bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydro-reservoir management and unit-commitment in energy optimization
Authors: Leite Loução Junior Flávio , Sproesser Mathias Marlon , Sagastizábal Claudia , Santos Luiz-Rafael , Nogueira Calmon Sobral Francisco
Published: October 2021

In partnership with CCEE, CEPEL and RADIX as industrial partners, in 2021 the study group focused on the dynamics of hourly prices when industrial consumers are demand responsive, as a follow-up of the industrial problem tackled in 2018 and 2019, on ``Day-ahead pricing mechanisms for hydro-thermal power systems''. Demand response is currently being tested by the Brazilian independent system operator and by the trading chamber, ONS. The program considers reductions of consumption of some clients as an alternative to dispatching thermal power plants out of the merit order. The day-ahead problem of finding optimal dispatch and prices for the Brazilian system is modelled as a mixed-integer linear programming problem, with non-convexities related to fixed costs and minimal generation requirements for some thermal power plants. The work focuses on the point of view of an individual hydro-power generator, to determine business opportunities related to adhering to a demand response program.
Föräldragrupper inom mödra- och barnhälsovård: Forskning, tillämpning och metoder om ledarskap för välfungerande grupper
Authors: Forslund Frykedal Karin , Berlin Anita , Barimani Mia
Published: October 2021

Den här texten vänder sig till er som leder eller ska leda föräldragrupper. Med föräldragrupper menar vi de grupper som fungerar som stöd för blivande och nyblivna föräldrar, dvs. det handlar om föräldragrupper på mödrahälsovården (MHV) för blivande föräldrar som leds av barnmorskor och föräldragrupper inom barnhälso­vården (BHV) för nyblivna föräldrar som leds av barnsjuksköterskor eller distrikts­sköterskor. Texten är uppdelad på 7 kapitel. I det första kapitlet tar vi upp de stödjande aktivi­te­ter som riktas till blivande och nya föräldrar. Kapitel ett omfattar också vad övergången till vad föräldraskap innebär, både det som kan vara fysiskt och psykiskt påfrestande men också utvecklande. Vi kommer även in på grupper av nya föräldrar som kan behöva extra stöd, t.ex. ensamstående, samkönade, unga föräldrar och föräldrar som inte pratar svenska. I kapitel två flyttar vi fokus till vad det är som ska stödjas–barnens och föräldrarnas behov. Kapitel tre behandlar föräldrarnas förväntningar och tankar om föräldra­grupper–vad vill föräldrar att för­äldragrupper ska ta upp och hur vill de att de ska genomföras. I kapitel fyra riktas till ledaren och ledarrollen. Vi kommer in på olika förhållningssätt kopplat till att vara ledare, men också att skapa förutsättningar för ett lärande för deltagande föräldrar. Vi granskar hur den profession­ella rollen ser ut, men också svårigheterna med att uppfylla alla de förväntningar som finns på ledare för föräldragrupper. Femte kapitlet tar upp hur gruppen fungerar och vad som kan underlätta, men också försvåra arbetet med en grupp. Det handlar bl.a. om hur man skapar trygghet, om roller, normer och strukturer i en föräldragrupp. Vi avslutar med två kapitel som har fokus på strategier och metoder för att lättare kunna tackla potentiella problem och svårigheter, som man kan uppleva finns i föräldragrupper, och istället vända det till något positivt. I dessa två kapitel beskriver vi kooperativt lärande och kollegial handledning och ger också konkreta idéer på hur dessa två metoder eller strategier kan tillämpas på föräldra­gruppen.
Resistance Breeding Increases Winter Wheat Gross Margins–An Economic Assessment for Germany
Authors: Lüttringhaus Sophia , Zetzsche Holger , Wittkop Benjamin , Stahl Andreas , Ordon Frank , Mußhoff Oliver
Published: October 2021

Improved wheat varieties have ameliorated our food production. Intensive cropping systems, as in Germany, achieve very high grain yields and thus contribute greatly to global food security. As diseases, especially fungal pathogens, pose major threats in winter wheat production, disease management is crucial to uphold high production levels and to avoid economic losses. Yet, the economic value of breeding varieties with increased resistance to fungal pathogens has not been analyzed with comprehensive data. Our analysis fills this gap by quantifying the economic effects of 50 years of resistance breeding for winter wheat production in Germany. Based on field trials and agronomic production data, we analyze how resistances have influenced the economic profitability of the crops. Thereby, we can isolate the pure breeding-induced effects of increased resistance to fungal pathogens, which cause leaf and stripe rust, powdery mildew, and Fusarium head blight. We calculated the gross margins of 176 varieties according to nitrogen and fungicide applications in field trials. Regression models show that resistance breeding had a strong positive and statistically significant effect on the gross margins of the varieties. In comparison, the specific meta-environment of the season had a larger effect, while the effect of high nitrogen as well as fungicide treatments was lower. The gross margin increased over time along with higher resistances. Simultaneously, the difference in gross margins between the fungicide-treated and untreated variants decreased, indicating an increased contribution of resistances to yield stability. Resistances have increased gross margins greatly, as the health levels of varieties remain high without the need for fungicide applications and thus production costs can be saved. We conclude that resistance breeding has increased the economic profitability and sustainability of crop production due to a reduction in the costs for fungicides. In fields of farmers, these positive effects of resistance breeding can be fully realized by an optimal variety choice and a variety- and situation-specific disease management. Such an agronomic practice would not only further improve winter wheat gross margins but also mitigate some of the pressures on agricultural productions, such as reduced disease management options and adverse climate change impacts.
Influence of the Microbiome on Chronic Rhinosinusitis With and Without Polyps: An Evolving Discussion
Authors: Huntley Kyle S. , Raber Joshua , Fine Lauren , Bernstein Jonathan A.
Published: October 2021

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is widely prevalent within the population and often leads to decreased quality of life, among other related health complications. CRS has classically been stratified by the presence of nasal polyps (CRSwNP) or the absence nasal polyps (CRSsNP). Management of these conditions remains a challenge as investigators continue to uncover potential etiologies and therapeutic targets. Recently, attention has been given to the sinunasal microbiota as both an inciting and protective influence of CRS development. The healthy sinunasal microbiologic environment is largely composed of bacteria, with the most frequent strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus epidermidis, and Corynebacterium genera. Disruptions in this milieu, particularly increases in S. aureus concentration, have been hypothesized to perpetuate both Th1 and Th2 inflammatory changes within the nasal mucosa, leading to CRS exacerbation and potential polyp formation. Other contributors to the sinunasal microbiota include fungi, viruses, and bacteriophages which may directly contribute to underlying inflammation or impact bacterial prevalence. Modifiable risk factors, such as smoking, have also been linked to microbiota alterations. Research interest in CRS continues to expand, and thus the goal of this review is to provide clinicians and investigators alike with a current discussion on the microbiologic influence on CRS development, particularly with respect to the expression of various phenotypes. Although this subject is rapidly evolving, a greater understanding of these potential factors may lead to novel research and targeted therapies for this often difficult to treat condition.
Rapid Separation of Human Hemoglobin on a Large Scale From Non-clarified Bacterial Cell Homogenates Using Molecularly Imprinted Composite Cryogels
Authors: Hajizadeh Solmaz , Kettisen Karin , Bülow Leif , Ye Lei
Published: October 2021

The production of a macroporous hydrogel column, known as cryogel, has been scaled up (up to 150 mL) in this work for the purification of human hemoglobin from non-clarified bacterial homogenates. Composite cryogels were synthesized in the presence of adult hemoglobin (HbA) to form a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)network where the affinity sites for the targeted molecule were placed directly on an acrylamide cryogel by protein imprinting during the cryogelation. The MIP composite cryogel column was first evaluated in a well-defined protein mixture. It showed high selectivity toward HbA in spite of the presence of serum albumin. Also, when examined in complex non-clarified E. coli cell homogenates, the column showed excellent chromatographic behavior. The binding capacity of a 50 mL column was thus found to be 0.88 and 1.2 mg/g, from a protein mixture and non-clarified cell homogenate suspension, respectively. The recovery and purification of the 50 mL column for separation of HbA from cell suspension were evaluated to be 79 and 58%, respectively. The MIP affinity cryogel also displayed binding and selectivity toward fetal Hb (HbF) under the same operational conditions.
The Study of Alternative Splicing Events in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From a Down's Syndrome Patient
Authors: Wang Yunjie , Li Zexu , Yang Guanheng , Cai Linlin , Yang Fan , Zhang Yaqiong , Zeng Yitao , Ma Qingwen , Zeng Fanyi
Published: October 2021

Down's syndrome (DS) is one of the most commonly known disorders with multiple congenital disabilities. Besides severe cognitive impairment and intellectual disability, individuals with DS also exhibit additional phenotypes of variable penetrance and severity, with one or more comorbid conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, congenital heart disease, or leukemia. Various vital genes and regulatory networks had been studied to reveal the pathogenesis of the disease. Nevertheless, very few studies have examined alternative splicing. Alternative splicing (AS) is a regulatory mechanism of gene expression when making one multi-exon protein-coding gene produce more than one unique mature mRNA. We employed the GeneChip Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 (HTA 2.0) for the global gene analysis with hiPSCs from DS and healthy individuals. Examining differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in these groups and focusing on specific transcripts with AS, 466 up-regulated and 722 down-regulated genes with AS events were identified. These genes were significantly enriched in biological processes, such as cell adhesion, cardiac muscle contraction, and immune response, through gene ontology (GO) analysis of DEGs. Candidate genes, such as FN1 were further explored for potentially playing a key role in DS. This study provides important insights into the potential role that AS plays in DS.
Polycomb Requires Chaperonin Containing TCP-1 Subunit 7 for Maintaining Gene Silencing in Drosophila
Authors: Shaheen Najma , Akhtar Jawad , Umer Zain , Khan Muhammad Haider Farooq , Bakhtiari Mahnoor Hussain , Saleem Murtaza , Faisal Amir , Tariq Muhammad
Published: October 2021

In metazoans, heritable states of cell type-specific gene expression patterns linked with specialization of various cell types constitute transcriptional cellular memory. Evolutionarily conserved Polycomb group (PcG) and trithorax group (trxG) proteins contribute to the transcriptional cellular memory by maintaining heritable patterns of repressed and active expression states, respectively. Although chromatin structure and modifications appear to play a fundamental role in maintenance of repression by PcG, the precise targeting mechanism and the specificity factors that bind PcG complexes to defined regions in chromosomes remain elusive. Here, we report a serendipitous discovery that uncovers an interplay between Polycomb (Pc) and chaperonin containing T-complex protein 1 (TCP-1) subunit 7 (CCT7) of TCP-1 ring complex (TRiC) chaperonin in Drosophila. CCT7 interacts with Pc at chromatin to maintain repressed states of homeotic and non-homeotic targets of PcG, which supports a strong genetic interaction observed between Pc and CCT7 mutants. Depletion of CCT7 results in dissociation of Pc from chromatin and redistribution of an abundant amount of Pc in cytoplasm. We propose that CCT7 is an important modulator of Pc, which helps Pc recruitment at chromatin, and compromising CCT7 can directly influence an evolutionary conserved epigenetic network that supervises the appropriate cellular identities during development and homeostasis of an organism.
Characterization of the Zebrafish Cell Landscape at Single-Cell Resolution
Authors: Jiang Mengmeng , Xiao Yanyu , E Weigao , Ma Lifeng , Wang Jingjing , Chen Haide , Gao Ce , Liao Yuan , Guo Qile , Peng Jinrong , Han Xiaoping , Guo Guoji
Published: October 2021

Zebrafish have been found to be a premier model organism in biological and regeneration research. However, the comprehensive cell compositions and molecular dynamics during tissue regeneration in zebrafish remain poorly understood. Here, we utilized Microwell-seq to analyze more than 250,000 single cells covering major zebrafish cell types and constructed a systematic zebrafish cell landscape. We revealed single-cell compositions for 18 zebrafish tissue types covering both embryo and adult stages. Single-cell mapping of caudal fin regeneration revealed a unique characteristic of blastema population and key genetic regulation involved in zebrafish tissue repair. Overall, our single-cell datasets demonstrate the utility of zebrafish cell landscape resources in various fields of biological research.
Effects of Diluent pH on Enrichment and Performance of Dairy Goat X/Y Sperm
Authors: He Qifu , Wu Shenghui , Huang Ming , Wang Ying , Zhang Kang , Kang Jian , Zhang Yong , Quan Fusheng
Published: October 2021

In this paper, on the basis of the differences in the hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of the diluent dairy goat semen on X/Y sperm motility, an X/Y sperm enrichment study was conducted to establish a simple and effective method for gender control in dairy goats. Dairy goat semen was diluted using different pH dilutions and was incubated. Then, the X/Y sperm ratio in the isolated upper sperm was determined using the double TaqMan qPCR method. The internal pH change pattern of sperm cells at different pH dilutions was measured using BCECF-AM probe, and the functional parameters of the isolated sperm were tested with the corresponding kit. Next, anin vitrofertilization test was conducted using isolated spermatozoa and oocytes to determine their fertilization rates, the percentages of female embryos, and the expression of genes related to developing potentially fertilized embryos. Results showed that the percentages of the X sperm cells in the upper sperm layer were 67.24% ± 2.61% at sperm dilution pH of 6.2 and 30.45% ± 1.03% at sperm dilution pH of 7.4, which was significantly different from 52.35% ± 1.72% of the control group (pH 6.8) (P< 0.01). Results also showed that there is a relationship between the external pHo and internal pHi of sperm cells. Furthermore, the percentages of female embryos after thein vitrofertilization of the isolated upper sperm with mature oocytes at pH 6.2 and 7.4 were 66.67% ± 0.05 and 29.73% ± 0.04%, respectively, compared with 48.57% ± 0.02% in the control group (pH 6.8). Highly significant differences occurred between groups (P< 0.01). Additionally, no significant difference was observed during the expression of genes related to embryonic development between the blastocysts formed from sperm isolated by changing the pH of the diluent and the control sperm (P> 0.05). Therefore, this study successfully established a simple and effective method for enriched X/Y sperms from dairy goats, which is important for regulating the desired sex progeny during dairy goat breeding and for guiding dairy goat production.
A New Electrically Conducting Metal–Organic Framework Featuring U-Shaped cis-Dipyridyl Tetrathiafulvalene Ligands
Authors: Gordillo Monica A. , Benavides Paola A. , Spalding Kaybriana , Saha Sourav
Published: October 2021

A new electrically conducting 3D metal-organic framework (MOF) with a unique architecture was synthesized using 1,2,4,5-tetrakis-(4-carboxyphenyl)benzene (TCPB) a redox-active cis-dipyridyl-tetrathiafulvalene (Z-DPTTF) ligand. While TCPB formed Zn2(COO)4 secondary building units (SBUs), instead of connecting the Zn2-paddlewheel SBUs located in different planes and forming a traditional pillared paddlewheel MOF, the U-shaped Z-DPTTF ligands bridged the neighboring SBUs formed by the same TCPB ligand like a sine-curve along the b axis that created a new sine-MOF architecture. The pristine sine-MOF displayed an intrinsic electrical conductivity of 1 × 10−8 S/m, which surged to 5 × 10−7 S/m after I2 doping due to partial oxidation of electron rich Z-DPTTF ligands that raised the charge-carrier concentration inside the framework. However, the conductivities of the pristine and I2-treated sine-MOFs were modest possibly because of large spatial distances between the ligands that prevented π-donor/acceptor charge-transfer interactions needed for effective through-space charge movement in 3D MOFs that lack through coordination-bond charge transport pathways.
Ultrashort Peptides and Gold Nanoparticles: Influence of Constrained Amino Acids on Colloidal Stability
Authors: Locarno Silvia , Bucci Raffaella , Impresari Elisa , Gelmi Maria Luisa , Pellegrino Sara , Clerici Francesca
Published: October 2021

Poor colloidal stability of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in physiological environments remains one of the major limitations that contribute to their difficult translation from bench to clinic. For this reason, an active research field is the development of molecules able to hamper AuNPs aggregation tendency in physiological environments. In this context, synthetic peptides are gaining an increased interest as an alternative to the use of biomacromolecules and polymers, due to their easiness of synthesis and their profitable pharmacokinetic profile. In this work, we reported on the use of ultrashort peptides containing conformationally constrained amino acids (AAs) for the stabilization of AuNPs. A small library of non-natural self-assembled oligopeptides were synthesized and used to functionalize spherical AuNPs of 20 nm diameter, via the ligand exchange method. The aim was to investigate the role of the constrained AA, the anchor point (at C- or N-terminus) and the peptide length on their potential use as gold binding motif. Ultrashort Aib containing peptides were identified as effective tools for AuNPs colloidal stabilization. Furthermore, peptide coated AuNPs were found to be storable as powders without losing the stabilization properties once re-dispersed in water. Finally, the possibility to exploit the developed systems for binding proteins via molecular recognition was also evaluated using biotin as model.
Robust Consensus Problem of Heterogeneous Uncertain Second-Order Multi-Agent Systems Based on Sliding Mode Control
Authors: ZHAO Ni , ZHU Jian-dong
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the robust consensus problem for heterogeneous second-order multi-agent systems with uncertain parameters. Based on the sliding mode control method, novel robust consensus protocols are designed for the linear multi-agent systems with uncertain parameters and a class of uncertain nonlinear multi-agent systems. Finally, numerical simulations are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed protocols.
YTHDC2-Mediated circYTHDC2 N6-Methyladenosine Modification Promotes Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Dysfunction Through Inhibiting Ten-Eleven Translocation 2
Authors: Yuan Jun , Liu Yu , Zhou Lizhen , Xue Yan , Lu Zhengde , Gan Jianting
Published: October 2021

Type 2 diabetes condition mediated vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs) dysfunction. However, the mechanism of VSMCs dysfunction in diabetic patients needs further elucidation. VSMCs are an important component of the vascular wall, participate in the process of vascular remodeling, and play a vital role in the vascular complications of diabetes. Studies have found that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a key regulatory role in the occurrence and development of VSMCs dysfunction. In this study, we stimulated VSMCs with high glucose and identified a new circular RNA, circYTHDC2, using circRNA chip analysis. circYTHDC2 was highly expressed in VSMCs treated with high glucose. Knockout of circYTHDC2 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. Metformin treatment significantly inhibited the expression of YTHDC2 and circYTHDC2. The upstream mechanism analysis revealed that the stability of circYTHDC2 was regulated by YTHDC2-mediated m6A modification. Furthermore, circYTHDC2 negatively regulates the expression of Ten-Eleven Translocation 2 (TET2) by targeting the unstable motif of TET2 3′UTR, thereby promoting dedifferentiated “synthetic type” transformation of VSMC. Taken together, these results suggest that the YTHDC2/circYTHDC2/TET2 pathway is an important target of metformin in preventing the progression of VSMCs dysfunction under high glucose.
Folic Acid Attenuates Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With Hyperhomocysteinemia Undergoing Coronary Catheterization: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Peng Long , Shui Xing , Tan Fang , Li Zexiong , Ling Yesheng , Wu Bingyuan , Chen Lin , Li Suhua , Peng Hui
Published: October 2021

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for contrast-induced nephropathy. Folic acid can attenuate such nephropathies in rats. The protective effect of folic acid against contrast-induced nephropathy has not been studied in humans. We aimed to investigate the effect of folic acid on the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) after coronary catheterization in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.

Methods: This was a single-center, prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02444013). In total, 412 patients (mean age: 65 ± 12 years, 268 male) with plasma homocysteine ≥15 μM, who underwent coronary arteriography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from May 2015 to August 2018, were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: a treatment group (n = 203), taking 5 mg of folic acid (orally, three times/day) immediately after enrollment and for 72 h after operation, and a control group (n = 209), taking placebo. Contrast-induced nephropathy was defined as an increase in serum creatinine of >25% or 44 μM within 48 or 72 h after contrast medium administration.

Results: In total, 50 (12%) patients developed CIN after 48 h after catheterization, including 16 (8%) in the treatment group and 34 (16%) in the control group (P = 0.009). Meanwhile, 53 (13%) patients developed CIN after 72 h of CAG/PCI, including 18 (9%) in the treatment group and 35 (17%) in the control group (P = 0.017). The incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (P = 0.017). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that administration of folic acid was a protective factor against contrast-induced nephropathy (RD = 0.0788, 95%CI: 0.0105–0.1469, P = 0.019). We found no serious adverse events associated with folic acid. No death or hemodialysis occurred in either group.

Conclusions: Perioperative administration of folic acid attenuates the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy after coronary catheterization in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier [NCT02444013].
Long-Term Survival After Venous Thromboembolism: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Nilius Henning , Mertins Tamara , Boss Robin , Knuchel Matthias , Blozik Eva , Kremer Hovinga Johanna Anna , Eichinger Sabine , Nagler Michael
Published: October 2021

Background: Little is known about long-term survival after the initial treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). In a prospective cohort study, we aimed to assess the long-term mortality and key predictor variables relating to disease severity, treatment intensity, and comorbidities.

Materials and Methods: Between 1988 and 2018, 6,243 consecutive patients with VTE from a University outpatient unit were prospectively included and followed until December 2019; clinical characteristics, measures of disease severity, and treatment details were recorded. Dates of death were retrieved from the Swiss Central Compensation Office.

Results: Overall, 254 deaths occurred over an observation period of 57,212 patient-years. Compared to the Swiss population, the standardized mortality ratio was 1.30 (95% CI: 1.14, 1.47; overall mortality rate: 4.44 per 1,000 patient-years). The following predictors were associated with increased mortality: Unprovoked VTE (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.06; 95% CI: 3.29, 7.77), transient triggering risk factors (HR: 3.46; 95% CI: 2.18, 5.48), previous VTE (HR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.60, 2.62), pulmonary embolism (HR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.89), permanent anticoagulant treatment (HR: 3.14; 95% CI: 2.40, 4.12), prolonged anticoagulant treatment (7–24 months; HR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.16, 2.48), and cardiovascular comorbidities. Unprovoked VTE, previous VTE, permanent and prolonged anticoagulation remain independent risk factors after adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities.

Conclusion: Survival after VTE was significantly reduced compared to the Swiss general population, especially in patients with more severe disease, cardiovascular comorbidities, and longer anticoagulant treatment.
Sustainable Development Evaluation and Its Obstacle Factors of the Weihe River Basin in Shaanxi Province, China
Authors: Wang Yirui , Song Jinxi , Zhang Xuexian , Sun Haotian
Published: October 2021

The contradiction between economic growth, social development, and water environment deterioration represent significant challenges for river basin sustainable development. By constructing an indicator system of river basin sustainable development, the entropy method is adopted to conduct a quantitative evaluation of the cities sustainable development level for the Weihe River Basin in Shaanxi Province from 2009 to 2018, and the standard deviational ellipse is used to analyze the evolution of spatial distribution pattern of sustainable development in the study area. Furthermore, the obstacle degree model is applied to analyze the main obstacle factors restricting the improvement of river basin sustainable development. The results show that the sustainable development level of the Weihe River basin in Shaanxi Province improved slowly during the study period and significant regional differences among cities. This study provides a novel approach for future evaluation on sustainable development of the Weihe River basin and even the arid region in Northwest China, to achieve a win-win situation between economic and social development and ecological environment protection.
Cardiovascular Risk Associated With Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy in Transgender Population
Authors: Aranda Gloria , Halperin Irene , Gomez-Gil Esther , Hanzu Felicia A. , Seguí Núria , Guillamon Antonio , Mora Mireia
Published: October 2021

Transgender men and women represent about 0.6 -1.1%% of the general population. Gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) helps ameliorate gender dysphoria and promote well-being. However, these treatments’ cardiovascular (CV) effects are difficult to evaluate due to the limited number of extensive longitudinal studies focused on CV outcomes in this population. Furthermore, these studies are mainly observational and difficult to interpret due to a variety of hormone regimens and observation periods, together with possible bias by confounding factors (comorbidities, estrogen types, smoking, alcohol abuse, HIV infection). In addition, the introduction of GAHT at increasingly earlier ages, even before the full development of the secondary sexual characteristics, could lead to long-term changes in CV risk compared to current data.

This review examines the impact of GAHT in the transgender population on CV outcomes and surrogate markers of CV health. Furthermore, we review available data on changes in DNA methylation or RNA transcription induced by GAHT that may translate into changes in metabolic parameters that could increase CV risk.
Cushing’s Disease: Assessment of Early Cardiovascular Hemodynamic Dysfunction With Impedance Cardiography
Authors: Jurek Agnieszka , Krzesiński Paweł , Gielerak Grzegorz , Witek Przemysław , Zieliński Grzegorz , Kazimierczak Anna , Wierzbowski Robert , Banak Małgorzata , Uziębło-Życzkowska Beata
Published: October 2021

Background

Cushing’s disease is a rare condition associated with a high cardiovascular risk and hypercortisolemia-related hemodynamic dysfunction, the extent of which can be assessed with a noninvasive method, called impedance cardiography. The standard methods for hemodynamic assessment, such as echocardiography or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring may be insufficient to fully evaluate patients with Cushing’s disease; therefore, impedance cardiography is being currently considered a new modality for assessing early hemodynamic dysfunction in this patient population. The use of impedance cardiography for diagnosis and treatment of Cushing’s disease may serve as personalized noninvasive hemodynamic status assessment and provide a better insight into the pathophysiology of Cushing’s disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the hemodynamic profile of Cushing’s disease patients and compare it with that in the control group.

Material and Methods

This observational prospective clinical study aimed to compare 54 patients with Cushing’s disease (mean age 41 years; with 64.8% of this population affected with arterial hypertension) and a matched 54-person control group (mean age 45 years; with 74.1% of this population affected with arterial hypertension). The hemodynamic parameters assessed with impedance cardiography included the stroke index (SI), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), velocity index (VI), (ACI), Heather index (HI), and thoracic fluid content (TFC).

Results

The Cushing’s disease group was characterized by a higher diastolic blood pressure and a younger age than the control group (82.9 vs. 79.1 mmHg, p=0.045; and 41.1 vs. 44.9 years, p=0.035, respectively). Impedance cardiography parameters in the Cushing’s disease group showed: lower values of SI (42.1 vs. 52.8 ml/m2; p ≤ 0.0001), CI (2.99 vs. 3.64 l/min/m2; p ≤ 0,0001), VI (42.9 vs. 52.1 1/1000/s; p=0.001), ACI (68.7 vs. 80.5 1/100/s2; p=0,037), HI (13.1 vs. 15.2 Ohm/s2; p=0.033), and TFC (25.5 vs. 27.7 1/kOhm; p=0.006) and a higher SVRI (2,515 vs. 1,893 dyn*s*cm-5*m2; p ≤ 0.0001) than those in the control group.

Conclusions

Cushing’s disease is associated with significantly greater vasoconstriction and left ventricular systolic dysfunction. An individual assessment with impedance cardiography may be useful in Cushing’s disease patients in order to identify subclinical cardiovascular complications of chronic hypercortisolemia as potential therapeutic targets.
Distributed Imitation-Orientated Deep Reinforcement Learning Method for Optimal PEMFC Output Voltage Control
Authors: Li Jiawen , Li Yaping , Yu Tao
Published: October 2021

In order to improve the stability of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) output voltage, a data-driven output voltage control strategy based on regulation of the duty cycle of the DC-DC converter is proposed in this paper. In detail, an imitation-oriented twin delay deep deterministic (IO-TD3) policy gradient algorithm which offers a more robust voltage control strategy is demonstrated. This proposed output voltage control method is a distributed deep reinforcement learning training framework, the design of which is guided by the pedagogic concept of imitation learning. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is experimentally demonstrated.
Thermoxylanolytic and Thermosaccharolytic Potential of a Heat Adapted Bacterial Consortium Developed From Goat Rumen Contents
Authors: Lepcha Khusboo , Basak Arijita , Kanoo Subham , Sharma Prayatna , BK Puja , Ghosh Shilpi
Published: October 2021

Thermoactive xylanases have important applications in the industrial deconstruction of lignocellulosic plant biomass, due to their sustained activity even at high temperature conditions of industrial bioreactors. We herein report the development of a thermoactive xylanolytic microbial consortium from the semi-digested contents of goat rumen and characterization of the xylanolytic enzyme cocktail produced by it. The consortium exhibited maximum endoxylanase activity at pH6 and at 60°C. Zymogram analysis revealed the production of multiple xylanases. The xylanase cocktail was stable over a pH range of 5–9 after pre-incubation for 3 h. It retained 74% activity after pre-incubation (60°C) for 50 min. It’s activity was enhanced in presence of β-mercaptoethanol, NH4+, Mg2⁺ and Ca2⁺, whereas Hg2⁺ had an inhibitory effect. The xylanolytic cocktail was further utilized for the saccharification of alkali pre-treated rice straw and mushroom spent rice straw. Saccharification was studied quantitatively using the dinitrosalicylic acid method and qualitatively using scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated the potential of the xylanolytic cocktail for the saccharification of rice straw and highlighted the significance of chemical and/or biological pre-treatment in improving the accessibility of the substrate towards the xylanase cocktail.
Heuristic Feature Selection for Wind Power Anomaly Events Study
Authors: Yu Peiwen , Lin Anping
Published: October 2021

Wind power ramp events are typical harmful anomaly events in wind engineering, which bring new threat to the safety operation of power systems. To in-depth understand ramps and mitigate their harms, suitable ramp characteristics are crucial in many studies, e.g., ramp definition, classification, prediction and so on. However, due to ramps’ specificity on event feature, more profound characteristics are needed besides basic ramp morphological characteristics. In this paper, an approach for extracting and selecting ramp characteristics is proposed for ramp study. First, according to ramps’ causation on energy change, wavelet transformation is introduced to analyze ramp categories, and used to extract ramp energy characteristics. Then, heuristic feature selection methods are proposed to select ramp characteristics based on specific ramp application contexts. The objective of feature selection is to remove redundant characteristics, and to improve ramp studies’ performance. Finally, combining basic ramp characteristics and wavelet characteristics, ramp studies on category classification and prediction of appointed characteristics are implemented on industrial data. The computational results validate the usefulness of wavelet characteristics, the feasibility of the proposed approach, and that performance of ramp study could be improved by using ramp characteristics in this paper.
Climate Services to Support Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Areas: The CLARITY Project and the Napoli Case Study
Authors: Zuccaro Giulio , Leone Mattia Federico
Published: October 2021

Climate services are emerging worldwide as an essential tool to bridge the advancement in climate science and meteo/earth observations with a variety of operational fields in the domains of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA). It is multidisciplinary study area with promising applications in the field of urban microclimate simulations, supporting climate-resilient redevelopment actions at both the city and neighborhood levels. The CLARITY CSIS (Climate Services Information System, available at https://csis.myclimateservice.eu/), developed within the H2020 CLARITY project, is an innovative hazard/impact modeling tool that takes into account short- to long-term climate change scenarios and urban microclimate variability. Disaster risks associated with climate change, such as heat waves and floods, are concentrated in limited periods of the year and therefore not adequately represented by annually averaged values. To this aim, new datasets have been extracted from Regional Climate Models to estimate the frequency of extreme temperatures and precipitation events until 2100, and a novel modeling methodology has been developed to capture the effect on the urban microclimate due to specific built environment features. The wide amount of data generated by satellite earth observations and made available at pan-European level through the Copernicus datasets (e.g., Urban Atlas, European Settlement Map, etc.) has been processed through specific algorithms and GIS spatial analysis tools to extract detailed information related to key parameters linked to urban morphology and surface types. In addition to the “screening service” available at the pan-European level through the CLARITY CSIS, an “expert service” workflow allows increasing the resolution of hazard and impact simulations at 250 m, by exploiting detailed land use datasets provided by local end-users and assessing the DRR/CCA potential of city-wide adaptation plans, as well as of specific district redevelopment projects. This paper will present the features of CLARITY CSIS and the results of Expert Services implemented for the City of Naples, focusing on the methods adopted to implement hazard/impact assessments and how information from climate services is tailored to support the integration of different DRR/CCA strategies within urban plans and projects.
CBX7 is Dualistic in Cancer Progression Based on its Function and Molecular Interactions
Authors: Li Jun , Ouyang Taohui , Li Meihua , Hong Tao , Alriashy MHS , Meng Wei , Zhang Na
Published: October 2021

Chromobox protein homolog 7 (CBX7) is a member of the Chromobox protein family and participates in the formation of the polycomb repressive complex 1(PRC1). In cells, CBX7 often acts as an epigenetic regulator to regulate gene expression. However, pathologically, abnormal expression of CBX7 can lead to an imbalance of gene expression, which is closely related to the occurrence and progression of cancers. In cancers, CBX7 plays a dual role; On the one hand, it contributes to cancer progression in some cancers by inhibiting oncosuppressor genes. On the other hand, it suppresses cancer progression by interacting with different molecules to regulate the synthesis of cell cycle-related proteins. In addition, CBX7 protein may interact with different RNAs (microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs) in different cancer environments to participate in a variety of pathways, affecting the development of cancers. Furthermore, CBX7 is involved in cancer-related immune response and DNA repair. In conclusion, CBX7 expression is a key factor in the occurrence and progression of cancers.
Identification and Validation of High LD Hotspot Genomic Regions Harboring Stem Rust Resistant Genes on 1B, 2A (Sr38), and 7B Chromosomes in Wheat
Authors: Eltaher Shamseldeen , Mourad Amira M. I. , Baenziger P. Stephen , Wegulo Stephen , Belamkar Vikas , Sallam Ahmed
Published: October 2021

Stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Eriks. is an important disease of common wheat globally. The production and cultivation of genetically resistant cultivars are one of the most successful and environmentally friendly ways to protect wheat against fungal pathogens. Seedling screening and genome-wide association study (GWAS) were used to determine the genetic diversity of wheat genotypes obtained on stem rust resistance loci. At the seedling stage, the reaction of the common stem rust race QFCSC in Nebraska was measured in a set of 212 genotypes from F3:6 lines. The results indicated that 184 genotypes (86.8%) had different degrees of resistance to this common race. While 28 genotypes (13.2%) were susceptible to stem rust. A set of 11,911 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers was used to perform GWAS which detected 84 significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) with SNPs located on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 2B, 7B and an unknown chromosome. Promising high linkage disequilibrium (LD) genomic regions were found in all chromosomes except 2B which suggested they include candidate genes controlling stem rust resistance. Highly significant LD was found among these 59 significant SNPs on chromosome 2A and 12 significant SNPs with an unknown chromosomal position. The LD analysis between SNPs located on 2A and Sr38 gene reveal high significant LD genomic regions which was previously reported. To select the most promising stem rust resistant genotypes, a new approach was suggested based on four criteria including, phenotypic selection, number of resistant allele(s), the genetic distance among the selected parents, and number of the different resistant allele(s) in the candidate crosses. As a result, 23 genotypes were considered as the most suitable parents for crossing to produce highly resistant stem rust genotypes against the QFCSC.
Scaling Access to Contraception for Youth in Urban Slums: The Challenge Initiative's Systems-Based Multi-Pronged Strategy for Youth-Friendly Cities
Authors: Bose Krishna , Martin Kim , Walsh Kathryn , Malik Maheen , Nyachae Paul , Sierra Morine Lucy , Bwire Albert , Sama Denis , Kiyola Tumaini , Mitchell Vanessa , Talla Hawa , Avoce Josephat , Graham Kate , Sharma Mukesh , Varghese Devika , Ferrand Andrea , Igharo Victor Imuwahen , Akila Dorcas Nelson
Published: October 2021

Introduction: More than half of all adolescents globally live in Asia, with India having the largest adolescent population in the world at 253 million. In sub-Saharan Africa, adolescents make up the greatest proportion of the population, with 23% of the population aged 10–19. And these numbers are predicted to grow rapidly—particularly in urban areas as rural youth migrate to cities for economic opportunities. While adolescents and youth are subject to high sexual and reproductive health risks, few efforts have been documented for addressing these in urban settings, especially in poor settlements.

Methods: The Challenge Initiative (TCI) is a demand-driven, family planning platform for sustainable scale and impact that lets city governments—in particular urban slums—lead implementation. It is currently active in 11 countries in Africa and Asia. In June 2018, TCI heightened its focus on adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) for youth living in urban slums. It now supports 39 city governments. TCI dedicates technical and program support to married (including first-time parents) and unmarried youth ages 15–24 years. Using an innovative coaching model and an online learning platform (TCI University), TCI supports city governments as they implement AYSRH interventions to accelerate the impact of TCI's model for rapid scale.

Results: TCI has been assessing the performance of cities implementing its AYSRH approaches using its RAISE tool and has found considerable improvement over two rounds of assessments through TCI coaching and support for adaptation of its high-impact interventions between the first and second round.

Conclusions: TCI's AYSRH approach scaled rapidly to 39 cities and multiple urban slums since 2018, using its evidence-based interventions and coaching model. In the context of universal health coverage, TCI has supported segmented demand generation and improved access to quality and affordable contraceptive as well as youth-friendly health services. It provides a menu of interventions for cities to implement for youth—including such approaches as public-private partnerships with pharmacies and quality assurance using quick checklists—along with an innovative coaching model. This approach has facilitated greater access to contraceptive methods of choice for youth.
A New Human Leukocyte Antigen Typing Algorithm Combined With Currently Available Genotyping Tools Based on Next-Generation Sequencing Data and Guidelines to Select the Most Likely Human Leukocyte Antigen Genotype
Authors: Lee Miseon , Seo Jeong-Han , Song Sungjae , Song In Hye , Kim Su Yeon , Kim Young-Ae , Gong Gyungyub , Kim Jeong Eun , Lee Hee Jin
Published: October 2021

Background

High-precision human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping is crucial for anti-cancer immunotherapy, but existing tools predicting HLA genotypes using next-generation sequencing (NGS) data are insufficiently accurate.

Materials and Methods

We compared availability, accuracy, correction score, and complementary ratio of eight HLA genotyping tools (OptiType, HLA-HD, PHLAT, seq2HLA, arcasHLA, HLAscan, HLA*LA, and Kourami) using 1,005 cases from the 1000 Genomes Project data. We created a new HLA-genotyping algorithm combining tools based on the precision and the accuracy of tools’ combinations. Then, we assessed the new algorithm’s performance in 39 in-house samples with normal whole-exome sequencing (WES) data and polymerase chain reaction–sequencing-based typing (PCR-SBT) results.

Results

Regardless of the type of tool, the calls presented by more than six tools concordantly showed high accuracy and precision. The accuracy of the group with at least six concordant calls was 100% (97/97) in HLA-A, 98.2% (112/114) in HLA-B, 97.3% (142/146) in HLA-C. The precision of the group with at least six concordant calls was over 98% in HLA-ABC. We additionally calculated the accuracy of the combination tools considering the complementary ratio of each tool and the accuracy of each tool, and the accuracy was over 98% in all groups with six or more concordant calls. We created a new algorithm that matches the above results. It was to select the HLA type if more than six out of eight tools presented a matched type. Otherwise, determine the HLA type experimentally through PCR-SBT. When we applied the new algorithm to 39 in-house cases, there were more than six matching calls in all HLA-A, B, and C, and the accuracy of these concordant calls was 100%.

Conclusions

HLA genotyping accuracy using NGS data could be increased by combining the current HLA genotyping tools. This new algorithm could also be useful for preliminary screening to decide whether to perform an additional PCR-based experimental method instead of using tools with NGS data.
Targeting the CD27-CD70 Pathway to Improve Outcomes in Both Checkpoint Immunotherapy and Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation
Authors: Lutfi Forat , Wu Long , Sunshine Sarah , Cao Xuefang
Published: October 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (alloHCT) represent two distinct modalities that offer a chance for long-term cure in a diverse array of malignancies and have experienced many breakthroughs in recent years. Herein, we review the CD27-CD70 co-stimulatory pathway and its therapeutic potential in 1) combination with checkpoint inhibitor and other immune therapies and 2) its potential ability to serve as a novel approach in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prevention. We further review recent advances in the understanding of GVHD as a complex immune phenomenon between donor and host immune systems, particularly in the early stages with mixed chimerism, and potential novel therapeutic approaches to prevent the development of GVHD.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Tryptophan Metabolism in the Glioma Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhang Huikai , Sun Qian , Geng Rongxin , Yuan Fanen , Liu Baohui , Chen Qianxue
Published: October 2021

Gliomas are the most common primary malignant tumor in adults’ central nervous system. While current research on glioma treatment is advancing rapidly, there is still no breakthrough in long-term treatment. Abnormalities in the immune regulatory mechanism in the tumor microenvironment are essential to tumor cell survival. The alteration of amino acid metabolism is considered a sign of tumor cells, significantly impacting tumor cells and immune regulation mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment. Despite the fact that the metabolism of tryptophan in tumors is currently discussed in the literature, we herein focused on reviewing the immune regulation of tryptophan metabolism in the tumor microenvironment of gliomas and analyzed possible immune targets. The objective is to identify potential targets for the treatment of glioma and improve the efficiency of immunotherapy.