bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tropheryma whipplei detection by metagenomic next-generation sequencing in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Minmin , Wang Kongqiu , Qiu Lidi , Liang Yingjian , Tu Changli , Chen Meizhu , Wang Zhenguo , Wu Jian , Huang Yiying , Tan Cuiyan , Chen Qijiu , Zheng Xiaobin , Liu Jing
Published: August 2022

Tropheryma whipplei is the bacterium associated with Whipple’s disease (WD), a chronic systemic infectious disease primarily involving the gastrointestinal tract. T. whipplei can also be detected in different body site of healthy individuals, including saliva and feces. Traditionally, Tropheryma whipplei has a higher prevalence in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of immunocompromised individuals. Few studies have explored the significance of the detection of T. whipplei in BALF. Herein, we retrospectively reviewed 1725 BALF samples which detected for metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) from March 2019 to April 2022 in Zhuhai, China. Seventy BALs (70/1725, 4.0%) from 70 patients were positive for T. whipplei. Forty-four patients were male with an average age of 50 years. The main symptoms included cough (23/70), expectoration (13/70), weight loss (9/70), and/or dyspnea (8/70), but gastrointestinal symptoms were rare. Chronic liver diseases were the most common comorbidity (n=15, 21.4%), followed by diabetes mellitus (n=13, 18.6%). Only nine patients (12.9%) were immunocompromised. Twenty-four patients (34.3%) were finally diagnosed with reactivation tuberculosis and 15 patients (21.4%) were diagnosed with lung tumors, including 13 primary lung adenocarcinoma and two lung metastases. Fifteen patients (21.4%) had pneumonia. Among the 20 samples, T. whipplei was the sole agent, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex was the most common detected other pathogens. Among the non-tuberculosis patients, 31 (31/46, 67.4%) had ground glass nodules or solid nodules on chest CT. Our study indicates that T. whipplei should be considered as a potential contributing factor in some lung diseases. For non-immunocompromised patients, the detection of T. whipplei also needs attention. The mNGS technology improves the detection and attention of rare pathogens. In the future, the infection, colonization, and prognosis of T. whipplei in lung still need to be studied.
Associations between polygenic risk of coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes, lifestyle, and cardiovascular mortality: A prospective UK Biobank study
Authors: Yun Jae-Seung , Jung Sang-Hyuk , Shivakumar Manu , Xiao Brenda , Khera Amit V. , Park Woong-Yang , Won Hong-Hee , Kim Dokyoon
Published: August 2022

Background

Previous studies primarily targeted the ability of polygenic risk scores (PRSs) to predict a specific disease, and only a few studies have investigated the association between genetic risk scores and cardiovascular (CV) mortality. We assessed PRSs for coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as the predictive factors for CV mortality, independent of traditional risk factors, and further investigated the additive effect between lifestyle behavior and PRS on CV mortality.

Methods

We used genetic and phenotypic data from UK Biobank participants aged 40–69 years at baseline, collected with standardized procedures. Genome-wide PRSs were constructed using >6 million genetic variants. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the relationship between PRS and CV mortality with stratification by age, sex, disease status, and lifestyle behavior.

Results

Of 377,909 UK Biobank participants having European ancestry, 3,210 (0.8%) died due to CV disease during a median follow-up of 8.9 years. CV mortality risk was significantly associated with CAD PRS [low vs. very high genetic risk groups, CAD PRS hazard ratio (HR) 2.61 (2.02–3.36)] and T2DM PRS [HR 2.08 (1.58–2.73)], respectively. These relationships remained significant even after an adjustment for a comprehensive range of demographic and clinical factors. In the very high genetic risk group, adherence to an unfavorable lifestyle was further associated with a substantially increased risk of CV mortality [favorable vs. unfavorable lifestyle with very high genetic risk for CAD PRS, HR 8.31 (5.12–13.49); T2DM PRS, HR 5.84 (3.39–10.04)]. Across all genetic risk groups, 32.1% of CV mortality was attributable to lifestyle behavior [population attributable fraction (PAF) 32.1% (95% CI 28.8–35.3%)] and 14.1% was attributable to smoking [PAF 14.1% (95% CI 12.4–15.7%)]. There was no evidence of significant interaction between PRSs and age, sex, or lifestyle behavior in predicting the risk of CV mortality.

Conclusion

PRSs for CAD or T2DM and lifestyle behaviors are the independent predictive factors for future CV mortality in the white, middle-aged population. PRS-based risk assessment could be useful to identify the individuals who need intensive behavioral or therapeutic interventions to reduce the risk of CV mortality.
Comparison of cusp-overlap projection and standard three-cusp coplanar view during self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yujing , Zhu Gangjie , Liu Xin , Wu Weilin , Chai Hui , Tao Minjie , Kong Dongmei , Li Yingzi , Wang Li
Published: August 2022

Objective

Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) is a common complication after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Recently, the cusp-overlap projection (COP) technique was thought to be a feasible method to reduce PPI risk. However, the evidence is still relatively scarce. Therefore, this meta-analysis was performed to compare COP and standard three-cusp coplanar (TCC) projection technique.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE databases were systematically searched for relevant literature published from the inception (EMBASE from 1974 and PubMed from 1966) to 16 April 2022, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The primary outcome of interest was post-operative (including in-hospital and 30-day) PPI.

Results

Total of 3,647 subjects from 11 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Of those, 1,453 underwent self-expanding TAVR using COP and 2,194 using TCC technique. In a pooled analysis, the cumulative PPI incidence was 9.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.9–11.7%] and 18.9% (95% CI: 15.5–22.3%) in the COP group and TCC group, respectively. The application of the COP technique was associated with a significant PPI risk reduction (I2 = 40.3% and heterogeneity Chi-square p = 0.070, random-effects OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.36–0.66, p < 0.001). A higher implantation depth was achieved in the COP group compared with the TCC group [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.324, 95% CI: (−0.469, −0.180)]. There was no significant difference between the two groups in second valve implantation, prosthesis pop-out, fluoroscopic time, post-operative left bundle branch block, mortality, stroke, moderate/severe paravalvular leakage, mean gradient, and length of hospital stay. However, radiation doses were higher in the COP group [SMD = 0.394, 95% CI: (0.216, 0.572), p < 0.001].

Conclusion

In self-expanding TAVR, the application of the cusp overlap projection technique was associated with a lower risk of PPI compared with the standard TCC technique.

Systematic review registration

[https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-4-0092/], identifier [INPLASY202240092].
Case report: Recurrent syncope as initial symptom in a patient with neck lymphoma
Authors: Wu Yanfang , Yang Deyan , Sun Luxi , Xu Xiqi , Gao Peng , Cheng Kangan , Chen Taibo , Cheng Zhongwei , Liu Yongtai , Fang Quan
Published: August 2022

Syncope may have many different causes, requiring careful identification. Recurrent syncope is uncommon as an initial symptom of neck lymphoma. Head and neck tumors involving the carotid artery cause syncope associate with carotid sinus syndrome. We report the case of a 72-year-old man who suffered from recurrent syncope due to compression of the right carotid sinus by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and was successfully treated with immunochemotherapy. Syncope may be an early or sole sign of a neck or head tumor. We should be aware of the possibility of an underlying malignancy in patients with unexplained syncope after initial evaluation.
A multimodal clinical data resource for personalized risk assessment of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Li Xiaojin , Tao Shiqiang , Lhatoo Samden D. , Cui Licong , Huang Yan , Hampson Johnson P. , Zhang Guo-Qiang
Published: August 2022

Epilepsy affects ~2–3 million individuals in the United States, a third of whom have uncontrolled seizures. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a catastrophic and fatal complication of poorly controlled epilepsy and is the primary cause of mortality in such patients. Despite its huge public health impact, with a ~1/1,000 incidence rate in persons with epilepsy, it is an uncommon enough phenomenon to require multi-center efforts for well-powered studies. We developed the Multimodal SUDEP Data Resource (MSDR), a comprehensive system for sharing multimodal epilepsy data in the NIH funded Center for SUDEP Research. The MSDR aims at accelerating research to address critical questions about personalized risk assessment of SUDEP. We used a metadata-guided approach, with a set of common epilepsy-specific terms enforcing uniform semantic interpretation of data elements across three main components: (1) multi-site annotated datasets; (2) user interfaces for capturing, managing, and accessing data; and (3) computational approaches for the analysis of multimodal clinical data. We incorporated the process for managing dataset-specific data use agreements, evidence of Institutional Review Board review, and the corresponding access control in the MSDR web portal. The metadata-guided approach facilitates structural and semantic interoperability, ultimately leading to enhanced data reusability and scientific rigor. MSDR prospectively integrated and curated epilepsy patient data from seven institutions, and it currently contains data on 2,739 subjects and 10,685 multimodal clinical data files with different data formats. In total, 55 users registered in the current MSDR data repository, and 6 projects have been funded to apply MSDR in epilepsy research, including three R01 projects and three R21 projects.
Accurate detection of heart rate using in-ear photoplethysmography in a clinical setting
Authors: Adams Tim , Wagner Sophie , Baldinger Melanie , Zellhuber Incinur , Weber Michael , Nass Daniel , Surges Rainer
Published: August 2022

Background

Recent research has shown that photoplethysmography (PPG) based wearable sensors offer a promising potential for chronic disease monitoring. The aim of the present study was to assess the performance of an in-ear wearable PPG sensor in acquiring valid and reliable heart rate measurements in a clinical setting, with epileptic patients.

Methods

Patients undergoing video-electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring with concomitant one-lead electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings were equipped with an in-ear sensor developed by cosinuss°.

Results

In total, 2,048 h of recording from 97 patients with simultaneous ECG and in-ear heart rate data were included in the analysis. The comparison of the quality-filtered in-ear heart rate data with the reference ECG resulted in a bias of 0.78 bpm with a standard deviation of ±2.54 bpm; Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient PCC = 0.83; Intraclass Correlation Coefficient ICC = 0.81 and mean absolute percentage error MAPE = 2.57.

Conclusion

These data confirm that the in-ear wearable PPG sensor provides accurate heart rate measurements in comparison with ECG under realistic clinical conditions, especially with a signal quality indicator. Further research is required to investigate whether this technology is helpful in identifying seizure-related cardiovascular changes.
Heterogeneous rock mass detection in the Goaf underlying the Yingbin substation
Authors: Dong Jianjun , Zhang Ying , Xie Zhengquan , Gao Ke
Published: August 2022

The existence of heterogeneous rock mass in the goaf easily causes surface deformation, subsidence, and even collapse, which restricts the development of urbanization of the buildings above the goaf. Because of the saturation of the city and the shortage of power supply, the idea of building the Yingbin substation was proposed on the old coal mine goaf in Xinhua District, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province, China. To ensure the safety and stability of the foundation of the proposed substation, the comprehensive detection method was proposed, which is mainly based on transient electromagnetic detection and supplemented via drilling detection. It was used to determine the spatial position and location of heterogeneous rock mass in the goaf underlying the proposed substation. The results show that 1) after eliminating the interference to the transient electromagnetic detection, it is found that there are low-resistance anomalies near the depth of −160 m at points 1 to 2 and point 8 of the X2 line and at points 1 to 3 of the Y3 line, which are preliminarily presumed to be the influence of the heterogeneous rock mass. 2) The apparent resistivity anomalous areas of −160 and −200 m depth are highly consistent, and the location and scope of the heterogeneous rock mass were basically determined. 3) The abnormal depth range of core rate obtained by drilling is in good agreement with the abnormal range of apparent resistivity at the same location obtained by transient electromagnetic, which indicates the reliability of the detection results. 4) Combining the detection results of the two methods, the location and scope of the heterogeneous rock mass were basically determined, which is located in the western part of the proposed area. The detection results can provide a basis for the safety and stability of the proposed substation foundation. To ensure the safe and stable operation of the proposed substation foundation, effective governance measures for the heterogeneous rock mass of the goaf should be taken.
Properties and biases of the global heat flow compilation
Authors: Stål Tobias , Reading Anya M. , Fuchs Sven , Halpin Jacqueline A. , Lösing Mareen , Turner Ross J.
Published: August 2022

Geothermal heat flow is inferred from the gradient of temperature values in boreholes or short-penetration probe measurements. Such measurements are expensive and logistically challenging in remote locations and, therefore, often targeted to regions of economic interest. As a result, measurements are not distributed evenly. Some tectonic, geologic and even topographic settings are overrepresented in global heat flow compilations; other settings are underrepresented or completely missing. These limitations in representation have implications for empirical heat flow models that use catalogue data to assign heat flow by the similarity of observables. In this contribution, we analyse the sampling bias in the Global Heat Flow database of the International Heat Flow Commission; the most recent and extensive heat flow catalogue, and discuss the implications for accurate prediction and global appraisals. We also suggest correction weights to reduce the bias when the catalogue is used for empirical modelling. From comparison with auxiliary variables, we find that each of the following settings is highly overrepresented for heat flow measurements; continental crust, sedimentary rocks, volcanic rocks, and Phanerozoic regions with hydrocarbon exploration. Oceanic crust, cratons, and metamorphic rocks are underrepresented. The findings also suggest a general tendency to measure heat flow in areas where the values are elevated; however, this conclusion depends on which auxiliary variable is under consideration to determine the settings. We anticipate that using our correction weights to balance disproportional representation will improve empirical heat flow models for remote regions and assist in the ongoing assessment of the Global Heat Flow database.
Meso-cenozoic tectonic evolution of the ziyun-luodian fault in SW China
Authors: Wang Yi , Du Wei , Wang Yuyang , Lin Ruiqin , Zhang Daquan , Zhao Fuping , Sun Zhao , Chen Yi , Wang Yang
Published: August 2022

Regional-scale fault systems are important in adjusting intracontinental deformation. Closure of the Paleo-Tethys, Paleo-Pacific subduction, and India-continent-continent collision have all interacted to shape the Meso-Cenozoic tectonics of South China. The Ziyun-Luodian fault (ZLF) straddles across the Guizhou region in southwestern China. New petrographic and structural studies were conducted to reveal the structural evolution of the ZLF and regional deformation. At least three distinct deformation events are identified within the fault zone: During the Indosinian orogeny, dextral thrusting occurred along the ZLF, accompanied by moderate regional uplift in Guizhou, as evidenced by the Upper Triassic-Lower Jurassic disconformity. The main tectonic framework across Guizhou was established during the Yanshanian orogeny. Driven by the west-dipping Paleo-Pacific subduction (Middle Jurassic-Early Cretaceous), sinistral transpression occurred along the ZLF and NE-to N-S-trending fold belts in central-eastern Guizhou, and the NW-striking folds west of the ZLF were developed in under nearly E-W-directed compression. In the late Cenozoic, the ZLF may have undergone sinistral strike-slip movement, similar to the sinistral Ailaoshan-Red River shear zone. The Ziyun-Luodian fault plays an important role in accommodating the Meso-Cenozoic regional deformation in SW South China.
Experimental investigation on mechanical behavior of sands treated by enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation with assistance of sisal-fiber nucleation
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Yin Yue , Shi Lei , Bian Hanliang , Shi Wanpeng
Published: August 2022

Sisal fibers had obvious advantages of mechanical strength on reinforced enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP)-cemented loose sands. However, there are few related researches, whose research on strength and toughness is not sufficient, and the analysis on mechanism is lacking. In this article, sisal fiber was used to strengthen EICP-treated sand, and the mechanical properties and underlying mechanism were experimentally explored. The results show that the strength and toughness of EICP-treated sand can be effectively improved by sisal fibers. The optimal sisal fiber length is 10 mm and the optimal fiber content is 0.2%. The wet-dry cycle resistance of the samples is improved simultaneously. Microscopic study showed that the rough surface of sisal fiber provided a large number of nucleation sites for calcium carbonate precipitation and formed an effective “bridge network.” This study reports the potential and the underlying mechanism of sisal fiber on improvement of EICP performance by new test methods and provides new insight into enhancing mechanical behavior of EICP-cemented loose sands with natural fiber.
Web search of software developers—Characteristics and tips
Authors: Szabó B. Katalin
Published: August 2022

There is more and more software in the world and this software has to be developed. All the people who develop software can be regarded as software developers, not just the professionals. Naturally, they often perform web searches to support their development activity. The article, based on the pertinent literature and also on the author’s own experiences as a longtime software developer, discusses characteristics of software developers’ web searches and gives some recommendations and tips to increase the efficiency of their searches, especially complex, exploratory searches. To the author’s knowledge, no such summary combined with tips, aimed at software developers, has been published before. It has been written in the hope that software developers, such students and their teachers would find it useful.
Comparison of material properties of heel pad between adults with and without type 2 diabetes history: An in-vivo investigation during gait
Authors: Yang Xiong-gang , Teng Zhao-lin , Zhang Zhen-ming , Wang Kan , Huang Ran , Chen Wen-ming , Wang Chen , Chen Li , Zhang Chao , Huang Jia-zhang , Wang Xu , Ma Xin , Geng Xiang
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study was aimed to compare the material properties of heel pad between diabetes patients and healthy adults, and investigate the impact of compressive loading history and length of diabetes course on the material properties of heel pad.

Methods

The dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) and dynamic foot-ground contact pressure-test plate were used for measuring the material properties, including primary thickness, peak strain, peak stress, stiffness, viscous modulus and energy dissipation ratio (EDR), both at time zero and following continuous loading. Material properties between healthy adults and DM patients were compared both at time zero and following continuous weight bearing. After then, comparison between time-zero material properties and properties following continuous loading was performed to identify the loading history-dependent biomechanical behaviour of heel pad. Subgroup-based sensitivity analysis was then conducted to investigate the diabetes course (<10 years vs. ≥10 years) on the material properties of heel pad.

Results

Ten type II DM subjects (20 legs), aged from 59 to 73 (average: 67.8 ± 4.9), and 10 age-matched healthy adults (20 legs), aged from 59 to 72 (average: 64.4 ± 3.4), were enrolled. Diabetes history was demonstrated to be associated with significantly lower primary thickness (t=3.18, p=0.003**), higher peak strain (t=2.41, p=0.021*), lower stiffness (w=283, p=0.024*) and lower viscous modulus (w=331, p<0.001***) at time zero, and significantly lower primary thickness (t=3.30, p=0.002**), higher peak strain (w=120, p=0.031*) and lower viscous modulus (t=3.42, p=0.002**) following continuous loading. The continuous loading was found to be associated with significantly lower primary thickness (paired-w=204, p<0.001***) and viscous modulus (paired-t=5.45, p<0.001***) in healthy adults, and significantly lower primary thickness (paired-w=206, p<0.001***) and viscous modulus (paired-t=7.47, p<0.001***) in diabetes group. No any significant difference was found when conducting the subgroup analysis based on length of diabetes course (<10 years vs. ≥10 years), but the regression analysis showed that the length of diabetes history was positively associated with the peak strain, at time zero (r=0.506, p<0.050) and following continuous loading (r=0.584, p<0.010).

Conclusions

Diabetes patients were found to be associated with decreased primary thickness and viscous modulus, and increased peak strain, which may contribute to the vulnerability of heel pad to injury and ulceration. Pre-compression history-dependent behaviour is observable in soft tissue of heel pad, with lowered primary thickness and viscous modulus.
Oncogene or tumor suppressor gene: An integrated pan-cancer analysis of NBPF1
Authors: Li Lei , Chen Sen , Tang Yueming , Wu Jie , He Yangzhige , Qiu Ling
Published: August 2022

Neuroblastoma breakpoint family, member 1 (NBPF1), appears to be a double-edged sword with regard to its role in carcinogenesis. On the one hand, the tumor-suppressing functions of NBPF1 have been definitively observed in neuroblastoma, prostate cancer, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and cervical cancer. On the other hand, there is evidence that NBPF1 regulates the colony formation, invasion, and maintenance of liver cancer cells and hence functions as an oncogene. The roles of NBPF1 are strictly dependent on the biological context and type of organization. However, a systematic pan-cancer analysis has thus far not been undertaken, and the significance of NBPF1 in the occurrence and progression of many malignancies is uncertain. In this paper, bioinformatics techniques were employed to analyze NBPF1 expression across different cancers and investigate the relationship between NBPF1 and clinical features, prognosis, genetic alteration, and tumor immune microenvironment, respectively. Our results show that NBPF1 is variably expressed in distinct tumor tissues and is also closely linked to clinical outcomes. In particular, compared to other tumor types, there was a strong negative correlation between NBPF1 expression and various components of the tumor microenvironment in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). We thus developed an NBPF1-derived immune risk model based on NBPF1-related immune genes; ACC patients with a high-risk score tended to have a poorer prognosis, accompanied by immune hyporesponsiveness. NBPF1 can be used as a prognostic biomarker for multiple cancers. Moreover, anti-NBPF1 immunotherapy may be suitable for treating ACC patients.
Research on method of demand-side participating in grid interaction based on time-of-use pricing and coupon guidance
Authors: Wang Xiran , Yan Aiyun , Li Zhenni , Zhao Yuhang
Published: August 2022

The electricity grid is facing the dual pressure of a high percentage of renewable energy generation and increasing load-side spike load. The participation of demand-side resources in grid interaction is an effective solution to this problem. To address this issue, a demand-side guidance method based on time-of-use pricing and coupon is proposed to increase the revenue of power retailers and reduce peak-valley difference. First, a guidance mechanism combining time-of-use pricing and coupon is proposed, and an adjustment load prediction model based on Attention-LSTM network is constructed to predict the adjustment load of electricity customers under different coupon coefficients. Based on this, a power purchase-sale optimization decision model in multi-level electricity market with the goal of maximizing the revenue of power retailers is established to set a suitable coupon strategy to guide electricity customers to participate in the interaction more precisely. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by arithmetic examples.
Multiplex parallel GAT-ALSTM: A novel spatial-temporal learning model for multi-sites wind power collaborative forecasting
Authors: He HongYing , Fu FangYu , Luo DianSheng
Published: August 2022

In order to improve the accuracy of wind power output forecasting and ensure reliability of the power grid, multiplex parallel GAT-ALSTM, a spatial-temporal learning model for multi-sites wind power collaborative forecasting is proposed in this study. Topography was generated by using geographic information (longitude and latitude) obtained from the wind power generation sites. The GAT layer was used to capture the spatial correlation characteristics of multi-sites wind power. Feature dimension enhancement of each wind power generation site was achieved by aggregating the information from the adjacent sites. The ALSTM layer was used to capture the temporal correlation of each power output time series. The multiplex parallel structure of the model is designed to provide fast prediction of large-scale distributed wind power generation. The validity of the proposed multiplex parallel GAT-ALSTM was confirmed by comparison with the forecast results obtained by RNN, LSTM, ALSTM, and GNN-ALSTM. The testing results showed that, compared to RNN, LSTM, ALSTM, and GNN-ALSTM, the forecast results of the multiplex parallel GAT-ALSTM had the lowest mean absolute value error and the highest accuracy.
Detection of permafrost in shallow bedrock areas with the opposing coils transient electromagnetic method
Authors: Yang Guiqian , Xie Changwei , Wu Tonghua , Wu Xiaodong , Zhang Yuxin , Wang Wu , Liu Guangyue
Published: August 2022

The transient electromagnetic method (TEM) is a geophysical method for detecting underground geological bodies by following the principle of electromagnetic induction, which has been widely used in permafrost exploration. In the practical applications of the TEM to investigate permafrost, it is found that in certain areas with shallow buried bedrock, the electrical resistivity near the surface cannot be obtained, and both frozen soil and underground bedrock exhibit a high electrical resistivity, so it is difficult to determine the distribution characteristics of the permafrost thickness. Based on this background, by analyzing measured data, it is considered that the reason for this situation is that the noise superposition effect generated by the receiving coil under the action of the primary field forms a shallow detection blind area. This study uses equivalent anti-flux opposing coils to eliminate the abovementioned blind area and realize measurement in the permafrost area of Mahan Mountain in Lanzhou. The results showed that the opposing coils transient electromagnetic method (OCTEM) can clearly detect low-resistivity anomalies near the boundary and permafrost base in the Mahan Mountain area, solve the problem of the shallow detection blind area of the conventional TEM, effectively eliminate the interference caused by the primary field, and greatly improve the horizontal and vertical resolutions.
The impact of climate change on population urbanization: Evidence from china
Authors: Chai Kuang-Cheng , Ma Xin-Rui , Yang Yang , Lu Yu-Jiao , Chang Ke-Chiun
Published: August 2022

Climate change, which is mainly caused by carbon emissions, has attracted attention worldwide. With the continuous increase in temperature, the urban heat island effect, extreme weather, and water shortages have seriously affected the urbanization process. Through an empirical analysis of panel data from 28 provinces in China from 2006 to 2018, this study examines the impact of climate change-induced temperature changes on the urbanization of China’s population. The results show that the urbanization level has a significant double-threshold effect on the impact of temperature on urbanization. When the urbanization level crosses the corresponding threshold value, the negative impact of temperature on urbanization is relatively weak. Understanding the impact of climate change on urbanization has become increasingly important as climate warming increases. On the one hand, the climate issue has always been a topic of common concern around the world. On the other hand, studying how climate change affects population urbanization is conducive to identifying the human factors that affect climate change and proposing corresponding solutions. Simultaneously, it also provides a reference for optimizing the distribution of urban and rural populations, and can comprehensively consider the relationship between climate change and urbanization in the formulation and implementation of policies. On this basis, the Chinese government should strengthen financial support for climate change, play a leading role in policies, improve the urban layout and structure, and increase the resilience of cities to climate change.
Global meta-analysis: Sparse tree cover increases grass biomass in dry pastures
Authors: Hernández-Salmerón Ivan Raniero , Holmgren Milena
Published: August 2022

Agricultural and ecological droughts, extreme heat and aridity have high impacts on livestock and pasture systems worldwide. Finding ways to adapt production systems and increase biomass under these new conditions is urgently needed. The availability of tree shade in these pastures could potentially ameliorate the impacts of warm weather. Yet, the effects of tree cover on the productivity of livestock rangelands are hotly debated. We performed a global meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of tree cover on grass biomass during contrasting seasons within the same system and along environmental gradients in tropical and temperate productive systems. We also assessed the levels of canopy density at which tree cover effects are observable. We observed that trees facilitate grass biomass during dry seasons, especially in the tropics and dry regions. These positive effects are more likely to occur at intermediate levels of evapotranspiration and irradiance. Our findings suggest that integrating trees in pastures might increase resilience of current livestock production systems to drier and warmer conditions.
Future runoff forecast in Hanjiang River Basin based on Wetspa model and CMIP6 model
Authors: Zhou Xi , Chen Wei , Liu Qingtao , Shen Hongxia , Cai Siyu , Lei Xiaohui
Published: August 2022

In order to comprehensively consider the impact of human activities on runoff simulation and improve the accuracy of runoff simulation, so as to make a more accurate prediction of the future runoff of the Hanjiang River Basin, this study improved the reservoir module of the Wespa model, adding two parts: reservoir inflow data correction and water storage and outflow data calculation without measured data. Use the improved model to verify its applicability to the Hanjiang River Basin, then, choose the ones who has the most familiar trend with the historical data in the future climate model data (CMIP6). Put the selected data in the model to predict the runoff of Hanjiang River from 2021 to 2060. By analyzing the future runoff trend of Ankang, Huangjiagang and Huangzhuang in the Hanjiang River Basin from 2021 to 2060 and the changes of average runoff, seasonal runoff and monthly runoff compared with the historical period (1981–2020), the conclusions drawn are as follows: 1) The improved Wetspa model has good applicability in the Hanjiang River Basin; 2) The future runoff of Ankang section is decreasing, while that of Huangjiagang and Huangzhuang sections is increasing; 3) Compared with the reference period, the average runoff of the three sections in the future shows an increasing trend, which indicates that there will be flood risk in the future; 4) Compared with the reference period, the runoff proportion of the three sections will increase in spring and winter, and decrease in autumn. Attention should be paid to the risk of drought in autumn. In terms of months, the proportion of runoff from April to June increases, decreases from September to November, and increases and decreases in other months are uncertain.
The impact of FDI quality characteristics on carbon emission intensity: Evidence from China
Authors: Ma Wenjing , Liu Kai , Li Yunlong , Zhang Huarong
Published: August 2022

Using data from 30 provincial-level in China during 2005–2019, this paper investigates the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) quality characteristics on carbon emission intensity. Based on the Copeland-Taylor model, the mechanism of the impact of FDI quality characteristics on carbon emission intensity is also investigated. The key findings demonstrate that FDI quality traits considerably lower regional carbon intensity, and the result is still robust after considering the spatial correlation and using IV-2sls in consideration of endogeneity. The FDI quality characteristics mainly reduce carbon emission intensity through green technology improvement, industrial structure, and factor endowment structure optimization. Moreover, further evidence shows that there are heterogeneous effects with regard to regional and FDI quality characteristics. From the standpoint of FDI quality characteristics, this study adds to the literature on FDI and environmental pollution. Policy recommendations for China are also discussed in this paper, which can serve as a guide for other emerging nations.
Community champions of ecosystem services: The role of local agency in protecting Indonesian coral reefs
Authors: Abdurrahim Ali Yansyah , Adhuri Dedi Supriadi , Ross Helen , Phelan Anna
Published: August 2022

The importance of communities is well recognized in the protection and enhancement of ecosystem services (ES), yet the influences of individuals within and on communities are often overlooked. Individual and community agency are pertinent in small-scale fisheries, given that livelihoods of many millions of these fishers worldwide depend on ES derived from coral reefs and seagrass beds. In eastern Indonesia the rapid spread of destructive fishing practices has serious impacts on these marine and coastal ecosystems. Policy is complex, with three levels of government involved, and communities also seeking to apply customary marine management and fishing rules. Effective deterrence and enforcement prove difficult for both communities and government, especially in remote places. Community-based marine protected areas, and government or aid-led educational programs, are attempted, but are insufficient against the pressures of well-organized illegal fishing supply chains. On Selayar Island, in South Sulawesi province, Indonesia, certain local “champions,” fishers and others exerting influence within their communities, and “island champions (IC),” individuals working at island level from local government and non-government roles, are developing their own—often unorthodox—strategies to mobilize social change to protect ES. Through in-depth interviews supported by participant observation we investigated how these individuals become motivated, and how they operate to protect local ecosystems such as coral reefs and seagrass meadows. We document what inspired them, what strategies they follow, their observations on barriers, and their key messages for others. Understanding these very unofficial, individual and small-group processes that occur outside conventional policy-making and ecosystem governance can allow sharing of effective strategies to encourage potential champions elsewhere, and support community agency in protecting marine ES.
Molecular characteristics of immunocytes infiltration in primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Linyun , Sun Fei , Lu Xiaona , Wang Xiaotong , Wang Jie , Li Jun , Xu Yingsong , Kou Daqing , Lv Hongtao , Don Bin
Published: August 2022

Background: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare B-cell lymphoma of central nervous system, which is often found in immunocompromised patients. The common clinical treatment of PCNSL is methotrexate (MTX) and whole brain radiation therapy. With the development of tumour immunology research, the tumour microenvironment of PCNSL is characterised by abnormal expression of different immune signature molecules and patients with PCNSL may benefit from tumour immunotherapy.

Methods: In our research, RNA-seq data from 82 PCNSL patients were collated by mining the microarray data from the GEO database. All samples were classified into three types related to tumour immune response by the Cibersort algorithm and consistent clustering. Differential analysis of genes was used to uncover 2 sets of differential genes associated with tumour immunity. The ICI scores of each sample were obtained by PCA algorithm, and the relationship between ICI scores and immune checkpoint expression, immunotherapy and drug sensitivity was investigated. Genes associated with ICI scores and their functional characteristics were investigated by WGCNA analysis and PPI analysis, based on the ICI scores of each sample.

Results: The tumour microenvironment in PCNSL has a greater relationship with the tumour immune response. ICI scores obtained from 375 differential genes were associated with multiple immune responses in PCNSL. PCNSL patients with higher ICI scores had a better tumour microenvironment and were sensitive to immunotherapy and some small molecule drug. This study also identified 64 genes associated with ICI scores, which may serve as important therapeutic and prognostic targets for PCNSL.

Conclusion: The presence of multiple immunosuppressive responses in the tumour microenvironment of PCNSL which suggested that improving the immune function of PCNSL patients through immunotherapy and targeted therapies can be an effective treatment for PCNSL. And the ICI score and associated genes may also provide a better predictor of the clinical use of immunotherapy.
Juvenile-onset PSAT1-related neuropathy: A milder phenotype of serine deficiency disorder
Authors: Shen Yu , Peng Yun , Huang Pengcheng , Zheng Yilei , Li Shumeng , Jiang Kaiyan , Zhou Meihong , Deng Jianwen , Zhu Min , Hong Daojun
Published: August 2022

Background: Primary serine deficiency disorders have a broad range of the phenotypic spectrum. As an inborn error of metabolism, individuals with severe phenotype may be easily recognized with Neu-Laxova syndrome. However, late-onset mild phenotypes may be underdiagnosed and will lead to disastrous consequences due to treatment delays.

Materials and Methods: Clinical features of patients with serine deficiency disorders were summarized in two unrelated patients. Skin and sural nerve biopsies were conducted on the patients. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in the index patients. Sanger sequencing was used to analyze family cosegregation.

Results: Patient 1 was a 19-year-old male presenting with infancy-onset ichthyosis and juvenile-onset neuropathy. Patient 2 was a 17-year-old male manifesting childhood-onset ichthyosis and juvenile-onset neuropathy. Except for nystagmus, no other developmental or neurodegenerative disorders were found in the patients. Electrophysiological studies indicated a severe sensorimotor axonal neuropathy with a possible demyelinating component. High-dose oral L-serine and glycine completely alleviated skin lesions and only slightly improved neuropathy symptoms. Skin biopsies showed typical features consistent with ichthyosis and severe loss of unmyelinated axons. Sural biopsies revealed a severe loss of axons and a few thinly myelinated fibers. WES found the same homozygous variant c.43G > C (p.A15P) in the PSAT1 gene, which was cosegregated in the two families.

Conclusions: The skin and nervous system may be the main affected targets in serine deficiency disorders. Our patients show a more simple and mild phenotype of PSAT1-related serine deficiency disorder. The pathological changes and regenerative ability of skin and peripheral nerves determine their response to serine supplements.
MiR-33a targets FOSL1 and EN2 as a clinical prognostic marker for sarcopenia by glioma
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Wei , Xu Jing , Jin Hongze
Published: August 2022

To determine the relationship between glioma and muscle aging and to predict prognosis by screening for co-expressed genes, this study examined the relationship between glioma and sarcopenia. The study identified eight co-downregulated miRNAs, three co-upregulated miRNAs, and seven genes associated with overall glioma survival, namely, KRAS, IFNB1, ALCAM, ERBB2, STAT3, FOSL1, and EN2. With a multi-factor Cox regression model incorporating FOSL1 and EN2, we obtained ROC curves of 0.702 and 0.709, respectively, suggesting that glioma prognosis can be predicted by FOSL1 and EN2, which are differentially expressed in both cancer and aged muscle. FOSL1 and EN2 were analyzed using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to identify possible functional pathways. RT-qPCR and a dual-luciferase reporter gene system verified that hsa-miR-33a targets FOSL1 and EN2. We found that hsa-mir-33a co-targeting FOSL1 and EN2 has a good predictive value for glioblastoma and skeletal muscle reduction.
eQTL analysis of laying hens divergently selected for feather pecking identifies KLF14 as a potential key regulator for this behavioral disorder
Authors: Mott Alexander Charles , Mott Andrea , Preuß Siegfried , Bennewitz Jörn , Tetens Jens , Falker-Gieske Clemens
Published: August 2022

Feather pecking in chickens is a damaging behavior, seriously impacting animal welfare and leading to economic losses. Feather pecking is a complex trait, which is partly under genetic control. Different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the etiology of feather pecking and notably, several studies have identified similarities between feather pecking and human mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. This study uses transcriptomic and phenotypic data from 167 chickens to map expression quantitative trait loci and to identify regulatory genes with a significant effect on this behavioral disorder using an association weight matrix approach. From 70 of the analyzed differentially expressed genes, 11,790 genome wide significantly associated variants were detected, of which 23 showed multiple associations (≥15). These were located in proximity to a number of genes, which are transcription regulators involved in chromatin binding, nucleic acid metabolism, protein translation and putative regulatory RNAs. The association weight matrix identified 36 genes and the two transcription factors: SP6 (synonym: KLF14) and ENSGALG00000042129 (synonym: CHTOP) as the most significant, with an enrichment of KLF14 binding sites being detectable in 40 differentially expressed genes. This indicates that differential expression between animals showing high and low levels of feather pecking was significantly associated with a genetic variant in proximity to KLF14. This multiallelic variant was located 652 bp downstream of KLF14 and is a deletion of 1-3 bp. We propose that a deletion downstream of the transcription factor KLF14 has a negative impact on the level of T cells in the developing brain of high feather pecking chickens, which leads to developmental and behavioral abnormalities. The lack of CD4 T cells and gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are important factors for the increased propensity of laying hens to perform feather pecking. As such, KLF14 is a clear candidate regulator for the expression of genes involved in the pathogenic development. By further elucidating the regulatory pathways involved in feather pecking we hope to take significant steps forward in explaining and understanding other mental disorders, not just in chickens.
Case Report: Bi-allelic missense variant in the desmocollin 3 gene causes hypotrichosis and recurrent skin vesicles
Authors: Al Hawsawi Khalid , Al Jabri Mazin , Dajam Mazen S. , Almahdi Bashaer , Alhawsawi Waseem K. , Abbas Safdar , Al Tuwaijri Abeer , Umair Muhammad , Alfadhel Majid , Al-Khenaizan Sultan
Published: August 2022

Background: Hypotrichosis with Recurrent Skin Vesicles (HYPTSV) is an extremely rare condition, having autosomal recessive inheritance. Here in we report a 4-years- old Saudi boy who presented with a history of recurrent skin blisters that are localized to the extremities and hypotrichosis since birth.

Methods: The present study describes a consanguineous Saudi family segregating HYPTSV in an autosomal recessive fashion. A single proband (II-1) exhibited features such as diffused non-scarring alopecia on the scalp, intraepidermal blister, post-inflammatory hyperpigmented macules, and follicular hyperkeratosis. DNA of the index was subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Furthermore, 3D protein modeling was performed for the mutated and normal protein.

Results: WGS revealed a novel bi-allelic missense variant (c.154G>C; p. Val52Leu) in the DSC3 gene, which segregated perfectly using Sanger sequencing. In addition, 3D protein modeling revealed a substantial change in the mutated DSC3 protein as compared to the normal DSC3 protein.

Conclusion: This is the 3rd novel variant reported in the DSC3 gene associated with the HYPTSV phenotype. This report further strengthens the evidence that bi-allelic variants in the DSC3 cause severe HYPTSV in humans.
Stem-like T cells and niches: Implications in human health and disease
Authors: Yi Linglu , Yang Li
Published: August 2022

Recently, accumulating evidence has elucidated the important role of T cells with stem-like characteristics in long-term maintenance of T cell responses and better patient outcomes after immunotherapy. The fate of TSL cells has been correlated with many physiological and pathological human processes. In this review, we described present advances demonstrating that stem-like T (TSL) cells are central players in human health and disease. We interpreted the evolutionary characteristics, mechanism and functions of TSL cells. Moreover, we discuss the import role of distinct niches and how they affect the stemness of TSL cells. Furthermore, we also outlined currently available strategies to generate TSL cells and associated affecting factors. Moreover, we summarized implication of TSL cells in therapies in two areas: stemness enhancement for vaccines, ICB, and adoptive T cell therapies, and stemness disruption for autoimmune disorders.