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Immune cells play a critical role in cytokine- and endotoxin-mediated endothelial permeability

Vascular leakage (VL) is a severe pathology occurring in a broad range of scenarios, e.g., during sepsis, cytokine storms, or as side effect of immunotherapies. Its severity is underlined by the high lethality rate of 20−30% for the systemic capillary leakage syndrome. While many compounds are reported to affect endothelial cell (EC)-activation, exact mechanisms behind VL remain unclear. We analyzed activation, viability, cytokine secretion, and relative permeability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) upon treatment with 16 different stimuli. Relative HUVEC-permeability was assessed in a trans-well-based leakage assay in presence or absence of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). HUVEC-activation is characterized by correlating upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, and E-selectin, as well as production of interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and IL-6. Strong HUVEC-activation and reduced viability was observed upon treatment with IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, a TGN1412-induced cytokine cocktail (SNTGN1412), thrombin, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Only thrombin, SNTGN1412, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) led to increased relative permeability, while other compounds associated with vascular leakage, including TNF-α, IL-1β, or LPS, had no direct effect on relative HUVEC-permeability. Interestingly, co-cultures with PBMCs mediated IL-1β- and LPS- but not TNF-α-induced relative HUVEC-permeability. In our study, we show that HUVEC activation upon direct stimulation does not necessarily result in increased relative permeability or massive cytokine production. Interestingly, we could demonstrate that activated HUVECs respond with a conserved pattern of markers, independent from the stimulus used. Moreover, we observed that the interplay with immune cells is critical to enhance relative HUVEC-permeability, which however depended on the stimulus applied suggesting different mechanisms of immune-mediated VL. A better understanding of VL will uncover potential treatment-targets for patients suffering from VL and help to improve safety-assessment of leakage-associated immunotherapies.

Silent voices: Uncovering women’s absence in veterinary surgery publications

Objective To determine the factors associated with an author being female in Veterinary Surgery journal publications from 2002 to 2023. Study design Retrospective observational study. Sample population A total of 2881 Veterinary Surgery papers published between 2002 and 2023. Methods Author gender was inferred using the Gender API and verified manually where necessary; only binary categories (male/female) were assigned. Statistical models (frequentist and Bayesian logistic regressions) were used to predict author gender based on publication year, author order (first, second, last), and surgical emphasis. Results Overall, 36% of the authors were female, with 43% of first authors, 37% of second authors, and 28% of last authors being women. The proportion of female first authors increased from 29% in 2010 to 60% in 2022, while female last authors ranged from 10% in 2002 to 36% in 2023. The likelihood of an author being female was influenced by the publication year, being the last author, and the subject of orthopaedics. Conclusion Compared with the demographics of the profession, women remain underrepresented in Veterinary Surgery authorships, particularly in senior author positions and orthopaedic papers. Disciplinary significance The underrepresentation of female authors highlights persistent gender disparities in veterinary surgery research. Further research is required to understand the factors that influence female authorship, so that institutions and journals can implement targeted initiatives to promote gender equity.

Management of acute appendicitis in pregnancy (MAMA): Protocol for a multicentre observational study

Introduction Acute appendicitis is the most common emergency general surgical condition in pregnancy, affecting around 1 in 1000 pregnancies. Reaching a diagnosis is more challenging in this group because of altered clinical presentations and the limitations of diagnostic tools in pregnancy. There is limited guidance from national bodies in the UK on the management of this condition. This study aims to describe current diagnostic and treatment practices for acute appendicitis in pregnancy in the UK, and associated outcomes, to identify variations in practice and areas for improvement. Methods and analysis This is a UK-wide observational study. Hospitals providing an emergency general surgical service will be eligible to participate. The study consists of two components: (1) a site resource-profile questionnaire to assess the setup of services to care for the pregnant patient requiring emergency non-obstetric abdominal surgery to be completed by a senior collaborator at each participating site, and (2) a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with appendicitis or who had an appendicectomy for suspected appendicitis during a ten-year study period (2013–2023). Data will be collected on diagnostics, radiological findings, management approach and surgical and obstetric outcomes. The main measure of interest is the management approaches (operative versus non-operative; laparoscopic versus open surgery) and their association with selected outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analyses will be conducted to identify factors which might predict the management strategy and outcomes. Ethics and dissemination The protocol for this service evaluation study has been reviewed by the University of Sheffield Research Ethics Committee. The study findings will be discussed in a multistakeholder workshop consisting of general surgeons, obstetricians and gynaecologists, radiologists, anaesthetists and patient representatives with a view to making recommendations for quality improvement work and further research. Key findings and recommendations will be disseminated through specialist societies.

Thematic morning report in clinical training for critical care medicine resident physicians: Preliminary exploration in a tertiary hospital of China

Morning report (MR) is one of the most important forms of resident standardized training. However, at present, it has not been carried out in most residential training bases in China. The specific content and implementation plan of MR lack standardized process. We introduced thematic MR in the training of residents who underwent standardized training in critical care medicine. A total of 37 residents (major in critical care medicine) were divided into two groups: the MR group (n = 22) and the traditional training group (n = 15). After receiving a 24-week training in the ICU of the Department of Critical Care Medicine, a comprehensive ability of critical care medicine was evaluated in the residents. The performance was assessed by Objective Structured Examination (OSCE) stations and theory examinations, including clinical decision-making ability, emergency treatment ability, clinical practice skills, communication and cooperation skills and medical theoretical knowledge. The results showed that, although there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of communication and teamwork skills ( P  = 0.524), the MR group outperformed the traditional training group in terms of clinical decision-making ability, emergency treatment ability, clinical practice skills, medical theoretical knowledge ( P  < 0.05). Additionally, a questionnaire survey on the training mode of thematic MR in critical care medicine was conducted. The results showed that up to 90.9% (20/22) of residential physicians believed that thematic MR is necessary in the training of critical care medicine, and 86.4% (19/22) of them believed that the implementation of thematic MR could improve their mastery of knowledge in critical care medicine. In conclusion, this preliminary exploration demonstrated that thematic MR has the potential to enhance the training effect of residential physicians in critical care medicine. It is a favorite way among residents owing to its ease of implementation, flexibility, and hierarchical structure in the training of critical care medicine, offering a valuable complement to conventional training.

Effect and validation of plate thickness dimensional effects on grouting compactness in bridge ducts based on ultrasonic testing

Based on the theory of ultrasonic non-destructive testing, this study investigates the dimensional effect of plate thickness on the detection of grouting compactness in prestressed bridge ducts. By combining finite element simulation with engineering case validation, a high-precision time-domain analysis model is proposed to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate the grouting compactness of prestressed bridge pipeline with varying plate thicknesses. This study employs ABAQUS finite element software to simulate and analyze the excitation, propagation, and reception characteristics of ultrasonic waves in concrete structural components. A time-domain analytical theoretical model is established to evaluate the detection results of pipelines with various defects. By comparing the simulation results of the theoretical model with actual engineering detection cases, the time-domain analytical theoretical model demonstrates high feasibility and reliability. The results indicate that the time-domain analysis method achieves high accuracy when utilizing the correlation between plate thickness and the first wave acoustic time. This approach enables both qualitative and quantitative analysis of pipeline density using ultrasonic non-destructive testing, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of damage assessment for prestressed pipe grouting compactness.

National health insurance membership in Indonesia: Do socio-economic elements matter?

The Indonesian government released a National Health Insurance (NHI) policy to realize universal health coverage (UHC) in Indonesia, yet disparities in membership persist. The study examined the influence of various socio-economic factors, including education, employment, and wealth status, on National Health Insurance (NHI) membership in Indonesia. Using a cross-sectional design, this study examined 1,223,377 individuals. The level of education was utilized as the exposure variable, while NHI membership served as the outcome variable. The analysis included residence, age, gender, marital status, and occupation as covariates. In the final stage, logistic multinomial regression was implemented. Based on the findings of this study, Indonesia’s coverage for NHI membership in 2023 was 72.5%. Higher education levels are associated with increased likelihood of NHI participation, supporting the notion that education promotes greater access to Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Wealth status and demographic factors such as age and marital status also significantly associated with NHI membership. According to the results, the study concluded that education level and wealth status significantly influence NHI membership in Indonesia. Demographic factors also play essential roles. Tailored interventions addressing these factors are necessary to improve NHI enrollment and achieve universal health coverage.

Decoding budget awareness: A multivariate analysis of generation Z undergraduates

Understanding public finance and budget processes has become increasingly important for the younger generation in recent years. This knowledge enables Generation Z to participate more effectively in democratic life as informed citizens. However, there is limited research on Generation Z’s awareness of public budgets in the existing literature. Therefore, the study addressed a significant gap in the public finance literature. We aimed to examine the determinants influencing the state budget awareness of Generation Z undergraduates by using the survey: “Citizens’ Budget Awareness and Effective Factors”. Data was collected from 3,972 undergraduates across all disciplines enrolled in four Turkish state universities between December 2023 and April 2024. We conducted a multiple linear regression analysis to examine the data. The main results showed that being informed about allocated public revenues for which public services, the constitutional power of the purse, budgeting processes and budget-related transactions were the determinants that most influenced the budget awareness of the students. On the contrary, being informed about the connection between taxes and public services, the Public Financial Management and Control Law No. 5018, and the amounts of public revenues within the state budget were determined as the lowest determinants influencing their awareness. Based on our results, we mainly suggested that (i) comprehensive education programmes and interactive learning should be organised in universities by using digital tools, (ii) the link between public revenues and expenditures should be explained through awareness campaigns, and (iii) budget processes should be made more transparent and accessible.

Predicting achievement of clinical goals using machine learning in myasthenia gravis

Background Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies against neuromuscular junctions, leading to varying degrees of severity and outcomes among patients. This variability makes clinical evaluation crucial for determining appropriate treatment targets. However, accurately assessing Minimal Manifestation (MM) status is challenging, requiring expertise in MG management. Therefore, this study aims to develop a diagnostic model for MM in MG patients by leveraging their clinical scores and machine learning approaches. Methods This study included 1,603 MG patients enrolled from the Japan MG Registry in the 2021 survey. We employed non-negative matrix factorization to decompose three MG clinical scores (MG composite score, MGADL scale, and MG quality of life (QOL) 15r) into four distinct modules: Diplopia, Ptosis, Systemic symptoms, and QOL. We developed a machine learning model with the four modules to predict MM or better status in MG patients. Using 414 registrants from the Japan MG Registry in the 2015 survey, we validated the model’s performance using various metrics, including area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, F1 score, and Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC). Results The ensemble model achieved an AUROC of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.94–0.94), accuracy of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.86–0.88), sensitivity of 0.85 (95% CI: 0.85–0.86), specificity of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.88–0.91), precision of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.92–0.94), F1 score of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.88–0.89), and MCC of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.72–0.75) on the validation dataset. Conclusions The developed MM diagnostic model can effectively predict MM or better status in MG patients, potentially guiding clinicians in determining treatment objectives and evaluating treatment outcomes.

Alteration of BDNF and noradrenergic markers in locus coeruleus in a mouse model of cancer-induced bone pain

The locus coeruleus (LC) is the principal source of noradrenaline (NA) in the central nervous system. In neuropathic pain states, nociceptive stimuli activate LC. This study examined the expression and localization of BDNF and NE neuron-specific proteins in the LC of mice with cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). Behavioral experiments demonstrated that CIBP mice exhibited persistent spontaneous pain, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, and deficits in locomotor activity and motor coordination. H&E and TRAP staining revealed trabecular bone destruction and increased in osteoclast activity. Immunostaining showed elevated expression of neuronal activity marker c-Fos in the LC. Additionally, upregulation of noradrenergic markers - tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) – as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), was observed in the LC. In vitro studies indicated that inhibition of the BDNF/TrkB signalling pathway reduced the expression of noradrenergic markers. Anterograde tracing, achieved by Fluoro-ruby injection into the LC and subsequent detection of Fluoro-ruby colocalised with TH and DBH in spinal cord, confirmed LC-spinal cord projections. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated increased fluorescence intensities of TH, DBH, c-Fos, phosphorylated cAMP-response element- binding protein (pCREB), and α2A receptor in the spinal cord, alongside reduced intensities of enkephalin (ENK) and GABA A Receptor β2 (GABRB2). Western blotting further corroborated elevated expression levels of TH and c-Fos in spinal cord tissue. In summary, CIBP mice exhibited enhanced neuronal activity in the LC, upregulation of noradrenergic markers, and BDNF/TrkB-mediated modulation of noradrenergic neurons. Concurrently, inhibitory signalling was attenuated in the SDH.

Scientific bedlam at the world’s weirdest and wildest research conference

Peer play network in preschool classrooms: Features and variations by child characteristics and skills

Peers play a critical role in creating opportunities for learning. However, less is known about how children form peer play networks in preschool and how their level of connection in peer play varies based on individual characteristics and skills. This exploratory study used social network modeling to examine variations in peer play networks across preschool classrooms (N = 5), focusing on children’s play centrality and classroom network density. Data from all classroom children, including those with both active and passive parental consent, revealed similar peer play patterns at both mid-year (N = 81) and year-end (N = 79). Most children had one or more peers with whom they played frequently or always, but a small subset (3%) rarely or never engaged with playmates. Classroom network density fell within a moderate range, suggesting that children tended to select specific peers for play rather than interacting uniformly with all classmates. Analyses of play centrality among children with active consent (n = 26) revealed that dual language learners (DLLs), defined as children exposed to a language other than English at home, were less likely than their non-DLL peers to hold central positions in classroom play networks at the end of the preschool year. Additionally, the study identified a homophily effect related to problem behaviors, indicating that children were more likely to play with peers who displayed similar levels of problem behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of recognizing variations in peer play networks to foster inclusive and supportive peer play environments in early childhood education. This study underscores the need for further research into the factors that shape peer play networks in preschool settings, particularly the roles of language, culture, and behavior in influencing children’s interactions.

Transition of milk fatty acid profile and vitamins A and E from colostrum to mature milk in Danish Holstein cows

Colostrum, the initial milk produced by mammals after giving birth, has evolved to serve as a primary rich source of essential nutrients for newborns. However, there are considerable changes in nutrient composition from colostrum to mature milk. Colostrum and transition milk have specific fat-soluble vitamin levels, fat level, and fatty acid (FA) composition compared to mature milk, and this unique fatty acid composition of colostrum may reflect the physiological needs of newborn calves. The aim of this study was to investigate changes in the FA profile and levels of vitamins A and E from colostrum to mature milk. Colostrum or milk samples from the 1st (colostrum), 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 13th (as a sample of mature milk) milking were collected from 10 multiparous Danish Holstein cows. The level of vitamin A was significantly affected by milking time (p < 0.001), with the highest level in the colostrum (2.3) and the lowest in mature milk (0.5 µg/g). Vitamin E level was significantly affected by milking time (p < 0.001), with the highest level in the colostrum (14.8) and the lowest in mature milk (1.8 µg/g). The proportion of C16:0 FA decreased from colostrum to mature milk while the proportion of C18:0 FA increased from the colostrum to mature milk. The proportion of n-6 FA (C18:2n-6, C18:3n-6, C20:3n-6, C20:4n-6, and C22:5n-6) decreased from colostrum to mature milk (p < 0.001 for all FA). However, the proportion of C18:3n-3 FA increased from colostrum (3.0) to mature milk (5.9 g/kg of FA; p < 0.001), while proportions of C20:5n-3, C22:5n-3, and C22:6n-3 FA decreased from colostrum to mature milk (p < 0.001 for all FA). The proportion of trans 18:1n-10 (p = 0.005) and trans 18:1n-11 (p < 0.001) was affected by milking time and increased from colostrum to mature milk. In conclusion, there is a considerable higher vitamin A and E levels in colostrum compared to mature milk, and vitamin A and E levels were reduced from colostrum to mature milk. Additionally, there were significant changes in the FA profile from colostrum to mature milk, with an increase in C18:3n-3 FA and a decrease in C18:2n-6 FA.

Exploring the addictive processes in repetitive self-harm through a grounded theory approach: “It always felt like a choice until it didn’t”

Introduction There is limited empirical research to suggest repetitive self-harm can be understood or conceptualised as an addictive behaviour. However, few empirical studies have investigated this and yielded conflicting results. This study aims to explore to what extent can repetitive self-harm be conceptualized as an addictive behaviour. Methods The study employed the principles of Constructivist Grounded Theory to guide the collection and analysis of data from 15 adults with current or past experience of repetitive self-harm. Results Thirteen categories were identified within the data that depicted participants journeys with self-harm over time. ‘Starting’ to self-harm (category 1) and participants’ description of ‘needing to punish myself’ (category 2) led to self-harm ‘feeling addictive’ (category 3). Once self-harm had become repetitive, ‘having the urge to self-harm’ (category 4) and experiencing a ‘conflicting relationship with self-harm and self’ was ongoing for participants (category 5). Throughout each incidence of self-harm, participants described a “cycle of self-harm”, in which self-harm had different functions and consequences: ‘managing emotions’ (category 6), ‘allowing me to function’ (category 7), ‘caring for myself’ (category 8), ‘controlling’ (category 9) and ‘feeling guilt and shame after self-harm’ (category 10). All participants described ‘responding to other’s reactions’ to their self-harm (category 11), six discussed ‘breaking the self-harm cycle’ (category 12) and six participants described ‘relapsing’ (category 13) and returning to self-harm following a period of abstinence. Conclusion This study has provided a conceptual model of processes that maintain engagement in repetitive self-harm, discussed in relation to addiction literature. Clinical practice could consider working alongside the client to identify where they feel they are within the self-harm cycle in relation to changing their self-harm behaviours.

Longitudinal progression of cost-related medication non-adherence among Medicare patients with diabetes at high risk of hospitalization: The role of dual eligibility

Objective Little is known about the longitudinal progression of cost-related medication non-adherence (CRN) among the high-need, high-cost diabetes population. We aim to document the longitudinal aspect of CRN among Medicare diabetes patients at high risk of hospitalization and the role of Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility in CRN. Research design and methods 617 Medicare diabetes patients at high risk of hospitalization were followed up at 3-month intervals for a total of 16 surveys. Patients’ socio-demographic and health characteristics by dual eligibility were compared using Chi-square tests. The progression of CRN was documented using a Kaplan-Meier Survival Curve. A Cox Survival Regression analysis and a Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analysis were conducted to evaluate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and population-averaged effect of dual eligibility on CRN, controlling for socio-demographic and health characteristics. Results 303 patients (49.1%) reported dual eligibility, among whom 151 (49.8%) reported CRN; they were more likely to be under 65 (p < 0.01), had lower income (p < 0.01), were less likely to report cardiovascular disease (p = 0.05), and were less likely to report CRN (p < 0.01) compared to those who did not report dual eligibility. Those with dual eligibility had a lower hazard ratio (HR = 0.67, p < 0.01) and lower likelihood of reporting CRN (coefficient = −0.40, p < 0.01), and those with depression had higher hazard ratio (HR = 1.31, p = 0.03) and higher likelihood of reporting CRN (coefficient = 0.32, p < 0.01) in the Cox model and GEE, respectively. Conclusions While insurance coverage enables patients to overcome their major deficiency in income, many patients fall through the cracks as their disease progresses. Depression is a major risk factor for CRN. Health policy addressing CRN needs to be implemented in tandem with clinical intervention, targeting those at the increasing risk of CRN.

Mouse liver assembloids model periportal architecture and biliary fibrosis

Abstract Modelling liver disease in vitro requires systems that replicate disease progression1,2. Current tissue-derived organoids do not reproduce the complex cellular composition and tissue architecture observed in vivo3. Here, we describe a multicellular organoid system composed of adult hepatocytes, cholangiocytes and mesenchymal cells that recapitulates the architecture of the liver periportal region and, when manipulated, models aspects of cholestatic injury and biliary fibrosis. We first generate reproducible hepatocyte organoids with a functional bile canaliculi network that retain morphological features of in vivo tissue. By combining these with cholangiocytes and portal fibroblasts, we generate assembloids that mimic the cellular interactions of the periportal region. Assembloids are functional, consistently draining bile from bile canaliculi into the bile duct. Of note, manipulating the relative number of portal mesenchymal cells is sufficient to induce a fibrotic-like state, independently of an immune compartment. By generating chimeric assembloids of mutant and wild-type cells, or after gene knockdown, we show proof of concept that our system is amenable to investigating gene function and cell-autonomous mechanisms. Together, we demonstrate that liver assembloids represent a suitable in vitro system to study bile canaliculi formation, bile drainage and how different cell types contribute to cholestatic disease and biliary fibrosis in an all-in-one model.

Validation of the Multidimensional Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI-M) in the Chilean population

We used the SOI-M Multidimensional Sociosexual Orientation Inventory developed by Jackson and Kirkpatrick for validation in the Chilean population. This 3-dimensional instrument measures sociosexuality in terms of short-term mating orientation, long-term mating orientation, and sociosexual behavior. This inventory allows us to capture the deployment of reproductive strategies in men and women simultaneously (that is, in the short and long-term). We tested the psychometric properties of the instrument on a final sample of 865 subjects (247 women and 616 men) aged between 18 and 55 years old (M = 23.56; SD = 5.52). First, with a subsample (N = 172), we performed an EFA to establish dimensionality. Then, with the remaining sample (N = 693) an ESEM and CFA. We performed an ESEM for confirmatory analysis, analyzed invariance by sex and relations with other variables. We verified the existence of three factors, maintaining the 20 original items. Then, we eliminated the redundant or cross-factor loading items, thus obtaining a reduced version of 15 items and three factors. We tested and verified the convergent and divergent validity of the instrument. Also, we tested invariance by sex, establishing that the SOI-M behaves invariantly. The SOI-M is a valid and reliable instrument to measure multidimensional sociosexuality in the Chilean population.

Colorimetry characteristics and color clustering of natural gem-quality spinel from Myanmar (Burma)

Color is the most critical factor in determining the value of gem-quality spinel. This paper examines the color mechanism and the colorimetric characteristics of spinel crystals under D65 and A light sources against nine neutral backgrounds. It also explores color clustering for over 400 spinel crystals in yellow, red, purple, and blue hues. Various analytical techniques were employed, including optical absorption spectroscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence analysis, a benchtop sphere spectrophotometer, the Munsell neutral value gray scale chart, and a standard illumination box. The study reveals distinct optical absorption peaks corresponding to different spinel colors, with these peaks being assigned to specific mechanisms based on previous research. Color analysis demonstrates that the chroma and hue of orange spinel crystals are primarily influenced by the red tone under both daylight and incandescent light. Additionally, red, and yellow tones significantly enhance the color of red spinel. For purple spinel, chroma shows a strong correlation with the a* value under both D65 and A light sources, while hue is easily influenced by the blue tone. In blue spinel, chroma is controlled by the green tone, and hue is affected by the blue tone. Lightness and chroma of all spinel colors increase significantly with the luminance factor of the Munsell neutral background, following a power function relationship with varying rates. However, the hue angle remains relatively unchanged, as gray backgrounds have minimal effect on hue. The colors of spinel crystals can be effectively predicted using calculated equations based on the luminance factor of the background under different light sources. The K-means clustering method is particularly effective for categorizing each spinel color into three distinct groups, which is crucial for developing a reliable color grading system for spinel.

Impacts of environment and forest type on the relationship between stand structure diversity and productivity in natural mixed forests

Forest productivity reflects forest growth quality and forms the basis for achieving forest service functions. The relationships between forest productivity and stand structure has been extensively studied, but it is still unclear whether environmental factors affect the relationship and how their relationships vary under the influence of stand type and environmental factors. A fixed monitoring dataset from 972 plots of natural mixed forests (including coniferous, broad-leaved, and coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests) in Zhejiang Province was used. We analyzed the relationship between stand structure diversity (composition diversity and size differentiation diversity) and productivity in the different forest types and their influencing factors. Species richness, coefficient of the diameter at breast height (DBH) variation, and the DBH Shannon‒Wiener index were significantly positively correlated with productivity (P < 0.01). Environmental factors such as terrain and meteorology were associated with stand productivity and structure diversity. Considering the effects of environmental factors and stand density, it was evident that stand density was the primary direct factor influencing coniferous forest productivity (r∂ = 0.635), and terrain exerted a substantial indirect effect on productivity through stand density (r∂ = 0.202). In broad-leaved forests, topography (r∂ = −0.161), size differentiation diversity (r∂ = −0.519), and stand density (r∂ = 0.954) were the primary factors influencing productivity, with climate exerting a significant indirect effect via stand density and size differentiation diversity. In coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, stand density (r∂ = 0.862), size differentiation diversity (r∂ = −0.424), and composition diversity (r∂ = 0.260) were all significantly correlated with productivity. The effect of structure diversity on productivity in natural broad-leaved mixed forests in Zhejiang Province was modulated by environmental factors and stand density. Our research deepens understandings of the factors driving productivity in natural broad-leaved mixed forests and offers a theoretical foundation for sustainable development.

Privy by the Bay: Emerging hotspot analysis of 311 reports of human/animal waste near San Francisco Pit Stop locations, 2009–2022

Access to basic sanitation facilities is a significant challenge for homeless populations, and evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to address this issue are still limited. San Francisco, California, has a large population of people experiencing homelessness and limited public restrooms. To increase access to public restrooms among this population in the city, the Pit Stop Program launched in 2014, introducing clean and safe public restrooms to high-need areas. This study built upon prior Pit Stop Program evaluations by conducting an Emerging Hot Spot Analysis (EHSA) using ArcGIS Pro v3.1.1 of human/animal waste reports across San Francisco to the city’s 311 system using spatial and temporal characteristics, and examined the presence of these hotspots among San Francisco neighborhoods. We examined 5,940,667 reports to 311 in conjunction with Pit Stop and public restroom locations. Waste reports in San Francisco showed an upward trend from 2009 to 2022, reaching an all-time high in 2022. Pit Stop Program sites were generally concentrated in areas with the most waste reports, particularly the Tenderloin and Mission neighborhoods. Spatiotemporal hot spots were identified throughout the city. Locations containing Pit Stops were more likely to be classified as diminishing hot spots. There is evidence of improvement in the Tenderloin neighborhood, which has seen the longest and most concentrated Pit Stop intervention, however the effect appears to be small. The findings suggest the need for additional research and continued efforts to address sanitation issues for people experiencing homelessness.

Modeling hydrological processes and analyzing water balance utilizing remote sensing data and physical hydrological models in the Songnen Plain, China

Climate change and human activities have a substantial effect on the regional water cycle. An accurate simulation of the water cycle process in the Songnen Plain under the influence of climate change and human activities can aid in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the regional water cycle change pattern in a changing environment, which has significant scientific and practical value. Based on the MIKE SHE/MIKE 11 model, this study utilizes multi-source remote sensing data, measured hydrological data, and other basic data as data sources to simulate the water cycle process in the Songnen Plain over the past 40 years and analyze its pattern of change. The results show that groundwater level data derived from GRACE and GLDAS exhibits great accuracy in topographically varied regions and low accuracy in proximity to rivers. The estimated groundwater data and measured runoff data, integrated with the MIKE SHE/MIKE11 model, accurately replicate the changes in the water cycle within the Songnen Plain. Over the years, the Songnen Plain has experienced an average actual evapotranspiration of 421.61 mm, with an average rate of change of −0.36 mm/a. The average surface runoff has been 36.26 mm, with an average rate of change of −0.025 mm/a. The average groundwater level is 169.2 m, indicating a weak downward trend. The variations in the water balance of the Songnen Plain surplus and deficit throughout different time periods were 0.804 billion m³, 0.098 billion m³, −1.15 billion m³, and 0.645 billion m³, respectively. Regarding alterations in various land uses, water supply and demand are most pronounced in arid regions, where the water balance exhibits a trend of initial decline followed by an increase; paddy fields experienced a water deficit across different time periods, with the severity of the deficit intensifying; the water balance deficit of building land increases with economic growth; and the water balance of other land uses was contingent upon climatic conditions. This study provides novel ideas and methods for regional simulation of water cycle processes in regional water scarcity literature by innovatively integrating GRACE and GLDAS data with the MIKE SHE/MIKE 11 model.