bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A-to-I RNA editing of CYP18A1 mediates transgenerational wing dimorphism in aphids
Authors: Zhu Bin , Wei Rui , Hua Wenjuan , Li Lu , Zhang Wenlin , Liang Pei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Wing dimorphism is a common phenomenon that plays key roles in the environmental adaptation of aphid; however, the signal transduction in response to environmental cues and the regulation mechanism related to this event remain unknown. Adenosine (A) to inosine (I) RNA editing is a posttranscriptional modification that extends transcriptome variety without altering the genome, playing essential roles in numerous biological and physiological processes. Here, we present a chromosome-level genome assembly of the rose-grain aphid Metopolophium dirhodum by using PacBio long HiFi reads and Hi-C technology. The final genome assembly for M. dirhodum is 447.8 Mb, with 98.50% of the assembled sequences anchored tonine chromosomes. The contig and scaffold N50 values are 7.82 and 37.54 Mb, respectively. A total of 18,003 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 92.05% were functionally annotated. In addition, 11678 A-to-I RNA-editing sites were systematically identified based on this assembled M. dirhodumgenome, and two synonymous A-to-I RNA editing sites on CYP18A1 were closely associated with transgenerational wing dimorphism induced by crowding. One of these A-to-I RNA editing sites may prevent the binding of miR-3036-5p toCYP18A1, thus elevating CYP18A1 expression, decreasing 20E titer, and finally regulating the wing dimorphism of offspring. Meanwhile, crowding can also inhibit miR-3036-5p expression and further increase CYP18A1 abundance, resulting in winged offspring. These findings support that A-to-I RNA editing is a dynamic mechanism in the regulation of transgenerational wing dimorphism in aphids and would advance our understanding of the roles of RNA editing in environmental adaptability and phenotypic plasticity.
Knowledge and perceptions of religious leaders toward HIV prevention among young people in a resource-limited setting: A qualitative study
Authors: Murungi Tom , Kunihira Irene , Oyella Pamela , Mugerwa Moses , Gift Peruth , Aceng Mercy Jane , Abolo Lydia , Puleh Sean Steven 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
Currently, 410,000 new HIV infections among youth occur worldwide, which is a significant public health issue. Members of the clergy can be trustworthy allies in the reduction of HIV infections among the youth. However, little is known regarding their knowledge as well as the perceptions they hold towards HIV prevention among young people. Thus, we explored the knowledge and perceptions of religious leaders regarding HIV prevention among young people (15–24 years) in Lira district.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional qualitative study conducted among 20 religious leaders in March 2021 in Lira district. Religious leaders were sampled purposively and recruited from modern religions (beliefs influenced by Christianity or Islam) in Lira district. Guides for key informant interviews were utilized to gather information. Each interview was audio recorded, transcribed, and entered into NVivo version 12 software, and the data was then ready for analysis. The main themes were determined using thematic analysis.
Results:
Although a few individuals had some misconceptions, the majority of participants had good knowledge about the transmission and prevention of HIV. Participants knew awareness creation, abstinence, and faithfulness in marriage as HIV prevention strategies and held positive perceptions. Perceived barriers to HIV prevention involvement were lack of knowledge and training, and inadequate resources whereas motivating factors were; being respected, and trusted, and having easy access to young people.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, religious leaders show limited HIV prevention knowledge due to religious beliefs, but understand the importance of measures like abstinence. Despite challenges, their involvement is crucial. Addressing knowledge gaps and providing support is vital. Future efforts should emphasize both behavioral measures and interventions like condom use, Post Exposure Prophylaxis, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis.
Quantifying the Economic Effects of the Belt and Road Initiative: A Global Value Chain Approach
Authors: Peng Siyi , Zhong Daocheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Limited literature studies the economic effects of the Belt and Road Initiative considering the rising trend of fragmented production. By distinguishing between intermediates and final goods in a general equilibrium model and estimating asymmetric trade costs, we quantify the economic impacts of the initiative. We find that the Belt and Road Initiative has welfare gains worldwide especially for Malaysia and Vietnam. China, the initiative's proponent, has moderate welfare gains. Some non-members experience slight welfare loss, such as 0.008% for Germany. The initiative's trade effects are more pronounced in final goods than intermediates. To figure out the direction of value-added, we distinguish the perspective of forward- (as a supply-side for sales) and backward-linkages (as a demand-side for use). Furthermore, members of the initiative participate more in GVCs at both forward- and backward-linkage. The change in the GVC position index reveals that the initiative reshapes members' positions in production chains. Both forward- and backward-linkage production lengths within members become longer, implying more complex chains and tighter linkages between members. Counterfactuals show that if Germany were to join the initiative, it would yield improved economic effects for itself and its members. Additionally, we employ more counterfactuals to demonstrate the role of asymmetric trade costs, input-output linkages, and industry heterogeneity. Through quantification of the initiative, we aim to provide insights for policymakers from the perspective of global value chains.
JEL Classification：D5, F10, F11, F13, F14, F17
A Contemporary Meta-analysis on Sex Differences in Surgical Mortality and Neurodevelopment in Congenital Heart Defects.
Authors: Crain Alyssa K. , Lim Zhia N. , Sarfatis Chloe J. , Arias Magela , Holder Travis , Moreira Alvaro G. , Corno Antonio F. , Findley Tina O. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Need and purpose of review
Given the increasing survival rates among congenital heart disease (CHD) patients and increasing awareness in sex-related disparities in CHD, there is a need to assess the impact of surgical interventions on neurodevelopmental outcomes and to explore potential differences in surgical mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes between male and female patients.
Methods
In this systematic review, we adhered to PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration. We searched articles published from 2015 to 2021 using MeSH descriptors in three major databases. Study selection criteria focused on pediatric CHD patients undergoing primary cardiac surgery. We reviewed 163 articles that met inclusion criteria. The definition and assessment of neurodevelopmental impairment, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and statistical analysis methods were adhered by blinded reviewers.
Main conclusions
Previous studies have reported higher rates of early childhood mortality in female patients and higher rates of neurodevelopmental impairment in male patients with CHD requiring surgery. Our meta-analysis suggests that these differences may no longer be valid in contemporary surgical cohorts. It is unclear if sex-related risk factors have truly been mitigated with current surgical and medical approaches. Our meta-analysis does underscore the need for further research considering sex and investigating neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Optimal Allocation and Sizing of DSTATCOM and PV-DG in the Distribution Network Considering the Uncertainty in Generation and Consumption
Authors: Ebrahimi Ahad , Moradlou Majid , Bigdeli Mehdi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Following the latest technological advances in power distribution networks, optimum operation of power networks has drawn considerable attention. Considering the huge costs of the installation and development of power networks, any solution to increase efficiency, lower loss of power, enhance voltage deviation, and enhance voltage stability is a great opportunity. Distributed generation (DG) and shunt compensators such as DSTATCOM can be employed for such purposes. Optimal allocation and sizing of DSTATCOM and photovoltaic distributed generation (PV-DG) were studied. Teaching-learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm was used for solving the proposed optimization problem using the IEEE 33-bus standard test system. Due to the random production nature of renewable DG units and the random nature of the consumption load, the uncertainty of production and consumption was analyzed using stochastic programming methods. In addition, the Monte Carlo method was employed to select the most probable scenario (among three scenarios including load-PV generation certainty, load certainty-PV generation uncertainty, and load-PV generation uncertainty). The results were used in the objective function on the basis of the defined indicators. The simulation results indicated that the voltage stability index increased, voltage deviation decreased, and power loss declined through optimal allocation and sizing of DSTATCOM compensating devices and photovoltaic distributed generation.
The role of Aspartate in immune function in sepsis
Authors: Lee Min Ji , Kim Bo Mi , Choi Se Rin , Kim Seongmin , Park Ye Jin , Kim Yun-seok , Choi Kihwan , Yune Chang June , Chung Tae Nyoung , Bae Jinkun , Yun Nam Joo , Jeon Jiwon , Lee Han A Reum , Kim Jiewan , Noh Ji Heon , Park Chungoo , Choi Sangchun , Lee Choong Hwan , Kim Kyuseok 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Sepsis carries a high risk of mortality, with immune suppression being a crucial aspect of its immunological pathophysiology. Immune cells are highly dependent on the ATP generation, nucleotide synthesis, and redox balance, in which amino acids including aspartate (ASP) play important role.
Methods: We performed metabolomics and transcriptomics study using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in cecal slurry model in rats. We conducted both in vivo and in vitro sepsis studies to investigate the effects of ASP on immune function. In in-vivo study, the effects of ASP were seen in terms of survival rate, bacterial clearance, acute kidney injury, and the immune response. We also used rat PBMC phagocytosis model to confirm the effects of ASP. We compared ASP level in PBMC between septic patients and healthy volunteers.
Results: In metabolomics study, we found that intracellular ASP level is decreased in the status of immune suppression. Administering ASP in the animal sepsis model resulted in increased survival, less kidney injury, and improved immune function. In an in-vitro model, inhibiting ASP production induced immune suppression, partially mitigated by ASP supplementation. In septic patients, the ASP level in PBMCs was decreased.
Conclusions: ASP is a key metabolite in immune function, and its deficiency is associated with immune depression, which could be reversed by ASP supplementation. Consequently, we suggest that ASP could serve as a new biomarker and therapeutic target for immune suppression in sepsis.
Integrated Analysis Reveals NLRC4 as a Potential Biomarker in Sepsis Pathogenesis
Authors: Chen Jiaxi , Jiang Chunhui , Chen Jiani , Xu Jiaqing , Chen Chen , Zhu Hongguo , Xu Yinghe , Zhao Hui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Sepsis remains a significant global health burden and contributor to mortality, yet the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the immune response are not fully elucidated. To gain insight into this issue, we performed a comprehensive analysis using a variety of techniques including bulk RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA）.We performed enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes in sepsis and healthy individuals by utilizing Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and indicated significant enrichment of immune-related response. Following Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction analysis (PPI) were used to identify key immune-related hub genes and validated by ELISA to show that NLRC4 is highly expressed in sepsis. Additionally, an analysis of scRNA-seq data from newly diagnosed sepsis, sepsis diagnosis at 6 hours, and healthy samples demonstrates a significant increase in both the expression levels and proportions of NLRC4 in sepsis monocytes and neutrophils. In addition, using pySCENIC we identified upstream transcription factors that regulate NLRC4. Our study provides valuable insights into the identification of NLRC4 in peripheral blood as a potential candidate gene for the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis.
The use of combined remote electronic monitoring and blood concentrations of antipsychotics for assessment of therapeutic adherence in patients with schizophrenia: Results of a prospective study
Authors: Šilhán Petr , Hýža Martin , Ambroš Samuel , Dostálek Petr , Schwarzová Jana , Skřont Tomáš , Perničková Denisa , Baarová Pavla , Augustynek Martin , Kacířová Ivana , Uřinovská Romana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness, the pharmacological treatment of which comprises primarily the use of antipsychotics. However, non-adherence to their use and its reliable determination present a serious clinical and economic problem. This study aimed to determine therapeutic adherence in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders by combining short-term electronic monitoring of dispenser opening with the measurement of antipsychotic blood concentrations.
Methods: A total of 55 patients underwent a week-long electronic monitoring of dispenser opening and measurement of blood concentrations before and after monitoring. Patients who correctly opened the dispenser at least in 80% of scheduled time points during the weekly interval and, at the same time, did not show a change in blood concentration of the antipsychotic by more than 30% in any direction, were considered adherent.
Results: 69.1% of the patients met the adherence criteria, which was less than that determined by the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-10), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Clinician Rating Scale (CRS). 7.3% of the patients took less than 80% of the prescribed doses and a change in blood concentrations of the antipsychotic by more than 30% was detected in 25.4% of the patients. In 70.9% of patients, the detected concentrations were within the recommended therapeutic reference interval. The groups of adherent and non-adherent patients did not differ statistically significantly in the severity of their illness as determined by the Clinical Global Impression (CGI), the Personal and Social Performance scale (PSP), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).
Conclusions: The combined method of evaluating adherence in schizophrenia patients confirmed the results determined by other methods. The benefits of this approach are described in the paper.
Forming analysis and process design of hydroforming with axial-circumferential feeding of heavy truck axle housing
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Liandong , Wang Xiaodi , Song Xiliang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the bulging-pressing forming process of heavy truck axle housing, the technology of hydroforming with axial-circumferential feeding solves the problems of large wall thickness thinning rate in the middle part and cracking on the rear cover. However, there exsits some defects of depressions and squeezed marks on the upper side of the preformed tube in practical application, and the reasons are not clear. In this paper, the causes of the defects in the hydroforming were revealed through analyzing the forming quality of the tube blank. According to that, the design methods of the D-shaped cross section preformed tube and the non-equal width control die were given.The influences of height coefficient, beam coefficient and width coefficient of upper control die on forming quality of preformed tube blank were revealed by finite element simulations, and then the reasonable ranges of the three coefficients were determined. The D-shaped cross section preformed tube was successfully prepared by the preparation experiment of heavy truck axle housing tube, whose hidden dangers of depressions and squeezed marks were eliminated, and the simulation results were consistent with the experimental results. The pressing-forming experiment was carried out, and all dimensions meet the design requirements of the axle housing tube.
Effect of Lid-Wiper Epitheliopathy on the Corneal Epithelial Thickness Distribution: A Novel Semiautomatic Quantitative Method
Authors: Ye Jingjian , Lin Meng , Lin Jue , Ma DI , Liu Ziya , Hu Liang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To explore a novel semi-automatic quantitative method for detecting lid-wiper epitheliopathy (LWE) and analyze its impact on the distribution of corneal epithelial thickness (CET).
Methods
A total of 36 eyes from 36 adults were included in this study. The lid wipers were stained with lissamine green strips, and the stained areas were recorded using a digital slit-lamp biomicroscopy and analyzed using ImageJ software. Factors such as age, sex, and refraction were included as variables that influenced LWE. The CET was divided into 25 regions and recorded using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.
Results
Methodological consistency and repeatability were verified through intra- and inter-operator intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), with values of 0.889 and 0.922, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and spherical equivalent refraction (SER), a negative correlation was observed between LWE and epithelial thickness. Specifically, negative correlations were observed in the nasal, subnasal, and inferior regions within the 2–5 mm range; subnasal and infratemporal regions within the 5–7 mm range; and the infratemporal region within the 7–9 mm range.
Conclusion
This study validated a novel method for assessing the severity of LWE by quantitatively analyzing the LWE area. Additionally, LWE is associated with thinning of the inferior corneal epithelium.
Exosomal C5orf46 gene: a Potential Prognosis Risk Indicator with Implication in KIRC included Pan-cancer Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling
Authors: Ma Wenxia , Wang Xuzhi , Yang Huijun , Yang Zhiqing , Shen Ningning , Liu Siying , Miao Lei , Du Juan , Gao Lifang , Wang Chen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Exosomes have been important particles that mediate not only cellular communication, but also participate in multiple critical processes of cancer development. The aim of the study is to explore the role of a specific exosome C5orf46 gene in the development of human pan-cancer for potential clinical application.
Methods
The study started with the physicochemical property, and then gene expression as well as alteration patterns of C5orf46 in cancers, followed by post transcription modulation of the gene and then survival analysis in cancers. Moreover, the correlation between C5orf46 and multiple critical cancer parameters including angiogenesis, cancer stemness, DNA repair, and immune infiltration were in succession explored, which were partly validated using local hospital KIRC samples.
Results
Firstly, physicochemical properties of C5orf46 were computed including its aminoacid composition, estimated molecular weight and protein half life. Then, based on gene expression as well as survival analysis result, C5orf46 was shown to be up-regulated in KIRC included various human cancers which was partly due to DNA methylation modulation. And of more clinical significance, the changed expression correlated with worse patients survival. Moreover, the association between C5orf46 and multiple critical cancer traits including microenvironment angiogenesis, immune infiltration, extra cellular matrix (ECM) degradation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were validated. Further, C5orf46 gene was indicated to correlate with the sensitivity of several chemotherapy related drugs.
Conclusions
Based on TCGA pan-cancer data and local hospital samples experiments, we discovered that exosome containing C5orf46 potentially works as an oncogene which was associated with multiple important clinical cancers traits. Although more detailed experiments are needed to validate the gene function, the study shall reveal valuable strategy concerning the role of C5orf46 gene in the development of human cancers.
Perception of Premium Services Based on the Evolution of Hyper-service Network in Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Zhang Xiaojun , Liu Zhizhong , Chu Dianhui , Zhao Meiyue 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Recently, massive services from multiple domains are available on the network with the rapid development of Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) technology. These various services construct a service network through services' collaboration, which can provide users with rich resources at anytime and anywhere. However, in MEC, due to the proliferation of services, as well as the dynamics of Quality of Service (QoS), it becomes more and more difficult for users to discover the premium services effectively, which seriously impacts users' satisfaction and the utilization of resources. Therefore, how to proactively perceive the emergence of premium services in the service networks has become an challenge. To tackle this issue, we propose a method for perception of the premium services based on the evolution of hyper-service network (named as PPSHSN). First, based on the hypergraph theory, we construct a hyper-service network with the optimal connection method; Then, we develop the evolution mechanism of the hyper-service network and optimize the hyper-service network with the hyperdegree premium value evolution algorithm, thus to conduct the evolution of the service networks. Next, we devise the evaluation indexes based on the topological characteristics of hypergraphs, which are updated according to the evolution of the hyper-service network. Finally, we complete perception of premium services based on the evolution results of the hyper-service network. The effectiveness and feasibility of our proposed method are verified through extensive simulation experiments.
Quantifying the Waning Effect of Non-pharmaceutical Interventions with Case Study in COVID-19
Authors: Cao Hu , Cao Longbing , Jin Shiqiang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The multiple pandemics of illnesses like COVID-19 over human history have caused significant threats to public health. To combat such pandemics, stringent control measures, including non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), play a critical role, while their waning effect on containing infectious diseases still requires quantitative and explainable research. Most NPI-related studies represent NPI effect by a steady value or a probability distribution, which often regard the impact of NPI as a fixed process. In reality, the effectiveness of NPI is time-varying and influenced by external factors. An increasing number of studies recognize the phenomenon of NPI's waning effect. To mathematically depict the decreasing process of the NPI effect, an innovative pandemic model called SVEIC-NLC is proposed, taking into account the changing nature of NPI effect. The diminishing effectiveness of NPIs is characterized by a physical law called Newton's Law of Cooling (NLC), representing the first attempt at applying NLC to epidemics. To validate SVEIC-NLC, we conduct experiments using COVID-19 as a case study in Germany, Greece, and the Philippines. The experiments illustrate that the effectiveness of NPI decays over time. Further, SVEIC-NLC is compared with six other cutting-edge methods in predicting cases for three states in the US. These show the necessity of evaluating and incorporating the waning effect of NPI in reasonably preparing a control strategy and containing a disease.