Additional Methods Research Articles

Forecasting Rice Prices with Holt-Winter Exponential Smoothing Model

Rice, as a staple food, plays a crucial role in global food security. Accurate forecasting of rice prices is essential for policymakers, farmers, and consumers alike. This article explores the application of the Holt-Winter exponential smoothing model to predict rice prices. Holt-Winter method is chosen for its ability to capture both trend and seasonality in time series data, which are prominent features in agricultural commodity prices such as rice. The study analyzes historical price data, identifies trends, seasonality, and incorporates smoothing parameters in additive and multiplicative methods. Results indicate that additive method of Holt-Winter exponential smoothing provides a better performance. This research contributes valuable insights to the field of agricultural economics and informs strategies for managing food supply chains and market stability.

A novel TLFD-GA algorithm for multi-objectives optimization of ORC power plants with the effect of pressure drop considered

This research introduces a novel TLFD-GA algorithm for the three-level criteria optimization of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) power plants. It replaces the non-dominated sorting of NSGA-II with three-level fuzzy decision to simultaneously optimize environmental, thermodynamic, and techno-economic criteria. The algorithm provides direct optimization results without needing additional decision-making methods. Furthermore, the impact of pressure drop in plate heat exchangers is investigated, revealing a proportional relationship between pressure drop and the increment of evaporation pressure. A parametric study on 24 basic and recuperative trans-critical geothermal ORC systems indicates that compensating for pressure drop leads to a 5% decrease in thermodynamic performance, a 20% decrease in techno-economic performance, and a 20–60% increase in heat transfer area per net output power. After TLFD-GA optimization, the saving to investment ratio improves by an average of 4.5% across scenarios. R1270 stands out with a remarkable ratio of 3.13 and 4.32 in medium and high-temperature geothermal reservoirs. Moreover, the proposed TLFD-GA optimization algorithm has demonstrated its superiority in terms of superb convergence and stability when compared to NSGA-II, which suggests its prospective application in the low-carbon and green energy fields.

Rethinking Position Embedding Methods in the Transformer Architecture

In the transformer architecture, as self-attention reads entire image patches at once, the context of the sequence between patches is omitted. Therefore, the position embedding method is employed to assist the self-attention layers in computing the ordering information of tokens. While many papers simply add the position vector to the corresponding token vector rather than concatenating them, few papers offer a thorough explanation and comparison beyond dimension reduction. However, the addition method is not meaningful because token vectors and position vectors are different physical quantities that cannot be directly combined through addition. Hence, we investigate the disparity in learnable absolute position information between the two embedding methods (concatenation and addition) and compare their performance on models. Experiments demonstrate that the concatenation method can learn more spatial information (such as horizontal, vertical, and angle) than the addition method. Furthermore, it reduces the attention distance in the final few layers. Moreover, the concatenation method exhibits greater robustness and leads to a performance gain of 0.1–0.5% for existing models without additional computation overhead.

Two 3D Zn(II)/Co(II)-CPs as fluorescent sensors for turn-on and red-shift sensing of tryptophan and norfloxacin

Two three-dimensional (3D) coordination polymers (CPs), namely {[M(seb)(bbimb)]·3H2O}n (M = Zn for 1; Co for 2), were obtained via hydrothermal method using sebacic acid (H2seb) mixed with 1,4-bis(benzoimidazol-1-yl)butane (bbimb). The structures of 1 and 2 both display as 3D frameworks with a 5-fold interpenetrating dia topology. CPs 1 and 2 both exhibit excellent luminescent properties and good water stability. Fluorescence sensing experiments demonstrate that 1 and 2 both can selectively detect tryptophan (Trp) and norfloxacin (Nor) in aqueous solution through turn-on and red-shift effect with remarkable anti-interference ability and low detection limits. The limits of detection (LOD) toward Trp-and Nor are 0.07 μM, 0.08 μM for 1 and 0.41 μM, 0.11 μM for 2. In addition, theoretical calculations and different detection methods were utilized to thoroughly investigate the potential sensing mechanisms for Trp-and Nor. Importantly, 1 and 2 represent two rare examples for sensing both Trp-and Nor via turn-on and red-shift effects. The fluoresence test films of 1 and 2 were prepared which can detect Trp-and Nor quickly with naked eye.

Causal Relationship Between Ferritin and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study.

Previous observational research has indicated a correlation between ferritin levels and neuropsychiatric disorders, although the causal relationship remains uncertain. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential causal link between plasma ferritin levels and neuropsychiatric disorders. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted, wherein genetic instruments associated with ferritin were obtained from a previously published genome-wide association study (GWAS). Summary statistics pertaining to neuropsychiatric disorders were derived from five distinct GWAS datasets. The primary MR analysis employed the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method and was corroborated by additional methods including MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode. Sensitivity analyses were employed to identify potential pleiotropy and heterogeneity in the results. The fixed effects IVW method revealed a statistically significant causal relationship between plasma ferritin level and the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.12, p = 0.037), as well as Parkinson's disease (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00-1.13, p = 0.041). Various sensitivity analyses were conducted, which demonstrated no substantial heterogeneity or pleiotropy. Conversely, no compelling evidence was found to support a causal association between ferritin and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder. This MR study provides evidence at the genetic level for a causal relationship between plasma ferritin and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The exact genetic mechanisms underlying this connection necessitate further investigation.

Superior high-efficiency and high-throughput volatile flavor extraction of Japanese fermented seasonings by solvent-assisted stir bar solid extraction with reverse extraction

Fermented seasonings have pleasant flavors that stimulate our appetite. Their flavoring properties change depending on factors such as their materials and fermented conditions. Therefore, a comparative analysis of their flavor is important when evaluating their quality. However, seasonings contain high levels of various matrices such as sugars, proteins, lipids, and ethanol, making it difficult to extract aroma compounds efficiently from them. In this study, we verified a high-efficient and high-throughput volatile flavor analysis of fermented seasonings by solvent-assisted stir bar solid extraction (SA-SBSE) with reverse extraction. We applied SA-SBSE to Japanese fermented seasonings, soy sauce, miso (fermented beans), and mirin (sweet rice wine) and compared their profiles with those from other common extraction methods, headspace gas-solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), liquid extraction with solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (LE-SAFE), and conventional SBSE (C-SBSE). The aroma properties and profiles of extracts from SA-SBSE were close to those of the original sample, being similar to that of LE-SAFE. In addition, potent aroma compounds in each sample were extracted by SA-SBSE and LE-SAFE, which were far superior to those by C-SBSE. For quantification, SA-SBSE extracts showed a good standard curve by the standard addition method. We could quantify maltol, one of the most common potent aroma compounds in all samples, for various commercial samples by such high-throughput analysis.

Age-specific differences in the association between prediabetes and cardiovascular diseases in China: A national cross-sectional study.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, the global burden of which is rising. It is still unclear the extent to which prediabetes contributes to the risk of CVD in various age brackets among adults. To develop a focused screening plan and treatment for Chinese adults with prediabetes, it is crucial to identify variations in the connection between prediabetes and the risk of CVD based on age. To examine the clinical features of prediabetes and identify risk factors for CVD in different age groups in China. The cross-sectional study involved a total of 46239 participants from June 2007 through May 2008. A thorough evaluation was conducted. Individuals with prediabetes were categorized into two groups based on age. Chinese atherosclerotic CVD risk prediction model was employed to evaluate the risk of developing CVD over 10 years. Random forest was established in both age groups. SHapley Additive exPlanation method prioritized the importance of features from the perspective of assessment contribution. In total, 6948 people were diagnosed with prediabetes in this study. In pre-diabetes, prevalences of CVD were 5 (0.29%) in the younger group and 148 (2.85%) in the older group. Overall, 11.11% of the younger group and 29.59% of the older group were intermediate/high-risk of CVD for prediabetes without CVD based on the Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China equation in ten years. In the younger age group, the 10-year risk of CVD was found to be more closely linked to family history of CVD rather than lifestyle, whereas in the older age group, resident status was more closely linked. The susceptibility to CVD is age-specific in newly diagnosed prediabetes. It is necessary to develop targeted approaches for the prevention and management of CVD in adults across various age brackets.

Bark‐beetle disturbance severity only moderately alters forest affinity of arthropod communities

Abstract Forest ecosystems are facing increasing challenges like natural disturbances. Despite positive disturbance impacts on the diversity of several taxonomic groups, there are still concerns, whether the drastic canopy opening can lead to a turnover from forest to open habitat species. We sampled arthropods along a disturbance gradient in Norway spruce (Picea abies)‐dominated protected areas across Central Europe using Malaise traps and metabarcoding. To analyse changes in arthropod communities in terms of forest affinities along the disturbance gradient, we explored the potential of a list of forest affinities (LFA) that provides information about species affinities from closed forest to open habitats. Our results show that the mean forest affinity decreased with increasing disturbance severity. This trend was accompanied by a decrease in forest‐associated species as well as community shifts for open and mixed habitat species. Responses varied between taxa and were most apparent in Coleoptera. Overall, the changes did not come with a complete replacement of forest specialists by species with higher affinities for mixed and open landscapes nor a drastic loss of forest species. Furthermore, we observed severely disturbed plots with a high mean forest affinity and vice versa, which calls for further studies using these kinds of species classifications. The LFA can provide additional information how species associated with forests habitats can react to environmental changes beyond increasing amounts of deadwood resources. Using additional trapping methods and determination techniques might increase the explanatory power of such analyses along ecological gradients.

Associations between gut microbiota and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Gut microbiota are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants; however, the precise causal relationship remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to comprehensively study the relationship between gut microbiota and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants and identify specific causal bacteria that may be associated with the occurrence and development of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. The genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of the MiBioGen biogroup was used as the exposure data. The GWAS of six common adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants from the FinnGen consortium R9 was used as the outcome data. Genetic variations, namely, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) below the locus-wide significance level (1 × 10-5) and genome-wide statistical significance threshold (5 × 10-8) were selected as instrumental variables (IVs). MR studies use inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the main method. To supplement this, we also applied three additional MR methods: MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode. In addition, the Cochrane's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO), and leave-one-out methods were used for sensitivity analysis. Our study shows a causal relationship between specific gut microbiota and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism by which gut microbiota may mediate adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.

Автоматизація побудови, порівняння та вибору маршрутів та схем доставки в системі мультимодальних перевезень


 The article proposes the application of a methodical approach to choosing the optimal route of multimodal transportation based on a module integrated into the information system of a freight forwarding company. The functions of the module are to build an optimal delivery scheme and meet all customer requirements, both domestic and international multimodal transportation, taking into account the changing circumstances in the conditions of instability caused by the state of war and the need to reorient the usual delivery routes.
 In the conditions of military operations, this method of automated search and comparison of alternative routes allows taking into account changing conditions that develop in real time, while the cargo flow should be accompanied by an information flow that would also be available in real time. The proposed structure of the database, the structures of requests for development routes., developed forms of source documents. The criteria for comparing routes of different dimensions are defined: the difference in the distance of cargo transportation, the costs of changing the existing system of cargo transportation, increasing the level of transportation safety, delivery time, reducing the cost of delivering a batch of goods, the difference in delivery time. A solution to the multi-criteria decision-making problem by normalizing the criteria and the additive optimization method is proposed. The method of determining the best route and supply scheme is implemented in the "decision-making" module, which is integrated into the information system of the transport forwarding company.
 The result of the practical implementation of the proposed method of construction, comparison and selection of routes and delivery schemes in the system of multimodal transportation based on the integrated module in the information system of the transport and forwarding company is the possibility of quick response to changes in external circumstances, warnings of emergency and conflict situations, control of the transportation process along the entire route and , if necessary, making adjustments to the route and delivery scheme, choosing a safe and effective option by the operator of multimodal transportation.

A total distance ranking approach to fuzzy AHP-based MCDM method for selecting sustainable manufacturing facility location

Selecting a sustainable facility location is a crucial strategy for manufacturing companies to achieve long-term success in today’s competitive environment. Various quantitative and qualitative criteria with different importance in a multiple level structure must be considered and aggregated to assist the company in decision-making. How to determine these criteria weights and select the sustainable manufacturing facility locations have become research questions. To resolve this problem, this paper proposes a total distance ranking approach to fuzzy analytic hierarchical process (AHP)-based multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) method. Currently, the membership functions of fuzzy weighted ratings in the MCDM with a multilevel structure cannot be developed. A ranking method is needed to defuzzify those fuzzy numbers used for fuzzy AHP and qualitative criteria in the MCDM for better executing decision-making procedure. The total distance ranking method related to the centroid on x-axis, centroid on y-axis and the distances of centroids point to the two tangent lines of a fuzzy number are considered in the proposed ranking approach. Formulas of the proposed approach will be presented, and some properties will be investigated to derive formulas for trapezoidal and triangular fuzzy numbers. A comparison with relevant ranking methods will be made to show the advantages of the proposed ranking approach. The proposed ranking approach is then applied to defuzzify the fuzzy numbers used in fuzzy AHP and linguistic values under qualitative criteria to obtain the criteria weights under multi-level structure and crisp values under qualitative criteria, respectively. The final scores of alternatives can be obtained by aggregating crisp criteria values and their corresponding weights by simple additive weighting method to obtain the ranking result. A numerical example will be conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed model. Finally, a comparison with Best-Worst method (BWM) will be presented to show the persuasiveness of the proposed method.

A190 HELICOBACTER PYLORI INDUCES AN AUTO-REACTIVE PHENOTYPE IN PINK1 DEFICIENT MICE THAT CORRELATES WITH MOTOR DYSFUNCTION

Abstract Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder. Several genetic predispositions, including the PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) mutation, have been implicated in early onset family cases. Besides the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain, PD patients have a unique immune phenotype that includes increased inflammation, blood serum, brain levels of proinflammatory cytokines, brain infiltration with cytotoxic CD8 T cells, and loss of regulatory T cells (Treg) and their anti-inflammatory phenotype. The role of the gut microbiota and gastrointestinal infections are increasingly recognized as a cofactor in PD. One of pathogens associated with the risk of PD is Helicobacter pylori. The prevalence of this Gram-negative bacteria in PD patients is higher than in the general population and its eradication in PD patients improves motor function. Loss of the PD-associated PINK1 alters induced Treg function in vitro. We previously have shown that in PINK1 knock-out (KO) mice, gut infection with Gram-negative bacteria, Citrobacter rodentium, induces mitochondrial antigen presentation (MitAP) to the CD8 T cells that later infiltrate the brain. In this model, PINK1 KO mice develop a Parkinson-like L-DOPA-responsive motor phenotype after four C. rodentium infections. Aims Here we aimed to scrutinize potential role of the H. pylori infection in the induction of motor dysfunction and disbalanced immune tolerance in PINK1 KO mice. Methods In addition to standard behavioural testing, at 2- and 6-months post-infection we performed a multiplex cytokine analysis of gastric homogenates and spectral flow cytometry of gastric lamina propria, mesenteric lymph nodes, blood, spleen, and brain infiltrating immunocytes. As well as in vitro immunocytes response and function assays to H.pylori exposure in PINK1 KO and wild-type (WT) littermate controls. Results We show that infection with H. pylori causes a long-lasting inflammation in the stomach; and local and systemic immune phenotype that remains 6 months post-infection. This phenotype, though present in some WT infected mice, is higher in PINK1 KOs and similarly to PD patients includes a decrease in Treg proportion, FoxP3 downregulation in regulatory T cells, Gata3+ CD4 T cell loss, as well as increase of circulating mitochondrial antigen-specific CD8 T cells. Moreover, the immune phenotype in the H. pylori infected PINK1 KO mice correlates with motor dysfunction and CD8 T cell brain infiltration with no such association seen in the WT mice. Conclusions These results provide insight to the gut-immunity-brain axis in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, and further investigate the role of Gram-negative bacteria in the establishment of immune tolerance-autoreactivity balance. Funding Agencies ASAP

Multilocus genotyping for classification and genetic structuring of Lactobacillus casei: insights from source and geographical origin.

The aim of the study in this article is to systematise the newly introduced strains of Lactobacillus based on determining the nucleotide sequence of a particular set of their genes (loci). The primary approach employed to address this issue involves conducting a laboratory experiment. During this experiment, a thorough examination was carried out on a set of organic compounds consisting of small DNA elements from the Lactobacillus genus. The Multilocus genotyping method served as the central technique, complemented by additional molecular-biological and population methods. These additional methods were utilized to determine the extent of phylogenetic similarity among pure cultures of Lactobacillus and to classify them accordingly. The article presents the gene isolates that were used for Multilocus typing; the number of L. casei isolates suitable for Multilocus genotyping was revealed; the gene alleles that allowed classifying L. casei isolates into five sequencing types were revealed; the effectiveness of genetic typing method for Multilocus sequencing was substantiated. The article is of practical value for microbiologists and geneticists in the field of molecular biology, as well as for technologists in the food industry. With the development of applied methods in genetic systematics, it has become possible to study pure culture of Lactobacillus species. The application of modern methods of genotypic classification of Lactobacillus species will make it possible to increase the efficiency of using better and safer products in the food industry and medicine.

Mixing approach for 3D printable concrete: method of optimisation of superplasticiser dosage

This study is a systematic investigation of superplasticiser (SP) addition methods and optimum SP dosage with various water-to-binder ratios (w/b) for mixing three-dimensional printable concrete. In this study, five distinct strategies were adopted to arrive at the optimum method of addition. In the first strategy, a random mixing approach was applied to identify, through visual observation, methods for adding SP with varying time patterns. Secondly, a constant time pattern was adopted from the random approach for mixing and the optimal SP dosage was determined. In the third strategy, different methods of adding the optimum SP dosage were examined. In the fourth strategy, the batching effect of the material with the optimum SP dosage was assessed. Finally, the printable regions with different values of w/b and SP dosages were correlated. It was observed that the optimum SP dosage, in the range of 0.10–0.21% of binder, with w/b = 0.21–0.25 achieved adequate printability parameters by full addition of SP following a constant wet mixing time as the optimal application. However, after applying the optimum SP dosage, a supplemental SP dosage is required at appropriate intervals to retain the workability for higher batches.

Manipulating ionic conductivity through chemical modifications in solid-state electrolytes prepared with binderless laser powder bed fusion processing

Additive manufacturing of solid-state batteries is advantageous for improving the power density by increasing the geometric complexity of battery components, such as electrodes and electrolytes. In the present study, bulk three-dimensional Li1+x Al x Ti2−x (PO4)3 (LATP) electrolyte samples were prepared using the laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing method. Li3PO4 (LPO) was added to LATP to compensate for lithium vaporization during processing. Chemical compositions included 0, 1, 3, and 5 wt. % LPO. Resulting ionic conductivity values ranged from 1.4 × 10−6–6.4 × 10−8 S cm−1, with the highest value for the sample with a chemical composition of 3 wt. % LPO. Microstructural features were carefully measured for each chemical composition and correlated with each other and with ionic conductivity. These features and their corresponding ranges include: porosity (ranging from 5% to 19%), crack density (0.09–0.15 mm mm−2), concentration of residual LPO (0%–16%), and concentration and Feret diameter of secondary phases, AlPO4 (11%–18%, 0.40–0.61 µm) and TiO2 (9%–11%, 0.50–0.78). Correlations between the microstructural features and ionic conductivity ranged from −0.88 to 0.99. The strongest negative correlation was between crack density and ionic conductivity (−0.88), confirming the important role that processing defects play in limiting the performance of bulk solid-state electrolytes. The strongest positive correlation was between the concentration of AlPO4 and ionic conductivity (0.99), which is attributed to AlPO4 acting as a sintering aid and the role it plays in reducing the crack density. Our results indicate that additions of LPO can be used to balance competing microstructural features to design bulk three-dimensional LATP samples with improved ionic conductivity. As such, refinement of the chemical composition offers a promising approach to improving the processability and performance of functional ceramics prepared using binderless, laser-based additive manufacturing for solid-state battery applications.

Design of a Simple Valveless Micropump Using Piezoelectric Actuators

Abstract An open valveless micropump pumped by a disc-shaped piezoelectric actuator was developed, and its working principles were investigated. The electrode of the pump buzzer was divided into two semicircles as piezoelectric actuators, and single-phase or dual-phase AC driving potential was applied. The flow rate of the pump was analyzed when actuated in basic symmetric (W00) and anti-symmetric (W01) modes. The finite element package software ANSYS was used to analyze the resonant frequency and mode of the buzzer under fluid loading, and the vibration displacement generated by the single-phase and dual-phase time-harmonic actuation was both simulated by using an additional mass method and experimentally investigated. The experimental results show that the resonant frequency of the disc-shaped actuator decreased due to the fluid loading effect and as the gap distance between the conduit and the actuator decreased. The maximum flow rates of the W00 and W01 mode actuated pumps were 133.13 and 9.63 mL/min, respectively. The driving frequency with the highest pump efficiency was slightly lower than the resonance frequency of the fluid-loaded buzzer. Applying a hydrophobic treatment to the back of the buzzer decreased the resonance frequency under fluid loading. The results show that simulating the structural resonance frequency for various fluid loads by the additional mass method is feasible. The flow direction could be controlled by activating the W01 mode.

Environmentally friendly YIn0.9Fe0.1O3-ZnO yellow pigment displaying near infra red (NIR) reflectance and photocatalytic activity

In this research, we produced ochre/yellow pigments of YIn0.9Fe0.1O3, combined with ZnO pigments, through a citrate-assisted sol-gel approach. We investigated the impact of varying ZnO addition methods (incorporated into the sol-gel bath and physically mixed with YIn0.9Fe0.1O3 pigments) on their color properties, near-infrared (NIR) reflectance and photocatalytic activity. The effect of the different ZnO addition methods was investigated on pprecursors and final calcined pigments through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Vis-NIR reflectance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and thermal analyses such as thermogravimetry (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The synthesized nanocomposites were evaluated for their photocatalytic characteristics by examining the degradation of 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP) when exposed to UV radiation. The potential environmental applications of the pigments were investigated not only for direct pollutant degradation but also in terms of energetic sustainability. In fact, the developed pigments can be employed as passive cooling materials to mitigate the temperature of buildings, thus dramatically reducing energy consumption. For this reason, the pigments were embedded into a polymeric binder and coated onto roofing aluminum sheets. The obtained coatings were investigated in terms of NIR reflectance and heat adsorption. The photocatalytic ability of the coatings was assessed by the degradation of 4-NP and methylene blue (MB) under xenon arc lamp. The results obtained indicate the feasibility of producing a pale yellow pigment with both NIR reflectance and photocatalytic capabilities.

Geodiversity in the Amazon drainage basin.

The Amazon is the largest drainage basin on Earth and contains a wide variety of abiotic landscape features. In spite of this, the geodiversity in this basin has not yet been objectively evaluated. We address this knowledge gap by combining a meta-analysis of an existing global geodiversity map and its components with a systematic literature review, to identify the key characteristics of geodiversity in the Amazon drainage basin (ADB). We also evaluate how these global geodiversity component maps, that are based on the geology, geomorphology, soils and hydrology, could be refined to better reflect geodiversity in the basin. Our review shows that geology-through lithological diversity and geological structures-and hydrology-through hydrological processes that influence geomorphology and soil diversity-are the main determinants of geodiversity. Based on these features, the ADB can be subdivided into three principal regions: (i) the Andean orogenic belt and western Amazon, (ii) the cratons and eastern Amazon, and (iii) the Solimões-Amazon river system. Additional methods to map geomorphological and hydrological diversity have been identified. Future research should focus on investigating the relationship between the geodiversity components and assess their relationship with biodiversity. Such knowledge can enhance conservation plans for the ADB. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Geodiversity for science and society'.

Causality of unsaturated fatty acids and psoriasis a Mendelian randomization study.

Many observational studies have identified a link between unsaturated fatty acids and psoriasis. However, they contain reverse causality and confounding factors, and there is no definite causal study between unsaturated fatty acids and psoriasis. Analysis of causality between unsaturated fatty acids and psoriasis by Mendelian randomization. We used IEU Open GWAS Project, omega-3 PUFA and omega-6 PUFA data from 114,999 subjects, MUFA data from 13,535 subjects, and psoriasis data from 4,510 cases and 212,242 controls were included. We employed the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method as the primary analytical approach and four additional MR methods. Moreover, we performed heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy assessments using Cochrane's Q and MR-Egger intercept tests, respectively. Finally, we performed sensitivity analyses to enhance our findings' precision and veracity. IVW results showed no causal effect of omega-3 PUFA on psoriasis (p = 0.334; OR, 0.909; 95% CI, 0.748-1.104), omega-6 PUFA cause psoriasis (p = 0.046; OR, 1.174; 95% CI, 1.003-1.374), MUFA cause psoriasis (p = 0.032; OR, 1.218; 95% CI, 1.018-1.457), no causal effect of omega-3 PUFA in psoriasis (p = 0.695; OR, 0.989; 95% CI, 0.937-1.044), no causal effect of omega-6 PUFA in psoriasis (p = 0.643; OR, 1.013; 95% CI, 0.960-1.068), psoriasis is not causal to MUFA (p = 0.986; OR, 1.000; 95% CI, 0.949-1.055). Heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and sensitivity analyses showed reliable results. We found that circulating omega-6 PUFA and MUFA cause psoriasis, while omega-3 PUFA do not. Treatments that lower circulating omega-6 PUFA and MUFA are effective in psoriasis. After a better understanding of fatty acid intake and circulation, the population can be advised to regulate their diet.

Intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound has an outcome-relevant impact on surgery of primary and metastatic liver lesions

Abstract Purpose Complete resection of the affected tissue remains the best curative treatment option for liver-derived tumors and colorectal liver metastases. In addition to preoperative cross-sectional imaging, contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasound (CE-IOUS) plays a crucial role in the detection and localization of all liver lesions. However, its exact role is unclear. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and oncological impact of using CE-IOUS in the surgical treatment of these diseases. Materials and Methods Over the three-year study period, 206 patients with primary liver tumors and hepatic metastases were enrolled in this prospective, monocentric study to evaluate the impact of CE-IOUS in liver surgery. Secondary outcomes included comparing the sensitivity and specificity of CE-IOUS with existing preoperative imaging modalities and identifying preoperative parameters that could predict a strategic impact of CE-IOUS. In addition, the oncological significance of CE-IOUS was evaluated using a case-cohort design with a minimum follow-up of 18 months. Results CE-IOUS findings led to a change in surgical strategy in 34% of cases (n=70/206). The accuracy in cases with a major change could be confirmed histopathologically in 71.4% of cases (n=25/35). The impact could not be predicted using parameters assumed to be clinically relevant. An oncological benefit of a CE-IOUS adapted surgical approach was demonstrated in patients suffering from HCC and colorectal liver metastases. Conclusion CE-IOUS may significantly increase R0 resection rates and should therefore be used routinely as an additional staging method, especially in complex liver surgery.