Profile Variations Research Articles

The effect of the keto diet on lipid profile with type two diabetic patients

Introduction. In the developed world, among the main causes of disease and death is type 2 diabetes. It is a significant public health issue with rising prevalence, with more than 380 million patients estimated to be affected by 2025.Aim. To evaluate the effect of ketogenic diets on glycemic control in patients with type II DM in Kirkuk and Mosul provinces.Materials and methods. Patients with T2DM in both Mosul and Kirkuk cities were enrolled in this study to evaluate the effect of keto diet on HbA1c level and Lipid profile variations between 1/9/2022 to 1/4/2023.Results and discussion. This study shows that the distributions of patients according to age and gender there was about 43.3 % female and 56.7 % male and the age variations, female with age above 56 years old was 30 % while male 60.7 %. A significant p value was shown in HbA1C variations before and after keto diet (0.0001), also in lipid profile of a significant p value before and after keto diet (0.001) regarding total Glyceride a significant p value highly was (0.002). Due to the large particle size of LDL-C, it has been hypothesized that this elevation in LDL-C would not likely cause cardiovascular problems. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, the low-calorie-ketogenic VLCK diet (<50 g of carbohydrates per day) is a safe, well-tolerated, and recognized medical nutritional therapy option when used in conjunction with an interventional weight loss program that offers support for lifestyle and behavioral modification over a 4-month period.Conclusion. Diabetic and ketogenic diet there is a good clear relationship regarding the HbA1c and lipid profile. Further studies are required for larger numbers of patients and longer duration follow up.

Heat mitigation in basal compacted clay liners in municipal solid waste landfills.

In municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills, biodegradation of the organic MSW fraction results in elevated waste and basal liner temperatures which have the potential to cause the clay component of the basal liner to experience severe moisture loss over time and eventually undergo desiccation cracking. Cracking of the basal liner's clay component would result in an uncontrolled release of contaminants into the surrounding environment and ultimately give rise to a variety of major environmental concerns. Accordingly, this study examined the variation of temperature-moisture profiles along the depth of a compacted clay liner (CCL) exposed to different constant elevated waste temperatures (CETs) in the absence and presence of two heat reduction techniques, respectively. Rockwool insulation layers with varying thicknesses and galvanized steel cooling pipes with varying flowrates were introduced separately as the two heat reduction techniques. Introduction of both techniques led to a significant attenuation of the temperature rise and desiccation experienced by the CCL in the face of different CETs. An increase in rockwool thickness increments led to a progressive reduction of CCL temperature, while an increase in flow rate under turbulent condition did not have a significant influence on the temperature and desiccation reduction of the CCL. Nevertheless, the present study certainly highlights the potential of the two proposed heat reduction techniques to minimize desiccation and consequently increase the service life of CCLs exposed to different elevated temperatures in MSW landfills.

Impact of harvest maturity and storage conditions on tomato quality: A comprehensive experimental and modeling study

The study was applied to fresh tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum, Marbone variety). First, a field survey was conducted to obtain statistical data on the temperature and duration (minimum, mode, maximum) at different stages in the supply chain. Then, the physicochemical, phytochemical and volatile compounds were measured at harvest and on five different days (3, 7, 11, 14 and 21 days) for two maturity stages at harvest (green-orange and light red) and under three storage temperatures (3 °C, 8 °C and 15 °C). These data were used to evaluate the combined impact of harvest maturity, time and storage temperature on the evolution of the different compounds. From the same data, quality models were developed based on the Arrhenius equation to describe the tomato quality evolution under different storage temperatures for (Z)-3 hexenal, total sum of acids, lycopene and chlorogenic acid. These compounds were chosen because of their relation to commercial and nutritional qualities. The model results were validated using additional data from a different study conducted on one constant temperature profile and two dynamic time-temperature profiles as in a supply chain. Finally, data from the field survey and the quality models were combined in a Monte Carlo process (105 product items) to simulate the variability of time-temperature profiles from the grower to the sales outlet and its impact on the quality attributes. For two maturity stages at harvest, the impact of the supply chain on the quality attributes of tomatoes at the sales outlet was also analyzed. Simulation results show that the maturity stage at harvest significantly impacts the final lycopene content and the total sum of acids in tomatoes at the sales outlet, with fruit harvested at the light red stage containing higher lycopene levels (and a lower hue angle) and a lower total sum of acids in comparison with fruit harvested at the green-orange stage. However, at the sales outlet, the concentrations of chlorogenic acid and (Z)-3-hexenal in fruit harvested at the green-orange and light red stages are similar. This information would be useful for fruit and vegetable stakeholders for time-temperature management of tomato fruit throughout the supply chain in order to optimally preserve the main quality attributes.

Ingesting Stellera chamaejasme Significantly Impacts the Gastrointestinal Tract Bacterial Community and Diversity in Plateau Zokors (Eospalax baileyi)

Intestinal bacteria are considered the “second genome” of the host, playing a crucial physiological role in assisting the host in degrading plant secondary compounds, nutrient absorption, immune regulation, and other aspects. To explore the effects of Stellera chamaejasme on the bacterial community of the gastrointestinal tract of plateau zokor, this study uses the 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing technology, and the biodiversity and the community structure of gut bacteria in different gastrointestinal tract segments (the stomach and cecum) of plateau zokors. The results showed that at the phylum level, the dominant flora in the stomach and cecum of plateau zokors before and after ingesting Stellera chamaejasme were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. In plateau zokors that ingested Stellera chamaejasme, the relative abundance of Firmicutes in the stomach and cecum decreased, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes increased, and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes decreased. After plateau zokors ingested Stellera chamaejasme, the ACE index demonstrated a significant reduction in the richness of the stomach bacterial community, while cecal bacterial community richness showed no significant change. Stellera chamaejasme exhibits significantly different effects on the bacterial communities in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract. Beta diversity analysis revealed that, after plateau zokors ingested Stellera chamaejasme, there were notable distinctions in the bacterial communities within both the stomach and cecum, alongside a marked reduction in the variability of the intestinal bacterial profiles across individuals. The results show that ingesting Stellera chamaejasme has a significant impact on the composition and structure of the gastrointestinal tract bacterial community in plateau zokors.

The molecular history of IDH-mutant astrocytomas without adjuvant treatment.

Hypermutation and malignant transformation are potential complications arising from temozolomide treatment of IDH-mutant gliomas. However, the natural history of IDH-mutant low-grade gliomas without temozolomide treatment is actually under-studied. We retrieved retrospectively from our hospitals paired tumors from 19 patients with IDH-mutant, 1p19q non-codeleted Grade 2 astrocytomas where no interim adjuvant treatment with either temozolomide or radiotherapy was given between primary resections and first recurrences. Tissues from multiple recurrences were available from two patients and radiotherapy but not temozolomide was given before the last specimens were resected. We studied the natural molecular history of these low-grade IDH-mutant astrocytomas without pressure of temozolomide with DNA methylation profiling and copy number variation (CNV) analyses, targeted DNA sequencing, TERTp sequencing, FISH for ALT and selected biomarkers. Recurrences were mostly higher grades (15/19 patients) and characterized by new CNVs not present in the primary tumors (17/19 cases). Few novel mutations were identified in recurrences. Tumors from 17/19 (89.5%) patients showed either CDKN2A homozygous deletion, MYC or PDGFRA focal and non-focal gains at recurrences. There was no case of hypermutation. Phylogenetic trees constructed for tumors for the two patients with multiple recurrences suggested a lack of subclone development in their evolution when under no pressure from temozolomide. In summary, our studies demonstrated, in contrast to the phenomenon of temozolomide-induced hypermutation, IDH-mutant, 1p19q non-codeleted Grade 2 astrocytomas which had not been treated by temozolomide, acquired new CNVs at tumor recurrences. These findings improve our understanding of the molecular life history of IDH-mutant astrocytomas.

Strain effects on electronic structure and optics of al-Doped monolayer GaS

This comprehensive study utilises rigorous first-principles calculations to meticulously investigate the influence of uniaxial tensile strain on the electronic configuration and optical behaviours of aluminium-doped gallium sulphide. The study highlights the modulation of electrical properties and optical responses in Al-doped monolayer GaS through the application of tensile strain. Notably, with increasing tensile strain, the bandgap value of the pristine GaS exhibits a pronounced decline, whereas the Al-doped variant maintains a more stable bandgap. A deeper exploration of the state density reveals the emergence of novel electronic states and energy levels in both the pristine and Al-doped monolayer GaS systems as tensile strain is applied. Crucially, the stabilising effect of the doped Al atoms minimises variations in the state density profiles of the Al-doped monolayer GaS systems, in contrast to their pristine counterparts. This result implies that fine control of the electrical structure and optical characteristics of Al-doped monolayer GaS may be achieved by the application of uniaxial tensile strain. The optoelectronic characteristics of GaS and its doped systems are explained in detail by these discoveries, which also offer a crucial theoretical foundation and direction for the use of these materials in optoelectronic devices.

Digital teaching competence of higher education professors: self-perception study in an Ecuadorian university

Background Teaching professionalization aimed at the digital transformation of educational scenarios and training processes for students in contemporary higher education requires the mastery of digital competence by the teaching staff. The objectives of the study were to analyze the self-perceived level of digital teaching competence (DTC) of the faculty of the Technical University of Manabí (UTM), Ecuador, and to establish the relationship between age, sex, and academic profile variables with digital teaching competence. Methods A quantitative methodological approach was adopted to develop a descriptive-correlational field study with a non-experimental design. The participants were 277 professors, selected through non-probabilistic and voluntary sampling, who completed the DigCompEdu Check-In questionnaire sent by e-mail. Results The data revealed that the “integrator” and “expert” categories achieved high levels in all competencies. In particular, 48.74% of the participants were placed in the integrator category in the competence of facilitating skills, while 46.21% positioned themselves as integrators in the competence of evaluation and feedback. Additionally, a significant difference was found in the pedagogy variable in the interaction. Conclusions It is concluded that the competences self-perceived by the professors are within the intermediate categories such as integrator and expert. Likewise, the age, sex, and academic profile variables differ in the digital pedagogy level, which produces an inconsistent relationship, with the exception of the variable evaluates and provides feedback, where it was significant.

First Insights into the Fecal Metabolome of Healthy, Free-Roaming Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis): An Untargeted GCxGC/TOF-MS Metabolomics Study

Background/Objectives: This study provides the first insights to the fecal metabolome of the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis). By using untargeted metabolomics via gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC/TOF-MS), this study primarily aims to provide results of the impact that external stimuli, such as supplemental feeding (SF) practices, seasonal variation and sex, might have on the fecal metabolome composition of healthy, free-roaming giraffes. Methods: Untargeted GCxGC/TOF-MS analysis was applied to the feces collected from thirteen giraffes (six males and seven females) from six different locations within the central Free State Province of South Africa over a period of two years. Statistical analysis of the generated data was used to identify the metabolites that were significantly different between the giraffes located in environments that provided SF and others where the giraffes only fed on the natural available vegetation. The same metabolomics analysis was used to investigate metabolite concentrations that were significantly different between the wet and dry seasons for a single giraffe male provided with SF over the two-year period, as well as for age and sex differences. Results: A total of 2042 features were detected from 26 giraffe fecal samples. Clear variations between fecal metabolome profiles were confirmed, with higher levels of amino acid-related and carbohydrate-related metabolites for giraffes receiving SF. In addition, a separation between the obtained profiles of samples collected from a single adult male giraffe during the wet and dry seasons was identified. Differences, such as higher levels of carbohydrate-related metabolites and organic compounds during the wet season were noted. Distinct variations in profiles were also identified for the metabolites from fecal samples collected from the six males and seven females, with higher concentrations in carbohydrate-related metabolites and alkanes for female giraffes comparatively. Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate the composition of the fecal metabolome of free-roaming giraffes, as well as the effects that external factors, such as environmental exposures, feeding practices, seasonal variations, age and sex, have on it. This novel use of fecal metabolomics assists in developing non-invasive techniques to determine giraffe populations’ health that do not require additional stressors such as capture, restraint and blood collection. Ultimately, such non-invasive advances are beneficial towards the conservation of wildlife species on a larger scale.

Multidisciplinary management of gastroesophageal reflux disease: an italian retrospective study

Abstract Background Millions of individuals are affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that causes significant discomfort negatively affecting patients’ overall quality of life. For a collaborative approach of continuous improvement in public health we wanted to know the real-world perspectives in the multidisciplinary and multimodal management pathway. Methods We aimed to interview a sample of gastroenterologists (GE), primary care physicians (GP), and otolaryngologists (ENT) to investigate the management of the intake and treatment of patients reporting symptoms of GERD. Symptoms were divided into typical and extraesophageal, and their severity and impact on quality of life was explored with the GERD Impact Scale (GSI) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI). Results A total of 6211 patients were analyzed of whom with typical symptoms were 53.5%, while those with extraesophageal symptoms were 46.5%. The latter were more frequently reported by ENT patients (53.6%, p < 0.0001). GSI was highest in patients followed by GE (9 points) and GP (9 points) than ENT specialists (8 points), while the RSI was higher in the ENT group (14.3 ± 6.93) than in the groups of GP and GE, respectively (10.36 ± 6.36 and 10.81 ± 7.30, p < 0.0001). Chest pain had the greatest negative impact on quality of life (p < 0.0001). Of the 3,025 patients who used (proton pump inhibitors) PPIs, non-responders had a lower GSI when treated with a combination of adjunctive drug treatments and bioadhesive compounds, compared with single-component drugs. Conclusions The multidisciplinary and multimodal approach to the management pathway of GERD patients reveals variations in patient profiles by physician specialty, directing toward more appropriate and targeted treatments. In addition, the combination of adjunctive drug treatments and bioadhesive compounds appears to be effective in the management of patients refractory to PPIs. Key messages • The presentation of GERD symptoms is different in accordance with the physician’s speciality: the patients with GERD referred to a gastroenterologist had more severe disease and poorer quality of life. • The combination of adjunctive pharmacological treatments and bioadhesive compounds seems to be effective in the management of PPI refractory patients.

Statins have profound effects on the epicardial fat transcriptome

Abstract Background Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has direct contact with the myocardium, which enables a common microcirculation allowing bidirectional signaling between the tissues. It is possible that a change in the balance of protective and damaging mediators produced by EAT is a major driver for myocardial dysfunction. Notably, EAT volume and thickness associate with increased pro-inflammatory secretome and with coronary artery disease (CAD). Purpose This aim of this study was to analyze the total transcriptome in EAT and relate putative differences between patient groups to metabolic parameters as well as ongoing medications. Methods Between 2011 and 2016, 44 patients (mean age 68.0 years, 18.2% women) had a biopsy taken from the epicardial fat during coronoray by-pass surgery (CABG, n=36), or during elective aortic valvular replacement due to aortic stenosis (AVR, n=8). RNA from epicardial fat biopsis was extracted and sequenced. Differentially expressed genes were obtained by custom scripts that performed a negative binomial distribution test on effective counts. Multivariate regression analysis with orthogonal partial least-squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was applied to extract and interpret the systematic variation in the resolved RNA sequencing profiles. To identify enrichment of biologically relevant functional gene sets, our data were entered in evidence-based network enrichment analysis (EviNet). Results The CABG surgery was performed approximately 7 days after an acute coronary event (75% acute MI), and 44% of them had previously known CAD. None of the AVR cases had significant CAD. At surgery, 97% of the CABG cases were prescribed statins, and 36% of them had statins alredy before the actual admission (long-term statin treatment). 63% of the AVR cases were on statins at admission. The OPLS analysis revealed only one medication with significant outcome, i.e., patients with long-term treatment with statins (n=18) versus patients without (n=26). Long-term statin treatment associated with down-regulated gene expression involved in beta-oxidation and triglyceride biosynthesis whereas gene expression involved in extracellular matrix organization were up-regulated. Gene expression involved in MHC class II presentation and interferon signalling were also reduced in patients with long-term treatment with statisn. A downregulation of genes in the interleukin- and complement cascade genes among CABG patient (versus AVR patients) without long-term statin treatment showed normal levels in statin pretreated patients. Conclusion Long-term statin treatment has a major influence on transcriptional regulation of genes involved in beta-oxidation, triglyceride biosynthesis, extracellular matrix composition, MHC class II presentation and interferon signalling in epicardial adipose tissue. These findings support important metabolic and immune effects of statins beyond the lipid-lowering function.

Deciphering the variation in cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of six European honey bee subspecies

The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) subspecies exhibit local adaptive traits that evolved in response to the different environments that characterize their native distribution ranges. An important trait is the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile, which helps to prevent desiccation and mediate communication. We compared the CHC profiles of six European subspecies (A. m. mellifera, A. m. carnica, A. m. ligustica, A. m. macedonica, A. m. iberiensis, and A. m. ruttneri) and investigated potential factors shaping their composition. We did not find evidence of adaptation of the CHC profiles of the subspecies to the climatic conditions in their distribution range. Subspecies-specific differences in CHC composition might be explained by phylogenetic constraints or genetic drift. The CHC profiles of foragers were more subspecies-specific than those of nurse bees, while the latter showed more variation in their CHC profiles, likely due to the lower desiccation stress exerted by the controlled environment inside the hive. The strongest profile differences appeared between nurse bees and foragers among all subspecies, suggesting an adaptation to social task and a role in communication. Foragers also showed an increase in the relative amount of alkanes in their profiles compared to nurses, indicating adaptation to climatic conditions.

Differential expression of hemolymph proteins in wild bumblebees provides insights into species‐specific impacts of heat stress

AbstractWildlife faces an increasing threat from extreme climatic events, such as heatwaves, which can have a severe impact on various species, including crucial pollinators like bumblebees. Bumblebees are cold‐adapted and heterothermic, possessing the ability to regulate their internal temperature. The impact of heat stress seems species specific in bumblebees. While most species are impacted, some bumblebee species manage to survive, potentially by employing physiological mechanisms, including the modulation of their protein profile (e.g. Heat Shock Proteins). However, there is limited understanding of how their protein profiles are associated with heat exposure. In this study, we examined the global variation in the protein profile of males from two bumblebee species sampled in the wild: the heat‐tolerant Bombus terrestris and the heat‐sensitive Bombus magnus. After subjecting them to heat stupor at 40°C in controlled condition, it was observed that nearly all B. terrestris survived the stress, while over 50% of B. magnus individuals succumbed to the heat exposure. Through off‐gel bottom‐up proteomics and LC–MS/MS analysis of the hemolymph proteome, we identified 164 proteins in both species with a large part of differentially expressed proteins after heat exposure. Additionally, quantitative analysis of fat bodies revealed that the relative mass was stable in B. terrestris, while it was significantly lower in B. magnus exposed to heat stress. Our data suggest that compared with B. magnus, B. terrestris displays a higher adaptability of its hemolymph proteome in response to heat stress. This adaptability could be a key factor contributing to the high physiological resistance of B. terrestris and its ability to adapt to new, stressful environments expected due to climate change. Understanding these mechanisms of protein regulation in bumblebees could provide valuable insights into their resilience and vulnerability facing environmental stresses.

Subjective well-being across the life course among non-industrialized populations.

Subjective well-being (SWB) is often described as being U-shaped over adulthood, declining to a midlife slump and then improving thereafter. Improved SWB in later adulthood has been considered a paradox given age-related declines in health and social losses. While SWB has mostly been studied in high-income countries, it remains largely unexplored in rural subsistence populations lacking formal institutions that reliably promote social welfare. Here, we evaluate the age profile of SWB among three small-scale subsistence societies (n = 468; study 1), forest users from 23 low-income countries (n = 6987; study 2), and Tsimane' horticulturalists (n = 1872; study 3). Across multiple specifications, we find variability in SWB age profiles. In some cases, we find no age-related differences in SWB or even inverted U-shapes. Adjusting for confounders reduces observed age effects. Our findings highlight variability in average well-being trajectories over the life course. Ensuring successful aging will require a greater focus on cultural and socioecological determinants of individual trajectories.

Identification of molecular subtypes based on bile acid metabolism in cholangiocarcinoma

BackgroundCholangiocarcinoma is a highly heterogeneous tumor with bile acid metabolism involving in its development. The aim of this study was to characterize bile acid metabolism and identify specific subtypes to better stratify cholangiocarcinoma patients for individualized treatment and prognostic assessment.MethodsA total of 30 bile acids were quantified using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Using Consensus clustering, the molecular subtypes related to bile acid metabolism were identified. The prognosis, clinicopathologic characteristics, immune landscape, and therapeutic response were compared between these subtypes. The single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis and preliminary cell experiment were also conducted to verify our findings.ResultsThe altered bile acid profile and genetic variation of bile acid metabolism-related genes in cholangiocarcinoma were demonstrated. The cholangiocarcinoma was categorized into bile acid metabolism-active and -inactive subtypes with different prognoses, clinicopathologic characteristics, tumor microenvironments (TME) and therapeutic responses. This categorization was reproducible and predictable. Specifically, the bile acid metabolism-active subtype showed a poor prognosis with an immunosuppressive microenvironment and an inactive response to immunotherapy, while the bile acid metabolism-inactive subtype showed the opposite characteristics. Moreover, the scRNA-seq revealed that immunotherapy altered bile acid metabolism in TME of cholangiocarcinoma. Finally, a prognostic signature related to bile acid metabolism was developed, which exhibited strong power for prognostic assessment of cholangiocarcinoma. Consistently, these results were verified by immunohistochemistry, cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis assays.ConclusionIn conclusion, a novel cholangiocarcinoma classification based on bile acid metabolism was established. This classification was significant for the estimation of TME and prognosis.

Exploring the moderator role of organisational ambidexterity in the relationship between instructional leadership and teacher instructional practices

This study aimed to explore schools’ ambidexterity profiles and examine how each profile influences the relationship between instructional leadership and teacher instructional practices. Using data from 1150 teachers across 108 schools in Turkey, we employed multilevel latent profile analysis to group schools into clusters based on aggregated teachers’ responses to organisational ambidexterity. We conducted moderation analyses with latent profile variables. Results revealed two distinct profiles: high explorative-exploitative and low explorative-exploitative schools. The study also provided evidence of the significant moderating role that school ambidexterity profiles played in the link between leadership and teaching. We discussed implications for policy and practice.

Epstein-Barr virus reactivation induces divergent abortive, reprogrammed, and host shutoff states by lytic progression.

Viral infection leads to heterogeneous cellular outcomes ranging from refractory to abortive and fully productive states. Single cell transcriptomics enables a high resolution view of these distinct post-infection states. Here, we have interrogated the host-pathogen dynamics following reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). While benign in most people, EBV is responsible for infectious mononucleosis, up to 2% of human cancers, and is a trigger for the development of multiple sclerosis. Following latency establishment in B cells, EBV reactivates and is shed in saliva to enable infection of new hosts. Beyond its importance for transmission, the lytic cycle is also implicated in EBV-associated oncogenesis. Conversely, induction of lytic reactivation in latent EBV-positive tumors presents a novel therapeutic opportunity. Therefore, defining the dynamics and heterogeneity of EBV lytic reactivation is a high priority to better understand pathogenesis and therapeutic potential. In this study, we applied single-cell techniques to analyze diverse fate trajectories during lytic reactivation in three B cell models. Consistent with prior work, we find that cell cycle and MYC expression correlate with cells refractory to lytic reactivation. We further found that lytic induction yields a continuum from abortive to complete reactivation. Abortive lytic cells upregulate NFκB and IRF3 pathway target genes, while cells that proceed through the full lytic cycle exhibit unexpected expression of genes associated with cellular reprogramming. Distinct subpopulations of lytic cells further displayed variable profiles for transcripts known to escape virus-mediated host shutoff. These data reveal previously unknown and promiscuous outcomes of lytic reactivation with broad implications for viral replication and EBV-associated oncogenesis.

Deep learning-based approach for identifying vortex-induced vibrations in stay cables

Due to variations in wind speed profiles along the length of bridge stay cables, vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) exhibit multimodal characteristics, presenting challenges for VIV identification. Currently, the VIV identification is concentrated on the stable stage of VIV, lacking an available early warning system for detecting the initial developing stage of VIV. In this study, a deep learning-based approach that integrates energy distribution ratio features derived from frequency band wavelet packet decomposition to recognize VIV of stay cable was proposed. Firstly, vibration characteristics induced by vortices in cable-stayed bridges were analyzed based on field monitoring data from the bridge health monitoring system, aiming to propose suitable feature indicators for VIV identification. Secondly, using root mean square as label classification, a deep learning model was constructed, incorporating convolutional neural networks, long short-term memory networks, and attention mechanisms. Finally, four different stages in the evolution of stay cables VIV were identified utilizing field monitoring datasets to analyze the optimal parameter. Meanwhile, effective early warning recognition was achieved through the classification and recognition of confusion matrix. This study provides technical support for early warning systems and structural condition assessment concerning bridge stay cable VIV.

A Gaussian process model for stellar activity in 2D line profile time-series

ABSTRACT Stellar active regions like spots and faculae can distort the shapes of spectral lines, inducing variations in the radial velocities that are often orders of magnitude larger than the signals from Earth-like planets. Efforts to mitigate these activity signals have hitherto focused on either the time or the velocity (wavelength) domains. We present a physics-driven Gaussian process (GP) framework to model activity signals directly in time series of line profiles or cross-correlation functions (CCFs). Unlike existing methods that correct activity signals in line profile time series, our approach exploits the time correlation between velocity (wavelength) bins in the line profile variations, and is based on a simplified but physically motivated model for the origin of these variations. When tested on both synthetic and real data sets with signal-to-noise ratios down to ∼100, our method was able to separate the planetary signal from the activity signal, even when their periods were identical. We also conducted injection/recovery tests using two years of realistically sampled HARPS-N solar data, demonstrating the ability of the method to accurately recover a signal induced by a 1.5-Earth mass planet with a semi-amplitude of 0.3 m s−1 and a period of 33 d during high solar activity.

Decoding the variability in clinical and laboratory profiles of Chronic Inducible Urticaria vs. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria - a retrospective study from a tertiary care center.

Chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) is characterized by wheals and/or angioedema for longer than 6 weeks induced by specific triggers. The data regarding epidemiology of CIndU is scarce with limited available literature on urticaria severity, investigations, and treatment responses in CIndU compared to CSU. We performed a retrospective chart review of all CIndU patients(cases) enrolled in our Urticaria clinic, past seven years between January 2017 to December 2023. Equal number of CSU patients enrolled during study period were taken as controls. Patients with absence of weals and both CSU and CIndU were excluded from the study. Urticaria severity was assessed by Urticaria activity score over 7 days (UAS7). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS V29 with P < 0.05 as significant. Out of all records screened, 222 CIndU (cases) and 226 CSU (controls) were eligible based on complete availability of data. Both groups were comparable in terms of age and gender with slight female preponderance. Mean UAS7 at baseline was comparable(p = 0.619) between two groups [(11.49 ± 10.37 in CIndU vs. 10.9 ± 12.2 in CSU)]. The mean CRP (mg/dl) levels for CIndU vs. CSU patients was 2.8 ± 4.2 vs. 6.9 ± 11.2 (p < 0.001). Serum D-dimer levels (mg/dl) were also significant between cases(167 ± 220) and controls(265 ± 452) (p = 0.020). The quality of life assessed by CU-QOL score was 9.39 ± 9.5 in CIndU vs. 16 ± 14.8 in CSU (p < 0.001). 80% of CIndU patients and 52% of CSU patients required updosing of antihistamines upto 4 times and the difference was statistically significant between two groups(p = < 0.001). The mean time taken to achieve remission i.e. UAS7 = 0 (T0) was 60 ± 42 days amongst CIndU while it was shorter in CSU (27.77 ± 27 days) (p < 0.001).Amongst all CIndU cases, commonest subtypes were symptomatic dermographism (SD) (39.5%) followed by cholinergic urticaria(4.2%) and cold urticaria(1.8%). Our study underscores the distinct clinical and laboratory profiles between CIndU and CSU patients. CIndU patients exhibit poorer response to standard antihistamine doses, requiring more frequent updosing and longer treatment duration. The time to attain remission as assessed by UAS7 score was also longer in CIndU patients than CSU patients (mean difference of 33 days). Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore targeted treatment approaches for CIndU.

Three-Dimensional Model Analysis Revealed Differential Cytotoxic Effects of the NK-92 Cell Line and Primary NK Cells on Breast and Ovarian Carcinoma Cell Lines Mediated by Variations in Receptor-Ligand Interactions and Soluble Factor Profiles.

Background/objectives: The functional activity of a certain tumor determines the effectiveness of primary NK cells and NK-92 cell line-based cancer therapy; their therapeutic effectiveness against different tumors can vary. This work provides a direct simultaneous comparison of the cytotoxic effects of in vitro-activated peripheral NK (pNK) cells and NK-92 cells in spheroid models of BT-474, MCF7 and SKOV-3 carcinomas and uncovers the reasons for the differential effectiveness of NK cells against tumors. Methods: Tumor spheroids of similar size and shape, obtained from agarose molds, were incubated with NK-92 or pNK cells for 24 h. Tumor cell death was detected using flow cytometry or confocal microscopy. Cytokine production, granzyme B levels and NK cell degranulation analyses were performed, along with pNK and target-cell phenotypic characterization. Results: While NK-92 and pNK cells lysed BT-474 spheroids with comparably low efficiency, pNK cells were more capable of eliminating MCF7 and SKOV-3 spheroids than NK-92 cells were. The results of the functional and phenotypic analyses strongly support the participation of the NKG2D-NKG2DL pathway in pNK cell activation induced by the most sensitive cytotoxic attack on SKOV-3 spheroids, whereas the CX3CR1-CX3CL1 axis appears to be involved in the pNK reaction against MCF-7 spheroids. Conclusions: We provide a new approach for the preliminary identification of the most promising NK cell receptors that can alter the effectiveness of cancer therapy depending on the specific tumor type. Using this approach, NK-92 cells or pNK subsets can be selected for further accumulation and/or genetic modification to improve specificity and reactivity.