We investigated the abundance and distribution of tetracycline resistance genes (tet genes) in an oxytetracycline (OTC) antibiotic production wastewater (APW) treatment system. Of sixteen tet genes ...and five mobile elements, nine tet genes (tet(A), tet(C), tet(G), tet(L), tet(M), tet(O), tet(Q), tet(W), and tet(X)) and two mobile elements (class 1 integron (intI1) and transposon Tn916/1545) were successfully quantified by real-time PCR. The relative abundance of tet genes in the effluent and activated sludge (1.2 × 10–4 to 1.3 × 100) of the APW treatment system were up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than those in the OTC fermentation residues (8.5 × 10–5 to 6.7 × 10–3) (P < 0.01), and 1–4 orders of magnitude higher than those in sewage and nonantibiotic production wastewater treatment systems (P < 0.01), showing that the discharge of abundant tet genes from the APW treatment system is worthy of attention. The three most abundant genes in the APW treatment system, tet(A), tet(C), and tet(G), exhibited significant positive correlations with intI1 (R 2 = 0.73, 0.95, and 0.83, respectively; P < 0.05), suggesting that intI1 may be involved in their proliferation. This is the first study showing that some measures may be required to control the discharge of antibiotic resistance genes from treated APW and activated sludge.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
In the past decade, many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified and their in vitro functions defined, although in some cases their functions in vivo remain less clear. Moreover, unlike ...nuclear lncRNAs, the roles of cytoplasmic lncRNAs are less defined. Here, using a gene trapping approach in mouse embryonic stem cells, we identify Caren (short for cardiomyocyte-enriched noncoding transcript), a cytoplasmic lncRNA abundantly expressed in cardiomyocytes. Caren maintains cardiac function under pathological stress by inactivating the ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-DNA damage response (DDR) pathway and activating mitochondrial bioenergetics. The presence of Caren transcripts does not alter expression of nearby (cis) genes but rather decreases translation of an mRNA transcribed from a distant gene encoding histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (Hint1), which activates the ATM-DDR pathway and reduces mitochondrial respiratory capacity in cardiomyocytes. Therefore, the cytoplasmic lncRNA Caren functions in cardioprotection by regulating translation of a distant gene and maintaining cardiomyocyte homeostasis.
Energy simulation results for buildings have significantly deviated from actual consumption because of the uncertainty and randomness of occupant behavior. Such differences are mainly caused by the ...inaccurate estimation of occupancy in buildings. Therefore, the error between reality and prediction could be largely reduced by improving the accuracy level of occupancy prediction. Although various studies on occupancy have been conducted, there are still many differences in the approaches to detection, prediction, and validation. Reports published within this domain are reviewed in this article to discover the advantages and limitations of previous studies, and gaps in the research are identified for future investigation. Six methods of monitoring and their combinations are analyzed to provide effective guidance in choosing and applying a method. The advantages of deterministic schedules, stochastic schedules, and machine-learning methods for occupancy prediction are summarized and discussed to improve prediction accuracy in future work. Moreover, three applications of occupancy models—improving building simulation software, facilitating building operation control, and managing building energy use—are examined. This review provides theoretical guidance for building design and makes contributions to building energy conservation and thermal comfort through the implementation of intelligent control strategies based on occupancy monitoring and prediction.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Both pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients with lung injury and altered pulmonary ...vascular anatomy or function are more susceptible to infections. The purpose of the study is to ascertain whether individuals with COPD or PAH are affected synergistically by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Data sources for the construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) included three RNA-seq datasets from the GEO database (GSE147507, GSE106986, and GSE15197). Then, relationships between miRNAs, common DEGs, and transcription factor (TF) genes were discovered. Functional analysis using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and other databases, as well as the forecasting of antiviral medications for COPD and PAH patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, were also performed. Eleven common DEGs were found in the three datasets, and their biological functions were primarily enriched in the control of protein modification processes, particularly phosphorylation. Growth factor receptor binding reflects molecular function. KEGG analysis indicated that co-DEGs mainly activate Ras, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways and act on focal adhesions. NFKB1 interacted with HSA-miR-942 in the TF-miRNA-DEGs synergistic regulatory network. Acetaminophen is considered an effective drug candidate. There are some connections between COPD and PAH and the development of COVID-19. This research could aid in developing COVID-19 vaccines and medication candidates that would work well as COVID-19 therapies.
Abstract Background Preoperative assessment of the risk of lymph node invasion (LNI) is mandatory to identify prostate cancer (PCa) patients who should receive an extended pelvic lymph node ...dissection (ePLND). Objective To update a nomogram predicting LNI in contemporary PCa patients with detailed biopsy reports. Design, setting, and participants Overall, 681 patients with detailed biopsy information, evaluated by a high-volume uropathologist, treated with radical prostatectomy and ePLND between 2011 and 2016 were identified. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis A multivariable logistic regression model predicting LNI was fitted and represented the basis for a coefficient-based nomogram. The model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic-derived area under the curve (AUC), calibration plot, and decision-curve analyses (DCAs). Results and limitations The median number of nodes removed was 16. Overall, 79 (12%) patients had LNI. A multivariable model that included prostate-specific antigen, clinical stage, biopsy Gleason grade group, percentage of cores with highest-grade PCa, and percentage of cores with lower-grade disease represented the basis for the nomogram. After cross validation, the predictive accuracy of these predictors in our cohort was 90.8% and the DCA demonstrated improved risk prediction against threshold probabilities of LNI ≤20%. Using a cutoff of 7%, 471 (69%) ePLNDs would be spared and LNI would be missed in seven (1.5%) patients. As compared with the Briganti and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center nomograms, the novel model showed higher AUC (90.8% vs 89.5% vs 89.5%), better calibration characteristics, and a higher net benefit at DCA. Conclusions An ePLND should be avoided in patients with detailed biopsy information and a risk of nodal involvement below 7%, in order to spare approximately 70% ePLNDs at the cost of missing only 1.5% LNIs. Patient summary We developed a novel nomogram to predict lymph node invasion (LNI) in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer based on detailed biopsy reports. A lymph node dissection exclusively in men with a risk of LNI > 7% according to this model would significantly reduce the number of unnecessary pelvic nodal dissections with a risk of missing only 1.5% of patients with LNI.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Sarcopenia due to loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength leads to physical inactivity and decreased quality of life. The number of individuals with sarcopenia is rapidly increasing as the number ...of older people increases worldwide, making this condition a medical and social problem. Some patients with sarcopenia exhibit accumulation of peri-muscular adipose tissue (PMAT) as ectopic fat deposition surrounding atrophied muscle. However, an association of PMAT with muscle atrophy has not been demonstrated. Here, we show that PMAT is associated with muscle atrophy in aged mice and that atrophy severity increases in parallel with cumulative doses of PMAT. We observed severe muscle atrophy in two different obese model mice harboring significant PMAT relative to respective control non-obese mice. We also report that denervation-induced muscle atrophy was accelerated in non-obese young mice transplanted around skeletal muscle with obese adipose tissue relative to controls transplanted with non-obese adipose tissue. Notably, transplantation of obese adipose tissue into peri-muscular regions increased nuclear translocation of FoxO transcription factors and upregulated expression FoxO targets associated with proteolysis (Atrogin1 and MuRF1) and cellular senescence (p19 and p21) in muscle. Conversely, in obese mice, PMAT removal attenuated denervation-induced muscle atrophy and suppressed upregulation of genes related to proteolysis and cellular senescence in muscle. We conclude that PMAT accumulation accelerates age- and obesity-induced muscle atrophy by increasing proteolysis and cellular senescence in muscle.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
In the present work, an experimental investigation is performed to assess the thermal and electrical performance of a photovoltaic solar panel cooling with multi-walled carbon nanotube–water/ethylene ...glycol (50:50) nano-suspension (MWCNT/WEG50). The prepared nanofluid was stabilized using an ultrasonic homogenizer together with the addition of 0.1vol% of nonylphenol ethoxylates at pH = 8.9. To reduce the heat loss and to improve the heat transfer rate between the coolant and the panel, a cooling jacket was designed and attached to the solar panel. It was also filled with multi-walled carbon nanotube–paraffin phase change material (PCM) and the cooling pipes were passed through the PCM. The MWCNT/WEG50 nanofluid was introduced into the pipes, while the nano-PCM was in the cooling jacket. The electrical and thermal power of the system and equivalent electrical–thermal power of the system was assessed at various local times and at different mass fractions of MWCNTs. Results showed that with an increase in the mass concentration of the coolant, the electricity and power production were promoted, while with an increase in the mass concentration of the nanofluid, the pumping power was augmented resulting in the decrease in the thermal–electrical equivalent power. It was identified that a MWCNT/WEG50 nano-suspension at 0.2wt% can represent the highest thermal and electrical performance of 292.1 W/m2. It was also identified that at 0.2wt%, ~45% of the electricity and 44% of the thermal power can be produced with a photovoltaic (PV) panel between 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
In this research, flow boiling heat transfer of zirconia–water nanofluid inside a heat exchanger was experimentally investigated. The system was assessed for heat fluxes ranging from 10 to 150 kW m
...−2
, inlet temperatures of 323 K to 353 K, mass flow rates of 1–10 kg s
−1
and mass concentrations of mass% = 0.1 to 0.3%. Results showed that the boiling thermal performance and heat transfer coefficient of zirconia nanofluid are plausible and this nanofluid can be utilized as a coolant inside the two-phase heat exchanging systems. However, the pressure drop associated with the use of zirconia nanoparticles suppressed the thermal efficiency of the system. Likewise, particulate fouling was not observed during the experiments and bubble formation was not affected by the deposition of nanoparticles on the boiling surface. At mass% = 0.3, the boiling heat transfer coefficient was improved by 35.8%; however, pressure drop value was also augmented. Likewise, temperature increased the heat transfer coefficient slightly which was attributed to the improvement in the thermo-physical properties of nanofluid such as thermal conductivity.
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DOBA, EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
The study of the dynamic characteristics of the district heating (DH) systems is a necessary prerequisite for the control strategy. Through the study of the primary system and secondary system in DH ...systems, dynamic models of the DH network are built in this paper. Two important parameters and their mathematical expressions representing the dynamic characteristics of the DH network are described. These parameters include the lag time and relative attenuation degree of DH systems. Test data about three heat exchange stations were used in the calculation of the lag time and relative attenuation degree in the process of solving the dynamic models. Peak-valley method was introduced to find the actual lag time, and the correspondence analysis method was used to obtain the actual relative attenuation degree. The comparison of actual data with calculating data of the two parameters verified the correctness of the dynamic models. The lag time is proved to be approximately equal to the flow time of the heat medium in the DH network, and some parameters influencing the relative attenuation degree are analyzed. This will help the technicians to regulate the DH systems in the process of operation and management using the two parameters.
► We build the dynamic models of the districting heating network. ► The lag time and relative attenuation degree are introduced to represent the dynamic characteristics of the district heating network. ► Peak-valley method is introduced to find the actual lag time. ► The correspondence analysis method is used to obtain the actual relative attenuation degree. ► The lag time is proved to be approximately equal to the flow time of the heat medium.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
In parallel with the increase in the number of elderly people worldwide, the number of patients with heart disease is also rapidly increasing. Of the heart diseases, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and ...heart failure (HF) are strongly associated with adverse health outcomes that decrease productivity in later years. Recently, ANGPTL2, a secreted glycoprotein and member of the angiopoietin-like protein family, has received attention as a causal player in the development of CVD and HF. Prolonged ANGPTL2 autocrine/paracrine signaling in vascular tissue leads to chronic inflammation and pathologic tissue remodeling, accelerating CVD development. Excess ANGPTL2 autocrine/paracrine signaling induced in the pathologically stressed heart accelerates cardiac dysfunction by decreasing myocardial energy metabolism. Conversely, ANGPTL2 inactivation in vascular tissue and the heart delays development or progression of CVD and HF, respectively. Moreover, there is increased evidence for an association between elevated circulating ANGPTL2 levels and CVD and HF. Interestingly, ANGPTL2 expression is also associated with cellular senescence, which may promote premature aging and development of aging-associated diseases, including CVD and HF. Overall, ANGPTL2 autocrine/paracrine signaling is a new factor in accelerating heart disease development in the aging. Here, we focus on current topics relevant to ANGPTL2 function in heart disease.
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