High-risk Sites Research Articles

CFD MODELS FOR ANEURYSM ANALYSES AND THEIR USE IN IDENTIFYING THROMBOSIS FORMATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT

In this paper, the blood transport has been investigated using the single- and the two-phase methods. In the two-phase Euler–Euler approach, the blood is represented by two interpenetrating continua where the dispersed red blood cells (RBCs) of non-Newtonian characteristics are suspended in the continuous Newtonian plasma. The results of the two-phase model, where the RBC’s phase is assumed to be Carreau–Yasuda fluid, are validated against the experimental data. Furthermore, comparative analyses were performed in two patient-specific aneurysms, which indicated that for a given pulsatile flow rate, the two-phase blood approach is vitally advantageous over the single-phase assumption, and revealed a deeper inflow penetration, more complex flow structures and denser flow diversion zones in the aneurysm sac. It was obvious that the high OSI values calculated by the two-phase model covered much wider regions than the values predicted by the single-phase model. It was equally crucial that these regions coincided with the TAWSS values lower than the threshold that the single-phase approach can predict. Apparently, the single-phase model failed to spot sites of high rupture risk. The results were further exploited to identify the RBCs aggregation regions as, for example, the concave structures and narrow paths in the saccular aneurysms, for their possible use as the precursors of the thrombus formation.

Geospatial technology-based monitoring of HAGL in the context of flash flood: A case study of Rishi Ganga Basin, India

This study, motivated by the flood disaster that took place at the glaciated region in Rishi Ganga Basin of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), Uttarakhand on 7th February 2021, intends to identify the altitudinal and sequential changes in the glacier region using satellite imageries. Our results suggest that 21.50 km2 and 34.70 km2 glacier area was lost from the region during the period 1976–2013 and 1976–2020 respectively. Besides this, out of the 106 High Altitude Glacial Lakes (HAGLs) found at an altitude of 4500 m above mean sea level (amsl), 14 potential spots are identified which can be a reason for future calamities. Our analysis of snow cover extents for the decade 2010–2021 suggests a considerable decrease of (16–28%) in winter snow cover. The unpredictable temperature fluctuations especially during the last few decades have also affected the freezing and thawing processes in the high-altitude areas. The changing behavior of the weathering processes quite often results in landslides, a major reason for disasters in the higher Himalaya. There is, thus, an urgent need to identify the high-risk sites in higher Himalaya which may be potential zones for future landslides. In anticipation to mitigate the resulting damages, the study emphasizes developing an early warning system based on geospatial technology to minimize loss of life, particularly for the workers employed in the engineering projects in the vicinity of the risk zone.

Precise and differentiated solutions for safe usage of Cd-polluted paddy fields at regional scale in southern China: Technical methods and field validation

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in rice grains has become a severe issue worldwide. This study aims to explore feasible technologies applicable to different risk lands and develop a practical solution for safe rice production at a regional scale. Despite inconsistent field conditions in the whole region, various foliar fertilizers could effectively decrease grain Cd content by 20.4–41.6 % and were capable of producing safe grains in low/medium-risk areas. At high-risk sites, foliage dressing coupled with alkaline fertilizers significantly reduced Cd accumulation and increased grain compliance rate to 95.0 %. The cost analysis and questionnaire survey showed the above technologies are low-cost, eco-friendly, and highly acceptable in real-world scenarios. The classification results by conditional inference tree (CIT) for CK and FS scenarios indicated grain Cd content is closely related to the interaction effects of soil Cd and pH. On these bases, the whole area was divided spatially into three different risk zones, and each zone matched a feasible method for safe production, subsequently developing a precise and differentiated solution. The estimation results demonstrate it can effectively improve the precision level of safe utilization of regional polluted lands and save more than half of the total cost, providing a new idea for regional Cd-polluted paddy fields management strategies.

A Rapid Molecular Assay for Detecting the Mediterranean Fanworm Sabella spallanzanii Trialed by Non-Scientist Users

The invasive Mediterranean fanworm Sabella spallanzanii (Gmelin, 1791) is a notifiable organism under New Zealand’s Biosecurity Act and is recognized as a marine pest of particular concern, that must be reported to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), New Zealand. Since its first detection in 2008, great effort and financial resources are put into surveillance and removal of individuals to contain population growth and spread. Sensitive molecular detection techniques gain great interest and are being increasingly tested for the fanworm detection in marine high-risk sites (i.e., ports and marinas) around New Zealand. However, conventional molecular detection via PCR assays from environmental DNA (eDNA) samples requires specific laboratory resources and technical expertise. This restricts the wider applicability of this approach by biosecurity practitioners or communities willing to be engaged in biosecurity surveillance. To provide end-users with a fast, easy and highly specific way to detect S. spallanzanii directly at the site of interest, a species-specific recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay was designed to be read-out with lateral flow strips (RPA-LF). The RPA generates amplification within 20 minutes at 37-39°C, with a detection limit of 10 pg of the target DNA and was matching the detection limit of digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) when performed on eDNA samples. A simplified visual protocol for non-scientist users of the assay was developed and improved through independent trials with different end-user groups. The assay applicability was verified in a final validation trial with participants without scientific background resulting in 50 percent of the participants successfully detecting S. spallanzanii. Participants rated the ease of use and performance and read-out mostly as easy-to-very easy with overall positive written feedback on its usability for citizen science applications.

Model and Validation Study for Optimizing Students’ Positions in Classrooms to Limit the Spread of Infectious Diseases Such as COVID

Classrooms at any educational institution have become high-risk sites for contagion during past and present pandemic periods caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) viral siege, given the prolonged time educators and students spend in joint activity. Among the several strategies employed by educational institutions to minimize the outbreak of contagion are regulating classroom capacity and studying the optimal spatial arrangement of students. The architectural features of each classroom, which include corridors, ventilation components, total volume, and maximum capacity, among other factors, have a direct impact on the risk of human contagion. This work is a proposal to optimize the spatial arrangement of students to minimize the risk of contagion, considering not only the distance between them, but also the different architectural features in the classrooms. The analyses conducted in the different scenarios conclude with a comparison of risk in terms of the arrangement of students that various educators would have used at different education levels in their classrooms based solely on intuitive criteria. The results indicate that in some situations, the locations chosen by educators can double the risk of infection compared to optimal arrangements.

Risk factors for rib metastases of lung cancer patients with high-uptake rib foci on 99Tcm-MDP SPECT/CT.

99Tcm-MDP SPECT/CT is widely used to diagnose early bone metastasis. Ribs are high-risk bone metastasis sites, while few study is related to ribs. The study is to investigate the risk factors of rib metastases in lung cancer patients. We retrospectively analyzed the patients' clinical characteristics and SPECT/CT imaging features. The patients were divided into a rib metastasis group (108 cases) and a non-rib metastasis group (103 cases). In 211 patients, rib metastases were closely related to tumor markers, T stage, N stage, clinical staging, lymph node (LN) involvement, number of rib foci, localization on rib and foci type (P<0.05). In 93 patients with pure rib foci, rib metastases were affected by clinical staging, LN involvement, localization on the rib and primary lung cancer localization (P<0.001, 0.038,<0.001, 0.034, respectively). In 100 patients with a solitary rib focus, rib metastases were associated with clinical staging, localization on the rib, and LN involvement (P<0.001, 0.001, and 0.014, respectively). In all 633 rib foci, localization on the rib was an effective risk factor for rib metastases (P<0.001). Patients with increased tumor markers, stage IV lung adenocarcinoma and multiple rib foci located ipsilaterally with the primary lung tumor, or rib foci accompanied other bone foci are more likely to develop rib metastasis. Patients with pure rib foci or a solitary rib focus, especially in the anterior rib with negative LN involvement, have a low probability of rib metastasis.

Anatomical Sites OF Superficial Basal Cell Cancers Demonstrate Higher Rates of Mixed Histology

Historically, "aggressive" histologic subsets (HSs) of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) seem to be more likely to statistically exhibit Subclinical extension and require more phases during Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and consequently larger margins upon excision. The "Mohs Suitable Use Criteria (MAUC)" for the most appropriate therapy of superficial basal cell carcinoma. Objective: To evaluate if aggressive subtypes of superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma are common among healthy, immunocompromised patients and high-risk anatomical sites. Methods: The study was carried out in Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, from November 2021-march to 2022, A total of 100 Mohs surgeries on superficial basal cell carcinoma were performed. Under light microscope slides were examined for any pattern of histology besides superficial basal cell carcinoma for statistical analysis MAU anatomical site healthy individuals and immunocompromised patients were grouped accordingly Results: Among health and immunocompromised individuals’ zone H and zone L were significantly increased in mixed histology. While in healthy individuals’ the association between L Zone and M zone was incredibly significant but in immunocompromised was not significant Conclusions: The mixed histology of SBCC was higher in the head and neck region. Researchers say that the MAUC scoring technique for SBCC is supported by a high incidence in SBCC of the head and neck.

Travel-associated outbreak of COVID-19 in a departmental store, Wenzhou, China.

A local outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly evolved into a global pandemic and the number of cases and deaths has increased exponentially. In this study, we report a COVID-19 outbreak that occurred in a departmental store, between January and February 2020, in Wenzhou, China and investigated the reasons for the outbreak. An outbreak investigation was initiated after the index case was diagnosed as COVID-19. Cases (confirmed and suspected) and close contacts were defined. Their pharyngeal swabs were collected and examined with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for nucleic acid. All investigations of the confirmed and suspected cases were carried out by epidemiologists and the source of infection was tracked by using big data. Thirty-nine COVID-19 cases and one asymptomatic individual were found in this outbreak, as determined by clinical manifestations, epidemiological investigation, and RT-PCR. Majority of COVID-19 cases occurred in a departmental store, three of whom traveled to participate in a meeting held in H city. After disease outbreak in the departmental store, intra-family transmission of COVID-19 occurred in five families. Two clusters of the COVID-19 outbreak were identified. One cluster was attributed to the family party, while another was attributed to a hotel party, which was responsible for transmission across three generations, infecting five family members. This was travel associated COVID-19 outbreak in a departmental store in Wenzhou, China. High infectivity of COVID-19 was observed. A departmental store, especially without recirculation of the air, was a high-risk site for the transmission of COVID-19. The use of big data and related information was very useful in epidemiological investigation of cases and contacts.

Low energy availability surrogates associated with lower bone mineral density and bone stress injury site

Exercise is an osteogenic stimulus that should increase bone mineral density (BMD) and protect against injury. However, some female athletes have lower BMD and increased bone stress injury (BSI) risk. Impaired bone health seen in athletes may be explained by low energy availability as described by concepts of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and Female Athlete Triad (Triad). To elucidate the relationship between RED-S/Triad risk factors and BSI to high-risk (femoral neck, sacrum) and low-risk (other) bones. Cross-sectional survey and retrospective chart review. Tertiary care academic center. Female athletes aged 15-30 years participating in ≥4h/week of exercise presenting to sports medicine/orthopedics clinic who had a self-reported BSI and available dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurement of BMD. Not applicable. Location of BSI. In 127 athletes, high-risk BSI was associated with surrogates of low energy availability (p=.032) and having a DXA Z-score < -1 (p=.035) but not a current/past history of menstrual dysfunction (p=.348). Accumulating RED-S/Triad risk factors increase the odds of incurring a high-risk BSI (p=.048). Adolescent/young female athletes who sustain BSI at high-risk sites (femoral neck, sacrum) may have underlying risk factors (eg, low energy availability, poor overall bone health) that should prompt further workup and referral to optimize health in these athletes.

Bone stress injuries.

Bone stress injuries, including stress fractures, are overuse injuries that lead to substantial morbidity in active individuals. These injuries occur when excessive repetitive loads are introduced to a generally normal skeleton. Although the precise mechanisms for bone stress injuries are not completely understood, the prevailing theory is that an imbalance in bone metabolism favours microdamage accumulation over its removal and replacement with new bone via targeted remodelling. Diagnosis is achieved by a combination of patient history and physical examination, with imaging used for confirmation. Management of bone stress injuries is guided by their location and consequent risk of healing complications. Bone stress injuries at low-risk sites typically heal with activity modification followed by progressive loading and return to activity. Additional treatment approaches include non-weight-bearing immobilization, medications or surgery, but these approaches are usually limited to managing bone stress injuries that occur at high-risk sites. A comprehensive strategy that integrates anatomical, biomechanical and biological risk factors has the potential to improve the understanding of these injuries and aid in their prevention and management.

Modelling the likelihood of entry of marine non-indigenous species from internationally arriving vessels to maritime ports: a case study using New Zealand data

The establishment of marine non-indigenous species (NIS) in new locations can degrade environmental, socio-cultural, and economic values. Vessels arriving from international waters are the main pathway for the entry of marine NIS, via exposure due to ballast water discharge (hereafter, ballast discharge) and biofouling. We developed a systematic statistical likelihood-based methodology to investigate port-level marine NIS propagule pressure from ballast discharge and biofouling exposure using a combination of techniques, namely k-Nearest-Neighbour and random forest algorithms. Vessel characteristics and travel patterns were assessed as candidate predictors. For the ballast discharge analysis, the predictors used for model building were vessel type, dead weight tonnage, and the port of first arrival; the predictors used for the biofouling analysis were days since last antifouling paint, mean vessel speed, dead weight tonnage, and hull niche area. Propagule pressure for both pathways was calculated at a voyage, port and annual level, which were used to establish the relative entry score for each port. The model was applied to a case study for New Zealand. Biosecurity New Zealand has commissioned targeted marine surveillance at selected ports since 2002 to enable early detection of newly arrived marine NIS (Marine High-Risk Site Surveillance, MHRSS). The reported methodology was used to compare contemporary entry likelihoods between New Zealand ports. The results suggested that Tauranga now receives the highest volume of discharged ballast water and has the second most biofouling exposure compared to all other New Zealand ports. Auckland was predicted to receive the highest biofouling mass and was ranked tenth for ballast discharge exposure. Lyttelton, Napier, and New Plymouth also had a high relative ranking for these two pathways. The outputs from this study will inform the refinement of the MHRSS programme, facilitating continued early detection and cost-effective management to support New Zealand’s wider marine biosecurity system. More generally, this paper develops an approach for using statistical models to estimate relative likelihoods of entry of marine NIS.

Contrasting epidemiology of urogenital schistosomiasis among pastoral communities surrounding three Ramsar wetland in Nigeria.

Suspected changes in the epidemiology of schistosomiasis due to several hybridization reports between human and livestock Schistosoma speciesin Africa calls for epidemiological investigations among potential high-risk groups and sites. Althoughthe use of wetlands for pastoralism has been linked to schistosomiasis, there is limited information on the epidemiology of the disease among pastoralists in Nigeria. In this study, urine samples from 355 participants from pastoral communities settled around three Ramsar wetlands (Wetlands of International Importance) in Nigeria, (Dagona Sanctuary, Maladumba, and Pandam-Wase) were screened for the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium. Only participants in the Dagona Sanctuary were infected with 34.2% prevalence. Macrohematuria was however observed in some individuals at the Dagona Sanctuary wetland (2.5%) and Maladumba (2.8%). Regular praziquantel administration, functional health care facilities and awareness about schistosomiasis were contributory factors to the contrasting epidemiology of the disease among the study population. Schistosomiasis control requires the inclusion of pastoral and nomadic communities in mass drug administration of praziquantel based on a community-directed intervention strategy.

Spatial Analysis and Lead-Risk Assessment of Philadelphia, USA.

Childhood lead poisoning is an issue that continues to plague major U.S. cities. Despite efforts by the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to curtail systemic childhood lead poisoning, children continue to be identified with elevated blood lead levels. The persistence of elevated blood lead levels in children is concerning because lead poisoning has been linked to decreases in academic achievement and IQ, with associated repercussions for entire communities. This paper reports the results of an analysis of the spatial distribution of houses with lead paint (i.e., pre‐1978), demolitions, and occurrence of historic smelters, in West and North Philadelphia, relative to elevated blood lead level data, to determine which lead sources act as primary lead‐risk factors. The presence of lead paint in homes and the number of demolitions of older properties were found to have the highest correlations to elevated blood lead levels for children in Philadelphia. Using lead‐risk factors including lead paint, housing code violations, demolitions, and owner‐occupied housing units, a lead‐risk assessment was performed at the census tract level to identify future soil sampling sites and high‐risk neighborhoods in Philadelphia. These sites of high risk for lead exposure, and in particular the census tracts 175 and 172, should be prioritized for lead poisoning prevention initiatives.

Permafrost in monitored unstable rock slopes in Norway – new insights from temperature and surface velocity measurements, geophysical surveying, and ground temperature modelling

Abstract. The warming and subsequent degradation of mountain permafrost within alpine areas represent an important process influencing the stability of steep slopes and rock faces. The unstable and monitored slopes of Mannen (Møre and Romsdal county, southern Norway) and Gámanjunni-3 (Troms and Finnmark county, northern Norway) were classified as high-risk sites by the Norwegian Geological Survey (NGU). Failure initiation has been suggested to be linked to permafrost degradation, but the detailed permafrost distribution at the sites is unknown. Rock wall (RW) temperature loggers at both sites have measured the thermal regime since 2015, showing mean rock surface temperatures between 2.5 and −1.6 ∘C depending on site and topographic aspect. Between 2016 and 2019 we conducted 2D and 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys on the plateau and directly within the rock wall back scarp of the unstable slopes at both sites. In combination with geophysical laboratory analysis of rock wall samples from both sites, the ERT soundings indicate widespread permafrost areas, especially at Gámanjunni-3. Finally, we conducted 2D thermal modelling to evaluate the potential thermal regime, along with an analysis of available displacement rate measurements based on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and ground- and satellite-based interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) methods. Surface air and ground temperatures have increased significantly since ca. 1900 by 1 and 1.5 ∘C, and the highest temperatures have been measured and modelled since 2000 at both study sites. We observed a seasonality of displacement, with increasing velocities during late winter and early spring and the highest velocities in June, probably related to water pressure variations during snowmelt. The displacement rates of Gámanjunni-3 rockslide co-vary with subsurface resistivity and modelled ground temperature. Increased displacement rates seem to be associated with sub-zero ground temperatures and higher ground resistivity. This might be related to the presence of ground ice in fractures and pores close to the melting point, facilitating increased deformation. The study demonstrates and discusses the possible influence of permafrost, at least locally, on the dynamics of large rock slope instabilities.

Microbiome of Bacterially Impaired Watersheds: Distribution of Potential Bacterial Pathogens

Bacterial impairment of freshwater systems is a commonly studied global problem. However, studies on the relative distribution of bacterial pathogens in different impaired aquatic systems have been limited. Frequently, impaired freshwater systems are classified by the presence of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and the identification of sources of fecal contamination through microbial source tracking. In this study, we assessed the relative abundance of DNA sequences related to potential human bacterial pathogens along with human fecal indicator bacteria in three impaired watersheds. These watersheds consistently showed a high abundance of FIB for the past several years. Using Illumina paired-end DNA sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons, we observed variation in the relative distribution of DNA sequences related to Legionellaceae, Enterobacteriaceae and Bacteroidaceae families across different sites. We identified potential hotspots sites in these impaired water systems, which showed a relatively high abundance of pathogen-related DNA sequences. This study demonstrates the significance of Next-Gen DNA sequencing for the initial screening of waterborne pathogens and the identification of high-risk sites for preferential remediation efforts in impaired water systems. Secondly, the frequent temporal monitoring of specifically identified pathogens that are in high abundance in a watershed can help in the accurate prediction and prevention of disease outbreaks.

Concentrations, distribution, and risk assessment of endosulfan residues in the cotton fields of northern Xinjiang, China.

In the current study, surface soil samples were collected from cotton fields in Shawan and Shihezi areas in northern Xinjiang and tested for endosulfan residues using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed endosulfan sulfate was the predominant compound in the surface soil studied, followed by β-endosulfan and α-endosulfan with detection rates of 86.9%, 55.7%, and 49.2%, respectively, for the 61 soil samples collected. The average concentrations of endosulfan sulfate, α-endosulfan, and β-endosulfan were 0.743, 0.166, and 0.073µg/kg, respectively. The ratios of α-/β-endosulfan were below 2.33 in all samples tested, suggesting no new endosulfan was added to the soil and the presence of endosulfan residues in this region was due to historical application in the past. According to the health risk assessment model recommended by the USA Environmental Protection Agency, the health risk of endosulfan residues in the studied area was low, and the maximum values of noncarcinogenic risks for children and adults were 2.30 × 10-5 and 2.70 × 10-6, respectively. Folsomia candida was the most sensitive organism to total endosulfan residues, with 38% of the total sampling sites classified as high risk. For earthworms, the proportion of high risk site was 13%. Lactuca sativa was the most tolerant organism to ∑ESs, with all sampling sites identified as negligible risk. This study provided current status of endosulfan residues and related risk in cotton fields, which could be used to support decision makers to prepare relevant regulations.

Qualitative analysis of a diffusive SEIR epidemic model with linear external source and asymptomatic infection in heterogeneous environment

&lt;p style='text-indent:20px;'&gt;This paper is devoted to an SEIR epidemic model with variable recruitment and both exposed and infected populations having infectious in a spatially heterogeneous environment. The basic reproduction number is defined and the existence of endemic equilibrium is obtained, and the relationship between the basic reproduction number and diffusion coefficients is established. Then the global stability of the endemic equilibrium in a homogeneous environment is investigated. Finally, the asymptotic profiles of endemic equilibrium are discussed, when the diffusion rates of susceptible, exposed and infected individuals tend to zero or infinity. The theoretical results show that limiting the movement of exposed, infected and recovered individuals can eliminate the disease in low-risk sites, while the disease is still persistent in high-risk sites. Therefore, the presence of exposed individuals with infectious greatly increases the difficulty of disease prevention and control.&lt;/p&gt;

Risk factors for palatal and orbital involvement in mucormycosis epidemic–Report of a center in India

BackgroundMucormycosis of the nose and paranasal sinuses has emerged as an epidemic following COVID-19 pandemic. The management involves surgical debridement, the extent of which depends on the bulk of the disease. Extension to the orbit and palate depends on the involvement of specific sites in the nose and paranasal sinuses. This study intended to identify those sites. Materials and methodsThis was a single-center case-control study. There were 3 groups according to the region involved (Palate, orbit and both). The fourth group with neither involvement was the control. Scoring system was used to estimate the bulk of disease according to the site involved in MRI scan. Odds ratio and chi-square tests were used to study risk and association respectively. ROC curve was obtained for the MRI scores of the cases and controls. Results214 patients were studied in all; 44.39% and 61.68% had palate and orbit involvement, respectively. Maxillary sinus roof had significant association and the highest risk for spread of disease into the palate. The risk for the orbit to be involved was increased when there was disease in the cavernous and sphenoid sinus. For the orbit, the site with the significant association was the ethmoid sinus, infratemporal fossa and roof of the maxillary sinus. ConclusionDue attention should be given for clearance during surgical debridement to the high-risk sites to prevent recurrences and reduce morbidity and mortality. MRI scores were most helpful to identify the bulk of disease when both palate and orbit were involved.

Pseudoexon activation in disease by non‐splice site deep intronic sequence variation — wild type pseudoexons constitute high‐risk sites in the human genome

Accuracy of pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) splicing is crucial for normal gene expression. Complex regulation supports the spliceosomal distinction between authentic exons and the many seemingly functional splice sites delimiting pseudoexons. Pseudoexons are nonfunctional intronic sequences that can be activated for aberrant inclusion in mRNA, which may cause disease. Pseudoexon activation is very challenging to predict, in particular when activation occurs by sequence variants that alter the splicing regulatory environment without directly affecting splice sites. Aspseudoexon inclusion often evades detection due to activation of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, and because conventional diagnostic procedures miss deep intronic sequence variation, pseudoexon activation is a heavily underreported disease mechanism. Pseudoexon characteristics have mainly been studied based on in silico predicted sequences. Moreover, because recognition of sequence variants that create or strengthen splice sites is possible by comparison with well-established consensus sequences, this type of pseudoexon activation is by far the most frequently reported. Here we review all known human disease-associated pseudoexons that carry functional splice sites and are activated by deep intronic sequence variants located outside splice site sequences. We delineate common characteristics that make this type of wild type pseudoexons distinct high-risk sites in the human genome.

Landslide risk assessment of high-mountain settlements using Gaussian process classification combined with improved weight-based generalized objective function

High-mountain landslides in the hydrogeological environment expose the residents and properties of mountain settlements to immediate risks, especially in the southwestern part of the Tibetan Plateau, where severe damage is frequent. The risk assessment of geohazards is provided as an effective disaster prevention and mitigation management measure. To reasonably predict the spatial distribution characteristics of high-mountain landslide risks, the Gaussian process classification (GPC) and the improved weight-based generalized objective function were applied to quantify the hazard, vulnerability, and risk values of Li County, Southwest China. The findings revealed that the hazard, vulnerability, and risk levels in the studied areas were comparatively high, with percentages in the moderate–high ranges of 41.715%, 40.634%, and 57.135%, respectively. The towns of Zagunao, Ganbu, and Taoping are among the regions with a high grade of risk, with risk values of 0.407, 0.347, and 0.335, respectively. These high-risk distribution sites are concentrated predominantly in the municipalities and their fringes, whereas other prefectures are in the medium–below risk level range. Following the examination of the GPC model and integral appraisal performance, this risk assessment framework exhibits good predictability, with an accurate proportion of predictions in the hazardous location interval reaching 99.857% and an ROC-AUC value of 0.97. The proceedings of this study can provide essential materials and references for decision-making for hydrogeological-environmental hazard policy formulation, territorial spatial planning, and other regional-related risk assessment projects.