bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histological interpretation of spitzoid tumours: an extensive machine learning‐based concordance analysis for improving decision making
Authors: Mosquera‐Zamudio Andrés , Launet Laëtitia , Colomer Adrián , Wiedemeyer Katharina , López‐Takegami Juan C , Palma Luis F , Undersrud Erling , Janssen Emilius , Brenn Thomas , Naranjo Valery , Monteagudo Carlos
Published: April 2024

The histopathological classification of melanocytic tumours with spitzoid features remains a challenging task. We confront the complexities involved in the histological classification of these tumours by proposing machine learning (ML) algorithms that objectively categorise the most relevant features in order of importance. The data set comprises 122 tumours (39 benign, 44 atypical and 39 malignant) from four different countries. BRAF and NRAS mutation status was evaluated in 51. Analysis of variance score was performed to rank 22 clinicopathological variables. The Gaussian naive Bayes algorithm achieved in distinguishing Spitz naevus from malignant spitzoid tumours with an accuracy of 0.95 and kappa score of 0.87, utilising the 12 most important variables. For benign versus non‐benign Spitz tumours, the test reached a kappa score of 0.88 using the 13 highest‐scored features. Furthermore, for the atypical Spitz tumours (AST) versus Spitz melanoma comparison, the logistic regression algorithm achieved a kappa value of 0.66 and an accuracy rate of 0.85. When the three categories were compared most AST were classified as melanoma, because of the similarities on histological features between the two groups. Our results show promise in supporting the histological classification of these tumours in clinical practice, and provide valuable insight into the use of ML to improve the accuracy and objectivity of this process while minimising interobserver variability. These proposed algorithms represent a potential solution to the lack of a clear threshold for the Spitz/spitzoid tumour classification, and its high accuracy supports its usefulness as a helpful tool to improve diagnostic decision‐making.
Effect of different monochromatic lights on nutritional, antioxidant properties and spore microstructure of dried mushroom (Suillus granulatus)
Authors: Wang Yafei , Feng Yao , Xu Heran , Xia Rongrong , Li Yunting , Hou Zhenshan , Ren Hongli , Xin Guang
Published: April 2024

Monochromatic light has been shown to improve the flavour quality of dried mushrooms, but its effect on the nutritional, bioactive, antioxidant, rehydration and textural properties has not been studied. In this study, the effects of monochromatic light on these qualities of the dried Suillus granulatus were investigated and the porous characteristics and spore morphology were observed. The results showed that contents of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, flavonoid, phenolics, DPPH and rehydration under blue light were higher on the sixth day, it was 1.85 times, 1.58 times, 1.27 times and 1.20 times of the lowest content, respectively. While ABTS and FRAP were higher on the ninth day. The values are 33.5% and 0.749 mmol/LFeSO4, respectively. The texture of rehydrated mushrooms was higher under red light and lower under blue light. Clear pore structure and severely deformed spores can be observed under blue light, revealing the reason why mushrooms have better qualities under light. Correlation analysis results showed that nutrients, active components, antioxidant activity and rehydration showed a strong positive correlation. Totally, blue light is a promising processing technology to improve the quality of dried mushrooms.
The role of germinating, roasting and boiling on bioactive properties, fatty acid, phenolic components and biogenic element contents of soybean seeds
Authors: AlJuhaimi Fahad , Babacan Rabia , Ahmed Isam A. Mohamed , Özcan Mehmet Musa , Uslu Nurhan , Karrar Emad
Published: April 2024

In this study, the effects of germination, roasting and boiling processes on bioactive substances, mineral profiles, fatty acid composition and phenolic profiles present in soybean seeds and soybean oil extracted from soybean were investigated. While the acidity value of the crude and roasted soybean seed oils are 0.89% and 1.09%, the acidity values of the germinted and boiled soybean oils were 1.58% and 1.21%, respectively. The free fatty acid value of the germination sample group was established to be higher than the other treatment groups. The amounts of total phenolic substance were reported between 10.22 and 33.78 mgGAE/100 g. Linoleic acid amounts of soybean oil varied between 55.72% and 56.14%. The total carotenoid and flavonoid amounts of seeds were measured to be between 0.53 (control) and 2.83 μg g−1 (germination) to 43.60 mgCE kg−1 (boiled) to 126.60 mgCE kg−1 (roasting), respectively. Protein results of the seeds were established between 43.94% (control) and 46.94% (germination). The amount of K ranged from 10 883 (boiled) to 13 994 mg kg−1 (roasting), while the amount of P range from 5340.8 (control) to 5695.9 mg kg−1 germination. The amount of Ca of the samples varied between 4606.1 (control) and 5216.1 (boiled). While linoleic acid is determined at the highest rate in soybean oil obtained from crude soybean, linoleic acid amount was determined as highest in oil obtained after roasting, germination and boiling processes applied to soybean rutin contents of soybean seed samples were determined between 3.52 and 7.81 mg kg−1. Boiling and germination increased the routine value in soybean seed samples and was determined as 7.62 and 7.81 mg kg−1, respectively. Roasting, germination and boiling processes reduced the cinnamic acid values of soybeans.
Surviving the storm: navigating the quadruple whammy impact on Europe's food supply chain
Authors: Jagtap Sandeep , Trollman Hana , Trollman Frank , Garcia‐Garcia Guillermo , Martindale Wayne
Published: April 2024

This article explores the impact of the ‘Quadruple Whammy’ consisting of Brexit, COVID‐19, Conflicts (Russia‐Ukraine and Israel‐Palestine) and Natural disasters on the food supply chain in Europe. This research adopted a two‐phase methodology comprised of the e‐Delphi technique followed by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) approach within the context of these four identified challenges. The objective of this article is to analyse the challenges faced by the European food supply chain due to these four factors. The article examines the impact of political isolationism such as Brexit on trade, cost and border controls, while also discussing the effects of COVID‐19 on labour, supply chains and the rise of e‐commerce. In addition, the article examines the impact of conflicts on food access and availability and the role of international aid and assistance. The effects of natural disasters, such as the Turkish and Moroccan earthquakes, floods in Spain and Portugal and the Moroccan drought, on food security are also analysed. The article offers several strategies for taming the quadruple whammy, such as investing in local food production and supply chains, diversifying supply chains and trade partnerships and strengthening food safety regulations and standards. The importance of building resilience and preparedness in the face of these challenges is emphasised and the article concludes with final thoughts and recommendations.
UV light treatment (278 nm) for detoxification of aflatoxins and application in edible and medicinal herb coix seed
Authors: Zou Linjun , Sun Zhaocui , Li Qinglong , Yang Erlan , Yang Meihua , Zhang Jiawen , Sun Zhonghao , Wu Haifeng , Luo Zuliang , Ma Guoxu , Xu Xudong
Published: April 2024

Aflatoxins (AFs) are highly toxic and cancer‐causing compounds, which could be commonly found in agricultural products and feeds. However, different tactics for detoxification have significant limitations due to their unsuitability for use. In this study, an LED UV curing system (wavelength: 278 nm, irradiation energy: 100%, irradiation time: 10 min) could effectively reduce pure aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), pure aflatoxin B2 (AFB2) and pure aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) (detoxification rates are more than 80%). In addition, in vitro biocompatibility tests indicate that the hypertoxicity of the obtained AFs‐degraded solutions was significantly reduced, which might be because the unsaturated ketone structure in AFB1, AFB2 and AFG1 was broken. Moreover, in processed coix seed and dried boat‐fruited Sterculia seed samples, the amount of AF was greatly reduced, and the rate of degradation was more than 85% with irradiation for 30 min. These data adequately implied that the current work might offer a practical way to detoxify AFs in various medicinal plants and foods.
Metabolomic profiling, nutritional parameters and potential bioactive metabolites of the edible mushroom Tricholoma mesoamericanum
Authors: Gamboa‐Becerra Roberto , Montoya Leticia , Bandala Víctor M. , Monribot‐Villanueva Juan L. , Guerrero‐Analco José A. , Ramos Antero
Published: April 2024

Edible Mushrooms boast a diverse array of biomolecules with exceptional nutritional and bioactive benefits for humans. This study conducted metabolomic and nutritional analyses, aiming to identify potential bioactive metabolites in Tricholoma mesoamericanum from Pinus forests in Veracruz, Mexico. These mushrooms exhibited high carbohydrate and protein contents, coupled with a significant anti‐oxidant capacity. Metabolomic analysis identified 181 different compounds, with terpenoids, fatty acids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids as the most enriched compound classes detected in T. mesoamericanum. Some compounds presented a positive correlation, while others demonstrated negative correlations with anti‐oxidant activity, ash, carbohydrate, fat, and protein contents. Notably, 39 of these compounds have previously demonstrated medicinal properties in other mushroom species, suggesting potential health benefits for humans. This study presents the first combined nutritional and metabolomic analysis of T. mesoamericanum, highlighting its value and underscoring the importance of sustainable management and further research to explore its bioactive potential, as unveiled in this investigation.
Impacts of superfine grinding on structural characteristics and lipid‐lowering effect of bitter melon polysaccharides
Authors: Zhu Ying , Zhou Xinyu , Zhang Yanshun , Zhan Enqi , Ouyang Zian , Bai Juan , Zhao Yansheng , Xiao Xiang
Published: April 2024

In this study, the effects of superfine grinding on the structural and physicochemical properties of bitter melon polysaccharides (BPS) were investigated, and Caenorhabditis elegans model was used to evaluate fat‐lowering bioactivities of BPS. Results illustrated that superfine grinding resulted in high extraction of BPSs yielding with altered microstructure, different monosaccharide compositions and molecular weights. In addition, improved water/oil‐holding capacity, solubility and swelling capacity of polysaccharides were observed following superfine grinding. Furthermore, C. elegans study revealed that BPSs exhibited strong inhibitory effects on lipid accumulation, especially BPS‐25 (extracted from bitter melon treated with superfine grinding) reducing the triglyceride content from 9.49 to 1.85 mg g−1.prot. Mechanistic study showed that the lipid‐lowering effects of BPSs largely dependent on the insulin signalling pathway, fatty acid oxidation or lipolysis pathways. In all, our study underscore that superfine grinding can effectively improve the lipid‐lowing effects of bitter melon polysaccharides.
The role of food science and technology in navigating the health issues of ultra‐processed foods
Authors: Mellor Duane
Published: April 2024

Food processing is seen as a double‐edged sword. It is argued to have helped to provide a stable and safe food supply to urbanised societies, however with NOVA definition of ultra‐processed foods it has now been linked to disease. Food science and technology has arguably been a major contributor to both. These potential harms are not a deliberate act, they simply meet the legal and market obligations placed on food businesses to be successful. So how food science and technology be pivoted back to improve health needs exploration, which will need to be consider within other issues including sustainability. Additionally, the increasing demand for plant‐based meat alternatives and the role of fortification along with sustainable packaging and logistics to either enhance the physical properties and nutritional value of foods alongside minimising the need to process to transport them from farm to plate are further challenges. Finally, it will be considered how our food system might be supported to go through its next scientific and technological revolution to deliver a food environment and supply that has its primary objective of supporting human and planetary health, but in a way that is economically successful for all members of society.
Developing a mentoring program to support the next generation of immunologists
Authors: Dvorscek Alexandra R
Published: April 2024

Mentorship refers to the guidance given by a mentor to a less experienced individual to enhance their professional and personal development. For graduate research students, seeking independent mentors external to their institution offers the rewarding opportunity to obtain objective guidance on a variety of work, study and life matters. This article outlines the steps taken to develop a professional society‐based, international mentoring program of over 70 participants. This 6‐month program aimed to connect graduate research students with more senior academic scientists in response to the limited networking opportunities imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in Australia. Outlined here are the resources used to maximize the potential of this successful program, which include (1) an ‘Introduction to Mentoring’ workshop, (2) the use of a mentoring software or communication strategy to maintain program momentum and (3) the integration of in‐person networking events. Overall, the program was a great success, with a high satisfaction rating (8.7/10) and a large number of participants reported that they would maintain their mentoring relationship. All participants stated that they would recommend the program to a peer, and thus reiterations of the program would likely be similarly well‐received and beneficial to the Australasian immunology community.
The effects of visual art therapy on adults with depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Han Bingyue , Jia Yong , Hu Guannan , Bai Linquan , Gains Hayley , You Simiao , He Rendong , Jiao Yongliang , Huang Kexin , Cui Lianzhi , Chen Li
Published: April 2024

Depression constitutes a pervasive global mental health concern and stands as a principal determinant of elevated suicide rates worldwide. Recent empirical investigations have showcased the significant potential of visual art therapy (VAT) in ameliorating symptoms among individuals with depression. Nevertheless, specific studies have yielded findings marked by inconclusiveness, underscoring the imperative need for further research to comprehensively establish its efficacy. This study is a systematic review and meta‐analysis of extant research, to ascertain the efficacy and effect size of VAT as an intervention for adults with depressive symptoms. A comprehensive search was conducted across 10 databases. The search encompassed articles published from the inception of these databases up until October 18, 2023. Two researchers screened the literature in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria and performed a thorough quality assessment. The original data and the data obtained from the literature were extracted for further analysis. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using Stata 17.0 software. fifteen studies were included, encompassing a total of 932 participants. The outcomes of meta‐analysis unveiled a statistically significant effect of VAT in diminishing depressive symptoms among adults (SMD = −0.73; 95% CI, −1.07 to −0.39; p < 0.001; 15 randomised controlled trials (RCTs); low‐quality evidence). The subgroup analysis indicated that VAT exhibited heightened effectiveness among adults below 65 years of age, with interventions lasting ≤12 weeks demonstrating superior efficacy. Additionally, sensitivity analysis underscored the robustness and reliability of the findings. VAT appears to alleviate depressive symptoms among adults. Existing research indicates that the effectiveness of VAT is influenced by factors, such as intervention population characteristics and intervention duration. However, to comprehensively probe the efficacy of VAT, future studies should strive for larger sample sizes, multicentre collaborations, and long‐term follow‐ups.
Systematic review of tobacco smoking prevalence among young people in treatment for first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Thaker Parth , Gartner Coral , Kisely Steve , Plever Sally
Published: April 2024

To determine whether smoking prevalence in first‐episode psychosis (FEP) is different than in people with established psychosis in long‐term treatment. A systematic review of cross‐sectional, case–control and cohort studies identified from searches of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO up to 12 August 2023. 20 studies out of 2773 screened titles were included. There was no clear pattern of smoking by diagnosis as smoking rates in people with FEP ranged from 43% to 78%, while in those with established psychosis, it ranged from 19% to 76%. The wide range of smoking levels in both populations precluded conclusions as to whether smoking rates are different between people with FEP and established psychosis suggesting that factors other than the time course of the illness influence smoking levels.
Traditional versus virtual interviews: A perspective of paediatric dentistry program directors and residents
Authors: Yeroshalmi Farhad , Steinberg Aaron , Margulis Keith S. , Badner Victor
Published: April 2024

Background

COVID‐19 pandemic restrictions necessitated changes in conduct of the interview process for the selection of candidates in paediatric dentistry residency programs.

Aims

To examine the experiences and attitudes of paediatric dentistry program directors and residents regarding the virtual interview process during the 2020/2021 application cycle.

Design

A survey was sent to 82 directors and 416 postdoctoral members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry with data collected from individuals interviewed during the 2020/2021 cycle.

Results

Response rates for directors and residents were 27% (N = 22/82) and 17% (N = 72/416), respectively. Seventy‐three percent of directors (N = 16) believed that virtual interviews were not an adequate substitute for in‐person interviews and made it difficult to present facilities, observe applicant interactions, and assess personality. Fifty‐nine percent of the directors (N = 13) were not interested in using virtual interviews if restrictions were lifted. Residents reported that virtual interviews were accommodating but were unable to observe interpersonal interactions, assess the location and facilities, and understand the program culture. Sixty‐one percent of residents (N = 44) prefer to interview in‐person.

Conclusion

The majority of program directors (73%) felt that virtual interviews could not substitute for in‐person interviews and 59% would not be interested in using virtual interviews in the future. Residents (94%) reported inability to evaluate the location and facilities, and 61% prefer to interview in‐person for future interviews.
Development and validation of machine learning models to predict frailty risk for elderly
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Junchao , Xie Fang , Wang Xinghui , Dong Shanshan , Luo Nan , Li Feng , Li Yuewei
Published: April 2024

Aims

Early identification and intervention of the frailty of the elderly will help lighten the burden of social medical care and improve the quality of life of the elderly. Therefore, we used machine learning (ML) algorithm to develop models to predict frailty risk in the elderly.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Methods

We collected data on 6997 elderly people from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study wave 6–7 surveys (2011–2012, 2014). After the baseline survey in 1998 (wave 1), the project conducted follow‐up surveys (wave 2–8) in 2000–2018. The osteoporotic fractures index was used to assess frailty. Four ML algorithms (random forest [RF], support vector machine, XGBoost and logistic regression [LR]) were used to develop models to identify the risk factors of frailty and predict the risk of frailty. Different ML models were used for the prediction of frailty risk in the elderly and frailty risk was trained on a cohort of 4385 elderly people with frailty (split into a training cohort [75%] and internal validation cohort [25%]). The best‐performing model for each study outcome was tested in an external validation cohort of 6997 elderly people with frailty pooled from the surveys (wave 6–7). Model performance was assessed by receiver operating curve and F2‐score.

Results

Among the four ML models, the F2‐score values were similar (0.91 vs. 0.91 vs. 0.88 vs. 0.90), and the area under the curve (AUC) values of RF model was the highest (0.75), followed by LR model (0.74). In the final two models, the AUC values of RF and LR model were similar (0.77 vs. 0.76) and their accuracy was identical (87.4% vs. 87.4%).

Conclusion

Our study developed a preliminary prediction model based on two different ML approaches to help predict frailty risk in the elderly.

Impact

The presented models from this study can be used to inform healthcare providers to predict the frailty probability among older adults and maybe help guide the development of effective frailty risk management interventions.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

Detecting frailty at an early stage and implementing timely targeted interventions may help to improve the allocation of health care resources and to reduce frailty‐related burden. Identifying risk factors for frailty could be beneficial to provide tailored and personalized care intervention for older adults to more accurately prevent or improve their frail conditions so as to improve their quality of life.

Reporting Method

The study has adhered to STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Expert‐based range maps cannot be replicated using data‐driven methods but macroecological conclusions arising from them can
Authors: Aronsson Heléne , Zizka Alexander , Antonelli Alexandre , Faurby Søren
Published: April 2024

Aim

Answering many fundamental and applied scientific questions relies on accurate geographic range maps for species, such as those compiled by experts working with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, these maps are resource demanding to produce and only available for a limited number of organisms. Here, we test to what extent standardized, data‐driven methods based on publicly available occurrences can reproduce expert‐based IUCN range maps and the macroecological conclusions drawn from them.

Location

Global.

Time Period

Present.

Taxa

Birds.

Materials and Methods

We estimated the geographic ranges for 7385 non‐marine bird species which either were non‐migratory or had spatially connected breeding and wintering ranges from publicly available, georeferenced point occurrences. We then quantified the spatial overlap between these range estimates and the IUCN expert‐derived range estimates. Finally, we compared global species richness patterns and the environmental correlates that emerge from both approaches.

Results

We find that range estimates based on point occurrence records overlap on average 52% with expert range estimates for the same species. The global species richness patterns estimated under both approaches are overall similar but show local and regional differences, for example, in the tropical Andes of northern South America and the Central Arc region of Africa. The estimated global drivers of richness are similar.

Main Conclusions

Expert‐derived estimates of species distributions are not reproducible by data‐driven approaches relying on currently available public records, even for well‐documented taxa such as birds. However, these discrepancies do not substantially change our macroecological understanding of global drivers of bird diversity.
Gender equity in academic dermatology: Problems aplenty, yet paths ahead
Authors: Walter Sophie , Murrell Dedee F.
Published: April 2024

Efforts to achieve gender equity of health professionals should be a priority in all fields of medicine, including academic dermatology. This review aimed, first, to summarize available evidence about the status of gender equity in various domains of academic dermatology—headship positions, salary, editor and editorial board appointments, publications, conference presentations, receipt of research grants and academic prizes—second, to identify challenges to achieving gender equity and, third, to articulate the components of a multifaceted strategy for gender parity. A variety of databases were searched. Manual searching of reference lists and searching of grey literature were also undertaken. It was found that, despite improvements in some domains, the gender inequity persists in all of the above‐mentioned areas of academic dermatology. Challenges to achieve gender parity include time in pregnancy, disproportionate participation in childrearing and domestic tasks compared with men, suboptimal legislation in many jurisdictions for parenting and childcare leave, and unconscious biases about women. Elements of a multipronged approach include strengthening women's dermatology societies that advocate for women in academia; celebrating the careers of distinguished female academic dermatologists; mentoring; promoting leadership courses; striving for a greater representation of women among editors‐in‐chief, authors, and conference presenters, among others; seeking better pay, leave conditions and other work entitlements; conducting high‐quality research about gender inequity in academic dermatology; imposing sanctions for violations of gender equity; supporting dermatologists' health; and learning from the experience of other fields of academic medicine.
The influence of family‐based social assistance programs and parenting on child development: A conceptual framework for research with U.S. families in poverty
Authors: Osborne Kimberly R.
Published: April 2024

Nearly three decades since the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, federal cash assistance to families in poverty in the United States has entered political discourse once more with the Biden Administration's introduction of the American Families Plan. At the heart of this discussion are theories of change that derive from the family and developmental sciences. As a result, scientists in these fields have a duty to understand the history of the last reform and the consequences it has since had for children in poverty. In this paper, I review the history of perspectives toward government social assistance programs, as well as extant research demonstrating the mechanisms through which maternal employment and federal cash assistance impact child wellbeing. Lastly, I propose a conceptual framework for understanding the influence of family‐based social assistance programs and parenting on child wellbeing to guide future research.
Words matter: The role of family weight talk in anxiety and depression
Authors: Smith Maggie L. , Brimhall Andrew S. , Didericksen Katharine W. , Jensen Jakob F.
Published: April 2024

Family weight talk, in the forms of both family weight teasing and encouragement to diet, has been linked to numerous adverse outcomes, including increased disordered eating, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and body mass index. However, little is known about its role in mental health outcomes, especially for emerging adults. Utilizing structural equation modeling, we examined the role of family weight teasing (FWT) and parental encouragement to diet in anxiety and depression and explored body weight perception as a moderator within a sample of 292 emerging adults. Results indicated that FWT was significantly associated with increased anxiety and depression. No significant relationships were found between parental encouragement to diet and the outcome variables, and no group differences emerged across body weight perception. Findings of this pilot study can be used to inform future research to decrease family weight talk and improve psychosocial outcomes for emerging adults.
“I want to lift my people up”: Exploring the psychological correlates of racial themes within the life stories of midlife Black Americans
Authors: Mayukha Ananya , Guzman Ambar , Jitklongsub Sirin , McAdams Dan P.
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study explores how middle‐aged Black Americans talk about race, without prompting, while telling their life stories.

Method

Drawing upon a dataset of lengthy Life Story Interviews (N = 70), we first employed a keyword search to identify race‐relevant interview scenes for each participant. Next, we conducted a thematic analysis of these scenes to identify salient racial narrative themes. Finally, we coded race‐relevant scenes to examine the psychological correlates of racial narrative themes.

Results

We identified 460 total racially themed Life Story Interview scenes, with the number of racially themed scenes ranging from 1 to 17 across participants' interviews. Racial narrative themes included Community of Care, Black Cultural Identity, Multiculturalism, Activism, Encounter with Racism, Systemic Racism, and Racial Reckoning. Quantitative analyses highlight a relationship between racial narrative themes and psychological measures of wisdom and generativity.

Conclusion

This study offers insight into the ways that race manifests in the life stories of Black Americans and highlights the importance of considering race in the study of narrative identity, and personality, more broadly.
Complex choices: Pole selection for polarized projective mapping applied to a complex product set
Authors: Jenkins Amy E. A. , Bowen Amy J.
Published: April 2024

Polarized projective mapping (PPM) employs reference samples called poles, positioned in the sensory space, to which samples are compared. This structure enables comparisons across sessions. Selecting the right poles is therefore critical for accurate and reliable comparisons. The current study examined whether simple poles (single fruit juices) or complex poles (fruit juice blends) better represented the sensory space in PPM using a trained panel (n = 12). Thirteen commercial fruit juices, including single juices and blends, were assessed using projective mapping to understand product diversity and select three simple and three complex poles. PPM was then conducted using simple poles in one session and complex poles in another. Six of the thirteen juices used in PPM and three new juices were evaluated to validate the results. Findings indicated that while both simple and complex poles described the product space, simple poles were more able to capture the diversity of the sensory space.

Practical Applications

The study's insights into appropriate pole selection in PPM for complex product sets contribute to the technique's usability and robustness. The guidance on pole selection ensures selected poles anchor the product space, enabling meaningful comparisons across sessions. The finding that simple poles are able to describe complex product sets may assist in minimizing fatigue, a common challenge in evaluating complex products like wine, spirits, and cider. By addressing the unique challenges of complex products, this research enhances the useability of PPM as a valuable tool for comprehensively evaluating sensory characteristics in product categories prone to fatigue and limited consumption.
Genomic multidisciplinary teams: A model for navigating genetic mainstreaming and precision medicine
Authors: Ma Alan , Newing Timothy P , O'Shea Rosie , Gokoolparsadh Akira , Murdoch Emma , Hayward Janette , Shannon Gillian , Kevin Lucy , Bennetts Bruce , Ho Gladys , Smith Janine , Shah Margit , Jones Kristi J , Josephi‐Taylor Sarah , Sandaradura Sarah A , Adès Lesley , Jamieson Robyn , Rankin Nicole M
Published: April 2024

Aim

Recent rapid advances in genomics are revolutionising patient diagnosis and management of genetic conditions. However, this has led to many challenges in service provision, education and upskilling requirements for non‐genetics health‐care professionals and remuneration for genomic testing. In Australia, Medicare funding with a Paediatric genomic testing item for patients with intellectual disability or syndromic features has attempted to address this latter issue. The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network – Westmead (SCHN‐W) Clinical Genetics Department established Paediatric and Neurology genomic multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to address the Medicare‐specified requirement for discussion with clinical genetics, and increasing genomic testing advice requests.

Methods

This SCHN‐W genomic MDT was evaluated with two implementation science frameworks – the RE‐AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) and GMIR – Genomic Medicine Integrative Research frameworks. Data from June 2020 to July 2022 were synthesised and evaluated, as well as process mapping of the MDT service.

Results

A total of 205 patients were discussed in 34 MDT meetings, facilitating 148 genomic tests, of which 73 were Medicare eligible. This was equivalent to 26% of SCHN‐W genetics outpatient activity, and 13% of all Medicare‐funded paediatric genomic testing in NSW. 39% of patients received a genetic diagnosis.

Conclusion

The genomic MDT facilitated increased genomic testing at a tertiary paediatric centre and is an effective model for mainstreaming and facilitating precision medicine. However, significant implementation issues were identified including cost and sustainability, as well as the high level of resourcing that will be required to scale up this approach to other areas of medicine.
The benefits of gene therapy in people with haemophilia
Authors: Thornburg Courtney D.
Published: April 2024

Haemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder which causes significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the severe form. Prophylaxis with factor replacement has high efficacy in reducing bleeding but is limited by the need for frequent intravenous infusion and fluctuations in haemostasis between doses. Additional prophylaxis therapies are being developed which may overcome some of the current treatment barriers. Gene therapy (GT) is being developed to provide a functional cure such that there is sustained factor expression and minimal to no need for additional haemostatic therapy. There are now two approved gene therapies for haemophilia which may be transformative for many individuals. Benefits of GT should go beyond increasing factor activity and reducing bleeding as persons with haemophilia aim to achieve a ‘haemophilia‐free mind’ and health equity with optimal health and well‐being.
Monitoring for liver cancer post‐gene therapy—How much and how often?
Authors: P. de Jong Ype , Jacobson Ira M.
Published: April 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has long been recognized as a complication in people with chronic liver disease, particularly those with cirrhosis. Two gene therapies for haemophilia A and B recently approved in Europe and the US utilize adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors designed to target hepatocytes. A number of other AAV gene therapies are undergoing clinical investigation for both liver and extrahepatic diseases, many of which likely transduce hepatocytes as well. Although AAV vectors predominantly persist in episomal forms, concerns about insertional mutagenesis have arisen due to findings in pre‐clinical models and in a small subset of human HCC cases featuring wild‐type AAV integrations in proximity to potential oncogenes. Despite the absence of any causative link between AAV vector therapy and HCC in approved extrahepatic gene therapies or haemophilia gene therapy trials, the package inserts for the recently approved haemophilia gene therapies advise HCC screening in subsets of individuals with additional risk factors. In this review, we discuss HCC risk factors, compare various screening modalities, discuss optimal screening intervals, and consider when to initiate and possibly discontinue screening. At this early point in the evolution of gene therapy, we lack sufficient data to make evidence‐based recommendations on HCC screening. While AAV vectors may eventually be shown to be unassociated with risk of HCC, we presently favour a cautious approach that entails regular surveillance until such time as it is hopefully proven to be unnecessary.
Origin of a polymict, mega‐clast‐bearing impact breccia in the crater floor of Wetumpka Impact Structure, Elmore County, Alabama: Insights from surface outcrops and a drill core
Authors: Chinchalkar Neeraja S. , King David T. , Hames Willis E.
Published: April 2024

Wetumpka impact structure is a Late Cretaceous, marine‐target impact crater of about 5 km diameter. The apparent crater rim is mostly made of crystalline local basement, and the apparent crater floor consists of a mixed sediments of target lithology. These sediments are the provenance of the crater‐filling impactite sands, overlying trans‐crater slide unit, and the capping polymict impact breccia deposit, often referred to by previous workers as “central polymict breccia.” The unit has been known to contain elongated mega‐clasts of up to tens of meters in size. This study attempted to understand the mode of emplacement of this polymict breccia, which occurs in some places on the apparent crater floor and resembles a polymict proximal ejecta deposit. This work also reports the first documentation of rare, potential impact spherules in the polymict impact breccia, interpreted to be a part of distal ejecta. The presence of large, decimeter‐sized clasts in the breccia can be best explained by the movement of overturned rim flap forming part of proximal ejecta from the crater rim to the apparent crater floor during early modification stage of impact cratering. Our work highlights the bimodal clast size distribution of the polymict breccia, and so we propose that the term “mega‐clast‐bearing impact breccia” be used for this unit. We attribute a generally steep orientation of the decameter sized clasts to primary imbrication during emplacement. The emplacement of this breccia is interpreted as associated with the ejecta emplacement process that occurred before the return of marine resurge.
Ries magnetic mineralogy: Exploring impact and post‐impact evolution of crater magnetism
Authors: Mendes Bruno Daniel Leite , Kontny Agnes , Dudzisz Katarzyna , Wilke Franziska D. H.
Published: April 2024

Large‐scale impact events are some of the most catastrophic and instantaneous geological processes in nature, and leave in their wake conspicuous geological structures with characteristic magnetic anomalies. Despite magnetic anomalies in craters being well‐documented, their relationship with the magnetic mineral composition of the target and impactites is not always straightforward. Furthermore, the influence of impact shock and post‐impact events in the magnetism of natural craters remains elusive. In the Ries crater, Germany, the negative magnetic anomalies are attributed to a reverse polarity remanent magnetization in the impact‐melt bearing lithologies. We report new chemical, rock‐, and mineral‐magnetic data from the shocked basement and impactites, from surface samples, NR73 and SUBO‐18 boreholes, and explore how temperature and hydrothermalism may influence the magnetic mineralogy in the crater. We identified shocked, pure magnetite in the basement, and low‐cation substituted magnetite in the impactites as the main magnetic carriers. The shocked basement is demagnetized but remains largely unaltered by post‐impact hydrothermalism, while the impactites show weak magnetization and are extensively altered by neutral‐to‐reducing post‐impact hydrothermalism. We suggest that the magnetic mineralogy of the demagnetized uplifted basement may contribute significantly to the magnetic anomaly variation, in line with recent findings from the Chicxulub peak‐ring.
Data‐driven out‐of‐order model for synchronized planning, scheduling, and execution in modular construction fit‐out management
Authors: Jiang Yishuo , Li Mingxing , Ma Benedict Jun , Zhong Ray Y. , Huang George Q.
Published: April 2024

Fit‐out operations in modular construction exhibit unique features, such as limited room space and diversely distributed operations in the building. These features pose significant challenges to planning, scheduling, and execution (PSE) of fit‐out activities due to operational parallelism, distributional diversity, and narrower constrained time window in modular construction. Hence, logistics‐operation and multi‐operations synchronizations in a real‐time manner are crucial for PSE of modular construction fit‐out management. With the support of cutting‐edge information technologies, the real‐time data inside the generated digital twins can simplify online optimization models and convert stochastic factors into deterministic parameters. This paper formulates a novel real‐time data‐driven Out‐of‐Order (OoO) model for synchronized PSE in modular construction fit‐out management. Drawing inspiration from OoO mechanism in Central Processing Unit (CPU), a real‐time data‐driven and rolling‐horizon‐based OoO model is proposed for PSE of modular construction fit‐out, employing a forward heuristic algorithm for solution. Time–space–state data from digital twins are updated to facilitate dynamic decision‐making of managers. Through stochastic computational experiments, we demonstrate the effectiveness of OoO model in optimizing project metrics and the improved resilience in uncertain environments.
Geometric morphometrics to differentiate species and explore seasonal variation in three Mansonia species (Diptera: Culicidae) in central Thailand and their association with meteorological factors
Authors: Laojun Sedthapong , Changbunjong Tanasak , Abdulloh Arina , Chaiphongpachara Tanawat
Published: April 2024

Mansonia mosquito species are recognised as a significant vector of human pathogens, primarily transmitting the filarial nematode, Brugia malayi. In central Thailand, the three most prevalent Mansonia species are Mansonia annulifera, Mansonia indiana and Mansonia uniformis. This study explored the influence of seasonal changes on the phenotypic variation of these Mansonia species in central Thailand using the geometric morphometrics (GM). To ensure accurate species identification, we integrated GM techniques with DNA barcoding, examining distinctions in both phenotype and genotype among the species. The intraspecific genetic divergence ranged from 0.00% to 1.69%, whereas the interspecific genetic divergence ranged from 10.52% to 16.36%. The clear distinction between intra‐ and interspecific distances demonstrated the presence of a barcoding gap, confirming the successful differentiation of the three Mansonia mosquito species through DNA barcoding. Similarly, the interspecies GM assessment for classifying Mansonia species demonstrated a high degree of accuracy, with an overall performance of 98.12%. Exploring seasonal variation in the three Mansonia species revealed wing variations across different seasons, and pronounced variations appearing in the cool season. Regarding their association with meteorological factors, Ma. annulifera and Ma. uniformis showed significant positive correlations with temperature (p < 0.05), and Ma. uniformis also displayed a significant negative correlation with atmospheric pressure (p < 0.05). The insights from this study will deepen our understanding of the adaptive patterns of Mansonia mosquitoes in Thailand's central region, paving the way for enhanced disease surveillance related to these vectors.
Adult brain tumour research in 2024: Status, challenges and recommendations
Authors: Purshouse Karin , Bulbeck Helen J. , Rooney Alasdair G. , Noble Karen E. , Carruthers Ross D. , Thompson Gerard , Hamerlik Petra , Yap Christina , Kurian Kathreena M. , Jefferies Sarah J. , Lopez Juanita S. , Jenkinson Michael D. , Hanemann C. Oliver , Stead Lucy F.
Published: April 2024

In 2015, a groundswell of brain tumour patient, carer and charity activism compelled the UK Minister for Life Sciences to form a brain tumour research task and finish group. This resulted, in 2018, with the UK government pledging £20m of funding, to be paralleled with £25m from Cancer Research UK, specifically for neuro‐oncology research over the subsequent 5 years. Herein, we review if and how the adult brain tumour research landscape in the United Kingdom has changed over that time and what challenges and bottlenecks remain. We have identified seven universal brain tumour research priorities and three cross‐cutting themes, which span the research spectrum from bench to bedside and back again. We discuss the status, challenges and recommendations for each one, specific to the United Kingdom.
‘Acceleration’ of the food delivery marketplace: Perspectives of local authority professionals in the North‐East of England on temporary COVID regulations
Authors: Bradford Callum P. J. , O'Malley Claire L. , Moore Helen J. , Gray Nick , Townshend Tim G. , Chang Michael , Mathews Claire , Lake Amelia A.
Published: April 2024

In January 2021, we assessed the implications of temporary regulations in the United Kingdom allowing pubs and restaurants to operate on a takeaway basis without instigating a change of use. Local authorities (LAs) across the North‐East of England were unaware of any data regarding the take‐up of these regulations, partially due to ongoing capacity issues; participants also raised health concerns around takeaway use increasing significantly. One year on, we repeated the study aiming to understand the impact of these regulations on the policy and practice of key professional groups. Specifically, we wanted to understand if LAs were still struggling with staff capacity to address the regulations, whether professionals still had public health trepidations, and if any unexpected changes had occurred across the local food environment because of the pandemic. We conversed with 16 public health professionals, planners and environmental health officers across seven LAs throughout the North‐East of England via focus groups and interviews. Data collated were analysed via an inductive and semantic, reflexive‐thematic approach. Through analysis of the data, three themes were generated and are discussed throughout: popular online delivery services as a mediator to increased takeaway usage; potential long‐term health implications and challenges; continued uncertainty regarding the temporary regulations. This paper highlights important changes to local food environments, which public health professionals should be aware of, so they are better equipped to tackle health inequalities across urban and sub‐urban areas.
Species contributions to ecosystem stability change with disturbance type
Authors: White Lydia , O'Connor Nessa E. , Gilson Abby , Donohue Ian
Published: April 2024

Simultaneous exposure to multiple stressors complicates the challenge of predicting ecological responses to global environmental change. Here, we show that the contributions of individual species and functional groups to the overall stability of ecosystems can be modified by the presence of different stressors, both individually and in combination. By disturbing natural rocky shore communities with nutrients and sediments and simulating extinction of predatory whelks and grazers, we also found that consumers can simultaneously stabilise and destabilise communities along different stability dimensions, irrespective of their trophic position. Our results suggest that our experimental disturbances influenced consumer contributions to stability indirectly by modifying the interactions between consumers and macroalgae in different ways. These findings merit further exploration in different systems exposed to a range of different stressors to better understand how perturbations of different kinds can modify the multifaceted contributions of species to the overall stability of ecosystems.