bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphometric Analysis and Prioritization of Watershed for Water Management using Weighted Sum Approach and Geospatial Tools: A Case Study of Harohar Sub-basin, India
Authors: Kumari Arti , Upadhyaya Ashutosh , Jeet Pawan , Ahmed Akram , Prakash Ved , Suna Truptimayee
Published: June 2023

In order to address current global water shortages, geovisualization tools such as remote sensing and geographic information systems aid planners and decision makers in generating more effective and correct judgments for the execution of water harvesting activities for the maximum utilization of rainwater. Keeping in view, a weighted sum approach technique was used to infer hydrological behavior and priorities at watershed level in the Harohar sub-basin of middle Gangetic plains. It was observed that monsoon rainfall (1.7 mm year-1) and post-monsoon rainfall (0.6 mm year-1) has been declined whereas pre-monsoon rainfall (1.5 mm year-1) has significantly increased over the period 1985-2019. Furthermore, morphometric, slope, hydrological, geomorphological, and lithological variations results revealed that 56.30% of areas are prioritized as very high, followed by high (30.5%), and only 2-7% of areas fall under very low to low priority for construction of rain water harvesting structures. Water harvesting facilities such as farm ponds, check dams, tanks, aharpynes, and conservation ditches might be offered in prioritized locations for optimum utilization of surface runoff and ground water recharge. Based on the above scientific findings, this study may be helpful in water resource planning at the basin/watershed level across the globe
Laser spectroscopic method for remote sensing of respiratory rate
Authors: Bachir Wesam , Ismael Fatimah Samie , Alaineya Nour Hasan Arry
Published: June 2023

Noncontact sensing methods for measuring vital signs have recently gained interest, particularly for long-term monitoring. This study introduces a new method for measuring respiratory rate remotely. The proposed method is based on the reflection of a laser beam off a striped card attached to a moving platform simulating chest wall displacements. A wide range of frequencies (n = 35) from 0.06 to 2.2 Hz corresponding to both normal and pathological human respiratory rates were simulated using a moving mechanical platform. Reflected spectra (n = 105) were collected by a spectrometer in a dynamic mode. Fourier analysis was performed to retrieve the breathing frequency. The results show a striking agreement between measurements and reference frequencies. The results also show that low frequencies corresponding to respiratory rates can be detected with high accuracy (uncertainty is well below 5%). A validation test of the measuring method on a human subject demonstrated a great potential for remote respiration rate monitoring of adults and neonates in a clinical environment.
Mainstreaming Decentralization and Collaboration in Disaster Risk Management: Insights from Coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Quader Mohammad Abdul , Khan Amanat Ullah , Malak Md. Abdul , Kervyn Matthieu
Published: June 2023

Bangladesh is renowned in disaster risk reduction (DRR) for active involvement of community people and local disaster management institutions in DRR activities. Our study aimed to describe the disaster risk management (DRM) institutions and assess their functioning in six coastal unions across the three coastal zones of Bangladesh. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used. The study focused on two key local institutions—the Union Disaster Management Committees (UDMCs) and the Cyclone Preparedness Program (CPP)—functioning at the union level in DRM. Such institutions have both horizontal and vertical collaborations with other institutions. However, we argue that the UDMCs’ external dependencies in their functioning indicate their limited financial and administrative autonomy, which is a barrier to successfully institutionalizing disaster management. The results show that the CPP is the most successful program, markedly increasing the trust of the people in warning dissemination and evacuation efforts in the event of a cyclone. Although the adoption of decentralized risk management systems has resulted in significant progress in increased rate of evacuation and reduced death rate and damage, lack of funding and equipment, limited coordination between institutions, lack of skilled and knowledgeable workforce, and inappropriate power structures may reduce the effectiveness of DRR activities prior to, during, and following disasters.
An Urban Road Risk Assessment Framework Based on Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Jiang Juncai , Wang Fei , Wang Yizhao , Jiang Wenyu , Qiao Yuming , Bai Wenfeng , Zheng Xinxin
Published: June 2023

In contemporary cities, road collapse is one of the most common disasters. This study proposed a framework for assessing the risk of urban road collapse. The framework first established a risk indicator system that combined environmental and anthropogenic factors, such as soil type, pipeline, and construction, as well as other indicators. Second, an oversampling technique was used to create the dataset. The framework then constructed and trained a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model for risk assessment. The experimental results show that the CNN model (accuracy: 0.97, average recall: 0.91) outperformed other models. The indicator contribution analysis revealed that the distance between the road and the construction site (contribution: 0.132) and the size of the construction (contribution: 0.144) are the most significant factors contributing to road collapse. According to the natural breaks, a road collapse risk map of Foshan City, Guangdong Province, was created, and the risk level was divided into five categories. Nearly 3% of the roads in the study area are at very high risk, and 6% are at high risk levels, with the high risk roads concentrated in the east and southeast. The risk map produced by this study can be utilized by local authorities and policymakers to help maintain road safety.
Models for the long-term variations of solar activity
Authors: Karak Bidya Binay
Published: June 2023

One obvious feature of the solar cycle is its variation from one cycle to another. In this article, we review the dynamo models for the long-term variations of the solar cycle. By long-term variations, we mean the cycle modulations beyond the 11-year periodicity and these include, the Gnevyshev–Ohl/Even–Odd rule, grand minima, grand maxima, Gleissberg cycle, and Suess cycles. After a brief review of the observed data, we present the dynamo models for the solar cycle. By carefully analyzing the dynamo models and the observed data, we identify the following broad causes for the modulation: (1) magnetic feedback on the flow, (2) stochastic forcing, and (3) time delays in various processes of the dynamo. To demonstrate each of these causes, we present the results from some illustrative models for the cycle modulations and discuss their strengths and weakness. We also discuss a few critical issues and their current trends. The article ends with a discussion of our current state of ignorance about comparing detailed features of the magnetic cycle and the large-scale velocity from the dynamo models with robust observations.
Centring the voices of schools in widening participation discourse: how building closer partnerships with educators can benefit WP providers’ practice
Authors: Canovan Cherry
Published: June 2023

Many organisations in the UK work with schools to try to increase the numbers of young people from underrepresented groups progressing to higher education. However, public debate about the efficacy of these programmes rarely centres the views of schools themselves, often giving the sense that schools are passive recipients of these activities rather than key stakeholders. This study begins to rectify this omission by conducting a series of interviews gathering in-depth information from school representatives about their views on, and interactions with, external widening participation providers. Participants had a range of ideas as to how interventions could be improved and made more impactful, and also pinpointed areas of difficulty, including target pupil selection and quality of some providers’ delivery. Schools expressed a sense of overload in dealing with numerous approaches from external providers and wished for more access to ‘filter’ mechanisms to provide quality assurance; however, some also wished to work more closely with known organisations. It was also notable that none of the schools were working with providers to evaluate the impact of activities. Our findings demonstrate that listening to the voice of the school has the potential to make outreach activities more impactful.
Searching for Situational Patterns in Cannabis Dealing, Possession and Use in a Scandinavian Context
Authors: Ceccato Vania , Ioannidis Ioannis , Magnusson Mia-Maria
Published: June 2023

Although cannabis is the most frequent illicit drug consumed in Sweden, little is known about the situations in which cannabis trade, possession and use occur. Following a recent strand of international research on the effect of recreational drugs on crime, this study uses a unique specially tailored database, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and regression models, to investigate the situational conditions of cannabis offenses as they are detected in Stockholm, Sweden. Cannabis coincides with the location of drug markets initially delimited by the police but also extends over to locations far from the radar of the police, such as private residences (comfort places). Modeling results indicate that several land uses (convergent public places) have significant predictive value of the geography of cannabis offenses after controlling for other neighborhood characteristics. The article finishes by stating new research questions and making recommendations for practice.
Special Relativity
Authors: Read James
Published: June 2023

This Element presents the philosophy of special relativity: from the foundations of the theory in Newtonian mechanics, through its birth out of the ashes of 19th Century ether theory, through the various conceptual paradoxes which the theory presents, and finally arriving at some of its connections with Einstein's later theory of general relativity. It illustrates concepts such as inertial frames, force-free motion, and dynamical versus geometrical understandings of physics, the standard hierarchy of classical spacetimes, the concept of a symmetry of a physical theory, Poincaré invariant, Einstein's 1905 derivation of the Lorentz transformations, spacetime structure from Aristotle to Minkowski, general covariance, dynamical and geometrical approaches to spacetime, the conventionality of simultaneity, Frame-dependent effects, and the twin paradox.
Effectiveness of Psychological First Aid E-learning on the Competence and Empathy of Nurses in Disasters: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sadegh Madani Seyyed Mohammad , Bahramnejad Ali , Farsi Zahra , Alizadeh Azizeh , Rajai Nahid , Azizi Maryam
Published: June 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the effect of psychological first-aid (PFA) E-learning on the competence and empathy of nurses in disasters.

Methods:

In a randomized controlled trial, 50 nurses were randomly assigned to 2 intervention and control groups, and psychological first-aid training sessions were implemented for the intervention group. The data were collected using the personal information form, a researcher-made questionnaire to measure competence, and the Davis Empathy Questionnaire.

Results:

Two groups were homogeneous in terms of competency (P= 0.691) and empathy (P= 0.363) in the preintervention phase. The intervention group had more competence in the next stage than before the intervention (P< 0.0001). In the post-intervention phase, the intervention group had more competence compared with the control group (P< 0.0001). The overall effect size of PFA E-learning training on the nurses’ competency was 1.9. Regarding empathy, in the post-intervention phase, the subscale of personal distress (P= 0.014) was significantly lower in the intervention group and the perspective-taking subscale was higher than in the control group (P< 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of all scores of empathy and the subscale of empathic concern (P> 0.05). The overall effect size of PFA E-learning training on the nurses’ empathy was 0.44.

Conclusions:

It is suggested to provide training, including a PFA E-learning model, for nurses and other therapists in disaster situations.
Learnings From a National Cyberattack Digital Disaster During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in a Pediatric Emergency Medicine Department
Authors: Leonard Fiona , O’Reilly Hugh , Blackburn Carol , Melody Laura , Hall Dani , Ryan Eleanor , Bruton Kate , Doyle Pamela , Conway Bridget , Barrett Michael
Published: June 2023

Objective:

The primary objective was to analyze the impact of the national cyberattack in May 2021 on patient flow and data quality in the Paediatric Emergency Department (ED), amid the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods:

A single site retrospective time series analysis was conducted of three 6-week periods: before, during, and after the cyberattack outage. Initial emergent workflows are described. Analysis includes diagnoses, demographic context, key performance indicators, and the gradual return of information technology capability on ED performance. Data quality was compared using 10 data quality dimensions.

Results:

Patient visits totaled 13 390. During the system outage, patient experience times decreased significantly, from a median of 188 minutes (pre-cyberattack) down to 166 minutes, most notable for the period from registration to triage, and from clinician review to discharge (excluding admitted patients). Following system restoration, most timings increased. Data quality was significantly impacted, with data imperfections noted in 19.7% of data recorded during the system outage compared to 4.7% before and 5.1% after.

Conclusions:

There was a reduction in patient experience time, but data quality suffered greatly. A hospital’s major emergency plan should include provisions for digital disasters that address essential data requirements and quality as well as maintaining patient flow.
On the algebra of elliptic curves
Authors: Brzeziński Tomasz
Published: June 2023

It is argued that a nonsingular elliptic curve admits a natural or fundamental abelian heap structure uniquely determined by the curve itself. It is shown that the set of complex analytic or rational functions from a nonsingular elliptic curve to itself is a truss arising from endomorphisms of this heap.
A non-periodic indefinite variational problem in ℝN with critical exponent
Authors: Amaral Costa Gustavo S. do , Figueiredo Giovany M. , Junior José Carlos de O.
Published: June 2023

We consider the non-linear Schrödinger equation
(Pμ)\begin{equation*}
\begin{array}{lc}
-\Delta u + V(x) u = \mu f(u) + |u|^{2^*-2}u, &
\end{array}
\end{equation*}in $\mathbb{R}^N$, $N\geq3$, where V changes sign and $f(s)/s$, s ≠ 0, is bounded, with V non-periodic in x. The existence of a solution is established employing spectral theory, a general linking theorem due to [12] and interaction between translated solutions of the problem at infinity with some qualitative properties of them.
Preferred information and delivery methods for weed management extension in Virginia
Authors: Pittman Kara B. , Russell Eli C. , Flessner Michael L.
Published: June 2023

The goal of weed science extension efforts are to encourage and accelerate adoption of diverse, effective, and economical management tactics. To be most successful and efficient, extension personnel need to know how growers prefer to receive information, the format in which the information is delivered, and areas that future extension research should focus on. To this end, surveys were distributed at crop and forage extension meetings in Virginia. The results from 249 responses indicate that both crop and forage producers have similar preferences. Agribusiness personnel (e.g., co-ops, suppliers, vendors, crop consultants, sales representatives) had the greatest influence on herbicide-purchasing decisions and were the primary source of information for producers who make weed management decisions, and thus should be a target audience of extension. Respondents said that economic assessments, weed control data, and yield data are most likely to influence changes in their management practices and that they would prefer to receive that information through traditional extension formats (presentations, publications, and on-farm demonstrations). Generally, respondents also indicated that they wanted extension efforts to focus on evaluating new herbicides for weed control and crop safety in the future over alternative nonherbicidal weed control methods. Therefore, extension personnel are likely to be more successful by including herbicides in the practice of integrated weed management rather than relying solely on nonchemical approaches.
The Four‐Dimensional Variational Neustrelitz Electron Density Assimilation Model: NEDAM
Authors: Yuan L. , Hoque M. M. , Kodikara Timothy
Published: June 2023

With the development of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and regional augmentation systems, the influence of the ionosphere on GNSS signals is becoming increasingly important. It is also of particular interest to retrieve the electron density distribution from GNSS observations. We have successfully developed a four‐dimensional variational assimilation scheme, the Neustrelitz Electron Density Assimilation Model (NEDAM), and verified NEDAM by a simulation study using a European ground‐based GNSS network. The performance of NEDAM is validated using two ionosondes and COSMIC‐1 radio occultation observations during the September 2017 geomagnetic storm period. The critical frequency of the F2 layer in NEDAM is much more accurate than that of a physics‐based model driven by observed geophysical indices or the Neustrelitz Electron Density Model (NEDM), when compared to data from two ionosondes. During the storm, the root mean square error of the F2‐layer critical frequency with respect to the two ionosondes is improved by 0.54 and 0.42 MHz, respectively. We also compare two co‐located electron density profiles from the COSMIC‐1 mission with NEDAM and NEDM. It is found that NEDAM is able to reconstruct well not only the peak density but also the peak density height, which is missing in the previous research.
Small, Coastal Temperate Rainforest Watersheds Dominate Dissolved Organic Carbon Transport to the Northeast Pacific Ocean
Authors: McNicol G. , Hood E. , Butman D. E. , Tank S. E. , Giesbrecht I. J. W. , Floyd W. , D’Amore D. , Fellman J. B. , Cebulski A. , Lally A. , McSorley H. , Gonzalez Arriola S. G.
Published: June 2023

The northeast Pacific Coastal Temperate Rainforest (NPCTR) extending from southeast Alaska to northern California is characterized by high precipitation and large stores of recently fixed biological carbon. We show that 3.5 Tg‐C yr−1 as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is exported from the NPCTR drainage basin to the coastal ocean. More than 56% of this riverine DOC flux originates from thousands of small (mean = 118 km2), coastal watersheds comprising 22% of the NPCTR drainage basin. The average DOC yield from NPCTR coastal watersheds (6.20 g‐C m−2 yr−1) exceeds that from Earth's tropical regions by roughly a factor of three. The highest yields occur in small, coastal watersheds in the central NPCTR due to the balance of moderate temperature, high precipitation, and high soil organic carbon stocks. These findings indicate DOC export from NPCTR watersheds may play an important role in regional‐scale heterotrophy within near‐shore marine ecosystems in the northeast Pacific.
NPM1 mutation reprograms leukemic transcription network via reshaping TAD topology
Authors: Lai Qian , Hamamoto Karina , Luo Huacheng , Zaroogian Zachary , Zhou Caixian , Lesperance Julia , Zha Jie , Qiu Yi , Guryanova Olga A. , Huang Suming , Xu Bing
Published: June 2023

C-terminal mutation of Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1C+) was thought to be a primary driving event in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that reprograms leukemic-associated transcription programs to transform hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). However, molecular mechanisms underlying NPM1C+-driven leukemogenesis remain elusive. Here, we report that NPM1C+ activates signature HOX genes and reprograms cell cycle regulators by altering CTCF-driven topologically associated domains (TADs). Hematopoietic-specific NPM1C+ knock-in alters TAD topology leading to disrupted regulation of the cell cycle as well as aberrant chromatin accessibility and homeotic gene expression, which results in myeloid differentiation block. Restoration of NPM1 within the nucleus re-establishes differentiation programs by reorganizing TADs critical for myeloid TFs and cell cycle regulators that switch the oncogenic MIZ1/MYC regulatory axis in favor of interacting with coactivator NPM1/p300, and prevents NPM1C+-driven leukemogenesis. In sum, our data reveal that NPM1C+ reshapes CTCF-defined TAD topology to reprogram signature leukemic transcription programs required for cell cycle progression and leukemic transformation.
TRIM28 promotes the escape of gastric cancer cells from immune surveillance by increasing PD-L1 abundance
Authors: Ma Xiaoxiao , Jia Shuqin , Wang Gangjian , Liang Min , Guo Ting , Du Hong , Li Sisi , Li Xiaomei , Huangfu Longtao , Guo Jianping , Xing Xiaofang , Ji Jiafu
Published: June 2023

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) offers a new opportunity for treatment for gastric cancer (G.C.). Understanding the upstream regulation of immune checkpoints is crucial to further improve the efficacy of ICB therapy. Herein, using the CRISPR-Cas9-based genome-wide screening, we identified TRIM28 as one of the most significant regulators of PD-L1, a checkpoint protein, in G.C. cells. Mechanistically, TRIM28 directly binds to and stabilizes PD-L1 by inhibiting PD-L1 ubiquitination and promoting PD-L1 SUMOylation. Furthermore, TRIM28 facilitates K63 polyubiquitination of TBK1, activating TBK1-IRF1 and TBK1-mTOR pathways, resulting in enhanced PD-L1 transcription. It was found that TRIM28 was positively correlated with PD-L1 in G.C. cells. Moreover, high TRIM28 expression suggests poor survival in a cohort of 466 patients with G.C., and this observation is consistent while analyzing data from publicly available databases. Ectopic TRIM28 expression facilitated tumor growth, increased PD-L1 expression, and suppressed T cell activation in mice. Administration of the PD-L1 or TBK1 inhibitor significantly alleviated the TRIM28-induced tumor progression. Furthermore, combining the TBK1 inhibitor with CTLA4 immune checkpoint blockade has synergistic effects on G.C., and provides a novel strategy for G.C. therapy.
TRIM29 hypermethylation drives esophageal cancer progression via suppression of ZNF750
Authors: Yi Qiyi , Zhao Yujia , Xia Ran , Wei Qinqin , Chao Fengmei , Zhang Rui , Bian Po , Lv Lei
Published: June 2023

Esophageal cancer (ESCA) is the seventh most frequent and deadly neoplasm. Due to the lack of early diagnosis and high invasion/metastasis, the prognosis of ESCA remains very poor. Herein, we identify skin-related signatures as the most deficient signatures in invasive ESCA, which are regulated by the transcription factor ZNF750. Of note, we find that TRIM29 level strongly correlated with the expression of many genes in the skin-related signatures, including ZNF750. TRIM29 is significantly down-regulated due to hypermethylation of its promoter in both ESCA and precancerous lesions compared to normal tissues. Low TRIM29 expression and high methylation levels of its promoter are associated with malignant progression and poor clinical outcomes in ESCA patients. Functionally, TRIM29 overexpression markedly hinders proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition of esophageal cancer cells, whereas opposing results are observed when TRIM29 is silenced in vitro. In addition, TRIM29 inhibits metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, TRIM29 downregulation suppresses the expression of the tumor suppressor ZNF750 by activating the STAT3 signaling pathway. Overall, our study demonstrates that TRIM29 expression and its promoter methylation status could be potential early diagnostic and prognostic markers. It highlights the role of the TRIM29-ZNF750 signaling axis in modulating tumorigenesis and metastasis of esophageal cancer.
Increased tropical South Pacific western boundary current transport over the past century
Authors: Chen Wen-Hui , Ren Haojia , Chiang John C. H. , Wang You-Lin , Cai-Li Ren-Yi , Chen Yi-Chi , Shen Chuan-Chou , Taylor Frederick W. , DeCarlo Thomas M. , Wu Chau-Ron , Mii Horng-Sheng , Wang Xingchen Tony
Published: June 2023

The wind-driven meridional overturning circulation between the tropical and subtropical oceans is important for regulating decadal-scale temperature fluctuations in the Pacific Ocean and globally. An acceleration of the overturning circulation can act to reduce global surface temperature as ocean stores more heat. The equatorward low-latitude western boundary current represents a key component of the meridional circulation cell in the Pacific and a major source of water mass for the Equatorial Undercurrent, yet long-term observations of its transport are scarce. Here we demonstrate that the 15N/14N ratio recorded by Porites spp. corals in the western tropical South Pacific is sensitive to the exchanges of water masses driven by the western boundary transport. Using a 94-year coral record from the Solomon Sea, we report that the 15N/14N ratio declined as the global surface temperature rose. The record suggests that the South Pacific western boundary current has strengthened in the past century, and it may have contributed to the reported strengthening of the Equatorial Undercurrent. In addition, the 15N/14N record shows strong decadal variability, indicative of weaker equatorial Pacific upwelling and stronger western boundary transport when the eastern equatorial Pacific is in the warm stage of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.
Multi-level analysis of the gut–brain axis shows autism spectrum disorder-associated molecular and microbial profiles
Authors: Morton James T. , Jin Dong-Min , Mills Robert H. , Shao Yan , Rahman Gibraan , McDonald Daniel , Zhu Qiyun , Balaban Metin , Jiang Yueyu , Cantrell Kalen , Gonzalez Antonio , Carmel Julie , Frankiensztajn Linoy Mia , Martin-Brevet Sandra , Berding Kirsten , Needham Brittany D. , Zurita María Fernanda , David Maude , Averina Olga V. , Kovtun Alexey S. , Noto Antonio , Mussap Michele , Wang Mingbang , Frank Daniel N. , Li Ellen , Zhou Wenhao , Fanos Vassilios , Danilenko Valery N. , Wall Dennis P. , Cárdenas Paúl , Baldeón Manuel E. , Jacquemont Sébastien , Koren Omry , Elliott Evan , Xavier Ramnik J. , Mazmanian Sarkis K. , Knight Rob , Gilbert Jack A. , Donovan Sharon M. , Lawley Trevor D. , Carpenter Bob , Bonneau Richard , Taroncher-Oldenburg Gaspar
Published: June 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by heterogeneous cognitive, behavioral and communication impairments. Disruption of the gut–brain axis (GBA) has been implicated in ASD although with limited reproducibility across studies. In this study, we developed a Bayesian differential ranking algorithm to identify ASD-associated molecular and taxa profiles across 10 cross-sectional microbiome datasets and 15 other datasets, including dietary patterns, metabolomics, cytokine profiles and human brain gene expression profiles. We found a functional architecture along the GBA that correlates with heterogeneity of ASD phenotypes, and it is characterized by ASD-associated amino acid, carbohydrate and lipid profiles predominantly encoded by microbial species in the genera Prevotella, Bifidobacterium, Desulfovibrio and Bacteroides and correlates with brain gene expression changes, restrictive dietary patterns and pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles. The functional architecture revealed in age-matched and sex-matched cohorts is not present in sibling-matched cohorts. We also show a strong association between temporal changes in microbiome composition and ASD phenotypes. In summary, we propose a framework to leverage multi-omic datasets from well-defined cohorts and investigate how the GBA influences ASD.
Iron homeostasis in full-term, normal birthweight Gambian neonates over the first week of life
Authors: Cross James H. , Jarjou Ousman , Mohammed Nuredin Ibrahim , Gomez Santiago Rayment , Touray Bubacarr J. B. , Kessler Noah J. , Prentice Andrew M. , Cerami Carla
Published: June 2023

Human neonates elicit a profound hypoferremia which may protect against bacterial sepsis. We examined the transience of this hypoferremia by measuring iron and its chaperone proteins, inflammatory and haematological parameters over the first post-partum week. We prospectively studied term, normal weight Gambian newborns. Umbilical cord vein and artery, and serial venous blood samples up to day 7 were collected. Hepcidin, serum iron, transferrin, transferrin saturation, haptoglobin, c-reactive protein, α1-acid-glycoprotein, soluble transferrin receptor, ferritin, unbound iron-binding capacity and full blood count were assayed. In 278 neonates we confirmed the profound early postnatal decrease in serum iron (22.7 ± 7.0 µmol/L at birth to 7.3 ± 4.6 µmol/L during the first 6–24 h after birth) and transferrin saturation (50.2 ± 16.7% to 14.4 ± 6.1%). Both variables increased steadily to reach 16.5 ± 3.9 µmol/L and 36.6 ± 9.2% at day 7. Hepcidin increased rapidly during the first 24 h of life (19.4 ± 14.4 ng/ml to 38.9 ± 23.9 ng/ml) and then dipped (32.7 ± 18.4 ng/ml) before rising again at one week after birth (45.2 ± 19.1 ng/ml). Inflammatory markers increased during the first week of life. The acute postnatal hypoferremia in human neonates on the first day of life is highly reproducible but transient. The rise in serum iron during the first week of life occurs despite very high hepcidin levels indicating partial hepcidin resistance.

Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03353051). Registration date: November 27, 2017.
A nationwide cross-sectional study on the association of patient-level factors with financial anxiety in the context of chronic medical conditions
Authors: Hassan Abbas M. , Chu Carrie K. , Liu Jun , Angove Rebekah , Rocque Gabrielle , Gallagher Kathleen D. , Momoh Adeyiza O. , Caston Nicole E. , Williams Courtney P. , Wheeler Stephanie , Offodile Anaeze C.
Published: June 2023

Patient-level characteristics associated with the prevalence and severity of financial anxiety have yet to be described. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of survey data assessing financial anxiety in patients with chronic medical conditions in December 2020. 1771 patients (42.6% response rate) participated in the survey. Younger age (19–35 age compared to ≥ 75 age) (β, 5.86; 95% CI 2.10–9.63), male sex (β, − 1.9; 95% CI − 3.1 to − 0.73), Hispanic/Latino race/ethnicity (compared with White patients) (β, 2.55; 95% CI 0.39–4.71), household size ≥ 4 (compare with single household) (β, 4.54; 95% CI 2.44–6.64), household income of ≥ $96,000-$119,999 (compared with ≤ $23,999) (β, − 3.2; 95% CI − 6.3 to 0.04), single marital status (compared with married) (β, 2.18; 95% CI 0.65–3.71), unemployment (β, 2.07; 95% CI 0.39–3.74), high-school education (compared with advanced degrees) (β, 3.10; 95% CI 1.32–4.89), lack of insurance coverage (compared with private insurance) (β, 6.05; 95% CI 2.66–9.45), more comorbidities (≥ 3 comorbidities compared to none) (β, 2.95; 95% CI 1.00–4.90) were all independently associated with financial anxiety. Patients who are young, female, unmarried, and representing vulnerable sub-populations are at elevated risk for financial anxiety.
Fe3O4@C@MCM41-guanidine core–shell nanostructures as a powerful and recyclable nanocatalyst with high performance for synthesis of Knoevenagel reaction
Authors: Barzkar Aliyeh , Beni Alireza Salimi
Published: June 2023

In this study, preparation, characterization and catalytic application of a novel core–shell structured magnetic with carbon and mesoporous silica shells supported guanidine (Fe3O4@C@MCM41-guanidine) are developed. The Fe3O4@C@MCM41-guanidine was prepared via surfactant directed hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate around Fe3O4@C NPs followed by treatment with guanidinium chloride. This nanocomposite was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, wide-angle X-ray diffraction and low-angle X-ray diffraction techniques. This nanocomposite have high thermal, chemical stability, and uniform size. Fe3O4@C@MCM41-guanidine catalyst demonstrated high yield (91–98%) to prepare of Knoevenagel derivatives under the solvent free conditions at room temperature in the shortest time. Also, this catalyst was recovered and reused 10 times without significant decrease in efficiency and stability. Fortunately, an excellent level of yield (98–82%) was observed in the 10 consecutive catalyst cycles.
Crystal chemical design, synthesis and characterisation of U(IV)-dominant betafite phases for actinide immobilisation
Authors: Sun Shi-Kuan , Mottram Lucy M. , Gouder Thomas , Stennett Martin C. , Hyatt Neil C. , Corkhill Claire L.
Published: June 2023

Crystal chemical design principles were applied to synthesise novel U4+ dominant and titanium excess betafite phases Ca1.15(5)U0.56(4)Zr0.17(2)Ti2.19(2)O7 and Ca1.10(4)U0.68(4)Zr0.15(3)Ti2.12(2)O7, in high yield (85–95 wt%), and ceramic density reaching 99% of theoretical. Substitution of Ti on the A-site of the pyrochlore structure, in excess of full B-site occupancy, enabled the radius ratio (rA/rB = 1.69) to be tuned into the pyrochlore stability field, approximately 1.48 ≲ rA/rB ≲ 1.78, in contrast to the archetype composition CaUTi2O7 (rA/rB = 1.75). U L3-edge XANES and U 4f7/2 and U 4f5/2 XPS data evidenced U4+ as the dominant speciation, consistent with the determined chemical compositions. The new betafite phases, and further analysis reported herein, point to a wider family of actinide betafite pyrochlores that could be stabilised by application of the underlying crystal chemical principle applied here.
PET-validated EEG-machine learning algorithm predicts brain amyloid pathology in pre-dementia Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kim Nam Heon , Park Ukeob , Yang Dong Won , Choi Seong Hye , Youn Young Chul , Kang Seung Wan
Published: June 2023

Developing reliable biomarkers is important for screening Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and monitoring its progression. Although EEG is non-invasive direct measurement of brain neural activity and has potentials for various neurologic disorders, vulnerability to noise, difficulty in clinical interpretation and quantification of signal information have limited its clinical application. There have been many research about machine learning (ML) adoption with EEG, but the accuracy of detecting AD is not so high or not validated with Aβ PET scan. We developed EEG-ML algorithm to detect brain Aβ pathology among subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) population, and validated it with Aβ PET. 19-channel resting-state EEG and Aβ PET were collected from 311 subjects: 196 SCD(36 Aβ +, 160 Aβ −), 115 MCI(54 Aβ +, 61Aβ −). 235 EEG data were used for training ML, and 76 for validation. EEG features were standardized for age and sex. Multiple important features sets were selected by 6 statistics analysis. Then, we trained 8 multiple machine learning for each important features set. Meanwhile, we conducted paired t-test to find statistically different features between amyloid positive and negative group. The best model showed 90.9% sensitivity, 76.7% specificity and 82.9% accuracy in MCI + SCD (33 Aβ +, 43 Aβ −). Limited to SCD, 92.3% sensitivity, 75.0% specificity, 81.1% accuracy (13 Aβ +, 24 Aβ −). 90% sensitivity, 78.9% specificity and 84.6% accuracy for MCI (20 Aβ +, 19 Aβ −). Similar trends of EEG power have been observed from the group comparison between Aβ + and Aβ −, and between MCI and SCD: enhancement of frontal/ frontotemporal theta; attenuation of mid-beta in centroparietal areas. The present findings suggest that accurate classification for beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain based on QEEG alone could be possible, which implies that QEEG is a promising biomarker for beta-amyloid. Since QEEG is more accessible, cost-effective, and safer than amyloid PET, QEEG-based biomarkers may play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of AD. We expect specific patterns in QEEG could play an important role to predict future progression of cognitive impairment in the preclinical stage of AD. Further feature engineering and validation with larger dataset is recommended.
A diagnostic model for differentiating tuberculous spondylitis from pyogenic spondylitis: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Liu Yu Xi , Lei Fei , Zheng Li Peng , Yuan Hao , Zhou Qing Zhong , Feng Da Xiong
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the clinical data, laboratory examination and imaging examination of tuberculous spondylitis (TS) and pyogenic spondylitis (PS), and to provide ideas for diagnosis and treatment intervention. The patients with TS or PS diagnosed by pathology who first occurred in our hospital from September 2018 to November 2021 were studied retrospectively. The clinical data, laboratory results and imaging findings of the two groups were analyzed and compared. The diagnostic model was constructed by binary logistic regression. In addition, an external validation group was used to verify the effectiveness of the diagnostic model. A total of 112 patients were included, including 65 cases of TS with an average age of 49 ± 15 years, 47 cases of PS with an average of 56 ± 10 years. The PS group had a significantly older age than the TS group (P = 0.005). In laboratory examination, there were significant differences in WBC, neutrophil (N), lymphocyte (L), ESR, CRP, fibrinogen (FIB), serum albumin (A) and sodium (Na). The difference was also statistically significant in the comparison of imaging examinations at epidural abscesses, paravertebral abscesses, spinal cord compression, involvement of cervical, lumbar and thoracic vertebrae. This study constructed a diagnostic model, which was Y (value of TS > 0.5, value of PS < 0.5) = 1.251 * X1 (thoracic vertebrae involved = 1, thoracic vertebrae uninvolved = 0) + 2.021 * X2 (paravertebral abscesses = 1, no paravertebral abscess = 0) + 2.432 * X3 (spinal cord compression = 1, no spinal cord compression = 0) + 0.18 * X4 (value of serum A)−4.209 * X5 (cervical vertebrae involved = 1, cervical vertebrae uninvolved = 0)−0.02 * X6 (value of ESR)−0.806 * X7 (value of FIB)−3.36. Furthermore, the diagnostic model was validated using an external validation group, indicating a certain value in diagnosing TS and PS. This study puts forward a diagnostic model for the diagnosis of TS and PS in spinal infection for the first time, which has potential guiding value in the diagnosis of them and provides a certain reference for clinical work.
Estimation of maximal lactate steady state using the sweat lactate sensor
Authors: Muramoto Yuki , Nakashima Daisuke , Amano Tsubasa , Harita Tomota , Sugai Kazuhisa , Daigo Kyohei , Iwasawa Yuji , Ichihara Genki , Okawara Hiroki , Sawada Tomonori , Kinoda Akira , Yamada Yuichi , Kimura Takeshi , Sato Kazuki , Katsumata Yoshinori
Published: June 2023

A simple, non-invasive algorithm for maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) assessment has not been developed. We examined whether MLSS can be estimated from the sweat lactate threshold (sLT) using a novel sweat lactate sensor for healthy adults, with consideration of their exercise habits. Fifteen adults representing diverse fitness levels were recruited. Participants with/without exercise habits were defined as trained/untrained, respectively. Constant-load testing for 30 min at 110%, 115%, 120%, and 125% of sLT intensity was performed to determine MLSS. The tissue oxygenation index (TOI) of the thigh was also monitored. MLSS was not fully estimated from sLT, with 110%, 115%, 120%, and 125% of sLT in one, four, three, and seven participants, respectively. The MLSS based on sLT was higher in the trained group as compared to the untrained group. A total of 80% of trained participants had an MLSS of 120% or higher, while 75% of untrained participants had an MLSS of 115% or lower based on sLT. Furthermore, compared to untrained participants, trained participants continued constant-load exercise even if their TOI decreased below the resting baseline (P < 0.01). MLSS was successfully estimated using sLT, with 120% or more in trained participants and 115% or less in untrained participants. This suggests that trained individuals can continue exercising despite decreases in oxygen saturation in lower extremity skeletal muscles.
Clinical efficacy and imaging analysis for the surgical treatment of thoracolumbar infections in elderly patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhong Yanlong , Tang Benyu , Zhang Zizhen , Sheng Yonghong , Li Chao , Guo Jia , Luo Shiwei , Yao Haoqun , Wan Zongmiao
Published: June 2023

Few reports have been conducted to comparing surgical results and safety evaluations between the different types of infections in geriatric patients with thoracolumbar infections. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of surgical treatment for thoracolumbar infections in elderly patients. 21 patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PS) and 26 patients with tuberculous spondylodiscitis (TS) were enrolled in the study. All patients were treated using one-stage posterior debridement, decompression, and pedicle screw fixation. Comparison of operative safety parameters between the two groups. Clinical efficacy was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) score, the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade, the short form (SF)-36 survey and Oswestry disability index (ODI) to determine patient quality of life pre- and post-operatively. Hospitalisation and intensive care unit duration in the PS group were significantly shorter than in the TS group (P < 0.05). The total incidence of post-operative complications for both groups was 44.7%. More complications occurred in the TS group, but the difference was not significant. The scores of VAS, ODI and SF-36 of all 47 patients were significantly improved compared with those before operation.The VAS and SF-36 scores (physical component) were significantly better in the PS group 6 months post-operatively, and the SF-36 (mental component) scores were significantly better in the PS group at the 1-year follow-up. Neurological status in both groups improved post-operatively, and 83% of patients reported satisfactory results based on the modified MacNab standard. Imaging results showed that bone graft fusion improved in both groups at 6 months, 1 year and at the final follow-up. One-stage posterior debridement, decompression, interbody fusion, and internal fixation can be considered a safe and effective method of treating spinal infections in the elderly. This method can improve nerve function, reconstruct spinal stability, and enhance the quality of life of elderly patients. Both PS and TS who underwent surgery achieve similar clinical and radiological results.
Cooling-induced expansions of Afromontane forests in the Horn of Africa since the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Casas-Gallego Manuel , Hahn Karen , Neumann Katharina , Demissew Sebsebe , Schmidt Marco , Bodin Stéphanie C. , Bruch Angela A.
Published: June 2023

Understanding the changing plant ecosystems that existed in East Africa over the past millennia is crucial for identifying links between habitats and past human adaptation and dispersal across the region. In the Horn of Africa, this task is hampered by the scarcity of fossil botanical data. Here we present modelled past vegetation distributions in Ethiopia from the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) to present at high spatial and temporal resolution. The simulations show that, contrary to long-standing hypotheses, the area covered by Afromontane forests during the Late Glacial was significantly larger than at present. The combined effect of low temperatures and the relative rainfall contribution sourced from the Congo Basin and Indian Ocean, emerges as the mechanism that controlled the migration of Afromontane forests to lower elevations. This process may have enabled the development of continuous forest corridors connecting populations that are currently isolated in mountainous areas over the African continent. Starting with the Holocene, the expansion of forests began to reverse. This decline intensified over the second half of the Holocene leading to a retreat of the forests to higher elevations where they are restricted today. The simulations are consistent with proxy data derived from regional pollen records and provide a key environmental and conceptual framework for human environmental adaptation research.
Amino acid positions near the active site determine the reduced activity of human ACOD1 compared to murine ACOD1
Authors: Chen Fangfang , Yalcin Israfil , Zhao Mingming , Chen Chutao , Blankenfeldt Wulf , Pessler Frank , Büssow Konrad
Published: June 2023

cis-Aconitate decarboxylase (ACOD1, IRG1) converts cis-aconitate to the immunomodulatory and antibacterial metabolite itaconate. Although the active site residues of human and mouse ACOD1 are identical, the mouse enzyme is about fivefold more active. Aiming to identify the cause of this difference, we mutated positions near the active site in human ACOD1 to the corresponding residues of mouse ACOD1 and measured resulting activities in vitro and in transfected cells. Interestingly, Homosapiens is the only species with methionine instead of isoleucine at residue 154 and introduction of isoleucine at this position increased the activity of human ACOD1 1.5-fold in transfected cells and 3.5-fold in vitro. Enzyme activity of gorilla ACOD1, which is almost identical to the human enzyme but has isoleucine at residue 154, was similar to the mouse enzyme in vitro. Met154 in human ACOD1 forms a sulfur-π bond to Phe381, which is positioned to impede access of the substrate to the active site. It appears that the ACOD1 sequence has changed at position 154 during human evolution, resulting in a pronounced decrease in activity. This change might have offered a selective advantage in diseases such as cancer.
Exploring the potential of Bornean polypore fungi as biological control agents against pathogenic Ganoderma boninense causing basal stem rot in oil palm
Authors: Darlis Darwana , Jalloh Mohamadu Boyie , Chin Clament Fui Seung , Basri Noor Khairani Mohamad , Besar Normah Awang , Ahmad Khairulmazmi , Rakib Mohd. Rashid Mohd.
Published: June 2023

Basal stem rot due to a fungal pathogen, Ganoderma boninense, is one of the most devastating diseases in oil palm throughout the major palm oil producer countries. This study investigated the potential of polypore fungi as biological control agents against pathogenic G. boninense in oil palm. In vitro antagonistic screening of selected non-pathogenic polypore fungi was performed. Based on in planta fungi inoculation on oil palm seedlings, eight of the 21 fungi isolates tested (GL01, GL01, RDC06, RDC24, SRP11, SRP12, SRP17, and SRP18) were non-pathogenic. In vitro antagonistic assays against G. boninense revealed that the percentage inhibition of radial growth (PIRG) in dual culture assay for SRP11 (69.7%), SRP17 (67.3%), and SRP18 (72.7%) was relatively high. Percentage inhibition of diameter growth (PIDG) in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in dual plate assay of SRP11, SRP17, and SRP18 isolates were 43.2%, 51.6%, and 52.1%, respectively. Molecular identification using the internal transcribed spacer gene sequences of SRP11, SRP17, and SRP18 isolates revealed that they were Fomes sp., Trametes elegans, and Trametes lactinea, respectively.