bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF SYSTEM FUNCTIONING RESTORATION OF ARMORED TANK EQUIPMENT NATIONAL GUARD OF UKRAINE
Authors:   National Academy of the National Guard of Ukraine, Pavlov Ya.
Published: September 2023

The article reveals the sequence of determining the efficiency indicators of the system of restoring armored vehicles for the needs of units and parts of the National Guard of Ukraine. The article defines that in order to successfully solve service and combat tasks, it is necessary to make maximum use of the capabilities of the armored vehicle recovery system and to evaluate the effectiveness of its recovery. Special indicators are used to assess the state of the repair system for the restoration of armored vehicles, which are a numerical representation of measured values or their ratios. The existing methods of forecasting and quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of systems for the restoration of armored vehicles of units and units of the National Guard of Ukraine, disclosed in the materials of the article, require further improvement due to the development of a new scientific and methodological apparatus. The article examines the methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of the system of restoring armored vehicles of units and units of the National Guard of Ukraine in terms of the probability of meeting maintenance and repair needs and the length of time that damaged equipment remains in a malfunctioning state. It is proposed to use the generalized coefficient of the recovery system as an indicator of the effectiveness of the recovery system of armored vehicles. The methodology for assessing the effectiveness of the system for the restoration of armored vehicles should, on the one hand, ensure the necessary production capacity in wartime in a limited time with minimal additional costs, on the other hand, so that the costs of its maintenance in peacetime are minimal, but sufficient for current repair needs in the day-to-day activities of parts and subdivisions of National Guard of Ukraine. The disadvantage of the given methodology in relation to the comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of the system of restoring armored vehicles is the lack of indicators of components of technical intelligence and evacuation of damaged samples of military equipment. This requires additional research into the factors that affect the quality of the functioning of the system for restoring damaged samples of self-armored vehicles of the National Guard of Ukraine units in combat conditions.
Ecological and genomic characterization of a remarkable natural heritage: a mesophotic ‘giant’ Paramuricea clavata forest
Authors: Sartoretto S , Ledoux JB , Gueret E , Guillemain D , Ravel C , Moirand L , Aurelle D
Published: September 2023

Paramuricea clavata is an ecosystem engineer, structuring hard bottom communities in the Mediterranean Sea, from 10 to 200 m depth. For more than 2 decades, shallow populations of P. clavata have been impacted by marine heatwaves, resulting in massive mortality events. Recently, a new dense population characterized by the tallest colonies ever recorded (up to 1.80 m) in the Mediterranean Sea was discovered between 50 and 60 m depth. Here, we analyzed the size and genetic structure of this ‘deep giant population’ and conducted a reciprocal transplant experiment with a shallow population inhabiting the same area to test for local adaptation. The experiment showed no significant difference in the survival rate despite the high temperatures registered in the shallow area. Nevertheless, we observed a significant differentiation by depth in this area, with low estimates of gene flow. The particular local oceanographic conditions could lead to a relative isolation of the population. In conclusion, the reduced connectivity of this newly discovered giant population with shallower ones questions its potential role as a climate refuge. Additionally, this population constitutes a unique natural heritage site that should be effectively protected from physical impacts and other direct consequences of anthropogenic activities.
Cyber Security for Power Distribution System
Authors: Kapoor Shailesh , Jain Amit , Shivakumar V. , Pradish M.
Published: September 2023

Electricity distribution utilities in India are facing major challenges such, as higher revenue realization gap and AT&Closses. One of the ways to overcome this challenge is by adoption of smart technologies and automating the networkfor increased visibility, monitoring and automated control. The adoption of smart technologies merges the conventionalpower distribution system with modern communicable devices having sensing and control features. The use of suchmodern communicable devices makes power systems vulnerable to cyber-attack. This paper presents the SCADA systemarchitecture for power distribution systems, NIST guidelines and framework, cyber-security for power systems andstandards for security implementation for telecontrol equipment and systems.
Evaluation of ecosystem services of surface waters of Ukraine in the ecological and economic dimension
Authors: Sova L.
Published: September 2023

The key issues of the development of a modern system of ecological and economic evaluation indicators of biodiversity are studied. In particular, the emphasis is on the ecosystem services of surface waters. It was found that surface water ecosystems provide a number of ecosystem functions and services important for the sustainable functioning of the natural environment. Although the need for these services is constantly increasing, the capacity of aquatic ecosystems to provide such services is decreasing. To achieve the goal, the article used a system of general scientific and special methods of the modern theory of the ecosystem approach and general ecological assessment, analysis and synthesis, generalization and systematization, abstract-logical method, etc. Based on the results of the analytical assessment of the Water Strategy of Ukraine until 2050, it was found that the document presents a limited ecosystem approach and lacks indicators that indicate the need to preserve water ecosystem services and identify their ecological and economic value. In this context, scientific approaches to the evaluation of ecosystem services of surface waters are substantiated and developed, which are represented by an algorithm consisting of four consecutive steps, namely: analysis of the formation of ecological and economic evaluation of ecosystem services; study of the ecological and economic state of surface waters in Ukraine and the peculiarities of their ecosystem services; development of the methodology of ecological and economic assessment of the value dimension of ecosystem services of surface waters; development of proposals for the implementation of ecological and economic assessment of ecosystem services of surface waters in the Water Strategy of Ukraine. Further research has prospects in the direction of theoretical and methodological substantiation and development of a domestic mechanism for evaluating the ecosystem services of surface water as a component of biodiversity from the standpoint of the ecosystem approach and general ecological assessment.
Ecotoxicological reasonig for chemical protection systems of apple trees (Malus) against harmful organisms in the conditions of the Precarpathian province of the Carpathian mountain zone of Ukraine
Authors: Hunchak M.
Published: September 2023

It was established that the most common phytophagous pests in apple orchards of the Precarpathian province of the Carpathian mountain zone of Ukraine in 2015–2020 were apple fruit borer, aphids, leafhoppers, mites, apple moth, flower eater and Epicometishirta Poda. The most common diseases of apple orchards in the studied area were scab, powdery mildew, fruit rot and moniliosis. On the basis of phytosanitary data, an improved and intensive system of chemical protection of apple orchards against a complex of harmful organisms was developed, which was adapted to the soil and climatic conditions of the Precarpathian province of the Carpathian mountain zone of Ukraine. The system of intensive chemical protection, which included 12 treatments with chemical pesticides provided technical efficiency against pests and diseases from 86.5 to 97.1%, yield at the level of 26.5 t/ha, including 65.8% fruits first class. Using this system, they received a profit of UAH 85,042.10 from 1 ha and a profitability of 66.98%. The improved protection system ensured a reduction of the pesticide load on the garden ecosystem through the use of low-polarity pesticides. The yield when using the improved protection system was 26.1 t/ha, including 64.7% of the 1st grade, and the technical efficiency ranged from 83.5 to 95.2%. The application of this system made it possible to obtain a profit in the amount of UAH 87,336.89 from 1 ha, with a profitability level of 71.9%. The agro-ecotoxicological index for all protection systems was less than 1, that is, the studied protection systems are not very dangerous and do not lead to ecosystem pollution. For an intensive chemical protection system, this indicator ranged from 0.30 (Izon 0.7) to 0.85 (Izon 0.5). For the improved protection system, AETI ranged from 0.017 (Izon 0.7) to 0.041 (Izon 0.5).
Medicalização e produtividade: reflexões sobre o documentário “Take your pills” na perspectiva da psicologia histórico-cultural
Authors: Matos Talita Oliveira , Silva Thaís Muniz da , Sbardelotto Denise Kloeckner
Published: September 2023

Este artigo apresenta um estudo sobre a relação do uso excessivo de estimulantes no período da segunda fase da adolescência e fase adulta, sob o olhar da Psicologia Histórico-Cultural, relacionando a medicalização com demanda por produtividade, rompendo com a perspectiva biologizante e buscando compreender as causas, consequências e as interferências na produtividade exigida pela sociedade capitalista em decorrência do uso excessivo de medicamentos. O objetivo geral foi pautado em analisar as causas da medicalização de jovens e adultos e sua relação com a produtividade na sociedade capitalista na perspectiva histórico-cultural. Os objetivos específicos foram traçados para investigar as características da adolescência e fase adulta e suas relações com a atividade profissional e no mundo do trabalho; analisar a medicalização na adolescência e fase adulta a partir do documentário “Take Your Pills” e verificar a relação da medicalização com o rendimento universitário e profissional e seus reflexos na saúde mental. Em consonância com o referencial bibliográfico selecionado, o estudo lançou olhar sobre a temática à luz de categorias do método materialista histórico-dialético e utilizou como recurso mediador de discussão o documentário americano “Take Your Pills” (2018), dirigido por Alison Klayman e produzido pela Motto Pictures, sistematizado na técnica de análise de conteúdo conceituada por Bardin (2011). A partir do estudo, percebe-se que o uso de medicamentos anestesia o sentimento de incapacidade que a cobrança excessiva da sociedade causa, mas ele não deixa de existir e acaba sendo externalizado fazendo com que isso interfira no desenvolvimento humano.
Políticas públicas de educação e a Lei nº 13.935/2019: serviço social e psicologia na educação básica
Authors: Michelato Luiz Henrique , Rodrigues Romário Rocha
Published: September 2023

O presente texto procura abordar as implicações da Lei nº 13.935/2019 e a sua importância para o trabalho de Assistentes Sociais e Psicólogos na Educação Básica Brasileira, tendo em vista os rebatimentos das expressões da questão social em âmbito escolar, promovendo uma educação pública gratuita e de qualidade, realizada através de um trabalho sério e técnico, mediada pela implementação de equipes multiprofissionais e multidisciplinares. O presente trabalho realizou-se por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica, de natureza qualitativa e do estado da arte, através do método relativo ao materialismo histórico-dialético, buscando compreender a relevância do trabalho da Psicologia e do Serviço Social na educação pública brasileira. Contudo, os resultados obtidos, convergem numa essencial implementação deste serviço, tendo em vista a garantia da construção e fortalecimento de uma educação que fortaleça e promova sujeitos críticos e cidadãos engajados pelos direitos sociais, através da realização do trabalho social escolar das equipes formadas por Assistentes Sociais e Psicólogos, considerando os rebatimentos nocivos do modo de produção capitalista, bem como sua necessária abolição.
Molecular T2 asthma phenotypes are stable but heterogeneous: the usefulness of periostin for endotyping
Authors: Bobolea Irina , Guillén-Vera Daniela , De las Cuevas-Moreno Natividad , García-Granero Diego Blanco , Loli-Ausejo David , Melero-Moreno Carlos
Published: September 2023

Background

The stability of molecular T2/non-T2 phenotypes remains uncertain. The objectives of this study were to assess the stability of these phenotypes and the correlation between serum periostin and asthma T2 phenotypes and endotypes.

Methods

Demographics, clinical data, and blood samples were collected. Patients diagnosed with moderate-to-severe asthma were classified into T2 or non-T2 according to previously defined thresholds of blood eosinophilia and serum total IgE levels. Asthma endotype was also determined. After at least 1 year of follow-up, the stability of T2 phenotypes and endotypes was assessed.

Results

A total of 53 patients (72% women), mean age 47 years (range 16–77), were included. In the initial and second evaluations, the T2 phenotype was found in 41.5% and 43.4% of patients and the non-T2 phenotype was found in 58.4% and 56.7%, respectively. The mean [standard deviation (SD), range] serum periostin level was 52.7 (26.2, 22.6–129.7) ng/mL in patients with T2 phenotype, and 39.3 (25.6, 7.7–104.) ng/mL in non-T2 patients (P = 0.063). Periostin levels correlated to endotypes (P = 0.001): 45.7 (27.9) ng/mL in allergic asthma (n = 16 patients), 64.7 (24.9) in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (n = 14), 59.0 (27.6) ng/mL in late-onset eosinophilic asthma (n = 4), and 28.3 (13.3) ng/mL in non-eosinophilic asthma (n = 18).

Conclusions

T2 and non-T2 asthma phenotypes assessed by accessible methods in daily practice are stable over time yet widely heterogeneous. Serum periostin does not discriminate between T2 and non-T2 phenotypes. Nevertheless, its correlation to asthma endotypes may contribute to guide therapies targeting T2 cytokines in a more personalized approach.
Dipyridamole and vascular healing following stent implantation
Authors: Simard Trevor , Jung Richard , Di Santo Pietro , Labinaz Alisha , Short Spencer , Motazedian Pouya , Dhaliwal Shan , Sarma Dhruv , Rasheed Adil , Ramirez F. Daniel , Froeschl Michael , Labinaz Marino , Holmes David R. , Alkhouli Mohamad , Hibbert Benjamin
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Patients undergoing coronary stent implantation incur a 2% annual rate of adverse events, largely driven by in-stent restenosis (ISR) due to neointimal (NI) tissue proliferation, a process in which smooth muscle cell (SMC) biology may play a central role. Dipyridamole (DP) is an approved therapeutic agent with data supporting improved vascular patency rates. Pre-clinical data supports that DP may enact its vasculoprotective effects via adenosine receptor-A2B (ADOR-A2B). We sought to evaluate the efficacy of DP to mitigate ISR in a pre-clinical rabbit stent model.

Methods & Results

24 New Zealand White Rabbits were divided into two cohorts—non-atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis (n = 12/cohort, 6 male and 6 female). Following stent implantation, rabbits were randomized 1:1 to control or oral dipyridamole therapy for 6 weeks followed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histology assessment of NI burden and stent strut healing. Compared to control, DP demonstrated a 16.6% relative reduction in NI volume (14.7 ± 0.8% vs. 12.5 ± 0.4%, p = 0.03) and a 36.2% relative increase in optimally healed stent struts (37.8 ± 2.8% vs. 54.6 ± 2.5%, p < 0.0001). Atherosclerosis demonstrated attenuated effect with no difference in NI burden (15.2 ± 1.0% vs. 16.9 ± 0.8%, p = 0.22) and only a 14.2% relative increase in strut healing (68.3 ± 4.1% vs. 78.7 ± 2.5%, p = 0.02). DP treated rabbits had a 44.6% (p = 0.045) relative reduction in NI SMC content. In vitro assessment of DP and coronary artery SMCs yielded dose-dependent reduction in SMC migration and proliferation. Selective small molecule antagonism of ADOR-A2B abrogated the effects of DP on SMC proliferation. DP modulated SMC phenotypic switching with ADOR-A2B siRNA knockdown supporting its role in the observed effects.

Conclusion

Dipyridamole reduces NI proliferation and improves stent healing in a preclinical model of stent implantation with conventional antiplatelets. Atherosclerosis attenuates the observed effect. Clinical trials of DP as an adjunctive agent may be warranted to evaluate for clinical efficacy in stent outcomes.
Clinical profile of congenital heart diseases detected in a tertiary hospital in China: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Song Linhong , Wang Yi , Wang Hui , Wang Gang , Ma Ning , Meng Qiang , Zhu Kunao , Hu Siqi , Zhou Gengxu , Feng Zhichun
Published: September 2023

Background

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are conditions that involve structural problems to the heart's structure existing at birth, with an incidence of approximately 8 per 1,000 live births globally. CHD is one of the leading causes of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The present study sought to examine the clinical profiles of CHD patients and provide important implications for therapeutic interventions.

Methods

This was a retrospective, observational, cohort study. The medical records of all CHDs patients aged between 0 and 18 years were collected from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Clinical profiles and demographic data were collected from cardiology and pediatric department registers for analysis.

Results

Of the 265 children with CHDs, 201 were diagnosed with acyanotic CHD (ACHD), while 64 children had cyanotic CHD (CCHD). Based on the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), “congenital anomaly of a ventricle or the ventricular septum” was the most common CHD. The most common symptom was failure to thrive, accounting for 18.5% of all CHD cases. The most frequent symptom in ACHD was murmur (93.53%) and sweating (80.60%), whereas the most common symptom in CCHD was sweating (95.31%) and cyanosis (84.38%).

Conclusions

This study retrospectively analyzed CHD clinical characteristics from children receiving care at the seventh center, which forms a proper basis for appropriate clinical treatments and further studies.
Zero x-rays radiofrequency catheter ablation for ventricular premature contraction originating from the left coronary cusp during pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Li Changjin , Gu Haoyu , Liu Chao , Li Ke , Gao Xianbu , Yu Manli , Guo Zhifu
Published: September 2023

Pregnancy predisposes to arrhythmias in females due to physiological changes in the cardiovascular system, enhanced activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), and changes in the endocrine system, regardless of whether there exist cardiovascular diseases before the pregnancy. Tachyarrhythmias may present for the first time or worsen persistently during pregnancy, potentially leading to maternal heart failure and sudden death, as well as some adverse fetal outcomes such as growth restriction, distress, premature birth, and stillbirth. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the most important therapeutic methods for tachyarrhythmias. According to the 2019 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines, RFA in pregnant women should preferably be performed without x-rays. Since the 2000s, 3D mapping technique has rapidly developed, laying the foundation for cardiac electrophysiology examination free from x-rays. Ventricular arrhythmia originating from the left coronary cusp (LCC) is not common in clinic. RFA is challenging in the treatment of this type of disease due to the anatomical feature that the opening of the left main coronary artery is localized in the LCC.
UAV image matching of mountainous terrain using the LoFTR deep learning model
Authors: Zong Huilin , Yuan Xiping , Gan Shu , Zhang Xiaolun , Yang Minglong , Lv Jie
Published: September 2023

In natural terrain scene UAV image matching, traditional feature point-based methods often have problems such as an unstable number of extracted feature points, difficulty in detecting feature points in weak texture areas, uneven distribution, and low robustness. Deep learning-based image matching methods can produce larger and more reasonably distributed matching pairs, so this research paper tries to perform UAV image matching based on a deep learning LoFTR algorithm for natural terrain scenes. The critical technical process was: first, the LoFTR algorithm was used to generate dense feature matching, and then the epipolar line constraints were used to purify the interior points, specifically, this study used the MAGSAC++ method to estimate the fundamental matrix, eliminate the wrong matching pairs, and finally get reliable matching results. In this research paper, six sets of visible images taken by different UAVs equipped with different sensors in the field were selected as experimental data to test the method and were compared and analyzed with the traditional classical SIFT, ASIFT, and AKAZE algorithms and the KeyNet-AdaLAM deep learning method. The experimental results show that the method in this study obtains a dense number of robust matching pairs with uniform spatial distribution in the UAV image matching of natural scenes mainly in mountainous areas, and the comprehensive performance is higher and more advantageous than the comparison methods.
An interdisciplinary approach to enhance children’s listening, learning, and wellbeing in the classroom: The Listen to Learn for Life (L3) Assessment Framework
Authors: Mealings Kiri , Miles Kelly , Parrila Rauno , Holt Rebecca , Cox Felicity , Dillon Harvey , Sharma Mridula , Demuth Katherine , Leigh Greg , McMahon Catherine , McArthur Genevieve , Buchholz Joerg M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Listening is the gateway to children learning in the mainstream classroom. However, modern classrooms are noisy and dynamic environments making listening challenging. It is therefore critical for researchers from speech and hearing, education, and health sciences to co-design and collaborate to realistically assess how children listen to learn in the classroom and to understand how listening can be improved to enhance children’s learning and wellbeing – an understanding which is currently lacking. Such highly interdisciplinary thinking demands a holistic classroom listening framework that can integrate a range of varied assessments and outcomes.

Methods

An extensive review of literature into classroom listening was conducted but failed to identify a suitable framework. In this hypothesis and theory article we present a new framework that we have developed – the Listen to Learn for Life (L3) Assessment Framework.

Results

The L3 Assessment Framework holistically incorporates frameworks from health, speech and hearing sciences, and education sectors. The framework accommodates a broad range of different factors that may affect listening, allowing for researchers to choose specific factors dependent on the context of use.

Discussion

Selected examples of applying the framework are provided demonstrating how to assess children’s performance during different classroom activities as well as the effectiveness of a chosen intervention. For example, the framework can be used to assess the effectiveness of a wireless remote microphone intervention during group work activities for a child with autism.

Conclusion

The L3 Assessment Framework provides a theoretical basis for the future development of research and practice as applied to listening in a classroom setting.
A toolkit for decolonizing global emergency medicine education
Authors: Dozois Adeline , González Marqués Catalina , Thilakasiri Kaushila , Adeyeye Adebisi Anthonia , Leanza Joseph , Rybarczyk Megan , Depp Timothy , Wieland Travis , Karim Naz , Muchatuta Monalisa , Ali Fahad , Amer Ahmed , Garbern Stephanie Chow , Patel Shama
Published: September 2023

One of the tenets of global emergency medicine (GEM) is to create equitable relationships between high-resource and resource-denied countries to promote emergency care for all. Health interventions proposed by those working in GEM too often lack input from local and indigenous communities result in “voluntourism,” research authorship inequity, under-representation and under-valuation of technical expertise and lived experience of leaders from resource-denied countries. We present a decolonization toolkit with specific recommendations that target and disrupt counter-productive power dynamics in GEM education. We held a workshop at the 2022 Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Annual Meeting to collectively develop strategies to address inequalities and increase diversity in GEM education. GEM practitioners were divided into small groups representing five thematic areas and asked to identify specific action items to address inequities related to their theme. Following the workshop, a group of authors reviewed small group responses and data was divided into themed qualitative matrices and recommendations were revised based on targeted literature review. Five thematic areas discussed included access, awareness and cultural humility, language, representation, and recognition. Specific recommendations and action items were created to address inequities related to these themes which can be applied by individuals and institutions in both HICs and LMICs. Despite being a relatively new academic discipline, GEM has replicated colonial structures that are prevalent in global health. However, using targeted recommendations described in our toolkit, individuals, and institutions can build a new framework for GEM that actively combats structural vulnerabilities and academic inequities.
What does it mean to “grasp the rectangle”? Organization of linguistic formulation and activation of argumentative processes in geometrical problems
Authors: Bolondi Giorgio , Branchetti Laura , Cascella Clelia , Giberti Chiara
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether and how the verbal formulation of a task influences the activation of argumentative processes in a geometrical word problem involving figural concepts. The study adopts a multilevel explanatory mixed methods research design. Both the quantitative and qualitative experiments were based on a paradigmatic situation of figural concept proposed by Fischbein. Our main quantitative result is that different formulations of a task impact on students’ performance and on the selection of an argumentative or operational option. Moreover, we qualitatively investigated the students’ approaches, and this allowed to observe a variety of approaches ranging from a completely operational one to an argumentative one. The analysis highlighted interesting facts about the integration of sentential information and diagrams and the students’ strategies.
Using proteomics and metabolomics to identify therapeutic targets for senescence mediated cancer: genetic complementarity method
Authors: Fang Xiaolu , Liu Deyang , Zhao Jianzhong , Li Xiaojia , He Ting , Liu Baishan
Published: September 2023

Background

Senescence have emerged as potential factors of lung cancer risk based on findings from many studies. However, the underlying pathogenesis of lung cancer caused by senescence is not clear. In this study, we try to explain the potential pathogenesis between senescence and lung cancer through proteomics and metabonomics. And try to find new potential therapeutic targets in lung cancer patients through network mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

The genome-wide association data of this study was mainly obtained from a meta-analysis and the Transdisciplinary Research in Cancer of the Lung Consortium (TRICL), respectively.And in this study, we mainly used genetic complementarity methods to explore the susceptibility of aging to lung cancer. Additionally, a mediation analysis was performed to explore the potential mediating role of proteomics and metabonomics, using a network MR design.

Results

GNOVA analysis revealed a shared genetic structure between HannumAge and lung cancer with a significant genetic correlation estimated at 0.141 and 0.135, respectively. MR analysis showed a relationship between HannumAge and lung cancer, regardless of smoking status. Furthermore, genetically predicted HannumAge was consistently associated with the proteins C-type lectin domain family 4 member D (CLEC4D) and Retinoic acid receptor responder protein 1 (RARR-1), indicating their potential role as mediators in the causal pathway.

Conclusion

HannumAge acceleration may increase the risk of lung cancer, some of which may be mediated by CLEC4D and RARR-1, suggestion that CLEC4D and RARR-1 may serve as potential drug targets for the treatment of lung cancer.
Diversification and biogeography of Rhacophoridae – a model testing approach
Authors: Ellepola Gajaba , Meegaskumbura Madhava
Published: September 2023

A central focus of evolutionary biology is to understand species diversity by studying how they arrived at their current geographic distributions. The biogeography of the Old World tree frogs in the family Rhacophoridae has been extensively studied suggesting an early Paleogene origin in Asia (out of Asia hypothesis) with alternative hypotheses in play. However, these alternative hypotheses especially considering adjacency of biogeographical regions and plate tectonics have not been tested empirically. Here using a comprehensive time calibrated phylogeny and constrained dispersal multipliers we studied the biogeographical history and diversification of Rhacophoridae, distributed in five biogeographical regions. Five hypotheses suggesting different centers of origin, and additional hypotheses considering adjacency and plate tectonics were tested to delineate the biogeographical history of Rhacophoridae. In addition, various diversification models that accounted for factors such as lineage isolation time, diversity-dependence, paleotemperatures, speciation and extinction rates were also used to test patterns of diversification. Results confirmed an East/Southeast Asian center of origin (out of Asia), with dispersal likely mediated by plate tectonics and adjacency of biogeographical regions, which could be linked to periodic sea level fluctuations and climate changes. The best-fitting diversification models explained diversification through lineage isolation time and paleotemperature regimes, while diversity-dependent models had low support. Speciation was linearly dependent on time and paleotemperatures, while extinction rates were exponentially dependent on time and linearly dependent on paleotemperature. Our findings demonstrate that variable extinction rates contribute towards maintaining a constant diversification rate for rhacophorids. We discuss that episodic major extinction events on the Indian Plate may have played a major role in shaping the early evolution of Rhacophoridae thus favoring an Out of Asia hypothesis in the empirical models. However, current biogeographic models may not be sufficient to explain the origin of Rhacophoridae, as multiple factors are likely at play.
A quantitative description method for the mechanical behavior of soil-rock mixture as affected by water content
Authors: Du Yuxiang , Fu Xiaodong , Sheng Qian , Zhang Zhenping , Du Wenjie , Ding Haifeng , Liu Tingting
Published: September 2023

The mechanical properties of soil rock mixture (S-RM) are complex, especially the strength deterioration after encountering water, which readily leads to engineering instability. A series of large triaxial tests of S-RM with different water contents under various confining pressures were performed, the mechanical properties of S-RM were explored from a macroscopic perspective. The constitutive model of S-RM – an extended Duncan-Chang (DC) model considering water content – was developed. The results show that: (a) the stress-strain curves of S-RM are strain hardening type, the peak strength decreases non-linearly with the increase of water content, the higher the water content of sample, the more significant the bulging phenomenon and the more numerous and extensive the surface cracks; (b) the cohesion c and internal friction angle φ of S-RM both decrease approximately linearly with the increase of water content, and the secant modulus decreases significantly with the increase of water content, the reason of which can be attributed to the porosity and compression characteristics of S-RM; (c) the extended DC model can be used to describe the mechanical behavior of S-RM affected by water under triaxial test conditions. The material constant K, failure ratio Rf, c, and φ are all related to water content ω, while material constant n is independent, only ω, n, maximum principal stress σ1, and minimum principal stress σ3 are needed to determine the tangent modulus of the DC model of S-RM. The results can provide an experimental basis and mechanical understanding applicable to engineering practice in an S-RM formation.
Comprehensive analysis of mitophagy-related genes in diagnosis and heterogeneous endothelial cells in chronic rhinosinusitis: based on bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data
Authors: Zhou Shican , Fan Kai , Lai Ju , Tan Shiwang , Zhang Zimu , Li Jingwen , Xu Xiayue , Yao Chunyan , Long BoJin , Zhao Chuanliang , Yu Shaoqing
Published: September 2023

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex inflammatory disorder affecting the nasal and paranasal sinuses. Mitophagy, the process of selective mitochondrial degradation via autophagy, is crucial for maintaining cellular balance. However, the role of mitophagy in CRS is not well-studied. This research aims to examine the role of mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) in CRS, with a particular focus on the heterogeneity of endothelial cells (ECs).

Methods: We employed both bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data to investigate the role of MRGs in CRS. We compiled a combined database of 92 CRS samples and 35 healthy control samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and we explored the differential expression of MRGs between them. A logistic regression model was built based on seven key genes identified through Random Forests and Support Vector Machines - Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE). Consensus cluster analysis was used to categorize CRS patients based on MRG expression patterns and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to find modules of highly correlated genes of the different clusters. Single-cell RNA sequencing data was utilized to analyze MRGs and EC heterogeneity in CRS.

Results: Seven hub genes—SQSTM1, SRC, UBA52, MFN2, UBC, RPS27A, and ATG12—showed differential expression between two groups. A diagnostic model based on hub genes showed excellent prognostic accuracy. A strong positive correlation was found between the seven hub MRGs and resting dendritic cells, while a significant negative correlation was observed with mast cells and CD8+ T cells. CRS could be divided into two subclusters based on MRG expression patterns. WGCNA analysis identified modules of highly correlated genes of these two different subclusters. At the single-cell level, two types of venous ECs with different MRG scores were identified, suggesting their varying roles in CRS pathogenesis, especially in the non-eosinophilic CRS subtype.

Conclusion: Our comprehensive study of CRS reveals the significant role of MRGs and underscores the heterogeneity of ECs. We highlighted the importance of Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) and TGFb pathways in mediating the effects of mitophagy, particularly the MIF. Overall, our findings enhance the understanding of mitophagy in CRS, providing a foundation for future research and potential therapeutic developments.
BCR::ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms in the era of next-generation sequencing
Authors: Mroczkowska-Bękarciak Aleksandra , Wróbel Tomasz
Published: September 2023

The classical BCR::ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms such as polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and myelofibrosis (MF) are clonal diseases with the presence of characteristic “driver mutations” in one of the genes: JAK2, CALR, or MPL. The search for mutations in these three genes is required for the diagnosis of MPNs. Nevertheless, the progress that has been made in the field of molecular genetics has opened a new era in medicine. The search for additional mutations in MPNs is helpful in assessing the risk stratification, disease progression, transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), or choosing the right treatment. In some cases, advanced technologies are needed to find a clonal marker of the disease and establish a diagnosis. This review focuses on how the use of new technologies like next-generation sequencing (NGS) helps in the diagnosis of BCR::ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms.
Identification and validation of disulfidptosis-associated molecular clusters in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Yu Xiaoxiao , Guo Zihao , Fang Zhihao , Yang Kai , Liu Changxu , Dong Zhichao , Liu Chang
Published: September 2023

Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease in the world, and its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Disulfidptosis is the most recently reported form of cell death and may be associated with NAFLD progression. Our study aimed to explore the molecular clusters associated with disulfidptosis in NAFLD and to construct a predictive model.

Methods: First, we analyzed the expression profile of the disulfidptosis regulators and immune characteristics in NAFLD. Using 104 NAFLD samples, we investigated molecular clusters based on differentially expressed disulfidptosis-related genes, along with the related immune cell infiltration. Cluster-specific differentially expressed genes were then identified by using the WGCNA method. We also evaluated the performance of four machine learning models before choosing the optimal machine model for diagnosis. Nomogram, calibration curves, decision curve analysis, and external datasets were used to confirm the prediction effectiveness. Finally, the expression levels of the biomarkers were assessed in a mouse model of a high-fat diet.

Results: Two differentially expressed DRGs were identified between healthy and NAFLD patients. We revealed the expression profile of DRGs in NAFLD and the correlation with 22 immune cells. In NAFLD, two clusters of molecules connected to disulfidptosis were defined. Significant immunological heterogeneity was shown by immune infiltration analysis among the various clusters. A significant amount of immunological infiltration was seen in Cluster 1. Functional analysis revealed that Cluster 1 differentially expressed genes were strongly linked to energy metabolism and immune control. The highest discriminatory performance was demonstrated by the SVM model, which had a higher area under the curve, relatively small residual and root mean square errors. Nomograms, calibration curves, and decision curve analyses were used to show how accurate the prediction of NAFLD was. Further analysis revealed that the expression of three model-related genes was significantly associated with the level of multiple immune cells. In animal experiments, the expression trends of DDO, FRK and TMEM19 were consistent with the results of bioinformatics analysis.

Conclusion: This study systematically elucidated the complex relationship between disulfidptosis and NAFLD and developed a promising predictive model to assess the risk of disease in patients with disulfidptosis subtypes and NAFLD.
The Cxcr2+ subset of the S100a8+ gastric granylocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell population (G-MDSC) regulates gastric pathology
Authors: Kao Krystal D. , Grasberger Helmut , El-Zaatari Mohamad
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Gastric myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a prominent population that expands during gastric pre-neoplastic and neoplastic development in humans and mice. However, the heterogeneity of this population has circumvented the ability to study these cells or understand their functions. Aside from Schlafen-4+ (Slfn-4+) MDSCs in mouse studies, which constitute a subset of this population, limitations exist in characterizing the heterogeneity of the gastric CD11b+Ly6G+ population and targeting its different subsets. Here we identify S100a8 as a pan-specific marker for this population and utilize it to study the role of the S100a8+Cxcr2+ subset.

Methods

We profiled gastric CD11b+Ly6G+ versus CD11b+Ly6G- myeloid cells by transcriptomic and single-cell RNA sequencing. We identified S100a8 as a pan-specific marker of the gastric granulocytic MDSC (G-MDSC) population, and generated S100a8CreCxcr2flox/flox to study the effects of Cxcr2 knockdown.

Results

Following 6-months of Helicobacter felis infection, gastric CD11b+Ly6G+ G-MDSCs were highly enriched for the expression of S100a8, S100a9, Slfn4, Cxcr2, Irg1, Il1f9, Hcar2, Retnlg, Wfdc21, Trem1, Csf3R, Nlrp3, and Il1b. The expression of these distinct genes following 6mo H. felis infection marked heterogeneous subpopulations, but they all represented a subset of S100a8+ cells. S100a8 was identified as a pan-marker for CD11b+Ly6G+ cells arising in chronic inflammation, but not neutrophils recruited during acute gut infection. 6mo Helicobacter felis-infected S100a8CreCxcr2flox/flox mice exhibited worsened gastric metaplastic pathology than Cxcr2flox/flox mice, which was associated with dysregulated lipid metabolism and peroxidation.

Conclusion

S100a8 is a pan-specific marker that can be used to target gastric G-MDSC subpopulations, of which the Cxcr2+ subset regulates gastric immunopathology and associates with the regulation of lipid peroxidation.
Urine SERPINC1/ORM1 as biomarkers for early detection of lupus nephritis in MRL-lpr mice
Authors: Kim Young-Eun , Lee Eun-Ju , Kim Kyunggon , Kim Do Hoon , Jeong Mi Ryeong , Yu Jiyoung , Hong Seokchan , Lee Chang-Keun , Yoo Bin , Kim Yong-Gil
Published: September 2023

Background

To evaluate the usefulness of urine SERPINC1 and ORM1 as biomarkers for early detection of lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods

Using proteomics, we screened for potential urine biomarkers that differentiate LN from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients without nephritis. In addition, urine levels of target biomarkers were measured by ELISA in 13- and 23-week-old MRL-lpr (murine model for LN) and MRL/MpJ mice. Histological analysis was also performed on the kidneys of 23-week-old mice.

Results

Urine SERPINC1 and ORM1 were elevated in SLE patients with newly diagnosed LN compared with SLE patients without LN (SERPINC1, AUC=.892, P<.001; ORM1, AUC=.886, P<.001). Levels of urine SERPINC1 and ORM1 were also significantly higher in MRL-lpr mice than in MRL/MpJ mice at 13 and 23 weeks (SERPINC1: p<.01 and p<.001 at 13 and 23 weeks, respectively; ORM1: p<.01 at 13 and 23 weeks). In contrast, a significant difference in urine albumin between the two groups was only observed at 23 weeks (p<.001) not at 13 weeks (p=.83). Regarding the kidney pathology of MPL-lpr mice, urine ORM1 and urine albumin, but not urine SERPINC1, were positively correlated with the activity index (ORM1, rho =.879, p<.001; albumin, rho =.807, p=.003) and chronicity index (ORM1, rho =.947, p<.001; albumin, rho =.869, p<.001).

Conclusion

We propose that urine SERPINC1 and ORM1 are novel biomarkers for early LN.
IL-17a-producing γδT cells and NKG2D signaling mediate bacterial endotoxin-induced neonatal lung injury: implications for bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Cui Tracy X. , Brady Alexander E. , Zhang Ying-Jian , Anderson Chase , Popova Antonia P.
Published: September 2023

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease in preterm birth survivors characterized by inflammation, impaired alveolarization and dysmorphic vasculature. Activated IL-17A+ lymphocytes are key drivers of inflammation in preterm infants. We have shown that in immature mice chronic airway exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces pulmonary inflammation, increased IL-17a expression, and hypoalveolarization, a BPD-like phenotype. The source of IL-17a and contribution to lung pathology is unknown. The natural-killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor mediates activation and IL-17a production in γδ T cells by binding to stress molecules. LPS induces NKG2D ligand expression, including Rae-1 and MULT1. We hypothesized that IL-17a+ γδ T cells and NKG2D signaling mediate neonatal LPS-induced lung injury. Immature C57BL/6J (wild type), Nkg2d-/- or Tcrd-/- (lacking γδ T cells) mice were inoculated with 3ug/10ul of LPS from E. coli O26:B6 or 10ul of PBS intranasally on day of life 3, 5, 7, and 10. Selected mice were treated with neutralizing antibodies against IL-17a, or NKG2D intraperitoneally. Lung immune cells were assessed by flow cytometry and gene expression was analyzed by qPCR. Alveolar growth was assessed by lung morphometry. We established that anti-IL-17a antibody treatment attenuated LPS-induced hypoalveolarization. We found that LPS induced the fraction of IL-17a+NKG2D+ γδ T cells, a major source of IL-17a in the neonatal lung. LPS also induced lung mRNA expression of NKG2D, Rae-1, MULT1, and the DNA damage regulator p53. Anti-NKG2D treatment attenuated the effect of LPS on γδ T cell IL-17a expression, immune cell infiltration and hypoalveolarization. LPS-induced hypoalveolarization was also attenuated in Nkg2d-/- and Tcrd-/- mice. In tracheal aspirates of preterm infants IL-17A and its upstream regulator IL-23 were higher in infants who later developed BPD. Also, human ligands of NKG2D, MICA and MICB were present in the aspirates and MICA correlated with median FiO2. Our novel findings demonstrate a central role for activated IL-17a+ γδ T cells and NKG2D signaling in neonatal LPS-induced lung injury. Future studies will determine the role of NKG2D ligands and effectors, other NKG2D+ cells in early-life endotoxin-induced lung injury and inflammation with a long-term goal to understand how inflammation contributes to BPD pathogenesis.
Telomere length as a marker of changes in body composition and fractures-an analysis of data from the NHANES 2001-2002
Authors: Guo Youfeng , Zhao Haihong , Wang Feng , Xu Haowei , Liu Xiaowei , Hu Tao , Wu Desheng
Published: September 2023

Purpose

There has been an association between changes in body composition, fracture incidence, and age in previous studies. Telomere length (TL) has been proposed as a biomarker of aging. However, the relationship between body composition, fractures, and TL has rarely been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the correlation between TL and body composition and fractures.

Patients and methods: 20950 participants from the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in the final analysis. In NHANES, body compositions were measured with DXA, and TL was determined with quantitative PCR. Correlation analysis of TL and body composition was conducted using multivariate weighted linear regression and logistic regression models.

Results

The results showed that TL positively correlated with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) in most body parts. However, BMD and BMC were negatively connected with TL in the upper limbs and skull. Fat content was negatively associated with TL, while muscle content was positively linked to TL. In addition, TL’s trend analysis results were consistent with the regression model when transformed from a continuous to a classified variable. An increase in TL was associated with a higher incidence of wrist fractures, while a decrease in spine fractures. The above correlation also has a certain degree of sex specificity.

Conclusion

Our study indicate that TL is associated with body composition as well as fractures, but further research is needed to confirm these contrasting associations in the skull, upper limbs, and wrists.