bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EMI challenges in modern power electronic-based converters: recent advances and mitigation techniques
Authors: Yuan Liang , Zhang Jian , Liang Zheng , Hu Mingxin , Chen Genhua , Lu Wei
Published: November 2023

The utilization of power electronic-based converters is gaining momentum across a wide spectrum of industries. However, modern power electronic converters operate at higher frequencies compared to conventional power electronic converters, which can lead to higher rates of change in voltage and current during phase switching, and thus potentially produce more severe conducted and radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI). Their electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) has become a critical research topic, and EMI in high-frequency power electronic-based converters is more complex than that in conventional converters. This review presents a comprehensive survey of recent advancements, EMI design, and analysis of modern power electronic-based converters, focusing on the sources and mechanisms of both conducted and radiated EMI, and mitigating techniques. This review also covers the impact of topology optimization, control strategy design, and packaging design on EMC performance. Addressing emerging EMI issues in modern power electronic device-based converters is essential for ensuring safe and reliable operations. Through strategic design optimization and the implementation of EMI mitigation strategies, modern converters can seamlessly be integrated into diverse applications, offering improved EMI performance as a hallmark of their versatility.
D6 high-quality expanded blastocysts and D5 expanded blastocysts have similar pregnancy and perinatal outcomes following single frozen blastocyst transfer
Authors: Hu Juwei , Zheng Juan , Li Jie , Shi Haiyue , Wang Hua , Zheng Bangxu , Liang Kun , Rong Chunhao , Zhou Liming
Published: November 2023

Objective

We compared the pregnancy and perinatal outcomes between expanded blastocysts vitrified on D5 versus D6 following single frozen blastocyst transfer.

Methods

Clinical data on 7,606 cycles of frozen-thawed blastocyst implantations were retrospectively analyzed. Depending on whether blastocysts were vitrified on D5 or D6 and the transferred blastocysts, the blastocysts were divided into 6 groups: HQB-D5, HQB-D6, 4XC-D5, 4XC-D6, 4CX-D5, and 4CX-D6 groups. The differences in clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, first trimester abortion rate, preterm birth rate, gestational age, birth weight, and sex ratio at birth among the groups were compared.

Results

Our study showed that there was no difference in pregnancy and perinatal outcomes between the delayed formation of D6 high-quality expanded blastocysts and D5 expanded blastocysts, whether they were high-quality blastocysts or not. For low-quality blastocysts, the clinical pregnancy rate of D5 was higher than that of D6, and D5 was also better than D6 in live birth rate for those with inner cell mass rating B or above, while there was no difference between D5 and D6 for those with inner cell mass rating C.

Conclusion

Based on our research, we suggest that when we are developing the implantation strategy, we give priority to the selection of high-quality expanded blastocysts, regardless of D5 and D6, whose clinical outcomes are not different. For low-quality blastocysts, D5 expanded blastocysts are preferred for transfer.
The clinical value of glycosylated hemoglobin level in newly diagnosed ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes
Authors: Min Rui , Xu Yancheng , Peng Bocheng
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate the clinical value of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in newly diagnosed ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes (KPD).

Methods

A total of 330 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2DM) hospitalized in our department with an average age of 48.72 ± 13.07 years old were selected and divided into T2DM group (193 cases) and KPD group (137 cases) according to whether they were combined with ketosis. According to the quartile level of HbA1c, they were divided into group A (HbA1c < 8.90%, 84 cases), group B (8.90%≤HbA1c < 10.70%, 86 cases), group C (10.70%≤HbA1c ≤ 12.40%, 85 cases) and group D (HbA1c > 12.40%, 75 cases). The general clinical features, laboratory indicators and islet function of each group were compared. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between HbA1c and β- Hydroxybutyric acid (β- HB) and islet function. ROC curve was used to analyze the sensitivity and specificity of HbA1c in diagnosing KPD, and the optimal tangent point was obtained.

Results

HbA1c, β-HB, FFA, RBG, insulin dosage, GSP, OGTT (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3h) in KPD group were significantly higher than those in T2DM group (P< 0.001). HDL-C, IRT (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3h), HOMA-β, HOMA-IR, HOMA-IS, ΔC30/ΔG30, AUC insulin were significantly lower than those in T2DM group (P< 0.001). With the increase of HbA1c level, the incidence of ketosis, β-HB, FFA and insulin dosage increased, while IRT (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3h), ΔC30/ΔG30, AUC insulin, HOMA-β and HOMA-IS decreased accordingly (P< 0.001). In all newly diagnosed T2DM patients, Spearman correlation analysis showed that HbA1c was positively correlated with β-HB (r=0.539, P < 0.001), and was negatively correlated with HOMA-β (r=-0.564, P < 0.001), HOMA-IS (r=-0.517, P < 0.01, P < 0.001), HOMA-IR (r=-0.177, P < 0.001), ΔC30/ΔG30 (r=-0.427, P < 0.01) and AUC insulin (r=-0.581, P < 0.001). In ROC curve analysis, the optimal threshold for the diagnosis of KPD was 10.15%, Youden index was 0.616, area under the curve (AUC) was 0.882, sensitivity = 92.70%, specificity = 70.50%.

Conclusion

In newly diagnosed T2DM patients, if HbA1c > 10.15%, it is more likely to develop KPD. Monitoring HbA1c level is conducive to timely detection of high-risk individuals with KPD and taking appropriate measures to prevent the occurrence and development of the disease.
Dimerization of melanocortin 4 receptor controls puberty onset and body size polymorphism
Authors: Liu Ruiqi , Friedrich Mike , Hemmen Katherina , Jansen Kerstin , Adolfi Mateus C. , Schartl Manfred , Heinze Katrin G.
Published: November 2023

Xiphophorus fish exhibit a clear phenotypic polymorphism in puberty onset and reproductive strategies of males. In X. nigrensis and X. multilineatus, puberty onset is genetically determined and linked to a melanocortin 4 receptor (Mc4r) polymorphism of wild-type and mutant alleles on the sex chromosomes. We hypothesized that Mc4r mutant alleles act on wild-type alleles by a dominant negative effect through receptor dimerization, leading to differential intracellular signaling and effector gene activation. Depending on signaling strength, the onset of puberty either occurs early or is delayed. Here, we show by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) that wild-type Xiphophorus Mc4r monomers can form homodimers, but also heterodimers with mutant receptors resulting in compromised signaling which explains the reduced Mc4r signaling in large males. Thus, hetero- vs. homo- dimerization seems to be the key molecular mechanism for the polymorphism in puberty onset and body size in male fish.
High-frequency variants in PKA signaling-related genes within a large pediatric cohort with obesity or metabolic abnormalities
Authors: Bloyd Michelle , Sinaii Ninet , Faucz Fabio Rueda , Iben James , Coon Steven L. , Caprio Sonia , Santoro Nicola , Stratakis Constantine A. , London Edra
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Pediatric obesity has steadily increased in recent decades. Large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted primarily in Eurocentric adult populations have identified approximately 100 loci that predispose to obesity and type II diabetes. GWAS in children and individuals of non-European descent, both disproportionately affected by obesity, are fewer. Rare syndromic and monogenic obesities account for only a small portion of childhood obesity, so understanding the role of other genetic variants and their combinations in heritable obesities is key to developing targeted and personalized therapies. Tight and responsive regulation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) signaling pathway is crucial to maintaining healthy energy metabolism, and mutations in PKA-linked genes represent the most common cause of monogenic obesity.

Methods

For this study, we performed targeted exome sequencing of 53 PKA signaling-related genes to identify variants in genomic DNA from a large, ethnically diverse cohort of obese or metabolically challenged youth.

Results

We confirmed 49 high-frequency variants, including a novel variant in the PDE11A gene (c.152C>T). Several other variants were associated with metabolic characteristics within ethnic groups.

Discussion

We conclude that a PKA pathway-specific variant search led to the identification of several new genetic associations with obesity in an ethnically diverse population.
Serum iodine concentration and its associations with thyroid function and dietary iodine in pregnant women in the southeast coast of China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ji Shumi , Wu Xiaoyan , Wu Jiani , Chen Diqun , Chen Zhihui
Published: November 2023

Background

Iodine deficiency is a major public health problem in pregnant women. Serum iodine (SI) may represent a useful biomarker for iodine nutrition evaluation. We aimed to assess the relationship between serum iodine concentration (SIC) and urinary iodine concentration (UIC), dietary iodine, thyroid function, and thyroid diseases in pregnant women in the southeast coast of China, and to provide a normal reference range of SIC for pregnant women.

Methods

A multistage random sampling method was used to select the study population. We collected urine and blood samples from pregnant women and determined UIC and SIC as well as thyroid function using Arsenic-Cerium Catalytic Spectrophotometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and Beckman Coulter Access2 chemiluminescent immunoanalyzer and kit, respectively, and administered a questionnaire on dietary iodine intake in pregnant women.

Results

There was a significant negative correlation between SI and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (r = −0.141) and a significant positive correlation between SI and free triiodothyronine (FT3) (r = 0.106), free thyroxine (FT4) (r = 0.236), triiodothyronine (TT3) (r = 0.229), total thyroxine (TT4) (r = 0.433), and dietary iodine intake (r = 0.068). There was a significant difference in SI levels of pregnancy between the second (78.13 μg/L) and third trimester (75.37 μg/L) (p = 0.018). SI levels between inadequate intake (74.58 μg/L) and appropriate intake (77.92 μg/L) groups were statistically different (p = 0.036). Low SIC was a risk factor for the development of hypothyroxinemia (adjusted OR = 3.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.75–5.66). The reference range for SIC in normal pregnant women is 45.03–112.44 μg/L.

Conclusion

SI may be a composite indicator of iodine nutritional status and thyroid function.
Impact of 2.5 mg versus 5 mg letrozole co-treatment in an antagonist protocol for IVF: a retrospective study
Authors: Lin Jing , Wu Fenglu , Zhang Kai , Zhu Yanwen , Wang Bian , Zhu Qianqian , Lin Jiaying
Published: November 2023

Objective

The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two different doses of letrozole (2.5 mg and 5 mg daily) in an antagonist protocol for infertile women with normal ovarian reserve.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included infertile women who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment with letrozole co-treatment at doses of 2.5 mg and 5 mg from 2007 – 2021 at Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital (Shanghai, China). The control group comprised infertile women who received gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist alone. The primary outcome was the cumulative live birth rate, while secondary outcomes included follicular phase endocrine parameters, ovarian stimulation outcomes, pregnancy outcomes, and the incidences of maternal and neonatal complications. Baseline and follow-up data were compared between the groups using ANOVA for normally distributed variables, the Kruskal-Wallis test for non-normally distributed variables, and the Chi-square test for categorical variables.

Results

A total of 422 participants were enrolled in the study, with 211 women in the antagonist group, 109 women in the 2.5 mg letrozole co-treatment group, and 102 women in the 5 mg letrozole co-treatment group. Letrozole co-treatment significantly suppressed oestradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations from stimulation day 5 and onwards, while increasing luteinizing hormone levels on stimulation day 5 and trigger day. The effect was more pronounced with a 5 mg dose of letrozole compared to a 2.5 mg dose (P < 0.05). Administration of 5 mg letrozole reduced the gonadotropin dose (P < 0.05) without negatively affecting the number of oocytes retrieved and subsequent embryo parameters (P > 0.05). The analysis of cumulative live birth rates showed rates of 29.4% in the letrozole 5 mg group, 27.5% in the letrozole 2.5 mg group, and 33.6% in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). There were no reported pregnancy complications in the two letrozole groups. Additionally, there were no significant differences among the three groups in terms of gestational age and birth weight for both singleton and twin births.

Conclusion

This study indicates that the administration of letrozole in an antagonist protocol, at both 2.5 mg and 5 mg dosages, results in comparable clinical outcomes.
The adult growth hormone multicentric retrospective observational study: a 24-month Italian experience of adherence monitoring via Easypod™ of recombinant growth hormone treatment in adult GH deficiency
Authors: Mancini Antonio , Vergani Edoardo , Bruno Carmine , Giavoli Claudia , Spaziani Matteo , Isidori Andrea M. , Arosio Maura , Pontecorvi Alfredo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Non-compliance to recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment is universally recognized as a key detrimental factor to achieve the expected clinical outcomes in adult GH deficiency (aGHD). The Easypod™ electronic device allows objective measurement of adherence. Adherence to treatment has been reported to be related with IGF-1 levels and consequently with clinical satisfactory results. The aim of this multicentric, observational, retrospective, 24- month study, is to objectively assess aGHD patients’ compliance to rhGH, using the Easypod™ device. Additionally, the study aims to compare the biochemical responses of adherent vs non-adherent patients.

Methods

Forty-three patients (28 females and 15 males) affected by aGHD and equipped with Easypod™ from 3 Italian centers were included in the study. Adherence to treatment was defined as the proportion of injections correctly administered during the observational period, out of the expected total number of injections. All patients were evaluated for IGF-1, glucose, insulin, HOMA and QUICKI index, total/LDL/HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Results

Mean adherence rate was consistently under 85% across the 2-year observation period (73% at year 2). A trend toward significant difference in adherence was shown when comparing female and male patients (respectively 76% and 61%) after a 2-year period. Among the anamnestic features, the prescribed frequency of administration of rhGH and the number of administered therapies appeared to be the most relevant adherence-influencing factors. A strong direct correlation between IGF-1 z-score and adherence to rhGH therapy was detected in the whole population.

Discussion

Compliance to rhGH therapy is still a major issue in aGHD treatment. Adherence relates to therapy efficacy in aGHD. The use of Easypod™ could be beneficial for physicians to better manage aGHD patients and to achieve improved better biochemical and clinical responses.
Research on control strategy of distributed photovoltaic cluster based on improved particle swarm-gray wolf coupling algorithm
Authors: Li Jingli , Yao Yichen , Qin Junwei , Chen Jinghua , Zhao Yuan , Ren Junyue , Li Zhongwen
Published: November 2023

Conducting research on cluster control strategies for distributed photovoltaic systems to address voltage fluctuations and reverse power flow caused by large-scale distributed photovoltaic integration is crucial foundational work in establishing a new power system and ensuring its safe and stable operation. Based on the division of distributed photovoltaic cluster, this paper takes distributed photovoltaic cluster as the intermediate layer of control, and researches the two-layer control strategy of inter-cluster coordination and intra-cluster autonomy. The inter-cluster coordination strategy is located at the upper layer, and this strategy based on the power grid structure of the controlled area, comprehensively considering the observability, controllability, degree and betweenness centrality of each node, the latter two characterize the spatial location of the nodes. The dominant nodes of each cluster are selected by the above multiple indicators. The multi-objective inter-cluster coordination control model respectively focusing on the minimum voltage deviation of the dominant node or the minimum network loss of the system is constructed according to whether the voltage of the dominant node crosses the limit or not, and the improved particle swarm-gray wolf coupling algorithm (PSO-GWO) is used to generate the output indicators of each cluster. The intra-cluster autonomy strategy is at the lower layer. In the shortage of adjustable PV resources connected to the dominant node, the intra-cluster autonomy strategy adopting the control sequence of dominant node-downstream node-upstream node to distribute the output indicators of inter-cluster coordination within the cluster; In addition, in view of the situation that the cluster cannot receive the output indicators due to communication failure, The intra-cluster autonomy control model is constructed with the goal of minimum voltage deviation and minimum network loss of the dominant node in the cluster. The distributed photovoltaic inter-cluster coordination + intra-cluster autonomy two-layer regulation strategy is used to simulate the improved IEEE33-nodes system under multiple scenarios. The results show that the proposed control strategy can effectively solve the voltage overlimit, power flow back and other problems, and play an important role in ensuring the safe and economic operation of the system.
Biodiversity changes in abandoned military training areas: relationships to different management approaches in multiple taxa
Authors: Reif Jiří , Chajma Petr , Dvořáková Lenka , Koptík Jiří , Marhoul Pavel , Čížek Oldřich , Kadlec Tomáš
Published: November 2023

Introduction:Abandoned military training areas are biodiversity strongholds, and this is particularly true for open-habitat and threatened species in Central Europe. Such species benefited from a specific disturbance regime created by military activities that maintained small-grained environmental heterogeneity. However, the disturbance regime no longer occurs after abandonment and the biodiversity is at risk due to forest and shrub encroachment if the areas are left unmanaged. To combat these adverse changes, several management options are used. As these options are not always applied for conservation purposes and substantially differ in their implementation, it is essential to assess their impacts on biodiversity.

Methods:We performed repeated standardized surveys (first in 2009–2010, second in 2020–2022) of vascular plants, grasshoppers, butterflies and birds in 42 abandoned military training areas in Czechia, a Central European country. We calculated changes of species richness and abundance between periods for each taxon and related these changes to six different management types (woody plant cutting, mowing for conservation, mowing for agriculture, grazing for conservation, grazing for agriculture, vehicle movement) performed in these areas between periods.

Results:Vascular plants and grasshoppers showed generally positive changes, whereas the reverse was true for butterflies, and birds experienced mixed changes. Although beta-diversity increased between periods in plants, grasshoppers and butterflies, this increase was driven by extirpation of common species. Management impacts greatly different between respective types and between taxa. Woody plant cutting showed solely positive impacts (on plants and grasshoppers), while the impacts of both types of grazing were mixed (positive on plants and birds, negative on butterflies, mixed on grasshoppers). Mowing for agriculture supported plants and birds but had negative effects on grasshoppers. Mowing for conservation and vehicle movement were linked solely to negative biodiversity changes (former in plants, latter in butterflies).

Discussion:Some components of biodiversity, i.e. plants and grasshoppers, indicate that abandoned military training areas still serve as their strongholds and the management most likely contributes to this favourable state. In contrast, the pattern found for butterflies is worrying since the management performed up to now apparently does not meet their requirements, likely because they are based on smaller-scale habitat mosaic than currently occurs in the areas. Our results may serve as a guide for future prioritization of environmental management, and we urge for development of more nuanced approaches to save the butterflies.
Study on the substitutability of nighttime light data for SDG indicators: a case study of Yunnan Province
Authors: Quan Xuefeng , Song Xiaoyu , Miao Junxia , Huang Chunlin , Gao Feng , Li Jie , Ying Luyao
Published: November 2023

Introdution: One crucial method to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) involves timely adjustment of development policies, promoting the realization of SDGs through a time-series assessment of the degree of accomplishment. In practical applications, data acquisition is a significant constraint in evaluating the SDGs, not only in China but across the globe. Hence, expanding data channels and exploring the feasibility of various data sources for sustainable development assessment are effective strategies to tackle the challenge of data acquisition.

Methods: In light of this issue, this study selected Nighttime Light Data, a remote sensing data source closely linked to human social activities, as an alternative data source. Using Yunnan Province as an example, 16 localized indicators of social, economic, and environmental types were chosen. These indicators were then subjected to a correlation analysis with the Total Nighttime Light Index (TNLI). The relationships between different types of indicators and TNLI were analyzed at both temporal and spatial scales, thus identifying the indicators for which TNLI could serve as a suitable substitute measure.

Results: The study indicates that when the SDG indicators are classified into economic, social and environmental categories, the total value of nighttime light presents a significant correlation and substitutability with economic indicators; significantly correlated with some social indicators, it can reveal the weak links in the development of underdeveloped areas; it is not significantly correlated with environmental indicators, while a trend correlation exists, which can provide some reference values.

Discussion: This study has demonstrated the feasibility of using Nighttime Light Data for sustainable development assessment. It provides a novel evaluation method for countries that, despite a lack of resources for conducting sustainable development assessments, have a greater need for such assessments due to their lower economic development. Furthermore, a multitude of assessment methods can be developed based on Nighttime Light Data.
Spatial-temporal pattern and influencing factors of tourism ecological security in Huangshan City
Authors: Ma Jingxuan , Zhang Jinhe , Sun Feng , Zou Chenxi , Ma Tianchi
Published: November 2023

It is of important theoretical and practical value to scientifically evaluate tourism ecological security for the sustainable development of tourist cities. The study focuses on the “characteristics of the impact factors on tourism ecological security at different levels” of tourism ecological security that have been neglected in the previous literature. From the perspective of Compound Ecological systems theory, we built an evaluation index system for tourism ecological security in Huangshan City based on the Pressure-State-Impact-Economic-Environmental-Social (PSR-EES) model and used a combination of the entropy weight TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) method, traditional and spatial Markov chains, and panel quantile regression to analyze and characterize the spatial-temporal dynamics of security levels and driving factors. The results showed that (1) the level of tourism ecological security of the districts and counties in Huangshan City improved rapidly, but the difference was expanding. The level of tourism ecological security in the four counties was generally higher than that in the three districts. (2) In terms of the spatial-temporal dynamic evolutionary characteristics, the transfer of tourism ecological security in Huangshan City has its characteristics of stability and path dependence. Type transfers usually occur between adjacent levels. The lower the level of tourism ecological security, the higher the probability of upward transfer. A neighborhood background plays an important role in the process by which a higher neighborhood rank increases the probability of upward transfer. (3) Regarding the driving factors, environmental pollution and economic development have a negative inhibitory effect on tourism ecological security, and the negative effect decreases as the level of TES improves. The top three positive effects were government intervention and educational levels. The degree of regional greening and government intervention had greater positive marginal effects on lower-level areas. In contrast, tourism development, educational level, and labor input had greater positive marginal effects on areas with higher TES levels.
Integrative analysis of non-targeted metabolome and transcriptome reveals the mechanism of volatile formation in pepper fruit
Authors: Liu Yuhua , Zhou Jiahao , Yi Cheng , Chen Fengqingyang , Liu Yan , Liao Yi , Zhang Zhuqing , Liu Wei , Lv Junheng
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Aroma is a key inherent quality attributes of pepper fruit, yet the underlying mechanisms of aroma compound biosynthesis remain unclear.

Methods: In this study, the volatile profile of the QH (cultivated Capsicum chinense) and WH (cultivated Capsicum annuum) pepper varieties were putatively identified during fruit development using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results and discussion: The results identified 203 volatiles in pepper, and most of the esters, terpenes, aldehydes and alcohols were significantly down-regulated with fruit ripening. The comparison of volatile components between varieties revealed that aldehydes and alcohols were highly expressed in the WH fruit, while esters and terpenes with fruity or floral aroma were generally highly accumulated in the QH fruit, providing QH with a fruity odor. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated the close relationship between the synthesis of volatiles and the fatty acid and terpene metabolic pathways, and the high expression of the ADH, AAT and TPS genes was key in determining the accumulation of volatiles in pepper fruit. Furthermore, integrative metabolome and transcriptome analysis revealed that 208 differentially expressed genes were highly correlated with 114 volatiles, and the transcription factors of bHLH, MYB, ARF and IAA were identified as fundamental for the regulation of volatile synthesis in pepper fruit. Our results extend the understanding of the synthesis and accumulation of volatiles in pepper fruit.
Participatory video as a tool for co-management in coastal communities: a case study from Madagascar
Authors: Carter Amber Lucy , Maniry Soa Symphorien Nihala , Arnull Jessica , Antion Paul , Tudhope Alexander W. , Wilson A. Meriwether W.
Published: November 2023

Here we examine participatory video (supporting a group to make a film around a specific issue) as a tool to facilitate input of local knowledge and empower communities in stewardship over their local marine resources. We draw from the “Voices of the Vezo” project, where researchers collaborated with a co-management partner organization and local youth to create participatory videos in traditional Vezo fishing communities in southwest Madagascar. The project focused on documenting and sharing local knowledge on shifting social-ecological conditions. Four communities participated in the project with 90 people interviewed and seven short films (7–15 min) created. The films were shared in the communities at public cinema nights and made widely available online. This paper describes the Voices of the Vezo project's process and outputs, examines participatory video's potential as a tool for community co-management, and outlines practical challenges and recommendations for implementing a participatory video project. We found videography to be a powerful tool for synthesizing local knowledge of shifting social and ecological conditions, especially where written records are scarce. We also identified specific examples where gathering and sharing community perceptions of marine ecosystem decline could foster discussion and action toward locally driven management interventions. Youth participants in the Voices of the Vezo project reported gaining knowledge and motivation to address marine management issues, indicating the potential for participatory video processes to cultivate local leadership. Finally, for participatory video practitioners, we found important practical considerations to help minimize biases when supporting communities with a participatory video process.
Significance of NotchScore and JAG1 in predicting prognosis and immune response of low-grade glioma
Authors: Shi Bo , Ge Fei , Cai Liangliang , Yang Yi , Guo Xiaohui , Wu Rui , Fan Zhehao , Cao Binjie , Wang Ning , Si Yue , Lin Xinyue , Dong Weibing , Sun Haibo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Low-grade glioma (LGG) is a prevalent malignant tumor in the intracranial region. Despite the advancements in treatment methods for this malignancy over the past decade, significant challenges still persist in the form of drug resistance and tumor recurrence. The Notch signaling pathway plays essential roles in many physiological processes as well as in cancer development. However, the significance of the pathway and family genes in LGG are poorly understood.

Methods

We conducted gene expression profiling analysis using the TCGA dataset to investigate the gene set associated with the Notch signaling pathway. we have proposed a metric called "NotchScore" that quantifies the strength of the Notch signaling pathway and enables us to assess its significance in predicting prognosis and immune response in LGG. We downregulated JAG1 in low-grade gliomas to assess its influence on the proliferation and migration of these tumors. Ultimately, we determined the impact of the transcription factor VDR on the transcription of PDL1 through chip-seq data analysis.

Results

Our findings indicate that tumors with a higher NotchScore, exhibit poorer prognosis, potentially due to their ability to evade the anti-tumor effects of immune cells by expressing immune checkpoints. Among the genes involved in the Notch signaling pathway, JAG1 has emerged as the most representative in terms of capturing the characteristics of both NotchScore and Notch pathways. The experimental results demonstrate that silencing JAG1 yielded a significant decrease in tumor cell proliferation in LGG cell lines. Our study revealed mechanisms by which tumors evade the immune system through the modulation of PDL1 transcription levels via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, JAG1 potentially influences PDL1 in LGG by regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and the expression of the transcription factor VDR.

Discussion

These findings contribute to our understanding of immune evasion by tumors in LGG. The insights gained from this research may have implications for the development of therapeutic interventions for LGG.
Niacinamide enhances cathelicidin mediated SARS-CoV-2 membrane disruption
Authors: Bhatt Tanay , Dam Binita , Khedkar Sneha Uday , Lall Sahil , Pandey Subhashini , Kataria Sunny , Ajnabi Johan , Gulzar Shah-E-Jahan , Dias Paul M. , Waskar Morris , Raut Janhavi , Sundaramurthy Varadharajan , Vemula Praveen Kumar , Ghatlia Naresh , Majumdar Amitabha , Jamora Colin
Published: November 2023

The continual emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants threatens to compromise the effectiveness of worldwide vaccination programs, and highlights the need for complementary strategies for a sustainable containment plan. An effective approach is to mobilize the body’s own antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection and propagation. We have found that human cathelicidin (LL37), an AMP found at epithelial barriers as well as in various bodily fluids, has the capacity to neutralise multiple strains of SARS-CoV-2. Biophysical and computational studies indicate that LL37’s mechanism of action is through the disruption of the viral membrane. This antiviral activity of LL37 is enhanced by the hydrotropic action of niacinamide, which may increase the bioavailability of the AMP. Interestingly, we observed an inverse correlation between LL37 levels and disease severity of COVID-19 positive patients, suggesting enhancement of AMP response as a potential therapeutic avenue to mitigate disease severity. The combination of niacinamide and LL37 is a potent antiviral formulation that targets viral membranes of various variants and can be an effective strategy to overcome vaccine escape.
Regional neuroinflammation induced by peripheral infection contributes to fatigue-like symptoms: a [18F]DPA-714 positron emission tomography study in rats
Authors: Li Danxi , Hu Di , Ochi Yuta , Arakaki Wakiko , Mawatari Aya , Shigeta Mika , Wu Yuping , Hayashinaka Emi , Neyama Hiroyuki , Tahara Tsuyoshi , Wada Yasuhiro , Li Feng , Doi Hisashi , Watanabe Yasuyoshi , Cui Yilong
Published: November 2023

Introduction

A series of symptoms, including fever, widespread pain, fatigue, and even ageusia, have frequently been reported in the context of various infections, such as COVID-19. Although the pathogenic mechanisms underlying an infection causing fever and pain have been well established, the mechanisms of fatigue induced by infection in specific brain regions remain unclear.

Methods

To elucidate whether and how the peripheral infection cause fatigue via regional neuroinflammation, we performed a brain-wide investigation of neuroinflammation in a peripheral pseudoinfection rat model using [18F]DPA-714 positron emission tomography (PET) imaging analysis, in which the polyriboinosinic: polyribocytidylic acid (poly I:C) was intraperitoneally injected.

Results

Transient fever lasting for several hours and subsequent suppression of spontaneous activity lasting a few days were induced by poly I:C treatment. Significant increase in plasma interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were observed at 2 and 4 h following poly I:C treatment. PET imaging analysis revealed that the brain uptake of [18F]DPA-714 was significantly increased in several brain regions one day after poly I:C treatment, such as the dorsal raphe (DR), parvicellular part of red nucleus (RPC), A5 and A7 noradrenergic nucleus, compared with the control group. The accumulation of [18F]DPA-714 in the DR, RPC and A5 was positively correlated with subsequent fatigue-like behavior, and that in the A7 tended to positively correlate with fever.

Discussion

These findings suggest that peripheral infection may trigger regional neuroinflammation, which may cause specific symptoms such as fatigue. A similar mechanism might be involved in COVID-19.
Machine learning to characterize bone biomarkers profile in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Adami Giovanni , Fassio Angelo , Rossini Maurizio , Benini Camilla , Bixio Riccardo , Rotta Denise , Viapiana Ombretta , Gatti Davide
Published: November 2023

Background

Bone metabolism is disrupted in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the bone metabolic signature of RA is poorly known. The objective of the study is to further characterize the bone metabolic profile of RA and compare it to psoriatic arthritis (PsA), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and healthy controls.

Methods

We did a cross-sectional case-control study on consecutively enrolled patients and age-matched controls. We collected clinical characteristics, serum biomarkers related to bone metabolism and Bone Mineral Density (BMD). A multiple correlation analysis using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was conducted within the RA patient group to investigate associations between biomarker levels and clinical variables. Machine learning (ML) models and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to evaluate the ability of bone biomarker profiles to differentiate RA patients from controls.

Results

We found significantly lower BMD in RA patients compared to PsA, and Systemic Sclerosis SSc groups. RA patients exhibited higher Dkk1, sclerostin and lower P1nP and B-ALP levels compared to controls. No significant differences in CTX levels were noted. Correlation analysis revealed associations between bone biomarkers and clinical variables. PCA and ML highlighted distinct biomarker patterns in RA which can effectively discriminated bone biomarkers profile in RA from controls.

Conclusion

Our study helped uncover the distinct bone profile in RA, including changes in bone density and unique biomarker patterns. These findings enhance our comprehension of the intricate links between inflammation, bone dynamics, and RA activity, offering potential insights for diagnostic and therapeutic advancements in managing bone involvement in this challenging condition.
Stereotypical diel movement and dive pattern of male sperm whales in a submarine canyon revealed by land-based and bio-logging surveys
Authors: Amano Masao , Aoki Kagari , Kobayashi Hayao , Minamikawa Shingo , Sato Katsufumi , Kubodera Tsunemi
Published: November 2023

Male sperm whales are under pressure to grow larger in order to increase their mating opportunities, which could lead them to more efficiently forage in high latitude feeding grounds. Movement patterns of male sperm whales in Nemuro Strait, Japan, were investigated horizontally and vertically using land-based observation and bio-logging methods to determine how they facilitate foraging in the narrow submarine canyon. Eleven tagged whales showed the distinct diel pattern for dive depth, as it was deeper at night than during the day. Five-year data of land-based observation and GPS data from six tagged whales revealed the tendency of whales to change the north-south direction of their horizontal movement every 4–6 h, and this movement direction was not related to the direction of the current. Their periodic heading change is thought to be a consequence of the whales making two round trips each day within the foraging area, one during the day to shallow layers and one during the night to deep layers. These tactics may help the whales to search for prey in this narrow submarine canyon efficiently. Most whales changed their direction of movement in a similar manner, which is probably due to the whales’ tendency to stay close enough to each other to obtain information about the prey environment using the echolocation clicks of other whales. The results emphasize the ability of male sperm whales to adapt their foraging tactics according to the prey environment of their habitat and intense pressure to grow faster may be the drive for this ability. The importance of social cohesion among foraging male sperm whales was also suggested.
Development of the global tsunami forecasting system considering the dynamic interaction of tide-tsunami around the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Dang Hai Van , Lee Eunju , Ahn Seongho , Kim Kyeong Ok , Shin Sungwon , Ha Taemin
Published: November 2023

Tsunamis are extreme natural events that pose a significant threat to coastal communities, making a comprehensive understanding of tsunami propagation mechanisms necessary for forecasting and evacuation purposes. While previous forecasting models have successfully examined several factors influencing tsunami propagation, the impact of the dynamic interaction between tides and tsunamis has yet to be investigated thoroughly. The Yellow Sea is characterized by high tidal elevations and strong tidal currents, which can accelerate the tsunami impacts on the Korean coasts. This study developed a regional tide-tsunami interaction model based on the shallow water equation model to quantitatively investigate the dynamic tide-tsunami interaction and evaluate its influence on tsunami propagation and amplification mechanism. High-resolution numerical tests were conducted for two worst-case tsunami scenarios that occurred in the Korean Peninsula, including the 2010 Chilean tsunami (far-field forecasting) and the 2011 Tohoku tsunami (near-field forecasting). The performance of the numerical model was validated utilizing the observational tide data collected along the Korean coasts. The numerical model effectively reproduces the horizontal distribution of instantaneous free surface displacement and velocity. The results reveal that the dynamic tide-tsunami interaction induced by these tsunamis generally reduces the water level and velocity in the ocean while amplifying these quantities as the tsunamis approach the coastal regions. However, due to the complex and arbitrary features of the topography, the impact of the dynamic tide and tsunami interaction on water elevation and velocity is inconsistent even compared with measurements from the adjacent tidal gauges, which suggests that the dynamic interaction can play an opposite role during the propagation and amplification process. Furthermore, the different arrival times of tsunamis along the Korean coasts are dominated by the corresponding phase of the local tidal currents that develop in each region.
Observations on the embryonic development of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain
Authors: Xu Li-Kun , Ma Ke-Yi , Zhang Feng-Ying , Wang Wei , Ma Ling-Bo , Jin Zhong-Wen , Zhao Ming , Chen Wei , Fu Yin , Ma Chun-Yan , Liu Zhi-Qiang
Published: November 2023

To investigate the embryonic development of the mud crab Scylla paramamosain, we analyzed three critical parameters: egg color of, embryo morphology (through conventional and laser scanning confocal microscopy), and the distribution of cell divisions. During embryonic development, the egg color exhibited a progressive transition, shifting from orange to reddish-orange, then to brown, before ultimately darkening to black. Each embryo displayed a spherical shape, measuring approximately 280 μm in diameter, characterized by a smooth surface devoid of any depressions. The embryonic cell division was in the form of mixed oogenesis, comprised of complete division in the early stage, spiral oogenesis in the middle stage and surface division in the late stage. It is noteworthy that the blastopore appeared at the position where the transparent area and cell aggregation just appeared under the microscope, and the blastomere was a characteristic of the embryo entering the gastrulation stage. After entering the gastrulation stage, the cells aggregated towards the blastopore and formed two symmetrical cell clusters, which formed a V-shape with the void of the classic blastopore. When the transparent region occupied approximately 1/5 of the embryo’s volume, the embryo entered the nauplius stage, and the thoracic and abdominal armor, as well as the optic lobe and abdominal limb primordia, could be clearly distinguished. The appearance of the compound eye pigment band indicated the stage of compound eye pigment formation. At this time, the transparent area accounted for 1/4 of the embryo and a large number of ganglia appeared. The change of the compound eye pigment band from red to black was also one of the reasons for the blackening of the egg color of the crabs. The data obtained through this study have potential applications in the determination of embryonic development status and obtaining of high-quality seeds for S. paramamosain culture.
Axitinib targets cardiac fibrosis in pressure overload-induced heart failure through VEGFA-KDR pathway
Authors: Jiao Tiantian , Wang Yuanqi , Lin Xueqi , Song Wei , Wang Liang , Rahman Tapu Md Sakibur , Xu Linghao , Nie Lindong , Zhang Qi , Li Jiming
Published: November 2023

Background

There are no specific clinical medications that target cardiac fibrosis in heart failure (HF). Recent studies have shown that tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) may benefit fibrosis in various organs. However, there is limited research on their application in cardiac fibrosis. Axitinib, an FDA-approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was used to evaluate its effects on cardiac fibrosis and function in pressure overload-induced heart failure.

Methods

To build a pharmacological network, the pharmacological targets of axitinib were first retrieved from databases and coupled with key heart failure gene molecules for analysis and prediction. To validate the results outlined above, 8-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were orally administrated of axitinib (30 mg/kg) daily for 8 weeks after Transverse Aortic Constriction (TAC) surgery. Mouse cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts were used as cell lines to test the function and mechanism of axitinib.

Results

We found that the pharmacological targets of axitinib could form a pharmacological network with key genes involved in heart failure. The VEGFA-KDR pathway was found to be closely related to the differential gene expression of human heart-derived primary cardiomyocyte cell lines treated with axitinib, based on analysis of the publicly available dataset. The outcomes of animal experiments demonstrated that axitinib therapy greatly reduced cardiac fibrosis and improved TAC-induced cardiac dysfunction. Further research has shown that the expression of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) and other fibrosis genes was significantly reduced in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence for the repurposing of axitinib to combat cardiac fibrosis, and offers new insights into the treatment of patients with HF.