bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergid cell calcium oscillations refine understanding of FERONIA/LORELEI signaling during interspecific hybridization
Authors: Ponvert Nathaniel , Johnson Mark A.
Published: November 2023

Key message

Pollen tubes from closely related species and mutants lacking pollen tube MYB transcription factors are able to initiate FER/LRE-dependent synergid cell calcium oscillations.

Reproductive isolation leads to the evolution of new species; however, the molecular mechanisms that maintain reproductive barriers between sympatric species are not well defined. In flowering plants, sperm cells are immotile and are delivered to female gametes by the pollen grain. After landing on the stigmatic surface, the pollen grain germinates a polarized extension, the pollen tube, into floral tissue. After growing via polar extension to the female gametes and shuttling its cargo of sperm cells through its cytoplasm, the pollen tube signals its arrival and identity to synergid cells that flank the egg. If signaling is successful, the pollen tube and receptive synergid cell burst, and sperm cells are released for fusion with female gametes. To better understand cell–cell recognition during reproduction and how reproductive barriers are maintained between closely related species, pollen tube-initiated synergid cell calcium ion dynamics were examined during interspecific crosses. It was observed that interspecific pollen tubes successfully trigger synergid cell calcium oscillations—a hallmark of reproductive success—but signaling fails downstream of key signaling genes and sperm are not released. This work further defines pollen tube–synergid cell signaling as a critical block to interspecific hybridization and suggests that the FERONIA/LORELEI signaling mechanism plays multiple parallel roles during pollen tube reception.
“Take the tablet or don’t take the tablet?”—A qualitative study of patients’ experiences of self-administering anti-cancer medications related to adherence and managing side effects
Authors: Dang Thu Ha , O’Callaghan Clare , Alexander Marliese , Burbury Kate , Jayaraman Prem Prakash , Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Schofield Penelope
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Medication non-adherence is a well-recognised problem in cancer care, negatively impacting health outcomes and healthcare resources. Patient-related factors influencing medication adherence (MA) are complicated and interrelated. There is a need for qualitative research to better understand their underlying interaction processes and patients’ needs to facilitate the development of effective patient-tailored complex interventions. This study aimed to explore experiences, perceptions, and needs relating to MA and side effect management of patients who are self-administering anti-cancer treatment.

Methods

Semi-structured audio-recorded interviews with patients who have haematological cancer were conducted. A comparative, iterative, and predominantly inductive thematic analysis approach was employed.

Results

Twenty-five patients from a specialist cancer hospital were interviewed. While self-administering cancer medications at home, patients’ motivation to adhere was affected by cancer-related physical reactions, fears, cancer literacy and beliefs, and healthcare professional (HCP) and informal support. Patients desired need for regular follow-ups from respectful, encouraging, informative, responsive, and consistent HCPs as part of routine care. Motivated patients can develop high adherence and side effect self-management over time, especially when being supported by HCPs and informal networks.

Conclusion

Patients with cancer need varied support to medically adhere to and manage side effects at home. HCPs should adapt their practices to meet the patients’ expectations to further support them during treatment. We propose a multi-dimensional and technology- and theory-based intervention, which incorporates regular HCP consultations providing tailored education and support to facilitate and maintain patient MA and side effect self-management.
Lesson learned in endoscopic endonasal dens resection for C1–C2 spinal cord decompression
Authors: Portonero Irene , Lo Bue Enrico , Penner Federica , Di Perna Giuseppe , Baldassarre Bianca Maria , De Marco Raffaele , Pesaresi Alessandro , Garbossa Diego , Pecorari Giancarlo , Zenga Francesco
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is the safest and most effective technique for odontoidectomy. Nevertheless, this kind of approach is yet not largely widespread. The aim of this study is to share with the scientific community some tips and tricks with our ten-year-old learned experience in endoscopic endonasal odontoidectomy (EEO), which remains a challenging surgical approach.

Material and methods

Our case series consists of twenty-one (10 males, 11 females; age range of 34–84 years) retrospectively analyzed patients with ventral spinal cord compression for non-reducible CVJ malformation, treated with EEA from July 2011 to March 2019.

Results

The results have recently been reported in a previous paper. The only intraoperative complication observed was intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (9.5%), without any sign of post-operative CSF leak.

Conclusions

Considering our experience, EEO represents a valid and safe technique to decompress neural cervical structures. Despite its technical complexity, mainly due to the use of endoscope and the challenging surgical area, with this study we encourage the use of EEO displaying our experience-based surgical tips and tricks.
The effect of hard tissue defects on the clinical outcome of endodontic microsurgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sabeti Mohammad , Ihsan Mohammad Saqib , Kharat Piyusha , Azarpazhooh Amir
Published: November 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this systematic review was to appraise the existing literature on the effect of hard tissue defects on the clinical outcome of endodontic microsurgery (EMS).

Methods

MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and grey literature were searched from January 2000 to May 2023. Study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate. Eligible studies were critically appraised for the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of bias tool. The quality of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Review Manager (RevMan Computer program Version 5.4, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020) was utilized and the Mantel Haenszel fixed or random effects model was applied, depending on the heterogeneity of the studies. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate the Risk ratio (RR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CIs) to correlate the effects of these factors on treatment outcomes.

Results

Nineteen studies were included. The EMS overall pooled success rate was 84.5%. Five characteristics of hard tissue were identified. The size of the lesion (Small ≤ 5 mm: 78.4% vs. Large > 5 mm: 63.3%, RR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.00–1.26, P ≤ .05), significantly affected the outcomes of EMS. Endodontic lesions exhibited slightly better outcomes than endodontic-periodontal lesions (81.4% vs. 68.2%, RR = 1.14 95% CI 0.98–1.33, P > .05). Cases with the height of the buccal bone > 3 mm also exhibited slightly better outcomes (91.5% vs. 71.4%, RR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.88–1.62, P > .05). Additionally, through and through lesions exhibited better outcomes when grafting was completed during the EMS procedure both in 2D (RR = 1.12 95% CI 0.97–1.29, P > .05) and 3D evaluation ((RR = 1.28 95% CI 0.69–2.37 P > .05). The overall quality of evidence was graded as low to high.

Conclusion

With a low to high quality of evidence, the size of the lesion is a key prognostic variable that significantly affects the outcome of EMS, as lesions ≤ 5 mm exhibit better outcomes as compared to larger lesions.

Clinical significance

The presence of hard tissue defects can affect the outcome of endodontic microsurgery (EMS). The presented data can aid the clinicians’ decision-making process by examining certain pre-operative prognostic variables, when considering EMS as a treatment option. Clinical cases with more favorable hard tissue characteristics lead to a better prognosis in EMS.
Gender-related stress factors and emotional perception in migraine: a structured online questionnaire in migraine patients and controls
Authors: Delussi Marianna , Piraino Giulia , Guerzoni Simona , Castro Flavia Lo , Sances Grazia , Guaschino Elena , Vaghi Gloria , Grazzi Licia , Sacco Simona , Onofri Agnese , Paparella Giulia , Prudenzano Maria Pia , Roca Maria Elena , Fallacara Adriana , Cevoli Sabina , Pierangeli Giulia , Sarchielli Paola , Bellotti Alessia , Invitto Sara , de Tommaso Marina
Published: November 2023

Background

While migraine is markedly prevalent in women, gender-related phenotype differences were rarely assessed. For this reason, we investigated, through a multicenter observational cross-sectional study, based on an online questionnaire, gender-related differences in stress factors, emotions, and pain perception in migraine patients and controls and their impact on migraine severity.

Methods

The study was designed as an online questionnaire. The link was emailed to healthy subjects (C) and migraine patients (MIG) (age 18–75, education ≥ 13 years) recruited during the first visit in 8 Italian Headache Centers adhering to Italian Society for Headache Study (SISC). The questionnaire included personal/social/work information, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Romance Quality Scale, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Body Perception Questionnaire, the pain perception, and a self-assessment of migraine severity in the last 3 months.

Results

202 MIG and 202 C completed the survey. Independently from gender, migraine was characterized by higher pain sensitivity and more severe partner relationships. The female gender, in MIG, exhibited higher anxiety scores, body awareness, and reduced emotional suppression. Body awareness and emotional suppression were discriminating factors between genders in control and migraine groups without relevant influence on disease features. Perceived perception of migraine severity was similar between genders.

Conclusion

Gender-related emotional and stress factors did not contribute to delineate a distinct phenotype in migraine men and women. The possible impact of emotional and stress factors characterizing genders could be considered for a single case–tailored therapeutic approach.
The effect of moderate broadband noise on cognitive performance: a systematic review
Authors: Zhou Hang , Molesworth Brett R. C. , Burgess Marion , Hatfield Julie
Published: November 2023

Individuals in occupational settings are often exposed to moderate levels (e.g., < 85 dBA) of background noise (i.e., broadband noise) while performing cognitive-based tasks. Exposure to such noise may affect individuals’ cognitive performance and thus affect desired performance level (e.g., safety performance). The present review outlines the effect of moderate broadband noise on indices of cognition such as reaction time, attention, short-term and long-term memory, and high(er)-order cognitive tasks such as decision-making, mental arithmetic, grammatic reasoning, or reading comprehension. The present review highlights limitations associated with moderators, and their effect on broadband noise. 43 studies ranging from 1980 to February 2023 were selected and analysed to investigate this issue. Reviewed results offered minimal evidence for a negative effect of moderate broadband noise on cognitive performance. Negative effects that were found, were often evident only under specific circumstances. The roles of cognitive load, repeated session, and individual differences (e.g., sex) were found to differ from theoretical predictions based on evidence from broader noise(s), which highlights the distinctive characteristics of the mild stressor; hence an area for future research.
Insight in molecular degradation patterns and co-metabolism during rose waste co-composting
Authors: de Nijs E. A. , Jansen B. , Absalah S. , Bol R. , Tietema A.
Published: November 2023

Composting is recognized as a sustainable waste management strategy. However, little is known about green waste, and specifically rose waste, degradation patterns during composting. This study aimed (1) to gain insight in the underlying decomposition patterns during rose waste composting and (2) to identify co-metabolisms of ligneous material. Five different compost mixtures were tested ranging from pure rose waste to mixtures with tomato waste, kalanchoe waste or mature compost added. Samples were taken during a six-month experiment and analyzed by pyrolysis-GC/MS. The temporal trends in the relative abundance of 10 different compound groups were measured. Lignin and aliphatic compounds together accounted for ≥ 50% of the quantified pyrolysis products, but with changing contributions during composting. The relative abundance of polysaccharides and terpenes strongly decreased with more than 60% in the first 2 months. The simultaneous decrease in relative abundance of lignin and polysaccharides during initial composting phase indicated co-metabolism of lignin. The results from this study showed that while the presence of lignin is commonly regarded as a challenge in composting, it actually undergoes degradation through distinct mechanisms at the various composting stages.
Neuromodulation Through Magnetic Fields Irradiation with AT-04 Improves Hyperalgesia in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain via Descending Pain Modulatory Systems and Opioid Analgesia
Authors: Kohno Tatsuro , Takaki Kaori , Kishita Kaori , Mitsutake Kazunori , Tofuku Nozomu , Kishita Iwao
Published: November 2023

Neuromodulation through magnetic fields irradiation with ait® (AT-04), a device that irradiates a mixed alternating magnetic fields (2 kHz and 83.3 MHz), has been shown to have high efficacy for fibromyalgia and low back pain in our previous clinical trials. The aim of this study was to elucidate the underlying analgesic mechanism of the AT-04 using the partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL) model as an animal model of neuropathic pain. AT-04 was applied to PSL model rats with hyperalgesia and its pain-improving effect was verified by examining mechanical allodynia using the von Frey method. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in hyperalgesia in PSL model rats. We also examined the involvement of descending pain modulatory systems in the analgesic effects of AT-04 using antagonism by serotonin and noradrenergic receptor antagonists. These antagonists significantly reduced the analgesic effect of AT-04 on pain in PSL model rats by approximately 50%. We also measured the amount of serotonin and noradrenaline in the spinal fluid of PSL model rats using microdialysis during AT-04 treatment. Both monoamines were significantly increased by magnetic fields irradiation with AT-04. Furthermore, we evaluated the involvement of opioid analgesia in the analgesic effects of AT-04 using naloxone, the main antagonist of the opioid receptor, and found that it significantly antagonized the effects by approximately 60%. Therefore, the analgesic effects of AT-04 in PSL model rats involve both the endogenous pain modulation systems, including the descending pain modulatory system and the opioid analgesic system.

Graphical Abstract
Growth response of the picoplanktic Picocystis salinarum and the microplanktic Limnospira (Arthrospira) fusiformis strains from Lake Nakuru (Kenya) to rapidly changing environmental conditions
Authors: Pálmai Tamás , Szabó Beáta , Lengyel Edina , Kotut Kiplagat , Krienitz Lothar , Padisák Judit
Published: November 2023

The East African soda lakes are known worldwide for their huge populations of lesser flamingos. Their phytoplankton community is often dominated by the cyanobacterium Limnospira fusiformis, the main food of lesser flamingos. In the early 2010s, the population of the cyanobacterium collapsed and the picoplanktic green alga Picocystis salinarum became dominant in Lake Nakuru. Consequently, lesser flamingos had to migrate to other lakes in search of food. To establish the reasons for the success of P. salinarum, photosynthesis measurements have been performed on monoalgal cultures of both species. The examined environmental variables (temperature, light intensity) were not responsible for the dominance of P. salinarum either alone or in their any combination. Moreover, photosynthetic activity of the cyanobacterium was higher by an order of magnitude during all light and temperature treatments. Co-cultivation of L. fusiformis and P. salinarum in a chemostat revealed that a possible reason for the Limnospira replacement can be a rapid and remarkable increase of conductivity, as P. salinarum showed higher level of tolerance to this rapid change. Shortly after returning to the initial conductivity levels, the population of L. fusiformis recovered quickly.
Association Between Social Isolation and Mental Well-Being in Later Life. What is the Role of Loneliness?
Authors: Vasile Marian , Aartsen Marja , Precupetu Iuliana , Tufă Laura , Dumitrescu Diana-Alexandra , Radogna Rosa Maria
Published: November 2023

In this study, we evaluate whether the association between three types of social isolation (SI) and mental well-being (MWB) is mediated by loneliness. We include a pooled sample (N = 8,525) of people aged 65 or older, participating in the 2016 European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS). MWB is assessed with the World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and SI is operationalised as living alone, having no or little contact with family members, or having no or little contact with friends and neighbours. We assess a full mediation model with loneliness as a mediator between each type of SI and MWB, which we compare with a partial mediation model and control for age, gender, urbanity, and subjective income. Estimates for the full mediation model indicate that each type of SI is associated with enhanced loneliness, which in turn is negatively associated with MWB. In addition, the total effect of each type of SI on MWB is negative, with the strongest negative path from living alone to MWB. However, when including the direct effects of each type of SI on MWB in the partial mediating model, the total effect of contact with family members on MWB loses statistical significance. The specific indirect effects of the three facets of SI on MWB remain significant and negative. These findings suggest that different aspects of SI have distinct relationships with MWB, and that absence of contact with family members influences MWB only if they activate the feeling of loneliness.
Minimal data requirement for realistic endoscopic image generation with Stable Diffusion
Authors: Kaleta Joanna , Dall’Alba Diego , Płotka Szymon , Korzeniowski Przemysław
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Computer-assisted surgical systems provide support information to the surgeon, which can improve the execution and overall outcome of the procedure. These systems are based on deep learning models that are trained on complex and challenging-to-annotate data. Generating synthetic data can overcome these limitations, but it is necessary to reduce the domain gap between real and synthetic data.

Methods

We propose a method for image-to-image translation based on a Stable Diffusion model, which generates realistic images starting from synthetic data. Compared to previous works, the proposed method is better suited for clinical application as it requires a much smaller amount of input data and allows finer control over the generation of details by introducing different variants of supporting control networks.

Results

The proposed method is applied in the context of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, using synthetic and real data from public datasets. It achieves a mean Intersection over Union of 69.76%, significantly improving the baseline results (69.76 vs. 42.21%).

Conclusions

The proposed method for translating synthetic images into images with realistic characteristics will enable the training of deep learning methods that can generalize optimally to real-world contexts, thereby improving computer-assisted intervention guidance systems.
A comparative study of robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and conventional approaches for short-term outcomes of anatomical segmentectomy
Authors: Haruki Tomohiro , Kubouchi Yasuaki , Kidokoro Yoshiteru , Matsui Shinji , Ohno Takashi , Kojima Shunsuke , Nakamura Hiroshige
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Since anatomical segmentectomy requires meticulous dissection of the segmental pulmonary vessels and bronchus, robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) has been widely adopted in recent years. We investigated the usefulness of RATS segmentectomy by comparing perioperative outcomes with conventional approaches including open thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). We compared perioperative outcomes of segmentectomy between RATS and conventional approaches including open thoracotomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods

This single-institutional retrospective study comprised 231 patients with primary lung cancer who underwent segmentectomy by RATS or conventional approaches between January 2011 and December 2022. Surgical outcomes and postoperative complications were analyzed among patients whose background factors were adjusted by propensity score matching (PSM).

Results

Before PSM, there were significant differences in age, smoking status, and types of segmentectomy. After PSM, 126 patients (63 patients in each group) were included in this analysis. The RATS group had significantly shorter operative time (154 vs 210 min; p < 0.01), fewer bleeding amounts (10 vs 40 mL; p < 0.01), and shorter duration of chest drainage (2 vs 2 days; p = 0.04) than the conventional-approach group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of all complications; however, the incidence of postoperative pneumonia was significantly lower than in the conventional-approach group (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

RATS segmentectomy is proposed to be useful. It was suggested that RATS segmentectomy may be useful with better perioperative results than the conventional approach. Further studies on oncological long-term outcomes and cost–benefit comparisons are needed.
Nachhaltigkeit und ihre Bedeutung für die Soziale Arbeit
Authors: Schmidt Marcel
Published: November 2023

Vor dem Hintergrund der Notwendigkeit klimakrisenbedingter gesellschaftlicher Veränderungen und der immer offensichtlicher werdenden Tatsache, dass diese Veränderungen eine grundlegende Umgestaltung des Sozialen bedeuten und damit Soziale Arbeit in ihrem disziplinären wie professionellen Kern adressiert ist, ist in der Sozialen Arbeit in den letzten zwei bis drei Jahren eine Diskussion um ökologische, soziale und ökonomische Nachhaltigkeit entstanden. Der Artikel fasst diese Diskussion zusammen und stellt bislang noch offene Fragen und inhaltliche Lücken heraus. Als Ergebnis lässt sich festhalten, dass Soziale Arbeit angesichts der drohenden Krisen und anstehenden Veränderungsnotwendigkeiten auf subjektiver wie gesellschaftlicher Ebene mehr denn je gefordert ist, sich wieder als professionelle Unterstützung zivilgesellschaftlicher Politikgestaltung zu verstehen und entsprechend zu agieren.
Merging transport network companies and taxis in Curitiba’s BRT system
Authors: Medeiros Rafael Milani , Duarte Fábio , Bojic Iva , Xu Yang , Santi Paolo , Ratti Carlo
Published: November 2023

The Brazilian city of Curitiba became known around the world for pioneering bus rapid transit (BRT) in the 1970s. Five decades later, public transport ridership is declining on the city’s bus-based system. One-person car trips and car ownership are soaring, and services provided by transport network companies rapidly proliferate and then disappear as congestion worsens and expands across the road network. This was the macro-scale scenario for mobility and modal trends in Curitiba until COVID-19 brought things to a screeching halt in 2020. The widespread use of information and communication technologies has allowed taxi and car ride-hailing transport network schemes to emerge while blurring the lines between public and private and individual and collective transport, locally as well as globally. In 2016, transport network company systems, apps, private cars, services, drivers and passengers disrupted Curitiba’s longstanding and well-regulated taxi system and market for licenses. In 2023, hailing a cab or a shared ride feels and costs the same for passengers (now customers). This study investigates whether these actors and technologies compete with or complement each other in this city, locating and quantifying the benefits for passengers of merging taxi and car ridesharing with the BRT system as first- and last-mile transport to and from BRT corridors. We developed mobile information and communication technologies and acquired, processed, and analyzed millions of data points for passenger location on BRT, ordinary bus, and taxi trips at the city scale. The shareability index for Curitiba’s taxi or car rides was calculated, demonstrating that 60% of all taxi trips have the potential to serve as first- and last-mile transport solution to and from the BRT terminals, stations, and corridors and that nearly 40% of taxi trips both originate and end near (< 500 m) this BRT system infrastructure. By envisioning how transport network companies could merge into the built environment thanks to urban transport digitization, we have developed a model for integrating public transport with the analytic framework of transport network companies that could be deployed in other cities with similar challenges related to public transport, sociotechnical arrangements, system complexity, policymaking, and planning.
Single anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy generates sustained improvement of glycemic control compared with sleeve gastrectomy in the diet-induced obese rat model
Authors: Becerril Sara , Cienfuegos Javier A. , Rodríguez Amaia , Catalán Victoria , Ramírez Beatriz , Valentí Víctor , Moncada Rafael , Unamuno Xabier , Gómez-Ambrosi Javier , Frühbeck Gema
Published: November 2023

Bariatric surgery has become a recognized and effective procedure for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Our objective was to directly compare the caloric intake-independent effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and single anastomosis duodenoileal bypass with SG (SADI-S) on glucose tolerance in rats with diet-induced obesity (DIO) and to elucidate the differences between bariatric surgery and caloric restriction.

A total of 120 adult male Wistar rats with DIO and insulin resistance were randomly assigned to surgical (sham operation, SG, and SADI-S) and dietary (pair-feeding the amount of food eaten by animals undergoing the SG or SADI-S surgeries) interventions. Body weight and food intake were weekly monitored, and 6 weeks after interventions, fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose and insulin tolerance tests, plasma insulin, adiponectin, GIP, GLP-1, and ghrelin levels were determined.

The body weight of SADI-S rats was significantly (p < 0.001) lower as compared to the sham-operated, SG, and pair-fed groups. Furthermore, SADI-S rats exhibited decreased whole body fat mass (p < 0.001), lower food efficiency rates (p < 0.001), and increased insulin sensitivity, as well as improved glucose and lipid metabolism compared to that of the SG and pair-fed rats.

SADI-S was more effective than SG, or caloric restriction, in improving glycemic control and metabolic profile, with a higher remission of insulin resistance as well as long-term weight loss.
Testability and viability: is inflationary cosmology “Scientific”?
Authors: Dawid Richard , McCoy Casey
Published: November 2023

We provide a philosophical reconstruction and analysis of the debate on the scientific status of cosmic inflation that has played out in recent years. In a series of critical papers, Ijjas, Steinhardt, and Loeb have questioned the scientificality of current views on cosmic inflation. Proponents of cosmic inflation, such as Guth and Linde, have in turn defended the scientific credentials of their approach. We argue that, while this defense, narrowly construed, is successful against Ijjas, Steinhardt, and Loeb, the latters’ reasoning does point to a significant epistemic issue that arises with respect to inflationary theory. We claim that a broadening of the concept of theory assessment to include meta-empirical considerations is needed to address that issue in an adequate way.
Transformation of phenolic acids during radical neutralization
Authors: Olszowy-Tomczyk Małgorzata , Typek Rafał
Published: November 2023

Negative influence of reactive oxygen species on living organisms and stability of food products is the reason for significant interest in the substances exhibiting antioxidant properties. Phenolic acids are very popular among the known diet antioxidants. The paper presents the results of research on the application of chromatographic measurements for determination of antioxidant changes and products of radical neutralization reaction for the chosen phenolic acids (caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, protocatechuic and vanilic). The measurements were performed using the ABTS method in a long period time (8 days). The experiments have shown that the examined acids were depletion to ca 50 h but the reaction products (dimers or quinones) were converted into new compounds, observed in both methanolic and ethanolic measuring systems after a given period of time. The obtained results seem to be important in the context of living organisms because the biological activity of transformation products and their impact on human health have not been fully recognized yet. Moreover, the presented results can be interesting for both the producer and the consumer of food as generated substances may have influence on the nutritional value as well as the taste and aroma of the food in which phenolic compounds are applied.
An in-depth comparative analysis of data-driven and classic regression models for scour depth prediction around cylindrical bridge piers
Authors: Fuladipanah Mehdi , Hazi Mohammad Azamathulla , Kisi Ozgur
Published: November 2023

The study focuses on the critical concern of designing secure and resilient bridge piers, especially regarding scour phenomena. Traditional equations for estimating scour depth are limited, often leading to inaccuracies. To address these shortcomings, modern data-driven models (DDMs) have emerged. This research conducts a comprehensive comparison involving DDMs, including support vector machine (SVM), gene expression programming (GEP), multilayer perceptron (MLP), gradient boosting trees (GBT) and multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS) models, against two regression equations for predicting scour depth around cylindrical bridge piers. Evaluation employs statistical indices, such as root-mean-square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), mean average error (MAE) and normalized discrepancy ratio (S(DDRmax)), to assess their predictive performance. A total of 455 datasets from previous research papers are employed for assessment. Dimensionless parameters Froude number$$\left( {Fr = \frac{U}{{\sqrt {gy} }}} \right)$$Fr=Ugy, Pier Froude number$$Fr_{P} = \frac{U}{{\sqrt {g^{\prime } D} }}$$FrP=Ug′D, and the ratio of scour depth to pier diameter$$(\frac{\text{y}}{{\text{D}}})$$(yD)are carefully selected as influential model inputs through dimensional analysis and the gamma test. The results highlight the superior performance of the SVM model. In the training phase, it exhibits an RMSE of 0.1009, MAE of 0.0726, R2of 0.9401, and SDDRof 2.9237. During testing, the SVM model shows an RMSE of 0.023, MAE of 0.017, R2of 0.984, and SDDRof 5.301. Additionally, it has an average error of − 0.065 and a total error of − 20.642 in the training set and an average error of − 0.005 and a total error of − 0.707 in the testing set. Conversely, the M5 model exhibits the lowest accuracy. The statistical metrics unequivocally establish the SVM model as significantly outperforming the experimental models, placing it in a higher echelon of predictive accuracy.
Evaluation of the leaching of microplastics from discarded medical masks in aquatic environments: a case study of Mashhad city
Authors: Barari Fateme , Bonyadi Ziaeddin
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the global use of face masks, with reports indicating that approximately 129 billion people worldwide use them every month. Many masks contain MPs, which can pose environmental and health risks. The aim of this study is to assess the properties of MPs that are released from ten different mask brands. The masks that were selected were weighed, immersed in deionized distilled water, stirred, and MPs that were released into the water were collected using a cellulose ester membrane. The collected MPs were then analyzed using an optical microscope to observe their shape and color. The results showed that the rates of MPs released from N95 masks, surgical masks, and 3D masks were 54, 23, and 23%, respectively. The N95 mask had the highest percentage of MPs due to its heavy weight. The observed shapes of MPs, in terms of abundance percentage, were filamentous > spherical > irregular > fragmented. Furthermore, the majority of MPs were found to be transparent or black in color. This study offers valuable insights into the mechanisms behind the release of MPs from disposable face masks, shedding light on the critical issue of microplastic pollution resulting from mask waste.
Oat species and interspecific amphiploids show predominance of diploid nuclei in the syncytial endosperm
Authors: Tomaszewska Paulina , Kosina Romuald
Published: November 2023

Apart from apomictic types, the Polygonum-type eight-nuclear embryo sac is considered to be dominant in grasses. A triploid endosperm is formed as a result of double fertilisation. This study showed, for the first time, the dominance of diploid nuclei in the syncytial stage of the central cell of embryo sac in oat species and amphiploids. The dominance of diploid nuclei, which were the basis for the formation of polyploid nuclei, was weaker in amphiploids due to aneuploid events. The genomic in situ hybridisation method applied in the study did not distinguish the maternal and paternal haploid nuclei of embryo sac. However, this method demonstrated the lack of a set of genomes of one haploid nucleus. Embryological analyses of the initial stages of oat endosperm development revealed a fertilised egg cell, and two polar nuclei differing in size. It can be assumed that the formation of diploid oat endosperm occurred after the fusion of one polar nucleus and the nucleus of a male gamete, while the second polar nucleus gave rise to 1n nuclei. The levels of ploidy of syncytial nuclei were not influenced by both aneuploid events and correlated with pollen developmental anomalies. The differences in the analysed cytogenetic events distinguished amphiploids and their parental species in the ordination space.
Intellectual Property and the Constitutional Court of South Africa: Lessons from the Deployment of Adjudicative Strategies
Authors: Okorie Chijioke
Published: November 2023

The Constitutional Court of South Africa recently handed down its fourth decision so far in the field of intellectual property. These decisions came against the backdrop of reforms and reform proposals concerning intellectual property rights in South Africa. These reforms and reform proposals were prompted by the need to establish intellectual property laws that are attuned to South Africa’s local context and needs, while complying with South Africa’s international treaty obligations. Parallel to South Africa’s policy and legislative agenda, this paper recognises these four decisions (referred to as the “IP quartet”) as the emergence of an intellectual property rights jurisprudence. The paper analyses the IP quartet and identifies a coherent narrative with respect to the intersection between intellectual property rights and constitutional rights and the appropriate approach to determining their real-life applications. The paper also explains this intellectual property rights jurisprudence and its contribution, and considers the adjudicative strategies employed by the Constitutional Court in applying constitutional provisions to dealing with issues involving intellectual property rights. An explanation of this jurisprudence arising from these cases will: (a) promote an understanding of the scope of intellectual property rights including the appropriate nature of their intersection with constitutional provisions (specifically fundamental rights expressed in Chapter 2 of the South African Constitution); and (b) offer some guidance to lower courts and the executive arm of government on the appropriate approach to the interpretation, conceptualization and application of the intellectual property legal framework.
Numerical study for a newtonian nanofluid over a vertical cylindrical vessel surrounded by a hot tissue
Authors: Kamel R. S. , Ismaeel A. M. , Hady F. M.
Published: November 2023

This manuscript introduces a theoretical model to study the problem of heat and mass transfer in biological tissues in a magnetic field, which simulates cancer treatment using thermal therapy. In particular, this model incorporates the influence of the Brownian motion and thermal thermophoresis of nanoparticles. Firstly, the non-linear governing equations of motion are transformed into ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations, then solved numerically according to appropriate boundary conditions using MATLAB built-in solver- bvp4c. All parameters and their impacts on the flow have been investigated and studied. The model predictions showed that increasing the heat absorption by nanoparticles in the tissue increases the tumour temperature, which helps to improve the therapeutic efficiency and reduce the concentration of nanoparticles. Hence, the results of this study could enhance the effectiveness of thermal therapy for malignancies.

Article Highlights

The transport of nanoparticles (NPs) to the deep tissue is improved when the heat transfer coefficient is raised.

The temperature of interstitial fluid significantly reduces the velocity of the interstitial fluid.

Exposing tumours to an external heat source enhances the NP delivery to the tumour.
Applications of Choquet expected utility to hypothesis testing with incompleteness
Authors: Kaido Hiroaki , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2023

The Maximin and Choquet expected utility theories guide decision-making under ambiguity. We apply them to hypothesis testing in incomplete models. We consider a statistical risk function that uses a prior probability to incorporate parameter uncertainty and a belief function to reflect the decision-maker’s willingness to be robust against the model’s incompleteness. We develop a numerical method to implement a test that minimizes the risk function. We also use a sequence of such tests to approximate a minimax optimal test when a nuisance parameter is present under the null hypothesis.
On the taxonomy of the Thalpophila Hübner, 1820-Olivenebula Kishida and Yoshimoto 1977 generic complex (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, Xyleninae)
Authors: Ronkay László , Ronkay Gábor
Published: November 2023

The supraspecific taxa of the Thalpophila generic complex are revised, a new genus Dandiraniagen. n. and two new subgenera, Confectaniasubgen. n. and Wallaceaniasubgen n. are described. The genus Chlorothalpa Beck,1996) and its subgenus Subthalpa Beck, 1996 are reinstated from synonymy with Olivenebula Kishida and Yoshimoto, 1977. The western Palaearctic (European) species associated with Olivenebula are transferred to Chlorothalpa (comb. rev.). A new Chlorothalpa (Subthalpa) species, C. vargazolisp. n.; a new Olivenebula species, O. (O.) stanegombocisp. n. and a new subspecies O. (O.) oberthueri thomasbaronissp. n.; and two species and a new subspecies of Dandirania, D. (W.) sramkogaborisp. n., D. (W.) alfredrussellwallaceisp. n. and D. (D.) opulenta schreierissp. n. are described. Chlorothalpa (C.) graslini (Culot, 1913), Dandirania (D.) opulenta (Butler, 1889) and D. (W.) largeteaui (Oberthür, 1881) are upgraded to species level (stat. rev.).
The possible place for psychedelics in pharmacotherapy of mental disorders
Authors: Wojtas Adam
Published: November 2023

Since its emergence in the 1960s, the serotonergic theory of depression bore fruit in the discovery of a plethora of antidepressant drugs affecting the lives of millions of patients. While crucial in the history of drug development, recent studies undermine the effectiveness of currently used antidepressant drugs in comparison to placebo, emphasizing the long time it takes to initiate the therapeutic response and numerous adverse effects. Thus, the scope of contemporary pharmacological research shifts from drugs affecting the serotonin system to rapid-acting antidepressant drugs. The prototypical representative of the aforementioned class is ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist capable of alleviating the symptoms of depression shortly after the drug administration. This discovery led to a paradigm shift, focusing on amino-acidic neurotransmitters and growth factors. Alas, the drug is not perfect, as its therapeutic effect diminishes circa 2 weeks after administration. Furthermore, it is not devoid of some severe side effects. However, there seems to be another, more efficient, and safer way to target the glutamatergic system. Hallucinogenic agonists of the 5-HT2A receptor, commonly known as psychedelics, are nowadays being reconsidered in clinical practice, shedding their infamous 1970s stigma. More and more clinical studies prove their clinical efficacy and rapid onset after a single administration while bearing fewer side effects. This review focuses on the current state-of-the-art literature and most recent clinical studies concerning the use of psychedelic drugs in the treatment of mental disorders. Specifically, the antidepressant potential of LSD, psilocybin, DMT, and 5-MeO-DMT will be discussed, together with a brief summary of other possible applications.
Parametric design and modular construction of a large additive-manufactured hypar shell structure
Authors: Su Chaohao , Yuan Meiqin , Fan Yi , Zhu Lu , Hu Nan
Published: November 2023

Despite recent advances in additive manufacturing technologies, challenges remain to build 3D-printed structures at the architectural scale due to the high cost of large printing equipment. To address this challenge, modular construction has demonstrated its merit by making smaller prefabricated components and using on-site assembly. This paper presents a case study of a 3D-printed hypar shell structural art using modular construction. Guided by parametric design and structural analysis, we optimized the hypar shell to form a butterfly-like shape with a hollow-out pattern. The prefabrication of modular units was completed using commercial 3D printers to catch a limited production time. The prefabricated modular unit of the hypar shell was assembled on site for the Guangzhou International Light Festival, in which the lighting effect was added through the adjustable transparency of hollow spaces within the sandwiched panels. The 3D-printed hypar shell was also disassembled and rebuilt in the UK, showcasing the adaptability and flexibility of the modular design. The resulting 3D-printed structural art not only provides unique aesthetics for the built environment but also demonstrates the possibility of building large shell structures with a low budget by reducing complex falsework.
A review on carbon emissions of global shipping
Authors: Deng Shiyu , Mi Zhifu
Published: November 2023

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from shipping account for about 3% of total annual anthropogenic CO2 emissions and are assumed to increase markedly without mitigation measures. Following the introduction of the net-zero emissions target, the large uncertainties and challenges of a low-carbon transition in the shipping industry have raised concerns in the scientific community. This study presents a compressive review of CO2 emission inventories for the shipping industry, examines the historical CO2 emission trends and associated estimation uncertainties due to different methodologies, and further discusses the CO2 reduction measures and potential published in the literature. We aim to answer what has happened and what will happen in the shipping industry to identify potential challenges in realizing a roadmap to net-zero emissions. Here we show that there is a 20% variation in CO2 emissions reported by the reviewed inventories due to differences in estimation methodology and study scope, with top-down approaches (e.g., IEA) advancing the timeliness of emission estimation and bottom-up approaches (e.g., CAMS-GLOB-SHIP and EDGAR) facilitating the availability of geospatial information. The rebound in CO2 emissions by 2021 underscores the urgency of decoupling growth in seaborne trade from carbon emissions, and source and process control measures will provide most of the abatement potential, leaving the remaining abatement burden to be borne by carbon capture and out-of-industry transfers by 2050. However, secondary emissions, navigational safety, crew welfare, international cooperation, and economic and technical feasibility pose challenges to current low-carbon development. There remains a long way to go towards realizing the goal of the net-zero target, it requires the coordination and cooperation of all operators along the entire value chain of the shipping industry.
Antibiotic use in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a population-based study in Hong Kong
Authors: Blais Joseph Edgar , Zhang Weixin , Lin Yun , Chui Celine SL , Cheng Vincent Chi-Chung , Cowling Benjamin John , Wu Peng
Published: November 2023

Background:

Hong Kong experienced four epidemic waves caused by the ancestral strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2020–2021 and a large Omicron wave in 2022. Few studies have assessed antibacterial prescribing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inpatients throughout the pandemic.

Objectives:

To describe inpatient antibacterial prescribing and explore factors associated with their prescription.

Methods:

Electronic health records of patients with COVID-19 admitted to public hospitals in Hong Kong from 21 January 2020 to 30 September 2022 were used to assess the prevalence and rates of inpatient antibacterial drug use (days of therapy/1,000 patient days [DOT/1,000 PD]). We used multivariable logistic regression to investigate potential associations between patients’ baseline characteristics and disease severity and prescription of an antibacterial drug during hospital admission.

Results:

Among 65,810 inpatients with COVID-19, 54.0% were prescribed antibacterial drugs (550.5 DOT/1,000 PD). Compared to waves 1–2 (46.7%; 246.9 DOT/1,000 PD), the prescriptions were lowest during wave 4 (28.0%; 246.9; odds ratio (OR): 0.39, 95% CI: 0.31–0.49) and peaked in early wave 5 (64.6%; 661.2; 0.82, 0.65–1.03). Older age (≥80 years: OR 2.66, 95% CI, 2.49–2.85; 60–79 years: 1.59, 1.51–1.69, compared with 20–59 years), more severe disease (fatal: 3.64, 3.2–4.16; critical: 2.56, 2.14–3.06, compared with severe), and COVID-19 vaccine doses (two doses: 0.74, 0.69–0.78; three doses: 0.69, 0.64–0.74; four doses: 0.52, 0.44–0.62, compared with unvaccinated) were associated with inpatient antibacterial drug use.

Conclusions:

Antibacterial prescribing changed over time for hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 and was potentially related to patients’ demographics, medical conditions, and COVID-19 vaccination status as well as healthcare capacity during epidemic waves.