bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary addition of mulberry leaf powder on blood metabolites and fecal microbiota composition in Hu sheep
Authors: Guo Liangyong , Shi Xingyun , Cao Fang , Hu Shilei , Qian Wenchun
Published: January 2025

In livestock production, ruminant feed resources are often scarce, and numerous challenges arise during production, such as immune disorders and oxidative stress. Mulberry leaves are rich in various nutrients and exhibit significant antioxidant and immune-regulating properties. Therefore, they can be used as an unconventional feed resource in livestock production. This study investigated the effects of mulberry leaves (ML) as a feed supplement on the blood biochemical parameters and hindgut microbial structure of Hu sheep. Sixteen Hu sheep were randomly divided into two groups and fed either 0 or 60 g/d of ML. Compared to the control group, sheep fed ML showed a significant increase in AKP (P = 0.027) and GPT (P = 0.002) levels in the blood, while TP (P = 0.001) levels decreased significantly. Additionally, there was an increasing trend in GSH-Px (P = 0.082) and CAT (P = 0.058) levels. After the addition of ML, the abundance of Campylobacterota, Campylobacter, and Mailhella in the hindgut significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the abundance of Alloprevotella, Roseburia, and Prevotellaceae UCG-003 significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Therefore, ML can serve as a natural feed supplement to regulate the immune status of animals, thereby promoting the healthy production of ruminants.
Nanotechnology-assisted cryopreservation of ovine semen: evaluation of Thymus vulgaris essential oil as a natural antioxidant
Authors: Khnissi Samia , Maaloul Rania , Chalouati Hela , Mara Laura , Aouadi Dorra , Adouani Basma , Dattena Maria , Khémiri Ikram , Fattouch Sami
Published: January 2025

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of nanoemulsion of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil (EO) during the liquid state preservation of ram semen. Storage media were prepared: one containing Thymus vulgaris essential oil (Th), another with its nanoemulsion form (NTh), and a control sample without essential oil (Dovx). The quality of the semen diluted in the prepared media after preservation at 4°C and 15°C was examined by measuring the two parameters indicative of semen quality: semen motility and progressivity refer to the ability of ram sperm cells to move actively and efficiently, which is crucial for successful fertilization. The results showed a decrease in the mobility and progressivity of the sperm in all the mediums, but the thyme EO and its nanoemulsion showed slight decreases compared to the control medium (p<0.05). On the other hand, the study identified a negative impact of thyme EO nanoemulsions on catalase concentrations, potentially leading to mobility inhibition (p<0.05). In addition, the nanoemulsion significantly (p<0,05) decreased the malondialdehyde concentration, increased the total protein and the glucose contents, the lactate dehydrogenase activity. A significant decrease in calcium content was observed (p < 0.05). The essential oil of Thymus vulgaris, combined with nanotechnology encapsulation as a delivery method (nanoemulsion), demonstrated a notable and effective role in enhancing the preservation of ovine semen.
Individual behavior tracking of heifers by using object detection algorithm YOLOv4
Authors: Jahn Sarah , Schmidt Gabriel , Bachmann Lisa , Louton Helen , Homeier-Bachmann Timo , Schütz Anne K.
Published: January 2025

Standing and lying times of animals are often used as an indicator to assess welfare and health status. Changes in standing and lying times due to health problems or discomfort can reduce productivity. Since manual evaluation is time-consuming and cost-intensive, video surveillance offers an opportunity to obtain an unbiased insight. The objective of this study was to identify the individual heifers in group housing and to track their body posture (‘standing’/’lying’) by training a real-time monitoring system based on the convolutional neural network YOLOv4. For this purpose, videos of three groups of five heifers were used and two models were trained. First, a body posture model was trained to localize the heifers and classify their body posture. Therefore, 860 images were extracted from the videos and the heifers were labeled ‘standing’ or ‘lying’ according to their posture. The second model was trained for individual animal identification. Only videos of one group with five heifers were used and 200 images were extracted. Each heifer was assigned its own number and labeled accordingly in the image set. In both cases, the image sets were divided separately into a test set and a training set with the ratio (20%:80%). For each model, the neural network YOLOv4 was adapted as a detector and trained with an own training set (685 images and 160 images, respectively). The accuracy of the detection was validated with an own test set (175 images and 40 images, respectively). The body posture model achieved an accuracy of 99.54%. The individual animal identification model achieved an accuracy of 99.79%. The combination of both models enables an individual evaluation of ‘standing’ and ‘lying’ times for each animal in real time. The use of such a model in practical dairy farming serves the early detection of changes in behavior while simultaneously saving working time.
PdRu bimetallic nanoalloys with improved photothermal effect for amplified ROS-mediated tumor therapy
Authors: Liang Yujia , Ning Shufang , Kurboniyon Mekhrdod S. , Rahmonov Khaiyom , Cai Zhengmin , Li Shirong , Mai Jinling , He Xiaojing , Liu Lijuan , Tang Liping , Zhang Litu , Wang Chen
Published: January 2025

An emerging strategy in cancer therapy involves inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), specifically within tumors using nanozymes. However, existing nanozymes suffer from limitations such as low reactivity, poor biocompatibility, and limited targeting capabilities, hindering their therapeutic efficacy. In response, the PdRu@PEI bimetallic nanoalloys were constructed with well-catalytic activities and effective separation of charges, which can catalyze hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to toxic hydroxyl radical (·OH) under near-infrared laser stimulation. Through facilitating electron transfer and enhancing active sites, the enhanced peroxidase-like (POD-like) enzymatic activity and glutathione (GSH) depletion abilities of nanozymes are boosted through a simple co-reduction process, leading to promising anti-tumor activity. The electron transfer between Pd and Ru of PdRu@PEI nanoalloys contributes to POD-like activity. Then, by oxidizing endogenous overexpressed GSH, enzymatic cycling prevents GSH from consuming ROS. Furthermore, the surface plasmon resonance effect of near-infrared laser on bimetallic nanoalloys ensures its photothermal performance and its local heating, further promoting POD-like activity. The integrated multi-modal therapeutic approach of PdRu@PEI has demonstrated significant anti-cancer effects in vivo studies. The nanozymes exhibit high catalytic efficiency and excellent biocompatibility, offering valuable insights for the development of nano-catalysts/enzymes for biomedical applications.
Human stem cell models for Marfan syndrome: a brief overview of the rising star in disease modelling
Authors: Aalders Jeffrey , Muiño Mosquera Laura , van Hengel Jolanda
Published: January 2025

The introduction of pluripotent stem cells into the field of disease modelling resulted in numerous opportunities to study and uncover disease mechanisms in a petri dish. This promising avenue has also been applied to model Marfan syndrome, a disease affecting multiple organ systems, including the skeletal and cardiovascular system. Marfan syndrome is caused by pathogenic variants in FBN1, the gene encoding for the extracellular matrix protein fibrillin-1 which ensembles into microfibrils. There is a poor genotype-phenotype correlation displayed by the diverse clinical manifestations of this disease in patients. Up to now, 52 different human pluripotent stem cells lines have been established and reported for Marfan syndrome. These stem cells have been employed to model aortopathy, skeletal abnormalities and cardiomyopathy in vitro. These models were able to recapitulate key features of the disease that are also observed in patients. The use of pluripotent stem cells will help to uncover disease mechanisms and to identify new therapeutic strategies in Marfan syndrome.
Decreasing viscosity and increasing accessible load by replacing classical diluents with a hydrotrope in liquid–liquid extraction
Authors: El Maangar Asmae , Zemb Thomas , Fleury Clément , Duhamet Jean , Dufrêche Jean-François , Pellet-Rostaing Stéphane
Published: January 2025

Using a generic example, we show that the strategy of replacing a classically used aliphatic diluent with a hydrotrope in liquid–liquid extraction induces higher performance. Liquid–liquid extraction is widely used in hydrometallurgical processes for recycling strategic metals, but it is limited due to the formation of a third phase. Hydrotropes have never been studied as diluents in the context of metal recycling. We show that using hydrotropes as a diluent decreases the viscosity of solutions by more than a factor of ten, even under high load by extracted cations. It also increases the efficiency of extraction for typical ionic extractants such as anionic phosphates or non-ionic amides. The latter also quench all types of third-phase transition that occur when classical diluents are used. The gain in distribution coefficient by a factor of ten comes from the entropy of the solvent phase involved and is not linked to apparent complexation constants. In the case of anionic extractants, the Gibbs energy of transfer depends linearly on the ionic radii of the rare earth considered, which is not true with non-ionic extractants. Moreover, the maximum load possible is increased by a factor of two to three versus alkanes, allowing more compact design and intensification of extraction processes. Based on SAXS and surface tension measurements, the origin of this gain in Gibbs energy of transfer and tunable selectivity in the family of rare earth elements is further identified by three mechanisms: reduction of the term linked to complexation, more than compensated by a synergistic effect of the hydrotrope and the comlexant, and the intra-aggregate entropy of mixing. The result is a systematic increase of distribution coefficient of the order of 50–150 of the distribution coefficients, induced systematically by the replacement of alcanes with hydrotropes as diluents.
Novel climate analysis methods applied to the Australian ESCI projections data
Authors: Dowdy Andrew , King Andrew
Published: January 2025

This study examines several methods and new ideas for climate analysis, including expanded ensembles, that combine model projections from different greenhouse gas emissions pathways and different time periods. These methods are tested on Australian projections data previously made available based on outputs from the Energy Sector for Climate Information (ESCI) project that included all available dynamical downscaling approaches with bias correction designed with attention to detail on extremes. The expanded ensemble method provides larger sample sizes to help enhance confidence, with results showing that the projected changes per degree of global warming have relatively small differences when calculated using two different emission pathways and different time periods, with smaller differences than variations between individual models in the ensemble. Results include maps of mean values and extremes for temperature and rainfall metrics, as well as for compound events associated with dangerous bushfire weather conditions, providing new insights on climate change in Australia. The results also show that extremely dangerous fire conditions such as those of the Black Summer 2019/2020 and of Black Saturday in February 2009 are currently still very rare, but that climate change has already increased the chance of their occurrence, as well as larger increases projected in the future for higher amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. New analysis is also presented for changes in rainfall-based metrics associated with agriculture and biogeography such as Goyder’s Line, discussed in relation to the use of climate analogues for adaptation decision making.
Case Report: Efficacy and safety of recombinant growth hormone therapy in a girl with Loeys–Dietz syndrome
Authors: Dyrka Kamil , Jamsheer Aleksander , Bartecki Michal , Bobkowski Waldemar , Pawelec-Wojtalik Malgorzata , Rajewska-Tabor Justyna , Tomaszewska Andzelika , Balcerzak Justyna , Aniol Zuzanna , Niedziela Marek , Obara-Moszynska Monika
Published: January 2025

Background

Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous, autosomal dominant aortic aneurysm syndrome with widespread systemic involvement. We present the case of a 16.5-year-old girl with LDS type 2 (LDS2) caused by a heterozygous pathogenic variant, c.1582C>T (p.Arg528Cys), in the transforming growth factor-beta receptor type 2 (TGFBR2) gene who was treated with recombinant growth hormone (rGH) due to coexisting GH deficiency (GHD). This case report (observational study) presents the efficacy of rGH therapy and the safety aspects of this treatment, including aortal imaging follow-up (echocardiography, ECHO). To our knowledge, this is the first investigation of the effects of long-term rGH treatment on aortic dimensions in an LDS patient.

Case summary

LDS was recognized in the patient in the 2nd year of life. After the 3rd year of life, growth deceleration was observed. At age 6, GHD was recognized [the maximum GH after stimulation 7.2 ng/ml; insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), 35 ng/ml; N: 84–447]. At age 6.5 years, rGH was initiated (height standard deviation score, htSDS −2.4), which continued for up to 14.25 years (htSDS-1.4). Her height at 16.5 years was 155 cm. The dose of rGH was 0.025–0.028 mg/kg/day. After the age of 16 months, widening of the aortic root was observed via echocardiography. At nearly 16 years, due to dilated aortic root (Z score +5.95), the girl underwent a plastic operation on the aorta, which had a satisfactory outcome. The patient's current status is stable, but the management of patients with LDS requires multidisciplinary cooperation due to the many coexisting comorbidities.

Conclusions

Although aortic dilatation occurs in most LDS patients, the possible influence of GH therapy on aortic size must be considered. However, whether IGF-1, the main biochemical marker of GH activity, can be independently associated with increased aortic diameter has not been determined. In addition to its growth-promoting effect, the wide influence of GH on the human body, metabolic status, and muscle strength is also significant. The extremely low IGF-1 level before rGH therapy in the present patient and the strict monitoring of the IGF1/IGFBP3 ratio during rGH administration seem to be safe and beneficial for therapy.
Exploring the pivotal variables of tongue diagnosis between patients with chronic kidney disease and health participants
Authors: Hsu Po-Chi , Chen Jia-Ming , Chang Chia-Chu , Chang Yu-Jun , Chiu Ping-Fang , Chiang John Y. , Lo Lun-Chien
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilizes tongue diagnosis to differentiate symptoms and predict prognosis. This study examines the relationship between tongue characteristics and CKD severity using an automatic tongue diagnosis system (ATDS), which captures tongue images non-invasively to provide objective diagnostic information.

Methods

This cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. Participants were divided into three groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): control (eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.732), CKD stage 3 (30 ≤ eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.732), and CKD stage 4–5 (eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.732). Tongue images were analyzed using ATDS to extract nine primary features: tongue shape, color, fur, saliva, fissures, ecchymosis, tooth marks, and red dots. Statistical analyses included non-parametric methods and ordinal logistic regression.

Results

This study revealed that significant differences in the fur thickness, tongue color, amount of ecchymosis, and saliva among three groups. Ordinal logistic regression indicated that pale tongue color (OR: 2.107, P < 0.001), bluish tongue color (OR: 2.743, P = 0.001), yellow fur (OR: 3.195, P < 0.001), wet saliva (OR: 2.536, P < 0.001), and ecchymoses (OR: 1.031, P = 0.012) were significantly associated with increased CKD severity. Additionally, each red dot and tooth mark decreased the odds of severe CKD.

Conclusion

Tongue features such as paleness, wet saliva, yellow fur, and ecchymosis are prevalent in CKD patients and can serve as early clinical indicators of the disease. This study demonstrates that TCM tongue diagnosis, facilitated by ATDS, is a valuable, non-invasive method for identifying CKD and distinguishing its stages.
Enhancing patient education on the role of tibial osteotomy in the management of knee osteoarthritis using a customized ChatGPT: a readability and quality assessment
Authors: Fahy Stephen , Oehme Stephan , Milinkovic Danko Dan , Bartek Benjamin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) significantly impacts the quality of life of those afflicted, with many patients eventually requiring surgical intervention. While Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is common, it may not be suitable for younger patients with unicompartmental OA, who might benefit more from High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO). Effective patient education is crucial for informed decision-making, yet most online health information has been found to be too complex for the average patient to understand. AI tools like ChatGPT may offer a solution, but their outputs often exceed the public's literacy level. This study assessed whether a customised ChatGPT could be utilized to improve readability and source accuracy in patient education on Knee OA and tibial osteotomy.

Methods

Commonly asked questions about HTO were gathered using Google's “People Also Asked” feature and formatted to an 8th-grade reading level. Two ChatGPT-4 models were compared: a native version and a fine-tuned model (“The Knee Guide”) optimized for readability and source citation through Instruction-Based Fine-Tuning (IBFT) and Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF). The responses were evaluated for quality using the DISCERN criteria and readability using the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL).

Results

The native ChatGPT-4 model scored a mean DISCERN score of 38.41 (range 25–46), indicating poor quality, while “The Knee Guide” scored 45.9 (range 33–66), indicating moderate quality. Cronbach's Alpha was 0.86, indicating good interrater reliability. “The Knee Guide” achieved better readability with a mean FKGL of 8.2 (range 5–10.7, ±1.42) and a mean FRES of 60 (range 47–76, ±7.83), compared to the native model's FKGL of 13.9 (range 11–16, ±1.39) and FRES of 32 (range 14–47, ±8.3). These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Fine-tuning ChatGPT significantly improved the readability and quality of HTO-related information. “The Knee Guide” demonstrated the potential of customized AI tools in enhancing patient education by making complex medical information more accessible and understandable.
Asynchronous variation in the holocene asian monsoon recorded by marine sediments and its implication
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Guanglu , Zhao Yanyan , Zhang Zhishun , Liu Sheng , Wei Haotian , Guo Xiaoqiang , Cao Guangyao , Yang Lei , Zhang Yaru , Li Sanzhong
Published: January 2025

The long-term evolution of climate during the Holocene remains controversial, as proxy and model data, and multiple proxies, show diverging temperature trends between the different reconstructions. Here, we compile sea surface temperature (SST) from multiple marine sediment records in the South China Sea (SCS) and Indo-Pacific over the Holocene, which reveal a phase difference in the precession band of different marine sediment records. Peak identification was performed on the data from each site, and the sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) was simply divided into two modes, the Early Holocene (EH-peak) and Middle Holocene (MH-peak), based on the timing of the first maximum peak, using 9 ka as the boundary. The phase difference between the two modes is ∼3 ka in the precession band. We suggest that the phase difference corresponds to the shifts in the mean latitudinal position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) driven by the Northern Hemisphere Summer Insolation (NHSI). Two modes indicate the warming of the SSTA during the late Holocene, which may be attributed to rising pCO2, a strengthening El Niño, and a weakening of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM). Furthermore, we observe a partial overlap between the site distribution of the MH-peak and the modern monsoon precipitation domains, which may indicate the shift in the mean latitudinal position of the ITCZ and the dynamics of the monsoon precipitation domains.
Do future biology teachers bug out with higher insect-related knowledge and more positive attitudes? A comparison of different education levels
Authors: Gutowski Roxanne , Novotný Petr , Janštová Vanda , Großschedl Jörg
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Global species extinction rates are increasing, with a particularly severe impact on insects. Biology teachers are crucial in raising students’ awareness of insects’ importance for the economy (e.g., food production) and ecosystems. Consequently, it is essential for biology teachers to possess comprehensive knowledge about insects and to maintain a positive attitude toward them.

Methods

Therefore, our cross-sectional study examines the knowledge and attitudes of students across five educational levels with a particular focus on pre-service teachers: levels 1 to 3 represent secondary school students (n = 362) at different stages, while levels 4 and 5 represent pre-service biology teachers (n = 212) in the bachelor’s and master’s programs.

Results and discussion

Our results show a moderate to strong positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes across all education levels. Participants with a higher educational level have more knowledge on average. Participants in levels 1, 4, and 5 have more positive attitudes than those in levels 2 and 3. No gender differences were observed regarding knowledge but regarding attitudes, with males showing a more positive attitude.

Conclusion

Results indicate that pre-service biology teachers are well prepared, showing good insect-related knowledge and relatively positive attitudes.
Unlocking the mysteries of n-oxPTH: implications for CKD patients
Authors: Zhang Lina , Cao Huixia
Published: January 2025

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is a pivotal hormone that regulates serum calcium and phosphate and is closely associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). PTH can undergo oxidation at methionine 8 and methionine 18 of the molecule. This oxidation process leads to a lower binding affinity to the PTH receptor due to molecular refolding, particularly for PTH oxidized at methionine 8. Although, the oxidation of PTH has been reported for several decades, it is only recently that a method has been developed to detect non-oxidized PTH (n-oxPTH) levels. The utilization of this assay enables the precise detection of n-oxPTH levels and facilitates the evaluation of their correlation with poor prognosis in patients with CKD. However, the current available clinical research findings indicate that n-oxPTH does not demonstrate clinical superiority over iPTH. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on the mechanism of PTH oxidation, the n-oxPTH assay method, and its correlation with iPTH and clinical outcomes.
Interactive effect of phenylalanine with duration of diabetes on the risk of small vessel disease in Chinese patients with T2DM
Authors: Zheng Jun , Zhang Wei , Miao Yu-Yang , Li Xue-Rui , Luo Wei-Ming , Yang Xi-Lin , Fang Zhong-Ze , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2025

Aims

Few prior studies have explored the relationship between phenylalanine and diabetic small vessel disease (SVD) in patients with different durations of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM). Our study aimed to explore whether phenylalanine is associated with the risk of SVD and to further explore whether phenylalanine interacted with the duration of T2DM to alter the risk of SVD.

Materials and methods

A total of 1,032 T2DM patients were enrolled using the Liaoning Medical University First Affiliated Hospital (LMUFAH) system. SVD was defined as patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN) or diabetic retinopathy (DR) alone, or both. Serum amino acids were measured by mass spectrometry (MS) technology. A binary logistic regression model was used to examine associations of phenylalanine with SVD risk. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was used to draw the odds ratio curves of plasma phenylalanine for SVD. Additive interaction analysis was employed to test the interaction of low phenylalanine with a long duration of T2DM for SVD.

Results

Among the 1,032 T2DM patients, 286 (27.7%) had SVD. Phenylalanine <42μmol/L was associated with a markedly increased risk of SVD (OR 1.76, 95%CI 1.23 to 2.51), which was enhanced by a duration of T2DM of ≥5 years to 4.83 (95%CI 2.97-7.87) with significant additive interactions. The inclusion of phenylalanine and duration of T2DM into a traditional risk factor model substantially increased the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve from 0.67 to 0.71 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.75) (P <0.05).

Conclusions

In Chinese patients with T2DM, phenylalanine <42μmol/L was associated with an increased risk of SVD, which was further amplified by a duration of T2DM of ≥5 years.
A critical review on enhancement and sustainability of energy systems: perspectives on thermo-economic and thermo-environmental analysis
Authors: Oyedepo Sunday O. , Waheed Mufutau A. , Abam Fidelis I. , Dirisu Joseph O. , Samuel Olusegun D. , Ajayi Oluseyi O. , Somorin Tosin , Popoola Abimbola P. I. , Kilanko Oluwaseun , Babalola Philip O.
Published: January 2025

Given the increased natural resource consumption of contemporary energy conversion systems, as well as the emissions, waste disposal, and climate changes that accompany them, a critical review of new techniques - known as thermo-economic and thermo-environmental analyses - has been carried out for the evaluation and optimization of energy conversion processes, from the perspectives of thermodynamics, economics, and the environment. Such a review study is essential because of the energy system’s impacts on sustainability and performance management requirements, and more importantly, it is crucial to understand the whole picture of performance evaluation of energy systems from the sustainability perspective. The study evaluated the performance and optimization of energy systems and examined the different approaches that integrate the economic, environmental, and second law of thermodynamics for sustainable development. Moreover, to assess the technical, economic, and environmental worth of energy systems and guarantee that the chosen designs are well-suited to a sustainable development framework, a mix of thermodynamic, economic, and environmental indicators is taken into consideration. In this regard, thirteen sustainability indicators for the design, analysis, and performance improvement of energy systems from the viewpoints of thermodynamics, economics, and the environment are presented and discussed. The outcome of this study shows that (i) the sustainability of energy conversion systems can be enhanced with the use of exergy techniques assessment; (ii) by reducing energy losses, exergy efficiency initiatives can lessen their adverse effects on the environment; (iii) the best methods for efficient use of energy resources, low energy production costs, and less environmental impact can be provided by hybrid energy systems; and (iv) use of a single performance metric to optimize the energy process results in improbable outcomes. Hence, multi-criteria techniques should be utilized, allowing for a more comprehensive optimization and planning of sustainable energy systems. Researchers and field engineers working on energy systems’ design, modeling, assessment, and performance optimization would find great value in this comprehensive review study.
Optimization method of time of use electricity price considering losses in distributed photovoltaic access distribution network
Authors: Li Tianshou , Xu Qing , Li Weiwu , Wang Xinying , Liu Zhengying
Published: January 2025

Currently, the time-of-use pricing model for electricity focuses on a single objective, often overlooking various factors that influence electricity costs. This oversight can lead to significant disparities in peak and off-peak electricity usage within the distribution network following optimization. Therefore, a new time of using electricity price optimization method is proposed that takes into account the losses of distributed photovoltaic access to the distribution network. Considering the topology structure of the distribution network after the integration of distributed photovoltaic, this paper calculates the comprehensive losses generated by the operation of the distribution network. Also, this paper constructs a time of use electricity price optimization mathematical model with the objectives of minimizing network loss, minimizing load variance, minimizing peak valley difference of equivalent load, and maximizing user satisfaction. And refer to the basic requirements for electricity pricing in the distribution network, set a series of constraints for optimizing electricity prices. Applying an improved imperialist competition algorithm this paper integrates Tent chaotic reverse learning to solve a multi-objective optimization model and obtain an optimized time of use electricity pricing plan. The experimental results show that after the implementation of this optimization method, the peak valley difference of the daily power load curve of the distribution network is only 350 MW, demonstrating superior peak shaving and valley filling effects.
Vulnerability analysis of power grid structure based on complex network theory
Authors: Yang Zhichun , Min Huaidong , Zhao Jie , Dong Xuzhu , Yang Fan , Wang Chenhao , Zhang Nan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The key nodes of an intelligent distribution network significantly impact the reliability and stability of the distribution network’s operation. The failure of these key nodes can severely affect the safe operation of the distribution network. Therefore, vulnerability analysis of key nodes is particularly important.

Methods

This article proposes a comprehensive weighting method for evaluating indicators,combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weighting method, while considering the structure and operational status of the power system grid. Key node structural evaluation indicators, such as node degree, node shrinkage centrality, and electric mediator, are established considering “significance” and “destructiveness.” State indicators are established based on the degree of impact of current, voltage, and load changes on the grid, as well as the uniformity of their distribution, including the improved current distribution entropy, voltage terre entropy, and three-phase state indicators of lost load. Subsequently, based on the AHP and entropy weighting method, a comprehensive weighting method is proposed to assign subjective and objective weights to the comprehensive evaluation indicators, obtaining the comprehensive weights of the indicators. Finally, the gray correlation degree is introduced to improve the ideal solution of the multi-objective decision making method, obtaining the criticality of the grid nodes and then identifying the critical nodes.

Results and Discussion

The example analysis presented in this article shows that the identified critical nodes of the power grid have a high degree of overlap with the identification results of different methods, can better identify edge nodes, and validate the effectiveness of the proposed evaluation indicators and key node identification methods.
Evaluating the effectiveness of propylene glycol and ethanol as antifreeze: an environmentally friendly alternative
Authors: Bhattarai Bikas Chandra , Parajuli Achut , Stiansen-Snoerud Kjetil Bertin
Published: January 2025

Accurate measurement of solid precipitation still remains a significant challenge especially in snow dominated regions. Although it seems straightforward to measure solid precipitation by installing a simple gauge, measurement uncertainty remains the limiting factor even for the sophisticated precipitation collector. Precipitation gauges often rely on an antifreeze solutions, mostly ethylene glycol and methanol (glycometh), to melt snow stored in the collector and provide solid precipitation measurements. However, using antifreeze solution like glycometh often leads to various health and environmental issues. This study evaluates the effectiveness of propylene glycol and ethanol as an environmentally friendly alternatives of glycometh. Furthermore, our study examines the effectiveness of antifreeze mixtures and oil types suitable for the frigid cold temperatures. Based on our analysis, a mixture of 50% propylene glycol (PG) and 50% ethanol (E) solution demonstrated promising efficacy and remained in liquid state even at colder temperature of −40°C, thereby allowing significant dilution. Hydraulic oil is often used atop the antifreeze mixture to prevent evaporation loss from the precipitation. Moreover, some environmental concerns and toxicity risks are associated with the use of such oil. Therefore, we performed further test using Anderol’s food-grade synthetic oil as a safer alternative. The outcome of this test was promising and use of synthetic oil proved to be a viable, environmentally safe alternative for reliable precipitation measurements in cold climates.
The impact of green finance on carbon emission intensity in China: mediating and spatial effects
Authors: Liu Xiaonan , Lu Jinglei , Zhou Bin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Investigating the relationship between green finance and carbon emission intensity is essential for understanding its role in China’s carbon reduction strategy.

Methods

This study employs the entropy weight method to measure the green finance development index across 30 Chinese provinces.Using double fixed-effects, mediation effect, and Spatial Durbin Models (SDM), the analysis reveals three key findings.

Results

Firstly, green finance directly reduces carbon emission intensity and indirectly does so by fostering technological innovation and optimizing energy structures, with more pronounced effects in western regions, highlighting regional disparities. Secondly, green finance shows a significant spatial spillover effect, reducing carbon emission intensity in neighboring provinces, beyond the impact on economically and geographically similar regions. Lastly, environmental regulation intensity positively influences carbon emission intensity in all models.

Discussion

These findings deepen our understanding of green finance’s role in China’s carbon reduction efforts and provide strong theoretical support for policy formulation, demonstrating its critical role in environmental governance and sustainable development.
Can the industrial transformation and upgrading demonstration zones policy improve urban green technology innovation? An empirical test based on old industrial cities and resource-based cities in China
Authors: Guo Bingnan , Hu Junjie , Guo Xinyan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

With industrial transformation and upgrading being essential to attaining sustainable growth, the pursuit of green development has grown in importance on a global scale.

Methods

This study employs a sample dataset from 2011 to 2021, utilizing the national Industrial Transformation and Upgrading Zones (ITUZ) policy interventions of 2017 and 2019 as a quasi-natural experiment. Employing a difference-in-differences approach, this paper investigates the impact and underlying mechanisms of these policies on green technology innovation, as well as their heterogeneity across different urban contexts.

Results

The results indicate that the ITUZ policy substantially improves green technology innovation in the designated cities, a conclusion that persists across multiple robustness assessments. Subsequent mechanistic research reveals that financial development and the enhancement of industrial structures are essential avenues for the realization of green technology innovation. The heterogeneity study highlights the policy’s significant impact on green technology innovation in eastern cities, uniform demonstration zones, and old industrial cities.

Discussion

This study finishes with practical implications for policy design, indicating that it is essential to extract and share the beneficial experiences from pilot cities during the establishment of demonstration zones. It underscores the importance of synchronizing urban development policies with local characteristics to investigate varied and successful approaches for advancing green technology innovation. This research offers critical insights for policymakers and urban planners in guiding the transition of older industrial and resource-based cities toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Characteristics of water distribution and preferential flow processes and nutrient response on dolomite slopes in the southwestern karst region
Authors: Duan Xiaoqian , Fu Zhiyong , Deng Yusong , Chen Hongsong
Published: January 2025

Understanding the characteristics of the soil water content and preferential flow is critical for a thorough comprehension of soil nutrient loss in Karst slopes/ecosystems. We monitored the soil water content and soil temperature at 0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm depths on a typical Karst dolomite slope at a high frequency to determine the water distribution characteristics and confirm the occurrence of preferential flow from 2018 to 2021. The soil properties and nutrients in different soil layers during the rainy and dry seasons were determined along the slope (from upper to lower slope positions, with a total of 9 sampling sites). The results revealed that the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil at the upper slope position was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than that at the middle and lower slope positions. The soil water content at the down slope position was greater than that at the middle and upper slope positions, further more, coupling monitoring of the soil water content and temperature revealed obvious preferential flow in the Karst dolomite slope. In addition to the spatial variability in the water content, the soil nutrients exhibited regular spatial variations. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and total potassium (TK) contents were the lowest at the upper slope position and the highest at the down slope position, whereas the difference in nutrients between the rainy and dry seasons was the greatest at the upper slope position. Our results demonstrated that the patterns of the soil water content and surface nutrient loss are consistent along the Karst dolomite slope and are related to the occurrence of preferential flow. Furthermore, the results suggested that, compared with those in previous studies, which focused only on soil properties in the Karst regions of Southwest China, the variation in the soil water content and occurrence of preferential flow may be more important than previously assumed.
Simulation of slope soil erosion intensity with different vegetation patterns based on cellular automata model
Authors: Sheng Yan , Zhang Shangxuan , Li Long , Cao Zhiming , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Soil erosion plays a crucial role in soil and water conservation management, as well as in ecological construction planning. This study focuses on the slopes of three planting patterns (uniform distribution, aggregation distribution, and random distribution), along with bare slopes, in the Baojiagou watershed of the Pisha Sandstone area, based on soil erosion intensity grade maps after rainfall from 2021 to 2023.

Methods

A method combining Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) and the CA-Markov model is used to analyze the spatial variation of soil erosion intensity types on different slopes. This approach integrates multiple influencing factors and generates a suitability map for the conversion of soil erosion intensity types. Ultimately, the dynamic characteristics of soil erosion in 2023 are simulated under various slope conditions.

Results

Results indicated: (1) The spatial distribution of simulated soil erosion intensity grade maps for different slopes largely aligned with actual maps, and regions with soil erosion depth greater than 3 cm were resistant to transitioning to lower erosion zones. (2) The Kappa coefficients for simulated soil erosion intensity in uniform distribution, random distribution, aggregate distribution, and bare control slopes were 65.24%, 73.62%, 75.88%, and 69.06%, respectively, confirming the feasibility of the CA-Markov model for simulating soil erosion dynamics. (3) The simulation of soil erosion intensity on different slopes in 2023 revealed that erosion intensity on uniformly distributed, aggregated, and bare control slopes remained predominantly in the erosion zone with a depth of 1–2 cm, while randomly distributed slopes experienced a shift from mild erosion area to slight erosion area.

Discussion

This study improves the understanding of soil erosion across different vegetation patterns and demonstrates the applicability of the CA-Markov model for simulating dynamic erosion on slopes. The findings contribute to the development of broader ecological models and offer insights into vegetation management and erosion control strategies for similar landscapes.
Identification of a novel frameshift variation in ANKRD11: a case report of KBG syndrome
Authors: Shao Qing , Jiang Qiang , Luo Yuqi , Meng Yimei , Tian Guoyu , Yin Xiao
Published: January 2025

Background

KBG syndrome (KBGS, OMIM: 148050) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by macrodontia, short stature, skeletal abnormalities, and neurological manifestations. The objective of this study is to investigate a case of KBG syndrome caused by a novel frameshift mutation in ANKRD11.

Methods and results

We present the case of an 18-year-old Chinese male exhibiting characteristic features including a triangular face, micrognathia, hypertelorism, macrodontia, bushy eyebrows, prominent ears, short stature, low hairline, delayed cognitive development, and scoliosis. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel frameshift variant in the ANKRD11 gene which ultimately led to the diagnosis of KBG syndrome.

Conclusion

In this study we have identified a previously unreported frameshift variant (NM_013275.6:c.2589dup) in ANKRD11 that causes KBG syndrome. This finding expands both the molecular and clinical spectrum of this rare genetic disease.
Non-coding RNAs participate in interactions between senescence and gastrointestinal cancers
Authors: Liu Zhao-Zhe , Ji Fa-He , Piao Ying
Published: January 2025

Relationships between cellular senescence and gastrointestinal cancers have gained prominence in recent years. The currently accepted theory suggests that cellular senescence and cancer occurrence exhibit “double-edged sword” effects. Cellular senescence is related to cancer via four “meta-hallmarks” i.e., genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis, along with two “antagonistic hallmarks” i.e., telomere attrition and stem cell exhaustion. These relationships are characterized by both agonistic and antagonistic elements, but the existence of an intricate dynamic balance remains unknown. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have vital roles in post-transcriptional regulation, but how they participate in agonistic and antagonistic relationships between cellular senescence and gastrointestinal cancers remains to be fully investigated. In this article, we systematically review how ncRNAs (including microRNAs (miRNAs), long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), and circularRNAs (circRNAs)) participate in interactions between cellular senescence and gastrointestinal cancers. Our aim is to elucidate a triangular relationship between “ncRNAs–senescence–gastrointestinal cancers” which considered these three elements as an equal important standing. We are keen to identify prognostic or therapeutic targets for gastrointestinal cancers from, i.e., aging-related ncRNAs, or discover novel strategies to treat and manage in the elderly. We seek to clarify complex relationships where ncRNAs participate in “senescence–gastrointestinal cancers” interactions.
The value of a metabolic and immune-related gene signature and adjuvant therapeutic response in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ni Danlei , Wu Jiayi , Pan Jingjing , Liang Yajing , Xu Zihui , Yan Zhiying , Xu Kequn , Wei Feifei
Published: January 2025

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy characterized by a dismal prognosis. Treatment outcomes exhibit substantial variability across patients, underscoring the urgent need for robust predictive models to effectively estimate survival probabilities and therapeutic responses in PDAC.

Methods

Metabolic and immune-related genes exhibiting differential expression were identified using the TCGA-PDAC and GTEx datasets. A genetic prognostic model was developed via univariable Cox regression analysis on a training cohort. Predictive accuracy was assessed using Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves, calibration plots, and ROC curves. Additional analyses, including GSAE and immune cell infiltration studies, were conducted to explore relevant biological mechanisms and predict therapeutic efficacy.

Results

An 8-gene prognostic model (AK2, CXCL11, TYK2, ANGPT4, IL20RA, MET, ENPP6, and CA12) was established. Three genes (AK2, ENPP6, and CA12) were associated with metabolism, while the others were immune-related. Most genes correlated with poor prognosis. Validation in TCGA-PDAC and GSE57495 datasets demonstrated robust performance, with AUC values for 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS exceeding 0.7. The model also effectively predicted responses to adjuvant therapy.

Conclusion

This 8-gene signature enhances prognostic accuracy and therapeutic decision-making in PDAC, offering valuable insights for clinical applications and personalized treatment strategies.