bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecosystem approach of artificial reef through trophic web modelling
Authors: Raoux A , Salaun J , Pezy J P , Pioch S , Dauvin J C
Published: August 2022

Along the French coast of the Atlantic and English Channel in a high tidal regime, only a limited number of Artificial Reefs (ARs) had been immerged in very few localities in the aim to increase the local production of fisheries of such hard artificial substratum. Moreover, ARs design have been planned to increase the diversity, abundance and biomass of benthic species associated to hard-bottom. Does the deployment of such artificial structure improve the production and ecological functioning on such equipped areas? Trophic models describing the interaction between species at different trophic levels and based on the quantification of energy flow and matter in ecosystems are able to respond to this question. They allow the application of numerical methods for the characterization of emergent properties of the ecosystem, also called Ecological Network Analysis (ENA). Usually, these indices have been proposed as ecosystem health indicators as they have been demonstrated to be sensitive to different impacts on marine ecosystems. Here, Ecopath ecosystem models composed of 23 compartments, from phytoplankton to mammals, are built to describe the situation “Before” and “After” the implantation of ARs in two areas: the Rade of Cherbourg in the central part of the English Channel along the French coast, and in the south of the Bay of Biscay along the Landes coast. In addition, ENA indices are calculated for the two periods, “before” and “after” the implantation of artificial reefs to compare network functioning and the overall structural trophic web properties. In both areas, increase of benthic and fish compartments insure an increase of the system maturity; nevertheless, the high surge of planktinovorous fishes on the Landes AR showed a protection role of such AR than changes of planktonic preys.
Effectiveness of ecomodules in increasing aquatic biodiversity and bioproductivity in a port environment.
Authors: Paalvast P , Wolf R , Faasse M
Published: August 2022

In early spring of 2018, so called ecomodules were attached to support piles of jetties within the polyhaline part of the port of Rotterdam. The objective of the ecomodules is to increase bioproductivity and biodiversity of the port basins and waterways, by ‘greening’ nautical infrastructure structures, which would otherwise support few species. An ecomodule consists of a coated steel construction of 1 meter wide and 4 meters high to which elements of structural diversity that facilitate the settlement and growth of organisms can be attached. About a quarter of the ecomodule protrudes above the water level at low tide, the other part is permanently under water. Five different types (I to V) of ecomodules have been tested. Ecomodules with: (I, cups, reference) tidal cups and a subtidal concrete reference slab, (II, ropes) used nylon hawsers with a diameter of 12 cm, (III, drainage pipes) drainage pipes sheathed with polypropylene with a diameter of 12,5 cm, (IV, fender hulas) bundles of thin nylon threads (untangled used hawsers), and (V roots) strands with 3 mm thick nylon strings with a length of 40 cm each. Monitoring of the ecomodules took place in the summers of 2018 and 2019.

The biofouling on all ecomodules was zonate both inter- and subtidal. Different types of seaweed were found of which Ulva spec. occurred on all ecomodules while the large seaweed Fucus vesiculosus (Bladder wrack) only occurred on type II and IV. Amongst the macrofauna some groups/species clearly (co-)dominated the different types of ecomodules: barnacles and Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oysters) on type I, ascidians on type I, II, III and IV, hydrozoans on type II, III and V, bryozoans on type IV, while with a coverage of nearly 100% Mytilus edulis (Blue mussel) dominated type V.

The ecomodules with elements of structural diversity vs the concrete reference plate scored higher on both biodiversity and bioproductivity. The total number of macrofaunal species found on the ecomodules ranged from 23 to 39 in order from lowest to highest number on respectively type, I (concrete reference plate), IV, V, II, III. The wet biomass on the ecomodules ranged from 5225 gr.m-2 to 80096 gr.m-2 in order from lowest to highest weight on respectively type, I (concrete reference plate), IV, III, II, V.

We conclude that ecomodules can be an effective means to increase biodiversity and biomass in an aquatic environment consisting to a large extent of artificial structures, such as a port. An ideal ecomodule was designed based on the findings of the experiment and will be applied to mooring posts in a new project.
Effects of material composition and face block exposure on the long-term (2014-2018) colonisation of an intertidal RECIF Artificial Reef in the Bay of Seine
Authors: Dauvin J C , Deloor M , Pezy J P , Raoux A , Claquin P , Foveau A
Published: August 2022

An experimental artificial reef (AR) with the incorporation of crushed seashells of the queen scallop Aequipecten opercularis was initiated on the intertidal zone of the Bay of Seine in the framework of the INTERREG IVa RECIF project for a everyone year monitoring observations from March 2014 to April 2018. Three block types were operated: eco-friendly material with 20% or 40% of crushed queen scallop shells, and ordinary concrete made from natural aggregates. On the seven blocks analysed at the end of the experiment in 2018, 74 taxa including 32 sessile and 42 motile fauna have been accounted; no difference of taxonomic richness was observed between material and immersion time. The sessile fauna was identified for the six external faces of two blocks aged of four years: horizontal above face (FAB), horizontal below Face (FBE), face oriented offshore (FOF), face oriented inshore (FIN), vertical face oriented west (FEW) and vertical face oriented east (FEA). FBE showed higher taxonomic richness and abundance than the other block faces. FAB exposed to the light showed the lowest abundances. Our observations showed the efficiency of such AR on the intertidal zone accessible at each spring tide, which was easier to survey than in the subtidal zone, where divers must be mobilised to sample blocks.
Enhancing marine coastal biodiversity in Normandy: towards a new species signalling network using Artificial Structures
Authors: Pezy J P , Raoux A , Boisserie R , Dauvin J C
Published: August 2022

Non-Indigenous Species (NIS) are a threat to native biodiversity and ecosystem services. The European seas are known to be the recipient of several hundreds of NIS due two main origins: shipping and aquaculture. They are the focus of Descriptor 2 of good environmental status in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. 153 NNS had been recorded along the Normandy coast in 2018. Marinas are priority sites for monitoring, being ‘hotspots’ for the NIS occurrence. The aim of the ENBIMANOR project was to study and compare the composition and the hard-bottom macrofauna including the NIS prevalence in marinas along the Normandy coast (from Granville to Dieppe-Le Tréport) focusing primarily on mobile and benthic invertebrates. A total of 19 marinas were surveyed during two years (2018-2020). At each harbour, nine settlements panels (acting as artificial reef) were immerged at a depth of 1.50 m. Every quarter, at each site, a settlement panel was replaced and the species colonising the panel were identified. The analysis revealed higher taxonomic richness in marinas open to the sea or with high salinity than in closed marinas or with low salinity. Results highlighted that each marina has its own species composition. This survey identified more than one hundred taxa, including known NIS species such as the amphipod Monocorophium acherusicum and M. sextonae, the ascidians Perophora japonica and Stylea clava, and detect four new NIS for the Normandy waters (Aoroides longimerus, A. curvipes, Paranthura japonica and Ianiropsis serricaudis). Our study shows the need to continue the census of NIS and to evaluate their impacts on the artificial hard-bottom structures in marine coastal ecosystem on two major zones: the intertidal zone and the marina/harbours waters.
The involvement of actors in the English Channel through a socio-ecological approach applied to artificial reefs
Authors: Salaün J , Pioch S , Dauvin J C
Published: August 2022

For more than fifty years, Artificial Reefs (AR) have been deployed in France to respond to the decline in fish stocks with a high deployment on the Mediterranean coast. However, from 40 sites listed, less than a quarter have not been the subject of any known published ecological or socio-economic monitoring reports, over the past five years. The lack of data on the evaluation of these structures therefore raises questions about their interest, both from an ecological and social point of view. By relying on the theory of organizations and more specifically on the translation resulting from the sociology of innovation applied to the environment, we will develop an original socio-ecological approach intended to meet this need for evaluation, in particular for managers. Based on two case studies on the coasts of the French Channel (Etretat and Cherbourg), we will highlight the interests and roles of human and non-human actors in an AR immersion process. The analysis will highlight the social and ecological objectives of these two projects from an analytical framework designed to verify the adequacy between the socio-ecological network "artificial reefs" formed and the objectives initially expected by the actors, especially decision-makers and funders. The limits posed by these approaches to improve the evaluation of artificial reefs will finally be discussed.
A Review of the Ecosystem Services Provided by the Native Oyster (Ostrea edulis): Implications for Restoration
Authors: Thomas S , Collins K , Hauton C , Jensen A
Published: August 2022

Native oyster (Ostrea edulis) habitat has been decimated across the majority of its natural range as a result of human activity. In recent decades, oyster restoration projects have gathered increasing support due to their potential to provide ecosystem services that offset increasing pressure from human development, resource demand, and also climate change. These ecosystem services are reviewed here, so as to inform the potential benefit of restoration projects. Ecosystem services can be divided into four categories: provisioning services through direct utilisation of oysters and the species they support, regulating services that help maintain a healthy environment, habitat services that benefit biodiversity, and cultural services that can influence tourism and wider cultural values. Ecosystem services are often interlinked in complex networks, though these can be linked back to two overarching ecosystem functions, stemming from either the filter feeding activity of oysters, or the physical reef structure that they provide. The MARINEFF oyster enhancement reefs installed in the Solent, September 2020, are intended to support the extensive Solent Oyster Restoration Project initiated by the Blue Marine Foundation. The expectation is that they will facilitate both oyster settlement and the release of larvae for the repopulation of the Solent system. This may contribute to the recovery of ecosystem services mentioned in this review. It is important to note however that there is a lack of baseline data for native oysters, and the ecosystem service values they provide are poorly constrained, meaning that ecosystem service estimates are derived largely from other species of oyster. This inhibits our ability to accurately calculate and model natural capital provided by native oysters, highlighting the necessity for further research so as to inform management and restoration targets.
Mineralogical and microtextural characterization of eco-friendly concrete for marine infrastructures: Methodologies for the MARINEFF Project
Authors: Ramos V , Andersen J C , Rollinson G K
Published: August 2022

The European cross-border Project MARINEFF explores the use of eco-friendly concrete materials in the construction of marine structures (oyster bed modules, dykes, boat moorings and rockpools). The structures and materials are designed to protect and improve the local biodiversity of the marine environment of the Channel / La Manche. This paper focuses on the mineralogical and microtextural characterization of the concrete materials. The aim is to introduce how advanced analytical methods have been employed to gain an understanding of the evolution of the materials, in particular their response to immersion into the sea. Our methods include the traditional techniques for examining concrete materials (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction), but also introduces the benefits of mineralogical methods that go beyond the current “state-of-the-art” (automated scanning electron microscopy by QEMSCAN®, electron-probe microanalysis). Our results offer detailed insight into the controls on the compositional and structural evolution of the materials.
Marine Biofilm effect on mortar surface layer.
Authors: Georges M , Bourguiba A , Maestracci B , Gascoin S , Goux D , Chateigner D , Boutouil M
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of biofilm development on the surface layer of a mortar. This work aims at understanding the modifications occurred within the cementitious matrix such as its composition as its microstructure following the bio-colonization. These properties were studied after 360 days of immersion in two immersion media (Artificial Seawater (AS) and Natural Seawater (NS)) using ATG/DTG, XRD analyses and SEM observations. It was found that the biofilm caused the dissolution of the portlandite deeper than when the mortar was not colonized (AS medium). Moreover, a strong carbonation was observed in the first millimeters of the matrix. Two polymorphs of calcium carbonate were particularly identified. Aragonite is the dominant form present on the surface of the mortar immersed in NS. Calcite and magnesian calcite were also observed but after bio-colonization of the mortar. Thus, the development and the biological activity of the biofilm seems to modify the properties of the mortar and could control the precipitation of calcium carbonates on its surface.
Preliminary evidence of early Reef Cube® enhancements to mobile benthic ecosystems
Authors: Hickling S J S , Murphy J A J
Published: August 2022

Reef Cubes® are ecological engineering units, intended to restore biodiversity while serving functions to marine engineers. Ecological engineering must be backed by quantitative scientific evidence. Here, preliminary results of the Reef Enhancement for Fisheries at Aquaculture Sites (REFAS) project are presented. 11 Clusters of Reef Cubes® were deployed in June 2021. Sampling was undertaken before and after in the Spring and Autumn of 2021, in daylight and at night-time. Guided Baited Remote Underwater Video Station (BRUVS) surveys were completed with a modified BlueROV2. All mobile benthic and demersal species were identified during a 30-minute window and quantified in terms of Max-N. Biodiversity indices, rarefaction curves and multivariate community compositions were compared at reef and non-reef sites before and after build. Average species richness, Pielou’s evenness, Simpson’s and Shannon’s indices were similar between reef and non-reef sites. Seasonal increases of total abundance and total species were found, and these were significantly greater at reef sites. There were also significant differences in the community compositions of the reef and non-reef sites that were not observed before the build. These results are significant for the implications of using Reef Cubes® and indicate that Reef Cubes® could be a potential tool for biodiversity remediation.
Sutureless transplantation of in vivo priming human mesenchymal stem cell sheet promotes the therapeutic potential for cardiac repair
Authors: Choi Andrew , Kim Hyeok , Han Hyeonseok , Park Jae-Hyun , Kim Jin-Ju , Sim Woo-Sup , Lee Seong Jin , Ban Kiwon , Park Hun-Jun , Kim Dong Sung
Published: August 2022

The heart, contrary to its small size, vigorously pumps oxygen and nutrients to our entire body indeterminably; and thus, its dysfunction could be devastating. Until now, there ave been several major obstacles to applying a cardiac patch for the treatment for myocardial infarction, including poor integration and low engraftment rates, due to the highly-curved surface of the heart and its dynamic nature. Here, we demonstrate a novel way for a comprehensive cardiac repair achieved by the sutureless transplantation of a highly integrable in vivo priming bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) sheet based on the utilization of a highly aligned thermoresponsive nanofiber membrane. Moreover, we developed a BMSC sheet specialized for vascular regeneration through ‘in-vivo priming’ using human umbilical vein endothelial cells. A prolonged secretion of multiple angiogenic cytokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, angiopoietin-1, insulin-like growth factor-1, which was observed in vitro from the specialized BMSC sheet seemed to lead a significant improvement in the cardiac function, including intrinsic contractibility and remodeling. In this study, we provide strong evidence that in vivo priming of a human BMSC sheet develops the therapeutic potential for cardiac repair.
Noisy quantum computation modeled by quantum walk: universality without ancillas
Authors: Feldman Noa , Goldstein Moshe
Published: August 2022

The universal quantum-walk-based quantum computation model by Childs has opened the door for a new way of studying the limitations and advantages of quantum computation, as well as for its intermediate-term simulation. In recent years, the growing interest in noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) computers has lead to intense efforts being directed at understanding the computational advantages of open quantum systems. In this work, we extend the quantum walk model to open noisy systems in order to provide such a tool for the study of NISQ computers. Our method does not use explicit purification, and allows to ignore the environment degrees of freedom and obtain a much more efficient implementation (linear rather than exponential in the runtime), which employs no ancillas, hence provides direct access to the entanglement properties of the system. In our scheme, the quantum walk amplitudes represent elements of the density matrix rather than the wavefunction of a pure state. Despite the non-trivial manifestation of the normalization requirement in this setting, we model the application of general unitary gates and nonunitary channels, with an explicit implementation protocol for channels that are commonly used in noise models.
Bridging the quantum divides: a chance to repair classic(al) mistakes?
Authors: Ten Holter Carolyn , Inglesant Philip , Srivastava Rupesh , Jirotka Marina
Published: August 2022

Classical computing, which has transformed the world in unprecedented ways, has not always been deployed in ways that prioritise ethical values such as fairness, justice, and equity. The Western-focused, Silicon-Valley-centric 21st-century-computing model creates digital ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. Quantum computers promise to be exponentially more powerful than classical computers for some classically hard problems, potentially transforming application areas such as chemistry, drug discovery, and machine learning. However, if access and control over quantum computing is not shared equitably, then this may serve to amplify existing inequalities and create even deeper divides. Here we consider some of the possible implications for responsible quantum computing, looking ahead to ways in which the rollout of quantum computing could centre ethical principles such as fairness and equity, in order to prevent the mistakes of the ‘classical-only’ past. The issues raised in this paper will be of interest to those engaged in quantum computing research and to those concerned with the societal implications of this major new technology.
Learning tree structures from leaves for particle decay reconstruction
Authors: Kahn James , Tsaklidis Ilias , Taubert Oskar , Reuter Lea , Dujany Giulio , Boeckh Tobias , Thaller Arthur , Goldenzweig Pablo , Bernlochner Florian , Streit Achim , Götz Markus
Published: August 2022

In this work, we present a neural approach to reconstructing rooted tree graphs describing hierarchical interactions, using a novel representation we term the lowest common ancestor generations (LCAG) matrix. This compact formulation is equivalent to the adjacency matrix, but enables learning a tree’s structure from its leaves alone without the prior assumptions required if using the adjacency matrix directly. Employing the LCAG therefore enables the first end-to-end trainable solution which learns the hierarchical structure of varying tree sizes directly, using only the terminal tree leaves to do so. In the case of high-energy particle physics, a particle decay forms a hierarchical tree structure of which only the final products can be observed experimentally, and the large combinatorial space of possible trees makes an analytic solution intractable. We demonstrate the use of the LCAG as a target in the task of predicting simulated particle physics decay structures using both a Transformer encoder and a neural relational inference encoder graph neural network. With this approach, we are able to correctly predict the LCAG purely from leaf features for a maximum tree-depth of 8 in

92.5
%

of cases for trees up to 6 leaves (including) and

59.7
%

for trees up to 10 in our simulated dataset.
Emotion dynamics as hierarchical Bayesian inference in time
Authors: Majumdar Gargi , Yazin Fahd , Banerjee Arpan , Roy Dipanjan
Published: August 2022

What fundamental property of our environment would be most valuable and optimal in characterizing the emotional dynamics we experience in daily life? Empirical work has shown that an accurate estimation of uncertainty is necessary for our optimal perception, learning, and decision-making. However, the role of this uncertainty in governing our affective dynamics remains unexplored. Using Bayesian encoding, decoding and computational modeling, on a large-scale neuroimaging and behavioral data on a passive movie-watching task, we showed that emotions naturally arise due to ongoing uncertainty estimations about future outcomes in a hierarchical neural architecture. Several prefrontal subregions hierarchically encoded a lower-dimensional signal that highly correlated with the evolving uncertainty. Crucially, the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) tracked the temporal fluctuations of this uncertainty and was predictive of the participants’ predisposition to anxiety. Furthermore, we observed a distinct functional double-dissociation within OFC with increased connectivity between medial OFC and DMN, while with that of lOFC and FPN in response to the evolving affect. Finally, we uncovered a temporally predictive code updating an individual’s beliefs spontaneously with fluctuating outcome uncertainty in the lOFC. A biologically relevant and computationally crucial parameter in the theories of brain function, we propose uncertainty to be central to the definition of complex emotions.
Influenza vaccination strategy in acute coronary syndromes: the VIP-ACS trial
Authors: Fonseca Henrique Andrade R , Furtado Remo Holanda M , Zimerman André , Lemos Pedro A , Franken Marcelo , Monfardini Frederico , Pedrosa Rodrigo P , Patriota Rodrigo de Lemos S , Passos Luiz Carlos S , Dall’Orto Frederico Toledo C , Hoffmann Filho Conrado R , Nascimento Bruno Ramos , Baldissera Felipe A , Pereira Cesar Augusto C , Caramori Paulo Ricardo A , de Andrade Pedro Beraldo , Esteves Carlos , Salim Elke Ferreira , da Silva Jefferson Henrique , Pedro Izabela Chave , Silva Mariana Castaldi R , de Pedri Ewerton Hernandes , Carioca Ana Carla R D , de Piano Luciana Pereira A , Albuquerque Camila Santos N , Moia Diogo D F , Momesso Roberta Grazzielli R A P , Machado Felipe P , Damiani Lucas P , Soares Ronaldo Vicente P , Schettino Guilherme P , Rizzo Luiz V , Nicolau José Carlos , Berwanger Otávio
Published: August 2022

Aims

To evaluate whether a strategy of double-dose influenza vaccination during hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) compared with standard-dose outpatient vaccination (as recommended by current guidelines) would further reduce the risk of major cardiopulmonary events.

Methods and results

Vaccination against Influenza to Prevent cardiovascular events after Acute Coronary Syndromes (VIP-ACS) was a pragmatic, randomized, multicentre, active-comparator, open-label trial with blinded outcome adjudication comparing two strategies of influenza vaccination following an ACS: double-dose quadrivalent inactivated vaccine before hospital discharge vs. standard-dose quadrivalent inactivated vaccine administered in the outpatient setting 30 days after randomization. The primary outcome was a hierarchical composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke, unstable angina, hospitalization for heart failure, urgent coronary revascularization, and hospitalization for respiratory causes, analysed by the win ratio method. Patients were followed for 12 months. During two influenza seasons, 1801 participants were included at 25 centres in Brazil. The primary outcome was not different between groups, with 12.7% wins in-hospital double-dose vaccine group and 12.3% wins in the standard-dose vaccine group {win ratio: 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.79–1.32], P = 0.84}. Results were consistent for the key secondary outcome, a hierarchical composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke [win ratio: 0.94 (95% CI: 0.66–1.33), P = 0.72]. Time-to-first event analysis for the primary outcome showed results similar to those of the main analysis [hazard ratio 0.97 (95% CI: 0.75–1.24), P = 0.79]. Adverse events were infrequent and did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Among patients hospitalized with an ACS, double-dose influenza vaccination before discharge did not reduce cardiopulmonary outcomes compared with standard-dose vaccination in the outpatient setting.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT04001504
Laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy in case of large subcardial GISTs
Authors: Cimpean Sorin , Francois Flamand , Muresan Mihai Stefan
Published: August 2022

The gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal tumours that occur mostly in the stomach. The treatment is usually a limited resection, which is performed by an endoscopy or by a surgical approach. In case of metastasis of the disease proven found during the assessment, the treatment is usually limited to chemotherapy without a radical cure. We report a case of a large (9 cm) subcardial GIST that we treated by laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy due to the size and the location of the tumour. The laparoscopic resection is shown to be superior in perioperative outcomes compared to open surgery even for large lesions. In unfavourable locations such as in cardia lesions, transgastric, partial or extended gastric resections must be evaluated to avoid functional sequelae and post-operative morbidity.
The Yin-Yang functions of macrophages in metabolic disorders
Authors: Bai Juli , Liu Feng
Published: August 2022

Macrophages are widely distributed in various metabolic tissues/organs and play an essential role in the immune regulation of metabolic homeostasis. Macrophages have two major functions: adaptive defenses against invading pathogens by triggering inflammatory cytokine release and eliminating damaged/dead cells via phagocytosis to constrain inflammation. The pro-inflammatory role of macrophages in insulin resistance and related metabolic diseases is well established, but much less is known about the phagocytotic function of macrophages in metabolism. In this review, we review our current understanding of the ontogeny, tissue distribution, and polarization of macrophages in the context of metabolism. We also discuss the Yin-Yang functions of macrophages in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Third, we summarize the crosstalk between macrophages and gut microbiota. Lastly, we raise several important but remain to be addressed questions with respect to the mechanisms by which macrophages are involved in immune regulation of metabolism.
Serrated lithium fluoride nanofibers-woven interlayer enables uniform lithium deposition for lithium-metal batteries
Authors: Tan Shuangshuang , Jiang Yalong , Ni Shuyan , Wang Hao , Xiong Fangyu , Cui Lianmeng , Pan Xuelei , Tang Chen , Rong Yaoguang , An Qinyou , Mai Liqiang
Published: August 2022

The uncontrollable formation of Li dendrites has become the biggest obstacle to the practical application of Li-metal anodes in high-energy rechargeable Li batteries. Herein, a unique LiF interlayer woven by millimeter-level, single-crystal and serrated LiF nanofibers (NFs) was designed to enable dendrite-free and highly efficient Li-metal deposition. This high-conductivity LiF interlayer can increase the Li+ transference number and induce the formation of ‘LiF–NFs-rich’ solid–electrolyte interface (SEI). In the ‘LiF–NFs-rich’ SEI, the ultra-long LiF nanofibers provide a continuously interfacial Li+ transport path. Moreover, the formed Li–LiF interface between Li-metal and SEI film renders low Li nucleation and high Li+ migration energy barriers, leading to uniform Li plating and stripping processes. As a result, steady charge–discharge in a Li//Li symmetrical cell for 1600 h under 4 mAh cm−2 and 400 stable cycles under a high area capacity of 5.65 mAh cm−2 in a high-loading Li//rGO–S cell at 17.9 mA cm−2 could be achieved. The free-standing LiF–NFs interlayer exhibits superior advantages for commercial Li batteries and displays significant potential for expanding the applications in solid Li batteries.
The relation between quasars’ optical spectra and variability
Authors: Nagoshi Shumpei , Iwamuro Fumihide
Published: August 2022

Brightness variation is an essential feature of quasars, but its mechanism and relationship to other physical quantities are not understood well. We aimed to find the relationship between the optical variability and spectral features to reveal the regularity behind the random variation. It is known that a quasar’s Fe ii/Hβ flux ratio and equivalent width of [O iii]5007 are negatively correlated; this is called Eigenvector 1. In this work, we visualized the relationship between the position on this Eigenvector 1 (EV1) plane and how the brightness of the quasars had changed after ∼10 yr. We conducted three analyses, using a different quasar sample in each. The first analysis showed the relation between the quasars’ distributions on the EV1 plane and how much they had changed brightness, using 13438 Sloan Digital Sky Survey quasars. This result shows how brightness changes later are clearly related to the position on the EV1 plane. In the second analysis, we plotted the sources reported as “changing-look quasars” (or “changing-state quasars”) on the EV1 plane. This result shows that the position on the EV1 plane corresponds to the activity level of each source, and the bright or dim states of them are distributed on the opposite sides divided by the typical quasar distribution. In the third analysis, we examined the transition vectors on the EV1 plane using sources with multiple-epoch spectra. This result shows that the brightening and dimming sources move on a similar path and they reach a position corresponding to the opposite activity level. We also found this trend is opposite to the empirical rule that $R_{\rm {Fe\, \small {II}}}$ positively correlated with the Eddington ratio, which has been proposed based on the trends of a large number of quasars. From all these analyses, it is indicated that quasars tend to oscillate between both sides of the distribution ridge on the EV1 plane; each of them corresponds to a dim state and a bright state. This trend in optical variation suggests that significant brightness changes, such as changing-look quasars, are expected to repeat.
Sulfur-isotope anomalies recorded in Antarctic ice cores as a potential proxy for tracing past ozone layer depletion events
Authors: Dasari Sanjeev , Paris Guillaume , Charreau Julien , Savarino Joel
Published: August 2022

Changes in the cosmic-ray background of the Earth can impact the ozone layer. High-energy cosmic events [e.g. supernova (SN)] or rapid changes in the Earth's magnetic field [e.g. geomagnetic Excursion (GE)] can lead to a cascade of cosmic rays. Ensuing chemical reactions can then cause thinning/destruction of the ozone layer—leading to enhanced penetration of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation toward the Earth's surface. However, observational evidence for such UV “windows” is still lacking. Here, we conduct a pilot study and investigate this notion during two well-known events: the multiple SN event (≈10 kBP) and the Laschamp GE event (≈41 kBP). We hypothesize that ice-core-Δ33S records—originally used as volcanic fingerprints—can reveal UV-induced background-tropospheric-photochemical imprints during such events. Indeed, we find nonvolcanic S-isotopic anomalies (Δ33S ≠ 0‰) in background Antarctic ice-core sulfate during GE/SN periods, thereby confirming our hypothesis. This suggests that ice-core-Δ33S records can serve as a proxy for past ozone-layer-depletion events.
Using implementation strategies in community settings: an introduction to the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) compilation and future directions
Authors: Balis Laura E , Houghtaling Bailey , Harden Samantha M
Published: August 2022

In this commentary, we introduce public health practitioners and researchers to implementation science through an established compilation of implementation strategies. We provide terminology and examples for community settings so public health practitioners and researchers can use implementation strategies and document efforts using standard terminology. We also discuss the need for future work to determine the extent to which these implementation strategies work and are most useful in community settings, and ultimately, how health behaviors are impacted. We intend this commentary to serve as a dissemination strategy for implementation strategies and to contribute to knowledge in the growing field of implementation science in community settings.
Clinical management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in postmenopausal women
Authors: Kingsberg Sheryl A. , Faubion Stephanie S.
Published: August 2022

Approximately 10% to 12% of women meet the criteria for hypoactive sexual desire disorder, with the highest prevalence in midlife women, ranging from 14.5% to 33%. Despite the negative effect on health and quality of life, most women are reluctant to discuss sexual concerns with healthcare professionals. Although healthcare professionals have the best opportunities to address these problems, most of them have limited awareness, education, and comfort about addressing sexual concerns, resulting in a conspiracy of silence. The purpose of this Practice Pearl is to improve the understanding of hypoactive sexual desire disorder, including symptoms, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.
Trastuzumab combined chemotherapy for the treatment of HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xue Chuan , Xu Yong-Hong
Published: August 2022

Background:

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of trastuzumab combined with chemotherapy for the treatment in HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer (HER2-PAGC).

Methods:

This systematic review and meta-analysis was designed using randomized controlled trials that compared trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy and chemotherapy alone. A comprehensive search was conducted in the following databases from their inception onwards: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, WANGFANG, and CNKI. We also searched other literature sources to avoid missing relevant studies. Two reviewers independently performed all record selection, data collection, and methodological assessments. Any confusion was resolved by discussion or referral to a third reviewer. If there were ample data from eligible studies, we performed a fixed-effects meta-analysis. Whenever this was not possible, we conducted a narrative synthesis.

Results:

Meta-analysis results showed that trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy achieved better outcomes on response rate (trastuzumab plus CFC vs CFC: odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.17–2.09], I
2 = 0%, P < .003; trastuzumab plus OT vs OT: OR = 2.97, 95% CI [1.74–5.09], I
2 = 0%, P < .0001; and trastuzumab plus CC vs CC: OR = 2.62, 95% CI [1.84–3.73], I
2 = 0%, P < .0001), and disease control rate (trastuzumab plus CFC vs CFC: OR = 1.61, 95% CI [1.17–2.21], I
2 = 0%, P = .004; trastuzumab plus OT vs OT: OR = 4.29, 95% CI [2.33–7.90], I
2 = 0%, P < .0001; and trastuzumab plus CC vs CC: OR = 2.99, 95% CI [1.99–4.48], I
2 = 0%, P < .0001). However, there were no significant differences in the adverse events.

Conclusions:

The results of this study revealed that the efficacy of trastuzumab combined with chemotherapy was superior to that of chemotherapy alone for the treatment of HER2-PAGC. The 2 modalities showed similar safety profiles.
Epstein–Barr virus encephalitis with excessive daytime sleepiness as the main manifestation: Two case reports
Authors: Zhao Hui , Zhang Xiaobo , Yang Haifeng , Gu Jun
Published: August 2022

Rationale:

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a clinical manifestation of various disorders. Here, we report 2 cases of EDS related to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) encephalitis.

Patient concerns:

Both the patients were elderly men. Case 1 presented with EDS with headache and fever. Case 2 was presented with EDS only. The 2 patients slept normally at night without taking sleeping pill. They were able to get up and go to the toilet and eat by themselves during the day, but they almost slept at other times.

Diagnosis:

After admission, a lumbar puncture was performed to collect the cerebrospinal fluid, and next-generation sequencing showed that EBV infection was detected. Combined with the patient’s head magnetic resonance imaging and clinical features, a diagnosis of EBV encephalitis was made.

Interventions:

Both patients received antiviral therapy.

Outcomes:

Case 1 had a rapid improvement in headache and fever and was discharged from the hospital after the symptoms of EDS gradually improved. In case 2, EDS symptoms gradually improved. Two patients were followed up for 3 months after discharge, and the outcome was good.

Lessons:

EDS can also be the main clinical manifestation of viral encephalitis, and we should diagnose and identify it early and treat it promptly.
Effective anesthetic management with remimazolam and ketamine without muscle relaxants for parotidectomy in a patient with myotonic dystrophy: A case report
Authors: Ishida Yoshiaki , Habu Miki (Iwasaki) , Toba Yoshie
Published: August 2022

Rationale:

Patients with myotonic dystrophy (DM) are highly sensitive to anesthetics, muscle relaxants, and opioids, necessitating appropriate anesthetic management. Recently, remimazolam, an ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine, has been approved for use as a general anesthetic in Japan, and patients with DM have reportedly been treated with remimazolam. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has reported on endotracheal intubation without the use of muscle relaxants under anesthetic management with remimazolam, nor on the combination of remimazolam and ketamine.

Patient concerns:

A 23-year-old man was referred to our hospital for right parotidectomy and diagnosed with DM just before surgery. At the surgeon’s discretion, he was scheduled to undergo nerve monitoring to preserve the facial nerve.

Diagnosis:

Myotonic dystrophy.

Interventions:

We planned total intravenous anesthesia without muscle relaxants and selected remimazolam for anesthesia. Our aim was to prevent the intraoperative or postoperative complications associated with propofol and inhalational anesthetics. Additionally, we selected multimodal analgesia, including ketamine, to avoid opioid use. General anesthesia was induced with ketamine 30 mg, remifentanil 0.72 μg/kg/min, and remimazolam 12 + 6 mg. Endotracheal intubation was performed under videolaryngoscopy without the use of muscle relaxants. For postoperative analgesia, we administered additional doses of ketamine 20 mg and acetaminophen 1000 mg, and the surgeons infiltrated 8 mL of xylocaine 0.5% with epinephrine into the skin incision before starting the surgery. Intraoperative anesthesia was maintained with remimazolam 0.9 to 1.0 mg/kg/h and remifentanil 0.26 to 0.50 μg/kg/min. Flumazenil was administered for rapid awakening and safe extubation. All vitals, including the bispectral index, were stable during surgery.

Outcomes:

The patient did not develop facial nerve paralysis, sore throat, or hoarseness, nor did he have any memory of the surgery. Good postoperative analgesia was achieved.

Lessons:

We achieved effective anesthetic management using remimazolam without muscle relaxants in a patient with DM. Furthermore, the combination of remimazolam and ketamine provided good sedation and postoperative analgesia.
Anaphylaxis in Children
Authors: Tanverdi Melisa S. , Wiersma Alexandria , Kim Kristin M. , Hicks Allison G. , Mistry Rakesh D.
Published: August 2022

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening event in children, commonly encountered in the prehospital and emergency department settings. Recently published clinical guidelines emphasize early recognition of anaphylaxis and administration of epinephrine as the mainstay of management. Literature regarding adjuvant therapies, biphasic reactions, observation times, and disposition of patients with anaphylaxis remains controversial. In this article, we will review the background and pathophysiology of anaphylaxis, as well as the diagnostic approach, management, and future directions of anaphylaxis in children.
Protein expression profiling, in silico classification and pathway analysis of cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans under bacitracin stress conditions
Authors: Zaidi Sahar , Aswal Manisha , Kumar Manish , Rashid Faraz , Khan Asad U.
Published: August 2022

Introduction.

Streptococcus mutans

is a cariogenic bacterium that causes dental caries as well as being implicated in other dental pathologies and infective endocarditis. Bacitracin is a bactericidal antibiotic that induces cell wall stress in Gram-positive bacteria.

Gap Statement.

S. mutans

is among the most characterized Gram-positive bacteria. However, the transcriptome and proteome of

S. mutans

have received less attention, and they are actually key in understanding the pathogenesis of any bacteria. In this study, we extracted the whole proteome of

S. mutans

grown under bacitracin stress. Such a proteome is anticipated to offer deep insights related to physiological dynamic fluctuations and, consequently, it may provide ‘proteomic signatures’ to be identified as potential targets.

Aim. The aim of the study is to explore the general stress response that

S. mutans

exhibits at the proteome level when cell wall stress is imposed on it.

Methodology. A sub-MIC concentration of bacitracin was added to the growth media of

S. mutans

followed by whole-cell protein extraction. The proteome was then subjected to high-throughput proteomics analysis, i.e. liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Differentially expressed proteins obtained through LC-MS/MS underwent analyses such as gene ontology, KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes) and DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery) analysis, and STRING for functional annotation, pathway enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks, respectively. These proteins were also categorized into functional classes using the PANTHER (Protein Annotation Through Evolutionary Relationship) classification system.

Result. LC-MS/MS produced data from 321 identified proteins. From these, 41 and 30 were found to be significantly over- (≥2 fold change) and underexpressed (≤0.4 fold change), respectively. In the upregulated proteins we mostly observed sortases and proteins involved in the EPS biosynthesis pathway, whereas among the downregulated proteins the majority related to glycolysis.

Conclusion. The sortase family of proteins appear to be potential targets because they regulate various virulence factors and therefore can be targeted to inhibit multiple virulence pathways simultaneously. This study offers an understanding of proteomic fluctuations in response to cell wall stress and can thus help in identifying key players mediating virulence.
Are female-specific cancers long-term sequelae of COVID-19? Evidence from a large-scale genome-wide cross-trait analysis
Authors: Zhao Xunying , Wu Xueyao , Xiao Jinyu , Zhang Li , Hao Yu , Xiao Chenghan , Zhang Ben , Li Jiayuan , Jiang Xia
Published: August 2022

Background

Little is known regarding the long-term adverse effects of COVID-19 on female-specific cancers due to the restricted length of observational time, nor the shared genetic influences underlying these conditions.

Methods

Leveraging summary statistics from the hitherto largest genome-wide association studies conducted in each trait, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide cross-trait analysis to investigate the shared genetic architecture and the putative genetic associations between COVID-19 with three main female-specific cancers: breast cancer (BC), epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), and endometrial cancer (EC). Three phenotypes were selected to represent COVID-19 susceptibility (SARS-CoV-2 infection) and severity (COVID-19 hospitalization, COVID-19 critical illness).

Results

For COVID-19 susceptibility, we found no evidence of a genetic correlation with any of the female-specific cancers. For COVID-19 severity, we identified a significant genome-wide genetic correlation with EC for both hospitalization (rg=0.19, P=0.01) and critical illness (rg =0.29, P=3.00×10−4). Mendelian randomization demonstrated no valid association of COVID-19 with any cancer of interest, except for suggestive associations of genetically predicted hospitalization (ORIVW=1.09, 95%CI=1.01-1.18, P=0.04) and critical illness (ORIVW=1.06, 95%CI=1.00-1.11, P=0.04) with EC risk, none withstanding multiple correction. No reverse association was found. Cross-trait meta-analysis identified multiple pleiotropic SNPs between COVID-19 and female-specific cancers, including 20 for BC, 15 for EOC, and 5 for EC. Transcriptome-wide association studies revealed shared genes, mostly enriched in the hematologic, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.

Conclusions

Our genetic analysis highlights an intrinsic link underlying female-specific cancers and COVID-19 - while COVID-19 is not likely to elevate the immediate risk of the examined female-specific cancers, it appears to share mechanistic pathways with these conditions. These findings may provide implications for future therapeutic strategies and public health actions.