bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil erosion risk assessment in Moridhal watershed of Assam, India using Universal Soil Loss Equation and GIS
Authors: Bharteey Prem Kumar , Deka Bipul , Patgiri D. K. , Dutta Marami , Saikia Rituparna 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Soil erosion is one of the major factors affecting sustainability of agricultural production in watershed. The objective of this paper is to estimate soil loss using the universal soil loss equation (USLE) model and GIS and to suggest soil conservation practices in Moridhal watershed. Soil loss was estimated by USLE. In addition, measurements of randomly selected soil and water conservation structures were done at four physiographic units of watershed. The erodibility of the studied soils was assessed by computing various erodibility indices like clay ratio, silt clay ratio, modified clay ratio, dispersion ratio, erosion ratio and erosion index. The soil loss of watershed was varied from very slight to very severe (range 0.87-67.77 t ha-1 yr-1). Among the physiographic units, the soil loss in the upper piedmont plain area was moderately severe to very severe with a value varying from 19.9-67.8 t ha-1 yr-1. The dispersion ratio of the soils varied from 0.06 to 1.18. It was observed that 48.82 per cent of the total studied soil samples had dispersion ratio values above 0.15 which may be considered as erodible. The erosion ratio and erosion index of studied soils varied from varied from 0.01-0.55 and 0.03-0.71, respectively. Based on the study it was found that the soils in different physiographic units are suffering from varying degree of soil erosion. The upper piedmont plain areas of the watershed require management practices which could improve the erosion status and soil productivity. The results of soil loss obtained from the study could be effectively used by the planners, watershed managers and policy makers to formulate site specific conservation plans in order to minimize soil loss for sustaining productivity.
Analysis of land use/cover changes using the concepts of ecosystem services for the ecological security assessment of Lavasanat watershed (Tehran, Iran)
Authors: Moarrab Yasser , Novin Vahid , Salehi Esmaeil 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Recent years have seen growing interest in the use of the concepts of ecosystem services in ecological security assessments. This study analyzed the temporal-spatial changes of land use/cover in Lavasanat watershed, Tehran, Iran, between the years 2000 and 2040 under different land-use change scenarios, and assessed the consequent change in ecological security in terms of ecosystem services (water yield) under different climate scenarios. First, the LULC map of the watershed for the 20 year period between 2000 and 2020 was generated. Then, the area’s LULC changes from 2020 to 2040 were predicted based on the assumption of the continuation of current conditions, which was named Scenario S1. Next, three other scenarios named S2, S3, and S4, representing the pessimistic, realistic, and optimistic management of the situation were defined based on S1. Three climate scenarios named B1, N and M were also defined for use in the assessments. For ecological security assessments, temporal and spatial changes of water yield services for the years 2000, 2010 and 2020 were simulated based on the area’s climate data and LULC changes. The results were then used to estimate the water yield of the entire watershed and its residential areas by 2040 in the four defined land-use/cover scenarios (S1, S2, S3, and S4) and three climate scenarios (B1, N, and M). The results showed a 1.92 times increase in the water yield of the watershed’s residential areas from 2000 to 2020. Among the scenarios defined for Lavasanat watershed, the worst scenario (with the highest water yield) was S2N with a water yield of 37639293.581m3 in the entire watershed and 35091082.311m3 in the residential areas, and the best scenario (with the lowest water yield) was S4M with a water yield of 8329365.079m3 in the entire watershed and 7353006.022m3 in the residential areas. The results of all of the four land-use/cover scenarios under all three climate scenarios showed an increase in water yield, the expansion of residential areas, and the loss of ecologically valuable lands in the watershed by 2040.
Essential components of an effective transition from paediatric to adult neurologist care for adolescents with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; a consensus derived using the Delphi methodology in Eastern Europe, Greece and Israel
Authors: Molnar Maria Judit , Szabó Léna , Vladacenco Oana Aurelia , Cobzaru Ana Maria , Dor Talya , Dori Amir , Papadimas Georgios , Juříková Lenka , Litvinenko Ivan , Tournev Ivailo , Dixon Craig 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
An increasing number of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) now have access to improved standard of care and disease modifying treatments, which improve the clinical course of DMD and extend life expectancy beyond 30 years of age. A key issue for adolescent DMD patients is the transition from paediatric- to adult-oriented healthcare. Adolescents and adults with DMD have unique but highly complex healthcare needs associated with long-term steroid use, orthopaedic, respiratory, cardiac, psychological, and gastrointestinal problems meaning that a comprehensive transition process is required. A sub-optimal transition into adult care can have disruptive and deleterious consequences for a patient’s long-term care. This paper details the results of a consensus amongst clinicians on transitioning adolescent DMD patients from paediatric to adult neurologists that can act as a guide to best practice to ensure patients have continuous comprehensive care at every stage of their journey. The consensus was derived using the Delphi methodology. Fifty-three statements were developed by a Steering Group (the authors of this paper) covering seven topics: Define the goals of transition, Preparing the patient, carers/parents and the adult centre, The transition process at the paediatric centre, The multidisciplinary transition summary – Principles, The multidisciplinary transition summary – Content, First visit in the adult centre, Evaluation of transition. The statements were shared with paediatric and adult neurologists across Central Eastern Europe (CEE) as a survey requesting their level of agreement with each statement.
Results
Data from 60 responders (54 full responses and six partial responses) were included in the data set analysis. A consensus was agreed across 100% of the statements.
Conclusions
It is hoped that the findings of this survey which sets out agreed best practice statements, and the transfer template documents developed, will be widely used and so facilitate an effective transition from paediatric to adult care for adolescents with DMD.
Variants in the FLT4 and HYDIN genes are related to the susceptibility of atrial septal defects in southwest Han people of China
Authors: Jin Ye , Zhao Miao , Guo Qiuzhe , Zhao Wanyu , Lei Min , Zhang Yifei , Zhang Yunhan , Shen Yan , Lin keqin , yang Zhaoqing , chu Jiayou , Sun Hao , luo Zhiling 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background :
Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common form of nonsyndromic congenital heart disease. Although several genes related to ASD have been found, the genetic factors of ASD remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between 10 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and sporadic atrial septal defects.
Methods:
Based on the results of 34 individual whole exome sequences, 10 candidate SNPs were selected. In total, 489 ASD samples and 420 normal samples were collected. The 10 SNPs in the case group and the control group were identified through Snapshot genotyping technology. The χ2-test and unconditional regression model were used to evaluate the relationship between ASD and each candidate SNP. Haploview software was used to perform linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis.
Results:
The χ2 results showed that the FLT4 rs383985 (P = 0.003, OR = 1.115–1.773), HYDIN rs7198975(P = 0.04621, OR = 1.003–1.461), and HYDIN rs1774266 (P = 0.04621, OR = 1.003–1.461) alleles were significantly different between the control group and the case group (P < 0.05). Only the association with the FLT4 polymorphism was statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest that a possible molecular pathogenesis associated with sporadic ASD is worth exploring in future studies.
MiRNAs from the Dlk1-Dio3 locus and miR-224/452 cluster contribute to glioblastoma tumor heterogeneity
Authors: Smith Christopher M. , Catchpoole Daniel , Hutvagner Gyorgy 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Glioblastoma is one of the most common and aggressive brain tumors and has seen few improvements in patient outcomes. Inter-tumor heterogeneity between tumors of different patients as well as intra-tumor heterogeneity of cells within the same tumor challenge the development of effective drugs. MiRNAs play an essential role throughout the developing brain and regulate many key genes involved in oncogenesis, yet their role in driving many of the processes underlying tumor heterogeneity remain unclear. In this study, we highlight miRNAs from the Dlk1-Dio3 and miR-224/452 clusters which may be expressed cell autonomously and have expression that is associated with cell state genes in glioblastoma, most prominently in neural progenitor-like and mesenchymal-like states respectively. These findings implicate these miRNA clusters as potential regulators of glioblastoma intra-tumoral heterogeneity and may serve as valuable biomarkers for cell state identification.
Subsurface Structures Around the Subducting Seamount Illuminated by Local Earthquakes at the Off-Ibaraki Region, Southern Japan Trench
Authors: Yoneshima Shinji , Mochizuki Kimihiro , Yamada Tomoaki , Shinohara Masanao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The off-Ibaraki region is a convergent margin at which a seamount subducts. An intensive event location was performed around the subducting seamount to reveal the regional seismotectonics of this region. By applying a migration-based event location to an Ocean Bottom Seismic network record of both P- and S-waves, over 20,000 events were determined in the off-Ibaraki region below ~ M4. The seismicity showed clear spatiotemporal patterns enough to identify the seismicity changes and geometry of the interface. At the updip side, the shallow tectonic tremors and earthquakes are shown to be spatially complementary bounded by an updip limit of the seismogenic zone. At the downdip side, a semicircular low-seismicity zone was identified, which is possibly a rupture area of the Mw7.9 event. The event depth profile exhibited a gently sloped planar downdip interface subparallel to the subducting slab. This plane appears to be stably active from 2008 to 2011. Comparison with the active source seismic survey profiles exhibits that this planar downdip interface is several kilometers deeper than the top of the oceanic crust. After the Mw7.9 event, a high-angle downdip seismic interface was activated above the planar interface. Further, below the planar downdip interface, broadly scattered events occurred with a swarm manner. We successfully illuminated the complicated subsurface structures around the subducting seamount. It is suggested that most of the events occur along or below the plate interface as the top of the oceanic crust.
Rapid summer Russian Arctic sea-ice loss enhances the risk of recent Eastern Siberian wildfires
Authors: Luo Binhe , Luo Dehai , Dai Aiguo , Xiao Cunde , Simmonds Ian , Hanna Edward , Overland James , Shi Jiaqi , Yao Yao , Duan Wansuo , Liu Yimin , Zhang Qiang , Xu Xiyan , Diao Yina , Jiang Zhina , Gong Tingting 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In recent decades wildfires have occurred frequently over eastern Siberia, which favors increased atmospheric carbon dioxide and air pollution. However, it is not well understood what factors have contributed to the recent increase in these wildfires. Here, we analyzed meteorological and satellite data to show that background Arctic warming related to summer Russian Arctic sea-ice decline can account for about 84% of the increase in eastern Siberian wildfires during 2004-2021 with the remaining 16% related to internal atmospheric variability associated with changes in Siberian blocking events.
We further demonstrate that Siberian blocking events occur at higher latitudes, are more persistent and have larger zonal scales over 2004-2021 than during 1979-2003 due to reduced meridional potential vorticity gradients caused by background Arctic warming during the latter period. These changes lead to more persistent, widespread and intense wildfires and their poleward migation, thus contributing to the recent increases in eastern Siberian wildfires.
Progressive degeneration in a new Drosophila model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 7
Authors: Sujkowski Alyson L. , Ranxhi Bedri , Prifti Matthew V. , Alam Nadir , Todi Sokol V. , Tsou Wei-Ling 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 (SCA7) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting from abnormal expansion of polyglutamine (polyQ) in its disease protein, ataxin-7 (ATXN7). ATXN7 is part of Spt-Ada-Gcn5 acetyltransferase (SAGA), an evolutionarily conserved transcriptional coactivation complex with critical roles in chromatin remodeling, cell signaling, neurodifferentiation, mitochondrial health and autophagy. SCA7 is dominantly inherited and characterized by genetic anticipation and high repeat-length instability. Patients with SCA7 experience progressive ataxia, atrophy, spasticity, and blindness. There is currently no cure for SCA7, and therapies are aimed at alleviating symptoms to increase quality of life. Here, we report novel Drosophila lines of SCA7 with polyQ repeats in wild-type and human disease patient range. We find that ATXN7 expression has age-and polyQ repeat length-dependent reduction in survival and retinal instability, concomitant with increased ATXN7 protein aggregation. These new lines will provide important insight on disease progression that can be used in the future to identify therapeutic targets for SCA7 patients.
Antibiotic alters host’s gut microbiota, fertility and antimicrobial peptide gene expression vis-à-vis ampicillin treatment on model organism Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Singh Asem Sanjit , Pathak Dhruv , Devi Manoharmayum Shaya , Anifowoshe Abass Toba , Nongthomba Upendra 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Antibiotics are commonly used to treat infectious diseases; however, persistence is often expressed by the pathogenic bacteria and their long term relative effect on the host have been neglected. The present study investigated the impact of antibiotics in gut microbiota (GM) and metabolism of host. The effect of ampicillin antibiotics on GM of Drosophila melanogaster was analysed through deep sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicon gene. The dominant phyla consisted of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Planctomycetes, Chloroflexi, Euryarchaeota, Acedobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Cyanobacteria. It was found that the composition of GM was significantly altered on administration of antibiotics. On Antibiotic treatments, there were decline in relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, while there were increase in relative abundance of Chlorophyta and Bacteroidota. High abundance of 14 genera viz., Wolbachia, Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Thiolamprovum, Pseudoalteromonas, Vibrio, Romboutsia, Staphylococcus, Alteromonas, Clostridium, Lysinibacillus, Litoricola and Cellulophaga were significant (p ≤ 0.05) upon antibiotic treatment. Particularly, the abundance of Acetobacter was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) declined but increased for Wolbachia. Further, a significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in Wolbachia endosymbiont of D. melanogaster, Wolbachia endosymbiont of Curculio okumai and Wolbachia pipientis and a decrease in the Acinetobacter sp. was observed. We observed increase in functional capacity for biosynthesis of certain nucleotides and the enzyme activities. Further, the decrease in antimicrobial peptide production in the treated group and potential effects on the host's defense mechanisms was observed. This study helps shed light on an often-overlooked dimension, namely the persistence of antibiotics' effects on the host.
Strategic Reasoning Online: Experiments on the Beauty Contest
Authors: Engelhardt Robin , Galeazzi Paolo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We investigate online strategic reasoning by examining the behavior of 296 subjects playing the iterated beauty contest game on Amazon Mechanical Turk. Our findings are substantially different from the behaviors observed in laboratory and newspaper experiments reported in the literature. In general, we do not find any strong evidence in favor of higher-order reasoning in the first round as well as in the following iterations of the game, which puts into question the presence of any strategic thinking among the vast majority of our subjects.
Prolonged persistence of mutagenic DNA lesions in stem cells
Authors: Campbell Peter , Chapman Michael Spencer , Mitchell Emily , Yoshida Kenichi , Williams Nicholas , Fabre Margarete , Ranzoni Anna Maria , Robinson Philip , Wilk Christian Matthias , Boettcher Steffen , Mahbubani Krishna , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Gowers Kate , Janes Sam , Ng Stanley , Hoare Matthew , Green Anthony , Vassiliou George , Cvejic Ana , Manz Markus , Laurenti Elisa , Stratton Michael , Nangalia Jyoti , Martincorena Inigo , Coorens Tim 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

DNA suffers continual damage leaving a cell with thousands of individual DNA lesions at any given moment1–3. The efficiency of DNA repair means that most known classes of lesion have a half-life of minutes to hours3,4, but whether some DNA damage can persist for longer durations remains unknown. Here, using high-resolution phylogenetic trees from 89 donors, we identified mutations arising from 832 DNA lesions that persisted across multiple cell cycles in normal human stem cells from blood, liver and bronchial epithelium5–12. Persistent DNA lesions occurred at increased rates, with distinctive mutational signatures, in donors exposed to tobacco or chemotherapy, suggesting that they can arise from exogenous mutagens. In haematopoietic stem cells, persistent DNA lesions, likely from endogenous sources, generated a characteristic mutational signature, so-called SBS1913; occurred steadily throughout life, including in utero; and endured for 1.5 years on average, with 15% lasting 3+ years. We estimate that a haematopoietic stem cell has, on average, ~4-5 such lesions at any moment in time, half of which will generate a mutation with each cell cycle. Overall, 16% of mutations in blood cells are attributable to SBS19, and similar proportions of driver mutations in blood cancers exhibit this signature. These data imply the existence of a family of DNA lesions, arising from both endogenous and exogenous mutagens, present in low numbers per genome but persisting for months to years, that can generate sizable fractions of cells’ mutation burdens.
Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Docetaxel-Trastuzumab-Pertuzumab (DTP) with Standard 4-Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide (AC)-Taxan-Trastuzumab-Pertuzumab in Neoadjuvant Treatment of Locally Advanced Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER-2) Positive Breast Cancer: a Turk Oncology Group (TOG) study.
Authors: Bardakci Murat , Karakas Hilal , Bayram Dogan , Avci Nilufer , Kitapli Sait , Ozen Mirac , Aslan Ferit , Koseoglu Caglar , Kadioglu Ahmet , Onur Ilknur , Sakalar Teoman , Buyuksimsek Mahmut , Alkan Ali , Ergun Yakup , Kaya Ali , Bilgin Burak , Yalcin Bulent 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction:Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression is a characteristic observed in 18%–20% of all breast cancer cases. While some clinics have adopted abbreviated neoadjuvant treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer, there remains a shortage of comprehensive clinical data to support this practice. One of the primary considerations in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer is the need for regimens that minimize cardiac toxicity while not compromising survival outcomes. This issue continues to be a topic of discussion within the medical community.
Methods:Retrospectively analyzed were the data of HER2-positive breast cancer patients, aged ≤65 years, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50% who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and underwent surgery at 10 different oncology centers in Türkiye between October 2016 and December 2022.
Results: A total of 142 patients were included in the study. The treatment arms were divided into 4 to 6 cycles of docetaxel/trastuzumab/pertuzumab (DTP) for arm A, 4 cycles of adriamycin/cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by 4 cycles of taxane/TP for arm B. There were 50 patients (35.2%) in arm A and 92 patients (64.8%) in arm B. The mean age of the patients in arm A was 53 years (±11, SD), while in arm B it was 48 years (±11, SD). The median follow-up of all of the patients was 19.9 months (95% CI: 17.5–22.3). Median disease-free survival (DFS) was not reached in either treatment arm. The 3-year DFS rates for treatment arms A and B were 90.0% and 83.8%, respectively, and the survival outcomes between the groups were similar (p = 0.34). Furthermore, the pathologic complete response (pCR) rates were similar in both treatment arms, at 50.0% and 51.1%, respectively (p = 0.90). During the treatment period, the LVEF decline was seen in 3 patients (6%) in arm A and 11 patients (12%) in arm B, but the difference between the groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.37). Although the LVEF decreases were asymptomatic in both treatment arms, the rate of LVEF decrease was between 11% and 20% in 2 patients (2.2%) in arm B.
Discussion/Conclusion: This study supports shortened neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer, a common practice in some clinics. Given the similar DFS and pCR rates between DTP and AC-taxan/TPtreatments, DTP may avoid the severe toxicities associated with standard combined chemotherapy regimens.
Long-Term Outcomes of S-1 and Oxaliplatin Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Total Mesorectal Excision and Lateral Lymph Node Dissection for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Morohashi Hajime , Sakamoto Yoshiyuki , Miura Takuya , Kagiya Takuji , Sato Kentaro , Tsutsumi Shinji , Takahashi Seiji , Nakayama Yoshihito , Tamba Hiroaki , Matsumoto Shuntaro , Kasai Daiki , Hakamada Kenichi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose.
Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for rectal cancer is limited by its harmful side effects and its insufficient benefit on lateral lymph node metastases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of S-1 and oxaliplatin with total mesorectal excision (TME) and lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) without radiation for rectal cancer.
Methods.
Fifty-two patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by TME and LLND in one of four study hospitals were evaluated. The primary endpoint was to determine the cumulative local recurrence rate and other long-term outcomes including the local recurrence rate, relapse-free survival, and overall survival. Expected post-NAC and surgical outcomes were prospectively analyzed.
Results.
The overall recurrence rate was 15.4%, with eight patients developing distant recurrences. The local recurrence rate was 7.7% (n = 4). Among the 4 patients with local recurrence, 3 (5.8%) patients had central pelvis recurrence, and 1 (1.9%) patient had lateral pelvis recurrence. The 3-year survival rate was 98.1%, and the 3-year relapse-free survival rate was 84.6%. The risk factors for local recurrence were mucinous carcinoma and ineligibility for R0 resection. Pathological mesorectal lymph node metastasis and local recurrence were independent risk factors of poor survival.
Conclusions.
Preoperative chemotherapy with TME and LLND is useful for avoiding radiation-related adverse events and improving prognosis in rectal cancer.