bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung cancer and risk of cardiovascular mortality
Authors: Wang Chengshi , Wang Zhu , Yang Jing , Zhang Songbo , Zhang Purong , Yang Ye
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardiovascular mortality risk among lung cancer patients compared to the general population.

Methods

Using data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, we conducted a population-based cohort study including 278,418 lung cancer patients aged over 30 years between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2020 as well as the general population. Poisson regression was employed to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for cardiovascular mortality.

Results

Patients exhibited a significantly higher IRR of cardiovascular mortality risk compared to the general population [IRR 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.71–1.77]. The risk was most pronounced in patients aged 30–79 years (IRR 2.61, 95% CI 2.55–2.66), peaking at ages 30–34 years (IRR 48.93, 95% CI 21.98–108.92). Elevated cardiovascular mortality risks were observed across all subgroups, including diseases of the heart (IRR 1.79, 95% CI 1.75–1.82), cerebrovascular diseases (IRR 1.52, 95% CI 1.45–1.59), and other cardiovascular diseases (IRR 1.78, 95% CI 1.67–1.90). The first month after diagnosis presented the highest risk for patients aged 30–79 years (IRR 12.08, 95% CI 11.49–12.70) and ≥80 years (IRR 4.03, 95% CI 3.70–4.39). Clinical characteristics significantly modified cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusions

Integrating cardiovascular disease monitoring and proactive management into lung cancer treatment protocols is essential to the improvement of overall survival and quality of life for lung cancer patients, particularly those who were young or with advanced tumor stage.
Application-based remote interstage home monitoring for infants with shunt- or duct-dependent pulmonary perfusion
Authors: Rosenthal Lisa-Maria , Danne Friederike , de Belsunce Sophie , Spath Lisa , Badur Chiara-Aiyleen , Photiadis Joachim , Berger Felix , Schmitt Katharina
Published: January 2025

Objective

Interstage home monitoring (IHM) programs are considered standard of care after Norwood palliation and have led to substantial improvements in clinical outcomes. This study aims to evaluate an application-based remote IHM program for infants with shunt- or duct-dependent pulmonary circulation. The primary goals were to discharge infants from the hospital while minimizing mortality, optimizing somatic growth, and enhancing caregivers' confidence in the clinical management at home.

Methods

Infants with shunt-dependent single ventricle physiology or complex biventricular physiology requiring staged palliation with aortopulmonary shunt were enrolled for the study. Caregivers completed a comprehensive education program on the clinical management of their child at home and were asked to remotely send monitoring data using an application. We analyzed demographic data and clinical outcomes; evaluated patient acceptance and adherence, as well as data entry patterns and metrics; and compared these to a historical control group monitored in a non-remote IHM program and with a propensity score-matched cohort adjusted for baseline characteristics.

Results

We enrolled 30 infants in the remote IHM program between July 2021 and May 2024. The median duration of IHM was 110 days (IQR 75–140). A median of 353 (IQR 351–743) data entries were sent per patient during IHM of which 0.8% (IQR 0.3–1.9) were pathological. Readmissions (63%) and interventions (57%) were common, mainly due to cyanosis and infections. As all infants survived stage II palliation, interstage mortality could be reduced to 0% compared to 10.3% in the historical control group and was significantly lower compared to the propensity score-matched cohort with 14% (P = 0.032).

Conclusion

Application-based remote IHM for infants with duct- or shunt-dependent pulmonary perfusion is feasible, with high acceptance and adherence. The program significantly reduced interstage mortality compared to traditional monitoring methods. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) improves communication between caregivers and healthcare teams, allowing for early intervention and optimized patient outcomes. RPM has the potential to improve outcomes, enhance patient safety, and reduce family burden in this high-risk population.
Three-dimensional aortic arch geometry and blood flow in neonates after surgical repair for aortic coarctation
Authors: Fricke Katrin , Christierson Lea , Heiberg Einar , Sjöberg Pia , Hedström Erik , Steiner Kristoffer , Weismann Constance G. , Töger Johannes , Liuba Petru
Published: January 2025

Background

Recurrent coarctation of the aorta (re-CoA) is a well-known although not fully understood complication after surgical repair, typically occurring in 10%–20% of cases within months after discharge.

Objectives

To (1) characterize geometry of the aortic arch and blood flow from pre-discharge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in neonates after CoA repair; and (2) compare these measures between patients that developed re-CoA within 12 months after repair and patients who did not.

Methods

Neonates needing CoA repair, without associated major congenital heart defects, were included. Transthoracic echocardiography (echo) and 4D phase-contrast MRI were performed prior to discharge after CoA repair to assess 3D arch geometry, flow velocity and flow pattern in the distal aortic arch corresponding to the area at risk for re-CoA. Arch geometry was assessed by measuring angles of the aortic arch and its branches using 3D patient-specific geometries segmented from MRI. Continuous data are presented as median and interquartile range.

Results

The median age at CoA surgery was 9 days. Four out of the included 28 patients (14%) developed re-CoA within the first 12 months after surgery. Re-CoA was associated with repair technique (lateral thoracotomy 100% vs. 33%, p = 0.02), higher postoperative isthmic flow velocity by echocardiography (1.9 [0. 9] m/s vs. 1.25 [0.5] m/s, p = 0.04) and postoperative crenel aortic arch (100% vs. 21%, p = 0.007) with a larger distance between the first and last branching points (12.6 [3.1] mm vs. 7.3 [7.0] mm; p = 0.01). A smaller angle between the ascending aorta and the brachiocephalic artery (89 [58]° vs. 122 [37]°, p = 0.05) and between the proximal aortic arch and the left carotid artery (75° vs. 97 [37]°, p = 0.04), with a more pronounced caliber change between the ascending aorta and the proximal (1.85 vs. 0.86 [0.76]; p = 0.03) and distal aortic arch (2.19 [2.42] vs. 1.01 [0.94]; p = 0.03) were observed in re-CoA patients. Patients who developed re-CoA had more left-handed helical flow in systole (p = 0.045), more right-handed helical flow in diastole (p = 0.02), and less vortical flow (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Subtle changes in aortic arch geometry and flow pattern early after neonatal CoA repair may contribute to the risk of re-CoA.
Advanced AI-assisted panoramic radiograph analysis for periodontal prognostication and alveolar bone loss detection
Authors: Jundaeng Jarupat , Chamchong Rapeeporn , Nithikathkul Choosak
Published: January 2025

Background

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the gingival tissues and supporting structures of the teeth, often leading to tooth loss. The condition begins with the accumulation of dental plaque, which initiates an immune response. Current radiographic methods for assessing alveolar bone loss are subjective, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. This study aims to develop an AI-driven model using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to accurately assess alveolar bone loss and provide individualized periodontal prognoses from panoramic radiographs.

Methods

A total of 2,000 panoramic radiographs were collected using the same device, based on the periodontal diagnosis codes from the HOSxP Program. Image enhancement techniques were applied, and an AI model based on YOLOv8 was developed to segment teeth, identify the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), and assess alveolar bone levels. The model quantified bone loss and classified prognoses for each tooth.

Results

The teeth segmentation model achieved 97% accuracy, 90% sensitivity, 96% specificity, and an F1 score of 0.80. The CEJ and bone level segmentation model showed superior results with 98% accuracy, 100% sensitivity, 98% specificity, and an F1 score of 0.90. These findings confirm the models' effectiveness in analyzing panoramic radiographs for periodontal bone loss detection and prognostication.

Conclusion

This AI model offers a state-of-the-art approach for assessing alveolar bone loss and predicting individualized periodontal prognoses. It provides a faster, more accurate, and less labor-intensive alternative to current methods, demonstrating its potential for improving periodontal diagnosis and patient outcomes.
Detection of nontoxic BoNT/A levels in post-facial Botox injection breastmilk
Authors: Gu Helene , Xu Zhenyu , Koviazina Renata , Tan Pengcheng , Zheng Changcheng , Kappes Ferdinand , Kotsifaki Domna G. , Shen Fangrong , Tsigkou Anastasia
Published: January 2025

The use of cosmetic Botox (BoNT/A) has become increasingly prevalent among women, even during the post-pregnancy breastfeeding period. However, there is currently a limited understanding of the extent Botox enters breastmilk and its potential effect on the breastfeeding infant. In this study, breastmilk samples were acquired from five women aged between 28 and 45. Three sample sets ranged from 1 h to 1 year after facial Botox treatments (64 U), whereas the remaining two were from women who never received Botox. BoNT/A concentrations in samples were detected using standard Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), unreduced and reduced Western Blotting, confocal micro-Raman Spectroscopy, and Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). From ELISA, the greatest breastmilk BoNT/A concentration was found from woman 1, 4 days after Botox injection (167 pg/mL). Levels were highest overall in the first week (82.45–167 pg/mL) and around 2 months (132.725 pg/mL) after injection. No clear indication of BoNT/A was detected in Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Western Blotting and confocal micro-Raman Spectroscopy, but Western blot and confocal micro-Raman Spectroscopy show promise of development into future means of detection. From our study, the amount of BoNT/A in breastmilk peaks around 4 days (167 pg/mL) and at 2 months (132.725 pg/mL) after facial injection. Even over a year after injection, BoNT/A can be detected. However, all quantities of BoNT/A detected (between 34.4 pg/mL and 167 pg/mL) are likely to be safe for infants.
Study on rock damage mechanics in the sustainable development of the red sandstone area in China: Taking Zhongjiang County as an example
Authors: Li Ailin , Zhong Wenwu , Yu Cong , Zhang Xin , Li Tao , Fei Zheng
Published: January 2025

There are many hilly areas dominated by red sandstone in western China. At the same time, China is also rapidly advancing the modernization of sustainable development in the abovementioned areas. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety and sustainable advancement of modernization, it has become an urgent task for the local government to explore the mechanical properties of red sandstone in relevant areas. Zhongjiang County, Sichuan Province, China, is mainly dominated by red sandstone, and the study of red sandstone in this area is very rare. Therefore, this paper takes the red sandstone in Zhongjiang County as the research object and studies the damage evolution characteristics of red sandstone under the uniaxial compression load using the acoustic emission monitoring technology. The results show that when the axial stress of red sandstone shows a V-shaped evolution phenomenon and the acoustic emission ringing count enters a relatively quiet period, it indicates that the red sandstone will undergo instability failure. By exploring the evolution law of Ф (AF (ringing count/duration)/RA (rise time/amplitude)), the evolution characteristics of fracture types of red sandstone in the process of damage were found. Based on Weibull function and continuum damage mechanics, the damage evolution model and stress–strain constitutive model are derived. Based on the evolution law of damage variables, the damage evolution characteristics of red sandstone are quantitatively characterized. The research findings provide the government of Zhongjiang County with a reference basis for formulating sustainable construction plans.
Soil salinization prediction through feature selection and machine learning at the irrigation district scale
Authors: Xie Junbo , Shi Cong , Liu Yang , Wang Qi , Zhong Zhibo , He Shuai , Wang Xingpeng
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Soil salinization is a critical environmental issue affecting agricultural productivity worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study focuses on the Xinjiang region of China, specifically the Xiao Haizi and Sha Jingzi irrigation areas, to explore the use of remote sensing technology for surface soil salinity estimation.

Methods

Exhaustive and filter-based feature selection methods were employed by integrating soil salinity data measured on the ground with 32 spectral features derived from Landsat 8 OLI remote sensing images. A 5-fold cross-validation method was used to identify feature combinations that resulted in higher R2 values. Moreover, the inversion accuracy of soil salinization monitoring models built using different feature combinations was compared across five machine learning algorithms: Support Vector Machine (SVM), XGBoost, Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), and AdaBoost.

Results

The results revealed that: (1) The AdaBoost and DT algorithms demonstrated high efficacy and precision in the prediction of soil salinity, with AdaBoost outperforming other algorithms in the validation set (R2 value of 0.892, MAE of 1.558, RMSE of 2.043), and DT showing the best performance in the training set (R2 value of 0.917, MAE of 0.838, RMSE of 1.182). (2) Feature combination 3, consisting of Salinity Index 5, Salinity Index 1, and Salinity Index 8, not only effectively extracted soil salinity information but also significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of model estimations, effectively reflecting the actual situation of soil salinization in the irrigation area.

Discussion

This research provides robust methodological support for using remote sensing technology for soil salinity monitoring and management.
Magma evolution during the post-rift phase of the Santos Basin, Brazil: petrogenesis and geochemistry of ∼126–121 ma basalts and diabases
Authors: He Wenyuan , Wang Hongping , Su Jinglin , Wang Wangquan , Zhao Junfeng , Zuo Guoping , Wang Tongkui , Yang Liu , Ren Kangxu , Wang Chaofeng , Zhao Jian , Guo Yuan , Zhang Yonggang , Sun Jing
Published: January 2025

The Santos Basin, a passive continental margin basin recognized for its vast deep-sea hydrocarbon potential, poses unique geological issues due to the large amount of igneous rocks revealed by drilling data. In order to understand the magmatic evolution during the post-rift phase, we studied petrology, major elements, trace elements, and Sr-Nd isotopic composition of bulk rock, and Ar-Ar dating on whole rock and minerals on basalts and diabases from Santos Basin. Ar-Ar dating results suggest that basalts and diabases emplaced on ∼126–121 Ma. The geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopic compositions indicates the derivation of these rocks from the spinel and garnet lherzolite facies, denoted by increased La/Sm ratios that suggest a 1%–5% degree of partial melting. These findings correspond with the characteristics of continental rift basalts. The geochemical analysis hints that the older basalts and diabases were likely derived from the asthenospheric mantle, whereas the younger ones display a geochemical mix indicative of contributions from both the deeper asthenosphere and the subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM), or possibly from crustal contamination. A proposed hypothetical model indicating that the deepening of the basin into the asthenosphere, in conjunction with the thinning and stretching of the lithosphere, could have been instrumental in the magmatic events recorded in the region.
Social capital assessments in higher education: a systematic literature review
Authors: Gentry Adrian Nat , Martin Julie P. , Douglas Kerrie A.
Published: January 2025

Social capital theory is a valuable theoretical framework in the field of higher education—as it has been used to examine differences in important educational outcomes based on students’ social network and the resources embedded in that network. Despite multiple well-established methods proposed by seminal researchers, there is limited synthesis of how to assess social capital, perpetuating inconsistent findings and evidence for educational interventions. The aim of the study is to evaluate quantitative social capital assessments, based on survey design and operationalized measures, and recommend methods, operationalized measures and assessment instruments for social capital. Using seven educational databases and Web of Science, we reviewed 93 English language, quantitative studies from peer-reviewed journals, published from 1980 to 2022; to be included, studies had to measure the social capital of students entering and currently in undergraduate studies. Results from the 93 articles revealed that generators (18 papers), social network analysis (5 papers), and standard Likert measures (80 papers) were commonly used to assess social capital. Standard Likert measures, while most common, were rarely aligned with social capital theory, reducing the validity of the measures. Results also showed that operationalizations of social capital were heavily rooted in social network theory, where social capital is accessed through social networks (86 papers) and actions from alters (65 papers) in the students’ network. However, direct measures of social capital—that is, network characteristics, access to supports, and seminal definitions of trust and community—were less common. This study provides important consensus and recommendations for researchers to select assessment instruments appropriate for their study and rooted in principles of assessment validity. We recommend researchers select survey methods (e.g., social capital generators) and operationalizations (e.g., actions from alters) that are well aligned with social capital theory. Assessment instruments designed using strong theoretical frameworks, such as Lin’s network theory of social capital, add to the validity of the researchers’ instrument design, use and interpretation of the students’ social capital scores.
Antidiabetic agent use and clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes hospitalized for COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Keels Jordan N. , McDonald Isabella R. , Lee Christopher S. , Dwyer Andrew A.
Published: January 2025

Background

The effect of antidiabetic agents on mortality outcomes is unclear for individuals with diabetes mellitus (DM) who are hospitalized for COVID-19.

Purpose

To examine the relationship between antidiabetic agent use and clinical outcomes in individuals with DM hospitalized for COVID-19.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature (2020-2024) was performed across five databases. Included articles reported primary research (English) reporting clinical outcomes of adult patients (≥18 yrs.) with DM receiving antidiabetic agents who were hospitalized for COVID-19. Following PRISMA guidelines articles underwent independent dual review. Quality appraisal was completed for included studies. Independent reviewers used a structured data extraction form to retrieve relevant data. Aggregated data were synthesized by treatment regimen and reported descriptively. Random effects meta-analyses were performed to assess relative risk and prevalence of mortality.

Results

After removing duplicates, title and abstract screening of 4,898 articles identified 118 articles for full-text review and 35 articles were retained for analysis. Included articles were primarily from China (15/35, 43%) and retrospective in nature (31/35, 89%). Fourteen studies (40%) assessed multiple antidiabetic agents, fifteen studies (42%) focused on metformin, three studies (9%) assessed the use of DPP-4 inhibitors, and three single studies (9%) investigated the use of insulin, TZD, and SGLT2 inhibitors. Despite differences among studies, the overall relative risk of mortality among metformin and DPP-4 inhibitor users was 0.432 (95% CI = 0.268-0.695, z = 3.45, p < 0.001) and the overall prevalence of mortality among all antidiabetic users was 16% (95% CI = 13%–19%, z = 10.70, p < 0.001).

Conclusions and implications

Synthesis of findings suggest that patients who remained on oral agents (with/without supplemental insulin therapy) exhibited decreased mortality and lower inflammatory markers. Results indicate that individuals with DM should continue oral antidiabetic agents with additional basal insulin as needed to improve glycemic control and reduce mortality. Further work is needed to uncover mechanism(s) and clarify medical management approaches.
The role of vitamin D in slipped capital femoral epiphysis in children and adolescents: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Ning Peng , Lin Shuting , Geng Huiyu , Liu Tianjing
Published: January 2025

Objective

To explore the correlation between vitamin D levels, related endocrine/metabolic factors, and the risk of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in children and adolescents, and to assess whether vitamin D levels are associated with SCFE severity.

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was conducted from March 2014 to October 2023 in Shengjing hospital. Patients diagnosed with SCFE were categorized as the SCFE group. The control group consisted of healthy children matched by gender, age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and date of blood tests at a 1:2 ratio from the pediatric developmental clinic. The analysis included relevant laboratory tests such as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), hemoglobin (Hb), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg), etc. Univariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with SCFE, with a particular focus on the correlation between 25(OH)D levels and the risk of SCFE. The study also explored whether these factors were correlated with SCFE severity, determined by measuring the slip angle and displacement on the anteroposterior pelvic or frog-leg lateral views.

Results

One hundred and twenty subjects were finally included, with 40 SCFE patients (36 males, 4 females) and 80 controls (72 males, 8 females). There were no significant differences in gender, age, weight, height, BMI, Hb, albumin (ALB), creatinine (Cr), free triiodothyronine (FT3), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Ca, and P (P>0.05). Significant differences were found in 25(OH)D, ALP, free thyroxine (FT4), and Mg (P<0.05). The SCFE group had lower 25(OH)D and ALP levels but higher FT4 and Mg. Univariate analysis showed that 25(OH)D, FT4, and ALP were associated with SCFE, but multivariate analysis indicated only 25(OH)D had a significant correlation (P<0.05). 25(OH)D levels were not linked to SCFE severity (P>0.05).

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that a higher level of vitamin D is associated with a decreased risk of SCFE, suggesting potential benefits of vitamin D sufficiency. However, no correlation was observed between 25(OH)D levels and the severity of SCFE. Serum FT4 and ALP also seem to have some association with SCFE, but the clinical significance is unproven. Future multi-center studies in various regions are necessary to further validate the protective role of vitamin D against SCFE.
Transoral endoscopic thyroid lobectomy and ipsilateral central neck lymph node dissection vestibular approach: analysis of the learning curve and clinical outcomes evaluation
Authors: Deng Yuhang , Zhao Jiaojiao , Tao Mei , Zhao Haixin , Fan Ruoxin , Wang Xiaoming , Lu Xiubo
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is distinguished by its ability to leave no visible scars on the body’s surface. Currently, there is still a lack of single-center large sample size analysis on the learning curve of TOETVA, especially for the treatment of thyroid cancer. This study aims to fill this void by presenting a comprehensive analysis of the learning curve and assessing the procedure’s feasibility in managing thyroid cancer.

Methods

Between June 2020 and June 2023, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 195 patients who had undergone the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. We employed the cumulative sum method (CUSUM) to delineate the learning curve of TOETVA. Additionally, clinical parameters across different stages of the learning process were meticulously compared and analyzed.

Results

All patients successfully completed endoscopic surgery without conversion to open surgery. Utilizing the CUSUM algorithm, two distinct learning phases were delineated: the exploration phase, comprising 58 cases, and the maturation phase, encompassing 137 cases. Analysis revealed that the maturation phase demonstrated significantly reduced operative times (189.7 ± 237.27 vs. 138.15 ± 26.62 minutes, p<0.001), decreased blood loss (15.49 ± 15.05 vs. 9.67 ± 4.12 ml, p=0.005), and a lower incidence of complications (7 vs. 4, p=0.028) when compared to the exploration phase. Additionally, in the maturation phase, we achieved successful surgical outcomes in a subset of obese patients and those with nodular goiter.

Conclusion

TOETVA has been demonstrated to be safe and feasible, with the capability to effectively address complex cases once the learning curve has been surmounted.
Participation of electrolytic aluminum loads in grid interaction control strategies considering process flow and regulation costs
Authors: Wang Xi , Chen Baorui , Xie Haocong , Ye Xi , Bai Jiayu
Published: January 2025

The flexibility of power systems needs to be enhanced to address the volatility of renewable energy sources, and industrial loads on the demand side have significant potential to improve this flexibility. As a typical high-energy-consuming industrial load, electrolytic aluminum has advantages such as large individual capacity and strong power controllability. However, its participation in various types of grid interaction faces challenges such as unclear power control methods, impacts on normal production, and associated cost burdens. To address these issues, this paper analyzes the production process characteristics of electrolytic aluminum loads and establishes a power control model for these loads. It examines the effects of power regulation on normal production, explores the mechanisms behind regulation costs, and proposes a method for calculating these costs. Considering production safety constraints and power regulation constraints during grid interaction, the paper proposes a control strategy for electrolytic aluminum loads that incorporates process flow and regulation costs. In the case study, the above power control strategy is verified based on the production data of an electrolytic aluminum load. The results show that the above strategy can take into account the response requirements of the power grid and the safety requirements of the load production. A feasible scheme is proposed for the electrolytic aluminum industrial load to participate in the interactive control of the power grid.
Biodiversity conservation policy reform and reconciliation in Canada: an analysis of the pathway to Canada target 1 through the policy cycle model
Authors: Tamufor N. Emmanuel , Roth Robin , MacDonald David B.
Published: January 2025

In this article, we conduct an analysis of the Pathway to Canada Target 1 biodiversity conservation policy process to determine its level of inclusivity towards Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge systems. Also known simply as the Pathway, the policy focuses on Target 1 of Canada’s efforts to meet Aichi Target 11 of the Convention on Biological Diversity by 2020. The study aims to showcase the importance and meaningfulness of Indigenous involvement in the policy process. Simply including Indigenous actors does not automatically mean that their knowledge contributions to the policy were considered. Knowing why, when, and how Indigenous Peoples were engaged in the policy process helps us to see the role their presence and contributions played in co-producing policy knowledge for informing the Pathway to Canada Target 1 policy process. This is fundamental in reconciliation and in the improvement of conservation policies. After a review of the history and structure of the Pathway, paying attention to the importance of building relationship with Indigenous Peoples early in the policy process, we use the policy cycle model, outlining five stages of the policy process, to enable our analysis. While we have chosen the policy cycle model as a general framework for analyzing the stages of the policy process, it is a Western model, which falls short in its ability to reflect Indigenous worldviews adequately. Its use reveals, however, the degree of Indigenous engagement in each of the stages, demonstrating that the Pathway to Canada Target 1 did engage Indigenous Peoples at certain stages, in ways potentially reflective of what the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Calls to Action demand. We conclude with recommendations for more collaborative governance in policymaking that would be more attentive to including Indigenous Peoples and their knowledge systems at all stages of the policy cycle.
Optimization of the layout of cultivated land combining territorial spatial planning with quality index spatial autocorrelation characteristics: taking Liuhe District of Nanjing as an example
Authors: Shu Han , Guancheng Guo , Junjie Liu , Chuan Zhang
Published: January 2025

Integrating territorial spatial planning with the spatial autocorrelation of cultivated land quality indices can enhance the optimization of farmland preservation and food security. This study combines the “three lines” demarcation—basic farmland protection line, ecological protection line, and urban development boundary—with farmland spatial autocorrelation to propose an improved model for optimizing farmland layout. We employed a four-dimensional farmland quality evaluation system that includes the natural quality index, utilization management index, ecological environment index, and economic value index. Using Liuhe District as a case study, we applied the optimal combination weighting method for quality assessment and conducted spatial autocorrelation analysis to simulate the indices’ relationships at the plot scale. The results indicate that: (1) The natural quality index is high in the west and low in the east, while the other indices are high in the center and low at the margins. (2) Each quality index exhibits positive geographic autocorrelation, with Moran’s I values of 0.89, 0.67, 0.65, and 0.83, respectively. (3) The optimization scheme increased permanent basic farmland by 123.15 hm² and improved the quality grade by 1.45, classifying land into four primary categories focused on protection and development. The permanent basic farmland protection zone has the highest quality and non-agricultural construction should be prohibited on it. The urban development buffer zone, which has poor farmland quality and a locational advantage, is ideal for urban growth. The ecological environmental protection zone, despite its poor farmland quality, should be focused on conservation. The comprehensive adjustment zone should address land obstructions and facilitate a transition to permanent basic farmland.
Distribution and bioaccumulation of prometryn in simulated aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Peng Jiaqi , Fan Ruiqi , Ren Yuanyuan , Yang Yan , Zhang Xin , Wang Saisai , Mu Yingchun , Cheng Bo
Published: January 2025

Prometryn is an herbicide widely used in agriculture. Its degradation-resistant properties have raised concerns about its environmental impact on aquatic systems, yet its environmental distribution and bioaccumulation remain to be explored. This research examined the environmental distribution of prometryn within lab-simulated aquatic ecosystems, incorporating water-sediment interactions and bioaccumulation in tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) and Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea). The research aims to explore the bioaccumulation dynamics of prometryn across both biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem, providing a comprehensive understanding of its environmental persistence and accumulation in aquatic organisms and sediments. The ecosystems were exposed to a prometryn concentration of 0.50 mg/L for 35 days. During the experiment, significant adsorption and retention of prometryn in the sediment were observed, suggesting that the sediment could be the primary repository. Additionally, tilapias and Asian clams not only served as accumulative pools for prometryn but also influenced its distribution dynamics within the ecosystems. In terms of bioconcentration, the highest bioconcentration factors were observed in the liver of tilapias and the visceral mass of Asian clams, suggesting a strong affinity of prometryn for these tissues. The persistently high levels of prometryn indicate potential risks to aquaculture product safety. The study concludes with a recommendation for ongoing ecological risk assessments, particularly regarding benthic organisms, given the propensity of prometryn to accumulate in sediment within aquaculture systems.
Soil moisture characteristics of four artificial plant communities in aerial seeding afforestation area and their response to different levels of rainfall
Authors: Zhang Tiejun , Liu Yanping , Guo Jianying , Tang Guodong , Yang Zhenqi
Published: January 2025

Studying the characteristics of soil moisture in afforestation area and its response to different grades of rainfall is helpful to quantitatively analyze the change law of soil moisture in afforestation area and provide theoretical basis for rational and efficient use of soil moisture. In this study, four artificial plant communities were selected, including Hedysarum scoparium community, Calligonum mongolicum community, H. scoparium- C. mongolicum community and C. mongolicum- H. scoparium community. The soil moisture content, soil moisture storage and their response characteristics to different grades of rainfall from June to October were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the SMC of H. scoparium- C. mongolicum community and C. mongolicum- H. scoparium community were lower than that of H. scoparium community and C. mongolicum community. The coefficient of variation of soil moisture content in C. mongolicum community was the largest, which was 22.7%, and the coefficient of variation of soil moisture content in H. scoparium-C. mongolicum community was the smallest, which was 19.4%. The recharge of rainfall to soil moisture storage of four artificial plant communities was different. The recharge of different grades of rainfall to soil moisture storage of C. mongolicum community and C. mongolicum-H. scoparium community was higher than that of H. scoparium community and H. scoparium-C. mongolicum community. In general, the utilization of soil moisture content in different soil layers by H. scoparium-C.mongolicum community is more balanced, and the soil moisture content in each soil layer is less affected by rainfall and has higher stability. Therefore, considering the configuration mode of H. scoparium- C. mongolicum community in the future aerial seeding afforestation process is conducive to the rational and efficient utilization of soil moisture in the afforestation area.
S-DCNN: prediction of ATP binding residues by deep convolutional neural network based on SMOTE
Authors: Hao Sixi , Li Cai-Yan , Hu Xiuzhen , Feng Zhenxing , Zhang Gaimei , Yang Caiyun , Hu Huimin
Published: January 2025

Background

The realization of many protein functions requires binding with ligands. As a significant protein-binding ligand, ATP plays a crucial role in various biological processes. Currently, the precise prediction of ATP binding residues remains challenging.

Methods

Based on the sequence information, this paper introduces a method called S-DCNN for predicting ATP binding residues, utilizing a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) enhanced with the synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE).

Results

The incorporation of additional feature parameters such as dihedral angles, energy, and propensity factors into the standard parameter set resulted in a significant enhancement in prediction accuracy on the ATP-289 dataset. The S-DCNN achieved the highest Matthews correlation coefficient value of 0.5031 and an accuracy rate of 97.06% on an independent test set. Furthermore, when applied to the ATP-221 and ATP-388 datasets for validation, the S-DCNN outperformed existing methods on ATP-221 and performed comparably to other methods on ATP-388 during independent testing.

Conclusion

Our experimental results underscore the efficacy of the S-DCNN in accurately predicting ATP binding residues, establishing it as a potent tool in the prediction of ATP binding residues.
Distinct response patterns of endothelial markers to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine are associated with the spike-specific IgG antibody production
Authors: Castro-Robles Beatriz , Cimas Francisco J. , Arias-Salazar Lourdes , Ontañón Jesús , Lozano Julia , López-López Susana , Andrés-Pretel Fernando , Requena-Calleja María Ángeles , Mas Antonio , Serrano-Heras Gemma , Segura Tomás , Solera Javier
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Despite the efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, inflammatory and/or thrombotic episodes have been reported. Since the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the endothelium remains uncertain, our objective was to assess endothelial activation status before and 90 days after the third dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted at University General Hospital of Albacete, involving 38 healthy health-care workers. Serum levels of endothelial markers (endocan and sVCAM-1) and spike S1-specific IgG antibodies were determined before and at 7, 15, 24 and 90days following vaccination. To analyze each participant´s individual response, we calculated relative increases/decreases (delta values) in endothelial markers and antibodies concentrations compared to their pre-vaccination levels.

Results

We identified two significantly distinct profiles of endothelial markers response, characterized by either increased or decreased serum levels of endocan and sVCAM. Incremental and decremental response groups did not differ in terms of age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and influenza vaccine co-administration. However, these responses were significantly associated with the relative spike-specific antibody production. Specifically, the greatest relative increase in antibodies was found in the decremental responders. Additionally, the higher delta antibody production was observed in non-previously infected individuals

Conclusion

Administration of the BNT162b2 booster vaccine triggered a non-homogenous response of endothelial function markers among the study participants. Our findings improve the understanding of individual responses to the mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine, which could be useful in assessing the need for booster doses, particularly in population at risk of vascular complications.
Substrate curvature influences cytoskeletal rearrangement and modulates macrophage phenotype
Authors: Sovar Austin , Patrick Matthew D. , Annamalai Ramkumar T.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Inflammation is a vital immune response, tightly orchestrated through both biochemical and biophysical cues. Dysregulated inflammation contributes to chronic diseases, highlighting the need for novel therapies that modulate immune responses with minimal side effects. While several biochemical pathways of inflammation are well understood, the influence of physical properties such as substrate curvature on immune cell behavior remains underexplored. This study investigates how substrate curvature impacts macrophage cytoskeletal dynamics, gene expression, and immunophenotype through mechanosensitive pathways.

Methods

Gelatin-based microgels with tunable surface curvatures were fabricated via water-in-oil emulsification and crosslinked with genipin. Microgels were sorted into three size ranges, yielding high (40-50 µm), intermediate (150-250 µm), and low (350-400 µm) curvature profiles. Macrophages were seeded onto these microgels, and cytoskeletal dynamics were examined using confocal microscopy, SEM, and actin-specific staining. Gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory markers was quantified using qPCR. The role of actin polymerization was assessed using Latrunculin-A (Lat-A) treatment.

Results

Macrophages adhered effectively to both high- and low-curvature microgels, displaying curvature-dependent morphological changes. Confocal imaging revealed that macrophages on low-curvature microgels exhibited significantly higher F-actin density than those on high-curvature microgels. Correspondingly, qPCR analysis showed upregulation of pro-inflammatory markers (e.g., Tnf, Nos2) in high-curvature conditions, while anti-inflammatory markers (e.g., Arg1) were elevated in low-curvature conditions. Lat-A treatment reduced F-actin density and modulated gene expression patterns, confirming the cytoskeletal regulation of macrophage phenotype.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate that substrate curvature influences macrophage behavior by modulating cytoskeletal dynamics and associated immunophenotypic markers through actin-mediated transcriptional pathways. By controlling curvature, therapeutic biomaterials may direct immune responses, offering a new avenue for treating inflammatory diseases. This mechanobiological approach presents a promising strategy for precision immunomodulation in regenerative medicine.
An updated review on abnormal epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zhou Xingyu , Zhou Shengnan , Li Yaping
Published: January 2025

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease. The inconsistent prevalence of SLE between monozygotic twins suggests that environmental factors affect the occurrence of this disease. Abnormal epigenetic regulation is strongly associated with the pathogenesis of SLE. Epigenetic mechanisms may be involved in the development of lupus through DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNAs, and other modifications. This review aims to show numerous studies as a treasure map to better understand the effects of aberrant epigenetic modification in the onset and development of SLE, which will benefit the current basic research and provide potential diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets for SLE.
Case report: Watch-and-wait strategy in resectable esophageal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy: a case series
Authors: Tan Lingyu , Yang Guozhen , Zeng Chufeng , Zhang Xu
Published: January 2025

Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NCIT) has improved pathological complete response and conferred survival benefits in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. However, surgical complications unrelated to the tumor continue to detract from patient outcomes. While the “watch-and-wait” strategy has been implemented in clinical complete responders following neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer, there is a lack of evidence supporting its practicability in esophageal cancer after NCIT. This pilot case series involves six clinical complete responders who deferred surgery under close surveillance after three or four cycles of neoadjuvant camrelizumab plus chemotherapy and who subsequently received camrelizumab as maintenance treatment. The primary observation measure of the series is event-free survival (EFS). Routine follow-up examinations included endoscopy, biopsy, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, and ultrasonography every 3–6 months. For patients who experienced local recurrence without metastasis, the salvage operation was the priority recommendation. As of September 5, 2024, the average follow-up duration was 124.4 weeks, with the average EFS reaching 134.7 weeks. No deaths or distant metastases were observed. Our findings suggest that responders to NCIT may be spared from esophagectomy. On the prerequisite of sufficient tumor regression during neoadjuvant cycles, immunotherapy may facilitate the continued eradication of residual disease in this series.
Deciphering the role of substrate carbon to nitrogen ratio in preventing orange mold contamination caused by Neurospora sitophila in mushroom cultivation
Authors: Niloy Md Asif Hasan Muzumder , Islam Sharita , Ferdous Tasnimul , Rahman Soyabur , Yesmin Sabina , Bin Rasul Shahriar , Khandakar Jebunnahar
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Mold contamination, particularly from green and orange molds, poses a serious threat during the growing stage in mushroom cultivation, exacerbated throughout the hot and humid summer months. Despite extensive studies on green mold, orange mold remains underexplored. Consequently, this study comprehensively investigated orange mold contamination, focusing on identifying the causal agent, assessing its pathogenicity, and exploring potential countermeasures.

Methods

Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing was used to confirm the causative entity, while the dual confrontation plate method was employed to assess pathogenicity. Furthermore, control strategies, including plant extract, in vitro media performance, and substrate characteristics, were explored. For estimated substrate qualities, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies, along with analysis of physicochemical properties including the C:N ratio, carbon, protein, and mineral content were assessed.

Results

The result confirmed Neurospora sitophila as the causal entity. The pathogenicity assessments indicated that this mold impedes the colonization of mushroom mycelium by competing for nutrients and space. The in-vitro studies of media performance demonstrated that Neurospora sitophila growth was inhibited at varying rates in nitrogen supplemented media in the presence of available carbon. Notably, SEM analysis revealed Neurospora sitophila heavily colonized sawdust but not rice straw, attributed to a higher C:N ratio in sawdust.

Discussion

These findings suggest that lower C:N ratio negatively affects orange mold growth, highlighting nitrogen supplementation in sawdust or using rice straw as effective strategies to manage orange mold contamination in mushroom cultivation. This strategy could also be applied to other food industries where Neurospora is used.