bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Deliberate Practice‐Based Ultrasound Training Program for Fetal Palate Screening Using a Sequential Sector Scan Through the Oral Fissure
Authors: Wan Ying , Zhou Yi , Li Liang , Gao Chuanfen , Fan Min , Qin Jing , She Jingwen , Zhang Chaoxue
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To introduce an ultrasound training program for fetal palate screening by using a sequential sector scan through the oral fissure to train less experienced doctors and to investigate its effectiveness.

Methods

Twenty doctors and several women at approximately 20–28 weeks of gestation with singleton pregnancies who provided informed consent were enrolled. The training program consisted of theory and practice training, several tests, and two surveys. Trainees were tested before training and immediately after training; for the latter, each item with a score that was less than 60% of the full score was again used for training with a reconstructed plan. Finally, a post‐training test was completed.

Results

The median theory scores, median practice scores, median language competence scores, and median self‐assessment scores all increased significantly from the pre‐training to post‐training tests (P < .01). The median completion time for fetal palate scans decreased significantly from the pre‐training to post‐training tests (P < .01). The median questionnaire scores were 5.00 for pragmatism, 4.00 for content, 4.00 for scientific nature, and 5.00 for effectiveness.

Conclusions

The training program for fetal palate screening can effectively standardize and improve doctors' scans for fetal palates. In addition, the program feasibly allows for the incorporation of the scan sequence into fetal palate screening.
The regulation and functions of ACSL3 and ACSL4 in the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Jorlin , Waugh Mark G.
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a heterogeneous disease that often features dysregulated tumour lipid metabolism. ACSL3 and ACSL4 are two homologous long chain acyl‐coenzyme A synthetases (ACSL) that preferentially catalyse the activation of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Both enzymes are frequently overexpressed in HCC, and multiple reports have implicated ACSL4 in tumour progression. Increased expression of these isozymes in tumour cells can upregulate lipid metabolism through de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid β‐oxidation and acyl chain remodelling of membrane phospholipids. We describe the subcellular functions of ACSL3 and ACSL4 in hepatocytes, and the transcriptional, epigenetic and post‐translational mechanisms underpinning their regulation. We discuss the evidence that these enzymes can modulate hepatocarcinogenic signalling by oncoproteins, cell death by apoptosis or ferroptosis, and protein degradation through the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway. In addition, we survey how knowledge in this area may inform new approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of HCC and deepen our understanding of how lipid metabolic reprogramming can promote hepatic tumour growth.
Effect of wild boar disturbances on the soil seed bank in alpine plant communities
Authors: Yusefi Hamid , Erfanzadeh Reza , Esmailzadeh Omid
Published: November 2022

Soil seed bank (SSB) determines essential ecological processes by maintaining species diversity and recovering damaged plant communities, and supports conservation of lost plant species. Nevertheless, the variation of SSBs, their densities, and composition changes when accompanied by wild boar disturbances are scarcely studied in sensitive habitats such as alpine grasslands. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of wild boar rooting on SSB characteristics. Five plant communities were selected and four disturbed patches in each community were recognized in alpine grassland, Albors Mountain Chain, Iran. SSB density, richness, diversity, evenness and similarity with aboveground vegetation were compared between disturbed and adjacent undisturbed patches. In total 80 soil cores in each community, 40 disturbed and 40 undisturbed were collected and transported to the greenhouse. The seedling emergence method was used to identify and quantify seeds from the germinable seed bank. The results showed that, totally, the SSB within disturbed patches was smaller than in undisturbed patches. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) rooting decreased SSB density, richness and diversity in all plant communities. We found that rooting homogenized SSBs in disturbed patches as indicated by the Pielou evenness index. The results suggested a deep alteration of the structure of seed banks by wild boar rooting, which in turn, vegetation recovery did not rely on SSBs after disturbances. In order to reduce wild boar rooting damage, a large reduction in wild boar abundance is suggested.
Species‐specific soil legacy effects on ecosystem multifunctionality via regulating plant overyielding
Authors: Yan Xiaohong , Niu Jianming , Li Yuanheng , Sun Shixian , Li Xiliang , Jin Ke
Published: November 2022

Soil legacy effects and biodiversity play important roles in driving plant community dynamics and functioning. However, experimental evidence of the effects of soil legacy on ecosystem multifunctionality (maintaining multiple functions simultaneously) is lacking. We first conducted a mesocosm experiment in which three common species (grass, legume, and forb) were planted in monocultures and mixed cultures to produce soil legacies. Subsequently, soils were sampled to test the soil legacy effects on ecosystem multifunctionality in a greenhouse experiment. Our findings showed that plant‐mediated soil legacy effects were species‐specific and strongly influenced the productivity of subsequent plants or combinations. Specifically, plant‐specific soil legacies had considerable impacts on the magnitude and direction of diversity‐dependent overyielding effects. Such effects can compensate for non‐legume soil legacy effects and maintain overall productivity. Functional diversity and ecosystem multifunctionality were largely affected by soil legacy effects and were significantly positively correlated with functional group richness. Based on our results, plant‐specific soil legacy is an important factor limiting the development of plant community and ecosystem multifunctionality in the early stage of community construction. The rational use of the synergistic effects of plant‐specific soil legacy and functional group richness may be a key to ensure the successful establishment of vegetation and grassland management.
Study of Nonisothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Unstretched and Uniaxially Stretched Electroactive PVDF Composite Films
Authors: Mishra Suvrajyoti , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay Kumar
Published: November 2022

Incorporation of graphene‐based fillers such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) followed by uniaxial stretching can significantly improve their electroactive phase content as well as the dielectric properties. In this study, the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of unstretched and uniaxially stretched PVDF‐GO and PVDF‐rGO composite films are investigated through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at different cooling rates. Avrami‐modified Jeziorney's model is used to understand their crystallization behavior which leads to the nucleation of electroactive crystalline phases in PVDF. Avrami's exponent “n” values in the range of 2–4 are obtained for nonisothermal crystallization of PVDF in different samples which reveal both two‐ and three‐dimensional growth of spherulites in the crystalline region. Kissinger's method is used to calculate the activation energy of crystallization and the results reveal accelerated crystallization of PVDF after addition of GO and rGO fillers followed by uniaxial stretching.
Anosov diffeomorphisms on infra‐nilmanifolds associated to graphs
Authors: Deré Jonas , Mainkar Meera
Published: November 2022

Anosov diffeomorphisms on closed Riemannian manifolds are a type of dynamical systems exhibiting uniform hyperbolic behavior. Therefore, their properties are intensively studied, including which spaces allow such a diffeomorphism. It is conjectured that any closed manifold admitting an Anosov diffeomorphism is homeomorphic to an infra‐nilmanifold, that is, a compact quotient of a 1‐connected nilpotent Lie group by a discrete group of isometries. This conjecture motivates the problem of describing which infra‐nilmanifolds admit an Anosov diffeomorphism. So far, most research was focused on the restricted class of nilmanifolds, which are quotients of 1‐connected nilpotent Lie groups by uniform lattices. For example, Dani and Mainkar studied this question for the nilmanifolds associated to graphs, which form the natural generalization of nilmanifolds modeled on free nilpotent Lie groups. This paper further generalizes their work to the full class of infra‐nilmanifolds associated to graphs, leading to a necessary and sufficient condition depending only on the induced action of the holonomy group on the defining graph. As an application, we construct families of infra‐nilmanifolds with cyclic holonomy groups admitting an Anosov diffeomorphism, starting from faithful actions of the holonomy group on simple graphs.
Radiofrequency coil design for improving human liver fat quantification in a portable single‐side magnetic resonance system
Authors: Yang Shiwei , Chen Xiao , Chen Suen , Chen Hao , Zhao Yue , Wu Ziyue , Luo Hai , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: November 2022

Earlier diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is important to prevent progression of the disease. Recently, a low‐cost portable magnetic resonance (MR) system was developed as a point‐of‐care screening tool for in vivo liver fat quantification. However, subcutaneous fat may confound the liver fat quantification, particularly in the NAFLD population. In this work, we propose a novel radiofrequency (RF) coil design composed of a set of “saturation” coils sandwiching a main coil to improve human liver fat quantification. By comparison with conventional MR imaging, we demonstrate the capability and effectiveness of the novel RF coil design in phantom experiments as well as in vivo liver scans. In the phantom experiment, the saturation coil reduced the error in the measured proton density fat fraction (PDFF) results from 28.9% to 4.0%, and in the in vivo experiment, it reduced the discrepancy in the PDFF results from 13.2% to 4.0%. The novel coil design, together with the adapted Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill‐based sequence, improves the practicability and robustness of the portable single‐side MR system.
Metal–organic framework‐derived high‐performance polypyrrole/Ni‐CAT/PI fiber paper‐based electromagnetic shielding composites for high‐frequency electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Zhang Ruqiang , Lv Wenzhi , Zhu Ruifeng , Zhang Dan , Wang Shihua , Long Zhu
Published: November 2022

Light‐weight, portability and miniaturization are important characteristics for the next generation of high‐performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding equipment. To meet the current demand for high‐performance EMI shielding materials, this paper proposes a simple and reliable method for preparing multilayer paper‐based composites. Paper‐based composites exhibit light weight, flexibility, easy processing and high temperature resistance. A conductive metal–organic skeleton (Ni‐CAT) layer and polypyrrole (PPy) layer were deposited on a polyimide (PI) fiber surface with an in situ synthesis and gas aggregation method to prepare paper‐based electromagnetic shielding composites with good properties. The results showed that the electromagnetic shielding effect (SE) of the paper‐based composites reached 41.0 dB. After the paper‐based composites underwent multiple ultrasonic washing and bending tests, their electrical conductivity retention rate was as high as 90%. Furthermore, the introduction of PPy/Ni‐CAT enhanced the bonding strength of the PI fibers, which caused the tensile strength of the paper‐based composites to reach 22.3 MPa. Due to the good thermal stability of the composites, they can withstand an open flame and protect the equipment during a fire. Thus, these paper‐based EMI shielding composites hold great promise for flexible electromagnetic shielding materials, protection of smart wearable devices and other fields.
Selective synthesis of helical polymers
Authors: Wang Qian , Liu Yu‐Qi , Gao Run‐Tan , Wu Zong‐Quan
Published: November 2022

Many researches have been done on synthetic helical polymers because of their wide applications such as chiral recognition, enantiomeric separation, asymmetric catalysis, circularly polarized luminescence, liquid crystallization and so on. Synthetic helical polymers can be generally divided into static helical polymers and dynamic helical polymers on the basis of whether the helix inversion barriers are high or low. And this mini review mainly describes the three common selectively synthetic methods of static helical polymers such as polymerization with chiral monomers, helix‐sense‐selective polymerization and enantiomer‐selective polymerization. We hope that this mini review can provide more ideas on synthesis of chiral materials and encourage further development on novel synthetic methods of helical polymers.
Nonclassical Thermal Twist of the Chiral Gyroid Lattice
Authors: DeValk Tyler , Hestetune Jonah , Lakes Roderic S.
Published: November 2022

The gyroid lattice is prepared in chiral and non‐chiral forms. The chiral gyroid lattice is observed to exhibit temperature‐induced twist with the direction of twist corresponding to the sense of chirality. This effect is a nonclassical effect that cannot occur in classical elasticity or classical thermo‐elasticity but is allowable in Cosserat solids. Poisson's ratio of the gyroid is known to be about 0.3 with minimal dependence on size. In contrast to squeeze–twist coupling in which substantial size effects occur with slender specimens twisting much more than thicker ones, thermal–twist coupling exhibits opposite and less consistent size effects of much smaller magnitude.
Pulmonary hypertension complicating unilateral absence of pulmonary artery and coronary‐pulmonary artery fistula: Report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: Lin Chen‐Chieh , Wu Cho‐Kai , Kuo Ping‐Hung
Published: November 2022

This is a case report of a 53‐year‐old woman who presented to our hospital in 2011 with an intermittent cough and dyspnea for 5 years. The chest X‐ray showed a prominent left hilum and a smaller right lung. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest confirmed the absence of the right pulmonary artery (PA) and the right cardiac catheterization showed a mean PA pressure of 34 mmHg. Concomitant asthma and unilateral absence of pulmonary artery (UAPA) were diagnosed. In the following years, her functional class remained stable under medications including low‐dose sildenafil and spironolactone. In 2020, she developed mild intermittent chest tightness and the coronary angiography showed a fistula between the proximal left circumflex coronary artery and right pulmonary circulation. She declined further intervention for her coronary‐pulmonary artery fistula (CPAF) and her symptoms improved spontaneously. To our knowledge, only 16 similar cases with combined UAPA and CPAF in adults have been reported in the literature, of which, pulmonary hypertension was documented in nine patients (56.3%).
Optimal reduced‐order interval observer design for uncertain continuous‐time linear systems
Authors: Liu Longwen , Xie Wei , Zhang Langwen
Published: November 2022

This article investigates the reduced‐order interval observer (R‐IO) design technique for continuous‐time linear systems with unknown external disturbances and measurement noises. First, we propose a coupled R‐IO structure with more design degrees of freedom, and it can be directly applied not only to solve the difficulty of the error system cooperativity construction but to relax the constraint on the sensor measurement noises. Second, the R‐IO existence condition is derived as a set of matrix equations (MEs), and a complete solution, explicitly showing the available design parameters, to such an R‐IO is further obtained by solving the MEs. Third, using the solution, an integrated optimization indicator of the R‐IO performance is built as the valid selection mechanism of these parameters. Finally, the efficiency of the obtained results is illustrated through a numerical example and a practical example.
High‐Yield Separation of Extracellular Vesicles Using Programmable Zwitterionic Coacervates
Authors: Paganini Carolina , Capasso Palmiero Umberto , Picciotto Sabrina , Molinelli Alessandro , Porello Ilaria , Adamo Giorgia , Manno Mauro , Bongiovanni Antonella , Arosio Paolo
Published: November 2022

Programmable coacervates based on zwitterionic polymers are designed as dynamic materials for ion exchange bioseparation. These coacervates are proposed as promising materials for the purification of soft nanoparticles such as liposomes and extracellular vesicles (EVs). It is shown that the stimulus‐responsiveness of the coacervates and the recruitment of desired molecules can be independently programmed by polymer design. Moreover, the polymeric coacervates can recruit and release intact liposomes, human EVs, and nanoalgosomes in high yields and separate vesicles from different types of impurities, including proteins and nucleic acids. This approach combines the speed and simplicity of precipitation methods and the programmability of chromatography with the gentleness of aqueous two‐phase separation, thereby guaranteeing product stability. This material represents a promising alternative for providing a low‐shear, gentle, and selective purification method for EVs.
Metal Halides for High‐Capacity Energy Storage
Authors: Ma Hui , Wang Xusheng , Wang Cong , Zhang Huanrong , Ma Xinlei , Deng Wenjun , Chen Ruoqi , Cao Tianqi , Chai Yuqiao , He Yonglin , Ji Wei , Li Rui , Chen Jitao , Ji Junhui , Rao Wei , Xue Mianqi
Published: November 2022

High‐capacity electrochemical energy storage systems are more urgently needed than ever before with the rapid development of electric vehicles and the smart grid. The most efficient way to increase capacity is to develop electrode materials with low molecular weights. The low‐cost metal halides are theoretically ideal cathode materials due to their advantages of high capacity and redox potential. However, their cubic structure and large energy barrier for deionization impede their rechargeability. Here, the reversibility of potassium halides, lithium halides, sodium halides, and zinc halides is achieved through decreasing their dimensionality by the strong π–cation interactions between metal cations and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Especially, the energy densities of KI‐, KBr‐, and KCl‐based materials are 722.2, 635.0, and 739.4 Wh kg−1, respectively, which are higher than those of other cathode materials for potassium‐ion batteries. In addition, the full‐cell with 2D KI/rGO as cathode and graphite as anode demonstrates a lifespan of over 150 cycles with a considerable capacity retention of 57.5%. The metal halides‐based electrode materials possess promising application prospects and are worthy of more in‐depth researches.
Biometric multi‐factor authentication: On the usability of the FingerPIN scheme
Authors: Marasco Emanuela , Albanese Massimiliano , Patibandla Venkata Vamsi Ram , Vurity Anudeep , Sriram Sumanth Sai
Published: November 2022

Fingerprint‐based authentication has been successfully adopted in a wide range of applications, including law enforcement and immigration, due to its numerous advantages over traditional password‐based authentication. Despite the usability and accuracy of this technology, some significant concerns still exist, which can potentially hinder its further adoption. For instance, a fingerprint is permanently associated with an individual and, once stolen, cannot be replaced, thus compromising biometric‐based authentication. To mitigate this concern, we previously designed a multi‐factor authentication approach that integrates Type‐1 and Type‐3 authentication factors into a fingerprint‐based personal identification number (PIN). To authenticate, a subject is required to present a sequence of fingerprints corresponding to the digits of the PIN, based on a predefined secret mapping between digits and fingers. We conducted a preliminary vulnerability analysis and demonstrated that this approach is robust to the compromise of one or more of the subject's fingerprints. The objective of the work presented in this paper is to identify any usability issues for this FingerPIN scheme, collect qualitative and quantitative data through a user study, and determine the participants' satisfaction with the authentication mechanism. We carried out systematic usability tests, designed suitable performance metrics for assessing authentication usability on an initial cohort of 100 individuals, and performed a comparative analysis of the FingerPIN scheme against traditional sequential multi‐factor authentication schemes.
Developing drought‐smart, ready‐to‐grow future crops
Authors: Raza Ali , Mubarik Muhammad Salman , Sharif Rahat , Habib Madiha , Jabeen Warda , Zhang Chong , Chen Hua , Chen Zhong‐Hua , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Zhuang Weijian , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: November 2022

Breeding crop plants with increased yield potential and improved tolerance to stressful environments is critical for global food security. Drought stress (DS) adversely affects agricultural productivity worldwide and is expected to rise in the coming years. Therefore, it is vital to understand the physiological, biochemical, molecular, and ecological mechanisms associated with DS. This review examines recent advances in plant responses to DS to expand our understanding of DS‐associated mechanisms. Suboptimal water sources adversely affect crop growth and yields through physical impairments, physiological disturbances, biochemical modifications, and molecular adjustments. To control the devastating effect of DS in crop plants, it is important to understand its consequences, mechanisms, and the agronomic and genetic basis of DS for sustainable production. In addition to plant responses, we highlight several mitigation options such as omics approaches, transgenics breeding, genome editing, and biochemical to mechanical methods (foliar treatments, seed priming, and conventional agronomic practices). Further, we have also presented the scope of conventional and speed breeding platforms in helping to develop the drought‐smart future crops. In short, we recommend incorporating several approaches, such as multi‐omics, genome editing, speed breeding, and traditional mechanical strategies, to develop drought‐smart cultivars to achieve the ‘zero hunger’ goal.
Determination of pyrethroids in water samples by dispersive solid‐phase extraction coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Ya , Yu Jun , Wang Qingying , Khattak Kashif Nawaz , Yang Xiupei
Published: November 2022

A metal–organic framework UiO‐66 was prepared and used as a sorbent for dispersive solid‐phase extraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography (DSPE‐HPLC) for extracting and determining four pyrethroids in water samples for the first time. The as‐synthesized material was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and N2 adsorption–desorption analysis. In addition, several important parameters affecting DSPE efficiency, including sorbent dosage, extraction time, salt concentration, pH, elution solvent, elution volume, and elution time, were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the UiO‐66 based on the DSPE‐HPLC method displayed a wide linear range (10–1000 ng/ml), low limits of detection (2.8–3.5 ng/ml), and good precision (relative standard deviations [RSDs] < 3%) for the four pyrethroids. The recoveries at different spiked levels ranged from 89.3% to 107.7%. In addition, UiO‐66 featured good reusability and reproducibility. The results demonstrated that π–π stacking interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and van der Waals forces between UiO‐66 and the four pyrethroids played a crucial role in the adsorption process. Meanwhile, the maximum extraction capability could be obtained within 5 min. Thus, the DSPE coupled with the UiO‐66 sorbent can be successfully used in the analysis of four pyrethroids in environmental water samples.

Practitioner Points

Simultaneous determination of four pyrethroids using the developed UiO‐66‐based DSPE‐HPLC method in water samples.

The developed method had a short enrichment time, broad linear ranges, a low detection limit, and high enrichment factor.

It is showed that π–π stacking interaction, hydrophobic interaction, and van der Waals forces were the main mechanism.
Artificial intelligence-based computer-aided system for knee osteoarthritis assessment increases experienced orthopaedic surgeons’ agreement rate and accuracy
Authors: Smolle Maria Anna , Goetz Christoph , Maurer Dietmar , Vielgut Ines , Novak Michael , Zier Gerhard , Leithner Andreas , Nehrer Stefan , Paixao Tiago , Ljuhar Richard , Sadoghi Patrick
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The aims of this study were to (1) analyze the impact of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer system on the accuracy and agreement rate of board-certified orthopaedic surgeons (= senior readers) to detect X-ray features indicative of knee OA in comparison to unaided assessment and (2) compare the results to those of senior residents (= junior readers).

Methods

One hundred and twenty-four unilateral knee X-rays from the OAI study were analyzed regarding Kellgren–Lawrence grade, joint space narrowing (JSN), sclerosis and osteophyte OARSI grade by computerized methods. Images were rated for these parameters by three senior readers using two modalities: plain X-ray (unaided) and X-ray presented alongside reports from a computer-assisted detection system (aided). After exclusion of nine images with incomplete annotation, intraclass correlations between readers were calculated for both modalities among 115 images, and reader performance was compared to ground truth (OAI consensus). Accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were also calculated and the results were compared to those from a previous study on junior readers.

Results

With the aided modality, senior reader agreement rates for KL grade (2.0-fold), sclerosis (1.42-fold), JSN (1.37-fold) and osteophyte OARSI grades (3.33-fold) improved significantly. Reader specificity and accuracy increased significantly for all features when using the aided modality compared to the gold standard. On the other hand, sensitivity only increased for OA diagnosis, whereas it decreased (without statistical significance) for all other features. With aided analysis, senior readers reached similar agreement and accuracy rates as junior readers, with both surpassing AI performance.

Conclusion

The introduction of AI-based computer-aided assessment systems can increase the agreement rate and overall accuracy for knee OA diagnosis among board-certified orthopaedic surgeons. Thus, use of this software may improve the standard of care for knee OA detection and diagnosis in the future.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Operational sex ratio estimated from drone surveys for a species threatened by climate warming
Authors: Staines Melissa N. , Smith Caitlin E. , Madden Hof Christine A. , Booth David T. , Tibbetts Ian R. , Hays Graeme C.
Published: November 2022

Rising sand temperatures resulting from climate warming may cause the ‘feminization’ of sea turtle populations, which have temperature-dependent sex determination. In July and October 2021, we conducted surveys using a drone (also referred to as an unmanned aerial vehicle or UAV) and shore-based observations to assess the operational sex ratio (OSR) (number of males and females in breeding condition) for green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia (23.44 °S, 151.92 °E). Using drone-imagery, the length:width (L:W) ratio of a turtle’s head was used to distinguish loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from green turtles, and the L:W of the carapace was used to distinguish juveniles from adult-sized green turtles. The first breeding pair was observed in shore-based surveys on 14 September 2021 and the number of mating turtles then increased to a peak on 4 October, about 8 weeks before the peak in nesting. A total of 94 km of drone transects with associated video footage was analysed. In October, at the peak of the mating season, the ratio of adult turtles displaying breeding behaviours near the island was 0.51 female (95% CI ± 0.17), supporting previous conclusions that despite the female-biased (> 80%) hatchling sex ratio, this population likely has a fairly balanced OSR. These findings are likely explained by males breeding 2–3 times more frequently than females, which helps mitigate female-biased hatchling sex ratios. Assessing the OSR of populations with extreme female hatchling bias may help to inform whether intervention is needed to increase male hatchling production.
Changes in work-related stressors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: differences by gender and parental status
Authors: Backhaus Insa , Hoven Hanno , Bambra Clare , Oksanen Tuula , Rigó Mariann , di Tecco Cristina , Iavicoli Sergio , Dragano Nico
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic changed people’s working conditions worldwide and research suggests increases in work stressors. However, it is not known to what extent these changes differ by gender or parental status. In the present study, we investigate trends in work stressors and whether these differ by gender and parental status.

Methods

We used cross-sectional time series data of the European Working Conditions Survey of 2015 and Living, Working and COVID-19 survey of spring 2020 to examine trends in work stressors by gender and parental status. Work stressors were working in leisure time, lack of psychological detachment and work–life conflict. We applied three-way multilevel regressions reporting prevalence ratios and reported predicted probabilities and average marginal effects to show trends and differences in changes in work stressors.

Results

Our multilevel regression results showed elevated prevalence ratios during the pandemic for working leisure time (PR: 1.43, 95% CI 1.34–1.53), psychological detachment (PR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.45–1.99) and work–life conflict (PR: 1.29, 95% CI 1.17–1.43) compared to before the pandemic. Except for working in leisure time, the increase was more significant among women and mothers. The proportion of work–life conflict in 2020 was 20.7% (95% CI 18.7–22.9) for men and 25.8% (95% CI 24.0–27.6) for women, equalling a difference of 5.1% (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

There is evidence that work stressors increased disproportionately for women and mothers. This needs to be monitored and addressed to prevent widening gender inequalities in the quality of work.
The impact of COVID-19 on liver transplantation programs in Austria
Authors: Hartl Lukas , Tatscher Elisabeth , Weiss Melanie , Balcar Lorenz , Strassl Robert , Jachs Mathias , Mandorfer Mattias , Soliman Thomas , Stadlbauer Vanessa , Schemmer Peter , Berlakovich Gabriela , Tilg Herbert , Schneeberger Stefan , Trauner Michael , Fickert Peter , Reiberger Thomas , Graziadei Ivo
Published: November 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) has affected liver disease management. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Austrian orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) programs, however, has not been systematically investigated.

Methods

All patients listed for OLT in Austria during 2020–2021 were studied. Data on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing, vaccinations, infections, mortality and the overall number of OLTs (vs. pre-COVID-19: 2015–2019) were analyzed.

Results

Overall, 490 patients (median age: 58.0 years, 70.4% men, hepatocellular carcinoma: 27.3%) were listed for OLT in Austria in 2020–2021. Alcohol-related cirrhosis (35.3%), cholestatic (16.7%) and viral liver disease (13.9%) were the main etiologies. Of the patients 61.2% underwent OLT and 8.8% died while on the waiting list.

The number of OLTs performed during COVID-19 (2020: n = 150; 2021: n = 150) remained unchanged compared to pre-COVID-19 (median: n = 152).

Among waiting list patients, 7.7% (n = 31/401) were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 7 (22.6%) of these patients died.

By the end of 2021, 45.1% (n = 176/390; 82.8% mRNA vaccinations) and 28.8% (105/365) of patients received 2 and 3 SARS-CoV‑2 vaccinations, respectively. After two SARS-CoV‑2 vaccinations, antibodies more often remained undetectable in patients vaccinated post-OLT (25.6% vs. 6.5% in patients vaccinated pre-OLT; p = 0.034). Patients with three vaccinations after OLT had lower antibody titers than patients vaccinated pre-OLT (post-OLT: 513.5, IQR 44.4–2500.0 vs. pre-OLT: 2500.0, IQR 1462.0–2500.0 BAU/mL; p = 0.020).

Conclusion

The number of OLTs in Austria remained unchanged during COVID-19. SARS-CoV‑2 infections were rare but associated with high mortality in patients on the Austrian OLT waiting lists. SARS-CoV‑2 vaccination rates at the end of 2021 were suboptimal, while serological response was better in patients vaccinated pre-OLT vs. post-OLT.
The first comprehensive genomic characterization of rectal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Astaras Christoforos , De Vito Claudio , Chaskar Prasad , Bornand Aurelie , Khanfir Kaouthar , Sciarra Amedeo , Letovanec Igor , Corro Claudia , Dietrich Pierre-Yves , Tsantoulis Petros , Koessler Thibaud
Published: November 2022

Background

Rectal cancers represent 35% of colorectal cancers; 90% are adenocarcinomas, while squamous cell carcinoma accounts for 0.3% of them. Given its rarity, little is known concerning its pathogenesis, molecular profile and therapeutic management. The current treatment trend is to treat rectal squamous cell carcinoma by analogy to anal squamous cell carcinoma with definitive chemo-radiotherapy, setting aside surgery in case of local recurrence.

Methods

We performed an in-depth genomic analysis (next-generation sequencing, copy number variation, and human papilloma virus characterization) on 10 rectal squamous cell carcinoma samples and compared them in silico to those of anal squamous cell carcinoma and rectal adenocarcinoma.

Results

Rectal squamous cell carcinoma shows 100% HPV positivity. It has a mutational (PIK3CA, PTEN, TP53, ATM, BCL6, SOX2) and copy number variation profile (3p, 10p, 10q, 16q deletion and 1q, 3q, 5p, 8q, 20p gain) similar to anal squamous cell carcinoma. PI3K/Akt/mTOR is the most commonly affected signaling pathway similarly to anal squamous cell carcinoma. Most commonly gained or lost genes seen in rectal adenocarcinoma (FLT3, CDX2, GNAS, BCL2, SMAD4, MALT1) are not found in rectal squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

This study presents the first comprehensive genomic characterization of rectal squamous cell carcinoma. We confirm the existence of this rare histology and its molecular similarity with anal squamous cell carcinoma. This molecular proximity confirms the adequacy of therapeutic management based on histology and not localization, suggesting that rectal squamous cell carcinoma should be treated like anal squamous cell carcinoma and not as a rectal adenocarcinoma.
Assessment of frost and heating penetration in compacted clay layers of landfill top covers in temperate climate
Authors: Dalla Santa Giorgia , Cola Simonetta , Galgaro Antonio
Published: November 2022

Compacted clay (CC) layers are commonly used as hydraulic barriers in landfills, thanks to their impervious capacity. However, mechanical and hydraulic properties of CC can be significantly affected by temperature variations due to the heat produced by waste degradation as well as to external air temperature and weathering. Previous experimental tests show that the most detrimental occurrence is the cyclic freezing–thawing (FT) that can increase the hydraulic conductivity of CC up to one order of magnitude. This paper aims at assessing the temperature distribution in a landfill multilayered top cover in several scenarios of temperature solicitations, in order to evaluate the depth of frost penetration. For this purpose, a 2D hydro-thermal coupled finite element model representing a case study landfill top cover has been developed; each constituting layer has been characterized by physical and thermal properties acquired through direct measurements on sampled materials in unfrozen and frozen conditions. The model provides a reliable time description of the isotherm distribution within the layered top cover in several temperature scenarios typical of a temperate climate, thus estimating the penetration of the frost front as well as of high temperatures.
Development, implementation and evaluation of a seven-day clinical pharmacy service in a tertiary referral teaching hospital during surge-2 of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cheng C. , Walsh A. , Jones S. , Matthews S. , Weerasooriya D. , Fernandes R. J. , McKenzie C. A.
Published: November 2022

Background

Seven-day clinical pharmacy services in the acute sector of the National Health Service are limited. There is a paucity of evidential patient benefit. This limits investment and infrastructure, despite United Kingdom wide calls.

Aim

To optimise medicines seven-days a week during surge-2 of the COVID-19 pandemic through implementation of a seven-day clinical pharmacy service. This paper describes service development, evaluation and sustainability.

Setting

A tertiary-referral teaching hospital, London, United Kingdom.

Development

The seven-day clinical pharmacy service was developed to critical care, acute and general medical patients. Clinical leads developed the service specification and defined priorities, targeting complex patients and transfer of care. Contributing staff were briefed and training materials developed.

Implementation

The service was implemented in January 2021 for 11 weeks. Multidisciplinary team communication brought challenges; strategies were employed to overcome these.

Evaluation

A prospective observational study was conducted in intervention wards over two weekends in February 2021. 1584 beds were occupied and 602 patients included. 346 interventions were reported and rated; 85.6% had high or moderate impact; 56.7% were time-critical.

The proportion of medicines reconciliation within 24-h of admission was analysed across the hospital between November 2020 and May 2021. During implementation, patients admitted Friday-Sunday were more likely to receive medicines reconciliation within 24-h (RR 1.41 (95% CI 1.34–1.47), p < 0.001). Rostered services were delivered sustainably in terms of shift-fill rate and medicines reconciliation outcome.

Conclusion

Seven-day clinical pharmacy services benefit patient outcome through early medicines reconciliation and intervention. Investment to permanently embed the service was sustained.
Entanglement criteria for the bosonic and fermionic induced ensembles
Authors: Dartois Stephane , Nechita Ion , Tanasa Adrian
Published: November 2022

We introduce the bosonic and fermionic ensembles of density matrices and study their entanglement. In the fermionic case, we show that random bipartite fermionic density matrices have non-positive partial transposition; hence, they are typically entangled. The similar analysis in the bosonic case is more delicate, due to a large positive outlier eigenvalue. We compute the asymptotic ratio between the size of the environment and the size of the system Hilbert space for which random bipartite bosonic density matrices fail the PPT criterion, being thus entangled. We also relate moment computations for tensor-symmetric random matrices to evaluations of the circuit counting and interlace graph polynomials for directed graphs.
Proteomic analysis of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos exposed to benzyl benzoate
Authors: Kwon Young Sang , Park Chang-Beom , Lee Seung-Min , Zee Seonggeun , Kim Go-Eun , Kim Yeong-Jin , Sim Hee-Jung , Kim Jong-Hwan , Seo Jong-Su
Published: November 2022

Benzyl benzoate (BB) is widely used in the food, cosmetics, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries and is discharged into the aquatic environment via various water sources, including wastewater. Research on the bioaccumulation and possible toxicity of BB has been conducted, but the biochemical responses to BB toxicity are not fully understood, and the specific molecular pathways by which BB causes toxicity remain unknown. In this study, label-free quantitative proteomics based on mass spectrometry was applied to investigate protein profiles in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos exposed to BB (1 µg/mL) for 7 days. A total of 83 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, including 49 up-regulated and 34 down-regulated proteins. The biological functions of proteins regulated by BB were grouped into functional categories and subcategories, including the biosynthesis of organonitrogen compound biosynthetic process, translation, amide biosynthetic process, lipid transport, stress response, and cytoskeletal activity. The results provide novel insight into the molecular basis of the ecotoxicity of BB in aquatic ecosystems.
Protein Expression of Amino Acid Transporters Is Altered in Isolated Cerebral Microvessels of 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Puris Elena , Saveleva Liudmila , de Sousa Maciel Izaque , Kanninen Katja M. , Auriola Seppo , Fricker Gert
Published: November 2022

Membrane transporters such as ATP-binding cassette (ABC) and solute carrier (SLC) transporters expressed at the neurovascular unit (NVU) play an important role in drug delivery to the brain and have been demonstrated to be involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. However, our knowledge of quantitative changes in transporter absolute protein expression and functionality in vivo in NVU in AD patients and animal models is limited. The study aim was to investigate alterations in protein expression of ABC and SLC transporters in the isolated brain microvessels and brain prefrontal cortices of a widely used model of familial AD, 5xFAD mice (8 months old), using a sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry-based quantitative targeted absolute proteomic approach. Moreover, we examined alterations in brain prefrontal cortical and plasmatic levels of transporter substrates in 5xFAD mice compared to age-matched wild-type (WT) controls. ASCT1 (encoded by Slc1a4) protein expression in the isolated brain microvessels and brain prefrontal cortices of 5xFAD mice was twice higher compared to WT controls (p = 0.01). Brain cortical levels of ASCT1 substrate, serine, were increased in 5xFAD mice compared to WT animals. LAT1 (encoded by Slc7a5) and 4F2hc (encoded by Slc3a2) protein expressions were significantly altered in the isolated brain microvessels of 5xFAD mice compared to WT controls (p = 0.008 and p = 0.05, respectively). Overall, the study provides important information, which is crucial for the optimal use of the 5xFAD mouse model in AD drug development and for investigating novel drug delivery approaches. In addition, the findings of the study shed light on the novel potential mechanisms underlying AD pathogenesis.
Voice Over Body? Older Adults’ Reactions to Robot and Voice Assistant Facilitators of Group Conversation
Authors: Seaborn Katie , Sekiguchi Takuya , Tokunaga Seiki , Miyake Norihisa P. , Otake-Matsuura Mihoko
Published: November 2022

Intelligent agents have great potential as facilitators of group conversation among older adults. However, little is known about how to design agents for this purpose and user group, especially in terms of agent embodiment. To this end, we conducted a mixed methods study of older adults’ reactions to voice and body in a group conversation facilitation agent. Two agent forms with the same underlying artificial intelligence (AI) and voice system were compared: a humanoid robot and a voice assistant. One preliminary study (total n = 24) and one experimental study comparing voice and body morphologies (n = 36) were conducted with older adults and an experienced human facilitator. Findings revealed that the artificiality of the agent, regardless of its form, was beneficial for the socially uncomfortable task of conversation facilitation. Even so, talkative personality types had a poorer experience with the “bodied” robot version. Design implications and supplementary reactions, especially to agent voice, are also discussed.
Mechanical behavior and constitutive model of shale under real-time high temperature and high stress conditions
Authors: Guo Wuhao , Guo Yintong , Cai Zhenhua , Yang Hanzhi , Wang Lei , Yang Chunhe , Zhao Guokai , Bi Zhenhui
Published: November 2022

The high temperature and high in-situ stress geological environment can significantly affect the mechanical properties, failure modes, and deformation characteristics of deep shale reservoirs. In this study, real-time high temperature triaxial compressive tests simulating the deep shale formation environment (temperature: 25–150 °C, confining pressure: 0–100 MPa) are carried out. The GSI-strength degradation and constitutive models are derived based on the Hoek–Brown criterion. The results show that in low confining pressure conditions, the mechanical behavior of shale is greatly influenced by temperature. Compared with shale at 25 °C, the compressive strength of shale at 150 °C decreases by up to 13.7%, and the elastic modulus decreases by up to 36.9%. The peak strain was increased by a factor of up to 1.4, and the yield stress level was advanced by as much as 7.4%. However, in high confining pressure conditions, the shale plasticity characteristics are significantly enhanced and the failure mode is relatively single. The GSI-strength degradation model can well characterize the variation law of shale strength with confining pressure under high temperature conditions. The statistical damage constitutive model matches the actual stress–strain curve very well, and it can fully reflect the deformation and failure characteristics of deep shale. The findings of this study can help us better understand the variation of mechanical properties of deep shale.
Bacterial Metabolism-Initiated Nanocatalytic Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Wu Wencheng , Pu Yinying , Gao Shuang , Shen Yucui , Zhou Min , Yao Heliang , Shi Jianlin
Published: November 2022

The low immunogenicity of tumors remains one of the major limitations of cancer immunotherapy. Herein, we report a bacterial metabolism-initiated and photothermal-enhanced nanocatalytic therapy strategy to completely eradicate primary tumor by triggering highly effective antitumor immune responses. Briefly, a microbiotic nanomedicine, designated as Cu2O@ΔSt, has been constructed by conjugating PEGylated Cu2O nanoparticles on the surface of an engineered Salmonella typhimurium strain (ΔSt). Owing to the natural hypoxia tropism of ΔSt, Cu2O@ΔSt could selectively colonize hypoxic solid tumors, thus minimizing the adverse effects of the bacteria on normal tissues. Upon bacterial metabolism within the tumor, Cu2O@ΔSt generates H2S gas and other acidic substances in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which will in situ trigger the sulfidation of Cu2O to form CuS facilitating tumor-specific photothermal therapy (PTT) under local NIR laser irradiation on the one hand. Meanwhile, the dissolved Cu+ ions from Cu2O into the acidified TME enables the nanocatalytic tumor therapy by catalyzing the Fenton-like reaction of decomposing endogenous H2O2 into cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH) on the other hand. Such a bacterial metabolism-triggered PTT-enhanced nanocatalytic treatment could effectively destroy tumor cells and induce a massive release of tumor antigens and damage-associated molecular patterns, thereby sensitizing tumors to checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. The combined nanocatalytic and ICB therapy results in the much-inhibited growth of distant and metastatic tumors, and more importantly, induces a powerful immunological memory effect after the primary tumor ablation.