bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro Anti-parasitic Activity of Pelargonium X. asperum Essential Oil Against Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Huang Si-Yang , Yao Na , He Jia-Kang , Pan Ming , Hou Zhao-Feng , Fan Yi-Min , Du Aifang , Tao Jian-Ping
Published: February 2021

Toxoplasmosis is a global zoonotic disease, and one-third of the human population is chronically infected by Toxoplasma gondii. Due to the limited effectiveness and prominent side effects of the existing drugs, there is a dire need for the discovery of new therapeutic options in the treatment of toxoplasmosis. In this study, five essential oils (EO) were screened for their anti-parasitic activity against T. gondii. The cytotoxicity of essential oils was evaluated using the MTT assay on human foreskin fibroblast cells. The CC50 values of Eucalyptus globulus EO, Cupressus sempervirens EO, Citrus aurantifolia EO, Melaleuca alternifolia EO, and Pelargonium X. asperum (Pa) EO were found to be 22.74, 7.25, 15.01, 6.26, and 4.77 mg/mL, respectively. Only PaEO exhibited anti-parasitic activity, and inhibited the growth of T. gondii in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, treatment with PaEO, was found to reduce the volume of T. gondii tachyzoites and make their membrane surfaces rough. These results showed that PaEO was able to inhibit the growth of T. gondii by reducing invasion, which may be due to its detrimental effect on the ability of tachyzoites to move. These findings suggest that PaEO could be a potential anti-T. gondii drug, which may facilitate the development of new and effective treatments against toxoplasmosis.
Treatment of in vitro-Matured Bovine Oocytes With Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid Modulates the Oxidative Stress Signaling Pathway
Authors: Pioltine Elisa Mariano , Costa Camila Bortoliero , Barbosa Latorraca Laís , Franchi Fernanda Fagali , dos Santos Priscila Helena , Mingoti Gisele Zoccal , Paula-Lopes Fabíola Freitas de , Nogueira Marcelo Fábio Gouveia
Published: February 2021

In several species, oocyte and embryo competence are improved by the addition of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitors to in vitro maturation (IVM) medium and/or in vitro culture (IVC) medium. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three concentrations of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA; 50, 200, and 1,000 μM), a chemical chaperone for relieving ER stress, during IVM of bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) for 24 h. Treated oocytes were analyzed for nuclear maturation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, mitochondrial activity, and abundance of target transcripts. In addition, the number of pronuclei in oocytes was evaluated after 18–20 h of insemination, and the rates of blastocyst and hatched blastocyst formation were evaluated after 7 and 8/9 days of culture, respectively. We further evaluated the transcript abundance of embryonic quality markers. Our findings showed that supplementation of IVM medium with 200 μM of TUDCA decreased ROS production and increased abundance of transcripts related to antioxidant activity in oocytes (CAT, GPX1, and HMOX1) and embryos (GPX1 and PRDX3). Interestingly, high concentration of TUDCA (1,000 μM) was toxic to oocytes, reducing the nuclear maturation rate, decreasing mitochondrial activity, and increasing the abundance of ER stress (HSPA5) and cellular apoptosis (CASP3 and CD40) related transcripts. The results of this study suggest that treatment with 200 μM of TUDCA is associated with a greater resistance to oxidative stress and indirectly with ER stress relief in bovine oocytes.
Use of Integrated Optical Clearing and 2-Photon Imaging to Investigate Sex Differences in Neuroimmune Interactions After Peripheral Nerve Injury
Authors: Szabo-Pardi Thomas A. , Syed Umar M. , Castillo Zachary W. , Burton Michael D.
Published: February 2021

Peripheral nerve injury induces a myriad of immune-derived symptoms that negatively impacts pain, depression, and overall quality of life. Neuroimmune differences underlie sexual dimorphisms in various pain states. The innate immune system is a source of these sex differences, which promotes inflammation and pro-nociception through bidirectional signaling with the nervous system. Spatiotemporal interactions between leukocytes and sensory neurons could hold the key to explain ascribed differences between sexes. To date, studies have found it difficult to display these interactions. We are poised to answer important questions regarding the recruitment of peripheral leukocytes to key tissues of the pain system, the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and sciatic nerve after nerve injury. We optically clear whole DRGs and sciatic nerves and concomitantly use multi-photon microscopy and transgenic reporter lines, to visualize leukocyte dynamics involved in neuropathic pain development following nerve injury. We observed robust sexual dimorphisms in leukocyte recruitment to the lumbar DRGs after nerve injury. We also assessed immune cell size and morphology to understand activation states in the context of nervous tissue inflammation. The altered mechanisms by which the male and female immune systems respond to nerve injury are still topics of further research, however; the continued use of next-generation imaging with advanced whole tissue image analysis remains an important tool in understanding the reciprocal interactions between neuronal and non-neuronal cells.
Metabolic Reprogramming of Vascular Endothelial Cells: Basic Research and Clinical Applications
Authors: Peng Hanlin , Wang Xiuli , Du Junbao , Cui Qinghua , Huang Yaqian , Jin Hongfang
Published: February 2021

Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) build a barrier separating the blood from the vascular wall. The vascular endothelium is the largest endocrine organ, and is well-known for its crucial role in the regulation of vascular function. The initial response to endothelial cell injury can lead to the activation of VECs. However, excessive activation leads to metabolic pathway disruption, VEC dysfunction, and angiogenesis. The pathways related to VEC metabolic reprogramming recently have been considered as key modulators of VEC function in processes such as angiogenesis, inflammation, and barrier maintenance. In this review, we focus on the changes of VEC metabolism under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Deficiency of Mettl3 in Bladder Cancer Stem Cells Inhibits Bladder Cancer Progression and Angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Ganping , Dai Yarong , Li Kang , Cheng Maosheng , Xiong Gan , Wang Xiaochen , Chen Shuang , Chen Zhi , Chen Jianwen , Xu Xiuyun , Ling Rong-song , Peng Liang , Chen Demeng
Published: February 2021

RNA N6-methyladenosine is a key step of posttranscriptional modulation that is involved in governing gene expression. The m6A modification catalyzed by Mettl3 has been widely recognized as a critical epigenetic regulation process for tumorigenic properties in various cancer cell lines, including bladder cancer. However, the in vivo function of Mettl3 in bladder cancer remains largely unknown. In our study, we found that ablation of Mettl3 in bladder urothelial attenuates the oncogenesis and tumor angiogenesis of bladder cancer using transgenic mouse model. In addition, conditional knockout of Mettl3 in K14+ bladder cancer stem cell population leads to inhibition of bladder cancer progression. Coupled with the global transcriptome sequencing and methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing results, we showed that deletion of Mettl3 leads to the suppression of tyrosine kinase endothelial (TEK) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) through reduced abundance of m6A peaks on a specific region. In addition, the depletion of Mettl3 results in the decrease in both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of TEK and VEGF-A in vitro. Taken together, Mettl3-mediated m6A modification is required for the activation of TEK–VEGF-A-mediated tumor progression and angiogenesis. Our findings may provide theoretical basis for bladder cancer treatment targeting Mettl3.
Activity of the SNARE Protein SNAP29 at the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatus
Authors: Morelli Elena , Speranza Elisa A. , Pellegrino Enrica , Beznoussenko Galina V. , Carminati Francesca , Garré Massimiliano , Mironov Alexander A. , Onorati Marco , Vaccari Thomas
Published: February 2021

Snap29 is a conserved regulator of membrane fusion essential to complete autophagy and to support other cellular processes, including cell division. In humans, inactivating SNAP29 mutations causes CEDNIK syndrome, a rare multi-systemic disorder characterized by congenital neuro-cutaneous alterations. The fibroblasts of CEDNIK patients show alterations of the Golgi apparatus (GA). However, whether and how Snap29 acts at the GA is unclear. Here we investigate SNAP29 function at the GA and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). As part of the elongated structures in proximity to these membrane compartments, a pool of SNAP29 forms a complex with Syntaxin18, or with Syntaxin5, which we find is required to engage SEC22B-loaded vesicles. Consistent with this, in HeLa cells, in neuroepithelial stem cells, and in vivo, decreased SNAP29 activity alters GA architecture and reduces ER to GA trafficking. Our data reveal a new regulatory function of Snap29 in promoting secretory trafficking.
Decoding the Mechanism of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction in Treating Pneumonia Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
Authors: Li Xianhai , Tang Hua , Tang Qiang , Chen Wei
Published: February 2021

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD) has been used to treat pneumonia for thousands of years in China. However, our understanding of its mechanisms on treating pneumonia is still unclear. In the present work, network pharmacology was used to analyze the potential active ingredients and molecular mechanisms of HLJDD on treating pneumonia. A total of 102 active ingredients were identified from HLJDD, among which 54 were hit by the 69 targets associated with pneumonia. By performing Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, we obtained the main pathways associated with pneumonia and those associated with the mechanism of HLJDD in the treatment of pneumonia. By constructing the protein–protein interaction network of common targets, 10 hub genes were identified, which were mainly involved in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, interleukin 17 (IL-17) signaling pathway, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, the results of molecular docking showed that the active ingredients of HLJDD had a good affinity with the hub genes. The final results indicate that HLJDD has a greater effect on bacterial pneumonia than on viral pneumonia. The therapeutic effect is mainly achieved by regulating the host immune inflammatory response and oxidative stress reaction, antibacterial microorganisms, alleviating the clinical symptoms of pneumonia, repairing damaged cells, and inhibiting cell migration.
Tumor-Associated Microbiota in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yang Weixiong , Chen Chang-Han , Jia Minghan , Xing Xiangbin , Gao Lu , Tsai Hsin-Ting , Zhang Zhanfei , Liu Zhenguo , Zeng Bo , Yeung Sai-Ching Jim , Lee Mong-Hong , Cheng Chao
Published: February 2021

Important evidence indicates the microbiota plays a key role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The esophageal microbiota was prospectively investigated in 18 patients with ESCC and 11 patients with physiological normal (PN) esophagus by 16S rRNA gene profiling, using next-generation sequencing. The microbiota composition in tumor tissues of ESCC patients were significantly different from that of patients with PN tissues. The ESCC microbiota was characterized by reduced microbial diversity, by decreased abundance of Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Spirochaetes. Employing these taxa into a microbial dysbiosis index demonstrated that dysbiosis microbiota had good capacity to discriminate between ESCC and PN esophagus. Functional analysis characterized that ESCC microbiota had altered nitrate reductase and nitrite reductase functions compared with PN group. These results suggest that specific microbes and the microbiota may drive or mitigate ESCC carcinogenesis, and this study will facilitate assigning causal roles in ESCC development to certain microbes and microbiota.
Nanoengineering Approaches Toward Artificial Nose
Authors: Kim Sanggon , Brady Jacob , Al-Badani Faraj , Yu Sooyoun , Hart Joseph , Jung Sungyong , Tran Thien-Toan , Myung Nosang V.
Published: February 2021

Significant scientific efforts have been made to mimic and potentially supersede the mammalian nose using artificial noses based on arrays of individual cross-sensitive gas sensors over the past couple decades. To this end, thousands of research articles have been published regarding the design of gas sensor arrays to function as artificial noses. Nanoengineered materials possessing high surface area for enhanced reaction kinetics and uniquely tunable optical, electronic, and optoelectronic properties have been extensively used as gas sensing materials in single gas sensors and sensor arrays. Therefore, nanoengineered materials address some of the shortcomings in sensitivity and selectivity inherent in microscale and macroscale materials for chemical sensors. In this article, the fundamental gas sensing mechanisms are briefly reviewed for each material class and sensing modality (electrical, optical, optoelectronic), followed by a survey and review of the various strategies for engineering or functionalizing these nanomaterials to improve their gas sensing selectivity, sensitivity and other measures of gas sensing performance. Specifically, one major focus of this review is on nanoscale materials and nanoengineering approaches for semiconducting metal oxides, transition metal dichalcogenides, carbonaceous nanomaterials, conducting polymers, and others as used in single gas sensors or sensor arrays for electrical sensing modality. Additionally, this review discusses the various nano-enabled techniques and materials of optical gas detection modality, including photonic crystals, surface plasmonic sensing, and nanoscale waveguides. Strategies for improving or tuning the sensitivity and selectivity of materials toward different gases are given priority due to the importance of having cross-sensitivity and selectivity toward various analytes in designing an effective artificial nose. Furthermore, optoelectrical sensing, which has to date not served as a common sensing modality, is also reviewed to highlight potential research directions. We close with some perspective on the future development of artificial noses which utilize optical and electrical sensing modalities, with additional focus on the less researched optoelectronic sensing modality.
Exploring the Potential of Cytochrome P450 CYP109B1 Catalyzed Regio—and Stereoselective Steroid Hydroxylation
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Hu Yun , Peng Wei , Gao Chenghua , Xing Qiong , Wang Binju , Li Aitao
Published: February 2021

Cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP109B1 is a versatile biocatalyst exhibiting hydroxylation activities toward various substrates. However, the regio- and stereoselective steroid hydroxylation by CYP109B1 is far less explored. In this study, the oxidizing activity of CYP109B1 is reconstituted by coupling redox pairs from different sources, or by fusing it to the reductase domain of two self-sufficient P450 enzymes P450RhF and P450BM3 to generate the fused enzyme. The recombinant Escherichia coli expressing necessary proteins are individually constructed and compared in steroid hydroxylation. The ferredoxin reductase (Fdr_0978) and ferredoxin (Fdx_1499) from Synechococcus elongates is found to be the best redox pair for CYP109B1, which gives above 99% conversion with 73% 15β selectivity for testosterone. By contrast, the rest ones and the fused enzymes show much less or negligible activity. With the aid of redox pair of Fdr_0978/Fdx_1499, CYP109B1 is used for hydroxylating different steroids. The results show that CYP109B1 displayed good to excellent activity and selectivity toward four testosterone derivatives, giving all 15β-hydroxylated steroids as main products except for 9 (10)-dehydronandrolone, for which the selectivity is shifted to 16β. While for substrates bearing bulky substitutions at C17 position, the activity is essentially lost. Finally, the origin of activity and selectivity for CYP109B1 catalyzed steroid hydroxylation is revealed by computational analysis, thus providing theoretical basis for directed evolution to further improve its catalytic properties.
Role of Cytokines in Experimental and Human Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Samant Mukesh , Sahu Utkarsha , Pandey Satish Chandra , Khare Prashant
Published: February 2021

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is the most fatal form of disease leishmaniasis. To date, there are no effective prophylactic measures and therapeutics available against VL. Recently, new immunotherapy-based approaches have been established for the management of VL. Cytokines, which are predominantly produced by helper T cells (Th) and macrophages, have received great attention that could be an effective immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of human VL. Cytokines play a key role in forming the host immune response and in managing the formation of protective and non-protective immunities during infection. Furthermore, immune response mediated through different cytokines varies from different host or animal models. Various cytokines viz. IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, and TNF-α play an important role during protection, while some other cytokines viz. IL-10, IL-6, IL-17, TGF-β, and others are associated with disease progression. Therefore, comprehensive knowledge of cytokine response and their interaction with various immune cells is very crucial to determine appropriate immunotherapies for VL. Here, we have discussed the role of cytokines involved in VL disease progression or host protection in different animal models and humans that will determine the clinical outcome of VL and open the path for the development of rapid and accurate diagnostic tools as well as therapeutic interventions against VL.
Evaluation of Autof MS 1000 and Vitek MS MALDI-TOF MS System in Identification of Closely-Related Yeasts Causing Invasive Fungal Diseases
Authors: Yi Qiaolian , Xiao Meng , Fan Xin , Zhang Ge , Yang Yang , Zhang Jing-Jia , Duan Si-Meng , Cheng Jing-Wei , Li Ying , Zhou Meng-Lan , Yu Shu-Ying , Huang Jing-Jing , Chen Xin-Fei , Hou Xin , Kong Fanrong , Kudinha Timothy , Xu Ying-Chun
Published: February 2021

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been accepted as a rapid, accurate, and less labor-intensive method in the identification of microorganisms in clinical laboratories. However, there is limited data on systematic evaluation of its effectiveness in the identification of phylogenetically closely-related yeast species. In this study, we evaluated two commercially available MALDI-TOF systems, Autof MS 1000 and Vitek MS, for the identification of yeasts within closely-related species complexes. A total of 1,228 yeast isolates, representing 14 different species of five species complexes, including 479 of Candida parapsilosis complex, 323 of Candida albicans complex, 95 of Candida glabrata complex, 16 of Candida haemulonii complex (including two Candida auris), and 315 of Cryptococcus neoformans complex, collected under the National China Hospital Invasive Fungal Surveillance Net (CHIF-NET) program, were studied. Autof MS 1000 and Vitek MS systems correctly identified 99.2% and 89.2% of the isolates, with major error rate of 0.4% versus 1.6%, and minor error rate of 0.1% versus 3.5%, respectively. The proportion of isolates accurately identified by Autof MS 1000 and Vitek MS per each yeast complex, respectively, was as follows; C. albicans complex, 99.4% vs 96.3%; C. parapsilosis complex, 99.0% vs 79.1%; C glabrata complex, 98.9% vs 94.7%; C. haemulonii complex, 100% vs 93.8%; and C. neoformans, 99.4% vs 95.2%. Overall, Autof MS 1000 exhibited good capacity in yeast identification while Vitek MS had lower identification accuracy, especially in the identification of less common species within phylogenetically closely-related species complexes.
Does Transformational Adaptation Require a Transformation of Climate Services?
Authors: Boon Eva , Goosen Hasse , van Veldhoven Felix , Swart Rob
Published: February 2021

Cities, regions and countries are increasingly adapting to climate change. Adaptation approaches often build on disaster management activities to deal with climate extremes and make improvements to already existing systems to prepare for climate change, e.g., through water engineering or cooling existing buildings. But ideally, adaptation strategies aim also at tackling the root causes of climate risks through broader sustainable development pathways. Such transformational approaches, however, are still in their infancy. In this perspective paper we argue that there is a lack of guidance to support policy-makers to develop transformational adaptation strategies. There is a need and opportunity to develop climate services that support transformational adaptation. We explore how climate services can support transformational adaptation, drawing from literature, practical experience and illustrative examples. We identify four knowledge requirements: (1) system knowledge to identify the root causes and solutions; (2) inspirational and cross-disciplinary knowledge to develop a long-term vision; (3) a clear climate message and guiding principles to mainstream the vision; and (4) design principles that are connected to the priorities and interests of the stakeholders. We conclude that developing climate services for transformational adaptation involves a delicate process of simplifying and aggregating climate knowledge, as well as integrating it with knowledge about the physical, economic and social systems of cities and regions. This means that climate service providers need to widen their scope and skills, and collaborate with experts in the fields urban planning, landscape architecture, ecology, health, and sociology.
The “TIDE”-Algorithm for the Weaning of Patients With Cardiogenic Shock and Temporarily Mechanical Left Ventricular Support With Impella Devices. A Cardiovascular Physiology-Based Approach
Authors: Tschöpe Carsten , Spillmann Frank , Potapov Evgenij , Faragli Alessandro , Rapis Konstantinos , Nelki Vivian , Post Heiner , Schmidt Gunther , Alogna Alessio
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is often required to stabilize therapy-refractory cardiogenic shock patients. Left ventricular (LV) unloading by mechanical ventricular support (MVS) via percutaneous devices, such as with Impella® axial pumps, alone or in combination with extracorporeal life support (ECLS, ECMELLA approach), has emerged as a potential clinical breakthrough in the field. While the weaning from MCS is essentially based on the evaluation of circulatory stability of patients, weaning from MVS holds a higher complexity, being dependent on bi-ventricular function and its adaption to load. As a result of this, weaning from MVS is mostly performed in the absence of established algorithms. MVS via Impella is applied in several cardiogenic shock etiologies, such as acute myocardial infarction (support over days) or acute fulminant myocarditis (prolonged support over weeks, PROPELLA). The time point of weaning from Impella in these cohorts of patients remains unclear. We here propose a novel cardiovascular physiology-based weaning algorithm for MVS.

Methods: The proposed algorithm is based on the experience gathered at our center undergoing an Impella weaning between 2017 and 2020. Before undertaking a weaning process, patients must had been ECMO-free, afebrile, and euvolemic, with hemodynamic stability guaranteed in the absence of any inotropic support. The algorithm consists of 4 steps according to the acronym TIDE: (i) Transthoracic echocardiography under full Impella-unloading; (ii) Impella rate reduction in single 8–24 h-steps according to patients hemodynamics (blood pressure, heart rate, and ScVO2), including a daily echocardiographic assessment at minimal flow (P2); (iii) Dobutamine stress-echocardiography; (iv) Right heart catheterization at rest and during Exercise-testing via handgrip. We here present clinical and hemodynamic data (including LV conductance data) from paradigmatic weaning protocols of awake patients admitted to our intensive care unit with cardiogenic shock. We discuss the clinical consequences of the TIDE algorithm, leading to either a bridge-to-recovery, or to a bridge-to-permanent LV assist device (LVAD) and/or transplantation. With this protocol we were able to wean 74.2% of the investigated patients successfully. 25.8% showed a permanent weaning failure and became LVAD candidates.

Conclusions: The proposed novel cardiovascular physiology-based weaning algorithm is based on the characterization of the extent and sustainment of LV unloading reached during hospitalization in patients with cardiogenic shock undergoing MVS with Impella in our center. Prospective studies are needed to validate the algorithm.
Association Between AGT M235T and Left Ventricular Mass in Vietnamese Patients Diagnosed With Essential Hypertension
Authors: Tran Tuan Thanh , Mai Thao Phuong , Tran Ha Chau Bich , Le Linh Hoang Gia , Vu Hoang Anh , Tran Trang Kim , Hoang Sy Van , Chau Hoa Ngoc , Do Minh Duc
Published: February 2021

Background: Increasing left ventricular mass in hypertensive patients is an independent prognostic marker for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Genetic factors have been shown to critically affect left ventricular mass. AGT M235T is one of the genetic polymorphisms that may influence left ventricular mass due to its pivotal role in the regulation of plasma angiotensinogen level as well as hypertension pathophysiology in Asian populations. Currently, how M235T affects left ventricular mass is not well-described in Vietnamese hypertensive patients. This study aimed to investigate the association between M235T and left ventricular mass in Vietnamese patients diagnosed with essential hypertension.

Materials and Methods:AGT M235T genotyping and 2D echocardiography were performed on 187 Vietnamese subjects with essential hypertension. All the ultrasound parameters were obtained to calculate the left ventricular mass index according to the American Society of Echocardiography and the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging 2015 guidelines. Other clinical characteristics were also recorded, including age, gender, duration of hypertension, hypertensive treatment, lifestyle, renal function, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profile.

Results: MT and TT genotypes were determined in 30 and 157 subjects, respectively. AGT M235T genotype, duration of hypertension, body mass index, and ejection fraction statistically affected the left ventricular mass index, which was significantly greater in TT compared to MT carriers after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusion: The TT genotype of AGT M23T was associated with greater left ventricular mass in Vietnamese patients diagnosed with essential hypertension.
A Synergistic Effect of Lp(a) and GRACE Score on Cardiovascular Risk in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Cohort Study From China
Authors: Hu Chengping , Liu Jinxing , Han Hongya , Sun Yan , Cheng Yujing , Liu Yan , Gao Ang , Zhou Yujie , Zhang Jianwei , Zhao Yingxin
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] has been thought as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score is used to predict the risk of death or death/non-fatal myocardial infarction in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). It suggests that there may be a synergism between Lp(a) and the GRACE risk score on predicting cardiovascular events. Accordingly, this study aimed to test the hypothesis that Lp(a)-related cardiovascular risk could be significantly modulated by the GRACE risk score in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: Patients hospitalized with ACS undergoing PCI were enrolled and followed up for 18 months. The primary outcome was the composite of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, and unplanned repeat revascularization. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to determine the relationship between Lp(a) and cardiovascular events.

Results: A total of 6,309 patients were included (age: 60.1 ± 10.06 years, male: 75.2%, BMI: 26.2 ± 10.57 kg/m2). A total of 310 (4.9%) cardiovascular events occurred. When the overall population was stratified by a GRACE score of 91 or less vs. more than 91 and by tertiles of Lp(a), higher Lp(a) was significantly associated with cardiovascular events only when the GRACE score was <91(tertile 2 vs. tertile 1: HR 1.31, 95% CI: 0.86–1.98, P = 0.205; tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: HR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.32–2.84, P = 0.001; P = 0.002). However, no such significant correlation between cardiovascular events and Lp(a) emerged in the case of a GRACE score 91 or less, and there was a significant interaction for cardiovascular events between Lp(a) tertiles and dichotomized GRACE scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: In ACS patients undergoing PCI, there was a synergistic effect between the GRACE risk score and on-statins Lp(a) on predicting cardiovascular events. This finding could help us more accurately identify patients who would benefit most from Lp(a)-lowering treatment.
The Association Between Monocyte Subsets and Cardiometabolic Disorders/Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Oh Ester S. , Na Muzi , Rogers Connie J.
Published: February 2021

Background: Monocyte subsets in humans, i.e., classical (CM), intermediate (IM), and non-classical monocytes (NCM), are thought to differentially contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the association between monocyte subsets and cardiometabolic disorders and CVD is not well-understood. Thus, the aim of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate recent findings from clinical studies that examined the association between the distribution of monocyte subsets in subjects with cardiometabolic disorders and CVD compared to healthy controls.

Methods: Articles were systematically searched in CINAHL, PubMed and Cochrane Library. Articles were independently screened and selected by two reviewers. Studies that reported the percentage of each monocyte subset were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. For the meta-analysis, a random-effects model was used to generate pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) between subjects with cardiometabolic disorders and healthy controls.

Results: A total of 1,693 articles were screened and 27 studies were selected for qualitative analyses. Among them, six studies were included in the meta-analysis. In total, sample size ranged from 22 to 135 and mean or median age from 22 to 70 years old. We found studies that reported higher percentage and number of IM and/or NCM in subjects with cardiometabolic disorders (9 out of 13 studies) and in subjects with CVD (11 out of 15 studies) compared to healthy controls. In the meta-analysis, the percentage of CM was lower [SMD = −1.21; 95% CI (−1.92, −0.50); P = 0.0009; I2 = 91%] and the percentage of IM [SMD = 0.56; 95% CI (0.23, 0.88); P = 0.0008; I2 = 65%] and NCM [SMD = 1.39; 95% CI (0.59, 2.19); P = 0.0007; I2 = 93%] were higher in subjects with cardiometabolic disorders compared to healthy controls.

Conclusions: Individuals with cardiometabolic disorders and CVD may have a higher percentage of IM and NCM than healthy controls. Future studies are needed to evaluate the cause and biological significance of this potential altered distribution of monocyte subsets.
Variation of Open-Pit Waste Dump Specimens Under Effective Pressure Influence
Authors: Tovele Gerson. S. V. , Han Liu , Shu Ji Sen
Published: February 2021

The waste dump is a giant artificial loose pile body composed of fine, medium, and coarse particle sizes. Rising incidents of landslides caused by overburden pressure and effective pressure are of increasing concern in the open-pit waste dump and, if not well-controlled, are a dangerous threat to the workers, the environment, and the equipment. The purpose of this research is to investigate the connection between effective pressure, porosity, void ratio, and coefficient of permeability and to find their influence in the open-pit waste dump. This study analyzed the mechanical and physical changes of seven different soil samples using consolidation and permeability under consolidation laboratory test. The test samples were subject to a pressure ranging from 100 to 1600 kPa. The effective pressure was found to play a major role in influencing void ratio, porosity, and coefficient of permeability, and waste dump height management and control are of great importance. This study answers the question regarding the correlation between effective pressure, void ratio, porosity, and coefficient of permeability in the open-pit waste dump. Further studies are needed to establish profound relationships and develop preventative measures to keep the waste dump slope stable and safe.
Enhancing Engagement of Citizen Scientists to Monitor Precipitation Phase
Authors: Arienzo Monica M. , Collins Meghan , Jennings Keith S.
Published: February 2021

Recent literature has highlighted how citizen science approaches can engage volunteers, expand scientific literacy, and accomplish targeted research objectives. However, there is limited information on how specific recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies enhance scientific outcomes. To help fill this important information gap, we detail the use of various approaches to engage citizen scientists in the collection of precipitation phase data (rain, snow, or mixed). In our study region, the Sierra Nevada and Central Basin and Range of California and Nevada near Lake Tahoe, a marked amount of annual precipitation falls near freezing. At these air temperatures, weather forecasts, land surface models, and satellites all have difficulty correctly predicting and observing precipitation phase, making visual observations the most accurate approach. From January to May 2020, citizen scientists submitted timestamped, geotagged observations of precipitation phase through the Citizen Science Tahoe mobile phone application. Our recruitment strategy included messaging to winter, weather, and outdoor enthusiasts combined with amplification through regional groups, which resulted in over 199 citizen scientists making 1,003 ground-based observations of rain, snow, and mixed precipitation. We enhanced engagement and retention by targeting specific storms in the region through text message alerts that also allowed for questions, clarifications, and training opportunities. We saw a high retention rate (88%) and a marked increase in the number of observations following alerts. For quality control of the data, we combined various meteorological datasets and compared to the citizen science observations. We found that 96.5% of submitted data passed our quality control protocol, which enabled us to evaluate rain-snow partitioning patterns. Snow was the dominant form of precipitation at air temperatures below and slightly above freezing, with both ecoregions expressing a 50% rain-snow air temperature threshold of 4.2°C, a warmer value than what would be incorporated into most land surface models. Thus, the use of a lower air temperature threshold in these areas would produce inaccuracies in event-based rain-snow proportions. Overall, our high retention rate, data quality, and rain-snow analysis were supported by the recruitment strategy, text message communication, and simplicity of the survey design. We suggest other citizen science projects may follow the approaches detailed herein to achieve their scientific objectives.
The Late Capitanian Mass Extinction of Terrestrial Vertebrates in the Karoo Basin of South Africa
Authors: Day Michael O. , Rubidge Bruce S.
Published: February 2021

The Beaufort Group of the main Karoo Basin of South Africa records two major extinction events of terrestrial vertebrates in the late Palaeozoic. The oldest of these has been dated to the late Capitanian and is characterized by the extinction of dinocephalian therapsids and bradysaurian pareiasaurs near the top of Tapinocephalus Assemblage Zone. Faunal turnover associated with the extinction of dinocephalians is evident in vertebrate faunas from elsewhere in Pangaea but it can be best studied in the Karoo Basin, where exposures of the upper Abrahamskraal and lower Teekloof formations allow continuous sampling across the whole extinction interval. Here we present field data for several sections spanning the Capitanian extinction interval in the southwestern Karoo and discuss recent work to establish its timing, severity, and causes. A large collections database informed by fieldwork demonstrates an increase in extinction rates associated with ecological instability that approach that of the end-Permian mass extinction, and shows significant turnover followed by a period of low diversity. Extinctions and recovery appear phased and show similarities to diversity patterns reported for the end-Permian mass extinction higher in the Beaufort sequence. In the Karoo, the late Capitanian mass extinction coincides with volcanism in the Emeishan Large Igneous Province and may have been partly driven by short-term aridification, but clear causal mechanisms and robust links to global environmental phenomena remain elusive.
The Influence of Attitudes and Beliefs on the Problem-Solving Performance
Authors: Sturm Nina , Bohndick Carla
Published: February 2021

The problem-solving performance of primary school students depend on their attitudes and beliefs. As it is not easy to change attitudes, we aimed to change the relationship between problem-solving performance and attitudes with a training program. The training was based on the assumption that self-generated external representations support the problem-solving process. Furthermore, we assumed that students who are encouraged to generate representations will be successful, especially when they analyze and reflect on their products. A paper-pencil test of attitudes and beliefs was used to measure the constructs of willingness, perseverance, and self-confidence. We predicted that participation in the training program would attenuate the relationship between attitudes and problem-solving performance and that non-participation would not affect the relationship. The results indicate that students’ attitudes had a positive effect on their problem-solving performance only for students who did not participate in the training.
Conditional Fgfr1 Deletion in GnRH Neurons Leads to Minor Disruptions in the Reproductive Axis of Male and Female Mice
Authors: Dela Cruz Cynthia , Horton Cassandra A. , Sanders Kelsey N. , Andersen Nathan D. , Tsai Pei-San
Published: February 2021

In humans and mice, inactivating mutations in fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (Fgfr1) lead to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency and a host of downstream reproductive disorders. It was unclear if Fgfr1 signaling directly upon GnRH neurons critically drove the establishment of a functional GnRH system. To answer this question, we generated a mouse model with a conditional deletion of Fgfr1 in GnRH neurons using the Cre/loxP approach. These mice, called Fgfr1cKO mice, were examined along with control mice for their pubertal onset and a host of reproductive axis functions. Our results showed that Fgfr1cKO mice harbored no detectable defects in the GnRH system and pubertal onset, suffered only subtle changes in the pituitary function, but exhibited significantly disrupted testicular and ovarian morphology at 25 days of age, indicating impaired gametogenesis at a young age. However, these disruptions were transient and became undetectable in older mice. Our results suggest that Fgfr1 signaling directly on GnRH neurons supports, to some extent, the reproductive axis function in the period leading to the early phase of puberty, but is not critically required for pubertal onset or reproductive maintenance in sexually mature animals.
Hybrid Photovoltaic-Wind Microgrid With Battery Storage for Rural Electrification: A Case Study in Perú
Authors: Canziani Franco , Vargas Raúl , Gastelo-Roque José A.
Published: February 2021

Microgrids are autonomous systems that generate, distribute, store, and manage energy. This type of energy solution has the potential to supply energy to remote communities since they can integrate solar, wind, and back-up diesel generation. These systems are potentially beneficial in Peru, where there are approximately 1.5 million people without access to electricity. This paper studies the technical aspects of the implementation, operation, and social impact of a hybrid microgrid installed in Laguna Grande, Ica, Peru, a rural fishing community composed of about 35 families who have lived in this remote location for more than 40 years without access to electricity. The design of the microgrid comprised three main stages: assessment, sizing, and social management. According to resource assessment, this location has a very high wind potential with an average of 8 m/s and annual average irradiation of 6 kWh/m2/day. The microgrid was designed based on interviews with members of the community on energy use, social-economic aspects, and factors such as expected growth and available funds. The construction followed a participatory approach, involving the community in specific stages of the project. This hybrid microgrid is composed of a 6 kWp photovoltaic system and two wind turbines of 3 kW each. It has two coupled 4 kW inverters that deliver power to a 230 V AC distribution line to which all the community loads are connected. Energy is stored using a VRLA 800 Ah, 48 V battery bank, which is designed to work at 50% DOD. The installed microgrid has proven very effective in supplying the average daily demand of 23 kWh at an almost steady power of 1–1.2 kW. During almost 2 years of monitoring, it has presented a 10% loss of load due to peak increases in demand, technical problems, and occasional low solar and wind resources. PV/wind integration is very important since approximately 60% of the energy demand is nocturnal. The CAPEX of the project reached USD 36,000.00, obtaining a cost of energy levelized cost of energy of 0.267 USD per kWh. The project has a useful life of 20 years, with battery renewal every 3 years and wind turbines and electronics every 10.
Grid-Aware Layout of Photovoltaic Panels in Sustainable Building Energy Systems
Authors: Middelhauve Luise , Baldi Francesco , Stadler Paul , Maréchal François
Published: February 2021

In the context of increasing concern for anthropogenic CO2 emissions, the residential building sector still represents a major contributor to energy demand. The integration of renewable energy sources, and particularly of photovoltaic (PV) panels, is becoming an increasingly widespread solution for reducing the carbon footprint of building energy systems (BES). However, the volatility of the energy generation and its mismatch with the typical demand patterns are cause for concern, particularly from the viewpoint of the management of the power grid. This paper aims to show the influence of the orientation of photovoltaic panels in designing new BES and to provide support to the decision making process of optimal PV placing. The subject is addressed with a mixed integer linear optimization problem, with costs as objectives and the installation, tilt, and azimuth of PV panels as the main decision variables. Compared with existing BES optimization approaches reported in literature, the contribution of PV panels is modeled in more detail, including a more accurate solar irradiation model and the shading effect among panels. Compared with existing studies in PV modeling, the interaction between the PV panels and the remaining units of the BES, including the effects of optimal, scheduling is considered. The study is based on data from a residential district with 40 buildings in western Switzerland. The results confirm the relevant influence of PV panels’ azimuth and tilt on the performance of BES. Whereas south-orientation remains the most preferred choice, west-orientationed panels better match the demand when compared with east-orientationed panels. Apart from the benefits for individual buildings, an appropriate choice of orientation was shown to benefit the grid: rotating the panels 20° westwards can, together with an appropriate scheduling of the BES, reduce the peak power of the exchange with the power grid by 50% while increasing total cost by only 8.3%. Including the more detailed modeling of the PV energy generation demonstrated that assuming horizontal surfaces can lead to inaccuracies of up to 20% when calculating operating expenses and electricity generated, particularly for high levels of PV penetration.
Grid Island Energy Transition Scenarios Assessment Through Network Reliability and Power Flow Analysis
Authors: Hussain E. K. , Thies Philipp R. , Hardwick Jon , Connor Peter M. , Abusara Mohammad
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a methodology for the reliability and power flow analysis of islands or off-grid power networks for situations of scarce data and information. It offers a new and pragmatic approach to derive the required power network information, including the power cable parameters and the load at each power node. The paper aims to present the developed methodology, and to illustrate its application, using Ushant Island as a case study. The assessment of the current power network status and the reliability analysis are presented. Grid performance parameters are further compared for conventional diesel generator operation and renewable energy generation scenarios, demonstrating the advantages of replacing the existing diesel units with renewable energy sources in terms of system reliability. The analysis shows that by introducing renewable energy systems to the island’s grid, the reliability of the grid increases by up to 50% and cable capacity usage reduces by up to 30%. Furthermore, this work suggests that it would not be necessary to modify the grid cables when substituting the diesel generator. The paper will be of interest to network planners, community stakeholders, project developers and decision-makers concerned with renewable energy investment on islands and in remote rural areas.