bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain technology: a catalyst for reverse logistics of the automobile industry
Authors: Bajar Karthik , Kamat Aditya , Shanker Saket , Barve Akhilesh
Published: August 2022

Purpose

In recent times, reverse logistics (RL) is gaining significant traction in various automobile industries to recapture returned vehicles’ value. A good RL program can lower manufacturing costs, establish a green supply chain, enhance customer satisfaction and provide a competitive advantage. However, reducing disruptions and increasing operational efficiency in the automobile RL requires implementing innovative technology to improve information flow and security. Thus, this manuscript aims to examine the hurdles in automobile RL activities and how they can be effectively tackled by blockchain technology (BCT). Merging BCT and RL provides the entire automobile industry a chance to generate value for its consumers through effective vehicle return policies, manufacturing cost reduction, maintenance records tracking, administration of vehicle information and a clear payment record of insurance contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is presented in three stages to accomplish the task. First, previous literature and experts' opinions are examined to highlight certain factors that are an aggravation to BCT implementation. Next, this study proposed an interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set (IVIFS) – decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) with Choquet integral framework for computing and analyzing the comparative results of factor interrelationships. Finally, the causal outline diagrams are plotted to determine the influence of factors on one another for BCT implementation in automobile RL.

Findings

This study has categorized the barriers to BCT implementation into five major factors – operational and strategical, technical, knowledge and behavioral, financial and infrastructural, and government rules and regulations. The results revealed that disreputable technology, low-bearing capacity of IT systems and operational inefficiency are the most significant factors to be dealt with by automobile industry professionals for finer and enhanced RL processes utilizing BCT. The most noticeable advantage of BCT is its enormous amount of data, permitting automobile RL to develop client experience through real-time data insights.

Practical implications

This study reveals several factors that are hindering the implementation of BCT in RL activities of the automobile industry. The results can assist experts and policymakers improve their existing decision-making systems while making an effort to implement BCT into the automobile industry's RL activities.

Originality/value

Although there are several studies on the benefits of BCT in RL and the adoption of BCT in the automobile industry, individually, none have explicated the use of BCT in automobile RL. This is also the first kind of study that has used IVIFS-DEMATEL with the Choquet integral framework for computing and analyzing the comparative results of factor interrelationships hindering BCT implementation in automobile RL activities.
Experimental investigation into face milling of Inconel X750 super alloy: a study on cutting force and surface topography
Authors: Chauhan Shailendra , Trehan Rajeev , Singh Ravi Pratap
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This work aims to describe the face milling analysis on Inconel X-750 superalloy using coated carbides. The formed chips and tool wear were further analyzed at different cutting parameters. The various impact of cutting parameters on chip morphology was also analyzed. Superalloys, often referred to as heat-resistant alloys, have exceptional tensile, ductile and creep strength at high operating temperatures and good fatigue strength, and often better corrosion and oxidation resistance at extreme heat. Because of these qualities, these alloys account for more than half of the weight of sophisticated aviation, biomedical and thermal power plants today. Inconel X-750 is a high-temperature nickel-based superalloy that is hard to machine because of its extensive properties. At last, the discussion regarding the tool wear mechanism was analyzed and discussed in this article.

Design/methodology/approach

The machining parameters for the study are cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut. One factor at a time approach was implemented to investigate the effect of cutting parameters on the cutting forces, surface roughness and material removal rate. The scatter plot was plotted between cutting parameters and target functions (cutting forces, surface roughness and material removal rate). The six levels of cutting speed, feed rate and depth of cut were taken as cutting parameters.

Findings

The cutting forces are primarily affected by the cutting parameters, tool geometry, work material etc. The maximum forces Fx were encountered at 10 mm/min cutting speed, 0.15 mm/rev feed rate and 0.4 mm depth of cut, further maximum forces Fy were attained at 10 mm/min cutting speed, 0.25 mm/rev feed rate and 0.4 mm depth of cut and maximum forces Fz were attained at 50 mm/min cutting speed, 0.05 mm/rev feed rate and 0.4 mm depth of cut. The maximum surface roughness value was observed at 40 mm/min cutting speed, 0.15 mm/rev feed rate and 0.5 mm depth of cut.

Originality/value

The effect of machining parameters on cutting forces, surface roughness, chip morphology and tool wear for milling of Inconel X-750 high-temperature superalloy is being less researched in the present literature. Therefore, this research paper will give a direction for researchers for further studies to be carried out in the domain of high-temperature superalloys. Furthermore, the different tool wear mechanisms at separate experimental trials have been explored to evaluate and validate the process performance by conducting scanning electron microscopy analysis. Chip morphology has also been evaluated and analyzed under the variation of selected process inputs at different levels.
Disentangling direct from indirect effects of habitat disturbance on multiple components of biodiversity
Authors: Schwensow Nina Isabell , Heni Alexander Christoph , Schmid Julian , Montero B. Karina , Brändel Stefan Dominik , Halczok Tanja Katharina , Mayer Gerd , Fackelmann Gloria , Wilhelm Kerstin , Schmid Dominik Werner , Sommer Simone
Published: August 2022

Human habitat disturbance affects both species diversity and intraspecific genetic diversity, leading to correlations between these two components of biodiversity (termed species–genetic diversity correlation, SGDC). However, whether SGDC predictions extend to host‐associated communities, such as the intestinal parasite and gut microbial diversity, remains largely unexplored. Additionally, the role of dominant generalist species is often neglected despite their importance in shaping the environment experienced by other members of the ecological community, and their role as source, reservoir and vector of zoonotic diseases. New analytical approaches (e.g. structural equation modelling, SEM) can be used to assess SGDC relationships and distinguish among direct and indirect effects of habitat characteristics and disturbance on the various components of biodiversity.

With six concrete and biologically sound models in mind, we collected habitat characteristics of 22 study sites from four distinct landscapes located in central Panama. Each landscape differed in the degree of human disturbance and fragmentation measured by several quantitative variables, such as canopy cover, canopy height and understorey density. In terms of biodiversity, we estimated on the one hand, (a) small mammal species diversity, and, on the other hand, (b) genome‐wide diversity, (c) intestinal parasite diversity and (d) gut microbial heterogeneity of the most dominant generalist species (Tome's spiny rat, Proechimys semispinosus). We used SEMs to assess the links between habitat characteristics and biological diversity measures.

The best supported SEM suggested that habitat characteristics directly and positively affect the richness of small mammals, the genetic diversity of P. semispinosus and its gut microbial heterogeneity. Habitat characteristics did not, however, directly impact intestinal parasite diversity. We also detected indirect, positive effects of habitat characteristics on both host‐associated assemblages via small mammal richness. For microbes, this is likely linked to cross species transmission, particularly in shared and/or anthropogenically altered habitats, whereas host diversity mitigates parasite infections. The SEM revealed an additional indirect but negative effect on intestinal parasite diversity via host genetic diversity.

Our study showcases that habitat alterations not only affect species diversity and host genetic diversity in parallel, but also species diversity of host‐associated assemblages. The impacts from human disturbance are therefore expected to ripple through entire ecosystems with far reaching effects felt even by generalist species.
Development of a machine‐learning model to identify the impacts of pesticides characteristics on soil microbial communities from high‐throughput sequencing data
Authors: Ke Mingjing , Xu Nuohan , Zhang Zhenyan , Qiu Danyan , Kang Jian , Lu Tao , Wang Tingzhang , Peijnenburg W. J. G. M. , Sun Liwei , Hu Baolan , Qian Haifeng
Published: August 2022

High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) of soil environmental DNA provides an advanced insight into the effects of pesticides on soil microbial systems. However, the association between the properties of the pesticide and its ecological impact remains methodically challenging. Risks associated with pesticide use can be minimized if pesticides with optimal structural traits were applied. For this purpose, we merged the 20 independent HTS studies, to reveal that pesticides significantly reduced beneficial bacteria associated with soil and plant immunity, enhanced the human pathogen and weaken the soil's ecological stability. Through the machine‐learning approach, correlating these impacts with the physicochemical properties of the pesticides yielded a random forest model with good predictive capabilities. The models revealed that physical pesticide properties such as the dissociation constant (pKa), the molecular weight and water solubility, determined the ecological impact of pesticides to a large extent. Moreover, this study identified that eco‐friendly pesticides should possess a value of pKa > 5 and a molecular weight in the range of 200–300 g/mol, which were found to be conducive to bacteria related to plant immunity promotion and exerted the lowest fluctuation of human opportunistic pathogen and keystone species. This guides the design of pesticides for which the impacts on soil biota are minimized.
Distinct community assembly and co‐existence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and diazotrophs across large‐scale soil fertility to improve functions in alfalfa cultivation systems
Authors: Zhang Fengge , Zhou Zhibo , Xiao Yan
Published: August 2022

Unravelling the community assembly processes of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and diazotrophs as well as their co‐existence under different soil fertility environments are vital to develop a better understanding of agroecosystem functions, which is a crucial yet poorly understood topic. We examined the soils from 99 typical alfalfa cultivation systems to formulate a comprehensive picture of AMF and diazotrophic community and presented the first simultaneous investigation of the assembly processes and their co‐existence. The distributions of both AMF and diazotrophic communities were significantly (p < 0.05) corresponded to soil integrated fertility index (IFI). We quantified the relative contributions of five ecological processes in AMF and diazotrophic community assembly under different soil fertility environments, with stochastic assembly primarily determined across all soil fertility groups. The coexistence networks of AMF and diazotrophs were also notably different among typical soil fertility systems, where the most complex interactions were observed in high fertility system while medium fertility system was found to be the simplest. The active hubs detected in different fertility system were sensitively responded to different soil variables. We offered new opportunities to improve agroecosystem functions, especially for legumes, by regulating the potential key species or indirectly manipulating their drivers.
A neglected risk of nanoplastics as revealed by the promoted transformation of plasmid‐borne ampicillin resistance gene by Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Li Hua , Chen Yu , Meng Xiaoqing , Dieketseng Mahlatsi Yorgan , Wang Xiaomeng , Yan Su , Wang Baozhan , Zhou Lixiang , Zheng Guanyu
Published: August 2022

Plastic pollution and antibiotic resistance are two emerging environmental and human health crises today. Although it was revealed that microplastics can serve as vectors for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance, it is still unclear how the nanoplastics influence the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Herein, we firstly compared the effect of polystyrene (PS) micro/nanoplastics on the transformation of plasmid‐borne ARG, using a transformation model consisting of plasmid pUC19 (ampR) and Escherichia coli DH5α (recipient). Due to its size effect, PS nanoplastics (10–500 mg/L) significantly enhanced the transformation efficiency (2.8–5.4 folds) and frequency (3.2–8.4 folds) of exogenous ampR into E. coli, while PS microplastics exerted no influence. The detailed mechanisms were found that nanoplastics induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, activated SOS response, increased cell membrane permeability and changed the secretion systems, thereby facilitating the uptake of exogenous DNA by bacteria. Moreover, the co‐presences of nanoplastics with humic acid or Fe3+ relieved to some extent, but did not completely alleviate the promoting effect of nanoplastics on plasmid transformation. Our findings suggest that the risk of nanoplastics on promoting the dissemination of antibiotic resistance should not be neglected, and further studies are needed to investigate such risk in complex environments.
Integrating 3D models with morphometric measurements to improve volumetric estimates in marine mammals
Authors: Hirtle Nathan O. , Stepanuk Julia E. F. , Heywood Eleanor I. , Christiansen Fredrik , Thorne Lesley H.
Published: August 2022

Studies of body condition are key to understanding the health, bioenergetics and ecological roles of marine mammals. Due to challenges in studying marine mammals at sea, body condition is often approximated using metrics representing the size of the dorsal surface visible from aerial imagery, but quantifying variability in body volume would enable a more holistic understanding of bioenergetics. Furthermore, the number and location of measurements needed to accurately quantify body condition has received little attention. Three‐dimensional (3D) models provide a promising tool for representing morphology and providing holistic estimates of marine mammal body condition when combined with field‐based morphometric measurements.

We use humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae to demonstrate the utility of 3D models for estimating body condition in marine mammals. We integrate morphometric measurements taken from unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs) with scalable 3D models to generate estimates of humpback whale body volume. We assess which and how many morphometric measurements are required to accurately estimate body volume and compare the error between volume estimates derived from 3D models and previously developed models representing volume as a series of ellipses. Using UAV measurements, we assess the contribution of each morphometric measurement to volumetric estimates, and quantify the error produced by all combinations and numbers of morphometric measurements (131,072 combinations).

Error in volume estimates from 3D models generated with as few as five width measurements was <5% compared to the full models and was lower than the error produced when using five width measurements with the elliptical approach. We suggest that by conserving the external morphology of marine mammals, 3D models allow body volume and body condition to be estimated accurately with few measurements.

We provide code and guidelines for creating 3D models using the open‐source software Blender and for assessing which measurements are needed to accurately capture the morphology of cetaceans. The 3D modelling approach we present will facilitate studies of intra‐ and interannual changes in body volume in marine mammals, which is vital to providing a more holistic understanding of bioenergetics and to assessing responses to environmental change and anthropogenic stressors.
Behavioral stability of alcohol consumption and socio‐demographic correlates of change among a nationally representative cohort of US adults
Authors: Puka Klajdi , Buckley Charlotte , Mulia Nina , Purshouse Robin C. , Lasserre Aurélie M. , Kerr William , Rehm Jürgen , Probst Charlotte
Published: August 2022

Aims

To estimate the probability of transitioning between different categories of alcohol use (drinking states) among a nationally representative cohort of United States (US) adults and to identify the effects of socio‐demographic characteristics on those transitions.

Design, setting and participants

Secondary analysis of data from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a prospective cohort study conducted in 2001–02 and 2004–05; a US nation‐wide, population‐based study. Participants included 34 165 adults (mean age = 45.1 years, standard deviation = 17.3; 52% women).

Measurements

Alcohol use was self‐reported and categorized based on the grams consumed per day: (1) non‐drinker (no drinks in past 12 months), (2) category I (women = ≤ 20; men = ≤ 40), (3) category II (women = 21–40; men = 41–60) and (4) category III (women = ≥ 41; men = ≥ 61). Multi‐state Markov models estimated the probability of transitioning between drinking states, conditioned on age, sex, race/ethnicity and educational attainment. Analyses were repeated with alcohol use categorized based on the frequency of heavy episodic drinking.

Findings

The highest transition probabilities were observed for staying in the same state; after 1 year, the probability of remaining in the same state was 90.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 89.7%, 90.5%] for non‐drinkers, 90.2% (95% CI = 89.9%, 90.5%) for category I, 31.8% (95% CI = 29.7, 33.9%) category II and 52.2% (95% CI = 46.0, 58.5%) for category III. Women, older adults, and non‐Hispanic Other adults were less likely to transition between drinking states, including transitions to lower use. Adults with lower educational attainment were more likely to transition between drinking states; however, they were also less likely to transition out of the ‘weekly HED’ category. Black adults were more likely to transition into or stay in higher use categories, whereas Hispanic/Latinx adults were largely similar to White adults.

Conclusions

In this study of alcohol transition probabilities, some demographic subgroups appeared more likely to transition into or persist in higher alcohol consumption states.
Inflammasome activation in preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Silber Michal , Dekel Nadav , Heusler Ishai , Biron‐Shental Tal , Amiel Aliza , Kidron Debora , Weisz Avivit , Benchetrit Sydney , Zitman‐Gal Tali
Published: August 2022

Problem

Preeclampsia (PE) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are leading causes of perinatal complications, affecting 8%–10% of all pregnancies. Inflammasomes are suspected to be one of the mechanisms that lead to the process of term and preterm labors. This study evaluated the inflammasome‐dependent inflammation processes in placental tissue of women with PE and IUGR.

Methods of Study

In this prospective cohort study, 14 women with PE, 15 with placental‐related IUGR and 19 with normal pregnancy (NP) were recruited during admission for delivery. Maternal blood was obtained prior to delivery and neonatal cord blood and placental tissue were obtained after delivery.

Results

NLRP7 and PYCARD protein expression were higher in placental PE and IUGR samples versus NP samples. Immunostaining revealed that NLRP7 and PYCARD were upregulated in PE and IUGR placental syncytiotrophoblast, stroma and endothelial cells. PYCARD serum levels were significantly higher in women with PE and IUGR. No significant changes were observed in neonatal cord blood.

Conclusions

NLRP7 and PYCARD are key inflammatory proteins that are significantly elevated in PE and IUGR. Better understanding their significance may enable them to become markers of prediction or progression of PE and IUGR.
Fungal exposome, human health, and unmet needs: A 2022 update with special focus on allergy
Authors: Vitte Joana , Michel Moïse , Malinovschi Andrei , Caminati Marco , Odebode Adeyinka , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella , Caimmi Davide Paolo , Cassagne Carole , Demoly Pascal , Heffler Enrico , Menu Estelle , Nwaru Bright I. , Sereme Youssouf , Ranque Stéphane , Raulf Monika , Feleszko Wojciech , Janson Christer , Galán Carmen ,   the EAACI Task Force on Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis
Published: August 2022

Humans inhale, ingest, and touch thousands of fungi each day. The ubiquity and diversity of the fungal kingdom, reflected by its complex taxonomy, are in sharp contrast with our scarce knowledge about its distribution, pathogenic effects, and effective interventions at the environmental and individual levels. Here, we present an overview of salient features of fungi as permanent players of the human exposome and key determinants of human health, through the lens of fungal allergy and other fungal hypersensitivity reactions. Improved understanding of the fungal exposome sheds new light on the epidemiology of fungal‐related hypersensitivity diseases, their immunological substratum, the currently available methods, and biomarkers for environmental and medical fungi. Unmet needs are described and potential approaches are highlighted as perspectives.
Identification of hub biomarkers and exploring the roles of immunity, M6A, ferroptosis, or cuproptosis in rats with diabetic erectile dysfunction
Authors: Wang Yi , Zhang Xinyu , Chen Yinhao , Zhu Bingye , Xing Qianwei
Published: August 2022

Background

Currently, patients with diabetic erectile dysfunction (DMED) were not satisfied with the effects of first‐line phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is). Hence, this paper was designed to mine hub biomarkers in DMED and explore its potential mechanisms.

Methods

Gene expression matrix of DMED was downloaded from the gene expression omnibus (GEO; GSE2457) dataset. The top 20 genes were selected based on the connectivity degrees in protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Functional enrichment analysis was utilized to reveal DMED‐related signaling pathways. We also explored the roles of immunity, m6A, ferroptosis, or cuproptosis in DMED and constructed Sprague Dawley (SD) rats DMED model to verify gene expressions by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR).

Results

Based on the threshold, a total of 122 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in DMED, including 39 up‐regulated and 83 down‐regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis implied that these DEGs were significantly enriched in peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors, ferroptosis, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 signaling pathways, and so on. SD rats DMED model was also successfully established by us and validated by intracavernous pressure/mean arterial pressure, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical analysis. We further verified the expression of these top 20 genes from the PPI network by qRT‐PCR in the SD rats DMED model and finally identified Sparc, Lox, Srebf1, and Mmp3 as hub biomarkers (all p < 0.05). As for immunity and cuproptosis, our analysis indicated that DMED had nothing to do with them (all p > 0.05). Actually, DMED was markedly associated with m6A regulators and ferroptosis.

Conclusions

We identified Sparc, Lox, Srebf1, and Mmp3 as potential hub biomarkers in the SD rats DMED model for future drug development and found its significant associations with m6A regulators and ferroptosis, but not with immunity or cuproptosis.
Robot‐assisted training with functional electrical stimulation enhances lower extremity function after spinal cord injury
Authors: Bersch Ines , Alberty Marie , Fridén Jan
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) synchronized with robot‐assisted lower extremity training is used in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation to promote residual function.

Methods

Data of SCI inpatients who trained lower limb mobilization on a stationary robotic system were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was the improvement of muscle strength from the first through to the last training session during FES‐induced as well as voluntarily induced flexion and extension. The secondary outcome was the sum score of voluntary muscle function in the lower limbs before and after the training period.

Results

Data from 72 patients with SCI (AIS A‐D) were analyzed. For extension, FES‐assisted strength increased (p < 0.001) from 25.2 to 44.0 N, voluntary force (p < 0.001) from 24.4 to 39.9 N. For flexion, FES‐assisted flexion (p < 0.006) increased from 14.1 to 19.0 N, voluntary flexion (p < 0.005) from 12.6 to 17.1 N. There was a significant correlation between the increase in FES‐assisted force and voluntary flexion (r = 0.730, p = 0.001) as well as between the increase in FES‐assisted force and voluntary extension (r = 0.881, p < 0.001). The sum score in muscle test increased from 15 to 24 points.

Conclusion

Robot‐assisted training with FES seems to support the regeneration of residual functions after SCI. This is evidenced by an improvement in motor function and strength in the lower limbs.
Inheritance relationship between Zhanggongxiang kiln celadon and Ru Guan celadon: Comments on the rationality of Raman Ip value evaluating firing temperature
Authors: Wu Bo , Zhao Weijuan , Zhao Hong , Ren Xiao , Liu Xiaomin , Zhang Bin , Li Bo , Zhao Dan
Published: August 2022

The development of Chinese ceramics culminated during the Song dynasty. At this time, exquisite celadon works emerged, such as Ru Guan celadon and Southern Song dynasty official kiln celadon, which exhibited the glory of their era. Since the excavation of Zhanggongxiang kiln celadon in Ruzhou city, Henan province, China, it has been attracting widespread scholarly attention at home and abroad. Most scholars have suggested that Zhanggongxiang is the official kiln of the Northern Song dynasty. In this paper, taking the celadon unearthed from the Zhanggongxiang kiln as a sample, the combination of laser Raman spectrum and thermal expansion methods is used to study the inheritance relationship between Zhanggongxiang celadon and Ru Guan celadon in the firing process. Meanwhile, the rationality of using Raman Ip value to evaluate the firing temperature of ceramics is reviewed. The main conclusions are as follows. First, the firing temperature of Zhanggongxiang celadon with various glaze colours is quite different, whereas the firing temperature of the same glaze colour is similar, thereby inheriting the firing technology of Ru Guan porcelain. Second, the Ip value of glaze cannot evaluate the firing temperature of porcelain with similar firing temperature. The Ip value corresponds to a range, within which it does not fully conform to the rule that the larger the Ip value, the higher the firing temperature. The Ip value is also associated with the formulation in addition to firing temperature. It is applicable to evaluating porcelains with a similar formulation but a large temperature difference.
Monkeypox: a new differential diagnosis when addressing genital ulcer disease
Authors: Griffiths-Acha Joseph , Vela-Ganuza Miguel , Sarró-Fuente Claudia , López-Estebaranz José Luis
Published: August 2022

We describe a case of genital ulcer and inguinal adenopathies that were attributable to monkeypox virus infection. We suggest clinicians adopt a low threshold for suspicion, particularly when evaluating genital ulcer disease.
Fra‐1 induces apoptosis and neuroinflammation by targeting S100A8 to modulate TLR4 pathways in spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Chen Ying , Dong Yan , Zhang Zai‐Li , Han Jie , Chen Feng‐Shou , Tong Xiang‐Yi , Ma Hong
Published: August 2022

Spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury (SCII) is a severe complication driven by apoptosis and neuroinflammation. An increase in the expression of c‐Fos, a member of the AP‐1 family, is known as a neuronal activation marker in SCII. The AP‐1 family is composed of Jun, Fos, and is associated with the regulation of cytokines expression and apoptosis. Fra‐1 is a member of the Fos family, however, the contribution of Fra‐1 to SCII is still unclear. In our study, Fra‐1 was highly upregulated especially in neurons and microglia and promoted apoptosis by changing the expression of Bax/Bcl‐2 after SCII. Furthermore, we found that Fra‐1 directly regulated the transcription expression of S100A8. We demonstrated that knockdown of Fra‐1 alleviated S100A8 mediated neuronal apoptosis and inflammatory factor release, thus improved motor function after SCII. Interestingly, we showed that administration of TAK‐242, the TLR4 inhibitor, to the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced rats suppressed the activation of the ERK and NF‐κB pathways, and further reduced Fra‐1 expression. In conclusion, we found that Fra‐1‐targeted S100A8 was expressed the upstream of Fra‐1, and the Fra‐1/S100A8 interaction formed a feedback loop in the signaling pathways activated by SCII.
Characterisation of the urinary steroid profile of patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas: A matched controlled cross‐sectional study
Authors: Araujo‐Castro Marta , Casals Gregori , Hanzu Felicia A. , Pascual‐Corrales Eider , García Cano Ana M. , Lanza Val F. , Luis del Rey Mejías Ángel , Marchan Marta , Escobar‐Morreale Héctor F. , Valderrabano Pablo
Published: August 2022

Aim

To identify alterations in steroid metabolism in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAIs) through the analysis of their urinary steroid profile (USP).

Methods

Cross‐sectional study with one study group (NFAIs, cortisol post dexamethasone suppression test [DST] ≤ 1.8 µg/dl [49.7 nmol/L]) and 2 control groups: patients with autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS group, cortisol post‐DST > 1.8 µg/dl (49.7 nmol/L) and patients without adrenal tumours (healthy‐adrenal group). Twenty‐four‐hour urine collections for USP measurement (total and free fraction of 51 24 h‐urine specimens) were obtained from 73 participants (24 with NFAIs, 24 without AIs, and 25 with ACS). USP was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Patients of the three groups were matched according to sex, age (±5 years‐old) and body mass index (±5 kg/m2).

Results

Compared to healthy‐adrenal controls, patients with NFAIs had a lower excretion of androgen metabolites (230.5 ± 190.12 vs. 388.7 ± 328.58 µg/24 h, p = .046) and a higher excretion of urinary free cortisol (UFC) (54.3 ± 66.07 vs. 25.4 ± 11.16 µg/24 h, p = .038). UFC was above the reference range in 20.8% of patients in the NFAI, compared to 0% in the healthy‐adrenal group (p = .018). Patients with ACS had a higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes than patients with NFAIs or the control group. A lower excretion of androgen metabolites (218.4 ± 204.24 vs. 231 ± 190 µg/24 h, p = .041) and a nonsignificant higher excretion of glucocorticoid metabolites (2129.6 ± 1195.96 vs. 1550.8 ± 810.03 µg/24 h, p = .180) was found in patients with ACS compared to patients with NFAIs.

Conclusion

NFAIs seem to secrete a subtle, yet clinically relevant, excess of glucocorticoids. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings; and to identify metabolic alterations associated with an increased cardiometabolic risk.
The risk of chronic kidney disease development in adult patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism treated with rhPTH(1‐84): A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rejnmark Lars , Ayodele Olulade , Lax Angela , Mu Fan , Swallow Elyse , Gosmanova Elvira O.
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study assessed the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over a period of up to 5 years in adult patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism treated with recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1‐84) (rhPTH[1‐84]) compared with a historical control cohort of patients not treated with rhPTH(1‐84).

Design

Retrospective cohort study of patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism treated with rhPTH(1‐84) derived from the REPLACE (NCT00732615), RELAY (NCT01268098), RACE (NCT01297309) and HEXT (NCT01199614, and its continuation study NCT02910466) clinical trials and a historical control cohort who did not receive PTH selected from an electronic medical record database.

Patients

One hundred and eighteen patients treated with rhPTH(1‐84) and 497 patient controls.

Measurements

Incident CKD was defined as ≥2 eGFR measurements <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 ≥3 months apart during the study and a sustained eGFR decline of ≥30% from baseline.

Results

Over the 5‐year period, Kaplan–Meier analyses showed that rhPTH(1‐84)‐treated patients had a significantly lower risk of developing CKD (log‐rank p = .002) and a lower risk for a sustained eGFR decline ≥30% from baseline (log‐rank p < .001) compared with patients in the control cohort. In adjusted analyses, patients in the rhPTH(1‐84)‐treated cohort had a 53% lower risk of developing CKD (hazard ratio [HR], 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25–0.87) and a 65% lower risk for sustained eGFR decline ≥30% from baseline (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13–0.89) compared with controls.

Conclusions

Patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism treated with rhPTH(1‐84) in long‐term clinical trials had a significantly lower risk of developing CKD compared with patients in a historical control cohort not treated with rhPTH(1‐84).
Protected areas in the Hindu Kush Himalaya: A regional assessment of the status, distribution, and gaps
Authors: Chaudhary Sunita , Uddin Kabir , Chettri Nakul , Thapa Rajesh , Sharma Eklabya
Published: August 2022

Protected areas (PAs) are a key strategy for conserving areas of outstanding biodiversity value and promoting sustainable development. Significant efforts have been made toward establishing PAs over the last few decades across the globe. However, an assessment of PAs in mountain regions, including in the biodiversity rich Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), is lacking. We assessed the status, trend, and distribution of PAs and the ecological representativeness in the PA network. Our analysis showed the HKH has a total of 575 PAs covering 40.17% of the region, accounting for 8.49% of global PA coverage. The HKH hosts 335 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs), 348 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), 12 Global 200 Ecoregions, and 4 Global Biodiversity Hotspots. However, the study showed limited ecological representation in the current PA system as 67% of ecoregions, 39% of hotspots, 69% of KBAs, and 76% of IBAs are still outside of the PA system. About 47% of the PAs are small (<250 sq. km) with no connectivity to other PAs and the majority are distributed in the lower reaches of the HKH. These findings suggest the need to assess and demarcate potential corridors to improve connectivity between PAs and integrate PAs into wider conservation landscapes at national and regional scale beyond country boundaries through regional cooperation. There is also a need to assess and strengthen PA management effectiveness and governance and consider other effective area‐based conservation measures especially in the higher elevations and with a specific focus on ecological representation.
Legacy of war: Pedogenesis divergence and heavy metal contamination on the WWI front line a century after battle
Authors: Williams Owain H. , Rintoul‐Hynes Naomi L. J.
Published: August 2022

In Europe, the First World War left a legacy on the environment due to the extensive and intense use of artillery during this period. This study examined a small wooded area in the Pas‐de‐Calais region in France which was subject to considerably less intense fire than previously studied WWI battlefields. In a process named “bombturbation,” significant physical changes have occurred to the landscape subject to artillery fire, resulting in a divergent soil development in craters. Cratering led to higher organic matter and electrical conductivity values, but—unlike other studies—no significant difference in soil pH. Soil heavy metal concentrations did not differ within craters compared to the flat landscape. However, lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) enrichment was observed above the baseline values for the region. Despite the average concentrations of Cu and Pb being within legal limits for soils in the UK and European Union, it is likely that enrichment of Cu and Pb in the concentrations observed has caused detrimental ecotoxicological and human health effects.

Highlights

Few studies investigate the legacy of WWI on soil, particularly from low intensity fighting.

WWI bomb craters alter soil development, resulting in changes to organic matter and salinity.

Cu and Pb enrichment of soil from WWI may lead to ecotoxicological and human health impacts.
Type 2 polysaccharide storage myopathy in Quarter Horses is a novel glycogen storage disease causing exertional rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Valberg Stephanie J. , Williams Zoë J. , Finno Carrie J. , Schultz Abigail , Velez‐Irizarry Deborah , Henry Marisa L. , Gardner Keri , Petersen Jessica L.
Published: August 2022

Background

Both type 1 (PSSM1) and type 2 polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM2) are characterised by aggregates of abnormal polysaccharide in skeletal muscle. Whereas the genetic basis for PSSM1 is known (R309HGYS1), the cause of PSSM2 in Quarter Horses (PSSM2‐QH) is unknown and glycogen concentrations not defined.

Objectives

To characterise the histopathological and biochemical features of PSSM2‐QH and determine if an associated monogenic variant exists in genes known to cause glycogenosis.

Study design

Retrospective case control.

Methods

Sixty‐fourPSSM2‐QH, 30PSSM1‐QHand 185control‐QHwere identified from a biopsy repository and clinical data, histopathology scores (0–3), glycogen concentrations and selected glycolytic enzyme activities compared. Coding sequences of 12 genes associated with muscle glycogenoses were identified from whole genome sequences and compared between sevenPSSM2‐QHand fivecontrol‐QH.

Results

Exertional rhabdomyolysis in PSSM2‐QH occurred predominantly in barrel racing and working cow/roping performance types and improved with regular exercise and a low starch/fat‐supplemented diet. Histopathological scores, including the amount of amylase‐resistant polysaccharide (PSSM2‐QH 1.4 ± 0.6, PSSM1‐QH 2.1 ± 0.3, control‐QH 0 ± 0,p < 0.001), and glycogen concentrations (PSSM2‐QH 129 ± 62, PSSM1‐QH 175 ± 9, control‐QH 80 ± 27 mmol/kg,p < 0.0001) were intermediate in PSSM2‐QH with significant differences among groups. In PSSM2‐QH, abnormal polysaccharide had a less filamentous ultrastructure than PSSM1‐QH and phosphorylase and phosphofructokinase activities were normal. Seventeen of 30 PSSM2‐QH with available pedigrees descended from one of three stallions within four generations. Of the 29 predicted high or moderate impact genetic variants identified in candidate genes, none were present in only PSSM2‐QH and absent in control‐QH.

Main limitations

Analyses of PSSM2‐QH and PSSM1‐QH were performed on shipped samples, controls on frozen samples.

Conclusions

PSSM2‐QH is a novel glycogen storage disorder that is not the result of a mutation in genes currently known to cause muscle glycogenoses in other species.
A data‐driven analysis for fatigue failure mode identification in load‐carrying fillet welded joint with mechanical data augmentation
Authors: Zhao Ziqi , Zhang Tairui , Song Wei , Jiang Wenchun , Wang Ping , Xing Shizhu , Pei Xianjun
Published: August 2022

Weld toe and weld root failures dominate the fatigue failures of the load‐carrying cruciform fillet welded joints. Compared to weld toe failure, the weld root failure is strongly affected by its inherent weld quality and throat size, which is more unpredictable and should be eliminated. This work proposes a weld sizing criterion in terms of two weld leg sizes and weld penetration to avoid root failure. The criterion is obtained by a data‐driven approach with the help of the mechanical‐directed data augmentation technique. The traction‐stress‐based method is applied for the data augmentation to identify the fatigue failure mode, which is statistically tested against 372 experimentally obtained fatigue data.
Contrasting effects of altered precipitation regimes on soil nitrogen cycling at the global scale
Authors: Wu Qiqian , Yue Kai , Ma Yuandan , Heděnec Petr , Cai Yanjiang , Chen Jian , Zhang Hui , Shao Junjiong , Chang Scott X. , Li Yan
Published: August 2022

Changes in precipitation regimes can strongly affect soil nitrogen (N) cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. However, whether altered precipitation regimes may differentially affect soil N cycling between arid and humid biomes at the global scale is unclear. We conducted a meta‐analysis using 1036 pairwise observations collected from 194 publications to assess the effects of increased and decreased precipitation on the input (N return from plants), storage (various forms of N in soil), and output (gaseous N emissions) of soil N in arid versus humid biomes at the global scale. We found that (1) increased precipitation significantly increased N input (+12.1%) and output (+34.9%) but decreased N storage (−13.7%), while decreased precipitation significantly decreased N input (−10.7%) and output (−34.8%) but increased N storage (+11.1%); (2) the sensitivity of soil N cycling to increased precipitation was higher in arid regions than in humid regions, while that to decreased precipitation was lower in arid regions than in humid regions; (3) the effect of altered precipitation regimes on soil N cycling was independent of precipitation type (i.e., rainfall vs. snowfall); and (4) the mean annual precipitation regulated soil N cycling in precipitation alteration experiments at the global scale. Overall, our results clearly show that the response of soil N cycling to increased versus decreased precipitation differs between arid and humid regions, indicating the uneven effect of climate change on soil N cycling between these two contrasting climate regions. This implies that ecosystem models need to consider the differential responses of N cycling to altered precipitation regimes in different climatic conditions under future global change scenarios.
Lowering water table reduces carbon sink strength and carbon stocks in northern peatlands
Authors: Kwon Min Jung , Ballantyne Ashley , Ciais Philippe , Qiu Chunjing , Salmon Elodie , Raoult Nina , Guenet Bertrand , Göckede Mathias , Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Nykänen Hannu , Schuur Edward A. G. , Turetsky Merritt R. , Dieleman Catherine M. , Kane Evan S. , Zona Donatella
Published: August 2022

Peatlands at high latitudes have accumulated >400 Pg carbon (C) because saturated soil and cold temperatures suppress C decomposition. This substantial amount of C in Arctic and Boreal peatlands is potentially subject to increased decomposition if the water table (WT) decreases due to climate change, including permafrost thaw‐related drying. Here, we optimize a version of the Organizing Carbon and Hydrology In Dynamic Ecosystems model (ORCHIDEE‐PCH4) using site‐specific observations to investigate changes in CO2 and CH4 fluxes as well as C stock responses to an experimentally manipulated decrease of WT at six northern peatlands. The unmanipulated control peatlands, with the WT <20 cm on average (seasonal max up to 45 cm) below the surface, currently act as C sinks in most years (58 ± 34 g C m−2 year−1; including 6 ± 7 g C–CH4 m−2 year−1 emission). We found, however, that lowering the WT by 10 cm reduced the CO2 sink by 13 ± 15 g C m−2 year−1 and decreased CH4 emission by 4 ± 4 g CH4 m−2 year−1, thus accumulating less C over 100 years (0.2 ± 0.2 kg C m−2). Yet, the reduced emission of CH4, which has a larger greenhouse warming potential, resulted in a net decrease in greenhouse gas balance by 310 ± 360 g CO2‐eq m−2 year−1. Peatlands with the initial WT close to the soil surface were more vulnerable to C loss: Non‐permafrost peatlands lost >2 kg C m−2 over 100 years when WT is lowered by 50 cm, while permafrost peatlands temporally switched from C sinks to sources. These results highlight that reductions in C storage capacity in response to drying of northern peatlands are offset in part by reduced CH4 emissions, thus slightly reducing the positive carbon climate feedbacks of peatlands under a warmer and drier future climate scenario.
Mendrisio, Château‐d'Oex and Sargans geological maps of Switzerland: free online data viewer and downloads
Authors: Nowell David A. G.
Published: August 2022

The Swiss continue to publish highly detailed 1:25 000 geological maps and memoirs, coupled with informative cross sections. They are presented in attractive plastic wallets with a geological time scale on their back including stage names for deciphering partly abbreviated keys in whichever regional language. Swisstopo has also put free downloads of all their geological maps online, including out of print editions. This makes economic sense, given publication represents a small fraction of the overall costs incurred in surveying each sheet. In addition, they have developed an easy‐to‐use online data viewer where different layers of cartographic information can be selected and mixed together to produce bespoke, ready‐to‐print pdf downloads complete with a scale bar. Though, unlike digital data, which may become corrupted, printed material can survive for centuries. The first sheets in this national atlas were published in 1930, and so when their coverage is finally completed within roughly the next decade, policy makers would be wise to start resurveying older editions to keep them up to standard. In this way, Switzerland can maintain enough geologists familiar with regional ground conditions, to provide impartial advice about the impact of climate change on fragile environments vulnerable to flooding, landslides, melting permafrost and other potential geological hazards. Plus, enhancing water supply management, natural resources, radioactive waste disposal, carbon capture and storage, and planning new developments and infrastructure like their futuristic trans‐alpine railway tunnels.
Gynaecological management of women with inherited bleeding disorders. A UK Haemophilia Centres Doctors' Organisation Guideline
Authors: Curry Nicola , Bowles Louise , Clark T. Justin , Lowe Gillian , Mainwaring Jason , Mangles Sarah , Myers Bethan , Kadir Rezan Abdul
Published: August 2022

Women with inherited bleeding disorders (IBDs) may present to healthcare professionals in a variety of ways and commonly will be encountered by either haematology or gynaecology services. Heavy menstrual bleeding is very often the first manifestation of an IBD. There is a wide variation in severity of bleeding for women with IBD and diagnosis and subsequent management of their condition requires multidisciplinary specialised care which is tailored to the individual and includes excellent cross‐specialty communication between gynaecology and haematology teams. This guideline is intended for both haematologists and gynaecologists who are involved in the diagnosis and management of women with bleeding disorders. It sets out recommendations about how to investigate heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), the commonest presentation for women with IBD to hospital services, to guide physicians about how to diagnose an IBD and covers the management of women with known IBD and HMB. The second section sets out recommendations for patients known to have IBD and covers management of patients with IBD in the setting of gynaecological surgery and management for all other non‐surgical gynaecological situations.