Specific Connection Research Articles

Developing Programs for Converting MIDAS GEN to ANSYS Models Based on Python

The reasonableness and accuracy of engineering design are often assessed through the use of a variety of structural design analysis software, which are then compared and verified. However, it is challenging for a single analysis software to meet the diverse and complex design requirements. In order to meet the specific engineering requirements, it is necessary to convert the MIDAS result model into an ANSYS structural model and conduct a nonlinear analysis and simulation in ANSYS. Nevertheless, the existing interface is unable to facilitate direct conversion of the model. Accordingly, this paper presents a Python-based ANSYS APDL program that enables the complete conversion of MIDAS GEN structural models to ANSYS finite element models. The program is capable of converting a range of data, including material, section, element, connection, load, node mass, constraint, time history function, and so forth. The program is capable of converting specific connection units, including elastic and general connection units. Additionally, the beam-column section direction, beam end freedom release, rigid element, and special anti-rocking structure of the structure can be considered. Ultimately, the theatre model is transformed. Following a comparison of the analysis results, it was found that the mass and mode of the model before and after the transformation were essentially identical. The maximum error of the first six orders of the structure is 2.95%, with the structural displacement under gravity load remaining essentially unchanged. The research and analysis demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the MIDAS GEN conversion ANSYS program. The conversion program significantly reduces the time required for direct modeling in ANSYS, enhancing work efficiency. The study has considerable practical significance for the seismic sway design and analysis of buildings based on vibration isolation design.

Early-Life Milk αS1-Casein Allergy Induces the Activation of Astrocytes in Mice and Leads to Stress Vulnerability in Adulthood.

In recent years, the incidence of food allergies in children has been increasing annually, significantly affecting the quality of life for patients and their families. It has long been suspected that childhood allergies might potentially lead to behavioral and psychological issues in adulthood, but the specific connection remains unclear. In this study, we established a model of young mice allergic to milk αS1-casein, conducted behavioral tests, and employed transcriptomics, immunohistochemistry, Golgi staining, and fecal microbiota transplantation to explore the link between early life allergies and adult psychological problems. The results showed that early life milk protein allergy significantly increased intestinal epithelial permeability in mice, leading to the translocation of gut microbiota metabolites. This process subsequently activated astrocyte lysosomes via SLC15a3, making astrocytes more susceptible. This susceptibility caused mice with early life milk protein allergy to have more activated astrocytes and excessive dendritic spine phagocytosis (normal group: 5.4 ± 1.26 spines/10 μm, allergy group: 3.2 ± 0.92 spines/10 μm) under acute stress in adulthood, leading to anxiety and depressive behaviors.

Pre- and postsynaptic MEF2C promote experience-dependent, input-specific development of cortical Layer 4 to Layer 2/3 excitatory synapses and regulate activity-dependent expression of synaptic cell adhesion molecules.

Experience and activity-dependent transcription is a candidate mechanism to mediate development and refinement of specific cortical circuits. Here we demonstrate that the activity-dependent transcription factor Myocyte-Enhancer Factor 2C (MEF2C) is required in both presynaptic layer 4 (L4) and postsynaptic L2/3 mouse (male and female) somatosensory (S1) cortical neurons for development of this specific synaptic connection. While postsynaptic deletion of Mef2c weakens L4 synaptic inputs, it has no effect on inputs from local L2/3, contralateral S1, or ipsilateral frontal/motor cortex. Similarly, homozygous, or heterozygous deletion of Mef2c in presynaptic L4 neurons weakens L4 to L2/3 excitatory synaptic inputs by decreasing presynaptic release probability. Postsynaptic MEF2C is specifically required during an early postnatal, experience-dependent, period for L4 to L2/3 synapse function and expression of transcriptionally active MEF2C (MEF2C-VP16) rescues weak L4 to L2/3 synaptic strength in sensory deprived mice. Together these results suggest that experience and/or activity-dependent transcriptional activation of MEF2C promotes development of L4 to L2/3 synapses. MEF2C regulated expression of many pre- and postsynaptic genes in postnatal cortical neurons. Interestingly, MEF2C was necessary for activity-dependent expression of many presynaptic genes, including those that function in transsynaptic adhesion and neurotransmitter release. This work provides mechanistic insight into the experience-dependent development of specific cortical circuits.Significance Statement Experience-driven neuronal activity is necessary for the development of synaptic connectivity of specific cortical circuits. Here we demonstrate that the activity-dependent transcription factor MEF2C is necessary for development of a specific synaptic connection between Layer (L)4 and L2/3 neurons in mouse somatosensory cortex. MEF2C is required in both presynaptic L4 and postsynaptic L2/3 neurons during an early postnatal and experience-dependent period for development of their connection. Our results suggest that sensory experience drives transcriptional activation of MEF2C to promote development of the L4 to L2/3 synaptic connection. We identify activity-dependent, MEF2C- regulated presynaptic genes that promote development of specific connections. This work provides insight into the mechanisms by which sensory experience determines development of cortical circuit connectivity.

Cooling rate effects on microstructure and diffusion behaviour in Ti65 alloy: Insights from a modified diffusion model

In the continuous cooling process, the growth of the equiaxed α-phase grains in near-α high-temperature titanium alloys is controlled by the diffusion of alloying elements. Establishing a specific connection between the cooling rate and the diffusion behaviour of alloying elements aids in the precise prediction of the evolution of equiaxed α-phase grain size. This study meticulously controlled the cooling rate during the two-phase region annealing treatment of the Ti65 alloy. Using EPMA technology, the diffusion behaviour of solute elements during cooling was accurately characterized. The study found that slowing the cooling rate promotes the coarsening of the lamellar secondary α-phase grains and the growth of the primary equiaxed α-phase grains. At higher annealing temperatures, the growth of equiaxed α-phase grains can occur at faster cooling rates, while coarse lamellar secondary α-phase grains can be retained at slower cooling rates. The diffusion behaviour of solute elements Al, Ta, Mo, and W between the α-phase and transformed β-phase matrix is significantly influenced by the cooling rate, thus they are considered as the controlling elements for the growth of the equiaxed α-phase grains. Based on the diffusion behaviours of these controlling elements, their single-element diffusion models were categorized and integrated for predicting the grain size of the equiaxed α-phase. The predictions from the revised diffusion model show an excellent agreement with the actual results, with an error margin of about 5%.

Dietary inflammatory index and its impact on severity and recurrence of Tourette syndrome in children

BACKGROUND Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of motor and vocal tics, typically beginning in childhood. Despite significant research efforts, the exact pathophysiology of TS remains incompletely understood. Recent studies suggest that inflammation may play a role in the severity and progression of TS, pointing to the potential influence of dietary and lifestyle factors on the condition. Currently, research on the specific connection between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and TS is still in its early stages, requiring additional clinical and epidemiological studies to validate the strength and specific mechanisms of this connection. AIM To investigate the association between DII and the severity, recurrence, and inflammatory levels of TS in children. METHODS A total of 207 children diagnosed with TS in the pediatric department of Qingdao Chengyang People’s Hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected. They were divided into stable and unstable groups based on follow-up conditions. Before enrollment, general information of the children [age, gender, body mass index (BMI), guardian’s education level, DII score, medical history, family history, academic stress, electronic device usage, medication, and disease progression] was assessed, and serum inflammatory levels were measured during follow-up visits. DII scores and Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) scores were calculated. Furthermore, based on YGTSS scores, the children were classified into mild, moderate, and severe groups. The DII, interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in each group were compared. RESULTS Follow-up surveys were completed by 207 children and their guardians. Among them, 117 children were in the stable group, and 90 were in the recurrent group. We found no statistically significant differences in age, gender, comorbidities, BMI, and disease duration between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, academic stress, electronic device usage, medication, guardian’s education level, and DII scores showed statistically significant differences between the groups (P < 0.05). Multifactorial regression analysis revealed that guardian’s anxiety level, DII score, medication, academic stress, and family history were statistically significant factors (P < 0.05) affecting the recurrence of TS in children. Therefore, anxiety level, DII score, medication status, electronic device usage, and academic stress were identified as factors influencing the recurrence of TS in children. Among them, DII score, academic stress, and family history had odds ratios (OR) greater than 1, indicating risk factors, whereas medication status and guardian’s education level had OR values less than 1, indicating protective factors. According to the YGTSS scores, children were categorized into mild, moderate, and severe groups. Comparative analysis of DII and inflammatory levels in children with different degrees of tic disorders revealed that the severe group had the highest DII and inflammatory levels, followed by the moderate group, and the mild group had the lowest levels. The trend of TS progression was consistent with the DII results. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to predict disease progression in patients with TS via inflammatory markers. The areas under the curve for IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α were 0.894 (95%CI: 0.817-0.969), 0.793 (95%CI: 0.694-0.893), and 0.728 (95%CI: 0.614-0.843) respectively, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). According to the Youden index, the optimal cutoff values were IL-6 = 3.775 ng/L (sensitivity 68.1% and specificity 68.4%), CRP = 6.650 mg/L (sensitivity 60.6% and specificity 68.4%), and TNF-α = 0.666 (sensitivity 60.6% and specificity 71.1%). CONCLUSION We found a certain correlation between DII and the severity, recurrence, and inflammatory levels of TS in children. Reasonable reduction in the intake of pro-inflammatory foods may be beneficial in reducing the risk of disease progression in children with TS.

Neurexin 3 is Essential for the Specific Wiring of a Color Pathway in the Mammalian Retina.

Precise wiring within sensory systems is critical for the accurate transmission of information. In the visual system, S-cone photoreceptors specialize in detecting short-wavelength light, crucial to color perception and environmental cue detection. S-cones form specific synapses with S-cone bipolar cells (SCBCs), a connection that is remarkably consistent across species. Yet, the molecular mechanisms guiding this specificity remain unexplored. To address this, we used the cone-dominant ground squirrel for deep-sequencing of cone subtype transcriptomes and identified Nrxn3 as an essential molecule for the S-cone to SCBC synapse. Using transgenic mouse models, we further examined the role of Nrxn3 in S-cones and discovered a significant reduction of SCBC connections in the absence of Nrxn3. This finding extends the known functions of neurexins, typically associated with synapse regulation, by highlighting their essential role in a specific synaptic connection for the first time. Moreover, the differentially expressed genes identified here pave the way for further investigations into the unique functions of cone subtypes.

Emphasizing symbolic capital: its superior influence on the association between family socioeconomic status and adolescent subjective well-being uncovered by a large-scale multivariate network analysis.

Family socioeconomic status (FSES) serves as a significant determinant for subjective well-being. However, extant research has provided conflicting evidence on the correlation between FSES and adolescent students' subjective well-being (SSWB). Data were collected from 12,058 adolescent students (16 years of age) by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018. Multivariate canonical correlation and Mantel test were utilized to investigate the specific connection between FSES and SSWB. Furthermore, a Gaussian EBICglasso graph-theoretical model was used to capture the topological properties of the FSES-SSWB network and reveal the interplay among multifarious components of FSES and SSWB. FSES was positively correlated with SSWB. In the FSES-SSWB network, parental educational attainment and occupation status demonstrated the highest centrality values, thereby contributing significantly to the relationship between FSES and SSWB. However, family wealth, along with educational and cultural resources, displayed lower centrality values, signifying their weaker roles in this relationship. Our findings suggest that symbolic capital, rather than family affluence, exerts a dominant influence on adolescent SSWB. In other words, SSWB may not be detrimentally influenced by a deficiency in monetary resources. However, it is more susceptible to being unfavorably impacted by inferior parental educational attainment and occupational standing.

Type 2 diabetes microenvironment promotes the development of Parkinson's disease by activating microglial cell inflammation.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world, and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and PD are influenced by common genetic and environmental factors. Mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation are common pathogenic mechanisms of both diseases. However, the close association between PD and T2DM and the specific relationship between them are not yet clear. This study aimed to reveal the specific connection between the two diseases by establishing a mouse model of comorbid PD and T2DM, as well as a Bv2 cell model. C57BL/6 mouse were used to construct a model of PD with T2DM using streptozotocin and rotenone, while Bv2 cells were used to simulate the microenvironment of PD and T2DM using rotenone and palmitate. Behavioral tests were conducted to assess any differences in motor and cognitive functions in mouse. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the number of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra region of mouse. Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of TH, P-NFκB, NFκB, Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), and Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) proteins in the substantia nigra region of mouse and Bv2 cells. qRT-PCR was used to analyze the expression levels of IL1β, IL6, and TNF-α. Seahorse technology was used to assess mitochondrial function in Bv2 cells. T2DM exacerbated the motor and cognitive symptoms in mouse with PD. This effect may be mediated by disrupting mitochondrial function in microglial cells, leading to damaged mtDNA leakage into the cytoplasm, subsequently activating the cGAS-STING pathway and downstream P-NFκB/NFκB proteins, triggering an inflammatory response in microglial cells. Microglial cells release inflammatory factors such as IL1β, IL6, and TNF-α, exacerbating neuronal damage caused by PD. Our study results suggest that T2DM may exacerbate the progression of PD by damaging mitochondrial function, and activating microglial cell inflammation. The detrimental effects on Parkinson's disease may be achieved through the activating of the cGAS-STING protein pathway.

A trans-generation conundrum with implications in rehabilitation programs – what factors influence non-specific back pain in children?

Back pain in children and adolescents is one of the most frequent reasons for seeing a medical specialist worldwide. Many factors have been incriminated when it comes to influencing the appearance of non-specific back pain in children as well as in adults. For the younger population, some of the culprits seem to be sitting for long periods, us-ing harmful postural patterns, a forward head posture determined by incorrect positioning during prolonged studying hours, and carrying a too-heavy backpack, but do they really influence non-specific back pain in children? These ques-tions are valid for all generations and countries. This paper aimed to review the published literature to determine whether the factors mentioned above, sitting in mismatched school furniture, carrying heavy backpacks, and forward head posture, influence the incidence of non-specific back pain in children and whether there are any data or differences between the general population and Roma-nian students. For this purpose, we conducted database research using the keywords “non-specific back pain in chil-dren, sitting, school furniture, forward head posture, backpack carrying” and various combinations of these terms, which returned 37 eligible articles for this paper in PubMed - Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and Sci-enceDirect. There was no time limit on the researched articles, and they had to refer to the pediatric population, be open-access and in extenso articles, and be written in English, French, or Spanish. After analyzing the results from these articles, the conclusion is that there is no evident or spe-cific connection between non-specific back pain in pediatric populations and harmful posture patterns while sitting or carrying a backpack. Also, more multicentered research using fewer variables and more objective measurement instruments is needed. Keywords: non-specific back pain in children, sitting, bad posture, school furniture, forward head posture, back-pack carrying

The Impact of Stimulant Medication on the Relation Between Working Memory and Activity Level in ADHD.

There is a positive association between heightened activity levels and improved working memory performance (WM) in individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Recent research suggests that stimulant medications may have a simultaneous positive impact on WM and motor skills. Yet, it is unclear the specific connection between movement, WM, and stimulant use. We examined how visuospatial (VS) and phonological (PH) WM performance varied with children's stimulant medication usage and naturally occurring activity level. In a repeated measures design, children with ADHD (n = 43; 7-12years old) completed WM tasks while wearing actigraphy watches to monitor activity level on and off stimulant medication. Significant large sized main effects were observed for medication condition on PH (p < .05, ηp2 = .14) and VS (p < .001, ηp2 = .30) WM. Activity level also had significant medium sized main effects on PH (p < .01, ηp2 = .09) and VS (p < .005, ηp2 = .10) WM. There was a significant medium sized interaction for VS WM (p < .005, ηp2 = .11), indicating that the effect of medication on performance was greatest in the highest activity level category. The findings suggest that a combination of stimulant medication and an "optimal" level of movement may be most effective for improving VS WM.

Evaluating the impact of socioeconomic status on patient satisfaction in radiation oncology.

e23166 Background: Patient satisfaction (PS) is a critical indicator in evaluating healthcare quality. While the impact of socioeconomic status (SES), on healthcare outcomes is well-documented, its specific connection to PS in the context of radiation oncology remains unclear. This study aims to delineate the correlation between SES, as determined by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and PS within our healthcare system. Methods: In this single institution study, National Research Council (NRC) PS survey questionnaires were prospectively collected from patients who visited 4 separate outpatient academic radiation oncology sites between May 2021 and November 2023. Area Deprivation Index (ADI) data for these patients was sourced from the Neighborhood Atlas, encompassing both national percentiles and state deciles, with higher values indicating a greater level of SES disadvantage. To assess the data, univariate (UVA) and multivariable (MVA) logistic regression analyses were performed on the survey's recommendation scores, which ranged from 0 to 10, with scores of 9 or higher suggesting a greater propensity to recommend the facility or provider. Results: Our analysis included 7,501 survey responses with a cohort that was majority female (55.3%), curative intent (81.5%), and had a breast cancer diagnosis (30.4%). Most survey responses were follow-up visits (69.0%). Mean state and national ADI scores were 3.94 and 50.75, respectively. The UVA revealed curative intent (OR 1.68, p &lt; 0.001), follow-up visits (OR 1.69, p &lt; 0.001), and breast cancer diagnosis (OR 1.42, p = 0.018) as predictors of higher likelihood to recommend the facility or the provider. Patients with a national ADI above the mean were less likely to recommend the facility (OR 0.81, p = 0.050) or the provider (OR 0.71, p = 0.002). The MVA, outlined in Table 1, showed the influence of national ADI on provider recommendations remained significant (OR 0.730, p = 0.005) but not for facility recommendations (OR 0.832, p = 0.089). All other variables remained significant on the MVA. Conclusions: Respondents experiencing greater SES disadvantage were significantly less likely to recommend their provider. These findings underscore the necessity of incorporating SES as a factor when evaluating PS. Further research is necessary to determine the root cause of the impact of SES on PS and to explore the complex dynamics of patient-provider interactions. [Table: see text]

Innervation of nociceptor neurons in the spleen promotes germinal center responses and humoral immunity

Peripheral sensory neurons widely innervate various tissues to continuously monitor and respond to environmental stimuli. Whether peripheral sensory neurons innervate the spleen and modulate splenic immune response remains poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that nociceptive sensory nerve fibers extensively innervate the spleen along blood vessels and reach B cell zones. The spleen-innervating nociceptors predominantly originate from left T8-T13 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), promoting the splenic germinal center (GC) response and humoral immunity. Nociceptors can be activated by antigen-induced accumulation of splenic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and then release calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), which further promotes the splenic GC response at the early stage. Mechanistically, CGRP directly acts on B cells through its receptor CALCRL-RAMP1 via the cyclic AMP (cAMP) signaling pathway. Activating nociceptors by ingesting capsaicin enhances the splenic GC response and anti-influenza immunity. Collectively, our study establishes a specific DRG-spleen sensory neural connection that promotes humoral immunity, suggesting a promising approach for improving host defense by targeting the nociceptive nervous system.

Association between gut microbiota dysbiosis and poor functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients with COVID-19 infection.

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with active COVID-19 infection often have more severe symptoms and worse recovery. COVID-19 infection can cause gut microbiota dysbiosis, which is also a risk factor for poor outcomes in AIS patients. However, the association between gut microbiota and functional outcomes among AIS patients with COVID-19 infection has not been fully clarified yet. In this study, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the gut microbial community among AIS patients with acute COVID-19 infection, AIS patients with post-acute COVID-19 infection, and AIS patients without COVID-19 infection. We found that AIS patients with acute COVID-19 experienced poorer recovery and significant gut dysbiosis, characterized by higher levels of Enterobacteriaceae and lower levels of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. Furthermore, a shorter time window (less than 28 days) between COVID-19 infection and stroke was identified as a risk factor for poor functional outcomes in AIS patients with COVID-19, and the enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae was indicated as a mediator in the relationship between infection time window and poor stroke outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of early intervention after COVID-19 infection, especially by regulating the gut microbiota, which plays a role in the prognosis of AIS patients with COVID-19 infection.IMPORTANCEThe gut microbiota plays an important role in the association between respiratory system and cerebrovascular system through the gut-lung axis and gut-brain axis. However, the specific connection between gut bacteria and the functional outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with COVID-19 is not fully understood yet. In our study, we observed a significant decrease in bacterial diversity and shifts in the abundance of key bacterial families in AIS patients with acute COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, we identified that the time window was a critical influence factor for stroke outcomes, and the enrichment of Enterobacteriaceae acted as a mediator in the relationship between the infection time window and poor stroke outcomes. Our research provides a new perspective on the complex interplay among AIS, COVID-19 infection, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Moreover, recognizing Enterobacteriaceae as a potential mediator of poor stroke prognosis offers a novel avenue for future exploration and therapeutic interventions.

METAPHORICAL RESONANCE: GURU DUTT’S CINEMATIC INTERPRETATION OF ‘KAAGAZ KE PHOOL’ AND ITS PARALLEL WITH ‘DEVDAS’

The paper aims to identify and analyze the metaphorical parallels between ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’ and ‘Devdas,’ exploring Guru Dutt’s cinematic techniques and their contribution to this resonance. Existing literature on Guru Dutt’s filmmaking style and narrative techniques provides valuable insights, yet a research gap exists regarding the specific metaphorical connection between the two works. By contextualiing both narratives within the socio-cultural landscape of post-independence India, the paper highlights their lasting relevance and societal critiques. The paper examines how ‘Kaagaz Ke Phool’ reexamines the ‘Devdas’ narrative, emphasizing the emotional complexities of the protagonists and their struggles against social norms. Through meticulous film analysis, including the study of cinematic techniques and metaphorical elements such as the rain sequences, shouting pack-up, reflection, film studio setting, and the non-linear story-telling technique, the paper uncovers the subtle parallels between the two stories. The paper underscores the lasting significance of both narratives and their contributions to the cinematic landscape, while also revealing Guru Dutt’s innovative approach.

Dissociative Symptoms in Women with Histories of Intimate Partner Victimization: A Focus on Coercive Control

ABSTRACT Identifying and contrasting different patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV) (e.g. situational couple violence, coercive controlling violence) is useful for understanding IPV and its connections with health. Applying this approach to dissociation may be fruitful, given theoretical perspectives that predict a specific connection between coercive controlling violence and dissociative symptoms. To address this, community women with divorce histories (N = 188) completed measures to identify patterns of IPV victimization in prior relationships (no direct violence, situational couple violence, coercive controlling violence), and to quantify recent dissociative symptoms and number of depressed days, for comparison. Contrary to predictions, the predicted odds of recent dissociative symptoms did not differ between women who experienced situational couple violence versus coercive controlling violence. However, the latter group had greater odds of recent dissociative symptoms, but not depressed days, compared to women with no histories of direct violence. Further, a continuous measure of coercive control was uniquely associated with increased odds of dissociative symptoms. This study provides preliminary empirical support for a connection between coercive controlling violence and dissociative symptoms, compared to women without histories of direct violence. This deserves further attention given the strong theoretical rationale for this link, and the importance of dissociation for mental health.

THE CLUB OF ROMAN AND MODERN NARRATIVES OF KAZAKHSTAN

Roza Muratova E-mail: rose1950@mail.ru Doctor of Economic Sciences, Chief Assistant Prof. PhD Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi Almaty, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5382-0024 Mariana Petrova E-mail: m.petrova@ts.uni-vt.bg Doctor of Economic Sciences, professor, St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1531-4312 Dana Baigojaeva E-mail: 020950d@gmail.com ICHR, Novotel Almaty, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4607-8299 Abstract: The Club of Rome is an international non-governmental organization that unites world-famous scientists and public figures from different countries. The contribution of the Club of Rome is best known for its report “The Limits to Growth”, which was a turning point in addressing the challenges of sustainable development. In the article we examine the background to the creation of the Club of Rome and the contradictions that arise during the club’s activities. We also provide critical statements about the conspiracy theory of the activities of the Club of Rome. The article proves that conspiracy theories and the activities of the Club of Rome do not have a specific logical connection. In the article, we set the task of reforming the economy, the task of gradually moving away from measuring the level of economics with GDP indicators, as not meeting the tasks of assessing the level of social well-being of the country, since the formation of GDP is based on the world price environment of products and services. The main hypotheses of our research are an attempt to substantiate the transition to an objective measure of the state economy. Our article attempts to analyze a new approach to human economics as an element of the biosystem. The article poses the problems of transition to a regenerative economy and management, and notes therelevance of solving these problems for Kazakhstan, in particular the issues of regenerative agriculture and regenerative urbanism. We also analyzed ideas for implementing the principles of the “donut economy.” The work presents the directions of modern research of the Club of Rome and work, in continuation of “The Limits to Growth” 50 years later. We also noted that the activities of the Club of Rome do not lose their relevance and the solution of global issues of global development are of a local nature for Kazakhstan. The use of the research results is possible in the educational process and in scientific research of the world economy. Keywords: reports to the Club of Rome, global issues, planetary boundaries, regenerative governance and economics, social developmentJEL classification: F47

A Method for Separation of Power Semiconductor Packaging-Related Wear-Out Mechanisms Under Converter Operation

This paper proposes a new method to separate the package-related wear-out failure mechanisms of wire-bonded silicon-based power semiconductor switches: bond-wires lift-off and solder layer degradation. The proposed method takes the on-state voltages of power semiconductor device during the start-up transient and steady-state of power converters only, respectively, to realize the separation. It overcomes the challenges faced by existing separation methods that have complex off-line implementation process or are applicable to the devices with specific bond-wires connection and operational characteristic. The proposed method has the features of easy-of-implementation, on-line implementation, and relatively general application compared to existing methods. A case study with a single-phase inverter is demonstrated to prove the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Bioinformatics integration reveals key genes associated with mitophagy in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

BackgroundMyocardial ischemia is a prevalent cardiovascular disorder associated with significant morbidity and mortality. While prompt restoration of blood flow is essential for improving patient outcomes, the subsequent reperfusion process can result in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI). Mitophagy, a specialized autophagic mechanism, has consistently been implicated in various cardiovascular disorders. However, the specific connection between ischemia–reperfusion and mitophagy remains elusive. This study aims to elucidate and validate central mitophagy-related genes associated with MIRI through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.MethodsWe acquired the microarray expression profile dataset (GSE108940) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using GEO2R. Subsequently, these DEGs were cross-referenced with the mitophagy database, and differential nucleotide sequence analysis was performed through enrichment analysis. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was employed to identify hub genes, followed by clustering of these hub genes using cytoHubba and MCODE within Cytoscape software. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted on central genes. Additionally, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses were conducted to validate the expression patterns of pivotal genes in MIRI rat model and H9C2 cardiomyocytes.ResultsA total of 2719 DEGs and 61 mitophagy-DEGs were identified, followed by enrichment analyses and the construction of a PPI network. HSP90AA1, RPS27A, EEF2, EIF4A1, EIF2S1, HIF-1α, and BNIP3 emerged as the seven hub genes identified by cytoHubba and MCODE of Cytoscape software. Functional clustering analysis of HIF-1α and BNIP3 yielded a score of 9.647, as determined by Cytoscape (MCODE). In our MIRI rat model, Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed a significant elevation in the expression of HIF-1α and BNIP3, accompanied by a notable increase in the ratio of LC3II to LC3I. Subsequently, qPCR confirmed a significant upregulation of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and LC3 mRNA in the MIRI group. Activation of the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway mediates the regulation of the degree of Mitophagy, thereby effectively reducing apoptosis in rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes.ConclusionsThis study has identified seven central genes among mitophagy-related DEGs that may play a pivotal role in MIRI, suggesting a correlation between the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway of mitophagy and the pathogenesis of MIRI. The findings highlight the potential importance of mitophagy in MIRI and provide valuable insights into underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for further exploration in future studies.

Congenital cardiac anomalies in non-syndromic cleft lip and cleft palate patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim was to establish a specific and definite connection between non-syndromic orofacial cleft patients and associated congenital heart disease (CHD). Following PRISMA guidelines, selective databases were searched for data collection. Studies showing a definite association of CHD with orofacial cleft were included, and studies non-specific of the association of orofacial cleft with CHD were excluded. Data extraction criteria were study design, frequency of CHD in overall non-syndromic orofacial cleft and in specific cleft type, and most prevalent congenital cardiac anomaly. DerSimonian Laird random effects model was used to estimate the pooled proportion of CHD, along with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each measure. Publication bias was assessed using Fail-Safe N analysis and the Rosenthel approach. Of a total of 182 articles searched, only 30 studies were assessed. The overall pooled estimate of the proportion of CHD in total cleft lips/palates was 16% (95% CI: 13-19). The odds of developing CHD in cleft palates was 4.08 times more as compared to cleft lips with 95% CIs of 3.86-4.33, and 1.65 more as compared to cleft lips and palates both with 95% CI of 1.52-1.68. We affirm the upsurging prevalence of CHD in non-syndromic cleft children and vehemently propose that it is of utmost importance to inculcate it in practice and policy-making to screen all non-syndromic orofacial cleft children for congenital cardiac anomaly. This study was registered on PROSPERO (ID no. CRD42023391597) on February 24, 2023.

Anxious and depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life in a cohort of people who recently attempted suicide: A network analysis

BackgroundSuicide is an international health concern with immeasurable impact from the perspective of human and social suffering. Prior suicide attempts, anxious and depressive symptoms, and relatively lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are among the most replicated risk factors for suicide. Our goal was to visualize the distribution of these features and their interconnections with use of a network analysis approach in individuals who recently attempted suicide. MethodsIndividuals with a recent suicide attempt were recruited from nine University Hospitals across Spain as part of the SURVIVE cohort study. Anxious and depressive symptoms, and perceived HRQoL were included in the network analysis. Network structures were estimated with the EBICglasso model. Centrality measures and bridge symptoms connecting communities were explored. Subnetworks comparing younger and older individuals, and women and men were analyzed. ResultsA total of 1106 individuals with a recent suicide attempt were included. Depressed mood was the symptom with the greatest influence in the overall network, followed by anxiety symptoms such as feeling nervous, worrying, restless, and having difficulties to relax. Perceived general health was associated with increased suicidal ideation in the whole sample. Older people showed a specific connection between perceived general health and depressed mood. LimitationsThe cross-sectional design does not allow determination of established causality. ConclusionsDepressed mood was the core network's symptom and, therefore, an important target in the management and prevention of suicide. HRQoL had more influence on the network of older populations, in which it should be a primary focus.