bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying the impact of climate and vegetation changes on runoff based on the budyko framework in the Lake Issyk-Kul Basin, Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Feng Pingping , Alifujiang Yilinuer , Abuduwaili Jilili , Lu Na , Jiang Ying 
Published: October 2023

Identifying and quantifying the drivers of runoff (R) variability is fundamental to our understanding of the hydrologic cycle and necessary for decision makers to manage water resources. Climate variables and vegetation are the main factors influencing the R. However, the effects of climate and vegetation changes on R are still poorly understood, especially in arid regions with limited water resources. This study quantifies the contribution of precipitation (PRE), potential evapotranspiration (ET0), and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to R in Lake Issyk-Kul Basin (LIKB) dryland Central Asia by using the Budyko model. The results showed that R, PRE, and ET0 decreased from 2000 to 2020, while the NDVI and underlying parameter (ω) showed a slightly increasing trend. By using the Mann-Kendall (M-K) statistical approach, divided the R series into a baseline period (2000–2010) and a change period (2011–2020) based on the breakthrough point (2011). In the baseline period, R showed a decreasing trend, while in the change period, R showed an increasing trend of 1.8 mm/yr. The sensitivity analysis shows that a 1 mm increase in PRE results in a 0.48 mm increase in R (sensitivity coefficient to R is 0.48). Conversely, a 1 mm increase in ET0 (sensitivity coefficient to R of −0.03) and a 1 unit increase in NDVI (sensitivity coefficient to R of −343.31) lead to R decreasing by 0.03 and 343.31 mm, respectively. The relative contributions of PRE, ET0 and NDVI were 33.98%, −3.17% and 3.67%, respectively, suggesting that changes in PRE and NDVI contributed to the decrease in R while the opposite for ET0. PRE dominated the decrease in R, which decreased by 26.58 mm, leading to a decrease in R of 12.76 mm. A decrease of 65.33 mm in ET0 and an increase of 0.003 in NDVI resulted in an increase and decrease of 1.96 and 1.18 mm in R, respectively. This study enhances the understanding of the response of the water cycle to climate and vegetation changes in arid regions and can provide theoretical support for water resource management and ecological restoration.
The effect of modified observation-teaching-discussion pedagogy combined with microteaching on the critical thinking ability of nursing interns in China: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Wu Sheng-Mei , Lei Yan-Yuan , Miao Qing , Wang Jia-Qin , Tian Yu-Feng , Xi Zu-Yang 
Published: October 2023

AimThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of modified observation-teaching-discussion pedagogy combined with microteaching on improving the critical thinking ability of nursing interns in China.MethodsTwo hundred baccalaureate nursing students practicing in the department of neurosurgery were divided into two groups chronologically, with 100 students per group. The control group received traditional clinical mentoring while their counterparts in the intervention group received mentoring by modified observation teaching discussion pedagogy combined with microteaching. Then, we compared the two groups with respect to theoretical knowledge and nursing operation skills. The Critical Thinking Ability Scale was used to evaluate the critical thinking ability of the two groups of nursing students. Data were analyzed with SPSS 22.0 software.ResultsFollowing the internship, the scores of nurses in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group for theoretical knowledge, technical skills and critical thinking ability (p &lt; 0.05 for all).ConclusionThe application of modified observation-teaching-discussion pedagogy in combination with microteaching promoted the knowledge, technical skills and critical thinking ability of nursing students in clinical practice.
Study on the interlayer bonding state of an asphalt pavement based on the stacking peak ratio method
Authors: Zhang Wenwu , Niu Lei , Wang Shanshan , Han Wenyang , Ding Longting 
Published: October 2023

The interlayer bonding of an asphalt pavement significantly influences the mechanical properties and long-term durability of the pavement structure. In order to develop a rapid and comprehensive evaluation method for assessing the interlayer condition of asphalt pavements using 3D GPR, we propose the stacking peak ratio (SPR) method. This method involves stacking the ratio between the amplitude peak of the interlayer and that of surface reflection to evaluate the interlayer state. Comparative analysis with direct shear tests and field measurements leads us to draw several conclusions: the optimal test parameters for the SPR method are a stacking peak ratio at 35 ns with a residence time of 1 us; the SPR method is compatible with various bonding materials and pollution layers, demonstrating its ability to effectively assess the bonding state of asphalt pavements; field tests further validate that the SPR approach can identify insufficient layer bonding and predict potential flaws in advance. Through our test findings and data analysis, it is evident that this SPR approach provides theoretical support and technological assistance for promptly evaluating the bonding status in asphalt pavements.
Bioinformatics analyses of gene expression profile to identify pathogenic mechanisms for COVID-19 infection and cutaneous lupus erythematosus
Authors: Gao Zhenyu , Zhai Xinchao , Yan Guoqing , Tian Yao , Huang Xia , Wu Qingchao , Yuan Lin , Su Linchong 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveThe global mortality rates have surged due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading to a worldwide catastrophe. Increasing incidents of patients suffering from cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) exacerbations after either contracting COVID-19 or getting immunized against it, have been observed in recent research. However, the precise intricacies that prompt this unexpected complication are yet to be fully elucidated. This investigation seeks to probe into the molecular events inciting this adverse outcome.MethodGene expression patterns from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, specifically GSE171110 and GSE109248, were extracted. We then discovered common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in both COVID-19 and CLE. This led to the creation of functional annotations, formation of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and identification of key genes. Furthermore, regulatory networks relating to these shared DEGs and significant genes were constructed.ResultWe identified 214 overlapping DEGs in both COVID-19 and CLE datasets. The following functional enrichment analysis of these DEGs highlighted a significant enrichment in pathways related to virus response and infectious disease in both conditions. Next, a PPI network was constructed using bioinformatics tools, resulting in the identification of 5 hub genes. Finally, essential regulatory networks including transcription factor-gene and miRNA-gene interactions were determined.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate shared pathogenesis between COVID-19 and CLE, offering potential insights for future mechanistic investigations. And the identification of common pathways and key genes in these conditions may provide novel avenues for research.
Association between genetically predicted rheumatoid arthritis and alopecia areata: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhong Shengdong , Lan Liting , Zheng Zicheng , Zhang Huaiyuan , Wen Yuqing 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundAlthough numerous observational studies have indicated a potential association between autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and alopecia areata (AA), the research reports lack a clear causal relationship. In this study, our objective is to utilize the Mendelian randomization (MR) design to examine the potential causal association between RA and AA.MethodsTo investigate the causal relationship between RA and AA, we utilized large-scale gene aggregation data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), including RA (n=58,284) and AA (n=361,822) based on previous observational studies. In our analysis, we mainly employed the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method of the random effects model, supplemented by the weighted median (WM) method and the MR Egger method.ResultsThe findings from the IVW methods revealed a significant association between genetically predicted RA and an increased likelihood of AA, as evidenced by an odds ratio of 1.21 (95%CI = 1.11-1.32; P &lt; 0.001. Both the WM method and MR-Egger regression consistently showed significant directional outcomes (Both P &lt; 0.05), indicating a robust association between RA and AA. Additionally, both the funnel plot and the MR-Egger intercepts provided evidence of the absence of directional pleiotropy, suggesting that the observed association is not influenced by other common genetic factors.ConclusionsThe results of the study suggest a possible link between genetically predicted RA and AA. This finding highlights the importance for individuals diagnosed with RA to remain vigilant and aware of the potential development of AA. Regular monitoring and early detection can be crucial in managing and addressing this potential complication.
Comprehensive analyses for the coagulation and macrophage-related genes to reveal their joint roles in the prognosis and immunotherapy of lung adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Li Zhuoqi , Yin Zongxiu , Luan Zupeng , Zhang Chi , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhang Kai , Chen Feng , Yang Zhensong , Tian Yuan 
Published: October 2023

PurposeThis study aims to explore novel biomarkers related to the coagulation process and tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).MethodsThe macrophage M2-related genes were obtained by Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) in bulk RNA-seq data, while the TAM marker genes were identified by analyzing the scRNA-seq data, and the coagulation-associated genes were obtained from MSigDB and KEGG databases. Survival analysis was performed for the intersectional genes. A risk score model was subsequently constructed based on the survival-related genes for prognosis prediction and validated in external datasets.ResultsIn total, 33 coagulation and macrophage-related (COMAR) genes were obtained, 19 of which were selected for the risk score model construction. Finally, 10 survival-associated genes (APOE, ARRB2, C1QB, F13A1, FCGR2A, FYN, ITGB2, MMP9, OLR1, and VSIG4) were involved in the COMAR risk score model. According to the risk score, patients were equally divided into low- and high-risk groups, and the prognosis of patients in the high-risk group was significantly worse than that in the low-risk group. The ROC curve indicated that the risk score model had high sensitivity and specificity, which was validated in multiple external datasets. Moreover, the model also had high efficacy in predicting the clinical outcomes of LUAD patients who received anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.ConclusionThe COMAR risk score model constructed in this study has excellent predictive value for the prognosis and immunotherapeutic clinical outcomes of patients with LUAD, which provides potential biomarkers for the treatment and prognostic prediction.
Diversity and distribution of elasmobranchs in the coastal waters of Cyprus: using bycatch data to inform management and conservation
Authors: O’Keefe Martha , Bengil Elizabeth G. T. , Palmer Josie L. , Beton Damla , Çağlar Çiğdem , Godley Brendan J. , Özkan Meryem , Snape Robin T. E. , Broderick Annette C. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionLoss of biodiversity in marine ecosystems is a globally acknowledged problem. To address this and avoid extinctions, improved conservation is required to protect and restore our oceans. Elasmobranch species are considered the second most threatened vertebrate lineage, with overfishing considered the most important driver of declines. The Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for elasmobranchs, with the eastern basin considered a data-poor area. MethodsThis study sought to address that deficiency, using bycatch data to assess the diversity and distribution of elasmobranch species caught as a result of commercial fishing in Northern Cyprus from 2018 to 2022. ResultsThirty-six elasmobranch species were recorded, including 24 new records for Northern Cyprus, representing 41% of all species recorded in the Mediterranean. Of these 36 species, 61% are listed on the IUCN Red List as globally threatened (Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable). Of the species recorded, 71% of sharks (n=17), and 53% of batoids (skates and rays; n=19) are listed as threatened. We present data on the distribution of captures and size classes and infer life stage from these data. DiscussionOur study demonstrates the importance of the coastal waters of Cyprus for multiple life stages of a broad range of elasmobranch species. As most elasmobranchs caught are retained for bait, subsistence or trade, our study has highlighted the need to update the regulations for this small-scale fishery, and led to a recent amendment to prohibit trade in all species listed under the Barcelona Convention.
Latent tuberculosis infection treatment completion in Biscay: differences between regimens and monitoring approaches
Authors: Ortiz Laza N. , Lopez Aranaga I. , Toral Andres J. , Toja Uriarte B. , Santos Zorrozua B. , Altube Urrengoechea L. , Garros Garay J. , Tabernero Huguet E. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionContact tracing and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a key element of tuberculosis (TB) control in low TB incidence countries. A TB control and prevention program has been active in the Basque Country since 2003, including the development of the nurse case manager role and a unified electronic record. Three World Health Organization-approved LTBI regimens have been used: isoniazid for 6 months (6H), rifampicin for 4 months (4R), and isoniazid and rifampicin for 3 months (3HR). Centralized follow-up by a TB nurse case manager started in January 2016, with regular telephone follow-up, telemonitoring of blood test results, and monitoring of adherence by electronic review of drugs dispensed in pharmacies.ObjectiveTo estimate LTBI treatment completion and toxicity of different preventive treatment regimens in a real-world setting. Secondary objective: to investigate the adherence to different approaches to preventive treatment monitoring.MethodsA multicentre retrospective cohort study was conducted using data collected prospectively on contacts of patients with TB in five hospitals in Biscay from 2003 to 2022.ResultsA total of 3,066 contacts with LTBI were included. The overall completion rate was 66.8%; 86.5% of patients on 3HR (n = 699) completed treatment vs. 68.3% (n = 1,260) of those on 6H (p &lt; 0.0001). The rate of toxicity was 3.8%, without significant differences between the regimens. A total of 394 contacts were monitored by a TB nurse case manager. In these patients, the completion rate was 85% vs. 67% in those under standard care (p &lt; 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression model identified three independent factors associated with treatment completion: being female, the 3HR regimen, and nurse telemonitoring.Conclusion3HR was well tolerated and associated with a higher rate of treatment completion. Patients with nurse telemonitoring follow-up had better completion rates.
Genotype characterization of Epstein–Barr virus among adults living with human immunodeficiency virus in Ethiopia
Authors: Zealiyas Kidist , Teshome Seifegebriel , Haile Aklilu Feleke , Weigel Christoph , Alemu Ayinalem , Amogne Wondwossen , Yimer Getnet , Abebe Tamrat , Berhe Nega , Ahmed Elshafa Hassan , Baiocchi Robert A. 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundEpstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a human lymphotropic herpesvirus with a causative agent in cancer. There are two genotypes of EBV (EBV genotype 1 and EBV genotype 2) that have been shown to infect humans. This study aimed to characterize the EBV genotype among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) and HIV-negative individuals in Ethiopia.MethodsDNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Conventional polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) targeting EBNA3C genes was performed for genotyping. A quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR) assay for EBV DNA (EBNA1 ORF) detection and viral load quantification was performed. Statistical significance was determined at a value of p &lt; 0.05.ResultIn this study, 155 EBV-seropositive individuals were enrolled, including 128 PWH and 27 HIV-negative individuals. Among PWH, EBV genotype 1 was the most prevalent (105/128, 82.0%) genotype, followed by EBV genotype 2 (17/128, 13.3%), and mixed infection (6/128, 4.7%). In PWH, the median log10 of EBV viral load was 4.23 copies/ml [interquartile range (IQR): 3.76–4.46], whereas it was 3.84 copies/ml (IQR: 3.74–4.02) in the HIV-negative group. The EBV viral load in PWH was significantly higher than that in HIV-negative individuals (value of p = 0.004). In PWH, the median log10 of EBV viral load was 4.25 copies/ml (IQR: 3.83–4.47) in EBV genotype 1 and higher than EBV genotype 2 and mixed infection (p = 0.032).ConclusionIn Ethiopia, EBV genotype 1 was found to be the most predominant genotype, followed by EBV genotype 2. Understanding the genotype characterization of EBV in PWH is essential for developing new and innovative strategies for preventing and treating EBV-related complications in this population.
Machine learning-enhanced insights into sphingolipid-based prognostication: revealing the immunological landscape and predictive proficiency for immunomotherapy and chemotherapy responses in pancreatic carcinoma
Authors: Shi Ting , Li Minmin , Yu Yabin 
Published: October 2023

Background: With a poor prognosis for affected individuals, pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is known as a complicated and diverse illness. Immunocytes have become essential elements in the development of PAAD. Notably, sphingolipid metabolism has a dual function in the development of tumors and the invasion of the immune system. Despite these implications, research on the predictive ability of sphingolipid variables for PAAD prognosis is strikingly lacking, and it is yet unclear how they can affect PAAD immunotherapy and targeted pharmacotherapy.Methods: The investigation process included SPG detection while also being pertinent to the prognosis for PAAD. Both the analytical capability of CIBERSORT and the prognostic capability of the pRRophetic R package were used to evaluate the immunological environments of the various HCC subtypes. In addition, CCK-8 experiments on PAAD cell lines were carried out to confirm the accuracy of drug sensitivity estimates. The results of these trials, which also evaluated cell survival and migratory patterns, confirmed the usefulness of sphingolipid-associated genes (SPGs).Results: As a result of this thorough investigation, 32 SPGs were identified, each of which had a measurable influence on the dynamics of overall survival. This collection of genes served as the conceptual framework for the development of a prognostic model, which was carefully assembled from 10 chosen genes. It should be noted that this grouping of patients into cohorts with high and low risk was a sign of different immune profiles and therapy responses. The increased abundance of SPGs was identified as a possible sign of inadequate responses to immune-based treatment approaches. The careful CCK-8 testing carried out on PAAD cell lines was of the highest importance for providing clear confirmation of drug sensitivity estimates.Conclusion: The significance of Sphingolipid metabolism in the complex web of PAAD development is brought home by this study. The novel risk model, built on the complexity of sphingolipid-associated genes, advances our understanding of PAAD and offers doctors a powerful tool for developing personalised treatment plans that are specifically suited to the unique characteristics of each patient.
Objective assessment of eye alignment and disparity-driven vergence in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gupta Palak , Murray Jordan M. , Beylergil Sinem Balta , Jacobs Jonathan , Kilbane Camilla W. , Shaikh Aasef G. , Ghasia Fatema F. 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundSelf-reported diplopia is described in up to one-third of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients.ObjectiveThe purpose of our study was to expand our understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of diplopia in PD. We hypothesize that the time-based control of eye alignment and increased eye deviation under binocular viewing will be related to the fusion-initiating and fusion-maintaining component deficits of disparity-driven vergence in PD.MethodsWe used high-resolution video-oculography to measure eye alignment under binocular and monocular viewing and disparity-driven vergence in 33 PD and 10 age-matched healthy participants. We computed eye deviation and time-based control of eye alignment, occurrence of conjugate saccadic eye movements, latency and gain of vergence (fusion initiation), and variance of eye position at the end of dynamic vergence (fusion maintenance).ResultsWe categorized PD subjects into three groups, considering their time-based control of eye alignment as compared to healthy controls in binocular viewing. Group 1 = 45% had good control and spent &gt;80% of the time when the eyes were well-aligned, Group 2 = 26% had intermediate control and spent &lt;80% but greater &gt;5% of the time when the eyes were well-aligned, and Group 3 = 29% had very poor control with increased eye deviation majority of the times (&lt;5% of the time when the eyes were well-aligned). All three groups exhibited greater eye deviation under monocular viewing than controls. PD subjects exhibited fusion-initiating and fusion-maintaining vergence deficits (prolonged latencies, reduced vergence gain, increased variance of fusion-maintaining component) with a greater probability of saccadic movements than controls. Group 2 and Group 3 subjects were more likely to exhibit failure to initiate vergence (&gt;20%) than Group 1 (13%) and controls (0%) trials. No significant difference was found in the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS—a tool to measure the severity of PD) values between the three PD groups (Group 1 = 33.69 ± 14.22, Group 2 = 38.43 ± 22.61, and Group 3 = 23.44 ± 1, p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionThe majority of PD subjects within our cohort had binocular dysfunction with increased eye deviation under monocular viewing and disparity-driven vergence deficits. PD subjects with intermediate or poor control of eye deviation under binocular viewing had greater fusion-initiating and fusion-maintaining vergence deficits. The study highlights the importance of assessing binocular dysfunction in PD subjects independent of the severity of motor symptoms.