bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score and the Age-Related Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score as health indicators in a population-based cohort
Authors: Bau Laura , Matas Elisabet , Romero-Pinel Lucía , León Isabel , Muñoz-Vendrell Albert , Arroyo-Pereiro Pablo , Martínez-Yélamos Antonio , Martínez-Yélamos Sergio
Published: September 2024

Background

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) present varying degrees of disability throughout their disease course. The Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) and the Age-Related Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (ARMSSS) adjust the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) according to disease duration and age, respectively. These measures could be useful for quantifying MS severity and as health outcome indicators for benchmarking in population-based settings. The aim of this study was to describe the severity of MS in our health district using the MSSS and ARMSSS and to assess their consistency over time.

Methods

This population-based study included patients from our health district who were diagnosed with MS according to the 2010 McDonald criteria, had a disease duration of at least one year and were followed up in our MS unit. Sex, age at onset, disease duration, clinical course, age and irreversible EDSS at the last follow-up visit were collected, and the MSSS and ARMSSS were calculated at two time points: 2017 and 2020.

Results

One hundred seventy-seven patients were included in 2017, and 208 in 2020. The prevalence of MS was 90 and 104 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. The median MSSS was 1.77 (IQR 0.76–4.28) in 2017 and 2.03 (IQR 0.82–4.36) in 2020. The median ARMSSS was 2.90 (IQR 1.47–5.72) in 2017 and 2.93 (IQR 1.51–5.56) in 2020. No significant differences were found.

Conclusions

According to the MSSS and ARMSSS, the severity of MS in our area is mild, and these instruments are consistent. These measures could be reliable health outcome measures.
Intra-Individual Reproducibility of Automated Abdominal Organ Segmentation—Performance of TotalSegmentator Compared to Human Readers and an Independent nnU-Net Model
Authors: Abel Lorraine , Wasserthal Jakob , Meyer Manfred T. , Vosshenrich Jan , Yang Shan , Donners Ricardo , Obmann Markus , Boll Daniel , Merkle Elmar , Breit Hanns-Christian , Segeroth Martin
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study is to assess segmentation reproducibility of artificial intelligence-based algorithm, TotalSegmentator, across 34 anatomical structures using multiphasic abdominal CT scans comparing unenhanced, arterial, and portal venous phases in the same patients. A total of 1252 multiphasic abdominal CT scans acquired at our institution between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2022, were retrospectively included. TotalSegmentator was used to derive volumetric measurements of 34 abdominal organs and structures from the total of 3756 CT series. Reproducibility was evaluated across three contrast phases per CT and compared to two human readers and an independent nnU-Net trained on the BTCV dataset. Relative deviation in segmented volumes and absolute volume deviations (AVD) were reported. Volume deviation within 5% was considered reproducible. Thus, non-inferiority testing was conducted using a 5% margin. Twenty-nine out of 34 structures had volume deviations within 5% and were considered reproducible. Volume deviations for the adrenal glands, gallbladder, spleen, and duodenum were above 5%. Highest reproducibility was observed for bones (− 0.58% [95% CI: − 0.58, − 0.57]) and muscles (− 0.33% [− 0.35, − 0.32]). Among abdominal organs, volume deviation was 1.67% (1.60, 1.74). TotalSegmentator outperformed the reproducibility of the nnU-Net trained on the BTCV dataset with an AVD of 6.50% (6.41, 6.59) vs. 10.03% (9.86, 10.20; p < 0.0001), most notably in cases with pathologic findings. Similarly, TotalSegmentator’s AVD between different contrast phases was superior compared to the interreader AVD for the same contrast phase (p = 0.036). TotalSegmentator demonstrated high intra-individual reproducibility for most abdominal structures in multiphasic abdominal CT scans. Although reproducibility was lower in pathologic cases, it outperforms both human readers and a nnU-Net trained on the BTCV dataset.
Modelling time-temperature-dependent mortality of pest flies in cold storage to support the management of trade-related biosecurity risks
Authors: Ratnayake Himali U. , Darnell Ross , Henderson Brent , van Klinken Rieks D.
Published: September 2024

Cold treatment with rigorous regulatory oversight is often mandated to manage horticultural trade-related biosecurity threats, such as invasive, cold-sensitive fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). Cold treatment schedules, developed through rigorous laboratory experiments, require a set temperature and duration to ensure at least a probit 8.7 (99.99%) mortality rate, regardless of infestation likelihood. This threshold is costly to demonstrate for each pest and commodity combination and the resultant treatment may be harmful to fruit quality. Moreover, these stringent schedules do not account for cold-induced mortality already occurring in commercial supply chains. We developed a predictive temperature-dependent mortality function using 28 published cold treatment studies of pest fly species to support more flexible and proportionate use of cold treatment. The daily mortality rate was unaffected by the duration of cold exposure (0–20 days). The mortality rate varied primarily by pest species (10 species) and developmental stage (eggs and larval stages), and to a lesser extent by temperature (0–7 °C) and host (13 fruit types). Our model mostly predicted fewer days to meet probit 9.0 mortality compared to empirical results from large-scale studies, suggesting these studies can be overly conservative. By leveraging previous empirical studies, our model enables estimation of temperature-dependent daily mortality for unstudied pest developmental stage host–temperature combinations, which can then be empirically validated through targeted studies. It is hoped these results will shift cold treatment usage from highly regulated, fixed temperature treatments with a target mortality rate requirement to a more flexible approach that accounts for existing commercial supply chain practices and infestation likelihood in produce.
Relative Residence Time Can Account for Half of the Anatomical Variation in Fatty Streak Prevalence Within the Right Coronary Artery
Authors: Kandangwa Pratik , Cheng Kevin , Patel Miten , Sherwin Spencer J. , de Silva Ranil , Weinberg Peter D.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The patchy anatomical distribution of atherosclerosis has been attributed to variation in haemodynamic wall shear stress (WSS). The consensus is that low WSS and a high Oscillatory Shear Index (OSI) trigger the disease. We found that atherosclerosis at aortic branch sites correlates threefold better with transverse WSS (transWSS), a metric which quantifies multidirectional near-wall flow. Coronary artery disease has greater clinical significance than aortic disease but computation of WSS metrics is complicated by the substantial vessel motion occurring during each cardiac cycle. Here we present the first comparison of the distribution of atherosclerosis with WSS metrics computed for moving coronary arteries.

Methods

Maps of WSS metrics were computed using dynamic geometries reconstructed from angiograms of ten non-stenosed human right coronary arteries (RCAs). They were compared with maps of fatty streak prevalence derived from a previous study of 1852 RCAs.

Results

Time average WSS (TAWSS), OSI, transWSS and the cross-flow index (CFI), a non-dimensional form of the transWSS, gave non-significant or significant but low spatial correlations with lesion prevalence. The highest correlation coefficient (0.71) was for the relative residence time (RRT), a metric that decreases with TAWSS and increases with OSI. The coefficient was not changed if RRT was calculated using CFI, which captures multidirectional WSS only, rather than OSI, which encompasses both multidirectional and oscillatory WSS.

Conclusion

Contrary to our earlier findings in the aorta, low WSS in combination with highly multidirectional flow correlates best with lesion location in the RCA, explaining approximately half of its anatomical variation.
PrEP Stigma as a Minority Stressor among Black Sexual Minority Men: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Turpin Rodman , Camp Aaron D. , Mandell C. J. , Mandeville Julia , Davidson Mhonde Rochelle R. , Smith Jamil , Liu Hongjie , Dyer Typhanye , Mayer Kenneth H. , Boekeloo Bradley
Published: September 2024

Black sexual minority men (BSMM) remain disproportionately affected by HIV, yet Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in this population remains relatively low. Informed by minority stress theory, PrEP stigma may manifest in and exacerbate societal marginalization based on sexuality and race. We used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach to determine if PrEP-specific stigma was associated with reduced PrEP uptake among BSMM, and qualitatively explored how PrEP use is stigmatized among BSMM. We analyzed cross-sectional data from a pilot sample of BSMM (n = 151) collected in late 2020 in the United States, testing for associations between PrEP stigma and PrEP use using modified Poisson regression. Subsequently, we selected participants (n = 23) from this sample for qualitative interviews starting in 2022. Responses to questions related to PrEP stigma were analyzed using thematic analysis. PrEP stigma was associated less than half the PrEP use (aPR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.24, 0.75) among BSMM after adjustment. Qualitatively, we identified three major themes in how PrEP use is stigmatized among BSMM: PrEP-specific sexual stigma, intersections between PrEP and HIV stigma, and PrEP misinformation and disinformation. Aligned with minority stress theory, each theme was based in part in stigma related to sexuality or race. We found strong relationships between PrEP stigma and PrEP use independent of several sociobehavioral factors. Each of our themes were based in part in minority stressors, and underscore the importance of culturally competent PrEP promotion efforts towards BSMM. Addressing stigma is a core component of health equity efforts towards ending the HIV epidemic.
Effects of Physical Therapy Integrated with Dance/Movement Therapy on Heart Rate Variability and Fall-Related Variables: A Preliminary Controlled Trial
Authors: Pitluk Barash Michal , Shuper Engelhard Einat , Elboim-Gabyzon Michal , Gidron Yori
Published: September 2024

Falls among older adults are influenced by both physical and psychological risk factors. This pilot study specifically examined the impact of integrating Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) into a regimen of physical therapy exercises (PTE) for fall prevention. The primary objectives included examining the effect of post-PTE+DMT intervention on heart rate variability (HRV), a psychophysiological marker, and fall risk factors. Additionally, this study aimed to examine correlations between HRV and levels of fall risk. Eight community-dwelling older adults (median = 83 [interquartile ranges: 80.5–85.75]) from a day center for senior citizens were randomly assigned to either a PTE+DMT group or a PTE group. A post intervention battery of HRV, physical and psychological fall risk assessments, was conducted. The results of nonparametric analysis demonstrated the potential impact of the PTE+DMT intervention in improving balance and self-efficacy measures related to falls when compared to participation in PTE alone. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in term of HRV and other physical and psychological fall risk factors. The emerging trends in the associations between HRV, fall risk, and balance levels suggest the potential utility of HRV as an objective psychophysiological marker for assessing fall risk levels. Moreover, the results underscore the potential advantages of interventions that integrate both physical and psychological components to mitigate fall risk in older adults, emphasizing the intricate mind–body connection.

The ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05948735, July 7, 2023.
Pelvic Floor Disorders Due to Anal Sexual Activity in Men and Women: A Narrative Review
Authors: Chen Avital Bar , Kalichman Leonid
Published: September 2024

Recent evidence shows that consensual anal penetrative intercourse has become more prevalent, not only limited to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men but also for women who are in a sexual relationship with men. The aim of this review was to study the influence of consensual anal intercourse on pelvic floor function and the role of pelvic floor physical therapy treatment in preventing or treating consensual anal intercourse-induced anodyspareunia and/or fecal incontinence. We reviewed 68 references that showed that anal penetrative intercourse is a risk factor for anodyspareunia and fecal incontinence in both men and women. This risk of anal intercourse may increase with emotional discomfort, an overactive pelvic floor, lack of lubrication, frequency of anal penetrative intercourse, and hard practice (BDSM: bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism, and masochism). It seems that pelvic floor physical therapists play an essential role in preventing and treating pelvic floor dysfunctions due to anal intercourse, which can lead to anodyspareunia and fecal incontinence; the treatment includes education, pelvic floor training with and without biofeedback, electric stimulation, manual therapy, and dilatators. Further studies are warranted to enhance our understanding of the causes and treatment efficacy of pelvic floor dysfunctions due to anal penetrative intercourse.
Lactobacilli Cell-Free Supernatants Modulate Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Human Microglia via NRF2-SOD1 Signaling
Authors: Di Chiano Mariagiovanna , Rocchetti Maria Teresa , Spano Giuseppe , Russo Pasquale , Allegretta Caterina , Milior Giampaolo , Gadaleta Raffaella Maria , Sallustio Fabio , Pontrelli Paola , Gesualdo Loreto , Avolio Carlo , Fiocco Daniela , Gallone Anna
Published: September 2024

Microglia are macrophage cells residing in the brain, where they exert a key role in neuronal protection. Through the gut–brain axis, metabolites produced by gut commensal microbes can influence brain functions, including microglial activity. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a key regulator of the oxidative stress response in microglia, controlling the expression of cytoprotective genes. Lactobacilli-derived cell-free supernatants (CFSs) are postbiotics that have shown antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects in several in vitro and in vivo studies. This study aimed to explore the effects of lactobacilli CFSs on modulating microglial responses against oxidative stress and inflammation. HMC3 microglia were exposed to lipopolysaccaride (LPS), as an inflammatory trigger, before and after administration of CFSs from three human gut probiotic species. The NRF2 nuclear protein activation and the expression of NRF2-controlled antioxidant genes were investigated by immunoassay and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, the level of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by immunoassay. All CFSs induced a significant increase of NRF2 nuclear activity in basal conditions and upon inflammation. The transcription of antioxidant genes, namely heme oxygenase 1, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase also increased, especially after inflammatory stimulus. Besides, higher SOD1 activity was detected relative to inflamed microglia. In addition, CFSs pre-treatment of microglia attenuated pro-inflammatory TNF-α levels while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels. These findings confirmed that gut microorganisms’ metabolites can play a relevant role in adjuvating the microglia cellular response against neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Graphical Abstract

Gut-brain crosstalk: molecular point of view. Metabolites contained in the supernatant derived from Lactobacilli can cross the gut barrier and reach the central nervous system, where they are taken up by microglial cells. They induce the activation of the NRF2 pathway and the production of inflammatory mediators. This interaction attenuates two important events: oxidation (with high levels of NRF2) and inflammation (with high levels of IL-10 and low levels of TNF-α).
Non-linear MRD codes from cones over exterior sets
Authors: Durante Nicola , Grimaldi Giovanni Giuseppe , Longobardi Giovanni
Published: September 2024

By using the notion of a d-embedding $$\Gamma $$
Γ
of a (canonical) subgeometry $$\Sigma $$
Σ
and of exterior sets with respect to the h-secant variety $$\Omega _{h}({\mathcal {A}})$$

Ω
h

(
A
)

of a subset $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
, $$ 0 \le h \le n-1$$

0
≤
h
≤
n
-
1

, in the finite projective space $${\textrm{PG}}(n-1,q^n)$$

PG
(
n
-
1
,

q
n

)

, $$n \ge 3$$

n
≥
3

, in this article we construct a class of non-linear (n, n, q; d)-MRD codes for any $$ 2 \le d \le n-1$$

2
≤
d
≤
n
-
1

. A code of this class $${\mathcal {C}}_{\sigma ,T}$$

C

σ
,
T

, where $$1\in T \subseteq {\mathbb {F}}_q^*$$

1
∈
T
⊆

F
q
∗

and $$\sigma $$
σ
is a generator of $$\textrm{Gal}({\mathbb {F}}_{q^n}|{\mathbb {F}}_q)$$

Gal
(

F

q
n

|

F
q

)

, arises from a cone of $${\textrm{PG}}(n-1,q^n)$$

PG
(
n
-
1
,

q
n

)

with vertex an $$(n-d-2)$$

(
n
-
d
-
2
)

-dimensional subspace over a maximum exterior set $${\mathcal {E}}$$
E
with respect to $$\Omega _{d-2}(\Gamma )$$

Ω

d
-
2

(
Γ
)

. We prove that the codes introduced in Cossidente et al (Des Codes Cryptogr 79:597–609, 2016), Donati and Durante (Des Codes Cryptogr 86:1175–1184, 2018), Durante and Siciliano (Electron J Comb, 2017) are suitable punctured ones of $${\mathcal {C}}_{\sigma ,T}$$

C

σ
,
T

and we solve completely the inequivalence issue for this class showing that $${\mathcal {C}}_{\sigma ,T}$$

C

σ
,
T

is neither equivalent nor adjointly equivalent to the non-linear MRD codes $${\mathcal {C}}_{n,k,\sigma ,I}$$

C

n
,
k
,
σ
,
I

, $$I \subseteq {\mathbb {F}}_q$$

I
⊆

F
q

, obtained in Otal and Özbudak (Finite Fields Appl 50:293–303, 2018).
Efficient topic identification for urgent MOOC Forum posts using BERTopic and traditional topic modeling techniques
Authors: Khodeir Nabila , Elghannam Fatma
Published: September 2024

MOOC platforms provide a means of communication through forums, allowing learners to express their difficulties and challenges while studying various courses. Within these forums, some posts require urgent attention from instructors. Failing to respond promptly to these posts can contribute to higher dropout rates and lower course completion rates. While existing research primarily focuses on identifying urgent posts through various classification techniques, it has not adequately addressed the underlying reasons behind them. This research aims to delve into these reasons and assess the extent to which they vary. By understanding the root causes of urgency, instructors can effectively address these issues and provide appropriate support and solutions. BERTopic utilizes the advanced language capabilities of transformer models and represents an advanced approach in topic modeling. In this study, a comparison was conducted to evaluate the performance of BERTopic in topic modeling on MOOCs discussion forums, alongside traditional topic models such as LDA, LSI, and NMF. The experimental results revealed that the NMF and BERTopic models outperformed the other models. Specifically, the NMF model demonstrated superior performance when a lower number of topics was required, whereas the BERTopic model excelled in generating topics with higher coherence when a larger number of topics was needed.The results considering all urgent posts from the dataset were as follows: Optimal number of topics is 6 for NMF and 50 for BERTopic; coherence scores is 0.66 for NMF and 0.616 for BERTopic; and IRBO scores is 1 for both models. This highlights the BERTopic model capability to distinguish and extract diverse topics comprehensively and coherently, aiding in the identification of various reasons behind MOOC Forum posts.
Computational thinking with game design: An action research study with middle school students
Authors: Cafarella Lorien , Vasconcelos Lucas
Published: September 2024

Middle school students often enter Computer Science (CS) classes without previous CS or Computational Thinking (CT) instruction. This study evaluated how Code.org’s block-based programming curriculum affects middle school students’ CT skills and attitudes toward CT and CS. Sixteen students participated in the study. This was a mixed methods action research study that used pre- and post-tests, surveys, artifacts, and interviews as data sources. Descriptive statistics, paired samples t-tests, and inductive thematic analysis were administered. Findings showed a statistically significant increase in participants’ algorithmic thinking, debugging, and pattern recognition skills but not in abstraction skills. Attitudes toward CT and CS improved but the difference was not statistically significant. Qualitative themes revealed benefits of game-based learning to promote CT skills, collaboration to promote successful error debugging, and enjoyment of programming resulting from a balance between structured guidance and creative freedom. Findings emphasize the importance of low-threshold and engaging strategies to introduce novice learners to CT and CS.
An innovative distance learning platform for mathematics education in secondary schools: Design, development and preliminary studies
Authors: Ion Teo-Christian , Popescu Elvira
Published: September 2024

This study addresses the emerging challenges in mathematics education, emphasizing the integration of innovative teaching strategies and tools amidst the evolving educational landscape. The study begins with an analysis of prevalent e-learning and communication systems in distance education, pinpointing their limitations and identifying the gaps in effective remote mathematics instruction. In response, we introduce a novel educational platform designed to facilitate real-time mathematics teaching over the Internet, aiming to replicate the interactive essence of traditional classroom settings within a digital domain. The system features a suite of tools including a mathematical editor, a virtual whiteboard, audio-video communication capabilities, a virtual library, and an evaluation support module, all accessible via a standard web browser. The platform’s effectiveness was assessed through its application in regular mathematics classes at two secondary schools in Romania, as well as in a private tutoring scenario. The paper presents the findings of these preliminary studies, offering insights into the usefulness and usability of the platform and its potential to seamlessly integrate into existing educational frameworks without compromising the quality of instruction.
Evaluating classroom response systems in engineering education: Which metrics better reflect student performance?
Authors: Abbas Rubén , Sebastián Andrés , Casanova Jesús
Published: September 2024

Classroom response systems (CRS) represent an innovative educational technology that can be used to promote active learning and student engagement. This study explores the effectiveness of CRS in enhancing student learning and performance across various engineering courses related to heat engines. During five academic years, CRS have been used weekly in six subjects that belong to two bachelor’s degrees and one master’s degree to promote continuous learning. The performance of the students in the CRS benefits the student by up to + 10% in the final mark. In this period, data from more than 1,000 students has been collected, including key performance indicators (KPIs) derived from Kahoot!, such as the number and correctness of responses and time spent answering, and other evaluations such as theory and numerical problem exams results. The objective of the study is to find the KPI that best identifies the knowledge acquisition by the students. In order to do so, the correlation of the KPI with the final exams is analysed by means of the correlation of determination and the root mean square error. The findings reveal that KPIs based on the number of questions asked exhibit stronger correlations with exam results compared to those based on responses or correctness. The study also highlights the positive impact of CRS on student engagement, classroom dynamics, and exam preparation, supported by student feedback. In essence, this research provides insights into the relationship between CRS metrics and academic outcomes, offering valuable considerations for the integration of technology in engineering education.
Cryptic speciation in the nematode family Longidoridae from South America: description of Xiphinema cryptocostaricense sp. nov. from Colombia and notes on X. seinhorsti
Authors: Kornobis Franciszek , Osten-Sacken Natalia , Winiszewska Grażyna , Castillo Pablo
Published: September 2024

The genus Xiphinema Cobb, 1913 belongs to the family Longidoridae and consists of approximatelly 280 described species of plant-root ectoparasites. They occur on all continents except Antarctica and many species are important pests of crops, harming plants either by direct parasiting or by vectoring of nepoviruses. Due to their economic importance, several species were subjected to regulations aimed to limit their global spread. Moreover, the use of molecular techniques allowed to confirm the occurrence of cryptic species within the genus. In this paper we describe Xiphinema cryptocostaricense sp. nov., which constitutes the first instance of cryptic speciation within the family Longidoridae from South America. In terms of morphology this species is characterised by the body measuring 2.00–2.35 mm; lip region detached from the body outline only by a shallow constriction; odontostyle 129–135 µm long; V = 34.0–36.6; anterior branch of the genital tract largely reduced; tail short, almost hemispherical; lack of males and presence of four juvenile stages. This species is also characterised using molecular markers D2-D3 expansion domains of 28S rRNA, ITS1 rRNA and partial cytochrome oxidase c subunit 1 gene sequences. Based on morphology, this species is indistinguishable from X. costaricense Lamberti and Tarjan (Nematologia Mediterranea, 2, 1–11 1974). Additionally, a nomenclature remark is given- the name X. cryptocostaricense sp. nov. has been created by adding prefix ‘crypto’ to an already existing name of species. The advanatage of this approach is that it immediately points to which species it is cryptic to. Finally, new data regarding the second species, X. seinhorsti are given, including a first report of this species outside the place of its original description, data on molecular markers and morphology, including the first description of the J1 and J2 stages.
Knowledge Versus Understanding: What Drives Moral Progress?
Authors: Bodlović Petar , Kudlek Karolina
Published: September 2024

Moral progress is often modeled as an increase in moral knowledge and understanding, with achievements in moral reasoning seen as key drivers of progressive moral change. Contemporary discussion recognizes two (rival) accounts: knowledge-based and understanding-based theories of moral progress, with the latter recently contended as superior (Severini 2021). In this article, we challenge the alleged superiority of understanding-based accounts by conducting a comparative analysis of the theoretical advantages and disadvantages of both approaches. We assess them based on their potential to meet the following criteria: (i) moral progress must be possible despite evolutionary and epistemic constraints on moral reasoning; (ii) it should be epistemically achievable to ordinary moral agents; and (iii) it should be explainable via doxastic change. Our analysis suggests that both accounts are roughly equally plausible, but knowledge-based accounts are slightly less demanding and more effective at explaining doxastic change. Therefore, contrary to the prevailing view, we find knowledge-based accounts of moral progress more promising.
Limited support for a direct connection between prebiotics and intestinal permeability – a systematic review
Authors: Acharya Binayak , Tofthagen Marthe , Maciej-Hulme Marissa L. , Suissa Michal Rachel , Karlsson Niclas G.
Published: September 2024

The intestinal barrier is a selective interface between the body´s external and the internal environment. Its layer of epithelial cells is joined together by tight junction proteins. In intestinal permeability (IP), the barrier is compromised, leading to increased translocation of luminal contents such as large molecules, toxins and even microorganisms. Numerous diseases including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Coeliac disease (CD), autoimmune disorders, and diabetes are believed to be associated with IP. Dietary interventions, such as prebiotics, may improve the intestinal barrier. Prebiotics are non-digestible food compounds, that promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This systematic review assesses the connection between prebiotic usage and IP. PubMed and Trip were used to identify relevant studies conducted between 2010–2023. Only six studies were found, which all varied in the characteristics of the population, study design, and types of prebiotics interventions. Only one study showed a statistically significant effect of prebiotics on IP. Alteration of intestinal barrier function was measured by lactulose/mannitol, chromium-labelled Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (51Cr-EDTA), lactulose/rhamnose, and sucralose/erythritol excretion as well as zonulin and glucagon-like peptide 2 levels. Three studies also conducted gut microbiota assessment, and one of them showed statistically significant improvement of the gut microbiome. This study also reported a decrease in zonulin level. The main conclusion from this review is that there is a lack of human studies in this important field. Futhermore, large population studies and using standardized protocols, would be required to properly assess the impact of prebiotic intervention and improvement on IP.
STEM Outside of School: a Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Informal Science Education on Students' Interests and Attitudes for STEM
Authors: Xia Xin , Bentley Lillian R. , Fan Xitao , Tai Robert H.
Published: September 2024

This meta-analysis explores the impact of informal science education experiences (such as after-school programs, enrichment activities, etc.) on students' attitudes towards, and interest in, STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The research addresses two primary questions: (1) What is the overall effect size of informal science learning experiences on students' attitudes towards and interest in STEM? (2) How do various moderating factors (e.g., types of informal learning experience, student grade level, academic subjects, etc.) impact student attitudes and interests in STEM? The studies included in this analysis were conducted within the United States in K-12 educational settings, over a span of thirty years (1992–2022). The findings indicate a positive association between informal science education programs and student interest in STEM. Moreover, the variability in these effects is contingent upon several moderating factors, including the nature of the informal science program, student grade level, STEM subjects, publication type, and publication year. Summarized effects of informal science education on STEM interest are delineated, and the implications for research, pedagogy, and practice are discussed.
Sawfly Sex Pheromones: Analysis of Their Impact on Pine Odor Attractive to Egg Parasitoids
Authors: Rahman-Soad Asifur , Skuras Ludwig , Reinecke Andreas , Varama Martti , Hilker Monika
Published: September 2024

Pinus sylvestris trees are known to efficiently defend themselves against eggs of the herbivorous sawfly Diprion pini. Their direct defense against eggs is primable by prior exposure to the sex pheromones of this species and their indirect defense involves attraction of egg parasitoids by egg-induced pine needle odor. But it is unknown whether exposure of pine to D. pini sex pheromones also affects pine indirect defense against sawfly eggs. In this study, we investigated the influence of exposure of P. sylvestris trees to the sex pheromones of D. pini on indirect defense mediated by egg parasitoids. Behavioral assays with Closterocerus ruforum, a key parasitoid of sawfly eggs, revealed no significant attraction to odor from egg-free pines pre-exposed to pheromones. Chemical analyses of odor from egg-free pines showed no pheromone-induced change in the emission rates of the known key terpenoids promoting parasitoid attraction. Further comparative analyses of odor from egg-laden pines pre-exposed to the sex pheromones and of odor from egg-laden pines unexposed to pheromones neither revealed significant differences in the emission rates of terpenoids relevant for parasitoid attraction. The results suggest that a pheromone-induced or pheromone-primed, egg-induced pine indirect defense seems to be redundant in addition to the known pheromone-primable pine direct defense against the eggs and the known egg-inducible indirect defense.
Social gradients in employment during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alstadsæter Annette , Bratsberg Bernt , Markussen Simen , Raaum Oddbjørn , Røed Knut
Published: September 2024

We examine employment effects of the COVID-19 crisis in Norway from March 2020 through June 2022: during the initial lockdown, through the subsequent recovery, and after the dust had settled. While we identify large and socially skewed effects of the crisis through its early phases, we find no long-term effects on employees exposed to early risk of job loss. For those employed at the onset of the pandemic, both the level and the socioeconomic composition of employment quickly returned to normal. In contrast, we find considerable negative long-term employment effects on people who were neither in employment nor in education when the crisis hit. We argue that these patterns can be explained by social insurance policies that gave priority to protecting existing jobs and to distribute benefits to those who were temporarily laid off. Given the extreme increase in the social insurance caseload, an almost unavoidable side-effect was reduced capacity for providing services to the already non-employed.
Aircraft conflict resolution with trajectory recovery using mixed-integer programming
Authors: Dias Fernando , Rey David
Published: September 2024

To guarantee the safety of flight operations, decision-support systems for air traffic control must be able to improve the usage of airspace capacity and handle increasing demand. This study addresses the aircraft conflict avoidance and trajectory recovery problem. The problem of finding the least deviation conflict-free aircraft trajectories that guarantee the return to a target waypoint is highly complex due to the nature of the nonlinear trajectories that are sought. We present a two-stage iterative algorithm that first solves initial conflicts by manipulating their speed and heading control and then identifying each aircraft’s optimal time to recover its trajectory towards their nominal one. We extend existing mixed-integer programming formulations by modelling speed and heading control as continuous variables while recovery time is treated as a discrete variable. We develop a novel iterative approach which shows that the trajectory recovery costs can be anticipated by inducing avoidance trajectories with higher deviation, therefore obtaining earlier recovery time within a few iterations. Numerical results on benchmark conflict resolution problems show that this approach can solve instances with up to 30 aircraft within 10 min.
Why Conceptual Engineers Should Resist Dialogical Individualism
Authors: Podosky Paul-Mikhail Catapang
Published: September 2024

Conceptual engineering has strong political roots. But if conceptual engineering is to be a useful tool for promoting social justice, there must be a means by which the concepts we design can take root and propagate in dominant contexts. This is known as the implementation challenge. In this paper, I caution against movements toward a particular methodological perspective on the challenge called dialogical individualism. This perspective centres the role of speakers in speech-situations to persuade hearers to change their minds about currently held concepts. This individualism has a distorting effect: it warps our perception of the size of the challenge. In particular, dialogical individualism ignores the social environmental factors that make conversation an unfriendly site for conceptual change. Moreover, it is not sufficiently attentive to the history of conceptual change in communities of practice. In the end, I argue for a methodological perspective shift: discursive strategies, such as speaker persuasion, should be decentralized in our overall thinking about the best solutions to the implementation challenge. Our attention is better focused on tailoring strategies to deal with the social environment in which concept-users are embedded.
Genomic diversity study of highly crossbred cattle population in a Low and Middle Tropical environment
Authors: Guerrero Luisa Fernanda Naranjo , Rogberg-Muñoz Andrés , Rodríguez Nancy , Herrera Luis Gabriel González
Published: September 2024

Milk production in tropical regions plays a crucial role both economically and socially. Typically, animals are utilized for dual purposes and are genetically obtained by an intense crossbreeding between Zebu and/or locally adapted breeds, alongside specialized breeds for dairy production. However, uncontrolled mating and crossbreeding may affect the establishment of an effective animal breeding program. The objective of this study was to evaluate Genomic diversity of highly crossbred cattle population in a Low and Middle Tropical environment. All sampled animals were genotyped using the Genessek GGP Bovine 100 chip (n = 859) and public genomic information from eight breeds were employed as reference. The genetic structure of the population was estimated using a Principal Component, Bayesian clustering and a linkage disequilibrium analysis. PCA results revealed that PC1 explained 44.39% of the variation, associated with the indicus/taurus differentiation, and PC2 explained 14.6% of the variation, attributed to the differentiation of Creole and European components. This analysis underscored a low population structure, attributed to the absence of genealogical tracking and the implementation of non-directed crossbreeding. The clustering shows an average contribution of Zebu, Creole, and European Taurine components in the population was 53.26%, 27.60%, and 19.13%, respectively. While an average LD of 0.096 was obtained for a maximum distance of 400 kb. The LD value was low in this population, probably due to the almost no selection applied and the recombination events that occurred during its development. These findings underscore the value of crossbreeding in tropical dairy production but emphasize the importance of directing the mattings.
Risk factors of hematoma after SWL for renal calculi: analysis from RCTs and a literature review
Authors: Wong Chris Ho-Ming , Ko Ivan Ching-Ho , Tang Emmy Sui-Fan , Yuen Steffi Kar-Kei , Leung David Ka-Wai , Kong Angel Wing-Yan , Chiu Peter Ka-Fung , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Ng Chi Fai
Published: September 2024

Objective

To identify risk factors of perinephric hematoma following extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for renal calculi through combined analysis of two randomized controlled trials.

Patients and methods

This post-hoc analysis included adult patients with solitary renal calculi ranging from 5 to 15 mm, treated with SWL between 2016 and 2022. All patients received cross-sectional imaging (either non-contrast computer tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging) two days post-SWL to assess the presence and severity of perinephric hematoma.

Results

Among 573 patients analyzed, 173 (30.9%) developed perinephric hematoma by Day 2 post-SWL. Multivariate logistic regression identified higher total energy delivered (odds ratio [OR] = 1.533, p = 0.003), higher mean stone density (OR = 2.603, p = 0.01), higher maximal stone density (OR = 3.578, p = 0.03), and lower pole stone location (OR = 1.545, p = 0.029) were risk factors for the development of hematoma. Conversely, the stepwise ramping protocol was a protective factor for hematoma formation. (OR = 0.572, p = 0.042).

Conclusions

This study elucidates key factors influencing the risk of perinephric hematoma post-SWL, highlighting the importance of procedural adjustments such as the stepwise ramping protocol to reduce complications. These insights call for targeted patient and treatment strategy optimization to enhance SWL safety and efficacy.
Mercury exposure in ringed seals (Pusa hispida saimensis) in Lake Saimaa, Finland, and the placenta as a possible non-invasive biomonitoring tool
Authors: Simola Jesse , Kunnasranta Mervi , Niemi Marja , Biard Vincent , Akkanen Jarkko
Published: September 2024

The Saimaa ringed seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) is a subspecies of ringed seal, landlocked in Lake Saimaa, Finland. The small population of less than 500 seals is facing many human-induced threats, including chemical contaminants. Mercury, in particular, has previously been suggested to be one of the chemicals affecting the viability of this endangered population. We analysed mercury concentrations from placentas and lanugo pup tissues (blubber, brain, kidney, liver, and muscle) to determine current prenatal exposure levels. These pups were found dead in or near birth lairs and were less than 3 months old. Additionally, we used threshold values available in the literature to estimate the potential mercury toxicity to the Saimaa ringed seal. We also determined selenium concentrations for its potential to alleviate the adverse effects of mercury. We further supplemented our study with brain samples collected from various seal age classes. These seals were found dead by either natural causes or by being caught in gillnets. The analysed chemicals were present in all tissues. For lanugo pups, mercury concentrations were the highest in the kidney and liver, whereas the highest selenium to mercury molar ratio was observed in placentas. The toxicity evaluation suggested that, in severe cases, mercury may cause adverse effects in lanugo and older pups. In these cases, the selenium concentrations were low and selenium to mercury ratio was below 1:1 threshold ratio and thus unlikely to provide adequate protection from the adverse effects of mercury. Furthermore, adverse effects are more likely to occur in adult seals, as mercury bioaccumulates, leading to higher concentrations in older individuals. Placental mercury concentrations correlated to those in the livers and muscle tissues of lanugo pups. This, together with the fact that placentas can be collected non-invasively and in good condition, provides a potential novel method for biomonitoring mercury exposure in Saimaa ringed seals.
Responding to negative emotion in a pre-service mathematics classroom
Authors: Higgins Joanna , Bonne Linda , Eden Raewyn
Published: September 2024

Emotions associated with prior mathematics learning experiences endure for some pre-service teachers, leaching into their own teaching of mathematics. Taking a sociology of emotions framing, the naturalistic study used event-oriented social inquiry and employed multiple methods (classroom transcripts, interviews, email conversations and reflective notes). In the event selected for this paper, we identified the importance of teacher educators intentionally attending to emotions in pre-service mathematics classes to address a dominant cognitive emphasis in learning to teach mathematics. We found that collective empathy was central to an emotional climate in which responses to individual and collective emotions were considered. We argue that collectively creating an emotionally safe environment in pre-service teacher education can help disrupt cycles of negative emotion associated with mathematics.
First observation results of Macao Science Satellite 1 on lightning-induced electron precipitation
Authors: Wang Yongping , Sun Yixin , Zong Qiugang , Lu Gaopeng , Gu Xudong , Hu Ze-Jun , Li Bin
Published: September 2024

The Medium-energy Electron Spectrometers (MES) is a space-borne instrument onboard Macao Science Satellite-1 (MSS-1) dedicated to monitoring the typical charged particle radiation characteristics in the satellite orbit and the process of their occurrence and development, including short bursts of lightning-induced electron precipitation (LEP). This paper presents the first results of the LEP measurements by the MSS-1. 47 LEP events are identified with the routine operation for 3 months since satellite launch, all within the range of 1.5<L<3.0 (where L represents the McIlwain L-parameter), and the causative lightning discharges are definitively geo-located for these LEP events. The LEP events occur within <1 s of the causative lightning and consist of 40–300 keV electrons. A preliminary observation result indicates that, with medium-energy electron detectors, MSS-1 can present in-situ observations of large regions of enhanced background precipitation and reveal their fine spatiotemporal characteristics and spectral signatures. The collaborative VLF ground-based measurements at the Great Wall Station, Antarctica also have a good correspondence with LEP measurements of MSS-1. The observations also imply that lightning activity has a modulation effect on the energetic electron energy-spatial structure.
Three-dimensional magnetization reconstruction from electron optical phase images with physical constraints
Authors: Lyu Boyao , Zhao Shihua , Zhang Yibo , Wang Weiwei , Zheng Fengshan , Dunin-Borkowski Rafal E. , Zang Jiadong , Du Haifeng
Published: September 2024

The ability to characterize three-dimensional (3D) magnetization distributions in nanoscale magnetic materials and devices is essential to fully understand their static and dynamic magnetic properties. Phase contrast techniques in the transmission electron microscope (TEM), such as electron holography and electron ptychography, can be used to record two-dimensional (2D) projections of the in-plane magnetic induction of 3D nanoscale objects. Although the 3D magnetic induction can in principle be reconstructed from one or more tilt series of such 2D projections, conventional tomographic reconstruction algorithms do not recover the 3D magnetization within a sample directly. Here, we use simulations to describe the basis of an improved model-based algorithm for the tomographic reconstruction of a 3D magnetization distribution from one or more tilt series of electron optical phase images recorded in the TEM. The algorithm allows a wide range of physical constraints, including a priori information about the sample geometry and magnetic parameters, to be specified. It also makes use of minimization of the micromagnetic energy in the loss function. We demonstrate the reconstruction of the 3D magnetization of a localized magnetic soliton — a hopfion ring — and discuss the influence of noise, choice of magnetic constants, maximum tilt angle and number of tilt axes on the result. The algorithm can in principle be adapted for other magnetic contrast imaging techniques in the TEM, as well as for other magnetic characterization techniques, such as those based on X-rays or neutrons.