bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA methylation in cocaine use disorder–An epigenome-wide approach in the human prefrontal cortex
Authors: Poisel Eric , Zillich Lea , Streit Fabian , Frank Josef , Friske Marion M. , Foo Jerome C. , Mechawar Naguib , Turecki Gustavo , Hansson Anita C. , Nöthen Markus M. , Rietschel Marcella , Spanagel Rainer , Witt Stephanie H.
Published: February 2023

Background

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is characterized by a loss of control over cocaine intake and is associated with structural, functional, and molecular alterations in the human brain. At the molecular level, epigenetic alterations are hypothesized to contribute to the higher-level functional and structural brain changes observed in CUD. Most evidence of cocaine-associated epigenetic changes comes from animal studies while only a few studies have been performed using human tissue.

Methods

We investigated epigenome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) signatures of CUD in human post-mortem brain tissue of Brodmann area 9 (BA9). A total of N = 42 BA9 brain samples were obtained from N = 21 individuals with CUD and N = 21 individuals without a CUD diagnosis. We performed an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) and analyzed CUD-associated differentially methylated regions (DMRs). To assess the functional role of CUD-associated differential methylation, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses and characterized co-methylation networks using a weighted correlation network analysis. We further investigated epigenetic age in CUD using epigenetic clocks for the assessment of biological age.

Results

While no cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) site was associated with CUD at epigenome-wide significance in BA9, we detected a total of 20 CUD-associated DMRs. After annotation of DMRs to genes, we identified Neuropeptide FF Receptor 2 (NPFFR2) and Kalirin RhoGEF Kinase (KALRN) for which a previous role in the behavioral response to cocaine in rodents is known. Three of the four identified CUD-associated co-methylation modules were functionally related to neurotransmission and neuroplasticity. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks derived from module hub genes revealed several addiction-related genes as highly connected nodes such as Calcium Voltage-Gated Channel Subunit Alpha1 C (CACNA1C), Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 1 (NR3C1), and Jun Proto-Oncogene, AP-1 Transcription Factor Subunit (JUN). In BA9, we observed a trend toward epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) in individuals with CUD remaining stable even after adjustment for covariates.

Conclusion

Results from our study highlight that CUD is associated with epigenome-wide differences in DNAm levels in BA9 particularly related to synaptic signaling and neuroplasticity. This supports findings from previous studies that report on the strong impact of cocaine on neurocircuits in the human prefrontal cortex (PFC). Further studies are needed to follow up on the role of epigenetic alterations in CUD focusing on the integration of epigenetic signatures with transcriptomic and proteomic data.
Public awareness, specific knowledge, and worry about mpox (monkeypox): A preliminary community-based study in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Ren Fangmei , Liu Junchao , Miao Jianping , Xu Yucheng , Zhang Ruiyin , Fan Jingjie , Lin Wei
Published: February 2023

Background

The mpox (monkeypox) outbreak has been declared to be a public health emergency of international concern by the Director-General of World Health Organization in July 2022. However, evidence regarding the awareness, knowledge, and worry about mpox in the general population remains scant.

Methods

A community-based survey targeting community residents was preliminarily conducted in Shenzhen, China in August 2022 by using a convenience sampling method. Information on mpox-related awareness, knowledge, and worry was collected from each participant. Binary logistic regression analyses with the stepwise procedure were applied to explore the factors associated with awareness, knowledge, and worry about mpox.

Results

A total of 1028 community residents were included in the analysis (mean age: 34.70 years). Among these participants, 77.9% had ever heard of mpox, and 65.3% were aware of the global outbreak of mpox. However, only about half of them had a high level of knowledge regarding mpox (56.5%) and related symptoms (49.7%). More than one-third of them (37.1%) expressed a high level of worry about mpox. Having high knowledge levels of mpox and related symptoms were positively associated with a high level of worry (OR: 1.79, 95%CI: 1.22~2.63 for a single high knowledge level; OR: 1.98, 95%CI: 1.47~2.66 for both high knowledge levels).

Conclusions

This study identified the gaps in public awareness and specific knowledge of mpox in Chinese people, providing scientific evidence for the prevention and control network of mpox at the community level. Targeted health education programs are of urgent need, which should be implemented along with psychological interventions to release public worry if necessary.
Effects of occupational exposures on respiratory health in steel factory workers
Authors: Mozaffari Sajjad , Heibati Behzad , Jaakkola Maritta S. , Lajunen Taina K. , Kalteh Safa , Alimoradi Hadi , Nazari Mahsa , Karimi Ali , Jaakkola Jouni J. K.
Published: February 2023

Background

The steel factory work environment contains various chemical exposures that can affect indoor air quality and have impact on respiratory health of the workers.

Aims

The objective of this study was to assess potential effects of occupational exposures in steel factory workers in Iran on the respiratory symptoms, occurrence and the lung function levels.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study of 133 men working in a steel factory forming the exposed group and 133 male office workers forming the reference group from a steel company in Iran. The participants filled in a questionnaire and underwent spirometry. Work history was used both as dichotomous (exposed/reference) and a quantitative measure of exposure, the latter measured as duration of exposure in the specified work (in years) for the exposed group and zero for the reference group.

Results

Multiple linear regression and Poisson regression were used to adjust for confounding. In Poisson regression analyses, an increased prevalence ratio (PR) of all respiratory symptoms was observed in the exposed group. Lung function parameters were significantly reduced in the exposed group (p < 0.001). There was a dose–response relation between duration of occupational exposures and reduction in the predicted value of FEV1/FVC level (0.177, 95% CI −0.198 to −0.156) in all models.

Conclusion

The results of these analyses showed that occupational exposures in steel factory work increase the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and reduce lung function. Safety training and workplace conditions were found to need improvement. In addition, use of proper personal protective equipment is recommended.
Determining the ecological security pattern and important ecological regions based on the supply–demand of ecosystem services: A case study of Xuzhou City, China
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Zhang Ji , Chen Jiangchang , Gao Huizhi , Li Jiaming , Li Muhan
Published: February 2023

The supply–demand for ecosystem services (ESs) is the bridge between ecological security patterns (ESPs) and human wellbeing. This study proposed a research framework of ESP of “supply–demand–corridor–node” and took Xuzhou, China, as a research case, providing a new perspective for the construction of ESPs. The framework was divided into four sections: identifying the ecological source based on the ESs supply; utilizing multi-source economic-social data to characterize the demand of ESs and constructing a resistance surface; defining the ecological corridor in the study area by employing the Linkage Mapper; and identifying crucial ecological protection/restoration areas along the ecological corridor. The results showed that the area of the supply source of ESs in Xuzhou City is 573.89 km2, accounting for 5.19% of the city's total area. The spatial distribution of 105 ecological corridors revealed that there were multiple and dense ecological corridors in the middle of the city, but few in the northwest and southeast. A total of 14 ecological protection areas were located primarily in the south of the urban area, and 10 ecological restoration areas were located primarily in the middle and north of the urban area, with a total area of 4.74 km2. The findings of this article will be useful in developing ESPs and determining important ecological protection/restoration areas in Xuzhou, China. The research framework could potentially be used in other areas.
Impact of educational attainment and economic globalization on obesity in adult females and males: Empirical evidence from BRICS economies
Authors: Sart Gamze , Bayar Yilmaz , Danilina Marina
Published: February 2023

Obesity has considerably increased since 1980 and become a global epidemic. Obesity-related health problems and the negative social and economic implications of obesity have led international institutions and countries to combat it. This study investigates the role of educational attainment and economic globalization in the global prevalence of obesity in samples of adult females and males in BRICS economies for 1990–2016 through causality and cointegration tests. The results of the causality tests reveal that educational attainment and economic globalization have a significant influence on obesity in both adult females and males in the short run. Furthermore, cointegration analysis indicates a negative effect of educational attainment on obesity in all BRICS economies in the long run, but the influence of economic globalization on obesity differs among the BRICS economies. Furthermore, the negative influence of educational attainment on obesity is revealed to be relatively higher in females than males.
Association of ambient carbon monoxide exposure with hospitalization risk for respiratory diseases: A time series study in Ganzhou, China
Authors: Song Jiahao , Qiu Weihong , Huang Xuezan , Guo You , Chen Weihong , Wang Dongming , Zhang Xiaokang
Published: February 2023

Background

Ambient carbon monoxide (CO) exposure is associated with increased mortality and hospitalization risk for total respiratory diseases. However, evidence on the risk of hospitalization for specific respiratory diseases from ambient CO exposure is limited.

Methods

Data on daily hospitalizations for respiratory diseases, air pollutants, and meteorological factors from January 2016 to December 2020 were collected in Ganzhou, China. A generalized additive model with the quasi-Poisson link and lag structures was used to estimate the associations between ambient CO concentration and hospitalizations of total respiratory diseases, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), and influenza-pneumonia. Possible confounding co-pollutants and effect modification by gender, age, and season were considered.

Results

A total of 72,430 hospitalized cases of respiratory diseases were recorded. Significant positive exposure–response relationships were observed between ambient CO exposure and hospitalization risk from respiratory diseases. For each 1 mg/m3 increase in CO concentration (lag0–2), hospitalizations for total respiratory diseases, asthma, COPD, LRTI, and influenza-pneumonia increased by 13.56 (95% CI: 6.76%, 20.79%), 17.74 (95% CI: 1.34%, 36.8%), 12.45 (95% CI: 2.91%, 22.87%), 41.25 (95% CI: 18.19%, 68.81%), and 13.5% (95% CI: 3.41%, 24.56%), respectively. In addition, the associations of ambient CO with hospitalizations for total respiratory diseases and influenza-pneumonia were stronger during the warm season, while women were more susceptible to ambient CO exposure-associated hospitalizations for asthma and LRTI (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In brief, significant positive exposure–response relationships were found between ambient CO exposure and hospitalization risk for total respiratory diseases, asthma, COPD, LRTI, and influenza-pneumonia. Effect modification by season and gender was found in ambient CO exposure-associated respiratory hospitalizations.
Association between self-reported oral health and life satisfaction among China's migrant elderly following children: The mediating effect of social support
Authors: Wang Jieru , Pang Mingli , Kong Fanlei
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Focusing on the life satisfaction of the migrant elderly following children (MEFC) is of great theoretical and practical significance. We aimed to examine the effect of self-reported oral health on life satisfaction among the MEFC in Weifang, China, and to further explore the mediating role of social support on the relationship between self-reported oral health and life satisfaction.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey for 613 participants using multi-stage random sampling in Weifang, China, in August 2021. The Social Support Rating Scale was used to assess social support for the MEFC. We used the Chinese version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) to evaluate self-reported oral health. We assessed life satisfaction for the MEFC via the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The data were scrutinized through descriptive analysis, a chi-square test, a t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Results

The mean GOHAI, social support, and life satisfaction scores were 54.95 ± 6.649, 38.89 ± 6.629, and 27.87 ± 5.584, respectively. SEM analysis indicated that the self-reported oral health of the MEFC exerts a positive effect on life satisfaction and social support, and social support has a positive and direct effect on life satisfaction. Social support partially mediates the association between self-reported oral health and life satisfaction (95% confidence interval: 0.023–0.107, P < 0.001), with its mediating effect accounting for 27.86% of the total effect.

Conclusion

The mean score of life satisfaction was 27.87 ± 5.584 among the MEFC in Weifang, China, suggesting relatively high life satisfaction. Our findings underscore an empirical association between self-reported oral health and life satisfaction and imply that social support mediates this relationship.
Circulating plasma levels of miR-106b-5p predicts maximal performance in female and male elite kayakers
Authors: Torres-Aguilera Irene , Pinto-Hernandez Paola , Iglesias-Gutierrez Eduardo , Terrados Nicolas , Fernandez-Sanjurjo Manuel
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Plasma miR-106b-5p levels have been described as an exercise performance predictor in male amateur runners, although no information is available about female athletes. The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive value on sports performance of plasma miR-106b-5p levels in elite female and male kayakers at the beginning and at the end of a training macrocycle, as well as the potential underlying molecular mechanisms using an in silico approach.

Materials and Methods

Eight elite male (26.2 ± 3.6 years) and seven elite female (17.4 ± 0.5 years) kayakers from the Spanish national team. Two fasting blood samples were collected, starting point of the season (A) and maximum fitness level (B). Circulating plasma levels of miR-106b-5p were analyzed by RT-qPCR. Maximal 500 m performance was recorded at B.

Results and Discussion

miR-106b-5p levels had no differences between A and B neither in women nor in men. In men but not in women, miR-106b-5p levels showed a negative significant correlation with performance in B which highlights its predictive value for performance. However, in women, progesterone emerged as a determinant and the ratio miR-106b-5p/progesterone showed a significant negative correlation with performance. In silico analysis reveals potential targets in a number of genes of relevant to exercise.

Conclusions

miR-106b-5p emerges as a biomarker of athletic performance in men and in women, if the menstrual cycle is considered. This highlights the need to analyze molecular response to exercise in men and women separately, and considering the stage of the menstrual cycle in women as a relevant factor.
Case report: Experience with the Cube Navigation System in complex access routes during CT-guided lumbosacral infiltration therapy
Authors: Diepers Michael , Gruber Philipp , Remonda Luca , Berberat Jatta
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Computed tomography (CT)-guided infiltrations are a mainstay in the treatment of lower back pain. Needle placement is usually performed using the free-hand method, where the translation from the planned needle angle to the actual needle insertion angle is estimated. However, the free-hand method is especially challenging in cases where a double-oblique access route (out-of-plane) rather than an in-plane route is necessary. In this case series, we report our experience with the patient-mounted Cube Navigation System to guide needle placement for complex access routes in lumbar pain therapy.

Research design and methods

We retrospectively analyzed the cases of five patients in whom a double-oblique access route was necessary for CT-guided lumbar infiltration pain treatment. Each of those procedures was done using the Cube Navigation System to provide navigational guidance. The mean patient age was 69 ± 13 years (range 58–82 years; all females). Technical success, procedure time, and number of control scans were determined retrospectively.

Results

Technical success (i.e., positioning and accuracy) was obtained in all cases. Mean procedure time was 15 ± 7 min (10–22 min); on average, 2 ± 1 CT control scans were performed. There were no complications or material failures reported in the present study.

Conclusion

Double-oblique punctures with the Cube Navigation System in this initial case series of complex access routes at the lumbar spine were accurate and the procedure was time efficient. In the authors’ view, the Cube Navigation System has the potential to improve needle guidance for complex access routes, especially considering the ease of use of the device.
Signalment and C-reactive protein values in dogs with immune-mediated polyarthritis and steroid responsive meningitis arteritis
Authors: Indzhova Viktoriya , Czopowicz Michał , Kilpatrick Scott , Gutierrez-Quintana Rodrigo , Brocal Josep
Published: February 2023

Introduction

This retrospective multicentric study aims to evaluate the ability of CRP concentration to differentiate between dogs diagnosed with IMPA and SRMA. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation widely used in two of the most commonly diagnosed immune-mediated diseases in dogs—Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) and steroid responsive meningitis arteritis (SRMA).

Materials and methods

Data collected from medical records of 167 client-owned dogs included age, breed, gender, neuter status, body weight, body temperature, CRP concentration, month and season of diagnosis. CRP was measured quantitatively in 142 dogs (84%) and semi-quantitatively in 27 dogs (16%).

Results

SRMA was diagnosed significantly more often in dogs < 12 months old and IMPA in dogs ≥12 months old (P < 0.001). Dogs diagnosed with SRMA had higher CRP concentration than dogs diagnosed with IMPA (P = 0.02). This difference was influenced by the dog's age–when a dog was <12 months old, a higher CRP concentration indicated IMPA (P = 0.02), whereas when a dog was ≥12 months old, a higher CRP concentration indicated SRMA (P = 0.02).

Discussion

CRP concentration as a sole diagnostic modality showed only fair discriminatory potential to differentiate between SRMA and IMPA (area under ROC curve close to 0.7). CRP concentration varied depending on patient age and definitive diagnosis. It may play some role in differentiating between SRMA and IMPA but should not be used as the sole diagnostic modality, given it has been demonstrated to only have fair discriminatory potential.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Myopia Among Primary School Students in Southern China: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Mu Jingfeng , Zeng Dan , Fan Jingjie , Liu Meizhou , Jiang Mingjie , Shuai Xinyi , Wang Jiantao , Zhang Shaochong
Published: February 2023

Objectives:To study the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of myopia to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of myopia.

Methods:7,597 students studying in grades 1–3 were followed up. Eye examinations and questionnaire surveys were conducted annually from 2019 to 2021. The influencing factors of myopia were analyzed by logistic regression model.

Results:The prevalence of myopia among students in grades 1–3 in 2019 was 23.4%, which increased to 41.9% and 51.9% after the 1-and 2-year follow-up, respectively. The incidence of myopia and change in the spherical equivalent refraction (SER) were higher in 2020 than in 2021. The 2-year cumulative incidences of myopia were 2.5%, 10.1%, 15.5%, 36.3%, and 54.1% in students with a baseline SER >+1.50D, +1.00D to +1.50D, +0.50D to +1.00D, 0.00D to +0.50D, and -0.50D to 0.00D, respectively. Outdoor activities, sex, age, baseline SER, parental myopia, sleep time, and digital device exposure were associated with myopia.

Conclusion:The prevalence of myopia demonstrated a rapid increase; thus, healthy habits and outdoor activities should be promoted for the prevention and control of myopia.
Self-Reported Sleep Disturbance is an Independent Predictor of All-Cause Mortality and Respiratory Disease Mortality in US Adults: A Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hou Xinran , Hu Jiajia , Wang E , Wang Jian , Song Zongbin , Hu Jie , Shi Jian , Zhang Chengliang
Published: February 2023

Objective: Self-reported sleep disturbance is common but its association with mortality has rarely been investigated.

Methods: This prospective cohort analysis included 41,257 participants enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2018. Self-reported sleep disturbance in the present study refers to the patients who have ever consulted doctors or other professionals for trouble sleeping. Univariate and multivariate survey-weighted Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association of self-reported sleep disturbance with all-cause and disease-specific mortality.

Results: Approximately 27.0% of US adults were estimated to have self-reported sleep disturbance. After adjusting for all sociodemographic variables, health behavioral factors, and common comorbidities, participants with self-reported sleep disturbance tend to have higher all-cause mortality risk with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.17 (95% CI, 1.04–1.32) and chronic lower respiratory disease mortality risk (HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.26–2.80), but not cardiovascular disease mortality risk (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.96–1.46) and cancer mortality risk (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.90–1.35).

Conclusion: Self-reported sleep disturbance could be associated with higher mortality in adults, and may need to be paid more attention in public health management.
Vaccine Literacy and Vaccination: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Enming , Dai Zhengyue , Wang Suxing , Wang Xiaolong , Zhang Xian , Fang Qiong
Published: February 2023

Objectives: Vaccine literacy (VL) is an essential component of health literacy and is regarded as the promising technique for eliminating vaccine hesitancy. This review summarizes the relationship between VL and vaccination, including vaccine hesitancy, vaccination attitude, vaccination intention, and vaccination uptake.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies that explored the relationship between VL and vaccination were included, and the PRISMA recommendations were followed.

Results: 1523 studies were found, and 21 articles were selected. The earliest article was published in 2015 and focused on the HPV vaccination and VL of female college students. Three studies surveyed parents’ VL about childhood vaccinations, and the remaining 17 focused on COVID-19 VL in different groups.

Conclusion: Although VL plays a role in determining the level of vaccine hesitancy across various populations, the association remains unclear. In the future, additional assessment methods could be developed and used to conduct prospective cohort and longitudinal studies to determine the causal relationship between VL and vaccination.
Towards a Flexible Assessment of Compliance with Clinical Protocols Using Fuzzy Aggregation Techniques
Authors: Wilbik Anna , Vanderfeesten Irene , Bergmans Dennis , Heines Serge , Turetken Oktay , van Mook Walther
Published: February 2023

In healthcare settings, compliance with clinical protocols and medical guidelines is important to ensure high-quality, safe and effective treatment of patients. How to measure compliance and how to represent compliance information in an interpretable and actionable way is still an open challenge. In this paper, we propose new metrics for compliance assessments. For this purpose, we use two fuzzy aggregation techniques, namely the OWA operator and the Sugeno integral. The proposed measures take into consideration three factors: (i) the degree of compliance with a single activity, (ii) the degree of compliance of a patient, and (iii) the importance of the activities. The proposed measures are applied to two clinical protocols used in practice. We demonstrate that the proposed measures for compliance can further aid clinicians in assessing the aspect of protocol compliance when evaluating the effectiveness of implemented clinical protocols.
Design of Farm Irrigation Control System Based on the Composite Controller
Authors: Li Xue , Li Zhiqiang , Xie Dongbo , Wang Minxue , Zhou Guoan , Chen Liqing
Published: February 2023

Farmland irrigation is an essential foundation for good crop growth, while traditional farmland irrigation techniques cannot fully consider the impact of factors such as natural precipitation and crop transpiration on crop growth, which can, to a certain extent, result in poor irrigation decisions and a complex farmland environment that cannot be monitored promptly, thereby reducing farmland production efficiency. This study designs a farmland irrigation control system based on a composite controller. Firstly, an irrigation control method is proposed to establish a prediction model for future rainfall and crop transpiration using historical meteorological data. The composite controller is designed based on the prediction model to realize an irrigation control operation with an irrigation value as the control quantity, a water and fertilizer machine, and a solenoid valve as the actuators. Secondly, an intelligent irrigation control cloud platform based on Java language is designed to monitor farm information and irrigation operation records in real-time to facilitate visual management. Finally, the prediction accuracy is high, based on the prediction model results, which can provide a specific reference basis. The superiority of the proposed controller is verified by simulation using MATLAB/Simulink. The results show that the proposed controller can be well suited for nonlinear control systems and has good control performance while ensuring high tracking accuracy, strong robustness, and fast convergence.
Experimental Study on Dynamic Stall of Airfoil in Rotor Reverse Flow Region
Authors: Kong Weihong , Li You
Published: February 2023

The large reverse flow region of the rotor with a high advance ratio is an important factor that affects the performance improvement of helicopters. This paper examines the dynamic stall of the airfoil in the reverse flow region of the rotor to develop a set of dynamic pressure measurement systems for the airfoil in the reverse low region. The pitch oscillation experiment of the NACA0018 airfoil in and out of the rotor reverse flow region has been carried out, and the influence of the airfoil motion parameters on dynamic stalls has been studied. The results show that the airfoil is more likely to stall in the reverse flow region under static conditions and that stall is invariant to the Reynolds number. After a stall occurs, the lift coefficient decreases more slowly with the increase of the angle of attack (about 10% of that in the forward flow state). Under the dynamic environment, in a pitching cycle, the quarter chord moment coefficient of the airfoil alternates between positive and negative frequently during reverse-blowing. The pitching oscillation in the reverse flow region is more sensitive to the changes in airfoil parameters than that under normal flow, and there is a marked difference. The alternating moment of the airfoil in the reverse flow region is significant: the greater the pitching amplitude, the greater the alternating moment. In the reverse-blowing state, with the increase in reduced frequency, the dynamic stall angle of attack increases more significantly.
Ground Test and Numerical Simulation of Aerodynamic Interference of the Marsupial UAS
Authors: Li Huadong , Liu Yiliang , Li Daochun , Bie Dawei , Kan Zi
Published: February 2023

The marsupial unmanned aircraft system (UAS) consists of a large parent unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and multiple small children UAVs that can be launched and recovered in the air. The employment of marsupial UAS can expand the mission range of small UAVs and enhance the collaborative capabilities of small UAVs. However, the serious aerodynamic interference between the parent UAV and the child UAV will affect the flight safety during the launch and recovery process. In this paper, the interference characteristics of marsupial UAS is investigated through ground tests and CFD simulation. Ground tests compared the lift and power of the child UAV with and without parent UAV interference in different areas, and the simulation extended the experimental scope. Three specific interference regions above the parent UAV are defined, including the area above the rotors, the area above body and the transition area. In the first two aeras, the variation of the disturbed lift is more than 30% of the child UAV weight. In the transition aera, the child UAV will be subjected to significant lift variations and asymmetric moments. According to the interference characteristics of different regions, the safe flight boundaries and the appropriate paths of children UAVs are proposed.
Sex Chromosomes and Sex Determination in Dioecious Agricultural Plants
Authors: Razumova Olga V. , Alexandrov Oleg S. , Bone Karina D. , Karlov Gennady I. , Divashuk Mikhail G.
Published: February 2023

Unlike in animals, dioecy among flowering plants is a rare phenomenon. The vast majority of angiosperm species have a bisexual flower that combines male (androecium) and female (gynoecium) reproductive organs. However, about a quarter of species have dioecious flowers, which can be located within the same plant (monoecious) or on different plants (dioecious). The flower formation in dioecious plants is determined by various genetic mechanisms. They become more complex from the work of a single gene to the functioning of full-fledged heteromorphic sex chromosomes, which can directly affect sex differentiation or participate in the balance determination of sex (where the formation of male or female flower organs depends on the ratio of X chromosomes to autosomes, for example). In recent years, the development of sequencing techniques, bioinformatics, and molecular biology has led to an increase in interest in the sex determination mechanisms among plants. It is noteworthy that a significant number of dioecious plants have economic value. At the same time, dioeciousness often complicates the growing process. This fact increases the relevance of studies on dioecious crops. In this review, we attempt to summarize the current information on sex chromosomes and the mechanisms of sex determination in dioecious plants, concentrating on species with agricultural importance.
Comprehensive Comparative Analysis Sheds Light on the Patterns of Microsatellite Distribution across Birds Based on the Chromosome-Level Genomes
Authors: Feng Kaize , Zhou Chuang , Wang Lei , Zhang Chunhui , Yang Zhixiong , Hu Zhengrui , Yue Bisong , Wu Yongjie
Published: February 2023

Microsatellites (SSRs) are widely distributed in the genomes of organisms and are an important genetic basis for genome evolution and phenotypic adaptation. Although the distribution patterns of microsatellites have been investigated in many phylogenetic lineages, they remain unclear within the morphologically and physiologically diverse avian clades. Here, based on high-quality chromosome-level genomes, we examined the microsatellite distribution patterns for 53 birds from 16 orders. The results demonstrated that each type of SSR had the same ratio between taxa. For example, the frequency of imperfect SSRs (I-SSRs) was 69.90–84.61%, while perfect SSRs (P-SSRs) were 14.86–28.13% and compound SSRs (C-SSRs) were 0.39–2.24%. Mononucleotide SSRs were dominant for perfect SSRs (32.66–76.48%) in most bird species (98.11%), and A(n) was the most abundant repeat motifs of P-SSRs in all birds (5.42–68.22%). Our study further confirmed that the abundance and diversity of microsatellites were less effected by evolutionary history but its length. The number of P-SSRs decreased with increasing repeat times, and longer P-SSRs motifs had a higher variability coefficient of the repeat copy number and lower diversity, indicating that longer motifs tended to have more stable preferences in avian genomes. We also found that P-SSRs were mainly distributed at the gene ends, and the functional annotation for these genes demonstrated that they were related to signal transduction and cellular process. In conclusion, our research provided avian SSR distribution patterns, which will help to explore the genetic basis for phenotypic diversity in birds.
Longitudinal Training and Workload Assessment in Young Friesian Stallions in Relation to Fitness, Part 2—An Adapted Training Program
Authors: Siegers Esther , van den Broek Jan , Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan Marianne , Munsters Carolien
Published: February 2023

Young Friesian stallions have to complete a 10-week training program (70-day test) for acceptance as a breeding stallion. Part one of this study showed that the 70-day test was too intense and led to reduced fitness. In the present (part two) study, the effects of an adapted training program were studied. Training frequency and minutes of cantering per week were lowered compared with part one. The external workload (EW) of sixteen stallions (3.4 ± 0.8 years) was monitored during the 6-weeks before testing (preparation period) as well as during the 70-day test. Standardized exercise tests (SETs) were performed in week 1 (SET-I), 6 (SET-II), and 10 (SET-III) of the 70-day test, measuring heart rate (HR) and plasma lactate concentration (LA). Linear mixed effect models were used to analyze the EW, and the HR and LA related to the SETs. The EW increased from the preparation period to the 70-day test; this increase in the EW was lower compared with the original training program. The horses showed lower HR and LA levels in SET-III compared with SET-I. The young Friesian horses were at risk to be overtrained in part one, but the adapted training program resulted in increased fitness. This study shows that a carefully chosen program is necessary to improve the performance and welfare of (young) horses.
Biomarkers of Stress in Companion Animals
Authors: Ogi Asahi , Gazzano Angelo
Published: February 2023

Stress experienced by companion animals could impair their physical and psychological welfare, impacting their social relationships in domestic environments [...]
Bioprocess Development and Characterization of a 13C-Labeled Hybrid Bispecific Antibody Produced in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wecksler Aaron T. , Lundin Victor , Williams Ambrose J. , Veeravalli Karthik , Reilly Dorothea E. , Grieco Sung-Hye
Published: February 2023

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are highly efficacious therapeutics; however, due to their large, dynamic nature, structural perturbations and regional modifications are often difficult to study. Moreover, the homodimeric, symmetrical nature of mAbs makes it difficult to elucidate which heavy chain (HC)-light chain (LC) pairs are responsible for any structural changes, stability concerns, and/or site-specific modifications. Isotopic labeling is an attractive means for selectively incorporating atoms with known mass differences to enable identification/monitoring using techniques such as mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). However, the isotopic incorporation of atoms into proteins is typically incomplete. Here we present a strategy for incorporating 13C-labeling of half antibodies using an Escherichia coli fermentation system. Unlike previous attempts to generate isotopically labeled mAbs, we provide an industry-relevant, high cell density process that yielded >99% 13C-incorporation using 13C-glucose and 13C-celtone. The isotopic incorporation was performed on a half antibody designed with knob-into-hole technology to enable assembly with its native (naturally abundant) counterpart to generate a hybrid bispecific (BsAb) molecule. This work is intended to provide a framework for producing full-length antibodies, of which half are isotopically labeled, in order to study the individual HC-LC pairs.
Meropenem Model-Informed Precision Dosing in the Treatment of Critically Ill Patients: Can We Use It?
Authors: Li Letao , Sassen Sebastiaan D. T. , Ewoldt Tim M. J. , Abdulla Alan , Hunfeld Nicole G. M. , Muller Anouk E. , de Winter Brenda C. M. , Endeman Henrik , Koch Birgit C. P.
Published: February 2023

The number of pharmacokinetic (PK) models of meropenem is increasing. However, the daily role of these PK models in the clinic remains unclear, especially for critically ill patients. Therefore, we evaluated the published meropenem models on real-world ICU data to assess their suitability for use in clinical practice. All models were built in NONMEM and evaluated using prediction and simulation-based diagnostics for the ability to predict the subsequent meropenem concentrations without plasma concentrations (a priori), and with plasma concentrations (a posteriori), for use in therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Eighteen PopPK models were included for evaluation. The a priori fit of the models, without the use of plasma concentrations, was poor, with a prediction error (PE)% of the interquartile range (IQR) exceeding the ±30% threshold. The fit improved when one to three concentrations were used to improve model predictions for TDM purposes. Two models were in the acceptable range with an IQR PE% within ±30%, when two or three concentrations were used. The role of PK models to determine the starting dose of meropenem in this population seems limited. However, certain models might be suitable for TDM-based dose adjustment using two to three plasma concentrations.
Current and Future Pathways in Aspergillus Diagnosis
Authors: Dobiáš Radim , Stevens David A. , Havlíček Vladimír
Published: February 2023

Aspergillus fumigatus has been designated by the World Health Organization as a critical priority fungal pathogen. Some commercially available diagnostics for many forms of aspergillosis rely on fungal metabolites. These encompass intracellular molecules, cell wall components, and extracellular secretomes. This review summarizes the shortcomings of antibody tests compared to tests of fungal products in body fluids and highlights the application of β-d-glucan, galactomannan, and pentraxin 3 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. We also discuss the detection of nucleic acids and next-generation sequencing, along with newer studies on Aspergillus metallophores.
Role of Mitophagy in Regulating Intestinal Oxidative Damage
Authors: Wen Xiaobin , Tang Lixin , Zhong Ruqing , Liu Lei , Chen Liang , Zhang Hongfu
Published: February 2023

The mitochondrion is also a major site for maintaining redox homeostasis between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and scavenging. The quantity, quality, and functional integrity of mitochondria are crucial for regulating intracellular homeostasis and maintaining the normal physiological function of cells. The role of oxidative stress in human disease is well established, particularly in inflammatory bowel disease and gastrointestinal mucosal diseases. Oxidative stress could result from an imbalance between ROS and the antioxidative system. Mitochondria are both the main sites of production and the main target of ROS. It is a vicious cycle in which initial ROS-induced mitochondrial damage enhanced ROS production that, in turn, leads to further mitochondrial damage and eventually massive intestinal cell death. Oxidative damage can be significantly mitigated by mitophagy, which clears damaged mitochondria. In this review, we aimed to review the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of mitophagy and oxidative stress and their relationship in some intestinal diseases. We believe the reviews can provide new ideas and a scientific basis for researching antioxidants and preventing diseases related to oxidative damage.
Method for Compensating Aberrations of a Virtual Image Formed by an Augmented Reality Display Based on a Cylindrical Diffractive Waveguide
Authors: Vostrikov Gavril N. , Muravyev Nikolay V. , Angervaks Aleksandr E. , Okun Roman A. , Perevoznikova Anastasia S. , Ryu Jaeyeol , Putilin Andrei N.
Published: February 2023

To date, planar waveguides are under development for augmented reality systems with waveguide combiners. The next step of their development is the transition to curved waveguides, which could make the combiners more ergonomic. In the present work, a method has been developed that makes it possible to minimize aberrations of a virtual image during its in-coupling to and out-coupling from a cylindrical waveguide. The method is based on the use of in-coupling and out-coupling diffractive optical elements (DOE) with a variable grating period, which provide virtual image pre-aberration when radiation is in-coupled into the waveguide and compensation of the waveguide curvature at the out-coupling. Analytical laws are derived for the period variation of the in-coupling and out-coupling DOEs for an arbitrary curvature of a cylindrical waveguide. These dependences were optimized to minimize virtual image aberrations when using a radiation source with finite dimensions. Samples of cylindrical concentric PMMA waveguides with a curvature radius of 150 mm and in-coupling/out-coupling holographic optical elements (HOEs) have been created. The transmission of test monochrome virtual images through these waveguides without doubling and breaks in the field of view has been experimentally demonstrated.
Identification of Hub Genes Associated with Breast Cancer Using Integrated Gene Expression Data with Protein-Protein Interaction Network
Authors: Elbashir Murtada K. , Mohammed Mohanad , Mwambi Henry , Omolo Bernard
Published: February 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is the most incident cancer type among women. BC is also ranked as the second leading cause of death among all cancer types. Therefore, early detection and prediction of BC are significant for prognosis and in determining the suitable targeted therapy. Early detection using morphological features poses a significant challenge for physicians. It is therefore important to develop computational techniques to help determine informative genes, and hence help diagnose cancer in its early stages. Eight common hub genes were identified using three methods: the maximal clique centrality (MCC), the maximum neighborhood component (MCN), and the node degree. The hub genes obtained were CDK1, KIF11, CCNA2, TOP2A, ASPM, AURKB, CCNB2, and CENPE. Enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) influenced multiple pathways. The most significant identified pathways were focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, melanoma, and prostate cancer pathways. Additionally, survival analysis using Kaplan–Meier was conducted, and the results showed that the obtained eight hub genes are promising candidate genes to serve as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for BC. Furthermore, a correlation study between the clinicopathological factors in BC and the eight hub genes was performed. The results showed that all eight hub genes are associated with the clinicopathological variables of BC. Using an integrated analysis of RNASeq and microarray data, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was developed. Eight hub genes were identified in this study, and they were validated using previous studies. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier was used to verify the prognostic value of the obtained hub genes.
Research on Stability Evaluation of Perilous Rock on Soil Slope Based on Natural Vibration Frequency
Authors: Jia Yanchang , Song Guihao , Wang Luqi , Jiang Tong , Zhao Jindi , Li Zhanhui
Published: February 2023

Perilous rock instability on the soil slope brings a substantial threat to project operation and even people’s lives. The buried depth of the perilous rock is a challenge to deal with and primarily determines its stability, and the indirect rapid identification of its buried depth is the key to its stability evaluation. The paper aims to find a new and quick method to measure the buried depth of perilous rock on the soil slope and to solve the hard-to-measure buried depth stability evaluation. When the damping ratio is less than one, and the deformation is linear elastic throughout the amplitude range, the potentially perilous rock vibration model may reduce to a multi-degree-of-freedom vibration one. By theoretical deduction, a quantitative relationship is established among the perilous rock mass, the basement response coefficient, the buried depth of the perilous rock, and the natural horizontal vibration frequency. In addition, the accuracy of this relationship is confirmed via numerous indoor experiments, showing that the horizontal vibration frequency of the perilous rock model in one dimension increases as the buried depth increases. Finally, based on the natural vibration frequency and guided by the limit balance model, a stability evaluation model of the perilous rock on the soil slope is constructed. Hence, the example shows that the method is feasible. The research findings are of vital significance for the stability evaluation of the perilous rock on the soil slope and give a novel approach and theoretical foundation for quick identification and monitoring.
The Innovative Use of Intelligent Chatbot for Sustainable Health Education Admission Process: Learnt Lessons and Good Practices
Authors: Man Sorin Claudiu , Matei Oliviu , Faragau Tudor , Andreica Laura , Daraba Dinu
Published: February 2023

This article presents the methodology of creation of an innovative used by intelligent chatbots which support the admission process in universities. The lifecycle of the ontology, unlike the classical lifecycles, has six stages: conceptualization, formalization, development, testing, production and maintenance. This leads to sustainability of the chatbot, called Ana, which has been implemented at the “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Cluj-Napoca during the admission session throughout July–September 2022, for international candidates. The sustainability of the chatbot comes from the continuous maintenance and updates of the ontology, based on candidates’ interraction with the system and updates of the admission procedures. Over time, the chatbot is able to answer the questions according to the present situation of the admission and the real needs of the candidates. Ana had a huge impact, succeeding to resolve a number of 5173 applicants requests, and only 809 messages was transferred to the human operators, statistics which show a high cost-benefit improvement in terms of reducing the travel expenses for the candidates and also for the university. The article also summarizes the good practices in developing and use of such an intelligent chatbot.