bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corrosion behavior of silver-coated conductive yarn
Authors: Park Jihye , Park Sun Hwa , Jeong Soo-Hwan , Lee Jung-Yong , Song Jae Yong
Published: March 2023

The corrosion mechanism and kinetics of the silver-coated conductive yarn (SCCY) used for wearable electronics were investigated under a NaCl solution, a main component of sweat. The corrosion occurs according to the mechanism in which silver reacts with chlorine ions to partly form sliver chloride on the surface of the SCCY and then the local silver chloride is detached into the electrolyte, leading to the electrical disconnect of the silver coating. Thus, the electrical conductance of the SCCY goes to zero after 2.7 h. The radial part-coating of gold, which is continuously electrodeposited in the longitudinal direction on the SCCY but is partly electrodeposited in the radial direction, extends the electrical conducting lifetime up to 192 h, despite the corrosion rate increasing from 129 to 196 mpy (mils per year). Results show that the gold partly-coating on the SCCY provides a current path for electrical conduction along the longitudinal direction until all the silver underneath the gold coating is detached from the SCCY strands, which creates the electrical disconnect. Based on the corrosion behavior, i.e., local oxidation and detachment of silver from the SCCY, the gold part-coating is more cost effective than the gold full-coating electrodeposited on the entire surface for electrically conducting SCCY.
Prognostic value of index of cardiac electrophysiological balance among US middle-aged adults
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Wang Zhe , Liu Lin , Zhang Wei , Tang Zhiguo , Liu Bo , Zhang Xuejun , Wei Na , Wang Junkui , Liu Fuqiang , Ma Meijuan
Published: March 2023

Background

Index of cardiac electrophysiological balance (iCEB) has been widely used in clinical practice but no studies investigated the association between iCEB and prognosis in the general population.

Objective

To assess the correlation between the iCEB and the prognosis in the general population.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study involved adults aged 40–65 years who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III) and whose electrocardiograms were in sinus rhythm. The corrected iCEB (iCEBc) was the ratio of corrected QT interval (QTc) to QRS duration, and outcomes were cardiac and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify the associations of iCEBc with end point. The value of iCEBc for predicting adverse events was evaluated by reclassification and discrimination analyses.

Results

Among 5,010 participants (mean age 51.10 ± 7.67 years, 52.5% female), 3,454 (68.9%) were Non-Hispanic White. The mean iCEBc was 4.45 ± 0.56. A total of 2,147 deaths were recorded during a median follow-up of 319 months. The adjusted model shown iCEBc was an independent risk factor for all-cause death. The iCEBc was linearly correlated with all-cause mortality and the optimal cutoff value was 4.57 in males and 4.98 in females. In the resultant model, prolonged iCEBc remained independently associated with a higher rate of mortality (HR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.11–1.42) and cardiac death (HR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.04–1.71). Among the complete study population or the group with normal QTc interval, the performance of the predictive model after addition of iCEBc was not weaker than the model after the addition of prolonged QTc.

Conclusion

Elevated iCEBc (male ≥4.57 and female ≥4.98) is an independent risk factor for cardiac or all-cause death among the middle-age adults. The clinical application value of iCEBc is firmly based on basic physiological principles and its application deserves further attention.
A design analysis method and its application in the cover arch of cut-and-cover tunnels
Authors: Zhang Yong-Jie , Cao Jun , Xu Hong
Published: March 2023

It is very important to improve the design of supports because the cut and cover method of layered backfill after construction is the primary method used to construct shallow buried sections of mountain tunnels. The Dujuan Valley Tunnel in Fenghua City is the subject of this research. First, a geometric model of a shallow buried section of a mountain tunnel and its construction parameters were used to develop the simplified bearing capacity analysis model for the covered arch. Second, a simplified method to calculate the internal force of the cover arch supporting structure was established by using the method of structural mechanics. Thus, a method was established to determine the safe thickness of the cover arch and to analyze the bearing capacity and stability of the enlarged foundation of the arch foot. Third, the influence of the tunnel burial depth, cap arch sag height, central angle, radius and arch foot width on the bearing characteristics of the cover arch support structure was discussed, and the optimal design principle of excavation in shallow buried sections of mountain tunnels was obtained. Finally, the calculation and evaluation of the design in an example case were used to determine the rationality of the method to design and optimize shallow buried sections of mountain tunnels with the cut and cover method.
Deep learning-based artificial intelligence model for classification of vertebral compression fractures: A multicenter diagnostic study
Authors: Xu Fan , Xiong Yuchao , Ye Guoxi , Liang Yingying , Guo Wei , Deng Qiuping , Wu Li , Jia Wuyi , Wu Dilang , Chen Song , Liang Zhiping , Zeng Xuwen
Published: March 2023

Objective

To develop and validate an artificial intelligence diagnostic system based on X-ray imaging data for diagnosing vertebral compression fractures (VCFs)

Methods

In total, 1904 patients who underwent X-ray at four independent hospitals were retrospectively (n=1847) and prospectively (n=57) enrolled. The participants were separated into a development cohort, a prospective test cohort and three external test cohorts. The proposed model used a transfer learning method based on the ResNet-18 architecture. The diagnostic performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis and validated using a prospective validation set and three external sets. The performance of the model was compared with three degrees of musculoskeletal expertise: expert, competent, and trainee.

Results

The diagnostic accuracy for identifying compression fractures was 0.850 in the testing set, 0.829 in the prospective set, and ranged from 0.757 to 0.832 in the three external validation sets. In the human and deep learning (DL) collaboration dataset, the area under the ROC curves(AUCs) in acute, chronic, and pathological compression fractures were as follows: 0.780, 0.809, 0.734 for the DL model; 0.573, 0.618, 0.541 for the trainee radiologist; 0.701, 0.782, 0.665 for the competent radiologist; 0.707,0.732, 0.667 for the expert radiologist; 0.722, 0.744, 0.610 for the DL and trainee; 0.767, 0.779, 0.729 for the DL and competent; 0.801, 0.825, 0.751 for the DL and expert radiologist.

Conclusions

Our study offers a high-accuracy multi-class deep learning model which could assist community-based hospitals in improving the diagnostic accuracy of VCFs.
Cancer-related hypercalcemia and potential treatments
Authors: Almuradova Elvina , Cicin Irfan
Published: March 2023

Cancer-related hypercalcemia is a common finding typically seen in patients with advanced cancer and occurs in about 20 to 30 percent of cases. The most common cause of hypercalcemia in hospitalized patients is hypercalcemia due to malignancy.This clinical problem is seen in patients with both solid tumors and patients with hematologic malignancies. Hypercalcemia is associated with a poor prognosis in oncology patients. This pathologic condition can occur due to many different mechanisms but is usually caused by abnormal calcium use resulting from bone resorption, intestinal absorption, or renal excretion. Hypercalcemia may present with a wide range of symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal system symptoms to neurologic symptoms. Timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment by the physician significantly reduce the risk of complications. Treatment aims to decrease serum calcium by increasing calciuresis, decreasing bone resorption, and decreasing intestinal calcium absorption. The mainstays of treatment are IV hydration, bisphosphonates and calcitonin, denosumab, and in some patients, prednisone, and cinacalcet. Patients with underlying advanced kidney disease and refractory severe hypercalcemia should be evaluated for hemodialysis. Every physician dealing with oncology patients should know the fastest and most effective management of hypercalcemia. We aimed to contribute in this sense.
Poor sleep pattern is associated with metabolic disorder during transition from adolescence to adulthood
Authors: Zhang Dan , Yang Yajuan , Zhai Shuang , Qu Yang , Li Tingting , Xie Yang , Tao Shuman , Zou Liwei , Tao Fangbiao , Wu Xiaoyan
Published: March 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether sleep pattern is associated with metabolic disorders among young adults.

Methods

We measured sleep patterns using multiple sleep behaviors in an ongoing prospective cohort among college students (n = 1,151). At baseline, 729 college students provided fasting blood samples and human body morphological measurements for quantification of metabolic parameters. Then, 340 participants continued to take metabolic parameters measurements at a 2-year follow-up. Sleep patterns were defined by chronotype, sleep duration, insomnia, snoring, and daytime sleepiness. Metabolic scores were derived for four metabolic parameters including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting blood sugar (FBG), and insulin. Multivariate linear regression model was applied to analyze the association between sleep pattern types and metabolic parameters and metabolic scores.

Results

In the baseline survey, we found that a total of 41 (4.1%) participants had poor sleep patterns. Then, metabolic scores were significantly higher among college students with poor sleep patterns, compared with those who with healthy sleep patterns at baseline (1.00 ± 0.96 vs. 0.78 ± 0.72, p < 0.05) and 2-year follow-up (0.34 ± 0.65 vs. 1.50 ± 1.64, p < 0.05). After covariates were adjusted, poor sleep pattern (β = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06~2.53, p = 0.001) was associated with elevated metabolic scores at the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions

The elevated metabolic burden observed in college students with poor sleep patterns highlights the need to identify and address sleep problems in order to minimize the long-term impact on disease vulnerability.
Diagnostic value of CT enhancement degree in lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer: A comparison of enhancement, ratio, and difference
Authors: Zhu Jiying , Tian Min , Zhang Tong , Zhu Hanlin , Wei Peiying , Han Zhijiang
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the value of computed tomography (CT) enhancement degree in diagnosing lymph node (LN) metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) by determining the ratio and difference between the Hounsfield units (HU) of CT enhancement and plain scan of the LNs, as well as between the HU of CT-enhanced LNs and the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Methods

The plain and enhanced CT findings of 114 metastasis-positive LNs in 89 cases and 143 metastasis-negative LNs in 114 cases of PTC were analyzed retrospectively. Plain HU of LNs (PNHU), enhanced HU of LNs (ENHU), and enhanced HU of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (EMHU) were measured. The ENHU, difference between ENHU and PNHU (EN-PNHU), ratio of ENHU to PNHU (EN/PNHU), difference between ENHU and EMHU (EN-EMHU), and ratio of ENHU to EMHU (EN/EMHU) in metastasis-positive and metastasis-negative LN groups were calculated, the corresponding diagnostic efficacy for differentiating metastasis-positive from metastasis-negative LNs in PTC were sought using the receiver-operating curve. The interobserver agreement between readers was assessed using the interobserver correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

The ENHU of 114 metastasis-positive LNs and 143 metastasis-negative LNs was 113.39 ± 24.13 and 77.65 ± 15.93, EN-PNHU was 65.84 ± 21.72 HU and 34.07 ± 13.63 HU, EN/PNHU was 2.36 (1.98, 2.75) and 1.76 (1.54, 2.02), EN-EMHU was 49.42 ± 24.59 HU and 13.27 ± 15.41 HU, and EN/EMHU was 1.79 ± 0.40 and 1.21 ± 0.24, respectively (all P < 0.001). The area under the curve, cutoff value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ENHU for identifying metastasis-positive and metastasis-negative LNs were 0.895, 97.3 HU, 0.746, 0.895, and 0.829, EN-PNHU was 0.894, 47.8 HU, 0.807, 0.874, and 0.844, EN/PNHU was 0.831, 1.9, 0.877, 0.650, and 0.751, EN-EMHU was 0.890, 26.4 HU, 0.807, 0.839, and 0.825, and EN/EMHU was 0.888, 1.5, 0.728, 0.902, and 0.825, respectively. The readers had an excellent interobserver agreement on these five parameters (ICC = 0.874–0.994).

Conclusion

In the preoperative evaluation of LN metastasis in PTC, ENHU, EN-PNHU, EN-EMHU, and EN/EMHU had similarly high diagnostic efficacy, with ENHU, EN-PNHU, and EN/EMHU having higher specificity and EN-PNHU and EN-EMHU having higher sensitivity.
Access to diabetes diagnosis in Brazil based on recent testing and consultation: The Brazilian national health survey, 2013 and 2019
Authors: Santos Karine Brito Matos , Reis Rodrigo Citton P. dos , Duncan Bruce B. , D’Avila Otávio Pereira , Schmidt Maria Inês
Published: March 2023

Background

Screening for undiagnosed diabetes using glucose testing is recommended globally to allow preventive action among those detected. Our aim was to evaluate the access to glucose testing to screen for diabetes in Brazil using self-reported information on recent testing and medical consultation from national surveys of Brazilian adults.

Methods

The Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS) was conducted in 2013 and 2019 drawing probabilistic samples of Brazilians aged 18 years and above. To evaluate glucose testing among those undiagnosed, we excluded those self-reporting a previous diagnosis of diabetes. We then defined recent access to diabetes diagnosis by considering the previous two years and choosing the last blood glucose test and the proximal medical consultation reported. We used Poisson regression with robust variance to assess correlates of access, expressing them with adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Access to recent glucose testing documented that over 70% reported a recent glycemic test, 71% in 2013, and 77% in 2019. These findings are consistent with a wide recent access to medical consultation, 86% and 89% in 2013 and 2019, respectively. Reporting recent glucose testing and medical consultation may better reflect the actual access to medical diagnostic testing. When analyzing this joint outcome, diagnostic access was still wide, 67% and 74%, respectively. Greater access (p< 0.001) was seen for women (PR=1.16; 1.15-1.17), older individuals (PR=1.25; 1.22-1.28), and those with higher education (PR=1.17; 1.15-1.18), obesity (PR=1.06; 1.05-1.08), and hypertension (PR=1.12; 1.11-1.13). In contrast, lower access (p<0.001) was seen for those declaring being Black (PR=0.97; 0.95-0.99) or of mixed-race (PR=0.97; 0.96-0.98), those residing in rural areas (PR=0.89; 0.87-0.90), and not having a private health insurance plan (PR=0.85; 0.84-0.86).

Conclusions

Although access to diagnostic testing for diabetes is high in Brazil, partly due to its universal health system, social inequities are still present, demanding specific actions, particularly in rural areas and among those self-declaring as being Black or mixed-race.
Acute endurance exercise modulates growth differentiation factor 11 in cerebrospinal fluid of healthy young adults
Authors: Schön Martin , Marček Malenovská Karin , Nemec Michal , Alchus Laiferová Nikoleta , Straka Igor , Košutzká Zuzana , Matejička Peter , Valkovič Peter , Ukropec Jozef , Ukropcová Barbara
Published: March 2023

Objective

Strong evidence supports the benefits of exercise for healthy ageing, including reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies suggested interorgan crosstalk as a key element of systemic adaptive response, however, the role of specific molecules in mediating exercise effects on the human brain are not fully understood. In the present study, we explored the exercise-related regulation of Growth Differentiation Factor 11 (GDF11) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood.

Methods

The samples of serum, plasma and CSF were obtained before and 60min after acute exercise (90min run) from twenty healthy young individuals. Additional serum and plasma samples were collected immediately after run. GDF11 protein content (immunoblotting), body composition (bioelectrical impedance), physical fitness (VO2max, cycle spiroergometry) and cognitive functions (standardized computerized tests, Cogstate) were evaluated.

Results

Running decreased GDF11 protein content in CSF (-20.6%. p=0.046), while GDF11 in plasma and serum were not regulated. Two GDF11-specific antibodies of different origin were used to corroborate this result. Individuals with higher physical fitness displayed greater exercise-induced decrease of GDF11 in CSF than those with lower physical fitness (p=0.025). VO2max correlated positively with GDF11 in serum (r=0.63, p=0.020) as well as with the exercise-induced change in GDF11 levels in CSF (r=0.59, p=0.042). Indirect measure of blood-brain barrier permeability (i.e. CSF/serum albumin ratio) tended to positively correlate with CSF/serum GDF11 ratio (p=0.060). CSF levels of GDF11 correlated positively with cognitive functions, including working memory, both before and after run (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Running-induced down-regulation of the GDF11 protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of healthy young individuals indicates the potential role of GDF11 in the exercise-induced cross-talk between periphery and the brain.
Tumour microenvironment in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma
Authors: Martinelli Serena , Amore Francesca , Canu Letizia , Maggi Mario , Rapizzi Elena
Published: March 2023

Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas (Pheo/PGL) are rare catecholamine-producing tumours derived from adrenal medulla or from the extra-adrenal paraganglia respectively. Around 10–15% of Pheo/PGL develop metastatic forms and have a poor prognosis with a 37% of mortality rate at 5 years. These tumours have a strong genetic determinism, and the presence of succinate dehydrogenase B (SDHB) mutations are highly associated with metastatic forms. To date, no effective treatment is present for metastatic forms. In addition to cancer cells, the tumour microenvironment (TME) is also composed of non-neoplastic cells and non-cellular components, which are essential for tumour initiation and progression in multiple cancers, including Pheo/PGL. This review, for the first time, provides an overview of the roles of TME cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) on Pheo/PGL growth and progression. Moreover, the functions of the non-cellular components of the TME, among which the most representatives are growth factors, extracellular vesicles and extracellular matrix (ECM) are explored. The importance of succinate as an oncometabolite is emerging and since Pheo/PGL SDH mutated accumulate high levels of succinate, the role of succinate and of its receptor (SUCNR1) in the modulation of the carcinogenesis process is also analysed. Further understanding of the mechanism behind the complicated effects of TME on Pheo/PGL growth and spread could suggest novel therapeutic targets for further clinical treatments.
Vitamin D improves hepatic steatosis in NAFLD via regulation of fatty acid uptake and β-oxidation
Authors: Du Tingwan , Xiang Lian , Zhang Jingjing , Yang Chunmei , Zhao Wenxin , Li Jialu , Zhou Yong , Ma Ling
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The study aimed to explore the association of serum 25(OH)D3 and hepatic steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients and to determine whether the effect of vitamin D (VD) is mediated by activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) pathway.

Methods

The study contained a case-control study, in vivo and in vitro experiments. A case-control study was conducted to compare serum parameters between NAFLD patients and controls and to evaluate the association of 25(OH)D3 and NAFLD. In vivo study, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and model groups, fed a standard chow diet and a high-fat diet (HFD), respectively, for 7 weeks to generate an NAFLD model. Then, the rats were treated with VD and a PPARα antagonist (MK886) for 7 weeks. Tissue and serum were collected and assessed by biochemical assays, morphological analysis, histological analysis, and western blot analysis. In vitro, HepG2 cells were incubated with oleic acid (OA) to induce steatosis, which was evaluated by staining. HepG2 cells were pretreated with MK886 followed by calcitriol treatment, and differences in lipid metabolism-related proteins were detected by western blot.

Results

NAFLD patients were characterized by impaired liver function, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Serum 25(OH)D3 was negatively associated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in NAFLD. VD deficiency was a risk factor for patients with no advanced fibrosis. Adequate VD status (25(OH)D3 >20 ng/mL) had a protective effect in patients after adjustment for confounding variables. NAFLD rats showed hyperlipidemia with severe hepatic steatosis, systematic inflammation, and lower serum 25(OH)D3. VD treatment ameliorated hepatic steatosis both in NAFLD rats and OA-induced HepG2 cells. Further, MK886 inhibited the anti-steatosis effect of VD.

Conclusion

The study revealed that an adequate VD level may act as a protective factor in NAFLD and that VD may alleviate hepatic steatosis via the PPARα signaling pathway.
The integrated single-cell analysis developed a lactate metabolism-driven signature to improve outcomes and immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Pei Shengbin , Gong Zeitian , Ren Qianhe , Xie Jiaheng , Liu Hong , Wang Wei
Published: March 2023

Background

It has been suggested that lactate metabolism (LM) is crucial for the development of cancer. Using integrated single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis, we built predictive models based on LM-related genes (LMRGs) to propose novel targets for the treatment of LUAD patients.

Methods

The most significant genes for LM were identified through the use of the AUCell algorithm and correlation analysis in conjunction with scRNA-seq analysis. To build risk models with superior predictive performance, cox- and lasso-regression were utilized, and these models were validated on multiple external independent datasets. We then explored the differences in the tumor microenvironment (TME), immunotherapy, mutation landscape, and enriched pathways between different risk groups. Finally, cell experiments were conducted to verify the impact of AHSA1 in LUAD.

Results

A total of 590 genes that regulate LM were identified for subsequent analysis. Using cox- and lasso-regression, we constructed a 5-gene signature that can predict the prognosis of patients with LUAD. Notably, we observed differences in TME, immune cell infiltration levels, immune checkpoint levels, and mutation landscapes between different risk groups, which could have important implications for the clinical treatment of LUAD patients.

Conclusion

Based on LMRGs, we constructed a prognostic model that can predict the efficacy of immunotherapy and provide a new direction for treating LUAD.
Pragmatic analysis of solar photovoltaic system design in an institutional building in eastern India
Authors: Sharma Renu , Goel Sonali , Lenka Saumya Ranjan
Published: March 2023

PV systems connected to the grid are primarily designed to generate clean energy to fulfil the rising energy demand. To predict the performance and efficacy of PV systems, several installation aspects are employed, such as location, local meteorological data, orientation, optimal tilt angle, varying losses, and energy yield estimation. Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar (Latitude 20.24°N and Longitude 80.85°E) has taken one such initiative by installing a 13 kWp rooftop grid-connected solar photovoltaic system in one of its institutional buildings. The solar PV system is fixed at an angle of 21° and is installed on the rooftop of a 25-m height building. The measured performance characteristics were analysed and compared to those of PVSyst software to determine its feasibility in campus buildings. From the result, the annual electricity supplied to the grid is 17.79 MWh, final yield of 3.80 h/d, reference yield of 4.62 h/d and performance ratio of 0.82. The solar PV system installed at the institution is predicted to have reduced 17443.02 kg of CO2, 22.07 kg of SO2, and 46.1 kg of NOx from the atmosphere per year. The lebelised cost of energy (LCOE) of the installed PV system is 9.408 INR/kWh with a payback of 9.8 years. This study provides the techno-economic feasibility of installing grid-connected solar PV systems on the roof of an institutional building and help the solar installers in establishing the most efficient solar photovoltaic system’s sizing and design.
A rural revitalization model based on regional livelihood capital: A case study of Diqing, China
Authors: Zhu Siji , Sun Jun , Wu Yingmei , Yu Bohao , Li Hong , Xia Tianshun , Zhang Xiaomei , Liang Xuqi , Zhu Guifang
Published: March 2023

Improving livelihood capital is beneficial for implementing China’s rural revitalization strategy (RRS); however, researchers have not focused on the regional attributes of livelihood capital. Thus, this study proposes a new concept of regional livelihood capital to guide RRS implementation. A comprehensive measurement method and official government statistics were used to analyze regional livelihood capital characteristics in Diqing. The results demonstrate that, from 1993 to 2020, Diqing’s regional livelihood capital index increased steadily from 0.058 to 0.356, and its structure continued to diversify; however, its level remains low. The natural capital index fluctuated between 2.044 and 2.284 and always had absolute advantages. The financial capital index increased rapidly from 0.024 to 1.396 and is the core driving force for the growth of regional livelihood capital. The physical capital index increased steadily from 0.056 to 0.456. The growth of the social and human capital index was slow and weak, with an average annual growth rate of only 4.42% and 1.07%, respectively, which represents a weakness in regional livelihood capital. Based on regional livelihood capital characteristics and Diqing’s economic circumstances, a targeted rural revitalization model was developed according to the dynamics of the organic system of regional livelihood capital, in which natural capital is considered the foundation, financial capital is the power, physical capital is the medium, and social capital and human capital are the ultimate goals. The main direction of energy is “natural capital → financial capital → physical, social, and human capital.” Simultaneously, reverse energy feedback should also be emphasized to promote the sustainable operation of this system. This study provides a new theoretical perspective of regional livelihood capital for the implementation of RRS and guidance for the practice of RRS in Diqing and other similar areas.
Effects of biogenic volatile organic compounds and anthropogenic NOx emissions on O3 and PM2.5 formation over the northern region of Thailand
Authors: Uttamang Pornpan , Janta Radshadaporn , Bran Sherin Hassan , Macatangay Ronald , Surapipith Vanisa , Tala Wittaya , Chantara Somporn
Published: March 2023

Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC), which are mainly emitted from plants, are a major precursor for the formation of ground-level ozone (O3) and secondary organic aerosols (SOA). In the northern region of Thailand, 63.8% of the land area is covered by forests. Herein we investigated the effects of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOC) emitted from plants and anthropogenic NOx emissions on ground-level ozone (O3) and fine particulate matters (PM2.5) formation. The Weather Research and Forecasting Model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem Model) was applied to simulate three scenarios including baseline, noBio and modiAntho simulations. The modeling results over the northern region of Thailand indicate that BVOC emissions over the northern region of Thailand contributed only 5.3%–5.6% of the total concentrations of PM2.5 and BVOC had a direct relationship to glyoxal and SOA of glyoxal. The comparison between the observed and the modeled isoprene over the study site showed an underestimation (3- to 4-folds) of the simulated concentrations during the study period (June and November 2021). In June, decreases in anthropogenic NOx emissions by 40% led to PM2.5 reductions (5.3%), which corresponded to a zero BVOC emission scenario. While higher PM2.5 reductions (5.6%) were found to be caused by anthropogenic NOx reductions in November, small increases in PM2.5 were observed over the area near a power plant located in Lampang Province. Therefore, both VOC and NOx emission controls may be necessary for areas near the lignite mine and power plant. Since the areas within the vicinity of the power plant were under VOC-limited regimes, while the other areas were determined to be NOx-limited.
Climate change, environmental regulations, and firms' efforts to reduce pollutant emissions
Authors: Xiao Zehua , Cai Cheng , Wang Lumeng , Ma Yigeng
Published: March 2023

Environmental regulation is an important tool for achieving environmental protection. This study investigated how climate change affects firms' actions to reduce pollutant emissions through environmental regulations. We conducted a pooled OLS regression analysis using data from Chinese industrial firms that were above the designated size from 2006 to 2013. The results showed that firms reduce SO2 emissions in response to climate change, particularly when environmental regulations are more stringent. However, firms prefer to reduce productivity and implement “end-of-pipe” interventions than engage in more green innovation. Our findings highlight how firms deal with climate change under the pressure of environmental regulations and whether ecological considerations align or conflict with economic goals.
The first fossil seed of Ampelopsis (Vitaceae) in South China
Authors: Xiang Helanlin , Wu Xinkai , Liu Xiaoyan , Xu Shenglan , Jin Jianhua , Huang Luliang
Published: March 2023

AmpelopsisMichx. (Vitaceae) contains more than 30 species and is discontinuously distributed in Eurasia, North America, and Central America. China hosts an abundance ofAmpelopsisspecies. Until now, fossil records ofAmpelopsishave been reported only from the Paleocene to the Pleistocene of Europe, the Eocene to the Pliocene of Asia, and the Eocene to the Miocene of North America. AlthoughAmpelopsisis abundant and widespread in China today, no fossils ofAmpelopsishave so far been found there, except for fossil seed from the Upper Miocene of Yunnan. In this study, a fossil seed ofAmpelopsis japonica(Thunb.) Makino was recovered from the Upper Pleistocene of the Maoming Basin, Guangdong province. It is the firstAmpelopsisfossil found in South China. This finding shows thatAmpelopsiswas distributed in the low latitudes of South China in the Late Pleistocene. Global cooling during the last glaciation might have led to the southward spread of the genus to the low-latitude areas of South China. According to the structural characteristics of our fossil, it is speculated that the aborted ovule, which is common in the fruits of extantAmpelopsis, existed in this genus in the Late Pleistocene.
Phylogeographic analysis revealed allopatric distribution pattern and biogeographic processes of the widespread pale chub Opsariichthys acutipinnis-evolans complex (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) in southeastern China
Authors: Gao Jiaxin , Yu Dan , Liu Huanzhang
Published: March 2023

Understanding phylogeographic patterns of widespread species can provide insights into their speciation processes and guide the conservation and management measures. In the present study, Cyt b sequences were used to investigate the phylogeographic structure of the Opsariichthys acutipinnis-evolans complex in southeastern China. The gene tree revealed six major lineages (lineage A-F) which were distributed allopatrically, with lineage B distributed in the western part (middle Yangtze and Pearl River) and the other lineages in the eastern part (lower Yangtze and coastal waters of southeastern China). Dating of the lineage diversification revealed the early eastward-westward divergence separating lineage A, B, and C during the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene (3.00, 2.61, and 2.12 Ma, respectively), possibly due to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and subsequent orogenies in southeastern China. The following northward-southward diversification resulted in the separation of lineage D, E, and F in the early-middle Pleistocene (1.33 and 0.95 Ma), likely associated with the enhanced succession of glacial cycles during the Early-Middle Pleistocene transition. Although the genetic divergence of 0.017–0.070 among lineages indicated possible different species, morphological characters failed to separate them. Therefore, they were treated as a species complex. Given the distinct genetic divergence of the various lineages, they were suggested as different evolutionary significant units.
Systematic pan-cancer analysis of the potential tumor diagnosis and prognosis biomarker P4HA3
Authors: Wu Yinteng , Zhang Bo , Nong Juan , Rodrìguez Raquel Alarcòn , Guo Wenliang , Liu Ying , Zhao Shijian , Wei Ruqiong
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha 3 (P4HA3) is implicated in several cancers’ development. However, P4HA3 has not been reported in other cancers, and the exact mechanism of action is currently unknown.

Materials and methods: First, the expression profile of P4HA3 was analyzed using a combination of the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) database, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) database, and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. UniCox and Kaplan-Meier were used to analyze the predictive value of P4HA3. The expression of P4HA3 was analyzed in clinical staging, immune subtypes, and Molecular subtypes. Secondly, the correlation of P4HA3 with immunomodulatory genes, immune checkpoint genes, RNA modification genes, immune cell infiltration, cancer-related functional status, tumor stemness index, DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes and DNA Methyltransferase was examined. The role of P4HA3 in DNA methylation, copy number variation (CNV), mutational status, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI) was also analyzed. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the potential functional mechanisms of P4HA3 in pan-cancer. Finally, P4HA3-related drugs were searched in CellMiner, Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC), and Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP) databases.

Results: P4HA3 is significantly overexpressed in most cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. P4HA3 is strongly associated with clinical cancer stage, immune subtypes, molecular subtypes, immune regulatory genes, immune checkpoint genes, RNA modifier genes, immune cell infiltration, cancer-related functional status, tumor stemness index, MMR Gene, DNA Methyltransferase, DNA methylation, CNV, mutational status, TMB, and MSI are closely related. Available enrichment analysis revealed that P4HA3 is associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immune-related pathways. There are currently 20 drugs associated with P4HA3.

Conclusion: In human pan-cancer, P4HA3 is associated with poor patient prognosis and multiple immune cells and may be a novel immunotherapeutic target. It may act on tumor progression through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway.
Exosomal miRNAs as novel avenues for breast cancer treatment
Authors: Singh Tejveer , Kaushik Mahesh , Mishra Lokesh Chandra , Behl Chesta , Singh Vijay , Tuli Hardeep Singh
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and a leading cause of death in women worldwide. It is a heterogeneous disease, as shown by the gene expression profiles of breast cancer samples. It begins in milk-producing ducts, with a high degree of diversity between and within tumors, as well as among cancer-bearing individuals. The enhanced prevalence of breast cancer is influenced by various hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors, and very early onset of the disease correlates strongly with the risk of local and distant recurrence. Many subtypes are difficult to treat with conventional therapeutic modalities, and therefore, optimal management and early diagnosis are the first steps to minimizing the mortality linked with breast cancer. The use of newer methods of nanotechnology extends beyond the concept of synthesizing drug delivery mechanisms into the creation of new therapeutics, such as delivering chemotherapeutics with nanomaterial properties. Exosomes, a class of nanovesicles, are emerging as novel tools for deciphering the patient-specific proteins and biomarkers across different disease models, including breast cancer. In this review, we address the role of exosomal miRNA in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
What is needed to improve quality of implant removal services in Nigeria? results of a landscape assessment
Authors: Adetiloye Oniyire , Danladi Abubakar , Haws Rachel , Anoke Charity , Odio Bartholomew , Ugwa Emmanuel , Nganje Agnes , Enne Joseph , Afolabi Kayode , Adebola Owodunni , Eze Justus , Christofield Megan
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Stunning recent increases in subdermal contraceptive implant use, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, necessitate availability of quality implant removal services. In Nigeria, service delivery capacity and coverage for removal are lacking, despite strong government commitment and rapid uptake; there is a dearth of knowledge about barriers to quality implant removals in Nigeria.

Methods

To determine access to and quality of contraceptive implant removal services, a landscape assessment was conducted in two states in Nigeria, focusing on four conditions for quality delineated in the Global Implant Removals Task Force framework. This mixed-methods approach integrated results from a desk review, a survey of health facilities and family planning managers, review of implant service statistics, and key informant interviews with providers and diverse stakeholders.

Results

Seventy percent of providers (N = 21 of 30) had experienced problems performing implant removal, usually due to deeply inserted implants and equipment shortages. Providers had low confidence in performing removal and poor knowledge of implant removal steps. No facilities assessed had comprehensive equipment required for implant removal. Few facilities maintained systems or referral pathways to support difficult removals; difficult removals are absent from training manuals, and no formal trainings have been conducted. While most facilities collect data on removals, family planning dashboards do not capture it; few facilities use data for quality improvement.

Conclusion

This study identified numerous challenges to quality implant removal, including poorly trained providers, inadequate supplies, underutilization of data on removals, and inability to manage difficult removals. As demand for implant removals skyrockets, providers need improved training in implant removal, appropriate job aids, supportive supervision, and effective procurement systems to ensure availability of supplies and equipment for removal. Tracking removals and reasons for removal in information systems and the Family Planning dashboard could sensitize providers to need for implant removals and improve data for decision-making in facilities and health systems.
Integrated multitrophic culture of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in biofloc system: A pilot scale study
Authors: Holanda Mariana , Ravagnan Elisa , Lara Gabriele , Santana Gabriel , Furtado Plinio , Cardozo Alessandro , Wasielesky Wilson , Poersch Luis Henrique
Published: March 2023

Shrimp production in biofloc systems generates excess organic matter that must be removed from the system. Due to its ability to consume natural productivity, the integration of tilapia in shrimp culture could help to reduce the levels of total suspended solids in the biofloc system. The present study aimed to evaluate two stocking densities of tilapia in an integrated culture with shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei reared in a pilot-scale biofloc system. Two stocking densities of tilapia were tested, 35 and 65 fish m-3 in a recirculating system with 10 m3 tanks for shrimp culture and 4 m3 for tilapia culture with water recirculation of 965.66 ± 92.83 L h-1 during 78 days. The initial weight of shrimp was 0.9±0.1 g and of tilapia was 7.1±3.2 g. Shrimps were fed according to the feeding table and fish were underfed to stimulate bioflocs consumption. Selected water quality parameters were monitored during the trial. Tilapia densities did not affect shrimp growth (11.5±1.9 g and 10.1±0.7 g for 35 and 65 fish m-3 treatments, respectively). The tilapia presented a FCR lower than 1, proving that bioflocs were consumed by fish. The clarification time was shorter when compared to other studies with shrimp monoculture. Between the treatments, a reduction of 10 hours in the system clarification occurred when lower fish stocking density was used. The results demonstrate the feasibility of integrated shrimp and tilapia culture on a pilot scale, without compromising shrimp productivity.
Factors affecting the severity and prognosis of visual damage in inhalational methanol poisoning
Authors: Shen Hongyi , Zhong Liu Xueying , Fu Yue , Shao Wanwen , Yang Yan , Wang Zhenyu , Yang Hui
Published: March 2023

Background/Aim

Inhalational methanol poisoning could cause severe damage to visual function. This study analyzed the prognosis of the correlation between the visual function and the relevant risk factors.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 14 patients had confirmed inhalational methanol poisoning, resulting in visual impairment in both eyes. The following tests were performed: laboratory tests, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, slit lamp, fundus photography, visual field (VF), pattern visual evoked potential (P-VEP), flash electroretinogram (F-ERG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and orbital or cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

With active treatment, visual function improved to varying degrees in all 14 cases (28 eyes) in this study. The BCVA of 21 eyes declined to no light perception at the onset; 16 eyes showed different degrees of improvement after treatment, with the final BCVA (LogMar) mainly ranging from 2 to 3, and vision acuity stabilized after the 5th month. The VF pattern in the acute phase was mostly blind. Other VF patterns included the central visual island, large paracentral scotomas, hemipleural VF defects, and the temporal visual island. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickening was observed commonly in the acute phase (146.8 ± 33.2 μm), which subsided in the 1st month, showed dramatic thinning at the 3rd month, and then stabilized in the 5th month after onset. MRI showed that the main sites involved were optic nerve impairment, the optic disk, and retrobulbar segments. The basal ganglia region was the site most involved in the central nervous system (CNS).

Conclusion

Inhalational methanol poisoning could lead to severe impairment of visual function, and the prognosis of visual acuity (VA) was highly relevant to the risk factors of duration of toxic exposure, delayed admission, and degree of acidosis.
Impact of COVID-19 pneumonia on pulmonary vascular volume
Authors: Fahrni Guillaume , Rocha Ana-Carolina , Gudmundsson Louis , Pozzessere Chiara , Qanadli Salah D. , Rotzinger David C.
Published: March 2023

Background

Pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia are well known. However, COVID-19 is also associated with a range of vascular manifestations such as embolism, congestion, and perfusion changes. Regarding congestion, research from different groups has suggested arteriovenous anastomosis dysregulation as a contributing factor. In this study, we aim to better describe the changes in vascular volume in affected lung zones and to relate them to pathophysiological hypotheses.

Methods

We performed automatic vascular volume extraction in 10 chest CTs of patients, including 2 female and 8 male with a mean age of 63.5 ± 9.3 years, diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. We compared the proportion of vascular volumes between manually segmented regions of lung parenchyma with and without signs of pneumonia.

Results

The proportion of vascular volume was significantly higher in COVID (CVasc) compared to non-COVID (NCVasc) areas. We found a mean difference (DVasc) of 5% and a mean ratio (RVasc) of 3.7 between the two compartments (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Vascular volume in COVID-19 affected lung parenchyma is augmented relative to normal lung parenchyma, indicating venous congestion and supporting the hypothesis of pre-existing intra-pulmonary arteriovenous shunts.
Effectiveness of 7-day triple therapy with half-dose clarithromycin for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori without the A2143G and A2142G point mutations of the 23S rRNA gene in a high clarithromycin resistance area
Authors: Cho Seong Hyun , Park Moon Sik , Park Seon-Young , Kim Dong Hyun , You Hye-Su , Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: March 2023

Background

Tailored therapy has been widely used for patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in South Korea. Herein, we evaluated the treatment outcomes of tailored clarithromycin-based triple therapy (TT) in patients infected with H. pylori.

Methods

We enrolled 460 patients without A2142G and A2143G point mutations by dual priming oligonucleotide-based polymerase chain reaction who had taken TT and undergone the urease breath test to evaluate eradication in clinical practice. Eradication rates according to the treatment duration and dose of clarithromycin were analyzed.

Results

Among 460 patients (164 women, median age 63.0 years), 250 patients underwent TT with full-dose clarithromycin (TT-full CLA), and 216 patients underwent TT with half-dose clarithromycin (TT-half CLA). The eradication rates were 88.0% (220/250) in patients with TT-full CLA and 85.2% (179/210) in patients with TT-half CLA. In 250 patients with TT-full CLA, the eradication rates were 86.8% (33/38) in patients with 7-day TT-full CLA and 88.2% (187/212) in patients with 10-day or 14-day TT-full CLA (P = 0.788). In 210 patients with TT-half CLA, the eradication rates were 84.2% (139/165) in those with a 7-day TT-half CLA and 88.9% (40/45) in those with a 10-day or 14-day TT-half CLA (P = 0.436).

Conclusion

For patients with H. pylori infection without A2142G and A2143G point mutations by DPO-PCR in clinical practice, treatment extension above 7-day TT with full CLA did not improve the eradication rates. Future studies on the treatment outcomes of TT-half CLA considering effectiveness and compliance are warranted.