bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of objective and subjective parameters of obstructive sleep apnea with plasma aldosterone concentration in 2,066 hypertensive and 25,368 general population
Authors: Wang Hui , Heizhati Mulalibieke , Li Nanfang , Gan Lin , Lin Mengyue , Yang Wenbo , Li Mei , Yao Ling , Liu Miaomiao , Maitituersun Adalaiti , Liu Shasha , Wu Zihao , Xiamili Zuhere , Tong Ling , Lin Yue , Luo Qin , Hong Jing
Published: January 2023

Study objectives

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity has been suggested in aldosterone elevation in resistant hypertension, whereas it is undetermined in the rest population. We explored the association of OSA parameters with plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) in participants with and without hypertension.

Methods

We enrolled clinically hypertensive patients with polysomnography and PAC data under no interfering agents, compared (log) PAC, and assessed the linearity of log PAC by tertiles (T1/2/3) of sleep parameters and their association using linear regression by gender and age. We enrolled participants with and without hypertension who had No-SAS scale and PAC data from the community and duplicated the observations from clinical setting considering age, gender, and presence of hypertension.

Results

Of the 2,066 clinical patients with hypertension (1,546 with OSA), men participants (n=1,412), log apnea–hypopnea index (p=0.043), apnea index (AI, p=0.010), and lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO2, p=0.013) showed significant linearity with log PAC. Log AI (B=0.04, 95%CI: 0.01,0.07, p=0.022) and log LSaO2 (B=−0.39, 95%CI: −0.78,−0.01, p=0.044) showed significant positive and negative linear associations with log PAC in regression. In community dwellers, 6,417 participants with untreated hypertension (2,642 with OSA) and 18,951 normotensive participants (3,000 with OSA) were included. Of the men participants with and without hypertension, the OSA group showed significantly higher (log) PAC than did their counterparts, and log No-SAS score showed positive association with log PAC (hypertension: B=0.072, 95%CI: 0.002,0.142, p=0.043; normotension: B=0.103, 95%CI: 0.067,0.139, p<0.001) in linear regression analysis, which were consistent in all age groups.

Conclusions

OSA parameters were positively associated with PAC in normotensive and hypertensive participants, indicating that OSA may increase circulating aldosterone, especially in men.
The association between the reduction of body weight and new-onset type 2 diabetes remission in middle-aged Japanese men: Population-based Panasonic cohort study 8
Authors: Matsui Takaaki , Okada Hiroshi , Hamaguchi Masahide , Kurogi Kazushiro , Murata Hiroaki , Ito Masato , Fukui Michiaki
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the association between change in body weight (BW) and type 2 diabetes remission in Japanese men with new-onset type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This study enrolled 1,903 patients with new-onset type 2 diabetes between 2008 and 2013 from a medical health checkup program conducted by the Panasonic Corporation, Osaka, Japan. The baseline was defined as the year of new-onset diabetes. We assessed the type 2 diabetes remission five years after baseline and the association between the change in BW and type 2 diabetes remission using logistic regression analyses. To evaluate the predictive performance of the change in BW, we employed the receiver operating characteristic curves and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC).

Results

The BW loss was associated with type 2 diabetes remission in the participants with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 but not in the participants with a BMI <25 kg/m2. The odds ratios were 1.96 (95% CI: 1.19–3.29) and 3.72 (95% CI: 2.14–6.59) in the participants with a loss of 5–9.9% and loss of ≥10% for five years, respectively, in the participants with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (reference; stable group [0.9% gain to 0.9% loss]). The AUC and cut-off values for the rate of change in BW for type 2 diabetes remission were 0.59 and 5.0%.

Discussion

Body weight loss of ≥5% effectively achieved diabetes remission in Japanese men with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and new-onset type 2 diabetes.
Advancements in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Rong Li , Zou Junyan , Ran Wei , Qi Xiaohong , Chen Yaokai , Cui Hongjuan , Guo Jinjun
Published: January 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a series of diseases, involving excessive lipid deposition in the liver and is often accompanied by obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, abnormal blood pressure, and other metabolic disorders. In order to more accurately reflect its pathogenesis, an international consensus renamed NAFLD in 2020 as metabolic (dysfunction) associated with fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The changes in diet and lifestyle are recognized the non-drug treatment strategies; however, due to the complex pathogenesis of NAFLD, the current drug therapies are mainly focused on its pathogenic factors, key links of pathogenesis, and related metabolic disorders as targets. There is still a lack of specific drugs. In clinical studies, the common NAFLD treatments include the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism to protect the liver and anti-inflammation. The NAFLD treatments based on the enterohepatic axis, targeting gut microbiota, are gradually emerging, and various new metabolism-regulating drugs are also under clinical development. Therefore, this review article has comprehensively discussed the research advancements in NAFLD treatment in recent years.
Association of exposure to air pollutants with gestational diabetes mellitus in Chiayi City, Taiwan
Authors: Yan Yuan-Horng , Chien Chu-Chun , Wang Panchalli , Lu Mei-Chun , Wei Yu-Ching , Wang Jyh-Seng , Wang Jun-Sing
Published: January 2023

Introduction

We investigated the associations of exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and several gaseous pollutants with risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Taiwan.

Methods

We retrospectively identified pregnant women who underwent a two-step approach to screen for GDM between 2006 and 2014. Information on concentrations of air pollutants (including PM2.5, sulfur dioxide [SO2], nitrogen oxides [NOx], and ozone [O3]) were collected from a single fixed-site monitoring station. We conducted logistic regression analyses to determine the associations between exposure to air pollutants and risk of GDM.

Results

A total of 11210 women were analyzed, and 705 were diagnosed with GDM. Exposure to PM2.5 during the second trimester was associated with a nearly 50% higher risk of GDM (odds ratio [OR] 1.47, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.24, p=0.077). The associations were consistent in the two-pollutant model (PM2.5 + SO2 [OR 1.73, p=0.038], PM2.5 + NOx [OR 1.52, p=0.064], PM2.5 + O3 [OR 1.96, p=0.015]), and were more prominent in women with age <30 years and body mass index <25 kg/m2 (interaction p values <0.01).

Discussion

Exposure to PM2.5 was associated with risk of GDM, especially in women who were younger or had a normal body mass index.
Multi-objective optimal scheduling of charging stations based on deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Cui Feifei , Lin Xixiang , Zhang Ruining , Yang Qingyu
Published: January 2023

With the green-oriented transition of energy, electric vehicles (EVs) are being developed rapidly to replace fuel vehicles. In the face of large-scale EV access to the grid, real-time and effective charging management has become a key problem. Considering the charging characteristics of different EVs, we propose a real-time scheduling framework for charging stations with an electric vehicle aggregator (EVA) as the decision-making body. However, with multiple optimization objectives, it is challenging to formulate a real-time strategy to ensure each participant’s interests. Moreover, the uncertainty of renewable energy generation and user demand makes it difficult to establish the optimization model. In this paper, we model charging scheduling as a Markov decision process (MDP) based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) to avoid the afore-mentioned problems. With a continuous action space, the MDP model is solved by the twin delayed deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm (TD3). While ensuring the maximum benefit of the EVA, we also ensure minimal fluctuation in the microgrid exchange power. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, we set up two comparative experiments, using the disorder charging method and deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) method, respectively. The results show that the strategy obtained by TD3 is optimal, which can reduce power purchase cost by 10.9% and reduce power fluctuations by 69.4%.
Techno-economic assessment of electrolytic hydrogen in China considering wind-solar-load characteristics
Authors: Lu Gang , Yuan Bo , Gu Zhongfan , Chen Haitao , Wu Cong , Xia Peng
Published: January 2023

Hydrogen production by electrolysis is considered an essential means of consuming renewable energy in the future. However, the current assessment of the potential of renewable energy electrolysis for hydrogen production is relatively simple, and the perspective is not comprehensive. Here, we established a Combined Wind and Solar Electrolytic Hydrogen system, considering the influence of regional wind-solar-load characteristics and transmission costs to evaluate the hydrogen production potential of 31 provincial-level regions in China in 2050. The results show that in 2050, the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) in China’s provincial regions will still be higher than 10 ¥/kg, which is not cost-competitive compared to the current hydrogen production from fossil fuels. It is more cost-effective to deploy wind turbines than photovoltaic in areas with similar wind and solar resources or rich in wind resources. Wind-solar differences impact LCOH, equipment capacity configuration, and transmission cost composition, while load fluctuation significantly impacts LCOH and electricity storage configuration. In addition, the sensitivity analysis of 11 technical and economic parameters showed differences in the response performance of LCOH changes to different parameters, and the electrolyzer conversion efficiency had the most severe impact. The analysis of subsidy policy shows that for most regions (except Chongqing and Xizang), subsidizing the unit investment cost of wind turbines can minimize LCOH. Nevertheless, from the perspective of comprehensive subsidy effect, subsidy cost, and hydrogen energy development, it is more cost-effective to take subsidies for electrolysis equipment with the popularization of hydrogen.
Mixed-potential-function-based large-signal stability analysis of DC microgrid with constant power loads
Authors: Wang Pengyu , Zhao Jianfeng , Liu Kangli , Jin Cheng , Chen Wenzhe
Published: January 2023

With the development of power grid technology, a large number of constant power loads (CPL) are introduced into the power grid system. The negative damping characteristic of CPL poses a great challenge to the stability of power grid under the condition of large signal disturbance. This paper focuses on the large signal stability and dynamic response characteristics of DC microgrid with CPL. The mixed potential function (MPF) method is adopted to model the large signal characterstic of load converter controlled by the traditional PI control strategy and the new virtual DC motor (VDM) control strategy. The large signal stability criteria and the asymptotic stability region of the DC microgrid system under the two control strategies are derived. The dynamic response characteristics of the DC microgrid are compared under three large signal operation conditions of the load step, load linear change and the load fault. The results show that VDM control strategy can effectively improve dynamic response characteristics of the DC microgrid system compared with those of PI control, and enhance the stability and anti-interference ability of the DC microgrid system.
Deep learning model-transformer based wind power forecasting approach
Authors: Huang Sheng , Yan Chang , Qu Yinpeng
Published: January 2023

The uncertainty and fluctuation are the major challenges casted by the large penetration of wind power (WP). As one of the most important solutions for tackling these issues, accurate forecasting is able to enhance the wind energy consumption and improve the penetration rate of WP. In this paper, we propose a deep learning model-transformer based wind power forecasting (WPF) model. The transformer is a neural network architecture based on the attention mechanism, which is clearly different from other deep learning models such as CNN or RNN. The basic unit of the transformer network consists of residual structure, self-attention mechanism and feedforward network. The overall multilayer encoder to decoder structure enables the network to complete modeling of sequential data. By comparing the forecasting results with other four deep learning models, such as LSTM, the accuracy and efficiency of transformer have been validated. Furthermore, the migration learning experiments show that transformer can also provide good migration performance.
Certificateless public auditing with data privacy preserving for cloud-based smart grid data
Authors: Gai Chao , Shen Wenting , Yang Ming , Su Ye
Published: January 2023

As the promising next generation power system, smart grid can collect and analyze the grid information in real time, which greatly improves the reliability and efficiency of the grid. However, as smart grid coverage expands, more and more data is being collected. To store and manage the massive amount of smart grid data, the data owners choose to upload the grid data to the cloud for storage and regularly check the integrity of their data. However, traditional public auditing schemes are mostly based on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) or Identity Based Cryptography (IBC) system, which will lead to complicated certificate management and inherent key escrow problems. We propose a certificateless public auditing scheme for cloud-based smart grid data, which can avoid the above two problems. In order to prevent the disclosure of the private data collected by the smart grid during the phase of auditing, we use the random masking technology to protect data privacy. The security analysis and the performance evaluation show that the proposed scheme is secure and efficient.
Analytical modeling and calculation of core grounding current in converter transformer
Authors: Zhou Xiu , Tian Tian , Wu Peng , Luo Yan , Bai Jin , He Ninghui , Li Xiuguang
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the calculation of the core grounding current of the converter transformer is difficult, low precision, and time-consuming, especially when the core is grounded by multiple points. This makes it difficult to analyze the core grounding current. To improve the accuracy of the calculation and reduce the complexity of the calculation, this paper carries out analytical calculation, simulation analysis, and experimental research on the grounding current of the converter transformer core. Firstly, a calculation method of core grounding current considering the winding connection of the converter transformer is proposed. In the implementation process, the converter transformer circuit model is established and the influence of saturation characteristics is considered, and the core grounding current is calculated and analyzed. Secondly, the grounding current of the converter transformer core is calculated by the finite element method (FEM). Finally, the proposed scheme is verified by experiments. The results show that the analytical method is close to the FEM and the experimental method, which indicates that the analytical method proposed can meet the accuracy requirements of engineering in this paper, and provides a new scheme for fast and accurate calculation of the grounding current of the converter transformer core.
Analysis of factors influencing spatiotemporal differentiation of the NDVI in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Gao Siqi , Dong Guotao , Jiang Xiaohui , Nie Tong , Guo Xinwei
Published: January 2023

Surface vegetation represents a link between the atmosphere, water, and human society. The quality of the ecological environment in the upper and middle reaches of the Yellow River (UMRYR) has a direct impact on the downstream basin. However, only few studies have investigated vegetation changes in the UMRYR. Therefore, we used the coefficient of variation and linear regression analyses to investigate spatiotemporal variations in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Further, we used the geographical detector model (GDM) to determine the spatial heterogeneity of the NDVI and its driving factors and then investigated the factors driving the spatial distribution of the NDVI in different climatic zones and vegetation types. The results showed that the NDVI in the UMRYR was high during the study period. The NDVI was distributed in a spatially heterogeneous manner, and it decreased from the southeast to the northwest. We observed severe degradation in the southeast, mild degradation in the northwest and the Yellow River source region, and substantial vegetation recovery in the central basin. Precipitation and vegetation type drove the spatial distribution of the NDVI. Natural factors had higher influence than that of anthropogenic factors, but the interactions between the natural and anthropogenic factors exhibited non-linear and bivariate enhancements. Inter-annual variations in precipitation were the main natural factor influencing inter-annual NDVI variations, while precipitation and anthropogenic ecological restoration projects jointly drove NDVI changes in the UMRYR. This study provides a better understanding of the current status of the NDVI and mechanisms driving vegetation restoration in the UMRYR.
Stratospheric intrusion may aggravate widespread ozone pollution through both vertical and horizontal advections in eastern China during summer
Authors: Chang Fengyi , Li Jiandong , Li Nan , Liao Hong
Published: January 2023

Stratospheric intrusion (SI) is an important source of tropospheric ozone (O3). Here, we used the online coupled Weather Research and Forecasting-Chemistry (WRF-Chem) model to simulate a typical SI event that occurred over eastern China on 15–19 July 2016 and investigate the impacts of SI on near-surface O3 pollution. The results show that the large-scale circulation of SI was characterized by a deep trough over central China and South Asia high and Western Pacific Subtropical high located to the east and west of the deep trough, respectively. With the evolution of the deep trough, the strong downdrafts behind the trough lead to O3-rich air injected into the lower troposphere across eastern China. By using a tracer tagging method in WRF-Chem, we quantified the SI contributed up to 6.5 ppb to the surface O3 concentration. According to the integrated process rate analyses, which were employed to quantify the contribution of different physical/chemical processes to O3, the advection process dominated variations in troposphere O3 with positive contribution ranging from 0.1 to 13.8 ppb h−1. As altitude decreases, the contribution of advection diminishes as the intensity of the SI gradually weakens. Although the vertical advection contributed limited O3 that directly reached the ground, we revealed that the SI has significant impact on near-surface O3 over a large territory of eastern China through regional transport by horizontal advection process. Below 691 m, the positive contribution of horizontal advection to O3 ranges from 1.6 to 13.4 ppb h−1. This study highlights the natural effect of SI on summertime O3 pollution in eastern China and will help the development of a future O3 pollution alert system.
Implications of global carbon governance for corporate carbon emissions reduction
Authors: Wang Yunjing , Yao Guiying , Zuo Ying , Wu Qichun
Published: January 2023

Global warming not only affects biodiversity, but also threatens human health and wellbeing. As the main source of greenhouse gas emissions, enterprises play a critical role in carbon emissions reduction. However, only a small number of enterprises have disclosed their “low-carbon transition roadmap”, primarily due to the lack of immediate payoffs of green investment, which is disadvantageous to achieve net-zero emissions. First, through case analysis of carbon governance in typical countries around the world, we identify effective emissions reduction measures that firms can learn from. Next, this paper summarizes the multi-dimensional impact framework of corporate carbon emissions reduction. Last, we propose a carbon emissions reduction roadmap for companies from four aspects: companies should 1) actively engage in the carbon emissions trading system, 2) increase the application of green technology, 3) enhance corporate governance structure, and 4) ensure sufficient cash flow for low-carbon transition. This study contributes to the framework of corporate sustainable transition, providing practical references for balancing corporate environmental footprint and value growth.
Free and underfit-scavenger river dynamics dominate the large Amazonian Pacaya-Samiria wetland structure
Authors: Rojas Tania V. , Abad Jorge D. , Roque Wendy R. , Latrubesse Edgardo M. , Shan Jingfu
Published: January 2023

The Peruvian Amazon is known for harboring the greatest biodiversity on the planet, with a world record for biodiversity per unit area. Previous studies suggested that the high ecological value depends on correlations between ecosystem functionality and seasonal inundation control vegetation patches. However, the knowledge on how river morphodynamics and its complex erosion-depositional processes influence the aquatic mosaic and fishing activity in the region is still incipient. This study examines the hydrogeomorphology of the Peruvian tropical wetland of Pacaya Samiria, located in Western Amazonia, and its role in the distribution of aquatic habitats. By using remote sensing techniques, the hydrogeomorphological connectivity that bounds the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is characterized by ancient to modern river processes. Additionally, river signatures developed by the Ucayali, Marañon, Huallaga, Pacaya, and Samiria Rivers overlap with fish extraction and dominant vegetation to describe how geomorphology is associated with the spatial distribution of fishing zones. Results indicated that paleochannels regulate wetland drainage within the Ucamara Depression, supporting stational water stagnation, vegetation cover, and formation of carbon rich detritus, relevant aspects to understand fish traits. Moreover, the Ucayali River dominates river dynamics in the Pacaya Samiria wetland, thus playing a pivotal role in shaping the complexity of streams and lakes. Furthermore, underfit-scavenger meandering rivers are observed in areas where paleochannels from large rivers are found. A geomorphological characterization of drainage patterns in freshwater environments, such as Amazonian wetlands, is crucial to develop sound management strategies. This methodological approach is expected to support decision-making in conservation actions in Amazonian environments based on understanding wetland connectivity and hydrogeomorphological behavior and their influence on commercial fisheries.
Can ESG investments and new environmental law improve social happiness in China?
Authors: Lu Peiyao , Hamori Shigeyuki , Tian Shuairu
Published: January 2023

Air pollution was a serious issue in China in the early 2010s, threatening public health and sustainable economic development. The Chinese government established a new environmental protection law in 2015 in order to address air pollution and other environmental issues. This paper investigates the impact of the new environmental law and ESG investments on air pollution and social happiness. We discovered that the implementation of the new environmental law and ESG investments significantly improved social happiness by reducing air pollution. One unit increase in ESG investments would result in a 0.334 unit decrease in air pollution and 0.225 unit increase in social happiness.
Distribution and management of non-native squirrels in Japan
Authors: Tamura Noriko , Yasuda Masatoshi
Published: January 2023

Three species of alien squirrels have been confirmed to have been introduced in Japan: Tamias sibiricus, Callosciurus erythraeus (including the species complex C. finlaysonii), and Sciurus vulgaris. Japan is home to endemic squirrel species S. lis, Petaurista leucogenys, and Pteromys momonga, as well as endemic subspecies S. vulgaris orientis, T. sibiricus lineatus, and Pteromys volans orii. It is important to address the issue of damage to ecosystems caused by alien species, including the conservation of endemic species. Chipmunks (T. sibiricus) have become established in at least 11 of 47 prefectures, but no measures have been taken because the damage is not yet apparent. Pallas’s squirrels (C. erythraeus) that were reared in petting zoos for tourism purposes escaped and have become established in at least 17 localities in 13 prefectures. Because of the high population densities and significant damage caused by this species, removal measures have been implemented in at least 12 locations. The species is now eradicated or near eradication in four locations. Eurasian red squirrels (S. vulgaris) have become established at two sites in central Honshu and Kyushu. Due to possible hybridization with the Japanese squirrel (S. lis), trapping began in 2014 with the aim of eradication. This review summarizes the measures taken in Japan to conserve endemic species and emphasizes the importance of the involvement of researchers in early action.
Long-term success of floodplain meadow restoration on species-poor grassland
Authors: Sommer Leonhard , Klinger Yves P. , Donath Tobias W. , Kleinebecker Till , Harvolk-Schöning Sarah
Published: January 2023

Restoration of floodplain meadows remains a challenge, as many degraded sites suffer from seed limitation. The transfer of seed-containing plant material from species-rich donor sites is a widely used method to restore semi-natural grasslands. However, most studies on the success of such restoration projects comprise limited time frames. As factors determining restoration success may only become evident after many years, long-term observations are crucial. We re-investigated 20 restored grassland sites in the floodplain of the Northern Upper Rhine 13–16 years after plant material transfer with different soil preparation treatments. To this end, we carried out vegetation surveys on 254 permanent plots and studied the potential influence of soil preparation, soil nutrients, and hydrology on plant species composition, diversity, and transfer of target species. Since sustainable agricultural use is important to ensure the long-term stability of restored semi-natural grasslands, we further investigated biomass productivity and feeding value. While most target species increased in frequency or remained stable over time, we found no positive long-term effect of soil preparation on vegetation development and target species establishment. Instead, increased biomass yield and flooding frequency led to reduced restoration success, while higher soil C/N ratios had a positive effect. Overall, restoration measures did not affect the agricultural value of the restored grasslands, which had higher dry matter biomass yields compared with the donor sites. Our results indicate that the positive effect of soil preparation on the number and cover of target species, which is regularly reported in short-term studies, diminishes over time, and other factors such as site conditions become increasingly important. Furthermore, additional plant material transfer or manual seeding may be necessary to support target species establishment. Concerning agricultural usability, the integration of restored floodplain meadows in farming systems is possible and can ensure long-term management and thus stability of these ecosystems. Our study shows that long-term monitoring of restoration projects is necessary, as factors determining restoration success may only become evident in the long-term.
The role of smoking and alcohol in mediating the effect of gastroesophageal reflux disease on lung cancer: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Jing , Nie Duorui , Chen Yujing , Liu Zixing , Li Mengzhao , Gong Chun , Liu Qiong
Published: January 2023

Observational studies have suggested a positive association between gastroesophageal reflux disease and lung cancer, but due to the existence of confounders, it remains undetermined whether gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a causal association with lung cancer. Therefore, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were applied to investigate the relationship between the two conditions. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was utilized with summary genetic data from the European Bioinformatics Institute (602,604 individuals) and International Lung Cancer Consortium, which provides information on lung cancer and its histological subgroups. Furthermore, we used two-step Mendelian randomization and multivariable Mendelian randomization to estimate whether smoking initiation (311,629 cases and 321,173 controls) and alcohol intake frequency (n = 462,346) mediate any effect of gastroesophageal reflux disease on lung cancer risk. The Mendelian randomization analyses indicated that gastroesophageal reflux disease was associated with and significantly increased the risk of lung cancer (ORIVW = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.18–1.54; p = 1.36 × 10–5). Smoking initiation and alcohol intake frequency mediated 35% and 3% of the total effect of gastroesophageal reflux disease on lung cancer, respectively. The combined effect of these two factors accounted for 60% of the total effect. In conclusion, gastroesophageal reflux disease is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, and interventions to reduce smoking and alcohol intake may reduce the incidence of lung cancer.
Transferability of the PRS estimates for height and BMI obtained from the European ethnic groups to the Western Russian populations
Authors: Albert E. A. , Kondratieva O. A. , Baranova E. E. , Sagaydak O. V. , Belenikin M. S. , Zobkova G. Y. , Kuznetsova E. S. , Deviatkin A. A. , Zhurov A. A. , Karpulevich E. A. , Volchkov P. Y. , Vorontsova M. V.
Published: January 2023

Genetic data plays an increasingly important role in modern medicine. Decrease in the cost of sequencing with subsequent increase in imputation accuracy, and the accumulation of large amounts of high-quality genetic data enable the creation of polygenic risk scores (PRSs) to perform genotype–phenotype associations. The accuracy of phenotype prediction primarily depends on the overall trait heritability, Genome-wide association studies cohort size, and the similarity of genetic background between the base and the target cohort. Here we utilized 8,664 high coverage genomic samples collected across Russia by “Evogen”, a Russian biomedical company, to evaluate the predictive power of PRSs based on summary statistics established on cohorts of European ancestry for basic phenotypic traits, namely height and BMI. We have demonstrated that the PRSs calculated for selected traits in three distinct Russian populations, recapitulate the predictive power from the original studies. This is evidence that GWAS summary statistics calculated on cohorts of European ancestry are transferable onto at least some ethnic groups in Russia.
The emerging role of exosomes in innate immunity, diagnosis and therapy
Authors: Gangadaran Prakash , Madhyastha Harishkumar , Madhyastha Radha , Rajendran Ramya Lakshmi , Nakajima Yuichi , Watanabe Nozomi , Velikkakath Anoop Kumar G. , Hong Chae Moon , Gopi Rahul Velikkakath , Muthukalianan Gothandam Kodiveri , Valsala Gopalakrishnan Abilash , Jeyaraman Madhan , Ahn Byeong-Cheol
Published: January 2023

Exosomes, which are nano-sized transport bio-vehicles, play a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis by exchanging genetic or metabolic information between different cells. Exosomes can also play a vital role in transferring virulent factors between the host and parasite, thereby regulating host gene expression and the immune interphase. The association of inflammation with disease development and the potential of exosomes to enhance or mitigate inflammatory pathways support the notion that exosomes have the potential to alter the course of a disease. Clinical trials exploring the role of exosomes in cancer, osteoporosis, and renal, neurological, and pulmonary disorders are currently underway. Notably, the information available on the signatory efficacy of exosomes in immune-related disorders remains elusive and sporadic. In this review, we discuss immune cell-derived exosomes and their application in immunotherapy, including those against autoimmune connective tissue diseases. Further, we have elucidated our views on the major issues in immune-related pathophysiological processes. Therefore, the information presented in this review highlights the role of exosomes as promising strategies and clinical tools for immune regulation.
Autophagy genes AMBRA1 and ATG8 play key roles in midgut remodeling of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti
Authors: Albishi Najla M. , Palli Subba Reddy
Published: January 2023

The function of two autophagy genes, an activating molecule BECN1 regulated autophagy (AMBRA1) and autophagy-related gene 8 (ATG8) in the midgut remodeling of Aedes aegypti was investigated. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis of RNA samples collected from the last instar larvae and pupae showed that these two genes are predominantly expressed during the last 12 h and first 24 h of the last larval and pupal stages, respectively. Stable ecdysteroid analog induced and juvenile hormone (JH) analog suppressed these genes. RNA interference (RNAi) studies showed that the ecdysone-induced transcription factor E93 is required for the expression of these genes. JH-induced transcription factor krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1) suppressed the expression of these genes. RNAi-mediated silencing of AMBRA1 and ATG8 blocked midgut remodeling. Histological studies of midguts from insects at 48 h after ecdysis to the final larval stage and 12 h after ecdysis to the pupal stage showed that ATG gene knockdown blocked midgut remodeling. AMBRA1 and ATG8 double-stranded (dsRNA)-treated insects retained larval midgut cells and died during the pupal stage. Together, these results demonstrate that ecdysteroid induction of ATG genes initiates autophagy programmed cell death during midgut remodeling. JH inhibits midgut remodeling during metamorphosis by interfering with the expression of ATG genes.
Monthly extended ocean predictions based on a convolutional neural network via the transfer learning method
Authors: Miao Yonglan , Zhang Xuefeng , Li Yunbo , Zhang Lianxin , Zhang Dianjun
Published: January 2023

Sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) and sea surface height anomalies (SSHAs) are indispensable parts of scientific research, such as mesoscale eddy, current, ocean-atmosphere interaction and so on. Nowadays, extended-range predictions of ocean dynamics, especially in SSTA and SSHA, can provide daily prediction services in the range of 30 days, which bridges the gap between synoptic-scale weather forecasts and monthly average scale climate predictions. However, the forecast efficiency of extended range remains problematic. With the development of ocean reanalysis and satellite remote sensing products, large amounts datasets provide an unprecedented opportunity to use big data for the extended range prediction of ocean dynamics. In this study, a hybrid model, combing convolutional neural network (CNN) model with transfer learning (TL), was established to predict SSTA and SSHA at monthly scales, which makes full use of these data resources that arise from delayed gridding reanalysis products and real-time satellite remote sensing observations. The proposed model, where both ocean and atmosphere reanalysis datasets serve as the pretraining dataset and the satellite remote sensing observations are employed for fine-tuning based on the transfer learning (TL) method, can effectively capture the evolving spatial characteristics of SSTAs and SSHAs with low prediction errors over the 30 days range. When the forecast lead time is 30 days, the root means square errors for the SSTAs and SSHAs model results are 0.32°C and 0.027 m in the South China Sea, respectively, indicating that this model has not only satisfactory prediction performance but also offers great potential for practical operational applications in improving the skill of extended-range predictions.
Genomic insights of mcr-1 harboring Escherichia coli by geographical region and a One-Health perspective
Authors: Calero-Cáceres William , Rodríguez Kerly , Medina Anabell , Medina Jennifer , Ortuño-Gutiérrez Nimer , Sunyoto Temmy , Dias Cícero Armídio Gomes , Bastidas-Caldes Carlos , Ramírez Maria Soledad , Harries Anthony David
Published: January 2023

The importance of the One Health concept in attempting to deal with the increasing levels of multidrug-resistant bacteria in both human and animal health is a challenge for the scientific community, policymakers, and the industry. The discovery of the plasmid-borne mobile colistin resistance (mcr) in 2015 poses a significant threat because of the ability of these plasmids to move between different bacterial species through horizontal gene transfer. In light of these findings, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that countries implement surveillance strategies to detect the presence of plasmid-mediated colistin-resistant microorganisms and take suitable measures to control and prevent their dissemination. Seven years later, ten different variants of the mcr gene (mcr-1 to mcr-10) have been detected worldwide in bacteria isolated from humans, animals, foods, the environment, and farms. However, the possible transmission mechanisms of the mcr gene among isolates from different geographical origins and sources are largely unknown. This article presents an analysis of whole-genome sequences of Escherichia coli that harbor mcr-1 gene from different origins (human, animal, food, or environment) and geographical location, to identify specific patterns related to virulence genes, plasmid content and antibiotic resistance genes, as well as their phylogeny and their distribution with their origin. In general, E. coli isolates that harbor mcr-1 showed a wide plethora of ARGs. Regarding the plasmid content, the highest concentration of plasmids was found in animal samples. In turn, Asia was the continent that led with the largest diversity and occurrence of these plasmids. Finally, about virulence genes, terC, gad, and traT represent the most frequent virulence genes detected. These findings highlight the relevance of analyzing the environmental settings as an integrative part of the surveillance programs to understand the origins and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance.
Effect of different regions on fermentation profiles, microbial communities, and their metabolomic pathways and properties in Italian ryegrass silage
Authors: Fu Zhihui , Sun Lin , Wang ZhiJun , Liu Yichao , Hao Junfeng , Gao Cuiping , Ge Gentu
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Italian ryegrass is less studied in northern China due to high-quality forage grass has not been fully utilized. Full utilization of high-quality forage grass helps to alleviate the shortage of forage grass in winter and spring season and guarantee stable development of livestock production. Consequently, this study was aimed to evaluate the effects of different regions in northern China on the fermentative products, bacterial community compositions, and metabolic pathways and metabolites of Italian ryegrass silage.

Methods

The Italian ryegrass was harvested from three regions (Ordos-WK; Hohhot-AK; Ulanqab-SYK) and ensiled for 60 days. Single molecule real-time (SMRT) sequencing and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) were used to analyze bacterial communities and metabolites, respectively.

Results

After 60 d of fermentation, the SYK group had the lowest pH (4.67), the highest lactic acid contents (95.02 g/kg DM) and largest lactic acid bacteria populations (6.66 log10 cfu/g FM) among the treatment groups. In addition, the SYK group had the highest abundance of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (63.98%). In SYK group, isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis was the significantly enriched (p < 0.05) and high-impact value (0.0225) metabolic pathway. In AK group, tryptophan metabolism the was the significantly enriched (p < 0.001) and high-impact value (0.1387) metabolic pathway. In WK group, citrate cycle (TCA cycle) was the significantly enriched (p < 0.001) and high-impact value (0.1174) metabolic pathway. Further, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was positively correlated with cinnamic acid, tetranor 12-HETE, D-Mannitol, (2S)-2-amino-4-methylpentanoic acid L-Leucine, guanine, isoleucyl-aspartate and 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl propanoate, but negatively correlated with isocitrate and D-mannose.

Discussion

In conclusion, this study can improve our understanding of the ensiling microbiology and metabolomics in different regions to further regulate the fermentation products and promote livestock production.
Seaweed polysaccharide relieves hexavalent chromium-induced gut microbial homeostasis
Authors: Mu Jinghao , Guo Zhenhuan , Wang Xiujun , Wang Xuefei , Fu Yunxing , Li Xianghui , Zhu Fuli , Hu Guangyuan , Ma Xia
Published: January 2023

Heavy metals released in the environment pose a huge threat to soil and water quality, food safety and public health. Additionally, humans and other mammals may also be directly exposed to heavy metals or exposed to heavy metals through the food chain, which seriously threatens the health of animals and humans. Chromium, especially hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)], as a common heavy metal, has been shown to cause serious environmental pollution as well as intestinal damage. Thus, increasing research is devoted to finding drugs to mitigate the negative health effects of hexavalent chromium exposure. Seaweed polysaccharides have been demonstrated to have many pharmacological effects, but whether it can alleviate gut microbial dysbiosis caused by hexavalent chromium exposure has not been well characterized. Here, we hypothesized that seaweed polysaccharides could alleviate hexavalent chromium exposure-induced poor health in mice. Mice in Cr and seaweed polysaccharide treatment group was compulsively receive K2Cr2O7. At the end of the experiment, all mice were euthanized, and colon contents were collected for DNA sequencing analysis. Results showed that seaweed polysaccharide administration can restore the gut microbial dysbiosis and the reduction of gut microbial diversity caused by hexavalent chromium exposure in mice. Hexavalent chromium exposure also caused significant changes in the gut microbial composition of mice, including an increase in some pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria. However, seaweed polysaccharides administration could ameliorate the composition of gut microbiota. In conclusion, this study showed that seaweed polysaccharides can restore the negative effects of hexavalent chromium exposure in mice, including gut microbial dysbiosis. Meanwhile, this research also lays the foundation for the application of seaweed polysaccharides.
Aroma profiles of sweet cherry juice fermented by different lactic acid bacteria determined through integrated analysis of electronic nose and gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Wang Jun , Wei Bo-Cheng , Wang Xin , Zhang Yan , Gong Yun-Jin
Published: January 2023

Sweet cherries are popular among consumers, with a recent explosion in sweet cherry production in China. However, the fragility of these fruits poses a challenge for expanding production and transport. With the aim of expanding the product categories of sweet cherries that can bypass these challenges, in this study, we prepared sweet cherry juice fermented by three different lactic acid bacteria (LAB; Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), and evaluated the growth, physiochemical, and aroma characteristics. All three strains exhibited excellent growth potential in the sweet cherry juice; however, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum demonstrated more robust acid production capacity and higher microbial viability than Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Lactic acid was the primary fermentation product, and malic acid was significantly metabolized by LAB, indicating a transition in microbial metabolism from using carbohydrates to organic acids. The aroma profile was identified through integrated analysis of electronic nose (E-nose) and headspace gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC–IMS) data. A total of 50 volatile compounds characterized the aromatic profiles of the fermented juices by HS-GC–IMS. The flavor of sweet cherry juice changed after LAB fermentation and the fruity odor decreased overall. Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum significantly increased 2-heptanone, ethyl acetate, and acetone contents, bringing about a creamy and rummy-like favor, whereas Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG significantly increased 2-heptanone, 3-hydroxybutan-2-one, and 2-pentanone contents, generating cheesy and buttery-like odors. Principal component analysis of GC–IMS data and linear discriminant analysis of E-nose results could effectively differentiate non-fermented sweet cherry juice and the sweet cherry juice separately inoculated with different LAB strains. Furthermore, there was a high correlation between the E-nose and GC–IMS results, providing a theoretical basis to identify different sweet cherry juice formulations and appropriate starter culture selection for fermentation. This study enables more extensive utilization of sweet cherry in the food industry and helps to improve the flavor of sweet cherry products.
Small GTPase Ran: Depicting the nucleotide-specific conformational landscape of the functionally important C-terminus
Authors: Czigleczki Janka , de Resende Lara Pedro Tulio , Dudas Balint , Jang Hyunbum , Perahia David , Nussinov Ruth , Balog Erika
Published: January 2023

The small GTPase Ran is the main regulator of the nucleo-cytoplasmic import and export through the nuclear pore complex. It functions as a molecular switch cycling between the GDP-bound inactive and GTP-bound active state. It consists of a globular (G) domain and a C-terminal region, which is bound to the G-domain in the inactive, GDP-bound states. Crystal structures of the GTP-bound active form complexed with Ran binding proteins (RanBP) show that the C-terminus undergoes a large conformational change, embracing Ran binding domains (RanBD). Whereas in the crystal structures of macromolecular complexes not containing RanBDs the structure of the C-terminal segment remains unresolved, indicating its large conformational flexibility. This movement could not have been followed either by experimental or simulation methods. Here, starting from the crystal structure of Ran in both GDP- and GTP-bound forms we show how rigid the C-terminal region in the inactive structure is during molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Furthermore, we show how MD simulations of the active form are incapable of mapping the open conformations of the C-terminus. By using the MDeNM (Molecular Dynamics with excited Normal Modes) method, we were able to widely map the conformational surface of the C-terminus of Ran in the active GTP-bound form, which allows us to envisage how it can embrace RanBDs.