Application of disease-associated differentially expressed genes – Mining for functional candidate genes for mastitis resistance in cattle

In this study the mRNA differential display method was applied to identify mastitis-associated expressed DNA sequences based on different expression patterns in mammary gland samples of non-infected and infected udder quarters of a cow. In total, 704 different cDNA bands were displayed in both udder samples. Five hundred-and-thirty two bands, (75.6%) were differentially displayed. Ninety prominent cDNA bands were isolated, re-amplified, cloned and sequenced resulting in 87 different sequences. Amongst the 19 expressed sequence tags showing a similarity with previously described genes, the majority of these sequences exhibited homology to protein kinase encoding genes (26.3%), to genes involved in the regulation of gene expression (26.3%), to growth and differentiation factor encoding genes (21.0%) and to immune response or inflammation marker encoding genes (21.0%). These sequences were shown to have mastitis-associated expression in the udder samples of animals with and without clinical mastitis by quantitative RT-PCR. They were mapped physically using a bovine-hamster somatic cell hybrid panel and a 5000 rad bovine whole genome radiation hybrid panel. According to their localization in QTL regions based on an established integrated marker/gene-map and their disease-associated expression, four genes (AHCY, PRKDC, HNRPU, OSTF1) were suggested as potentially involved in mastitis defense

Novel Energy Management System of PMSG based Standalone Wind Power Generation System

Renewable energy sources based electric power generating units are often power supply units for many rural areas worldwide especially where power supply is impossible through the power grid. Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generation (PMSG) based wind power conversion system is considered in this paper and equipped with an efficient maximum power tracker (MPPT) circuit. However, electricity produced through wind turbine will be always fluctuating according to wind speed. Hence, an energy storage device (i.e., batteries) is also connected through a dc to dc bidirectional circuit. Moreover, during light load conditions, a dump load also incorporated to consume excess power in case batteries are fully charged. A common dc-link is established by connecting MPPT circuit of wind system, bidirectional converter and dump load along with a power electronic switch. Novel control methods are proposed to all converters to maintain constant voltage at dc-link under various changes happened in the standalone system. In order to provide supply to AC loads, an inverter with voltage control unit also connected between load bus and dc-link. An efferent energy management algorithm is developed based on controlling the voltage at dc-link. MATLAB/Simulink is used to analyze the standalone power supply system and applied various operating conditions to present results

Solar Energy in Developing Countries: Challenges and Opportunities for Smart Cities

This perspective article explores the dynamic landscape of solar energy adoption in developing countries, particularly within the framework of smart cities. Developing nations face a compelling need to bridge the energy gap, reduce emissions, foster economic growth, and enhance energy security. Solar energy offers potential solutions to these challenges. Despite the promise of solar energy, obstacles exist. Financial constraints, outdated infrastructure, grid instability, technical expertise gaps, and regulatory hurdles hinder widespread adoption. However, technological advances in solar panels, energy storage, smart grids, and data analytics present avenues for overcoming these challenges. Collaborative initiatives, consistent policies, and public-private partnerships offer support for sustainable development. Smart cities play a crucial role in this transition. Sustainable urban planning, smart infrastructure, and digitalization contribute to the efficient use of solar power. Case studies from India, Rwanda, and Brazil exemplify successful integration of solar energy within smart city projects. Balancing challenges with opportunities is the key to success. By addressing obstacles and seizing available prospects, developing countries can lead the charge toward a sustainable energy future

Hybrid Intelligent Optimization Techniques for Grid Integration with Renewable Systems: Review

Renewable energy sources are essential in fulfilling the increasing need for electricity. Researchers are actively exploring eco-friendly alternative energy sources and technologies, particularly in the form of micro grids or gridintegrated systems. A hybrid renewable energy system with battery storage in a small-scale industry was optimized using a blend of traditional and cutting-edge models, employing mixed integer linear programming techniques, as demonstrated in a recent study. The proposed optimization algorithm offers improved accuracy and reduced computational burdens. The model considers the intrinsic stochastic nature of hybrid energy systems and integrates fluctuations in load forecasting. By employing an intelligent computational optimization algorithm, the study focuses on optimizing the PV-Wind, Diesel, and battery storage hybrid system. The findings of this research shed light on the impact of load variations on component sizing in small-scale industries. This review holds significant value for researchers who aim to tackle the intricacies of algorithm analysis and power system design in order to drive future enhancements

Regulation of inflammation in Japanese encephalitis

Uncontrolled inflammatory response of the central nervous system is a hallmark of severe Japanese encephalitis (JE). Although inflammation is necessary to mount an efficient immune response against virus infections, exacerbated inflammatory response is often detrimental. In this context, cells of the monocytic lineage appear to be important forces driving JE pathogenesis

The impact of surgical delay on resectability of colorectal cancer: An international prospective cohort study

AIM: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has provided a unique opportunity to explore the impact of surgical delays on cancer resectability. This study aimed to compare resectability for colorectal cancer patients undergoing delayed versus non-delayed surgery. METHODS: This was an international prospective cohort study of consecutive colorectal cancer patients with a decision for curative surgery (January-April 2020). Surgical delay was defined as an operation taking place more than 4 weeks after treatment decision, in a patient who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy. A subgroup analysis explored the effects of delay in elective patients only. The impact of longer delays was explored in a sensitivity analysis. The primary outcome was complete resection, defined as curative resection with an R0 margin. RESULTS: Overall, 5453 patients from 304 hospitals in 47 countries were included, of whom 6.6% (358/5453) did not receive their planned operation. Of the 4304 operated patients without neoadjuvant therapy, 40.5% (1744/4304) were delayed beyond 4 weeks. Delayed patients were more likely to be older, men, more comorbid, have higher body mass index and have rectal cancer and early stage disease. Delayed patients had higher unadjusted rates of complete resection (93.7% vs. 91.9%, P = 0.032) and lower rates of emergency surgery (4.5% vs. 22.5%, P < 0.001). After adjustment, delay was not associated with a lower rate of complete resection (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.90-1.55, P = 0.224), which was consistent in elective patients only (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.69-1.27, P = 0.672). Longer delays were not associated with poorer outcomes. CONCLUSION: One in 15 colorectal cancer patients did not receive their planned operation during the first wave of COVID-19. Surgical delay did not appear to compromise resectability, raising the hypothesis that any reduction in long-term survival attributable to delays is likely to be due to micro-metastatic disease

Chlorthalidone, not hydrochlorothiazide, is the right diuretic for comparison

Abstract We have read the study design “Comparison of effects between calcium channel blocker and diuretics in combination with angiotensin II receptor blocker on 24-h central blood pressure and vascular hemodynamic parameters in hypertensive patients: study design for a multicenter, double-blinded, active controlled, phase 4, randomized trial” by Oh GC, et al. with interest. The authors aim to compare the efficacy of amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) with an ARB. However, we wish to highlight that chlorthalidone (CTD) is the evidence-based and recommended anti-hypertensive diuretic, and should replace HCTZ in the trial to effectively compare efficacy against the CCB amlodipine