bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights on Distinct Left Atrial Remodeling Between Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Kuo Jen-Yuan , Jin Xuanyi , Sun Jing-Yi , Chang Sheng-Hsiung , Chi Po-Ching , Sung Kuo-Tzu , Mok Greta S. P. , Yun Chun-Ho , Chang Shun-Chuan , Chung Fa-Po , Yu Ching-Hsiang , Wu Tung-Hsin , Hung Chung-Lieh , Yeh Hung-I , Lam Carolyn S. P.
Published: April 2022

Background

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) commonly coexist with overlapping pathophysiology like left atrial (LA) remodeling, which might differ given different underlying mechanisms.

Objectives

We sought to investigate the different patterns of LA wall remodeling in AF vs. HFpEF.

Methods

We compared LA wall characteristics including wall volume (LAWV), wall thickness (LAWT), and wall thickness heterogeneity (LAWT[SD]) and LA structure, function among the controls (without AF or HFpEF, n = 115), HFpEF alone (n = 59), AF alone (n = 37), and HFpEF+AF (n = 38) groups using multi-detector computed tomography and echocardiography.

Results

LA wall remodeling was most predominant and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) was worst in HFpEF+AF patients as compared to the rest. Despite lower E/e' (9.8 ± 3.8 vs. 13.4 ± 6.4) yet comparable LA volume, LAWT and PALS in AF alone vs. HFpEF alone, LAWV [12.6 (11.6–15.3) vs. 12.0 (10.2–13.7); p = 0.01] and LAWT(SD) [0.68 (0.61–0.71) vs. 0.60 (0.56–0.65); p < 0.001] were significantly greater in AF alone vs. HFpEF alone even after multi-variate adjustment and propensity matching. After excluding the HFpEF+AF group, both LAWV and LAWT [SD] provided incremental values when added to PALS or LAVi (all p for net reclassification improvement <0.05) in discriminating AF alone, with LAWT[SD] yielding the largest C-statistic (0.78, 95% CI: 0.70–0.86) among all LA wall indices.

Conclusions

Despite a similar extent of LA enlargement and dysfunction in HFpEF vs. AF alone, larger LAWV and LAWT [SD] can distinguish AF from HFpEF alone, suggesting the distinct underlying pathophysiological mechanism of LA remodeling in AF vs. HFpEF.
Hemodynamic Changes After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation Among Heart Failure Patients With and Without Elevated Pulmonary Vascular Resistance
Authors: Grupper Avishay , Mazin Israel , Faierstein Kobi , Kurnick Adam , Maor Elad , Elian Dan , Barbash Israel M. , Guetta Victor , Regev Ehud , Morgan Avi , Segev Amit , Lavee Jacob , Fefer Paul
Published: April 2022

Background

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) may reverse elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) which is associated with worse prognosis in heart failure (HF) patients. We aim to describe the temporal changes in hemodynamic parameters before and after LVAD implantation among patients with or without elevated PVR.

Methods

HF patients who received continuous-flow LVAD (HeartMate 2&3) at a tertiary medical center and underwent right heart catheterization with PVR reversibility study before and after LVAD surgery. Patients were divided into 3 groups: normal PVR (<4WU); reversible PVR (initial PVR ≥4WU with positive reversibility); and non-reversible (persistent PVR ≥4WU).

Results

Overall, 85 LVAD patients with a mean age of 58 years (IQR 49–64), 65 patients (76%) were male; 60 patients had normal PVR, 20 patients with reversible and 5 patients with non-reversible PVR pre-LVAD. All patients with elevated PVR (≥4WU) had higher pulmonary pressures (PP) and increased trans-pulmonary gradient (TPG) compared to patients with normal PVR (p < 0.05). Patients with non-reversible PVR were more likely to have a significantly lower baseline cardiac output (CO) compared to all other groups (p ≤ 0.02). Hemodynamic parameters and PVR post LVAD were similar in all study groups. Patients with baseline elevated PVR (reversible and non-reversible) demonstrated a significant improvement in PP and TPG compared to patients with normal baseline PVR (p ≤ 0.05). The improvement in CO and PVR post-LVAD in the non-reversible PVR group was significantly greater compared to all other groups (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between study groups in post LVAD and post heart transplantation course.

Conclusion

Hemodynamic parameters improved after LVAD implantation, regardless of baseline PVR and reversibility, and enabled heart transplantation in patients who were ineligible due to non-reversible elevated PVR. Our findings suggest that mitigation of elevated non-reversible PVR is related to reduction in PP and increase in CO.
Shale Heavy Metal Isotope Records of Low Environmental O2 Between Two Archean Oxidation Events
Authors: Ostrander Chadlin M. , Kendall Brian , Gordon Gwyneth W. , Nielsen Sune G. , Zheng Wang , Anbar Ariel D.
Published: April 2022

Evidence of molecular oxygen (O2) accumulation at Earth’s surface during the Archean (4.0–2.5 billion years ago, or Ga) seems to increase in its abundance and compelling nature toward the end of the eon, during the runup to the Great Oxidation Event. Yet, many details of this late-Archean O2 story remain under-constrained, such as the extent, tempo, and location of O2 accumulation. Here, we present a detailed Fe, Tl, and U isotope study of shales from a continuous sedimentary sequence deposited between ∼2.6 and ∼2.5 Ga and recovered from the Pilbara Craton of Western Australia (the Wittenoom and Mt. Sylvia formations preserved in drill core ABDP9). We find a progressive decrease in bulk-shale Fe isotope compositions moving up core (as low as δ56Fe = –0.78 ± 0.08‰; 2SD) accompanied by invariant authigenic Tl isotope compositions (average ε205TlA = –2.0 ± 0.6; 2SD) and bulk-shale U isotope compositions (average δ238U = –0.30 ± 0.05‰; 2SD) that are both not appreciably different from crustal rocks or bulk silicate Earth. While there are multiple possible interpretations of the decreasing δ56Fe values, many, to include the most compelling, invoke strictly anaerobic processes. The invariant and near-crustal ε205TlA and δ238U values point even more strongly to this interpretation, requiring reducing to only mildly oxidizing conditions over ten-million-year timescales in the late-Archean. For the atmosphere, our results permit either homogenous and low O2 partial pressures (between 10−6.3 and 10−6 present atmospheric level) or heterogeneous and spatially restricted O2 accumulation nearest the sites of O2 production. For the ocean, our results permit minimal penetration of O2 in marine sediments over large areas of the seafloor, at most sufficient for the burial of Fe oxide minerals but insufficient for the burial of Mn oxide minerals. The persistently low background O2 levels implied by our dataset between ∼2.6 and ∼2.5 Ga contrast with the timeframes immediately before and after, where strong evidence is presented for transient Archean Oxidation Events. Viewed in this broader context, our data support the emerging narrative that Earth’s initial oxygenation was a dynamic process that unfolded in fits-and-starts over many hundreds-of-millions of years.
Using Digital, Universal, and Intercultural Didactics to Improve Higher Education—A Project Protocol for a Norwegian Interactive and Collaborative Improvement Study Concerning Master’s Level Courses in “Theory of Science, Research Methods, and Research Ethics”
Authors: Areskoug Josefsson Kristina , Haarr Kjersti Helene , Eriksen Stian Sørlie , Brossard Børhaug Frédérique
Published: April 2022

Digitalization in higher education is rapidly increasing and there is a need for an increased focus on digital didactics. At the same time, there is a crucial need to focus on inclusivity in higher education to ensure equal possibilities for students to attend and complete successful higher education. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the protocol for the project: Digital, universal, and intercultural didactics in a master course “Theory of science, research methods and research ethics.” The project is interactive and collaborative and uses improvement tools to test innovations to enhance digital, universal, and intercultural didactics. The follow-up research on the project’s process and outcomes will be performed with document analysis. The intention of the project is to learn through collaborative reflections and dialog and to test digital and universal design innovations for promoting intercultural and democratic competences in higher education. When optimizing a course from the three perspectives of digital, universal, and intercultural didactics, there may be conflicting perspectives or priorities that need to be resolved. Therefore, the findings from this project may provide important learning outcomes which can be of use for future pedagogical projects intending to improve digital, universal, and intercultural didactics.
Endogenous Protective Factors and Potential Therapeutic Agents for Diabetes-Associated Atherosclerosis
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , Chen Jin , Wang Pin , Qing Shengli , Li Wenwen , Lu Jin
Published: April 2022

The complications of macrovascular atherosclerosis are the leading cause of disability and mortality in patients with diabetes. It is generally believed that the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications is initiated by the imbalance between injury and endogenous protective factors. Multiple endogenous protective factors secreted by endothelium, liver, skeletal muscle and other tissues are recognized of their importance in combating injury factors and maintaining the homeostasis of vasculatures in diabetes. Among them, glucagon-like peptide-1 based drugs were clinically proven to be effective and recommended as the first-line medicine for the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients with high risks or established arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Some molecules such as irisin and lipoxins have recently been perceived as new protective factors on diabetic atherosclerosis, while the protective role of HDL has been reinterpreted since the failure of several clinical trials to raise HDL therapy on cardiovascular events. The current review aims to summarize systemic endogenous protective factors for diabetes-associated atherosclerosis and discuss their mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategy or their analogues. In particular, we focus on the existing barriers or obstacles that need to be overcome in developing new therapeutic approaches for macrovascular complications of diabetes.
Industrial Flexibility as Demand Side Response for Electrical Grid Stability
Authors: Santecchia Alessio , Kantor Ivan , Castro-Amoedo Rafael , Maréchal François
Published: April 2022

Electricity markets are currently experiencing a period of rapid change. The intermittent nature of renewable energy is disrupting the conventional methods used in operational planning of the electrical grid, causing a shift from a day-ahead forecast policy to a real-time pricing of delivered electric power. A path towards a more renewable, robust and intelligent energy system is inevitable but poses many challenges to researchers and industry. In the field of process industry, strategies based on demand side response are receiving attention and could represent a partial solution for this challenge. Coordination between production scheduling and procurement of electric power is of high importance and can contribute to reducing cost and emissions associated with production. A methodology to quantify such benefits is presented here with a case study, which reveals the potential benefits of flexible operation. In this case, the minimum compensation for flexibility services ranges between 5 and 20 € per unit (MWh) of restricted power. However, such a compensation depends on geographic location (electricity prices) and the frequency of restrictions. The method follows a rolling scheduling approach that provides optimization of the short-term schedule. This work introduces the concept of representing flexible processes as ‘equivalent batteries’ which store electricity from low-cost periods as intermediate products and consume the embedded energy during high-cost periods. Cost related to providing flexibility combined with the profits from optimized process scheduling contribute toward monetization of flexibility as an ancillary service for the grid. Balancing this service with the cost of implementing DSR solutions provides a means for calculating a pricing strategy for grid flexibility.
Distributed Collaborative Optimization of a Multi-Region Integrated Energy System Based on Edge Computing Unit
Authors: Wang Mengxue , Zhao Haoran , Tian Hang , Wu Qiuwei
Published: April 2022

The coordinated optimization scheduling of the integrated energy systems is vital in multi-energy complementarity and hierarchical utilization. However, the centralized optimization is inferior to the distributed optimization of the large-scale multiregion integrated energy system (MRIES) in data processing capacity and information security. This study proposes a distributed computing architecture based on the edge computing unit (ECU), which takes the energy hub as the main body and sets the partitioning principle and method of MRIES. The ECU can finally realize the whole-system collaborative optimization of MRIES, which contains electrical, natural gas, and district heating networks through internal autonomous optimization and boundary information interaction with the cloud computing center. At the same time, an improved nested algorithm based on the consensus-alternating direction method of multipliers is proposed, which ensures the convergence of the mixed-integer linear program and effectively improves the convergence speed. Combining the advantages of the model and algorithm provides a theoretical and algorithmic support for the optimization research of the MRIES.
Numerical Simulation Study on Optimal Shut-In Time in Jimsar Shale Oil Reservoir
Authors: Chen Xi , Liao Kai , Lv Zhao , Zhu Jian , Wang Junchao , Li Yuqi , Wang Fei
Published: April 2022

The volume fracturing technology along with horizontal well is the main technology to obtain commercial oil flow in shale reservoirs because of the low porosity and low permeability. Whether the fracturing fluid has the potential of shale matrix imbibition oil recovery after a large amount of slickwater injected into the reservoir is a research hotspot at present. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the law of imbibition and replacement during the shut-in time. Aiming at the Jimsar area, there are several steps in this study in order to explore the new law of fracturing fluid imbibition and oil recovery in shale reservoirs. Primarily, the distribution of pressure and saturation during fracturing time and shut-in time is accurately described by the numerical simulation method. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis is carried out from two aspects of geological and fracture factors. Eventually, the evaluation of optimal shut-in time is taken by imbibition replacement balance. According to the numerical simulation results, the pressure diffuses rapidly among the matrix during the shut-in time in the hydrophilic reservoir. After 65 days of well shut-in, the whole reservoir tends to be at the same pressure and reaches the equilibrium of imbibition replacement. Contrarily, the pressure of the lipophilic reservoir diffuses slowly and only propagates in the secondary fracture or the matrix near the fractures. The fracture system remains a “high-pressure area” for a long time during shut-in. Additionally, the optimal shut-in time chart of different geological parameters and fracture parameters is drawn to optimize the shut-in time. This research work has a certain reference value for the optimization of shut-in time after fracturing in Jimsar and similar shale oil wells.
Impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty on Carbon Emissions: Evidence at China’s City Level
Authors: Fu Lili , Chen Yufeng , Xia Qing , Miao Jiafeng
Published: April 2022

Estimating the impact of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) on carbon emissions is crucial for formulating emission reduction targets and policies. Using the unbalanced panel data of 325 prefecture-level cities in China from 2001 to 2017 and a two-way fixed-effects model, this paper investigates the impact of economic policy uncertainty on city’s carbon emission intensity. We find that one percentage point increase in economic policy uncertainty will make the city’s carbon emission intensity increase by 4.28 percentage points, and by 0.244 tons per ten thousand yuan at an absolute level. The findings imply that policy makers need to consider the potential threat of economic policy uncertainty on carbon peaking and carbon neutrality in China.
Ultra-Short-Term Wind Power Interval Prediction Based on Fluctuating Process Partitioning and Quantile Regression Forest
Authors: Sun Yong , Huang Yutong , Yang Mao
Published: April 2022

As errors in point forecasts of wind power are unavoidable, interval forecasts can adequately describe the uncertainty in wind power and thus provide further guidance to dispatchers in their decision making. Current interval prediction methods are still incomplete in terms of tapping into the physical variability of wind power, especially for the specific time scale of the ultra-short term. This paper therefore proposes a new framework for interval forecasting of ultra-short-term wind power that incorporates the power fluctuation process. Firstly, a fluctuating process of wind power series is defined and a Kalman-SOM method for clustering the fluctuating processes of wind power is constructed. Secondly, a quantile regression forest interval prediction model is constructed for multiple fluctuation processes for ultra-short-term time scales. Finally, the effectiveness of the overall framework is validated at a wind farm in Jilin Province, China. Compared with the traditional interval prediction method. The interval bandwidth is reduced by 0.86% on average, and the interval coverage is increased by 1.4% on average. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the method in this paper.
Power Quality Data Compression and Disturbances Recognition Based on Deep CS-BiLSTM Algorithm With Cloud-Edge Collaboration
Authors: Xia Xin , He Chuanliang , Lv Yingjie , Zhang Bo , Wang ShouZhi , Chen Chen , Chen Haipeng
Published: April 2022

The current disturbance classification of power quality data often has the problem of low disturbance recognition accuracy due to its large volume and difficult feature extraction. This paper proposes a hybrid model based on distributed compressive sensing and a bi-directional long-short memory network to classify power quality disturbances. A cloud-edge collaborative framework is first established with distributed compressed sensing as an edge-computing algorithm. With the uploading of dictionary atoms of compressed sensing, the data transmission and feature extraction of power quality is achieved to compress power quality measurements. In terms of data transmission and feature extraction, the dictionary atoms and measurements uploaded at the edge are analyzed in the cloud by building a cloud-edge collaborative framework with distributed compressed sensing as the edge algorithm so as to achieve compressed storage of power quality data. For power disturbance identification, a new network structure is designed to improve the classification accuracy and reduce the training time, and the training parameters are optimized using the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient algorithm in reinforcement learning to analyze the noise immunity of the model under different scenarios. Finally, the simulation analysis of 10 common power quality disturbance signals and 13 complex composite disturbance signals with random noise shows that the proposed method solves the problem of inadequate feature selection by traditional classification algorithms, improves the robustness of the model, and reduces the training time to a certain extent.
Power Grid Material Demand Forecasting Based on Pearson Feature Selection and Multi-Model Fusion
Authors: Dai Zhou , Wang Gang , Bian Ruien , Deng Chaozhi
Published: April 2022

The demand projection of power grid materials can furnish an effective support for the management of power grid materials. Due to variations in the data distribution of individual districts and diversity of materials, a single forecasting model is incapable of accurately predicting the demand for all types of materials. Moreover, for the data-driven network model, the effect of the model has a strong correlation with the quality of its input parameters. To address these problems, this study proposes a power grid material demand forecasting model based on feature selection and multi-model fusion. The first step in this regard is the usage of Pearson coefficient in the selection of main characteristic parameters from original parameters and using them as the input of the network model. Then, stacking fusion algorithm is used to fuse multiple basic models. At last, the proposed method mentioned in this study is tested on a real dataset. The results depict that the proposed method can fully integrate the advantages of various basic models with higher accuracy and generalization ability.
Numerical Analysis on the Sub-Span Oscillation of Iced Eight-Bundle Conductors During Galloping
Authors: Yu Liu , Mengqi Cai , Qingyuan Wang , Linshu Zhou , Qian Xu , Shunli Ding , Jun Liu , Chunlin Huang
Published: April 2022

Under the excitement of wind loads, UHV transmission lines are subject to two types of vibration phenomena, namely, sub-span oscillation and galloping. This phenomenon can easily lead to conductor breakage, interphase flashover, fatigue damage to fittings, and even lead to tower collapse and disconnection accidents. The numerical analysis method is used to analyze the sub-span oscillation characteristics of the eight-bundle conductor during galloping. The results of the numerical simulation are compared to explore the influence of wind speed, span length, initial angle of wind attack, and turbulence intensity on the galloping line, looking for movement characteristics between each sub-conductor. The results provide a reference for research on the galloping principle of UHV transmission line and anti-oscillation to further improve the resistance of the power grid against disaster ability.
Soil Application of Wheat Straw Vermicompost Enhances Morpho-Physiological Attributes and Antioxidant Defense in Wheat Under Drought Stress
Authors: Ahmad Ali , Aslam Zubair , Hussain Saddam , Javed Talha , Hussain Sadam , Bashir Safdar , Hussain Iqtidar , Belliturk Korkmaz , Adamski Robert , Siuta Dorota , Dessoky Eldessoky S. , Hessini Kamel
Published: April 2022

With the provoked environmental constraints under extreme climatic events, a better understanding of plant responses to these environmental stresses helps in obtaining sustainable productivity. Wheat is a significant cereal crop for the burgeoning population; its yield is significantly limited by too little water in the rhizosphere. The ramifications of water deficiency on the wheat crop can be reduced by the application of vermicompost. With the objective to cope with drought stress, a wire-house experiment was established where seedlings of two cultivars, viz., Faisalabad-08 and Galaxy-13 (drought-tolerant and -sensitive cultivar, respectively) were grown in pots and exposed to mild drought (D1, 45% field capacity) and severe drought stress (D2, 30% field capacity). A control with well-watered condition (70% field capacity) was kept for comparison. Various application rates of wheat straw vermicompost (control (VT0), 4 t ha−1(VT1), 6 t ha−1(VT2), and 8 t ha−1(VT3)), were used in soil-filled pots under drought and control treatments. Our data depicted that compared with control, drought treatments recorded a significant reduction in morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes with maximum reduction under severe drought conditions. Nonetheless, it was observed that soil application of vermicompost, particularly at a high rate, ameliorated the negative effects of drought. Under severe drought conditions, a significant and positive influence on morphological and physiological traits was recorded for VT3treatment, which increased root and shoot length by 27.55 and 27.85%, root and shoot fresh weight by 26.98 and 28.20%, root and shoot dry weight by 40 and 50.05%, and photosynthesis and transpiration rate by 27.65 and 49.25%, respectively, on average of two cultivars. Similarly, VT3also significantly ameliorated the adverse effect of drought by enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activities as it increased superoxide dismutase activity by 14.28%, peroxidase by 27.28%, and catalase by 50% compared to the control treatment. Among cultivars, Faisalabad-2008 showed comparatively more resistance against drought stress. The findings of this work revealed that drought drastically reduced the growth and productivity of wheat; however, soil-applied vermicompost positively influenced the performance of wheat cultivars.
Insights Into Energy Accumulation and Allocation Strategy of Reproductive Migration of Black Amur Bream (Megalobrama terminalis) in the Pearl River Basin, China
Authors: Liu Yaqiu , Li Xinhui , Li Jie , Li Yuefei
Published: April 2022

Energy allocation is an important component of the reproductive cycle, and as such, it will affect survival, migration, and reproductive success. To reduce the risk of reproductive migration failure and to optimally allocate a limited amount of energy, it is vital to first understand the trade-off between reproduction and somatic growth in migrating fish. In this study, we chose Megalobrama terminalis, an endemic species residing in the Pearl River basin with relatively high migratory potential, as a candidate to investigate energy accumulation and allocation strategy during reproductive migration. The analysis used a quantitative assessment of biochemical composition and energy density in somatic and visceral tissues of M. terminalis females during the reproductive cycle. The results indicated that stage III to stage IV of M. terminalis was the vital migration-launching period. The asynchrony of development was confirmed in energetic relationships in muscle and ovary. Specifically, there was a regulatory mechanism for allocating lipids to each tissue reasonably during the breeding migratory preparation period (stage III). The significant change in lipid content of the ovary is considered as a crucial physiological index, which reflects the readiness for breeding migration of M. terminalis. In addition, the negative energy density relationship between somatic and reproductive tissues indicated a trade-off between maximum metabolic ability and energy efficiency before migration launching in M. terminalis. The present findings provide effective information for initiating further research on the ecological adaptation of migrating fish species.
The U-Shaped Effect and Its Reversal Mechanism of Export and Innovation—Evidence From Chinese Industrial Enterprises
Authors: Cao Xin , Li Peng , Fan Limin , Jiang Yuan , Huang Xiaozhi
Published: April 2022

Chinese firms are advancing their internationalization process at a surprisingly rapid pace, which is at odds with the descriptions of mainstream theories of corporate internationalization, such as the internalization theory and the eclectic theory of international production. In this context, a large number of existing literatures have examined the learning-by-export effect but have not agreed on its advantages. In the framework of recombinatory view of innovation, we integrate the resource-based view and the institution-based view, taking Chinese industrial enterprises as the research object, taking the export intensity and the output value of new products as the main indicators. We using the fixed effect model based on the Chinese Industrial Enterprise Database construction with China’s Marketization Index. Then this study aims to examine the relationship between exports and innovation. Research results show a non-linear effect, that is U-shaped relationship between exports and innovation; furthermore, the relationships are influenced by institutional factors at the provincial level. The institutional development level is a reverse mechanism of relationship between exports and innovation; when the institutional development level is higher, the relationship between exports and innovation has an inverted U shape. The findings enhance the understanding of export innovation from the perspective of resources and institutions, and export enterprise innovation management can benefit from its significant insights.
Analysis of World-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Reveals the Origin and Migration Route of East Asia Goats
Authors: Peng Weifeng , Zhang Yiyuan , Gao Lei , Feng Cailing , Yang Yujiao , Li Bingyi , Wu Lili , Wu Ali , Wang Shuping , Ren Xue , Chen Zehui , Zhang Min , Cai Danni , Wang Xin , Lv Mengqi , Zhang Yitong , Li Simeng , Zhang Yunxia , Huang Li , Li Shiwei
Published: April 2022

Despite much attention on the history of goat evolution, information on origin, demographic history, and expansion route remains controversial. To address these questions, we collected 4,189 published goat DNA sequences including 1,228 sequences from 57 breeds in China and 2,961 sequences including 193 goat breeds from 71 other countries and carried out an integrated analysis. We found goat breeds from South China had the highest genetic diversity of lineage B, and subclades B2 only were found in Southwest China, suggesting that lineage B (particularly, subclade B2) probably originated from Southwest China and its surrounding areas. In addition, in this study, we found that lineage A from South China also presented higher genetic diversity and earlier expansion time (10, 606 years ago), even earlier than breeds from the Middle East. Hence, we speculated that South China and surrounding areas were the origin of lineage B and also the transportation hub for lineage A spreading to North China and Southwest Asia. Furthermore, according to the analysis of correlation between genetic differentiation value λ1 and λ2 and geographical distance, we further confirmed two phases of migration in goat breeds of North China. These results will contribute to a better understanding of the origin and migration history of domestic goat.
Oar-miR-432 Regulates Fat Differentiation and Promotes the Expression of BMP2 in Ovine Preadipocytes
Authors: Jin Meilin , Fei Xiaojuan , Li Taotao , Lu Zengkui , Chu Mingxing , Di Ran , He Xiaoyun , Wang Xiangyu , Wang Yuqing , Yuan Zehu , Quan Kai , Wang Huihua , Wei Caihong
Published: April 2022

The fat tail is a unique characteristic of sheep that represents energy reserves and is a complex adaptative mechanism of fat-tailed sheep to environmental stress. MicroRNA plays a significant role as regulators at the posttranscriptional level, but no studies have explained the molecular mechanisms of miRNA which regulate fat deposition in sheep tails. In this study, mRNA and miRNA analysis examined tail fat tissue from three Hu fat-tailed and three Tibetan thin-tailed sheep. After aligning to the reference sequences, 2,108 differentially expressed genes and 105 differential expression miRNAs were identified, including 1,247 up- and 861 downregulated genes and 43 up- and 62 downregulated miRNAs. Among these differentially expressed miRNAs, oar-miR-432 was one of the most downregulated miRNAs between Hu sheep and Tibetan sheep, and 712 genes were predicted to be targeted by oar-miR-432, 80 of which overlapped with DEGs. The Gene Ontology analysis on these genes showed that BMP2, LEP, GRK5, BMP7, and RORC were enriched in fat cell differentiation terms. The genes for BMP2 targeted by oar-miR-432 were examined using dual-luciferase assay. The oar-miR-432 mimic transfected into preadipocytes resulted in increased expression of BMP2. The marker gene PPAR-γ of fat differentiation had a lower expression than the negative control on days 0, 2, and 4 after induced differentiation. The decrease in the number of lipids in the oar-miR-432 mimic group detected by oil red O stain was also less than that in the negative control. This is the first study to reveal the fat mechanisms by which oar-miR-432 inhibits fat differentiation and promotes the expression of BMP2 in sheep tails.
m6A Regulatory Gene-Mediated Methylation Modification in Glioma Survival Prediction
Authors: Zhang Guiyun , Zheng Ping , Lv Yisong , Shi Zhonghua , Shi Fei
Published: April 2022

The median survival of patients with gliomas is relatively short. To investigate the epigenetic mechanisms associated with poor survival, we analyzed publicly available datasets from patients with glioma. This analysis revealed 12 prognosis-related m6A regulatory genes that may be responsible for poor prognosis. These genes may be involved in genomic changes inherent to oxidative phosphorylation, adipogenesis, hedgehog signaling, and Myc signaling. We reconstructed a risk model with univariate and multivariate Cox analyses and identified older age and the m6A risk score as independent risk factors for predicting the prognosis of glioma patients, which is associated with glioma immune infiltration. In conclusion, m6A regulatory genes may serve as both reliable biomarkers and potential targets to increase the chance of survival of patients with glioma.
Reaching for Precision Healthcare in Finland via Use of Genomic Data
Authors: Wahlfors Tiina , Simell Birgit , Kristiansson Kati , Soini Sirpa , Kilpi Terhi , Erhola Marina , Perola Markus
Published: April 2022

Concerns over future healthcare capacity along with continuing demands for sustainability call for novel solutions to improve citizens’ health and wellbeing through effective prevention and improved diagnosis and treatment. Part of the solution to tackle the challenge could be making the most of the exploitation of genomic data in personalized risk assessment, creating new opportunities for data-driven precision prevention and public health. Presently, the utilization of genomic data in the Finnish healthcare system is limited to a few medical specialty areas. To successfully extend the use of genomic information in everyday healthcare, evidence-based and feasible strategies are needed. The national actions that Finland is taking towards this goal are 1) providing scientific evidence for the utility of genomic information for healthcare purposes; 2) evaluating the potential health-economic impact of implementing precision healthcare in Finland; 3) developing a relevant legal framework and infrastructures for the utilization of genomic information; 4) building a national multidisciplinary expert network bringing together relevant professionals and initiatives to achieve consensus among the different stakeholders on specific issues vital for translating genomic data into precision healthcare; 5) building competence and genomic literacy skills among various target groups; and 6) public engagement (informing and educating the public). Taken together, these actions will enable building a roadmap towards the expedient application of genomic data in Finnish healthcare and promoting the health of our citizens.
T-Cell Heterogeneity in Baseline Tumor Samples: Implications for Early Clinical Trial Design and Analysis
Authors: Brennan Laura , Brouwer-Visser Jurriaan , Nüesch Eveline , Karpova Maria , Heller Astrid , Gaire Fabien , Schneider Meike , Gomes Bruno , Korski Konstanty
Published: April 2022

Background

In early stage clinical trials, changes to levels of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are critical biomarkers of the mechanism of action of novel immunotherapies. However, baseline heterogeneity of tumor samples, both between and within patients, and the resultant impact on the validity of clinical trial data is not well defined. Here we identify and quantify the impact of baseline variables on the heterogeneity of FoxP3+ and proliferating CD8+ T-cells levels (MKi67+CD8A+) in the TME both between and within patients for the purpose of informing clinical trial design and analysis.

Methods

We compared levels of FoxP3+ and MKi67+CD8+ cell densities (counts/mm2) from >1000 baseline tumor samples from clinical trials and commercially available sources. Using multivariate hierarchical regression techniques, we investigated whether inter-person heterogeneity of activated or regulatory T-cells could be attributed to baseline characteristics including demographics, indication, lesion type, tissue of excision, biopsy method, prior cancer treatment, and tissue type i.e., “fresh” or “archival” status. We also sought to characterize within-patient heterogeneity by lesion type and tissue type.

Results

Prior cancer treatment with hormone therapy or chemotherapy that induces immunogenic cell death may alter the TME. Archival tissue is an unreliable substitute for fresh tissue for determining baseline TIL levels. Baseline and on treatment biopsies should be matched by lesion type to avoid bias.
Preparation and Modification of High-Performance Polychlorotrifluoroethylene Through Physical Blending
Authors: Yang Mingming , Xu Ruoyu , Guo Shaoyun , Shen Jiabin
Published: April 2022

Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) is one of the earliest developed and commercialized fluoropolymers and has been used in high-frequency communication, anti-corrosion, and medical packaging fields. However, relatively poor processability and mechanical performances resulting from high molecular regularity and crystallinity limited its broader applications. Herein, the pristine PCTFE was physically modified by blending with its pyrolysis products (FCO). It was demonstrated that the addition of FCO accelerated the molecular relaxation and retarded the crystallization process of PCTFE, leading to the distinct improvement of processability and mechanical performances. When 10% FCO was loaded, the equilibrium torque was decreased by 20%; the elongation at break and impact strength were enhanced by 3.6 and 10.6 times in comparison to those of PCTFE. Additionally, because of the good compatibility of the components, the blend also maintained ultralow dielectric constant/loss, good transparency, and high water-vapor barrier performances. Accordingly, this work paved an effective route to prepare high-performance PCTFE materials, which may play an important role in high-frequency communication field.
Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) as the Effect Modifiers to Modify the Association Between Red Blood Cell Distribution Width (RDW) and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients With Stroke
Authors: Guo Tongli , Qin Zuoan , He Dian
Published: April 2022

Background and Objectives

Few studies have evaluated the impact of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) on prognosis for critically ill patients with acute stroke according to recent studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between RDW and mortality in these patients.

Methods

Clinical data were extracted from the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) and analyzed. The exposure of interest was RDW measured at admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Binary logistic regression models and interaction testing were performed to examine the RDW-mortality relationship and effect modification by acute myocardial infarction and hypertension (HP).

Results

Data from 10,022 patients were analyzed. In binary logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for potential confounders, RDW was found to be independently associated with in-hospital mortality {odds ratio (OR) 1.07, [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03 to 1.11]; p = 0.001}. Higher RDW linked to an increase in mortality (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.11; P for trend < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed that, in patients combined with AMI and without HP (both P-interaction <0.05), the correlation between RDW and in-hospital mortality is stronger (AMI group: OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.58, not the AMI group: OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02, 1.10; the HP group: OR,.98; 95% CI,.91 to 1.07, not the HP group: OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.14).

Conclusions

A higher baseline RDW is independently correlated with prognosis in critically ill patients with acute stroke, and the correlation can be modified by AMI and HP duration.
Influence of Cardiovascular Risk Burden on Motor Function Among Older Adults: Mediating Role of Cardiovascular Diseases Accumulation and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Wang Zhangyu , Cui Kaiwang , Song Ruixue , Li Xuerui , Qi Xiuying , Buchman Aron S. , Bennett David A. , Xu Weili
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the association of the cardiovascular risk burden assessed by the Framingham General Cardiovascular Risk Score (FGCRS) with the trajectories of motor function over time and to assess the mediating effects of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) accumulation and cognitive decline in such association.

Methods

In Rush Memory and Aging Project, a total of 1,378 physical health participants (mean age: 79.3 ± 7.3 years) were followed up for up to 22 years. FGCRS at baseline was assessed and categorized into tertiles (lowest, middle, and highest). Global motor function (including dexterity, gait, and hand strength) was assessed annually with 10 motor tests. CVDs (including stroke, congestive heart failure, and other heart diseases) were ascertained at baseline and follow-ups, and the number of CVDs accumulation over time was assessed. Global cognitive function was tested annually by 19 tests. Data were analyzed using the linear mixed-effects models and mediation analysis.

Results

At baseline, FGCRS ranged from 4 to 28 (mean score: 15.6 ± 3.7). Over the follow-up (median: 5.3 years; interquartile range: 2.9–9.0 years), in multi-adjusted mixed-effects models, the highest FGCRS was associated with faster decline in global motor function (β = −0.0038; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.0069 to −0.0008), dexterity (β = −0.0056; 95% CI: −0.0093 to −0.0020), gait (β = −0.0039; 95% CI: −0.0077 to −0.0001), and hand strength (β = −0.0053; 95% CI: −0.0098 to −0.0008) compared with the lowest tertile. In mediation analysis, CVDs accumulation and cognitive decline mediated 8.4% and 42.9% of the association between FGCRS and global motor function over time, respectively.

Conclusion

Higher cardiovascular risk burden is associated with a faster decline in motor function including dexterity, gait, and hand strength. CVDs accumulation and cognitive decline may partially mediate the association between cardiovascular risk burden and global motor function decline.
Decreased Opioid Consumption in Bone Marrow Harvest Patients Using Quadratus Lumborum Blocks in a Standardized Protocol
Authors: McCoy Nicole C. , Hay Ellen L. , Romeo Deborah A. , Doty J. Wesley , Wolf Bethany J. , Hudspeth Michelle P.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Bone marrow harvesting is associated with significant postoperative pain that may have potential negative consequences for the patient and health care system. In the current absence of uniform guidelines, there exists considerable variability amongst providers with respect to perioperative analgesia, especially opioid administration. In this initiative, we explored the potential for preoperative bilateral quadratus lumborum blocks in combination with a standardized perioperative analgesic protocol to manage pain with the goal of reducing perioperative narcotic usage and thereby improving opioid stewardship.

Methods

Adults who underwent bone marrow donation from 2018 to 2020 were included in this analysis (n = 32). The pre-implementation group (n = 19) was reviewed retrospectively while the implementation group (n = 13) was evaluated prospectively. Patient demographics, pain scores, and opioid consumption were evaluated.

Results

Patient characteristics were equivalent except for anesthesia type with an increased number of patients in the implementation group undergoing spinal anesthesia. The implementation group showed significantly reduced median intraoperative (20.0 mg vs. 0.0 mg; p < 0.001) and total opioid consumption (20.5 mg vs. 0.0 mg; p < 0.001). The number of patients who received any opioids decreased from 84.2% (16/19) before implementation to 23.1% (3/13) after implementation.

Conclusion

This change in practice suggests that implementation of a standardized perioperative protocol, including bilateral quadratus lumborum blocks, for bone marrow harvest patients leads to reduced perioperative opioid administration without compromising immediate perioperative pain control.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for the Cure of Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis: A Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Meng Lingfei , Yang Liming , Zhu Xueyan , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Li Xinyang , Cheng Siyu , Guo Shizheng , Zhuang Xiaohua , Zou Hongbin , Cui Wenpeng
Published: April 2022

Aim

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis (PDAP) is a severe complication of PD. It is an important issue about whether it can be cured. At present, there is no available prediction model for peritonitis cure. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a prediction model for peritonitis cure in patients with PDAP.

Methods

Patients with PD who developed PDAP from four dialysis centers in Northeast China were followed up. According to the region of PD, data were divided into training and validation datasets. Initially, a nomogram for peritonitis cure was established based on the training dataset. Later, the nomogram performance was assessed by discrimination (C-statistic), calibration, and decision curves.

Results

Totally, 1,011 episodes of peritonitis were included in the final analysis containing 765 in the training dataset and 246 in the validation dataset. During the follow-up period, peritonitis cure was reported in 615 cases from the training dataset and 198 from the validation dataset. Predictors incorporated in the final nomogram included PD duration, serum albumin, antibiotics prior to admission, white cell count in peritoneal dialysate on day 5 (/μl) ≥ 100/μl, and type of causative organisms. The C-statistic values were 0.756 (95% CI: 0.713–0.799) in the training dataset and 0.756 (95% CI: 0.681–0.831) in the validation dataset. The nomogram exhibited favorable performance in terms of calibration in both the training and validation datasets.

Conclusion

This study develops a practical and convenient nomogram for the prediction of peritonitis cure in patients with PDAP, which assists in clinical decision-making.
Reward Dependence-Moderated Noradrenergic and Hormonal Responses During Noncompetitive and Competitive Physical Activities
Authors: Nagy Zsófia , Karsai István , Nagy Tamás , Kátai Emese , Miseta Attila , Fazekas Gábor , Láng András , Kocsor Ferenc , Kállai János
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to reveal whether increased reward dependence (RD) plays a role in the catecholamine neurotransmitter release and testosterone hormone regulation during physical activities among healthy trained participants. Twenty-two male participants (mean age: 40.27 ± 5.4 years) participated in this study. Two conditions were constructed, namely, a noncompetitive and a competitive running task (RT), which were separated by a 2-week interval. Urine and blood samples were collected prior to and following the running tasks. Noradrenaline (NA), adrenaline (A), dopamine (D), and their metabolites, vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA), were measured from urine, while testosterone levels were analyzed from blood samples. RD was assessed using the Cloninger’s Personality Inventory (PI). Mental health was evaluated using the WHO Well-Being, Beck Depression, and Perceived Life Stress Questionnaires. According to our findings, levels of NA, A, D, VMA, and testosterone released underwent an increase following physical exertion, independently from the competitive condition of the RT, while HVA levels experienced a decrease. However, we found that testosterone levels showed a significantly lower tendency to elevate in the competitive RT, compared with the noncompetitive condition (p = 0.02). In contrast, HVA values were higher in the competitive compared with the noncompetitive condition (p = 0.031), both before and after the exercise. Considering the factor RD, in noncompetitive RT, its higher values were associated with elevated NA levels (p = 0.007); however, this correlation could not be detected during the competitive condition (p = 0.233). Among male runners, the NA and testosterone levels could be predicted to the degree of RD by analyzing competitive and noncompetitive physical exercises.