bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caracterizações de filmes sustentáveis para uso como embalagens primárias a base de polímero natural e óleo essencial de erva-doce
Authors: Santos Bruna dos , Costa Fabíola Medeiros da , Aouada Fauze Ahmad , Aouada Marcia Regina de Moura
Published: March 2023

Diante da crescente preocupação com os impactos ambientais relacionados ao uso de polímeros sintéticos, estudos visando à obtenção e aplicação de materiais poliméricos de fontes renováveis vêm aumentando, como por exemplo, o desenvolvimento de filmes comestíveis à base de polímeros naturais. Com isso, este trabalho teve como objetivo produzir filmes comestível e biodegradável por meio de uma matriz de polissacarídeos (goma arábica, carboximetilcelulose e alginato de sódio) com adição de óleo essencial (OE) de erva doce para possível utilização em embalagens primária de mistura de bolo de caixinha. Os filmes obtidos foram avaliados quanto a análise de espessura, permeabilidade ao vapor de água (WVP), solubilidade e propriedades mecânicas. As espessuras dos filmes foram diferentes, pois as condições de preparo nem sempre são as mesmas. Os valores de WVP aumentaram significativamente, em média 150 %, em relação aos filmes de controle com a incorporação de emulsão de OE e principalmente a goma arábica (GA). Com a adição de GA nos filmes de AS e CMC, diminuiu a tensão máxima e a elongação, pois uma quantidade menor de energia foi requerida para a ruptura do filme quando este sofreu um estresse mecânico. A solubilização dos filmes, em condições próximas ao preparo de um bolo na batedeira, mostrou-se eficiente. Com o desenvolvimento dessa pesquisa, foi possível atingir o objetivo inicial de obter uma solução filmogênica satisfatória e a formação de uma embalagem comestível contendo polissacarídeos e emulsão de óleo essencial de erva-doce.
Perfil epidemiológico da Leishmaniose tegumentar no Brasil de 2015-2020
Authors: Mattos Alexandra Brugnera Nunes de , Tumelero Júlia Lippert
Published: March 2023

A Leishmaniose é considerada uma das doenças endêmicas mais prevalentes no mundo (Pedrosa, 2007). Portanto, a presente pesquisa tem o enfoque no avanço da Leishmaniose tegumentar no território brasileiro. Diante disso, realizou-se a análise do perfil epidemiológico da doença no Brasil por faixa etária, verificou-se a possível relação entre prevalência da doença e sexo e a comparação do estado do Rio Grande do Sul com os demais estados brasileiros, proporcionando, assim, um panorama amplo da doença no país. Esse é um estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo e utilizou os dados secundários contidos no site de Informações de Saúde (TABNET) do Departamento do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). A maior incidência de casos da doença localiza-se na Região Norte, ela concentra 46,31% de todos os casos. Logo após ela, está a Região Nordeste com 24,73%, Centro-Oeste com 15,23%, Região Sudeste com 12,09%, e por fim, a Região Sul com 1,64% dos casos. Em relação ao sexo, o mais afetado foi o masculino (73%) e as faixas etárias dos 15-19 e dos 20-39 anos foram as que agregaram mais casos da enfermidade. Ao realizar a comparação do Brasil com o Estado do Rio Grande do Sul nota-se que esse estado possui as menores taxas de casos de leishmaniose tegumentar do país, cerca de 5 casos por ano.
Extrato Oleoso de Streptomyces hygroscopicus com atividades contra as larvas de Aedes aegypti
Authors: Oliveira Jackelly Felipe de , Rique Hyago Luiz , Nunes Fabíola da Cruz , Silva Leonor Alves de Oliveira da
Published: March 2023

Arboviroses transmitidas pela fêmea do Aedes aegypti são consideradas um problema de saúde pública. Dessa forma, o controle vetorial é essencial para a diminuição da disseminação dos patógenos causadores de doenças. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar a composição química do extrato da biomassa de Streptomyces hygroscopicus e suas capacidades larvicidas para Aedes aegypti. Em relação ao resultado da prospecção da composição química do extrato, com base na metodologia qualitativa colorimétrica da presença de metabólitos secundários, houve indicativo positivo para o teste de alcalóides e negativo para flavonoides. Ademais, por intermédio da Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massas foi possível inferir a presença, em maior quantidade, do ácido 9-12-octadecadienóico, seguindo pela presença do ácido 9-12-octadecadienóico e do ácido linoleico. Em relação a atividade larvicida contra Ae. aegypti, a CL50 do extrato diluído com DMSO a 1% foi de 155,4 ppm e a mortalidade máxima foi de 100% em 250 ppm. Por fim, foi visto que o extrato oleoso da biomassa de S. hygroscopicus foi capaz de atuar nas larvas de Ae. aegypti, mostrando-se como potencial larvicida para essa espécie.
In vitro micropropagation of Bromelia balansae Mez.: effects of light intensity and growth regulators on plant development
Authors: Souza Maria Juiva Marques de Faria , Thomaz Douglas Vieira , Carneiro Leonardo Alves , Aguiar Deborah Victória Alves de , Vaz Boniek Gontijo , Sousa Cleiton Mateus , Santos Pierre Alexandre dos
Published: March 2023

We detail herein the in vitro micropropagation of Bromelia balansae Mez. In this regard, we investigated the germination and the action of growth regulators in inducing callogenesis. Furthermore, we thoroughly investigated the influence of light intensity on plant growth as well as the production of secondary metabolites. The germination rate of B. balansae seeds was 94.95% and the developed seedlings were uniform. It was possible to observe that the amount of callus formed per explant was influenced by the concentrations and combinations of distinct growth regulators. Furthermore, it was possible to observe variations in the concentration of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids in the extracts of the plants cultivated under different light intensities. Therefore, this study showcases the effect of growth conditions in the morphology and chemical constitution of in vitro grown B. balansae.
Monitoring for adverse drug reactions in children and adolescents treated with antipsychotic drugs
Authors:   , Minjon Lenneke
Published: March 2023

Children and adolescents treated with antipsychotic drugs can experience severe and bothersome adverse drug reactions (ADRs), which can have a physical as well as an emotional impact on their lives. It is important to monitor these children and adolescents closely so that ADRs are identified early. The aim of this thesis was to assess the daily clinical practice of monitoring for ADRs of antipsychotic drugs in children and adolescents, including the facilitators for and barriers to monitoring.

First, the need for monitoring was assessed. The frequencies of spontaneously reported ADRs in children and adolescents treated with antipsychotic drugs were determined using data from the worldwide database VigiBase. Many different ADRs were reported by young people and healthcare professionals, including weight gain, breast enlargement, and movement disorders. Second, monitoring in daily clinical practice was examined. How ADRs were monitored was studied in various ways: questionnaires were completed by Dutch child and adolescent psychiatrists, medical records of an organization for child and adolescent psychiatry were examined, and prescription data from British general practitioners were analyzed. In none of these studies monitoring was optimal. The monitoring frequencies as well as what was monitored varied between healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals rarely reported the reason for not monitoring and guidelines were most often not completely followed. Third, the support provided during antipsychotic drug treatment was assessed. There are clinical guidelines available for healthcare professionals on how to monitor for ADRs. The clarity of presentation and the applicability of ADR-related monitoring instructions in six clinical practice guidelines for children and adolescents treated with antipsychotic drugs were assessed. These guidelines were clearly presented but differed in what and how often to monitor and were not always easily applicable in daily practice. Given the ADRs that might occur, not only the healthcare professionals need support on how to monitor, but also the children, adolescents, parents, and caregivers should be provided with clear instructions and information. Therefore, adolescents treated with antipsychotic drugs were interviewed and asked about their experiences, needs, preferences, and suggestions for improvement. The preliminary results emphasized the importance of personal guidance and involvement in decision-making.

Better monitoring is of importance so ADRs can be detected early and the antipsychotic drug treatment can be adjusted according to the individual needs and preferences of the child or adolescent, ensuring a safe and effective antipsychotic drug treatment for this vulnerable population.
LEGAL THREATS OF ILLEGAL MARRIAGE
Authors: Musyafirudin Imam
Published: March 2023

This article is the result of library research. This research is included in the category of normative legal research. This research discussion aims to explain the istiḥān argument against the draft criminal sanctions law for perpetrators of illegal marriages. The researcher analyzed the data using istihsān bi al-maqāsid sharī'ah theory. The findings of this study are that the draft law regarding the provision of criminal sanctions against perpetrators of illegal marriages is not effectively implemented. This argument is based on the reading of legal material data with the theory of Istiḥsān bi maṣlaḥat al-mursalah. The legal reasoning put forward by Toeri istihsan is first, there are still many inadequate facilities in serving the implementation of Law Number 1 of 1974; second, less than optimal bureaucracy and background problems or motivation in carrying out marriages outside the institution of marriage registrar officials as well as conflicting government regulations with one another. The research data is read with the istiḥsān theory and results in the absence of mashlahah if the rules of criminal sanctions are applied.

Keywords: Perpetrators of illegal marriages, Draft law, istiḥsān

 

Abstrak

Artikel ini adalah hasil dari penelitian pustaka (library research). Penelitian ini masuk dalam kategori penelitian hukum normatif. Diskusi penelitian ini bertujuan menjelaskan argument istiḥān  terhadap rancangan undang-undang sanksi pidana bagi pelaku nikah illegal. Peneliti mengnalisis data menggunakan teori istihsān bi al- maqāsid sharī’ah.   Temuan penelitian ini adalah bahwa rancangan undang-undang tentang pemberian sanksi pidana terhadap pelaku perkawinan illegal tidak efektif diterapkan.. Argumen ini didasari oleh pembacaan data bahan hukum dengan teori Istiḥsān bi maṣlaḥat al-mursalah. Nalar hukum yang diajukan oleh toeri istihsan ini pertama, masih banyak fasilitas yang kurang memadai dalam melayani pelaksanaan Undang Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 1974; kedua, birokrasi yang kurang optimal dan masalah latar belakang atau motivasi dalam melangsungkan perkawinan diluar institusi pejabat pencatat nikah serta berbenturannya aturan pemerintah antara yang satu dengan yang lainnya. Data penelitian dibaca dengan teori istiḥsān dan menghasilkan  tidak masuk adanya mashlahah jika diterapkan aturan sangsi pidana tersebut

Kata kunci: Pelaku pernikahan illegal, Rancangan undang-undang, istiḥsān
Characterization of cardiac involvement in children with LMNA-related muscular dystrophy
Authors: Cesar Sergi , Campuzano Oscar , Cruzalegui Jose , Fiol Victori , Moll Isaac , Martínez-Barrios Estefania , Zschaeck Irene , Natera-de Benito Daniel , Ortez Carlos , Carrera Laura , Expósito Jessica , Berrueco Rubén , Bautista-Rodriguez Carles , Dabaj Ivana , Gómez García-de-la-Banda Marta , Quijano-Roy Susana , Brugada Josep , Nascimento Andrés , Sarquella-Brugada Georgia
Published: March 2023

Introduction: LMNA-related muscular dystrophy is a rare entity that produce “laminopathies” such as Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), limb–girdle muscular dystrophy type 1B (LGMD1B), and LMNA-related congenital muscular dystrophy (L-CMD). Heart failure, malignant arrhythmias, and sudden death may occur. No consensus exists on cardiovascular management in pediatric laminopathies. The aim was to perform an exhaustive cardiologic follow-up in pediatric patients diagnosed with LMNA-related muscular dystrophy.

Methods: Baseline cardiac work-up consisted of clinical assessment, transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, 12-lead electrocardiogram, electrophysiological study, and implantation of a long-term implantable cardiac loop recorder (ILR).

Results: We enrolled twenty-eight pediatric patients diagnosed with EDMD (13 patients), L-CMD (11 patients), LGMD1B (2 patients), and LMNA-related mild weakness (2 patients). Follow-up showed dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in six patients and malignant arrhythmias in five (four concomitant with DCM) detected by the ILR that required implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Malignant arrhythmias were detected in 20% of our cohort and early-onset EDMD showed worse cardiac prognosis.

Discussion: Patients diagnosed with early-onset EDMD are at higher risk of DCM, while potentially life-threatening arrhythmias without DCM appear earlier in L-CMD patients. Early onset neurologic symptoms could be related with worse cardiac prognosis. Specific clinical guidelines for children are needed to prevent sudden death.
Atrial fibrillation and breast cancer—Vicious twins? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yao Xiongda , Hu Qingwen , Liu Xiao , Ling Qing , Leng Yurong , Zhao Huilei , Yu Peng , Ma Jianyong , Zhao Yujie , Liu Menglu , Yang Renqiang
Published: March 2023

Background

Epidemiological studies suggest a bidirectional association between atrial fibrillation and breast cancer. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to elucidate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation among breast cancer patients, and the bidirectional association between atrial fibrillation and breast cancer.

Methods

PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched to identify studies reporting the prevalence, incidence, and bidirectional association between atrial fibrillation and breast cancer. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022313251). Levels of evidence and recommendations were assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

Twenty-three studies (17 retrospective cohort studies, 5 case-control studies and 1 cross-sectional study) involving 8,537,551 participants were included. Among patients with breast cancer, the prevalence of atrial fibrillation was 3% (11 studies; 95% CI: 0.6 to 7.1%) and the incidence was 2.7% (6 studies; 95% CI: 1.1 to 4.9%). Breast cancer was associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation (5 studies; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.82, I2 = 98%). Atrial fibrillation was also significantly associated elevated risk of breast cancer (5 studies HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.22, I2 = 0%). Grade assessment shown low certainty of the evidence for the risk of atrial fibrillation and moderate certainty of the evidence for the risk of breast cancer.

Conclusion

Atrial fibrillation is not uncommon in patients with breast cancer and vice versa. There is a bidirectional association between atrial fibrillation (low certainty) and breast cancer (moderate certainty).
The RGD region of bone sialoprotein affects metabolic activity in mice
Authors: Nagasaki Karin , Nagasaki Atsuhiro , Taylor Jocelyn M. , Kear Bernice D. , Ma Yinyan , Somerman Martha J. , Gavrilova Oksana
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is a key regulator of mineralized tissue formation. Previously, we generated BSP-KAE knock-in mice (KAEKI mice) by substituting a non-function KAE (lysine-alanine-glutamic acid) for the integrin-binding RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) sequence and reported a vital role of the BSP-RGD motif in modulating the periodontal ligament (PDL). Specifically, a histological disorganization of the PDL was noted, resulting in a weakened function of the PDL as measured by dynamic mechanical analysis. Intriguingly, also noted was a weight gain as KAEKI mice aged. While several proteins associated with mineralized tissues are reported to affect energy metabolism, the metabolic role of the BSP-RGD region has yet to be elucidated. Here we focus on defining the role of the BSP-RGD region in metabolic activity.

Methods

Body weight, body composition, and caloric intake were measured in wild type (WT) and KAEKI mice. Energy expenditure was estimated using energy balance technique. Epididymal fat, interscapular fat, and liver were harvested for histological analysis. The systemic metabolic phenotype was assessed by sera analyses, insulin tolerance and glucose tolerance tests.

Results

The results showed that KAEKI mice developed mild obesity starting from 13 weeks postnatal (wpn). The increase in body weight correlated with an increase in lean mass and visceral adiposity. Histological examination revealed adipocyte hypertrophy in white epididymal fat and interscapular brown fat in KAEKI vs. WT mice at 17 wpn. Metabolic profiling indicated that KAEKI mice had dyslipidemia and hyperleptinemia but no significant changes in glucose metabolism. Energy balance analyses revealed that hyperphagia preceded weight gain in KAEKI mice.

Conclusion

These data suggest that the RGD region of BSP affects energy metabolism by regulating food intake, with further studies warranted to uncover the underlying mechanisms.
Trace element composition and genesis mechanism of the Fuli Pb-Zn deposit in Yunnan: LA-ICP-MS and in situ S-Pb isotopic constraints
Authors: Liang Xingyu , Li Bo , Zhang Xinyue , Qin Huaikun , Li Gao , Zhang Chengnan
Published: March 2023

The Fuli Pb-Zn deposit in Yunnan is located in the southeast of the Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou (SYG) Pb-Zn metallogenic province in South China. Lead and zinc reserves total approximately 0.3 million tons with an average grade of 18.68% Pb+Zn. The stratiform ore occurs in the interlayer fracture zone of the middle Permian Yangxin formation dolomite. The main sulfides of the Fuli Pb-Zn deposit consist of sphalerite, galena, and pyrite, while dolomite and calcite are the main gangue minerals. Mineralization exhibits massive, disseminated, vein and breccia textures. Sphalerites of two colors (black and red) have been identified in the Fuli deposit. LA-ICP-MS analysis revealed that the black and red sphalerites were enriched in Cd, Cu, Ga, and Ge and depleted in Fe, Mn, and In to varying degrees. The aforementioned elements exhibit homogeneous patterns in the LA-ICPMS time resolution profiles, which is consistent with variations in the concentrations of major elements like Zn and S. This indicates that these elements may occur in sphalerite as a result of isomorphous substitution. However, elements such as As, Sb, Pb, and Ag fluctuate greatly in the LA-ICPMS time resolution profiles, suggesting that these elements may exist as fine inclusions. Thus, the different colors of the Fuli sphalerite may be attributed to various elements such as Ni, Cu, and Ga; Ni and Cu result in purple Sp, Cu renders sphalerite red, and Ga imparts a yellow color. The sulfur isotope compositions of the two sphalerites exhibit little variation, with δ34S values ranging from 15.57‰ to 16.91‰, indicating the enrichment of 34S. These results are consistent with the sulfur isotopic compositions of Permian marine sulfates, indicating that thermochemical sulfate reduction was the main source of the reduced sulfur in the hydrothermal fluids. In situ Pb isotopic composition analysis revealed 208Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 206Pb/204Pb values for galena in the range of 38.5–38.651, 15.666–15.733, and 18.539–19.124, respectively. The in situ Pb isotopic ratios of most galenas plot on the field of the basement metamorphic rocks of the Kunyang Group. These in situ Pb isotopic signatures reveal that the metallogenic metals are mainly derived from crustal basement. The findings of this study suggest that the Fuli Pb-Zn deposit is a MVT Pb-Zn deposit controlled by the interlayer compressional structure with characteristics of carbonate-hosted, epigenetic, simple mineral symbiosis, high Pb-Zn grade, and abundant Cd, Ga, and Ge along with other dispersed elements.
Seasonal variations and controlling factors of speleothem multi-proxy in southeastern China: Implications for the reconstruction of precipitation seasonality
Authors: Bao Yanyan , Zhang Haiwei , Niu Xiaowen , Zhang Rui , Lu Jing , Meng Binglin , Lu Jiayu , Tan Liangcheng , Cai Yanjun , Cheng Hai
Published: March 2023

Precipitation in southeastern China exhibits strong seasonal variability, which significantly impacts local agricultural production and social development. However, the reconstruction of precipitation seasonality has been limited by the lack of precisely dated high-resolution paleoclimatic records. This study presents seasonal-scale multi-proxy records (trace elements: Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca Ba/Ca and stable isotopes: δ18O and δ13C) of a modern (1810–2009 AD) annually laminated stalagmite (EM1) from E’Mei Cave, Jiangxi Province in southeastern China. Comparative analysis of observation data with meteorological and simulation data shows that the seasonal variation of EM1 δ18O, derived from precipitation δ18O, is mainly controlled by the large-scale circulation and precipitation seasonality on an interannual timescale. The seasonal EM1 δ18O variation is controlled by the seasonal precipitation δ18O, however, the most negative values of EM1 δ18O are higher than those of simulated calcite δ18O and the average amplitude of the seasonal variation of EM1 δ18O (∼1.93‰) is much smaller than that of simulated calcite δ18O (∼9.72‰) because of evaporation and mixing of waters in the epikarst system. On the decadal timescales, variations of δ13C, Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, and Ba/Ca were found to be strongly correlated, consistent with the variation of the local dry/flood index, indicating a common influencing factor of local hydroclimate change. However, their seasonal phase relationships vary between strong and weak summer monsoon conditions. We find a strong covariation between Mg/Ca and δ13C with Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca during the strong monsoon period (1951–1976), and they are in antiphase with seasonal δ18O variation. However, the seasonal variations of Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca transformed to dominantly antiphase with Mg/Ca and δ13C during the weak monsoon period (1977–1991 AD). Therefore, we suggest that Mg/Ca and δ13C are dominantly controlled by the local hydroclimate changes on seasonal timescales but Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca might have been affected by complex processes in the epikarst under different hydrothermal configuration conditions. The findings indicate the potential of the variation of the seasonal phase relationships between multi-proxy records in reconstructing precipitation seasonality changes under different hydrothermal backgrounds.
Educators in Israel define cultural competence
Authors: Shapira Noa , Shonfeld Miri , Friedman Daniela , Falah Janan Faraj
Published: March 2023

How do Israeli teachers perceive the concept of cultural competence? To answer this question, we employed a questionnaire survey marking each participant’s degree of agreement with 19 statements defining cultural competency. The questions were open-ended, allowing participants to share their opinions on cultural competence. A quantitative analysis of their responses reveals equal treatment of every person, the ability to receive and provide exact non-injurious messages, cultural awareness, and the ability to communicate in a multicultural environment to be the descriptions most connected to cultural competence. A qualitative analysis discovered several categories of understanding cultural competence such as knowledge, skills, and values related to the role of teachers in their classrooms. The participants also reflected on Israel’s idiosyncrasies and the expectations from educators in such a context. Israeli society is complex and heterogenous: Its education system segregates students, such as through distinct secular, religious, ultraorthodox, and Arabs schools, which, in turn, have their own subcultures, for example. Such layered heterogeneities require an essential understanding of how educators must grasp and define cultural competence in the Israeli educational system.
Prognostic predictors of adrenocortical carcinoma: A single-center thirty-year experience
Authors: Pan Li-Hsin , Yen Chueh-Chuan , Huang Chun-Jui , Ng Xin-Ning , Lin Liang-Yu
Published: March 2023

Background

The prognosis of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is poor but highly variable. The present study aimed to characterize patients with ACC at a single center in Taiwan and to determine the prognostic predictors of overall and progression-free survival.

Methods

Medical records of patients, who were diagnosed with ACC at Taipei Veterans General Hospital between January 1992 and June 2021, were reviewed. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and subsequent treatment were analyzed with regard to overall survival and progression-free survival using Kaplan-Meier methods and a Cox regression model.

Results

Sixty-seven patients were included. Females (65.7%) were more susceptible to ACC, with a younger onset and active hormonal secretion. One-half of the patients exhibited distant metastases at the time of diagnosis. The European Network for the Study of Adrenal Tumours (ENSAT) stage (hazard ratio [HR] 3.60 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25–10.38]; p=0.018), large vessel invasion (HR 5.19 [95% CI 1.75–15.37]; p=0.003), and mitotane use (HR 0.27 [95% CI 0.11–0.70]; p=0.007) were significantly associated with overall survival (OS). There was no single factor independently associated with progression-free survival.

Conclusion

ENSAT stage had a substantial impact on overall survival though there was no difference in OS between patients with stage II and stage III ACC. Large vessel invasion portended poor prognosis and influenced OS significantly. Moreover, mitotane only improved clinical outcomes of patients with stage IV disease.
An artificial neural network-based performance model of triple-junction InGaP/InGaAs/Ge cells for the production estimation of concentrated photovoltaic systems
Authors: Shoaib Aisha , Burhan Muhammad , Chen Qian , Oh Seung Jin
Published: March 2023

Analytical and empirical models analyze complex and non-linear interactions between the input–output parameters of the system. This is very important in the case of photovoltaic systems to understand their real performance potential. On the other hand, manufacturers of photovoltaic panels rate the maximum performance of the system under fixed lab conditions as per standard testing conditions (STCs) or nominal operating cell temperature (NOCT) standards of IEC. These ratings do not provide the actual production potential of the system in a field with fluctuating conditions of irradiance and temperature. For the case of a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) system, utilizing multi-junction solar cells (MJCs), there is no commercial tool available to analyze the performance and production, despite some recent empirical models that also require post-processing of experimental data to be used in conventional models. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN)-based performance model is presented for a multi-junction solar cell, which is not only convenient to apply but can also be easily expanded to predict the real-field performance of the CPV system of any designed size. In addition, the ANN-based model showed a high accuracy of 99.9% in predicting the performance output of MJCs as compared to diode-based empirical models available in the literature. The irradiance concentration at the cell area and the cell temperature are taken as inputs for the neural network. If both of these parameters are known, then the cell efficiency as an output can accurately predict the CPV performance for a field operation.
Coastal land use change and evaluation of ecosystem services value enhancement under the background of Yangtze River protection: Taking Jiangyin coastal areas as an example
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Jin Cheng , Pan Xiaoqing , Wei Luyao , Shao Haiyan
Published: March 2023

Evaluating the ecosystem service value is an important step to promote the sustainable development and the construction of ecological civilization of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the related research is already very rich. However, they neglect the evaluation of coastal areas and lack the deeper thinking of ecological value. To improve these deficiencies, this study takes the coastal area of Jiangyin as the study area, constructs the evaluation method system of ecosystem service value based on the land use data in 2016 and 2020, explores the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of land use and ecosystem service value in the study area, and analyzes reasons for these changes. The results show that: (1) Cultivated land is the main land type in the coastal area, with an area change rate of -15.89%, forest land increases rapidly, with a growth rate of 281.62%, followed by water area with a growth rate of 55.98%, garden land decreases the most, with a decrease rate of 86.36%, followed by construction land of 62.19%. Land use mainly presents the characteristics of changes from construction land to other land, construction land and green space, and cultivated land to cultivated land, water area and forest land. (2) The net increase of ecosystem service value in the coastal area is 483 million, with a growth rate of 137.27%. Among them, the value of forest land accounts for the largest proportion, with a net increase of 264 million yuan and a growth rate of 109.54%. In terms of single function, flood regulation and storage accounts for the main ecosystem service value, reaching more than 65%, with a net increase of 394 million yuan. (3) In terms of spatial distribution, the ecosystem service value of water conservation, flood regulation and storage has a spatial distribution characteristic of being high in the east and low in the west, while the distribution of ecosystem service value of wind prevention and sand fixation is both high and low in the west. In addition, this study further explores the response mechanism of ecological value to the protection measures along the river and the transformation path of ecosystem service value, which provides a new path for the study of government-led evaluation of ecological protection effects in important coastal areas and ecologically sustainable development with regional multi-subject participation.
Waterfront ecotourism quality evaluation under the water ecological challenge in West Strait, China
Authors: Wang Chengsi , Su Chenqing , Li Zhengxin , Hu Xiaoyin
Published: March 2023

The relationship between tourism activities and water ecological degradation has become a challenge that cannot be ignored. However, only few studies have evaluated the sustainability of waterfront tourism. This paper takes the West Strait of China, which is rich in ecological resources, as the research object, constructs the evaluation framework of waterfront ecotourism through two rounds of expert consultation, and determines the weights of the following indicators based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE): Waterfront Tourism Design (0.112), Ecotourism Experience (0.034), Aquatic Ecological Knowledge Sharing (0.147), Pro-Water Culture (0.238), Pro-Water Identity (0.134), Aesthetic Value of Water Landscape (0.128), Pro-Water City Brand (0.036), Infrastructure Construction (0.061), Regional Economic Development (0.046), Folkway Support (0.028), Government Policy Support (0.036). Data collection in the 5 core cities in West Strait shows that Pro-Water Culture (U4) had the most significant impact, followed by Aquatic Ecological Knowledge Sharing (U3). Pro-Water City Brand (U7) and Folkway Support (U10) have negligible effects on waterfront ecotourism. The weight range distribution is relatively average except for the four above mentioned indicators.
Efficient removal of sulfamethazine by a magnetic recoverable CeO2/Fe3O4/natural zeolite catalyst in catalytic ozonation process
Authors: Guo Zhuang , Lv Yifan , Wei Jian , Zhang Jiali , Song Yonghui
Published: March 2023

In order to realize the efficient removal of sulfamethazine (SMZ) and overcome the recycling difficulty of catalysts in a heterogeneous catalytic ozonation process, low-cost natural zeolite loaded with CeO2 and Fe3O4 (FC/HZ) was synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The FC/HZ catalyst could completely degrade SMZ and realize 39.6% removal of TOC through catalytic ozonation. Moreover, the FC/HZ catalyst exhibited high catalytic ozonation activity under a wide pH range and possessed excellent recyclability (>90%) and stability with a magnet. Based on experiment and material characterization, the possible catalytic mechanism and degradation pathway of SMZ was revealed. In brief, this study offered an effective strategy for preparing recyclable catalysts and eliminating SMZ in aqueous solution.
Evaluation of the policy options to adopt a water-energy-food nexus pattern by farmers: Application of optimization and agent-based models
Authors: Mirzaei Abbas , Ashktorab Niloofar , Noshad Mohammad
Published: March 2023

In recent years, water-scarce regions (WSRs) have faced many challenges in order to achieve sustainable economic development. Sustainable economic development in the agricultural sector of WSRs is possible by paying attention to the water-energy-food nexus (WEFN) concept. WEFN determined using consumption, physical productivity, and economic productivity criteria of water and energy resources. According to the goals of physical and economic productivity of water and energy resources, it will be very difficult to implement WEF nexus patterns in WSRs with severe water resource crisis. The present study is aimed in WSRs to extract the resource allocation pattern based on the goals of the WEFN system using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) tools and evaluate the cooperative behavior of farmers with this pattern under government’s policy options using an agent-based model (ABM). The results for Doroodzan dam irrigation network as a WSR revealed that the pattern based on WEFN will lead to a 200 and 18 percent increase in physical and economic water productivity and a 156 and 67 percent increase in physical and economic energy productivity compared to the base pattern, but the implementation of this pattern requires 33% more water consumption. Therefore, it is very necessary to water resource management policies such as using modern irrigation technologies under government policy options in order to implement the pattern based on WEFN in WSRs. In this regard, the inflexibility of the government’s policies will prevent the widespread implementation of the pattern based on WEFN and sustainable economic development at the regional level. Also, it can be concluded that the expansion of sustainable patterns in the agricultural sector will not be possible without considering the situation of the region from the point of view of water resources and also the cooperative behavior of the farmers. Finally, the framework of the present study is recommended to achieve the goals of sustainable economic development of the agricultural sector in WSRs.
Growing underground: Development of thermogenesis in pups of the fossorial rodent Ctenomys talarum
Authors: Luna Facundo , Sastre-Serra Jorge , Oliver Jordi , Antenucci C. Daniel
Published: March 2023

In mammals, during the pup’s development and adult life, integrated requirements of all activities of the individual must conform to a sustained rate of metabolism. Thus, partitioning the available energy according to short-term priorities at a specific moment allows animals to survive and optimize long-term reproductive success. In altricial rodents, thermal balance is a key factor for survival. When no exogenous source of heat is present, altricial pups rapidly lose heat, reaching ambient temperature (Ta). Fossorial rodents showed a strong dependence on burrows, where Ta remains relatively stable within narrow ranges. Pups of the fossorial rodent Ctenomys talarum are altricial, making them an excellent model to evaluate the development of thermogenic capacity. In this study, the ontogeny of the thermogenic capacity of pups of C. talarum was evaluated. Using respirometry techniques, non-shivering thermogenesis (NST), total thermogenic capacity (cold-induced maximum metabolic rate, MMR), and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in pups until post-weaning age (day 60) were analyzed. No NST was present in pups until day 60 despite the presence of molecular markers for NST in brown adipose tissue deposits, which became functional in adults. Although pups are altricial at birth, they maintain their thermal balance behaviorally during lactation. Total thermogenic capacity became fixed at an early age, indicating an improvement in shivering thermogenesis (ST) efficiency after day 10, which might be related to the development of musculature related to digging. Before the aboveground dispersal period (~day 60), pups gradually reached adult Tb by improving ST and thermal isolation, allowing them to confront climatic fluctuations on the surface.
Metagenomics reveals that dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) broadly feed on reptile dung. Did they also feed on that of dinosaurs?
Authors: Lopes Fernando , Rossini Michele , Losacco Federica , Montanaro Giulio , Gunter Nicole , Tarasov Sergei
Published: March 2023

The origin of the dung-feeding habits in dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) is debatable. According to traditional views, the evolution of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) and their feeding habits are largely attributed to mammal dung. In this paper, we challenge this view and provide evidence that many dung beetle communities are actually attracted to the dung of reptiles and birds (= Sauropsida). In turn, this indicates that sauropsid dung may have played a crucial evolutionary role that was previously underestimated. We argue that it is physiologically realistic to consider that coprophagy in dung beetles could have evolved during the Cretaceous in response to the dung produced by dinosaurs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that sauropsid dung may be one of the major factors driving the emergence of insular dung beetle communities across the globe. We support our findings with amplicon-metagenomic analyses, field observations, and meta-analysis of the published literature.
A novel endothelial-related prognostic index by integrating single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data for patients with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Deng-Xiong , Yu Qing-Xin , Zeng Chui-Xuan , Ye Lu-Xia , Guo Yi-Qing , Liu Jun-Fei , Zheng Hai-Hong , Feng Dechao , Wei Wuran
Published: March 2023

Background: Endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment play an important role in the development of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). We wanted to further identify the function of endothelial cells in KIRC patients by integrating single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data.

Methods: Online databases provide the original data of this study. An endothelial-related prognostic index (ERPI) was constructed and validated by R version 3.6.3 and relative packages.

Results: The ERPI consisted of three genes (CCND1, MALL, and VWF). Patients with high ERPI scores were significantly correlated with worse prognosis than those with low ERPI scores in the TCGA training group, TCGA test group, and GSE29609 group. A positive correlation was identified between the ERPI score and poor clinical features. The results of functional analysis indicated that ERPI was significantly associated with immune-related activities. We suggested that patients with high ERPI scores were more likely to benefit from immunotherapy based on the results of immune checkpoints, tumor microenvironment, stemness index, and TCIA, while patients with low ERPI scores were sensitive to gemcitabine, docetaxel, paclitaxel, axitinib, pazopanib, sorafenib, and temsirolimus according to the results of the “pRRophetic” algorithm. Therefore, this ERPI may help doctors choose the optimal treatment for patients with KIRC.

Conclusion: By integrating single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing data from KIRC patients, we successfully identified the key genes from the perspective of endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment and constructed ERPIs that had positive implications in precision medicine.
Positive cfDNA screening results for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome—Clinical and laboratory considerations
Authors: Soster Erica , Dyr Brittany , Rafalko Jill , Almasri Eyad , Cacheris Phillip
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) via cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screens for fetal chromosome disorders using maternal plasma, including 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). While it is the commonest microdeletion syndrome and has potential implications for perinatal management, prenatal screening for 22q11.2DS carries some inherent technical, biological, and counseling challenges, including varying deletion sizes/locations, maternal 22q11.2 deletions, confirmatory test choice, and variable phenotype.

Materials and methods: This study addresses these considerations utilizing a retrospective cohort of 307 samples with screen-positive 22q11.2 NIPS results on a massively parallel sequencing (MPS) platform.

Results: Approximately half of the cases reported ultrasound findings at some point during pregnancy. In 63.2% of cases with diagnostic testing, observed positive predictive values were 90.7%–99.4%. cfDNA identified deletions ranging from <1 Mb to 3.55 Mb, with significant differences in confirmed fetal versus maternal deletion sizes; estimated cfDNA deletion size was highly concordant with microarray findings. Mosaicism ratio proved useful in predicting the origin of a deletion (fetal versus maternal). Prediction of deletion size, location, and origin may help guide confirmatory testing.

Discussion: The data shows that MPS-based NIPS can screen for 22q11.2DS with a high PPV, and that collaboration between the laboratory and clinicians allows consideration of additional metrics that may guide diagnostic testing and subsequent management.
CD27+ microparticle interactions and immunoregulation of CD4+ T lymphocytes
Authors: Cagnet Léonie , Neyrinck-Leglantier Déborah , Tamagne Marie , Berradhia Lylia , Khelfa Mehdi , Cleophax Sabine , Pirenne France , Vingert Benoît
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Aplasia and hematological malignancies are treated with platelet transfusions, which can have major immunomodulatory effects. Platelet concentrates (PCs) contain many immunomodulatory elements, including the platelets themselves, residual leukocytes, extracellular vesicles, such as microparticles (MPs), cytokines and other soluble elements. Two of these components, MPs and a soluble form of CD27 (sCD27), have been shown to play a particularly important role in immune system modulation. The loss of CD27 expression is an irreversible marker of terminal effector CD3+ T-lymphocyte (TL) differentiation, and the CD27+ MPs present in PCs may maintain CD27 expression on the surface of TLs, and, thus, the activation of these cells.

Methods

In this study, we phenotyped the CD27-expressing MPs present in PCs by microscale flow cytometry and investigated the interaction of these particles with CD4+ TLs. We cocultured MPs and PBMCs and determined the origin of the CD27 expressed on the surface of CD4+ TLs with the aid of two fluorochromes (BV510 for CD27 originating from MPs and BV786 for cellular CD27).

Results

We showed that the binding of CD27- expressing MPs involved the CD70 molecule, which was also present on these MPs. Finally, the maintenance of CD27 expression on the surface of TLs by sorted CD27+ MPs led to activation levels lower than those observed with other types of MPs.

Discussion

These results for CD27-expressing MPs and their CD70-mediated targeting open up new possibilities for immunotherapy based on the use of MPs to maintain a phenotype or to target immune cells, for example. Moreover, decreasing the levels of CD27-expressing MPs in transfused platelets might also increase the chances of success for anti-CD27 monoclonal immunotherapy.
Peripheral CD8+CD28+ T lymphocytes predict the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in cancer patients
Authors: Geng Ruixuan , Tang Hui , You Tingting , Xu Xiuxiu , Li Sijian , Li Zepeng , Liu Yuan , Qiu Wei , Zhou Na , Li Ningning , Ge Yuping , Guo Fuping , Sun Yuhong , Wang Yingyi , Li Taisheng , Bai Chunmei
Published: March 2023

Background

Programmed cell death protein-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors works by reactivating immune cells. Considering the accessibility of noninvasive liquid biopsies, it is advisable to employ peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets to predict immunotherapy outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 87 patients with available baseline circulating lymphocyte subset data who received first-line PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between May 2018 and April 2022. Immune cell counts were determined by flow cytometry.

Results

Patients who responded to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors had significantly higher circulating CD8+CD28+ T-cell counts (median [range] count: 236 [30-536] versus 138 [36-460]/μL, p < 0.001). Using 190/μL as the cutoff value, the sensitivity and specificity of CD8+CD28+ T cells for predicting immunotherapy response were 0.689 and 0.714, respectively. Furthermore, the median progression-free survival (PFS, not reached versus 8.7 months, p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS, not reached versus 16.2 months, p < 0.001) were significantly longer in the patients with higher CD8+CD28+ T-cell counts. However, the CD8+CD28+ T-cell level was also associated with the incidence of grade 3-4 immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The sensitivity and specificity of CD8+CD28+ T cells for predicting irAEs of grade 3-4 were 0.846 and 0.667, respectively, at the threshold of CD8+CD28+ T cells ≥ 309/μL.

Conclusions

High circulating CD8+CD28+ T-cell levels is a potential biomarker for immunotherapy response and better prognosis, while excessive CD8+CD28+ T cells (≥ 309/μL) may also indicate the emergence of severe irAEs.