bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Validation of Mirnas and their Targets that Regulate the Resistance Genes against Fusarium Wilt in Tomato
Authors: Mahfouze Heba A. , Yogindran Sneha , Mahfouze Sherin A. , Rajam Manchikatla V.
Published: March 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a specialized group of small RNAs (sRNAs) that regulate gene expression in plants at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Numerous families of miRNA target genes are involved in regulating plant immunity. In this study, we studied the role of miRNAs in the defensive response against a fungal pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, which causes wilt disease in tomatoes. Furthermore, the expression patterns of two novel miRNAs and their targets were validated by qRT-PCR. Moreover, two new miRNAs (miR30 and miR33) were further sequenced by Applied Biosystems, using gene-specific primers. The results showed that four miRNAs, two novel (miR30 and miR33), and two known miRNAs (miR46 and miR49) and their target genes were differentially expressed during the infection with the pathogen. On the other hand, two targets (P4) and (β-1,3-glucanase) showed an inverse correlation in expression with their corresponding (miR46), and (miR33, and miR49), respectively. Our results showed that tomato cv. Pusa Early Dwarf is moderately susceptible to the fungus because its resistance is not well-expressed enough to be attributed to miRNAs. Sequences analysis showed that miR30 and miR33 are highly conserved and are found in different plant species. We predicted the secondary structures of miR30 and miR33 by minimum free energy (MFE). The total free energy of miRNA30 and miR33 was -1.2 and -0.4 kcal/mol respectively, predicted by the Vienna RNA package program V.1.7. The result of this study could improve our comprehension of the role that miRNAs play in tomato resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. In addition, it will provide novel gene sources to develop resistant breeds.
From Gender Gap to Gender Gaps: Bringing Nonbinary People into Political Behavior Research
Authors: Albaugh Quinn , Harell Allison , Loewen Peter John , Rubenson Daniel , Stephenson Laura B.
Published: March 2023

The gender gap in voting is one of the most well-documented findings in political behavior across democracies. However, gender gap research has traditionally assumed that everyone is either a man or a woman. How do nonbinary people differ from men and women in their party identification and voting behavior? We answer this question using data from the 2021 Canadian Election Study online panel. Nonbinary people are much less likely to identify with and vote Liberal or Conservative and much more likely to identify with and vote for the social democratic New Democratic Party (NDP) than both men and women. Many of these gaps persist even when restricting the analysis to LGBTQ respondents, adjusting for demographic variables that predict nonbinary identity, and adjusting for issue attitudes. Nonbinary people’s distinctiveness from men and women suggests that researchers need to incorporate nonbinary people into studies of political behavior.
Advances and potential of omics studies for understanding the development of food allergy
Authors: Sindher Sayantani B. , Chin Andrew R. , Aghaeepour Nima , Prince Lawrence , Maecker Holden , Shaw Gary M. , Stevenson David K. , Nadeau Kari C. , Snyder Michael , Khatri Purvesh , Boyd Scott D. , Winn Virginia D. , Angst Martin S. , Chinthrajah R. Sharon
Published: March 2023

The prevalence of food allergy continues to rise globally, carrying with it substantial safety, economic, and emotional burdens. Although preventative strategies do exist, the heterogeneity of allergy trajectories and clinical phenotypes has made it difficult to identify patients who would benefit from these strategies. Therefore, further studies investigating the molecular mechanisms that differentiate these trajectories are needed. Large-scale omics studies have identified key insights into the molecular mechanisms for many different diseases, however the application of these technologies to uncover the drivers of food allergy development is in its infancy. Here we review the use of omics approaches in food allergy and highlight key gaps in knowledge for applying these technologies for the characterization of food allergy development.
Effects of ECM proteins (laminin, fibronectin, and type IV collagen) on the biological behavior of Schwann cells and their roles in the process of remyelination after peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Yu Peng , Zhang Guanhua , Hou Bo , Song Enpeng , Wen Jiaming , Ba Yueyang , Zhu Donglin , Wang Gangwei , Qin Feng
Published: March 2023

Introduction: It is important to note that complete myelination and formation of myelinated fibers are essential for functional nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injury (PNI). However, suboptimal myelin regeneration is common and can hinder ideal nerve regeneration. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor and support myelin regeneration in patients with PNI to achieve optimal outcomes.

Methods: This study analyzed the effects of three extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins on Schwann cells (SCs) in the nerve regeneration environment, including their adhesion, proliferation, and migration. The study also explored the use of composite sodium alginate hydrogel neural scaffolds with ECM components and investigated the effects of ECM proteins on remyelination following peripheral nerve injury.

Results: The results showed that laminin (LN), fibronectin (FN), and collagen Ⅳ (type IV Col) promoted the early adhesion of SCs in 2-dimensional culture but the ratios of early cell adhesion were quite different and the maintenance of cells’ morphology by different ECM proteins were significantly different. In transwell experiment, the ability of LN and FN to induce the migration of SCs was obviously higher than that of type IV Col. An vitro co-culture model of SCs and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons showed that LN promoted the transition of SCs to a myelinated state and the maturation of the myelin sheath, and increased the thickness of neurofilaments. Animal experiments showed that LN had superior effects in promoting myelin sheath formation, axon repair, and reaching an ideal G-ratio after injury compared to FN and Col IV. The situation of gastrocnemius atrophy was significantly better in the LN group. Notably, the thickness of the regenerated myelin sheaths in the type IV Col group was the thickest.

Conclusion: In this experiment, we analyzed and compared the effects of LN, FN, and type IV Col on the biological behavior of SCs and their effects on remyelination after PNI and further clarified their unique roles in the process of remyelination. Further research is necessary to explore the underlying mechanisms.
Trends in mitochondrial unfolded protein response research from 2004 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ye Zelin , Chai Ruoning , Luan Yujie , Du Yihang , Xue Wenjing , Shi Shuqing , Wu Huaqin , Wei Yi , Zhang Limei , Hu Yuanhui
Published: March 2023

The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is a stress response pathway that regulates the expression of mitochondrial chaperones, proteases, and other proteins involved in protein folding and degradation, thereby ensuring proper mitochondrial function. In addition to this critical function, the UPRmt also plays a role in other cellular processes such as mitochondrial biogenesis, energy metabolism, and cellular signaling. Moreover, the UPRmt is strongly associated with various diseases. From 2004 to 2022, there has been a lot of interest in UPRmt. The present study aims to utilized bibliometric tools to assess the genesis, current areas of focus, and research trends pertaining to UPRmt, thereby highlighting avenues for future research. There were 442 papers discovered to be related to UPRmt, with the overall number of publications rising yearly. International Journal of Molecular Sciences was the most prominent journal in this field. 2421 authors from 1,402 institutions in 184 nations published studies on UPRmt. The United States was the most productive country (197 documents). The top three authors were Johan Auwerx, Cole M Haynes, and Dongryeol Ryu. The early focus of UPRmt is “protein.” And then the UPRmt research shifted from Caenorhabditis elegans back to mammals, and its close link to aging and various diseases. The top emerging research hotspots are neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic diseases. These findings provide the trends and frontiers in the field of UPRmt, and valuable information for clinicians and scientists to identify new perspectives with potential collaborators and cooperative countries.
Narratives on the present and the future in the time of COVID-19 pandemic: Uncertainty, subjective feeling and the role of positive anticipatory states
Authors: Biassoni Federica , Balzarotti Stefania , Abati Daniela , Salducco Alice , Gnerre Martina
Published: March 2023

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between certainty, positive anticipatory states, and positive feelings by analyzing written narratives collected during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in April 2020.

Methods

A total of 1,090 Italian participants were asked to write two narratives (one about the present and one about their representation of the future). The corpus was analyzed with the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count software package.

Results

Results showed that during the acute phase of COVID-19, people felt more certainty about the present than about the future. In particular, the appraisal dimension of certainty influenced the elicitation of positive feelings through the effect of positive anticipatory states. People with high levels of certainty about the future experienced positive feelings more frequently. The results also suggest that people find it easier to focus on the present moment and experience positive feelings rather than try to predict the future and generate positive feelings based on those predictions.

Conclusions

The study is significant, as it is the first to investigate whether certainty may be a strategy for regulating the specific stressor represented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The results highlighted the importance of certainty in coping with environmental threats and stressors.
Impact of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) on mid-term clinical outcomes following coronary artery bypass grafting: A secondary analysis of the DACAB trial
Authors: Yu Qixiang , Xue Qing , Liu Hao , Hu Junlong , Wang Rui , Song Yuanyuan , Zhou Yanzai , Zhang Wei , Zhu Yunpeng , Zhao Qiang
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The objective was to evaluate the influence of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a 5-year follow-up of the DACAB trial (NCT02201771), in which 500 patients who underwent primary isolated CABG were randomized to three-antiplatelet therapy for 1 year after surgery. Of them, 459 patients were recruited in this secondary analysis. Baseline LDL-C and Lp(a) levels were collected, and repeated measurement of LDL-C levels during the follow-up were recorded. Cut-off values for LDL-C were set at 1.8 and 2.6 mmol/L; thus, the patients were stratified into LDL-C <1.8, 1.8–<2.6, and ≥2.6 mmol/L subgroups. Cut-off value for Lp(a) was 30 mg/dL; thus, the patients were divided into Lp(a) <30 and ≥30 mg/dL subgroups. The primary outcome was 4-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE-4), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and repeated revascularization. Median follow-up time was 5.2 (interquartile range, 4.2–6.1) years.

Results

During the follow-up, 129 (28.1%) patients achieved the attainment of LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L, 186 (40.5%) achieved LDL-C 1.8–<2.6 mmol/L, and 144 (31.4%) remained LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L. Compared with the postoperative LDL-C <1.8 mmol/L group, the risk of MACE-4 was significantly higher in the LDL-C 1.8–<2.6 mmol/L group [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.92, 95% CI, 1.12–3.29; P = 0.019] and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L group (aHR = 3.90, 95% CI, 2.29–6.64; P < 0.001). Baseline Lp(a) ≥30 mg/dL was identified in 131 (28.5%) patients and was associated with an increased risk of MACE-4 (aHR = 1.52, 95% CI, 1.06–2.18; P = 0.022).

Conclusions

For CABG patients, exposure to increased levels of postoperative LDL-C or baseline Lp(a) was associated with worse mid-term clinical outcomes. Our findings suggested the necessity of achieving LDL-C target and potential benefit of adding Lp(a) targeted lipid-lowering therapy in CABG population.
Is the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) excessive in post-angioplasty in chronic coronary syndrome? Data from the France-PCI registry (2014–2019)
Authors: Mezier A. , Motreff P. , Clerc J. M. , Bar O. , Deballon R. , Demicheli T. , Dechery T. , Souteyrand G. , Py A. , Lhoest N. , Lhermusier T. , Honton B. , Gommeaux A. , Jeanneteau J. , Deharo P. , Benamer H. , Cayla G. , Koning R. , Pereira B. , Collet J. P. , Rangé G.
Published: March 2023

Background

while the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) following coronary angioplasty for chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) recommended by the European Society of Cardiology has decreased over the last decade, little is known about the adherence to those guidelines in clinical practice in France.

Aim

To analyze the real duration of DAPT post coronary angioplasty in CCS, as well as the factors affecting this duration.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2019, 8.836 percutaneous coronary interventions for CCS from the France-PCI registry were evaluated, with 1 year follow up, after exclusion of patients receiving oral anticoagulants, procedures performed within one year of an acute coronary syndrome, and repeat angioplasty.

Results

Post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) DAPT duration was > 12 months for 53.1% of patients treated for CCS; 30.5% had a DAPT between 7 and 12 months, and 16.4% a DAPT ≤ 6 months. Patients with L-DAPT (>12 months) were at higher ischemic risk [25.0% of DAPT score ≥2 vs. 18.8% DAPT score ≥2 in S&I-DAPT group (≤12 months)]. The most commonly used P2Y12 inhibitor was clopidogrel (82.2%). The prescription of ticagrelor increased over the period.

Conclusions

post-PCI DAPT duration in CCS was higher than international recommendations in the France PCI registry between 2014 and 2019. More than half of the angioplasty performed for CCS are followed by a DAPT > 12 months. Ischemic risk assessment influences the duration of DAPT. This risk is probably overestimated nowadays, leading to a prolongation of DAPT beyond the recommended durations, thus increasing the bleeding risk.
Multimodality imaging of a cardiac paraganglioma: A case report
Authors: Punzo Bruna , Baldi Dario , Ranieri Brigida , Cavaliere Carlo , Cademartiri Filippo
Published: March 2023

Cardiac paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare extra-adrenal tumors that arise from chromaffin cells of the sympathetic ganglia. PGLs are often diagnosed incidentally, in the absence of symptoms, or with symptoms related to cardiovascular dysfunction. Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can be used to accurately determine the lesion morphology and position as well as providing detailed tissue characterization. A multimodal imaging approach, not yet standardized, could be useful either in diagnosis and monitoring or in treatment planning. In the case reported here, CCT and CMR were performed to define lesion anatomy, and a reconstruction was generated using cinematic rendering (CR) to characterize the PGL angioarchitecture.
Nomogram to predict the incidence of new-onset heart failure after acute coronary syndrome among women
Authors: Yan Qiqi , Ye Lifang , Zhang Qinggang , Song Jikai , Zhang Xin , Wu Liuyang , Wang Lihong
Published: March 2023

Background

Although great progress has been made in caring for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the incidence of heart failure (HF) after discharge remains high after ACS.

Aims

We aimed to investigate the risk predictors for new-onset HF and build a simple nomogram to optimize the clinical management of female patients.

Methods

The clinical data of 319 female patients with ACS between January 1, 2021 and January 1, 2022, were obtained from the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out to build the prediction model among all participants and then verified by 10-fold cross-validation. The discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the prediction model were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analyses.

Results

This study analyzed 15 potential independent risk predictors of new-onset HF in 319 female patients with ACS. The incidence of HF onset was 23.2%. The following 5 independent risk predictors were filtered out as most relevant for predicting 12-month HF onset: left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 60.5%, high-density lipoprotein ≤ 1.055 mmol/L, human epididymal protein 4 > 69.6 pmol/L, creatinine > 71.95 µmol/L, and diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI).

Conclusion

Our nomogram, which used five easily obtained clinical variables, could be a useful tool to help identify female individuals with ACS who are at high risk of developing HF after discharge and facilitate communication between female patients and physicians.
Taking modern psychiatry into the metaverse: Integrating augmented, virtual, and mixed reality technologies into psychiatric care
Authors: Ford T.J. , Buchanan Derrick M. , Azeez Azeezat , Benrimoh David A. , Kaloiani Irakli , Bandeira Igor D. , Hunegnaw Saron , Lan Lucy , Gholmieh Mia , Buch Vivek , Williams Nolan R.
Published: March 2023

The landscape of psychiatry is ever evolving and has recently begun to be influenced more heavily by new technologies. One novel technology which may have particular application to psychiatry is the metaverse, a three-dimensional digital social platform accessed via augmented, virtual, and mixed reality (AR/VR/MR). The metaverse allows the interaction of users in a virtual world which can be measured and manipulated, posing at once exciting new possibilities and significant potential challenges and risks. While the final form of the nascent metaverse is not yet clear, the immersive simulation and holographic mixed reality-based worlds made possible by the metaverse have the potential to redefine neuropsychiatric care for both patients and their providers. While a number of applications for this technology can be envisioned, this article will focus on leveraging the metaverse in three specific domains: medical education, brain stimulation, and biofeedback. Within medical education, the metaverse could allow for more precise feedback to students performing patient interviews as well as the ability to more easily disseminate highly specialized technical skills, such as those used in advanced neurostimulation paradigms. Examples of potential applications in brain stimulation and biofeedback range from using AR to improve precision targeting of non-invasive neuromodulation modalities to more innovative practices, such as using physiological and behavioral measures derived from interactions in VR environments to directly inform and personalize treatment parameters for patients. Along with promising future applications, we also discuss ethical implications and data security concerns that arise when considering the introduction of the metaverse and related AR/VR technologies to psychiatric research and care.
Transformer assisted dual U-net for seismic fault detection
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , You Jiachun , Liu Wei , Wang Xingjian
Published: March 2023

Automatic seismic fault identification for seismic data is essential for oil and gas resource exploration. The traditional manual method cannot accommodate the needs of processing massive seismic data. With the development of artificial intelligence technology, deep learning techniques based on pattern recognition have become a popular research area for seismic fault identification. Despite the progress made with U-shaped neural networks (Unet), they still fall short in meeting the stringent requirements of fault prediction in complex structures. We propose a novel approach by combining a standard Unet with a transformer Unet to create a parallel dual Unet model, called Dual Unet with Transformer. To improve the accuracy of fault prediction, we compare six loss functions (including Binary Cross Entropy loss, Dice coefficient loss, Tversky loss, Local Tversky loss, Multi-scale Structural Similarity and Intersection over Union loss) using synthetic data, based on three evolution metrics involving Dice coefficient, Sensitivity and Specificity, find that the binary cross entropy loss function is the most robust one. An example comparing the prediction performance of different Unet models on synthetic data demonstrates the superior performance of our Dual Unet model, verifying the practical application value. To further validate the practical feasibility of our proposed method, we use real seismic data with a complex fault system and find that our proposed model is more accurate in predicting the fault system compared to well-developed Unet models such as the classical Unet and classical coherence cube algorithm, without transfer learning. This confirms the potential for wide-scale application of our proposed model.
Food deprivation differentially modulates gene expression of LPXRFa and kisspeptin systems in the brain-pituitary axis of half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis)
Authors: Wang Bin , Cui Aijun , Xu Yongjiang , Zhang Yaxing , Jiang Yan , Liu Xuezhou
Published: March 2023

LPXRFa, also known as gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), and kisspeptin (Kiss) are two major hypothalamic peptides that modulate the reproductive axis of vertebrates, including teleosts. However, little information is available regarding the actions of nutritional status on the regulation of these two neuroendocrine systems in fish. Herein, we assessed the effects of starvation and refeeding on the expression of lpxrfa, kiss2 and their receptors (lpxrfa-r and kiss2r respectively) at the brain-pituitary level of half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Food deprivation for 4 weeks induced a rise in brain lpxrfa as well as brain and pituitary lpxrfa-r mRNA levels, and refeeding restored brain lpxrfa and lpxrfa-r expression back to normal. However, pituitary lpxrfa-r mRNA levels still remained high after 1 week of refeeding. Neither lpxrfa nor kiss2 transcripts in the pituitary were altered by fasting, but their mRNA levels increased significantly after 1 week of refeeding, and declined back to the control levels after 2 weeks of refeeding. None of brain kiss2 and kiss2r along with pituitary kiss2r transcripts were modified by the nutritional status. In summary, our results revealed an interaction between energy status and the elements of LPXRFa and Kiss systems in the brain-pituitary axis of half-smooth tongue sole. Food deprivation and refeeding differentially regulated the two systems, which provided additional evidence for the involvement of the LPXRFa and Kiss systems in the regulation of reproduction by energy balance in non-mammalian species.
The characteristics of serum lipid spectrum in PanNENs and its correlation with clinicopathological features and prognosis
Authors: Meng Yu-Fan , Fan Zhi-Yao , Yang Jian , Li Yong-Zheng , Liu Shu-Jie , Gao Chang-Hao , Gao Xin , Pang Chao-Yu , Zhan Han-Xiang
Published: March 2023

Background

The role of dyslipidemia in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNENs) is unclear. The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of serum lipid spectrum in PanNENs, and the effect of the variation in lipid profile on the development of PanNENs clinicopathological features and prognosis.

Methods

All PanNENs patients between November 2012 and September 2020 in the authors’ research center were identified from patient medical records and databases. A total of 185 with PanNENs patients were ultimately included in this study, including 100 nonfunctional PanNENs and 85 insulinomas. Clinicopathologic features, serum lipid level and overall survival results were retrospectively analyzed using statistical methods.

Results

In 185 PanNENs, 95 (51.4%) patients appear to have dyslipidemia. Patients with insulinoma had a lower proportion of abnormal HDL than those with nonfunctional PanNENs (10.6% vs 23%, P=0.026). The mean serum HDL levels of insulinomas were 0.131 mmol/L higher than the NF-PanNENs (1.306 ± 0.324 vs 1.175 ± 0.315, P=0.006). In multivariate logistic analysis, high levels of HDL are negatively correlated to tumor size (OR 0.233, 95% CI: 0.069-0.790, P=0.019), but HDL was not associated with pathological grade or metastasis. And a correlation has been found between hypercholesterolemia and the original location of the tumor (OR:0.224, 95%CI: 0.066-0.753, P =0.016). In addition, the outcome of the survival analysis revealed that dyslipidemia did not influence the prognosis of PanNENs patients (P>0.05).

Conclusions

HDL was negatively correlated with the tumor size of PanNENs. The serum HDL level of insulinoma patients is higher than nonfunctional PanNENs.
Interindividual differences contribute to variation in microbiota composition more than hormonal status: A prospective study
Authors: Jackova Zuzana , Stepan Jan J. , Coufal Stepan , Kostovcik Martin , Galanova Natalie , Reiss Zuzana , Pavelka Karel , Wenchich Laszlo , Hruskova Hana , Kverka Miloslav
Published: March 2023

Aims

Ovarian hormone deficiency is one of the main risk factors for osteoporosis and bone fractures in women, and these risks can be mitigated by menopausal hormone therapy. Recent evidence suggests that gut microbiota may link changes in estrogen levels and bone metabolism. This study was conducted to investigate the potential relationship between hormonal and bone changes induced by oophorectomy and subsequent hormonal therapy and shifts in gut microbiota composition.

Methods

We collected 159 stool and blood samples in several intervals from 58 women, who underwent bilateral oophorectomy. Changes in fecal microbiota were assessed in paired samples collected from each woman before and after oophorectomy or the start of hormone therapy. Bacterial composition was determined by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene on Illumina MiSeq. Blood levels of estradiol, FSH, biomarkers of bone metabolism, and indices of low-grade inflammation were measured using laboratory analytical systems and commercial ELISA. Areal bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine, proximal femur, and femur neck was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Results

We found no significant changes in gut microbiota composition 6 months after oophorectomy, despite major changes in hormone levels, BMD, and bone metabolism. A small decrease in bacterial diversity was apparent 18 months after surgery in taxonomy-aware metrics. Hormonal therapy after oophorectomy prevented bone loss but only marginally affected gut microbiota. There were no significant differences in β-diversity related to hormonal status, although several microbes (e.g., Lactococcus lactis) followed estrogen levels. Body mass index (BMI) was the most significantly associated with microbiota variance. Microbiota was not a suitable predictive factor for the state of bone metabolism.

Conclusions

We conclude that neither the loss of estrogens due to oophorectomy nor their gain due to subsequent hormonal therapy is associated with a specific gut microbiota signature. Sources of variability in microbiota composition are more related to interindividual differences than hormonal status.
An intelligent protection scheme for series-compensated transmission lines connecting large-scale wind farms
Authors: Prabhu M. S. , Biswas Sauvik , Nayak Paresh Kumar , Abdelaziz Almoataz , El-Shahat Adel
Published: March 2023

Series-compensated transmission lines (SCTLs) are increasingly preferred for transmitting bulk amounts of electricity generated from the present-day large-scale wind farm to the utility grid due to several technical and economic benefits. However, when a fault occurs in such a wind farm-integrated SCTL, the impedance across the metal oxide varistor (MOV)-protected series capacitor varies non-linearly. Also, the fault current contributed from the wind farm side is quite different compared to the grid side. Consequently, the widely used fixed impedance-based distance relaying schemes showed limitations when used for protecting such crucial TLs. In this paper, the impacts of series compensation and wind farm integration on distance relay are investigated, and this paper proposes an intelligent relaying scheme using only the current measurements. In the proposed scheme, the fault detection task is performed using the signs of the half-cycle magnitude differences of the line end positive-sequence currents, and the fault classification task is performed using only the local current measurements processed through the Fourier–Bessel series expansion (FBSE) bagging ensemble (BE) classifier. The non-stationary components present in the current signal at the initiation of a fault are captured by calculating FBSE coefficients, and the singular value decomposition is applied for dimensionality reduction of the feature set. Finally, the extracted features are used by the BE classifier for fault classification. The method is evaluated in MATLAB/Simulink® on numerous fault and non-fault data simulated in two-bus systems and also validated through the OPAL-RT (OP4510) manufactured real-time digital simulation platform. The obtained results (response time for fault detection and classification <10 ms), including the comparative assessment results (fault detection accuracy =100% and fault classification accuracy =99.37%), justify the effectiveness of the proposed relaying scheme in protecting the wind farm-integrated SCTLs.
Intelligent control system for the electric vehicle heat pump air conditioner based on machine learning
Authors: Miao Zehua
Published: March 2023

In order to break through the existing battery technology of electric vehicles, this paper proposes to use heat pump air conditioning instead of the original PTC heating system potential. First, the advantages and disadvantages of different heat pump models for new energy vehicles are analyzed and compared. Second, a fuzzy inference system is constructed based on the machine learning model to observe the temperature of the passenger compartment using the temperature sensor inside the tram and to determine the need for the air conditioning system to be turned on in the heating/cooling mode by comparing it with the set temperature. Finally, the results show that the machine learning algorithm is able to monitor and adaptively adjust the interior temperature to further enhance the adaptability of the system with low volatility and high accuracy. The proposed research study can lay the foundation for further optimizing the design of heat pump air conditioners for electric vehicles.
Predictive investigation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis subtypes based on cellular senescence-related genes for disease treatment and management
Authors: Yang Changqing , Han Ziqi , Zhan Wenyu , Wang Yubao , Feng Jing
Published: March 2023

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic, progressive lung disease characterized by interstitial remodeling and tissue destruction, affects people worldwide and places a great burden on society. Cellular senescence is thought to be involved in the mechanisms and development of IPF. The aim of this study was to predictively investigate subtypes of IPF according to cellular senescence-related genes and their correlation with the outcome of patients with IPF, providing possible treatment and management options for disease control.

Methods: Gene expression profiles and follow-up data were obtained from the GEO database. Senescence-related genes were obtained from the CSGene database and analyzed their correlation with the outcome of IPF. A consensus cluster was constructed to classify the samples based on correlated genes. The GSVA and WGCNA packages in R were used to calculate the immune-related enriched fractions and construct gene expression modules, respectively. Metascape and the clusterProfiler package in R were used to enrich gene functions. The ConnectivityMap was used to probe suitable drugs for potential treatment.

Results: A total of 99 cellular senescence-related genes were associated with IPF prognosis. Patients with IPF were divided into two subtypes with significant prognostic differences. Subtype S2 was characterized by enhanced fibrotic progression and infection, leading to acute exacerbation of IPF and poor prognosis. Finally, five cellular senescence-related genes, TYMS, HJURP, UBE2C, BIRC5, and KIF2C, were identified as potential biomarkers in poor prognostic patients with IPF.

Conclusion: The study findings indicate that cellular senescence-related genes can be used to distinguish the prognosis of patients with IPF. Among them, five genes can be used as candidate biomarkers to predict patients with a poor prognostic subtype for which anti-fibrosis and anti-infection treatments could be suitable.
Intrauterine contraceptive discontinuation reasons among female trial participants living with HIV in Cape Town, South Africa: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Pradhan Subarna , Tolley Elizabeth E. , Langwenya Nontokozo , Jones Heidi E. , Hoover Donald R. , Petro Gregory , Myer Landon , Todd Catherine S.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

While young women in South Africa may navigate both HIV infection and pregnancy risks, intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) use is low. Though IUCs have low failure rates, concerns exist about whether the IUC is an appropriate method choice for women living with HIV (WLHIV). In this qualitative study, we explore WLHIVs' experiences of using IUC and reasons for discontinuation.

Methods

This qualitative study included in-depth interviews (IDIs) with 17 WLHIV who electively discontinued their allocated IUC while participating in a randomized controlled trial comparing the safety of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the copper intrauterine device (C-IUD) in Cape Town, South Africa. The transcripts were coded and emergent themes were grouped to examine women's experiences with IUC use and reasons for discontinuation, highlighting experiential differences between the two methods.

Results

Women's experience with the allocated IUC related most commonly to bleeding and/or abdominal pain just after insertion. Most C-IUD discontinuers, but only one LNG-IUS discontinuer, complained of pain and/or increased bleeding as the main reason for removal. Three women (two LNG-IUS, one C-IUD) requested removal because they desired pregnancy, while two others discontinued due to fears the IUC was exacerbating non-gynecologic conditions (hypertension, diabetes). Generally, women acknowledged advantages of IUC use and many expressed their desire to continue use if not for the side effects.

Conclusions

In the South African context, IUC use for WLHIV should be promoted with specific counseling considerations. Both providers and potential users should receive specific information about potential menstrual-related side effects and countering common misperceptions to enable informed contraceptive decision-making.
Assessing the association of leukocyte telomere length with ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wei Donglei , Jiang Yage , Cheng Jianwen , Wang Hui , Sha Ke , Zhao Jinmin
Published: March 2023

Background

Telomere length shortening can cause senescence and apoptosis in various immune cells, resulting in immune destabilization and ageing of the organism. In this study, we aimed to systematically assess the causal relationship of leukocyte telomere length (LTL) with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using a Mendelian randomization study.

Methods

LTL (n=472174) was obtained from the UK Biobank genome-wide association study pooled data. AS (n=229640), RA (n=212472) were obtained from FinnGen database. MR-Egger, inverse variance weighting, and weighted median methods were used to estimate the effects of causes. Cochran’s Q test, MR Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, leave-one-out analysis, and funnel plots were used to look at sensitivity, heterogeneity, and multiple effects. Forward MR analysis considered LTL as the exposure and AS, RA as the outcome. Reverse MR analysis considered AS, RA as the exposure and LTL as the outcome.

Results

In the forward MR analysis, inverse variance-weighted and weighted median analysis results indicated that longer LTL might be associated with increased risk of AS (IVW: OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.14-2.11, p = 0.006). MR Egger regression analysis showed no pleiotropy between instrumental variables (IVs) (Egger intercept= 0.008, p = 0.294). The leave-one-out analysis showed that each single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of AS was robust to each outcome. No significant causal effects were found between AS, RA and LTL in the reverse MR analysis.

Conclusion

Longer LTL may be related with an increased risk of developing AS, and these findings provide a foundation for future clinical research on the causal association between LTL and AS.
Identification of cancer-associated fibroblasts subtypes in prostate cancer
Authors: Pan Jiahua , Ma Zehua , Liu Bo , Qian Hongyang , Shao Xiaoguang , Liu Jiazhou , Wang Qi , Xue Wei
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most abundant cell types in tumor microenvironment. However, the phenotypic and functional heterogeneities among CAFs have not been sufficiently investigated in prostate cancer.

Methods

We obtained and analyzed the single-cell RNA-sequencing data from 26 hormone-sensitive prostate cancer samples and 8 castration-resistant prostate cancer samples, along with the analysis of bulk-sequencing datasets. Furthermore, we performed multicolor immunofluorescence staining to verify the findings from the data analysis.

Results

We identified two major CAFs subtypes with distinct molecular characteristics and biological functions in prostate cancer microenvironment, namely αSMA+ CAV1+ CAFs-C0 and FN1+ FAP+ CAFs-C1. Another single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset containing 7 bone metastatic prostate cancer samples demonstrated that osteoblasts in the bone metastatic lesions comprised two subtypes with molecular characteristics and biological functions similar to CAFs-C0 and CAFs-C1 in the primary tumor sites. In addition, we discovered a transcriptional factor regulatory network depending on CAFs-C1. CAFs-C1, but not CAFs-C0, was associated with castration resistance and poor prognosis. We also found that CAFs-C1 signature was involved in treatment resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Discussion

In summary, our results identified the presence of heterogeneous CAFs subtypes in prostate cancer microenvironment and the potential of specific CAFs subtype as therapeutic target for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Immune-related adverse events correlate with the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors combination therapy in advanced cholangiocarcinoma patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yanfang , Wang Xiaoting , Li Yinyan , Hong Yun , Zhao Qingwei , Ye Ziqi
Published: March 2023

Background

Whether irAEs can predict the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has not been assessed. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the correlation between irAEs and the therapeutic effect of PD-1 inhibitors combination therapy in patients with advanced CCA.

Methods

All patients with CCA who were consecutively admitted to the inpatient unit of our hospital and received PD-1 inhibitors combination therapy between September 2020 and April 2022 were screened. In total, 106 patients with CCA were screened out. We then followed up these patients until October 2022. Due to perioperative use (n=28), less than 2 cycles of PD-1 inhibitor therapy (n=9), incomplete data (n=8) and no pathological report (n=2), 59 patients were included in the final analysis. The patients were divided into the irAEs cohort and the non-irAEs cohort according to whether they experienced irAEs or not. The Log-Rank test was performed to compare the difference in survival time between these two cohorts. We then applied multivariate COX regression analysis to investigate whether irAEs were independent prognostic factors for survival in patients with advanced CCA.

Results

Finally, 32 patients were included in the irAEs cohort and 27 patients in the non-irAEs cohort. A total of 32 patients (54.2%) had any-grade irAEs, of which 4 patients (6.8%) had grade 3-4 irAEs. The most common irAEs were thyroid toxicity (30.5%) and dermatologic toxicity (30.5%). There were no notable differences in demographics and clinical characteristics between the irAEs and non-irAEs cohorts, except for total bilirubin level (P=0.026) and relapse (P=0.016). The disease control rate (DCR) in the irAEs cohort was higher than in the non-irAEs cohort (90.6% vs 70.4%, P=0.047). Median overall survival (OS) and median progression-free survival (PFS) were better in the irAEs cohort than in the non-irAEs cohort (OS: 21.2 vs 10.0 months, P<0.001; PFS: 9.0 vs 4.4 months, P=0.003). Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that irAEs were independent prognostic factors for OS and PFS (OS: HR=0.133, 95% CI: 0.039-0.452, P=0.001; PFS: HR=0.435, 95% CI: 0.202-0.934, P=0.033).

Conclusion

IrAEs correlated with improved DCR, OS, and PFS in advanced CCA patients receiving PD-1 inhibitors combination therapy.
A novel zinc metabolism-related gene signature to predict prognosis and immunotherapy response in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Chang Wuguang , Li Hongmu , Ou Wei , Wang Si-Yu
Published: March 2023

Background

Zinc is a key mineral element in regulating cell growth, development, and immune system. We constructed the zinc metabolism-related gene signature to predict prognosis and immunotherapy response for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

Zinc metabolism-associated gene sets were obtained from Molecular Signature Database. Then, the zinc metabolism-related gene signature (ZMRGS) was constructed and validated. After combining with clinical characteristics, the nomogram for practical application was constructed. The differences in biological pathways, immune molecules, and tumor microenvironment (TME) between the different groups were analyzed. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion algorithm (TIDE) and two immunotherapy datasets were used to evaluate the immunotherapy response.

Results

The signature was constructed according to six key zinc metabolism-related genes, which can well predict the prognosis of LUAD patients. The nomogram also showed excellent prediction performance. Functional analysis showed that the low-risk group was in the status of immune activation. More importantly, the lower risk score of LUAD patients showed a higher response rate to immunotherapy.

Conclusion

The state of zinc metabolism is closely connected to prognosis, tumor microenvironment, and response to immunotherapy. The zinc metabolism-related signature can well evaluate the prognosis and immunotherapy response for LUAD patients.
Notch signaling: A potential target for the development of host-directed therapies against tuberculosis
Authors: Baindara Piyush
Published: March 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the preeminent causes of death among infectious diseases and remains a global threat to human health. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has coevolved with the human host and is an extremely successful pathogen by abusing the human system in different ways. Interestingly, Mtb can remain undetected in the human host for years as latent TB, so there is an urgent need to develop new therapies to combat Mtb. In the recent past, host-directed therapies have attracted the research community as a promising approach to combat TB, and thus novel host targets are of interest. In the present editorial, we have explored and suggested Notch signaling as a potential host target to develop a new therapeutic strategy against Mtb.
Effects of data sources and biological criteria on length-at-maturity estimates and spawning periodicity of the commercially important Hawaiian snapper, Etelis coruscans
Authors: Reed Erin M. , Brown-Peterson Nancy J. , DeMartini Edward E. , Andrews Allen H.
Published: March 2023

Reproductive characteristics of a fish stock provide important tools for assessing population health. Change in length-at-maturity (L50) is a potential indicator of exploited fish populations but when criteria for determining maturity classifications are inconsistent, it is difficult to accurately assess change over time and space. Etelis coruscans is a commercially important eteline snapper found throughout the Indo-Pacific, but its region-specific reproductive information in the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI) is sparse. The present study describes length-specific (fork length: FL) female reproductive characteristics of this deep water snapper in the context of a data-limited fishery. We explored the use of six maturity classification criteria based on a functionally mature (containing vitellogenic oocytes and capable of spawning within the season of collection) or physiologically mature (gonadotropin-dependent maturation initiation) designation combined with seasonality and inclusion of additional reproductive phases. Of these classifications, the largest and therefore most conservative estimate was for functional maturity during the spawning period, September-December (L50F = 65.8 cm). Progressively smaller L50 estimates occurred as we incorporated additional reproductive phases and seasonality, the smallest being for physiological maturity during the entire year (L50PY = 50.0 cm). Both functional and physiological maturity criteria are valid for estimating L50 but can yield drastically different parameter estimates based on the definition of mature or immature reproductive phases. Fish that are relatively slow growing, late to mature, and whose fisheries encompass a wide size range, such as E. coruscans, may be more subject to unreliability in the development of their reproductive indicators (length-at-maturity and spawning period) when inconsistent maturity classification criteria are executed over time. We discuss the reproductive characteristics of E. coruscans in the MHI, the use of alternative maturity classification criteria in L50 estimation, the impact on resultant parameters estimates, and the life history implications for the future fishery.
Near-inertial waves generated by typhoon MITAG under the influence of anticyclonic eddy east of Taiwan
Authors: Zheng Tongtong , Yu Fei , Ren Qiang , Nan Feng , Chen Zifei , Liu Yansong , Hu Yibo , Ding Ya-nan
Published: March 2023

Based on subsurface mooring observations and HYCOM data, a complete investigation was conducted of the near-inertial waves (NIWs) caused by Typhoon MITAG to the east of Taiwan. HYCOM data were mainly used to reveal the role played by anticyclonic eddies in the propagation of NIWs. The results show that most typhoon-generated NIWs propagate towards negative vorticity, and NIWs near the edge gradually accumulated towards the eddy center and down to 800 m. NIWs propagating through the thermocline to the deep ocean were mainly concentrated in the eddy, and the near-inertial energy flux showed a significant enhancement from 400 to 600 m. Moreover, the downwards propagation of NIWs in the eddy enhanced the kinetic energy of background flow. NIWs outside the anticyclonic eddy dissipated quickly, while inside the eddy, there were high value areas of e-folding time. Dynamic mode decomposition illustrates that the anticyclonic eddy mainly captures higher modes of NIWs, and the state of continuous energy growth of higher modes can be maintained for more than a week. In addition, NIWs can also be carried westwards by the advection of the mean background flow at the eddy’s edge.