bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interannual variation in evapotranspiration in an urban forest reserve with respect to drought
Authors: Yang Ruizhi , Liu Peng , Tian Yun , Ma Jingyong , Bai Yujie , Li Cheng , Huang Songyu , Mu Yanmei , Hayat Muhammad , Iqbal Sundas , Yu Haiqun , Zhang Feng , Ma Hong
Published: September 2023

Introduction

A warming global climate is expected to perturb the hydrological cycle, resulting in deviations in both frequency and duration of drought and thus being hypothesized to lead to interannual variation in evapotranspiration (ET). Interannual variation in ET in urban forest ecosystems in response to drought remains poorly understood.

Methods

Here, ET in an urban forest reserve in the megalopolis of Beijing was investigated using eddy-covariance measurements collected over six consecutive years (2012–2017).

Results

The mean annual cumulative ET was 462 ± 83mm (±first standard deviation), with a coefficient of variation of 18%. Interannual variation in both annual and monthly ET was shown to be largely controlled by canopy conductance (gs), affected by environmental factors. The main factors affecting interannual variation in monthly ET varied seasonally, namely, soil volumetric water content (VWC) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) in spring, precipitation and soil temperature in summer, and VWC and net radiation (Rn) in autumn. Interannual variation in annual ET was driven largely by spring and mid-summer droughts induced by insufficient precipitation during the non-growing and mid-growing seasons, respectively. Spring drought reduced annual ET by restricting leafing out, shortening growing season length (GSL), and reducing the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The summer drought reduced annual ET by reducing stomatal conductance.

Discussion and conclusion

Results from this study point to the importance of precipitation timing and volume and the soil moisture carry-over effect in controlling interannual variation in ecosystem ET. Irrigation during the early spring and mid-summer is viewed as a practical management measure for sustaining growth and better ecosystem services in urban forests in Northern China.
Luteolin peracetate and gossypolone inhibit immune complex-mediated neutrophil activation in vitro and dermal-epidermal separation in an ex vivo model of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
Authors: Yang Kai , Yin Junping , Yue Xiaoyang , Bieber Katja , Riemekasten Gabriela , Ludwig Ralf J. , Petersen Frank , Yu Xinhua
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Natural products have been shown to an important source of therapeutics for human disease. In this study, we aimed to identify natural compounds as potential therapeutics for epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), an autoimmune disease caused by autoantibodies to type VII collagen (COL7).

Methods

Utilizing an in vitro experimental system, we screened a natural product library composed of 800 pure compounds for their inhibitory effect on COL7-anti-COL7 IgG immune complex (IC)-mediated neutrophil activation and on neutrophil-mediated tissue damage.

Results

Three natural compounds, namely luteolin peracetate, gossypol, and gossypolone were capable in inhibiting the IC-induced neutrophil adhesion and oxygen burst in vitro. Furthermore, luteolin peracetate and gossypolone were able to inhibit the anti-COL7 IgG induced dermal-epidermal separation in an ex vivo model for EBA.

Discussion

In summary, this study demonstrates that luteolin peracetate and gossypolone are potential therapeutics for experimental EBA, which deserves further investigation.
“Spotting” Mycobacterium bovis infection in leopards (Panthera pardus) – novel application of diagnostic tools
Authors: Gumbo Rachiel , Goosen Wynand J. , Buss Peter E. , de Klerk-Lorist Lin-Mari , Lyashchenko Konstantin , Warren Robin M. , van Helden Paul D. , Miller Michele A. , Kerr Tanya J.
Published: September 2023

Background

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is the causative agent of animal tuberculosis (TB) which poses a threat to many of South Africa’s most iconic wildlife species, including leopards (Panthera pardus). Due to limited tests for wildlife, the development of accurate ante-mortem tests for TB diagnosis in African big cat populations is urgently required. The aim of this study was to evaluate currently available immunological assays for their ability to detect M. bovis infection in leopards.

Methods

Leopard whole blood (n=19) was stimulated using the QuantiFERON Gold Plus In-Tube System (QFT) to evaluate cytokine gene expression and protein production, along with serological assays. The GeneXpert® MTB/RIF Ultra (GXU®) qPCR assay, mycobacterial culture, and speciation by genomic regions of difference PCR, was used to confirm M. bovis infection in leopards.

Results

Mycobacterium bovis infection was confirmed in six leopards and individuals that were tuberculin skin test (TST) negative were used for comparison. The GXU® assay was positive using all available tissue homogenates (n=5) from M. bovis culture positive animals. Mycobacterium bovis culture-confirmed leopards had greater antigen-specific responses, in the QFT interferon gamma release assay, CXCL9 and CXCL10 gene expression assays, compared to TST-negative individuals. One M. bovis culture-confirmed leopard had detectable antibodies using the DPP® Vet TB assay.

Conclusion

Preliminary results demonstrated that immunoassays and TST may be potential tools to identify M. bovis-infected leopards. The GXU® assay provided rapid direct detection of infected leopards. Further studies should aim to improve TB diagnosis in wild felids, which will facilitate disease surveillance and screening.
Targeted delivery of autoantigen to dendritic cells prevents development of spontaneous uveitis
Authors: Klaska Izabela P. , Yu Tian , Fordyce Rosie , Kamoi Koju , Cornall Richard J. , Martin-Granados Cristina , Kuffova Lucia , Forrester John V.
Published: September 2023

Restoration of immunological tolerance to self antigens has been a major drive in understanding the mechanisms of, and developing new treatments for, autoimmune and autoinflammatory disease. Sessile dendritic cells (DC) are considered the main instruments underpinning immunological tolerance particularly the CD205+ (DEC205+) cDC1 subset in contrast to DCIR2+ cDC2 which mediate immunogenicity. Targeting DC using autoantigen peptide-antibody fusion proteins has been a well explored methodology for inducing tolerance. Here we show that subcutaneous (s.c.) inoculation of hen-egg lysozyme (HEL)-DEC205 Ig fusion prevents the development of spontaneous uveoretinitis (experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis, EAU) in a transgenic mouse model generated by crossing interphotoreceptor retinol binding protein (IRBP)-HEL (sTg HEL) with HEL specific TCR (sTg TCR) mice. Prolonged suppression of EAU required injections of HEL-DEC205 Ig once weekly, reflecting the half life of s.c. DC. Interestingly, HEL-DCIR2 Ig also had a suppressive effect on development of EAU but less so than DEC205 Ig while it had minimal effect on preventing the retinal atrophy associated with EAU. In addition, HEL-DEC205 Ig was only effective when administered s.c. rather than systemically and had no effect on EAU induced by adoptive transfer of HEL-activated T cells. These data demonstrate the importance of systemic (lymph node) rather than local (eye) antigen presentation in the development of EAU as well as suggest a potential therapeutic approach to controlling sight-threatening immune-mediated uveitis provided relevant antigen(s) can be identified.
Optimized dithranol-imiquimod-based transcutaneous immunization enables tumor rejection
Authors: Hartmann Ann-Kathrin , Bartneck Joschka , Pielenhofer Jonas , Meiser Sophie Luise , Arnold-Schild Danielle , Klein Matthias , Stassen Michael , Schild Hansjörg , Muth Sabine , Probst Hans Christian , Langguth Peter , Grabbe Stephan , Radsak Markus P.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Transcutaneous immunization (TCI) is a non-invasive vaccination method promoting strong cellular immune responses, crucial for the immunological rejection of cancer. Previously, we reported on the combined application of the TLR7 agonist imiquimod (IMQ) together with the anti-psoriatic drug dithranol as novel TCI platform DIVA (dithranol/IMQ based vaccination). In extension of this work, we further optimized DIVA in terms of drug dose, application pattern and established a new IMQ formulation.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were treated on the ear skin with dithranol and IMQ-containing ointments together with ovalbumin-derived peptides. T cell responses were determined by flow cytometry and IFN-ɤ ELISpot assay, local skin inflammation was characterized by ear swelling.

Results

Applying the adjuvants on separate skin sites, a reduced number of specific CD8+ T cells with effector function was detectable, indicating that the local concurrence of adjuvants and peptide antigens is required for optimal vaccination. Likewise, changing the order of dithranol and IMQ resulted in an increased skin inflammatory reaction, but lower frequencies of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells indicating that dithranol is essential for superior T cell priming upon DIVA. Dispersing nanocrystalline IMQ in a spreadable formulation (IMI-Sol+) facilitated storage and application rendering comparable immune responses. DIVA applied one or two weeks after the first immunization resulted in a massive increase in antigen-specific T cells and up to a ten-fold increased memory response. Finally, in a prophylactic tumor setting, double but no single DIVA treatment enabled complete control of tumor growth, resulting in full tumor protection.

Discussion

Taken together, the described optimized transcutaneous vaccination method leads to the generation of a strong cellular immune response enabling the effective control of tumor growth and has the potential for clinical development as a novel non-invasive vaccination method for peptide-based cancer vaccines in humans.
Living in darkness: functional diversity of mesopelagic fishes in the western tropical Atlantic
Authors: Aparecido Kátia Cristina , Frédou Thierry , Eduardo Leandro Nolé , Mincarone Michael Maia , Lima Rayssa Siqueira , Morais Maria Fernanda da Silva , Mérigot Bastien
Published: September 2023

Mesopelagic zones (200–1,000-m depth) are characterized by relatively low light levels, cold waters, and often limited oxygen, forming a stable yet challenging habitat for their inhabitants. To overcome these constraints, mesopelagic fishes have developed several adaptations that enable them to participate in crucial ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling, carbon transport, and provisioning of harvestable fish stocks. However, our understanding of the functional diversity of mesopelagic fishes remains limited, while it is of particular importance considering the increase in human threats and possible environmental changes in the deep ecosystems. In this context, functional diversity emerges as a powerful tool and can help assess community assembly rules, including species complementary and redundancy. Here, we take advantage of scientific surveys that collected 200 species taxa identified from over 7,000 specimens to determine the functional diversity of mesopelagic fish assemblages across depths and the day–night period. We created a data set of 17 qualitative functional traits related to feeding, survival, and locomotion functions. Based on this information, functional spaces and diversity indices were calculated, and functional groups were established. Furthermore, the influence on the functional diversity of environmental variables and the day–night period was assessed by generalized additive models (GAMs). The hypothesis of functional complementary was tested. Overall, mesopelagic fishes displayed a high functional diversity and could be grouped into 10 major functional groups. Moreover, 107 species exhibited a unique composition of functional trait values, revealing a vast complementarity of functions within the deep-sea ecosystem. We also showed that functional diversity in mesopelagic ecosystems is neither static nor homogeneous, exhibiting higher values in the deepest layers and varying between day and night. We finally discuss processes that may structure mesopelagic fish assemblages and the implications of our findings for the conservation mesopelagic fishes.
Numerical calculation of scroll compressor geometry and assessment of its delivery
Authors: Prezelj Jurij , Cerkovnik Nejc
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes innovative numerical methods for calculating the chamber volumes and tangential leakage gaps in a scroll compressor, a critical aspect of enhancing its performance and efficiency. It proposes two methods, namely, moving away from traditional analytical approaches and presenting a 0D model for mass flow delivery at varying rotational frequencies and discharge pressures. The first method utilizes the numerical identification of conjugate points with a minimum distance within the fixed and orbiting involute pair to calculate chamber volumes. This approach compensates for integration errors by considering the subareas defined by the normal distance of each involute to the other. The second method simplifies the process by assuming that the line defining the orbital angle intersects the involutes at the conjugate points, with volumes calculated using area discretization on triangles. Both methods underwent validation against three analytical calculations, showing an agreement within an overall uncertainty error of 3% for the maximum suction volume. The 0D model’s results were compared with Ma et al.'s hybrid method and actual measurements. Upon improving Ma’s model by accounting for intake air heating and negative pressure in the intake volume, a significant agreement between modeling and measurements was observed. This study concludes that the proposed numerical methods can enhance the accuracy of scroll compressor geometry calculation and mass flow delivery, considering the tangential gap.
Development and validation of a predicted nomogram for mortality of COVID-19: a multicenter retrospective cohort study of 4,711 cases in multiethnic
Authors: Shi Yuchen , Zheng Ze , Wang Ping , Wu Yongxin , Liu Yanci , Liu Jinghua
Published: September 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease spreading rapidly worldwide. As it quickly spreads and can cause severe disease, early detection and treatment may reduce mortality. Therefore, the study aims to construct a risk model and a nomogram for predicting the mortality of COVID-19.

Methods

The original data of this study were from the article “Neurologic Syndromes Predict Higher In-Hospital Mortality in COVID-19.” The database contained 4,711 multiethnic patients. In this secondary analysis, a statistical difference test was conducted for clinical demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory indexes. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied to determine the independent predictors for the mortality of COVID-19. A nomogram was conducted and validated according to the independent predictors. The area under the curve (AUC), the calibration curve, and the decision curve analysis (DCA) were carried out to evaluate the nomogram.

Results

The mortality of COVID-19 is 24.4%. LASSO and multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that risk factors for age, PCT, glucose, D-dimer, CRP, troponin, BUN, LOS, MAP, AST, temperature, O2Sats, platelets, Asian, and stroke were independent predictors of CTO. Using these independent predictors, a nomogram was constructed with good discrimination (0.860 in the C index) and internal validation (0.8479 in the C index), respectively. The calibration curves and the DCA showed a high degree of reliability and precision for this clinical prediction model.

Conclusion

An early warning model based on accessible variates from routine clinical tests to predict the mortality of COVID-19 were conducted. This nomogram can be conveniently used to facilitate identifying patients who might develop severe disease at an early stage of COVID-19. Further studies are warranted to validate the prognostic ability of the nomogram.
Gastric xanthelasma is a warning sign for Helicobacter pylori infection, atrophic gastritis, and intestinal metaplasia
Authors: Feng Lina , Zhang Mingyu , Guan Jialun , Zhang Yu , Huang Yujie , Dong Ruonan , Zhao Kai , Xia Suhong , Xiao Fang , Liao Jiazhi
Published: September 2023

Background

Contradictory evidence suggested gastric xanthelasma (GX) was associated with some upper gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. Additionally, no research has been performed on the relationship between esophageal/duodenal xanthelasma and upper GI diseases.

Methods

Individuals who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, participated in this retrospective study. This study evaluated whether the risk of GX or esophageal/duodenal xanthelasma was influenced by the following gastroesophageal diseases: superficial gastritis, gastric polyp, bile reflux, peptic ulcer, reflux esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal cancer, atrophic gastritis (AG), intestinal metaplasia (IM), dysplasia, gastric cancer, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Furthermore, subgroup analysis was conducted to establish the relationship between the number of GX and upper GI diseases.

Results

Of the 69,071 subjects reviewed, 1,220 (1.77%) had GX, and 54 (0.08%) had esophageal/duodenal xanthelasma. There was no difference in the prevalence of upper GI diseases between patients with and without esophageal/duodenal xanthelasma. Nevertheless, compared with non-xanthelasma patients, GX patients had a greater proportion of AG, IM, dysplasia, gastric cancer, and H. pylori infection and a lower incidence of superficial gastritis (p < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated AG (OR = 1.83, 95%CI: 1.56–2.16), IM (OR = 2.42, 95%CI: 2.41–2.85), and H. pylori infection (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.17–1.50) were independent risk factors for GX. In addition, patients with multiple GXs had a higher rate of AG and IM than those with single GX.

Conclusion

Esophageal/duodenal xanthelasma may not be associated with upper GI diseases, and further research is needed to support this hypothesis. Notably, GX, especially multiple GXs, may be a more easily detected warning sign of AG, IM, or H. pylori infection.
Development and validation of a deep learning-based automatic segmentation model for assessing intracranial volume: comparison with NeuroQuant, FreeSurfer, and SynthSeg
Authors: Suh Pae Sun , Jung Wooseok , Suh Chong Hyun , Kim Jinyoung , Oh Jio , Heo Hwon , Shim Woo Hyun , Lim Jae-Sung , Lee Jae-Hong , Kim Ho Sung , Kim Sang Joon
Published: September 2023

Background and purpose

To develop and validate a deep learning-based automatic segmentation model for assessing intracranial volume (ICV) and to compare the accuracy determined by NeuroQuant (NQ), FreeSurfer (FS), and SynthSeg.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 60 subjects [30 Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 21 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 9 cognitively normal (CN)] from a single tertiary hospital for the training and validation group (50:10). The test group included 40 subjects (20 AD, 10 MCI, 10 CN) from the ADNI dataset. We propose a robust ICV segmentation model based on the foundational 2D UNet architecture trained with four types of input images (both single and multimodality using scaled or unscaled T1-weighted and T2-FLAIR MR images). To compare with our model, NQ, FS, and SynthSeg were also utilized in the test group. We evaluated the model performance by measuring the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and average volume difference.

Results

The single-modality model trained with scaled T1-weighted images showed excellent performance with a DSC of 0.989 ± 0.002 and an average volume difference of 0.46% ± 0.38%. Our multimodality model trained with both unscaled T1-weighted and T2-FLAIR images showed similar performance with a DSC of 0.988 ± 0.002 and an average volume difference of 0.47% ± 0.35%. The overall average volume difference with our model showed relatively higher accuracy than NQ (2.15% ± 1.72%), FS (3.69% ± 2.93%), and SynthSeg (1.88% ± 1.18%). Furthermore, our model outperformed the three others in each subgroup of patients with AD, MCI, and CN subjects.

Conclusion

Our deep learning-based automatic ICV segmentation model showed excellent performance for the automatic evaluation of ICV.
Prevalence, incidence, and re-occurrence risk of musculoskeletal pain in older adults in the United Kingdom: a population-based study
Authors: Radojčić Maja R. , Perera Romain S. , Hart Deborah J. , Spector Tim D. , Arden Nigel K.
Published: September 2023

Background

Throughout the literature, pain burden has been assessed by asking different questions, often cross-sectionally, different populations of interest. We know little about pain re-occurrence and how to translate knowledge between pain questions within the population of interest. We aimed to estimate the burden of musculoskeletal pain by estimating prevalence, incidence rates, and re-occurrence risk of back, hand, hip, knee, and foot pain using different questions from UK population-based samples and predict the number of affected individuals in the UK in 2030.

Methods

We used two UK population-representative studies, with two eight-year-apart follow-ups and two pain questions assessing recent pain episodes and often troubled pain when walking. We estimated prevalence, 8-year incidence rates, and 8-year pain re-occurrence risk for women and men aged 50 years and older and the relation between the two pain questions.

Results

Among UK individuals older than 50 years, the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain episode was 20%–50%, and the incidence was 20–40/1,000 person-years, while the prevalence of pain when walking was 10%–25%, and the incidence was 6–12/1,000 person-years. The most prevalent musculoskeletal pain types were back and knee pain; of five women experiencing back or knee pain episodes, three are expected to be often troubled by pain. Hip and foot pain had similar estimates in both questions. Hand pain peaked in women aged 50–65 years. Women had higher prevalence and incidence rates, but men had higher 8-year re-occurrence risk of all types of musculoskeletal pain. Reporting a pain episode was associated with two times higher risk, but often troubled by pain when walking was associated with four to seven times times higher risk of the same pain in 8 years. Women and men with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥27 kg/m2 were twice as likely to experience musculoskeletal pain than those with BMI<27 kg/m2. In 2030, we expect 2–7 million people older than 50 years in the United Kingdom to seek site-specific musculoskeletal pain-focused healthcare.

Conclusions

In individuals older than 50 years, the experience of musculoskeletal pain at least doubles the chance of experiencing it again. Women report musculoskeletal pain more often, but men report more persistent pain. Musculoskeletal pain presents a significant burden to public health.
Case report—Every thoracic surgeon's nightmare: cardiac and lung perforation during placement of Nuss bar for pectus excavatum
Authors: Beati Federico , Frediani Simone , Pardi Valerio , Aloi Ivan , Bertocchini Arianna , Accinni Antonella , Inserra Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The prevalence of life-threatening complications (LTCs) related to the minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is unknown and underreported. The aim of this study is to contribute to the real prevalence of these rare but dramatic complications and show what went wrong in order to prevent it in the future.

Case presentation

A 15-year-old boy affected by pectus excavatum with severe asymmetric deformity of the chest wall was evaluated for elective corrective surgery. Preoperative computed tomography showed a Haller index of 5.7 and a correction index of 0.40. MIRPE was performed under right video-assisted thoracoscopy. Cardiac arrhythmias occurred after placement of the bar introducer. The introducer was removed, and massive bleeding was noted. Emergency Clamshell thoracotomy was performed, and cardiac surgeon was alerted immediately. A first pulmonary wound was found and controlled. Two cardiac lacerations were found: on the interventricular wall and on the right atrium. Under cardiopulmonary bypass, cardiac lacerations were sutured and other three pulmonary wounds were repaired. An urgent fasciotomy was performed for compartmental syndrome of the right lower art after femoral cannulation. Pulmonary distress occurred; the patient was admitted on ECMO (ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) in intensive care unit. Right lower lobectomy was carried out on the fifth postoperative day due to massive pulmonary bleeding requiring temporary tracheostomy. The patient was discharged to rehabilitation after 3 months with no brain injuries, minor hearing loss, and tracheostomy.

Conclusion

We want to maintain the high alertness required for this procedure. Reporting these scaring complications contributes to the real prevalence of LTCs. We suggest the use of bilateral thoracoscopy and crane elevator in severe sternal defects. We also suggest to have a cardiac surgeon available in the hospital owing to cardiac perforation.
Use of polymyxin B with different administration methods in the critically ill patients with ventilation associated pneumonia: a single-center experience
Authors: Shi Rupeng , Fu Yuanyuan , Gan Yujing , Wu Danying , Zhou Suming , Huang Min
Published: September 2023

Background: Whether nebulized polymyxin B should be used as an adjunctive therapy or substitution strategy to intravenous polymyxin B for the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains controversial. This study’s aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different administration ways of polymyxin B in the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria(XDR-GNB).

Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled ventilator-associated pneumonia patients caused by XDR-GNB treated with polymyxin B in the intensive care unit. Patients were categorized by the administration methods as intravenous (IV) group, inhaled (IH) group, and the intravenous combined with inhaled (IV + IH) group. Microbiological outcome and clinical outcome were compared in each group. The side effects were also explored.

Results: A total of 111 patients were enrolled and there was no difference in demographic and clinical characteristics among the three groups. In terms of efficacy, clinical cure or improvement was achieved in 21 patients (55.3%) in the intravenous group, 19 patients (50%) in the IH group, and 20 patients (57.1%) in IV + IH group (p = 0.815). All three groups showed high success rates in microbiological eradication, as 29 patients with negative cultures after medication in inhaled group. Among all the patients who had negative bacterial cultures after polymyxin B, the inhaled group had significantly shorter clearance time than the intravenous group (p = 0.002), but with no significant difference in 28-day mortality. Compared with intravenous group, a trend towards a lower risk of acute kidney injury was observed in inhaled group (p = 0.025).

Conclusion: From the perspective of minimal systemic renal toxicity, nebulized polymyxin B as a substitution strategy to intravenous polymyxin B for the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by XDR-GNB is feasible.
Molecular identification of Bambusa changningensis is the natural bamboo hybrid of B. rigida × Dendrocalamus farinosus
Authors: Zhuo Juan , Vasupalli Naresh , Wang Yong , Zhou Guoqiang , Gao Huibin , Zheng Ying , Li Benxiang , Hou Dan , Lin Xinchun
Published: September 2023

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants commonly used in food, fibre, paper, biofuel, ornamental and medicinal industries. Natural hybridization in bamboo is rare due to its long vegetative period followed by gregarious flowering and death of the entire population. In the current study, a new bamboo species, Bambusa changningensis, shows intermediate characteristics of Dendrocalamus farinosus and B. rigida morphologically, but it is unknown whether B. changningensis is a natural hybrid. Moreover, B. changningensis has been identified as a superior variety of Sichuan Province with high pulping yield, fibre length and width. Therefore, we analyzed the morphological characteristics, DNA markers, DNA barcoding and chloroplast genomes to identify the hybrid origin of B. changningensis and possible maternal parent. We have developed the transcriptomic data for B. changningensis and mined the SSR loci. The putative parental lines and hybrid were screened for 64 SSR makers and identified that SSR14, SSR28, SSR31 and SSR34 markers showed both alleles of the parental species in B. changningensis, proving heterozygosity. Sequencing nuclear gene GBSSI partial regions and phylogenetic analysis also confirm the hybrid nature of B. changningensis. Further, we have generated the complete chloroplast genome sequence (139505 bp) of B. changningensis. By analyzing the cp genomes of both parents and B. changningensis, we identified that B. rigida might be the female parent. In conclusion, our study identified that B. changningensis is a natural hybrid, providing evidence for bamboo’s natural hybridization. This is the first report on confirming a natural bamboo hybrid and its parents through SSR and chloroplast genome sequence.
Comparative assessment of the SjSAP4-incorporated gold immunochromatographic assay for the diagnosis of human schistosomiasis japonica
Authors: Mu Yi , Rivera Jonas , McManus Donald P. , Weerakoon Kosala G. , Ross Allen G. , Olveda Remigio M. , Gordon Catherine A. , You Hong , Jones Malcolm K. , Cai Pengfei
Published: September 2023

Background

Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma, remains a global public health threat. This study aimed to validate the diagnostic performance of a recently developed gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) for the detection of S. japonicum infection in a rural endemic area of the Philippines.

Methods

Human clinical samples were collected from 412 subjects living in Laoang and Palapag municipalities, Northern Samar, the Philippines. The presence of Schistosoma-specific antibodies in serum samples was tested with the SjSAP4-incorporated GICA strips and the results were converted to fully quantitative data by introducing an R value. The performance of the established GICA was further compared with other diagnostic tools, including the Kato-Katz (KK) technique, point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA), droplet digital (dd) PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs).

Results

The developed GICA strip was able to detect KK positive individuals with a sensitivity of 83.3% and absolute specificity. When calibrated with the highly sensitive faecal ddPCR assay, the immunochromatographic assay displayed an accuracy of 60.7%. Globally, the GICA assay showed a high concordance with the SjSAP4-ELISA assay. The schistosomiasis positivity rate determined by the GICA test was similar to those obtained with the SjSAP4-ELISA assay and the ddPCR assay performed on serum samples (SR_ddPCR), and was 2.3 times higher than obtained with the KK method.

Conclusion

The study further confirms that the developed GICA is a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting light S. japonicum infections and implies that this point-of-care assay is a viable solution for surveying endemic areas of low-intensity schistosomiasis and identifying high-priority endemic areas for targeted interventions.
Expanding the reach of vaccinology training in Africa: leveraging the success of the Annual African Vaccinology Course
Authors: Manga Nayna , Amponsah-Dacosta Edina , Hussey Gregory , Muloiwa Rudzani , Kagina Benjamin M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

It is estimated that one in five African children lack access to recommended life-saving vaccines. This situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted routine immunization services in several parts of the region. To better support recovery efforts and get immunization programmes back on track, policy makers, programme managers, immunization providers and academics need continuous upskilling. Unfortunately, the vaccinology training needed by these cadres remains limited and oftentimes inaccessible within our context. In addition, cadres should be continuously updated on advances in vaccinology so as to keep abreast with this rapidly evolving field. This calls for new and accessible approaches to training vaccinologists in Africa where the demand is high.

Methods

The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to ascertain the training needs of alumni of the Annual African Vaccinology Course and assess the effectiveness of an online webinar series in meeting those needs.

Results

We found that alumni from across Africa required refresher training to gain up-to-date information about new developments in vaccinology, leverage opportunities to reinforce and consolidate their knowledge, and exchange country-specific experiences with their counterparts. A prominent motivation for refresher training was the rapid developments and challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing on the expressed needs of our alumni, we developed a webinar training series. This series aimed to provide participants with training on current and emerging trends in vaccinology with a focus on the regional context. Online participation in the webinar series was found to be comparable to previous in-person training, reaching a diverse group of cadres, and allowing for participation of a richer global faculty due to fewer cost constraints. Further to this, a post-training survey indicated that generally, alumni training needs were successfully met.

Discussion

The findings suggest that an online approach can be used to expand the reach of vaccinology training in Africa.
Protected area tourism and management as a social-ecological complex adaptive system
Authors: Morse Wayde C.
Published: September 2023

This article presents a mini review of systems and resilience approaches to tourism analysis and to protected area management, and of how the Social-Ecological Complex Adaptive Systems (SECAS) framework can help link them together. SECAS is a unique framework that integrates social theories (structuration) and ecological theories (hierarchical patch dynamics) and examines inputs, outputs, and feedback across a variety of hierarchically nested social and ecological systems. After an introduction to the need for continued theoretical development, this article continues with a review of the origins and previous applications of the SECAS framework. I subsequently highlight how complex adaptive systems and resilience have been presented in the literature as a way to separately study (1) protected area management, (2) protected area tourism/ecotourism, and (3) land-use change in adjacent forest and agricultural landscapes. The purpose of this article is to build on the frameworks described in this literature and link them through the SECAS framework. I populate the SECAS framework with components identified in the literature on protected area management, ecotourism, and land-use change to present an example of a full systems perspective. Each component also represents a hierarchically nested system, such as a governance system, health system, or transportation system. I conclude with a three-step (5-part) multi-scale and temporal method for SECAS research derived from hierarchy and structuration theories.
Parental Dieting and Correlation with Disordered Eating Behaviours in Adolescents: A Narrative Review
Authors: Kontele Ioanna , Saripanagiotou Stella , Papadopoulou Agni Maria , Zoumbaneas Evangelos , Vassilakou Tonia
Published: September 2023

Adolescent eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours appear to be a growing public health concern. The aetiology of these conditions is complex, as many different factors contribute to their development. Among them, family factors such as parenting styles and comments regarding weight coming from family members are considered critical and are extensively researched. However, the impact of parental dieting has received less attention. A literature review was conducted in order to examine the relationship between parental engagement in weight-reduction dieting and their adolescent offspring’s disordered eating behaviours. The review was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) regarding the period between January 2000 and May 2023. The initial search retrieved 339 abstracts, and 113 full reports were evaluated for eligibility. Six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the final literature review. A number of studies indicated that adolescents whose parents were engaged in dieting in order to lose weight are more likely to showcase disordered eating behaviours. However, research regarding this relationship is very scarce. More studies on the link between parental eating and dieting habits and the risk of disordered eating in adolescents are required. Moreover, parents should be informed regarding the possible risks when they choose to follow weight-loss diets and the importance of adopting healthy eating and weight-control habits for the whole family.
A Bibliometric Analysis and Visualization of Building Decarbonization Research
Authors: Chen Liming , Ma Zhili
Published: September 2023

The building sector is responsible for approximately 40% of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, making it a key area of focus in addressing the urgent global challenge of climate change and in achieving the 1.5-degree target. This study concentrated on building decarbonization, using bibliometric and network visualization analyses based on a dataset of 2494 publications retrieved from the Web of Science up to 25 June 2023. Findings revealed a rapid growth in publications, with China being the largest contributor (approximately 31%). Notably, the journals of Cleaner Production and Applied Energy emerged as the most influential journal in this field. Although leadership teams and authors have gained prominence, cross-national collaboration and communication among them remain limited. Furthermore, an analysis of keywords and co-citations revealed that the main research themes and hotspots encompass “energy”, “life cycle assessment”, “storage”, and related “models” and decarbonization “strategies”. As the field progresses, a clear trend toward multidisciplinary integration and diversified research directions and content was observed. Researchers can further concentrate their efforts on countries with historically limited research but substantial emissions, and enhance international collaboration and interdisciplinary integration. Overall, this study offers valuable insights for researchers and facilitates future investigations in the field of building decarbonization.
Effect of Process Parameters on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cornstarch-Based Construction Materials
Authors: Tulip Shibli , Sarker Niloy , Nahar Nurun , Yang Mijia , Monono Ewumbua
Published: September 2023

Concrete is used globally due to its useful mechanical and durability properties. However, concrete requires a massive amount of cement, which is the second-largest source of carbon emission (5–7% of global CO2 emissions) due to its high energy consumption. The gelatinization effect of corn starch as a binder has been explored in the place of cement in concrete. However, there is a need to optimize the various processing conditions to enhance the material strength of the corn starch-based material known as CoRncrete. Two experiments were conducted to optimize the ratio of sand, starch, water, curing temperatures, and time. The compressive and tensile strength of the CoRncrete samples were analyzed. The results showed that the optimum processing conditions having a sand grain size of 0.250–0.425 mm, a mixture ratio of starch, water, and sand 1:1:5, and curing temperature and time of 110 °C and 24 h can yield a maximum compressive strength up to 18.9 MPa. Statistical analysis revealed that the size of sand grains and curing temperatures had the most significant impact on the material’s strength. Microstructural analysis, employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (microCT), unveiled numerous internal pores and cracks within the hardened cubic blocks, which significantly decreased the strength. Consequently, future investigations should concentrate on reducing internal pore spaces and cracks to enhance the durability of CoRncrete.
Attachment and Coping in the Second Pandemic Year: The Impact on Loneliness and Emotional Distress
Authors: Hopulele-Petri Andrei , Fadgyas-Stănculete Mihaela , Manea Mirela
Published: September 2023

Pandemic restrictions and reduced social opportunities led to increased loneliness in affected countries. Considering that stressful situations activate the attachment system and engage various coping strategies, the present study explored the role of attachment dimensions and coping styles in perceived social isolation and the subsequent effect on emotional distress. Data were collected using an online survey between the third and fourth waves in Romania during the second year of the pandemic. Correlational analyses presented significant relationships between all variables measured. Regression analysis showed that attachment insecurity could predict up to half of the variance in loneliness and one-third of emotional distress. Coping styles that predicted both loneliness and emotional distress were problem-focused and socially supported coping, though the effect was minimal. Emotion-focused coping presented a protective role against loneliness. Finally, mediation analysis revealed how loneliness fully mediated the relationship between insecure attachment styles and emotional distress. Further implications for research on loneliness and pandemic resilience are discussed.
A Dynamic Model of Human Limb Selection
Authors: Cox Ralf F. A.
Published: September 2023

Two experiments and a dynamic model forhuman limb selection are reported. In Experiment 1, left-handed and right-handed participants (N = 36) repeatedly used one hand for grasping a small cube. After a clear switch in the cube’s location, perseverative limb selection was revealed in both handedness groups. In Experiment 2, the cubes were presented in a clockwise and counter-clockwise sequence to right-handed participants (N = 15). A spatial shift in the switch point between right-hand use and left-hand use was observed. The model simulates the experiments by implementing the nonlinear multiple-timescale dynamics of the action-selection process underlying limb selection. It integrates two mechanisms that were earlier proposed to underlie this selection aspect of manual activity: limb dominance and attentional information. Finally, the model is used to simulate an influential earlier experiment, by establishing a conceptual link between cross-lateral inhibition asymmetry and the direction and strength of handedness.
Goal-Directed Travel in the Nocturnal Javan Slow Loris (Nycticebus javanicus)
Authors: Poindexter Stephanie A. , Nijman Vincent , Imron Muhammed Ali , Nekaris K. Anne-Isola
Published: September 2023

An animal’s ability to navigate its home range in search of essential resources is a key aspect of its ecology. To reach these resources, animals employ varying navigational processes depending on their exocentric or egocentric view of their environment. The goal of this study was to determine if the Javan slow loris (Nycticebus javanicus), a nocturnal arboreal primate found in southeast Asia, uses some form of cognitive map and spatial memory while navigating their environment. Using behavioural and GPS data of six males and seven females collected at the Little Fireface Project field station based in West Java, Indonesia, we measured their frequency of revisiting important feeding trees, route overlap, and points where individuals significantly changed directions. We found that all individuals predominantly used four tree species while feeding and foraging. The lorises also displayed a high level of route overlap, leading us to conclude that they likely utilize a route-based cognitive map where certain landmarks are integral to their nightly movement. Few studies have specifically focused on strepsirrhine spatial cognition in the wild; here, we show the navigational mechanism used by the Javan slow loris to reach distant/out-of-sight resources. The evident reliance on spatial cognition in a strepsirrhine species suggest that it could be an important selective pressure for primates at the earliest stages of primate cognitive evolution. In addition to the importance of spatial memory in theoretical discourse, understanding slow loris movement has practical applications to conservation, particularly regarding the numerous translocations undertaken by individuals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. We discuss the importance of considering soft release training and monitoring in such releases.
Nudges, Boosts, and Sludge: Using New Behavioral Approaches to Improve Tax Compliance
Authors: Alm James , Burgstaller Lilith , Domi Arrita , März Amanda , Kasper Matthias
Published: September 2023

This paper discusses current developments in tax compliance research, with a focus on three aspects. First, we summarize empirical evidence on the traditional deterrence or enforcement approach, suggesting that tax audits and fines for noncompliance are critical in taxpayers’ compliance decisions. However, recent research indicates that the effects of deterrence are more nuanced than initially thought, suggesting that other interventions are needed to improve tax compliance. Second, therefore, we discuss research on behavioral approaches to increase tax compliance, starting with research that analyzes the effects of “nudges”, or interventions that use behavioral economics to alter the ways in which the choice architecture facing individuals is communicated to them by the tax administration. As applied to tax compliance, we conclude that nudges have had mixed effects on increasing tax compliance, suggesting that the specific design and implementation of these interventions determine their effectiveness. Third, we extend our discussion to other behavioral economics interventions that have not yet been studied widely in tax compliance research. These include “sludge”, or institutional features that complicate compliance, and “boosts”, or initiatives that target individuals’ competencies and thereby help them to make better decisions. Our central argument is that all three of these behavioral interventions should be utilized in the design of tax policies. However, for these methods to effectively complement traditional deterrence approaches, tax administrations should evaluate them before implementing them in the field. Closer cooperation between administrators and academics should thus be facilitated and encouraged.