Current research hotspots and frontier trends on carbon budget of coastal wetlands: A bibliometric analysis.

Coastal wetlands are the main distribution of blue carbon in coastal zones and well known for their high carbon sequestration capacity. Investigating the variation of carbon budget is crucial for understanding the functionality of coastal wetlands and effectively addressing climate change. In this study, a bibliometric analysis of 4,509 articles was conducted to reveal research progress, hot issues, and emerging trends in the coastal wetland carbon budget field. The number of publications and citations in this field increased exponentially from 1991 to 2022. The leading subject category was Environmental Sciences with 1,844 articles (40.9%). At present, studies have been focused on blue carbon, the effects of climate change and man-made disturbances on carbon cycle, and the restoration of coastal wetlands. Based on the hotspots and trends in this field, the future researches should include (1) exploring the functional mechanisms of various factors affecting carbon cycle and establishing a methodological system for the estimation of blue carbon in coastal wetlands; (2) researching restoration techniques of coastal wetland and constructing wetland restoration evaluation index system; and (3) formulating enforceable carbon trading policy and strengthening international cooperation.

Risk Assessment of Secondary Primary Malignancies in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Big-Data Intelligence Platform-Based Analysis of 6,377 Long-term Survivors from an Endemic Area Treated with Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy during 2003-2013.

PURPOSE: The incidence, risk factors and survival impact of secondary primary malignancies (SPMs) among survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with definitive intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with or without chemotherapy are poorly characterized. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Consecutive patients (n=6,377) from the big-data intelligence platform at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, China (in a high-incidence area) with newly diagnosed non-metastatic pathologically proven non-keratinizing undifferentiated NPC treated with IMRT±chemotherapy between January 2003 and June 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Cumulative incidence of SPMs was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify potential risk factors for SPMs and assess whether SPMs affect overall survival. RESULTS: Of the 6,377 patients, 189 (3.0%) suffered SPMs (median follow-up, 62 months). One-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-cumulative risks of SPMs were 0.4%, 0.9%, 1.6%, 2.2%, and 2.6%, respectively. Latency from start of IMRT to SPMs diagnosis was 37 months (range, 6 to 102 months). In patients with SPMs, 14.3% suffered SPMs within 1 year post-IMRT: 1-3 years, 38.1%; 3-5 years, 33.9%; and >5 years, 13.7%. Lung cancer was the most common SPM (50/6,377, 0.78%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated sex (male, 64% increase), age (≥50 years, 68% increase), and smoking history (41% increase) were significant risk factors for SPMs, and SPMs were associated with poorer overall survival. CONCLUSION: This large cohort study confirms SPMs a dreadful complication for long-term survivors of NPC treated with IMRT. SPMs negatively impact overall survival in NPC. Close follow-up is recommended for older male survivors with a smoking history.

Tongue Image Database Construction Based on the Expert Opinions: Assessment for Individual Agreement and Methods for Expert Selection.

This study aims at introducing a method for individual agreement evaluation to identify the discordant raters from the experts' group. We exclude those experts and decide the best experts selection method, so as to improve the reliability of the constructed tongue image database based on experts' opinions. Fifty experienced experts from the TCM diagnostic field all over China were invited to give ratings for 300 randomly selected tongue images. Gwet's AC1 (first-order agreement coefficient) was used to calculate the interrater and intrarater agreement. The optimization of the interrater agreement and the disagreement score were put forward to evaluate the external consistency for individual expert. The proposed method could successfully optimize the interrater agreement. By comparing three experts' selection methods, the interrater agreement was, respectively, increased from 0.53 [0.32-0.75] for original one to 0.64 [0.39-0.80] using method A (inclusion of experts whose intrarater agreement>0.6), 0.69 [0.63-0.81] using method B (inclusion of experts whose disagreement score="0"), and 0.76 [0.67-0.83] using method C (inclusion of experts whose intrarater agreement>0.6& disagreement score="0"). In this study, we provide an estimate of external consistency for individual expert, and the comprehensive consideration of both the internal consistency and the external consistency for each expert would be superior to either one in the tongue image construction based on expert opinions.

[Pollution Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of VOCs in Areas Surrounding a Petrochemical Park in Shanghai].

To investigate the pollution characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the vicinity of a petrochemical park, the composition and concentration of VOCs was successively monitored by application of a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector in the residential area surrounding a petrochemical park in Shanghai in October 2017. Moreover, the maximum incremental reactive method was employed to estimate the O3-formation potential contributed by VOCs, and health risks were assessed. Results showed that during the observation period, TVOCs concentrations ranged from 16.4 µg·m-3 to 1947.8 µg·m-3 with an average concentration of 40.7 µg·m-3, whereas the average proportions of alkanes, alkene/alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons were 66.2%, 25.9%, and 7.9%, respectively. The diurnal variation of total VOCs concentration showed a monomodal change, with a peak concentration of 127.9 µg·m-3 at 07:00, whereas the TVOCs had an average ozone formation potential (OFP) of 249.7 µg·m-3. Analysis of OFP indicated that trans-2-butene and ethylene were the most important species in ozone production with accountabilities for total OFP of 153.4 µg·m-3. Propylene, trans-2-butene, and ethylene were the key active species. Furthermore, health risk assessments revealed that no significant health risks had been caused by hexane, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, and m-xylene.

Rotenone and paraquat perturb dopamine metabolism: A computational analysis of pesticide toxicity.

Pesticides, such as rotenone and paraquat, are suspected in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), whose hallmark is the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Thus, compounds expected to play a role in the pathogenesis of PD will likely impact the function of dopaminergic neurons. To explore the relationship between pesticide exposure and dopaminergic toxicity, we developed a custom-tailored mathematical model of dopamine metabolism and utilized it to infer potential mechanisms underlying the toxicity of rotenone and paraquat, asking how these pesticides perturb specific processes. We performed two types of analyses, which are conceptually different and complement each other. The first analysis, a purely algebraic reverse engineering approach, analytically and deterministically computes the altered profile of enzyme activities that characterize the effects of a pesticide. The second method consists of large-scale Monte Carlo simulations that statistically reveal possible mechanisms of pesticides. The results from the reverse engineering approach show that rotenone and paraquat exposures lead to distinctly different flux perturbations. Rotenone seems to affect all fluxes associated with dopamine compartmentalization, whereas paraquat exposure perturbs fluxes associated with dopamine and its breakdown metabolites. The statistical results of the Monte-Carlo analysis suggest several specific mechanisms. The findings are interesting, because no a priori assumptions are made regarding specific pesticide actions, and all parameters characterizing the processes in the dopamine model are treated in an unbiased manner. Our results show how approaches from computational systems biology can help identify mechanisms underlying the toxicity of pesticide exposure.

[Concentration and risk assessment of DEHP in vegetables around plastic industrial area].

Concentration of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)in the inner tissue of various vegetable species and their growing environment (soil and atmosphere) around plastic industrial area were investigated and determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GC/MS). The results showed that concentrations of DEHP in 5 kinds of vegetable were 0.23-9.11 mg/kg, 3.82 mg/kg in average (fresh weight). Of the various vegetable species determined, the highest burden was observed in the leafy vegetables, followed by melon and root vegetables. Statistical analysis of variance showed that environment and species are the factors that significantly affect DEHP concentrations in inner vegetable tissue and soil, respectively. Atmosphere deposition is the principal pathway for the accumulation of DEHP. The ability of the plant accumulating DEHP was mainly influenced by the lipid content of the plant. Leaf with pubescence or rough surface was found to have higher DEHP than the other, when the lipid contents were similar. Evaluation of the vegetable around plastic industrial area with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) by OEHHA, concentrations of DEHP has exceeded the safety standard.

Computational analysis of determinants of dopamine (DA) dysfunction in DA nerve terminals.

Dopamine signaling is involved in a number of brain pathways, and its disruption has been suggested to be involved in the several disease states, including Parkinson's disease (PD), schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has been hypothesized that altered storage, release, and reuptake of dopamine contributes to both the hypo- and hyperdopaminergic states that exist in various diseases. Here, we use our recently described mathematical model of dopamine metabolism, combined with a comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation analysis, to identify key determinants of dopamine metabolism associated with the dysregulation of dopamine homeostasis that may contribute to the pathogenesis of dopamine-based disorders. Our model reveals that the dopamine transporter (DAT), the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2), and the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) are the most influential components controlling the synaptic level of dopamine and the formation of toxic intracellular metabolites. The results are consistent with experimental observations and point to metabolic processes and combinations of processes that may be biochemical drivers of dopamine neuron degeneration. Since many of the identified components can be targeted therapeutically, the model may aid in the design of combined therapeutic regimens aimed at restoring proper dopamine signaling with toxic intermediates under control.

Dosimetric analysis of a shielded applicator for nasopharyngeal carcinoma intracavitary brachytherapy: Monte Carlo calculation.

In nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) intracavitary brachytherapy, an anatomical dose reference point (in line with that for gynecology work), e.g., at the sphenoid floor, is more precise than the empirical point of 1 cm from the source. However, such increases of the single-source-plan treatment distances may deliver excessive doses inferiorly, to the soft palate. As shielding may help, its efficacy was studied by Monte Carlo simulations in water for 20 and 30 mm diameter spherical NP applicators (representing extremes of sizes for the small NP cavity), with/without lead shielding inferiorly, using a single linear Ir-192, 2 mm steps, equal dwell times for 5 (5DP) and 9 dwell positions (9DP). Dose reductions of the selected points of interest ranged from 1.2% to 40.5% for the 20 mm shielded applicator and a range of 2.9% to 17.9%, for the 30 mm shielded applicator. Dose volume histograms of the "region of interest" (ROI)-a cuboid of 4 x 4 x 0.5 cm3 at the most inferior aspect of the applicator, also differed significantly. The highest doses of the 50% (D50) and 20% (D20) volumes of ROI (for 5DP and 9DP plans) were reduced by 11.9% to 17.9% for the 20 mm applicator and a range of 9.0% to 11.5% for the 30 mm shielded applicator. Doses in unshielded directions were insignificantly changed, for example, with a 20 mm applicator simulated in a 5DP plan, the dose distribution close to the source in the unshielded direction has less than 4% difference at the 50% isodose relative to the dose prescription point. For the 30 mm shielded applicator, despite smaller dose reduction percentages, a more pronounced effective dose reduction was obtained than nominal values when considering radiobiological equivalent doses. Our system was demonstrated to be ready for clinical assessment.

Establishment and assessment of two methods for quantitative detection of serum duck hepatitis B virus DNA.

AIM: To establish and assess the methods for quantitative detection of serum duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) DNA by quantitative membrane hybridization using DHBV DNA probe labeled directly with alkaline phosphatase and fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). METHODS: Probes of DHBV DNA labeled directly with alkaline phosphatase and chemiluminescent substrate CDP-star were used in this assay. DHBV DNA was detected by autoradiography, and then scanned by DNA dot-blot. In addition, three primers derived from DHBV DNA S gene were designed. Semi-nested primer was labeled by AmpliSensor. Standard curve of the positive standards of DHBV DNA was established after asymmetric preamplification, semi-nested amplification and on-line detection. Results from 100 samples detected separately by alkaline phosphatase direct-labeled DHBV DNA probe with dot-blot hybridization and digoxigenin-labeled DHBV DNA probe hybridization. Seventy samples of duck serum were tested by fluorescent qPCR and digoxigenin-labeled DHBV DNA probe in dot-blot hybridization assay and the correlation of results was analysed. RESULTS: Sensitivity of alkaline phosphatase direct-labeled DHBV DNA probe was 10 pg. The coincidence was 100% compared with digoxigenin-labeled DHBV DNA probe assay. After 30 cycles, amplification products showed two bands of about 180 bp and 70 bp by 20 g/L agarose gel electrophoresis. Concentration of amplification products was in direct proportion to the initial concentration of positive standards. The detection index was in direct proportion to the quantity of amplification products accumulated in the current cycle. The initial concentration of positive standards was in inverse proportion to the number of cycles needed for enough quantities of amplification products. Correlation coefficient of the results was (0.97, P<0.01) between fluorescent qPCR and dot-blot hybridization. CONCLUSION: Alkaline phosphatase direct-labeled DHBV DNA probe in dot-blot hybridization and fluorescent qPCR can be used as valuable means to quantify DHBV DNA in serum.

Assessment of a method for detecting serum HBV DNA with HBV DNA probe labelled directly by alkaline phosphatase.

OBJECTIVE: To assess a sensitive and specific technique for detecting serum HBV DNA with an HBV DNA probe labelled directly by alkaline phosphatase (AlkPhos Direc probe). METHODS: AlkPhos Direc probe was prepared with purified HBV DNA labelled directly by alkaline phosphatase. The probe and chemiluminescent substrate CDP-star for AP were used in hybridization assay. HBV DNA was detected by autoradiography on a film. The results of 80 samples were compared between the chemiluminescent dot blot hybridization assay with the AlkPhos Direc probe and another assay with the digoxigenin-labelled HBV DNA probe. The correlation of seventy-sample results of fluorescent quantitative HBV DNA PCR assay and dot blot hybridization assay with the AlkPhos Direc probe was analysed. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the AlkPhos Direc probe was 10 pg at least. The coincidence of the AlkPhos Direc probe was 100% compared with that of the digoxigenin-labelled HBV DNA probe. A correlation coefficient of HBV DNA quantitative results between fluorescent quantitative HBV DNA PCR assay and dot blot hybridization assay with the AlkPhos Direc probe was 0.98 (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The method detecting HBV DNA in serum with the HBV DNA AlkPhos Direc probe is sensitive and specific. The results of the two assays with the AlkPhos Direc probe or with the digoxigenin-labelled HBV DNA probe are completely coincident. The correlation of HBV DNA quantitative results between fluorescent QPCR assay and dot blot hybridization assay with the AlkPhos Direc probe is satisfactory.