bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of radon and natural radioactive emissions from two of the most widely used construction materials in Egypt
Authors: Abd-Elghany Amr A. , Diab Hassan M. , Yousef Ahmed M. M. , Saleh Hosam M.
Published: November 2023

As the risk of lung cancer increases with increasing radon exposure, the preferred measure of this risk is the long-term average radon level. The assessment of the radiation risk in workplaces in Egypt is constrained by the lack of experimental data about the measurements of natural radioactivity emitted from some common building materials and radon concentration within the buildings. The natural radioactive Ra-226, Th-232 series, and K-40 were computed in (Bq/kg) by a pure hyperactive germanium detector based on gamma spectroscopy to determine the potential health risk from exposure to gamma radiation induced by commonly used construction materials in Egypt such as ceramics and granite materials. The spatial variations of radon concentrations within two buildings, in over 50 rooms, made from two different types of building materials were surveyed using nuclear detectors (CR-39) to assess radon concentration for two successive 6 months. To analyze the relationship through radon concentration and floor levels for the use of ceramic tile improved construction materials, tier average ratios respecting the ground floor as a reference-grade consideration were also computed. All the findings of this research were analyzed and contrasted with the traditional ceramic construction material and it was clear that the “ceramics tile construction building” is a hygienic workplace which may be attributed to the use of improved construction materials and radiation shielding.
Size-correlated polymorphisms in phyllotaxis-like periodic and symmetric tentacle arrangements in hydrozoan Coryne uchidai
Authors: Sarper Safiye E. , Kitazawa Miho S. , Nakanishi Tamami , Fujimoto Koichi
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Periodic organ arrangements occur during growth and development and are widespread in animals and plants. In bilaterian animals, repetitive organs can be interpreted as being periodically arranged along the two-dimensional space and defined by two body axes; on the other hand, in radially symmetrical animals and plants, organs are arranged in the three-dimensional space around the body axis and around plant stems, respectively. The principles of periodic organ arrangement have primarily been investigated in bilaterians; however, studies on this phenomenon in radially symmetrical animals are scarce.

Methods: In the present study, we combined live imaging, quantitative analysis, and mathematical modeling to elucidate periodic organ arrangement in a radially symmetrical animal, Coryne uchidai (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa).

Results: The polyps of C. uchidai simultaneously formed multiple tentacles to establish a regularly angled, ring-like arrangement with radial symmetry. Multiple rings periodically appeared throughout the body and mostly maintained symmetry. Furthermore, we observed polymorphisms in symmetry type, including tri-, tetra-, and pentaradial symmetries, as individual variations. Notably, the types of radial symmetry were positively correlated with polyp diameter, with a larger diameter in pentaradial polyps than in tetra- and triradial ones. Our mathematical model suggested the selection of size-correlated radial symmetry based on the activation-inhibition and positional information from the mouth of tentacle initiation.

Discussion: Our established quantification methods and mathematical model for tentacle arrangements are applicable to other radially symmetrical animals, and will reveal the widespread association between size-correlated symmetry and periodic arrangement principles.
Heparanase contributes to pancreatic carcinoma progression through insulin-dependent glucose uptake
Authors: Abecassis Alexia , Hermano Esther , Yifrach Adi , Popovtzer Aron , Meirovitz Amichay , Elkin Michael
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive tumor, which is highly resistant to existing therapies and characterized by one of the lowest survival rates known for solid cancers. Among the reasons for this poor prognosis are unique pathophysiological features of PDAC, such as dense extracellular matrix [ECM] creating barriers to drug delivery, as well as systemically-deregulated glucose metabolism manifested by diabetic conditions (i.e., hyperinsulinemia/hyperglycemia) occurring in the majority of PDAC patients. Moreover, in addition to systemically deregulated glucose homeostasis, intracellular metabolic pathways in PDAC are rewired toward increased glucose uptake/anabolic metabolism by the tumor cells. While the role of oncogene-driven programs in governing these processes is actively studied, mechanisms linking metabolic dysregulation and ECM enzymatic remodeling to PDAC progression/therapy resistance are less appreciated. The aim of the current study was to investigate the action of heparanase (the predominant mammalian enzyme that degrades heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan in the ECM), as a molecular link between the diabetic state and the intracellular metabolic rewiring in PDAC pathogenesis. Here we show that in PDAC elevated levels of heparanase, coupled with diabetic conditions typical for PDAC patients, promote growth and chemotherapy resistance of pancreatic carcinoma by favoring insulin receptor signaling and GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake into tumor cells. Collectively, our findings underscore previously unknown mechanism through which heparanase acts at the interface of systemic and intracellular metabolic alterations in PDAC and attest the enzyme as an important and potentially modifiable contributor to the chemo-resistance of pancreatic tumors.
Bacterial zoonoses impacts to conservation of wildlife populations: a global synthesis
Authors: Hirst Kristen M. , Halsey Samniqueka J.
Published: November 2023

Emerging infectious diseases have significantly increased in recent years; approximately 60% of these emerging diseases are of zoonotic origin, and of those, around 70% were identified to start with wild animals. To better understand the impacts of zoonotic diseases on wildlife, there is a need to identify the distribution and impact of zoonotic pathogens in wildlife, particular those species with threatened populations. To investigate this question, we constructed a zoonotic disease database identifying wildlife hosts for each bacterial zoonotic disease and recorded clinical signs of disease for each host-pathogen relationship if found. Species of least concern were found to have a significantly higher prevalence and richness of zoonotic bacterial diseases (n= 0.0608, x2 = 5.898, p=0.01516). The taxonomic level Order was found to be the best predictor for pathogen richness, and the Artiodactyla and Carnivora contain a significantly higher pathogen richness than other vertebrate Orders. Species with the greatest pathogen richness include the wild boar (Sus scrofa, n=66), Northern raccoon (Procyon lotor, n=16) and the red fox (Vulpes vulpes, n=41). Our results indicate bacterial zoonoses are not likely to be a driving factor of species population declines, and future zoonotic disease surveillance efforts should target species in the Artiodactyla and Carnivora families. The wild boar (Sus scrofa) in particular may be a good candidate for zoonotic disease monitoring due to its high pathogen richness, wide range, and large population. Understanding the impacts and distribution of bacterial zoonoses in wildlife populations can help in planning for future wildlife management efforts, particularly in species of conservation concern and wildlife disease monitoring.
Managing wolf impacts on sheep husbandry: a collaborative implementation and assessment of damage prevention measures in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Salvatori Valeria , Marino Agnese , Ciucci Paolo , Galli Claudio , Machetti Massimo , Passalacqua Edoardo , Ricci Simone , Romeo Giorgia , Rosso Fabio , Tudini Lucia
Published: November 2023

Wolves in Europe are expanding their range and significantly impacting farming livelihoods and landscapes. Damage prevention measures such as livestock guarding dogs and night-time enclosures have proven successful in mitigating losses. However, they are often implemented as top-down measures without a proper understanding of the farming dynamics they are meant to alter, making them unappealing and difficult to implement for farmers. Semi-extensive, small scale livestock farming systems are particularly vulnerable and diverse, requiring specific care and catered support when addressing issues related to wildlife management. In these contexts, it is crucial to employ adaptive management approaches that enable solutions to be collaboratively designed at the grassroots level. Here we propose a method for centring the experiences and knowledge of local farmers to co-produce damage prevention practices that better address their needs. We developed this approach in the course of the LIFE MEDWOLF project, which was implemented in the province of Grosseto, Italy, between 2012 and 2017. The project brought together local authorities, environmental associations, farming unions and individual farmers to develop tailor-made damage prevention measures and assess their technical and economic impact, through a stepwise process. Collaboration with 86 local farmers resulted in >50 modifications to the original project plan, and an overall 50% reduction of preyed livestock in farms that participated in the project. Our findings highlight the benefits of collaboratively designing, implementing, and monitoring damage prevention measures with farmers. Based on these results, we reflect on the importance of integrating local and scientific knowledge, on the implications this has had on stakeholder relations, and on the challenges that we faced in upscaling this management approach.
Effect of intermediate-term firewood smoke air pollution on cardiometabolic risk factors and inflammatory markers
Authors: Lanas Fernando , Saavedra Nicolás , Saavedra Kathleen , Hevia Montserrat , Seron Pamela , Salazar Luis A.
Published: November 2023

Background

Temuco is a city in Southern Chile with elevated levels of air pollution (AP), mainly due to using wood as combustion throughout the cold season. The study aimed to assess the differences in cardiometabolic risk factors, estimated cardiovascular risk, and blood level of inflammatory markers between high AP (HAP) and low AP (LAP) periods.

Methods

A prospective panel study was conducted between January to September 2018. Air pollution was assessed by PM2.5 concentration. Ninety individuals from the general population were included in the study. Measurements were performed in the HAP and LAP, including medical history and lifestyle, physical activity assessment, physical exam, and fasting blood samples for glucose, lipids, and circulatory inflammatory mediators.

Results

In the high air pollution period, systolic blood pressure was 3 mmHg higher (p = 0.05). HDL-cholesterol was 14.2 mg/dl lower (p < 0.001), Framingham risk score increased from 14.5 to 18.0 (p < 0.001), and highly significant lower levels of interleukins, MCP1, MMP1, MMP2, sICAM, and svCAM were observed.

Conclusions

HAP was associated with increased cardiometabolic risk factors and estimated cardiovascular risk. However, a lower level of circulating acute inflammatory molecules was observed. Inflammatory molecules blood levels were not associated with changes in cardiometabolic risk factors.
Detection of suspended macroplastics using acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP) echo
Authors: Boon Anouk , Buschman Frans A. , van Emmerik Tim H. M. , Broere Sophie , Vermeulen Bart
Published: November 2023

Plastic pollution has become an enormous environmental problem, endangering ecosystems, livelihoods, safety and human health. Large quantities of plastics are trapped in or transported by rivers. Monitoring methods mostly focus on plastics floating at the surface or deposited on riverbanks, while a substantial part of plastics may be transported below the water surface. Available underwater monitoring methods rely on nets and large equipment, making them labour-intensive, expensive and invasive. The measurements are, therefore, limited to occasional point measurements. In this paper, we explore the potential of echo sounding for the monitoring of suspended macroplastic (plastic items bigger than 5 mm). We performed tests in a controlled (basin), a semi-controlled (harbour) and an uncontrolled (river) environment using the high-end Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). This device is already in use for the estimation of flow velocity and suspended sediment concentrations using the wide network of ADCPs in the Netherlands and other countries. In the undisturbed controlled environment, 25 items varying in size, material, and orientation could be detected up to at least 4.6 m from the ADCP. The semi-controlled experiments showed that most of these items can also be detected among other naturally occurring scatterers, such as aquatic life, organic material and air bubbles. The field tests under natural conditions, combining ADCP and net measurements, showed that ADCP data can be calibrated towards a correct order of magnitude estimate of plastic transport. The coupling of the ADCP data to item characteristics such as size, material and orientation is still challenging, but more research into, for example, the signature of items may enable distinguishing item characteristics. This fundamental knowledge, combined with repetitions of validated field measurements under different flow conditions, is needed for the development of a robust monitoring method. Such a method may enable continuous or cross-sectional monitoring of suspended plastics and give insight into historic and plastic transport through 30-year long datasets. These insights can help improve and determine the effect of current mitigation and cleaning efforts.
Case Report: Adrenocortical carcinoma in children—symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Zagojska Estera , Malka Magdalena , Gorecka Adrianna , Ben-Skowronek Iwona
Published: November 2023

Adrenocortical carcinomas are extremely rare in the paediatric population. Most of them are hormone-secretive lesions; therefore, they should be taken into consideration in a child with signs of precocious puberty and/or Cushing’s syndrome symptoms. Nonetheless, differentiation from benign adrenal tumours is necessary. We report a rare case of adrenocortical carcinoma in a girl and a literature review using the PubMed database. A four-year-old girl presented with rapidly progressing precocious puberty and signs of Cushing’s syndrome. Imaging of the abdomen revealed a large heterogeneous solid mass. Histopathologic evaluation confirmed adrenocortical carcinoma with high mitotic activity, atypical mitoses, pleomorphism, necrosis, and vascular invasion. After tumourectomy, a decrease of previously elevated hormonal blood parameters was observed. Genetic tests confirmed Li Fraumeni syndrome. Adrenocortical carcinoma should be suspected in children with premature pubarche and signs of Cushing’s syndrome. Diagnosis must be based on clinical presentation, hormonal tests, imaging, and histopathological evaluation. Complete surgical resection of the tumour is the gold standard. Oncological treatment in children is not yet well-studied and should be individually considered, especially in advanced, inoperable carcinomas with metastases. Genetic investigations are useful for determining the prognosis in patients and their siblings.
Serum VEGF as a predictive marker of glycemic control and diabetic nephropathy in Chinese older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jiang Yanyan , Li Jianhua , Zhang Juan , Chen Sufang
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Recent researches have demonstrated good correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, this relationship seems less clear-cut when VEGF was measured in blood samples. We tended to explore the possible association between serum VEGF and glycemic control and diabetic nephropathy severity in Chinese older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 595 older T2DM adults at random. Participants were clinically grouped across the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and the HbA1c tertiles by genders. Linear regressions were performed for the correlation of VEGF with HbA1c and UACR and binary logistic regressions for the odds of DN after adjusting for confounders. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were conducted for the predictive value of VEGF for DN.

Results

Both males and females with DN exhibited higher VEGF levels than non-DN (P < 0.001). Furthermore, a positive correlation of VEGF with UACR and HbA1c was presented regardless of adjusting confounding factors (P < 0.001). Serum VEGF level and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were independent risk factors of DN in older adults of both genders (P < 0.05), while the risk prediction of DN by HbA1c only reflected in female patients (P < 0.05). The ROC curve of VEGF for DN had the area under curve (AUC) of 0.819 for males and 0.793 for females, indicating the clinical value of serum VEGF as a predictive biomarker.

Conclusions

Serum VEGF was strongly associated with UACR and HbA1c in both genders, and could be regarded as a predictive biomarker for glycemic control and diabetic nephropathy in older adults with T2DM.
Causal relationship between linoleic acid and type 2 diabetes and glycemic traits: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liang Hao , Mu Hai-Bo , Zhang Fei-Hu , Li Wen-Qiang , Li Guo-Chen , Li Wen-Dong , Liang Min , He Zeng-Lin
Published: November 2023

Objective

To investigate the causal relationships between linoleic acid and type 2 diabetes, and between linoleic acid and glycemic traits in European populations.

Methods

This study employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach to infer causality between linoleic acid and type 2 diabetes, as well as between linoleic acid and glycemic traits, leveraging genetic variations. Data were sourced from genome-wide association study summary datasets. Random-effects inverse-variance weighted, weighted median, and MR-Egger methods were used for the two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. Results were presented as odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess result robustness.

Results

MR findings indicated a correlation between linoleic acid levels and the risk of type 2 diabetes, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), but not with fasting insulin. Specifically: type 2 diabetes (OR: 0.811, 95% CI: 0.688–0.956, P=0.013<0.05),fasting blood glucose (β_IVW): -0.056, 95% CI: (-0.091,-0.021), P=0.002< 0.0125), glycated hemoglobin (β_IVW: -0.032, 95% CI: (-0.048,-0.015), P=0.0002< 0.0125) and Fasting insulin (β_IVW: -0.024, 95% CI: (-0.056,-0.008), P=0.136 >0.05).Reverse MR analyses showed a correlation between type 2 diabetes and reduced levels of linoleic acid (β_IVW: -0.033, 95% CI: (-0.059,-0.006), P=0.014<0.05). Multiple sensitivity analyses also detected study heterogeneity but found no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy.

Conclusion

High levels linoleic acid can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, fasting blood glucose, and glycated hemoglobin, but has no significant relation with fasting insulin. Type 2 diabetes can lower linoleic acid levels; however, no significant causal relationship was observed between the three glycemic traits and reduced levels of linoleic acid.
The role of bone modifying agents for secondary osteoporosis prevention and pain control in post-menopausal osteopenic breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant aromatase inhibitors
Authors: Galvano Antonio , Gristina Valerio , Scaturro Dalila , Bazan Russo Tancredi Didier , Tomasello Sofia , Vitagliani Fabio , Carità Federica , La Mantia Maria , Fulfaro Fabio , Bazan Viviana , Mauro Giulia Letizia , Russo Antonio
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Hormonal therapy (HT) blocks the hormone-mediated growth signal dramatically reducing estrogenic levels with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) becoming a crucial component of the treatment mainstay in patients with early breast cancer (BC). Postmenopausal BC patients receiving HT present with a significant risk of secondary osteoporosis with AIs further reducing estrogen levels and ultimately leading to an accelerated rate of bone resorption and thus decreased bone mineral density (BMD). This was an observational retrospective clinical study that consecutively enrolled early BC patients with osteopenia to compare the impact of alendronate versus denosumab on secondary osteoporosis prevention and pain control.

Methods

We identified two groups of patients treated with denosumab 60 mg by subcutaneous injection once every six months or alendronate 70 mg orally once a week. All the patients underwent a baseline physiatric evaluation (T0) and underwent a follow-up visit after 18 months (T1) together with femoral and vertebral Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) exam evaluating T-Score marks. From September 2015 to December 2019 a total of 50 early (stage I-III) BC patients were considered eligible and consecutively enrolled in our study if they met pre-specified inclusion criteria.

Results

In the entire observed population, the addition of treatment with alendronate or denosumab led to a significant T-score improvement at the lumbar spine level (-1.92 vs -1.52, p=0.03), with a comparable contribution from alendronate (-1.60 vs -1.45, p=0.07) and denosumab (-2.26 vs -1.58, p=0.07). Regarding the femoral region, neither alendronate (-0.98 vs -1.07, p=0.23) nor denosumab (-1.39 vs -1.34, p=0.81) were able to produce any statistically relevant effect. However, concerning pain control, BMAs had a significant impact on reducing NRS scoresin the general population (T1 3.94 vs. baseline 4.32, p=0.007), with a likelyspecific contribution from alendronate (T1 3.52 vs. baseline 3.88, p=0.004) compared to denosumab (T1 4.36 vs baseline 4.76, p=0.12), without any differences in analgesic therapy assumption over time (p=0.93).

Discussion

Both alendronate and denosumab significantly contributed to preventing secondary osteoporosis in early BC patients with low BMD undergoing AIs, mostly at the lumbar spine level. Moreover, alendronate seemed to significantly impact pain control in such patients further supporting alendronate as a cost-effective option in this frail setting, although BMAs particularities should be carefully considered on an individual basis according to specific clinical contexts.
Assessment of different classification systems for predicting the risk of superior laryngeal nerve injury during thyroid surgery: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Changlin , Zhang Jiao , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Sun Hui
Published: November 2023

Background

A multitude of anatomical variations have been noted in the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN). In this study, intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) was used to assess the potential value of the different classical EBSLN classifications for predicting the risk of EBSLN injury.

Methods

In total, 136 patients with thyroid nodules were included in this prospective cohort study, covering 242 nerves at risk (NAR). The EBSLN was identified by observing the cricothyroid muscle twitch and/or typical electromyography (EMG) biphasic waveform. The EBSLNs were classified by Cernea classification, Kierner classification, and Friedman classification, respectively. The EMG parameters and outcomes of vocal acoustic assessment were recorded.

Results

The distribution of Cernea, Kiernea, and Friedman subtypes were, respectively, Cernea 1 (40.9%), Cernea 2A (45.5%), Cernea 2B (10.7%), Kierner 1 (40.9%), Kierner 2 (45.5%), Kierner 3 (10.7%), Kierner 4 (2.9%) and Friedman 1 (15.7%), Friedman 2 (33.9%), Friedman 3 (50.4%). The amplitudes of EBSLN decreased significantly after superior thyroid pole operation, respectively, in Cernea 2A (193.7 vs. 226.6μV, P=0.019), Cernea 2B (185.8 vs. 221.3μV, P=0.039), Kierner 2 (193.7vs. 226.6μV, P=0.019), Kierner 3 (185.8 vs. 221.3μV, P=0.039), Kierner 4 (126.8vs. 226.0μV, P=0.015) and Friedman type 2 (184.8 vs. 221.6μV, P=0.030). There were significant differences in Fmax and Frange for Cernea 2A (P=0.001, P=0.001), 2B (P=0.001, P=0.038), Kierner 2 (P=0.001), Kierner 3 (P=0.001, P=0.038), and Friedman 2 (P=0.004, P=0.014). In the predictive efficacy of EBSLN injury, the Friedman classification showed higher accuracy (69.8% vs. 44.3% vs. 45.0%), sensitivity (19.5% vs. 11.0% vs. 14.0%), and specificity (95.6% vs. 89.9% vs. 89.9%) than the Cernea and Kierner classifications. However, the false negative rate of Friedman classification was significantly higher than other subtypes (19.5% vs. 11.0% vs. 14.0%).

Conclusion

Cernea 2A and 2B; Kierner 2, 3, and 4; and Friedman 2 were defined as the high-risk subtypes of EBSLN. The risk prediction ability of the Friedman classification was found to be superior compared to other classifications.
PAM variants in patients with thyrotrophinomas, cyclical Cushing’s disease and prolactinomas
Authors: De Sousa Sunita M. C. , Shen Angeline , Yates Christopher J. , Clifton-Bligh Roderick , Santoreneos Stephen , King James , Toubia John , Trivellin Giampaolo , Lania Andrea G. , Stratakis Constantine A. , Torpy David J. , Scott Hamish S.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Germline loss-of-function variants in PAM, encoding peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), were recently discovered to be enriched in conditions of pathological pituitary hypersecretion, specifically: somatotrophinoma, corticotrophinoma, and prolactinoma. PAM is the sole enzyme responsible for C-terminal amidation of peptides, and plays a role in the biosynthesis and regulation of multiple hormones, including proopiomelanocortin (POMC).

Methods

We performed exome sequencing of germline and tumour DNA from 29 individuals with functioning pituitary adenomas (12 prolactinomas, 10 thyrotrophinomas, 7 cyclical Cushing’s disease). An unfiltered analysis was undertaken of all PAM variants with population prevalence <5%.

Results

We identified five coding, non-synonymous PAM variants of interest amongst seven individuals (six germline, one somatic). The five variants comprised four missense variants and one truncating variant, all heterozygous. Each variant had some evidence of pathogenicity based on population prevalence, conservation scores, in silico predictions and/or prior functional studies. The yield of predicted deleterious PAM variants was thus 7/29 (24%). The variants predominated in individuals with thyrotrophinomas (4/10, 40%) and cyclical Cushing’s disease (2/7, 29%), compared to prolactinomas (1/12, 8%).

Conclusion

This is the second study to demonstrate a high yield of suspected loss-of-function, predominantly germline, PAM variants in individuals with pathological pituitary hypersecretion. We have extended the association with corticotrophinoma to include the specific clinical entity of cyclical Cushing’s disease and demonstrated a novel association between PAM variants and thyrotrophinoma. PAM variants might act as risk alleles for pituitary adenoma formation, with a possible genotype-phenotype relationship between truncating variants and altered temporal secretion of cortisol.
An efficient YOLO v3-based method for the detection of transmission line defects
Authors: Xu Changbao , Xin Mingyong , Wang Yu , Gao Jipu
Published: November 2023

The UAV inspection method is gradually becoming popular in transmission line inspection, but it is inefficient only through real-time manual observation. Algorithms are available to achieve automatic image identification, but the detection speed is slow, and video image processing is not possible. In this paper, we propose a fast detection method for transmission line defects based on YOLO v3. The method first establishes a YOLO v3 target detection model and obtains the a priori size of the target candidate region by clustering analysis of the training sample library. The training process of the model is accelerated by adjusting the loss function to adjust the learning direction of the model. Finally, transmission line defect detection was achieved by building a transmission line defect sample library and conducting training. The test results show that compared with other deep learning models, such as Faster R-CNN and SSD, the improved model based on YOLO v3 has a huge speed advantage and the detection accuracy is not greatly affected, which can meet the demand for automatic defect recognition of transmission line inspection videos.
Power trading Raft consensus mechanism considering green certificate and carbon emission weights
Authors: Xiong Xiaoping , Liu Yinzheng , Qu Huijie , Cai Yiming
Published: November 2023

The consensus mechanism is a critical technology in the power trading blockchain distributed power trading platforms, which are gradually being applied and promoted to achieve the “dual carbon” goal. Green-certificate trading and carbon emission trading systems help mobilize power generation enterprises to increase the generation of and investment in renewable energy, thereby becoming important factors in distributed power trading. Therefore, they should also be considered as factors in the consensus mechanism. This article first evaluates the green-certificate weight based on whether nodes possess green certificates, evaluates the carbon emission weight based on the carbon emission settlement of nodes in the previous cycle, and constructs a mechanism to evaluate a node’s weight. An improved Raft consensus algorithm based on node weight is then proposed. Nodes with greater weights are more likely to become leading nodes, promoting active compliance and green consumption by nodes and reducing carbon emissions. A simulation shows that the improved Raft consensus mechanism enhances the reliability of leading nodes, improves the efficiency of the distributed power transaction, increases the generation of renewable energy, and encourages the consumption of new energy.
The association of relative humidity and air pollution interaction on lung function in adolescents
Authors: Areal Ashtyn T. , Singh Nidhi , Zhao Qi , Berdel Dietrich , Koletzko Sibylle , von Berg Andrea , Gappa Monika , Heinrich Joachim , Standl Marie , Schikowski Tamara
Published: November 2023

Background

Relative humidity (RH) and air pollution significantly affect respiratory health. However, how RH and air pollution interact and modify each other and affect lung function in adolescence is largely unknown. This study assesses the interactive association of RH and air pollution on lung function, i.e. forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), in German adolescents.

Methods

A total of 2,116 participants with available spirometry measurements (z-scores of FEV1 and FVC) were included from the 15-year follow-up of the German GINIplus and LISA birth cohort. Daily environmental exposure data included RH, ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5). Linear models were fitted to assess the main associations of RH, air pollution, and maximum temperature (Tmax) an interaction term between one-day moving average of RH (Lag01) and a categorical air pollution term was then included to assess the modifying association of air pollution on RH and was adjusted for study location, season and chronic respiratory disease (CRD) status. Effect modification was performed for sex and CRD. The results are presented as beta coefficients (ß) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

A 5% increase in RH was associated with an increase in FEV1 (ß = 0.040–0.045; 95% CI: 0.008 to 0.076) and FVC (ß = 0.007–0.012; 95% CI: −0.023 to 0.045) in the main associations models. In the interaction models, there was a significant decrease in FEV1 (ß = −0.211; 95% CI: −0.361 to −0.062) and FVC (ß = −0.258; 95% CI: −0.403 to −0.0113) per 5% increase in RH on high O3 days compared to the reference category; while there was a non-significant trend towards a decrease in FEV1 on high PM2.5 and NO2 days. Female participants were more likely to experience a decrease in FEV1 than male participants on high-pollution days.

Conclusions

Air pollution interacts and modifies the association of weather on lung function in this cohort of German adolescents. An increase in RH on high air pollution exposure days was associated with a decrease in lung function in German adolescents. Female participants were more sensitive to RH and air pollution.
Investigating the behavior of an expansive soil slope in critical linear infrastructure in China using multi-temporal InSAR
Authors: Jiang Zhen , Wu Zigui , Li Ziyuan , Hu Jun , Wu Yuwei , Ou Liye , Zhang Tongyuan
Published: November 2023

One of the most significant pieces of linear infrastructure in China is the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (MR-SNWDP), a large section of which consists of an expansive soil slope (ESS) that threatens the safety of the canal. Here, we prepared 144 Sentinel-1 data from May 2017 to July 2022 to study the behavior of the ESS in the canal section in Huixian City in the MR-SNWDP. Then, the Elastoplastic Deformation model under Wetting and Heating Effects (EDWHE) was employed to accurately characterize the displacement of the ESS. The InSAR results illustrate that the unstable zones tend to be small and are distributed along the canal slope, with the magnitude of deformations generally no more than 20 mm/year. Additionally, their deformation time series generally accumulate exponentially and evolve in a significant pattern of seasonal swelling and shrinkage. We observed that the slope movements significantly accelerated during the period when extreme rainfall occurred around 22 July 2021. Affected by satellite imagery and the geometric structure of the slope, the magnitudes and evolving trends of LOS deformation vary with different aspects of the slope sections. Then, the elastic swelling-shrinkage deformations were derived through the EDWHE model, of which the uplift or settlement was mainly dependent on geological and meteorological conditions. Moreover, the active zone depths of the ESS were retrieved using an InSAR-based lag-time approach and clearly reflected their distribution pattern. In this investigation, the behavior of the ESS in the study area was quantitatively analyzed using InSAR, and the results provide support for designing protective slope treatments and keeping the canal safe in the MR-SNWDP.
How fintech affects financial sustainability in the electric power industry?—evidence from Chinese companies
Authors: Qin Li , Lu Meihua
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The financial sustainability of the electric power industries is of significant practical significance for achieving carbon neutrality and peak carbon emissions.

Methods: We innovatively use web crawler technology to obtain keywords related to fintech in the search index and constructs a regional fintech indicator system. Based on this indicator system, we explore the impact of fintech on the financial sustainability of the electric power industry by panel regression model. The result shows that fintech significantly improved the financial sustainability of electric power companies. Further evidence indicates that fintech can promote financial sustainable development by enhancing corporate risk-taking ability, increasing operating income, and alleviating financing constraints. Heterogeneity analysis indirectly proves that compared to state-owned electric power enterprises, private electric power enterprises face a more severe financing environment. But private enterprises can obtain more credit funds through new financing channels opened by financial technology. So, the role of fintech in alleviating the phenomenon of ownership discrimination in the financial system cannot be ignored. In addition, we also find that fintech is more significant in helping small and medium-sized electric-power enterprises in financial sustainability, while it is less helpful for large enterprises.

Discussion: In the context of the fusion development of technology and financial markets, the research conclusions of this article provide important references for governments, enterprises, and traditional financial institutions to make corresponding reforms.
Optimizing land-use zonation in coastal areas: revealing the spatio-temporal patterns and trade-off/synergy relationships among farmland functions
Authors: Wu Jieyi , He Shan , Hu Chenxia , Zhao Run , Zhou Chenhe , Zhu Congmou , Su Yue
Published: November 2023

Under the interaction between natural ecosystems and human interferences, farmland extends to multi-functions such as production, ecological, social, and cultural functions. Despite the exponential increase in research on the multi-functional evaluation of farmland in recent years, little study has been conducted at fine spatial and long-time scales. Furthermore, the existing quantitative analyses of multifunctional synergies and trade-offs in farmland mainly consider static spatial patterns and neglect dynamic information. Selecting the Chinese coastal province of Zhejiang as the study area, this study thus evaluated the spatio-temporal patterns of farmland functions from 2000 to 2020 at the county scale and introduced the trade-off/synergy degree (TSD) model to quantify the intensity of the relationships among functions. The results showed that farmland functional values and their relationships were significantly heterogeneous in spatial and temporal distribution. In addition to social function, the other functions all exhibited an increasing trend. Furthermore, strong correlations were mainly observed between production, ecological and cultural functions. Ultimately, five farmland zones were determined by the k-means clustering algorithm and considering both functional values and their relationships, and targeted suggestions applicable to each zone were put forward in this study. This study contributes to the utilization and planning of farmland and its surrounding land, especially to the improvement of the policy of returning farmland to forests.
An overview of solid waste management and privatization in kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Fahmi Jamal Hala , Abd El-Fattah Ahmed
Published: November 2023

Waste management (WS) has been identified as one of Bahrain’s most pressing concerns owing to the potential negative consequences for the country. Data collected over the last 30 years show considerable growth in waste amount created in the country throughout the sectors of residential, commercial, institutional, building and demolition, municipal services, public places, treatment plant sites, manufacturing, and crop residues. The restricted location space, characterised by Bahrain’s tiny geographic area, is the most significant element contributing to the difficulty of controlling the government’s rising waste buildup and developing Sustainable Waste Management systems. As a result, the study focuses on the rising have to upgrade the government’s present municipal solid wastes Management (MSWM) system. Which the study discussed the municipal solid wastes Management in Bahrain that was consisted of Solid Waste generation, composition, and characteristics and also discussed the waste collection, transportation, disposal and regulations and institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Furthermore, The study focused on the general views about waste management and privatization. Also, discussed MSWM and sustainable development goals and privatization as a private sector in the context of SDGs.
Antibody landscape of C57BL/6 mice cured of B78 melanoma via a combined radiation and immunocytokine immunotherapy regimen
Authors: Hoefges Anna , McIlwain Sean J. , Erbe Amy K. , Mathers Nicholas , Xu Angie , Melby Drew , Tetreault Kaitlin , Le Trang , Kim Kyungmann , Pinapati Richard S. , Garcia Bradley H. , Patel Jigar , Heck Mackenzie , Feils Arika S. , Tsarovsky Noah , Hank Jacquelyn Ann , Morris Zachary Scott , Ong Irene M. , Sondel Paul Mark
Published: November 2023

Sera of immune mice that were previously cured of their melanoma through a combined radiation and immunocytokine immunotherapy regimen consisting of 12 Gy of external beam radiation and the intratumoral administration of an immunocytokine (anti-GD2 mAb coupled to IL-2) with long-term immunological memory showed strong antibody-binding against melanoma tumor cell lines via flow cytometric analysis. Using a high-density whole-proteome peptide array (of 6.090.593 unique peptides), we assessed potential protein-targets for antibodies found in immune sera. Sera from 6 of these cured mice were analyzed with this high-density, whole-proteome peptide array to determine specific antibody-binding sites and their linear peptide sequence. We identified thousands of peptides that were targeted by these 6 mice and exhibited strong antibody binding only by immune (after successful cure and rechallenge), not naïve (before tumor implantation) sera and developed a robust method to detect these differentially targeted peptides. Confirmatory studies were done to validate these results using 2 separate systems, a peptide ELISA and a smaller scale peptide array utilizing a slightly different technology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of the full set of germline encoded linear peptide-based proteome epitopes that are recognized by immune sera from mice cured of cancer via radio-immunotherapy. We furthermore found that although the generation of B-cell repertoire in immune development is vastly variable, and numerous epitopes are identified uniquely by immune serum from each of these 6 immune mice evaluated, there are still several epitopes and proteins that are commonly recognized by at least half of the mice studied. This suggests that every mouse has a unique set of antibodies produced in response to the curative therapy, creating an individual “fingerprint.” Additionally, certain epitopes and proteins stand out as more immunogenic, as they are recognized by multiple mice in the immune group.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveals peripheral immune responses in non-segmental vitiligo
Authors: Yang Pengju , Luan Mei , Li Weizhe , Niu Mengtian , He Qiannan , Zhao Yixin , Chen Jianan , Mao Binyue , Mou Kuanhou , Li Pan
Published: November 2023

Background

Vitiligo is a common autoimmune depigmented dermatology due to destruction of melanocytes. Much evidence suggests that vitiligo is associated with systemic immune activation. Previous studies have focused on immune cell infiltration in and around lesion areas, but few studies have investigated the cell types and function of circulating immune cells in peripheral blood. Here, single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to investigate the mechanisms of peripheral immune responses in vitiligo patients.

Methods

Peripheral blood was collected from five patients with progressive non-segmental vitiligo and three healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained by Ficoll-Paque density gradient centrifugation, and scRNA-seq was performed on isolated cell populations to obtain single cell transcriptomes and characterize important genes and intracellular signaling pathways. The key findings were validated with qPCR and flow cytometry assays.

Results

We identified 10 major cell types by scRNA-seq. Among these cell types, neutrophils were specifically observed in our scRNA-seq data from PBMCs. Peripheral blood effector CD8+ T cells from vitiligo patients did not show significant differences at the transcriptome level compared with healthy controls, whereas regulatory T cells showed pro-inflammatory TH1-like properties. Innate immune cells, including natural killer cells and dendritic cells, showed increased antigen processing and presentation as well as upregulated interferon responses. B cells, monocytes, and neutrophils all showed activation. B cells, especially memory B cells, had upregulated expression of genes related to humoral immunity. Monocytes showed production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Neutrophils showed strong chemokine ligand-receptor (L-R) pair (CXCR8-CXCR2) autocrine signaling pathway.

Conclusion

This study revealed the genetic profile and signaling pathway characteristics of peripheral blood immune cells in vitiligo patients, providing new insights into its pathogenesis, which may facilitate identification of potential therapeutic targets.
Bw4 ligand and direct T-cell receptor binding induced selection on HLA A and B alleles
Authors: Levi Reut , Levi Lee , Louzoun Yoram
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The HLA region is the hallmark of balancing selection, argued to be driven by the pressure to present a wide variety of viral epitopes. As such selection on the peptide-binding positions has been proposed to drive HLA population genetics. MHC molecules also directly binds to the T-Cell Receptor and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR).

Methods

We here combine the HLA allele frequencies in over six-million Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC) donors with a novel machine-learning-based method to predict allele frequency.

Results

We show for the first time that allele frequency can be predicted from their sequences. This prediction yields a natural measure for selection. The strongest selection is affecting KIR binding regions, followed by the peptide-binding cleft. The selection from the direct interaction with the KIR and TCR is centered on positively charged residues (mainly Arginine), and some positions in the peptide-binding cleft are not associated with the allele frequency, especially Tyrosine residues.

Discussion

These results suggest that the balancing selection for peptide presentation is combined with a positive selection for KIR and TCR binding.
Serum CRP interacts with SPARC and regulate immune response in severe cases of COVID-19 infection
Authors: Liu Chengyang , Zheng Chenyang , Shen Xipeng , Liang Ling , Li Qiuyu
Published: November 2023

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) has been found elevated during COVID-19 infection, and associated with systematic inflammation as well as a poor clinical outcome. However, how did CRP participated in the COVID-19 pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we report that serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are correlated with megakaryocyte marker genes and could regulate immune response through interaction with megakaryocytes. Molecular dynamics simulation through ColabFold showed a reliable interaction between monomeric form of CRP (mCRP) and the secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC). The interaction does not affect the physiological activities of SPARC while would be disturbed by pentamerization of CRP. Interplay between SPARC and mCRP results in a more intense immune response which may led to poor prognosis. This study highlights the complex interplay between inflammatory markers, megakaryocytes, and immune regulation in COVID-19 and sheds light on potential therapeutic targets.