in the group treated with melatonin (P>0.05). Experiment II:Results showed that the blastocyst rates in the melatonin administered group were significantly higher than in control group (42.25% vs.26.38%, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in high-quality blastocyst rates. In addition, quantitative PCR showed that the expression of CAT was significantly upregulated by melatonin treatment (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in the expression of GPX1, Mn-SOD, Cu/Zn-SOD, BAX and BCL-2 gene as well as the levels of ROS.

Conclusion

These data showed that melatonin supplement in the culture medium will improve Day 3 high-quality embryos rate of repeated-poor-quality-embryo patients and improve blastocyst rate of vitrified-warmed cleavage-stage embryos, suggesting that melatonin intervention may provide a potential rescue strategy for IVF failures.

Clinical Trial Registration

identifier [ChiCTR2200059773].
Menopausal Transition: Prospective Study of Estrogen Status, Circulating MicroRNAs, and Biomarkers of Bone Metabolism
Authors: Baloun Jiri , Pekacova Aneta , Wenchich Laszlo , Hruskova Hana , Senolt Ladislav , Svec Xiao , Pavelka Karel , Stepan Jan J.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Osteoporosis is associated with an impaired balance between bone resorption and formation, which in turn leads to bone loss and fractures. Many recent studies have underlined the regulatory role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in bone remodeling processes and their potential as biomarkers of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to prospectively examine the association of circulating miRNAs and bone biomarkers with estrogen status in women before and after oophorectomy, as well as in oophorectomized women on estrogen therapy.

Methods

In this prospective study, we included 11 women before oophorectomy and hysterectomy and at 201 ± 24 days after the surgery. Another 11 women were evaluated 508 ± 127 days after oophorectomy and hysterectomy and after an additional 203 ± 71 days of estradiol treatment. Serum miRNAs were profiled by sequencing. Estrogen status and biomarkers of bone metabolism were quantified. Bone mineral density was assessed in the lumbar spine.

Results

Our analysis revealed 17 miRNAs associated with estrogen levels. Of those miRNAs that were upregulated with estrogen deficiency and downregulated after estrogen therapy, miR-422a correlated with serum beta-carboxy-terminal type I collagen crosslinks (β-CTX) and procollagen 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP); and miR-1278 correlated with serum β-CTX, P1NP, osteocalcin, sclerostin, and Dickkopf-1(Dkk1). In contrast, we found an inverse association of miR-24-1-5p with estrogen status and a negative correlation with serum β-CTX, P1NP, osteoprotegerin, and sclerostin levels.

Conclusion

The reported miRNAs associated with estrogen status and bone metabolism could be potential biomarkers of bone pathophysiology and would facilitate studies on the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Our findings require validation in an extended cohort.
Low Parathyroid Hormone Versus Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Survival in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Propensity-Matched Analysis
Authors: Guo Wang , Zhang Huixian , Zhang Yamei , Huang Hongdong , Liu Wenhu , Diao Zongli
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) are very common in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, it remains unclear which of these has a lower mortality.

Objective

In this study, we compared outcomes between hemodialysis patients with low PTH and those with SHPT.

Methods

This was a multi-center, retrospective, matched cohort study. Median intact PTH (iPTH) was used as the cutoff for allocating participants to low PTH (iPTH<100 pg/mL) and SHPT groups (iPTH ≥600 pg/mL). Sex, diabetes, age, and dialysis vintage were matched between the groups. The primary outcome was all-cause death at 72 months.

Results

The study cohort comprised 2282 patients (1166 in each study group). Prior to matching, the primary outcome occurred in 429/1166 patients (36.79%) in the low PTH group and in 284/1116 (25.45%) in the SHPT group. There were no significant differences in all-cause death between the groups according to multivariable Cox regression (P=0.423). The hazard ratio for low PTH versus SHPT was 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.30). Propensity matching created 619 pairs of patients. Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, diabetes, and dialysis vintage were comparable between the groups. The primary outcome occurred in 195/619 patients (31.50%) in the low PTH group and in 193/619 (31.18%) in the SHPT group. There were no significant differences in all-cause death between the groups according to multivariable Cox regression (P=0.43). The adjusted hazard ratio for low PTH versus SHPT was 1.10 (95% confidence interval, 0.87–1.39).

Conclusions

Hemodialysis patients with low PTH have similar all-cause death rates to the rates for those with SHPT.
Role of the Ubiquitin Ligase RNF149 in the Development of Rat Neonatal Gonocytes
Authors: Manku Gurpreet , Kong Chi-Chon , Culty Martine
Published: May 2022

Male reproductive function depends on the formation of spermatogonial stem cells from their neonatal precursors, the gonocytes. Previously, we identified several UPS enzymes dynamically altered during gonocyte differentiation. The present work focuses on understanding the role of the RING finger protein 149 (RNF149), an E3 ligase that we found to be strongly expressed in gonocytes and downregulated in spermatogonia. The quantification of RNF149 mRNA from postnatal day (PND) 2 to 35 (puberty) in rat testis, brain, liver, kidney, and heart indicated that its highest levels are found in the testis. RNF149 knock-down in PND3 rat gonocytes was performed to better understand its role in gonocyte development. While a proliferative cocktail of PDGF-BB and 17β-estradiol (P+E) increased both the expression levels of the cell proliferation marker PCNA and RNF149 in mock cells, the effects of P+E on both genes were reduced in cells treated with RNF149 siRNA, suggesting that RNF149 expression is regulated during gonocyte proliferation and that there might be a functional link between RNF149 and PCNA. To examine RNF149 subcellular localization, EGFP-tagged RNF149 vectors were constructed, after determining the rat testis RNF149 mRNA sequence. Surprisingly, two variant transcripts were expressed in rat tissues, predicting truncated proteins, one containing the PA and the other the RING functional domains. Transfection in mouse F9 embryonal carcinoma cells and C18-4 spermatogonial cell lines showed differential subcellular profiles of the two truncated proteins. Overall, the results of this study support a role for RNF149 in gonocyte proliferation and suggest its transcription to variant mRNAs resulting in two proteins with different functional domains. Future studies will examine the respective roles of these variant proteins in the cell lines and isolated gonocytes.
Correlations Between Wake Phenomena and Fatigue Loads Within Large Wind Farms: A Large-Eddy Simulation Study
Authors: Moens Maud , Chatelain Philippe
Published: May 2022

This work proposes a methodology aiming at simulating the whole wind farm behavior, from the wake phenomena to the wind turbine fatigue loads, in a both accurate and efficient way and for a large range of operating conditions. This approach is based on Large Eddy Simulation (LES), coupled to an Actuator Disk (AD) approach. In order to recover pertinent fatigue loads with that wind turbine model, the blade trajectories are replicated through the disk and the AD aerodynamic forces are interpolated onto these “virtual blades” at each time step. The wake centerline is also tracked in the whole wind farm, in order to highlight the correlations between the wake phenomena and the wind turbine fatigue damage. The described methodology is deployed in simulations of the Horns Rev wind farm for several wind directions. The time-averaged power production is first compared to measurements and other LES results, with a very good agreement for large wind sectors. We then investigate the fatigue loads for several machines inside the wind farm and wind directions. We clearly show the link between the upstream wake movement and the resulting high and low frequency oscillations of the root bending moments and of the yaw and tilt moments, and therefore on the resulting fatigue equivalent loads. This study demonstrates the capacity of the numerical tool to accurately capture the wind farm flow and the rotor behaviors, as well as the correlations between the wake phenomena and the resulting fatigue loads.
Study on Trajectory Optimization of Hypersonic Vehicle Based on Neural Network
Authors: Cai Feichao , Huang Xing
Published: May 2022

For the horizontal take-off hypersonic cruise aircraft, research on the combined design method of multi-section was carried out, the main design parameters of different sections were analyzed, the parametric design model of the flight path was established, and the characteristics of the typical flight path were studied. On this basis, the calculation of sample points was carried out, and a prediction model of aircraft range and flight time based on the design parameters of the four main flight sections was established based on the neural network method. The genetic algorithm is used to optimize the flight path of the prediction model with the range as the objective function. The research results show that the neural network prediction model based on the parametric design of the trajectory can predict random sample points better than the trajectory model For the prediction of random sample points, compared with the calculation results of the trajectory model, the maximum errors of the flight range and flight time are within 0.82% and 0.45%. The prediction model is optimized with the flight range as the objective function, and the relative error between the optimal range and the trajectory model under the corresponding section parameters is less than 0.2%, which shows that the model established in this paper can better predict the range and flight time according to the section design parameters. Parametric modeling and neural network optimization are feasible methods for aircraft trajectory design and section parameter optimization.
Containment Integrity and Sealing Assessment for HTR-PM600 Fresh Fuel Transport Package Under Impact Loading
Authors: Hao Yuchen , Li Yue , Lin Musen , Wu Bin , Ma Tao , Wang Haitao , Liu Bing , Wang Jinhua
Published: May 2022

Reliable transportation of fuel elements is vital for High Temperature Reactor (HTR) power plant. Therefore, the safety performance of the containment boundary in HTR-PM600 fresh fuel transport package under impact loading should be assessed. Specifically, factors such as the structural integrity, bolt safety, and sealing performance of the flange are considered. However, it is not convenient to assess the sealing performance using the helium leakage test without a prototypical experiment. Therefore, to accurately assess the safety performance in the design stage, we propose a detection technique combing with the finite element method to measure the leak channel in the flange for HTR-PM600 transport package. The results show that the boundary containment has no failure, and there is no complete leak channel in the flange of HTR-PM600 package. Hence, this package has a great safety performance under impact loading. This work also provides references for design of fresh fuel transport packages in pebble-bed reactors.