bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Root hydraulic properties: An exploration of their variability across scales
Authors: Baca Cabrera Juan C. , Vanderborght Jan , Couvreur Valentin , Behrend Dominik , Gaiser Thomas , Nguyen Thuy Huu , Lobet Guillaume
Published: April 2024

Root hydraulic properties are key physiological traits that determine the capacity of root systems to take up water, at a specific evaporative demand. They can strongly vary among species, cultivars or even within the same genotype, but a systematic analysis of their variation across plant functional types (PFTs) is still missing. Here, we reviewed published empirical studies on root hydraulic properties at the segment‐, individual root‐, or root system scale and determined its variability and the main factors contributing to it. This corresponded to a total of 241 published studies, comprising 213 species, including woody and herbaceous vegetation.

We observed an extremely large range of variation (of orders of magnitude) in root hydraulic properties, but this was not caused by systematic differences among PFTs. Rather, the (combined) effect of factors such as root system age, driving force used for measurement, or stress treatments shaped the results. We found a significant decrease in root hydraulic properties under stress conditions (drought and aquaporin inhibition, p < .001) and a significant effect of the driving force used for measurement (hydrostatic or osmotic gradients, p < .001). Furthermore, whole root system conductance increased significantly with root system age across several crop species (p < .01), causing very large variation in the data (>2 orders of magnitude). Interestingly, this relationship showed an asymptotic shape, with a steep increase during the first days of growth and a flattening out at later stages of development. We confirmed this dynamic through simulations using a state‐of‐the‐art computational model of water flow in the root system for a variety of crop species, suggesting common patterns across studies and species.

These findings provide better understanding of the main causes of root hydraulic properties variations observed across empirical studies. They also open the door to better representation of hydraulic processes across multiple plant functional types and at large scales. All data collected in our analysis has been aggregated into an open access database (https://roothydraulic-properties.shinyapps.io/database/), fostering scientific exchange.
A waterborne polyurethane‐based fluorescent tunable carbon quantum dot
Authors: Cheng Bo , Hu Hongrui , Chen Jianli , Yang Mingdi , Wang Ping , Zhang Kehua , Gong Chengbing , Ding Yunsheng , Hu Xianhai
Published: April 2024

Fluorescent tunable materials have potential applications in lighting, display, anti‐counterfeiting, biological probes, and so on. Herein, carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with blue fluorescence (BCDs), and yellow fluorescence (YCDs) were synthesized by solvothermal method using bio‐based citric acid and lignin as carbon sources, respectively. BCDs and YCDs were anchored on polyurethane chains to prepare waterborne polyurethane‐based blue fluorescent carbon quantum dots (BCDs1.0‐WPU) and waterborne polyurethane‐based yellow fluorescent carbon quantum dots (YCDs1.0‐WPU), respectively. Compared with the corresponding BCDs and YCDs, the fluorescence intensity of both BCDs1.0‐WPU and YCDs1.0‐WPU is markedly enhanced, and the emission peaks obviously show a hypochromatic shift. A waterborne polyurethane‐based fluorescent tunable carbon quantum dots (BCDsxYPDs1‐x‐WPU) is prepared by mixing the ratio of BCDs1.0‐WPU and YCDs1.0‐WPU with the RGB method. It is noteworthy that BCDsxYCDs1‐x‐WPU not only achieves a fluent change of fluorescence from blue to yellow but also emits strong white fluorescence (CIE coordinates: X = 0.28, Y = 0.32). The absolute value of the Zeta potential of BCDsxYCDs1‐x‐WPU is greater than 40, indicating good storage stability. Furthermore, the thermal decomposition temperature is above 225 °C, implying good thermal stability. Furthermore, BCDsxYCDs1‐x‐WPU uses water as a continuous phase and has potential applications in environmentally friendly luminescence, anti‐counterfeiting and biological probes.
The implementation and mechanisms of advance notification for cancer screening: A scoping review
Authors: Collins Katelyn E. , Myers Larry S. , Goodwin Belinda C. , Taglieri‐Sclocchi Alyssa , Ireland Michael J.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To describe and synthesise information on the content and delivery of advance notifications (information about cancer screening delivered prior to invitation) used to increase cancer screening participation and to understand the mechanisms that may underlie their effectiveness.

Methods

Searches related to advance notification and cancer screening were conducted in six electronic databases (APA PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science) and results were screened for eligibility. Study characteristics, features of the advance notifications (cancer type, format, delivery time, and content), and the effect of the notifications on cancer screening participation were extracted. Features were summarised and compared across effective versus ineffective notifications.

Results

Thirty‐two articles were included in this review, reporting on 33 unique advance notifications. Of these, 79% were sent via postal mail, 79% were distributed prior to bowel cancer screening, and most were sent 2 weeks before the screening offer. Twenty‐two full versions of the advance notifications were obtained for content analysis. Notifications included information about cancer risk, the benefits of screening, barriers to participation, social endorsement of cancer screening, and what to expect throughout the screening process. Of the 19 notifications whose effect was tested statistically, 68% were found to increase screening (by 0.7%–16%). Effectiveness did not differ according to the format, delivery time, or content within the notification, although some differences in cancer type were observed.

Conclusion

Future research should explore the effectiveness of advance notification via alternative formats and for other screening contexts and disentangle the intervention‐ and person‐level factors driving its effect on screening participation.
Preparation and Thermal Performances of Lauric Acid/Polyvinyl Butyral/Graphene Nanoplates Composite Phase Change Materials
Authors: Wang Wenze , Fu Tingwei , Fang Guiyin
Published: April 2024

In recent years, there has been significant progress in the development and application of phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage. The new lauric acid (LA)/polyvinyl butyral (PVB)/graphene nanoplates (GNP) composite phase change materials (CPCM) are prepared using the solution blending method, in which LA acts as PCM, PVB serves as support material, and GNP is used as thermally conductive enhancer. The prepared CPCM with 80 wt% LA can retain stable shape without leakage. The Fourier‐transform infrared and X‐ray diffractometer results indicate that there is no chemical reaction among the various components of the CPCM. The differential scanning calorimeter results show the CPCM3 (with 80 wt% LA and 5 wt% GNP) has melting latent heat of 134.41 KJ Kg−1 with melting temperature of 41.73 °C. The thermal conductivity tests present that thermal conductivity of CPCM3 is 0.689 W (m K)−1, which is 3.83 times that of the PCM2. The thermogravimetric analyzer results verify that the CPCM possess good thermal stability within the operating temperature range of 35–45 °C without any degradation. The thermal cycling tests indicate that CPCM have good thermal reliability. Therefore, it has promising applications in building energy conservation, solar thermal systems, thermal management, and textiles.
Research Progress of NiS Cocatalysts in Photocatalysis
Authors: Gu Huijie , Lin Zhaoxin , Li Yunhui , Wang Dandan , Feng Huimin
Published: April 2024

In recent decades, photocatalysis technology, a typical mild and environmentally friendly technique, can use sunlight to drive the oxidation/reduction reactions on the surface of catalysts. However, single semiconductor materials can hardly meet the requirements of photocatalytic application due to the low availability of visible light, quick e− − h+ recombination, and the insufficiency of active sites. Cocatalysts are often introduced to solve the above problems. Among the numerous cocatalysts, NiS cocatalysts exhibit excellent properties, such as superior chemical stability, suitable band structure, and larger specific surface area, which can improve the photocatalytic efficiency of various semiconductors. Herein, the research progress of NiS cocatalysts in photocatalysis is reviewed. First, the structure of NiS and several common preparation methods are briefly introduced. Second, the NiS cocatalytic principle about how to achieve the effective separation of photogenerated carriers is introduced. Third, the methods to optimize the catalytic activity of NiS are mainly summarized. At the same time, the review summarizes the research progress of composite photocatalysts based on NiS cocatalyst. Finally, the review discusses the existing challenges and obstacles of NiS‐based photocatalytic systems and proposes feasible improvements and ideas to meet the future requirements of practical applications.
Direct assimilation of radar reflectivity using an ensemble 3DEnVar approach to improve analysis and forecasting of tornadic supercells over eastern China
Authors: Gao Shibo , Chen Jiahui , Yu Chao , Hu Haichuan , Wu Yuxin
Published: April 2024

An ensemble three‐dimensional ensemble‐variational (3DEnVar) data assimilation (En3DA) approach that directly assimilates radar reflectivity was developed based on the Weather Research and Forecasting model data assimilation system. This system adopts radar reflectivity as the control variable to avoid the need for a tangent linear and adjoint of the observation operator. Flow‐dependent covariance was introduced via ensemble forecasts updated by a group of 3DEnVar. The performance of the En3DA system was examined for two selected cases of high‐impact severe tornadic supercells over China. Results for both cases indicated that the structure of the storms in terms of intensity, coverage, and associated low‐level mesocyclones were analysed more accurately when using the En3DA approach than when adopting the 3DVar method. Hydrometeor analysis showed that En3DA provided a more physically reasonable increment of hydrometeors compared to 3DVar, especially for the graupel mixing ratio. Furthermore, the En3DA forecast was better than the 3DVar forecast throughout the forecast period for both studied cases. En3DA produced smaller errors in terms of intensity and location for supercell forecasts with respect to reflectivity and reflectivity swaths. Furthermore, the quantitative forecast skill of radar reflectivity was improved using En3DA. Errors in the wind, temperature, and water vapor forecast fields produced by En3DA were also reduced compared to those of 3DVar. Diagnostics revealed that En3DA predicted an enhanced low‐level cold pool and stronger outflows in the forward‐flank downdraft and the rear‐flank downdraft regions, which are important for tornadogenesis.
Gd3+ Encapsulation on 2D‐g‐C3N4 Nanostructure for Spintronics and Ultrasound Assisted Photocatalytic Applications: First‐Principles and Experimental Studies
Authors: Kuila Saikat Kumar , Gorai Deepak Kumar , Agarwal Sandeep , Sarkar Ranjini , Tiwary Chandra Sekhar , Kundu Tarun Kumar
Published: April 2024

Atomically thin two‐dimensional (2D) semiconductors have high potential in optoelectronics and magneto‐optics appliances due to their tunable band structures and physicochemical stability. The work demonstrates that Gd3+ incorporated 2D‐g‐C3N4 nanosheet (Gd3+/2D‐g‐C3N4 NS) is synthesized through chemisorption methodology for defect enrichment. The material characterizations reveal that the ion decoration enhances the surface area and defect concentration of the 2D sheet. The experimental observations have been further corroborated with the help of density functional theory (DFT) simulation. Spin asymmetry polarizations near the Fermi level, obtained through the partial density of states (PDOS) analyses, reveal the magnetic nature of the synthesized material, validating the room temperature ferromagnetism obtained through a vibrating‐sample magnetometer (VSM). Gd3+/2D‐g‐C3N4 NS shows significant enhancement in saturation magnetization (Ms) experimentally and computationally compared to the pristine one. The magnetic catalyst shows 98% remediation efficiency for ultrasound‐assisted visible‐light‐driven photodegradation of methyl orange (MO). The synergistic approach of liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) analyses and DFT studies elucidates reaction intermediates and unveils the degradation mechanism. Post‐characterization studies assure the stability of the magnetic catalyst through optical, chemical, magnetic, and microscopic analyses. So, the synthesized material can be proficiently used as a magnetic nanocatalyst in wastewater treatments and spin‐electronics applications.
Ansichten von Lehrbeauftragten zur digitalen Transformation in der HNO-Lehre
Authors: Hildenbrand T. , Kuhn S. , Everad F. , Hassepaß F. , Neudert M. , Offergeld C.
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund

Die digitale Transformation in der curricularen Lehre des Medizinstudiums beinhaltet zum einen die zunehmende Nutzung digitaler Lehr‑/Lernformate und zum anderen die Vermittlung von digitalen ärztlichen Kompetenzen. Auch in der fachärztlichen Weiterbildung müssen im Zuge der Veränderungen Konzepte der Wissensvermittlung und Kompetenzprofile überdacht und vermittelt werden.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war die Ermittlung des aktuellen Stands der digitalen Transformation in der HNO-Lehre in Aus- und Weiterbildung an universitären Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenkliniken.

Material und Methoden

Ein Fragebogen mit 9 Fragen zu Themen der digitalen Transformation wurde an die Lehrbeauftragten der 37 nationalen universitären Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenkliniken verschickt. Die Umfrage erfolgte online anonym über das Umfrageportal SurveyMonkey® (San Mateo, CA, USA).

Ergebnisse

An der Umfrage nahmen 86,5 % der angeschriebenen Lehrbeauftragten teil. Nur 25 % der HNO-Kliniken bieten eine Lehrveranstaltung zur Vermittlung digitaler Kompetenzen für Studierende an. Digitale Lehrmethoden kommen nur in der Hälfte der Kliniken zum Einsatz. Nur 56,25 % der Lehrbeauftragten erhalten bei der Umsetzung der digitalen Transformation Unterstützung. In 40,62 % der Kliniken wird die digitale Transformation in der Weiterbildung thematisiert, aber nur 28,12 % der teilnehmenden Kliniken wenden digitale Lehrmethoden in der fachärztlichen Weiterbildung an.

Schlussfolgerung

Insbesondere im Bereich der curricularen Lehre werden einige Aspekte der digitalen Transformation bereits umgesetzt, nicht zuletzt auch getrieben durch die COVID-19-Pandemie. Insgesamt zeigt sich allerdings noch ein deutlicher Nachholbedarf sowohl in der Ausbildung von Studierenden als insbesondere auch in der Ausbildung von Weiterbildungsassistenten der HNO-Heilkunde.
A candidate competitive ELISA based on monoclonal antibody 3A8 for diagnosis of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia
Authors: Wu Qi , Ma Zhixin , Pan Qiao , Liu Tong , Zhang Yidan , Xin Jiuqing , Xu Qingyuan
Published: April 2024

For the development of a competitive ELISA (cELISA) to detect serum antibodies against the Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. Mycoides (Mmm) (strain PG1), the causative agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), all the proteins of this pathogen were analyzed. Then, a specific extracellular region of a transmembrane protein with the potential for diagnosis was identified. After that, a monoclonal antibody (Mab) named 3A8 was obtained using this extracellular region as an immunogen. Finally, a cELISA was established with the extracellular domain of this transmembrane protein as the coating antigen, Mab 3A8 as the competitive antibody, and HRP-labeled goat anti-mouse IgG as the enzyme-labeled antibody. This established method was used to detect the antibody dynamic regularity of goats which are artificially immunized Mmm and was also compared with a commercial ELISA kit. Further, the sera of 1011 different cattle from border provinces of China were monitored using a candidate Mab 3A8 cELISA. The detection results of known background sera used in this study indicate that a candidate diagnostic marker was successfully identified by analyzing all the coding proteins of Mmm in this research, and the cELISA established based on the Mab 3A8 against this protein can detect CBPP-positive serum with specificity and has no cross-reaction with other related epidemic disease-positive sera. In addition, we tested the sera collected from the border areas of China using the established ELISA, and no positive sample was detected. The research protocol of the CBPP cELISA established in this study is different from the traditional method, which can greatly reduce the investment of manpower and capital and save development time. We believe that this study’s protocol could serve as a reference for the development of detection methods for mycoplasma and other complex pathogens.

Key points

• A Mmm-specific diagnostic marker was obtained based on protein characteristics.

• A cELISA was established for CBPP serum antibody detection.

• The serological investigation was conducted for CBPP in the border areas of China.
Enhancing Escherichia coli abiotic stress resistance through ornithine lipid formation
Authors: Bedoya-Pérez Leidy Patricia , Aguilar-Vera Alejandro , Sánchez-Pérez Mishael , Utrilla José , Sohlenkamp Christian
Published: April 2024

Escherichia coli is a common host for biotechnology and synthetic biology applications. During growth and fermentation, the microbes are often exposed to stress conditions, such as variations in pH or solvent concentrations. Bacterial membranes play a key role in response to abiotic stresses. Ornithine lipids (OLs) are a group of membrane lipids whose presence and synthesis have been related to stress resistance in bacteria. We wondered if this stress resistance could be transferred to bacteria not encoding the capacity to form OLs in their genome, such as E. coli. In this study, we engineered different E. coli strains to produce unmodified OLs and hydroxylated OLs by expressing the synthetic operon olsFC. Our results showed that OL formation improved pH resistance and increased biomass under phosphate limitation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that OL-forming strains differentially expressed stress- and membrane-related genes. OL-producing strains also showed better growth in the presence of the ionophore carbonyl cyanide 3-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), suggesting reduced proton leakiness in OL-producing strains. Furthermore, our engineered strains showed improved heterologous violacein production at phosphate limitation and also at low pH. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of engineering the E. coli membrane composition for constructing robust hosts with an increased abiotic stress resistance for biotechnology and synthetic biology applications.

Key points

• Ornithine lipid production in E. coli increases biomass yield under phosphate limitation.

• Engineered strains show an enhanced production phenotype under low pH stress.

• Transcriptome analysis and CCCP experiments revealed reduced proton leakage.
Multiunit dynamic pricing with different types of observable customer information
Authors: Schur Rouven
Published: April 2024

In various sectors, such as retail, firms encounter customers with multiunit demand and often implement nonlinear pricing to accommodate this demand structure. While effective, this pricing strategy lacks the adaptability offered by dynamic pricing, a trend gaining significance in the retail landscape due to technological advancements. Neglecting multiunit demand in dynamic pricing, however, can result in suboptimal prices and revenue losses. In response, this paper introduces multiunit dynamic pricing which integrates the strengths of both nonlinear and dynamic pricing strategies. We formulate a stage-wise optimization problem, considering customer preferences for batches of a product through a model based on random willingness-to-pay. The willingness-to-pay is influenced by a combination of the customer’s attraction to and consumption of the product—both private information. The firm, functioning as a monopoly, has the ability to price-discriminate between various order sizes by quoting nonlinear batch prices. Our investigation explores three cases of observable information: attraction to the product, consumption of the product, or both. Optimality conditions are derived for all cases, establishing a closed-form expressions for two of them. Additionally, we demonstrate the preservation of desirable monotonicity in time and capacity. Leveraging this monotonicity, we showcase the dynamics of the optimal pricing policy. A simulation study underscores the potential of our approach, highlighting the value of information in supporting strategic decisions, particularly regarding investments in customer profiling and segmentation. Furthermore, we illustrate how our solutions enable firms to make informed stocking and restocking decisions, providing practical insights for firms in multiunit dynamic pricing environments.
Drone-based monitoring and geomorphology of southern giant petrel nests near Palmer Station, western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Larsen Gregory D. , Varga Hanna F. , Patterson-Fraser Donna L. , Johnston David W. , Cimino Megan A.
Published: April 2024

Human activities and climate change threaten seabirds globally, and many species are declining from already small breeding populations. Monitoring of breeding colonies can identify population trends and important conservation concerns, but it is a persistent challenge to achieve adequate coverage of remote and sensitive breeding sites. Southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus) exemplify this challenge: as polar, pelagic marine predators they are subject to a variety of anthropogenic threats, but they often breed in remote colonies that are highly sensitive to disturbance. Aerial remote sensing can overcome some of these difficulties to census breeding sites and explore how local environmental factors influence important characteristics such as nest-site selection and chick survival. To this end, we used drone photography to map giant petrel nests, repeatedly evaluate chick survival and quantify-associated physical and biological characteristics of the landscape at two neighboring breeding sites on Humble Island and Elephant Rocks, along the western Antarctic Peninsula in January–March 2020. Nest sites occurred in areas with relatively high elevations, gentle slopes, and high wind exposure, and statistical models predicted suitable nest-site locations based on local spatial characteristics, explaining 72.8% of deviance at these sites. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of drones as a tool to identify, map, and monitor seabird nests, and to quantify important habitat associations that may constitute species preferences or sensitivities. These may, in turn, contextualize some of the diverse population trajectories observed for this species throughout the changing Antarctic environment.
Evaluating the predictive value of late gadolinium enhancement assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance on sudden cardiac death in patients selected for implantable cardioverter defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization therapy implantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Masszi Richárd , Zsigmond Előd-János , Ehrenberger Réka , Turan Caner , Fehérvári Péter , Teutsch Brigitta , Molnár Zsolt , Drobni Zsófia , Vágó Hajnalka , Hegyi Péter , Merkely Béla , Kosztin Annamária
Published: April 2024

Aims

Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can evaluate myocardial scar associated with a higher risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD), which can guide the selection between cardiac resynchronization therapy with or without a defibrillator (CRT-P/CRT-D). Our aim was to investigate the association between LGE and SCD risk in patients with CRT using the LGE-CMR technique.

Methods and results

We performed a systematic literature search using four databases. The target population was CRT candidates. The primary endpoint was SCD. The risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool.

Fifteen eligible articles were included with a total of 2494 patients, of whom 27%, 56%, and 19% had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), CRT-D, and CRT-P, respectively. Altogether, 54.71% of the cohort was LGE positive, who had a 72% higher risk for SCD (HR 1.72; 95% CI 1.18–2.50) compared to LGE negatives. In non-ischemic patients, the proportion of LGE positivity was 46.6%, with a significantly higher risk for SCD as compared to LGE negatives (HR 2.42; 95% CI 1.99–2.94). The subgroup of CRT-only patients showed no difference between the LGE-positive vs. negative candidates (HR 1.17; 95% CI 0.82–1.68). Comparable SCD risk was observed between articles with short- (OR 7.47; 95% CI 0.54–103.12) vs. long-term (OR 6.15; 95% CI 0.96–39.45) follow-up time.

Conclusion

LGE-CMR positivity was associated with an increased SCD risk; however, in CRT candidates, the difference in risk reduction between LGE positive vs. negative patients was statistically not significant, suggesting a role of reverse remodeling. LGE-CMR before device implantation could be crucial in identifying high-risk patients even in non-ischemic etiology.

Graphical abstract
The role of coronary artery disease in lung transplantation: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Lüsebrink Enzo , Gade Nils , Seifert Paula , Ceelen Felix , Veit Tobias , Fohrer Fabian , Hoffmann Sabine , Höpler Julia , Binzenhöfer Leonhard , Roden Daniel , Saleh Inas , Lanz Hugo , Michel Sebastian , Schneider Christian , Irlbeck Michael , Tomasi Roland , Hatz Rudolf , Hausleiter Jörg , Hagl Christian , Magnussen Christina , Meder Benjamin , Zimmer Sebastian , Luedike Peter , Schäfer Andreas , Orban Martin , Milger Katrin , Behr Jürgen , Massberg Steffen , Kneidinger Nikolaus
Published: April 2024

Background and aims

Candidate selection for lung transplantation (LuTx) is pivotal to ensure individual patient benefit as well as optimal donor organ allocation. The impact of coronary artery disease (CAD) on post-transplant outcomes remains controversial. We provide comprehensive data on the relevance of CAD for short- and long-term outcomes following LuTx and identify risk factors for mortality.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all adult patients (≥ 18 years) undergoing primary and isolated LuTx between January 2000 and August 2021 at the LMU University Hospital transplant center. Using 1:1 propensity score matching, 98 corresponding pairs of LuTx patients with and without relevant CAD were identified.

Results

Among 1,003 patients having undergone LuTx, 104 (10.4%) had relevant CAD at baseline. There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality (8.2% vs. 8.2%, p > 0.999) as well as overall survival (HR 0.90, 95%CI [0.61, 1.32], p = 0.800) between matched CAD and non-CAD patients. Similarly, cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (7.1% CAD vs. 2.0% non-CAD, p = 0.170), revascularization by percutaneous coronary intervention (5.1% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.212), and stroke (2.0% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.279), did not differ statistically between both matched groups. 7.1% in the CAD group and 2.0% in the non-CAD group (p = 0.078) died from cardiovascular causes. Cox regression analysis identified age at transplantation (HR 1.02, 95%CI [1.01, 1.04], p < 0.001), elevated bilirubin (HR 1.33, 95%CI [1.15, 1.54], p < 0.001), obstructive lung disease (HR 1.43, 95%CI [1.01, 2.02], p = 0.041), decreased forced vital capacity (HR 0.99, 95%CI [0.99, 1.00], p = 0.042), necessity of reoperation (HR 3.51, 95%CI [2.97, 4.14], p < 0.001) and early transplantation time (HR 0.97, 95%CI [0.95, 0.99], p = 0.001) as risk factors for all-cause mortality, but not relevant CAD (HR 0.96, 95%CI [0.71, 1.29], p = 0.788). Double lung transplant was associated with lower all-cause mortality (HR 0.65, 95%CI [0.52, 0.80], p < 0.001), but higher in-hospital mortality (OR 2.04, 95%CI [1.04, 4.01], p = 0.039).

Conclusion

In this cohort, relevant CAD was not associated with worse outcomes and should therefore not be considered a contraindication for LuTx. Nonetheless, cardiovascular events in CAD patients highlight the necessity of control of cardiovascular risk factors and a structured cardiac follow-up.
Triggering antibacterial activity of a common plant by biosorption of selected heavy metals
Authors: Kováčová Mária , Bodnár Yankovych Halyna , Augustyniak Adrian , Casas-Luna Mariano , Remešová Michaela , Findoráková Lenka , Stahorský Martin , Čelko Ladislav , Baláž Matej
Published: April 2024

The presented study proposes an efficient utilization of a common Thymus serpyllum L. (wild thyme) plant as a highly potent biosorbent of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions and the efficient interaction of the copper-laden plant with two opportunistic bacteria. Apart from biochars that are commonly used for adsorption, here we report the direct use of native plant, which is potentially interesting also for soil remediation. The highest adsorption capacity for Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions (qe = 12.66 and 53.13 mg g−1, respectively) was achieved after 10 and 30 min of adsorption, respectively. Moreover, the Cu-laden plant was shown to be an efficient antibacterial agent against the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the results being slightly better in the former case. Such an activity is enabled only via the interaction of the adsorbed ions effectively distributed within the biological matrix of the plant with bacterial cells. Thus, the sustainable resource can be used both for the treatment of wastewater and, after an effective embedment of metal ions, for the fight against microbes.

Graphical abstract
Characterization of the oral microbiota and the relationship of the oral microbiota with the dental and periodontal status in children and adolescents with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate. Systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Escobar-Arregocés Francina , Eras Mayra-Alexandra , Bustos Andrea , Suárez-Castillo Angela , García-Robayo Dabeiba-Adriana , del Pilar Bernal Maria
Published: April 2024

Objective

To identify the characteristics of the oral microbiota and the relationship of the dental caries and periodontal status in patients aged 0 to 18 years with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (CLP).

Materials and methods

A systematic review of the literature was carried out. Five databases were consulted, including publications in English, Spanish and Portuguese. The evaluations of the quality of the observational studies and the experimental studies were carried out with the Newcastle–Ottawa scale and CONSORT guidelines, respectively. The risk of bias of the studies was determined using Rev Manager 5.4, and 5 publications were meta-analyzed.

Results

The cariogenic microbiota of children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate was similar to that of children without clefts, although with higher counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp. The periodontopathogenic microbiota was related to the presence of Campylobacter spp, Fusobacterium spp, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens, Parvimonas micra and Porphyromonas gingivalis, considered microorganisms with high pathogenic capacity. Heterogeneity was shown in relation to the microbiota and the type of fissure, presenting numerous microorganisms associated with the pre- and post-surgical condition (cheilorrhaphy and palatorrhaphy) such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus beta hemolyticus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca, Moraxella catarrhalis, Candida spp, Candida albicans, Candida krusei and Candida tropicalis. The meta-analysis revealed that patients with cleft lip and palate were 2.03 times more likely to have caries than the control group (p<0.005).

Conclusion

In the microbiota, there was a great diversity of microorganisms that can vary according to the type of fissure and surgical interventions predisposing patients to a greater probability of dental caries, it is important to take into account the technique used to describe the oral microbiota in order to be able to compare the different studies.

Clinical relevance

Studying the microbiota and the relationship of dental caries and periodontal status in children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate can facilitate the comprehensive care of patients with these conditions.
Genetic aspects of ataxias in a cohort of Turkish patients
Authors: Gogus Basak , Elmas Muhsin , Turk Boru Ulku
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Ataxia is one of the clinical findings of the movement disorder disease group. Although there are many underlying etiological reasons, genetic etiology has an increasing significance thanks to the recently developing technology. The aim of this study is to present the variants detected in WES analysis excluding non-genetic causes, in patients with ataxia.

Methods

Thirty-six patients who were referred to us with findings of ataxia and diagnosed through WES or other molecular genetic analysis methods were included in our study. At the same time, information such as the onset time of the complaints, consanguinity status between parents, and the presence of relatives with similar symptoms were evaluated. If available, the patient’s biochemical and radiological test results were presented.

Results

Thirty-six patients were diagnosed through WES or CES. The rate of detected autosomal recessive inheritance disease was 80.5%, while that of autosomal dominant inheritance disease was 19.5%. Abnormal cerebellum was detected on brain MRI images in 26 patients, while polyneuropathy was detected on EMG in eleven of them. While the majority of the patients were compatible with similar cases reported in the literature, five patients had different/additional features (variants in MCM3AP, AGTPBP1, GDAP2, and SH3TC2 genes).

Conclusions

The diagnosis of ataxia patients with unknown etiology is made possible thanks to these clues. Consideration of a genetic approach is recommended in patients with ataxia of unknown etiology.
Ability of NAD and Sirt1 to epigenetically suppress albuminuria
Authors: Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Tamaki Masanori , Shibata Eriko , Inagaki Taizo , Minato Masanori , Yamaguchi Sumiyo , Shimizu Ikuko , Miyakami Shinji , Tada Miho , Wakino Shu
Published: April 2024

The time for diabetic nephropathy (DN) to progress from mild to severe is long. Thus, methods to continuously repress DN are required to exert long-lasting effects mediated through epigenetic regulation. In this study, we demonstrated the ability of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and its metabolites to reduce albuminuria through Sirt1- or Nampt-dependent epigenetic regulation. We previously reported that proximal tubular Sirt1 was lowered before glomerular Sirt1. Repressed glomerular Sirt1 was found to epigenetically elevate Claudin-1. In addition, we reported that proximal tubular Nampt deficiency epigenetically augmented TIMP-1 levels in Sirt6-mediated pathways, leading to type-IV collagen deposition and diabetic fibrosis. Altogether, we propose that the Sirt1/Claudin-1 axis may be crucial in the onset of albuminuria at the early stages of DN and that the Nampt/Sirt6/TIMP-1 axis promotes diabetic fibrosis in the middle to late stages of DN. Finally, administration of NMN, an NAD precursor, epigenetically potentiates the regression of the onset of DN to maintain Sirt1 and repress Claudin-1 in podocytes, suggesting the potential use of NAD metabolites as epigenetic medications for DN.
Modelling antecedent soil hydrological conditions to improve the prediction of landslide susceptibility in typhoon-prone regions
Authors: Abancó Clàudia , Asurza Flavio Alexander , Medina Vicente , Hürlimann Marcel , Bennett Georgina L.
Published: April 2024

Most regional landslide susceptibility models do not consider the evolving soil hydrological conditions leading up to a multiple occurrence regional landslide event. This results in inaccurate predictions due to the non-linear behaviour of the terrain. To address this, we have developed a simple and efficient model that incorporates the mid-term evolution of soil hydrological conditions. The model combines a water balance model and a geotechnical model based on infinite slope theory. The analysis of 561 high-intensity rainfall events in a typhoon-prone region of the Philippines revealed that the percolation of water during the 5-month wet season is crucial in determining landslide susceptibility. Consequently, high-intensity rainfall events at the start of the wet season are less likely to trigger landslides, while later events are more hazardous. We analysed the change in landslide susceptibility during the 2018 rainy season by comparing the probability of failure (PoF) before and after three high-intensity rainfall events (July, August and September). Only the event in September caused a significant increase in the probability of failure (PoF). The model showed an accuracy of 0.63, with stable cells better represented than unstable cells. The antecedent hydrological conditions on the lower soil layers are responsible for changes in landslide susceptibility. Our findings support the hypothesis that new approaches to developing hydro-meteorological thresholds for landslide early warning systems should be evaluated, especially in regions with strong seasonality.
Motives of Therapists for Using Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) and How it is Used by Them in Clinical Practice: Two Qualitative Studies
Authors: Azizian Kia Shaghayegh , Wittkampf Lisette , van Lankeren Jacobine , Janse Pauline
Published: April 2024

Despite its demonstrated value, many mental health institutions struggle to implement progress feedback effectively. There is also insufficient information about how therapists utilize progress feedback. To gain more insight, two qualitative studies were conducted. The first study compared the attitudes and motives of therapists who used and those who did not use progress feedback. The second study examined how psychologists incorporated progress feedback into their practice. In total, 23 therapists were interviewed, and the data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The first study found that almost all the therapists had a positive attitude about progress feedback. Those who did not use it indicated reasons such as a heavy workload and patient-related factors, and they also lacked sufficient information about the potential benefits of progress feedback. The second study revealed four major ways in which the therapists utilized feedback, namely: supporting actions to discuss progress feedback, discussing progress feedback with patients, modifications in the ongoing treatment, and peer consultation. However, discussions during peer consultations about using progress feedback for patients who were not benefitting from treatment and how the treatment might be adjusted accordingly were often lacking. In conclusion, it is crucial that training and education be provided to therapists on how to use progress feedback effectively. Having regular discussions about progress feedback during peer consultations could also facilitate its integration into clinical practice.
Symbiosexual Attraction: An Integrated Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Johnston Sally W.
Published: April 2024

A recent review of cultural and academic discourse presented evidence that some people experience attraction to two (or more) people in a preexisting relationship. This phenomenon, symbiosexuality, is understudied in the field of sexuality. Lack of recognition and validation for this attraction, including in the polyamorous community, may be negatively impacting those who experience symbiosexual attraction. I conducted an integrated mixed-methods analysis of secondary data from the 2023 The Pleasure Study to learn more about symbiosexual attraction. Findings from this study support the hypothesis that people experience symbiosexual attraction, which they describe as an attraction to the energy, multidimensionality, and power shared between people in relationships. Further, findings from this study indicate that a diverse group of people experience symbiosexual attraction and, while unanticipated, symbiosexual attraction can be a strong, frequent, and/or pervasive experience. These findings push the boundaries of the concepts of desire and sexual orientation in sexuality studies and challenge the ongoing invisibility and invalidation of and stigma and discrimination against such attractions, within both the polyamorous community and our broader mononormative culture.
The Influence of Religious Identification on Strategic Green Marketing Orientation
Authors: Casidy Riza , Arli Denni , Tan Lay Peng
Published: April 2024

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in the green economy due to their significant environmental footprint. Because more than 84% of the world’s population identifies with a religion, most SME top-executives are likely to identify with a religion that would influence their decision-making. Despite these recent advances, prior studies have focused on SMEs’ external drivers and did not consider the role of internal drivers, such as the characteristics of SMEs’ top-executives, in influencing green marketing strategy. We aim to address this gap by focusing on religious identification as a key driver of green marketing by SMEs. Specifically, we examine the effects of top-executives’ religious identification on strategic green marketing orientation (SGMO), and how such effects are moderated by political ideology. Using respondents comprised of CEO and/or owner-managers of SMEs in the US, the results show empirical evidence supporting the importance of religious identification in influencing green marketing decisions. Moreover, we found that the effects of religious identification on SGMO are more pronounced among top-executives with Conservative ideology.
Gender-Based Violence and Carceral Feminism in Australia: Towards Decarceral Approaches
Authors: Loney-Howes Rachel , Longbottom Marlene , Fileborn Bianca
Published: April 2024

This article explores the limitations of criminal legal responses to gender-based violence in Australia, specifically sexual assault law reforms and the criminalisation of coercive control. We demonstrate that carceral horizons deployed to address gender-based violence cause further harm to survivors and overshadow diverse perceptions and practices of justice. We suggest that such an approach is inappropriate and dangerous in the Australian context, given the historical and enduring harms of colonisation and the extent to which the actors within and the structure of the criminal legal system perpetrate violence towards Indigenous survivors of gender-based violence. Drawing on insights from research on survivors’ justice needs, survivors’ experiences in the criminal legal system, and abolitionist, transformative, and Indigenous scholarship, we discuss the potential for alternative ways of conceptualising justice responses in the Australian context that move beyond and avoid further perpetuating the harms arising from criminal legal responses to gender-based violence.
The Contribution of Willingness to Communicate to L2 Learners’ Depth of Vocabulary Knowledge: An Empirical Study
Authors: Heidari Kamal
Published: April 2024

The issues of depth vocabulary knowledge and Willingness to Communicate (henceforth, WTC) are among the most important issues in second language learning. The present study set out to empirically look into the contribution of WTC to depth of vocabulary knowledge in L2 learning. To this end, 88 English L2 learners, divided into two groups in terms of their WTC, were given two depth vocabulary tests. The Word Association Test (WAT) was first administered to make a comparison between the depth vocabulary knowledge of the two WTC groups. Then, to triangulate the results, the Word Part Levels Test (WPLT) was administered to check whether the obtained results confirmed those of WAT. Analyzing data through independent t-test and MANOVA indicated that learners with higher levels of WTC had deeper vocabulary knowledge than those with lower levels of WTC on the WAT. Further, the triangulation results evinced that although the two groups did not differ significantly on the form-section and meaning-section of the WPLT, they significantly differed on the use-section of the test. The relevant pedagogical implications of the study are discussed.
Investigation of pin and perforated heatsink cooling efficiency and temperature distribution
Authors: Göksu Taha Tuna
Published: April 2024

The uneven temperature distribution resulting from thermal stresses in heat sinks is a significant issue in modern electronic devices. This numerical investigation utilizes fluid to analyze the cooling, flow, and heat transfer characteristics of eight different heat sink designs. These include pin–fin heat sinks with circular, triangular, square, and hexagonal cross-sections, as well as their perforated versions. The results show that the thermal resistance range for all geometries was between Rth = 0.29 and 0.51 K W−1. The circular cross-section pin structure was found to be the most efficient in terms of thermal resistance, while the triangular perforated structure was the least efficient. The narrow and low temperature distribution indicates a high cooling potential for the heat sink. It has been observed that the temperature range studied is between 308.732 and 315.273 K. The circular cross-section pin structure is most efficient in terms of homogeneous distribution between 308.73 and 311.306 K. The pin-type structure with a square cross-section attained the maximum Performance Evaluation Criteria (PEC) of 1.1872 at P = 689 Pa, while the pin-type structure with a triangular cross-section attained the lowest PEC of 0.67 at P = 2750 Pa. The investigation revealed that, in relation to PEC, perforated structures had superior performance compared to other pin designs, except for the square-section pin structure. This research found that measuring the efficiency of a heat sink based just on thermal resistance or average temperature distribution is not enough; the PEC criteria must also be taken into account.
NCAPH serves as a prognostic factor and promotes the tumor progression in glioma through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Liang Jianshen , Yun Debo , Jin Wenzhe , Fan Jikang , Wang Xuya , Wang Xisen , Li Yiming , Yu Shengping , Zhang Chen , Li Tao , Yang Xuejun
Published: April 2024

Non-SMC (Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes) condensin I complex subunit H (NCAPH) has been shown to facilitate progression and predict adverse prognostic outcome in many cancer types. However, the function of NCAPH in gliomas is still unclear. Series of experiments were taken to uncover the function of NCAPH in glioma. The expression of NCAPH and potential mechanism regulating progression of glioma was verified by bioinformatics analysis. Lentiviral transfection was used for establishment of loss-of-function and gain-of-function cell lines. CCK-8 assay and Colony-formation assay were used to evaluate proliferation. Transwell assay and Cell wound healing assay were used to assess migration and invasion. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Protein and RNA were quantified by WB and RT-PCR, respectively. The nude mice model of glioma was used to evaluate the effect of NCAPH in vivo. The expression of NCAPH increased significantly in glioma tissues and correlated with WHO grade, IDH wild-type and non-1p/19q codeletion. Glioma patients with high expression of NCAPH had an undesirable prognosis. Functionally, upregulated NCAPH promotes the malignant hallmarks of glioma cells in vivo and in vitro. NCAPH correlated with DNA damage repair ability of glioma cells and facilitated the proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma cells by promoting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study identifies the important pro-tumor role of NCAPH in glioma and suggests that NCAPH is a potential therapeutic target.