bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Worldwide comparison of carbon stocks and fluxes between native and non‐native forests
Authors: Lázaro‐Lobo Adrián , Fernandez Romina D. , Alonso Álvaro , Cruces Paula , Cruz‐Alonso Verónica , Ervin Gary N. , Gallardo Antonio , Granda Elena , Gómez‐Gras Daniel , Marchante Hélia , Moreno‐Fernández Daniel , Saldaña Asunción , Silva Joaquim S. , Castro‐Díez Pilar
Published: December 2024

Climate change is one of the main challenges that human societies are currently facing. Given that forests represent major natural carbon sinks in terrestrial ecosystems, administrations worldwide are launching broad‐scale programs to promote forests, including stands of non‐native trees. Yet, non‐native trees may have profound impacts on the functions and services of forest ecosystems, including the carbon cycle, as they may differ widely from native trees in structural and functional characteristics. Also, the allocation of carbon between above‐ and belowground compartments may vary between native and non‐native forests and affect the vulnerability of the carbon stocks to disturbances. We conducted a global meta‐analysis to compare carbon stocks and fluxes among co‐occurring forests dominated by native and non‐native trees, while accounting for the effects of climate, tree life stage, and stand type. We compiled 1678 case studies from 250 papers, with quantitative data for carbon cycle‐related variables from co‐occurring forests dominated by native and non‐native trees. We included 170 non‐native species from 42 families, spanning 55 countries from all continents except Antarctica. Non‐native forests showed higher overall carbon stock due to higher aboveground tree biomass. However, the belowground carbon stock, particularly soil organic carbon, was greater in forests dominated by native trees. Among fluxes, carbon uptake rate was higher in non‐native forests, while carbon loss rate and carbon lability did not differ between native and non‐native forests. Differences in carbon stocks and fluxes between native and non‐native trees were greater at early life stages (i.e. seedling and juvenile). Overall, non‐native forests had greater carbon stocks and fluxes than native forests when both were natural/naturalised or planted; however, native natural forests had greater values for the carbon cycle‐related variables than plantations of non‐native trees. Our findings indicate that promoting non‐native forests may increase carbon stocks in the aboveground compartment at the expense of belowground carbon stocks. This may have far‐reaching implications on the durability and vulnerability of carbon to disturbances. Forestry policies aimed at improving long‐term carbon sequestration and storage should conserve and promote native forests.
Restricting Periodontal Treatment Frequency: Impact on Tooth Loss in Danish Adults
Authors: Raittio Eero , Lopez Rodrigo , Baelum Vibeke
Published: December 2024

Objective

The study aimed to estimate the effect of a periodontal treatment policy that would restrict the receipt of periodontal therapy to no more than once every second year, on the 10‐year risk of tooth extraction among Danish adults.

Methods

Data from linked nationwide Danish registers consisted of a random sample of 20 000 50‐year‐olds who were followed from the beginning of 1990 to the end of 2021. The longitudinal modified treatment policies’ causal inference framework was used. In each of two slightly different counterfactual scenarios, the receipt of supragingival or subgingival periodontal therapy was restricted to no more than once every second year. The cumulative incidence of tooth extraction from 2012 to 2021 was compared between the counterfactual scenarios and the observed periodontal visiting pattern, while informative censoring, and time‐varying and time‐invariant confounding were accounted for using the social, economic and dental service utilisation history.

Results

During the 10‐year follow‐up period, 5021 (25.1%) individuals received at least one tooth extraction. In the two counterfactual scenarios, the number of years receiving supragingival or subgingival periodontal therapy was 30%–50% lower than in the observed data. The 10‐year cumulative incidence of tooth loss was practically the same in the two counterfactual scenarios as under the observed periodontal visiting patterns.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that a considerable decrease in the number and frequency of periodontal care visits would not have significant impact on the incidence of tooth loss in Denmark.
Changes in African lion demography and population growth with increased protection in a large, prey‐depleted ecosystem
Authors: Creel Scott , Becker Matthew S. , Goodheart Ben , Kusler Anna , Banda Kachama , Banda Kambwiri , Vinks Milan , Sun Catherine , Dart Chase , Matsushima Stephi , Kabwe Ruth , Donald Will , Zyambo Luka , Indala Peter , Kaluka Adrian , Chifunte Clive , Reid Craig
Published: December 2024

Large carnivores such as the lion are declining across Africa, in part because their large herbivore prey is declining. There is consensus that increased protection from prey depletion will be necessary to reverse the decline of lion populations, but few studies have tested whether increased protection is sufficient to reverse the decline, particularly in the large, open ecosystems where most lions remain. Here, we used an integrated population model to test whether lion demography and population dynamics were measurably improved by increased protection. We used data from monitoring of 358 individuals from 2013 to 2021 in the Greater Kafue Ecosystem, where prior research showed that lions were strongly limited by prey depletion, but protection increased in several well‐defined areas beginning in 2018. In some other areas, protection decreased. In areas with high protection, lion fecundity was 29% higher, and mean annual apparent survival (φ) was 8.3% higher (with a minimum difference of 6.0% for prime‐aged adult females and a maximum difference of 11.9% for sub‐adult males). These demographic benefits combined to produce likely population growth in areas with high protection ( = 1.085, 90% CI = 0.97, 1.21), despite likely population decline in areas with low protection ( = 0.970, 90% CI = 0.88, 1.07). For the ecosystem as a whole, population size remained relatively constant at a moderate density of 3.74 (±0.49 SD) to 4.13 (±0.52 SD) lions/100 km2. With the growth observed in areas with high protection, the expected doubling time was 10 years. Despite this, recovery at the scale of the entire ecosystem is likely to be slow without increased protection; the current growth rate would require 50 years to double. Our results demonstrate that increased protection is likely to improve the reproduction and population growth rate of lions at a large scale within an unfenced ecosystem that has been greatly affected by poaching.
Phenotypic traits and family history in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and generalized epilepsy: A multicenter case–control study
Authors: Cerulli Irelli Emanuele , Fanella Martina , Chaumette Boris , Putotto Carolina , Mignot Cyril , Mazzeo Adolfo , Lemke Johannes R. , Riva Antonella , Accinni Tommaso , Louveau Cecile , Giovannetti Agnese , Pugnaloni Flaminia , Gavaret Martine , Di Fabio Fabio , Fortunato Francesco , Dorn Thomas , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Gambardella Antonio , Ramantani Georgia , Orlando Biagio , Iftimovici Anton , Operto Francesca F. , Pulvirenti Federica , Kluger Gerhard , Caputo Viviana , Striano Pasquale , Di Bonaventura Carlo
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study was undertaken to characterize the clinical and genetic features of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) and generalized epilepsy compared with 22q11.2DS individuals without epilepsy.

Methods

This multicenter case–control study included 28 patients with 22q11.2DS‐related generalized epilepsy and compared their data with 56 age‐matched 22q11.2DS controls without epilepsy. Clinical and electroencephalographic features, neuropsychiatric and systemic comorbidities, family history of epilepsy, and genetic findings were collected.

Results

Generalized tonic–clonic seizures and myoclonic seizures were the most common electroclinical presentations, with a broader range of seizure type combinations also documented. Most patients achieved seizure remission with antiseizure medications, with only 4% exhibiting drug resistance. A higher prevalence of family history of epilepsy was observed among patients with 22q11.2DS‐related generalized epilepsy compared to nonepilepsy controls, even when limiting the analysis to patients with known de novo deletions. No differences in deletion size or location were observed between the groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified family history of epilepsy, intellectual disability, and lack of skeletal abnormalities as independent factors associated with generalized epilepsy, whereas a history of psychosis was significant only in univariable analysis.

Significance

This study provides a detailed characterization of generalized epilepsy in individuals with 22q11.2DS and highlights specific associated comorbidities. The higher prevalence of family history of epilepsy among cases suggests that genetic factors beyond the 22q11.2 deletion influence the development of the epilepsy phenotype, providing new insights into the genetic underpinnings of phenotypic variability in this syndrome.
Preferential superficial cortical layer activation during seizure propagation
Authors: Brodovskaya Anastasia , Shiono Shinnosuke , Sun Chengsan , Perez‐Reyes Edward , Kapur Jaideep
Published: December 2024

Objective

Focal cortical seizures travel long distances from the onset zone, but the long‐distance propagation pathways are uncertain. In vitro and in vivo imaging techniques have investigated the local spread of seizures but did not elucidate long‐distance spread. Furthermore, classical studies in slices suggested seizure spread locally along deep cortical layers, whereas more recent in vivo imaging studies posit a role for superficial cortical layers in local spread.

Methods

We imaged seizure‐activated neurons using activity reporter mice and measured local field potentials (LFPs) using microelectrode arrays to map cortical seizure propagation in awake mice.

Results

Frontal lobe onset seizures activate more neurons in superficial layers 2–3 than deep layers 5–6 throughout the cortex. LFP recordings demonstrate that seizures spread faster through the superficial than deep layers over long cortical distances of 3.5 mm. We also show that monosynaptically connected long‐distance neurons are in the seizure circuit.

Significance

We propose that long‐distance cortical seizure spread occurs preferentially via synaptically connected superficial cortical neurons.
Attenuated NIX in impaired mitophagy contributes to exacerbating cellular senescence in experimental periodontitis under hyperglycemic conditions
Authors: Song Danni , Chen Beibei , Cheng Tianfan , Jin Lijian , He Jiangfeng , Li Yongming , Liao Chongshan
Published: December 2024

Premature accumulation of senescent cells results in tissue destruction, and it is one of the potential primary mechanisms underlying the accelerated progression of diabetes and periodontitis. However, whether this characterized phenomenon could account for periodontal pathogenesis under hyperglycemic conditions remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the senescent phenotypic changes in experimental periodontitis under hyperglycemic conditions. Next, we investigated the mitochondrial function and the potential mitophagy pathways in cellular senescence in vitro and in vivo. Our findings showed that significant senescence occurred in the gingival tissues of diabetic periodontitis mice with increased expression of senescence‐related protein p21Cip1 and the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype response as well as the decreased expression of NIP3‐like protein X (NIX), a mitochondrial receptor. Likewise, we showed that mitochondrial dysfunction (e.g., reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and accumulation of reactive oxygen species) was attributed to cellular senescence in: human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) through hyperglycemia‐induced and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P.g‐LPS)‐induced oxidative stresses. Notably, the resulting reduced NIX expression was reversed by the use of the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC), thus correcting the mitochondrial dysfunction. We further verified the expression of inflammatory mediators and senescence‐related factors in mice gingival tissues and identified the possible regulatory pathways. Taken together, our work demonstrates the critical role of cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction in periodontal pathogenesis under hyperglycemic conditions. Hence, restoration of mitochondrial function may be a potential novel therapeutic approach to tackling periodontitis in diabetic patients.
Charting the course: a scoping review on telehealth research trends in Australia
Authors: Leslie Alasdair , Majmudar Ahan , Semaan Isabella , Spajic Dana , Mountain Oliver , Stretton Brandon , Kovoor Joshua , Gupta Aashray , Bacchi Stephen
Published: December 2024

This review of telehealth research describes the landscape of Australian digital health and telehealth research from 1999 to 2022, focusing on outlining past, present and future trends. A scoping review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA extension for scoping reviews framework, which identified 495 primary research studies of digital or telehealth interventions aimed at improving health outcomes. Data were charted according to technological modality, health focus, professional representation, participant location, year and size. Findings demonstrated are as follows: increase in the volume and rate of publications over time; over‐representation of participants from Australia's east coast; key focus areas of mental health and primary care; live video conferencing as the dominant emerging technology modality; and audio‐only interventions remain highly relevant. Despite increasing interest in digital and telehealth interventions, the rural and remote populations that stand to benefit the greatest are under‐represented in the literature. Future research should focus on these groups, using both emerging and established technologies, and digital and telehealth interventions should be adopted by a wider breadth of health professions.
Effects of Dispositional and Contextual Moral Sensitivity in Moral Decision‐Making: A Cross‐Sectional Study Among Nursing Students
Authors: Zhang Na , Ren Xiaoyu , Xu Zhen , Jin Chunhua
Published: December 2024

Aim

Based on Rest's Four Stage Model (moral sensitivity, moral judgement, moral intention and moral behaviour), we aim to compare the effects of dispositional moral sensitivity and contextual moral sensitivity on moral decision‐making among nursing students.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The participants were from nursing colleges in Shijiazhuang, Guangzhou and Chongqing, China. A total of 354 nursing students were recruited via the convenience sampling method. Data were collected via the dispositional moral sensitivity scale and a scenario experiment. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the relationships among the variables in the structural model via Mplus.

Results

While dispositional moral sensitivity and contextual moral sensitivity both influence moral intention, they do so in opposite directions. Moral judgement has a positive impact on moral intention and acts as a mediator between dispositional moral sensitivity/contextual moral sensitivity and moral intention.

Conclusion

This study compares the various influence paths and mechanisms of dispositional moral sensitivity and contextual moral sensitivity in moral decision‐making, thereby advancing research on nursing ethics education.

Impact

Our findings suggest that nursing colleges should adopt diverse strategies to cultivate the dispositional moral sensitivity of nursing students, thus facilitating their ability to make moral decisions. These insights have valuable implications for the advancement of nursing ethics education.

Reporting Method

We adhered to the STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Development and Characterisation of an Immortal Cell Line From Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) for Viral Studies
Authors: Mai Qianyi , Wang Qing , Li Yingying , Yin Jiyuan , Mo Xubing , Shi Cunbin , Ren Yan , Liu Donghai , Liu Xuanming , Sun Dongli , Liu Weiqiang , Jin Yuqi , Zeng Weiwei , Wang Yingying
Published: December 2024

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), a freshwater fish species, is cultivated widely across China. The industry has been greatly affected by various viral diseases. We generated a new immortal cell line from the fin of M. salmoides (MSF). It has been successfully maintained in continuous culture for over 80 passages. Cells multiply well at 28°C using Medium 199 or Leibovitz's L‐15 supplemented with 10%–20% fetal bovine serum. MSF cells comprise a mass of epithelialoid cells. Chromosome analysis showed that ploidy at passage 55 was 2n = 58. Amplification and analysis of the sequence of cytochrome oxidase I gene ascertained the origin of MSF cells from M. salmoides. The cell line is devoid of contamination with mycoplasma. Successful transfection with a GFP reporter gene indicated that the MSF cell line can be a useful tool for further gene expression studies. MSF cells exhibited susceptibility to Largemouth bass ranavirus (LMBV), Infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV), and Siniperca chuatsi rhabdovirus (SCRV). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescence confirmed that the MSF cell line showed high susceptibility to all the tested viruses. The titre values of MSF after infection with LMBV, ISKNV, and SCRV reached 107.4 TCID50/mL, 106.15 TCID50/mL, and 106.35 TCID50/mL at 7dpi, respectively. In conclusion, an immortal cell line derived from the fin tissue of M. salmoides was successfully developed and certain fish viruses can effectively propagated in the newly established MSF cell line that can be helpful for future gene manipulation and infectious viral mechanistic studies in the future.
Wellbeing of Family Carers of Adults With Intellectual Disabilities During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in the UK: Longitudinal Study
Authors: Thompson Paul A. , Summers Eleanor , Caton Sue , Hayden Nikita , Todd Stuart , Oloidi Edward , Taggart Laurence , Kelly Rosemary , Bradshaw Jill , Maguire Roseann , Jahoda Andrew , Hatton Chris , Hastings Richard P. ,   The Coronavirus and People with Learning Disabilities Study Team
Published: December 2024

Background

Longitudinal studies of family carers of people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic have been very rare. This study investigated trajectories of family‐carer wellbeing and the impact of the caring role on carers' health over four time points measured during the COVID‐19 pandemic and after all public health restrictions had been lifted (between December 2020 and late 2022) across the United Kingdom.

Methods

Family carers of adults with intellectual disabilities participated through a co‐designed, online survey at four time points across the pandemic (2020–2022). Growth models were used to determine the change in family‐carer wellbeing (n = 312) and the impact of the caring role on carers' health across the pandemic and what factors were associated with these outcomes. We explored associations between profound and multiple intellectual disabilities (PMID), the cared‐for person's individual wellbeing, the cared‐for person's age, whether the cared‐for person lived with their family and family‐carer wellbeing and impact of caring trajectories.

Results

Overall, family‐carer wellbeing improved, and the impact of the caring role on carers' health reduced across the time period. If the cared‐for person had PMID was associated with greater degrees of depression and stress for caregivers and thus increased the impact of the caring role on carers' health, but it was not associated with carer wellbeing. Similarly, the reduction in individual wellbeing of the cared‐for person and the caregiver's perception of this person's wellbeing was also significantly associated with increased impact of the caring role on carers' health and carer wellbeing. There was no evidence that age of cared‐for person was predictive of either outcome, and there were mixed findings on whether living at home was an associated factor for either outcome.

Conclusions

Overall, family‐carer wellbeing improved, and the impact of the caring role on carers' health reduced across the time period, but the cared‐for persons' poorer wellbeing and complex needs (indexed by the presence of PMID) were associated with negative impacts on family carers during the pandemic period.
Multifactorial interplay on language recovery following left‐hemispheric stroke: A retrospective study
Authors: Haldin Célise , Dai Shenhao , Piscicelli Céline , Marcon Valérie , Lœvenbruck Hélène , Pérennou Dominic , Baciu Monica
Published: December 2024

Understanding the relative contribution of various factors influencing initial severity of aphasia and recovery after a stroke is essential for optimising neurorehabilitation programmes. We investigated how various significant sociodemographic, cognitive, clinical, stroke‐related and rehabilitation‐related factors modulate aphasia severity and language recovery following left‐hemispheric stroke. Employing an innovative method, we conducted a retrospective analysis of 96 stroke participants to explore the combined impact of these factors. The initial severity of aphasia was categorised into severe, mild/moderate and no aphasia based on the severity of their language deficits in the subacute phase (Aphasia Severity Rating Scale, ASRS). To assess speech‐and‐language recovery, we classified 53/96 patients with aphasia into high and poor recovery categories using a gain score formula (ASRS_discharge—ASRS_admission)/ASRS_admission. Subsequently, we performed statistical analyses (univariate analyses and forward stepwise logistic regression combined with bootstrap) to identify the determinants of the initial severity of aphasia and the degree of recovery. Our analyses unveiled that more severe aphasia initially was correlated with a more severe stroke (Odds Ratio, OR = .90, p = .041), moderate/severe executive dysfunction (OR = .068, p < .001) and larger lesion size (OR = .068, p < .001). Furthermore, the degree of recovery was associated with the intensity of speech‐and‐language therapy (OR = 1.47, p = .043). These findings enrich our understanding of the determinants of aphasia severity and language recovery, employing an original methodology to scrutinise the collective effect of multiple variables in a retrospective analysis of stroke participants. A better knowledge of these factors may help implement personalised language rehabilitation programmes to maximise speech‐and‐language recovery.
Population Genomics of Adaptive Radiation
Authors: Combrink Lucia L. , Golcher‐Benavides Jimena , Lewanski Alexander L. , Rick Jessica A. , Rosenthal William C. , Wagner Catherine E.
Published: December 2024

Adaptive radiations are rich laboratories for exploring, testing, and understanding key theories in evolution and ecology because they offer spectacular displays of speciation and ecological adaptation. Particular challenges to the study of adaptive radiation include high levels of species richness, rapid speciation, and gene flow between species. Over the last decade, high‐throughput sequencing technologies and access to population genomic data have lessened these challenges by enabling the analysis of samples from many individual organisms at whole‐genome scales. Here we review how population genomic data have facilitated our knowledge of adaptive radiation in five key areas: (1) phylogenetics, (2) hybridization, (3) timing and rates of diversification, (4) the genomic basis of trait evolution, and (5) the role of genome structure in divergence. We review current knowledge in each area, highlight outstanding questions, and focus on methods that facilitate detection of complex patterns in the divergence and demography of populations through time. It is clear that population genomic data are revolutionising the ability to reconstruct evolutionary history in rapidly diversifying clades. Additionally, studies are increasingly emphasising the central role of gene flow, re‐use of standing genetic variation during adaptation, and structural genomic elements as facilitators of the speciation process in adaptive radiations. We highlight hybridization—and the hypothesized processes by which it shapes diversification—and questions seeking to bridge the divide between microevolutionary and macroevolutionary processes as rich areas for future study. Overall, access to population genomic data has facilitated an exciting era in adaptive radiation research, with implications for deeper understanding of fundamental evolutionary processes across the tree of life.
Value of P‐wave Parameters in Predicting Outcomes of Repeat Catheter Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Antoun Ibrahim , Li Xin , Vali Zakkariya , Koev Ivelin , Somani Riyaz , Ng G. André
Published: December 2024

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) has been established as an effective management option for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). We aimed to explore the role of P‐wave parameters in a 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in predicting the success of repeat PAF ablation.

Methods

We enrolled consecutive patients who underwent a second AF ablation procedure for PAF in a UK tertiary center after an index ablation conducted between 2018 and 2019 and a repeat ablation up to 2021. A digital 12‐lead ECG was recorded with a 1–50‐Hz bandpass filter applied. P‐wave duration (PWD), P‐wave voltage (PWV), P‐wave dispersion (PWDisp), and P‐wave terminal force in V1 (PTFV1) were measured before and after the procedure. Changes were correlated with the 12‐month clinical outcome. Procedural success was freedom from ECG‐documented AF up to 12 months following ablation.

Results

Study criteria were satisfied by 72 patients, of which 43 (60%) had successful repeat PVI at 12 months. The mean age is 65, and 47 (65%) were males. The demographics were comparable between both study arms. PWD decreased after successful repeat ablations (136.7 to 124.6 ms, p = 0.01) and failed repeat ablations (135.4 to 125.3 ms, p = 0.009) without a significant change between both arms. PMV and PWDisp did not change significantly after both study arms. PTFV1 significantly decreased after successful repeat ablations (‐3.1 to ‐4.4 mm.s, p = 0.005) without a significant change after failed ablations (‐2.9 to ‐2.7 mm.s, p = 0.42). Changes were statistically significant between both arms (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

PTFV1 reduction following the second AF ablation was correlated with successful repeat AF ablation at 12 months.
Vitamin D Dependent Rickets 2A With Alopecia: Three Cases With Novel Genetic Variants
Authors: Chiramel Minu Jose , George Anju , Sathishkumar Dharshini , Simon Anna , Mathai Sarah
Published: December 2024

Vitamin D‐dependent rickets type 2A (VDDR2A) is a rare cause of infantile‐onset alopecia, characterized by severe hypotrichosis, small cutaneous cysts, early‐onset treatment‐resistant rickets, and hypocalcemia. Alopecia, often starting a few weeks to months after birth, may be the presenting feature. We present three cases of VDDR2A with genetic variants in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, their clinical features and biochemical parameters. This case series emphasizes that early identification of this rare cause of alopecia and treating the metabolic abnormalities can improve bone health.
Influencias de la migración juvenil rural en el municipio de Granada (Meta), Colombia
Authors: Triana Riveros Jorge Luis , Valle Lima Suzana Maria , Rodriguez Rodriguez Monica del Pilar , Brisola Marlon Vinicius
Published: December 2024

El presente estudio identifica las principales influencias de la migración juvenil rural en el municipio de Granada (Meta), Colombia. El estudio replicó y adaptó el instrumento y las variables en la investigación de Lima et al. (2013), aplicando el instrumento survey a 62 jóvenes rurales seleccionados por medio de la estadística probabilística. Los resultados fueron analizados a través del método cuantitativo. Como resultado principal, se describieron las dificultades que enfrentan los jóvenes del municipio de Granada, siendo algunas la falta de infraestructura en educación, el trabajo y la violencia, que es el resultado de un conflicto armado que ha permanecido durante años. Para finalizar, se concluye que el 44 % de los jóvenes desea emigrar del campo a las ciudades debido a la alta tasa de modernización de las ciudades, lo que limita la mano de obra disponible en el campo; a la dificultad de encontrar trabajo en el campo; a la violencia; a la falta de acceso a la educación en el campo, y a la baja probabilidad de heredar la tierra. Estas variables son importantes para ser analizadas en el contexto de otros municipios limítrofes y pueden dar una luz a los formuladores de políticas públicas.
Erratum to: СО2 and СН4 Fluxes in Wetland Ecosystems of the Mezquital Valley, Central Mexico
Authors: García-Calderón N. E. , Fuentes-Romero E. , Ikkonen E. , Sidorova V.
Published: December 2024

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1064229324220010
Analytical solutions of fractional modified KDV–Zakharov–Kuznetsov model utilized in fluid ions
Authors: Algolam Mohamed S. , Obeidat Sofian T. , Albosaily Sahar , Ahmed Athar I , Mohammed Wael W.
Published: December 2024

The fractional mKDV–Zakharov–Kuznetsov (FmKDV-ZK) equation with M-truncated derivatives (MTDs) is considered. To obtain a novel rational, trigonometric, hyperbolic, and elliptic, solutions for FmKDV-ZK, we use two different methods including the modified mapping technique and generalized Riccati equation method. These methods are effective and simple. Also, they give us different kinds of solutions such as elliptic, trigonometric, hyperbolic, and rational solutions. The FmKDV-ZK equation is widely used in engineering, geophysics, meteorology, ocean dynamics, and plasma physics, therefore the obtained solutions may be applied to a wide range of important physical phenomena. Moreover, we display a wide range of solutions in two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces to examine the effects of the MTDs operator. We conclude that the surface expands as the derivative order decreases.
Analytical investigation for hybrid nanofluid flow near the stagnation point over a stretching sheet via modified adomian decomposition method
Authors: A. Gaber Ahmed , M. Tayel Ismail , Mostafa Doaa M.
Published: December 2024

In recent decades, developing energy transfer mechanisms has piqued the curiosity of scientists and researchers. Basic fluids such as motor oils, ethylene glycol, and other conventional fluids play an important role in many industries. On the other hand, these fluids have low thermal conductivity, which causes difficulties for some industries. Therefore, scientists were interested in developing nanofluids to produce fluids with high thermal conductivity. In this research, the flow and heat transfer of a hybrid fluid through a surface that expands and contracts under the magnetic effect and radiation field was studied. The fluid contains hybrid nanoparticles, which are copper and aluminum oxide with ethylene glycol (40%)+water (60%). An appropriate symmetric transformation was used to reduce the partial differential equation (PDEs) governing speed, angular velocity, and temperature into a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). A solution to ODEs was obtained using the modified Adomian decomposition method. The results showed that the presence of hybrid nanoparticles with other factors has an important role in more effective heat transfer, and the presence of a stagnation point led to adverse results with some parameters.
Enhanced Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis via MRI Analysis: Integrating Deep Features From DenseNet201 With Neural Network Techniques
Authors: Kumari Jyoti , Behera Santi Kumari , Sethy Prabira Kumar , Nanthaamornphong Aziz
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, necessitating accurate and timely diagnostic methods for effective disease management. This study proposes a novel approach for PD detection using deep features extracted from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, employing a pattern recognition neural network architecture based on DenseNet201. The developed model demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving validation and test accuracies of 99.4% and 99.2%, respectively, indicating its robustness and efficacy in distinguishing between patients with PD and healthy individuals. Furthermore, the model achieved a precision of 99.5%, recall of 99.3%, and an F1 score of 99.4%. For the test set, the accuracy was 99.2%, with precision at 99.3%, recall at 99.1%, and an F1 score of 99.2%. The rapid convergence of the model during training further underscores its efficiency in learning discriminative features from MRI images. These findings underscore the promising role of deep learning techniques, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), in medical image analysis for disease diagnosis. The proposed approach holds significant potential for assisting clinicians in early PD diagnosis and personalized treatment planning, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Risk Analysis of Optimal Design of a VPP in Risk‐Seeking/Risk‐Averse Modes Using IGDT and Considering Wind, Solar, and Load Uncertainties
Authors: Goldoust Ali , Hojjat Mehrdad , Seyyedmahdavi Saeed
Published: December 2024

This paper presented a risk analysis using information gap decision theory (IGDT) in risk‐seeking and risk‐averse approaches to invest in the construction of virtual power plants (VPPs), considering the uncertainties of wind speed, solar radiation, and load demand. The construction of VPP has financial and operational risks, such as investment costs, maintenance, power exchange with upstream grid, unsupplied energy, and combined heat and power (CHP) system fuel for investors in terms of uncertainties related to load demand and various sources of distributed energy generation (distributed energy resources [DERs]). Investing risk analysis on an experimental system, including photovoltaic (PV) and wind, thermal, and combined power plants (CHP), battery energy storage system (BESS), and electric and thermal loads, using a multiobjective function to minimize the total cost of VPP construction in risk‐seeking modes (πo) and risk aversion (πc), was performed. The risk analysis involved 8% reducing/increasing of the total VPP construction investment cost in 2% steps for the risk‐seeking owner (ρ)/risk‐averse owner (σ). The results of this article showed that despite high uncertainty in the studied VPP, it is still possible to make a decision for risk‐seeking and risk‐averse investors to build VPP. In the risk‐averse mode, due to the increase in cost, there is more flexibility in choosing and using equipment, as well as in determining its amount. On the contrary, in risk‐seeking mode, VPP designer should determine the smallest radius of uncertainty (αwind, αpv, and αload) in ideal conditions, because to formulate a suitable investment proposal to use equipment and their quantity in a way that leads to cost savings is vital. The key numerical results include the following: (1) The base investment cost is 18,731.2 monetary units; (2) a risk‐averse scenario achieves a critical cost of 20,229.7 monetary units at a risk tolerance of σ = 0.08; (3) for a risk‐seeking scenario, the critical cost is 17,232.7 monetary units with a risk parameter ρ = 0.08; (4) in the risk‐averse case, optimal robustness ensures critical cost πc = 17,232.7 monetary units at risk parameter σ = 0.06 assurance at an uncertainty radius where αwind = 2.353%, αpv = 1.176%, and αload = 14.118%; (5) in the risk‐seeking case, optimal opportunity ensures critical cost πo = 17607.3 monetary units at risk parameter ρ = 0.06 assurance at an uncertainty radius where αwind = 2.353%, αpv = 17.647%, and αload = 18.824%; and (6) the harmony search algorithm (HSA) algorithm demonstrated an 18% faster convergence speed compared to genetic algorithm (GA). This approach makes sure VPP design stays strong and full of chances even when things get tough. It is a useful way to handle investment risk and get the best results when there is a lot of uncertainty. Finally, the actual numerical results applying the proved test case prove the introduced approach to be effective.
Prognostic Analysis of Nonmetastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Older Patients Undergoing Intensity‐Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Wang Shuangyue , Huang Heqing , Huang Fengqiao , Wu Haiyan , Li Zhiru , Zhou Ziyan , Kang Min
Published: December 2024

Background: We investigated a visual model for estimating prognosis in older patients with nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and analyzed the survival rates in different patient groups during intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Methods: Between January 2012 and March 2021, patients with NPC aged > 65 years who received IMRT and were initially diagnosed with no distant metastases were enrolled. Propensity score analysis with 1:1 matching was used to balance baseline characteristics, including age, sex, tumor stage, and comorbidities. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to calculate survival. Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). A nomogram was constructed based on the determined prognostic factors, and prediction accuracy was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves.

Results: In total, 140 patients were included in the analysis (median age: 69 years; range: 66–81 years). The median follow‐up was 84.9 (26.2–131.5) months. Compared with radiotherapy (RT) alone, chemotherapy during RT failed to improve OS (54.2% vs. 50.0%, respectively; p = 0.969), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) (59.1% vs. 60.5%, respectively; p = 0.712), distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS) (66.7% vs. 70.5%, respectively; p = 0.824), or locoregional relapse–free survival (LRFS) (85.0% vs. 86.9%, respectively; p = 0.811). After the final regression analysis, age, age‐adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) score, N stage, and total stage were identified as independent factors affecting OS prognosis. The OS nomogram was applied to the data and, based on the value of the area under the ROC and calibration curves, demonstrated satisfactory predictive performance.

Conclusions: Survival outcomes in older patients with NPC treated with RT alone were similar to those in patients treated with both chemotherapy and RT. Our nomogram had good performance in predicting OS in older patients with NPC and may benefit the clinical decision‐making process.
Consumers’ Perception of Biopolymer Films for Active Packaging: From Aesthetic Appeal to Nutritional Value and Experiential Consumption
Authors: Dabija Dan-Cristian , Pocol Cristina-Bianca , Mititean Pompei , Semeniuc Cristina Anamaria
Published: December 2024

The need to use innovative packaging (active or intelligent) that extends food shelf‐life and promotes sustainable production and consumption systems has become a global priority. In this context, the current research explores the consumer’s buying experience regarding food actively packed with biopolymer films. The research used a questionnaire targeting potential customers for food packed with a protein‐based active film. A conceptual model was created to investigate the dependency relations between the following concepts: “superior functional packaging,” “affordable packaging,” “aesthetic packaging,” “nutritional value,” ,”spoilage prevention packaging,” “buying experience for food packed with biopolymer films,” “experiential consumption” and “informative health packaging.” The research demonstrates that affordable pricing, appealing aesthetics, functional attributes and shelf‐life extension are significant elements of biopolymer films for active packaging. It validates that these incentives significantly enhance consumer awareness, shaping their experience, preference and proactive search for products packed with such materials in stores. Using biopolymer films for active packaging of foods will have social, environmental and economic benefits, both for producers and consumers.
Assessment of the Impacts of Anthropogenic Activities on Woody Plant Diversity in the Woodlands of the Pette Subdivision (Far‐North, Cameroon)
Authors: Diguera Alphonse , Froumsia Moksia , Wouokoue Taffo Junior Baudoin , Danra Dieudonne Jackba
Published: December 2024

The land use/land cover in the Sudano‐Sahelian area of Cameroon has been disturbed since these 3 decades resulting from the influence of anthropogenic factors. This study aimed to assess floristic diversity and the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the Pette forest massifs in the Pette Subdivision. The transect method (1000 × 20 m) was used for plant inventory, and Landsat images 5 TM (1990), 7 ETM+ (2005) and 8 OLI_TIRS (2020) were analysed to determine land cover. In total, 44 woody species belonging to 30 genera and 20 families were identified. The most frequent species (10.17%) was Grewia bicolor, and the species with high density was Acacia ataxacantha (56.87 stems·ha−1). The forest massifs were dominated by Anogeissus leiocarpus (36.01%), and the basal area was 234.77 m2·ha−1. The Shannon diversity index varies from 3.53 to 3.99 bits in Fadare and Tchakamadje forest massifs, respectively. The diameter and height distribution show an “L” shape reflecting juvenile vegetation. The analysis of Landsat images from 1990, 2005 and 2020 indicated an extension of agricultural lands (6234.54 ha in 1990 to 10,018.33 ha in 2020), bare soils/dwelling lands (14,049.90 ha in 1990 to 15,374.12 ha in 2020) and the degradation of shrub/tree savannah lands (74,312 ha in 1990 to 59,312.95 ha in 2020). The different forest massifs were rich, and anthropogenic activities were one of the main factors responsible for their degradation.
Dynamic Modeling and Vibration Response Analysis of Rolling Bearings With Composite Faults Considering the Influence of Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Xiong Qing , Tang Jianghu , Ding Tianxia , Wang Anyu , Yu Xiang , Zhang Weihua
Published: December 2024

At present, in the dynamic modeling of rolling bearings with composite faults, Hertz contact theory is mostly used to describe the contact between the rolling element and the raceway, while ignoring the influence of lubricating oil film under elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) on key modeling parameters, which brings errors to the accurate calculation of parameters such as stiffness and damping. On the basis of composite fault modeling, this article carefully considers the influence of EHL on the stiffness and damping of rolling bearings, establishes a five degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) composite fault model of rolling bearings, and verifies the correctness of the model through bench test data. The vibration response characteristics of rolling bearings with composite faults under different loads and fault sizes are mainly studied. The results indicate that the frequency‐domain characteristics of composite faults are the result of coupling and superimposing the frequency‐domain characteristics of single‐point fault signals. As the radial load increases, the amplitude of the vibration response also increases gradually. In the inner ring–outer ring composite fault and the outer ring–rolling element composite fault, the outer ring fault is more sensitive to change in radial load. If the radial load is appropriately increased, it is beneficial to identify the outer ring fault in both kinds of composite faults. However, excessive radial loads may inhibit the diagnosis of other fault frequencies other than the outer ring, which may affect the diagnosis of all components in the composite fault. In the inner ring–rolling element composite fault, the inner ring fault is more sensitive to change in radial load. If the radial load is appropriately increased, it is beneficial to identify the inner ring fault in the inner ring–rolling element composite fault. Similarly, in the diagnosis of such composite faults, excessive radial load may affect the detection and diagnosis of rolling element faults.
Steroid-Refractory Immune-Related Hepatitis Caused by Pembrolizumab with Stage IVB Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Hamaguchi Tomomi , Ueno Makoto , Kobayashi Satoshi , Tezuka Shun , Morimoto Manabu , Kato Terufumi , Saito Haruhiro , Sato Shinya , Furuse Junji , Maeda Shin
Published: December 2024

Introduction: We report the case of a man in his 50s with stage IVB non-small cell lung cancer who developed severe immune-related hepatitis caused by pembrolizumab. Case Presentation: He received carboplatin, pemetrexed, and pembrolizumab as first-line therapy. After four courses, each of the triplet regimen and maintenance therapy with pemetrexed and pembrolizumab, the patient developed immune-related pneumonitis and colitis. Therefore, pemetrexed and pembrolizumab were discontinued, and 0.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone was started. Despite gradual reduction of the prednisolone to 15 mg/day along with resolution of the pneumonitis and colitis, hepatic dysfunction occurred (elevated serum bilirubin and transaminase levels). We made a diagnosis of immune-related hepatitis based on liver biopsy results and negative results for other causes, such as viral infection. We increased the prednisolone dose to 2 mg/kg/day; however, the hepatic dysfunction was not resolved. Upon sequential methylprednisolone pulse therapy (1,000 mg/day), mycophenolate mofetil, and azathioprine treatment, the hepatic dysfunction plateaued but was not resolved. The patient did not respond to steroids for immune-related hepatitis, developed infectious enteritis owing to a compromised state, and died of sepsis on day 107 after diagnosis of immune-related hepatitis. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis of steroid-refractory disease, prompt initiation of immunosuppressive agents, and steroid dose reduction in such cases. The changes in liver function during steroid non-response and immunosuppressive drug induction in this case are valuable as a reference for future cases of immune-related adverse event hepatitis.
A Case of Metastatic Iris Tumor from Adenocarcinoma of the Cecum Diagnosed by Combined Tumor Markers in Aqueous Humor and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
Authors: Mitamura Mizuho , Kase Satoru , Suimon Yuka , Hashimoto Yamato , Watanabe Ryoko , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Ishida Susumu
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The diagnosis of metastatic iris tumor is made by a fine-needle aspiration biopsy of part of the solid component of the tumor and tumor cells seeded in the anterior chamber; however, sometimes the diagnosis is not made due to insufficient sample volumes. We report a case of metastatic iris tumor in which measurement of tumor marker levels in the aqueous humor together with fine needle aspiration cytology contributed to the diagnosis. Case Report: An 80-year-old Japanese woman was referred to our hospital because of an iris mass. Six months before the initial visit, the patient was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the cecum. Slit-lamp microscopy revealed an elevated iris mass. Fine-needle aspiration cytology suggested adenocarcinoma. The carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level in the anterior chamber was 5,716.1 ng/mL, and serum CEA level measured on the same day were 678.5 ng/mL. These data indicated CEA levels synchronously elevated in both anterior chamber and serum. Based on aspiration cytology and high CEA levels of anterior chamber, she was diagnosed with metastatic iris tumor derived from adenocarcinoma of the cecum. One month after the initial visit, right eye irradiation was performed for metastatic iris tumor. Conclusions: Measurement of tumor marker levels in the aqueous humor, together with fine needle aspiration cytology of the tumor, contributes to the diagnosis of metastatic iris tumors.