bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of Depression Score with Dialkyl Phosphate Metabolites in Urine: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhao Hai , Kang Xuejun
Published: December 2024

Objectives: Growing evidence suggests a link between organophosphate insecticides and depression disorder. These chemicals are metabolized and subsequently expelled through the urinary tract. The present study aims to investigate whether dialkyl phosphate metabolites associate with depression score and severity among the general population. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Depression was evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). All urinary dialkyl phosphate metabolites were quantitatively analyzed. The survey’s complex design parameters and sampling weights were considered. Results: 3035 eligible individuals were included. The estimated prevalence of mild and major depression was 18.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 16.9–19.7%) and 9.9% (95% CI: 8.7–11.0%). For each incremental unit in the level of urinary dimethyl phosphate (DMP), individuals were found to have a higher depression score of 0.77 and a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.12–1.13) for mild depression and 2.75 (95% CI: 2.74–2.76) for major depression. Conclusions: Our findings indicate positive and independent associations between urinary dialkyl phosphate metabolites and an elevated risk of depression among the general population.
IgM Flare in Anti-MAG Neuropathy Post Rituximab Treatment: A Clinical Case and a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Siconolfi Giovanni , Vitali Francesca , Sciarrone Maria Ausilia , Ardito Michelangelo , Guglielmino Valeria , Romano Angela , Granata Giuseppe , Silvestri Gabriella , Luigetti Marco
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Anti-MAG polyneuropathy is a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathies, particularly MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) and Waldenström macroglobulinemia. It is characterized by a subacute onset of distal sensory symptoms, with distal motor dysfunction typically appearing only in the later stages of the disease. The condition is caused by the presence of autoantibodies directed against myelin-associated glycoprotein, a structural protein of myelin. This leads to abnormalities in electrophysiological studies, such as markedly delayed distal latencies without conduction blocks or temporal dispersion of potentials. While rituximab (RTX) is the primary treatment, its efficacy is limited, with improvement seen in only 30–50% of patients. Recently, acute worsening of symptoms after RTX treatment has been increasingly reported. Methods: This systematic review compiles case reports and series from inception to June 2024 published on Scopus, PubMed or Cochrane, documenting acute exacerbations after RTX treatment in patients with anti-MAG polyneuropathy. Additionally, we present a case report from our institution that highlights this phenomenon. Results: We identified 13 clinical cases of acute deterioration in patients with anti-MAG polyneuropathy. Among these, eight patients (62%) achieved full recovery following additional treatment, while five patients (38%) did not return to their previous level of function. Plasmapheresis led to complete recovery in all four patients who received this intervention. Interestingly, many patients also experienced recovery after discontinuation of rituximab (RTX) treatment without the need for further therapeutic intervention. Conclusions: Acute clinical deterioration following RTX treatment in anti-MAG polyneuropathy is a possible occurrence. However, to date, no studies have assessed the true prevalence of this phenomenon. Further research is warranted to identify potential predictors of worsening following RTX treatment in this patient population.
Colon Cancer Rates Among Asian Americans: A 2017–2021 Epidemiological Analysis
Authors: Do Candice , Lee Wei-Chen , Doan Christopher Huy D. , Xie Cathy , Campbell Kendall M.
Published: December 2024

Background: Colon cancer (CC) is a significant public health concern. With Asian Americans (AAs) representing a rapidly growing demographic in the United States, our study examined CC prevalence among AAs. Methods: The study merged the 2017–2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and County Health Ranking. Our analysis calculated age-adjusted CC rates and examined its prevalence across states. Regression analyses were conducted to study county-level risk factors of CC. Results: The CC age-adjusted rate among AAs increased by five-fold, from 155 per 100,000 in 2017 to 753 per 100,000 in 2021. State-level disparities revealed the highest CC prevalence in Arkansas, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Not speaking other languages and having insurance were significantly associated with higher CC rates, suggesting barriers to preventions and greater use of screening (p < 0.05). County-level analysis identified lower CC prevalence in regions with a greater socioeconomic advantage (p < 0.05). Socioeconomic advantage seemed to facilitate higher screening rates, which then translated into higher CC rates. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the need for early preventions to address rising CC rates among AAs. Future research should also explore geographic factors to better understand the disparities in CC risk.
Advances for Managing Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: Integrating Imaging and AI Innovations
Authors: Seyithanoglu Deniz , Durak Gorkem , Keles Elif , Medetalibeyoglu Alpay , Hong Ziliang , Zhang Zheyuan , Taktak Yavuz B. , Cebeci Timurhan , Tiwari Pallavi , Velichko Yuri S. , Yazici Cemal , Tirkes Temel , Miller Frank H. , Keswani Rajesh N. , Spampinato Concetto , Wallace Michael B. , Bagci Ulas
Published: December 2024

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) represent a spectrum of non-neoplasms and neoplasms with varying malignant potential, posing significant challenges in diagnosis and management. While some PCLs are precursors to pancreatic cancer, others remain benign, necessitating accurate differentiation for optimal patient care. Conventional approaches to PCL management rely heavily on radiographic imaging, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA), coupled with clinical and biochemical data. However, the observer-dependent nature of image interpretation and the complex morphology of PCLs can lead to diagnostic uncertainty and variability in patient management strategies. This review critically evaluates current PCL diagnosis and surveillance practices, showing features of the different lesions and highlighting the potential limitations of conventional methods. We then explore the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform PCL management. AI-driven strategies, including deep learning algorithms for automated pancreas and lesion segmentation, and radiomics for analyzing heterogeneity, can improve diagnostic accuracy and risk stratification. These advanced techniques can provide more objective and reproducible assessments, aiding clinicians in decision-making regarding follow-up intervals and surgical interventions. Early results suggest that AI-driven methods can significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier detection of high-risk lesions and reducing unnecessary procedures for benign cysts. Finally, this review emphasizes that AI-driven approaches could potentially reshape the landscape of PCL management, ultimately leading to improved pancreatic cancer prevention.
Evaluation of Ex Vivo Shear Wave Elastography of Axillary Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Patients with Early Breast Cancer
Authors: Togawa Riku , Dahm Helena , Feisst Manuel , Sinn Peter , Hennigs André , Nees Juliane , Pfob André , Schäfgen Benedikt , Stieber Anne , Zivanovic Oliver , Heil Jörg , Golatta Michael , Riedel Fabian
Published: December 2024

Background: The pretherapeutic assessment of axillary lymph node status is crucial in staging early breast cancer patients, significantly influencing their further treatment and prognosis. According to current guidelines, patients with clinically unsuspicious axillary status regularly undergo a biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs), whereby metastasis is detected in up to 20% of cases. In recent years, the use of shear wave elastography (SWE) has been studied as an additional ultrasound tool for the non-invasive assessment of tumors in the breast parenchyma and axillary lymph nodes. Previous studies (examining the axilla in patients) have shown that metastases have significantly higher SWE values than benign nodes. Methods: This study aims to evaluate whether SWE can differentiate between tumor-free and metastatic-affected SLN ex vivo, i.e., by examining the pathological specimen. SWE was performed ex vivo on SLN specimens and compared with final histopathological results. Results: A total of 168 SLNs from 105 patients were measured using ex vivo SWE and subjected to standard histopathological processing. In this group, 17 metastases in 17 patients (16.19%) were detected. Tumor-free SLNs had a mean velocity of 1.33 ± 0.23 m/s, while metastatic nodes showed a mean velocity of 1.35 ± 0.29 m/s (p = 0.724). There was no significant difference in ex vivo SWE between benign and malignant SLNs in this population. Conclusions: Contrary to previous studies, this study did not find SWE effective in differentiating lymph node metastases. Further research is needed to clarify SWE’s potential role in axillary staging.
Association Between Reconstruction Technique and Clinical Outcomes in Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients Undergoing Proximal Gastrectomy
Authors: Sędłak Katarzyna , Rawicz-Pruszyński Karol , Pelc Zuzanna , Mlak Radosław , Gęca Katarzyna , Skórzewska Magdalena , Zinkiewicz Krzysztof , Chawrylak Katarzyna , Polkowski Wojciech P.
Published: December 2024

Background: There is an upward shift in the incidence and localization of gastric cancer (GC). Proximal gastrectomy (PG) has been advocated as an alternative operation for upper-third GC. An uneventful postoperative course is currently measured using a well-defined textbook outcome (TO), which represents a composite of surgical quality metrics. The aim of this study was to compare TO after two reconstruction methods following PG: double-tract reconstruction (DTR) and posterior esophagogastrostomy with partial neo-fundoplication (EGF). Materials and Methods: Primary proximal gastric adenocarcinoma patients who had undergone PG with DTR or EGF were included in this study. In a prospectively collected database, DTR and EGF were identified in 30 and 30 patients, respectively. Results: Patients with DTR had a 5.5-fold higher chance of achieving TO compared to those with EGF (OR = 5.67; p = 0.0266). No statistically significant differences in overall survival were noted when both reconstruction methods were compared. Conclusion: In patients with proximal GC undergoing PG, TO is more likely to be achieved using DTR compared to EGF, with similar overall survival. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to indicate the preferred reconstruction technique after PG.
Diffusion-Weighted MRI and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Status in Oropharyngeal Cancer
Authors: Bollen Heleen , Dok Rüveyda , De Keyzer Frederik , Deschuymer Sarah , Laenen Annouschka , Devos Johannes , Vandecaveye Vincent , Nuyts Sandra
Published: December 2024

Background: This study aimed to explore the differences in quantitative diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI parameters in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPC) based on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) status before and during radiotherapy (RT). Methods: Echo planar DW sequences acquired before and during (chemo)radiotherapy (CRT) of 178 patients with histologically proven OPC were prospectively analyzed. The volumetric region of interest (ROI) was manually drawn on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map, and 105 DW-MRI radiomic parameters were extracted. Change in ADC values (Δ ADC) was calculated as the difference between baseline and during RT at week 4, normalized by the baseline values. Results: Pre-treatment first-order 10th percentile ADC and Gray Level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM)-correlation were significantly lower in HPV-positive compared with HPV-negative tumors (82.4 × 10−5 mm2/s vs. 90.3 × 10−5 mm2/s, p = 0.03 and 0.18 vs. 0.30, p < 0.01). In the fourth week of RT, all first-order ADC values were significantly higher in HPV-positive tumors (p < 0.01). Δ ADC mean was significantly higher for the HPV-positive compared with the HPV-negative OPC group (95% vs. 55%, p < 0.01). A predictive model for HPV status based on smoking status, alcohol consumption, GLCM correlation, and mean ADC and 10th percentile ADC values yielded an area under the curve of 0.77 (95% CI 0.70–0.84). Conclusions: Our results highlight the potential of DW-MR imaging as a non-invasive biomarker for the prediction of HPV status, although its current role remains supplementary to pathological confirmation.
Targeting Refractory Triple-Negative Breast Cancer with Sacituzumab Govitecan: A New Era in Precision Medicine
Authors: Khan Saif , Jandrajupalli Suresh Babu , Bushara Nashwa Zaki Ali , Raja Rama Devi Patel , Mirza Shadab , Sharma Kuldeep , Verma Rajan , Kumar Ashish , Lohani Mohtashim
Published: December 2024

Advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has poorer outcomes due to its aggressive behavior and restricted therapeutic options. While therapies like checkpoint inhibitors and PARP inhibitors offer some benefits, chemotherapy remains ineffective beyond the first line of treatment. Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) like sacituzumab govitecan-hziy (SG) represent a significant advancement. SG combines SN-38, an irinotecan derivative, with a Trop-2-targeting antibody via a pH-sensitive linking moiety, achieving a good drug:antibody ratio. In a phase I-II study involving metastatic TNBC (mTNBC) individuals, SG achieved an overall response rate of 33.3% and a median response period of 7.7 months. The phase III ASCENT trial demonstrated SG’s efficacy in relapsed or refractory TNBC, improving median progression-free survival and median overall survival compared to chemotherapy. Common side effects include neutropenia, nausea, and fatigue. This article highlights the clinical potential, pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and resistance mechanisms of SG along with key ongoing clinical trials, emphasizing its role in managing refractory mTNBC, especially in third-line therapy. The review also discusses current strategies for managing adverse reactions and sequencing ADC treatments in clinical practice, along with the predicted basis of resistance. The optimal sequencing of SG relative to other ADCs, such as trastuzumab deruxtecan or T-DXd, remains an evolving question, especially as newer agents with distinct mechanisms of action and safety profiles enter the field. Further research is essential to establish evidence-based strategies for sequencing SG and addressing disease progression post-ADC therapy.
GRPR Drives Metastasis via CRABP2 and FNDC4 Pathways in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Dong-Gun , Choi Eun-Young , Ahn Hye-Mi , Kim Youn-Jae
Published: December 2024

Metastasis is a leading cause of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)-related mortality and presents significant challenges for treatment. The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR), a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, has an unclear role in LUAD progression. This study aimed to investigate the function and underlying mechanisms of GRPR in LUAD metastasis. Our findings revealed that GRPR levels were significantly elevated in tumor tissues, and higher GRPR expression was associated with worse overall survival outcomes. Functional assays demonstrated that GRPR overexpression enhanced LUAD cell invasion, while GRPR knockdown inhibited invasion both in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified an enrichment of metastasis-promoting genes in GRPR-overexpressing cells, with CRABP2 and FNDC4 emerging as key targets. Clinical analyses further confirmed a positive correlation between GRPR expression and the levels of CRABP2 and FNDC4 in LUAD patients. These results suggest that GRPR could serve as both a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target to inhibit metastasis in LUAD.
Evaluation of Genotoxic Effects of N-Methyl-N-Nitroso-Urea and Etoposide on the Differentiation Potential of MSCs from Umbilical Cord Blood and Bone Marrow
Authors: Ouzin Meryem , Wesselborg Sebastian , Fritz Gerhard , Kogler Gesine
Published: December 2024

The present study investigates the influence of nitrosamines and etoposide on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in a differentiation state- and biological age-dependent manner. The genotoxic effects of the agents on both neonatal and adult stem cell populations after treatment, before, or during the course of differentiation, and the sensitivity of the different MSC types to different concentrations of MNU or etoposide were assessed. Hereby, the multipotent differentiation capacity of MSCs into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes was analyzed. Our findings reveal that while all cell types exhibit DNA damage upon exposure, neonatal CB-USSCs demonstrate enhanced resistance to genotoxic damage compared with their adult counterparts. Moreover, the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs was more susceptible to genotoxic damage, whereas the adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potentials did not show any significant changes upon treatment with genotoxin. Furthermore, we emphasize the cell-specific variability in responses to genotoxic damage and the differences in sensitivity and reaction across different cell types, thus advocating the consideration of these variabilities during drug testing and developmental biological research.
Knowledge Gaps on the Effectiveness of Seed Dispersal by Mammals and the Effect of Human Disturbances: A Review
Authors: Triay-Limonta Onaylis , Hechavarría-García Gerardo G. , Valdivia Carlos E. , Napolitano Constanza
Published: December 2024

Seed dispersal by frugivorous mammals is crucial for plant reproduction, but anthropogenic disturbances can disrupt this process. However, there is a lack of research on mammalian seed dispersal in anthropogenic habitats, with few systematic literature reviews available. In order to address this gap, a review of scientific literature published since 1990 was conducted. A total of 275 articles from 52 countries, predominantly from South America, were found for the review. These articles contained information on 764 mammal species from 54 families, with Canidae being the most studied. The studies focused on various aspects of seed dispersal, including animal visitation rates (60%), seed quantity in faeces (78.9%), seed viability (49.1%), germination (49.5%), and seedling recruitment. However, only a small percentage of the studies examined the impacts of human disturbance on seed dispersal (5.8%), particularly the quantity of seeds dispersed. There is a need for further studies that integrate the analysis of seed dispersal effectiveness by mammals while considering the effects of human disturbances, particularly in areas with high plant and mammal diversity threatened by human activities.
Simulated Herbivory Induces Volatile Emissions of Oak Saplings, but Parasitoid Communities Vary Mainly Among Forest Sites
Authors: Molleman Freerk , Mezzomo Priscila , Mandal Manidip , Mallick Soumen , Moos Martin , Vodrážka Petr , Prinzing Andreas , Walczak Urszula
Published: December 2024

We know little about how parasitoids of herbivorous insects use herbivore-induced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to locate potential hosts on saplings in forests, and how this depends on tree composition. Therefore, we performed an experiment in a forest in Poland where we placed pairs of oak saplings (Quercus robur or Q. petraea) in neighborhoods dominated by oak, beech, or pine trees. We treated one sapling in each pair with the phytohormone methyl jasmonate, which triggers induced responses in plants. We measured the VOC emissions of thirty-six saplings and placed Malaise traps with five of the pairs. We counted the parasitoids in the ten Malaise samples and identified them using DNA metabarcoding. We used parasitoids reared from oak-feeding caterpillars to estimate which species are associated with oaks. The two species of oak differed in both the proportions of VOCs and the specific VOCs that were elevated following the application of methyl jasmonate. We did not detect any overall effects of treatment on parasitoid abundance or community composition. However, some parasitoid species that were associated with oaks appeared to be attracted to elevated emissions of specific induced VOCs. The parasitoid communities differed significantly between sites and showed marginally significant differences between neighborhoods. Overall, our results suggest that parasitoids in the understory are affected by tree composition of the canopy, but the effects of VOC emissions are limited.
Research on the Impact Effects of the Thermal Power Industry and Other High-Haze-Pollution Industries on the Atmospheric Environment
Authors: Zhou Yunkai , Zhou Jingkun , Li Yating
Published: December 2024

As industrialization accelerates, China’s industrial development pace has been rapidly increasing. However, this growth has been accompanied by an increase in high-pollution and high-emission industries, leading to the release of a significant amount of air pollutants and exacerbating haze pollution nationwide. This article utilizes the spatial dynamic Durbin model and panel threshold regression model to analyze the impact of the thermal power industry and other high-haze-pollution industries on atmospheric environmental quality. The results indicate a negative correlation between the thermal power industry and other high-haze pollution industries and atmospheric environmental quality. There is a spatial spillover effect of the thermal power industry and other high-haze-pollution industries on air pollution. Environmental regulations have a single-threshold characteristic in their impact on atmospheric quality in the thermal power industry and other high-haze-pollution industries, as does green technology innovation. Additionally, cumulative rainfall has a significant single-threshold effect on the atmospheric environmental quality in regions with the thermal power industry and other high-haze-pollution industries. The article suggests policies for severely polluted areas, including reducing high-haze-pollution enterprises, optimizing industrial structures rationally, strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing regional haze pollution prevention and control coordination mechanisms, increasing the intensity of environmental regulations, utilizing the threshold effect of environmental regulations, promoting green technological innovation and application in heavily polluted areas, and exploring options to improve air pollution through increased rainfall. These recommendations aim to provide reference points for China to further optimize its industrial structure and comprehensively manage haze pollution.
Genetic Diversity and Structure of Higher-Resin Trees of Pinus oocarpa Schiede in Mexico: Implications for Genetic Improvement
Authors: Vallejo-Reyna Miguel Ángel , Velasco-García Mario Valerio , Aguilera-Martínez Viridiana , Méndez-Sánchez Hilda , Muñoz-Gutiérrez Liliana , Gómez-Cárdenas Martín , Hernández-Hernández Adán
Published: December 2024

Pinus oocarpa Schiede is the most widely distributed conifer in the Americas. In Mexico, it inhabits diverse environments and is the primary pine species utilized for resin production, prompting the establishment of a genetic improvement program (GIP). Preserving a broad genetic diversity is fundamental to the success of the GIP. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and structure of trees selected for their high resin yield. A total of 146 trees from 15 provenances within three populations (MX-MIC, MX-MEX, and MX-OAX) constituting the selection population of the GIP were evaluated. Five SSR microsatellite markers (PtTX3013, NZPR1078, PtTX2146, PtTX3107, and PtTX3034) were used to determine key indicators of genetic diversity and structure. All three populations exhibited high genetic diversity; however, the heterozygosity observed was lower than the expected heterozygosity. Genetic structure analysis revealed the presence of two distinct genetic groups: the Transverse Volcanic Axis (MX-MIC and MX-MEX) and the Sierra Madre del Sur (MX-OAX). Most of the genetic diversity (87.42%) was found within provenances. Gene flow was high among provenances within the same genetic group but limited between provenances from different groups. The findings suggest that GIPs should be tailored to each genetic region, with a focus on within-provenance selection to maintain genetic diversity.
How Does the Mulching Management of Phyllostachys Praecox Affect Soil Enzyme Activity and Microbial Nutrient Limitation in Karst Bamboo Forest Ecosystems?
Authors: Tong Long , Qi Lianghua , Chen Lijie , Gan Fengling , Zeng Qingping , Li Hongyan , Li Bin , Liu Yuan , Liu Ping , Zeng Xiaoying , Jiang Lisha , Tan Xiaohong , Shi Hailong
Published: December 2024

Phyllostachys praecox is a valuable tree species in karst ecosystems, but improper mulching practices can worsen soil degradation. Understanding soil nutrient limitations is crucial for successful restoration and sustainable development. However, it remains unclear whether and how mulching management of Phyllostachys praecox affects soil enzyme stoichiometry and nutrient limitation in karst areas. Here, we conducted a field experiment in Chongqing karst bamboo forest ecosystems with four mulching treatments: 1-year (T1), 2-years (T2), 1-year and recovery and 1-year (T3), and no mulching (CK). We investigated the activities of the C-acquiring enzyme β-1,4-glucosidase (BG), N-acquiring enzymes L-leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) and β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase (BNA), as well as P-acquiring enzyme phosphatase activity (AP), to assess the limitations of C, N or P and identify the main factors influencing soil microbial nutrient limitation. Compared with the CK treatment, both the T2 and T3 management treatments significantly increased the SOC, TN, MBC, and MBN. Furthermore, the soil enzyme stoichiometric ratio in the karst bamboo forests deviated from the global ecosystem ratio of 1:1:1. T1 > T3 > CK > T2 presented higher values of C/(C + N) and C/(C + P), with T1 having values that were 1.10 and 1.12 greater than those of T2, respectively. Additionally, there was a significant negative correlation between microbial C and N limitations and total nutrients, but a positive correlation with microbial biomass ratios. In conclusion, changes in mulching management of Phyllostachys praecox affect soil enzyme stoichiometry activities and their ratios by influencing total nutrients and microbial biomass ratios. This study suggests an alternate year cover pattern (mulching in one year and resting in the next) as a scientific management approach for bamboo forests, contributing to a better understanding of nutrient limitation mechanisms in karst bamboo forest ecosystems.
Divergent Effects of Monoculture and Mixed Plantation on the Trade-Off Between Soil Carbon and Phosphorus Contents in a Degraded Hilly Land
Authors: Gu Xiaojuan , He Zhihang , Liu Linyunhui , Zhang Zhenyuan , Wu Jiahui , Mo Qifeng
Published: December 2024

Carbon (C) and phosphorus (P) in soil are closely related to plantation types in afforestation practices. However, the trade-off between soil C and P in response to different restoration models on degraded hilly land is still not clear. In this study, four restoration patterns, including natural recovered shrubland (NS), Castanopsis hystrix plantation (CH), 10-species mixed plantation (10MX), and 30-species mixed plantation (30MX) were selected, and the physicochemical properties and readily oxidized carbon (ROC) in different layers of 1 m depth soil were measured to understand the effects of natural restoration and artificial afforestation on soil P and C pool and their trade-off on degraded hilly land in southern China. The results indicate that the total P (TP) content in each soil layer was observed to follow the order of CH > 10MX > 30MX > NS, with monoculture (CH) exhibiting higher levels of TP than mixed plantation. However, the soil C storage of NS (59.61 t hm−2) and 30MX (57.71 t hm−2) was similar, while 10MX boasted the highest C storage (64.99 t hm−2) of the four restoration patterns, with CH being the lowest (42.75 t hm−2). In deep soil layers (20–100 cm), the 10MX plantation presented the highest for both the C pool index (CPI) and C pool management index (CMI). Moreover, the structural equation model (SEM) revealed that the soil CMI was directly regulated by the levels of soil available P and total N, while soil C pool activity was directly influenced by soil pH. Thus, our study suggests that compared to mixed plantations, the monoculture plantation (CH) demonstrates lower P uptake and utilization, resulting in a higher soil P content. Furthermore, 10MX plantation showed a superior C fixation capacity over those with 30MX and monoculture plantations. These suggests that the trade-off between soil C and P contents was commonly observed among different plantation restoration patterns. Therefore, afforestation with different tree composition and nutrient regulation is necessary for maintaining the balance between soil C and P and keeping the sustainability of plantation management in the degraded hilly lands.
Evaluating Domestic Herbivores for Vegetation Structure Management in Transitional Woodland–Shrubland Systems
Authors: Ribeiro Inês , Domingos Tiago , McCracken Davy , Proença Vânia
Published: December 2024

Mediterranean landscapes are shaped by natural disturbances such as herbivory and fire that regulate vegetation structure and fuel loads. As a result of the cessation of traditional agricultural practices, land abandonment is a widespread phenomenon in these landscapes, leading to shrub encroachment and heightened fire hazard. This study reports the effects of grazing by domestic herbivores on vegetation structure in transitional woodland–shrubland systems across three case study areas in Portugal. The effects of low and moderate grazing intensity by cattle and horses on vegetation structure were assessed on three vegetation strata—canopy, shrubs, and grasses—using indicators to evaluate the influence of grazing on both horizontal and vertical vegetation structure. Moderate grazing shaped vertical vegetation structure by reducing shrub and grass height and by browsing and thinning the lower branches, creating a discontinuity between understorey and canopy layers. These effects on vertical fuel continuity are anticipated to limit the upward spread of flames and reduce the potential for crown fires. In contrast, low-intensity grazing showed limited effects on both vertical and horizontal vegetation structure. This work highlights the potential of using domestic herbivores as a tool to manage vegetation structure and its contribution to mitigating local wildfire hazards.
Genetic Parameters and Selection of Clones and Families of Pinus koraiensis Using Principal Components and Multi-Trait Method
Authors: Mu Huaizhi , Liu Yue , Wang Fang , Zhang Zimeng , Wang Jun , Yang Yuchun
Published: December 2024

Pinus koraiensis is recognized as one of the most valuable timber and economic tree species. Fruiting properties and growth traits are important characteristics for P. koraiensis breeding, and the relationship between fruiting properties of parents and growth traits of progeny is needed for better understanding. In this study, 71 parental clones and open-pollinated progeny families from the same plus trees were used as materials, and four fruiting properties (cone number per single tree, seed number per single cone, thousand-seed weight, and fruiting individual percentage) and four growth traits (height, diameter at breast height, volume, and survival individual percentage) were measured and calculated. There were significant variations in fruiting properties and growth traits among parental clones and progeny families. For fruiting properties, the phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation ranged from 16.51% to 175.34% and from 6.75% to 20.26%, respectively, and the repeatability ranged from 0.3430 to 0.9438. For growth traits, the phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation ranged from 15.68% to 39.89% and from 3.51% to 25.99%, respectively, and the broad-sense and narrow-sense heritability ranged from 0.7149 to 0.9681 and from 0.3648 to 0.4614, respectively. There were extremely significant positive correlations between cone number per single tree and fruiting individual percentage, as well as between height, diameter at breast height, and volume. Nevertheless, there was no significant correlation between fruiting properties of parental clones and growth traits of progeny families. Based on the integrated results of principal component analysis and the multi-trait comprehensive evaluation method, six clones (HS23, HS95, HS05, HS73, HS67, and HS17) and four families (HS37, HS17, HS60, and HS54) were selected as elite clones and families, respectively, and HS17 was identified as both an elite parental clone and an elite progeny family. The genetic and realistic gains of elite clones for fruiting properties ranged from 1.34% to 17.34% and from 1.50% to 47.22%, respectively, and the genetic and realistic gains of elite families for growth traits ranged from 4.85% to 33.90% and from 6.73% to 35.02%, respectively. The present study provides the foundation for reconstruction and upgrading of P. koraiensis seed orchards, which is helpful for increasing productivity and economic benefits.
Identification of Retrocopies in Lepidoptera and Impact on Domestication of Silkworm
Authors: Bie Lingzi , Sun Jiahe , Wang Yi , Wang Chunfang
Published: December 2024

Background: During the domestication of silkworm, an economic insect, its physiological characteristics have changed greatly. RNA-based gene duplication, known as retrocopy, plays an important role in the formation of new genes and genome evolution, but the retrocopies of lepidopteran insects have not been fully identified and analyzed, which not only severely limits researchers from exploring the effects of retrocopies on lepidopteran insects but also affects the studies on the domestication of silkworm. Methods: We compared the genomes and proteomes of eight lepidopteran insects and used a series of screening criteria for auxiliary screening to obtain the retrocopies in lepidopteran insects and explored their characteristics. In addition, based on the silkworm transcriptome data from the SilkDB3.0 website, we explored the functions of the retrocopies on the domestication of the silkworm. Results: A total of 1993 retrocopies and 1208 parental genes in lepidopteran insects were obtained. We revealed that the retrocopies in Lepidoptera do not conform to the “out of X” hypothesis but fit the “out of testis” hypothesis. These retrocopies were subject to strong functional constraints and performed important functions in growth and development. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expression pattern of the retrocopies and their parental genes were irrelevant. Through the analysis of the retrocopies in silkworm generated after domestication and located in the candidate domestication regions, the possible universal connection between the retrocopies and the domestication of silkworm were found. Conclusions: Our study pioneered the exploration of retrocopies in multiple Lepidoptera species and found the potential association between the retrocopies and the domestication of silkworm.
New Axes of Interaction in Circ_0079593/miR-516b-5p Network in Melanoma Metastasis Cell Lines
Authors: De Tomi Elisa , Orlandi Elisa , Belpinati Francesca , Patuzzo Cristina , Trabetti Elisabetta , Gomez-Lira Macarena , Malerba Giovanni
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular RNA (circRNAs) show a close interconnection in the control of fundamental functions, such as cell proliferation and tumor development. A full understanding of this complex and interconnected network is essential for better understanding the mechanisms underlying cancer progression. Hsa_circ_0079593 is a circRNA highly expressed in melanoma and is associated with increased metastasis and progression of malignancy, whereas miR516b-5p is a microRNA whose expression is lower in several tumor types, including melanoma; its overexpression inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In this study, we tested whether circ_0079593 is involved in the progression of melanoma aggressiveness by regulating CHAF1B and MCAM via the inhibition of miR-516b-5p. Methods: We first verified the expression of the key components in both healthy melanocyte lines and melanoma metastases, subsequently using in vitro assays such as scratch tests, Western blot, qRT-PCR, and dual luciferase report assay; we verified their interconnected regulatory effect. Results: Our results showed that circ_0079593-miR516b-5p interactions are involved in the increase in the migration of metastasis melanoma cells by exploiting their binding to MCAM and CHAF1B mRNAs. Conclusions: This study provides two other regulatory networks in which circ_0079593 may exert its oncogenic function by increasing the speed of movement of metastatic cells through the sponge of miR-516b-5p, which cannot regulate MCAM and CHAF1B expression.
What Do Dental Students Know About E-Cigarettes? A Cross-Sectional Survey from One Palestinian Dental School
Authors: Shadid Rola Muhammed , Alsaeed Reeta
Published: December 2024

Owing to the vital role played by dentists in patient education and due to the growing popularity of e-cigarette use among the younger population, this cross-sectional study aimed to assess the use, knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward e-cigarettes among dental students. A cross-sectional questionnaire was given between March and June of 2024 to undergraduate dental students in the Faculty of Dentistry at the Arab American University in Palestine. A 32-item questionnaire with five sections, namely demographics, smoking habits, knowledge, beliefs and attitude, and education about e-cigarettes was sent to all appropriate participants (N = 1050). The response rate was 31% (N = 325). About 11.7% of the respondents were current e-cigarette smokers. The two most commonly cited reasons for initial use of e-cigarettes were curiosity (52.8%) and a desire to quit conventional smoking (27.8%). The average knowledge score was 6.63 (3.08) out of 12, demonstrating a generally inadequate level of knowledge about e-cigarettes. Conventional cigarette smokers were more knowledgeable about e-cigarettes than non-smokers (OR = 1.928; 95% CI: 1.061–3.505; p-value = 0.031). The majority of students (92%) considered the level of education they received in the dental school about e-cigarettes as inadequate, and more than half (53.2%) received information from social media. In conclusion, the prevalence of e-cigarette use among Palestinian dental students is relatively high compared with that reported for other dental students worldwide. Since the students showed a generally inadequate level of knowledge about e-cigarettes, this study casts doubt on the competency of Palestinian dental students to offer cessation counseling, highlighting the necessity to revise the dental curricula to foster positive knowledge and belief conducive to ideal behaviors.
A Rapid Systematic Review Assessing the Effectiveness of Interventions to Promote Self-Management in Workers with Long-Term Health Conditions and Disabilities
Authors: Maidment David W. , Clarkson Katie , Shiel Emma V. , Nielsen Karina , Yarker Jo , Munir Fehmidah
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study was to synthesise evidence assessing the effectiveness of workplace-based interventions that promote self-management of multiple long-term conditions or disabilities, e.g., type I and II diabetes, asthma, musculoskeletal injury/disorder, cancer, and mental ill-health. A prospectively registered rapid systematic review was conducted. Both academic and grey literature databases were searched for papers published within the last 10 years, reflecting the most contemporary legislation and policy. The outcomes included work productivity, work engagement, self-management, work ability, quality of life, psychological wellbeing, workplace fatigue, job satisfaction, work-based attendance, work self-efficacy, and condition-specific health status. Five randomised controlled trials were included, and all assessed a chronic disease self-management programme consisting of six weekly facilitator-led group sessions. Due to the small number of studies and the variability in outcome measures employed, meta-analyses were not feasible. However, a narrative synthesis indicated that work engagement, self-management and wellbeing improved in the intervention compared to the control groups. All of the other outcomes showed mixed results. The findings highlight the need to develop less resource-intensive workplace-based self-management interventions that cater to both workers and employer stakeholders, to examine intervention implementation processes as well as effectiveness, and to draw on a common set of outcome measures to enable comparative analysis to better inform public health policy and practice.
The Double-Layer Clustering Based on K-Line Pattern Recognition Based on Similarity Matching
Authors: Li Xinglong , Liu Qingyang , Hu Yanrong , Liu Hongjiu
Published: December 2024

Candlestick charts provide a visual representation of price trends and market sentiment, enabling investors to identify key trends, support, and resistance levels, thus improving the success rate of stock trading. The research presented in this paper aims to overcome the limitations of traditional candlestick pattern analysis, which is constrained by fixed pattern definitions, quantity limitations, and subjectivity in pattern recognition, thus improving its effectiveness in dynamic market environments. To address this, a two-layer clustering method based on a candlestick sequence simlarity matching model is proposed for identifying valid candlestick patterns and constructing a pattern library. First, the candlestick sequence similarity matching model is used to address the pattern matching issue; then, a two-layer clustering method based on the K-means algorithm is designed to identify valid candlestick patterns. Finally, a valid candlestick pattern library is built, and the predictive ability and profitability of some patterns in the library are evaluated. In this study, ten stocks from different industries and of various sizes listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange were selected, using nearly 1000 days of their data as the test set. The predictive ability of some patterns in the library was evaluated using out-of-sample data from the same period. This selection method ensures the diversity of the dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively distinguish between bullish and bearish patterns, breaking through the limitations of traditional candlestick pattern classification methods that rely on predefined patterns. By clearly distinguishing these two patterns, it provides clear buy and sell signals for investors, significantly improving the reliability and profitability of trading strategies.
The First Report of the Aphid Genus Macromyzus (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from Laos, with a Description of a New Species and Its Taxonomic Position
Authors: Lee Minho , Kanturski Mariusz , Santammavong Chitpasong , Lee Seunghwan
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the aphid genus Macromyzus Takahashi, 1960 is reported for the first time from Laos. A detailed description of the apterous viviparous female of a new species, Macromyzus (Macromyzus) diplazius sp. nov. associated with Diplazium esculentum is provided. For the first time, we conduct scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the morphology and sensilla (antennae, mouthparts, and legs) of the representative of this genus. Furthermore, we update the taxonomic definition of the subgenus Macromyzus based on morphological characteristics, discuss the taxonomic position of the new species, and provide an identification key to all known Macromyzus species.
Capacity Prognostics of Marine Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on ICPO-Bi-LSTM Under Dynamic Operating Conditions
Authors: Song Qijia , Yang Xiangguo , Tang Telu , Liu Yifan , Chen Yuelin , Liu Lin
Published: December 2024

An accurate prognosis of the marine lithium-ion battery capacity is significant in guiding electric ships’ optimal operation and maintenance. Under real-world operating conditions, lithium-ion batteries are exposed to various external factors, making accurate capacity prognostication a complex challenge. The paper develops a marine lithium-ion battery capacity prognostic method based on ICPO-Bi-LSTM under dynamic operating conditions to address this. First, the battery is simulated according to the actual operating conditions of an all-electric ferry, and in each charge/discharge cycle, the sum, mean, and standard deviation of each parameter (current, voltage, energy, and power) during battery charging, as well as the voltage difference before and after the simulated operating conditions, are calculated to extract a series of features that capture the complex nonlinear degradation tendency of the battery, and then a correlation analysis is performed on the extracted features to select the optimal feature set. Next, to address the challenge of determining the neural network’s hyperparameters, an improved crested porcupine optimization algorithm is proposed to identify the optimal hyperparameters for the model. Finally, to prevent the interference of test data during model training, which could lead to evaluation errors, the training dataset is used for parameter fitting, the validation dataset for hyperparameter adjustment, and the test dataset for the model performance evaluation. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves high accuracy and robustness in capacity prognostics of lithium-ion batteries across various operating conditions and types.
Image-Guided Musculoskeletal Interventional Radiology in the Personalised Management of Musculoskeletal Tumours
Authors: Uldin Hasaam , Kanbour Ibrahim , Patel Anish , Botchu Rajesh
Published: December 2024

Musculoskeletal image-guided interventional radiology plays a key role in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions. Recent advances have yielded a wide variety of procedures that can be applied selectively and enable the personalisation of patient care. This review aims to outline the indications, applications, and techniques of subspecialist musculoskeletal oncology interventional procedures that were used at our tertiary referral centre with a focus on how these may be used to personalise patient management. The applications of a range of diagnostic and therapeutic image-guided interventional procedures including different methods of bone and soft tissue sampling, ablation, and augmentation procedures across different types of patients and pathologies are reviewed. To supplement the reviewed literature, we included our own experience and radiology images retrospectively collected from our Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). We demonstrate how the range of musculoskeletal image-guided interventions provide flexibility in the diagnosis and management of different tumours across different patient populations. This study provides the musculoskeletal interventional radiologist with insight into how to appropriately utlilise different techniques to optimise the diagnosis, treatment and palliation of tumours.