bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addressing Challenges in Long-Term Strategic Energy Planning in LMICs: Learning Pathways in an Energy Planning Ecosystem
Authors: Cannone Carla , Hoseinpoori Pooya , Martindale Leigh , Tennyson Elizabeth M. , Gardumi Francesco , Somavilla Croxatto Lucas , Pye Steve , Mulugetta Yacob , Vrochidis Ioannis , Krishnamurthy Satheesh , Niet Taco , Harrison John , Yeganyan Rudolf , Petrarulo Luca , Mutembei Martin , Hawkes Adam , Allen Lara , Blyth Will , Howells Mark
Published: August 2023

This paper presents an innovative approach to address global energy planning challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It proposes an integrated framework consisting of an international enabling environment, a delivery ecosystem, and a community of practice. The framework aims to enhance national agency and coordination, overcome limitations of outsourcing, and improve the accessibility and usability of consultant outputs. Five strategic principles for energy planning in LMICs are introduced, prioritizing national ownership, coherence, inclusivity, human capacity development, analysis robustness, transparency, and accessibility. Two key knowledge products, the Open-Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and the power system Flexibility Tool (IRENA FlexTool), are highlighted as examples from the delivery ecosystem. To ensure sustainability, a community of practice called OpTIMUS is introduced. Preliminary outcomes from the deployment of these pathways show promise and further investigation is needed to assess long-term impacts, scalability, replication, and deployment costs. (Full Abstract available in the manuscript)
Spherically symmetric black hole spacetimes on hyperboloidal slices
Authors: Vañó-Viñuales Alex
Published: August 2023

Gravitational radiation and some global properties of spacetimes can only be unambiguously measured at future null infinity (ℐ+). This motivates the interest in reaching it within simulations of coalescing compact objects, whose waveforms are extracted for gravitational wave modeling purposes. One promising method to include future null infinity in the numerical domain is the evolution on hyperboloidal slices: smooth spacelike slices that reach future null infinity. The main challenge in this approach is the treatment of the compactified asymptotic region at ℐ+. Evolution on a hyperboloidal slice of a spacetime including a black hole entails an extra layer of difficulty in part due to the finite coordinate distance between the black hole and future null infinity. Spherical symmetry is considered here as the simplest setup still encompassing the full complication of the treatment along the radial coordinate. First, the construction of constant-mean-curvature hyperboloidal trumpet slices for Schwarzschild and Reissner-Nordström black hole spacetimes is reviewed from the point of view of the puncture approach. Then, the framework is set for solving hyperboloidal-adapted hyperbolic gauge conditions for stationary trumpet initial data, providing solutions for two specific sets of parameters. Finally, results of testing these initial data in evolution are presented.
Rapid detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by recombinase polymerase amplification combined with CRISPR-Cas12a biosensing system
Authors: Liu Shuang , Huang Siyuan , Li Fang , Sun Yuanyuan , Fu Jin , Xiao Fei , Jia Nan , Huang Xiaolan , Sun Chunrong , Zhou Juan , Wang Yi , Qu Dong
Published: August 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is an important bacterial pathogen involved in a wide range of infections and antimicrobial resistance. Rapid and reliable diagnostic methods are of vital important for early identification, treatment, and stop of P. aeruginosa infections. In this study, we developed a simple, rapid, sensitive, and specific detection platform for P. aeruginosa infection diagnosis. The method integrated recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technique with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)–CRISPR-associated protein 12a (Cas12a) biosensing system and was termed P. aeruginosa–CRISPR–RPA assay. The P. aeruginosa–CRISPR–RPA assay was subject to optimization of reaction conditions and evaluation of sensitivity, specificity, and clinical feasibility with the serial dilutions of P. aeruginosa genomic DNA, the non–P. aeruginosa strains, and the clinical samples. As a result, the P. aeruginosa–CRISPR–RPA assay was able to complete P. aeruginosa detection within half an hour, including RPA reaction at 42°C for 20 min and CRISPR-Cas12a detection at 37°C for 10 min. The diagnostic method exhibited high sensitivity (60 fg per reaction, ~8 copies) and specificity (100%). The results of the clinical samples by P. aeruginosa–CRISPR–RPA assay were consistent to that of the initial result by microfluidic chip method. These data demonstrated that the newly developed P. aeruginosa–CRISPR–RPA assay was reliable for P. aeruginosa detection. In summary, the P. aeruginosa–CRISPR–RPA assay is a promising tool to early and rapid diagnose P. aeruginosa infection and stop its wide spread especially in the hospital settings.
Human-computer intra-action: a relational approach to digital media and technologies
Authors: Hespanhol Luke
Published: August 2023

The growing pervasiveness of digital technologies has exposed the entanglements of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with its surrounding context, from the immediate vicinity of interfaces to global issues. While often providing solutions to societal issues, interactive technologies also many times contribute to them. They impact and are impacted by the world, in a process of continuous mutual influence and co-constitution that raises important implications not only to user experience, effectiveness and efficiency, but also to ethics, social responsibility and environmental health. In this article, I draw on the new materialism notion of intra-action to propose a conceptual shift to a relational approach for HCI, which I refer to as Human-Computer Intra-Action (HCIA), capable of capturing from the outset the inherent relationships with the world that inform the design of interactive technology. To that end, I propose the notion of relationalities to reflect the synergies and antagonisms around those relationships, and discuss emerging notions of spatiality and temporality by considering the increasing hybridity of socio-technical engagements both in space (local vs. remote) and in time (immediate vs. stretched). Based on that, I propose a preliminary method for mapping intra-actions associated to interactive technologies, envisaged as a starting point to a relational take on their design process.
Corin deficiency impairs cardiac function in mouse models of heart failure
Authors: Niu Yayan , Zhou Tiantian , Zhang Shengnan , Li Wenguo , Wang Kun , Dong Ningzheng , Wu Qingyu
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Corin is a protease in the natriuretic peptide system. Deleterious CORIN variants are associated with hypertension and heart disease. It remains unclear if and to what extent corin deficiency may contribute to heart failure (HF).

Methods

Corin knockout (KO) mice were used as a model. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and tissue analysis in Corin KO mice at different ages or subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC), which increased pressure overload. Heart and lung tissues were analyzed for cardiac hypertrophy and lung edema using wheat germ agglutinin, Sirius red, Masson's trichrome, and Prussian blue staining. Recombinant corin was tested for its effect on cardiac function in the TAC-operated Corin KO mice. Selected gene expression in the heart was examined by RT-PCR. ELISA was used to analyze factors in plasma.

Results

Corin KO mice had progressive cardiac dysfunction with cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis after 9 months of age, likely due to chronic hypertension. When Corin KO mice were subjected to TAC at 10–12 weeks of age, cardiac function decreased more rapidly than in similarly treated wild-type mice. When the TAC-operated Corin KO mice were treated with recombinant corin protein, cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, and fibrosis were ameliorated. The corin treatment also decreased the gene expression associated with cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, increased plasma cGMP levels, lowered plasma levels of N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide, angiotensin II, and aldosterone, and lessened lung edema in the Corin KO mice subjected to TAC.

Conclusion

Corin deficiency impairs cardiac function and exacerbates HF development in mice. Corin protein may be used to reduce cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, suppress the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and improve cardiac function in HF.
Incremental predictive utility of a radiomics signature in a nomogram for the recurrence of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zheng Dongyan , Zhang Yueli , Huang Dong , Wang Man , Guo Ning , Zhu Shu , Zhang Juanjuan , Ying Tao
Published: August 2023

Background

Recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation (CA) remains a challenge today. Although it is believed that evaluating the structural and functional remodeling of the left atrium (LA) may be helpful in predicting AF recurrence, there is a lack of consensus on prediction accuracy. Ultrasound-based radiomics is currently receiving increasing attention because it might aid in the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of AF recurrence. However, research on LA ultrasound radiomics is limited.

Objective

We aim to investigate the incremental predictive utility of LA radiomics and construct a radiomics nomogram to preoperatively predict AF recurrence following CA.

Methods

A training cohort of 232 AF patients was designed for nomogram construction, while a validation cohort (n = 100) served as the model performance test. AF recurrence during a follow-up period of 3–12 months was defined as the endpoint. The radiomics features related to AF recurrence were extracted and selected to create the radiomics score (rad score). These rad scores, along with other morphological and functional indicators for AF recurrence, were included in the multivariate Cox analysis to establish a nomogram for the prediction of the likelihood of AF recurrence within 1 year following CA.

Results

In the training and validation cohorts, AF recurrence rates accounted for 32.3% (75/232) and 25.0% (25/100), respectively. We extracted seven types of radiomics features associated with AF recurrence from apical four-chamber view echocardiography images and established a rad score for each patient. The radiomics nomogram was built with the rad score, AF type, left atrial appendage emptying flow velocity, and peak atrial longitudinal strain. It outperformed the nomogram building without the rad score in terms of the predictive efficacy of CA outcome and showed favorable performance in both cohorts.

Conclusion

We revealed the incremental utility of a radiomics signature in the prediction of AF recurrence and preliminarily developed and validated a radiomics nomogram for identifying patients who were at high risk of post-CA recurrence, which contributed to an appropriate management strategy for AF.
Physiological reactivity to acute mental stress in essential hypertension—a systematic review
Authors: Walther Lisa-Marie , Wirtz Petra H.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Exaggerated physiological reactions to acute mental stress (AMS) are associated with hypertension (development) and have been proposed to play an important role in mediating the cardiovascular disease risk with hypertension. A variety of studies compared physiological reactivity to AMS between essential hypertensive (HT) and normotensive (NT) individuals. However, a systematic review of studies across stress-reactive physiological systems including intermediate biological risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is lacking.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search (PubMed) for original articles and short reports, published in English language in peer-reviewed journals in November and December 2022. We targeted studies comparing the reactivity between essential HT and NT to AMS in terms of cognitive tasks, public speaking tasks, or the combination of both, in at least one of the predefined stress-reactive physiological systems.

Results

We included a total of 58 publications. The majority of studies investigated physiological reactivity to mental stressors of mild or moderate intensity. Whereas HT seem to exhibit increased reactivity in response to mild or moderate AMS only under certain conditions (i.e., in response to mild mental stressors with specific characteristics, in an early hyperkinetic stage of HT, or with respect to certain stress systems), increased physiological reactivity in HT as compared to NT to AMS of strong intensity was observed across all investigated stress-reactive physiological systems.

Conclusion

Overall, this systematic review supports the proposed and expected generalized physiological hyperreactivity to AMS with essential hypertension, in particular to strong mental stress. Moreover, we discuss potential underlying mechanisms and highlight open questions for future research of importance for the comprehensive understanding of the observed hyperreactivity to AMS in essential hypertension.
Seasonal variation in blood pressure: what is still missing?
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo Costa Duarte , Farina Giovani Schulte , Basso Carolina Souza , Camafort Miguel , Coca Antonio , Nadruz Wilson
Published: August 2023

Seasonal variation of blood pressure (BP) is a topic in cardiology that has gained more attention throughout the years. Although it is extensively documented that BP increases in seasons coupled with lower temperatures, there are still many gaps in this knowledge field that need to be explored. Notably, seasonal variation of BP phenotypes, such as masked and white coat hypertension, and the impact of air pollution, latitude, and altitude on seasonal variation of BP are still poorly described in the literature, and the levels of the existing evidence are low. Therefore, further investigations on these topics are needed to provide robust evidence that can be used in clinical practice.
How is carbonate crust digested by magma?
Authors: Borisova Anastassia Y. , Bohrson Wendy A.
Published: August 2023

Magma’s volatile budget depends on deep magmatic sources, the degree of differentiation and degassing conditions, and volatile input from the assimilated crust. It is, therefore, important to know the exact mechanism by which the crust is assimilated into magma to understand volatile budgets and eruption behavior. To explore reactions between carbonate, calc–silicate, or skarn xenoliths and basaltic andesite magma, we studied ten calc–silicate xenoliths from the 1994, 1998, 2006, and 2010 Merapi eruptions and four sediment samples of local Javanese carbonate crust. An in situ electron probe microanalysis of the 1994–2010 calc–silicate xenolith minerals and glasses suggests that calcite is a minor and metastable mineral phase in association with wollastonite. In addition, carbonate melts quenched to calcic glasses (32 ± 7 wt% SiO2; 38 ± 3 wt% CaO), similar to experimental glasses produced by crust–melt interaction experiments. Thermodynamic modeling using rhyolite MELTS (version 1.2.0) predicts the production of highly silicic (up to ∼84 wt% of SiO2) and CaO-rich (up to ∼25 wt%) melts during partial melting of calc–silicate material. The observed mechanism of calc–silicate xenolith assimilation is the generation of highly silicic (77 ± 4 wt% of SiO2) melts in association with idiomorphic diopside [Wo49En29; 57 ± 3 Mg# = Mg/(Mg+Fe2+)] and other calcic pyroxenes (Wo54-82 En2-21; 16–43 Mg#) due to partial melting of xenolith and incongruent dissolution reactions. We hypothesize that the rate-limiting process is the subsequent mixing of the produced crustal melts with representative resident andesitic melt (average 65 wt% SiO2) through chemical diffusion, which explains major and volatile (Cl) element contents in the Merapi glass products. In addition to high Sr contents and radiogenic 87Sr/86Sr and elevated CO2, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, V, Zn, and Zr contents in the magmatic minerals and associated glasses, the recrystallized and residual metamorphic sphene, quartz, garnet, and apatite predicted by rhyolite-MELTS or Magma Chamber Simulator modeling during wallrock melting and residual metastable calcite and wollastonite are important tracers of calc–silicate crust assimilation. The disequilibrium process of calc–silicate crustal assimilation can, thus, be well predicted by dissolution experiments and thermodynamic modeling using rhyolite-MELTS or Magma Chamber Simulator. The rate of calc–silicate crustal assimilation is still unconstrained without adequate high-temperature kinetic time-series experiments. We predict that the crustal assimilation rate is controlled by the Si–Al diffusion and associated convection in the hydrous silicate magma.
Estimation of reservoir temperature and analysis of the mechanism of origin of a granite dome-controlled geothermal system in the western Wugongshan area, southeast China
Authors: Wang Luyao , Liu Kai , Zhang Shouchuan , Zhang Yaoyao , Jia Wuhui , Yu Tingxi , Guo Junhan
Published: August 2023

The escalating issues of worldwide energy scarcity and environmental contamination have brought geothermal resources into the spotlight as a sustainable and eco-friendly energy alternative. The circum-Wugongshan geothermal belt has abundant geothermal resources at a medium-low temperature, offering significant potential for development and utilization. In this study, samples of geothermal groundwater, cold spring water, and surface water were collected from the western Wugongshan area. Hydrochemical and thermodynamic methods were used to estimate the reservoir temperature and analyze its mechanism of origin. The results of these analyses indicated that, in terms of hydrochemical characteristics, most geothermal groundwater samples were Na-HCO3 and Na-SO4, while cold spring and surface water samples were Na-HCO3 and Ca-HCO3, respectively. Quartz and multicomponent geothermometers provided the most reliable estimations of reservoir temperatures, ranging from 64.8°C to 93.4°C. The circulation depth of geothermal water was found to range from 1729.3 m to 2,292.5 m. A mixing model indicated that shallow cold water was blended at a rate of 62.1%–78.8%. The δD and δ18O values validated the conclusion that the geothermal water originates from atmospheric precipitation, with recharge elevations varying between 503.1 m and 1,375.6 m. Based on the above analysis, a conceptual model is proposed to illustrate the mechanism of geothermal groundwater genesis.
Mathematical knowledge for teaching as a didactic praxeology
Authors: Pansell Anna
Published: August 2023

It is widely acknowledged that teachers' work has both practical and theoretical dimensions, both praxis and logos, and that teacher education should address both dimensions. However, as argued in this article, existing discourses for describing the mathematical knowledge of teachers and what it takes to become competent in it are not always clear to what extent these discourses address knowledge about the practices of mathematics teaching or theories that provide arguments for the practices. Specifically, I argue for the coordination of the framework of mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) with the analytical distinction of logos and praxis combined in teaching practices. Moreover, I have backed this argument with examples of the proposed categories of the adjusted framework from the existing body of work in mathematics education. Each category of the proposed framework, whether concerning a teaching method or a theoretical consideration, was indeed exemplified by some concept, approach, or perspective from the field of mathematics education. The framework, I believe, would prove useful in engaging mathematics teacher education discursively, for instance, in analyzing teacher education materials to determine the extent to which they offer mere methods, theoretical arguments, or a combination of both.
Inclusive Science Communication training for first-year STEM students promotes their identity and self-efficacy as scientists and science communicators
Authors: Alderfer Sydney , McMillan Rachel , Murphy Katlyn , Kelp Nicole
Published: August 2023

Introduction

It is critical for STEM students to be able to discuss science with diverse audiences, yet many STEM students do not receive adequate training in these skills. When students have the skills to communicate about science, they may feel a resulting sense of empowerment as a scientist as well as help members of society understand science.

Methods

In this study, we developed, implemented, and evaluated a workshop that gave students understanding of and practice in applying Inclusive Science Communication. We assessed the workshop via a mixed-methods approach.

Results

We quantified student affective measures that are associated with STEM persistence, such as science self-efficacy and science identity, showing that the workshop increased these measures both for students of marginalized identities and for students who do not hold these identities. We also assessed student open-ended responses for themes related to the Theory of Planned Behavior, Community Cultural Wealth, and White Supremacy Culture, finding that forms of cultural capital empowered students to perform science communication behaviors while power imbalances, fear of conflict, and perfectionism presented barriers to these behaviors.

Discussion

This study highlights the importance of providing explicit training and practice in Inclusive Science Communication for undergraduate STEM students. Our results also suggest that students need the opportunity for reflexivity – that is, the practice of reflecting upon their identities and motivations – in order to develop in their identity and confidence as scientists and science communicators.
Low-dose esketamine with sufentanil for postcesarean analgesia in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study
Authors: Han Tao , Chen Qin , Huang Jie , Zhang Jie , Li Aiyuan , Xu Wei , Peng Zheming , Li Zhen , Chen Liang
Published: August 2023

Background

Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) require more analgesics after cesarean delivery than those who do not have GDM. Uncontrolled pain following cesarean delivery is a major problem in women with GDM. We investigate the efficacy of low-dose esketamine combined with sufentanil intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)for postcesarean analgesia in women with GDM.

Methods

One hundred forty pregnant women with GDM were enrolled participate in this randomized controlled trial and were randomized into two groups (70 in each group). The esketamine (S) group was given esketamine +sufentanil + ondansetron, and the control (C) group was given sufentanil +ondansetron. The primary outcome is sufentanil consumption at 24 hours postoperatively, the secondary outcomes are sufentanil consumption at 6 hours postoperatively, pain scores at 6, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively.

Results

Compared with group C, group S had significantly lower sufentanil consumption at 6 and 24 hours postoperatively (P= 0.049 and P<0.001), significantly lower activities VAS(pain during activities)scores at 6 hours postoperatively, rest and activities VAS (pain at rest and pain during activities)scores at 24 hours postoperatively, and activities VAS scores at 48 hours postoperatively(P=0.022, P =0.002, P=0.001 and P=0.007). Compared to group C, the time to bowel function return was significantly shorter in group S. There was no significant difference in rest VAS (pain at rest) scores at 6 and 48 hours postoperatively (P>0.05). The time to first lactation was not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in neonatal neurobehavioral scores between the two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Compared to sufentanil PCA, adding low dose of esketamine significantly reduced the consumption of sufentanil while providing equally effective post cesarean analgesia in the patients with gestational diabetes.
Neurohypophysial and paracrine vasopressinergic signaling regulates aquaporin trafficking to hydrate marine teleost oocytes
Authors: Ferré Alba , Chauvigné François , Gozdowska Magdalena , Kulczykowska Ewa , Finn Roderick Nigel , Cerdà Joan
Published: August 2023

The dual aquaporin (Aqp1ab1/Aqp1ab2)-mediated hydration of marine teleost eggs, which occurs during oocyte meiosis resumption (maturation), is considered a key adaptation underpinning their evolutionary success in the oceans. However, the endocrine signals controlling this mechanism are almost unknown. Here, we investigated whether the nonapeptides arginine vasopressin (Avp, formerly vasotocin) and oxytocin (Oxt, formerly isotocin) are involved in marine teleost oocyte hydration using the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) as a model. We show that concomitant with an increased systemic production of Avp and Oxt, the nonapeptides are also produced and accumulated locally in the ovarian follicles during oocyte maturation and hydration. Functional characterization of representative Avp and Oxt receptor subtypes indicates that Avpr1aa and Oxtrb, expressed in the postvitellogenic oocyte, activate phospholipase C and protein kinase C pathways, while Avpr2aa, which is highly expressed in the oocyte and in the follicular theca and granulosa cells, activates the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) cascade. Using ex vivo, in vitro and mutagenesis approaches, we determined that Avpr2aa plays a major role in the PKA-mediated phosphorylation of the aquaporin subdomains driving membrane insertion of Aqp1ab2 in the theca and granulosa cells, and of Aqp1ab1 and Aqp1ab2 in the distal and proximal regions of the oocyte microvilli, respectively. The data further indicate that luteinizing hormone, which surges during oocyte maturation, induces the synthesis of Avp in the granulosa cells via progestin production and the nuclear progestin receptor. Collectively, our data suggest that both the neurohypophysial and paracrine vasopressinergic systems integrate to differentially regulate the trafficking of the Aqp1ab-type paralogs via a common Avp-Avpr2aa-PKA pathway to avoid competitive occupancy of the same plasma membrane space and maximize water influx during oocyte hydration.
Increased sLRP1 and decreased atrial natriuretic peptide plasma levels in newly diagnosed T2DM patients are normalized after optimization of glycemic control
Authors: García Eduardo , Gil Pedro , Miñambres Inka , Benitez-Amaro Aleyda , Rodríguez Claudia , Claudi Lene , Julve Josep , Benitez Sonia , Sánchez-Quesada Jose Luís , Rives Jose , Garcia-Moll Xavier , Vilades David , Perez Antonio , Llorente-Cortes Vicenta
Published: August 2023

Background

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) negatively modulates circulating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels. Both molecules are involved in the regulation of cardiometabolism.

Objectives

To evaluate soluble LRP1 (sLRP1) and ANP levels in people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and determine the effects of metabolic optimization.

Methods

This single-center longitudinal observational study recruited patients with newly diagnosed T2DM (n = 29, HbA1c > 8.5%), and 12 healthy control, age- and sex-matched volunteers. sLRP1 and ANP levels were measured by immunoassays at T2DM onset and at one year after optimization of glycemic control (HbA1c ≤ 6.5%).

Results

T2DM had higher sLRP1 levels than the control group (p = 0.014) and lower ANP levels (p =0.002). At 12 months, 23 T2DM patients reached the target of HbA1c ≤ 6.5%. These patients significantly reduced sLRP1 and increased ANP levels. Patients who did not achieve HbA1c < 6.5% failed to normalize sLRP1 and ANP levels. There was an inverse correlation in the changes in sLRP1 and ANP (p = 0.031). The extent of sLRP1 changes over 12 months of metabolic control positively correlated with those of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, TG, TG/HDLc, and apolipoprotein B.

Conclusions

Newly diagnosed T2DM patients have an increased sLRP1/ANP ratio, and increased sLRP1 and decreased ANP levels are normalized in the T2DM patients that reached an strict glycemic and metabolic control. sLRP1/ANP ratio could be a reliable marker of cardiometabolic function.
Online correction of the transient voltage security region boundary based on load parameter variations in power systems
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Zeng Yuan , Ma Junlong , Qin Chao , Meng Dezhuang , Chen Qichao , Chen Wei
Published: August 2023

The transient voltage security region (TVSR) is an essential part of the dynamic safety region of a power system, which represents the safe operating region of the transient voltage where there is no loss in stability. The power system load significantly affects the transient voltage stability. However, the load model in the existing power systems, which considers the security region of the dynamic process, is too simple to comprehensively characterize the load characteristics of the dynamic process. Furthermore, it neglects the influence of the load model parameters on the dynamic process security region. In this study, a composite load model with distributed photovoltaic power is used as the research object. The main load parameters affecting the voltage stability and the generator nodes that are sensitive to the load parameters are calculated using the trajectory sensitivity method. The TVSR of the system is constructed based on the load and generator’s active powers. The correlations between different load-leading parameter combination scenarios and TVSR boundary points are mined using the CatBoost learning framework. Thus, the TVSR boundary can be promptly corrected online based on the changes in the load parameters, and the system security boundary can be described more accurately. The proposed method is verified using the IEEE39 and IEEE118 node systems. It is observed that the proposed method can correct the TVSR boundary online with high precision corresponding to real-time changes in the load model parameters. This provides a more accurate TVSR boundary for the power system operation scheduler, which helps in guiding it to control the system more accurately.
Distributed dynamic modelling of suspended sediment mobilization and transport from small agricultural catchments
Authors: Sandström Sara , Markensten Hampus , Futter Martyn N. , Kyllmar Katarina , O’Connell David W. , Bishop Kevin , Djodjic Faruk
Published: August 2023

Erosion, soil loss and consequent nutrient fluxes impair water quality and can degrade arable soils. Erosion rates in Sweden are generally low but episodic losses of suspended solids (SS) can affect water quality. Identifying critical source areas (CSAs) and “hot moments” is essential to reduce erosive losses from arable land. Here we use a distributed, dynamic high-resolution erosion model that simulates the sum of all transported material, i.e., erosion within the soil profile, on the soil surface and transport through drainage systems. We simulate monthly SS transport in six small agricultural catchments with varying soil texture over 8 years. Kling-Gupta Efficiency (KGE) was used as model performance statistics, and calibration (KGE = 0.45–0.78) and validation (KGE = 0.64–0.83) showed acceptable model performance for all catchments, with mean annual SS losses between 2.1 and 31.5 t km-2yr-1. Equifinality could be minimised by using more precise initial parameter values. We suggest that the model can be applied to comparable unmonitored catchments to identify erosion-sensitive periods and CSAs.
Inoculation with Roseovarius increases thermal tolerance of the coral photosymbiont, Breviolum minutum
Authors: Heric Karla , Maire Justin , Deore Pranali , Perez-Gonzalez Alexis , van Oppen Madeleine J. H.
Published: August 2023

Coral reefs are diverse marine ecosystems that have tremendous ecological and cultural value and support more than 25% of eukaryote marine biodiversity. Increased ocean temperatures and light intensity trigger coral bleaching, the breakdown of the relationship between corals and their photosymbionts, dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae. This leaves corals without their primary energy source, thereby leading to starvation and, often, death. Coral bleaching is hypothesized to occur due to an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by Symbiodiniaceae, which subsequently accumulate in coral tissues. Bacterial probiotics have been proposed as an approach to mitigate coral bleaching, by reducing ROS levels in the coral holobiont through bacterial antioxidant production. Both corals and Symbiodiniaceae are known to associate with bacteria. However, the Symbiodiniaceae-bacteria relationship, and its impact on Symbiodiniaceae thermal tolerance, remains a poorly studied area. In this study, cultured Symbiodiniaceae of the species Breviolum minutum were treated with antibiotics to reduce their bacterial load. The cultures were subsequently inoculated with bacterial isolates from the genus Roseovarius that were isolated from the same B. minutum culture and showed either high or low ROS-scavenging abilities. The B. minutum cultures were then exposed to experimental heat stress for 16 days, and their health was monitored through measurements of cell density and photochemical efficiency of photosystem II. It was found that B. minutum inoculated with Roseovarius with higher ROS-scavenging abilities showed greater cell growth at elevated temperatures, compared to cultures inoculated with a Roseovarius strain with lower ROS-scavenging abilities. This suggests that Roseovarius may play a role in Symbiodiniaceae fitness at elevated temperatures. Analysis of Symbiodiniaceae-associated bacterial communities through 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding revealed that Roseovarius relative abundance increased in B. minutum cultures following inoculation and with elevated temperature exposure, highlighting the contribution they may have in shielding B. minutum from thermal stress, although other bacterial community changes may have also contributed to these observations. This study begins to unpick the relationship between Symbiodiniaceae and their bacteria and opens the door for the use of Symbiodiniaceae-associated bacteria in coral reef conservation approaches.
Microbial gene expression during hibernation in arctic ground squirrels: greater differences across gut sections than in response to pre-hibernation dietary protein content
Authors: Grond Kirsten , Buck C. Loren , Duddleston Khrystyne N.
Published: August 2023

Obligate seasonal hibernators fast for 5–9 months depending on species yet resist muscle atrophy and emerge with little lean mass loss. The role of the gut microbiome in host nitrogen metabolism during hibernation is therefore of considerable interest, and recent studies support a role for urea nitrogen salvage (UNS) in host-protein conservation. We were interested in the effect of pre-hibernation diet on UNS and the microbial provision of essential amino acids (EAAs) during hibernation; therefore, we conducted a study whereby we fed arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii) pre-hibernation diets containing 9% vs. 18% protein and compared the expression of gut bacterial urease and amino acid (AA) metabolism genes in 4 gut sections (cecum mucosa, cecum lumen, small intestine [SI] mucosa, and SI lumen) during hibernation. We found that pre-hibernation dietary protein content did not affect expression of complete bacterial AA pathway genes during hibernation; however, several individual genes within EAA pathways were differentially expressed in squirrels fed 18% pre-hibernation dietary protein. Expression of genes associated with AA pathways was highest in the SI and lowest in the cecum mucosa. Additionally, the SI was the dominant expression site of AA and urease genes and was distinct from other sections in its overall microbial functional and taxonomic composition. Urease expression in the gut microbiome of hibernating squirrels significantly differed by gut section, but not by pre-hibernation dietary protein content. We identified two individual genes that are part of the urea cycle and involved in arginine biosynthesis, which were significantly more highly expressed in the cecum lumen and SI mucosa of squirrels fed a pre-hibernation diet containing 18% protein. Six bacterial genera were responsible for 99% of urease gene expression: Cupriavidus, Burkholderia, Laribacter, Bradhyrizobium, Helicobacter, and Yersinia. Although we did not find a strong effect of pre-hibernation dietary protein content on urease or AA metabolism gene expression during hibernation, our data do suggest the potential for pre-hibernation diet to modulate gut microbiota function during hibernation, and further investigations are warranted.
Immune regulation in gastric adenocarcinoma is linked with therapeutic efficacy and improved recovery
Authors: Xu Zhenglei , Lin Ximin , Zeng Haotian , Ma Xiaoxin , Nabi Ghulam , Abidin Zain Ul , Wang Luolin , Wang Lisheng
Published: August 2023

Adenocarcinomas are one of the most common histological types of gastric cancer. It has been ranked fifth among common cancers and is the third among death causing cancers worldwide. The high mortality rate among patients with gastric cancer is because of its silent evolution, genetic heterogeneity, high resistance to chemotherapy as well as unavailability of highly effective therapeutic strategy. Until now a number of several treatment strategies have been developed and are being practiced such as surgery, chemotherapy, radio therapy, and immunotherapy, however, further developments are required to improve the treatment responses and reduce the side effects. Therefore, novel personal therapeutic strategies based on immunological responses should be developed by targeting different check points and key immune players. Targeting macrophages and related molecular elements can be useful to achieve these goals. In this minireview, we discuss the available treatment options, molecular underpinnings and immunological regulations associated with gastric adenocarcinoma. We further describe the possible check points and immunological targets that can be used to develop novel therapeutic options.
Biochemical and molecular features of tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency in Fujian Province, southeastern China
Authors: Qiu Xiaolong , Zhao Peiran , Luo Jinying , Li Guilin , Deng Lin , Zeng Yinglin , Xu Liangpu , Zhou Jinfu
Published: August 2023

The estimated prevalence of tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency (BH4D) and the mutational spectrum of the causal 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTS) gene vary widely according to race and region. This study assessed the prevalence and genetic characteristics of BH4D in Fujian Province, southeastern China. A total of 3,204,067 newborns were screened between 2012 and 2022 based on the phenylalanine level and the phenylalanine/tyrosine ratio in dried blood spots. Differential diagnosis was determined by the urine purine spectrum, dihydropteridine reductase activity in red blood cells, and genetic testing. The PTS mutation spectrum and genotypes were determined by next-generation sequencing. A total of 189 newborns were diagnosed with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) over the study period, including 159 with phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency and 30 with BH4D. Therefore, the prevalence of BH4D in Fujian was 9.36 per 1,000,000 live births (30/3,204,067) and the proportion of BH4D among patients with HPA was 15.87% (30/189). A total of 58 PTS alleles were identified in the 29 patients with PTS deficiency (PTPSD), and those alleles were composed of 10 different variants, including eight missense variants and two splice-site variants. The most prevalent variants were c.155A>G, p.Asn52Ser (44.83%); c.259C>T, p.Pro87Ser (39.66%); and c.84-291A>G, p.Tyr27Argfs*8 (3.45%). The predominant genotype was c [155A>G]; [259C>T] (11/29, 37.93%). The prevalence of BH4D and the spectrum of associated PTS mutations were successfully determined for the first time in Fujian Province, southeastern China. Since the mutation spectrum of PTS is region-specific, such data will facilitate molecular diagnosis and genetic counseling in PTPSD cases.
Epidemiological profile and effectiveness of immediate postpartum contraception in Brazilian women
Authors: Steiner Marcelo Luis , Mendes Julia Lorenzini , Strufaldi Rodolfo , Carneiro Monica , Giovanelli Silvana Aparecida , da Silva Mariliza Henrique
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To determine the epidemiological profile of women who inserted copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD), subdermal etonogestrel implant (ENG), tubal ligation (TL), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or did not choose a contraceptive method (NCM) in the immediate postpartum period and compare the contraceptive effectiveness of Cu-IUD and DPMA with non-MAC.

Methods

We analyzed the epidemiological profile of women who inserted copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD), subdermal etonogestrel implant (ENG), tubal ligation (TL), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) or did not choose a contraceptive method (NCM) in the immediate postpartum. The data was collected by electronic medical records of postpartum women assisted at the University Hospital of São Bernardo do Campo (HMU-SBC) from January 2016 to December 2020. Also, we compared the contraceptive effectiveness of Cu-IUD and DPMA with non-MAC by identifying women who returned for second delivery during the study period and analyzing the contraceptive method chosen in the first hospitalization. Then the pregnancies interval and the sociodemographic characteristics were analyzed according to contraceptive method type.

Results

Data from 20,896 women were collected, of which 8,183 (39%) opted for Cu-IUD, 559 (2.5%) DPMA, and 10,989 (52.5%) chose not to use contraception at the time of hospital discharge. When comparing these groups, women in the DPMA were younger (26.5 ± 7.3, p < 0.05), and NCM showed women with a lower number of pregnancies (2.2 ± 1.3, p < 0.05). Subjects in the TL group (4.6%) had the higher number of pregnancies (3.8 ± 1.2, p < 0.05), and ENG group, the highest number of miscarriages (1.6 ± 1.3, p < 0.05). Of those women who returned pregnant, 5.5% belonged to the DPMA group, 6% to the NCM group, and 2.3% to the Cu-IUD.

Conclusions

Women who opted for Cu-IUD insertion were younger, had more pregnancies and vaginal delivery when compared to those who did not choose a method. Of those women who returned, the minority opted for Cu-IUD compared to those that opted for DPMA or no method.
Natural Killer Cell Engagers (NKCEs): a new frontier in cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Minchuan , Lam Kong-Peng , Xu Shengli
Published: August 2023

Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of innate lymphoid cells that play a crucial role in immunity by killing virally infected or tumor cells and secreting cytokines and chemokines. NK cell-mediated immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment due to its safety and effectiveness. NK cell engagers (NKCEs), such as BiKE (bispecific killer cell engager) or TriKE (trispecific killer cell engager), are a novel class of antibody-based therapeutics that exhibit several advantages over other cancer immunotherapies harnessing NK cells. By bridging NK and tumor cells, NKCEs activate NK cells and lead to tumor cell lysis. A growing number of NKCEs are currently undergoing development, with some already in clinical trials. However, there is a need for more comprehensive studies to determine how the molecular design of NKCEs affects their functionality and manufacturability, which are crucial for their development as off-the-shelf drugs for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on NKCE development and discuss critical factors required for the production of effective NKCEs.
Immunomodulatory effects of inulin and its intestinal metabolites
Authors: Sheng Wei , Ji Guang , Zhang Li
Published: August 2023

“Dietary fiber” (DF) refers to a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested fully. DF is not an essential nutrient, but it plays an important part in enhancing digestive capacity and maintaining intestinal health. Therefore, DF supplementation in the daily diet is highly recommended. Inulin is a soluble DF, and commonly added to foods. Recently, several studies have found that dietary supplementation of inulin can improve metabolic function and regulate intestinal immunity. Inulin is fermented in the colon by the gut microbiota and a series of metabolites is generated. Among these metabolites, short-chain fatty acids provide energy to intestinal epithelial cells and participate in regulating the differentiation of immune cells. Inulin and its intestinal metabolites contribute to host immunity. This review summarizes the effect of inulin and its metabolites on intestinal immunity, and the underlying mechanisms of inulin in preventing diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease, and certain cancer types.
Limosilactobacillus reuteri in immunomodulation: molecular mechanisms and potential applications
Authors: Luo Zichen , Chen Ailing , Xie Anni , Liu Xueying , Jiang Shanyu , Yu Renqiang
Published: August 2023

Frequent use of hormones and drugs may be associated with side-effects. Recent studies have shown that probiotics have effects on the prevention and treatment of immune-related diseases. Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) had regulatory effects on intestinal microbiota, host epithelial cells, immune cells, cytokines, antibodies (Ab), toll-like receptors (TLRs), tryptophan (Try) metabolism, antioxidant enzymes, and expression of related genes, and exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, leading to alleviation of disease symptoms. Although the specific composition of the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of L. reuteri has not been clarified, its efficacy in animal models has drawn increased attention to its potential use. This review summarizes the effects of L. reuteri on intestinal flora and immune regulation, and discusses the feasibility of its application in atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and multiple sclerosis (MS), and provides insights for the prevention and treatment of immune-related diseases.
Brensocatib (an oral, reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-1) attenuates disease progression in two animal models of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: McDonald Patrick P. , Leifer Franziska Graf , Basso Jessica , Lasala Dan , Li Dedong , Chen Kuan-Ju , Zhang Jimin , Perkins Walter R. , Cipolla David C.
Published: August 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful and incurable disease characterized by chronic joint inflammation and a progressive destruction of cartilage and bone. Although current treatments have improved clinical outcomes for some patients, the high relapse rates and sizeable proportion of non-responders emphasize the need for further research. Arthritic joints are massively infiltrated by neutrophils, which influence inflammatory and immune processes by releasing cytokines, chemokines, eicosanoids, and neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) – all of which are known to contribute to RA initiation and progression. Active NSPs are generated from zymogens at the promyelocytic stage of neutrophil differentiation under the action of dipeptidyl peptidase 1 (DPP-1) and DPP-1 knockout mice are resistant to the development of arthritis. Thus, DPP-1 inhibition represents a promising therapeutic approach in RA. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of a potent and highly selective DPP-1 inhibitor, brensocatib, in two well established RA models – rat collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and mouse collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA). In both models, brensocatib at 3 and 30 mg/kg/day significantly reduced bone marrow NSP levels, in keeping with prior pharmacodynamic studies in rodents. More importantly, brensocatib treatment significantly improved disease score at both dosages in both rodent models. In the mouse CAIA model, brensocatib even proved at least as potent as anti-TNF antibodies in diminishing both the histopathological score and neutrophil infiltration into arthritic joints. Together, these results show that brensocatib alters RA disease progression in rodents and supports the need for its further evaluation as a potential therapeutic option, or to complement existing RA treatments.