The noise pollution, habitat loss, and human disturbance caused by urbanization have led to damage in bird communities. Research on the relationship between urbanization and birds predominantly focuses on highly urbanized areas, with few studies in underdeveloped urbanized areas. Given the greater stability of the bird community during breeding season, it was chosen for this study. Here, we conducted bird surveys along the urban-rural continuum by utilizing 150 line transects within a 51385 km2 area from June to August in 2022 and 2023, aiming to explore the impact of urbanization on bird species diversity and functional traits during the breeding season in the Huanghuai Plain of China. We found that species diversity and functional traits had significant differences among three habitats (i.e., urban, suburban, and rural). Additionally, the urbanization synthetic index had significant negative correlations with species richness and the Shannon-Wiener index, while having no significant correlation with functional traits. We then assessed that the environmental noise, the distance to the county center, and the proportion of building area within a 250-meter radius were critical factors affecting species diversity, as well as environmental noise and the distance to the county center being the best predictors for functional traits. Urban birds preferred to construct nests at crown, and the diets of them tended to be omnivorous. Our study highlights the importance of the environmental noise, the distance to the county center, and the building index for the protection of urban birds in Huanghuai Plain. The research findings filled the gap in the study area regarding the relationship between urbanization and avian communities based on the urban-rural continuum.

Large-scale semantic mapping is crucial for outdoor autonomous agents to perform high-level tasks such as planning and navigation. In this paper, we propose a novel method for large-scale 3D semantic reconstruction through implicit representations from posed LiDAR measurements alone. We first leverage an octree-based hierarchical structure to store implicit features, then these implicit features are decoded to signed distance value and semantic information through shallow Multilayer Perceptrons (MLPs). We leverage radial window self-attention networks to predict the semantic labels of point clouds. We then jointly optimize the feature embedding and MLP parameters with a self-supervision paradigm for point-cloud geometry and a pseudo-supervision paradigm for semantic and panoptic labels. Subsequently, geometric structures and object categories for novel points in the unseen area are regressed, and the marching cubes method is exploited to subdivide and visualize scenes in the inferring stage. Experiments on two real-world datasets, SemanticKITTI and SemanticPOSS, demonstrate the superior segmentation efficiency and mapping effectiveness of our framework compared to current state-of-the-art 3D semantic LiDAR mapping methods.

The Mediterranean population of the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) originates from a few colonization events from rookeries on Oceanic beaches. Mediterranean loggerhead turtles may have unique genetic adaptations to the region climatic conditions, due to their temperature sensitivity, affecting various biological functions. We used complete mitochondrial DNA sequences from 61 independent individuals sampled in the Mediterranean to infer the protein-coding variants. The 3D structures of the subset of proteins affected by non-synonymous substitutions were reconstructed to hypothesize the ensuing effects for the protein functionality from a structural and energetic point of view. By performing two consecutive sets of comparisons between proteins encoded by Hg IB vs. basal Hg II and Hg IB vs. derived Hg II we gained insights on whether the new variants replicate and potentiate the evolutionary trend observed in the long-term divergence between Hg IB and Hg II. Minor changes in protein stability were predicted in the Hg IB vs Hg II comparison, consistent with the long-term evolutionary viability of the amino acid substitutions in the two lineages. The five comparisons involving new variants, derived within Hg II, predicted a slight destabilization of the corresponding protein structure within the mitochondrial membrane 3D context, while drastic effects on the proteins’ functionality could be ruled out. Our analysis provides a novel view of the evolutionary dynamics of mitochondrial DNA and the potential functional implications of specific mutations associated with the colonization of the Mediterranean, contributing to a deeper understanding of the genetic diversity within and among C. caretta haplogroups.

A document by Arun Krishnadas. Click on the document to view its contents.

TitleFood protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) triggered by honey: a pediatric case report

Hybrid Filter Bank (HFB) is a promising technology capable of enhancing the resolution and speed of analog-to-digital conversion. However, when using widely adopted analytical filters, HFB designs face the problem that the ideal synthetic filter frequency response is discontinuous over the Nyquist zone. In this letter, we adopt a simple and effective method of double oversampling to solve the discontinuity problem. The design of analytical filter based on weighted least square method (WLS) and the optimal design of synthetic filter after oversampling are presented. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme can achieve good HFB reconstruction performance, which has a significantly broaden spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) in comparison to the that without oversampling scheme.

This study focuses on the problems of insufficient or excessive depth of pile foundation embedding and excessive pile displacement in pile foundation construction. By introducing global positioning system (GPS) technology, the study focuses on solving practical problems in pile foundation construction, optimizing pile foundation construction methods, and designing an optimization plan based on verified GPS technology in pile foundation construction. This plan includes precise guidance for pile foundation layout using GPS technology, accurate determination of effective pile length, and optimization of elevation measurement using GPS technology. To verify the effectiveness of the scheme, this study conducted empirical application in the pile foundation construction project of Building 4 in a certain residential area. The research results show that by combining the estimation of effective pile length with pre drilled pile planting method, the effective pile length can be accurately determined in most cases, and the error is controlled within a reasonable range. Compared with total stations, GPS technology has shown higher efficiency in determining pile foundation points and pile top elevations, and can significantly save costs. In addition, GPS technology can timely detect and correct problems during pile height measurement, ensuring the stability of construction quality.

Gypsum application can significantly increase the productivity of soda saline-alkaline paddy fields, primarily due to its strong effects on soil organic carbon (C) content. However, despite their importance, the specific mechanisms by which gypsum influences the dynamics and composition of soil organic C in soda saline-alkaline paddy fields remain largely unexplored. Therefore, in a paddy field converted from newly reclaimed saline-alkali wasteland, we conducted an experiment with four gypsum amendment treatments: 0 t/ha (CK), 15 t/ha (G 15), 30 t/ha (G 30), and 45 t/ha (G 45). We investigated the effects of gypsum application rate on soil organic C and bacterial communities in the soda saline-alkaline paddy field and explored how soil bacteria affected organic C. Compared with CK, G 30 significantly reduced soil pH by 14.42% and total dissolved salts (TDS) by 23.85%. In G 45, particulate organic C and mineral-associated organic C contents were 1.08 g/kg and 15.06 g/kg, respectively, which were significantly higher by 556.83% and 77.70%, respectively, than those in CK. The dissolved organic C content in G 30 was 0.05 g/kg, which was significantly lower by 72.22% than that in CK. Regarding soil biological activity, compared with CK, activities of β-1,4-glucosidase (0.54 nmol/h/g) and β-fibrous diglucosidase (96.25 nmol/h/g) increased significantly in G 45. In G 30, compared with CK, activities of β-xylosidase (32.23 nmol/h/g) and α-glucosidase (62.97 nmol/h/g) increased significantly. The Shannon and Observed_species alpha diversity indices of the bacterial community in G 30 increased significantly by 36.31% and 16.10%, respectively, compared with that in CK. The copy number of functional genes involved in methane metabolism, carbon fixation, and carbohydrate metabolism in G 30 increased by 2.92% to 8.86% compared with that in CK. Partial least squares path analysis indicated that gypsum application increased bacterial accumulation of organic C by improving the environment for soil bacteria with reductions in soil pH and HCO 3 –+CO 3 2– content in soda saline-alkaline paddy fields. The findings of this study support refining the theoretical framework by which gypsum amendments improve soda saline-alkaline soils.

Ecological restoration has been considered and implemented as a great way to reverse land degradation, particularly in vulnerable dryland areas. While there has been a large amount of research focusing on the ecological and economic benefits of ecological restoration projects, few studies have focused specifically on the intangible socio-cultural values like cultural heritage, identity, and social cohesion on these areas. The difficulty of quantification of those values is due to their subjective perception among individuals and keep changing social dynamics. Therefore, it remains unclear about how local inhabitants perceive the intangible cultural and social benefits provided by dryland ecosystem and how this perception impact community well-being. In the current study, we adopted cultural ecosystem services (CES) perspective and re-classify the commonly used 10 types of CES into 4 main categories, auto-responsive/intrinsic, behaviors, meanings and personal. We selected Yan’an, China as a case study, using semi structured household interviews to quantify perceptions of these CES. We used latent class analysis to classify the perception of CES into three types. The results show that all ten CES types were perceived by the rural communities in the drylands, and education and annual income have a significant effect on most CES types. In addition, many local landscapes and social activities also found to provide significant CES, due to close and highly social neighborhood relationships generated by local traditions in arid areas.

Phenotypic heterogeneity usually refers to phenotypic variation not associated to genetic variation, nor induced by environmental stimuli. The phenotypic heterogeneity processes described for some complex bacterial traits is causing a shift on how bacterial phenotypes are studied, from traditional assessments by averaging populations to single-cell analysis focused on bacterial individual phenotypes and how these distribute within the population. The structure of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) layer on the outer membrane in gram-negative bacteria is often subjected to phase variation, a form of phenotypic variation critical for virulence in animal pathogens. Here, we apply single-cell expression analyses to wbpL, a conserved Pseudomonas syringae glycosyltransferase-encoding gene essential for the synthesis of the o-antigen component of LPS. We show that expression of wbpL displays phenotypic heterogeneity in P. syringae pv. phaseolicola growing in rich medium, reaching bistable expression in minimal media, where the population splits into WbpL ON and WpbL OFF subpopulations. In planta, wbpL expression is also heterogeneous, displaying intermingled ON/OFF with comparable viability. Finally, we followed expression of wbpL within the spatial context of apoplastic microcolonies. detecting heterogeneity within each microcolony, but also found that microcolonies displayed overall differences in fluorescence intensity that correlated size, with smaller microcolonies displaying higher levels of wbpL expression.

Soil is a vital component of the ecosystem, as it provides nutrients needed for the growth of plants and supports all terrestrial life on the planet. The global agricultural sector underwent enormous change after the World Wars thanks to some important developments in technology transfer that saw increased crop production during the Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s; the initiatives included the use of high yielding variety seeds and also the application of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in order to secure food grains for growing human population. But despite all the achievements, the initiatives taken during the Green Revolution are meeting with some harsh criticism now. Direct application of contaminants makes serious alterations to the content and most importantly the chemical quality, properties and functions of soil, as it requires an immediate risk assessment owing to the hazard and scientific uncertainty surrounding it. Soil is under constant pressure due to irresponsible land use and resource exploitation, erosion, escalating climate change, and also the indiscriminate usage of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Soil pollution is one of the most serious concerns of our time, which not only limits the sustainability of community livelihood but also compromises ecosystem services, causing depletion in its fertility and risks to the environmental and human health. So, the environmentalists, economists, and social scientists have begun advocating more organic amendments to farming and restoration of ecosystems services of soil. Researchers explore physico-chemical and biological methods to mitigate the soil contamination. Research enterprise, local policy making, and globalized discourses on environment at the highest decision-making authority of intergovernmental organizations are being directed towards sustainable future of socio-ecological system.

Background: Colorectal cancer is a common malignancy characterised by the abnormal growth of cells in the colon or rectum. Its high occurrence and death rate make it a significant concern for public health. Hormone signalling pathways including estrogen, progestrone and androgen receptors have gained attention in CRC research for their potential impact on tumor development and progression and open possibilities for newer therapeutic approaches. Objective: The objectives of the study are to investigate the role of sex steroid receptors in colorectal cancer, to explore the potential therapeutic opportunities in CRC treatment, and to discuss the implications of sex specificity in study design and interpretation. Method: Multiple cohort studies were dissected to provide valuable insights into the intricate world of sex steroid receptors in CRC. The results of the cohort studies were analysed based on gender, age, clinical stage and anatomical location. Results: The study emphasizes the intricate roles of sex hormones and their receptors in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, highlighting that ERβ has anti-tumor effects with lower levels linked to colonic tumors in females, while ERα and androgen receptors (AR) promote growth, particularly in postmenopausal women. Progesterone receptors are linked to poorer prognosis, though progesterone treatment inhibits CRC cell proliferation. In malignant tissues, ERα and AR levels increase, while ERβ and progesterone receptors decrease. ER isoforms’ mRNA levels are lower in malignant female cases, while AR expression is higher in males. Additionally, the location of CRC differs by sex, with women more likely to develop proximal colon cancer—associated with reduced ERβ—while men tend to develop distal CRC. This research reveals anuanced modulation of gene transcription in CRC by ERα, ERβ, and GPER, reflecting both tumor-promoting and suppressive effects of these hormones. Limitations: The study highlights that the mechanism by which progesterone reduces colorectal cancer (CRC) progression remains uncertain. Limitations include variability in findings due to differences in cell lines, hormone concentrations, and receptor expression. The study also notes inconsistencies across research on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its potential to reduce CRC risk, suggesting a need for standardized methodologies to evaluate the progesterone receptor’s impact on CRC prognosis. Additionally, it acknowledges the complex interplay between cytokines in the tumor microenvironment and estrogen signaling, creating a challenging feedback loop. Future directions: The article examines emerging therapeutic strategies in colorectal cancer (CRC), suggesting that combined activation of Estrogen Receptor Beta (ERβ) and Progesterone Receptor (PGR) could produce anti-cancer effects. It proposes sequential estrogen-progesterone therapy as a promising regimen for early-stage CRC, while simultaneous therapy may benefit advanced cases. Future research should clarify the role of sex hormones in CRC development, advance prognostic markers, and explore selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) as potential therapies. It also calls for investigation into pharmacological agents targeting ERβ and the influence of the gut microbiome in CRC prevention, paving the way for tailored therapeutic interventions.

Materials and Methods: Our review encompassed three studies comparing the recurrence rates in stage I-III ER+ breast cancer patients who did and did not use statins. The endpoint focused on recurrence, with the inclusion criterion being studies that reported fully adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). Summary odds ratios (ORs) were derived using random-effects models. Publication bias and heterogeneity were evaluated through sensitivity analyses, Q statistic tests, and I2 tests. Results: Three population-based studies, comprising a total of 27163 patients with ER+ breast cancer, were included in our analysis: 4101 of whom were on statin therapy, and 23062 were not. The pooled OR revealed a notably significant 52% reduction in the risk of recurrence for patients who used statins compared to those who did not (Summary OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.27–0.70, P=0.0006). Our analysis of three population-based studies, demonstrates a significant 57% reduction in recurrence risk for early-stage ER+ breast cancer patients treated with statins. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the substantial heterogeneity present among the studies, as indicated by an I2 of 94% and a highly significant chi-square test (P <0.00001). Based on the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis plot (figure [3](#fig-cap-0003) ), all three studies are within the confidence intervals of the overall effect estimate, which can suggest that the meta-analysis results are relatively robust. Regarding publication bias, Egger’s test yielded a P-value of 0.1964, indicating no evidence of small-study effects or publication bias in this meta-analysis. Conclusion: The pooled OR for statin use compared to non-use is 0.43

Urine, a bodily by-product which conveys a number of physiological insights is a potential candidate for ongoing, regular health assessment. Despite their remarkable advancements, automated urine analyzers remain laboratory-based instruments that need labor-intensive sample processing and analysis, rendering them unsuitable for routine health screening. To expedite routine health screening, this work reports on a human interruption-free robotic platform that bypasses the manual operation for biological sample assay including handling of assay steps and colorimetric analysis of target markers in the sample. The robotic arm and the customized Android app; the key components of the platform automate the assay inside an imaging chamber eluding manual operation under similar assay protocols for multiple measurements and processes post-assayed image to quantify the target urine markers. Detailed characterization of the robotic operation, light distribution, and image analysis of the proposed platform was applied in the detection of glucose, protein and pH level in artificial urine sample that reveals a set of essential performance parameters that are comparable to, or even better than, that of conventional urine assay. As a result, it is believed that the proposed device may suitably be applied for autonomous analysis of other biological samples as a routine point-of-care (PoC) device.

The development of highly-potent antibody products (e.g., bispecific antibodies, antibody-cytokine fusions) represents a novel development in pharmaceutical biotechnology, with distinctive requirements in terms of pharmaceutical quality and industrial manufacturing processes. Indeed, while it is common to administer conventional antibody products in IgG format at doses of 100 mg or higher, highly-potent antibody derivatives are often used at doses in the single-digit milligram range or lower. In this article, we describe the design, construction, implementation and authorization process for a new GMP facility, dedicated to the production of antibody-cytokine fusion proteins and bispecific antibodies. The facility was designed capitalizing on the availability of single-use systems for several procedures, both at the upstream and downstream level. The requirement of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2024/568 of a physical separation of sample processing before and after the last viral removal step was implemented by means of a nanofiltration system, passing through the wall of dedicated laboratories. A stringent design for personnel and material flow was implemented to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and accidental exposure. The experience presented in this article may be of interest to companies that wish to construct similar facilities for their own antibody-based products.

A comprehensive understanding of the interaction mechanisms between nitric acid and sugar is crucial for applying sugars as denitrifying agents in the treatment of high-level radioactive waste. However, the evolutionary behavior and interaction mechanisms of nitric acid with sugar remain unclear. In this work, the mechanisms and kinetics of the reaction between nitric acid and glucose that produce key products (NO 2, NO, CO 2, and CO) have been studied in detail by means of quantum chemistry. The work shows five different paths leading to the ring-opening of β-D-glucopyranose. The results indicate that the ring-opening path involving the interaction of H 3O + with glycosidic oxygen has the greatest kinetic advantage, with lower energy of highest point (EHP) (63.6 kJ/mol) and lower highest energy barrier (HEB) (49.2 kJ/mol). At the same time, the study shows that the redox reaction between nitric acid and the aldehyde group of glucose plays a dominant role throughout the reaction pathway. This process not only reduces nitric acid to nitrous acid, laying the foundation for the subsequent production of NO 2 and NO, but also oxidizes the aldehyde group to a carboxyl group, creating conditions favorable for the generation of CO 2 and CO. In addition, through thermodynamic analysis of the four reaction products (NO 2, NO, CO 2, and CO), the study shows that the reactions producing NO 2 and NO are spontaneous exothermic reactions, while the reactions generating CO 2 and CO are non-spontaneous endothermic reactions.

Herein, a novel 2D/0D Bi 12O 17Cl 2/AgI (B 12OC/AgI) heterojunction with enriched oxygen vacancies was synthesized via an in-situ growth method for enhanced mineralization performance of antibiotics. It was confirmed that owing to the formation of type II heterojunction between Bi enriched Bi 12O 17Cl 2 and AgI, the spatial separation of photoinduced electrons and holes was improved efficiently, thereby promoting the utilization rate of photogenerated charge carriers. As a result, the B 12OC/AgI-15 exhibited the best degradation performance and the degradation efficiency of TC within 15 min was 95.02%. The corresponding kinetic constants of B 12OC/AgI-15 to TC were 4.30 and 9.63 times higher than that of bare Bi 12O 17Cl 2 and AgI, respectively. Moreover, it was found that the combination of Bi 12O 17Cl 2 and AgI can effectively prevent the coupling of photoelectrons with interstitial Ag + to form metal Ag, which can improve the anti-photocorrosion ability and ensure structure stability of B 12OC/AgI heterojunction. In addition, the intermediates and degradation pathways of TC over the B 12OC/AgI were discussed in detail.

Tirelizumab-induced immune encephalitis:An Unusual Case Report

In the proposed work, an efficient supramolecular fluorescent probe method based on the cucurbit[7]uril@1,1,2,2-tetra(biphenyl-4-yl)ethene (CB[7]@TTPE) was developed for detecting temozolomide (TMZ) at trace levels in serum samples and realizing fluorescence imaging of TMZ. Macrocyclic molecule CB[7] and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) molecule TTPE formed the self-assembled fluorescent probe with high degree of solubility via host-guest recognition. The sensing behavior of nanocomposites toward TMZ was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime. Under the optimal detection conditions, CB[7]@TTPE nanoprobe can be used for the rapid and sensitive analysis of temozolomide in the linear range of 1 to 20 μg/mL with the detection limit of 0.25 μg/mL. The probe system has excellent selectivity and can be applied to detect TMZ in actual serum samples with satisfactory recovery. Furthermore, CB[7]@TTPE exhibited great intracellular drug fluorescence imaging performance and was successfully used to monitor and report TMZ in human glioma cancer cells U87 and T98G. In summary, the prepared AIE composite displays strong fluorescence and good water solubility, which is suitable as a supramolecular fluorescent probe for the determination of TMZ in actual fluids and also provides a new idea for subsequent biological imaging.

Title page:Conservative Management of Thrombotic Microangiopathy in a Renal Transplant Recipient: The Importance of Early RecognitionAuthors:Ahmad S. Matarneh (1), Sundus Sardar (1), Abdel-rauof Akkari (1), Pankhuri Mohan (2) Naman Trivedi (1), Gurwant Kaur (1), Nasrollah Ghahramani (1)Affiliations: 1. Department of Nephrology, Pennsylvania state Milton S Hershey Medical Center, United States of America2. Department of medicine-pediatrics, Pennsylvania state Milton S Hershey Medical Center, United States of AmericaCorresponding authorAhmad MatarnehAffiliation: Penn State health , Milton S.hershey medical centerContact: Email ahmadmatarneh99@gmail.comPhone # 717-708-6754Keywords:TMA, Immunosuppressed, transplant

This short communication develops an existence result for a general non-linear parabolic equation. The method of proof comprises an application of the Newton's method combined with a proximal approach and a Banach fixed point theorem. Specifically in this article, we address the more general case in which g = g(u, ∇u).

Numerous investigations have been conducted every year to demonstrate a strong association between the characteristics of topological chemical formations. These features include melting and boiling points as well as medication toxicity. The topological index is a helpful method for identifying these properties. This study examined several molecular drug architectures, including chain oxides, chain silicate networks, sheet oxide networks, and sheet silicates, using multicriteria decision-making methods, including TOPSIS and SAW. Among the topological indices used in this work are the forgotten topological index, augmented Zagreb index, and Randić index for

Recent advancements in high-density implantable intracortical electrode technology have significantly improved neural interfaces for both research and clinical applications. However, a significant challenge persists: scaling up these devices to achieve recording of all single-unit activity across large brain volumes. This critical review explores recent progress in neural electrode design, focusing on the challenges of achieving scalable solutions for this ambitious goal. The physical and technical constraints of both rigid and flexible probes are addressed, highlighting the limitations imposed by shank stiffness, mechanical tissue damage, and foreign body response. It is identified that the physics of inserting the electrodes into the brain tissue poses a fundamental constraint, which inherently restricts achievable electrode density. Biohybrid strategies, integrating biological and synthetic components, have shown promise, but they have yet to overcome major challenges necessary to achieve a scalable functional interface. It is concluded that, given the current limitations of available techniques, there is a pressing need to explore fundamentally novel approaches to realize the vision of recording the electrical activity of every cortical neuron within the brain.

This research focuses on the synergistic mechanism between containerization and serverless computing technologies in edge computing environments to create optimized solutions for resource-constrained edge devices. Considering the complex resource management and high real-time requirements of edge computing, lightweight encapsulation and isolation are achieved by Docker containerization technology, and serverless computing support is provided by OpenFaaS platform to achieve intelligent routing and dynamic resource scheduling. This solution effectively solves the problems of low resource utilization and long task response time of edge devices. Various optimization strategies are proposed to improve the system performance. In terms of resource isolation, the Linux Cgroups and Namespaces technologies are used to ensure that different container resources are independent and stable, avoiding resource contention; in terms of load balancing, an algorithm based on dynamic load sensing is designed to reasonably allocate tasks by monitoring the computing capacity of the device, the network state, and the priority of the tasks to improve the overall performance; and the cache optimization utilizes Redis to reduce access to the back-end database, reduce response time, and optimize the caching of tasks. Cache optimization utilizes Redis technology to reduce access to the back-end database, reduce response time, and enhance processing capability. Finally, through the experimental evaluation, the scheme performs well in terms of resource utilization and response speed, which can significantly improve the efficiency and flexibility of edge computing, provide efficient solutions for smart home, Internet of Things and other fields, and also provide theoretical and technical support for the optimization and application of edge computing in the future.