bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GEOINFORMATION ASSESSMENT OF THE RISKS OF FOREST FIRES IN THE BASIN OF LAKE BAIKAL ON THE MATERIALS OF STATE STATISTICS
Authors:   Baikal Institute of Nature Management SB RAS, Borisova Tatiana A. , Beshentsev Andrew N. ,   Baikal Institute of Nature Management SB RAS
Published: May 2022

The article presents the results of geoinformation mapping of the risks of natural forest fires in the territory of the transboundary basin of lake Baikal based on the materials of the state statistics of Rus-sia and Mongolia for the period 1998-2018. A comparative spatio-temporal analysis of the frequency and area of fires, their scale is performed, the main factors of fire hazard and the causes of fires are considered. A method of geoinformation mapping of forest fires based on statistical materials has been developed. As a technological solution for storing, processing and calculating operations with statistical data, the creation of a vector storage of statistical data of the ArcGIS software environment is proposed. The repository is compiled by means of overlay operations with layers of territorial divi-sions of statistical accounting of forest fires, a fragment of the repository is presented. The integral risk was assessed in the context of forest areas based on the calculation of specific indicators of physical, economic and social risks. A map of the integral risk of forest fires in the lake basin within the bound-aries of forestries has been compiled.
DEVELOPMENT OF A METHODOLOGY FOR AUTOMATED UPDATING MAPS OF URBAN AREAS USING COMPUTER VISION TECHNOLOGY
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Porokhov Nikita V. , Bugakov Petr Yu. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies
Published: May 2022

Currently, satellite or aerial photographs are widely used to update maps. To speed up the updating process, some large cartographic services use computer vision systems, intelligent systems and other advanced technologies. However, the frequency of obtaining the initial data-satellite images-is still low. In this regard, the article proposes a method for updating maps of urban areas, based on obtaining initial data using ground photography and further recognition of images of buildings and structures. The article substantiates the relevance of the research topic, provides examples of the use of image recognition technology for updating cartographic materials by the largest services. The main technical characteristics of the software and hardware necessary for the implementation of the experiment ac-cording to the proposed method are also considered.
ON THE ACCURACY ASSESSMENT OF DETERMINING THE COORDINATES OF CHARACTERISTIC POINTS OF REAL ESTATE OBJECTS IN THE CADASTRE
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Kosarev Nikolay S. , Padve Vladimir A. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Onishchak Daria I. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Bagdasaryan Robert E. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies
Published: May 2022

The issues of accurate optimization of determining the location of the boundaries of land plots, the coordinates of real estate objects and other similar tasks during the performance and cadastral work are considered. Some typical situation that arises when coordinating the characteristic points of real estate objects is simulated. A real drop in the values of root-mean-square errors (RMSE) of the positions of the points of the "hanging" cadastral reference network (CRN) is demonstrated. The solu-tion of this problem was performed using a synthesized version of the algorithm of the parametric ver-sion of the measurement adjustments, taking into account the coordinates errors of the reference net-work. The model parameters of the CRN were distorted by random errors of pseudo-measurements distributed according to the normal law. Each group of linear or angular pseudo-measurements was supported with a priori covariance matrix of a respective size. The variants of the situations, which consisted in fixating the point of establishing the instrument, were developed by regulating the respec-tive covariance matrices, which were multiplied, where necessary, by a square unit matrix of an ap-propriate size, modulated with the multiplier α = 10-k. When the index of power k of base 10 was equal to zero, the covariance matrix assumed its priori value, corresponding to the generated normal characteristics of angular and linear measurements mβ = 6″ and mS = 2 mm. If it was planned to "rule out" the impact of the errors of respective measurements, the index of power k was designated to be equal to -6. That resulted in a million-fold reduction of the influence of the modulated elements of the covariance matrix. Practi-cally, such measurements were assumed to be error-free.
STUDY OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF PROCESSING RADAR AND MULTI-ZONE SPACE IMAGES OF THE UNDERLYING SURFACE
Authors:   State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), Guliyev Alovsat Shura-ogly , Khlebnikova Tatiana A. ,   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies
Published: May 2022

The article is devoted to a detailed analysis of various methods of remote sensing of the Earth, which are used to detect and map oil spills. The purpose of the article is to test various functions that will allow find the optimal combination of classification based on a semi-automatic approach. The ar-ticle propose and confirm the hypothesis that synthetic aperture radar images by themselves do not contain enough information, but using longer time series this problem can be solved. Thus, the studies carried out made it possible to extract the spatial extent of oil development sites and oil pollution in the shelf waters using multi-temporal data from synthetic aperture radar and a multispectral merged image with a spatial resolution of 10 m. Time series of radar images of the same territory can process many identifiable objects of the water surface and recognize oil spill zones at early stages.
APPLICATION BIM-TECHNOLOGIES AND LASER SCANNING FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND MODERNIZATION OF OBJECTS
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Komissarov Alexander V. , Remizov Alexey V. ,   Nazarbayev University
Published: May 2022

The paper discusses the use of terrestrial laser scanning in order to obtain initial data in the design of complex objects using BIM technologies. BIM software products and ways of their use in a specific project for the reconstruction of Kostanay airport are indicated. The authors described the technology for obtaining source data using a Leica RTC360 laser scanner equipped with an advanced visual iner-tial system based on the SLAM algorithm. This allows automatically combining scans from different standing stations during the production process, and significantly saves time. The advantages of using such equipment in comparison with traditional measuring works are described. The root mean square errors of combining scans are presented. As a result a three-dimensional model of the building was obtained, which made it possible to restore the design documentation and the design of the new termi-nal building. At the same time, the design process was reduced by about 20%.
NEW APPROACHES TO THE DISPLAY OF PERMAFROST LANDFORMS ON DIGITAL TOPOGRAPHIC MAPS OF THE SIBERIAN ARCTIC ZONE
Authors:   Main Center for Geospatial Information of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Vinogradov Denis V. , Plastinin Leonid A. ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University, Stupin Vladimir P. ,   Irkutsk National Research Technical University
Published: May 2022

The analysis of traditional topographic maps and plans of the Siberian Arctic zone shows that their relevance and completeness of content do not fully meet the modern requirements for the further de-velopment of this region. There is a need for targeted specialization of a new generation of topograph-ic maps and plans of Arctic territories, taking into account their physical and geographical specifics. The purpose of the work was to determine the possibility of such specialization based on the use of remote sensing materials from space and computer technologies.To achieve this goal, studies have been conducted to determine the visual and automated decryption capabilities of Landsat Sentinel sat-ellite images in order to expand and refine the existing system of conventional signs of cryogenic re-lief. Based on these studies, new conventional signs for polygonal, bumpy, solifluctional and thermo-karst forms are proposed. The conclusion is made about the need for specialization of other specific elements of Arctic maps – vegetation, hydrography, soils.
THE STUDY OF DATA PROCESSING RESULTS ACQUIRED WITH VARIOUS TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNERS FOR QUALITY CONTROL OF ROAD REPAIR
Authors:   Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies, Altyntsev Maxim A.
Published: May 2022

One of the tasks solved through the application of terrestrial laser scanning technology is the quali-ty control of road works. With the stated accuracy of measuring distances of the order of several mil-limeters, terrestrial laser scanning allows conducting continuous control of the road construction or repair. Nowadays a large number of different terrestrial laser scanners have been produced, each of which allows identifying most of the roadway defects and determining its flatness due to the ability to perform high-density surveys. The reliability of determining flatness and detecting defects from scan-ning data can vary significantly because of the fact that almost every laser scanner has its own unique technical characteristics. To achieve the highest reliability values, it is necessary to adhere both to techniques of performing the field part of all surveying works and to data processing techniques, which consist in obtaining point clouds and constructing digital road surface models. If the main es-sence of these works does not depend on the used laser scanner model, then the individual stages of the applied techniques may differ. 2 models of laser scanners produced by different manufacturers are discussed to solve the task of asphalt pavement laying quality. Their comparative characteristics and peculiarities of performing all surveying works with their usage are given. The results of digital road surface model generation are analyzed, and peculiarities of processing of data obtained with var-ious laser scanners are discussed. Based on the results of the analysis, it is shown that not all models of laser scanners can be suitable for controlling the quality of road repairs. The technique of prelimi-nary data processing is presented, which makes it possible to increase reliability of solving this task for laser scanners with insufficient quality of obtained point clouds.
TECHNIQUE FOR DESIGNING AND CONSTRUCTING A GEODETIC NETWORK WHEN PERFORMING TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING AT INDUSTRIAL OBJECT
Authors:   Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State Transport University, Sharafutdinova Anzhelika A. ,   Trimetari Consulting LLC, Bryn Michael Ja. ,   Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State Transport University
Published: May 2022

When performing terrestrial laser scanning of large industrial facilities, it must give special atten-tion to designing and establishing a geodetic network to datum transformation measurements into a coordinate system. However, the design of geodetic networks by traditional geodesy methods does not consider all the features of the technique of terrestrial laser scanning. Also worth taking into account is the specifics of laser scanning data processing. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a methodology for designing and establishing a geodetic network in the context of terrestrial laser scanning. For this, the article analyzes the features of terrestrial laser scanning of large industrial facilities and methods for measurement results processing. Based on the analysis and practical experience, developing a flow chart for establishing a geodetic network was on the condition that registration of point cloud perform-ing used iterative closest points algorithm and datum transformation coordinate system performing us-ing HDS targets. Also, based on practical experience, the dependence of the values of the root-mean-square error of registration point cloud and the root-mean-square error of laser scanning station posi-tioning on the distance between the stations. As a result, a methodology for designing and establishing the geodetic network has been substantiated, including two stages. The first stage is the design and ac-curacy assessment of the geodetic control network, the coordinates of which are determined from the datum points by traditional geodesy methods. The second stage is the design and accuracy assessment of the laser scanning station positioning, the coordinates of which are determined from the geodetic control network.
Doğu Kaynaklarında Kritik-Analitik Düşünmenin Araştırılması: Klasik Hint Felsefesi ve Mantık Örnekleri
Authors: Makaracı Murat
Published: May 2022

Analitik ve kritik düşünmenin Batı dünyasına ait olduğuna dair yaygın fakat yanlış bir algı mevcuttur. Batı öğretim sisteminde yer alan kitap ve ders materyallerinde kritik (eleştirel) ve analitik düşünmenin tarihçesinde batılı kaynaklardan başka referanslara yer verilmemektedir. Bu kaynaklar argüman tanımlama, diyagram oluşturma, geçerlilik, sağlamlık, doğruluk tabloları, temel önerme mantığı ve safsata gibi standart konuları öğretmektedir. Ancak, bu eleştirel düşünme kategorisindeki metinlerin çoğu, batı geleneğinin dışından malzeme için herhangi bir referans veya kaynaktan bahsetmemenin yanında bunları da öğretim müfredatına dâhil etmezler. Bunun doğal sonucu olarak, batı temelli bu sistemde yetişenlerde; Sokrates, Aristoteles, Bacon, Nietzsche, Dewey, Shaw, Paul, Elder gibi batılı düşünürlerin mantık ve eleştirel düşünmenin gelişimine katkıda bulunduğu, batılı olmayan hiçbir düşünürün ise bu konularda söyleyecek sözü olmadığı izlenimi doğacaktır. Batılı olmayan filozofların mantık ve kritik-analitik düşünmeyle ilgili konularda söyleyecek hiçbir şeyleri olmadığının doğru olmadığı ortadadır. Çünkü İslam (Arap, Türk, İran, Malay coğrafyalarında), Çin ve Japon medeniyeti gibi Batılı olmayan geleneklerden birçok sistematik ve ekol Kritik ve Analitik Düşünmeye katkı sunmaktadır. Bu çalışmada klasik Hint Felsefesi ve Mantığı incelenerek kadim Hint vesikalarından Nyāya-Sutra metinlerinde kritik ve analitik düşünmeyi içeren bilgilere ve örneklemelere yer verilmiştir. Böylelikle, Hint kaynakları özelinde Doğu medeniyetlerinin katkıları ispatlanmıştır.
Kritik Analitik Düşünce Bağlamında İslam Ekonomisi ve Finans Metodolojisinde Ta‘lil
Authors: KAYADİBİ Saim
Published: May 2022

İslam ekonomisi ve finansı son yıllarda dünyada olduğu gibi Türkiye’de de ciddi mesafeler katetmeye başlamıştır. İnsanlığın ikili maslahatına yönelik çalışmalar değer kazanırken, finansal işlemler analiz edilip, hikmetinin ta’lil edilmesi önem kazanmıştır. Bu bakımdan İslam hukukunun bir alt dalı olan İslam ekonomisi ve finansının metodolojik temellerinden hüküm çıkarmada vazgeçilmez bir değer olan ta‘lil konseptinin akademik dünyada farkındalığının oluşturulmasına yönelik çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır. Özellikle kritik analitik düşünce bağlamında İslam ekonomisi ve finans metodolojisinde ta‘lil konusunu işleyen çalışmaların sayısının ya hiç olmayışı, ya da sayısının azlığı konunun önemini artırmaktadır. Çalışmamız konu araştırmalı, kavram analiz yöntemi kullanılarak, var olan kaynakların değerlendirilerek bahsedilen hedefe ulaşma amaçlanmaktadır.
POWDER PARTICLE SHAPE AND SIZE DIFFERENTIATION
Authors:   Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia, Chemical Engineering Department, Monash University, Clayton, Australia, Kargu Wranj , Batceor Garren ,   Bioresource Processing Research Institute of Australia, Chemical Engineering Department, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
Published: May 2022

The separation of particles in keeping with shape is important for improving the standard of powder products. the form of a particle significantly affects its bulk properties. Various kinds of shape separators reported up to now are reviewed during this paper to supply useful information when choosing the foremost effective one, and also the separation mechanism and features are compared. Problems within the further development of the technique are explained.
Association of Vitamin D Gene Polymorphisms With HCV Infection Outcome
Authors: Neamatallah M. , Serria M. S. , El‐Bendary M. , El‐Gilany A.‐H. , Alhawarey A. , Abed S. , Setate Y. A. , Ammar O. A.
Published: May 2022

Background: Vitamin D derivatives and their receptor (VDR) are immune-response modulators in many diseases including malignancies, metabolic conditions, and infections. We hypothesized that one or more variants of VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhotic patients.

Materials and Methods: A total of 861 subjects were recruited and classified as spontaneous viral clearance (SVC, n = 127), chronic hepatic cirrhosis (CHC, n = 392), and HCC (n = 342). Standard routine laboratory tests were performed and clinical features noted. All individuals were genotyped for seven SNPs spanning the VDR using real-time PCR.

Results: Genotype frequencies of SNPs rs7970376, rs11568820, rs4516035, rs2228570 (Fok1), rs1544410 (Bsm-1), and rs731236 (Taq1), but not rs739837, were variously altered in CHC and HCC compared with SVC, and in HCC compared to CHC (all p < 0.001). The most powerful was rs7970376, which brought an OR (95% CI) of 7.14 (4.64–10.98) for HCC compared to SVC (p = 0.001). The carriage of the AGTAC haplotype of five SNPs were linked to CHC compared to SVC at OR 2.88 [95% CI 1.2–6.9] (p = 0.017) and with HCC compared to CHC at OR 1.54 [95% CI = 1.04–2.27 (p = 0.031).

Conclusion: SNPs in VDR may have a potential role in the outcomes of patients with HCV infection. VDR SNPs; rs7970376, rs11568820, rs4516035, rs2228570 (Fok1), rs1544410 (Bsm-1), and rs731236 (Taq1) could be used as molecular markers to predict the risk of HCC.
Microvascular Dynamics and Hemodialysis Response of Patients With End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Lee Jen-Shih , Lee Lian-Pin
Published: May 2022

In our previous analysis of three sets of hemodialysis studies, we found that patients possessing higher hematocrit have a higher filtration coefficient KSo and more fluid being restituted from the tissue. A new dynamic analysis is developed to reveal how the plasma protein concentration, restitution volume, and plasma volume are changing over the time course of 240 min hemodialysis. For patients with the filtration coefficient KSo as 0.43 or 5.88 ml/min/mmHg, we find that the restitution rate would reach 50% of the extraction rate in 5.3 or 57.4 min, respectively. By the end of hemodialysis, the restitution rate of both patients asymptotically approaches a value of 0.93 ml/min which is slightly higher than the extraction rate of 9.03 ml/min. The plasma volume drops by 10% of the total plasma volume in 11 min for patients with low KSo and drops by 2.1% and turns around to an increasing trend in 5.6 min for patients with high KSo. These results suggest that the filtration coefficient acts like a facilitator in restituting more fluid from the tissue to compensate for the loss of plasma volume due to extraction. The hematocrit data of three sets of hemodialysis also indicate that significant microvascular blood volume is shifted from small veins toward the venous side of macrocirculation. A better understanding of how the factors examined here cause hypovolemia can be the basis for one to modify the hemodialysis process such that the development of hypovolemia can be avoided over the course of hemodialysis.
Wnt Signaling in the Breast: From Development to Disease
Authors: Abreu de Oliveira Willy Antoni , El Laithy Youssef , Bruna Alejandra , Annibali Daniela , Lluis Frederic
Published: May 2022

The Wnt cascade is a primordial developmental signaling pathway that plays a myriad of essential functions throughout development and adult homeostasis in virtually all animal species. Aberrant Wnt activity is implicated in embryonic and tissue morphogenesis defects, and several diseases, most notably cancer. The role of Wnt signaling in mammary gland development and breast cancer initiation, maintenance, and progression is far from being completely understood and is rather shrouded in controversy. In this review, we dissect the fundamental role of Wnt signaling in mammary gland development and adult homeostasis and explore how defects in its tightly regulated and intricated molecular network are interlinked with cancer, with a focus on the breast.
Sex Differences in Efficacy and Safety After Left Atrial Appendage Closure: A 4.3-Year Follow-Up Analysis
Authors: Chen Yuyi , Zhang Yonghua , Qu Lulu , Chen Chunyu , Su Xi , Chen Yanhong
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Women are related to higher stroke risk and poorer outcome after stroke attack in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The sex differences in efficacy and safety after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) have remained elusive. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility, and clinical outcomes of LAAC between women and men.

Methods

From 2014 to 2018, 395 patients who underwent LAAC in our center were enrolled in this retrospective study. Baseline clinical characteristics, procedural parameters, and postoperative follow-up data were collected and compared between women and men.

Results

The study included 154 women and 241 men. Compared with men, women were older (68.1 ± 7.9 vs. 64.6 ± 8.8, p < 0.01**), with higher CHA2DS2-VASc score (4.0 ± 1.7 vs. 3.0 ± 1.6, p < 0.01**). During the mean follow-up duration of 1,566 days (4.3 years), there were 39 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, including 19 cardiovascular or unexplained deaths, 15 ischemic strokes, and 5 major bleedings) recorded in 34 patients. The overall rate of ischemic stroke was 0.9 per 100 patient-years, and the overall rate of MACE was 2.1 per 100 patient-years. The cardiovascular or unexplained death and major bleeding were comparable between women and men. Compared with men, women had lower rates of ischemic stroke, fatal or disabling ischemic stroke, MACE, and fatal or disabling MACE, but none of them reached statistical differences (HR: 0.361, p = 0.099, HR: 0.429, p = 0.276, HR: 0.600, p = 0.170, and HR: 0.621, p = 0.254, respectively). In the adjusted analyses with multivariate Cox regression models, women had a lower fatal or disabling ischemic stroke rate compared with men (HR: 0.100, p = 0.041).

Conclusion

Left atrial appendage closure was feasible and safe for patients of both genders. The ischemic stroke, cardiovascular or unexplained death, and major bleeding were comparable between women and men. However, women were the independent protective factors against fatal or disabling ischemic stroke after LAAC implantation.
Microvascular Dysfunction in Skeletal Muscle Precedes Myocardial Vascular Changes in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: Sex-Dependent Differences
Authors: Loai Sadi , Sun Xuetao , Husain Mansoor , Laflamme Michael A. , Yeger Herman , Nunes Sara S. , Cheng Hai-Ling Margaret
Published: May 2022

Aim

To uncover sex-related microvascular abnormalities that underlie the early presentation of reduced perfusion in leg skeletal muscle in a type II rat model of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results

Diabetes was induced using a non-obese, diet-based, low-dose streptozotocin model in adult female (18 diabetic, 9 control) and male rats (29 diabetic, 11 control). Time-course monitoring over 12 months following diabetes induction was performed using echocardiography, treadmill exercise, photoacoustic imaging, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. Diabetic rats maintained normal weights. Hypertension appeared late in both diabetic males (7 months) and females (10 months), while only diabetic males had elevated cholesterol (7 months). On echocardiography, all diabetic animals maintained normal ejection fraction and exhibited diastolic dysfunction, mild systolic dysfunction, and a slightly enlarged left ventricle. Exercise tolerance declined progressively and early in males (4 months), later in females (8 months); FMD showed lower baseline femoral arterial flow but unchanged reactivity in both sexes (5 months); and photoacoustic imaging showed lower tissue oxygen saturation in the legs of diabetic males (4 months) and diabetic females (10 months). Myocardial perfusion was normal in both sexes. Histopathology at the final timepoint of Month 10 (males) and Month 12 (females) revealed that myocardial microvasculature was normal in both vessel density and structure, thus explaining normal perfusion on imaging. However, leg muscle microvasculature exhibited perivascular smooth muscle thickening around small arterioles in diabetic females and around large arterioles in diabetic males, explaining the depressed readings on photoacoustic and FMD. Histology also confirmed the absence of commonly reported HFpEF markers, including microvessel rarefaction, myocardial fibrosis, and left ventricular hypertrophy.

Conclusion

Exercise intolerance manifesting early in the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy can be attributed to decreased perfusion to the leg skeletal muscle due to perivascular smooth muscle thickening around small arterioles in females and large arterioles in males. This microvascular abnormality was absent in the myocardium, where perfusion levels remained normal throughout the study. We conclude that although skeletal muscle microvascular dysfunction of the vasculature presents at different levels depending on sex, it consistently presents early in both sexes prior to overt cardiac changes such as rarefaction, fibrosis, or hypertrophy.
Effect of Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter Protein 2 Inhibitors on Arrhythmia in Heart Failure Patients With or Without Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yin Ziwei , Zheng Huizhen , Guo Zhihua
Published: May 2022

Aim

Arrhythmic events such as atrial fibrillation (AF) are tightly associated with an increased risk of heart failure (HF). Previous studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the association between sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and the risk of arrhythmia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of SGLT2i treatment with arrhythmia outcomes in clinical trials of patients with HF.

Methods

We searched Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, The Cochrane Library, and JAMA databases to identify appropriate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SGLT2i interventions. Endpoint outcomes included AF, atrial flutter (AFL), AF/AFL, ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular tachycardia (VT), VF/VT, and bradycardia. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis of all outcomes. The risk of bias and quality of evidence was assessed by using the Cochrane tool and assessment framework.

Results

Out of 1,725 citations, 9 trials were included in this study, with follow-up from 4 weeks to 52 weeks for 10,344 participants (mean age 68.27 years; 69.62% of participants were men). Compared with placebo, SGLT2i reduced the incidence of AF by 37% [ratio risk (RR) 0.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45–0.87; p < 0.05] and AF/AFL by 34% (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.49–0.90; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

SGLT2i can reduce the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, particularly the AF. Our study provides strong evidence for recommending the use of SGLT2i in patients with HF.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42022296696.
Current Understanding of the Pivotal Role of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Cardiovascular Diseases and Senescence
Authors: Uchikado Yoshihiro , Ikeda Yoshiyuki , Ohishi Mitsuru
Published: May 2022

The heart is dependent on ATP production in mitochondria, which is closely associated with cardiovascular disease because of the oxidative stress produced by mitochondria. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that constantly change their morphology to elongated (fusion) or small and spherical (fission). These mitochondrial dynamics are regulated by various small GTPases, Drp1, Fis1, Mitofusin, and Opa1. Mitochondrial fission and fusion are essential to maintain a balance between mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial turnover. Recent studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial dynamics play a crucial role in the development of cardiovascular diseases and senescence. Disruptions in mitochondrial dynamics affect mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiomyocyte survival leading to cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Mitochondrial dynamics and reactive oxygen species production have been associated with endothelial dysfunction, which in turn causes the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and even pulmonary hypertension, including pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Here, we review the association between cardiovascular diseases and mitochondrial dynamics, which may represent a potential therapeutic target.
Right Ventricular Dysfunction Predicts Outcome in Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Berrill Max , Ashcroft Eshan , Fluck David , John Isaac , Beeton Ian , Sharma Pankaj , Baltabaeva Aigul
Published: May 2022

Aim

The severity of cardiac impairment in acute heart failure (AHF) predicts outcome, but challenges remain to identify prognostically important non-invasive parameters of cardiac function. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is relevant, but only in those with reduced LV systolic function. We aimed to assess the standard and advanced parameters of left and right ventricular (RV) function from echocardiography in predicting long-term outcomes in AHF.

Methods

A total of 418 consecutive AHF patients presenting over 12 months were prospectively recruited and underwent bedside echocardiography within 24 h of recruitment. We retrospectively assessed 8 RV and 5 LV echo parameters of the cardiac systolic function to predict 2-year mortality, using both guideline-directed and study-specific cutoffs, based on the maximum Youden indices via ROC analysis. For the RV, these were the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, RV fractional area change, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) peak tricuspid annular systolic wave velocity, both peak- and end-systolic RV free wall global longitudinal strain (RV GLS) and strain rate (mean RV GLSR), RV ejection fraction (RVEF) derived from a 2D ellipsoid model and the ratio of the TAPSE to systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP). For the LV, these were the LVEF, mitral regurgitant ΔP/Δt (MR dP/dt), the lateral mitral annular TDI peak systolic wave velocity, LV GLS, and the LV GLSR.

Results

A total of 7/8 parameters of RV systolic function were predictive of 2-year outcome, with study cutoffs like international guidelines. A cutoff of < −1.8 s–1 mean RV GLSR was associated with worse outcome compared to > −1.8 s–1 [HR 2.13 95% CI 1.33–3.40 (p = 0.002)]. TAPSE:SPAP of > 0.027 cm/mmHg (vs. < 0.027 cm/mmHg) predicted worse outcome [HR 2.12 95% CI 1.53–2.92 (p < 0.001)]. A 3-way comparison of 2-year mortality by LVEF from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline criteria of LVEF > 50, 41–49, and < 40% was not prognostic [38.6% vs. 30.9 vs. 43.9% (p = 0.10)]. Of the 5 parameters of LV systolic function, only an MR dP/dt cutoff of < 570 mmHg was predictive of adverse outcome [HR 1.63 95% CI 1.01–2.62 (p = 0.047)].

Conclusion

With cutoffs broadly like the ESC guidelines, we identified RV dysfunction to be associated with adverse prognosis, whereas LVEF could not identify patients at risk.
Climate-Controlled Coastal Deposition of the Early Permian Liangshan Formation in Western South China
Authors: Liu Ao , Yang Jianghai , Cheng Liang , Ren Juntong
Published: May 2022

During the late Paleozoic ice age, tropical coastal depositions have been widely linked to high-frequency sea-level variations, but their linkage with the associated climate change was not fully understood. In the early Permian, two deglaciations occurred in the late Sakmarian and late Artinskian, respectively. During the late Artinskian deglacial warming and transgression, coal-bearing siliciclastic successions of the Liangshan Formation were developed in South China. Three facies associations were recognized from the Liangshan Formation successions in western South China and ascribed to coastal alluvial plain, estuarine, and deltaic environments. Detailed analysis of sedimentology, paleosol morphology, and sandstone petrology suggest a relatively dry-to-wet climate shift and estuarine to deltaic facies transition in the lower Liangshan Formation. This climate shift and facies transition can be temporally correlated based on regional stratigraphic correlations, although precise age constraints are needed to test this correlation. The estuarine interval of the lowest Liangshan Formation signified a rapid transgression during the late Artinskian deglaciation and likely formed during a relatively arid climate with locally small fluvial systems, which provided limited sediment supply. The subsequent transition to and initiation of deltaic deposition was broadly associated with the inferred climate shift and could be primarily resulted from a climate wetting-induced great increase in sediment supply, irrespective of the deglacial sea-level rise.
3D Physical Experimental Study of Shield–Strata Interaction Under Dynamic and Static Disturbance
Authors: Yang Shengli , Yue Hao , Zhai Ruihao , Cui Zhiwei , Wei Xia
Published: May 2022

With the increasing depth and intensity of coal mining, there is an increasing risk to the working face due to high static load and periodic breakage of the roof. The relation between the support and the surrounding rock under static–dynamic coupling loading disturbance is an important factor affecting the stability of the working face. In this study, a 3D physical modeling platform is developed to study the interaction between the shield and strata under dynamic and static disturbance. In the experiment, the static load is set to 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 MPa, respectively. The different dynamic load is realized by changing the fall height of the iron plate. The change in hydraulic support resistance is recorded by the pressure monitoring system. The displacement of the coal wall is monitored by using an infrared rangefinder. The results show that the change in static load and dynamic load will affect the support resistance and coal wall displacement. With the increase in dynamic load, coal wall displacement, and bracket resistance increase, the increase is not linear. The larger the dynamic load, the greater the increase. Static load change has little effect on bracket resistance, and the impact on coal wall displacement is large. With the increase in static load, coal wall displacement is reduced and then increased. In static load, for the stability of coal wall, there is a threshold; below the threshold, the static load can improve the stability of coal wall, exceed the threshold, but accelerate the destruction of coal wall. At the same time, the stability coefficient of the quarry bracket and surrounding rock is defined. The sensitivity analysis of the main parameters is carried out. The method of controlling the stability of the quarry bracket and surrounding rock is proposed.
OnlineBioinfo: Leveraging the Teaching of Programming Skills to Life Science Students Through Learning Analytics
Authors: de Melo-Minardi Raquel C. , de Melo Eduardo C. , Bastos Luana L.
Published: May 2022

Online learning has grown in recent years and has become popular with Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The advent of the pandemic has undoubtedly made more teachers and students experience the online learning experience. Distance learning is going to grow even more in the coming years. In this article, we present our computational thinking and programming course focused on life science students. We introduce our approach for analyzing how students interact with didactic resources regarding their probability of completing the course. We discussed several insights this strategy brought us and how we can leverage the teaching of programming skills to life science students through learning analytics. We suggest that machine learning techniques will be increasingly essential for better monitoring and supporting students and for online courses improvements.
Education for Sustainability, Transformational Learning Time and the Individual <–> Collective Dialectic
Authors: VanWynsberghe Rob
Published: May 2022

In the interest of developing sustainability practitioners, this manuscript challenges the conceptualization of transformative learning for Education for Sustainability (EfS) in relation to single courses or programs. Conversely, I will argue that becoming a sustainability practitioner (i.e., someone who takes action in the interest of the sustainability movement) is life-long and life-wide commitment. Time and how and why it matters is addressed. To develop this point, this manuscript details a case study of an education for sustainability graduate program that I designed and currently lead. The purpose is to further theorize transformative learning as it links individual action(s) and collective change(s) in the border-like but permeable spaces that are in-between. It asks the practical question of the ways educators (and practitioners) might expansively and generatively work together in creating a lifetime of classrooms to continuously bridge individual action and collective change.
Understanding the Mechanism of Dysglycemia in a Fanconi-Bickel Syndrome Patient
Authors: Sharari Sanaa , Aouida Mustapha , Mohammed Idris , Haris Basma , Bhat Ajaz Ahmad , Hawari Iman , Nisar Sabah , Pavlovski Igor , Biswas Kabir H. , Syed Najeeb , Maacha Selma , Grivel Jean-Charles , Saifaldeen Maryam , Ericsson Johan , Hussain Khalid
Published: May 2022

Fanconi–Bickel Syndrome (FBS) is a rare disorder of carbohydrate metabolism that is characterized mainly by the accumulation of glycogen in the liver and kidney. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SLC2A2 gene, which encodes for GLUT2. Patients with FBS have dysglycemia but the molecular mechanisms of dysglycemia are still not clearly understood. Therefore, we aimed to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of dysglycemia in a patient with FBS. Genomic DNA was isolated from a peripheral blood sample and analyzed by whole genome and Sanger sequencing. CRISPR-Cas9 was used to introduce a mutation that mimics the patient’s mutation in a human kidney cell line expressing GLUT2 (HEK293T). Mutant cells were used for molecular analysis to investigate the effects of the mutation on the expression and function of GLUT2, as well as the expression of other genes implicated in dysglycemia. The patient was found to have a homozygous nonsense mutation (c.901C>T, R301X) in the SLC2A2 gene. CRISPR-Cas9 successfully mimicked the patient’s mutation in HEK293T cells. The mutant cells showed overexpression of a dysfunctional GLUT2 protein, resulting in reduced glucose release activity and enhanced intracellular glucose accumulation. In addition, other glucose transporters (SGLT1 and SGLT2 in the kidney) were found to be induced in the mutant cells. These findings suggest the last loops (loops 9-12) of GLUT2 are essential for glucose transport activity and indicate that GLUT2 dysfunction is associated with dysglycemia in FBS.
A Clinicopathological and Molecular Analysis of Sellar/Suprasellar Neurocytoma Mimicking Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Zhang Lifeng , Fu Weiwei , Zheng Limei , Song Fangling , Chen Yupeng , Jiang Changzhen , Xing Zhen , Hu Chengcong , Ye Yuhong , Zhang Sheng , Yan Xiaorong , Wang Xingfu
Published: May 2022

Objective

To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, molecular genetic characteristics and prognosis of extraventricular neurocytoma located in the sellar/suprasellar region.

Methods

Seven archived tumor samples derived from 4 patients with neurocytoma in the sellar/suprasellar region were collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University and the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University and retrospectively analyzed for clinical manifestations, imaging features, and histopathological features. Neuronal and pituitary biomarkers and molecular features were detected in these tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry and FISH or Sanger sequencing. The related literature was reviewed.

Results

Three patients were female, while 1 was male, with an average age of 35.5 years (range: 27 to 45 years). The initial manifestations were mainly headache and blurred vision in both eyes. The first MRI examination showed marginally enhancing masses in the intrasellar or intra- to suprasellar region. The diagnosis of pituitary adenomas was based on imaging features. The levels of pituitary hormones were normal. Histologically, the tumor cells were arranged in a sheet-like, monotonous architecture and were uniform in size and shape with round to oval, exquisite and hyperchromatic nuclei, which densely packed close to one another and were separated only by a delicate neuropil background. There was no evident mitosis, necrosis or microvascular proliferation. The three cases of recurrent tumors were highly cellular and showed increased mitotic activity. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for syn, CR, CgA, and vasopressin and were focally positive for NeuN, TTF-1, NF, CK8, vimentin, and S100 proteins. Other markers, including IDH1, BRAF VE1, Olig-2, and EMA, were negative. Pituitary transcription factors and anterior pituitary hormones were negative. Molecular genetic testing showed that the tumor cells lacked IDH gene mutations, LOH of 1p/19q, MYCN amplification, and EGFR alteration. With a median follow-up of 74.5 months (range 23 to 137 months), 3 patients relapsed at 11, 50, and 118 months after the initial surgery.

Conclusion

The morphological features and immunophenotypes of neurocytoma in the sellar/suprasellar region are similar to those of classic central neurocytoma. The prognosis is relatively good. Gross-subtotal resection and atypical subtype may be related to tumor recurrence.
Novel Homozygous CYP27B1 Gene Mutation in Vitamin D-Dependent Rickets Type 1A (VDDR1A) Disorder: A Case Report
Authors: Al Homyani Doua Khalid , Alhemaiani Shahad Khalid
Published: May 2022

Background

Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 1A (VDDR1A) rickets is an uncommon kind of rickets that affects both boys and girls. Children with mutations are normal at birth and present at around 6 months to 2 years of age with symptoms. When suspected, genetic testing is required to confirm the diagnosis

Case Presentation

This is a case report of VDDR1A in a 4-year-old boy who presented with delayed growth, inability to stand, and rachitic bone deformities. The diagnosis was reached by anthropometric measurement, bone profile, and radiological studies, then confirmed by genetic testing, which revealed a homozygous pathogenic variant in the CYP27B1 gene. He was treated with Vitamin-D (alfacalcidol) and oral calcium.

Conclusion

VDDR1A is caused by a mutation in the CYP27B1 gene, which impairs the 1 hydroxylase enzyme, which compromises vitamin-D production.
Extreme Precipitation in the Eastern Canadian Arctic and Greenland: An Evaluation of Atmospheric Reanalyses
Authors: Loeb Nicole A. , Crawford Alex , Stroeve Julienne C. , Hanesiak John
Published: May 2022

Extreme precipitation events are becoming more common in the Arctic as the climate warms, but characterizing these events is notoriously challenging. Atmospheric reanalyses have become popular tools for climate studies in data-sparse regions such as the Arctic. While modern reanalyses have been shown to perform reasonably well at reproducing Arctic climate, their ability to represent extreme precipitation events has not been investigated in depth. In this study, three of the most recent reanalyses, ERA-5, MERRA-2, and CFSR, are compared to surface precipitation observations in the Eastern Canadian Arctic and Greenland from 1980 to 2016 to assess how well they represent the most intense observed events. Overall, the reanalyses struggled to match observed accumulations from individual events (−0.11 ≤ r ≤ 0.47) but matched the observed seasonality of precipitation extremes. The region with the strongest match between observations and reanalyses was Southwest Greenland. Performance varies by event, and the best match between reanalyses and station observations may have a spatial/temporal offset (up to one grid cell or 1 day). The three products saw similar performance in general; however, ERA-5 tends to see slightly higher correlations and lower biases than MERRA-2 or CFSR. Considering the limitations of in situ observations, these results suggest that the reanalyses are capable of representing aggregate extreme precipitation (e.g., seasonal or annual time scales), but struggle to consistently match the timing and location of specific observed events.
Monitoring Urbanization Induced Surface Urban Cool Island Formation in a South Asian Megacity: A Case Study of Bengaluru, India (1989–2019)
Authors: Sarif Md. Omar , Ranagalage Manjula , Gupta Rajan Dev , Murayama Yuji
Published: May 2022

Many world cities have been going through thermal state intensification induced by the uncertain growth of impervious land. To address this challenge, one of the megacities of South Asia, Bengaluru (India), facing intense urbanization transformation, has been taken up for detailed investigations. Three decadal (1989–2019) patterns and magnitude of natural coverage and its influence on the thermal state are studied in this research for assisting urban planners in adopting mitigation measures to achieve sustainable development in the megacity. The main aim of this research is to monitor the surface urban cool island (SUCI) in Bengaluru city, one of the booming megacities in India, using Landsat data from 1989 to 2019. This study further focused on the analysis of land surface temperature (LST), bare surface (BS), impervious surface (IS), and vegetation surface (VS). The SUCI intensity (SUCII) is examined through the LST difference based on the classified categories of land use/land cover (LU/LC) using urban-rural grid zones. In addition, we have proposed a modified approach in the form of ISBS fraction ratio (ISBS–FR) to cater to the state of urbanization. Furthermore, the relationship between LST and ISBS–FR and the magnitude of the ISBS–FR is also analyzed. The rural zone is assumed based on <10% of the recorded fraction of IS (FIS) along the zones in the urban-rural gradient (URG). It is observed that SUCII hiked by 1.92°C in 1989, 4.61°C in 2004, and 2.66°C in 2019 between demarcated urban and rural zones along URG. Furthermore, the results indicate a high expansion of impervious space in the city from 1989 to 2019. The alteration in the city landscape mostly occurs due to impervious development, causing the intensification of SUCI. The mean LST (MLST) has a negative relationship with the fraction of VS (FVS) and a positive relationship with the fraction of BS (FBS). In addition, the ISBS–FR shows intense enlargement. The findings of the present study will add to the existing knowledge base and will serve as a road map for urban and landscape planning for environmental enrichment and sustainability of the megacity of Bengaluru.