bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perancangan Motion Comic Cerita Pewayangan Bima dan Dewa Ruci untuk Masalah Krisis Identitas pada Remaja
Authors: Ardiyansyah Riyan , Kurniawan Rahmat , Poerbaningtyas Evy
Published: May 2024

Krisis identitas pada remaja berpotensi membuat remaja melakukan kegiatan negatif. Remaja dalam mencari jati diri ada beberapa bentuk problem perilaku yang paling umum dialam yang berakar adanya hambatan dalam proses perkembangan adalah depresi, kenakalan dan penyalahgunaan narkotika.  Perancangan ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana proses merancang motion comic sebagai media edukasi untuk remaja dalam memahami identitasnya. Metode yang digunakan dalam perancangan ini adalah Design Thinging, kemudian Metode prolehan data yang digunakan perancang yang diperoleh menggunakan analisis 5W+1H, wawancara,studi literasi, dokumen dan pencarian di internet, dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil uji coba alpa dan beta dari perancangan motion comic cerita bima dan dewa ruci untuk krisis identitas pada remaja, dapat diambil kesimpulan bahwa, video motion comic bisa digunakan untuk penunjang media pembelajan, akan tetapi untuk perubahan psikologi dan karakter, tanyangan video motion comic dengan alur cerita yang disampaikan belum efektif
Study, Regulation and Effective Use of Groundwater in the Piedmont Plains of Azerbaijan
Authors: Mammadli E. , Amishov Sh.
Published: May 2024

The paper discusses the basics of methods for assessing groundwater in the foothill plains of Azerbaijan. When identifying groundwater reserves in mountainous areas, operational resources must be taken into account. In the process of exploration and exploitation of groundwater, it may be necessary to use exploration wells as exploration and observation wells, and vice versa. The transfer of wells from one category to another should be taken into account when planning geological exploration work. This can help improve the geological and economic efficiency of the work. The requirements for drilling and construction of hydrogeological wells of different categories are not the same. Methods for drilling hydrogeological wells are selected based on local geological and hydrogeological conditions, research objectives, design depths and diameters of wells and other factors. Reverse circulation drilling is used in conditions of deep groundwater (more than 3 m) and in continuous aquifers with a depth of 300 m or more and a diameter of 1000 mm or more. This method is used when it is necessary to drill exploration and production wells.
Agrochemical Characterization of Podzolic-Yellow Soils Fertilized for a Long Time
Authors: Tagiyev N. , Azizli N.
Published: May 2024

It is known from our research that in the last 40-50 years, as a result of intensive use of podzol-yellow soils, the reserve and amount of humus reduced, mechanical composition relatively lightened, but relatively stabilization was observed in humus quantity in the areas where the crop rotation was available. It is known that among the agricultural plants, the standard soil for tea plant — weakly podzolic yellow soil has a score of 100 points on the quality scale. Every year application of mineral fertilizers is required in order to get a lot of green leaf crops from the tea plant bushes in terms of soil-ecological requirements. Therefore, physiological acid ammonium-sulfate fertilizer is applied to bushes at a high dose every year. The super-phosphate fertilizer with more gazh in its composition is applied together with nitrogen fertilizer in order to increase its efficiency. In addition to it, potassium-chlorine or potassium-sulfate is applied. According to the research results it can be noted that humus of moderately washed sort decreased 0,1-1,30%, total nitrogen — 0,07-0,08%, absorbed ammoniac — 20,60-40,14 mg/kg, ammoniac dissolved in water — 1,56-4,38 mg/kg, nitrate – 0,24-2,34 mg/kg, total phosphorus — 0,04-0,05%, gross phosphorus — 2,28-23,54 mg/kg, total potassium — 0,14-0,80 %, exchangeable potassium — 50,0-77,4 mg/kg compared to non-degraded sort.
Sheepskin Products of the Balbas Breed and Intrabreed Cross Lines
Authors: Bayramov S. , Ganbarov D. , Guseinov G.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the work is to study the qualities of Balbas sheep and their crosses. The quality of sheepskin productivity and comparative analysis of the intrabreed line of crossbreeds. As the study showed, sheepskins crossbred from meat-type sheep had the best heat-protective and performance qualities. Sheepskins of crossbreeds from rams of the meat-wool type were inferior to them in performance qualities, and sheepskins of rams and sheep of the Balbas breed were inferior to them in heat-shielding properties with the same performance properties. The skins of these rams were significantly (P ˃ 0.95) lighter than the skins of hybrids (meat-wool type and balbas) and not significantly lighter than the skins of rams — hybrids of the meat type and balbas. The wool density of sheepskins of animals of all experimental groups was relatively high. The uniformity of density over the area is good, the density indicators for cross-bred sheepskins are slightly higher. These features are the most important indicators for semi-finished fur products and finished products.
Morton's Metatarsalgia: The Current State of the Issue
Authors: Butrimova S. , Yarikov A. , Gorbatov R. , Ignatieva O. , Kazakova L. , Fraerman A. , Perlmutter O. , Tsybusov S. , Baitinger V. , Baitinger A. , Selyaninov K. , Sosnin A. , Yezhov I. , Khinovker V. , Pavlova E. , Volkov I. , Tuturov A. , Khokhlov M. , Kamnev I. , Prokopyev V. , Kovalenko N. , Klementev Ye. , Alidin S. , Korochkin D. , Kostogriz E. , Tutkin A.
Published: May 2024

A typical complaint with Morton's neuroma is a burning paroxysmal pain in the area of the plantar surface of the metatarsal bones with irradiation into the III interdigital space, which forces the patient to take off his shoes and massage the foot in the most inappropriate situations. Given that women are mostly ill, clinical manifestations reduce the quality of life of patients, limit their daily professional and work activities. The paper presents the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical picture of this disease, diagnostic features. A radical method of treatment is surgery, which is relatively simple in technique and consists in dissecting the tissues that compress the nerve and creating optimal conditions for the nerve trunk, preventing its subsequent traumatization.
Features of acute coronary syndrome in migrant workers
Authors: Shchepetin N. V. , Chuvarayan G. A. , Orlova N. V. , Fedulaev Yu. N. , Arakelov S. E. , Titova I. Yu. , Yakushev Yu. Yu.
Published: May 2024

Cardiovascular diseases of migrant workers are an additional burden on the health care system of many countries in Europe, the United States, and Russia. The prevalence of risk factors among migrants is associated with the country of origin of migrants, the duration of migration, low socioeconomic conditions of residence in the host country, psychological stress, significant physical exertion, violations of work and rest, malnutrition, the spread of harmful factors (smoking, alcohol, narcotic substances), limited access to medical services. The results of the study are presented, indicating that smoking is more common among migrant workers, hypertension levels, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins are higher in comparison with the indigenous inhabitants of Russia. When performing coronary angiography in patients with acute coronary syndrome in migrant workers, despite their younger age, several vascular lesions are significantly more often detected. The data of the conducted study demonstrate high risks of cardiovascular diseases among migrant workers, which requires organizational measures to prevent them.
Hyperlocal material activism. Biodesign practices for a biocultural and an ecological transition
Authors: Fagnoni Raffaella , Manfroni Maria , Priola Calogero Mattia
Published: May 2024

The study emphasises the contribution of Biodesign in the radical ecological transition and encourages the use of collaborative biotechnological processes for the development of compatible products with ecosystem dynamics. The focus of the research will be on material design and its ability to contribute to the innovation of territories. In line with the principles of hyperlocal design, it will investigate approaches and virtuous experiences that will contribute to the re-activation of specific territorial contexts starting from endogenous resources and knowledge. Through the detailed exploration of the current scenario and the analysis of best practices, the contribution will argue its hypothesis in favour of project experiences rooted within a specific territorial context, reducing the material circuits. Aiming to provide a reflection on a specific project scenario, the paper will present a selection of projects realised at the Control + Junk Lab Study Centre at the Iuav University of, as peculiar case histories about the Venice Lagoon area. This contribution aims to provide new research perspectives in this area, oriented to the reactivation of traditional knowledge systems, recognised as depositories of indigenous knowledge of territories and local biocultural practices.
Pre-asthma: a useful concept? A EUFOREA paper. Part 2—late onset eosinophilic asthma
Authors: Scadding G. K. , Gray C. , Conti D. M. , McDonald M. , Backer V. , Scadding G. , Bernal-Sprekelsen M. , De Corso E. , Diamant Z. , Hopkins C. , Jesenak M. , Johansen P. , Kappen J. , Mullol J. , Price D. , Quirce S. , Reitsma S. , Toppila-Salmi S. , Senior B. , Thyssen J. P. , Wahn U. , Hellings P. W.
Published: May 2024

The concept of pre-diabetes has led to provision of measures to reduce disease progression through identification of subjects at risk of diabetes. We previously considered the idea of pre-asthma in relation to allergic asthma and considered that, in addition to the need to improve population health via multiple measures, including reduction of exposure to allergens and pollutants and avoidance of obesity, there are several possible specific means to reduce asthma development in those most at risk (pre- asthma). The most obvious is allergen immunotherapy (AIT), which when given for allergic rhinitis (AR) has reasonable evidence to support asthma prevention in children (2) but also needs further study as primary prevention. In this second paper we explore the possibilities for similar actions in late onset eosinophilic asthma.
Biomechanical study of a biplanar double support screw (BDSF) technique based on Pauwels angle in femoral neck fractures: finite element analysis
Authors: Tang Zhongjian , Zhang Yazhong , Huang Shaolong , Zhu Zhexi , Zhou Chengqiang , Zhu Ziqiang , Wang Yunqing , Wang Bin
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of the present study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the biomechanical advantages and disadvantages associated with a biplanar double support screw (BDSF) internal fixation device.

Methods

Two distinct femoral neck fracture models, one with a 30° angle and the other with a 70° angle, were created using a verified and effective finite element model. Accordingly, a total of eight groups of finite element models were utilized, each implanted with different configurations of fixation devices, including distal screw 150° BDSF, distal screw 165° BDSF, 3 CLS arranged in an inverted triangle configuration, and 4 CLS arranged in a “α” configuration. Subsequently, the displacement and distribution of Von Mises stress (VMS) in the femur and internal fixation device were assessed in each fracture group under an axial load of 2100 N.

Results

At Pauwels 30° Angle, the femur with a 150°-BDSF orientation exhibited a maximum displacement of 3.17 mm, while the femur with a 165°-BDSF orientation displayed a maximum displacement of 3.13 mm. When compared with the femoral neck fracture model characterized by a Pauwels Angle of 70°, the shear force observed in the 70° model was significantly higher than that in the 30° model. Conversely, the stability of the 30° model was significantly superior to that of the 70° model. Furthermore, in the 70° model, the BDSF group exhibited a maximum femur displacement that was lower than both the 3CCS (3.46 mm) and 4CCS (3.43 mm) thresholds.

Conclusion

The biomechanical properties of the BDSF internal fixation device are superior to the other two hollow screw internal fixation devices. Correspondingly, superior biomechanical outcomes can be achieved through the implementation of distal screw insertion at an angle of 165°. Thus, the BDSF internal fixation technique can be considered as a viable closed reduction internal fixation technique for managing femoral neck fractures at varying Pauwels angles.
Optimizing cancer therapy: a review of the multifaceted effects of metronomic chemotherapy
Authors: Basar Oyku Yagmur , Mohammed Sawsan , Qoronfleh M. Walid , Acar Ahmet
Published: May 2024

Metronomic chemotherapy (MCT), characterized by the continuous administration of chemotherapeutics at a lower dose without prolonged drug-free periods, has garnered significant attention over the last 2 decades. Extensive evidence from both pre-clinical and clinical settings indicates that MCT induces distinct biological effects than the standard Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) chemotherapy. The low toxicity profile, reduced likelihood of inducing acquired therapeutic resistance, and low cost of MCT render it an attractive chemotherapeutic regimen option. One of the most prominent aspects of MCT is its anti-angiogenesis effects. It has been shown to stimulate the expression of anti-angiogenic molecules, thereby inhibiting angiogenesis. In addition, MCT has been shown to decrease the regulatory T-cell population and promote anti-tumor immune response through inducing dendritic cell maturation and increasing the number of cytotoxic T-cells. Combination therapies utilizing MCT along with oncolytic virotherapy, radiotherapy or other chemotherapeutic regimens have been studied extensively. This review provides an overview of the current status of MCT research and the established mechanisms of action of MCT treatment and also offers insights into potential avenues of development for MCT in the future.
Deciphering the dual roles of PHD finger proteins from oncogenic drivers to tumor suppressors
Authors: Fan Tingyu , Jiang Lai , Zhou Xuancheng , Chi Hao , Zeng Xi
Published: May 2024

PHD (plant homeodomain) finger proteins emerge as central epigenetic readers and modulators in cancer biology, orchestrating a broad spectrum of cellular processes pivotal to oncogenesis and tumor suppression. This review delineates the dualistic roles of PHD fingers in cancer, highlighting their involvement in chromatin remodeling, gene expression regulation, and interactions with cellular signaling networks. PHD fingers’ ability to interpret specific histone modifications underscores their influence on gene expression patterns, impacting crucial cancer-related processes such as cell proliferation, DNA repair, and apoptosis. The review delves into the oncogenic potential of certain PHD finger proteins, exemplified by PHF1 and PHF8, which promote tumor progression through epigenetic dysregulation and modulation of signaling pathways like Wnt and TGFβ. Conversely, it discusses the tumor-suppressive functions of PHD finger proteins, such as PHF2 and members of the ING family, which uphold genomic stability and inhibit tumor growth through their interactions with chromatin and transcriptional regulators. Additionally, the review explores the therapeutic potential of targeting PHD finger proteins in cancer treatment, considering their pivotal roles in regulating cancer stem cells and influencing the immune response to cancer therapy. Through a comprehensive synthesis of current insights, this review underscores the complex but promising landscape of PHD finger proteins in cancer biology, advocating for further research to unlock novel therapeutic avenues that leverage their unique cellular roles.
Change in prosocial development following adversity exposure among U.S. Mexican youth
Authors: Carlo Gustavo , White Rebecca , Curlee Alexandra , Tein Jenn-Yun , Partovi Roushanac , Knight George , Gonzales Nancy
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Altruistic prosocial behaviors (i.e., actions primarily intended to benefit others with little to no regard for self-benefit) are of special interest to researchers interested in growth in character strengths following exposure to adversity and trauma (referred to as the altruism-born-of-suffering hypothesis). The present study was designed to examine this hypothesis. Changes in prosocial behaviors following trauma exposure and whether problem-focused coping and familism facilitated prosocial behaviors were investigated in U.S. Mexican youth.

Methods

A total of 749 Mexican-origin students (initial M age = 10.42 years, SD = 0.55; 48.9% girls) from the U.S. Southwest completed surveys from 5th grade to early adulthood.

Results

U.S. Mexican girls who reported earlier trauma exhibited increases in altruistic behaviors into young adulthood but only when they reported relatively high levels of familism values in middle adolescence. A similar trend pattern was found for U.S. Mexican boys but only when they expressed relatively high levels of problem-focused coping in middle adolescence. There was other evidence of significant relations between both familism and problem focused coping and prosocial behaviors in these youth.

Discussion

Findings demonstrate the potential for prosocial development across adolescence to young adulthood among trauma-exposed youth from a U.S. ethnic/racial minority background.
Scientific identity and epistemology of movement, exercise, and sport sciences through the analysis of scientific production of Italian full professors
Authors: D’Isanto Tiziana , Esposito Giovanni , Altavilla Gaetano , D’Elia Francesca , Raiola Gaetano
Published: May 2024

This study addresses the epistemological and identity challenges encountered by Movement, Exercise, and Sport Sciences (MEaSS) in Italy, particularly concerning the organization of scientific knowledge within academic contexts. MEaSS struggles to define its scientific identity and address epistemological concerns due to the concurrent operation of its academic scientific disciplines (ASD) within both biomedical and pedagogical domains. This situation raises questions about the classification of knowledge within MEaSS and its distinctiveness within the Italian academic community. The study aims to analyze the scientific production of Italian full professors in two ASDs of MEaSS and determine its relevance to biomedical, pedagogical, psychological, or sports domains. It also intends to investigate the alignment of Italian academic structures with international standards, particularly the European Research Council (ERC) model. Each full professor’s top 20 scientific products, ranked by the highest number of citations within the Google Scholar database, were analyzed. The analysis of scientific production among Italian full professors in the two ASDs of Movement, Exercise, and Sport Sciences (MEaSS) revealed significant findings. In the ASD of M-EDF/01, 58.5% of publications were attributed to the biomedical domain, followed by 32.7% in the sports domain, 6.9% in the pedagogical domain, and 1.9% in the psychological domain. For the ASD of M-EDF/02, 47.5% of publications were in the biomedical domain, 25% in the sports domain, 18.1% in the pedagogical domain, and 9.4% in the psychological domain. The prevalence of biomedical-focused research within both ASDs of MEaSS highlights a notable deviation from the intended disciplinary boundaries, raising concerns regarding the loss of scientific identity and epistemological coherence. These results emphasize the urgent need for alignment with international standards to ensure clarity of scientific identity and promote interdisciplinary research in MEaSS.
Information literacy skills of health professions students in assessing YouTube medical education content
Authors: Pearlman Orianne , Konecny Lynda Tierney , Cole Matthew
Published: May 2024

Introduction

YouTube is a popular social media video platform used by health professions students for medical education. YouTube videos vary in quality, and students need to be able to evaluate and select high-quality videos to supplement their learning. Evaluating the quality of YouTube videos is an essential information literacy skill, and the Association of College and Research Libraries updated the framework of information literacy to include collaborative platforms such as YouTube. Research is needed to understand and explore the information literacy proficiency of students in the health professions who are using YouTube videos as learning resources.

Methods

This exploratory expert-novice study investigated the information literacy proficiency of students in evaluating the quality of medical education YouTube videos. Students (n = 89) and experts (n = 23) evaluated three preselected medical education YouTube videos of varying quality using the Medical Quality Video Evaluation Tool (MQ-VET).

Results

Results of two-way mixed repeated-measures ANOVA found experts assigned significantly lower ratings to low- and medium-quality videos than students. In other words, students were less information proficient in selecting videos due to overrating source credibility, education quality, and production quality, along with having lower expectations and finding videos more useful.

Discussion

The tendency of students to overrate lower-quality videos raises concerns about their selection of educational content outside structured learning environments. If students select videos to watch outside the classroom, they could unintentionally learn medical skills from low-quality videos. These insights suggest a need for teachers to select only high-quality videos for students and for more focused curricular strategies to enhance students’ abilities in critically assessing YouTube resources for medical education.
Combination therapy is it in the future for successfully treating peripheral diabetic neuropathy?
Authors: Yorek Mark
Published: May 2024

In 2022, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 11.3% of the United States population, 37.3 million people, had diabetes and 38% of the population had prediabetes. A large American study conducted in 2021 and supported by many other studies, concluded that about 47% of diabetes patients have peripheral neuropathy and that diabetic neuropathy was present in 7.5% of patients at the time of diabetes diagnosis. In subjects deemed to be pre-diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance there was a wide range of prevalence estimates (interquartile range (IQR): 6%-34%), but most studies (72%) reported a prevalence of peripheral neuropathy ≥10%. There is no recognized treatment for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) other than good blood glucose control. Good glycemic control slows progression of DPN in patients with type 1 diabetes but for patients with type 2 diabetes it is less effective. With obesity and type 2 diabetes at epidemic levels the need of a treatment for DPN could not be more important. In this article I will first present background information on the “primary” mechanisms shown from pre-clinical studies to contribute to DPN and then discuss mono- and combination therapies that have demonstrated efficacy in animal studies and may have success when translated to human subjects. I like to compare the challenge of finding an effective treatment for DPN to the ongoing work being done to treat hypertension. Combination therapy is the recognized approach used to normalize blood pressure often requiring two, three or more drugs in addition to lifestyle modification to achieve the desired outcome. Hypertension, like DPN, is a progressive disease caused by multiple mechanisms. Therefore, it seems likely as well as logical that combination therapy combined with lifestyle adjustments will be required to successfully treat DPN.
Relationship between the longitudinal trajectory of the triglyceride-glucose index and the development of CKD: an 8-year retrospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Hou Qinchuan , Zhang Huiwang , Zhang Rui , Li Binghong , Li Lei , Li Dongyu , Wang Xian , Liu Yuping , Wan Zhengwei , Zhang Junlin , Shuai Ping
Published: May 2024

Background

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a simple surrogate marker of insulin resistance, is significantly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there is limited research on the longitudinal trajectory of TyG index over time and its relationship with CKD.

Objective

To analyse the characteristics of the longitudinal trajectory of the TyG index over time and its association with the development of CKD in a health check-up population.

Methods

Participants who underwent at least three annual health check-ups at the Health Management Center of Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from 2015 to 2022 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. The latent class mixed model (LCMM) was used to identify the TyG index trajectory of the study population. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to estimate the CKD incidence risk in different quartile groups and the association of changes in the TyG index trajectory with the development of CKD.

Results

A total of 4,921 participants were included in this study, and they were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of the baseline TyG index: Q1 (5.43-6.66), Q2 (6.67-7.04), Q3 (7.05-7.43), and Q4 (7.43-9.97). There was no difference in the risk of CKD occurrence among the TyG groups. Three different TyG index trajectories were identified in this study: a high-level group, middle-level stable group and low-level stable group, respectively. The incidence rate of CKD in the high-level TyG index trajectory group was 2.399 times greater than that in the low-level stable trajectory group (HR=2.399, 95% CI 1.167-4.935).

Conclusion

Individuals with long-term exposure to high TyG index levels had a significantly greater risk of CKD. Routine monitoring of the TyG index and its longitudinal trend will aid in the risk stratification of CKD in the general population and will be helpful for CKD prevention and targeted management.
Study on low-carbon service mode of park-level integrated energy system with flexible supply and demand balance
Authors: Pan Hua , Li Yanji , Liu Rong , Zhu Huimin
Published: May 2024

Against the backdrop of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goals in China, the park-level integrated energy system is a significant approach to meeting the energy consumption demand of users and improving the utilization rate of new energy. To take into account both the interests of integrated energy services (IES) providers and the current power market rules in China, targeting at low-carbon energy consumption, a balancing service mode for integrated energy services providers is created herein based on the idea of balancing multiple interests of regional integrated energy services providers. It aims to break down the market barriers and address the tricky problem that the integrated energy services industry fails to establish a sophisticated industrial system under the original mode. Combining the integrated energy services with the auxiliary market of power balance, the paper analyzes the characteristics of energy flow within the system, and puts forward the optimization scheme of regional integrated energy balancing services under the low-carbon background. The objective is solved by Mayfly algorithm and compared for analysis, and the results show that the optimal daily operating cost is 2632.59 yuan and the daily carbon emission is 3869.90 kg under the typical industrial scenario. The examples provided here show that the optimization plan for integrated energy balancing services can reduce carbon emissions from the park-level integrated energy system and boost the revenue for integrated energy service providers. It provides theoretical support for the green transformation of energy enterprises and promotes the healthy development of the global integrated energy industry.
Intelligent optimal layout of drainage pipe network monitoring points based on information entropy theory
Authors: He Min , Zhang Yibo , Ma Zhaoxi , Zhao Qin
Published: May 2024

The rapid expansion of urban drainage pipe networks, driven by economic development, poses significant challenges for efficient monitoring and management. The complexity and scale of these networks make it difficult to effectively monitor and manage the discharge of urban domestic sewage, rainwater, and industrial effluents, leading to illegal discharges, leakage, environmental pollution, and economic losses. Efficient management relies on a rational layout of drainage pipe network monitoring points. However, existing research on optimal monitoring point layout is limited, primarily relying on manual analysis and fuzzy clustering methods, which are prone to human bias and ineffective monitoring data. To address these limitations, this study proposes a coupled model approach for the automatic optimization of monitoring point placement in drainage pipe networks. The proposed model integrates the information entropy index, Bayesian reasoning, the Monte Carlo method, and the stormwater management model (SWMM) to optimize monitoring point placement objectively and measurably. The information entropy algorithm is utilized to quantify the uncertainty and complexity of the drainage pipe network, facilitating the identification of optimal monitoring point locations. Bayesian reasoning is employed to update probabilities based on observed data, while the Monte Carlo method generates probabilistic distributions for uncertain parameters. The SWMM is utilized to simulate stormwater runoff and pollutant transport within the drainage pipe network. Results indicate that (1) the relative mean error of the parameter inversion simulation results of the pollution source tracking model is linearly fitted with the information entropy. The calculation shows that there is a good positive linear correlation between them, which verifies the feasibility of the information entropy algorithm in the field of monitoring node optimization; (2) the information entropy algorithm can be well applied to the optimal layout of a single monitoring node and multiple monitoring nodes, and it can correspond well to the inversion results of the tracking model parameters; (3) the constructed monitoring point optimization model can well realize the optimal layout of monitoring points of a drainage pipe network. Finally, the pollution source tracking model is used to verify the effectiveness of the optimal layout of monitoring points, and the whole process has less human participation and a high degree of automation. The automated monitoring point optimization layout model proposed in this study has been successfully applied in practical cases, significantly improving the efficiency of urban drainage network monitoring and reducing the degree of manual participation, which has important practical significance for improving the level of urban water environment management.
Simulation and multi-scenario prediction of land-use change in the Gansu section of the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Ma Xin , Li Jie , Li Guang
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The Gansu section of the Yellow River Basin is an important water resource conservation and replenishment area for the entire Yellow River Basin. With urbanization and socio-economic development, it is urgent to study the characteristics of land-use change and its future simulation in order to realize the coordinated ecological and economic development.

Methods: Based on the patch-generating land-use simulation (PLUS) model, this paper investigated the main drivers of land-use type expansion with a comprehensive consideration of natural and socio-economic aspects; moreover, the study simulated land-use change in 2030 under the four scenarios of natural development, cultivated land protection, ecological priority, and economic construction.

Results: The results showed the following: 1) the prediction of land-use types continued the historical evolution since 1980. Grassland, cultivated land, and forest land were still the dominant land types, accounting for more than 87% of the basin’s total area. Water bodies and wetlands remained relatively stable, and there was an obvious increase of approximately 20% in construction land. 2) Construction land and grassland were primarily driven by the social factor of the distance from the primary road and the distance from the secondary road, respectively. The cultivated land was greatly affected by the economic factor of population density. 3) The cultivated land protection scenario was the only one of the four scenarios that could make the cultivated land area increase positively, with an increase rate of 0.5%. This scenario also restricted effectively the conversion of cultivated land into construction land. The ecological priority scenario can expand grassland obviously with a proportion of 1.82% and slow down oasis desertion. The economic construction scenario can increase the construction land area the most by a rate of 25.5% to accelerate the economic development of specific regions in the study area.

Discussion: Therefore, implementing policies on the basis of choosing suitable scenarios in different areas was significant for optimizing the land-use structure, promoting the efficient use of land resources and ecological environment in the Gansu section of the Yellow River Basin.
Soil organic carbon, pH, and ammonium nitrogen controlled changes in bacterial community structure and functional groups after forest conversion
Authors: Cao Xiaoqing , Xia Kai , Zhao Hongfei , Deng Pengfei , Teng Zhen , Xu Xiaoniu
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Land-use changes significantly impact soil properties in forests, which is an area of concern. Therefore, the effects of changing forest types on soil microbial communities and their functions in northern subtropical forest regions need to be further researched.

Methods

We used 16S rDNA sequencing and Functional Annotation of Prokaryotic Taxa (FAPROTAX) to assess the variation of soil bacterial communities and potential functions related to carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling in two soil layers (0–10 and 10–30 cm) after the conversion of the secondary masson pine (Pinus massoniana, PM) forest to plantations of slash pine (Pinus elliottii, PE) and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata, CL) located in Jingde County, Anhui Province, China.

Results

The study found that converting coniferous secondary forests to coniferous plantations resulted in a notable increase in soil pH and a decrease in nitrate nitrogen and organic carbon contents. Additionally, soil microbial diversity increased significantly, and microbial community structure changed, particularly in the topsoil. These changes might affect the C- and N-cycling mediated by soil bacteria. The analysis revealed a significant decrease in the abundance of functional groups associated with C-cycling and a significant increase in the abundance of functional groups associated with N-cycling, particularly those associated with denitrification. Soil organic carbon, pH, and ammonium nitrogen were the most critical variables affecting changes in the soil microbial community.

Discussion

These findings provide valuable information for ecological restoration and future sustainable forest management.
Genome-wide identification analysis in wild-type Solanum pinnatisectum reveals some genes defending against Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Shen Chunxiu , Lu Qineng , Yang Di , Zhang Xueru , Huang Xinping , Li Rungen , Que Zhiqun , Chen Na
Published: May 2024

Solanum pinnatisectum exhibits strong resistance to late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans but only an incomplete genome assembly based on short Illumina reads has been published. In this study, we generated the first chromosome-level draft genome for the wild-type potato species S. pinnatisectum in China using Oxford Nanopore technology sequencing and Hi-C technology. The high-quality assembled genome size is 664 Mb with a scaffold N50 value of 49.17 Mb, of which 65.87% was occupied by repetitive sequences, and predominant long terminal repeats (42.51% of the entire genome). The genome of S. pinnatisectum was predicted to contain 34,245 genes, of which 99.34% were functionally annotated. Moreover, 303 NBS-coding disease resistance (R) genes were predicted in the S. pinnatisectum genome to investigate the potential mechanisms of resistance to late blight disease. The high-quality chromosome-level reference genome of S. pinnatisectum is expected to provide potential valuable resources for intensively and effectively investigating molecular breeding and genetic research in the future.
Dynamic changes of immunocyte subpopulations in thermogenic activation of adipose tissues
Authors: Ye Yuqing , Wang Huiying , Chen Wei , Chen Zhinan , Wu Dan , Zhang Feng , Hu Fang
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The effects of cold exposure on whole-body metabolism in humans have gained increasing attention. Brown or beige adipose tissues are crucial in cold-induced thermogenesis to dissipate energy and thus have the potential to combat metabolic disorders. Despite the immune regulation of thermogenic adipose tissues, the overall changes in vital immune cells during distinct cold periods remain elusive. This study aimed to discuss the overall changes in immune cells under different cold exposure periods and to screen several potential immune cell subpopulations on thermogenic regulation.

Methods

Cibersort and mMCP-counter algorithms were employed to analyze immune infiltration in two (brown and beige) thermogenic adipose tissues under distinct cold periods. Changes in some crucial immune cell populations were validated by reanalyzing the single-cell sequencing dataset (GSE207706). Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and quantitative real-time PCR assays were performed to detect the proportion or expression changes in mouse immune cells of thermogenic adipose tissues under cold challenge.

Results

The proportion of monocytes, naïve, and memory T cells increased, while the proportion of NK cells decreased under cold exposure in brown adipose tissues.

Conclusion

Our study revealed dynamic changes in immune cell profiles in thermogenic adipose tissues and identified several novel immune cell subpopulations, which may contribute to thermogenic activation of adipose tissues under cold exposure.
Individual and population-level variability in HLA-DR associated immunogenicity risk of biologics used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sugiyama Naonobu , Terry Frances E. , Gutierrez Andres H. , Hirano Toshitaka , Hoshi Masato , Mizuno Yasushi , Martin William , Yasunaga Shin’ichiro , Niiro Hiroaki , Fujio Keishi , De Groot Anne S.
Published: May 2024

Hypothesis

While conventional in silico immunogenicity risk assessments focus on measuring immunogenicity based on the potential of therapeutic proteins to be processed and presented by a global population-wide set of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles to T cells, future refinements might adjust for HLA allele frequencies in different geographic regions or populations, as well for as individuals in those populations. Adjustment by HLA allele distribution may reveal risk patterns that are specific to population groups or individuals, which current methods that rely on global-population HLA prevalence may obscure.

Key findings

This analysis uses HLA frequency-weighted binding predictions to define immunogenicity risk for global and sub-global populations. A comparison of assessments tuned for North American/European versus Japanese/Asian populations suggests that the potential for anti-therapeutic responses (anti-therapeutic antibodies or ATA) for several commonly prescribed Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) therapeutic biologics may differ, significantly, between the Caucasian and Japanese populations. This appears to align with reports of differing product-related immunogenicity that is observed in different populations.

Relevance to clinical practice

Further definition of population-level (regional) and individual patient-specific immunogenic risk profiles may enable prescription of the RA therapeutic with the highest probability of success to each patient, depending on their population of origin and/or their individual HLA background. Furthermore, HLA-specific immunogenicity outcomes data are limited, thus there is a need to expand HLA-association studies that examine the relationship between HLA haplotype and ATA in the clinic.
Technical pitfalls when collecting, cryopreserving, thawing, and stimulating human T-cells
Authors: Browne Daniel J. , Miller Catherine M. , Doolan Denise L.
Published: May 2024

The collection, cryopreservation, thawing, and culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can profoundly influence T cell viability and immunogenicity. Gold-standard PBMC processing protocols have been developed by the Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination (HANC); however, these protocols are not universally observed. Herein, we have explored the current literature assessing how technical variation during PBMC processing can influence cellular viability and T cell immunogenicity, noting inconsistent findings between many of these studies. Amid the mounting concerns over scientific replicability, there is growing acknowledgement that improved methodological rigour and transparent reporting is required to facilitate independent reproducibility. This review highlights that in human T cell studies, this entails adopting stringent standardised operating procedures (SOPs) for PBMC processing. We specifically propose the use of HANC’s Cross-Network PBMC Processing SOP, when collecting and cryopreserving PBMCs, and the HANC member network International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) PBMC Thawing SOP when thawing PBMCs. These stringent and detailed protocols include comprehensive reporting procedures to document unavoidable technical variations, such as delayed processing times. Additionally, we make further standardisation and reporting recommendations to minimise and document variability during this critical experimental period. This review provides a detailed overview of the challenges inherent to a procedure often considered routine, highlighting the importance of carefully considering each aspect of SOPs for PBMC collection, cryopreservation, thawing, and culture to ensure accurate interpretation and comparison between studies.
Deconvolution analysis identified altered hepatic cell landscape in primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Pham Hoang Nam , Pham Linh , Sato Keisaku
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are characterized by ductular reaction, hepatic inflammation, and liver fibrosis. Hepatic cells are heterogeneous, and functional roles of different hepatic cell phenotypes are still not defined in the pathophysiology of cholangiopathies. Cell deconvolution analysis estimates cell fractions of different cell phenotypes in bulk transcriptome data, and CIBERSORTx is a powerful deconvolution method to estimate cell composition in microarray data. CIBERSORTx performs estimation based on the reference file, which is referred to as signature matrix, and allows users to create custom signature matrix to identify specific phenotypes. In the current study, we created two custom signature matrices using two single cell RNA sequencing data of hepatic cells and performed deconvolution for bulk microarray data of liver tissues including PSC and PBC patients.

Methods

Custom signature matrix files were created using single-cell RNA sequencing data downloaded from GSE185477 and GSE115469. Custom signature matrices were validated for their deconvolution performance using validation data sets. Cell composition of each hepatic cell phenotype in the liver, which was identified in custom signature matrices, was calculated by CIBERSORTx and bulk RNA sequencing data of GSE159676. Deconvolution results were validated by analyzing marker expression for the cell phenotype in GSE159676 data.

Results

CIBERSORTx and custom signature matrices showed comprehensive performance in estimation of population of various hepatic cell phenotypes. We identified increased population of large cholangiocytes in PSC and PBC livers, which is in agreement with previous studies referred to as ductular reaction, supporting the effectiveness and reliability of deconvolution analysis in this study. Interestingly, we identified decreased population of small cholangiocytes, periportal hepatocytes, and interzonal hepatocytes in PSC and PBC liver tissues compared to healthy livers.

Discussion

Although further studies are required to elucidate the roles of these hepatic cell phenotypes in cholestatic liver injury, our approach provides important implications that cell functions may differ depending on phenotypes, even in the same cell type during liver injury. Deconvolution analysis using CIBERSORTx could provide a novel approach for studies of specific hepatic cell phenotypes in liver diseases.
Attitudes toward uncertain results from prenatal exome sequencing: a national survey among healthcare professionals working in the prenatal setting
Authors: Lu Dongfang , Yang Jing , Shen Wei , Chen Min
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the attitudes of healthcare professionals (HPs) working in the prenatal setting toward uncertain results (UR) from prenatal exome sequencing (pES) in China.

Methods

We conducted a national survey among HPs working in the prenatal setting. UR in our study include variants of uncertain significance (VUS), variants with variable penetrance/expressivity (VVPE), and secondary findings unrelated to the indication for testing (SFs). A total of 285 questionnaires that met the inclusion criteria were collected. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26.

Results

When performing the pre-test counseling, only 7.4% of HPs mentioned the possibility of VUS, 6.3% discussed the possibility of VVPE, and 7.4% introduced the SFs with parents with the option to not report these variants. In post-test counseling, 73.0–82.8% HPs discussed with the parents but did not make any recommendations for managing the pregnancy after reporting UR (73.0% for VUS, 82.8% for VVPE, 74.7% for SFs, respectively).

Conclusion

Most parents did not have the option of opting out of reporting UR from pES in pre-test counseling. UR did not influence the pregnancy recommendation made by most HPs. Establishing national guidelines for reporting UR from pES and developing strategies to improve counseling skills may help HPs manage UR.