bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary sightings of eastern North Pacific right whales, 2006 to 2023
Authors: Crance J , Kennedy A
Published: July 2024

North Pacific right whales Eubalaena japonica once numbered in the 10s of 1000s. Today, the eastern population is one of the most endangered large whale stocks in the world. A lack of dedicated surveys and a population in the 10s of animals have resulted in considerable knowledge gaps. Here, we collate all contemporary sightings of eastern North Pacific right whales (ENPRWs) from 2006 through 2023 to investigate possible migratory routes and elucidate important habitat. Sightings in the northern Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and along the west coast of North America have increased. Of the 99 sightings recorded between 2006 and 2023, 58 occurred during the few dedicated ENPRW surveys with simultaneous aerial and vessel platforms. All animals sighted were non-calves. Opportunistic sightings along the California coast were only reported in spring months (February-May). While this timing would coincide with a northward migration from lower latitudes, poor photo quality prevented matching of these animals, making it difficult to determine migratory patterns. Furthermore, there have been no sightings in Hawai’i or Mexico since 1996, and no sightings in the eastern North Pacific off the continental shelf since the 1970s. To date, only 2 animals have been photographically matched from Alaska to more southerly latitudes, and there have been no photographic matches between the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. Feeding has been observed throughout their range, suggesting right whales opportunistically feed whenever possible. While their primary migratory destinations remain unknown, these recent sightings provide insight into important ENPRW habitat in Alaska.
Quantitative Approach for Assessing Infographics in Atlas Cartography
Authors: Koníček Jakub , Voženílek Vít , Barvíř Radek , Vondráková Alena
Published: July 2024

Infographics have become a widely utilized concept in contemporary cartography for visualizing a wide range of data. Despite this, there is a lack of comprehensive scholarly studies addressing the theory of infographics, and cartographers have not yet established a precise definition or unified classification for them. Consequently, cartographic production lacks clear rules and methodologies for systematically incorporating infographic elements. This paper introduces a systematic approach for precisely quantifying and evaluating static cartographic products from the domain of atlas cartography with a focus on their infographic style. The proposed methodology was validated through practical assessments of map samples from various atlases, which were compared with samples of infographics. Case studies analysed input patterns related to spatial components, visualization attributes, and additional design elements. Four indicators—area coverage, graphic load, visual attractiveness, and colourfulness—were defined and quantified by using of GIMP graphic software and recalculated through predefined mathematical formulas. The resulting values provide a quantitative description of tested images in terms of their infographic style. This innovative methodological approach contributes to the unification of contemporary approaches for defining and assessing infographics in maps, atlases, and broader cartographic production
Sex, age and education of citizens – factors affecting preferential voting? Territorial analysis of the 2023 parliamentary elections in Slovakia
Authors: Plešivčák Martin
Published: July 2024

Preferential voting is becoming an increasingly popular tool through which voters can prioritize their preferred candidate within the candidate list of a given political party, thereby influencing the intra-party struggle for public office to some extent. Candidate information is known, but which voters tend to use their preferential vote? Are they men or women, younger or older people, voters with lower or higher educational attainment? The presented study aims to evaluate the relationship between preferential voting and selected socio-demographic variables at the level of Slovakia, its regions and districts. We are analysing the results of the 2023 elections to the National Council of the Slovak Republic alongside socio-demographic data from the 2021 census. In order to identify a possible statistical relationship between the investigated variables, the method of linear correlation analysis was applied, using the Pearson correlation coefficient. The results indicate that at the national level, considering data from more than 2,900 municipalities in Slovakia, no relationship between preferential voting and selected socio-demographic characteristics of the population was demonstrated. Certain patterns were observed within spcecific population groups at a lower spatial-hierarchical level (in the case of the Bratislava region and Žilina region, and in selected districts of the Bratislava, Trnava, Žilina and Banská Bystrica regions), but the informative value of several of them is limited by the low number of cases entering the correlation analysis.
When the specialization is a curse: distribution of Lolium remotum Schrank in Slovakia
Authors: Eliáš Pavol , Kšiňan Samuel
Published: July 2024

Distribution of Lolium remotum in Slovakia, a typical linicolous weed, is presented in this paper. The species was recorded in 30 quadrants of the Central European mapping grid; the most of localities were found in the Carpathians which is related to the areas of flax cultivation for the linen industry. While in the 19th century it was relatively common in flax fields, after the First World War it began to decline (flax sown areas decreased by three quarters in former Czechoslovakia during the world economic crisis of 1929-1933). In the second half of 20th century, the synergistic effect of several agrotechnical measures (precise cleaning of the seed, simplification of crop rotation, deep autumn plowing and application of herbicides) manifested; only single locality was documented. At present, it belongs to the extinct species of Slovak flora (RE), it has not been detected for over 60 years.
New floristic records from Central Europe 13 (reports 176-197)
Authors: Dudáš Matej , Eliáš Pavol , Hrivnák Richard , Király Gergely , Kobiv Yuriy , Majerová Monika , Májeková Jana Magdaléna , Mikoláš Vlastimil , Pliszko Artur , Takács Attila
Published: July 2024

The presented 13th part of the series includes 22 new records of vascular plants from the territory of Central Europe. In Hungary, 5 species, Clerodendrum trichotomum, Morus indica, Oenanthe banatica, Rumex confertus and Torilis nodosa are mentioned. Single findings of alien Panicum virgatum in Poland as well as Euphorbia lathyris in Romania were recorded. In Slovakia, twelve species, Agrostemma githago, Carex hordeistichos, Camelina sativa subsp. zingeri, Consolida hispanica, Geranium lucidum, Lobularia maritima, Ranunculus pedatus, Reseda phyteuma, Rubus radula, Sagittaria latifolia, Sedum pallidum and Trifolium strictum were recorded. From the Ukrainian Carpathians 3 new records of Euphrasia minima subsp. tatrae, Neotinea ustulata and Salix herbacea were reported.
Impact of the Normalization of Mask Wearing on Smokers' Subjective Cognition of Halitosis and Oral Health Behavior
Authors: Kim So-jin , Kwak Ju-young , Kim Da-bin , Kim Min-ji , Kim Ji-won , Choi Jin-sun ,   The Korean Society of Oral Health Science
Published: July 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the subjective changes in odor perception, oral health interest, and related behaviors among smokers before and after the widespread adoption of mask wearing.
Methods: We analyzed a total of 207 responses from smokers aged 19 and older and conducted statistical analyses that included t-tests and chi-square tests.
Results: The subjective perception of bad breath among smokers increased when the wearing of masks became a daily routine. In addition, smokers with an extended history of smoking reported higher subjective levels of bad breath and lower oral health compared to those with a shorter duration of smoking.
Conclusions: Evidence-based educational and promotional materials should be developed to mitigate or prevent the levels of odor and oral dryness experienced by smokers before and after the regular use of masks.
Стекло как материал несущих и ограждающих строительных конструкций
Authors: ГРАНОВСКИЙ Аркадий Вульфович , РУМЯНЦЕВ Сергей Сергеевич , КАКУША Владимир Анатольевич , КУДРЯВЦЕВ Максим Владимирович
Published: July 2024

Дан обзор работ отечественных и зарубежных исследователей в области стеклянных конструкций как несущих элементов зданий. На основе анализа результатов экспериментальных и теоретических исследований приведены данные о физико-механических характеристиках стекла, необходимые для проектирования несущих конструкций. Отмечено, что в настоящее время известны две методики определения и назначения прочностных и деформативных характеристик стекла: на основе экспериментальных исследований и совершенствования химического состава, а также технологии изготовления стекла. Указано на необходимость создания нормативных документов в области проектирования конструкций из стекла и уточнения принятых в нормах по многослойным конструкциям прочностных и жесткостных характеристик стекла. Отмечено, что принятые в нормах по многослойным стеклянным конструкциям прочностные и деформативные параметры стекла относятся к конкретному производителю и поэтому не могут использоваться при массовом проектировании несущих и ограждающих конструкций. Описаны экспериментальные исследования изгибаемых балочных многослойных конструкций из стекла на действие кратковременных и длительных нагрузок. Даны рекомендации по расчету несущих конструкций из стекла с учетом применения методик, принятых в отечественных и зарубежных нормах и в исследованиях отечественных специалистов.
Предварительно напряженные стальные башни цилиндрического сечения для мобильной связи 5G
Authors: ГОЛИКОВ Александр Владимирович , ГУБАНОВ Вадим Викторович , КОРСУН Владимир Иванович , ПОЛЯКОВ Владимир Геннадьевич
Published: July 2024

Предлагается новое конструктивное решение стальных башен для мобильной связи с предварительно напряженным стволом трубчатого сечения и рассматривается их работа под нагрузкой. Преднапряжение ствола выполняется путем установки снаружи по периметру круглых тяжей. Данное конструктивное решение отличается повышенной компактностью и востребованно в условиях городской застройки. Предложена линейка опор с соотношением высоты опоры к ее ширине 25:1. Для определения характеристик напряженно-деформированного состояния и выбора рациональных параметров башен были выполнены аналитические и численные расчеты. В качестве расчетной схемы по методу конечных элементов принята пространственная оболочка. Анализ данных, полученных аналитическим и численным методами, выявил сходимость результатов и возможность внедрения предложенных предварительно напряженных башен в практику строительства. Результаты расчета напряженно-деформированного состояния несущих конструкций опор показали, что решающий критерий при выборе сечений элементов опоры - обеспечение жесткости. Применение предварительно напряженной системы снижает деформации стальных опор трубчатого сечения по сравнению с башнями, выполненными без предварительного напряжения. Соотношение массы тяжей к массе центрального ствола опоры свидетельствует об эффективности применения данного типа опор. Предельная высота опор получена по критериям максимально допустимого диаметра тяжей, которым возможно задать предварительный уровень натяжения, не превышающий линейки обычных стяжных устройств, талрепов, а также по критерию ограничения деформаций сооружения на метр его высоты. По результатам расчета линейки моделей опор установлена максимальная высота применимости опор с 6 и 12 тяжами.
Общественное пространство, интегрированное в многофункциональное здание
Authors: ЛЕЙКИНА Диана Кононовна , ОКЕАНОВ Геннадий Вадимович , МАМЕДОВА Сабина Раджабовна
Published: July 2024

В статье изложены практические аспекты организации общественного пространства посредством архитектуры зданий, на примере крытой пешеходной Галереи-променада со встроенными спортивными объектами в г. Новый Уренгой. Отмечено влияние объективных и субъективных факторов, определяющих алгоритмы формообразования при построении общей параметрической модели, выявлены критерии оценки качества проектируемой формы от функционально-планировочной схемы и конструкционных особенностей современных строительных систем. Теоретические изыскания и экспериментальное проектирование убедительно доказывают целесообразность определения общественного пространства в составе национальных стандартов и сводов правил. Опыт реального проектирования позволяет обоснованно говорить о выявлении новой категории общественного пространства, обладающего соответствующими типологическими признаками, полностью интегрированного в состав многофункционального общественного здания и имеющего ограниченные функциональные связи со средой.
Крестообразные сварные соединения арматурного проката класса А500С при отрицательных температурах
Authors: АВДЕЕВ Кирилл Владимирович , ТЕРИН Вячеслав Дмитриевич , БОБРОВ Владимир Викторович , СЛЫШЕНКОВ Сергей Олегович , КЛИМОВ Дмитрий Евгеньевич , СУПРУНЮК Александр Сергеевич , ДОМАРОВА Екатерина Владимировна
Published: July 2024

Проведены экспериментальные исследования сварных соединений для получения актуальных результатов оценки влияния низких климатических температур и дефектов на поверхности проката на эксплуатационные свойства арматуры класса А500С, как самой массовой в строительстве. Представлены результаты испытаний на изгиб крестообразных соединений арматурного проката класса А500С и А400 различных заводов- изготовителей и диаметров при разных температурах. В ходе эксперимента установлено, что дефекты на поверхности проката от ожога сварочной дугой, подрезы при сварке, переходные зоны вблизи сварного соединения оказывают влияние на стойкость арматурного проката. Анализ результатов испытаний сварных крестообразных соединений при низких климатических температурах выявил неоднородность эксплуатационных свойств сварных соединений при изгибе. Экспериментальные исследования показали, что в сталях с низким содержанием углерода наблюдается меньшее количество хрупких разрушений. При этом угол изгиба при разрушении составлял более 50 градусов, что указывает на необходимость снижения концентрации углерода и его контроле при производстве арматурного проката.
Реологические свойства полимербетона для навесных фасадных панелей
Authors: АВДЕЕВ Кирилл Владимирович , БОБРОВ Владимир Викторович , ТУЧИН Михаил Александрович , КУДРЯВЦЕВ Никита Андреевич , БОРЗОВ Дмитрий Данилович
Published: July 2024

В статье представлены испытания полимербетонных образцов при трехточечном изгибе. Цель данных испытаний - изучение реологических свойств материала для их дальнейшего учета при внедрении в практику строительства фасадных декоративно-облицовочных панелей. Необходимость изучения реологических свойств была обусловлена ползучестью применяемого материала, что может оказывать влияние на снижение значения разрушающей нагрузки при ее длительном воздействии. В ходе работы было проведено пять серий испытаний при нескольких уровнях загружения. Результаты выявили нецелесообразность увеличения установленного времени испытаний в связи с отсутствием значительных изменений значений определяемых характеристик в конечный период времени. Проведенные исследования полимербетона на ползучесть показали, что при длительном воздействии статической нагрузки на образец в результате накопления деформаций изгиба происходит существенное снижение значения разрушающей нагрузки. В этой связи целесообразно дальнейшее изучение влияния различных факторов на уровень относительной границы разрушающей нагрузки при ее длительном воздействии.
Strategi Penanganan Daerah Rawan Kecelakaan
Authors: Seberkas Yongki
Published: July 2024

ENGLISHOne of the biggest causes of death in Indonesia is accidents that occur on the highway. Based on accident data from the Sambas Police Traffic Unit in 2022, the number of accident cases that occurred in 2019–2021 was 205, of which 150 accident cases, or 73.17%, occurred along the Sambas Regency National Road. The aim of this research is to determine strategies for handling areas prone to traffic accidents on the National Road, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan Province. The analytical method that will be used is the Z Score method to identify accident-prone areas on the Sambas Regency National Road, as well as using descriptive analysis to identify accident trigger factors based on their existing conditions and determine strategies to overcome accident-prone areas on the Sambas Regency National Road. From the results of this research, it is known that the road section identified as an accident-prone area from the results of the Z Score analysis calculation on the National Road Section of Sambas Regency is Jl. Raya Pemangkat, Jl. Raya Tebas, and Jl. Raya Selakau. Then, the biggest factor causing traffic accidents, as seen from the existing conditions in accident-prone areas on the Sambas Regency National Highway, is the infrastructure factor. Then the researcher combines the existing conditions with the existing GAP so that a handling strategy can be formulated. INDONESIASalah satu penyebab kematian terbesar di Indonesia adalah kecelakaan yang terjadi di jalan raya. Bersumber pada data kecelakaan dari Satlantas Polres Sambas tahun 2022, jumlah kasus kecelakaan yang telah terjadi di tahun 2019 – 2021 yakni 205 kejadian, dari jumlah kasus kecelakaan tersebut sebesar 150 kasus atau 73,17% telah terjadi di sepanjang Jalan Nasional Kabupaten Sambas. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui strategi penanganan daerah rawan kecelakaan lalu lintas di Ruas Jalan Nasional Kabupaten Sambas, Provinsi Kalimantan Barat. Metode analisis yang akan digunakan adalah metode Z Score guna mengidentifikasi daerah rawan kecelakaan pada Jalan Nasional Kabupaten Sambas, serta menggunakan analisis deskriptif dalam mengidentifikasi faktor pemicu kecelakaan dilihat dari keadaan eksistingnya dan menentukan strategi untuk mengatasi daerah rawan kecelakaan pada Jalan Nasional Kabupaten Sambas. Dari hasil penelitian ini diketahui bahwa Ruas jalan yang teridentifikasi sebagai daerah rawan kecelakaan dari hasil perhitungan analisis Z Score di Ruas Jalan Nasional Kabupaten Sambas adalah Jl. Raya Pemangkat, Jl. Raya Tebas, dan Jl. Raya Selakau. Kemudian faktor penyebab kecelakaan lalu lintas terbesar dilihat dari kondisi eksistingnya pada daerah rawan kecelakaan di Ruas Jalan Raya Nasional Kabupaten Sambas adalah faktor prasarana. Kemudian peneliti mengkombinasikan kondisi eksisting dengan GAP yang ada sehingga dapat dirumuskanlah strategi penanganannya.
‘The Chief Preservers of Ballad Poetry’: Revisiting the Ballad Traditions of Scottish Women
Authors: Duggan Lucie
Published: July 2024

The eighteenth century saw an increasing interest in oral narrative ballad poetry, whose perceived decline prompted major efforts among antiquarians and collectors to find and preserve all that remained of the old popular songs. Women, long associated with oral tradition, were seen as the preservers of ballad poetry, transmitting their songs orally across generations. Yet while male collectors acknowledged female singers’ contributions, they obscured the broader realities of women’s engagement with print ballad culture. This article revisits the ballad traditions of Scottish women, exploring how the male-dominated scholarly discourse of the era shaped perceptions of women’s involvement in ballad culture. While collectors emphasised the role of female singers as preservers of purely oral tradition, they downplayed women’s broader engagement with ballads as printed literature, including their participation in the commercial broadside industry as sellers and consumers. This study reveals a more nuanced picture of women's involvement in balladry, challenging traditional narratives that align women singers exclusively with oral ballad tradition. By acknowledging the diverse ways in which women participated in ballad culture, this research sheds light on the complexities of gender dynamics within the ballad tradition, highlighting the need for a re-evaluation of women’s reception and transmission of ballads historically.
Pengaruh Penambahan Inulin terhadap Mutu Sensorik, Kandungan Serat dan Daya Terima Yoghurt
Authors: Fikriyah Hanifah , Habibi Nur Ahmad , Ismanilda Ismanilda , Darningsih Sri , Zulkifli Zulkifli , Andrafikar Andrafikar , Edmon Edmon
Published: July 2024

Yogurt is a functional food that contains probiotic bacteria beneficial for health. The addition of inulin fiber is considered to increase the fiber content of the product, thereby enhancing its benefits. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of inulin addition on the organoleptic quality, fiber content, and acceptability of yogurt. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with one control, three treatments, and two repetitions. The amounts of inulin added were 7.5, 10, and 12.5 grams per portion. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test at the 5% level. Organoleptic test results showed that the average level of panelists' preference for taste, aroma, color, and texture was highest in treatment F2, with the addition of 7.5 grams of inulin. The test results indicated that the best treatment in terms of sensory taste, aroma, color, and texture was treatment F2, with the addition of 10 grams of inulin. There was a significant effect of inulin addition on the texture and taste of yogurt (p<0.05). The acceptability of yogurt with inulin addition was 92.8%. The fiber content test revealed a fiber content of 12.78%. It can be concluded that the addition of inulin to yogurt affects the organoleptic qualities of texture and taste and increases fiber content and product acceptability. The best results were obtained with the addition of 10 grams per portion. Further research is recommended to evaluate the number of bacteria and the shelf life of yogurt with added inulin.
Effect of rainfall interception and resting period on the soil seed bank
Authors: Magandana Thabo Patrick , Hassen Abubeker , Tesfamariam Eyob
Published: July 2024

The ecosystems across the world are affected by diverse impacts of climate change. Climate change will also affect soil seed bank as the seed bank is determined by the plants that are above the ground. This study was conducted to determine whether rainfall interception and resting period will affect the soil seed bank or not. Rainfall interception was employed as main plot treatment at four different levels—namely, 15%, 30%, 60%, and 0%—and the main plot treatments were each replicated five times using the rainout shelters arranged as main plot treatments in a split-plot experimental design. The main plots are 49 m2 (7 m × 7 m) in size and were covered by metal frame structures with V-shaped clear acrylic bands on top without ultraviolet filter, and these plots were sub-divided into two sub-plots to determine the effect of resting periods (70 and 90 days). The soil samples were 8 cm in diameter and 20 cm in depth (1,005 cm3). We used seed emergence method rather than seed separation method to determine the soil seed bank due to the very small size of some seeds for some species. The 60% rainfall interception resulted in significantly high forb densities at both resting periods. The forb densities decreased by 32 and 35% at 15% and 30%, while they increased by 195% at 60% rainfall interception compared to 0% rainfall interception at 70-day resting period. Resting period significantly affected grass densities at 60% rainfall as the densities were higher at 70- than 90-day resting period. At 90-day resting period, grass densities were significantly higher at 0% rainfall interception than the rest of the treatments, while the grass densities were significantly lower at 60% rainfall interception. The 60% rainfall interception resulted in significantly (p< 0.05) higher total densities (forbs and grass) in both resting periods. Total density increased by 2.9% and 143.48% at 15% and 60% rainfall interception, respectively. Our results show that drought has a negative effect on grass soil seed bank, while it improves the forbs soil seed bank. Furthermore, the resting period has no significant effects on soil seed bank in grasslands.
The effects of teacher nodding: exploring mimicry, engagement, and wellbeing in the EFL classroom
Authors: Kennedy Olivia , Kuwahara Noriaki , Noble Tracy , Fukada Chie
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This article explores teacher and student mimicry of one another’s nodding in the classroom and whether it impacts teacher wellbeing. Studies have consistently demonstrated correlations between physical mimicry and various desirable outcomes, including empathy, rapport, affiliation, and personal liking. While students experiencing such emotional connections with their teachers tend to achieve more academically, teachers also benefit, showing, for example, reduced stress levels. Research exploring the link between mimicry of nonverbal communication such as nodding and teacher wellbeing is limited, however. This paper reports on a very small data set to explore the analysis of synchrony between teacher and learner in the English as a Foreign Language classroom.

Methods

Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were combined to gather both objective and subjective data. A Granger causality analysis was undertaken to understand both immediate and delayed mimicry of nodding, and cross-correlograms produced. Teacher stress levels were measured using the ratio of the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) heartrate power bands, which was then validated with a two-dimensional model. Next, the teacher was interviewed about her wellbeing and pedagogy while watching the video data. The results were then combined and analyzed.

Results and discussion

While much immediate mimicry during active teaching sessions was evident in the video data, it was not found to be at a statistically significant level. The Granger Causality analysis showed, however, that students consistently mimicked changes in teacher nodding rate in the following dyad activity. Cross-correlation analysis between teacher and student participants during active teaching sessions and also within student dyads during pairwork activities showed strong relationships at lags spanning 0–60 s. No statistical significance between student and/or teacher nodding and either teacher self-assessed wellbeing or physiological stress levels was found, however. This is explained first by the teacher evaluating her normal baseline state as neutral rather than positive (as was reflected by the LF/HF), and second by her physiological responses to the emotional regulation strategies of surface and deep acting. Qualitative observational data, however, indicated that teacher nodding positively influenced student comprehension, interest, and confidence, and the teacher’s own professional wellbeing.
Transcriptome analysis combined with Mendelian randomization screening for biomarkers causally associated with diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Liu Junyi , Li Jinghua , Tang Yongying , Zhou Kunyi , Zhao Xueying , Zhang Jie , Zhang Hong
Published: July 2024

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is considered one of the most severe complications of diabetes mellitus, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. We hypothesize that certain genes exert a pivotal influence on the progression of DR. This study explored biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of DR through bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

Within the GSE221521 and GSE189005 datasets, candidate genes were acquired from intersections of genes obtained using WGCNA and DESeq2 packages. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis selected candidate biomarkers exhibiting causal relationships with DR. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis determined the diagnostic efficacy of biomarkers, the expression levels of biomarkers were verified in the GSE221521 and GSE189005 datasets, and a nomogram for diagnosing DR was constructed. Enrichment analysis delineated the roles and pathways associated with the biomarkers. Immune infiltration analysis analyzed the differences in immune cells between DR and control groups. The miRNet and networkanalyst databases were then used to predict the transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, respectively, of biomarkers. Finally, RT-qPCR was used to verify the expression of the biomarkers in vitro.

Results

MR analysis identified 13 candidate biomarkers that had causal relationships with DR. The ROC curve demonstrated favorable diagnostic performance of three biomarkers (OSER1, HIPK2, and DDRGK1) for DR, and their expression trends were consistent across GSE221521 and GSE189005 datasets. The calibration curves and ROC curves indicated good predictive performance of the nomogram. The biomarkers were enriched in pathways of immune, cancer, amino acid metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation. Ten immune cell lines showed notable disparities between the DR and control groups. Among them, effector memory CD8+ T cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and activated CD4+ T cells exhibited good correlation with biomarker expression. The TF-mRNA-miRNA network suggested that hsa-mir-92a-3p, GATA2, and RELA play important roles in biomarker targeting for DR. RT-qPCR results also demonstrated a notably high expression of HIPK2 in patients with DR, whereas notably low expression of OSER1.

Conclusion

OSER1, HIPK2, and DDRGK1 were identified as biomarkers for DR. The study findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of DR.
Evolutionary history of adenomas to colorectal cancer in FAP families
Authors: Yang Cuiping , Xiang Enfei , Chen Ping , Fang Xuqian
Published: July 2024

Objective

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a genetic syndrome characterized by multiple polyps at various evolutionary stages, which, if left untreated, inevitably progress to colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we present a comprehensive analysis of the evolutionary history of FAP-CRC from precancerous adenoma to carcinoma.

Design

Tissues were collected from gastrointestinal endoscopy or surgical resection. Exome sequencing was performed on multiple regions of adenocarcinoma (n = 8), villous adenoma (n = 10), tubular adenoma (n = 9) and blood samples were obtained from 9 patients belonging to 7 Chinese FAP families. Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed, and evolutionary analysis was conducted to reveal the temporal sequence of events leading to CRC.

Results

Inherited germline mutation sites in APC gene were identified in FAP01 (p.S1281*, COSM19212), FAP03 (p.S384Tfs*19), FAP04 (p.E1538*, COSM6041693), FAP05 (p.Q1062*, COSM3696862), and FAP07-FAP09 (p.V677Sfs*3). Notably, p.V677Sfs*3 mutation was recognized as a novel germline mutation in APC, supported by evidence of genotype-phenotype correlation in pedigree analysis. Adenomas exhibited lower mutational rates than FAP-CRC and displayed recurrent alterations in well-known chromosomal instability (CIN) genes (APC, RAS, SMAD4 and TP53) and DNA damage repair genes (SUZ12, KMT2C, BCLAF1, RUNX1, and ARID1B), suggesting the presence of genomic instability. Furthermore, a progressive increase in the HRD score (a measure of “genomic scars”) was observed from tubular adenomas to villous adenomas and ultimately to carcinomas. TP53 emerged as the primary driver gene for adenoma-carcinoma transition, with driver mutations consistently appearing simultaneously rather than sequentially acquired from adenomas to carcinomas. Clonal evolution demonstrated that liver metastases can originate from the same cancer-primed cell present in a primary cancerous lesion.

Conclusion

We identified a novel pathogenic variant in APC, namely, p.V677Sfs*3. The process of carcinogenesis in FAP-CRC supports the classical cancerization model, where an initial APC mutation leads to the activation of the WNT signaling pathway and CIN. Subsequently, additional mutations occur in other putative CIN genes (e.g., DNA repair, chromatin remodeling), ultimately leading to the development of microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the genomic landscapes that underlie the transition from adenoma to carcinoma.
Case report: A patient with brachio-cervical inflammatory myopathy was misdiagnosed as flail arm syndrome
Authors: Sun Hui , Wei Xiao-Jing , Han Ye , Wang Yong-Chun , Wang Zi-Yi , Yu Xue-Fan
Published: July 2024

Brachio-cervical inflammatory myopathy (BCIM) is a rare inflammatory myopathy characterized by dysphagia, bilateral upper limb atrophy, limb-girdle muscle weakness, and myositis-specific antibody (MSA) negativity. BCIM has a low incidence and is commonly associated with autoimmune diseases. We present a case report of a 55-year-old man with progressive upper limb weakness and atrophy, diagnosed with flail arm syndrome (FAS). The initial electromyography revealed extensive spontaneous muscle activity and increased duration of motor unit potentials (MUPs). During follow-up, evidence of myogenic damage was observed, as indicated by a decreased duration of MUPs in the right biceps muscle. Laboratory and genetic testing ruled out hereditary or acquired diseases. Negative serological antibodies for myasthenia gravis. Hereditary or acquired diseases were ruled out through laboratory and genetic testing. Whole-body muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive edema and fat replacement in the bilateral upper limbs, scapular, and central axis muscles, while the lower extremities were relatively mildly affected. Muscle biopsy revealed numerous foci of inflammatory cells distributed throughout the muscle bundle, with predominant CD20, CD138, and CD68 expression, accompanied by a light infiltration of CD3 and CD4 expression. The muscle weakness improved with the combination of oral prednisone (initially 60 mg/day, tapered) and methotrexate (5 mg/week) treatment.
Unveiling the frontiers of potato disease research through bibliometric analysis
Authors: Weng Ling , Tang Zhurui , Sardar Muhammad Fahad , Yu Ying , Ai Keyu , Liang Shurui , Alkahtani Jawaher , Lyv Dianqiu
Published: July 2024

Research on potato diseases had been widely reported, but a systematic review of potato diseases was lacking. Here, bibliometrics was used to systematically analyze the progress of potato disease. The publications related to “potato” and “disease” were searched in the Web of Science (WOS) from 2014 to 2023. The results showed that a total of 2095 publications on potato diseases were retrieved, with the annual publication output increasing year by year at a growth rate of 8.52%. The main countries where publications were issued were the United States, China, and India. There was relatively close cooperation observed between China, the United States, and the United Kingdom in terms of international collaboration, while international cooperation by India was less extensive. Based on citation analysis and trending topics, potential future research directions include nanoparticles, which provides highly effective carriers for biologically active substances due to their small dimensions, extensive surface area, and numerous binding sites; machine learning, which facilitates rapid identification of relevant targets in extensive datasets, thereby accelerating the process of disease diagnosis and fungicide innovation; and synthetic communities composed of various functional microorganisms, which demonstrate more stable effects in disease prevention and control.
The efficacy of the food-grade antimicrobial xanthorrhizol against Staphylococcus aureus is associated with McsL channel expression
Authors: Mordukhova Elena A. , Kim Jongwan , Jin Haiyan , No Kyoung Tai , Pan Jae-Gu
Published: July 2024

Background

The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains demonstrates the urgent need for new antimicrobials. Xanthorrhizol, a plant-derived sesquiterpenoid compound, has a rapid killing effect on methicillin-susceptible strains and methicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus achieving the complete killing of staphylococcal cells within 2 min using 64 μg/mL xanthorrhizol. However, the mechanism of its action is not yet fully understood.

Methods

The S. aureus cells treated with xanthorrhizol were studied using optical diffraction tomography. Activity of xanthorrhizol against the wild-type and mscL null mutant of S. aureus ATCC 29213 strain was evaluated in the time-kill assay. Molecular docking was conducted to predict the binding of xanthorrhizol to the SaMscL protein.

Results

Xanthorrhizol treatment of S. aureus cells revealed a decrease in cell volume, dry weight, and refractive index (RI), indicating efflux of the cell cytoplasm, which is consistent with the spontaneous activation of the mechanosensitive MscL channel. S. aureus ATCC 29213ΔmscL was significantly more resistant to xanthorrhizol than was the wild-type strain. Xanthorrhizol had an enhanced inhibitory effect on the growth and viability of exponentially growing S. aureus ATCC 29213ΔmscL cells overexpressing the SaMscL protein and led to a noticeable decrease in their viability in the stationary growth phase. The amino acid residues F5, V14, M23, A79, and V84 were predicted to be the residues of the binding pocket for xanthorrhizol. We also showed that xanthorrhizol increased the efflux of solutes such as K+ and glutamate from S. aureus ATCC 29213ΔmscL cells overexpressing SaMscL. Xanthorrhizol enhanced the antibacterial activity of the antibiotic dihydrostreptomycin, which targets the MscL protein.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that xanthorrhizol targets the SaMscL protein in S. aureus cells and may have important implications for the development of a safe antimicrobial agent.
A lateral flow immunoassay for the rapid identification of Candida auris from isolates or directly from surveillance enrichment broths
Authors: Chalin Arnaud , Arvor Antoine , Hervault Anne-Sophie , Plaisance Marc , Niol Léa , Simon Stéphanie , Volland Hervé
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Candida auris is a recently discovered yeast with a multi-drug resistant profile associated with high mortality rates. The rapid identification of Candida auris in hospital settings is crucial to allow appropriate therapeutic and rapid implementation of infection management measures. The aim of this study was to develop a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for the rapid identification of Candida auris.

Methods

Highly specific monoclonal antibodies were obtained by immunizing mice with membrane proteins from Candida auris which were then used to develop a LFIA whose performance was assessed by testing 12 strains of Candida auris and 37 strains of other Candida species. Isolates were grown on either Sabouraud dextrose, CHROMagarTM Candida Plus or HardyCHROMTMCandida + auris agar plates. The strains were also cultured on salt sabouraud-dextrose with chloramphenicol or a commercially available Salt-Sabouraud Dulcitol Broth with chloramphenicol and gentamicin, and processed using a simple centrifugation protocol to recover a pellet. Finally, the colonies or yeast extract were transferred to the LFIA to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the assay.

Results

The LFIA reached 100% specificity and sensitivity from solid agar plates. For both enrichment broths, some Candida non-auris species were able to grow, but the LFIA remained 100% specific. The use of a dextrose-based sabouraud broth resulted in earlier identification with the LFIA, with most of the Candida auris strains detected at 24 h.

Conclusion

The developed LFIA prototype represents a powerful tool to fight the emerging threat of Candida auris. Clinical validation represents the next step.
Transcriptomic analysis reveals novel hub genes associated with astrocyte autophagy in intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Zheng Yun , Duan Chengwei , Yu Haoyun , Jiang Guannan , Shen Haitao , Li Haiying , Wang Zongqi , Zhou Xiaohan , Li Xiang , He Mingqing
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Neuroinflammation serves as a critical local defense mechanism against secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and astrocytes play a prominent role in this process. In this study, we investigated astrocytic changes during the inflammatory state after ICH to identify new targets for improving the inflammatory response.

Methods

We stimulated mouse astrocytes with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro and analyzed their transcriptomes via ribonucleic acid sequencing. We created an ICH model in living organisms by injecting autologous blood.

Results

RNA sequencing revealed that 2,717 genes were differentially expressed in the LPS group compared to those in the saline group, with notable enrichment of the autophagic pathway. By intersecting the 2,717 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with autophagy-related genes, we identified 36 autophagy-related DEGs and seven hub genes. Previous studies and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction results confirmed the increased expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3 (Pik3c3), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt1), and unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 2 (Ulk2) in astrocytes after ICH. Transcription factors and target miRNAs were identified for the final three DEGs, and 3-methyladenine and leupeptin were identified as potential therapeutic agents for ICH.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that astrocyte autophagy plays a critical role in ICH complexity, and that Pik3c3, Akt1, and Ulk2 may be potential therapeutic targets.
Peripheral inflammation as a potential mechanism and preventive strategy for perioperative neurocognitive disorder under general anesthesia and surgery
Authors: Li Yuan , Li Ying-Jie , Fang Xu , Chen Dong-Qin , Yu Wan-Qiu , Zhu Zhao-Qiong
Published: July 2024

General anesthesia, as a commonly used medical intervention, has been widely applied during surgical procedures to ensure rapid loss of consciousness and pain relief for patients. However, recent research suggests that general anesthesia may be associated with the occurrence of perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND). PND is characterized by a decline in cognitive function after surgery, including impairments in attention, memory, learning, and executive functions. With the increasing trend of population aging, the burden of PND on patients and society’s health and economy is becoming more evident. Currently, the clinical consensus tends to believe that peripheral inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of PND, providing strong support for further investigating the mechanisms and prevention of PND.
Gut microbiota’s role in glioblastoma risk, with a focus on the mediating role of metabolites
Authors: Yan Junqing , Li Bo , Luo Chun
Published: July 2024

This study employed Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to systematically investigate the potential connections between gut microbiota and the risk of glioblastoma (GBM). We identified 12 microbial groups closely associated with the incidence risk of GBM. Subsequently, MR analysis was conducted on 1,091 blood metabolites and 309 metabolite ratios, revealing 19 metabolites that exert an impact on the occurrence of GBM. Hypothesizing that gut microbiota may influence the risk of glioblastoma multiforme by modulating these metabolites, we performed MR analyses, considering each microbial group as exposure and each metabolite as an outcome. Through these analyses, we constructed a regulatory network encompassing gut microbiota, metabolites, and GBM, providing a novel perspective for a deeper understanding of the role of the gut-brain axis in the pathogenesis of GBM. This research offers crucial insights into how gut microbiota may affect the risk of GBM by regulating specific metabolites. The identified regulatory network of the gut-brain axis may play a significant role in the formation and development of GBM, providing valuable information for future research and therapeutic interventions.
Interictal widespread pressure hyperalgesia and aura: associations with vestibular migraine in a cross-sectional study
Authors: Toriyama Toshihide , Hanaoka Yoshiki , Horiuchi Tetsuyoshi
Published: July 2024

Background

Patients with vestibular migraine (VM) exhibit higher levels of central sensitization and share similar disorder characteristics with migraine with vestibular symptoms (MwVS), except in terms of disability. These patients experience fluctuating mechanical pain thresholds and persistent vestibular symptoms even without a migraine attack.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether interictal allodynia or hyperalgesia can differentiate between VM, MwVS, and migraine only.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with episodic migraine aged between 18 and 65 years, categorized into three groups. A questionnaire was used to collect and compare demographic and clinical variables. Interictal widespread pressure hyperalgesia (IWPH) was evaluated using the Manual Tender Point Survey. Patients with tender point counts ≥7 were classified as having IWPH.

Results

The study included 163 patients: 31 with VM, 54 with MwVS, and 78 with migraine without vestibular symptoms (migraine only). We found that aura (p = 0.042, odds ratio 3.50, 95% confidence interval 1.26–10.4), tender point count (p < 0.001, d = 0.889, median difference = 2), and IWPH (p = 0.002, odds ratio 5.3, 95% confidence interval 1.80–17.2) were significantly associated with VM compared to MwVS. Aura and IWPH were significantly associated with VM. However, there were no significant associations observed for interictal allodynia or hyperalgesia between the other two groups.

Conclusion

IWPH and aura are associated with VM, indicating their potential roles in its pathogenesis. These findings may contribute to the differential diagnosis and management of migraine, potentially leading to targeted treatment strategies.
Correlation between bony structures of the posterior cranial fossa and the occurrence of hemifacial spasm
Authors: Tang Tianjin , Yang Wenqiang , Wang Qi , Yu Yanbing , Zhang Li
Published: July 2024

Objective

To quantitatively study the measurement data related to the bony posterior cranial fossa and explore the correlation between bony posterior cranial fossa morphology and the occurrence of hemifacial spasm.

Methods

A total of 50 patients with hemifacial spasm who attended the Department of Neurosurgery of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from October 2021 to February 2022 were included, and 60 patients with minor head trauma excluding skull fracture and intracranial abnormalities were included as controls. Cranial multilayer spiral CTs (MSCTs) were performed in both groups, and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was used as a postprocessing method to measure data related to the posterior cranial fossa in both groups.

Results

Compared with the control group, the anteroposterior diameter (labeled AB) and the height (labeled BE) of the bony posterior cranial fossa, the anteroposterior diameter of the foramen magnum (labeled BC), the length of the clivus (labeled AB), and the length of the posterior occipital (labeled CD) in the HFS group were all reduced, and the differences were statistically significant. BE is positively correlated with AB and CD, with a stronger correlation observed between BE and AB (r = 0.487, p < 0.01). AB is negatively correlated with AD (r = −0.473, p < 0.01). The remaining correlations between the data were not statistically significant. There was no overlap in the 95% confidence interval for any of the measurements between the hemifacial spasm group and the control group.

Conclusion

There is a correlation between the posterior cranial fossa and hemifacial spasm.