bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of HDAC6 and HDAC6 Inhibition in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Vuletić Ana , Mirjačić Martinović Katarina , Spasić Jelena
Published: November 2023

Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) regulates many physiological processes that are involved in cancer development and progression such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, motility, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, by deacetylation of multiple substrates and association with interacting proteins. Due to its the ability to remove misfolded proteins, induce autophagy, and regulate unfolded protein response, HDAC6 plays a protective role in responses to stress and enables tumor cells survival. HDAC6 is often overexpressed in tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC) and is correlated with poor disease prognosis. However, it has been shown in animal models that HDAC6 is not essential for normal mammalian development. Therefore, it represents a good target for the development of novel cancer therapeutics. Selective inhibition of HDAC6 impairs growth and progression of many tumors without inducing major adverse events in experimental animals. In CRC, HDAC6 inhibitors have shown potential to reduce tumor progression and to enhance the therapeutic effect of other drugs. As HDAC6 is involved in regulation of immune responses, HDAC6 inhibitors have shown potential to improve antitumor immunity by increasing immunogenicity of tumor cells, augmenting immune cell activity and alleviating immunosuppression in tumor microenvironment. Therefore, HDAC6 inhibitors may represent promising candidates to improve the effect and to overcome resistance to immunotherapy.
Carbon Stock in Coastal Ecosystems of Tombolos of the White and Baltic Seas
Authors: Bagdasarov Ilya , Tseits Michail , Kryukova Iuliia , Taskina Kseniya , Bobrik Anna , Ilichev Igor Alexandrovich , Cheng Junxiang , Xu Ligang , Krasilnikov Pavel
Published: November 2023

“Blue carbon”, apart from marine humus, includes the carbon (C) stock of coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, marshes, and seagrass meadows, which have been overlooked until recently. Information about the role of coastal wetlands in C sequestration and providing other ecosystem services is still insufficient. In the present study, we assessed the C reserves of soils and vegetation biomass in two complex coastal landscapes (tombolos) located on the coasts of the White and Baltic seas. The soil and plant C stocks were slightly higher at the plot at the Baltic Sea (93.4 ± 46.7 Mg C·ha-1 and 5.22 ± 2.51 Mg C·ha-1, respectively) than at the plot on the White Sea (71.4 ± 38.2 Mg C·ha-1 and 3.95 ± 2.42 Mg C·ha-1, respectively). We attributed the higher values of the C reserved to a warmer climate and less saline water at the plot on the Baltic Sea. Both soil and plant C showed high heterogeneity due to geomorphological complexity and differences in vegetative communities. The Phragmites australis community showed the highest plant biomass and, in some places, high soil C reserves. Allochthonous C contributed to the soil C stock at the site on the White Sea. Though P. australis sequestered more C than other communities, its effect on ecosystem services was mostly negative because the invasion of reeds reduced the biological diversity of the marshes.
Trio-Based Exome Sequencing and High-Resolution HLA Typing in Families of Patients with Autoimmune Adrenal Insufficiency and Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome
Authors: Buianova Anastasiia A. , Yukina Marina. Yu , Cheranev Valery V. , Suchalko Oleg N. , Shmitko Anna O. , Samitova Alina F. , Nuralieva Nurana F. , Kulagina Elena V. , Savvateeva Elena N. , Troshina Ekaterina A. , Rebrikov Denis V. , Gryadunov Dmitry A. , Korostin Dmitriy O.
Published: November 2023

Trio-based exome sequencing and high-resolution HLA typing were employed to analyze three patients with autoimmune adrenal insufficiency (AAI), including those with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS) type 2, as well as their parents. Benign or likely benign variants of the AIRE gene were identified in all participants of the study. These variants, coupled with clinical data and the results of antibody studies to type I interferons, helped to exclude APS-1. Patients with APS-2, in contrast to patient with AAI, inherited distinct variants of unknown significance in the CLEC16A gene, which is associated with autoimmune diseases including AAI. Various risk alleles in other genes associated with autoimmunity were identified in all patients. HLA typing of second class loci revealed alleles related to APS types 2, 3, and 4. Nevertheless, the frequencies of the haplotypes identified are substantial in the healthy Russian population, precluding from regarding these alleles as genetic determinants linked to APS development. Immunological examination can detect antibody carriers and predict the risk of autoimmune disease development. In the future, to identify genetic predictors of autoimmune endocrinopathies, it is recommended to analyze the whole genome of patients and their relatives, examining clinically relevant variants in non-coding regions.
Machine Learning to Advance Human Genome‐Wide Association Studies
Authors: Sigala Rafaella , Lagou Vasiliki , Shmeliov Aleksey , Atito Sara , Kouchaki Samaneh , Awais Muhammad , Prokopenko Inga , Mahdi Adam , Demirkan Ayse
Published: November 2023

Machine learning, including deep learning, reinforcement learning, and generative artificial intelligence are revolutionising every area of our lives when data is made available. With the help of these methods, we can decipher information from larger datasets while addressing the complex nature of biological systems in a more efficient way. Although machine learning methods have been introduced to human genetic epidemiological research as early as 2004, those were never used to their full capacity. In this review, we outline some of the main applications of machine learning to assigning human genetic loci to health outcomes. We summarise widely used methods and discuss their advantages and challenges. We also identify several tools, such as Combi, GenNet and GMSTool, specifically designed to integrate these methods for hypothesis-free analysis of genetic variation data. We elaborate on the additional value and limitations of these tools from a geneticist’s perspective. Finally, we discuss the fast-moving field of foundation models and large multi-modal omics biobank initiatives.
Biosynthesis of Gamma-AminoButyric Acid (GABA) by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in Fermented Food Production
Authors: Iorizzo Massimo , Paventi Gianluca , Martino Catello Di
Published: November 2023

In recent decades, given the important role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in human health, scientists have paid great attention to the enrichment of this chemical compound in food using various methods, including microbial fermentation. Moreover, GABA or GABA-rich products have been successfully commercialized as food additives or functional dietary supplements. Several microorganisms can produce GABA, including bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. Among GABA-producing bacteria, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are commonly used in the production of many fermented foods. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (previously Lactobacillus plantarum) has a long history of natural occurrence and safe use in a variety of food products. This LAB species provides functional properties to various fermented foods by producing a variety of bioactive compounds, including GABA. The present review aims, after a preliminary excursus on the function and biosynthesis of GABA, to provide an overview on the current uses of microorganisms and in particular of L. plantarum in the production of GABA, with a detailed focus on fermented foods.
ANALISIS KERAWANAN LONGSOR LAHAN DI KECAMATAN NGARGOYOSO KABUPATEN KARANGANYAR TAHUN 2023
Authors: Annas Muhammad , Muryani Chatarina , Nugraha Setya
Published: November 2023

Karanganyar Regency is one of the districts in Central Java that has natural disasters in the form of landslides caused by varying slopes, with Ngargoyoso District having a high level of landslide vulnerability. This research aims to determine the vulnerability to landslides in Ngargoyoso District. The method involves analyzing land units using scoring and weighting of six key parameters: slope, rock structure, soil type, fault location, rainfall, and land vegetation cover, which are then arranged as an overlay. The research results identified 94 land units divided into two classes of vulnerability to landslides: medium class and high class. The medium vulnerability class covers an area of ​​3,063.90 hectares or around 49.63% of the total area of ​​Ngargoyoso District. In comparison, the high vulnerability class has an area of ​​3,063.90 hectares, or around 50.37% of the total area of ​​the subdistrict. These results provide a clear picture of the vulnerability to landslides in the region, which can be used as a basis for disaster mitigation planning and better land management.
ANALISIS PERBEDAAN PEMAHAMAN MASYARAKAT TENTANG DESA TANGGUH BENCANA (DESTANA) DI DESA TAMBAKREJO KABUPATEN BLITAR JAWA TIMUR
Authors: Bigandata Yulis , Endarwati Susiani , Wahyuni Purbudi , Maharani Yohana Noradika
Published: November 2023

Indonesia is located on the meeting point of three continent pieces namely Indo-Australia, Eurasia, and Pacific. That is why Indonesia has high risk of earthquake either low or high level. Blitar Regency is one of the areas which has risk of tsunami namely  Wonotirto District, Panggungrejo District, Wates District, and Bakung District.The goal of this research is to analyze the different understanding of villagers about Disaster Sturdy Village or Desa Tanguh Bencana (Destana) in Tambakrejo Village Wonotirto District Blitar Regency. The kind of approach in this study is qualitative research with pre-experimental by using pre test-post test. The data were taken by giving questionnaire, and then they were analyzed by  Wilcoxon Match Pairs Test. The result of this study shows that there are 39 respondents (54,2%) who have less understanding about Disaster Sturdy Village or Desa Tanguh Bencana (Destana) before giving infromation about Disaster Sturdy Village. After  being given information about Disaster Sturdy Village, it was got  44 respondents (61.1%) who have good understanding. The result of analysis shows the significant difference namely Z result -5.468 with (σ ≤ 0.05). It means there is different understanding of the people about Disaster Sturdy Village before and after being given information.
PERBANDINGAN NILAI KETANGGUHAN DESA PESISIR ATAS RISIKO TSUNAMI DAN FAKTOR PERUBAHAN NILAI KETANGGUHAN: STUDI ATAS DESA PARANGTRITIS DAN DESA TIRTOHARGO, KABUPATEN BANTUL
Authors: Yugyasmono  , Gandar Mahojwala  , Eko Teguh Paripurno  , Purbudi Wahyuni
Published: November 2023

The southern coast of Java Island is a tsunami-prone area, and this condition has encouraged resilience assessment efforts carried out since 2019 by BNPB to test the resilience of villages, specifically in the event of a tsunami disaster. Like other areas on the southern coast of Java Island, Bantul Regency is at high risk, as are Parangtritis Village and Tirtohargo Village. These two villages were purposively chosen for comparison because both villages have the same high level of risk. This research aims to compare the resilience values ​​of the two villages based on assessments in 2019 and 2020 using the Village/District Disaster Resilience Assessment tool, as well as qualitatively exploring the factors that influence the resilience values ​​and changes in the resilience values ​​of the two villages. This study uses a qualitative method. Comparison of resilience values ​​is presented with narratives and comparison tables based on existing components, and exploration is explored through in-depth interviews with parties who help build resilience in the village. The results show that comparing values decreased the resilience value in Parangtritis Village from the Main Resilient Village category to the Middle Resilient Village. At the same time, there was an increase in Tirtohargo Village from the Middle Resilient Village category to the Main Resilient Village. Toughness, which is both above average, is influenced by experiences and lessons learned from the 2006 Earthquake, the strong values ​​of cooperation and independence, community initiatives through the Village DRR Forum, the role of village government, support from regional and central governments, contributions from non-government organizations, and the availability of village budgets. This research notes that enforcing assessment procedures and understanding assessment for facilitators and participants also influence the resulting value changes.
Application of Electric Fields to Reduce Microorganism Contamination for Animal-Based Products
Authors: Yudhistira Bara , Husnayain Naila , Punthi Fuangfah
Published: November 2023

Non-thermal preservation has become popular recently for the preservation of animal-based products. One of the non-thermal preservation methods is the electric field (EF) treatment of food, which can suppress enzyme and microorganism activity. The EF treatment itself consists of various types, including pulsed electric fields (PEF), high-voltage electric fields (HVEF), and alternating capacitive electric fields (ACEF and DCEF). This review discusses the EF treatment effects, especially PEF, on animal-based product preservation, including mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages, PEF application, and its preservation effect. PEF has the potential to be widely applied in food processing.
Productivity, energy use efficiency, economics and CO2 emission from integrated fish-duck farming in floodplain wetland ecosystems of eastern India
Authors: Ravi Kumar  , M. Monobrullah  , B. P. Bhatt  , A. Raizada  , A. R. Sen  , S. K. Samal  , Manoj Kumar
Published: November 2023

The study aims to assess productivity, economics, energy use efficiency and CO2e emissionfrom integrated fish-duck farming system (IFDF system) in floodplains of the eastern India.A total of six fish ponds were constructed and developed as IFDF system under floodplainsin which fingerlings were stocked @4000 acre-1 and integrated with 150 numbers of KhakiCampbell ducks. Average growth rate of fishes ranged from 27 g month-1 of mrigal to 31.7 gmonth-1 of grass carp and average body weight ranged from 465.2 g of mrigal to 823.2 gof grass carp. The fish equivalent yield was obtained as 3.06 t acre-1 year-1. The total energyinput, output and energy use efficiency ratio estimated were 111.8 GJ and 21.2 GJ and 0.19,respectively. Net income earned was ₹234393 acre-1 year-1 and BC ratio estimated was 1.91.Further, 0.56 kg CO2e was emitted to produce 1.0 kg of fish equivalent, which was muchlower than that of the production of rice, mutton and milk.
Keywords:CO2e emission, Economics, Energy, Fish-duckfarming, Floodplain, Productivity
Reproduction in Sepia aculeata Van Hasselt, 1835 along the Andhra Pradesh coast, off the western Bay of Bengal
Authors: Felix Jasmin , Muktha Menon  , Shubhadeep Ghosh  , Latha Shenoy
Published: November 2023

Sepia aculeata Van Hasselt, 1835 is a commercially important cuttlefish in Indian seaswith limited studies on its biology from the Indo-Pacific region. This study, observed thereproductive biology of S. aculeata from samples landed by the trawl fishery operating offthe coast of north Andhra Pradesh, off the western Bay of Bengal. A total of 3511 sampleswere studied, of which 2241 were females having dorsal mantle length (DML) ranging from8.7 to 21.4 cm and weight from 78 to 901 g and 1260 were male specimens of DML rangingfrom 7.9 to 21.9 cm and weight from 54 to 738 g. Females dominated the landings with a sexratio of 1.78. The length at first maturity was estimated at 14.3 and 12.6 cm DML for femalesand males, respectively. Both sexes spawned throughout the year with two significant peaksfrom July to October and from December to February with minor intermittent peaks. Theabsolute fecundity ranged from 330±1.44 x 102 eggs, with a relative fecundity of 75±8.94 x102 eggs 100 g-1 body weight. The results of this study may be used as inputs in assessingthe stock of S. aculeata in the study region.
Keywords:Cephalopods, Needle cuttlefish, Size at firstmaturity, Spawning season, Trawl fisheries
Population parameters and stock status of skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus, 1758) from Indian waters
Authors: Ghosh Shubhadeep , Rohit Pratibha , E. M. Abdussamad  , U. Ganga  , M. R. Margaret  , S. Surya  , H. M. Manas
Published: November 2023

Keywords: Catch rates, Exploitation, Growth, India, Katsuwonus pelamis, Landings, Mortality
Substituting dietary fishmeal with silkworm pupae meal in diets of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei): Effects on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, whole-body composition and digestive enzyme activities
Authors: Sathishkumar Govindharaj , Felix Nathan , Ranjan Amit , Nazir Mir Ishfaq , Prabu Elangovan , Manikandan Kalidoss
Published: November 2023

The present study evaluated the dietary substitution effect of silkworm pupae meal (SWP) forfish meal (FM) on growth performance, feed utilisation, whole-body proximate composition,amino acid profile and digestive enzyme activities of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeusvannamei). The shrimp were fed with six isonitrogenous (36% crude protein), isolipidic (8%crude lipid) and isocaloric (16 MJ kg-1) experimental diets, containing 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and100% SWP, respectively, to replace dietary FM. A total of 360 shrimps (average initial weightof 3.86±0.20 g) were distributed into 18 tanks (20 shrimp per tank). The experimental dietswere fed to triplicate groups of P. vannamei three times a day until satiation for 45 days.Significantly (p<0.05) higher growth performance and feed utilisation were found in shrimpfed diet with 60% incorporation level of SWP meal. No significant differences (p>0.05) wereobserved in the survival rate, whole-body proximate composition and amino acid profile ofshrimp fed SWP meal-incorporated diets. Additionally, higher specific activities of digestiveenzymes such as amylase, trypsin and lipase were observed in shrimps fed diet with 60%incorporation level of SWP meal. The present study revealed that dietary fish meal proteinup to 60% can be substituted with SWP without compromising growth performance, feedutilisation, whole-body proximate composition, amino acid profile and digestive enzymeactivities of Pacific white shrimp fed on SWP meal based diets.
Keywords:Amylase, Feed ingredient, Waste utilisation,Weight gain
A retrospective cohort study: vaccination status and safety analysis of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with Wilson's disease
Authors: Han Hui , Zhao Dan , Fang Xinru , Yang Wenming , Wang Mengli , Liu Qianzhuo , Wang Luyao , Ji Zhihui , Zhang Juan , Hou Zhifeng , Hua Lei , Wang Yu , Wu Limin
Published: November 2023

Background: Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare hepatic and neurological disorder，which can dramatically worsen by traumatic injuries, surgeries, and infections. No studies have reported safety data of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination in WD patients. We aimed to investigate the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status and post-vaccination adverse events in WD patients.
Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective, observational study. We investigated the vaccination rates, the type of vaccine, subjective reasons for non-vaccination, and the adverse events following vaccination. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between vaccination status and increased Unified Wilson's Disease Rating Scale (UWDRS) scores.
Results: A total of 554 WD patients with a mean (SD) age of 25.3 (10.85) years were included in this study, of whom 336 (60.6%) were males and 218 (39.4%) were females. 368 (66.4%) patients received at least one dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.186 (33.6%) patients were unvaccinated. Logistic regression analysis showed that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was not significantly associated with increased UWDRS scores. The safety analysis demonstrated that 21.2% had post-vaccination adverse events.
Conclusions: In this study, vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 was safe in WD patients, providing evidence for the safety of vaccination in WD patients.
Phylogenetic study of cox1 gene in Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato genotypes in southwestern Iran
Authors: Jamshidi Ali , Ghatee Mohammad Amin , Haniloo Ali , Fazaeli Asghar , Sabaghan Mohamad
Published: November 2023

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a serious global health concern, with Iran being recognized to have a high prevalence of the disease. The substantial genetic diversity of this parasite is closely linked to its life cycle, mechanisms of transmission, and toxicity. This study aimed to explore the phylogenetic structure of the genotypes of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s. l.) in southwest Iran (SWI). Seventy-two hydatid cyst samples were taken from a range of intermediate hosts, including naturally infected animals from adjacent slaughterhouses and patients at the SWI undergoing surgery. Samples were obtained from the liver, heart, lungs, and spleen. Following that, the cysts' protoscolices and germinal layers were extracted, triple-washed in normal saline, and kept at -20°C until needed. Sequence analysis revealed three genotypes of E. granulosus s. l. in the SWI: G1, G3, and genotypes like G6/G7. Twenty-one distinct haplotypes have been discovered. Even though it was discovered that some G1 and G6/G7 isolates had cox1 gene similarities over extensive geographic regions, these genotypes frequently revealed a diverse population worldwide. The G6/G7 genotype was found in the SWI, which connects it to the proliferation of the genotype among potential intermediate hosts like wild boar and camels and increases the chance of transmission from outside the region. The study's conclusions offer valuable information for further research and are useful to phylogenetic studies, CE control initiatives in Iran and abroad, and molecular epidemiology.
Impacts of Invasion on a Freshwater Cleaning Symbiosis
Authors: Bell Spencer , McElmurray Philip , Creed Robert , Brown Bryan
Published: November 2023

Invasions are a driving force behind the loss of biodiversity, but the effect of invasion on native symbiont communities has received scant attention. While invasive hosts may present an opportunity to native symbionts through providing a novel host environment, invasive hosts could also be noncompetent host, resulting in negative impacts on native symbionts. Two invasive crayfish hosts in the genus Faxonius have been introduced in three watersheds in western Virginia, USA. Previous studies suggest that the invasive host F. cristavarius is a less competent host for native branchiobdellidan symbionts when compared to native hosts in the genus Cambarus. We carried out an extensive survey in these watersheds to determine impacts of varying degrees of invasion on symbiont abundance and diversity. We also conducted an experiment to investigate how increases in the relative abundance of invasive hosts contributes to observed patterns of symbiont abundance and diversity in the field. In our survey, as the proportion of invasive hosts at a site increased branchiobdellidan abundance and diversity declined significantly. In the experiment, the worms dispersed onto both native and invasive hosts. As the percentage of invasive hosts increased, the survival of symbionts declined. Both symbiont survival and opportunities for successful dispersal were reduced as invasive hosts displaced native hosts. Given that many native hosts accrue significant fitness benefits from their relationships with native symbionts, losses of beneficial symbionts may produce a feedback loop that decreases invasion resistance of native species, exacerbates the effects of invasions, and presents a major conservation issue.
Breaking New Ground: Uncovering the Synergistic Impact of Difenoconazole and Salt on Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) Growth, Photosynthetic Pigments, and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Touzout Nabil , Hassani Djamel , Bouzidi Amel , Tahraoui Hichem , Mihoub Adil , Ainas Mahfoud , Slifi Malika , Telli Hayet , Zhang Jie , Amrane Abdeltif
Published: November 2023

Studies have shown that exposure to either fungicide difenoconazole (DIF) or salt (NaCl) alone can cause phytotoxicity in plants, but it remains uncertain whether co-exposure to these two xenobiotics, which often co-occur in the agroecosystem, can also induce phytotoxicity. This research aimed to study the phytotoxicity and underlying mechanisms of co-exposure to DIF (field recommended doses (0.5 L ha− 1) and NaCl (150 mM) in tomato seedlings. The results showed that exposure to DIF and/or NaCl causes phytotoxic effects in tomato seedlings, including a decrease in fresh weight and length of shoots and roots, damage to chlorophyll pigment, and induced oxidative stress in the leaves. Interestingly, combined exposure to DIF and NaCl exhibited synergistic effects on shoot and root biomass inhibition. Antioxidant defense analyses revealed that the DIF and/or NaCl exposure altered the activities of enzymes involved in the H2O2 scavenging (ascorbate peroxidase and catalase), and in xenobiotic detoxification (glutathione-s-transferase and peroxidase) in leaf tissues. Interestingly, combined exposure to DIF and NaCl markedly enhanced detoxifying enzymes, thereby enhancing xenobiotic biotransformation. In addition, DIF and/or NaCl exposure enhanced proline accumulation, and altered the thiols profile (reduced glutathione) content, while stimulating the phenylpropanoid pathway (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity) to produce secondary metabolites such as polyphenols and flavonoids. As pioneer research to highlight the phytotoxicity induced by co-exposure to DIF and NaCl in tomato seedlings, these results provide new insights into physio-biochemical responses of non-target plants to DIF and NaCl co-contamination and shedding light on the ecological risks of pesticides and salt exposure in agroecosystems.
Predicting polymerization reactions via transfer learning using chemical language models
Authors: Giro Ronaldo , Ferrari Brenda , Manica Matteo , Laino Teodoro , Steiner Mathias
Published: November 2023

Polymers are candidate materials for a wide range of sustainability applications such as carbon capture and energy storage. However, computational polymer discovery lacks automated analysis of reaction pathways and stability assessment through retro-synthesis. Here, we report the first extension of transformer-based language models to polymerization reactions for both forward and retrosynthesis tasks. To that end, we have curated a polymerization dataset for vinyl polymers covering reactions and retrosynthesis for representative homo-polymers and co-polymers. Overall, we obtain a forward model Top-4 accuracy of 80\% and a backward model Top-4 accuracy of 60\%. We further analyze the model performance with representative polymerization and retro-synthesis examples and evaluate its prediction quality from a materials science perspective.
Population Recovery in U.S. Communities Affected by Tornadoes, 2000–2010
Authors: Paul Bimal Kanti , Stimers Mitchel , Mahmood Sharif , Kashem Shakil , Lu Max
Published: November 2023

We investigated the demographic changes in American communities impacted by tornadoes from 2000 to 2010, exploring the factors influencing population recovery in tornado-affected communities, considering short-term (within one year) and long-term (2–10 years) outcomes. To identify significant contributors to population recovery, we analyzed seven predictor variables using logistic regression models, including tornado strength, community size, population trend, and state status (Sunbelt or Snowbelt). The data encompassed 516 tornado-affected communities across the conterminous United States. Our findings revealed that about 55.81% of the communities experienced no significant population change immediately after the tornado event. However, 44.19% of the communities witnessed a population decline, and only 10.66% fully recovered within 2–10 years. Results indicated community size and trends were pivotal in population recovery. Communities with negative population trends, especially those with fewer than 5,000 residents, faced significant challenges in regaining their pre-tornado population size within 1 year. The data did not show a significant difference in population recovery between communities in the Sunbelt and Snowbelt regions. The study highlights the importance of community-level factors in shaping population recovery dynamics following tornado events. Understanding these factors can aid community leaders and disaster managers formulate effective strategies to retain populations and encourage rapid recovery. Although certain limitations exist due to data availability, future researchers could explore additional factors, such as post-tornado policies and socioeconomic variables, to gain comprehensive insights into post-disaster population dynamics. Our research contributes valuable to social science disaster research, helping communities build resilience in the face of tornado hazards.
Efficacy and safety of dienogest versus GnRH-a combined with dienogest therapy for adenomyosis
Authors: Zhu Shu , Wang Qiqin , Sun Jiafan , Xu Wei , Zhang Huiyuan , Wang Xianglian , Yu Wennian , Wang Xiuli
Published: November 2023

Objective
To investigate the efficacy and safety of dienogest((DNG) monotherapy and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) combined with DNG sequential treatment for adenomyosis.
Methods
This is a retrospective study.157 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis from the first affiliated hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled in the study. 61patients treated with DNG (2mg/day) alone(Group 1). 96 patients treated with DNG (2mg/day) after 3–6 injections of GnRH-a(Group 2).
Results
(1) The Visual analogue scale (VAS) for dysmenorrhea, serum carbohydrate antigen (CA-125) and CA19-9 levels significantly decreased in both groups compared with pre-treatment (P < 0.05). (2) The hemoglobin (Hb) level in both groups after treatment were significantly higher than pre-treatment (P < 0.05). (3) At 15–24 months of DNG treatment, uterine volume decreased significantly in Group2 compared to pre-treatment (P < 0.05), with no significant change in Group1. (4) Group 2 showed a higher rate of amenorrhea and a lower incidence of irregular spotting and breakthrough bleeding. (5) There were no significant changes in coagulation, hepatorenal function and breast tissue before and after treatment in both groups.
Conclusion
Both DNG monotherapy and GnRH-a + DNG sequential therapy significantly relieved dysmenorrhea, improved anemia, and reduced CA125 and CA19-9 levels in patients with symptomatic adenomyosis, with no adverse effects on coagulation, hepatorenal function and breast tissue. The sequential therapy is superior to DNG monotherapy in reducing uterine volume and lowering CA125 levels. Sequential therapy achieved better amenorrhea rate. Diffuse lesions and lesion involvement of the endometrium were the high-risk factors of heavy breakthrough bleeding during DNG treatment.
Efficacy of Danzhixiaoyao pills in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome：An randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gao Ya , Yang Jingwen , Sun Huimin , Zhou Haiwen
Published: November 2023

Objectives: This randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy and tolerability of danzhixiaoyao pills in the accurate treatment of patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) .
Method: Collect a total of 78 patients (75 female patients and 3 male patients) from the oral mucosa department who were considered eligible fromOctober 2020 to October 2022.The patients were randomized and divided into trial group and control group.The trail group received danzhixiaoyao pills and mecobalamine tablets while the control group was given mecobalamine tablets.The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Beck Anxiety Inventory(BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） syndrome integral and adverse reactions were performed at baseline and after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment. Descriptive statistics, including the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and the Chi-square test for median comparisons between different times, were used.
Result: 1.After treatment, the VAS, BDI,OHIP-14, and TCM syndrome integral in the trial group had a significant decrease than the control group(P< 0.05).However, there was no statistical difference in the BAI scores between the two groups (P> 0.05). 2.According to the efficacy determination criteria , the total effective rate of the test group was 73.68% , the control group was 52.94% and the recurrence rate was 0. There was a significant difference between the two groups (Z=-2.688, P < 0.05). The results showed that the curative effect of test group was better than that of control group.3. No adverse effects occurred in patients in either group.
Conclusion: Danzhixiaoyao pills has demonstrated to have a positive effect in relieving BMS symptoms and in improving a patient's overall quality of life with no AEs compared with the control group. The efficacy evaluation systems that can be verified and complementary in this study provide a perfect, effective and referential evaluation system for the use of Chinese patent medicine in the treatment of oral mucosal diseases.
Investigating the Heterogeneity of NOx-VOCs-Ozone Relationships in Chinese Cities: Systematic Assessment and Spatiotemporal Maps
Authors: Guan Yang , Xiao Yang , Li Bin , Zhang Nannan
Published: November 2023

Ozone is a pollutant threatening the atmospheric environment and public health. Investigating the relationship and sensitivity between ozone level and its precursors, including nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), has been a significant basis and reference for pollution mitigation. Through mining the internal comparability between individual data and the entire dataset, this study develops indexes assessing the ozone-NOx-VOC relationship while performing a case study on Chinese cities from 2015 to 2020. From the results, (1) the ozone-precursor correlation in Chinese cities generally showed increase-decrease trends in the assessing period while significantly correlating cities aggregating in two eastern city groups. (2) Differentiation in NOx- and VOC-limited ozone production regimes between cities located on the left and right sides of the Hu Huanyong Line has gradually formed over the past several years. (3) To effectively and efficiently mitigate ozone pollution, reducing NOx emission on a large scale while preventing VOC emission in key urban agglomerations with relatively developed economies and aggregated populations is recommended. The ozone-NOx-VOC relationship is assessed based on the quantitative and individual evaluation of ozone-NOx and ozone-VOC correlation, providing a novel local-to-global perspective to understand the contribution of precursors to ozone pollution.
Genome-Wide association study (GWAS) identified PCOS susceptibility variants and replicates reported risk variants
Authors: Sharma Priya , Senapati Sabyasachi , Goyal Lajya Devi , Kaur Balpreet , Kamra Pooja , Khetarpal Preeti
Published: November 2023

Background: Genetic predisposition and environmental factors are considered as risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been reported from various subpopulations to evaluate SNPs associated with PCOS risk. As no PCOS associated GWAS study has been reported from India.
Purpose: Present study was conducted to identify the PCOS-susceptible loci among the North Indian population and validation of significant loci reported by previous GWAS studies.
Methods: A total of 272 age-matched participants with 134 PCOS patients and 138 healthy controls were recruited. Genomic DNA was isolated and genotyped by using Infinium Global Screening Array v3.0 microchip considering HWE 10e-5 statistically significant.
Results: A total of fifteen markers have been identified as candidate PCOS risk factors. Only two SNPs, namely rs17186366 and rs11171739 have been identified through replication analysis while comparing the previously reported PCOS GWAS data. In-silico analysis was performed to study the functional impact of identified gene variants in terms of gene ontology, pathways related to gene set, and cluster analysis to determine protein-protein interaction among genes or gene products.
Conclusion: Study suggests that multiple variants play an important role in PCOS pathogenesis and emphasize the importance of further genetic studies among Indian subpopulations.
Unravelling the complexity of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma prognosis: integrating chromatin regulators, gene signatures and associated immune landscapes
Authors: Wang Guobing , Huang Jinbang , Chen Haiqing , Li Yi , Pei Jingwen , Li Lan , Li Chang , Tian Gang
Published: November 2023

Background
Kidney-renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the main subtype of renal cell carcinoma. KIRC exhibits significant resistance to conventional treatments, highlighting the need for pioneering therapeutic approaches. Within this framework, chromatin regulators (CRs) - proteins important for managing gene expression and orchestrating key biological processes - have been recognized as key players in the initiation and development of KIRC.
Methods
Utilizing the TCGA-KIRC dataset, we conducted differential gene analysis pertaining to chromatin regulators through application of the "limma" R package. We proceeded to establish and validate a prognostic model via LASSO Cox regression, with a particular emphasis on genes exerting substantial influence on KIRC prognosis. Our investigation was further extended to investigate the interrelationship between gene attributes, clinical parameters, the tumor microenvironment, and drug responsiveness. To enhance the predictive efficacy of our models, we harnessed advanced bioinformatics methodologies and techniques for visualizing protein interaction networks.
Results
Through the related studies, we found that the risk score obtained for CRs constituted an autonomous prognostic determinant in KIRC. Subsequently, a Nomogram prediction model was crafted that amalgamated clinical attributes with their corresponding risk evaluations. Ultimately, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied for comparative analysis of BRD9 expression levels in normal tissues and tumor specimens. Notably, the utilization of BRD9 marker-based constructs yielded significant predictive results.
Conclusion
We have introduced a novel prognostic framework for KIRC that seamlessly incorporates Chromatin Regulators. This innovative model exhibits substantial promise in enhancing the precision of prognostic forecasts for individuals afflicted with KIRC, thereby establishing a foundational platform for the refinement of therapeutic approaches.
Trends of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among the Medicaid population before and during COVID-19
Authors: Hu Gang , Lin Jessica , Feng Heidi , Horswell Ronald , Chu San , Shen Yun
Published: November 2023

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a group of high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy that are a leading cause of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. The trend of HDP among the Medicaid population during the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is severely lacking. To determine the trends in the annual prevalence of HDP among Louisiana Medicaid pregnant women before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2016-2021),
a total of 113,776 pregnant women aged 15-50 years was included in this study. For multiparous individuals, only the first pregnancy was used in the analyses. Women with a diagnosis of each type-specific HDP were identified by using the ICD-10 codes. The prevalence of HDP increased from 10.5% in 2016 to 17.7% in 2021. The highest race/ethnicity-specific incidence of HDP was seen in African American women (13.1%), then white women (9.4%), followed by other women (7.9%). HDP remains as a very prevalent and significant global health issue, especially in African American women. Obesity and physical inactivity are major risk factors of HDP, which became amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic and led to a higher prevalence of HDP. Severe HDP substantially increases the risk of mortality in offspring and long-term issues in both the mother and infant. This is very pertinent to the Medicaid population due to the disparities and barriers that diminish the quality of healthcare they receive.
Microclimatic niche shifts predict long-term survival and body mass declines in a warmer and more degraded world
Authors: Bharadwaj Akshay , Chanda Ritobroto , Biswakarma Aman , Tamang Bharat , Munda Binod , Pradhan Dambar K , Rai Mangal , Rai Shambu , Sriniva Umesh
Published: November 2023

The synergistic impacts of climate change and habitat degradation threaten tropical species worldwide. However, how species’ microclimatic niches affect their demographic and phenotypic responses to anthropogenic change remains poorly understood. Using an 11-year mark-recapture dataset from primary and selectively logged forest in the Eastern Himalaya, we investigated how species-specific microclimatic niches predicted body mass and survival trends in understorey insectivorous birds in each habitat. Overall, logged forest is hotter and drier than primary forest, and the arthropod prey community shows shifts in composition upon selective logging. For understorey insectivorous birds, the degree of dissimilarity between species-specific primary and logged forest microclimatic niches was strongly and negatively correlated with survival and less strongly with body mass trends in logged forest. Microclimatic niche shifts in response to anthropogenic habitat modification can impact both demographic rates and body condition, crucial for population persistence. Our results can inform prompt, targeted conservation efforts toward the most threatened species in a warmer and more degraded world.
Potential the relationship between clinical use metformin and frailty index:a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jiao Deqiang , Liang Jiang
Published: November 2023

Background: Observational studies present conflicting evidence regarding the association between metformin use and the risk of an increase in the Frailty Index. Some studies suggest a significant increase, while others indicate the opposite.
Objective: This study aims to explore the causal relationship between metformin use and an increased risk of the Fraility Index .
Methods: We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using various methods: inverse-variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger regression, simple mode, and weighted mode. Publicly available summary statistics datasets from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) meta-analyses were utilized. These datasets focused on metformin use in individuals of European descent (n = 462933) as the exposure variable, and a GWAS on doctor-diagnosed frailty index increase in individuals from the UK Biobank (n =175226) as the outcome variable. Additionally, we validated the outcomes using data from another group of metformin patients.
Results: We identified 61 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with metformin use at genome-wide significance as instrumental variables (P<1e-5; linkage disequilibrium r2 <0.001). The IVW (b = 2.646518, SE = 0.3763135, P = 2.03E-12), MR-Egger regression (b = 1.986775, SE = 1.4747723, P = 1.83E-01), simple mode (b = 3.450373, SE = 1.0903862, P = 2.44E-03), weighted median (b = 2.388585, SE = 0.4366406, P =4.49E-08), and Weighted mode (b = 3.08067, SE = 0.9913658, P =2.88E-03) methods all indicated a potential causal relationship between metformin use and the frailty index. Cochran’s Q test and funnel plot analysis showed no evidence of heterogeneity or asymmetry, suggesting no directional pleiotropy. Similar trends were observed in both forward and reverse validation within an additional 49 datasets.
Conclusion: Our MR analysis findings suggest a potential causal relationship between metformin use and an increase risk of frailty index.
Future changes in intense tropical cyclone hazards in the Pearl River Delta region: An air-wave-ocean coupled model study
Authors: Li Zhenning , Fung Jimmy C.H. , Wong Mau Fung , Lin Shangfei , Cai Fenying , Lai Wenfeng , Lau Alexis K.H.
Published: November 2023

The Pearl River Delta (PRD) region is highly vulnerable to tropical cyclone (TC)-caused coastal hazards due to its long and meandering shoreline and well-developed economy. With global warming expected to continue or worsen in the rest of the 21st century, this study examines the TC impact on the PRD coastal regions by reproducing three intense landfalling TCs using a sophisticated air-wave-ocean coupled model of high spatial resolution (1-km atmosphere and 500-m wave and ocean). The simulations are conducted using present-day reanalysis data and the same TCs occurring in a pseudo-global warming scenario projected for the 2090s. Results indicate that the coupled model accurately reproduces the air-wave-ocean status during the TC episodes. The 2090s thermodynamic status effectively increases the intensity of intense TCs, leading to more severe coastal hazards including gale, rainstorm, and storm surges and waves. On average, the maximum surface wind speed within 50–200 km to the right of the TC center can increase by 4.3 m/s (+ 22%). The 99th and the 99.9th percentile of accumulated rainfall will increase from 405 mm to 475 mm (+ 17.3%), and from 619 mm to 735 mm (+ 18.6%), respectively. The maximum significant wave height at the ocean is lifted by an average of 57 cm (+ 13.8%), and the coastline typically faces a 40–80 cm increase. The maximum storm surges are lifted by 30–80 cm over the open sea but aggravate much higher along the coastline, especially for narrowing estuaries. For Typhoon Vicente (2012), there is more than a 200 cm wave height increase observed both at open sea and along the coastline. In the 2090s context, a combination of mean sea level rise, storm surge, and wave height can reach more than 300 cm increase in total water level at certain hot-spot coastlines, without considering the superposition of spring tides.
Prevalence of radiological cerebral small vessel disease: an insight from routinely collected data
Authors: Maskery Mark P. , Rennie Nicola , Mathur Sachin , Knight Jo , Emsley Hedley C.A.
Published: November 2023

Background:
Approximately 900,000 MRI brain scans are performed annually in the United Kingdom alone, with incidental findings frequently encountered.
One of the most prevalent findings is white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). WMHs often indicate cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD) but can also be associated with migraine and demyelination. Prospective population studies have already confirmed a high prevalence of WMHs in elderly patients. In younger patients, or when the radiological burden is low, WMHs are commonly considered non-specific. Routinely collected data represents a valuable resource to facilitate further study.
Methods:
We performed a service evaluation of our local two-week wait suspected central nervous system cancer pathway to understand the association between age, demographics, performance status, referral criteria, imaging outcomes and both the prevalence and radiological characteristics of WMHs. Analysis was performed using R version 4.1.3.
Results:
We identified 1033 patients, referred over a 30-month period. Mean patient age was 51.3±18.3 years with 65% females. As expected, WMHs were present on 89.7% of scans in patients aged over 80, with 98.1% of these consistent with cSVD upon review by a neuroradiologist. We show an important association between cSVD and both performance status and levels of deprivation.
However, WMHs were also present in approximately 1 in 5 patients under 50 years old and were typically deemed non-specific. Our analysis showed increasing age was associated with increased WMH prevalence, radiological burden and the likelihood of WMHs being attributed to cSVD. It is therefore feasible to consider that these changes may represent early cSVD.
Conclusions:
We demonstrate a prevalence of cSVD comparable to the wider literature in elderly patients whilst highlighting the potential underestimation of cSVD in the younger population, in whom further study of WMHs is required.
There is potential for routinely collected data to define the prevalence and characteristics of cSVD more accurately whilst facilitating further research.