bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Status, influence factor and health risks of heavy metal(loids) in soil: A case study in Jiangmen, China
Authors: Gao le , Xue Ziru , Xia Fu , Wang Zhimin , Liu Qiyuan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The heavy metal(loid)s enriched in soil can pose a threat to soil environmental quality and human health. Given the rapid development of the Guangdong-Hongkong-Macao Great Bay Area (GBA), soil pollution cannot be overlooked. To effectively tackle this problem and ensure precise prevention and control measures, accurate identification of pollution sources becomes indispensable.The present study involved the collection of 118 surface soil samples in Jiangmen city, with a focus on investigating the concentration, spatial distribution characteristics, sources, and health risks of heavy metal(loid)s in the soil. The findings revealed that the average concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Hg exceeded the background values, with particularly elevated levels observed for environmental As concentration. Elevated concentrations of heavy metal(loid)s were prdominantly concentrated in urban areas such as Pengjiang and Jianghai District. The qualitative and quantitative allocation of soil pollution sources identified through the coupling pearson correlation and PMF model, reveal that vehicle and shipping emissions, industrial emission and, parent material and agriculral activities are the primary contributors to soil pollution. Additionally, it is observed that shipping emissions significantly impact the source of soil Pb in Jiangmen. Futhermore, based on ecological risk assessment, the regions of Jianghai and Pengjiang exhibit the highest potential ecological risk with an RI value of 300. Health risks associated with different sources indicate that industrial emissions have the most significant impact on both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults in Jiangmen. This study provides a fundamental reference for heavy metal(loid)s contamination in the soil of Jiangmen City. Considering the future development of the GBA, local management authorities should enhance their focus on long-term pollution resulting from industrial production in Jiangmen and implement targeted control measures based on pollution sources.
Impact of diabetic retinopathy on all-cause and cause-specific mortality in diabetics: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2005 to 2008
Authors: Liang Kun , Gui Siyu , Wang Xinchen , Wang Qianqian , Qiao Jianchao , Tao Liming , Liu Heting , Jiang Zhengxuan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the effect of diabetic retinopathy (DR) status or severity on all-cause and cause-specific mortality among diabetic older adults in the United States using the most recent National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) follow-up mortality data.
Methods
The severity of DR was graded according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grading scale. Multiple covariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models, Fine and Gray competing risk regression models, and propensity score matching (PSM) methods were used to assess the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in diabetic patients. All analyses adopted the weighted data and complex stratified design approach proposed by the NHANES guidelines. Time to death was calculated based on the time between baseline and date of death or December 31, 2019, whichever came first.
Results
Ultimately 1077 participants, representing 3,025,316 US non-hospitalized diabetics, were included in the final analysis. After a median follow-up of 12.24 years (IQR, 11.16–13.49), 379 participants were considered deceased from all-causes, with 43.90% suffering from DR, including mild DR (41.50%), moderate to severe DR (46.77%), and proliferative DR (PDR) (67.21%). Having DR was associated with increased all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes mellitus (DM)-specific mortality, which remained consistent after propensity score matching (PSM). DR grading analysis suggested that the presence of mild, moderate to severe NPDR was significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause and CVD-specific mortality, while the presence and severity of any DR was significantly associated with increased DM-specific mortality, with a significant trend test (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
The diagnosis of DR is an independent risk factor for all-cause and CVD mortality in elderly diabetic patients. DR grading may serve as an effective predictive indicator for continuous monitoring of vascular status in diabetics.
Validating brain activity measures as reliable indicators of individual diagnostic group and genetically mediated sub-group membership Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Ethridge Lauren E. , Pedapati Ernest V. , Schmitt Lauren M. , Norris Jordan E. , Auger Emma , De Stefano Lisa A. , Sweeney John A. , Erickson Craig A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Recent failures translating preclinical behavioral treatment effects to positive clinical trial results in humans with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) support refocusing attention on biological pathways and associated measures, such as electroencephalography (EEG), with strong translational potential and small molecule target engagement. This study utilized guided machine learning to test promising translational EEG measures (resting power and auditory chirp oscillatory variables) in a large heterogeneous sample of individuals with FXS to identify best performing EEG variables for reliably separating individuals with FXS, and genetically-mediated subgroups within FXS, from typically developing controls. Best performing variables included resting relative frontal theta power, all combined whole-head resting power bands, posterior peak alpha frequency (PAF), combined PAF across all measured regions, combined theta, alpha, and gamma power during the chirp, and all combined chirp oscillatory variables. Sub-group analyses best discriminated non-mosaic FXS males via whole-head resting relative power (AUC = .9250), even with data reduced to a 20-channel clinical montage. FXS females were nearly perfectly discriminated by combined theta, alpha, and gamma power during the chirp (AUC = .9522). Results support use of resting and auditory oscillatory tasks to reliably identify neural deficit in FXS, and to identify specific translational targets for genetically-mediated sub-groups, supporting potential points for stratification.
Validation Study of the Korean Version of the Meaning in Life Scale for Cancer Survivors
Authors: Kang Namgu , Yun Hae-Yeon , Kim Young Ae , Park Hye Yoon , Kim Jong‐Heun , Kim Sun Mi , Yu Eun-Seung 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to validate the Korean version of the Meaning in Life Scale (K-MiLS) among cancer survivors.
Methods
From August 2021 to November 2022, participants were recruited from multiple sites in South Korea. Participants completed related questionnaires, including the K-MiLS, on the web or mobile. Test-retest reliability was assessed between 2 and 4 weeks after the initial assessment. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and Pearson’s correlations were used to evaluate the reliability and validity of the K-MiLS. Known-group validity was examined using a t-test or ANOVA. To examine the sociodemographic and disease-related variables correlated with the K-MiLS, a multiple regression analysis was conducted. Regarding concurrent validity, a hierarchical regression analysis was performed.
Results
Three hundred and forty-five patients completed the questionnaires. The results indicated that the K-MiLS has a four-factor structure: Harmony and Peace; Life Perspective, Purpose and Goals; Confusion and Lessened Meaning; and Benefits of Spirituality. Regarding convergent and discriminant validity, K-MiLS was negatively correlated with Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI) while showing a significantly positive correlation with the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), and Functional Social Support Questionnaire (FSSQ). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the demographic variable influencing K-MiLS was religious affiliation.
Conclusion
The K-MiLS had a multidimensional four-factor structure similar to that of the original version. It is also a reliable and valid measure for assessing cancer survivors’ meaning in life after a cancer diagnosis.
RETRACTED: Geochemistry and Tectonic Evolution of Neoproterozoic Wadi Kid Dokhan volcanics, Southeast Sinai, Egypt
Authors: El-Desoky Hatem M. , El-Awny Hamada , Fahmy Wael , El-Naggar Islam M. , Abdel-Rahman Ahmed M. , Khalil Ahmed E. , Eraky Ahmed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Multiple Sclerosis in Rafsanjan City, Kerman Province, Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study from 2011 to 2020
Authors: Rostami Fatemeh , Vakilian Alireza , Esmaeilian Saeid , Jalali Nazanin , Tahernia Hossein 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with variable epidemiology and clinical features. This study aimed to examine the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of MS in Rafsanjan City, Iran, from 2011 to 2020.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with MS and registered in the Committee for Diagnosis and Treatment of MS. Data were collected using a revised checklist of demographic and clinical variables. The annual incidence and prevalence of MS were calculated with a 95% confidence interval. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and chi-square or Fisher's exact test were used to analyze the data.
Results: Out of 361 eligible cases, 220 patients with MS were enrolled. The mean age was 39.44 ± 9.71 years, with 82.3% females and a female-to-male ratio of 4.64. Most patients lived in urban areas (70.5%) and were housekeepers (55.9%). Most births occurred in spring (30.4%) and summer (35.5%). Only 13.2% had a positive family history of MS, and 2.3% had a smoking history. The most common initial symptoms were sensory (28.6%) and visual (17.7%). The dominant disease course was relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) (79.1%), followed by RPMS (10.9%), PPMS (4.5%), SPMS (4.1%), and CIS (1.4%). The disease course was associated with several demographic and clinical variables. The incidence rate was 4.84 per 100,000, and the prevalence rate was 97.68 per 100,000.
Conclusion: MS has a low incidence and prevalence rate in Rafsanjan City. MS mainly affects young urban women who are housekeepers. Sensory and visual impairments are the most frequent initial manifestations, and RRMS is the most common disease course.
Sub-seasonal prediction of the 2016 southern China heatwave: Insights from the dynamical downscaling
Authors: Zhang Tuantuan , Chen Junwen , Yang Song , Li Zhenning , Wang Teng , Zhang Chengyang , Deng Kaiqiang , Dong Shaorou 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Sub-seasonal prediction of heatwaves remains as a major challenge for climate models. In the summer of 2016, southern China was hit by a prolonged heatwave occurred from 23 July to 1 August, the evolution of which was characterized by two peaks around 25 July and 30 July and a rapid termination after 1 August. The heatwave was intensified with descending motions at the outer edge before landfall and weakened/terminated with the heavy precipitation after landfall of two tropical cyclones (i.e., 1603 Mirinae and 1604 Nida). The National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System version 2 (CFSv2) can only capture the magnitude of the heatwave with initialization on 23 July (0-9 days lead), but shows a misrepresentation of the bimodal evolution and termination of the heatwave due to the absence of the first tropical cyclone (Mirinae) and the weaker-than-observed intensity of the second tropical cyclone (Nida). The NCEP CFSv2 shows failures in the heatwave prediction with longer lead time. On the other hand, noticeable improved skills are found when dynamic downscaling is applied, which can well reproduce the heatwave evolution including the peaks and termination of the heatwave with initialization after 18 July (5-14 days lead) due to its fidelity in predicting the activity of tropical cyclones.
Laboratory Investigation on Thermal Conductivity of Geotextile- Reinforced Soils
Authors: Ghazavi Mahmoud , Ghoreshizadeh Sana 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The design of thermally active ground structures such as energy geo-structures and shallow and deep geothermal systems requires knowledge of the thermally geological properties of soils and rocks. Soil thermal conductivity is a critical parameter of geological formation for designing geothermal energy foundations. This paper presents the results of thermal conductivity of soil reinforced with geotextile layers with transient method (needle probe test). Effects of different volumes of soil, sand granulation, geotextiles positions and numbers in soil, various densities, and water contents on thermal conductivity were investigated in detail. The results demonstrated that the thermal conductivity varies with the water content, soil density, different granulation, the number of geotextile layers and their positions in the test cylindrical container, and soil volume. It has been found that thermal conductivity with one geotextile layer at 1/3 of the container bottom with coarse-grained soil at the top and fine-grained at the bottom is minimum. In addition, coarser-grained soils encapsulated between geotextile layers have lower thermal conductivity than the similar case when fine-grained soils are used. Moreover, by increasing the soil mass density and decreasing the void ratio, the thermal conductivity of the soil increases.
Nomadic Pastoralism in Western Himalaya: A Journey through History, Politics, Development, and the Fall of Gaddi Pastoralists
Authors: Thakur Som Nath , Kahlon Simrit , Bhutani Smita , Sharma Pooja 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Nomadic pastoralism is an ancient way of life that has been practised for centuries by various tribes and ethnic groups across the world. It is characterized by the movement of herders and their livestock between different regions in search of fresh pastures, water and other resources. Despite its long-standing history, this way of life is now on the brink of extinction in many parts of the world, facing various challenges including modern politics and infrastructural development. One such group of pastoralists that have been affected by these changes are the Gaddi pastoralists of the western Himalayas. The Gaddi tribe is one of the oldest ethnic groups that have lived in this region for hundreds of years, and they have developed their own distinct culture and traditions. They have played a significant role in sustaining the ecosystem of the region by herding sheep and goats, moving between the high-altitude pastures of the middle Himalayas and the Shiwalik ranges of the lower Himalayas. However, the present dynamics have changed the scenario for the Gaddi pastoralists. The growth of physical infrastructure like dams, canals, and roads, and the expansion of social infrastructure like healthcare, education, and banking, as well as the diversification of employment opportunities in the region, has prompted the Gaddi pastoralists to shift away from their traditional profession. Additionally, the politics of the state has also played a significant role in shaping the fate of the Gaddi pastoralists. The policies of the government, along with the influence of powerful interest groups, have led to the restriction of traditional grazing practices, and the Gaddi pastoralists are now facing challenges in their pursuit of maintaining their traditional ways of life. As a result of these challenges, many Gaddi pastoralists are now shifting towards sedentary occupations, leaving behind their traditional profession. Therefore, this research aims to explore the complex history, politics, development and challenges encountered by the Gaddi pastoralists in the pursuit of maintaining their traditional ways of life in an ever-changing world.
Empowering model repair: A rule-based approach to graph repair without side effects -- Extended Version
Authors: Lauer Alexander , Kosiol Jens , Taentzer Gabriele 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Working with models can lead to inconsistencies due to erroneous or contradictory actions during concurrent modeling processes. Modern modeling environments typically tolerate inconsistencies and support their detection. However, at a later stage of development, models are expected to be consistent, which means that their inconsistencies should be considered and resolved. The process of resolving model inconsistencies is commonly referred to as model repair. Our approach to model repair is semi-automatic in the sense that the system computes appropriate repair plans and the modeler decides which path to take. The speciality of our approach is that the repair process can register any small improvement in the model. This allows the interaction with the user to be optimized, resulting in an approach with a high level of automation on the one hand and flexible configuration options on the other. The approach is able to provide repair plans that do not have side effects, i.e., the computed repair plans do not inadvertently introduce a new inconsistency of already repaired constraints into the model. Since models often have a graph-like structure, we present our approach to model repair based on graphs. Our approach is completely formal and uses the algebraic graph transformation approach to prove its correctness.
Regional scale landslide risk assessment using field and remote sensing data in a semi-quantitative approach in Chitral, northern Pakistan
Authors: Shah Nisar Ali , Shafique Muhammad , Ishfaq Muhammad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Landslides are devastating natural hazards in mountain terrain with significant impacts on the society and economy. The upper Chitral is part of the eastern Hindu Kush ranges and is frequently prone to widespread and damaging landslides, debris flow, and floods. Therefore, it is critical to assess the landslide hazard and their social, economic and environmental impacts, to contribute to disaster risk reduction. This study aims to assess the landslide hazard assessment utilizing the causative and triggering factors and evaluate the physical, social and environmental vulnerability and risk assessment. An extensive field has been conducted to develop a comprehensive landslide inventory and their distribution into different categories. The landslide causative parameters (geological, topographical and anthropogenic) are compared with the landslide inventory using a bivariate statistical model to develop a landslide susceptibility map with an accuracy of 89%. Moreover, building topology data has been acquired for more than 19,000 buildings to evaluate their proneness to landslides. Multi-criteria evaluation techniques have been used to determine the landslide's induced physical, environmental and social vulnerability, which is subsequently integrated with landslide hazard to assess risk. The results show that 28.3% of the total area is highly susceptible to land sliding. Furthermore, the impact of the predicted landslides explicates that 90% of the building/population is living in a very high-risk zone, while the remaining 10% are in a high-risk zone. The study can effectively be used for developing landslide mitigation strategies.
Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes E1205 Genome Harbors Bacterial E3 ubiquitin ligase Homolog: A Bioinformatics Study
Authors: Munsif Kinza , Sufian Muhammad , Rafique Beenish , Khalid Kayinaat 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Pseudomonas genus is a significant industrial bacteria having wide range of applications. Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes (or P. oleovorans) has applications as bio-implant, bioplastics materials, pharmaceuticals, etc. P. pseudoalcaligenes strain E1205 has a genome size of 5.57 Mb and 5,081 proteins in NCBI database. Its genome harbors many hypothetical proteins and needed to be characterized for their structure and function.
Objectives
Our research was focused on finding unidentified pathogenicity protein in the P. pseudoalcaligenes genome.
Methods
Bioinformatics based methods involved in the identification of HP on the basis of sequence similarity were followed by its gene mapping, prediction of family and domain, protein secondary structure, subcellular localization, and transmembrane helices.
Results
Bacterial E3 ubiquitin ligase family protein (BELs) of P. whenzhouensis (NCBI WP_230925174.1) was the homolog of GIDE (Growth Inhibition and Death E3 Ligase) domain-containing protein, further referred as HP (NCBI WP_119693237.1) of P. oleovorans that shared percent identity of 87.38%. Prediction of secondary structures of both HP and BELs revealed sharing of majority of alpha-helices and beta-sheets, out of which 2 were predicted as transmembrane helices. From CELLO and PSORTb score, it was predicted that the major portion of HP was present in cytoplasm, but still it is considered that HP was membrane-bound.
Conclusion
The HP of P. pseudoalcaligenes was predicted to be functioning as a BEL (pathogenicity element). Such bacteria when introduced into eukaryotic host cells, the HP will likely to imitate the function of host E3 ubiquitin ligases by ubiquitinating and then degrading a set of targeted proteins.
Deciphering taxonomic and functional patterns of microbial communities associated with the tiger tail seahorse (Hippocampus comes)
Authors: Padasas-Adalla Chinee Surita , Ortega Rose Chinly Mae , Dalayap Rodelyn , Martinez Joey Genevieve , Amparado Olive , Moneva Carlo Stephen , Lomelí-Ortega Carlos O. , Tabugo Sharon Rose , Balcázar José Luis 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to explore the microbial diversity and metabolic functions of the skin and gut of the tiger tail seahorse (Hippocampus comes) and their surrounding environment using shotgun metagenomics and bioinformatics. Members belonging to the Pseudomonadota phylum were dominant on the skin, whereas Bacteroidota was dominant in the gut. Bacillota, Actinomycetota, and Planctomycetota were also detected in the seahorse-associated microbiome. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.01) in species diversity between skin and gut microbiomes, with members belonging to the Moraxellaceae family being dominant on the skin and the Bacteroidaceae family in the gut. Moreover, the surrounding environment (water or sediment) did not have a direct effect on the seahorse microbiome composition. Functional annotations highlighted the involvement of the skin microbiome in energy, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, as well as terpenoids and polyketides metabolism, xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, and cellular processes. Additionally, annotations indicated the presence of quorum sensing and intercellular communication. The relative abundance of bacteriocins was similar in both gut and skin, which is significant in shaping microbial communities due to their antimicrobial properties. Overall, the study highlights the importance of seahorse-microbe relationship for their well-being and holds implications for conservation and sustainable aquaculture.