bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong isolation by distance and evidence of population microstructure reflect ongoing Plasmodium falciparum transmission in Zanzibar
Authors: Connelly Sean V. , Brazeau Nicholas F. , Msellem Mwinyi , Ngasala Billy E. , Aydemir Ozkan , Goel Varun , Niaré Karamoko , Giesbrecht David J. , Popkin-Hall Zachary R. , Hennelly Christopher M. , Park Zackary , Moormann Ann M. , Ong’echa John Michael , Verity Robert , Mohammed Safia , Shija Shija J. , Mhamilawa Lwidiko E. , Morris Ulrika , Mårtensson Andreas , Lin Jessica T. , Björkman Anders , Juliano Jonathan J. , Bailey Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2023

The Zanzibar archipelago of Tanzania has become a low-transmission area for
Plasmodium falciparum.
Despite being considered an area of pre-elimination for years, achieving elimination has been difficult, likely due to a combination of imported infections from mainland Tanzania, and continued local transmission. To shed light on these sources of transmission, we applied highly multiplexed genotyping utilizing molecular inversion probes to characterize the genetic relatedness of 391
P. falciparum
isolates collected across Zanzibar and in Bagamoyo District on the coastal mainland from 2016-2018. Overall, parasite populations on the coastal mainland and Zanzibar archipelago remain highly related. However, parasite isolates from Zanzibar exhibit population microstructure due to rapid decay of parasite relatedness over very short distances. This, along with highly related pairs within
shehias
, suggests ongoing low level local transmission. We also identified highly related parasites across
shehias
that reflect human mobility on the main island of Unguja and identified a cluster of highly related parasites, suggestive of an outbreak, in the Micheweni district on Pemba island. Parasites in asymptomatic infections demonstrated higher complexity of infection than those in symptomatic infections, but have similar core genomes. Our data support that importation remains a main source of genetic diversity and contribution to the parasite population on Zanzibar, but they also show local outbreak clusters where targeted interventions are essential to block local transmission. These results highlight the need for preventive measures against imported malaria and enhanced control measures in areas that remain receptive for malaria reemergence due to susceptible hosts and competent vectors.
Quantification of sporozoite expelling by Anopheles mosquitoes infected with laboratory and naturally circulating P. falciparum gametocytes
Authors: Andolina Chiara , Graumans Wouter , Guelbeogo Moussa , van Gemert Geert-Jan , Ramijth Jordache , Harouna Soré , Soumanaba Zongo , Stoter Rianne , Vegte-Bolmer Marga , Pangos Martina , Sinnis Photini , Collins Katharine , Staedke Sarah G , Tiono Alfred B , Drakeley Chris , Lanke Kjerstin , Bousema Teun
Published: November 2023

It is currently unknown whether all Plasmodium falciparum-infected mosquitoes are equally infectious. We assessed sporogonic development using cultured gametocytes in the Netherlands and naturally circulating strains in Burkina Faso. We quantified the number of sporozoites expelled into artificial skin in relation to intact oocysts, ruptured oocysts, and residual salivary gland sporozoites. In laboratory conditions, higher total sporozoite burden was associated with shorter duration of sporogony (p<0.001). Overall, 53% (116/216) of infected Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes expelled sporozoites into artificial skin with a median of 136 expelled sporozoites (interquartile range [IQR], 34–501). There was a strong positive correlation between ruptured oocyst number and salivary gland sporozoite load (ρ = 0.8; p<0.0001) and a weaker positive correlation between salivary gland sporozoite load and number of sporozoites expelled (ρ = 0.35; p=0.0002). In Burkina Faso, Anopheles coluzzii mosquitoes were infected by natural gametocyte carriers. Among salivary gland sporozoite positive mosquitoes, 89% (33/37) expelled sporozoites with a median of 1035 expelled sporozoites (IQR, 171–2969). Again, we observed a strong correlation between ruptured oocyst number and salivary gland sporozoite load (ρ = 0.9; p<0.0001) and a positive correlation between salivary gland sporozoite load and the number of sporozoites expelled (ρ = 0.7; p<0.0001). Several mosquitoes expelled multiple parasite clones during probing. Whilst sporozoite expelling was regularly observed from mosquitoes with low infection burdens, our findings indicate that mosquito infection burden is positively associated with the number of expelled sporozoites. Future work is required to determine the direct implications of these findings for transmission potential.
The Listeria monocytogenes persistence factor ClpL is a potent stand-alone disaggregase
Authors: Bohl Valentin , Hollmann Nele Merret , Melzer Tobias , Katikaridis Panagiotis , Meins Lena , Simon Bernd , Flemming Dirk , Sinning Irmgard , Hennig Janosch , Mogk Axel
Published: November 2023

Heat stress can cause cell death by triggering the aggregation of essential proteins. In bacteria, aggregated proteins are rescued by the canonical Hsp70/AAA+ (ClpB) bi-chaperone disaggregase. Man-made, severe stress conditions applied during e.g. food-processing represent a novel threat for bacteria by exceeding the capacity of the Hsp70/ClpB system. Here, we report on the potent autonomous AAA+ disaggregase ClpL from
Listeria monocytogenes
that provides enhanced heat resistance to the food-borne pathogen enabling persistence in adverse environments. ClpL shows increased thermal stability and enhanced disaggregation power compared to Hsp70/ClpB, enabling it to withstand severe heat stress and to solubilize tight aggregates. ClpL binds to protein aggregates via aromatic residues present in its N-terminal domain (NTD) that adopts a partially folded and dynamic conformation. Target specificity is achieved by simultaneous interactions of multiple NTDs with the aggregate surface. ClpL shows remarkable structural plasticity by forming diverse higher assembly states through interacting ClpL rings. NTDs become largely sequestered upon ClpL ring interactions. Stabilizing ring assemblies by engineered disulfide bonds strongly reduces disaggregation activity, suggesting that they represent storage states.
Structural insights into the orthosteric inhibition of P2X receptors by non-ATP-analog antagonists
Authors: Sheng Danqi , Yue Chenqian , Jin Fei , Wang Yao , Ichikawa Muneyoshi , Yu Ye , Guo Chang-Run , Hattori Motoyuki
Published: November 2023

P2X receptors are extracellular ATP-gated ion channels that form homo-or heterotrimers and consist of seven subtypes. They are expressed in various tissues, including neuronal and nonneuronal cells, and play critical roles in physiological processes such as neurotransmission, inflammation, pain, and cancer. As a result, P2X receptors have attracted considerable interest as drug targets, and various competitive inhibitors have been developed. However, although several P2X receptor structures from different subtypes have been reported, the limited structural information of P2X receptors in complex with competitive antagonists hampers the understanding of orthosteric inhibition, hindering the further design and optimization of those antagonists for drug discovery.Here, we determined the cryo-EM structures of the mammalian P2X7 receptor in complex with two classical competitive antagonists of pyridoxal-5’-phosphate derivatives, PPNDS and PPADS, at 3.3 and 3.6 Å resolution, respectively, and performed structure-based mutational analysis by patch-clamp recording as well as MD simulations. Our structures revealed the orthosteric site for PPADS/PPNDS, and structural comparison with the previously reported apo-and ATP-bound structures showed how PPADS/PPNDS binding inhibits the conformational changes associated with channel activation. In addition, structure-based mutational analysis identified key residues involved in the PPNDS sensitivity of P2X1 and P2X3, which are known to have higher affinity for PPADS/PPNDS than other P2X subtypes. Overall, our work provides structural insights into the orthosteric inhibition and subtype specificity of P2X receptors by the classical P2X antagonists, pyridoxal-5’-phosphate derivatives, thereby facilitating the rational design of novel competitive antagonists for P2X receptors.
Student learning performance prediction based on online behavior: an empirical study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Liu Yiyi , Huang Zijie , Wang Gong
Published: November 2023

In the context of the COVID-19 global pandemic, highly intense and frequent online teaching has leapt to be one of the dominant learning patterns and become an ordinary situation in university teaching practices. In recent years, progress in feature engineering and machine learning has made it possible for more effective educational data mining, which in turn has enhanced the performance of intelligent learning models. However, the potential impact of increasing and varying features on online instruction in this new situation makes it unclear whether the existing related findings and results are practical for teachers. In this article, we use various state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to predict students’ performance. Based on the validation of the rationality of the built models, the importance of features under different feature selection techniques are calculated separately for the datasets of two groups and compared with the features before and at the beginning of the pandemic. The results show that in the current new state of highly intense online learning, without considering student information such as demographic information, campus attributes (administrative class and teaching class) and learning behavior (completion of online learning tasks and stage tests) these dynamic features are more likely to discriminate students’ academic performances, which deserves more attention than demographics for teachers in the guidance of students’ learning. In addition, it is suggested that further improvements and refinements should be made to the existing features, such as classifying features more precisely and expanding in these feature categories, and taking into account the statistics about students’ in-class performances as well as their subjective understanding of what they have learned. Our findings are in line with the new situation under the pandemic and provide more implications to teachers’ teaching guidance.
Association between Serum Uric Acid Levels and Primary Open-angle Glaucoma: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bhat Vinayak Ganesh , Patra Rajkumar , Raghuram CJ , Giri Akanksha , Rao N Lakshmana
Published: November 2023

Introduction: There is an intricate association between serum Uric Acid (UA) levels and Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG). UA levels in the blood are known to be a good indicator of antioxidant function, and a decrease in UA plays a key role in the pathogenesis of POAG. However, the association of serum UA and Uric Acid Creatinine Ratio (UACR) in POAG cases in the Indian population remains unexplored. Aim: To investigate the association of serum UA levels and serum UACR with POAG. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients who attended the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Opthalmology at Maharajah’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. The duration of the study was one year and six months, from January 15, 2021 to July 15, 2022. The study included 200 recently diagnosed patients with POAG, who were divided into three groups based on Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Group 1 (mild) with an IOP of 21-30 mmHg, group 2 (moderate) with an IOP of 31-50 mmHg, and group 3 (severe) with an IOP greater than 51 mmHg. Age and gender-matched 199 healthy subjects were included as the control group. Blood samples were collected from the study subjects after obtaining informed consent and were tested for serum UA (using the modified Trinder method) and serum creatinine (using Jaffe’s method) in a semiautomatic analyser (Erba chem 7). The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 software and MS Excel 2007. Results: The mean age of the study participants of all three groups was found to be 51.19±5.06 years with 46.7% male and 53.3% female subjects. The serum UA levels were 5.55±0.74 mg/dL in the mild POAG group, 4.1±0.5 mg/dL in the moderate POAG group, and 2.67±0.6 mg/dL in the severe POAG group (p-value <0.001). The present study also found that among the three study groups of POAG, UA levels were the lowest in the severe POAG group, followed by the moderate POAG group, and then the mild POAG group. This pattern was observed in both the males and females population. Conclusion: The present study found that serum UA levels were decreased in POAG patients compared to the normal healthy control group. Furthermore, the study revealed a significant negative association between serum UA levels and serum UACR levels with the severity of POAG.
Diagnostic Value of Applying ACR-TIRADS on Thyroid Nodule Biopsies at a Tertiary Care Centre in the United Arab Emirates: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Pandey Anoop Kumar , Pandey Maneesha , Kavishwar Arvind , Jain Mani
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Incidental thyroid nodules are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and only a minority of these are malignant. Suspicious nodules on ultrasound are subjected to Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) to rule out malignancy and determine appropriate management. In the United Arab Emirates, medical professionals from various countries practice, and there are no well-established local best practice guidelines for thyroid nodule biopsies. Aim: To determine the percentage of thyroid nodules in which FNAB would be considered unnecessary by applying the American College of Radiology (ACR)-Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) 2017 guidelines. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Radiology Department of Belhoul Speciality Hospital, Dubai, United Arabs Emirates from January 2018 to December 2019. A total of 142 thyroid nodules were studied, and FNABs were performed. Two experienced radiologists assigned ACR-TIRADS categories to the nodules. The nodules were divided into groups: Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) indicated and FNA not indicated. Surgically resected nodules underwent histopathological examination, and benign or malignant categorisation was based on histopathological findings. Cases with Bethesda II cytology were considered benign, Bethesda V and VI were considered malignant, and 35 cases with Bethesda I, III, or IV cytology were excluded from the study. The final study cohort included 107 nodules with available final reference standard diagnoses. Data were analysed using International Business Machine Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) Statistics 26.0, and sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), and Diagnostic Odds Ratio (DOR) {each with 95% Confidence Interval (CI)} were calculated. Results: Out of the 107 nodules included in the study, 15 (14%) were malignant, and 92 (86%) were benign. Applying ACRTIRADS, biopsy was not indicated in 54 out of 107 patients, resulting in an “unnecessary” biopsy rate of 50.5%. Only two out of the 15 malignant cases were assigned to the FNAC not indicated group due to their subcentimetre size. Therefore, the sensitivity, NPV, and false negative rate of these criteria were 86.7%, 96.3%, and 3.7%, respectively. Conclusion: The ACR-TIRADS guidelines are highly reliable, and if strictly followed, almost half of thyroid nodule biopsies can be safely avoided. However, since ACR-TIRADS does not recommend FNA for subcentimetre thyroid nodules, a few small malignancies may experience delayed diagnosis.
Correlation of Mother’s Knowledge on Child Nutrition, Feeding Practices and Nutritional Status of Children in Karnataka, India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Pinto Preema Reshma , Aranha Priya Reshma , Lobo Melba Roshini
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Malnutrition is a critical health problem in many countries, including India. The main reason for this is incorrect dietary habits that lead to illness and infections in early childhood. Inadequate food intake can hinder the growth and development of children. Childhood malnutrition can impair psychological and intellectual development, which can subsequently result in low school performance and behavioural disturbances. Therefore, child nutrition is of utmost importance. The knowledge and feeding practices of mothers can significantly influence child nutrition. Hence, it is essential to study the knowledge, feeding practices, and nutritional status of children as influenced by their mothers. Aim: To was to determine the correlation between the knowledge of mothers regarding child nutrition, their feeding practices, and the nutritional status of children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in a 1050-bed multispecialty tertiary care hospital in Mangaluru, Karnataka, India, from December 30, 2021, to August 30, 2022. A total of 150 children under the age of five, visiting the hospital accompanied by their mothers, were selected as study participants using a non probability convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using a demographic proforma, a structured knowledge questionnaire on child nutrition, a structured checklist on feeding practices, and anthropometric measurements of children, which were taken using a digital weighing scale and stadiometer. Descriptive statistics including mean, frequency, percentage, Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and World Health Organisation (WHO) Anthro software were used for statistical analysis. Results: The majority of the study participants, 96 (64%), had average knowledge regarding child nutrition, while all of them had good child feeding practices. Regarding the nutritional status of the children, the majority fell under the normal category based on weight for height (123, 82%), weight for age (118, 78.67%), and height for age (104, 69.33%). The study also revealed a significant correlation between the knowledge of mothers, feeding practices, and nutritional status of children (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that although majority of the study participants had a normal nutritional status and their mothers had average knowledge, regular awareness programs could be conducted, and the nutritional status of children needs to be regularly monitored.
Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Potential of Aqueous and Hydroethanolic Extracts of Cola lateritia Fruit Parts
Authors: Ebouel Ferdinand Lanvin Edoun , Mandeng Kevin Fabrice Paul , Kouopestchop Evrard Medjo , Tchuenkam Joelle Ornella Tseno , Woumdi Foura , Ntentie Françoise , Mbong Ann-Mary , Ngondam Mélanie , Medoua Jean Marie Gabriel
Published: November 2023

Generalities: Cola lateritia (C. lateritia) is an under-valorized (neglected and unutilized) plant traditionally used in certain Cameroonian villages as medicine to manage certain diseases. The present work aimed to assess the phytochemical composition and the antioxidant potential of different parts of C. lateritia fruits.
Methods: The fresh fruits of C. lateritia were purchased in October 2022 at Mfoundi-Market (Yaoundé 5, Centre Region of Cameroon), washed, sliced, dried, and powdered before being extracted with distilled water for the aqueous extract (AE) and ethanol/distilled water (70:30, v/v) for the hydro ethanolic extract (HEE). The bioactive compounds (polyphenols, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids) of the different extracts of fruit were quantified using standard methods. The Antioxidant potential of the different extracts was assessed using various methods [scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP)].
Results: The results indicated that the different extracts of C. lateritia fruit contain phytochemicals [polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and alkaloids]. The AE of the skin (AE-sCLf) presented the highest contents (590.33 µg CaE/g DM, 191.73 µg QE/g DM and 945.33 µg  SaE/g DM) for polyphenols, flavonoids and saponins respectively while, the AE of pulp  (AE-PCLf) showed the highest content in alkaloids (121.59 µg QiE/g DM). The lowest tannin content was also reported in the AE of pulp (2.02 µg CaE/g DM). The extracts of C. lateritia exhibited a good radical scavenging activity of DPPH (with an inhibition percentage of 74.084 and 69.40% respectively for HEE-SCLf and AE-sCLf at 4 mg/mL). It’s reducing power towards molybdate and iron was concentration-dependent with values ranging from 0.116 to 2.393 μg AAE/g DM for TAC and from 0.0015 to 0.0032 μg AAE/g DM for FRAP, respectively. The highest iron-reducing activity of 941.410 µg AAE/g DM was observed with AE-sCLf at 4 mg/mL. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed a strong positive correlation between Bioactive and antioxidant activities.
Conclusion: The C. lateritia fruit extracts (AE and HEE) contain various bioactive compounds, which exhibit good antioxidant activities through different mechanisms. It suggests C. lateritia as a potential nutritious food as well as functional food useful for the prevention of management of cardiometabolic diseases.
The Effect of Diverse Intercropping System on Growth Indices, Yield and Profitability of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.): Variety Azad Mahak
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Siddiqui M. Z. , Prajapati Sunil Kumar , Singh Shivendra , Singh Gurwaan , Rawat Deepak Kumar
Published: November 2023

Intercropping enhances crop yield and quality by growing different crop species together on the same piece of land in distinct row combinations. Hence, a field experiment was conducted to study the suitable combination of mustard based intercropping with different crops at students’ instructional farm, C. S. Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur (U.P.) during Rabi season 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatment combinations viz., T1 Sole Mustard, T2 Mustard: Chickpea (1:1), T3 Mustard: Chickpea (2:1), T4 Mustard: Lentil (1:1), T5 Mustard: Lentil (2:1), T6 Mustard: Linseed (1:1), T7 Mustard: Linseed (2:1), T8 Mustard: Field Pea (1:1) and T9 Mustard: Field Pea (2:1) with replicated thrice. The result revealed that growth attributes in the intercropping system were most notably observed in sole Mustard, with the Mustard + Lentil (1:1) system following closely. The Mustard + Lentil (1:1) intercropping system yielded a significantly higher mustard equivalent yield (2.77 t ha-1). Notably, the greatest net returns were obtained from sole Mustard cultivation (INR 151,045.50 ha-1), though the Mustard + Lentil (1:1) system also produced substantial returns (INR 144,001.00 ha-1). Furthermore, the benefit-cost ratio was highest for sole Mustard (5.05), with the Mustard + Lentil (1:1) system (4.82). In conclusion, these results support the superior productivity and profitability of sole Mustard cultivation, closely followed by the Mustard + Lentil (1:1) intercropping system.
Nutritional Potential of Spent Brewer's Yeast, A Residual By-Product of Beer Production in Breweries for Future Applications
Authors: Delphine N’Guessan Yevi , Athanase. Otchoumou Kraidy , Micaël Bedikou Ehuie. , Christelle Assemian Ines , Charlotte Ehon Ayawovi
Published: November 2023

The recovery of by-products from food processing chains represents an area of interest in the current world. Waste from beer production, such as beer lees or spent brewer's yeast, constitutes between 1.5 and 3 kg/100 L of beer, representing a source of pollution but a by-product available in quantity. This study aims to characterize the beer lees from breweries and propose possible ways of recovery. The scientific methods have been applied to highlight the nutritional potential of this by-product. Spent brewer's yeast is a high-biological value protein source (46.77%) with a well-balanced amino acid profile. Amino acids (glutamic acid and aspartic acid) and the essential amino acids leucine, lysine and valine are the most abundant, while sulfur amino acids, such as methionine and cysteine, are the least abundant. With a high mineral content (7.3%), the spent brewer's yeast contains significant amounts of manganese 5.54x10-2 mg/k, sodium 3.92x10-2 mg/k, and potassium 3.59x10-2 mg /k. The B complex vitamins are present in large quantities, followed by vitamins C, A and D. Less than 3% of the composition of the spent brewer's yeast is made up of lipids. The most abundant of fatty acids determined for the saturated category is palmitic acid, while oleic acid represents monounsaturated fatty acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids are represented by linoleic acid and linolenic acid. Carbohydrates (32.77 %) are also important constituents of the dry matter of this by-product. This study showed that spent beer yeast is a source of polyphenol. Spent brewer's yeast has advantages for being incorporated into animal nutrition to meet nutritional needs. Further studies could lead to the production of activated carbon and hydrogen as excellent sources of alternative energy.
‘Sae lofty and wide’
Authors: Cox Stephen , Marshall Nuala , Bailey Laura , Franklin Julie , Hunter Fraser , Walker Angela
Published: November 2023

Archaeological investigations undertaken by Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd as part of the Clyde Wind Farm and Clyde Wind Farm Extension construction project produced a body of evidence that tells the story of human occupation and settlement in the Upper Clyde Valley. The investigations conducted between 2007 and 2015 included evaluations, site excavations, and the monitoring of groundworks across four distinct landscapes: Clyde Valley North (Woodend), Camps Valley, Midlock Valley, and Clyde Valley South (Newton Plantation). The results of this work, together with those from specialist studies and scientific analyses, have allowed for a range of key research questions to be addressed. These include an exploration of prehistoric upland activities, the role of pits and special places, and the development of settlement patterns and structures. Evidence for mobile Mesolithic and Neolithic communities was identified across the landscape with indications of the repeated visitation of specific locations. The role of pits in the creation of special places was particularly evident across Camps and Midlock Valleys. In the 2nd millennium bc, the hillsides were transformed by the creation of platform settlements. Enclosed settlements and hillforts appeared along the banks of the Clyde Valley in the 1st millennium bc marking a distinct shift in the role of landscape in expressing status and identity. In addition to prehistoric remains, limited evidence of early historic metalworking and medieval rural settlement was uncovered. Across all landscapes and periods, the themes of transition and transformation came to the fore, painting an increasingly dynamic picture of life in the Upper Clyde Valley. The scale and complexity of the archaeological works also allowed for a review of current methodologies, including the role of an Archaeological Clerk of Works, with implications for future strategies.
Being Patient
Authors: Huson Tamara A.
Published: November 2023

In this narrative medicine essay, a family medicine physician’s experience while undergoing a breast biopsy inspires her to build trust with her patients by listening and counseling more.
For the people by the people: Citizen science web interface for real‐time monitoring of tick risk areas in Finland
Authors: Sormunen Jani J. , Kulha Niko , Alale Theophilus Y. , Klemola Tero , Sääksjärvi Ilari E. , Vesterinen Eero J.
Published: November 2023

Ticks and tick‐borne diseases (TBDs) form a significant and growing threat to human health and well‐being in Europe, with increasing numbers of tick‐borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme borreliosis cases being reported during the past few decades. Increasing knowledge of tick risk areas and seasonal activity remains the primary method for preventing TBDs. Crowdsourcing provides the best alternative for rapidly obtaining data on tick occurrence on a national level.

In order to produce and share up‐to‐date data of tick risk areas in Finland, an online platform, Punkkilive (www.punkkilive.fi/en), was launched April 2021. On the website, users can submit and browse tick observations, report tick numbers and hosts, and upload pictures of ticks.

Here, we looked at trends in the crowdsourced data from 2021, assessed the effect of local tick species on seasonality of observations and examined sampling bias in the data.

The high number of tick observations (n = 78,837) highlights that there was demand for such a service. Approximately 97% of 5573 uploaded pictures represented ticks. Seasonal patterns of tick observations varied across Finland, highlighting variability in the risk associated with the two human‐biting tick species Ixodes ricinus and I. persulcatus, the latter having a shorter, unimodal activity peak in late spring–early summer. Tick numbers were low and the proportion of new sightings high in northern Finland, as may be expected near the latitudinal distribution limits of both species. While the number of inhabitants generally explained the number of tick observations well, geographically weighted regression models also identified areas that deviated from this general pattern.

This study offers a prime example of how crowdsourcing can be applied to track vectors of zoonotic diseases, to the benefit of both researchers and the public. Areas with more or less observations than predicted based on number of inhabitants were revealed, wherein more specific analyses may reveal factors contributing to lower or higher risk levels that may be used in increasing awareness. We hope that the success of Punkkilive serves to highlight the usefulness of citizen science in the prevention of vector‐borne diseases.
Photothermally Enhanced Cascaded Nanozyme‐Functionalized Black Phosphorus Nanosheets for Targeted Treatment of Infected Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Wen Chunping , Zhang Yan , Lai Luogen , Zhang Xuan , Liu Yijun , Guo Qiuyan , Peng Rujue , Gao Yating , Zhang Xufei , He Yan , Xu Shan , Qiao Dan , Zheng Pengwu , Pan Qingshan , Zhu Wufu
Published: November 2023

Due to the limitations of H2O2 under physiological conditions and defective activity, nanozyme‐catalyzed therapy for infected diabetic wound healing is still a huge challenge. Here, this work designs a novel multifunctional hybrid glucose oxidase (GOx)–CeO2@black phosphorus (BP)/Apt nanosheet that features GOx and CeO2 dual enzyme loading with photothermal enhancement effect and targeting ability for the treatment of infected wounds in type II diabetic mice. Combined with the photothermal properties of the BP nanosheets, the cascade nanozyme effect of GOx and CeO2 is extremely enhanced. The synergistic effect of peroxidase activity and photothermal therapy with targeting aptamer allows for overcoming the catalytic defects of nanozyme and significantly improving in vitro bacterial inhibition rate with 99.9% and 97.8% for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively, as well as enhancing in vivo antibacterial performance with the lowest wound remained (0.05%), reduction of infiltration inflammatory cells, and excellent biocompatibility. Overall, this work builds a nanodelivery system with a powerful therapeutic approach, incorporating self‐supplying H2O2 synergistic photothermal and real‐time wound monitoring effect, which holds profound potential as a clinical treatment for infected diabetic wounds.
Microfluidic Encapsulation of Exosomes Derived from Lipopolysaccharide‐Treated Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Hyaluronic Acid Methacryloyl to Restore Ovarian Function in Mice
Authors: Li Yifan , Zhang Hui , Cai Changjun , Mao Jialian , Li Ning , Huang Danqing , Li Shiyuan , Yang Jun , Zhou Jidong , Wang Huan , Zhu Yujuan , Ding Lijun , Sun Haixiang
Published: November 2023

Premature ovarian failure (POF) features an upward incidence nowadays, and the human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs)‐derived exosomes (MSC‐Exos) have shown applied values in the recovery of ovarian function. Here, a novel exosome‐encapsulated microcarrier prepared by microfluidic technology for ovarian repair after chemotherapy damage is presented. The exosomes derived from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐preconditioned hUC‐MSCs are encapsulated with hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (HAMA) via microfluidic electrospray, which is named HAMA/MSC‐Exos. Attributing to the biocompatibility and semipermeable property of HAMA, the encapsulated exosomes show great viability and controllable release behavior from HAMA. It is demonstrated that in situ transplantation of HAMA/MSC‐Exos can rescue ovarian functions of cyclophosphamide‐induced ovarian failure in mice by increasing ovarian volume, improving the number of antral follicles and restoring fertility. It is believed that the transplantation of HAMA/MSC‐Exos will provide a new concept for the treatment of POF in clinical practice.
Self‐Powering Sensory Device with Multi‐Spectrum Image Realization for Smart Indoor Environments
Authors: Kim Tae Hyuk , Yu Byoung‐Soo , Ko Hyun Woo , Park Na Won , Saeed Muhammad Ahsan , Ahn Jongtae , Jo Suyeon , Kim Dae‐Yeon , Yoon Seon Kyu , Lee Kwang‐Hoon , Jeong Sang Young , Woo Han Young , Kim Hyunwoo J. , Kim Tae Geun , Park JaeHong , Park Min‐Chul , Hwang Do Kyung , Shim Jae Won
Published: November 2023

The development of organic‐based optoelectronic technologies for the indoor Internet of Things market, which relies on ambient energy sources, has increased, with organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and photodetectors (OPDs) considered promising candidates for sustainable indoor electronic devices. However, the manufacturing processes of standalone OPVs and OPDs can be complex and costly, resulting in high production costs and limited scalability, thus limiting their use in a wide range of indoor applications. This study uses a multi‐component photoactive structure to develop a self‐powering dual‐functional sensory device with effective energy harvesting and sensing capabilities. The optimized device demonstrates improved free‐charge generation yield by quantifying charge carrier dynamics, with a high output power density of over 81 and 76 µW cm−2 for rigid and flexible OPVs under indoor conditions (LED 1000 lx (5200 K)). Furthermore, a single‐pixel image sensor is demonstrated as a feasible prototype for practical indoor operating in commercial settings by leveraging the excellent OPD performance with a linear dynamic range of over 130 dB in photovoltaic mode (no external bias). This apparatus with high‐performance OPV‐OPD characteristics provides a roadmap for further exploration of the potential, which can lead to synergistic effects for practical multifunctional applications in the real world by their mutual relevance.
Suppressing Oxidation at Perovskite–NiOx Interface for Efficient and Stable Tin Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Chunlei , Gao Danpeng , Sun Xianglang , Zhang Shoufeng , Li Zhen , Gong Jianqiu , Li Shuai , Zhu Zonglong
Published: November 2023

Inorganic nickel oxide (NiOx) is an ideal hole transport material (HTM) for the fabrication of high‐efficiency, stable, and large‐area perovskite photovoltaic devices because of its low cost, stability, and ease of solution processing. However, it delivers low power conversion efficiency (PCE) in tin perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) compared to other organic HTMs. Here, the origin of hole transport barriers at the perovskite–NiOx interface is identified and a self‐assembled monolayer interface modification is developed, through introducing (4‐(7H‐dibenzo[c,g]carbazol‐7‐yl)ethyl)phosphonic acid (2PADBC) into the perovskite–NiOx interface. The 2PADBC anchors undercoordinated Ni cations through phosphonic acid groups, suppressing the reaction of highly active Ni≥3+ defects with perovskites, while increasing the electron density and oxidation activation energy of Sn at the perovskite interface, reducing the interface nonradiative recombination caused by tetravalent Sn defects. The devices deliver significantly increased open‐circuit voltage from 0.712 to 0.825 V, boosting the PCE to 14.19% for the small‐area device and 12.05% for the large‐area (1 cm2) device. In addition, the 2PADBC modification enhances the operational stability of NiOx‐based TPSCs, maintaining more than 93% of their initial efficiency after 1000 h.
Electrode Treatments for Redox Flow Batteries: Translating Our Understanding from Vanadium to Aqueous‐Organic
Authors: Agarwal Harsh , Roy Esha , Singh Nirala , Klusener Peter A.A. , Stephens Ryan M. , Zhou Qin Tracy
Published: November 2023

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are a promising technology for long‐duration energy storage; but they suffer from inefficiencies in part due to the overvoltages at the electrode surface. In this work, more than 70 electrode treatments are reviewed that are previously shown to reduce the overvoltages and improve performance for vanadium RFBs (VRFBs), the most commercialized RFB technology. However, identifying treatments that improve performance the most and whether they are industrially implementable is challenging. This study attempts to address this challenge by comparing treatments under similar operating conditions and accounting for the treatment process complexity. The different treatments are compared at laboratory and industrial scale based on criteria for VRFB performance, treatment stability, economic feasibility, and ease of industrial implementation. Thermal, plasma, electrochemical oxidation, CO2 treatments, as well as Bi, Ag, and Cu catalysts loaded on electrodes are identified as the most promising for adoption in large scale VRFBs. The similarity in electrode treatments for aqueous‐organic RFBs (AORFBs) and VRFBs is also identified. The need of standardization in RFBs testing along with fundamental studies to understand charge transfer reactions in redox active species used in RFBs moving forward is emphasized.
Impact of thoracic shape on the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic‐assisted living donor hepatectomy
Authors: Tanaka Kosuke , Ogiso Satoshi , Yoh Tomoaki , Abdelhafez Ahmed Hussein , Masano Yuki , Okumura Shinya , Kageyama Shoichi , Ito Takashi , Hata Koichiro , Hatano Etsuro
Published: November 2023

Background

Although laparoscopic‐assisted donor hepatectomy (LADH) has become the definitive procedure for harvesting living donor livers, its surgical outcomes in association with donor body shape have not been elucidated.

Methods

The impact of donor factors, including thoracic shape, on LADH outcomes was retrospectively investigated. Thoracic anthropometric data were examined in all LADHs with a left/right graft between 2013 and 2022.

Results

The study included 210 LADHs, consisting of 106 left‐ and 104 right‐lobe donors with similar blood loss and similar operation time. Males have greater thoracic depth and greater thoracic width compared with females, respectively. Thoracic depth was associated with graft weight (p < 0.001), blood loss (p < 0.001), and operation time (p < 0.001). On multivariate analyses, blood loss >500 mL and operation time >8 h were associated with graft weight in the left‐lobe donors, and blood loss >500 mL was associated with thoracic depth in the right‐lobe donors.

Conclusion

The greater thoracic depth is associated with massive blood loss in right‐lobe donors. Anthropometric parameters might be helpful for estimating LADH outcomes.
A novel multifunctional phosphorous and nitrogenous reactive flame retardant toward epoxy resins by one‐pot method
Authors: Zhang Heng , Peng Yunyan , Xiao Youhua , Kong Shuai , He Xingwei , Liu Lina , Lou Gaobo , Kuang Yi , Fu Shenyuan , Rao Qingqing
Published: November 2023

Epoxy resin (EP) has attracted considerable attention in packaging, electronic devices, aerospace, and coatings fields owing to its remarkable chemical and physical performance. However, the inherent flammable performance and unfavorable brittle nature seriously restricted its application in sophisticated industry. Herein, an efficient reactive 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO)‐based flame retardant (DB‐DAD) was prepared by a facile “one‐pot” method. Due to their synergistic gas‐phase and solid‐phase flame‐retardant effects, DB‐DAD modified EP composites (EP/DB‐DAD composite) easily achieved UL‐94 V‐0 ratings, and an EP/DB‐DAD composite with a 0.32 wt% phosphorus content had an excellent (30.2%) limiting oxygen index. In addition, the amounts of heat and smoke decreased by 28.1% and 24.8%, respectively. Due to the introduction of long and flexible aliphatic chains, the EP/DB‐DAD composites exhibited satisfactory mechanical properties, the flexural and tensile toughness of EP/6% DB‐DAD were 82.5% and 62.2% higher than those of neat EP, respectively. Furthermore, EP/DB‐DAD composite showed good transparency (>85%) and favorable UV shielding performance. The EP/DB‐DAD composite with good comprehensive performance is extremely promising to accelerate EP application in high‐tech industries.
Sustainable and biodegradable poly(butylene succinate‐co‐terephthalate)/poly(propylene carbonate) blown films with enhanced compatibility, mechanical, and barrier properties
Authors: Liu Chengkai , Chen Ling , Yan Xiangyu , Dong Xianling , Tian Hanlin , Pan Hongwei , Wang Dongmei , Zhao Yan , Zhang Huiliang
Published: November 2023

In this study, a novel environment‐friendly PBST/PPC‐based blown film was prepared using maleic anhydride (MA) as a reactive compatibilizer to enhance the compatibility between poly(butylene succinate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBST) and poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC). Results of rheological testing and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) indicated that MA reacted with PBST/PPC during melt‐blending extrusion. Morphological analysis of the cryo‐fractured surfaces of PBST/PPC blend showed significantly improved compatibility between PBST and PPC with the addition of MA. Moreover, the Young's modulus, tensile strength, breaking strain, and tear strength of PBST/PPC/MA blown films increased with an increase in MA content. In comparison to PBST/MA blown film without PPC, the barrier property of PBST/PPC/MA blown films was improved. In addition, in vitro cell experiments showed that the PBST/PPC/MA blown film was suitable for the growth of mouse fibroblast (L929) cells. In vitro ecotoxicity testing on mung bean plant showed that the extracts from the PBST/PPC/MA blown film had no negative effects on the development of mung bean plant. Furthermore, degradability testing in soil also proved that the PBST/PPC/MA blown film had good biodegradability. Thus, the PBST/PPC/MA blown film can be used in fields, such as food packaging and agricultural mulch film.
Variations in body condition of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in two nearby foraging grounds indicate their sensitivity to foraging habitats
Authors: Nishizawa Hideaki , Joseph Juanita , Jolis Gavin , Isnain Irwan , Muin Hussien , Johari Sofia , Saleh Ejria
Published: November 2023

Coastal seagrass habitats are critical foraging grounds for endangered green turtles (Chelonia mydas). However, these habitats are vulnerable to anthropogenic effects, potentially leading to their degradation with consequent impacts on the health status of foraging green turtles.

Two foraging habitats of green turtles in Tun Mustapha Park, Sabah, Malaysia were surveyed: Kudat Mainland and Balambangan Island, by capturing green turtles and evaluating their physical body condition as well as assessing seagrass cover.

Despite having similar genetic compositions, the Kudat Mainland aggregation had significantly higher body size (curved carapace length: 61.7 ± 14.5 cm, body weight: 30.0 ± 22.2 kg), Fulton's body condition index (BCI: 1.49 ± 0.13), barnacle (Chelonibia testudinaria) occurrence (78.8%) and barnacle abundance (5.46 ± 9.90 barnacles/turtle) than the Balambangan Island aggregation (curved carapace length: 51.6 ± 8.1 cm, body weight: 17.3 ± 7.7 kg, BCI: 1.40 ± 0.09, barnacle occurrence: 31.0%, barnacle abundance: 0.50 ± 0.92 barnacles/turtle). The differences in BCI between the nearby aggregations could not be attributed to size and barnacle occurrence differences, suggesting the foraging habitat is the primary factor affecting the body condition of green turtles.

Seagrass cover at Kudat Mainland was only slightly higher than at Balambangan Island. These findings suggest that the body condition of green turtles is potentially sensitive to the quality of foraging habitats such as nutrients and water quality.

It is crucial to monitor the health of foraging habitats and their impact on the body condition of turtles. It is recommended that habitat‐turtle dynamics are given conservation priority, in parallel to water quality monitoring – with action taken to reduce pollution if necessary. A holistic approach to turtle conservation is therefore required.
Exploring online sustainability disclosure in the healthcare industry: Evidence from best international hospitals
Authors: Garzoni Antonello , L'Abate Vitiana , Raimo Nicola , Vitolla Filippo
Published: November 2023

Society's growing attention to sustainability has also brought about major challenges for the healthcare sector. In particular, hospitals by virtue of their function are also called to incorporate social and environmental issues in the undertaking of their activities. In this scenario, hospitals must also provide a correct representation of these issues through an adequate sustainability disclosure. However, despite the relevance of the topic, it is still little explored in the academic field. This study aims to fill this important gap by investigating the determinants of online sustainability disclosure through a legitimacy theory perspective. The econometric analysis, conducted on a sample of the best hospitals in the world, highlights a low level of dissemination of sustainability information. Furthermore, it demonstrates a positive impact of the size, public status and teaching status of hospitals on the amount of sustainability information disclosed by these institutions through their website.
Charity ugliness premium: Donors' empathy for unattractiveness during the COVID‐19 pandemic and implications for charity advertising
Authors: Yu Ziyue , Yang Shuai , Zheng Hualu , Chang Xinyu
Published: November 2023

Marketers and policymakers use advertising visuals to motivate prosocial behavior, whereby visual attractiveness influences people's empathy and thus their prosocial decisions. In the charity context, various donor‐related factors, including external circumstances and environments in which donors find themselves, can determine the impact of visual attractiveness. In two studies, this research investigates how and why donors responded to attractive/unattractive charitable images during the universal hardship of the COVID‐19 pandemic. In the first study, field data from a charity platform reveal how visual aesthetics affected donations before and during the pandemic. In the second study, a laboratory experiment examines empathy as a mediator of the relationship between visual attractiveness and charitable purchase intentions before and during the pandemic. During the pandemic, unattractive visuals generated significantly greater empathy than attractive visuals, and empathy drove donations and purchase intentions for charitable goods. That is, the “ugliness premium” dominated the “beauty premium” during the pandemic. Our findings that natural disasters or crises moderate observers' preferences for visual attractiveness or unattractiveness offer meaningful insights for applying visual aesthetics to charity advertising designs.