bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conexiones etnomatemáticas y etnomodelación en la elaboración de trompos y tacos de carne. Más allá de un antojito mexicano
Authors: Rodríguez-Nieto Camilo Andrés , Nuñez-Gutierrez Karina , Rosa Milton , Orey Daniel Clark
Published: April 2022

Se exploraron conexiones etnomatemáticas y procesos de etnomodelación que emergen en la elaboración trompos y tacos mexicanos. Teóricamente la investigación se fundamentó en las nociones de conexión etnomatemática y etnomodelación. La metodología fue cualitativa-etnográfica desarrollada en tres etapas, selección de los participantes taqueros, aplicación de entrevistas semiestructuradas y, el análisis temático de datos. Se evidenció que los comerciantes emplean unidades de medidas (kilogramo), hacen conteos de dinero en la venta de las ordenes de tacos y operaciones aritméticas. Asimismo, conexiones etnomatemáticas y etnomodelación con el Cálculo Integral entre la construcción de trompos de carne (émico) y el paraboloide (ético) a los cuales se encontró su volumen, propuesta de aplicaciones para las clases de matemáticas con GeoGebra y similitudes con problemas de libros de Cálculo.
Milton’s Dantean Raphael
Authors: Moran Andrew
Published: April 2022

While Raphael’s guidance of Adam has provoked much discussion, his origin in the Apocrypha, which Milton in Christian Doctrine derided as “fabulous, low, trifling, and quite foreign to real sagacity and religion,” deserves more attention. This article argues that his origin in Tobit, considered canonical by Catholics, is only the beginning of his Catholic identity. Through the “divine” Raphael, who encourages in Adam an exaggerated confidence in his own nature, Milton critiques another charming, philosophical, Catholic storyteller whose teachings are grounded in the analogia entis, the author of The Divine Comedy. Milton imitates Dante’s practice of making the epic predecessor a character—Raphael guides Adam as Virgil had the Pilgrim—to critique Dante’s poetic presumption and deficient understanding of sin. Michael, the angel from the Protestant Bible whose teaching hews closely to Scripture, with his emphasis on sin and obedience then provides a model for the Protestant poet.
Stability of short and long dental implants placed at different levels
Authors: Studenikin R. V. , Mamedov A. A.
Published: April 2022

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the stability during healing and before loading of implants placed at different levels depending on the texture of their neck.Materials and methods. The study included patients with the same type of bone (type II), who were implanted with screw implants with a conical connection: – parallel walls (polished collar – 0.3 mm), installed at the level of the alveolar ridge without immersion (group A); – root-shaped with micro-thread in the collar area, set below the level of the alveolar ridge by 1 mm (group B); – root-shaped (polished collar – 0.75 mm), installed above the level of the alveolar ridge by 1 mm (group B).All implants were used with shapers. The values of the implant stability coefficient (ISQ) were determined using resonance frequency analysis immediately after implant placement during surgery and 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after it. Other evaluated stability factors are the diameter and length of the implant, the place of their installation (upper or lower jaw).Results. A total of 60 implants were evaluated (20 in each group). Mean ISQ values at baseline on the day of surgery and 1 week after insertion were significantly higher in group B (p=0.006, p=0.022 and p=0.031, respectively, for groups B, C, A). There were no differences at subsequent observation points. The ISQ value was higher for wide (diameter – 4.3 mm) implants than with a smaller diameter value (3.5 mm) and for mandibular implants than for maxillary implants at all points of observation. Neglecting the diameter data, the length of the implant did not affect the ISQ values.Conclusion. Inserting the implant deeper into the bone may only matter for primary stability. Moreover, the diameter of the implant and its location affect the primary and secondary stability before loading, while the length of the implant does not play an important role if the diameter is not taken into account.
Diagnostic value of motion quantity determination in various axiographic samples
Authors: Soykher M. G. , Lepilin A. V. , Soykher M. I. , Pisarenko I. K. , Saleeva G. T.
Published: April 2022

The TMJ is a complex joint in which movements are carried out in three planes. The pairing of the joint and complex combined movements are factors that complicate the clinical and instrumental analysis of patients. Each of the axiographic tests carries a certain range of information and it is necessary to evaluate the characteristics of various movements in order to fully understand the possibilities of using the axiography method in the daily work of clinicians.
Comparative characteristics of the strength of adhesive systems of the fifth generation in the modification of the adhesive protocol
Authors: Khaskhanova L. M. , Razumova S. N. , Gapochkina L. L. , Razumov N. M. , Serebrov D. V. , Vetchinkin A. V. , Serebrov K. D.
Published: April 2022

The main criterion for effective treatment in dental practice is the adhesive strength of materials. In our days high-quality fixation of materials achieved by the evolution of adhesive systems. Despite the fact that adhesive systems are developing rapidly each generation has a number of advantages and disadvantages that need to be worked on. The issue of optimizing adhesive systems is not completely understood and requires further study and improvement.Aim. The assessment of composite material adhesion strength with tooth hard tissues depending on the adhesive protocol used.Materials and methods. In preparation for the experimental study the teeth were randomly divided into 2 equal groups according to the number of adhesive protocols used. Group 1 samples were processed according to protocol 1 using a moisturizing agent. The samples of group 2 were processed according to protocol 2 using an antiseptic liquid. A sample of the adhesive compound «composite material – tooth» was placed in distilled water and kept in a thermostat at a temperature of (37,0±1,0) Celsius for 24 hours. Tests of the adhesive shear strength of prepared samples were carried out on the testing machine «SYNTHEZ 5».Conclusion. Preparation of the tooth hard tissues surface before restoration using various adhesive protocols is essential and affects the quality as well as the long-term of restoration. The introduction of a moisturizing or antiseptic liquid into the adhesive protocol increases the strength of adhesion.
Maximizing Social Equity as a Pillar of Public Administration: An Examination of Cannabis Dispensary Licensing in Pennsylvania
Authors: Hannah Lee , Mallinson Daniel , Azevedo Lauren
Published: April 2022

Public administration upholds four pillars of administrative practice: economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and social equity. The question arises, however, how do administrators balance effectiveness and social equity when implementing policy? Can the values contributing to administrative decisions be measured? This study leverages the expansion of medical cannabis programs in the states to interrogate these questions. The awarding of dispensary licenses in Pennsylvania affords the ability to determine the effect of social equity scoring on license award decisions, relative to criteria that represent the other pillars. The results show that safety and business acumen were the most important determining factors in the awarding of licenses, both effectiveness concerns. Social equity does not emerge as a significant determinant until the second round of licensing. This study then discusses the future of social equity provisions for cannabis policy, as well as what the findings mean for social equity in public administration.
Efficacy Evaluation of Ciprofloxacin-Loaded Poly (Trimethylene Carbonate) Implants in the Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis
Authors: Liu Yixiu , Liang A. , Li Xu , Ma Zhihe , Zhang Dan
Published: April 2022

In this study, poly (trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) with excellent biocompatibility was synthesized via ring-opening of TMC to prepare the Ciprofloxacin-loaded PTMC implants, and antibacterial effects in vitro or in vivo of the resulting implants were investigated to evaluate the potential for treating chronic osteomyelitis. The in vitro results showed the Ciprofloxacin-loaded PTMC implants could sustain release ciprofloxacin at a release amount of about 90 μg/d for 28 days and possessed excellent antibacterial effect, as evidenced by the smaller size of the antibacterial ring of 32.6 ± 0.64 mm and the biofilm inhibition of 60% after 28 days of release. The in vivo results showed that after 28 days of treatment, the body weight and the white blood cell counts of chronic-osteomyelitis-model rats in the treatment group reached 381.6 ± 16.8 g and (7.86 ± 0.91) ×109/L, respectively, returning to normal rapidly compared with the control and blank group, indicating the remarkable antibacterial effect of the Ciprofloxacin-loaded PTMC implants. X-ray images and HE staining results also confirmed that most of the proximal and middle parts of the tibia returned to typical structures and new and trabecular bone had been formed for the rats in the treatment group, and no inflammatory cells were found as compared to the control and blank groups, after 28 days of treatment. The significant lower number of colonies of (9.92 ± 1.56) × 10 CFU/g in the treatment group also suggests that the Ciprofloxacin-loaded PTMC implants achieve a practical antibacterial effect through a local application.
Comparison of Hydrogen Peroxide Secretion From Living Cells Cultured in Different Formats Using Hydrogel-Based LSPR Substrates
Authors: Siao Yang-Jyun , Peng Chien-Chung , Tung Yi-Chung , Chen Yih-Fan
Published: April 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), a number of reactive molecules and free radicals derived from molecular oxygen, are generated as by-products during mitochondrial electron transport within cells. Physiologically, cells are capable of metabolizing the ROS exploiting specific mechanisms. However, if excessive ROS accumulate inside the cells, it will cause the cells apoptosis or necrosis. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the essential ROS often participating in chemical reactions in organisms and regulating homeostasis in the body. Therefore, rapid and sensitive detection of H2O2 is a significant task in cell biology research. Furthermore, it has been found that cells cultured in different formats can result in different cellular responses and biological activities. In order to investigate the H2O2 secretion from the cells cultured in different formats, a hydrogel-based substrate is exploited to separate relatively large molecular (e.g., proteins) for direct measurement of H2O2 secreted from living cells in complete cell culture medium containing serum. The substrate takes advantage of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) method based on enzyme immunoprecipitation. In addition, the H2O2 secreted from the cells cultured in different dimensions (suspension of single cells and three-dimensional cell spheroids) treated with identical drugs is measured and compared. The spheroid samples can be prepared with ample amount using a designed microfluidic device with precise control of size. The results show that the H2O2 secretion from the cells are great affected by their culture formats.
Epigenetic Regulation of Nucleotide Excision Repair
Authors: Li Wentao , Jones Kyle , Burke Tyler J. , Hossain Md Akram , Lariscy Leah
Published: April 2022

Genomic DNA is constantly attacked by a plethora of DNA damaging agents both from endogenous and exogenous sources. Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is the most versatile repair pathway that recognizes and removes a wide range of bulky and/or helix-distorting DNA lesions. Even though the molecular mechanism of NER is well studied through in vitro system, the NER process inside the cell is more complicated because the genomic DNA in eukaryotes is tightly packaged into chromosomes and compacted into a nucleus. Epigenetic modifications regulate gene activity and expression without changing the DNA sequence. The dynamics of epigenetic regulation play a crucial role during the in vivo NER process. In this review, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the epigenetic regulation of NER.
Circular Dichroism Second-Harmonic Generation Imaging of KTiOPO4 Nanocrystal Through Stratified Media
Authors: Wu Biwei , Wu Keyi , Sun Xuefeng , Wang Weibo , Tan Jiubin
Published: April 2022

Potassium titanyl phosphate (KTiOPO4, KTP) particle of nanometric size (nano-KTP) is an attractive material for nonlinear microscopy, and the optimized growth of large-size KTP single crystals has numerous applications for efficient frequency conversion in laser technology. Its three-dimensional orientation and nanoscale morphology are important for growth optimization. In this paper, we introduce an imaging technique based on circular dichroism second-harmonic generation (CD-SHG) to characterize the 3D distribution of KTP nanocrystal. A rigorous theoretical model of CD-SHG imaging for nano-KTP through stratified media is demonstrated. Circular dichroism analysis is used to probe the orientation of 3-axis with respect to the optical observation axis. The research results show that the azimuthal angle of the peak value (SHG) or valley value (CD-SHG) is strongly related to the excitation polarization when the KTP sample is excited by different circular polarizations. Importantly, the refractive index mismatches and the imaging depth also affect the azimuthal angle. Thus, the proposed framework enables a more precise quantitative analysis of the CD-SHG signal of KTP.
Capillary Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry for Scalable Single-Cell Proteomics
Authors: Shen Bowen , Pade Leena R. , Choi Sam B. , Muñoz-LLancao Pablo , Manzini M. Chiara , Nemes Peter
Published: April 2022

Understanding the biochemistry of the cell requires measurement of all the molecules it produces. Single-cell proteomics recently became possible through advances in microanalytical sample preparation, separation by nano-flow liquid chromatography (nanoLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE), and detection using electrospray ionization (ESI) high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Here, we demonstrate capillary microsampling CE-ESI-HRMS to be scalable to proteomics across broad cellular dimensions. This study established proof-of-principle using giant, ∼250-µm-diameter cells from embryos of the frog Xenopuslaevis and small, ∼35-µm-diameter neurons in culture from the mouse hippocampus. From ∼18 ng, or ∼0.2% of the total cellular proteome, subcellular analysis of the ventral-animal midline (V11) and equatorial (V12) cells identified 1,133 different proteins in a 16-cell embryo. CE-HRMS achieved ∼20-times higher sensitivity and doubled the speed of instrumental measurements compared to nanoLC, the closest neighboring single-cell technology of choice. Microanalysis was scalable to 722 proteins groups from ∼5 ng of cellular protein digest from identified left dorsal-animal midline cell (D11), supporting sensitivity for smaller cells. Capillary microsampling enabled the isolation and transfer of individual neurons from the culture, identifying 37 proteins between three different cells. A total of 224 proteins were detected from 500 pg of neuronal protein digest, which estimates to a single neuron. Serial dilution returned 157 proteins from sample amounts estimating to about half a cell (250 pg protein) and 70 proteins from ca. a quarter of a neuron (125 pg protein), suggesting sufficient sensitivity for subcellular proteomics. CE-ESI-HRMS complements nanoLC proteomics with scalability, sensitivity, and speed across broad cellular dimensions.
Design Strategies for Large Current Density Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Lishang , Shi Zhe , Lin Yanping , Chong Fali , Qi Yunhui
Published: April 2022

Hydrogen energy is considered one of the cleanest and most promising alternatives to fossil fuel because the only combustion product is water. The development of water splitting electrocatalysts with Earth abundance, cost-efficiency, and high performance for large current density industrial applications is vital for H2 production. However, most of the reported catalysts are usually tested within relatively small current densities (< 100 mA cm−2), which is far from satisfactory for industrial applications. In this minireview, we summarize the latest progress of effective non-noble electrocatalysts for large current density hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), whose performance is comparable to that of noble metal-based catalysts. Then the design strategy of intrinsic activities and architecture design are discussed, including self-supporting electrodes to avoid the detachment of active materials, the superaerophobicity and superhydrophilicity to release H2 bubble in time, and the mechanical properties to resist destructive stress. Finally, some views on the further development of high current density HER electrocatalysts are proposed, such as scale up of the synthesis process, in situ characterization to reveal the micro mechanism, and the implementation of catalysts into practical electrolyzers for the commercial application of as-developed catalysts. This review aimed to guide HER catalyst design and make large-scale hydrogen production one step further.
Designing Nanoconfined LiBH4 for Solid-State Electrolytes
Authors: Suwarno Suwarno , Nale Angeloclaudio , Suwarta Putu , Wijayanti Ika Dewi , Ismail Mohammad
Published: April 2022

Solid-state electrolytes are necessary for high-density and safe lithium-ion batteries. Lithium borohydride (LiBH4) is one of the hydride compounds that shows promising candidates for solid-state electrolytes and enables all-solid-state batteries. LiBH4 has good wetting properties and preferable mechanical properties when used in battery cells. The Li-ion conduction in LiBH4 can be modified with nanoconfinement as a result of distinct properties on the interfaces. The ion conductivities can be modified further by choosing property support materials, i.e., composition, textural properties, and surface chemistry. The present work briefly reviews the Li-ion conduction in nanoconfined LiBH4. A future perspective on the development of LiBH4 as a solid-state electrolyte is further elaborated in the last section.
Accessibility to Protected Areas Increases Primate Hunting Intensity in Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Branch Douglas , Moka Sharpe Silvia , Maho Luís Miguel , Silochi Pons Miguel Ángel , Mitogo Michá Francisco , Motove Etingüe Amancio , Nze Avomo Juan Cruz Ondo , Owono Nchama Pablo Owono , Esara Echube José Manuel , Fero Meñe Maximiliano , Featherstone Bryan , Montgomery David , Gonder Mary Katherine , Fernández David
Published: April 2022

Bioko is one of the most important sites for African primate conservation; yet it has seen a severe decline in its primate populations due to illegal hunting to supply a thriving wildmeat trade. The completion in 2015 of a new road bisecting the Gran Caldera Scientific Reserve (GCSR), where rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure once served as a natural barrier, further threatened this last stronghold for Bioko's primates. Here we used passive acoustic monitoring to study factors affecting hunting patterns within GCSR through the automatic detection of shotgun sounds. Ten acoustic sensors were placed in locations that varied in terrain heterogeneity, distance to the new road, human settlements, research camps (i.e., Moraka and Moaba) and elevation. Sensors recorded continuously between January 2018 and January 2020, collecting 2,671 site-days of audio. In total 596 gunshots were detected, including in the most remote areas. There were significant differences in hunting rate between areas (Kruskal-Wallis, χ2 = 102.71, df = 9, p < 0.001). We also found there were significantly fewer gunshots during 2019 than during 2018 (V = 55, p < 0.001). Occupancy modeling showed that hunting increased with decreasing terrain heterogeneity and decreasing distance to roads and villages; and decreased with increasing proximity to Research Camps. These results demonstrated that increasing accessibility increased primate hunting in GCSR, which was exacerbated by the opening of the new road. We also demonstrated that research presence was effective at reducing primate hunting. Unless strict conservation interventions are implemented, including road checkpoints, increasing biomonitoring and hunting patrols, and an island-wide, enforced ban on firearms, GCSR will see a significant decrease in primate density over the next decade, including the potential extinction of Critically Endangered Pennant's red colobus, whose entire population is restricted to GCSR and is a primary target of hunters.
Case Series of Potential Cardiac Inflammation Associated With Various SARS-CoV-2 Vaccinations Assessed by Cardiac MRI
Authors: Jahnke Constantin , Doeblin Patrick , Tanacli Radu , Witt Undine , Schneider Matthias , Stehning Christian , Pieske Burkert , Kelle Sebastian
Published: April 2022

Serious adverse events associated with new vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 are of high interest to the public and to public health as a worldwide mass immunization campaign has been initiated to contain the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We describe a series of 4 individuals with signs of a myocarditis/pericarditis according to cardiac MRI results in temporal association with currently in the European Union authorized SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. We found mild abnormal MRI results independent of the type of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. There is a need of continuing monitoring outcomes of myocarditis cases after COVID-19 vaccination as recently published cases suggest an uncomplicated short-term course whereas the long-term implications are not yet known but taking the available evidence into account the benefits of using COVID-19 vaccines still clearly outweigh the risks.
Shared Decision-Making and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: Saeed Sahrai , Skaar Elisabeth , Romarheim Andrea , Chambers John B. , Bleie Øyvind
Published: April 2022

Patient-centered health care emphasizes shared decision-making (SDM), incorporating both clinical evidence and patient preferences and values. SDM is important in heart valve disease, both because there might be more than one treatment option and due to the importance of adherence after intervention. We aimed to describe patient information and involvement in decision-making about care and recording of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in valve interventions. The opinion piece and recommendations are based upon literature review and our own experience from specialist valve clinics. Before a valve intervention, adequate patient information, discussion of the various treatment options and exploring patient preferences, in line with the concept of SDM, may improve post-intervention quality of life. After intervention, patients with prosthetic heart valves require adequate counseling and close follow-up to make them more confident and competent to manage their own health, as well as to maintain the efficacy of treatment provided. PROMs inform SDM before and improve care after valve intervention, focusing on outcomes beyond mortality and morbidity. SDM may improve post-intervention quality of life. Formal PROMs questionnaires inform SDM, quantify patient centered changes and should be used more often in clinical practice and research. A thorough assessment of baseline frailty status in patients scheduled for valve intervention is essential and may affect postoperative outcome.
Analysis of Failure Mechanics and Energy Evolution of Sandstone Under Uniaxial Loading Based on DIC Technology
Authors: Wei Like , Yuan Qiang , Ren Yiwei , Jiang Deyi , Zhang Dingding , Liu Yongliang , Zou Yunlong , Ren Shicong
Published: April 2022

Energy evolution process of rock deformation is conducive to essentially reveal the rock failure mechanism and is of great significance to uncover the breeding of dynamic disasters in rock engineering. To characterize the damage evolution of energy dissipation during rock failure, the digital image correlation (DIC) technique is proposed to describe the rock failure mechanics and its energy evolution process. The uniaxial compression experiment of sandstone specimen was carried out, and the whole field deformation and failure characteristics of the rock had been captured by the DIC system. Measurement accuracy was verified by the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor, the elastic region of the specimen was divided according to the location of strain localization band (SLB), and the evolution process of elastic strain energy of the rock was analyzed. The results show that the time history development of rock strain obtained by the FBG and DIC system matches identically, and the deviation of peak axial strain of both means is less than 5%, which verifies the applicability of DIC system. The uncoordinated evolution of rock deformation displacement field is discussed to reveal the crack development and failure form of the sandstone specimen under uniaxial compression. The energy evolution of the elastic region of the specimen is revealed, and the development of releasable elastic strain energy would be divided into three stages, which correspond to the stress–strain characteristics of rock failure mechanics. This study could provide an alternative analytical method for the experimental rock mechanics research studies.
On Synchronous Supereruptions
Authors: Cisneros de León Alejandro , Mittal Tushar , de Silva Shanaka L. , Self Stephen , Schmitt Axel K. , Kutterolf Steffen
Published: April 2022

The Youngest Toba Tuff (YTT) supereruption from Toba Caldera in Sumatra atca. 74,000 years BP is the largest volcanic event recorded in the Pleistocene. Intriguingly, recent radioisotopic dating of the near antipodal Los Chocoyos (LCY) supereruption from the Atitlán caldera in Guatemala finds an identical age within uncertainties to that of YTT. This opens the question of whether these synchronous supereruptions may be a coincidence or could be a consequence of each other? Using the known eruptive record from the past 2 Myr, we find that the likelihood of having two near antipodal supereruptions (>1,000 km3tephra volume) within centuries (<400 years), as suggested by volcanic proxies and annual counting layer chronology in the ice core records, is very small (0.086%), requiring a non-random cause and effect. Considering this analysis, we speculate that one potential physical mechanism that could explain the temporal relationship between these supereruptions is that seismic energy released during YTT eruption focused on the antipodal region, where concentrated stresses ultimately promoted the eruption of the perched LCY magma system (or vice versa). This supereruption “double-whammy” may thus be the more compelling source of the significant environmental impacts often attributed individually to the YTT supereruption. Improving the existing age information of YTT and LCY, and a better understanding of caldera collapse events will enable further testing of the hypothesis that synchronous supereruptions do not result by pure chance.
A Thermogravimetric Temperature-Programmed Thermal Redox Protocol for Rapid Screening of Metal Oxides for Solar Thermochemical Hydrogen Production
Authors: Sanders Michael D. , Bergeson-Keller Anyka M. , Coker Eric N. , O’Hayre Ryan P.
Published: April 2022

As combinatorial and computational methods accelerate the identification of potentially suitable thermochemically-active oxides for use in solar thermochemical hydrogen production (STCH), the onus shifts to quickly evaluating predicted performance. Traditionally, this has required an experimental setup capable of directly carrying out a two-stage thermochemical water-splitting process. But this can be a difficult endeavor, as most off-the-shelf equipment cannot adequately deal simultaneously with the high temperatures, varying oxygen partial pressures, and high H2O partial pressures required; achieving sufficient temporal sensitivity to accurately quantify the kinetics is also a major challenge. However, as proposed here, a less complicated experiment can be used as a first screening for thermochemical water splitting potential. Temperature-Programmed Thermal Redox (TPTR) using thermogravimetry evaluates the thermal reduction behavior of materials. This technique does not require water splitting or CO2-splitting analogs but can nonetheless predict water-splitting performance. Three figures of merit are obtained from the TPTR experiment: reduction onset temperature, extent of reduction, and extent of recovery upon reoxidation. These metrics can collectively be used to determine if a material is capable of thermochemical water-splitting, and, to good approximation, predict whether the thermodynamics are favorable for use under more challenging high-conversion conditions. This paper discusses the pros and cons of using TPTR and proposes a protocol for use within the STCH community.
Assessment of Environmental and Social Effects of Rural Toilet Retrofitting on a Regional Scale in China
Authors: Gao Yi , Tan Lu , Zhang Chunxue , Li Qian , Wei Xiaocheng , Yang Bo , Chen Peizhen , Zheng Xiangqun , Xu Yan
Published: April 2022

In China, more than 47 million toilets in rural areas have been upgraded since the nationwide sanitation program, popularly referred to as the “toilet revolution,” was launched in 2015. However, little is currently known about the environmental risks of manure, or rural residents’ satisfaction. Here, we have selected 50 rural residents from 10 provinces and focused on two types of toilets to evaluate the environmental and social impacts of improving toilets in rural areas. The monitoring results showed that human excrement was mainly alkaline, and the concentrations of total nitrogen and phosphorus in the composting toilets ranged from 259.21 to 330.46 mg/kg and from 2.71 to 3.71 mg/kg, respectively, while their contents in septic tank effluents were generally 381.31–2040.84 mg/L and 10.41–80.46 mg/L, respectively. The pH and EC values exceeded the soil background value in individual regions, and the harmless effect of the two types of toilets did not fully meet the standard requirements, indicating that toilet manure, albeit possessed certain resource utilization potential, guard against the risk of pollution. Additionally, based on a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model, it was found that the comprehensive evaluation score of Jiangsu Province is the highest, that of Gansu Province is the lowest, and the overall score is “high in the southeast and low in the northwest.” This study provides basic data and references for establishing a scientific and feasible evaluation system of rural toilet retrofitting and strengthens government guidance and training related to toilet retrofitting.
Impact of Environmental Regulation on Green Technology Adoption by Farmers Microscopic Investigation Evidence From Pig Breeding in China
Authors: Lu Yang , Tan Yongfeng , Wang Hongmei
Published: April 2022

Facing of increasingly serious resource and environmental constraints, the adoption of green technology has become the key to driving the green production transformation of farmers under the constraints of environmental regulation. Whether environmental regulation can improve the adoption of green technology in breeding industry still needs to be further tested. Based on the survey data of 544 pig farmers in Sichuan, Shandong, Henan and Hebei provinces, this paper first measures the adoption degree of green breeding technology by using the coefficient of variation method. Then, the econometric model is used to empirically test the relationship between environmental regulation and farmers’ adoption of green technology. The results show that: firstly, environmental regulation can improve the adoption of green technology by farmers; Economic incentive regulation and educational guidance regulation can significantly improve the adoption of green technology by farmers from the perspective of environmental regulation. Secondly, environmental regulation has different effects on the adoption of green technology of different attributes of farmers. Its effect on the adoption of resource utilization technology is higher than that of harmless treatment technology and higher than that of reduction technology. Different dimensions of environmental regulation have different effects on the adoption of green technology by farmers with different attributes. Thirdly, the impact of environmental regulation on the adoption of green technology by different scale farmers is different, and its impact on high-scale farmers is more obvious. At the same time, different dimensions of environmental regulation have different effects on the adoption of green technology by farmers of different sizes.
Spatiotemporal Patterns of Diarrhea Incidence in Ghana and the Impact of Meteorological and Socio-Demographic Factors
Authors: Asare Ernest O. , Warren Joshua L. , Pitzer Virginia E.
Published: April 2022

Background

Diarrhea remains a significant public health problem and poses a considerable financial burden on Ghana's health insurance scheme. In order to prioritize district-level hotspots of diarrhea incidence for effective targeted interventions, it is important to understand the potential drivers of spatiotemporal patterns of diarrhea. We aimed to identify the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of diarrhea incidence in Ghana and explore how meteorological and socio-demographic factors influence the patterns.

Methods

We used monthly district-level clinically diagnosed diarrhea data between 2012 and 2018 obtained from the Center for Health Information and Management of the Ghana Health Services. We utilized a hierarchical Bayesian spatiotemporal modeling framework to evaluate potential associations between district-level monthly diarrhea incidence and meteorological variables (mean temperature, diurnal temperature range, surface water presence) and socio-demographic factors (population density, Gini index, District League Table score) in Ghana. In addition, we investigated whether these associations were consistent across the four agro-ecological zones.

Results

There was considerable spatial heterogeneity in diarrhea patterns across the districts, with clusters of high diarrhea risk areas mostly found in the transition and savannah zones. The average monthly temporal patterns of diarrhea revealed a weak biannual seasonality with major and minor peaks in June and October, respectively, coinciding with the major and minor rainy seasons. We found a significant association between both meteorological and socio-demographic factors and diarrhea risk, but the strength and direction of associations differed across the four agro-ecological zones. Surface water presence demonstrated consistently positive, while diurnal temperature range and population density demonstrated consistently negative associations with diarrhea both overall and across the agro-ecological zones.

Conclusions

Although overall diarrhea incidence is declining in Ghana, our results revealed high-risk districts that could benefit from district-specific tailored intervention strategies to improve control efforts. Ghana health sector policy-makers can use these results to assess the effectiveness of ongoing interventions at the district level and prioritize resource allocation for diarrhea control.
Meta-Analyses of Splicing and Expression Quantitative Trait Loci Identified Susceptibility Genes of Glioma
Authors: Patro C. Pawan K. , Nousome Darryl ,   The Glioma International Case Control Study (GICC), Lai Rose K.
Published: April 2022

Background

The functions of most glioma risk alleles are unknown. Very few studies had evaluated expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL), and insights of susceptibility genes were limited due to scarcity of available brain tissues. Moreover, no prior study had examined the effect of glioma risk alleles on alternative RNA splicing.

Objective

This study explored splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTL) as molecular QTL and improved the power of QTL mapping through meta-analyses of both cis eQTL and sQTL.

Methods

We first evaluated eQTLs and sQTLs of the CommonMind Consortium (CMC) and Genotype-Tissue Expression Project (GTEx) using genotyping, or whole-genome sequencing and RNA-seq data. Alternative splicing events were characterized using an annotation-free method that detected intron excision events. Then, we conducted meta-analyses by pooling the eQTL and sQTL results of CMC and GTEx using the inverse variance-weighted model. Afterward, we integrated QTL meta-analysis results (Q < 0.05) with the Glioma International Case Control Study (GICC) GWAS meta-analysis (case:12,496, control:18,190), using a summary statistics-based mendelian randomization (SMR) method.

Results

Between CMC and GTEx, we combined the QTL data of 354 unique individuals of European ancestry. SMR analyses revealed 15 eQTLs in 11 loci and 32 sQTLs in 9 loci relevant to glioma risk. Two loci only harbored sQTLs (1q44 and 16p13.3). In seven loci, both eQTL and sQTL coexisted (2q33.3, 7p11.2, 11q23.3 15q24.2, 16p12.1, 20q13.33, and 22q13.1), but the target genes were different for five of these seven loci. Three eQTL loci (9p21.3, 20q13.33, and 22q13.1) and 4 sQTL loci (11q23.3, 16p13.3, 16q12.1, and 20q13.33) harbored multiple target genes. Eight target genes of sQTLs (C2orf80, SEC61G, TMEM25, PHLDB1, RP11-161M6.2, HEATR3, RTEL1-TNFRSF6B, and LIME1) had multiple alternatively spliced transcripts.

Conclusion

Our study revealed that the regulation of transcriptome by glioma risk alleles is complex, with the potential for eQTL and sQTL jointly affecting gliomagenesis in risk loci. QTLs of many loci involved multiple target genes, some of which were specific to alternative splicing. Therefore, quantitative trait loci that evaluate only total gene expression will miss many important target genes.
Genome-Wide Association Study and FST Analysis Reveal Four Quantitative Trait Loci and Six Candidate Genes for Meat Color in Pigs
Authors: Liu Hang , Hou Liming , Zhou Wuduo , Wang Binbin , Han Pingping , Gao Chen , Niu Peipei , Zhang Zongping , Li Qiang , Huang Ruihua , Li Pinghua
Published: April 2022

Meat color is the primary criterion by which consumers evaluate meat quality. However, there are a few candidate genes and molecular markers of meat color that were reported for pig molecular breeding. The purpose of the present study is to identify the candidate genes affecting meat color and provide the theoretical basis for meat color molecular breeding. A total of 306 Suhuai pigs were slaughtered, and meat color was evaluated at 45 min and 24 h after slaughter by CIELAB color space. All individuals were genotyped using GeneSeek GGP-Porcine 80K SNP BeadChip. The genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs), heritability, and genetic correlation of meat color were calculated by DMU software. The genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and the fixation index (FST) tests were performed to identify SNPs related to meat color, and the candidate genes within 1 Mb upstream and downstream of significant SNPs were screened by functional enrichment analysis. The heritability of L* 45 min, L* 24 h, a* 45 min, a* 24 h, b* 45 min, and b* 24 h was 0.20, 0.16, 0.30, 0.13, 0.29, and 0.22, respectively. The genetic correlation between a* (a* 45 min and a* 24 h) and L* (L* 45 min and L* 24 h) is strong, whereas the genetic correlation between b* 45 min and b* 24 h is weak. Forty-nine significant SNPs associated with meat color were identified through GWAS and FST tests. Among these SNPs, 34 SNPs were associated with L* 45 min within a 5-Mb region on Sus scrofa chromosome 11 (SSC11); 22 SNPs were associated with a* 45 min within a 14.72-Mb region on SSC16; six SNPs were associated with b* 45 min within a 4.22-Mb region on SSC13; 11 SNPs were associated with b* 24 h within a 2.12-Mb region on SSC3. These regions did not overlap with meat color–associated QTLs reported previously. Moreover, six candidate genes (HOMER1, PIK3CG, PIK3CA, VCAN, FABP3, and FKBP1B), functionally related to muscle development, phosphatidylinositol phosphorylation, and lipid binding, were detected around these significant SNPs. Taken together, our results provide a set of potential molecular markers for the genetic improvement of meat color in pigs.
Vaginal Microbiota Diversity in Response to Lipopolysaccharide in Gilts Housed Under Three Housing Systems
Authors: Alves Luana , de Novais Francisco José , da Silva Arthur Nery , Araujo Michelle Silva , Bernardino Thiago , Osowski Germana Vizzotto , Zanella Ricardo , Lee Settles Matthew , Holmes Mark A. , Fukumasu Heidge , Ruiz Vera Letticie de Azevedo , Zanella Adroaldo José
Published: April 2022

The United Kingdom and European Union have banned crates for pregnant sows. However, animals are kept in a restrictive environment for up to four weeks after mating, leading to stress and different responses of the animals’ immune system. Here, we used vaginal flushing of gilts to investigate whether housing systems or an experimental inflammatory challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can modify the gilt vaginal microbiome. Alpha-diversity indices showed differences in the microbiota of gilts housed under different systems (q = 0.04). Shannon alpha-diversity richness was higher in gilts group-housed in pens than in gilts housed in crates (q = 0.035), but not higher than in other groups. The relative abundance of the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) (q < 0.05) revealed specific differences in housing systems before a LPS or saline (SAL control) challenge. We found different abundances in taxa of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria in gilts housed in the different systems before challenge. After the LPS challenge, significant differences were detected in the relative abundance of OTUs (q < 0.05) for the LPS-challenged group compared with SAL animals for each housing system. The phylum Staphylococcus showed higher abundance among the LPS-challenged gilts than in SAL-challenged animals. Furthermore, Enterobacter was more abundant in the LPS-challenged gilts housed in crates than in SAL-challenged gilts housed in crates. Streptococcus suis, Conchiformibius, Globicatella and Actinobacillus were more abundant in LPS-challenged gilts in indoor group housing than in SAL gilts in the same housing system. Gilts kept outdoors did not show changes in vaginal microbiota after an LPS challenge. Gilts housed in crates showed clinical signs of urogenital infection, whereas gilts housed outdoors and in indoor group housing did not. The relationship between environment, immune response, and microbiota suggested that animals in a poor environments experience difficulties responding to a challenge and their vaginal microbiota is altered as a consequence, with decreased richness of normal vaginal microbiota, and increased opportunistic bacteria. Welfare indicators measured by gilts’ responses to housing systems however, do not fully explain mechanisms associated with the unique signature in vaginal microbiota encountered in the different housing systems.
Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis Identifies a New Stemness Index-Related Survival Model for Prognostic Prediction in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hou Shaohui , Xu Hongrui , Liu Shuzhong , Yang Bingjun , Li Li , Zhao Hui , Jiang Chunyang
Published: April 2022

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most lethal malignancies and is currently lacking in effective biomarkers to assist in diagnosis and therapy. The aim of this study is to investigate hub genes and develop a risk signature for predicting prognosis of LUAD patients. Methods: RNA-sequencing data and relevant clinical data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify hub genes associated with mRNA expression-based stemness indices (mRNAsi) in TCGA. We utilized LASSO Cox regression to assemble our predictive model. To validate our predictive model, me applied it to an external cohort. Results: mRNAsi index was significantly associated with the tissue type of LUAD, and high mRNAsi scores may have a protective influence on survival outcomes seen in LUAD patients. WGCNA indicated that the turquoise module was significantly correlated with the mRNAsi. We identified a 9-gene signature (CENPW, MCM2, STIL, RACGAP1, ASPM, KIF14, ANLN, CDCA8, and PLK1) from the turquoise module that could effectively identify a high-risk subset of these patients. Using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve, as well as the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (tdROC) analysis, we determined that this gene signature had a strong predictive ability (AUC = 0.716). By combining the 9-gene signature with clinicopathological features, we were able to design a predictive nomogram. Finally, we additionally validated the 9-gene signature using two external cohorts from GEO and the model proved to be of high value. Conclusion: Our study shows that the 9-gene mRNAsi-related signature can predict the prognosis of LUAD patient and contribute to decisions in the treatment and prevention of LUAD patients.
The Roles of Noncoding RNAs in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Liu Yongmei , Cheng Linlin , Zhan Haoting , Li Haolong , Li Xiaomeng , Huang Yuan , Li Yongzhe
Published: April 2022

Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) constitute more than 90% of the RNAs in the human genome. In the past decades, studies have changed our perception of ncRNAs from “junk” transcriptional products to functional regulatory molecules that mediate critical processes, including chromosomal modifications, mRNA splicing and stability, and translation, as well as key signaling pathways. Emerging evidence suggests that ncRNAs are abnormally expressed in not only cancer but also autoimmune diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), and may serve as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of SSc. However, the functions and underlying mechanisms of ncRNAs in SSc remain incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss the current findings on the biogenetic processes and functions of ncRNAs, including microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, as well as explore emerging ncRNA-based diagnostics and therapies for SSc.