bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stacking ensemble learning for gas sensor‐based detection of salmon freshness and shelf life
Authors: Liang Buwen , Li Xinxing , Yang Mingsong , Zhang Ziyi , Ren Jie
Published: March 2024

Salmon, celebrated for its nutrition and flavor, suffers rapid degradation in freshness due to prolonged transportation and storage, offering a haven for microorganisms. Addressing the escalating need for safe, fresh fish consumption, we probed conventional chemical and physical indicators like total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), pH, texture profile analysis (TPA), and chromaticity across varying temperature intervals, linking these with gas sensors to identify sensitive sensor arrays. Importantly, an ensemble learning strategy for gas sensors, synthesizing the benefits of Linear, SVR, MLP, KNN, Gaussian Process, and decision tree algorithms, was employed for prompt and precise detection of salmon freshness and shelf‐life. Notably, the results demonstrated that gas sensors exhibited strong correlations, surpassing .8 for TVB‐N and .5 for shelf life, underscoring their aptitude for detecting salmon spoilage gas. Additionally, ensemble learning outperformed singular machine learning algorithms, with stacking emerging preeminent, achieving R2 values of .851 and .871, and MSEs of .120 and 1.573, for TVB‐N and shelf‐life detection, respectively. In summation, this study introduces an avant‐garde mechanism that amplifies the detection efficacy of gas sensors for salmon freshness, marrying them with stacking ensemble learning paradigms for cost‐effective and efficient determinations. In conclusion, we devised a novel method to augment the detection efficacy of gas sensors for salmon freshness. By integrating these sensors with stacking ensemble learning algorithms, we achieved a data‐driven, cost‐effective, and efficient approach, fulfilling the requirements of salmon freshness detection.

Practical applications

Most existing gas sensors gas sensors predominantly employ singular machine learning methodologies, often limiting them to a sole freshness evaluation metric during assessments. This study introduces a pioneering approach using a stacking ensemble learning‐based gas sensor capable of concurrently assessing both TVB‐N and the shelf life of salmon. By discerning the correlations between freshness indices and gas sensor readings to pinpoint sensitive sensor arrays, we harnessed ensemble learning. This integrates the strengths of linear, SVR, MLP, KNN, Gaussian process, and decision tree models to enhance detection of freshness indicators. Notably, this advancement amplifies the sensor's efficacy in salmon detection solely through model optimization, bypassing the need to reconsider sensor materials and signal transmission pathways. Collectively, our findings present a cost‐effective and optimized strategy to elevate the performance of gas sensors in detecting salmon freshness.
Optimization of minimal thermal treatment conditions for sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) juice using ultrasound‐ohmic combination treatment
Authors: Alifakı Yaşar Özlem , Barut Gök Sıla
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to optimize minimal thermal treatment conditions for sour cherry juice using response surface methodology. The effects of ultrasound power (UP; 54, 35, 14 W), ultrasound time (UT; 8, 5, 3 min), ohmic electrical field strength (OE; 40, 30, 20 V/cm) and ohmic time (OT; 8, 5, 3 min) on total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), color values (L*, a*, b*, ), total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMAC), polymeric color (PC), color density (CD), polymeric color ratio (PC%), total mesophilic aerobic bacteria (TMAB) and yeast‐mold count (YM) were investigated. UP significantly affected TPC, L*, a*, b*, and , while OE affected TPC, TMAC, PC, PC%, and TYC. UT affected TPC, L*, AA, CD, PC and PC%, and OT level affected TPC and b* values. The optimum points were determined by considering maximum TPC as 28.7564, maximum AA as 6.7714, maximum TMAC as 4.9616, maximum L* as 21.3839, maximum a* as 5.5396, maximum b* as 3.4260, maximum color density as 27.1412, minimum polymeric color as 17.3148, minimum PC% as 4.9253, minimum TYC as 1.9251 and minimum TMBC as 2.3301. The optimum levels were found to be 54 W, 8 min, 27.06 V/cm and 8 min. Improvements in TPC, TMAC and AA were determined after ultrasound‐ohmic combination thermal treatment. Although ohmic (OH) has the effect of maintaining juice quality, its effectiveness is impacted by the electrochemical properties of food. By using ultrasound, the electrical conductivity values of juices were increased; thus, ultrasound improved the electrochemical properties of sour cherry juice. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of ultrasound‐ohmic combination for juice processing on a large scale.
Two case studies of persistent white hair regrowth after alopecia areata turning pigmented following treatment
Authors: Tian Ziyuan , Liu Qingwu , Wang Ying , Yang Dingquan
Published: March 2024

Background

There is a strong correlation between alopecia areata (AA) and the development of white hair. The AA presents itself in many clinical manifestations of depigmented hair as the condition advances. It is uncommon for unpigmented hair to extensively regrow for more than one hair growth cycle in AA and successful conversion to pigmented hair after treatment has not yet been reported.

Aim

We report two case studies involving the persistent regrowth of white hair after AA that became pigmented through treatment.

Patients

In the first case study, a 47‐year‐old woman with AA exhibited a fully regrown head of hair, which remained unpigmented. However, after 2 years of treatment with oral methylprednisolone and compound glycopyrrolate, her hair eventually regained its normal pigmentation. In the second case study, a 7‐year‐old boy with diffuse AA received compound glycyrrhizin (50 mg once daily) and methylprednisolone (4 mg orally once daily) for 3 years.

Results

The both patients experienced regrowth of black hair on his entire head, with occasional white hairs. It is hypothesized that the aforementioned medications may regulate immunity by influencing melanocytes or melanin‐associated antigens; however, the precise mechanism must be validated through additional histopathological and molecular analysis.

Conclusion

A larger patient group, possibly in randomized controlled trials, is needed to determine how the indicated treatment affects hair repigmentation after AA. Therefore, more patients must be included for more substantial outcomes from this study.
Chin reinforcement using the hyaluronic acid injectable filler VYC‐20L and VYC‐25L
Authors: Mohammed Ghada Farouk , Al‐Dhubaibi Mohammed Saleh , Bahaj Saleh Salem
Published: March 2024

Background

The chin is an essential element of the facial unit and influences how people perceive facial aesthetic appeal. Hyaluronic acid (HA) gel injections are tried‐and‐true therapies for regenerative therapies with a record of success in efficacy and safety.

Aims

To determine the best type of concentration of HA and way of injection for deep and superficial planes of chin.

Materials and Methods

VYC‐20L and VYC‐25L (Juvederm Voluma XC® Juvéderm Volux®; Allergan plc) are 20‐ and 25‐mg/mL HA gels with lidocaine, respectively, were injected with cannulas and needles on the bone, respectively.

Results

Chin reinforced respecting the measures with good contouring. No serious complications. Patient was satisfied with results.

Discussion

We advise using VYC 20L superficially above the muscle or with a cannula for injection, and we recommend using VYC 25L in the supraperiosteal plane.
Unveiling the mechanism of high sugar diet induced advanced glycosylation end products damage skin structure via extracellular matrix–receptor interaction pathway
Authors: Li Wan‐Zhao , Liu Xiao‐Xing , Shi Yu‐Jing , Wang Xiao‐Rui , Li Li , Tai Mei‐Ling , Yi Fan
Published: March 2024

Background

AGEs accumulate in the skin as a result of a high‐sugar diet and play an important role in the skin aging process.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to characterize the mechanism underlying the effect of a high‐sugar diet on skin aging damage at a holistic level.

Methods

We established a high‐sugar diet mouse model to compare and analyze differences in physiological indexes. The effect of a high‐sugar diet on skin aging damage was analyzed by means of a transcriptome study and staining of pathological sections. Furthermore, the differences in the protein expression of AGEs and ECM components between the HSD and control groups were further verified by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The skin in the HSD group mice tended toward a red, yellow, dark, and deep color. In addition, the epidermis was irregular with anomalous phenomena, the epidermis was thinned, and the dermis lost its normal structure and showed vacuolated changes. Transcriptomics results revealed significant downregulation of the ECM–receptor interaction pathway, significant upregulation of the expression of AGEs and significant downregulation of the expression levels of COLI, FN1, LM5, and TNC, among others ECM proteins and ECM receptors.

Conclusions

High‐sugar diets cause skin aging damage by inducing the accumulation of AGEs, disrupting the expression of ECM proteins and their receptors, and downregulating the ECM–receptor interaction pathway, which affects cellular behavioral functions such as cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion, as well as normal skin tissue structure.
Brain connectivity in status epilepticus as a predictor of outcome: A diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Lee Dong Ah , Lee Ho‐Joon , Park Kang Min
Published: March 2024

Background and Purpose

We aimed to explore structural connectivity in status epilepticus.

Methods

We enrolled participants who underwent diffusion tensor imaging. We applied graph theory to investigate structural connectivity. We compared the structural connectivity measures between patients and healthy controls and between patients with poor (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] >3) and good (mRS ≤3) admission outcomes.

Results

We enrolled 28 patients and 31 healthy controls (age 65.5 vs.62.0 years, p = .438). Of these patients, 16 and 12 showed poor and good admission outcome (age 65.5 vs.62.0 years, p = .438). The assortative coefficient (−0.113 vs. −0.121, p = .021), mean clustering coefficient (0.007 vs.0.006, p = .009), global efficiency (0.023 vs.0.020, p = .009), transitivity (0.007 vs.0.006, p = .009), and small‐worldness index (0.006 vs.0.005, p = .021) were higher in patients with status epilepticus than in healthy controls. The assortative coefficient (−0.108 vs. −0.119, p = .042), mean clustering coefficient (0.007 vs.0.006, p = .042), and transitivity (0.008 vs.0.007, p = .042) were higher in patients with poor admission outcome than in those with good admission outcome. MRS score was positively correlated with structural connectivity measures, including the assortative coefficient (r = 0.615, p = .003), mean clustering coefficient (r = 0.544, p = .005), global efficiency (r = 0.515, p = .007), transitivity (r = 0.547, p = .007), and small‐worldness index (r = 0.435, p = .024).

Conclusion

We revealed alterations in structural connectivity, showing increased integration and segregation in status epilepticus, which might be related with neuronal synchronization. This effect was more pronounced in patients with a poor admission outcome, potentially reshaping our understanding for comprehension of status epilepticus mechanisms and the development of more targeted treatments.
Effects of aging on attachment of Candida albicans to conventional heat‐polymerized, CAD‐CAM milled, and CAD‐CAM 3D‐printed acrylic resin bases
Authors: Jung Gabrielle K. , Mora Stephanie N. , Yune Stephen S. , Petrich Anton , Hernandez‐Feldpausch Marina , Hamlin Christopher M. , Tuamokumo Francois O. , Kim Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess Candida albicans attachment on conventionally fabricated (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA), CAD‐CAM milled, and 3D‐printed acrylic resin bases pre‐ and post‐simulated thermal aging, along with examining material surface changes after aging.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐six samples (10 mm × 10 mm × 2 mm) for each of four material groups (conventional heat‐polymerized PMMA, CAD‐CAM milled acrylic resin base, CAD‐CAM 3D‐printed methacrylate resin base, CAD‐CAM 3D‐printed urethane methacrylate resin base) were subjected to 0, 1, or 2 years of simulated thermal aging. Microscopic images were taken before and after aging, and C. albicans attachment was quantified using cell proliferation assay (XTT). Statistical analysis employed analysis of variance (α = 0.05).

Results

Two‐way factorial analysis showed no significant differences based on acrylic resin type or thermal aging (p = 0.344 and p = 0.091 respectively). However, C. albicans attachment significantly differed between 0‐ and 2‐year thermally aged groups (p = 0.004), mainly due to elevated initial attachments on CAD‐CAM milled acrylic resin base and CAD‐CAM 3D‐printed urethane methacrylate resin base.

Conclusions

Regardless of the fabrication technique and material combination, no significant differences were found in C. albicans adhesion pre‐ or post‐ thermal aging. Milled and 3D‐printed bases compared favorably with heat‐ polymerized PMMA in their affinity for C. albicans attachment and surface characteristics after aging. These findings indicate that the risk of patients developing denture stomatitis might not be linked to the type of acrylic resin or fabrication method used.
The Relationship Between Cognition of Lying and the Previous Day's Lies
Authors: Tabata Naoya
Published: March 2024

The research on the Cognition of Lying Scale, assessing how people think about lying in general, has demonstrated a negative correlation between the cognition of negative aspects of lying score and the number of lies told the previous day. This study reexamined the relationship between the cognition of lying and the number of lies told the previous day after controlling for socially desirable responses. Japanese university students (N = 105) responded to the Cognition of Lying Scale and scales assessing socially desirable responses. The study evaluated the lies told the previous day using the Day Reconstruction Method, in which participants described the previous day's events and details of the lies they told. Two coders classified the lies as self‐oriented or other‐oriented. The results were consistent with the previous study and indicated that the cognition of negative aspects of lying was significantly and negatively related to the total number of lies, both self‐oriented and other‐oriented, after controlling for socially desirable responses.
A critical review of soil algae as a crucial soil biological component of high ecological and economic significance
Authors: Joseph Jebin , Ray Joseph George
Published: March 2024

Aero‐terrestrial algae are ecologically and economically valuable bioresources contributing to carbon sequestration, sustenance of soil health, and fertility. Compared to aquatic algae, the literature on subaerial algae is minimal, including studies of distinctive habitats such as forest soils, agricultural fields, deserts, polar regions, specific subaerial zones, artificial structures, and tropical soils. The primary goal here was to identify the gaps and scope of research on such algae. Accordingly, the literature was analyzed per sub‐themes, such as the “nature of current research data on terrestrial algae,” “methodological approaches,” “diversity,” “environmental relationships,” “ecological roles,” and “economic significance.” The review showed there is a high diversity of algae in soils, especially members belonging to the Cyanophyta (Cyanobacteria) and Chlorophyta. Algal distributions in terrestrial environments depend on the microhabitat conditions, and many species of soil algae are sensitive to specific soil conditions. The ecological significance of soil algae includes primary production, the release of biochemical stimulants and plant growth promoters into soils, nitrogen fixation, solubilization of minerals, and the enhancement and maintenance of soil fertility. Since aero‐terrestrial habitats are generally stressed environments, algae of such environments can be rich in rare metabolites and natural products. For example, epilithic soil algae use wet adhesive molecules to fix them firmly on the substratum. Exploring the ecological roles and economic utility of soil and other subaerial algae could be helpful for the development of algae‐based industries and for achieving sustainable soil management.
Periodontal tissue regeneration with cementogenesis after application of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor in 3‐wall inflamed intra‐bony defect
Authors: Kiyota Mari , Iwata Tomoyuki , Hasegawa Naohiko , Sasaki Shinya , Taniguchi Yuri , Hamamoto Yuta , Matsuda Shinji , Ouhara Kazuhisa , Takeda Katsuhiro , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Kurihara Hidemi , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki , Mizuno Noriyoshi
Published: March 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate regenerative process by immunohistochemical analysis and evaluate periodontal tissue regeneration following a topical application of BDNF to inflamed 3‐wall intra‐bony defects.

Background

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in the survival and differentiation of central and peripheral neurons. BDNF can regulate the functions of non‐neural cells, osteoblasts, periodontal ligament cells, endothelial cells, as well as neural cells. Our previous study showed that a topical application of BDNF enhances periodontal tissue regeneration in experimental periodontal defects of dog and that BDNF stimulates the expression of bone (cementum)‐related proteins and proliferation of human periodontal ligament cells.

Methods

Six weeks after extraction of mandibular first and third premolars, 3‐wall intra‐bony defects were created in mandibular second and fourth premolars of beagle dogs. Impression material was placed in all of the artificial defects to induce inflammation. Two weeks after the first operation, BDNF (25 and 50 μg/mL) immersed into atelocollagen sponge was applied to the defects. As a control, only atelocollagen sponge immersed in saline was applied. Two and four weeks after the BDNF application, morphometric analysis was performed. Localizations of osteopontin (OPN) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)‐positive cells were evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

Two weeks after application of BDNF, periodontal tissue was partially regenerated. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that cells on the denuded root surface were positive with OPN and PCNA. PCNA‐positive cells were also detected in the soft connective tissue of regenerating periodontal tissue. Four weeks after application of BDNF, the periodontal defects were regenerated with cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Along the root surface, abundant OPN‐positive cells were observed. Morphometric analyses revealed that percentage of new cementum length and percentage of new bone area of experimental groups were higher than control group and dose‐dependently increased.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that BDNF could induce cementum regeneration in early regenerative phase by stimulating proliferation of periodontal ligament cells and differentiation into periodontal tissue cells, resulting in enhancement of periodontal tissue regeneration in inflamed 3‐wall intra‐bony defects.
BBR affects macrophage polarization via inhibition of NF‐κB pathway to protect against T2DM‐associated periodontitis
Authors: Xia Siying , Jing Rui , Shi Mingyan , Yang Yanan , Feng Meiting , Deng Li , Luo Lijun
Published: March 2024

Background and Objective

Periodontitis is intimately associated with the development of various systemic diseases, among which type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a bidirectional relationship with the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The objective of the present work was to investigate the role of berberine (BBR) in periodontitis with T2DM and related mechanisms.

Methods

The mRNA expression of macrophage polarization‐related factors in the microenvironment of periodontal inflammation was detected using real‐time quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). The experimental periodontitis model was constructed in wild‐type (WT) and T2DM (db/db) mice, which were administered BBR after 7 days of modeling. Alveolar bone loss (ABL) in each group of mice was measured utilizing micro‐computed tomography images. RT‐qPCR was performed to analyze the levels of macrophage polarization‐related factors in mouse gingiva. Lastly, using western blotting and RT‐qPCR, the signaling pathway of BBR affecting macrophage polarization in the microenvironment of periodontitis was explored.

Results

BBR inhibited M1 polarization and stimulated M2 polarization in the periodontitis microenvironment. BBR decreased ABL in the WT and T2DM periodontitis models. And BBR reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines and increased anti‐inflammatory cytokine expression in the gingiva of WT and T2DM model mice. Ultimately, BBR mediates its anti‐inflammatory effects on periodontitis through inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway.

Conclusions

BBR had a therapeutic effect on T2DM‐associated periodontitis via inhibiting the NF‐κB pathway to affect macrophage polarization, which may have implications for the new pharmacological treatment of T2DM‐associated periodontitis.
FOXO1 regulates wound‐healing responses in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Rojas Leticia , Tobar Nicolás , Espinoza Javier , Ríos Susana , Martínez Constanza , Martínez Jorge , Graves Dana T. , Smith Patricio C.
Published: March 2024

Background and objective

Forkhead box‐O 1 (FOXO1) is a transcription factor actively involved in oral wound healing at the epithelial barrier. However, less is known regarding the role of FOXO1 during the tissue repair response in the connective tissue compartment. This study explored the involvement of FOXO1 in the modulation of fibroblast activity related to wound healing.

Methods

Primary cultures of human gingival fibroblasts were obtained from four healthy young donors. Myofibroblastic differentiation, collagen gel contraction, cell migration, cell spreading, and integrin activation were evaluated in the presence or absence of a FOXO1 inhibitor (AS1842856). Variations in mRNA and proteins of interest were evaluated through qRT‐PCR and western blot, respectively. Distribution of actin, α‐smooth muscle actin, and β1 integrin was evaluated using immunofluorescence. FOXO1 and TGF‐β1 expression in gingival wound healing was assessed by immunohistochemistry in gingival wounds performed in C57BL/6 mice. Images were analyzed using ImageJ/Fiji. ANOVA or Kruskal‐Wallis test followed by Tukey's or Dunn's post‐hoc test was performed. All data are expressed as mean ± SD. p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

FOXO1 inhibition caused a decrease in the expression of the myofibroblastic marker α‐SMA along with a reduction in fibronectin, type I collagen, TGF‐β1, and β1 integrin mRNA level. The FOXO1 inhibitor also caused decreases in cell migration, cell spreading, collagen gel contraction, and β1 integrin activation. FOXO1 and TGF‐β1 were prominently expressed in gingival wounds in fibroblastic cells located at the wound bed.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that FOXO1 plays an important role in the modulation of several wound‐healing functions in gingival fibroblast. Moreover, our findings reveal an important regulatory role for FOXO1 on the differentiation of gingival myofibroblasts, the regulation of cell migration, and collagen contraction, all these functions being critical during tissue repair and fibrosis.
The obligatoriness of arguments
Authors: Van Luven Katie , Toivonen Ida
Published: March 2024

A common diagnostic for distinguishing between arguments and adjuncts is obligatoriness/optionality: as a rule of thumb, arguments are obligatory and adjuncts are optional. However, there are many examples of optional arguments, which have led researchers to question the usefulness of this diagnostic and sometimes even the very distinction between arguments and adjuncts. This paper aims to show that arguments are not simply optional; they are omissible only under identifiable grammatical and pragmatic conditions. By contrast, there are no conditions on when adjuncts can be omitted. There are instead pragmatic conditions that dictate the inclusion of adjuncts.
Characterizing anthropogenic litter pollutants in African freshwater ecosystems: A case study of Dunga Beach in Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Ogello Erick O. , Mbodze Mwaruwa M. , Outa Nicholas O. , Ajode Migeni Z. , Ojwando Wycliffe
Published: March 2024

Anthropogenic litter (AL) in world's aquatic ecosystems presents critical ecological threats to environmental quality, aquatic biodiversity and human welfare. However, most studies on AL have been conducted in marine ecosystems with very little focus being given to freshwater systems like Lake Victoria. This study characterized AL pollutants in Dunga beach in Lake Victoria, Kenya, where sampling was done in the beach, riparian and benthic zones along a 100 m reach for 6 days. Across the sampled reaches, the AL associated with packaging, consumer products, building and construction, transport, electronic wastes, textile, fishery and medical materials were collected, counted, sun‐dried and weighed. AL were more abundant in the beach and riparian zone than in the benthic reaches with plastics being the dominant litter in all reaches. Based on Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test the density of AL associated with packaging and consumer products was significantly higher than other AL in all the reaches. Plastics, polystyrene and glass wastes dominated the beach zone at 31.19%, 12.14% and 11.14%, respectively. In the benthic area, the dominant wastes were plastics, fishery and polystyrene items at 22.14%, 16.34% and 12.14%, respectively. The top 10 AL pollutants in Dunga beach were as follows: bags/food wrappers, bottle caps, diapers, plastic and glass beverage bottles, plastic plates, forks, knives, spoons, straws and e‐wastes. Based on data from literature, several clear patterns emerged when comparing relative AL abundance across other aquatic habitats. In the Lake Michigan Beach, the AL were dominated by plastics (41.2%) followed by cigarettes at 29.3%. In contrast, Chicago River Beach contained more glass wastes (42.1%) while Chicago River Riparian had more plastics (57.8%). At the South Sea of Korea, fishing gear wastes were the majority AL (61.1%). AL consisting of fishing items was restricted to benthic and riparian settings, in which the benthic zone had the most items recorded. It is therefore evident that a large amount of AL waste accumulates at Dunga, Hippo point and other beaches in the world, thus justifying the need for beach cleaning and maintenance strategies. This study presents baseline data that is useful to environmental ecologists, aquatic scientists and management authorities to formulate policies, evaluate guidelines and recommend beach management strategies to conserve aquatic biodiversity, human health and aesthetic value of the freshwater habitats.
Response of Mediterranean Sea bivalves to Pliocene–Pleistocene environmental changes
Authors: Mondanaro Alessandro , Dominici Stefano , Danise Silvia
Published: March 2024

The Mediterranean Sea is recognized as a hotspot of marine biodiversity. Analysing its past biodiversity can help in understanding species' response to climate change. We built a species‐level dataset of bivalve occurrences across the Zanclean–Calabrian interval, a time characterized by significant changes in climate, and by bivalve extinctions. The dataset includes more than 400 species distributed from the eastern to the western Mediterranean Sea. We measured changes in richness and turnover through time, for the entire dataset, and for different palaeoenvironments and combinations of tiering and feeding categories to test if specific environmental conditions and different lifestyles were correlated to species extinction or survival through time. We also compared niche breadth, geographical range size, and species abundance of extinct and extant species, to test which of these parameters potentially affected extinction risk. Our results confirm a loss of biodiversity between 3 Ma and the Early Pleistocene, although this loss was less intense and more gradual than previously estimated. We also found significant differences in niche breadth and geographical range size between extinct and extant species. Suspension feeders lost a higher proportion of species and suffered a higher reduction of geographical range compared to infaunal deposit feeders. Species loss was more protracted and higher on the shoreface than on the shelf, which is probably related to the reduction of shallow‐water vegetated environments and to the disaggregation of heterozoan carbonate ramp habitats with cooling and sea‐level drop at the onset of the northern hemisphere glaciation.
Melanoma‐like features in pediatric longitudinal melanonychia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tsai Serena Yun‐Chen , Hamilton Claire E. , Mologousis Mia A. , Hawryluk Elena B.
Published: March 2024

Background

Pediatric longitudinal melanonychia (LM) can exhibit atypical features that mimic red‐flag signs for subungual melanoma in adults and lead to diagnostic uncertainty. Nail biopsy may be unnecessary if clinical inspection and dermoscopy suggest a benign nature.

Methods

We searched PubMed and Embase from inception to February 2023 for studies of any design reporting either the number or proportion of clinical and dermoscopic features in at least five children (≤18 years) with LM. Non‐English articles, reviews, and abstracts were excluded. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to collate all existing data.

Results

A total of 1218 articles were screened and 24 studies with 1391 pediatric patients were included. Nevus was the most common diagnosis (86.3%). The most prevalent sites were fingernails (76.2%) and first digits (45.4%). Pooled proportions of common features were: dark‐color bands (69.8%), multi‐colored bands (47.6%), broad bandwidth (41.1%), pseudo‐Hutchinson sign (41.0%), irregular patterns (38.1%), Hutchinson sign (23.7%), dots and globules (22.5%), nail dystrophy (18.2%), and triangular sign (10.9%). Outcomes included progression (widening or darkening, 29.9%), stability (23.3%), and spontaneous regression (narrowing or fading, 19.9%). Only eight cases of subungual melanoma in situ were reported, and no invasive melanomas were identified.

Conclusion

Although atypical characteristics are common in pediatric LM, the probability of malignant transformation is exceedingly low. Appropriate evaluation and management of pediatric LM includes careful clinical and dermoscopic inspection with attention to benign features followed by long‐term interval follow‐up.
The Wells–Riley model revisited: Randomness, heterogeneity, and transient behaviours
Authors: Edwards Alexander J. , King Marco‐Felipe , Noakes Catherine J. , Peckham Daniel , López‐García Martín
Published: March 2024

The Wells–Riley model has been widely used to estimate airborne infection risk, typically from a deterministic point of view (i.e., focusing on the average number of infections) or in terms of a per capita probability of infection. Some of its main limitations relate to considering well‐mixed air, steady‐state concentration of pathogen in the air, a particular amount of time for the indoor interaction, and that all individuals are homogeneous and behave equally. Here, we revisit the Wells–Riley model, providing a mathematical formalism for its stochastic version, where the number of infected individuals follows a Binomial distribution. Then, we extend the Wells–Riley methodology to consider transient behaviours, randomness, and population heterogeneity. In particular, we provide analytical solutions for the number of infections and the per capita probability of infection when: (i) susceptible individuals remain in the room after the infector leaves, (ii) the duration of the indoor interaction is random/unknown, and (iii) infectors have heterogeneous quanta production rates (or the quanta production rate of the infector is random/unknown). We illustrate the applicability of our new formulations through two case studies: infection risk due to an infectious healthcare worker (HCW) visiting a patient, and exposure during lunch for uncertain meal times in different dining settings. Our results highlight that infection risk to a susceptible who remains in the space after the infector leaves can be nonnegligible, and highlight the importance of incorporating uncertainty in the duration of the indoor interaction and the infectivity of the infector when estimating risk.
Variations of skin thermal diffusivity on different skin regions
Authors: Bajrami Dardan , Zubiaga Asier , Renggli Timon , Kirsch Christoph , Spano Fabrizio , Fehr Daniel , von Schulthess Patrick , Lindhorst‐Peters Alisa , Huber Stephanie , Roider Elisabeth , Rossi René M. , Navarini Alexander A. , Bonmarin Mathias
Published: March 2024

Background and Objective

Skin thermal diffusivity plays a crucial role in various applications, including laser therapy and cryogenic skin cooling.This study investigates the correlation between skin thermal diffusivity and two important skin parameters, melanin content and erythema, in a cohort of 102 participants.

Methods

An in‐house developed device based on transient temperature measurement was used to assess thermal diffusivity at different body locations. Melanin content and erythema were measured using a colorimeter. Statistical analysis was performed to examine potential correlations.

Results

The results showed that the measured thermal diffusivity values were consistent with previous reports, with variations observed among subjects. No significant correlation was found between thermal diffusivity and melanin content or erythema. This suggests that other factors, such as skin hydration or epidermis thickness, may have a more dominant influence on skin thermal properties.

Conlcusion

This research provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between skin thermal properties and physiological parameters, with potential implications for cosmetic and clinical dermatology applications.
Emergence of novel circoviruses in humans and pigs and their possible importance for xenotransplantation and blood transfusions
Authors: Opriessnig Tanja , Xiao Chao‐Ting , Mueller Nicolas J. , Denner Joachim
Published: March 2024

Background

As sequencing is becoming more broadly available, virus discovery continues. Small DNA viruses contribute to up to 60% of the overall virus load in pigs. Porcine circoviruses (PCVs) are small DNA viruses with a single‐stranded circular genome. They are common in pig breeds and have not been properly addressed for their potential risk in xenotransplantation. Whereas PCV1 is non‐pathogenic in pigs, PCV2 has been associated with various disease manifestations. Recently two new circoviruses have been described, PCV3 and PCV4. While PCV4 is currently present mainly in Asia, PCV3 is widely distributed, and has been identified in commercial pigs, wild boars, and pigs generated for xenotransplantation. In one case PCV3 was transmitted by pigs to baboons via heart transplantation. PCV3 pathogenicity in pigs was controversial initially, however, the virus was found to be associated with porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS), reproductive failure, and multisystemic inflammation. Inoculation studies with PCV3 infectious clones confirmed that PCV3 is pathogenic. Most importantly, recently discovered human circoviruses (CV) are closely related to PCV3.

Methods

Literature was evaluated and summarized. A dendrogram of existing circoviruses in pigs, humans, and other animal species was created and assessed at the species level.

Results

We found that human circoviruses can be divided into three species, human CV1, CV2, and CV3. Human CV2 and CV3 are closest to PCV3.

Conclusions

Circoviruses are ubiquitous. This communication should create awareness of PCV3 and the newly discovered human circoviruses, which may be a problem for blood transfusions and xenotransplantation in immune suppressed individuals.
The analytic classification of plane curves
Authors: Hernandes Marcelo Escudeiro , Hernandes Maria Elenice Rodrigues
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we present a solution to the problem of the analytic classification of germs of plane curves with several irreducible components. Our algebraic approach follows precursive ideas of Oscar Zariski and as a subproduct allows us to recover some particular cases found in the literature.
Digging deeper is always rewarding. Policy instruments, challenges and recent research on conflict archaeology, WWI and WWII in Flanders
Authors:   Heritage service, Province of West Flanders, Gheyle Wouter , De Decker Sam ,   Heritage Department, Flemish Government, Stichelbaut Birger ,   Ghent University
Published: March 2024

In 2017, the government of Flanders decided to award yearly grants for synthesising research on archaeological data produced via development-led archaeology in Flanders (Belgium). At present, no less than 34 archaeological projects have been financially supported this way. Three of those projects deal with the archaeology of modern conflicts. The project 'Conflict archaeology of the Second World War in Flanders' will be discussed in more detail. World War II archaeology is a very young discipline in Flanders, although the enormous expertise in conflict archaeology of World War I caused a turnaround in recent years. Putting all the archaeological information together, it turned out that traces of WWII were already being investigated at 172 sites, far more than expected. Some are targeted excavations on large sites, but mostly they are small traces that came to light by chance. This picture is contrasted with knowledge gained in recent years from historical research and from remote sensing sources. The Centre for Historical and Archaeological Aerial Photography or CHAL (Province of West Flanders, In Flanders Fields Museum, Ghent University) plays an important role here. Over 43,000 historical aerial photographs taken during both World Wars provide a unique overview of the war landscape in Belgium and offer enormous archaeological potential today. A combination of analysis of the digital elevation model Flanders for the above-ground preservation of war traces and the archaeological information from excavations give us an unseen landscape insight.
Preservation and heritage protection of the archaeological remains of prison and forced labour camps from the period of Nazi occupation and the Communist era in West Bohemia
Authors:   University of West Bohemia, Vařeka Pavel
Published: March 2024

This article presents research on the material remains of Nazi and post-war communist prison and forced labour camps in West Bohemia (1939-1945 and 1949-1961). The location of a sample of 35 camps was carried out using historical evidence and aerial images from the 1940s and 1950s. Non-invasive surveys and small-scale excavations of selected camps revealed the preservation of the archaeological record and its attributes, which are closely linked to the subsequent use of the sites. The spatial context showed an interconnection of the camp system with WWII as well as Cold War armament production. The heritage protection of these sites, the current state of memorials and the contemporary utilisation of the camp areas has also been examined. Research has shown the potential of neglected archaeological evidence of places of mass repressions, where crimes against humanity were committed by totalitarian regimes in the former Czechoslovakia. It has also revealed the disturbing fact that these sites have been disappearing at an alarming rate without any documentation, as a result of development and construction activities.
Contemporary Archaeologies and Cultural Heritage in the Anthropocenic Age
Authors:   Musée d'Archéologie nationale, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Olivier Laurent
Published: March 2024

The era in which the distinction between natural processes and human activity was clear has passed. Since at least the 'Great Acceleration' of the mid-20th century, we have entered a new phase where environmental changes, unprecedented in scale, are no longer purely natural. Instead, they stem from the growth of a hybrid aggregate, both natural and artificial. Consequently, things and places can no longer remain unchanged; they do not adhere to our previous conceptions. 'Non-human' entities now respond to our actions, rendering them inherently cultural and anthropogenic. Operating within the present, these entities not only act but also accumulate a form of material memory over time. Even seemingly inert matter is alive, facing the challenges of the Anthropocene: an era characterized by devastation and the destruction of material memory. Thus, the concept of heritage takes on new significance: what does it mean now, and what purpose does it serve? How do we define saving, protecting, or even acknowledging what we continue to call archaeological heritage? The most profound transformations of the Anthropocene are yet to unfold, underscoring the limitations of archaeological practice, which primarily focuses on human creations at a human scale.
Archaeology of the Ottoman Period (15th-19th centuries) and Museum Management, Sofia, Bulgaria
Authors:   National Archaeological Institute with Museum at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Pramatarov Kaloyan
Published: March 2024

This article systematises the architectural and archaeological remains of the Ottoman presence in Sofia and describes the modus operandi reagrding their restoration and reconsideration within the context of the constant urban development of the Bulgarian capital. It shows the main approaches and methods applied by one of the leading national museum institutions in the preservation, presentation, and socialisation of the remains from the Ottoman period (15th-19th centuries).
Co-Archaeology: working towards the present through the complex nature of archaeology of the 18th to 20th centuries
Authors:   Historic Environment Scotland, Hale Alex
Published: March 2024

This article gives a concise introduction to some of the potential benefits of studying the archaeology of the 18th to 20th centuries. Using a selection of examples, it aims to provide guides to multi-, inter- and trans-disciplinary approaches to the material culture from this period. It reflects on some of the archaeological remains, the theoretical frameworks and the practices that originated in the 18th to 20th centuries and remain pertinent to those who focus on this period today. By outlining some of the general theoretical underpinnings, and the range of established and emerging practices within what we know as the Anthropocene, it will enable researchers to recognise that they are not alone in their endeavours to explore, interpret, manage and learn from the complex recent pasts.
Managing Contemporary Archaeology in the Mediterranean: Challenges Observed from #pubarchMED
Authors:   Institute of Heritage Sciences (INCIPIT-CSIC), Almansa-Sánchez Jaime
Published: March 2024

Contemporary archaeology was one of the topics addressed within a large study to improve understanding of archaeological heritage management in the Mediterranean basin by the pubarchMED project. While 19th and early 20th century contexts are often studied, contemporary archaeology in the Mediterranean (especially post World War II period) still represents a challenge both for practitioners and heritage managers. This article delves into some structural issues of archaeological heritage management and archaeological practice of the contemporary world, disentangling the main challenges they reveal and the interesting questions they raise for archaeological practice.
What Should We Do With These? Challenges related to (semi-)automatically detected sites and features. A note
Authors:   Finnish Heritage Agency, Anttiroiko Niko
Published: March 2024

Recent advances in machine learning and computer vision techniques have brought (semi-)automatic feature detection within reach of an increasing number of archaeologists and archaeological institutions, including those in Finland. These techniques improve our ability to detect and gather information on archaeological cultural heritage over vast areas in a highly efficient manner. However, the widespread adoption of such methods can also pose significant challenges for archaeological cultural heritage management, especially in relation to certain types of near-ubiquitous archaeological remains from the 17th-20th centuries.
Another Case of Making Choices: Alpine terrain, large-scale sites and mass finds of the 20th century
Authors:   Bundesdenkmalamt, Abteilung für Archäologie, Steigberger Eva
Published: March 2024

As in many other European countries, Austria's archaeologists have been dealing with the remains from two World Wars as part of excavations for years. Over the last 20 years, three topics have become very important in Austrian Heritage Management and the following contribution attempts to give an overview. The three big issues are: There are still an unknown number of camps from both World War II and World War I Alpine terrain holds the remains of two World Wars on slopes and ridges of up to 3000m above sea level. These sites present challenges in terms of climate change, tourism and public interest in an area of conflict. Industrially produced mass finds of the 20th century from excavations can be connected with atrocities from the two wars and are therefore worthy of protection. Who decides, and on what basis?
Between Craft and Industry: Archaeological research on Rhenish pottery production of the late 18th to early 20th century
Authors:   LVR-Amt für Bodendenkmalpflege im Rheinland, Keller Christoph
Published: March 2024

The process of industrialisation and its effects on traditional crafts can be studied archaeologically particularly well in the area of pottery production, as extensive production remains in the form of misfired pottery can be excavated in addition to workshops and kilns, and provide a good insight into the range of forms and decorations produced at the location. Archaeological research thus provides an insight that archival documents and museum collections can only offer in exceptional cases, as company archives are seldom preserved and everyday tablewares rarely become part of museum collections. Using two case studies from Frechen and Bedburg-Königshoven, this article shows how craftspeople retained their traditional vessel forms and tried to adapt to the changing tastes of consumers and compete with industrially produced ceramics. Excavations in Bonn-Poppelsdorf provide an insight into the emergence and development of a ceramic factory, which developed from a small faience pottery in the mid-18th century to an internationally operating company by the beginning of the 20th century, producing industrial whitewares and porcelain. The fourth example concerns a small factory in Bonn-Duisdorf, founded in 1908 as the Kunsttöpferei Gerhards & Wittelsberger and later renamed as the Lapitesta Werk Duisdorf. Here, research can be based not only on finds from archaeological excavation but also on objects in the Bonn City Museum and extensive archival sources dealing with the first 10 years of production.