bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploratory factor analysis of the perceived constraints affecting rice farmers of kano river irrigation (KRIP) kano state, Nigeria
Authors: Wudil Abdulazeez H. , Ali Asghar , Hassan Sarfraz , Mushtaq Khalid
Published: June 2022

To empirically factor out the perceived constraints affecting rice production in the Kano River Irrigation Project Kano State, Nigeria, the current study used cross-sectional data collected through a semi-structured questionnaire complemented by an interview schedule from 217 rice farmers selected via a multi-stage sampling technique in 2020. High input cost, inadequate training, unreliable water supply, waterlogging, and insufficient credit were identified as significant risk factors affecting rice production in the research area. In addition, the orthogonal rotation took into account ten restrictions impacting rice cultivation in the examined area: technical, biological, insect infestation, output price, marketing, extension, flooding, credit, soil, and health. As a result, the study suggests that a market economy be developed, corruption be reduced, and policy design and implementation be transparent. Project management and other stakeholders should empower farmers through training and workshops to operate and maintain their irrigation schemes through WUAs. It is also critical for the government to supply and subsidize farm inputs, low-cost finance, and other agricultural services, such as rice marketing chains, production diversification, and other agricultural services.
Improving the technology of product supply chain management in the context of the development of multimodal transportation systems in the European union countries
Authors: Prymachenko Hanna O. , Shapatina Olha О. , Pestremenko-Skrypka Oksana S. , Shevchenko Anna V. , Halkevych Maryna V.
Published: June 2022

The relevance of the study is caused by the growing role of multimodal transportation in Ukraine and the European Union, ensures the optimization of the goods supply chain management to the consignee, and an important element of this development is the significant role of rail transport in the multimodal transportation, which is relevant towards minimization of costs and preserving the environment. The purpose of the article is to develop measures to improve the designing processes of the multimodal route parts for grain supply chains through the using of network systems and minimizing the total transportation cost. Taking into account the specifics of the functioning and management of multimodal transportation, an approach to the integrated assessment of the effect from the transport enterprises activities in multimodal transportation based on the building of network models of each part of the multimodal route is offered. The article presents the results of the analysis and theoretical generalization of approaches to formalizing the process of functioning the multimodal transportation systems for goods supply chains with rail and road modes of transport. The materials of the article are of practical value for vocational and industrial training of logistics operators, transport companies’ staff, and scientific and pedagogical personnel in order to improve their professional competencies.
Specific characteristics of seaports development in the context of digitalization: international experience and conclusions
Authors: Chuprina Elena , Zahorodnia Yuliia , Petrenko Olha , Britchenko Igor , Goretskyi Oleksii
Published: June 2022

The article focuses on the study of specific characteristics of seaports development under conditions of digitalization. The article aims to study features of the development of the international seaport under digitalization to implement the best achievements in Ukraine. The main research method was a systemic-structural approach used to examine seaport digitalization as a part of a logistics chain, including horizontal and vertical links between its elements. To achieve an effective digital transformation, we also used the above method. It helped to study how the factors determined during the study of international practices and possible innovations influence the object under study. The practices, which are of interest for Ukraine and other developing countries, were identified based on the international experience in seaports development under digitalization. The main strategic directions for the digital transformations of the above infrastructural objects were suggested. They involve increasing seaport competitiveness and their effectiveness in the framework of the international transport system. The directions are of interest for public authorities of the governmental and regional levels (while establishing the digitalization policy in the area of sea transport) and the port administrations (while making justified strategic decisions for their development).
Some Features of Social Structures and Institutions Transformation in the Digital Age
Authors: Balyakin Artem , Nurbina Marina , Taranenko Sergey
Published: June 2022

The paper examines the peculiarities of digitalization processes influence on the architecture of emerging socio-economic relations. The legal regulation issues of digital technologies and the shifts they cause in public life are considered. The relations arising in connection with the regulation of big data are compared. The evolution of big data into smart content is described. The phenomenon of the "digital twin" is considered, as well as its impact on the social sphere. The tendency to move away from the policy of direct prohibitions in the field of digital technologies and the transition to the control of physical entities (data centers) and the regulation of methods and approaches to data processing (algorithms) is shown. It is noted that the existing expectations from digitalization are overstated. At the same time, the increasing influence of digital technologies significantly changes the existing socio-economic landscape, generating new risks. The answer to these challenges should be the joint work of authorities, business, society and the expert community on the formation of digital culture. It is shown that an important aspect should be the development of expert systems that translate qualitative characteristics into quantitative indicators.
Detectability of oncological diseases in the process of clinical examination of the adult population of Russia in 2013-2020
Authors: Zakharchenko Olga , Terenteva Dina , Shikina Irina
Published: June 2022

The article analyzes the detection of neoplasms, including malignant ones, in the process of clinical examination of the adult population of Russia. It is shown that during the period of 2013-2020, 312206 cases of neoplasms, including 183436 malignant ones, were detected during the clinical examination. There is a tendency to an increase in the detection of neoplasms, including malignant ones, the average annual growth rate is 6.6%. Even taking into account the difficult epidemiological situation in 2020 caused by the new coronavirus infection COVID-19, which led to the termination for some time of the clinical examination, the detection of neoplasms, including malignant ones, continued to grow. Thus, detection of oncological diseases is increasing, which indicates the effectiveness of large-scale preventive measures, in particular, the clinical examination.
APOPTOSIS MEDIATED ANTI-PROLIFERATIVE ACTIVITY OF KAEMPFEROL AND QUERCETINE ISOLATED FROM THE LEAVES OF ALTINGIA EXCELSA AGAINST HUMAN TONGUE SP-C1 CELL LINES
Authors: Anwar Risyandi , Setiawan Arlette Suzy , Supriatno Supriatno , Supratman Unang
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The leaves of Altingia excelsa were found to strongly inhibit SP-C1 human tongue cancer cell lines. This study was focused on identifying antiproliferative compounds found in A. excelsa leaves and assesment their action mechanism. Methods: Extracts of Methanol A. excelsa were fractionated based on their solvent polarity using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. The anti-proliferative testing were tested in vitro against SP-C1 human tongue cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Isolated the active compound used column chromatography and identified by the spectroscopic method. The isolated compound was also tested for its anti-proliferative testing and ELIZA method of apoptotic induction. Results: This work resulted in the isolation of a flavonoid, which was identified to be kaempferol and quercetin. The compound inhibited SP-C1 proliferation of cell in a time- and dosedependent manner with IC50 values of 0.72 µg/mL and 0. 70 µg/mL for the 24 hours treatments, respectively. Furthermore, promoting apoptosis via the intrinsic pathway, thereby increasing the activity of caspase-8 and caspase-9. Conclusions: These results suggest that kaempferol and quercetin the anticancer compound found in A, excelsa provided a basic for its potential use in cancer disease treatment management
CRISPR/Cas9-Based Deletion of SpvB Gene From Salmonella gallinarum Leads to Loss of Virulence in Chicken
Authors: Basit Abdul , Tahir Hamza , Haider Zulquernain , Tariq Hafsa , Ullah Asim , Rehman Shafiq Ur
Published: June 2022

Salmonella Gallinarum causes fowl typhoid in poultry leading to a huge economic loss to the poultry industry. The large virulence plasmid of S. gallinarum has been associated with various systemic infections in poultry. A five-gene spanning region (spvRABCD) of 7.8 kb on the large plasmid mainly confers virulence to the bacteria. However, the exact role of these genes in virulence has not been elucidated yet. SpvB exhibits delayed cell death by preventing actin polymerization followed by apoptosis during intracellular infection. The specific role of SpvB in causing the disease is not known yet. In the current study, the SpvB gene was deleted through CRISPR/Cas9 method from a large virulent plasmid of locally isolated S. gallinarum strain (SG18). The homology-directed repair method was used for complete deletion of SpvB gene using the modified pCas9 plasmid. The SpvB-deleted S. gallinarum strain (ΔSpvB_SG18), when tested for its virulence in broiler chicken showed no diseases signs and mortality. In addition, the avirulent strain does not affect the bird’s weight and was rapidly cleared from the liver after infection. However, it cleared from the intestine only after 4–5 days, which suggests that the ΔSpvB_SG18 strain is unable to invade from the intestine to the liver. This is the first study to report a complete gene deletion from the S. gallinarum virulent plasmid and its effect. This method will be useful for the deletion of virulent genes from S. gallinarum, to study their role in pathogenesis, and to prepare an effective vaccine strain for controlling fowl typhoid in poultry.
3D-Cultured Vascular-Like Networks Enable Validation of Vascular Disruption Properties of Drugs In Vitro
Authors: Yavvari Prabhusrinivas , Laporte Anna , Elomaa Laura , Schraufstetter Fabian , Pacharzina Inga , Daberkow Aline Dominique , Hoppensack Anke , Weinhart Marie
Published: June 2022

Vascular-disrupting agents are an interesting class of anticancer compounds because of their combined mode of action in preventing new blood vessel formation and disruption of already existing vasculature in the immediate microenvironment of solid tumors. The validation of vascular disruption properties of these drugs in vitro is rarely addressed due to the lack of proper in vitro angiogenesis models comprising mature and long-lived vascular-like networks. We herein report an indirect coculture model of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) to form three-dimensional profuse vascular-like networks. HUVECs embedded and sandwiched in the collagen scaffold were cocultured with HDFs located outside the scaffold. The indirect coculture approach with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) producing HDFs triggered the formation of progressively maturing lumenized vascular-like networks of endothelial cells within less than 7 days, which have proven to be viably maintained in culture beyond day 21. Molecular weight-dependent Texas red-dextran permeability studies indicated high vascular barrier function of the generated networks. Their longevity allowed us to study the dose-dependent response upon treatment with the three known antiangiogenic and/or vascular disrupting agents brivanib, combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P), and 6´-sialylgalactose (SG) via semi-quantitative brightfield and qualitative confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) image analysis. Compared to the reported data on in vivo efficacy of these drugs in terms of antiangiogenic and vascular disrupting effects, we observed similar trends with our 3D model, which are not reflected in conventional in vitro angiogenesis assays. High-vascular disruption under continuous treatment of the matured vascular-like network was observed at concentrations ≥3.5 ng·ml−1 for CA4P and ≥300 nM for brivanib. In contrast, SG failed to induce any significant vascular disruption in vitro. This advanced model of a 3D vascular-like network allows for testing single and combinational antiangiogenic and vascular disrupting effects with optimized dosing and may thus bridge the gap between the in vitro and in vivo experiments in validating hits from high-throughput screening. Moreover, the physiological 3D environment mimicking in vitro assay is not only highly relevant to in vivo studies linked to cancer but also to the field of tissue regeneration.
Sustainable Production of the Cyanophycin Biopolymer in Tobacco in the Greenhouse and Field
Authors: Huckauf Jana , Brandt Boudewijn P. , Dezar Carlos , Nausch Henrik , Hauerwaas Antoniya , Weisenfeld Ursula , Elshiewy Ossama , Rua Melina , Hugenholtz Jeroen , Wesseler Justus , Cingiz Kutay , Broer Inge
Published: June 2022

The production of biodegradable polymers as coproducts of other commercially relevant plant components can be a sustainable strategy to decrease the carbon footprint and increase the commercial value of a plant. The biodegradable polymer cyanophycin granular polypeptide (CGP) was expressed in the leaves of a commercial tobacco variety, whose seeds can serve as a source for biofuel and feed. In T0 generation in the greenhouse, up to 11% of the leaf dry weight corresponded to the CGP. In T1 generation, the maximum content decreased to approximately 4% dw, both in the greenhouse and first field trial. In the field, a maximum harvest of 4 g CGP/plant could be obtained. Independent of the CGP content, most transgenic plants exhibited a slight yield penalty in the leaf biomass, especially under stress conditions in greenhouse and field trials. After the harvest, the leaves were either Sun dried or ensiled. The resulting material was used to evaluate the extraction of CGP compared to that in the laboratory protocol. The farm-level analysis indicates that the extraction of CGP from tobacco plants can provide alternative income opportunities for tobacco farmers. The CGP yield/ha indicates that the CGP production in plants can be economically feasible depending on the cultivation and extraction costs. Moreover, we analyzed the consumer acceptance of potential applications associated with GM tobacco in four European countries (Germany, Finland, Italy and the Netherlands) and found unexpectedly high acceptance.
Digital Twins in the Construction Industry: A Perspective of Practitioners and Building Authority
Authors: Ammar Ashtarout , Nassereddine Hala , AbdulBaky Nadine , AbouKansour Anwar , Tannoury Juliano , Urban Harald , Schranz Christian
Published: June 2022

As the notion of data-driven analytics and turning data into action is becoming more salient in the construction industry, researchers and practitioners have recently devoted considerable effort to investigate the digital transformation of the industry. Along this journey, Digital Twin has been introduced to the industry as a concept that holds the promise to challenge the status-quo and address long standing problems of productivity, efficiency, and value. While this concept is becoming more familiar among practitioners, there is a lack of universal definitions of what the Digital Twin of a construction project is. Additionally, while identifying the purpose of Digital Twin is recognized as the first step in implementing Digital Twins, there is little discussion on the perception of construction practitioners of the extent to which Digital Twin can deliver value. To address these research gaps and building on the existing work on Digital Twins in the context of the construction industry, this paper first proposes a definition of the Digital Twin of a construction project. Next, a series of semi-structured interviews are conducted with nine construction practitioners to understand their perceptions on the use and challenges of Digital Twins. Thematic analysis is then used to analyze interview data and summarize Digital Twins applications, capabilities, and challenges. Forty direct applications were identified and grouped into seven capabilities. Digital Twins capabilities of Increase Transparency of Information and Real-Time Monitoring, Analysis, and Feedback were the most discussed with a total of eight applications each, followed by Better Stakeholder Collaboration which had seven applications. The discussion on challenges led to the identification of 34 challenges to implementing Digital Twin, grouped into six categories coded through thematic analysis. The category on Data Understanding, Preparation, and Usage Challenges was found to be the most critical for the interviewees. Additionally, the paper presents a case study on how building authority can be integrated into Digital Twins and leverage its use throughout the lifecycle of a building. Future work can further investigate the challenges and develop prototypes that can help in quantifying the benefits of implementing Digital Twins on a Construction Project.
Case Report: AL Amyloidosis Severe Restrictive Cardiomyopathy Associated With Multiple Myeloma—Diagnostic Difficulties
Authors: Kirichenko Yulia Y. , Ilgisonis Irina S. , Nakhodnova Elena S. , Sokolova Irina Y. , Bochkarnikova Olga V. , Kardanova Sabina A. , Lyapidevskaya Olga V. , Privalova Elena V. , Ershov Vladimir I. , Belenkov Yurii N.
Published: June 2022

Background

Cardiac AL amyloidosis as a complication of multiple myeloma (MM) is a formidable life-threatening condition. The first-line therapy for both MM and systemic AL amyloidosis is proteasome inhibitors (PIs). Unfortunately, the use of PIs may lead to cardiovascular toxicity development, which requires specific cardio-oncology supervision.

Case Report

A 57-year-old woman was admitted to a university hospital with clinical manifestation of progressive chronic heart failure. The patient had hypertension and no history of diabetes mellitus, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and arrhythmias. After a series of laboratory and instrumental examination methods, MM complicated by cardiac AL amyloidosis was proved. Upon specific cardio-oncology examination (NT-proBNP 4,274 pg/ml), ECHO showed systolic dysfunction, motion abnormalities in LV basal and middle segments, and a typical depositional myocardium pattern (“luminescence”); cardiac MRI revealed restrictive cardiomyopathy and specific hyperenhancement of the ventricles and atria; 24-h ECG showed QS-pattern in leads V1–V3 and unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT) paroxysms. Cardio-oncology consultation showed baseline cardiovascular risk was very high (≥20%), and cardioprotective therapy [iACE/ARBs, beta-blockers (BB), statins] was administered. The patient underwent VCD (bortezomib; cyclophosphamide; dexamethasone) chemotherapy (CMT) program. By the time of publication, the patient had received four CMT courses with a positive oncohematological and cardiovascular effect.

Conclusion

In this clinical case, we described a complication of MM, which was rare according to the severity and manifestation with restrictive cardiomyopathy due to secondary cardiac amyloidosis. The case's features were difficulties in verifying the underlying disease and its own complication, and the complexity of patient management according to modern principles of cardio-oncology.
Building Virtual Health Training Tools for Residents: A Design Thinking Approach
Authors: Lawrence Katharine , Cho James , Torres Christian , Alfaro-arias Veronica
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic drove a rapid transition to virtual care experiences for graduate medical trainees. Core training competencies have expanded to incorporate virtual contexts, however there is limited knowledge of the optimal design of virtual care training tools for learners. In this study, we describe the application of a Design Thinking approach to the identification and co-design of novel training tools to support residents and precepting attending physicians in virtual ambulatory care practice. We applied the model of “Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test” via a mixed methods approach to (1) explore the needs, preferences, and concerns of Internal Medicine residents and outpatient precepting attendings regarding virtual ambulatory care training environments, and (2) evaluate, prototype, and test potential training tools. Eleven residents and eight attending physicians participated. Identified learner needs and problem areas included: improving virtual visit technical skills; acquiring virtual communication skills; adapting to the loss of shared in-person learning space and optimizing virtual learning environments; remediating non-virtual procedural competencies; and educating on new documentation requirements. Key solution areas included: virtual precepting support tools; digital information and education dissemination tools; and strategies for management of technical issues. Several prototypes were proposed, with a single tool (a virtual preceptor tip sheet) deployed in clinical practice. Residents found the workshop program improved their understanding of Design Thinking and its relevance to healthcare. Ultimately, Design Thinking can be deployed to engage medical trainees and precepting attendings in the effective development of novel educational tools for the virtual care learning environment.
Constraining Morphologies of Soft Tissues in Extinct Vertebrates Using Multibody Dynamic Simulations: A Case Study on Articular Cartilage of the Sauropod Dreadnoughtus
Authors: Voegele Kristyn K. , Bonnan Matthew F. , Siegler Sorin , Langel Christopher R. , Lacovara Kenneth J.
Published: June 2022

Rarity of soft tissue preservation, including of articular cartilage, in the fossil record hinders creation of biologically-realistic mechanical models. Previous studies of articular cartilage in extant taxa have documented important aspects of cartilage shapes and thicknesses, but these insights remain generalized and have yet to see systematic implementation in biomechanical modeling. Herein, we present a new method for modeling joints that allows for testing of hypotheses about articular cartilage morphology in extinct taxa. Our case study examines the left elbow joint of the sauropod dinosaurDreadnoughtus schraniusing articular cartilage reconstructions constrained by extant phylogenetic bracketing (EPB). EPB investigations of alligator and chicken articular cartilage revealed the presence of a spherical anterior projection of cartilage on the distal humerus which articulates with the radius during flexion. Importantly, this shape does not directly mirror the underlying bone. Using multibody dynamic models created in Adams™ withouta priorirestrictions on joint degrees of freedom, we simulated the effects of three alternative cartilage reconstructions based on these EPB findings which differ in mediolateral placement of a cartilage sphere and its anteroposterior thickness, encompassing a range of possibilities for the condition inDreadnoughtus. Bone kinematics and contact area (calculated in Geomagic®) were tracked. Additionally, we modeled the elbow of an alligator and turkey using the same methodology and compared the results to XROMM (X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology) analysis of the same limbs. Each model produced distinct results but were generally similar supporting our modeling methodology. Based on these findings, we predict thatDreadnoughtus, and presumably other extinct archosaurs, had a spherical projection of cartilage on the anterior face of the distal end of the humerus for articulation with the radius. Though many valuable insights have been gained by existing modeling methodologies, we chose a different approach that focused on joint contact surfaces. Moreover, applying our methods within a quantitative hypothesis-testing framework can advance the field of paleobiology by testing hypotheses relating shape and kinematics that are not possible with prescribed joint motions.
Distribution of Cambrian Source Rock Controlled by the Inherited Paleotopography on the Precambrian Basement in the Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Yuan Haowei , Chen Shuping , Dai Kun , Guo Xiaochen , Kong Linghua , Feng Nana , Zhao Huaibo , Yang Weili
Published: June 2022

The Cambrian source rock is a key indicator that will guide future hydrocarbon explorations in ultra-deep strata. Despite its importance, the characteristics of paleotopography on the Precambrian basement and the distribution of source rocks above it remain unclear. The seismic and borehole data, isopach data, and the unconformity analysis are used to study the relations of the Cambrian source rock distribution to the paleotopography. The consistency of the strata thickness distribution maps of the Nanhua–Cambrian sequences show that the extensive thermal subsidence lasted the whole Sinian period, and makes the paleotopography of the Precambrian basement inherited from the landform after the Nanhua continental rifting. A major transgression caused by rapid subsidence of the Tarim Basin took place during the Cambrian. Shales were deposited offshore along the slopes of a paleo-uplift on the inherited paleotopography and formed the onlap in seismic profiles. The onlap on the inherited paleotopography reflects the distribution range of Yuertusi source rocks in the Cambrian.
A Person-Centered Approach to Study Students’ Socio-Emotional Interaction Profiles and Regulation of Collaborative Learning
Authors: Törmänen Tiina , Järvenoja Hanna , Saqr Mohammed , Malmberg Jonna , Järvelä Sanna
Published: June 2022

Emotions in collaborative learning both originate from and are externalized in students’ socio-emotional interactions, and individual group members evidently contribute to these interactions to varying degrees. Research indicates that socio-emotional interactions within a group are related with the occurrence of co- and socially shared regulation of learning, which poses a need to study individual contributions to these interactions via a person-centered approach. This study implements multimodal data (video and electrodermal activity) and sequence mining methods to explore how secondary school students’ (n = 54, 18 groups) participation in socio-emotional interactions evolved across a series of collaborative tasks. On this basis, it identifies subgroups of students with distinct longitudinal profiles. Furthermore, it investigates how students with different socio-emotional interaction profiles contributed to their groups’ regulation of learning. Three profiles were identified: negative, neutral, and diverse. Each profile represents a particular socio-emotional interaction pattern with unique characteristics regarding the emotional valence of participation and physiological emotional activation. The profiles relate to students’ contributions to group regulation of learning. Students with the diverse profile were more likely to contribute to regulation, whereas the neutral profile students were less likely to contribute. The results highlight the importance of person-centered methods to account for individual differences and participation dynamics in collaborative learning and consequently clarify how they relate to and influence group regulation of learning.
Preservice Teachers’ Perceptions of Linguistic Abilities and Privacy Policies in the Use of Visual Materials During Their Own and Their Tutors’ Lessons
Authors: Míguez-Álvarez Carla , Cuevas-Alonso Miguel , Doval-Ruiz María Isabel
Published: June 2022

This article analyzes the capacity for improvement of digital observation in initial teacher training to investigate whether the implementation of visual materials is effective for the reinforcement of previously taught content, the assessment of one’s own linguistic abilities and whether it motivates learners. To do so, the subjects analyzed classroom behavior and learning typology through the reflection of their own videos recorded with children and tutors. Data was collected through 12 closed-ended questions that follow the Likert scale and one open-ended question for general reflection. The questions focused on the motivation and interest of the students with respect to the videos viewed, comprehension, learning, perceived usefulness, and the problem arising with the privacy of the Students’ personal data. The responses were classified and their frequencies and percentages were calculated. The results show that implementing video tools in the classroom and reflecting on their content afterward can be an effective means of assessing one’s learning and language skills. In addition, the study highlights the inherent complexities posed by EU GDPR regulations and the significant barriers to integrating video technology into the classroom for schoolchildren in these contexts.
Bone Volumetric Density, Microarchitecture, and Estimated Bone Strength in Tumor-Induced Rickets/Osteomalacia Versus X-linked Hypophosphatemia in Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Jiajue Ruizhi , Ni Xiaolin , Jin Chenxi , Yu Wei , Huo Li , Wu Huanwen , Liu Yong , Jin Jin , Lv Wei , Zhou Lian , Xia Yu , Chi Yue , Cui Lijia , Pang Qianqian , Li Xiang , Jiang Yan , Wang Ou , Li Mei , Xing Xiaoping , Meng Xunwu , Xia Weibo
Published: June 2022

Tumor-induced rickets/osteomalacia (TIR/O) severely impairs bone microarchitecture and bone strength. However, no study has described the microarchitectural quality of bone in adolescent patients with TIR/O. TIR/O affects bone quality more severely than the inherited causes of hypophosphatemia, the most common form of which is X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). Nevertheless, differences of the microarchitectural quality of the bone between TIR/O and XLH have never been clarified. Therefore, in this study, we used high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography to assess bone microarchitecture in five Chinese adolescent TIR/O patients, and these were compared with 15 age- and gender-matched XLH patients as well as 15 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Compared with the healthy controls, the TIR/O patients presented with significantly lower volumetric bone mineral densities (vBMDs), severely affected bone microarchitecture, and profoundly weaker bone strength. The distal tibia was more severely affected than the distal radius. Compared with the XLH patients, the TIR/O patients showed deteriorated bone quality notably at the distal tibia and in the cancellous compartment, reflected by 45.9% lower trabecular vBMD (p = 0.029), 40.2% lower trabecular fraction (p = 0.020), 40.6% weaker stiffness (p = 0.058), and 42.7% weaker failure load (p = 0.039) at the distal tibia. The correlation analysis showed that a higher level of serum FGF23 and a lower level of serum phosphate were associated with a poorer bone microarchitecture and a weaker estimated bone strength in the hypophosphatemic patients of our study. In conclusion, our study demonstrated significantly lower vBMDs, severely impaired bone microarchitecture, and profoundly weaker bone strength in Chinese adolescent patients with TIR/O, notably at the distal tibia, compared with the same parameters in age- and sex-matched healthy controls and XLH patients, which was possibly caused by excessive FGF23 production and secretion, chronically severe hypophosphatemia, and weak mechanical stimulus at the lower extremities. These findings further our understanding of the impact of different kinds of hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia on bone quality.
Metyrapone Versus Osilodrostat in the Short-Term Therapy of Endogenous Cushing’s Syndrome: Results From a Single Center Cohort Study
Authors: Detomas Mario , Altieri Barbara , Deutschbein Timo , Fassnacht Martin , Dischinger Ulrich
Published: June 2022

Background

Although surgery is considered the first-line treatment for patients with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS), medical therapy is often required to control severe hypercortisolism. Metyrapone and osilodrostat are both steroidogenic inhibitors targeting the 11β-hydroxylase, however, their therapeutic effectiveness has not yet been directly compared. This study aimed to evaluate metyrapone and osilodrostat in the short-term therapy of CS.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients with endogenous CS treated with metyrapone or osilodrostat as monotherapy for at least 4 weeks. Main outcome measures were serum cortisol and 24h urinary free cortisol (UFC) at baseline (T0) and after 2 (T1), 4 (T2), and 12 weeks (T3) of therapy.

Results

16 patients with endogenous CS were identified (pituitary n=7, adrenal n=4, ectopic CS n=5). Each 8 patients were treated with metyrapone and osilodrostat. Despite heterogeneity, both groups showed comparable mean UFC levels at T0 (metyrapone: 758 µg/24h vs osilodrostat: 817 µg/24h; p=0.93). From T0 to T1, the decrease of UFC was less pronounced under metyrapone than osilodrostat (-21.3% vs -68.4%; median daily drug dose: 1000 mg vs 4 mg). This tendency persisted at T2 (-37.3% vs -50.1%; median drug dose: 1250 mg vs 6 mg) while at T3 a decrease in UFC from T0 was more pronounced in the metyrapone group (-71.5% vs -51.5%; median dose 1250 mg vs 7 mg). Under osilodrostat, a QTc-interval prolongation was identified at T3 (mean 432 ms vs 455 ms). From T0 to T2, the number of antihypertensive drugs remained comparable under metyrapone and decreased under osilodrostat (n= -0.3 vs n= -1.0).

Conclusion

Although both drugs show comparable therapeutic efficacy, osilodrostat seems to reduce cortisol levels and to control blood pressure faster.
Arthrospira Cell Residues for Lactic Acid Fermentation as Bioproducts From Waste Utilization
Authors: Pan-utai Wanida , Thitiprasert Sitanan , Pornpukdeewattana Soisuda
Published: June 2022

Arthrospira(Spirulina)platensisis a freshwater cyanobacterium that is commercially produced as a food source on a global scale and considered safe for human consumption. After C-phycocyanin (C-PC) extraction, the waste cell residue (WCR) is composed of nutrients with 30% protein content. Here, the potential of WCR as a nitrogen source forBacillus coagulanscultivation and bioproducts was evaluated. Nitrogen substitute from WCR under different conditions of 20—100 g L−1was performed.B. coagulanscultivation was achieved with maximal viable cells at 7.6–9.5 log CFU mL−1. Increasing WCR gave decreasing lactate production. The highest lactate production at 27 g L−1was achieved from WCR 20 g L−1, highlighting the potential use ofA. platensiswaste biomass residue as a nitrogen source for the growth of lactic acid bacteria and zero-waste biotechnology methodology. The utilization of renewable resources is a crucial step toward developing a sustainable industrial society.
Coupled Analysis of Heat Transfer in a Molten Pool With Three-Layer Configuration
Authors: Deng Jian , Zhu Dahuan , Luo Yuejian , Sun Hongping , Zhang Ming , Liu Lili , Xiang Qingan , Wu Xiaoli , Xu Youyou , Xiong Qingwen
Published: June 2022

Understanding a reliable description of the heat transfer in the molten pool with three-layer configuration is inevitable for the design of severe accident mitigation measures in research reactors, such as IVR-ERVC. However, investigations on a thick lower metallic layer are scarce. Thus, further studies on heat transfer in a molten pool with a thick lower metallic layer are highly required, based on previous severe accident studies in light water reactors. This study conducts a numerical simulation of heat transfer in the molten pool with a thick lower metallic layer during a severe accident, combining model development, code verification, and code application. First, the MPCAP code has been developed, based on the coupled simulation of natural convection inside the molten pool, two-dimensional heat conduction in the RPV lower head, and convection outside the reactor vessel wall. Then, a verification case has been conducted using three-layer configuration in AP1000. The AP1000 verification case indicates that the MPCAP code predicts important parameters in the molten pool well.
Effect of Center-Pivot Irrigation Intensity on Groundwater Level Dynamics in the Agro-Pastoral Ecotone of Northern China
Authors: Lian Jie , Li Yulin , Li Yuqiang , Zhao Xueyong , Zhang Tonghui , Wang Xinyuan , Wang Xuyang , Wang Lilong , Zhang Rui
Published: June 2022

Groundwater-based irrigation is an effective buffer against water disconnects during droughts in areas of intensive agriculture. However, it is difficult to implement effective measures to sustainably utilize aquifers due to the unclear understanding of irrigation intensity in the agro-pastoral ecotone. To explore the influence of regional irrigation intensity on groundwater level (GL), we investigated the dynamics of Kernel density for irrigation well from 2000 and the changed GL (ΔGL in three groups) in a typical center-pivot irrigation (CPI) area (about 1,000 km2). The results showed that the implementation of CPI systems caused a rapid land-use change from natural grassland (NG) to cultivated pasture (CP). The observed ΔGL in deeper group (0.63 m yr−1, GL > 20 m) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that in shallower group (0.38 m yr−1, GL < 10 m) and medium group (0.43 m yr−1, 10 m < GL < 20 m). The predicted ΔGL and GL were significantly and positively correlated with the CPI well density (R2 = 0.447 and 0.429, p < 0.001), respectively, and showed a fitted plane function based on the variables (R2 = 0.655, p < 0.001). It indicted that the intensive cropping in the agro-pastoral ecotone profoundly changed regional irrigation intensity, resulting in a rapid response of the GL. To reduce the risk of increased irrigation costs and ensure sustainable availability of groundwater, it’s necessary to control the density of CPI systems in hotspot areas, and implement water-saving measures to balance water usage and recharge rates for sustainable groundwater management.
Spatiotemporal Variation in Ecological Risk on Water Yield Service via Land-Use and Climate Change Simulations: A Case Study of the Ziwuling Mountainous Region, China
Authors: Jin Tiantian , Yan Lingling , Wang Shimei , Gong Jie
Published: June 2022

Scientists have paid attention to assessing the change in ecosystem service risk under human activities, yet few works have focused on the water yield risk induced by land-use and climate change. In this study, a framework combining water yield with ecological risk for service enhancement and human adaptation was established. The framework was applied to explore the spatiotemporal variation in water yield service and its ecological risk via land-use and climate change scenarios in the Ziwuling Mountainous Region (ZMR), China, using InVEST, CA–Markov, and TOPSIS models. The water yield service decreased from 69.19 mm in 1990 to 47.72 mm in 2017 in the ZMR. The water yield service in the southeast ZMR was larger than that in the northwest. The water yield service risk was high and increased first, then decreased from 1990 to 2017 in the ZMR. The high-risk and higher risk subareas were distributed in the middle and north of the ZMR. The water yield service is the highest under the EC126 scenario (48.09 mm in 2050 and 43.73 mm in 2100) and the lowest under the EP585 scenario (43.52 mm in 2050 and 40.62 mm in 2100). The water yield service risk of the EP558 scenario is the largest one, with an area ratio of the high risk of 83.95% in 2050 and 85.33% in 2100. We suggest developing water-saving agriculture and high-efficiency industrial systems, as well as ecological restoration and integrated forest social–ecological management for risk alleviation, service enhancement, and sustainable development.
Identification and Detection of CYP4G68 Overexpression Associated With Cyantraniliprole Resistance in Bemisia tabaci From China
Authors: Wang Ran , Che Wunan , Qu Cheng , Wang Jinda , Luo Chen
Published: June 2022

Bemisiatabaci, the tobacco whitefly, is one of the most notorious agricultural sucking insect pests that severely damage a series of crops worldwide. Throughout China, B. tabaci threatens agricultural production with increasing cases of resistance to commonly used insecticides, prompting the widespread use of cyantraniliprole as an alternative to control hemipteran pests. Here, we found overexpression of the CYP4G68 gene conferring cyantraniliprole resistance using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and RNA interference (RNAi) in one lab-selected resistant strain CYAN-R (to about 80-fold higher than control). Furthermore, we measured levels of resistance to cyantraniliprole in whiteflies with 18 field-sampled populations across China and then confirmed that, among them, 14 field-sampled populations showed low-to-high resistance to cyantraniliprole compared with the susceptible strain. We measured CYP4G68 expression in the 14 field populations, and the results of qPCR and RNAi indicated that in two of these populations, Haikou and Wuhan, significant overexpression of CYP4G68 contributed to the development of field-evolved resistance to cyantraniliprole. These results indicate the need to facilitate strategies of management to delay the evolution of resistance to cyantraniliprole and control of whiteflies more sustainably, and to prevent overuse of insecticides in the environment through rational application practices.
Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on the Carbon Dioxide Emissions of East Asian Countries Based on a Panel ARDL Method
Authors: Wang Yuan , Huang Yingjun
Published: June 2022

The problem of air pollution caused by carbon dioxide emissions has gradually attracted the international community’s attention. The study shows the effect of foreign direct investment on carbon dioxide emissions in East Asia. Based on the 2011–2020 panel data of East Asian countries, the long- and short-term impacts of trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and economic growth on the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of these nations are estimated using an autoregressive distributed lag model. The results show that in the short term, an increase in per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in the current and previous periods will increase carbon dioxide emissions; an increase in FDI in the current and previous periods will increase CO2 emissions; an increase in trade openness in the current period will increase CO2 emissions. In the long term, per capita GDP, FDI, and trade openness have no significant impact on CO2 emissions. We should encourage foreign-invested enterprises to use and disseminate clean production technologies and environmentally friendly management methods and pay attention to trade structure adjustment.
Proxy Response Heterogeneity to the Indian Monsoon During Last Millennium in the Himalayan Region
Authors: Roy Ipsita , Tomar Nidhi , Ranhotra Parminder Singh , Sanwal Jaishri
Published: June 2022

We reviewed the available climate records for the past 2 millennia based on the analyzed sediment and speleothem archives from different regions of South Asia. Speleothem records from the core-monsoon regions of the Indian sub-continent have revealed the Little Ice Age (LIA) as a climatically dry phase, whereas the same from the western and central Himalaya recorded LIA as wet. Moreover, the sediment-derived vegetation proxy records [pollen-spores and stable organic carbon isotope (δ13Corg)] from the western Himalaya also reported LIA as a dry phase. Heterogeneous results by different proxies during LIA enhanced our interest to understand the response of the proxies toward the primary precipitation sources, Indian summer monsoon (ISM) and winter westerly disturbances (WDs), over the Himalaya. We emphasize that in the Himalayan region, the vegetation predominantly responds to the ISM dynamics, whereas speleothem also captures the WD effect.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Chronic Hepatitis B Infection in the Thai Population
Authors: Ashouri Saeideh , Khor Seik-Soon , Hitomi Yuki , Sawai Hiromi , Nishida Nao , Sugiyama Masaya , Kawai Yosuke , Posuwan Nawarat , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Komolmit Piyawat , Tsuiji Makoto , Shotelersuk Vorasuk , Poovorawan Yong , Mizokami Masashi , Tokunaga Katsushi
Published: June 2022

To identify novel host genetic variants that predispose to hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence, we performed the first genome-wide association study in the Thai population involving 318 cases of chronic hepatitis B and 309 healthy controls after quality control measures. We detected the genome-wide significant association of the HLA class II region (HLA-DPA1/DPB1, rs7770370, p-value = 7.71 × 10−10, OR = 0.49) with HBV chronicity. Subsequent HLA allele imputation revealed HLA-DPA1*01:03 (Pc = 1.21 × 10−6, OR = 0.53), HLA-DPB1*02:01 (Pc = 2.17 × 10−3, OR = 0.50), and HLA-DQB1*06:09 (Pc = 2.17 × 10−2, OR = 0.07) as protective alleles, and HLA-DPA1*02:02 (Pc = 6.32 × 10−5, OR = 1.63), HLA-DPB1*05:01 (Pc = 1.13 × 10−4, OR = 1.72), HLA-DPB1*13:01 (Pc = 4.68 × 10−2, OR = 1.60), and HLA-DQB1*03:03 (Pc = 1.11 × 10−3, OR = 1.84) as risk alleles for HBV persistence. We also detected suggestive associations in the PLSCR1 (rs35766154), PDLIM5 (rs62321986), SGPL1 (rs144998273), and MGST1 (rs1828682) loci. Among single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the PLSCR1 locus, rs1061307 was identified as the primary functional variant by in silico/in vitro functional analysis. In addition to replicating the association of the HLA class II region, we detected novel candidate loci that provide new insights into the pathophysiology of chronic hepatitis B.
DNA Methylation Analyses Unveil a Regulatory Landscape in the Formation of Nacre Color in Pearl Oyster Pinctada fucata martensii
Authors: Wang Ziman , Zhu Shaojie , Yin Shixin , Zhao Zihan , Zheng Zhe , Deng Yuewen
Published: June 2022

Pearl color is regulated by genetics, biological pigments, and organic matrices and an important factor that influences the pearl economic value. The epigenetic regulation mechanism underlying pearl pigmentation remains poorly understood. In this study, we collected the mantle pallial (MP) and mantle central (MC) of the golden-lipped strain, and MP of the silver-lipped strain of pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii. The whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) technology was employed to investigate the possible implication of epigenetic factors regulating nacre color variation. Our results revealed approximately 2.5% of the cytosines in the genome of the P. fucata martensii were methylated, with the CG methylation type was in most abundance. Overall, we identified 12, 621 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) corresponding to 3,471 DMR-associated genes (DMGs) between the two comparison groups. These DMGs were principally enriched into KEGG metabolic pathways including ABC transporters, Terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, and fatty acid degradation. In addition, integrating information about DMGs, DEGs, and function annotation indicated eight genes LDLR, NinaB, RDH, CYP, FADS, fn3, PU-1, KRMP as the candidate genes related to pigmentation of nacre color. A further study proved that the pigment in nacre is violaxanthin. The results of our study provide the support that there is an association between nacre color formation and DNA methylation profiles and will help to reveal the epigenetic regulation of nacre pigmentation formation in pearl oyster P. fucata martensii.