bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 3D-Planned Inward Fragmentation Technique for the Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Case Series
Authors: Engelke Wilfried , Streit David , Acuña-Mardones Pablo , von Marttens Randal , Beltrán Víctor
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: The extraction of impacted mandibular third molars (M3Ms) carries significant risks, especially regarding the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 3D-planned inward fragmentation technique (3Dp-IFT) to improve surgical outcomes, reduce complications, and preserve bone structure in cases involving complex M3M impactions. Methods: Twenty-three patients aged between 18 and 36 years requiring M3M removal were included. Preoperative planning involved the use of cone–beam computed tomography (CBCT) for precise localization of the furcation area, followed by the creation of a 3D navigation template using PlastyCAD software version 1.7. The surgical procedure was performed under local anesthesia, with meticulous endoscopic assistance to ensure accurate access and minimize trauma. Postoperative outcomes, such as bone loss, pain, swelling, and mouth opening range, were carefully measured. The data were systematically organized and analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel. Results: No disturbances to the IAN or lingual nerve were observed. The mean buccal bone loss was 2.2 mm, with a standard deviation of 1.2 mm. Postoperative pain and swelling were generally low, with significant reductions within the first week. The use of the 3D navigation template significantly improved surgical access, enhancing safety and minimizing complications. Conclusions: The 3Dp-IFT technique represents a significant advancement in the minimally invasive removal of M3M by allowing precise access to critical anatomical areas while minimizing bone loss and postoperative complications. This approach is particularly beneficial for complex cases involving M3M near the IAN, thereby improving surgical safety and patient outcomes.
Comparison of Oral Procainamide and Mexiletine Treatment of Recurrent and Refractory Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias
Authors: Toniolo Mauro , Muser Daniele , Mugnai Giacomo , Rebellato Luca , Daleffe Elisabetta , Bilato Claudio , Imazio Massimo
Published: October 2024

Background: Antiarrhythmic therapy for recurrent ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) in patients having undergone catheter ablation and in whom amiodarone and/or beta-blockers were ineffective or contraindicated is a controversial issue. Purpose: The present study sought to compare the efficacy and tolerability of oral procainamide and mexiletine in patients with recurrent ventricular arrhythmias when the standard therapy strategy failed. Methods: All patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) treated with oral procainamide or mexiletine for recurrent ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) in two cardiology divisions between January 2010 and January 2020 were enrolled. Patients were divided into group A (oral procainamide) and group B (mexiletine) and the two groups were compared to each other. The primary endpoint was the efficacy of therapy; the secondary endpoint was the discontinuation of therapy. All events that occurred during procainamide or mexiletine treatment were compared with a matched duration period before the initiation of the therapy. Antiarrhythmic therapy was considered effective when a ≥80% reduction of the sustained ventricular arrhythmias burden recorded by the ICD was achieved. Results: A total of 68 consecutive patients (61 males, 89.7%; mean age 74 ± 10 years) were included in this retrospective analysis. After a median follow-up of 19 months, 38 (56%) patients had a significant reduction in the VA burden. After multivariable adjustment, therapy with procainamide was independently associated with an almost 3-fold higher efficacy on VA suppression compared to mexiletine (HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.06–6.14, p = 0.03). Only three patients (9%) treated with procainamide presented severe side effects (dyspnea or hypotension) requiring discontinuation of therapy compared with six patients (18%) treated with mexiletine who interrupted therapy because of severe side effects (p = 0.47). Conclusions: Compared to mexiletine, oral procainamide had a higher efficacy for the treatment of recurrent and refractory VAs, and showed a good profile of tolerability.
Radical Cystectomy with Ileal Orthotopic Neobladder after 70 Years Leads to Worse Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Pyrgidis Nikolaos , Schulz Gerald Bastian , Ebner Benedikt , Jokisch Friedrich , Eismann Lennert , Karatas Deniz , Fouladgar Sarah Takayama , Hermans Julian , Keller Patrick , Stief Christian , Volz Yannic
Published: October 2024

Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) with the formation of an ileal orthotopic neobladder (ONB) may adversely affect long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL). An advanced age at the time of ONB construction could further exacerbate the decline in HRQOL. This study aims to establish an evidence-based age threshold at the time of RC with ONB, beyond which a significant deterioration in HRQOL is observed. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all bladder cancer patients in our department between 2013 and 2022 that fulfilled the EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire preoperatively, as well as at 3 and 12 months after RC with ONB. Patients receiving neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy or benign/palliative RC were excluded. Results: Overall, 120 patients (81% males) with a mean age of 66 ± 9.6 years underwent RC with ONB and fulfilled the selection criteria. The Global Health Status (GHS) of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 was 64 ± 23 preoperatively, was 64 ± 20 three months postoperatively, and was 68 ± 23 twelve months postoperatively. Overall, 80 (67%) patients presented an increase in GHS at twelve months compared to their preoperative values. The perioperative complications did not differ between patients with decreased and increased GHS. Patients with increased GHS had values of 58 ± 24 preoperatively, 67 ± 19 at 3 months, and 77 ± 16 at 12 months. Patients with decreased GHS had values of 76 ± 16 preoperatively, 57 ± 21 at 3 months, and 50 ± 25 at 12 months. Using ROC analyses with Youden’s index, we defined a threshold of 70 years, after which RC with ONB may lead to worse GHS twelve months postoperatively. Worse continence outcomes were the only perioperative and long-term parameters that predicted worse HRQOL in elderly patients. Conclusions: Based on HRQOL, we suggest that RC with an ileal conduit as a urinary diversion should be recommended in patients older than 70 years.
Surface-Modified Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Natural Biopolymers for Magnetic Hyperthermia: Effect of Reducing Agents and Type of Biopolymers
Authors: Hajalilou Abdollah , Ferreira Liliana P. , Jorge M. E. Melo , Reis César P. , Cruz Maria Margarida
Published: October 2024

Magnetic fluid hyperthermia, a minimally invasive localized therapy that uses heat generated by magnetic nanoparticles under an AC magnetic field, is a complementary approach for cancer treatment that is excellent due to its advantages of being noninvasive and addressing only the affected region. Still, its use as a stand-alone therapy is hindered by the simultaneous requirement of nanoparticle biocompatibility, good heating efficiency, and physiological safe dose. To overcome these limits, the biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles’ heating efficiency must be optimized. Iron oxide nanoparticles are accepted as the more biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles available. Therefore, in this work, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized by a low-cost coprecipitation method and modified with starch and gum to increase their heating efficiency and compatibility with living tissues. Two different reducing agents, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), were used to compare their influence. The X-ray diffraction results indicate the formation of a single magnetite/maghemite phase in all cases, with the particle size distribution depending on the coating and reducing agent. Citric acid functionalized water-based ferrofluids were also prepared to study the heating efficiency of the nanoparticles under a magnetic field with a 274 kHz frequency and a 14 kAm−1 amplitude. The samples prepared with NaOH display a higher specific loss power (SLP) compared to the ones prepared with NH4OH. The SLP value of 72 Wg−1 for the magnetic nanoparticles coated with a combination of starch and gum arabic, corresponding to an intrinsic loss power (ILP) of 2.60 nWg−1, indicates that they are potential materials for magnetic hyperthermia therapy.
FEM Investigation of the Roughness and Residual Stress of Diamond Burnished Surface
Authors: Ferencsik Viktoria
Published: October 2024

Characterization of surface integrity is possible with three critical metrics: microstructure, surface roughness, and residual stress. The latter two are discussed in this paper for low-alloyed aluminum material quality. Ball burnishing is a regularly used finishing procedure to improve surface roughness, shape accuracy, and fatigue life, taking advantage of the fact that it can favorably influence the variation in stress conditions in the material. The effect of burnishing is investigated using finite element simulation with DEFORM 2D software using the real surface roughness of the workpiece. The FEM model of the process is validated with experimental tests, the surface roughness is measured using an AltiSurf520 measuring device, and the residual stress is analyzed with a Stresstech Xstress 3000 G3R X-ray diffraction system (Stresstech, Vaajakoski, Finland). The results indicate that the burnishing process improves the surface roughness and stress conditions of AlCu6BiPb low-alloyed aluminum, and the study shows that there is good agreement between the FE and experimental results, further revealing the effect of the process parameters on the distribution of the compressive residual stress.
Effects of Specific RAMP Protocol Phase on Change of Direction Speed of Police Students
Authors: Kukić Filip , Zlojutro Nemanja , Paspalj Darko , Bajić Senka , Kovačević Saša , Vulin Lazar , Rađević Nenad , Koropanovski Nenad
Published: October 2024

Background: This study assessed the effects of two distinct RAMP (Raise, Activate, Mobilize, Potentiate) protocols, mobility-focused and reactiveness-focused, on change of direction speed in police students (i.e., tactical athletes). Methods: A longitudinal design with two experimental and one control group was employed. The study sample consisted of 39 police students (aged 19.2 ± 0.2 yrs) who were randomly allocated into three equal groups of 13 participants (7 females and 6 males). Experimental groups were labeled as the mobility group or reactiveness group based on the type of RAMP protocol they performed. During the tactical physical education classes, the mobility group performed four complex mobility exercises, while the reactiveness group performed four exercises for trunk reactiveness. After the specific warm-up, both groups continued with syllabus activities. The control group performed only regular activities based on the study syllabus. All participants performed the Illinois Agility test unloaded (IAT) and loaded (10 kg vest [IATL]) and Functional Movement Screening (FMS) before and after 8 weeks of the applied protocols. Results: In general, improvements were observed across all participants in the IAT (p < 0.001), IATL (p < 0.001), and FMS (p < 0.001). The mobility protocol had a more substantial impact compared to the reactiveness protocol on the IAT (d = 0.55 vs. d = 0.40), IATL (d = 0.44 vs. d = 0.38), and FMS (d = 0.88 vs. d = −0.42). Additionally, the control group, which did not follow either RAMP protocol, did not show significant improvements. Conclusions: These results underscore the importance of incorporating targeted mobility training in the limited time available for strength and conditioning programs, as it improves occupationally relevant movement qualities such as change of direction speed ability. Prioritizing mobility training in young tactical athletes may offer broader benefits compared to reactiveness training.
Executive Functioning in Different Types of Reading Disabilities
Authors: Cadime Irene , Rodrigues Bruna , Ribeiro Iolanda , Martín-Aragoneses María Teresa
Published: October 2024

Students with reading disabilities form a heterogeneous group: some struggle with accurate and fast reading (dysfluent readers), others with comprehension (poor comprehenders), and some face challenges in both areas (poor readers). Research has indicated a link between executive functioning skills and reading performance; yet, further studies are necessary to fully understand the executive profiles in various types of reading disabilities. The goal of this study was to examine differences in executive functioning among three types of reading disabilities, comparing their performance with that of children without difficulties in either skill (typical readers). Ninety-one students from schools in Portugal participated in the study. The results reveal specific deficits in naming speed and cognitive flexibility in poor readers and dysfluent readers compared to the other groups. Additionally, poor readers exhibited significantly slower processing speed and lower working memory. However, no significant differences were observed in planning. Discriminant function analysis results indicated that the examined executive functions are better at discriminating groups with fluency deficits than those with comprehension difficulties. In conclusion, these results suggest distinct deficit patterns in executive functioning skills across different types of reading disabilities. Taking into account these findings is crucial for effective assessment and intervention with these children.
An In-Depth Exploration of Numerical Simulations for Stress Fields in Multi-Directional Rolling Processes
Authors: Sun Lele , Zhang Mingbo , Xu Changxu
Published: October 2024

To address issues such as large surface roughness, coarse grains, and poor mechanical properties in low-carbon steel parts produced through wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), this paper proposes a method combining multi-directional incremental forming with the WAAM process. The additive manufacturing and cooling processes were simulated using the finite element software Abaqus to analyze the effects of multi-directional additive manufacturing on the stress field of the fabricated parts. The results indicate that after multi-directional incremental forming, the residual stress in the fabricated parts shifts from tensile stress to compressive stress, thereby reducing the risk of defects such as cracks. Moreover, the equivalent plastic strain of the processed parts increases, and the surface microhardness improves, with the most significant impact of multi-directional incremental forming observed in the contact area of the rolling head.
Unmanned Surface Vessel–Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Cooperative Path Following Based on a Predictive Line of Sight Guidance Law
Authors: Zhang Hugan , Fan Jiaming , Zhang Xianku , Xu Haitong , Guedes Soares C.
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the cooperative control of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in maritime rescue and coastal surveillance. The USV-UAV system faces challenges of disturbances and substantial inertia-induced overshooting during path following. A novel position prediction line of sight (LOS) guidance law is proposed to address these issues for USV path following control. Radial basis function-based neural networks (RBF-NNs) are used to estimate disturbances, and a high-order differentiator is used to design a velocity observer for unknown USV velocity. The UAV control system employs proportional–derivative (PD) control with feedforward compensation for quadrotor control design and utilizes a finite-time converging third-order differentiator to differentiate non-continuous functions. The simulation results demonstrate strong robustness in the proposed USV-UAV cooperative control algorithm. It achieves path following control in the presence of wind and wave disturbances and exhibits minimal overshoot.
Deep Learning Methods to Mitigate Human-Factor-Related Accidents in Maritime Transport
Authors: Cao-Feijóo Genaro , Pérez-Canosa José M. , Pérez-Castelo Francisco J. , Orosa José A.
Published: October 2024

Artificial intelligence aims to be the solution to multiple engineering problems by trying to emulate the human learning process. In this sense, maritime transport standards have clearly evolved, which are based on two principal pillars: the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Based on a formal safety assessment research process, these pillars try to solve most of the maritime transport accidents, which, in their final steps, are associated with human factors. In this research, an original methodology employing a deep learning process for image recognition during mooring line operation, a dangerous process on ships, is developed. The main results indicate that the proposed method is an excellent tool for advising ship officers on watch and, consequently, provides a new way to prevent human factors onboard from causing accidents, which in the future must be considered in international standards.
Dynamic Response Prediction Model for Jack-Up Platform Pile Legs Based on Random Forest Algorithm
Authors: Cui Xiaohui , Liu Hui , Lin Xiang , Zou Jiahe , Wang Yu , Zhou Bo
Published: October 2024

Jack-up offshore platforms are widely used in many fields, and it is of great importance to quickly and accurately predict the dynamic response of platform pile leg structures in real time. The current analytical techniques are founded upon numerical modelling of the platform structure. Although these methods can be used to accurately analyze the dynamic response of the platform, they require a large quantity of computational resources and cannot meet the requirements of real-time prediction. A predictive model for the dynamic response of the pile leg of a jack-up platform based on the random forest algorithm is proposed. Firstly, a pile leg dynamic response database is established based on high-fidelity numerical model simulation calculations. The data are subjected to cleaning and dimensional reduction in order to facilitate the training of the random forest model. Cross-checking and Bayesian optimization algorithms are used for the selection of random forest parameters. The results show that the prediction model is capable of outputting response results for new environmental load inputs within a few milliseconds, and the prediction results remain highly accurate and perform well at extreme values.
Numerical Investigation of Hydrodynamic Characteristics of a Rim-Driven Thruster Coupled with an Underwater Vehicle
Authors: Liu Bao , Ouyang Wu , Yan Xinping , Vanierschot Maarten
Published: October 2024

In this paper, the hydrodynamic characteristics of a rim-driven thruster (RDT) behind the hull of an underwater vehicle are investigated. The studied underwater vehicle is the benchmark DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) suboff model, with and without full appendages. In order to verify and validate the numerical model, a grid sensitivity analysis is made for the AFF-1, AFF-8 and the ducted propeller cases, respectively. Then, the resistance and pressure distribution over the surface of the suboff with and without appendages are compared with available experimental measurements and good correlations were observed. As for the propeller, a well-studied ducted propeller, the 19A duct in combination with Ka-47 blades, is employed, and the numerical results exhibit a close relationship with the available experimental data under a wide range of advance coefficients. Afterwards, the self-propulsion characteristics of the suboff models propelled by RDTs using different duct configurations are studied, more specifically, the unsteady effects of the flow field induced by the interactions between propeller and hull under various working conditions. The results indicate that due to the influence of the hull, the RDTs operate in different working conditions compared to open water and exhibit distinct hydrodynamic characteristics. Moreover, the duct profile can have a significant effect on the unsteady pressure fluctuations in the flow field, especially in the vicinity of the propeller.
Incidence of Type 1 Diabetes in Children Aged 0–14 Years in Trentino–Alto Adige Region and Determinants of Onset with Ketoacidosis
Authors: Fanti Stefania , Lazzarotto Denise , Reinstadler Petra , Quaglia Nadia , Maines Evelina , Lamberti Maria Agostina , Cauvin Vittoria , Pertile Riccardo , Soffiati Massimo , Franceschi Roberto
Published: October 2024

Aim: To assess the incidence and the temporal trend of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during the period 2014–2023 in youths aged 0–14 years in the Trentino–Alto Adige region, Italy. Methods: A retrospective review of all incident cases of T1D diagnosed at the two Pediatric Diabetes Centers of Bolzano and Trento was matched with diabetes exemptions (No. 344). Demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic status (SES) data at first hospitalization were collected from subjects who agreed to participate (No. 272). Results: The incidence of T1D was 21.5/100,000 person/years, with a peak of 31.1 in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mean age at the onset was 8.8 ± 3.9 years. Seventy-nine percent of the subjects were Italians, primarily residents in rural areas, and SES was equally represented. The mean incidence of DKA was 36.9%. The logistic regression analysis showed that the independent characteristics of the patients with DKA were of a younger age and displayed higher glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values. No relation of DKA with seasonality, ethnicity, or first-degree relative (FDR) with T1D or SES was detected. Conclusions: Our study revealed an incidence of T1D in the Trentino–Alto Adige region comparable to other areas in the North of Italy. The DKA rate negatively correlated with age; therefore, targeted prevention educational campaigns to increase awareness are needed.
Prediction of Fetal Death in Preterm Preeclampsia Using Fetal Sex, Placental Growth Factor and Gestational Age
Authors: Novillo-Del Álamo Blanca , Martínez-Varea Alicia , Sánchez-Arco Carmen , Simarro-Suárez Elisa , González-Blanco Iker , Nieto-Tous Mar , Morales-Roselló José
Published: October 2024

Background/Objectives: Preeclampsia (PE) is a systemic disease that affects 4.6% of pregnancies. Despite the existence of a first-trimester screening for the prediction of preterm PE, no consensus exists regarding neither the right moment to end the pregnancy nor the appropriate variables to estimate the prognosis. The objective of this study was to obtain a prediction model for perinatal death in patients with preterm PE, useful for clinical practice. Methods: Singleton pregnant women with PE and preterm delivery were included in an observational retrospective study. Multiple maternal and fetal variables were collected, and several multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to construct models to predict perinatal death, selecting the most accurate and reproducible according to the highest area under the curve (AUC) and the lowest Akaike Information Criteria (AIC). Results: A group of 148 pregnant women were included, and 18 perinatal deaths were registered. Univariable logistic regression selected as statistically significant variables the following: gestational age (GA) at admission, fetal sex, poor response to antihypertensive drugs, PlGF, umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI), cerebroplacental ratio (CPR), and absent/reversed ductus venosus (DV). The multivariable model, including all these parameters, presented an AUC of 0.95 and an AIC of 76.5. However, a model including only GA and fetal sex presented a similar accuracy with the highest simplicity (AUC 0.93, AIC 67.6). Finally, in fetuses with a similar GA, fetal death became dependent on PlGF and fetal sex, underlying the role of fetal sex in all circumstances. Conclusions: Female fetal sex and low PlGF are notorious predictors of perinatal death in preterm PE, only surpassed by early GA at birth.
Cultural Heritage, Migration, and Land Use Transformation in San José Chiltepec, Oaxaca
Authors: Lugo-Espinosa Gema , Acevedo-Ortiz Marco Aurelio , Aquino-Bolaños Teodulfo , Ortiz-Hernández Yolanda Donají , Ortiz-Hernández Fernando Elí , Pérez-Pacheco Rafael , López-Cruz Juana Yolanda
Published: October 2024

Indigenous communities worldwide face increasing challenges from modernization, migration, and economic pressures, which threaten their traditional agricultural systems and cultural heritage. These dynamics often lead to shifts in land use, the erosion of ancestral knowledge, and the weakening of cultural identity. Understanding how these communities adapt to such changes is crucial for sustainable development. This research examines how indigenous communities, particularly San José Chiltepec in Oaxaca, balance the preservation of cultural heritage with adapting to evolving agricultural practices and land use transformations. It emphasizes the critical role of indigenous knowledge in sustainable land management and the importance of cultural identity amidst socio-economic pressures. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating geostatistical data, spatial analysis, and qualitative insights from municipal development plans and community-based observations. This provided a detailed understanding of how local conditions and external forces shape land use and conservation. The findings reveal that, while irrigated agriculture and pasturelands have declined, the community has shown resilience through the preservation of seasonal farming and the expansion of secondary vegetation. San José Chiltepec serves as a model for how indigenous communities can maintain cultural and environmental heritage while adapting to modern economic challenges.
Sustainable Mobility in the Century of Metropolises: Case Study of Greater London
Authors: Ribeiro Vinicius , Fachinelli Ana
Published: October 2024

The 21st century, known as the “metropolitan century”, saw urban populations exceed half the global populace. By 2035, emerging metropolises, particularly in Asia and Africa, highlight the urgent need for research on urban growth, demographics, and mobility’s role in sustainable development. The objective of this study is to explore the key aspects of mobility essential for sustaining metropolitan regions, with a focus on the case of Greater London. The research aims to understand, through interview analysis and urban theories, how mobility contributes to socio-spatial equity, connectivity, and integrated governance, highlighting the importance of sustainability—such as decarbonization and the promotion of non-motorized transport—in the context of global sustainable development commitments. This research, through a convergent analysis of interviewees’ responses, has identified thirty-one fundamental attributes to enhance our understanding of sustainable mobility. The results indicate that mobility is a key driver for socio-spatial equity, connectivity, and integrated governance within metropolitan regions; it also shows that successful infrastructure work necessarily calls for collaboration between different administrative levels. Finally, the imperative for sustainability in mobility—as exemplified by decarbonization and the encouragement of non-motorized transport—arises as an urgent element in ordering development at the urban scale vis-à-vis global sustainability commitments, such as SDG 11.
Leverage Effect of New-Built Green Spaces on Housing Prices in a Rapidly Urbanizing Chinese City: Regional Disparities, Impact Periodicity, and Park Size
Authors: Yu Siqi , Hu Shuxian , Ren Yujie , Xu Hao , Song Weixuan
Published: October 2024

While newly built urban green spaces aim to address environmental concerns, the resulting green gentrification and social inequality caused by escalating property values have become critical topics of urban socio-spatial research. To prevent green initiatives from becoming unaffordable for their intended beneficiaries in rapidly urbanizing cities, it is essential to examine the spatial and temporal relationships between the construction of new green spaces and rising housing prices. This study employs a difference-in-differences methodology to analyze regional disparities, impact periodicity, and the influence of park size on housing prices, using Nanjing, China as a case study. This result reveals that the introduction of new-built parks in Nanjing significantly impacts housing prices within an 800 m radius. The premium effect of these parks is substantially higher in urban core areas compared to suburban locales, demonstrating spatial differentials. Suburban parks temporally exhibit a prolonged lag and a shorter premium impact duration. Moreover, among various park areas, medium-sized parks demonstrate the most pronounced leverage effect, approximately double that of large parks, while small parks do not significantly affect housing prices. To mitigate the exacerbation of premium effects and enhance social justice in green strategies, we advocate prioritizing the development of small parks, particularly in urban core areas, and leveraging the temporal delay in new-built park impacts for urban policy interventions.
Economic and Environmental Effects of Farmers’ Green Production Behaviors: Evidence from Major Rice-Producing Areas in Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Zhang Mengling , Zhou Li , Zhang Yuhan , Zhou Wangyue
Published: October 2024

This study examines the economic and environmental impacts of green production practices among farmers. It aims to contribute to sustainable agricultural development, mitigate agricultural non-point source (NPS) pollution, and align environmental protection with economic growth. This paper utilizes survey data from 1345 farm households in the main rice production areas of Jiangxi Province, China, using the example of reduced fertilizer application (RFA) among rice farmers. This study constructs a slack-based measure data envelopment analysis (DEA—SBM) model with undesirable outputs to measure environmental effects and applies an endogenous switching regression model (ESRM) to test the economic and environmental effects of farmers’ adoption of green production technologies. We found the following: (1) The RFA behavior of farmers has a significant positive impact on their net profit per hectare (NPH), helping farmers increase their income, with the increase ranging from 2.05% to 6.54%. (2) Farmers’ RFA behavior has a significant positive impact on agricultural green productivity (AGP), contributing to the improvement of the environment, ranging from 44.09% to 45.35%. (3) A heterogeneity analysis found inconsistencies in the income-enhancing and environmental-enhancing effects at different quantiles of NPH and AGP. Therefore, attention should be placed on improving the agricultural product quality supervision system under the market circulation mechanism, creating land scale conditions conducive to the promotion and application of fertilizer reduction technologies and promoting the implementation of externality internalization compensation systems.
Soil-Based Emissions and Context-Specific Climate Change Planning to Support the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on Climate Action: A Case Study of Georgia (USA)
Authors: Nelson Davis G. , Mikhailova Elena A. , Zurqani Hamdi A. , Lin Lili , Hao Zhenbang , Post Christopher J. , Schlautman Mark A. , Shepherd George B.
Published: October 2024

Soil-based emissions from land conversions are often overlooked in climate planning. The objectives of this study were to use quantitative data on soil-based greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the state of Georgia (GA) (USA) to examine context-specific (temporal, biophysical, economic, and social) climate planning and legal options to deal with these emissions. Currently, 30% of the land in GA has experienced anthropogenic land degradation (LD) primarily due to agriculture (64%). All seven soil orders were subject to various degrees of anthropogenic LD. Increases in overall LD between 2001 and 2021 indicate a lack of land degradation neutrality (LDN) in GA. Besides agricultural LD, there was also LD caused by increased development through urbanization, with 15,197.1 km2 developed, causing midpoint losses of 1.2 × 1011 kg of total soil carbon (TSC) with a corresponding midpoint social cost from carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (SC-CO2) of USD $20.4B (where B = billion = 109, $ = U.S. dollars (USD)). Most developments occurred in the Metro Atlanta and Coastal Economic Development Regions, which indicates reverse climate change adaptation (RCCA). Soil consumption from developments is an important issue because it limits future soil or forest carbon (C) sequestration potential in these areas. Soil-based emissions should be included in GA’s carbon footprint. Understanding the geospatial and temporal context of land conversion decisions, as well as the social and economic costs, could be used to create incentives for land management that limit soil-based GHG emissions in a local context with implications for relevant United Nations (UN) initiatives.
Long-Term Evolution of Ecologically Fragile Waterside Rural Areas and Strategies for Local Spatial Planning: An Empirical Study in Baiyangdian, China
Authors: Wang Chaoqun , He Jie
Published: October 2024

Under the dynamics of urbanization and counterurbanization, rural areas in China face both challenges and opportunities with the government’s new-town policy. A comprehensive analysis is essential for developing effective strategies. Characterized by traditional water settlements and high ecological sensitivity, Anxin County, which encompasses 50% of Baiyangdian Lake, was selected as a case study. Anxin County was incorporated into the National New Area in 2017, and it served as an experimental site for green ecological development. This study aims to provide insights into the sustainable spatial planning of Anxin County’s settlements by examining their long-term evolution and locational differences, modeling the driving mechanisms, and proposing differentiated spatial planning strategies based on predictive outcomes. Our research findings indicate the folllowing: (1) Anxin County’s settlements have expanded significantly in the past, with a notable surge between 1975 and 1996. Initially, semi-waterside settlements experienced the fastest growth before the 1970s, followed by land settlements. (2) Natural and socio-economic factors are modeled as independent variables to explain the evolution of settlement areas. The results indicate a decreasing impact of natural factors and an increasing influence of socio-economic factors over time. Furthermore, the evolution of settlements in water areas is relatively straightforward and random, whereas land settlements are influenced by a complex array of factors. (3) Utilizing the model to predict settlement growth, the study identifies settlements requiring relocation, and it proposes the most suitable relocation targets for them. A total of 23 villages, including Bei Tianzhuang and Cai Putai, are identified for relocation, while villages such as Ma Village, Bian Village, and Liu Lizhuang have strong capacities for accepting in-migrants. The study also offers recommendations for enhancing waterfront landscapes, flexible land use, road network systems, and internal construction.
Unveiling the Potential of Silymarin, Spirulina platensis, and Chlorella vulgaris towards Cardiotoxicity via Modulating Antioxidant Activity, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Rats
Authors: El-Gendy Hanem F. , Khalifa Hanem K. , Omran Ahmed , Korany Reda M. S. , Selim Shaimaa , Hussein Eman , Alhotan Rashed A. , Ayyoub Anam , Masoud Shimaa R.
Published: October 2024

This study assessed the possible pharmacological effects of Chlorella vulgaris (Cg), Spirulina platensis (St), and silymarin (Sl) against thioacetamide (TA)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats, with a focus on their antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. The following is the random grouping of sixty male rats into six groups of ten animals each: the control (negative control), TA-intoxicated group (positive control; 300 mg/kg body weight (BW)), Sl + TA group (100 mg Sl/kg BW + TA), St + TA group (400 mg St/kg BW + TA), Cg + TA (400 mg Cg/kg BW + TA), and St + Cg + TA group (400 St + 400 Cg mg/kg BW + TA) were all administered for 30 days. At the start of the study, groups 2 through 6 were administered TA intraperitoneally at a dosage of 300 mg/kg BW for two consecutive days, with a 24 h gap between each dose, to induce cardiac damage. Blood samples were obtained to measure hematological parameters and perform biochemical assays, including lipid profiles and cardiac enzymes. For histopathology and immunohistochemistry determination, tissue samples were acquired. The current findings showed that TA injection caused hematological alterations and cardiac injury, as evidenced by greater serum levels of troponin I, creatine kinase-MB, and total creatine kinase (p < 0.05), as well as significantly elevated serum malondialdehyde and decreased serum total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05) concentrations. Moreover, an increase in blood low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol concentration (p < 0.05) was recorded in the TA group. There were alterations in the heart tissue’s histological structure of the TA group compared to the control ones. These alterations were characterized by vacuolar degeneration of myocytes, loss of cross striation, coagulative necrosis, and fibrosis of interstitial tissue, which was ameliorated by the supplementation of SI, St, and Cg. The TA-intoxicated group showed weak expression of B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (p < 0.05) and strong immunoreactivity of tumor necrosis factor-α and B-cell lymphoma protein 2-associated X (p < 0.05). However, the groups receiving Sl, St, and Cg experienced the opposite. The administration of Sl, St, Cg, and St + Cg along with TA significantly improved and restored (p < 0.05) erythrogram indices, including RBCs, hemoglobin, total leukocytic count, lymphocytes, and monocyte, to the normal control values. The administration of Sl, St, and Cg alleviated the cardiotoxicity caused by TA via reducing oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and apoptosis in heart tissue. In summary, the current findings suggest that the treatment with Sl, St, and Cg was beneficial in ameliorating and reducing the cardiotoxicity induced by TA in rats.
MRI-Based Machine Learning for Prediction of Clinical Outcomes in Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Authors: Ko Ching-Chung , Liu Yan-Lin , Hung Kuo-Chuan , Yang Cheng-Chun , Lim Sher-Wei , Yeh Lee-Ren , Chen Jeon-Hor , Su Min-Ying
Published: October 2024

A portion of individuals diagnosed with primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) may experience early relapse or refractory (R/R) disease following treatment. This research explored the potential of MRI-based radiomics in forecasting R/R cases in PCNSL. Forty-six patients with pathologically confirmed PCNSL diagnosed between January 2008 and December 2020 were included in this study. Only patients who underwent pretreatment brain MRIs and complete postoperative follow-up MRIs were included. Pretreatment contrast-enhanced T1WI, T2WI, and T2 FLAIR imaging were analyzed. A total of 107 radiomic features, including 14 shape-based, 18 first-order statistical, and 75 texture features, were extracted from each sequence. Predictive models were then built using five different machine learning algorithms to predict R/R in PCNSL. Of the included 46 PCNSL patients, 20 (20/46, 43.5%) patients were found to have R/R. In the R/R group, the median scores in predictive models such as support vector machine, k-nearest neighbors, linear discriminant analysis, naïve Bayes, and decision trees were significantly higher, while the apparent diffusion coefficient values were notably lower compared to those without R/R (p < 0.05). The support vector machine model exhibited the highest performance, achieving an overall prediction accuracy of 83%, a precision rate of 80%, and an AUC of 0.78. Additionally, when analyzing tumor progression, patients with elevated support vector machine and naïve Bayes scores demonstrated a significantly reduced progression-free survival (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that preoperative MRI-based radiomics may provide critical insights for treatment strategies in PCNSL.
Changes in the Repertoire of tRNA-Derived Fragments in Different Blood Cell Populations
Authors: Artamonov Alexander A. , Kondratov Kirill A. , Bystritsky Egor A. , Nikitin Yuri V. , Velmiskina Anastasiya A. , Mosenko Sergey V. , Polkovnikova Irina A. , Asinovskaya Anna Yu. , Apalko Svetlana V. , Sushentseva Natalya N. , Ivanov Andrey M. , Scherbak Sergey G.
Published: October 2024

tRNA-derived fragments function as markers in addition to playing the key role of signalling molecules in a number of disorders. It is known that the repertoire of these molecules differs greatly in different cell types and varies depending on the physiological condition. The aim of our research was to compare the pattern of tRF expression in the main blood cell types and to determine how the composition of these molecules changes during COVID-19-induced cytokine storms. Erythrocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils from control donors and patients with severe COVID-19 were obtained by fluorescence sorting. We extracted RNA from FACS-sorted cells and performed NGS of short RNAs. The composition of tRNA-derived fragments was analysed by applying a semi-custom bioinformatic pipeline. In this study, we assessed the length and type distribution of tRFs and reported the 150 most prevalent tRF sequences across all cell types. Additionally, we demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05, fold change >16) change in the pattern of tRFs in erythrocytes (21 downregulated, 12 upregulated), monocytes (53 downregulated, 38 upregulated) and lymphocytes (49 upregulated) in patients with severe COVID-19. Thus, different blood cell types exhibit a significant variety of tRFs and react to the cytokine storm by dramatically changing their differential expression patterns. We suppose that the observed phenomenon occurs due to the regulation of nucleotide modifications and alterations in activity of various Rnases.
The Gross Anatomical and Histological Features of the Humerus in African Green Monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) from Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies
Authors: Martonos Cristian Olimpiu , Gudea Alexandru Ion , Little William Brady , Stan Florin Gheorghe , Lațiu Călin , Bolfa Pompei , Dezdrobitu Cristian Constantin
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a detailed gross description of all anatomical elements of the humerus in the African green monkey and provides comparative and differential elements on monkey osteology. The osteometric investigation adds value to the gross morphological investigation, adjoining metric data to the gross descriptive data set. An in-depth investigation of the microstructural aspects of the humeral bone tissue is provided, with qualitative and quantitative details and potential for diagnostic applications. Of the gross morphological elements described, several unique features specific to this species include the humeral head shape that presents with distinctive low convexity and caudal placement, the shape of the intertubercular groove, the less developed greater tubercle, and the disposition of the rotator cuff muscle insertion. Furthermore, the overall cranio-lateral curvature of the bone shaft was found to have a distinctive 154–155 degree of angulation of the diaphysis, and the well-developed medial epicondyle was observed with its distinctive medio-caudal retroflexion. The histological investigation was more indicative of a typical non-primate organization of the bone tissue, with laminar vascular and avascular structures combined with the presence of the secondary Haversian system involving a mixture of scattered and dense unorganized secondary osteonal structures. The histomorphometric investigation yielded metrical data for the secondary osteonal structures in terms of area (20,331 ± 5105 µm2), perimeter, and vascular canal area (64,769 ± 257 µm2).
Between Life and Death: Sea Urchin Embryos Undergo Peculiar DNA Fragmentation after Exposure to Vanadium, Cadmium, Gadolinium, and Selenium
Authors: Martino Chiara , Chiarelli Roberto
Published: October 2024

Exogenous DNA damage represents one of the most harmful outcomes produced by environmental, physical, or chemical agents. Here, a comparative analysis of DNA fragmentation was carried out on Paracentrotus lividus sea urchin embryos exposed to four common pollutants of the marine environment: vanadium, cadmium, gadolinium and selenium. Using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, fragmented DNA was quantified and localized in apoptotic cells mapping whole-mount embryos. This is the first study reporting how different chemicals are able to activate distinctive apoptotic features in sea urchin embryos, categorized as follows: (i) cell-selective apoptosis, showing DNA fragmentation restricted to a subset of extremely damaged cells, acting as an embryo survival mechanism; or (ii) total apoptosis, with fragmented DNA widespread throughout the cells of the entire embryo, leading to its death. Also, this is the first report of the effects of Se exposure on P. lividus sea urchin embryos. These data confirm the TUNEL assay as the most suitable test to study DNA fragmentation in the sea urchin embryo model system. Taken together, this research highlights embryos’ ability to find alternative pathways and set physiological limits for development under stress conditions.
Blood Growth Factor Levels in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: High Neuregulin-1 Is Associated with Comorbid Cardiovascular Pathology
Authors: Ermakov Evgeny A. , Melamud Mark M. , Boiko Anastasiia S. , Ivanova Svetlana A. , Sizikov Alexey E. , Nevinsky Georgy A. , Buneva Valentina N.
Published: October 2024

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are known to frequently suffer from comorbid cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). There are abundant data on cytokine levels and their role in the pathogenesis of SLE, while growth factors have received much less attention. The aim of this study was to analyze growth factor levels in SLE patients and their association with the presence of comorbid CVDs. The serum concentrations for the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), nerve growth factor β (NGFβ), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neuregulin-1 β (NRG-1β) were determined in the SLE patients (n = 35) and healthy individuals (n = 38) by a Luminex multiplex assay. The NGFβ and NRG-1β concentrations were shown to be significantly higher in the total group of SLE patients (median [Q1–Q3]: 3.6 [1.3–4.5] and 52.5 [8.5–148], respectively) compared with the healthy individuals (2.9 [1.3–3.4] and 13.7 [4.4–42] ng/mL, respectively). The GM-CSF and GDNF levels did not differ. Interestingly, elevated NRG-1β levels were associated with the presence of CVDs, as SLE patients with CVDs had significantly higher NRG-1β levels (99 [22–242]) compared with the controls (13.7 [4.4–42]) and patients without CVDs (19 [9–80] ng/mL). The model for the binary classification of SLE patients with and without CVDs based on the NRG-1β level had an average predictive ability (AUC = 0.67). Thus, altered levels of growth factors may be associated with comorbid CVDs in SLE patients.