Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extensive responses of lake dynamics to climate change on northeastern Tibetan Plateau

The lakes on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau have undergone substantial changes. As intensive cryospheric components change, the response of the lake dynamics to climatic factors, glacier-snow melting, and permafrost thawing has been complex. Based on Landsat images, meteorological data, and glacier and permafrost data, the spatial-temporal changes in the lake area on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau between 1988 and 2019 were analyzed and the driving factors behind the lake changes were further explored. The results suggest that the regional lake area increased from 1988 to 2019 at rates of 0.01–16.03 km2/yr. It decreased during 1988–2000, quickly increased during 2000–2012, and rapidly increased during 2012–2019. The most significant lake expansion occurred in sub-region I, which is the source region of the Yangtze River Basin. There was a sharper increase during 2012–2019 than during 2000–2012 in sub-region II (the source region of the Yellow River Basin and the Qinghai Lake Basin) and sub-region III (the Qaidam Basin). The significant lake expansion occurred about 12 years earlier in sub-region I than in sub-regions II and III. This dramatic change in the lake area was closely associated with the annual precipitation, and precipitation was the primary driving factor. Although serious glacier retreat occurred, most of the lakes in the sub-regions were non-glacier-fed lakes. The correlation between glacier ablation and the change in the lake area was poor, which suggests that glacial meltwater was not the replenishment source of most of the lakes in this region. A more accelerated increase in the active layer thickness occurred (1.90 cm/yr), which was consistent with the more rapid lake expansion, and the permafrost degradation further intensified the lake expansion.
Factors associated with worsened clinical symptoms of psoriasis and disease-related quality of life during the COVID-19 lockdown: A cross-sectional study

Objective In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with psoriasis symptom worsening and impaired quality of life (QoL) in individuals with psoriasis during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Methods During the second COVID-19 national lockdown (January–April 2021) in Lithuania, individuals diagnosed with psoriasis were invited to fill in an anonymous online survey including sociodemographic and life-style factors, psoriasis-related clinical symptoms, the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Patients' Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Results A total of 297 respondents completed the survey. The majority of them (52.5%) reported worsened clinical symptoms of psoriasis during the COVID-19 lockdown period. In total, 43.1% of responders reported significant depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and 23.6% reported impaired disease-related QoL (DLQI > 10). The strongest predictor of psoriasis symptoms worsening was the need for changes in psoriasis treatment, with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.73 (95% CI 1.37–5.44, p = 0.004) and decreased income (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.30–4.17, p = 0.004). The strongest predictor of impaired QoL was male sex (OR = 3.35, 95% CI 1.70–6.59, p < 0.001). Contribution of specific depressive symptoms was evident for both models. Conclusion Worsening of psoriasis symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown was associated with decreased income, psoriasis treatment changes and depression symptoms. Impaired QoL was associated with male sex, symptom worsening and depression. Specific depression symptoms may have contributed to more symptom worsening and impaired QoL than the depressive symptomatology as a whole.
Gain, frequency bandwidth, and saturation output power of AlGaAs DH laser amplifiers

Signal gain, frequency bandwidth, and saturation output power, which are important parameters in determining preamplifier and linear repeater system performance, are studied theoretically and experimentally for AlGaAs Fabry-Perot cavity type laser amplifiers. Multimode rate equations with an input signal term are solved for the exponential bandtail model with no k -selection rule. Experimental results are in reasonable agreement with theoretical predictions. The maximum signal gain, frequency bandwidth, and the tolerance of the optical center frequency control are determined by facet mirror reflectivity and cavity length. The unsaturated signal gain increases with the pumping rate and the maximum signal gain as high as 21-28 dB is obtained near oscillation threshold for various cavity structures. The frequency bandwidth, at which signal gain is decreased by 3 dB from the low frequency value, is 1 GHz at 21 dB signal gain for a 900μm cavity length amplifier. The saturation output power, at which the signal gain is decreased by 3 dB from the unsaturated value, is -10 to -5 dBm. The saturation output power will be improved by 18 dB in a traveling wave type amplifier.
Review of an intelligent indoor environment monitoring and management system for COVID-19 risk mitigation

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has turned the world upside down bringing about a massive impact on society due to enforced measures such as the curtailment of personal travel and limitations on economic activities. The global pandemic resulted in numerous people spending their time at home, working, and learning from home hence exposing them to air contaminants of outdoor and indoor origins. COVID-19 is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which spreads by airborne transmission. The viruses found indoors are linked to the building's ventilation system quality. The ventilation flow in an indoor environment controls the movement and advection of any aerosols, pollutants, and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) created by indoor sources/occupants; the quantity of CO2 can be measured by sensors. Indoor CO2 monitoring is a technique used to track a person's COVID-19 risk, but high or low CO2 levels do not necessarily mean that the COVID-19 virus is present in the air. CO2 monitors, in short, can help inform an individual whether they are breathing in clean air. In terms of COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies, intelligent indoor monitoring systems use various sensors that are available in the marketplace. This work presents a review of scientific articles that influence intelligent monitoring development and indoor environmental quality management system. The paper underlines that the non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor and ESP8266 microcontroller support the development of low-cost indoor air monitoring at learning facilities.
A novel method for quantifying human disturbances: A case study of Huaihe River Basin, China

Human disturbances have become the main factors affecting the ecological environment. Therefore, evaluating the intensity of human disturbances is of great significance for ensuring effective regional conservation and ecosystem management. In this study, we constructed a novel method to quantify human disturbances based on three components of human disturbances into three types, namely naturalness transformation, natural resource consumption, and pollutant emissions. These components were quantified using the land use naturalness index (LNI), resource consumption index (RCI), and pollution emission index (PEI). Based on these three indicators, the human disturbances index (HDI) was calculated to reflect the intensity of human disturbances. In addition, remote sensing (RS), geographic information system (GIS), and multisource data were combined in the HDI method, taking into account the temporal variability of input parameters to achieve more convenient and comprehensive dynamic monitoring and evaluation of human disturbances. The applicability and effectiveness of the HDI method were assessed in the Huaihe River Basin, China. The obtained results revealed an increase and decrease in the intensities of human disturbances in the Huaihe River Basin from 1990 to 2005 and from 2010 to 2018, respectively. In addition, areas with a high level of human disturbances in the 1990–2005 period were mainly concentrated in the agricultural and industrial areas, while those in the 2010–2018 period were mainly observed in urban areas. This change was mainly due to a decrease in the pollutant emission amounts from agricultural and industrial lands and a marked increase in resource consumption in urban areas. This study provides theoretical guidance for regional conservation in the Huaihe River Basin and a new method for quantifying human disturbances.
A single-cell atlas reveals the heterogeneity of meningeal immunity in a mouse model of Methyl CpG binding protein 2 deficiency

Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a DNA methylation reader protein. Mutations in MeCP2 are the major cause of Rett syndrome (RTT). Increasing evidence has shown that dysregulated immunity and chronic subclinical inflammation are linked to MeCP2 deficiency and contribute to RTT development and deterioration. The meninges surrounding the central nervous system (CNS) contain a wide repertoire of immune cells that participate in immune surveillance within the CNS and influence various brain functions; however, the characterization and role of meningeal immunity in CNS with MeCP2 deficiency remain poorly addressed. Here, we used single-cell sequencing to profile Mecp2-deficient meningeal immune cells from the dura mater, which has been reported to contain the most meningeal immune cells during homeostasis. Data showed that the meninges of Mecp2-null mice contained the same diverse immune cell populations as control mice and showed an up-regulation of immune-related processes. B cell populations were greater in Mecp2-null mice than in control mice, and the expression of genes encoding for immunoglobulins was remarkably higher. Mecp2-deficient meninges also contained more cytotoxic CD8+ T cells than control meninges. With increased interferon-γ transcription in T and natural killer cells, meningeal macrophages showed decreased suppression and increased activity in Mecp2-deficienct mice. Together, these findings provide novel insights into meningeal immunity, which is a less studied aspect of neuroimmune interactions in Mecp2-mutated diseases, and offer an essential resource for comparative analyses and data exploration to better understand the functional role of meningeal immunity in RTT.
Clinical outcomes of bone transport using rail fixator in the treatment of femoral nonunion or bone defect caused by infection

Purpose The rail fixator can improve the treatment outcome and provide good stability in patients with femoral bone transport. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes of bone transport using the Ilizarov technique by rail fixator in the treatment of femoral nonunion or bone defects caused by infection. Methods Clinical feature and treatment outcomes of 32 consecutive adult patients with femoral nonunion or bone defect caused by infection from January 2012 to January 2019 at a minimum of 2 years of follow-ups were retrospectively analyzed. Data were collected on participants' demographic details. All difficulties related to bone transport were documented according to Paley's classification. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using ASAMI criteria at the last clinical visit. Results All 32 patients with an average follow-up of 33.5 months. There were 17 problems, 21 obstacles, and 8 complications, and the complication rate per patient was 1.4. The main complications were pin-site infection (53.1%), axial deviation (21.9%), joint stiffness (18.8%), the delayed union of the docking site (18.8%), soft tissue incarceration(15.6%), delayed consolidation(6.3%), malunion(6.3%), and refracture (3.1%). All the patients achieved bone union, and no recurrence of infection was observed. The excellent and good rates of ASAMI bone and functional results were 87.5% and 81.3%, respectively. Conclusion Bone transport using the Ilizarov technique is an effective method for the treatment of femoral nonunion or bone defect caused by infection, and rail fixators have obtained satisfactory results in terms of bone and functional results.
Molecular epidemiology, drug resistance, and virulence gene analysis of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from dairy goats in backyard farms in China

Streptococcus agalactiae infections may lead to clinical or subclinical mastitis in dairy animals when it invades the mammary gland. In this study, 51 S. agalactiae strains were isolated from 305 milk samples that were collected from goats with mastitis in 13 provinces of China. The antimicrobial resistance of S. agalactiae was determined by disk diffusion methods against 18 antibiotics from six classes. In addition, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and the presence of resistance and virulence genes was determined by PCR analysis. Seven sequence types in five clonal complexes were identified according to MLST; CC103 and CC67 strains were predominant, with rates of 45.1% and 39.2%, respectively. All isolates (100%) were multiresistant to three or more antimicrobial agents. S. agalactiae isolates had a 100% resistance rate to penicillin, oxacillin, and amoxicillin, followed by doxycycline (82.4%), tetracycline (76.5%), and amikacin (74.5%). The lowest resistance was observed for ciprofloxacin (29.4%), which varied in five different regions. The detection rates of six classes of antimicrobial-related genes were calculated as follows: 33 (64.7%) for β-lactam-related resistance gene, 12 (23.5%) for tetracyclines, 11 (21.6%) for quinolone-related resistance genes, 10 (19.6%) for aminoglycosides, 7 (13.7%) for macrolides (ermA, ermB, and mefA), and 3 (5.9%) for lincosamide (lnu(B)). Regarding virulence genes, profile 1 (bca cfb-cspA-cylE-hylB-bibA-pavA-fbsA-fbsB) was the most prevalent, with a detection rate of 54.9%. This work provides a primary source related to the molecular epidemiology of S. agalactiae in dairy goat herds in China and will aid in the clinical treatment, prevention, and control of mastitis.
Prominent renal complications associated with MMACHC pathogenic variant c.80A > G in Chinese children with cobalamin C deficiency

Objective CblC deficiency, the most common cobalamin metabolic abnormality, is caused by pathogenic variants in the MMACHC gene. The renal complications of this disease have been described only in a small number of cases. This study aimed to better delineate renal phenotype and genetic characteristics in Chinese children with cblC defect. Methods Children with cblC deficiency who manifested as kidney damage were enrolled. Clinical, renal pathological, and genetic data were reviewed in detail. Results Seven cases were enrolled. Ages at disease onset ranged from 9 months to 5 years. All patients presented with hematuria and proteinuria, and 2/7 cases presented with nephrotic syndrome. Renal dysfunction was observed in 4/7 cases. Renal biopsy was performed in 5/7 cases, and all of them had renal thrombotic microangiopathy. Macrocytic anemia was detected in all seven patients. Six out of seven cases had hypertension, and 2/7 cases presented with pulmonary hypertension. Two of them had a mild intellectual disability, and one suffered from epilepsy. Increased urine methylmalonic acid and plasma homocysteine were detected in seven cases, while two patients had normal levels of urine methylmalonic acid at the initial evaluation. After diagnosis, all seven cases were treated with hydroxocobalamin IM. Six cases were followed-up for 3–8 years. After treatments, anemia was the first to be recovered, followed by proteinuria. Renal function recovered after 1 year in two cases, whereas patient 2 progressed to stage 2 chronic kidney disease 13 years after onset. While a case presented with end-stage kidney disease because of late diagnosis, one case died 3 months after disease onset due to giving up treatment. Three MMACHC pathogenic variants c.80A > G (8/14), c.609G > A (4/14), and c. 658_660delAAG (2/14) were detected in all seven children. Conclusion MMACHC variant c.80A > G may be associated with prominent renal complications in Chinese cblC patients. Macrocytic anemia and hyperhomocysteinemia are useful clues for patients with hematuria and proteinuria caused by cblC defect. The most frequent renal pathological manifestation is thrombotic microangiopathy. Early diagnosis and treatment resulted in improving renal and hematological signs.
Research on interaction of controllable series compensation and traditional PSS to suppress low-frequency oscillation

In order to make the power transmission more stable and ensure the safe operation of the system, a study on the interaction of controllable series compensation and traditional PSS to suppress low-frequency oscillation is proposed. Firstly, the lead-slip angle is adjusted by the lead-lag module of the PSS limit stabilizer to eliminate the reverse modulation phenomenon, and the series compensation is used to optimize the parallel transmission lines and lines of different voltage levels to improve the stability of the long-distance transmission system. Secondly, the phase compensation method is used to set the parameters of the TCSC and PSS damping controllers, the characteristics of the rotor system are judged by the damping ratio, the sensitivity characteristic root is extracted, and the maximum parameters affecting the mode are determined; finally, the genetic algorithm is introduced to coordinate the damping controller to increase the oscillation. Mode damping, constraining the range of each tuning parameter, enabling coordinated optimization. Experiments show that the method in this paper can effectively suppress low-frequency oscillation and ensure the safety and stability of the power system.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic management of mesenteric cysts in children

Background Mesenteric cysts (MCs) are rare intra-abdominal masses in children, and laparoscopic complete cyst resection is still difficult. This study reviewed our experience in diagnosing and managing MCs at our center, focusing on the clinical characteristics of MCs and the effectiveness of robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of the records of all patients diagnosed with MCs and managed with robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery at our center between February 2021 and August 2022. We analyzed demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, preoperative imaging data, surgical methods, postoperative complications, and final outcomes. Results Totally, 12 consecutive patients with a mean age of 5.81 ± 3.02 years were admitted. The most common symptom was abdominal pain (58.33%). Eight patients were associated with cyst complications, including five cases of infection, two cases of volvulus, and one case of hemorrhage. The mean size of cysts was 8.39 ± 5.91 cm. The cysts were located in ileal mesentery in eight cases, lesser curvature of the stomach in two cases, and colon mesentery in two cases. Solely cyst excision was performed in eight cases, and bowel en bloc resection of the cyst in four cases. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery was performed successfully in all patients, without conversion. The mean operation time was 106.17 ± 33.74 min. Pathological results reported lymphangioma or lymphatic malformation in all patients. Two cases of chylous leakage were treated conservatively, and no complications of peritoneal infection, anastomotic leakage, and recurrence were observed. Conclusions Mesenteric cysts should be removed promptly once the diagnosis is confirmed to avoid cyst complications. For uncomplicated mesenteric cysts, laparoscopic cyst excision, or cyst excision with bowel resection can be effectively performed in children, especially under the robot system.
Quality assessment of pre- and postnatal nutrition and exercise mobile applications in the United States and China

Background Mobile applications (apps) are becoming increasingly prevalent as tools for improving maternal health behaviors. However, the recently updated content and quality of these apps remain unknown. This research investigated the fundamental characteristics, functional modules, and overall quality of maternal apps available in the United States and China to reveal critical nutrition and physical activity gaps. Methods A systematic search was performed in Android and iOS app stores (China and the United States). Apps were eligible if they targeted pregnant or postpartum women, focused on nutrition or physical activity, and had interfaces in English or Chinese. The basic characteristics, functional modules, and overall quality of the apps were evaluated, and differences between apps available in China or the United States were determined using analysis of variance and chi-square tests. Pearson correlations were utilized to investigate links between objective quality and user rating. Results A total of 65 maternity-related nutrition and physical activity apps (34 from China and 31 from the United States) were eligible. Among them, 68% (21/31) of US apps and 56% (19/34) of Chinese apps did not provide supporting evidence for their content. A greater number of Chinese apps provided app-based general education modules, namely food nutrition knowledge (n = 0, 0% in the United States vs. n = 30, 88.2% in China). Meanwhile, a greater number of US apps provided exercise modules, namely pregnancy yoga (n = 21, 67.7% in the United States vs. n = 2, 5.9% in China). The overall app quality rating in the United States was lower than it was in China (mean: 3.5, SD: 0.6 in China vs. mean: 3.4, SD: 0.7 in the United States). There was no relationship between the overall app quality rating and the user rating in either country (rho = 0.11 in China and rho = –0.13 in the United States). Conclusion The characteristics and functional modules of in-store apps for maternal nutrition and physical activity differed between the United States and China. Both countries’ apps, especially Chinese apps, lacked evidence-based information, and there was no correlation between app quality and user rating. The results therefore suggest that user ratings cannot be used as an objective indicator of app quality and that it is necessary to improve the empirical basis and credibility of apps in both countries.
Dietary quality indices and recurrent chronic kidney disease in Taiwanese post-renal transplant recipients

Background This study investigated the association between dietary quality indices and recurrent chronic kidney disease (rCKD) in Taiwanese post-renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Methods This prospective study recruited RTRs aged >18 years with a functioning allograft and without any acute rejection in the past 3 months from September 2016 to June 2018. Dietary quality indices included the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) and AHEI-2010, and the Taiwanese version of the AHEI (AHEI-Taiwan) was calculated using 3-day dietary records, and calculated scores were divided into quartiles. Laboratory data were collected from medical records. rCKD was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the associations. Results This study included 102 RTRs. The RTRs with higher AHEI, AHEI-Taiwan, and AHEI-2010 scores were older and had higher eGFRs and lower odds of rCKD. As compared with the lowest quartile, patients with the highest quartiles of the AHEI [odds ratio (OR), 0.10; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.02, 0.49; p-trend = 0.004), AHEI-2010 (OR, 0.17; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.72; p-trend = 0.016], and AHEI-Taiwan (OR, 0.13; 95% CI: 0.03–0.59; p-trend = 0.008) had lower odds of rCKD, respectively. As compared with the lowest quartile, patients who consumed the highest quartiles of red and processed meat had 11.43 times higher odds of rCKD (OR, 11.43; 95% CI: 2.30–56.85; p for trend <0.01). Conclusion Higher dietary quality indices are associated with lower odds of rCKD in Taiwanese RTRs. Particularly, a positive association between a higher intake of red meat and processed meat and higher odds of rCKD remained exists after transplantation in Taiwanese RTRs. Further dietary guidelines and individualized dietary education were necessary for RTRs to prevent graft function deterioration.