bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A meta-analysis on the effects of marker coverage, status number, and size of training set on predictive accuracy and heritability estimates from genomic selection in tree breeding
Authors: Beaulieu Jean , Lenz Patrick R.N. , Laverdière Jean-Philippe , Nadeau Simon , Bousquet Jean
Published: June 2024

Genomic selection (GS) is increasingly used in tree breeding because of the possibility to hasten breeding cycles, increase selection intensity or facilitate multi-trait selection, and to obtain less biased estimates of quantitative genetic parameters such as heritability. However, tree breeders are aiming to obtain accurate estimates of such parameters and breeding values while optimizing sampling and genotyping costs. We conducted a metadata analysis of results from 28 GS studies totalling 115 study-traits. We found that heritability estimates obtained using DNA marker-based information for a variety of traits and species were not significantly related to variation in the total number of markers ranging from about 1500 to 116 000, nor by the marker density, ranging from about 1 to 60 markers/centimorgan, nor by the status number of the breeding populations ranging from about 10 to 620, nor by the size of the training set ranging from 236 to 2458. However, the predictive accuracy of breeding values was generally higher when the status number of the breeding population was smaller, which was expected given the higher level of relatedness in small breeding populations, and the increased ability of a given number of markers to trace the long-range linkage disequilibrium in such conditions. According to expectations, the predictive accuracy also increased with the size of the training set used to build marker-based models. Genotyping arrays with a few to many thousand markers exist for several tree species and with the actual costs, GS could thus be efficiently implemented in many more tree breeding programs, delivering less biased genetic parameters and more accurate estimates of breeding values.
Association of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with meteorological factors: a time series study in Hefei, China, and a literature review
Authors: Li Xiao-Bo , Han Yan-Xun , Fu Zi-Yue , Zhang Yu-Chen , Fan Min , Sang Shu-Jia , Chen Xi-Xi , Liang Bing-Yu , Liu Yu-Chen , Lu Peng-Cheng , Li Hua-Wei , Pan Hai-Feng , Yang Jian-Ming
Published: June 2024

Air pollution can cause disease and has become a major global environmental problem. It is currently believed that air pollution may be related to the progression of SSNHL. As a rapidly developing city in recent years, Hefei has serious air pollution. In order to explore the correlation between meteorological variables and SSNHL admissions, we conducted this study. This study investigated the short-term associations between SSNHL patients admitted to the hospital and Hefei climatic variables. The daily data on SSNHL-related hospital admissions and meteorological variables containing mean temperature (T-mean; °C), diurnal temperature range (DTR; °C), atmospheric pressure (AP; Hp), and relative humidity (RH; %), from 2014 to 2021 (2558 days), were collected. A time-series analysis integrating distributed lag non-linear models and generalized linear models was used. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. Literature published up to August 2023 was reviewed to explore the potential impact mechanisms of meteorological factors on SSNHL. The mechanisms were determined in detail, focusing on wind speed, air pressure, temperature, humidity, and air pollutants. Using a median of 50.00% as a baseline, the effect of exceedingly low T-mean in the single-day hysteresis effect model began at a lag of 8 days (RR = 1.032, 95% CI: 1.001 ~ 1.064). High DTR affected the admission rate for SSNHL on lag 0 day. The significance of the effect was the greatest on that day (RR = 1.054, 95% CI: 1.007 ~ 1.104) and then gradually decreased. High and exceedingly high RH affected the admission rate SSNHL on lag 0 day, and these effects lasted for 8 and 7 days, respectively. There were significant associations between all grades of AP and SSNHL. This is the first study to assess the effect of meteorological variables on SSNHL-related admissions in China using a time-series approach. Long-term exposures to high DTR, RH values, low T-mean values, and all AP grades enhance the incidence of SSNHL in residents. Limiting exposure to extremes of ambient temperature and humidity may reduce the number of SSNHL-related hospital visits in the region. It is advisable to maintain a suitable living environment temperature and avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity. During periods of high air pollution, it is recommended to stay indoors and refrain from outdoor exercise.
A Typology of Tonal Exponence
Authors: Kaldhol Nina Hagen
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a typology of tonal exponence. Couched within an Abstractive Word-and-Paradigm approach to morphology, the present study builds on previous studies on exponence typology and morphological organization by extending it to the study of tone. About half the languages of the world have tone systems, and tone is an important dimension in the morphologies of numerous languages. Tone is therefore a necessary part of a comprehensive typology of exponence. This paper shows that like segmental exponents, tonal exponents may be involved in a diversity of form-function mappings, but they also pose unique challenges due to their autosegmental nature. This study aims to advance our understanding of the role of tone in the organization of morphological systems by addressing deviations from form-function isomorphism, polyfunctionality, morphomic distributions, paradigmatic layers, and inflectional class organization. It is argued that the attested diversity of form-function mappings constitutes an empirical argument for a paradigm-based view of morphology, where the attested diversity is taken at face value and the range of encoding strategies are treated as equivalent, as opposed to choosing form-function isomorphism as the theoretical ‘ideal’.
Autonomous navigation of catheters and guidewires in mechanical thrombectomy using inverse reinforcement learning
Authors: Robertshaw Harry , Karstensen Lennart , Jackson Benjamin , Granados Alejandro , Booth Thomas C.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Autonomous navigation of catheters and guidewires can enhance endovascular surgery safety and efficacy, reducing procedure times and operator radiation exposure. Integrating tele-operated robotics could widen access to time-sensitive emergency procedures like mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Reinforcement learning (RL) shows potential in endovascular navigation, yet its application encounters challenges without a reward signal. This study explores the viability of autonomous guidewire navigation in MT vasculature using inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) to leverage expert demonstrations.

Methods

Employing the Simulation Open Framework Architecture (SOFA), this study established a simulation-based training and evaluation environment for MT navigation. We used IRL to infer reward functions from expert behaviour when navigating a guidewire and catheter. We utilized the soft actor-critic algorithm to train models with various reward functions and compared their performance in silico.

Results

We demonstrated feasibility of navigation using IRL. When evaluating single- versus dual-device (i.e. guidewire versus catheter and guidewire) tracking, both methods achieved high success rates of 95% and 96%, respectively. Dual tracking, however, utilized both devices mimicking an expert. A success rate of 100% and procedure time of 22.6 s were obtained when training with a reward function obtained through ‘reward shaping’. This outperformed a dense reward function (96%, 24.9 s) and an IRL-derived reward function (48%, 59.2 s).

Conclusions

We have contributed to the advancement of autonomous endovascular intervention navigation, particularly MT, by effectively employing IRL based on demonstrator expertise. The results underscore the potential of using reward shaping to efficiently train models, offering a promising avenue for enhancing the accessibility and precision of MT procedures. We envisage that future research can extend our methodology to diverse anatomical structures to enhance generalizability.
Model-based individual life-spanning documentation in visceral surgery: a proof of concept
Authors: Berlet Maximilian , Jell Alissa , Wagner Lars , Bernhard Lukas , Fuchtmann Jonas , Wegener Luca , Feussner Hubertus , Friess Helmut , Wilhelm Dirk
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Surgical documentation has many implications. However, its primary function is to transfer information about surgical procedures to other medical professionals. Thereby, written reports describing procedures in detail are the current standard, impeding comprehensive understanding of patient-individual life-spanning surgical course, especially if surgeries are performed at a timely distance and in diverse facilities. Therefore, we developed a novel model-based approach for documentation of visceral surgeries, denoted as 'Surgical Documentation Markup-Modeling' (SDM-M).

Material and methods

For scientific evaluation, we developed a web-based prototype software allowing for creating hierarchical anatomical models that can be modified by individual surgery-related markup information. Thus, a patient's cumulated 'surgical load' can be displayed on a timeline deploying interactive anatomical 3D models. To evaluate the possible impact on daily clinical routine, we performed an evaluation study with 24 surgeons and advanced medical students, elaborating on simulated complex surgical cases, once with classic written reports and once with our prototypical SDM-M software.

Results

Leveraging SDM-M in an experimental environment reduced the time needed for elaborating simulated complex surgical cases from 354 ± 85 s with the classic approach to 277 ± 128 s. (p = 0.00109) The perceived task load measured by the Raw NASA-TLX was reduced significantly (p = 0.00003) with decreased mental (p = 0.00004) and physical (p = 0.01403) demand. Also, time demand (p = 0.00041), performance (p = 0.00161), effort (p = 0.00024), and frustration (p = 0.00031) were improved significantly.

Discussion

Model-based approaches for life-spanning surgical documentation could improve the daily clinical elaboration and understanding of complex cases in visceral surgery. Besides reduced workload and time sparing, even a more structured assessment of individual surgical cases could foster improved planning of further surgeries, information transfer, and even scientific evaluation, considering the cumulative 'surgical load.'

Conclusion

Life-spanning model-based documentation of visceral surgical cases could significantly improve surgery and workload.
Progressive Induction Hardening: Measurement and Alteration of Residual Stresses
Authors: Holmberg Jonas , Wendel Johan , Stormvinter Albin
Published: June 2024

Progressive induction hardening is an in-line steel heat treatment method commonly used to surface harden powertrain components. It produces a martensitic case layer with a sharp transition zone to the base material. This rapid process will induce large residual stresses, where a compressive state in the case layer will shift to a tensile state in the transition zone. For fatigue performance, it is important to quantify the magnitude and distribution of these stresses, and moreover how they depend on material and processing parameters. In this work, x-ray diffraction in combination with a layer removal method is used for efficient and robust quantification of the subsurface stress state, which combines electropolishing with either turning or milling. Characterization is done on C45E steel samples that were progressively induction hardened using either a fast or slow (27.5 or 5 mm/s, respectively) scanning speed. The results show that although the hardening procedures will meet arbitrary requirements on surface hardness, case depth and microstructure, the subsurface tensile stress peak magnitude is doubled when using a fast scanning speed. However, the near-surface compressive residual stresses are comparable. In addition, the subsurface tensile residual stress peak is compared with the on-surface tensile stresses in the fade-out zone.
Leaf temperatures of an Austrian oak are below photosynthetic temperature thresholds during a heatwave in Central Europe
Authors: Kunert Norbert
Published: June 2024

The summer of 2022 has been the so far hottest summer on record in Central Europe. High temperatures negatively affect the physiology of plants and cause considerable thermal stress in particular on the leaf level. The assessment of the temperature-dependent decline of the quantum use efficiency of the photosystem II (Fv/Fm) has gained much popularity to quantify the leaf-level sensitivity to thermal stress. An open question is whether leaves heat to those in vitro estimated threshold temperatures on hot days or if plants can avoid heat stress through transpirational cooling. Therefore, leaf temperatures were monitored on a non-native Austrian oak (Quercus cerris) during a heatwave in July 2022 and compared to observed air temperature and leaf thermal traits assessed with a chlorophyll fluorometer. The highest air temperature recorded during the heatwave was 42.5 °C and surpassed the breaking point temperature (temperature at 5% decline of Fv/Fm; T5) by 0.3 °C, but was 6.1 °C lower than T50 (temperature at 50% decline of Fv/Fm). However, during the hottest day, the maximum leaf temperature was significantly below the air temperature. Even the directly illuminated leaf facing south reached a maximum temperature of only 38.7 °C but reached 39.8 °C on the second hottest day when the air temperature went up to 39.6 °C. All leaves showed a certain degree of homeothermy as the slope between leaf temperature and air temperature was 0.83 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Austrian oak can buffer thermal stress during heatwaves to a certain degree, however, leaf temperatures are only marginally below critical threshold temperatures.
Preliminary Investigation on the Thermodynamic Evaluation and Phase Evolution of Soda Ash-Assisted Roast Treatment of Alluvial Columbite for Recovery of Niobium and Tantalum
Authors: Nzeh Nnaemeka Stanislaus , Popoola Patricia A. I. , Kgwedi Lethabo Christinah , Sekwati Bridget Kokiya , Mongwe Pleasure Osborn , Mashao Annikie Ditshego , Adeleke Abraham A. , Nzenwata Godson Nnadozie , Adeosun Samson O. , Okonkwo George Emenike
Published: June 2024

Alkaline roasting of a low-grade alluvial silica-based columbite bearing mineral from the Rayfield–Jos deposits (located in South Jos, Plateau state, Federal Republic of Nigeria) was conducted with specific emphasis on the evaluation of thermodynamic reactions as well as the mineral phase evolution during the extraction of Nb and Ta. An isothermal roasting procedure was investigated in order to understand the effects of different soda ash to sample mass ratios as well as the roasting temperatures on the measure or rate of the recoveries of Nb and Ta complexes. Thus, the feasibility rate of a successful alluvial columbite mineral roasting was determined to be influenced by certain optimal process conditions or optimum values of the study parameters, such as alkali to sample mass ratio and, more essentially, the roasting temperature. Therefore, the thermodynamic feasibility of the alkali-carbothermic roasting procedure was also investigated and the resulting chemical reactions were evaluated using the HSC chemistry 9.0 software. Premised on this, the results obtained as well as the thermodynamic data realized from the study demonstrated the feasibility of successful dissolutions of Nb and Ta into a pregnant leached-liquor stream (PLS), without the use of the conventional harmful, hazardous, toxic, and environmentally unfriendly hydrofluoric (HF) acid.
Mathematics teaching and teacher education against marginalisation, or towards equity, diversity and inclusion
Authors: Abtahi Yasmine , Planas Núria
Published: June 2024

The interrogation of often unintended practices of marginalisation has gained focus in research on mathematics teaching and mathematics teacher education throughout the last decades. In this introductory survey paper, work against marginalisation in these contexts of mathematics education is viewed in terms of work towards equity, diversity and inclusion. Based on this interpretation, we present a framework on awareness and practice of equity, diversity and inclusion in mathematics teaching and mathematics teacher education research. We then use this framework and a survey method of mapping review to identify and comment on a selection of studies. As a result, we illustrate three research moves towards equity, diversity and inclusion, in the form of interconnected themes: (1) Widening the understanding of the mathematics and the mathematics education curricula (2) Improving the practice and discussion of mathematics teaching (3) Unpacking ideologies in mathematics teaching and mathematics teacher education. We finally examine the themes and the special issue papers together to foreground commonalities regarding awareness of discriminatory discourses and practices of creating and distributing opportunities for all groups, including those historically and currently marginalised. Despite the important increase of equity-driven principles of awareness, we conclude that mathematics education research on teaching and on teacher education needs more examples of practices whose development has been proved to challenge marginalisation.
Black Women’s Sexual Well-being in the Age of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): a Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Willie Peyton R. , Dale Sannisha K.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

Black women’s sexual well-being is predicated upon having the autonomy, resources, and access to define, explore, and safely enjoy their sexuality and intimacy. Black cisgender and transgender women have been placed at disproportional risk for HIV due to structural and health specific inequities. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an effective biomedical intervention, reduces HIV transmission from sex or injection drug use by 99%, however the uptake of PrEP remains low among Black cisgender and transgender women. Using the PRISMA technique, we conducted a review of literature on Black women, cisgender and transgender, and PrEP. We used Google Scholar and PubMed to conduct the search.

Recent Findings

Our initial search garnered 2,221 sources across the two databases. However, n = 197 articles were included in this review based on the screening process and our inclusion criteria. Socio-cultural factors, provider factors, low HIV risk awareness, limited PrEP awareness and knowledge, communication, motivation, concerns about PrEP, barriers, and sexual agency, power, and pleasure may impact utilization of PrEP among Black transgender and cisgender women. However, facilitators were highlighted as well as interventions, though limited.

To adequately meet the needs of Black women and increase PrEP uptake, there is a need to address these factors that may impact utilization and develop effective interventions for Black women surrounding PrEP.
Winter is coming: Deciphering the longitudinal associations between everyday emotion regulation and depressive symptoms across the seasons
Authors: Strakosch Ana-Maria , Schulze Katrin , Miano Annemarie , Pruessner Luise , Barnow Sven
Published: June 2024

The dynamic interplay between emotion regulation and seasonal fluctuations in depressive symptoms remains poorly understood. Our study therefore investigated the prospective relationship between everyday emotion regulation and depressive symptoms across summer, autumn, early winter, and late winter. At each season, participants (N = 194) were asked to report their use of emotion regulation strategies (rumination, suppression, reappraisal, acceptance) using ecological momentary assessment, and to fill in online questionnaires. We observed an increase in depressive symptoms and rumination from summer to early winter, while acceptance decreased over the seasons. Participants with an overall higher use of acceptance demonstrated lower depressive symptoms. In contrast, participants showing a greater engagement in suppression, rumination, and reappraisal exhibited higher depressive symptoms, with the latter two strategies emerging as temporal precursors of symptom severity. These findings highlight the clinical importance of emotion regulation in explaining seasonal fluctuations in depressive symptoms.
Trastuzumab deruxtecan versus treatment of physician’s choice in previously treated Asian patients with HER2-low unresectable/metastatic breast cancer: subgroup analysis of the DESTINY-Breast04 study
Authors: Yamashita Toshinari , Sohn Joo Hyuk , Tokunaga Eriko , Niikura Naoki , Park Yeon Hee , Lee Keun Seok , Chae Yee Soo , Xu Binghe , Wang Xiaojia , Im Seock-Ah , Li Wei , Lu Yen-Shen , Aguilar Cecilia Orbegoso , Nishijima Soichiro , Nishiyama Yuji , Sugihara Masahiro , Modi Shanu , Tsurutani Junji
Published: June 2024

Background

In the global phase 3 DESTINY-Breast04 study (NCT03734029), the anti-human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) antibody–drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), with manageable safety compared with treatment of physician’s choice (TPC) in patients with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer (mBC) who had received 1–2 prior lines of chemotherapy.

Methods

This subgroup analysis examined the efficacy and safety of T-DXd versus TPC in 213 patients from Asian countries and regions who were enrolled in the DESTINY-Breast04 trial and randomized to T-DXd (n = 147) or TPC (n = 66).

Results

Median PFS with T-DXd and TPC was 10.9 and 5.3 months, respectively, in Asian patients with hormone receptor-positive mBC, and 10.9 and 4.6 months, respectively, in the overall Asian population. In both populations, median OS was not reached with T-DXd and was 19.9 months with TPC. The objective response rate was higher with T-DXd versus TPC in all Asian patients. Median treatment duration was 8.4 months with T-DXd and 3.5 months with TPC. The most common grade ≥ 3 drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events in Asian patients treated with T-DXd were neutropenia (16.3%), anemia (12.9%), and leukopenia (11.6%); the incidences of neutropenia and leukopenia were higher with TPC versus T-DXd. Adjudicated drug-related interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis with T-DXd was 14.3%; the majority of events were grade 1–2.

Conclusions

T-DXd demonstrated clinically meaningful survival benefits versus TPC in Asian HER2-low mBC patients, regardless of hormone receptor status, with no new safety signals.

Clinical trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03734029.
“It Takes Reflection at All Different Levels, Not Just People on the Floor”: A Qualitative Exploration of Early Childhood Professionals’ Experiences and Perspectives Towards Trauma-Informed Early Childhood Organisations
Authors: Sun Yihan , Skouteris Helen , Bowden Mitchell , Cameron Lee , Blewitt Claire
Published: June 2024

Trauma in early childhood is a significant public health concern. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services play a critical role in identifying and responding to children impacted by trauma. However, little is known about early childhood professionals’ experiences and needs relating to supporting trauma-impacted children. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore early childhood professionals’ experiences of working with trauma-impacted children in ECEC, the barriers to adopting trauma-informed approaches, and the organisation-wide shift that is needed to embed them. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 early childhood educators, organisational leaders, and childhood trauma consultants in Victoria, Australia. Thematic analyses revealed that early childhood professionals’ perceived increasing prevalence of trauma in children attending ECEC. However, educators are generally unprepared and unsupported for this, and experience many workplace challenges leaving them feeling overwhelmed. This highlighted the need to support the professional development and well-being of early childhood educators. Meanwhile, the study identified systemic barriers impeding the implementation of trauma-informed approaches within ECEC. The findings also suggest that the collective efforts “starting from the top”, with everyone engaged, coupled with cross-sector collaboration is needed for meaningful, trauma-informed organisational change within ECEC.
Een gedragswetenschappelijk kader voor preventie in de gezondheidszorg: van probleemanalyse naar ‘deltaplan’
Authors: de Bruin Marijn , Kwakkenbos Linda , Bosman Sabien , Ruiter Rob , Jeurissen Patrick , Assendelft Pim , Verstralen Rogier , Snoek Frank J. , van Wijngaarden Jeroen
Published: June 2024

Samenvatting

Gezond leven en preventie staan prominent op de beleidsagenda, ook in de gezondheidszorg. Maar op welke manier preventie het beste kan worden ingericht, blijft vooralsnog onduidelijk. In dit artikel presenteren we een gedragswetenschappelijk kader dat concreet invulling geeft aan de organisatie en inzet van preventieve gedragsinterventies in de zorg. Op basis van kwalitatief onderzoek uitgevoerd onder belangrijke stakeholders in de Nederlandse zorg, relevante literatuur en zorgmodellen in het buitenland, presenteren we de ingrediënten van een ‘deltaplan’ om dit te realiseren.
Psychological Distress in Women with Fibromyalgia: The Roles of Body Appreciation, Self-Compassion, and Self-Criticism
Authors: Levy Sigal , Ohayon Shay , Avitsur Ronit , Geller Shulamit
Published: June 2024

Background

While past research detected a direct link between symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM) and psychological distress, body appreciation was suggested as a viable mediator of this link. The aim of the present study was to further develop an explanatory model for the effect of FM on women’s psychological distress and identify possible protective and risk factors. Specifically, it was hypothesized that self-compassion would moderate the indirect effect of body appreciation and self-criticism on psychological distress in women with FM.

Method

This study comprised a total of 293 women, aged 20–68 (M = 34.8, SD = 12.3), of whom 146 were women with FM and 147 were heathy controls. All the women completed questionnaires regarding demographic characteristics, depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), self-criticism (DEQ-SC), body appreciation (BAS2), and the self-compassion scale (SCS).

Results

A moderated serial mediation model demonstrated lower body appreciation in participants with FM compared to controls. These lower levels of body appreciation, together with lower levels of self-compassion, were associated with greater self-criticism and, consequently, higher levels of psychological distress.

Conclusions

The results emphasize the role of self-compassion as a protective mechanism against psychological distress among women with FM. Future studies should further investigate the effect of self-compassion-focused interventions on patients with FM.
Assessing RNA atomistic force fields via energy landscape explorations in implicit solvent
Authors: Röder Konstantin , Pasquali Samuela
Published: June 2024

Predicting the structure and dynamics of RNA molecules still proves challenging because of the relative scarcity of experimental RNA structures on which to train models and the very sensitive nature of RNA towards its environment. In the last decade, several atomistic force fields specifically designed for RNA have been proposed and are commonly used for simulations. However, it is not necessarily clear which force field is the most suitable for a given RNA molecule. In this contribution, we propose the use of the computational energy landscape framework to explore the energy landscape of RNA systems as it can bring complementary information to the more standard approaches of enhanced sampling simulations based on molecular dynamics. We apply the EL framework to the study of a small RNA pseudoknot, the Aquifex aeolicus tmRNA pseudoknot PK1, and we compare the results of five different RNA force fields currently available in the AMBER simulation software, in implicit solvent. With this computational approach, we can not only compare the predicted ‘native’ states for the different force fields, but the method enables us to study metastable states as well. As a result, our comparison not only looks at structural features of low energy folded structures, but provides insight into folding pathways and higher energy excited states, opening to the possibility of assessing the validity of force fields also based on kinetics and experiments providing information on metastable and unfolded states.
Antiviral Activity of Natural Compounds for Food Safety
Authors: Falcó Irene , Randazzo Walter , Sánchez Gloria
Published: June 2024

Gastroenteritis and hepatitis are the most common illnesses resulting from the consumption of food contaminated with human enteric viruses. Several natural compounds have demonstrated antiviral activity against human enteric viruses, such as human norovirus and hepatitis A virus, while little information is available for hepatitis E virus. Many in-vitro studies have evaluated the efficacy of different natural compounds against human enteric viruses or their surrogates. However, only few studies have investigated their antiviral activity in food applications. Among them, green tea extract, grape seed extract and carrageenans have been extensively investigated as antiviral natural compounds to improve food safety. Indeed, these extracts have been studied as sanitizers on food-contact surfaces, in produce washing solutions, as active fractions in antiviral food-packaging materials, and in edible coatings. The most innovative applications of these antiviral natural extracts include the development of coatings to extend the shelf life of berries or their combination with established food technologies for improved processes. This review summarizes existing knowledge in the underexplored field of natural compounds for enhancing the safety of viral-contaminated foods and underscores the research needs to be covered in the near future.
Investigation of the relationship between inflammation and microbiota in the intestinal tissue of female and male rats fed with fructose: Modulatory role of metformin
Authors: Yalçın Buğdaycı Azimet , Akarca Dizakar Saadet Özen , Demirel Mürşide Ayşe , Ömeroğlu Suna , Akar Fatma , Uludağ Mecit Orhan
Published: June 2024

Background

It has been reported that High-Fructose (HF) consumption, considered one of the etiological factors of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), causes changes in the gut microbiota and metabolic disorders. There is limited knowledge on the effects of metformin in HF-induced intestinal irregularities in male and female rats with MetS.

Objectives

In this study, we investigated the sex-dependent effects of metformin treatment on the gut microbiota, intestinal Tight Junction (TJ) proteins, and inflammation parameters in HF-induced MetS.

Methods

Fructose was given to the male and female rats as a 20% solution in drinking water for 15 weeks. Metformin (200 mg/kg) was administered by gastric tube once a day during the final seven weeks. Biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and bioinformatics analyses were performed. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05.

Results

The metformin treatment in fructose-fed rats promoted glucose, insulin, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance Index (HOMA-IR), and Triglyceride (TG) values in both sexes. The inflammation score was significantly decreased with metformin treatment in fructose-fed male and female rats (p < 0.05). Moreover, metformin treatment significantly decreased Interleukin-1 Beta (IL-1β) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) in ileum tissue from fructose-fed males (p < 0.05). Intestinal immunoreactivity of Occludin and Claudin-1 was increased with metformin treatment in fructose-fed female rats. HF and metformin treatment changed the gut microbial composition. Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio increased with HF in females. In the disease group, Bifidobacterium pseudolongum; in the treatment group, Lactobacillus helveticus and Lactobacillus reuteri are the prominent species in both sexes. When the male and female groups were compared, Akkermansia muciniphila was prominent in the male treatment group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, metformin treatment promoted biochemical parameters in both sexes of fructose-fed rats. Metformin showed a sex-dependent effect on inflammation parameters, permeability factors, and gut microbiota. Metformin has partly modulatory effects on fructose-induced intestinal changes.

Graphical Abstract
A note on the application of the RVT method to general classes of single-species population models formulated by random differential equations
Authors: Rodríguez Francisco , Lachachi Fatima Z. , Medjahdi Ikram , Castro M. Ángeles , Cortés Juan Carlos
Published: June 2024

The Random Variable Transformation (RVT) technique has been applied in recent years to analyze a wide variety of dynamic models formulated via random differential equations. The applicability of this technique has usually been focused on problems where an explicit solution of the underlying deterministic problem is available. This fact limits the usefulness of the RVT method. This note aims to point out that the RVT technique can be successfully applied without this requirement by showing a wider range of potential applications including very general classes of single-species models.
Multidisciplinary Management of Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Oh Eugene , Miller Jessa E. , Lee Jivianne T.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of review

This review explores the comprehensive management and treatment strategies for pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). It addresses questions regarding the efficacy and safety of both current treatments and emerging therapies. Additionally, this paper examines the diagnostic challenges in pediatric CRSwNP, particularly its distinct presentations and characteristics compared to those in adults.

Recent findings

Current research highlights various approaches for treating pediatric CRSwNP. Intranasal corticosteroids are found to be effective in managing symptoms, while oral corticosteroids are used to manage severe cases. Antibiotic therapy is recommended for acute exacerbations of CRSwNP when a bacterial cause is suspected. Surgical interventions such as adenoidectomy and endoscopic sinus surgery are considered when medical therapy fails. Emerging biologic therapies show promise but require further investigation regarding safety and cost-effectiveness in the pediatric population.

The findings suggest that a multimodal approach is essential for treating pediatric CRSwNP. Future research should aim to develop targeted therapies and refine treatment guidelines specifically for the pediatric population.
From the Lab to the Wild: Examining Generalizability of Video-based Mind Wandering Detection
Authors: Bühler Babette , Bozkir Efe , Goldberg Patricia , Sümer Ömer , D’Mello Sidney , Gerjets Peter , Trautwein Ulrich , Kasneci Enkelejda
Published: June 2024

Student’s shift of attention away from a current learning task to task-unrelated thought, also called mind wandering, occurs about 30% of the time spent on education-related activities. Its frequent occurrence has a negative effect on learning outcomes across learning tasks. Automated detection of mind wandering might offer an opportunity to assess the attentional state continuously and non-intrusively over time and hence enable large-scale research on learning materials and responding to inattention with targeted interventions. To achieve this, an accessible detection approach that performs well for various systems and settings is required. In this work, we explore a new, generalizable approach to video-based mind wandering detection that can be transferred to naturalistic settings across learning tasks. Therefore, we leverage two datasets, consisting of facial videos during reading in the lab (N = 135) and lecture viewing in-the-wild (N = 15). When predicting mind wandering, deep neural networks (DNN) and long short-term memory networks (LSTMs) achieve F$$_{1}$$

1

scores of 0.44 (AUC-PR = 0.40) and 0.459 (AUC-PR = 0.39), above chance level, with latent features based on transfer-learning on the lab data. When exploring generalizability by training on the lab dataset and predicting on the in-the-wild dataset, BiLSTMs on latent features perform comparably to the state-of-the-art with an F$$_{1}$$

1

score of 0.352 (AUC-PR = 0.26). Moreover, we investigate the fairness of predictive models across gender and show based on post-hoc explainability methods that employed latent features mainly encode information on eye and mouth areas. We discuss the benefits of generalizability and possible applications.
Stable Cycling of All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries Enabled by Cyano-Molecular Diamond Improved Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Dai Yang , Zhuang Mengbing , Deng Yi-Xiao , Liao Yuan , Gu Jian , Song Tinglu , Yan Hao , Zheng Jin-Cheng
Published: June 2024

The interfacial instability of the poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based electrolytes impedes the long-term cycling and further application of all-solid-state lithium metal batteries. In this work, we have shown an effective additive 1-adamantanecarbonitrile, which contributes to the excellent performance of the poly(ethylene oxide)-based electrolytes. Owing to the strong interaction of the 1-Adamantanecarbonitrile to the polymer matrix and anions, the coordination of the Li+-EO is weakened, and the binding effect of anions is strengthened, thereby improving the Li+ conductivity and the electrochemical stability. The diamond building block on the surface of the lithium anode can suppress the growth of lithium dendrites. Importantly, the 1-Adamantanecarbonitrile also regulates the formation of LiF in the solid electrolyte interface and cathode electrolyte interface, which contributes to the interfacial stability (especially at high voltages) and protects the electrodes, enabling all-solid-state batteries to cycle at high voltages for long periods of time. Therefore, the Li/Li symmetric cell undergoes long-term lithium plating/stripping for more than 2000 h. 1-Adamantanecarbonitrile-poly(ethylene oxide)-based LFP/Li and 4.3 V Ni0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2/Li all-solid-state batteries achieved stable cycles for 1000 times, with capacity retention rates reaching 85% and 80%, respectively.
Tree-Inspired Structurally Graded Aerogel with Synergistic Water, Salt, and Thermal Transport for High-Salinity Solar-Powered Evaporation
Authors: Zhao Xiaomeng , Zhang Heng , Chan Kit-Ying , Huang Xinyue , Yang Yunfei , Shen Xi
Published: June 2024

Solar-powered interfacial evaporation is an energy-efficient solution for water scarcity. It requires solar absorbers to facilitate upward water transport and limit the heat to the surface for efficient evaporation. Furthermore, downward salt ion transport is also desired to prevent salt accumulation. However, achieving simultaneously fast water uptake, downward salt transport, and heat localization is challenging due to highly coupled water, mass, and thermal transport. Here, we develop a structurally graded aerogel inspired by tree transport systems to collectively optimize water, salt, and thermal transport. The arched aerogel features root-like, fan-shaped microchannels for rapid water uptake and downward salt diffusion, and horizontally aligned pores near the surface for heat localization through maximizing solar absorption and minimizing conductive heat loss. These structural characteristics gave rise to consistent evaporation rates of 2.09 kg m−2 h−1 under one-sun illumination in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 7 days without degradation. Even in a high-salinity solution of 20 wt% NaCl, the evaporation rates maintained stable at 1.94 kg m−2 h−1 for 8 h without salt crystal formation. This work offers a novel microstructural design to address the complex interplay of water, salt, and thermal transport.
Photoisomerization pathway of the microbial rhodopsin chromophore in solution
Authors: Sugiura Masahiro , Kandori Hideki
Published: June 2024

Photoisomerization is a key photochemical reaction in microbial and animal rhodopsins. It is well established that such photoisomerization is highly selective; all-trans to 13-cis, and 11-cis to all-trans forms in microbial and animal rhodopsins, respectively. Nevertheless, unusual photoisomerization pathways have been discovered recently in microbial rhodopsins. In an enzymerhodopsin NeoR, the all-trans chromophore is isomerized into the 7-cis form exclusively, which is stable at room temperature. Although, the 7-cis form is produced by illumination of retinal, formation of the 7-cis form was never reported for a protonated Schiff base of all-trans retinal in solution. Present HPLC analysis of retinal oximes prepared by hydroxylamine reaction revealed that all-trans and 7-cis forms cannot be separated from the syn peaks under the standard HPLC conditions, while it is possible by the analysis of the anti-peaks. Consequently, we found formation of the 7-cis form by the photoreaction of all-trans chromophore in solution, regardless of the protonation state of the Schiff base. Upon light absorption of all-trans protonated retinal Schiff base in solution, excited-state relaxation accompanies double-bond isomerization, producing 7-cis, 9-cis, 11-cis, or 13-cis form. In contrast, specific chromophore-protein interaction enforces selective isomerization into the 13-cis form in many microbial rhodopsins, but into 7-cis in NeoR.

Graphical Abstract
Active Community-Based Case Finding of Endemic Leishmaniasis in West Bengal, India
Authors: Guha Subhasish Kamal , Sardar Ashif Ali , Misra Amartya Kumar , Saha Pabitra , Samanta Anwesha , Maji Dipankar , Mandal Amitabha , Saha Punita , Halder Supriya , Ali Kabiul Akhter , Karmakar Sibajyoti , Sharma Dipendra , Maji Ardhendu Kumar
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The ongoing visceral leishmaniasis (VL) elimination programme in India is targeting the elimination of the disease VL but not the pathogen. The persistence of hidden parasite pool may initiate a resurgence in suitable conditions. This study dealt with a novel approach to unearth such pathogen pool and their proper management to prevent the resurgence of VL.

Materials and Methods

We deployed a new approach for detection of pathogen pool by following up the VL and post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis patients treated during the last 10 years along with mass sero-surveillance within a radius of 500 m of recently treated individuals.

Results

We followed up 72.6% (3026/4168) previously treated VL and post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis patients and diagnosed 42 (1.4%) new and 38 (1.3%) recurrent post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. We detected 93 asymptomatic leishmanial infection, 8 VL and 1 post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis by mass sero-surveillance.

Conclusion

Our three-step process including mapping and follow-up of previously treated cases, mass surveillance within 500 m of radius of known cases, and 6 monthly follow-on clinical and serological screening of asymptomatic cases, enabled detection of previously undetected cases of post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis and VL. Recurrent post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis deserves special attention regarding their treatment guideline. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of all leishmaniasis cases will hasten pathogen elimination and prevent resurgence of VL. This may help the policymakers to develop appropriate strategy for elimination of pathogen to prevent resurgence of VL.
Seasonal Variations, Origin, and Parameterization of Ice‐Nucleating Particles at a Mountain Station in Central France
Authors: Bras Yannick , Freney Evelyn , Canzi Antoine , Amato Pierre , Bouvier Laetitia , Pichon Jean‐Marc , Picard David , Minguillón María Cruz , Pérez Noemí , Sellegri Karine
Published: June 2024

Identifying how aerosol particles interact with atmospheric water is critical to understand climate and precipitation. Ice‐nucleating particles (INP) trigger the formation of atmospheric ice crystals at higher temperatures than pure water. They are difficult to characterize because of their scarce occurrence, and variability, in the atmosphere, especially at temperatures above −20°C. It has been demonstrated that at these temperatures, biological aerosol particles can contribute significantly to INP number concentration. This study incorporates a series of offline, size‐segregated measurements of INPs collected at the Puy de Dôme station (PUY, 1,465 m a.s.l.) over a 6 month period from October to May, covering the transitions from autumn, winter, to spring. These measurements show a general trend of decreasing particle number concentrations during the winter months and higher concentration during autumn and spring. INP concentrations measured in the range of −5 and −18°C, had concentrations of 0.001 INP/Lair at the warmest temperatures, and between 0.01 and 0.1 INP/Lair at the coldest temperatures. The majority of INP measured at temperatures warmer than −15°C were heat labile, suggesting a biological or organic origin. The INP variability was compared with collocated aerosol physical and chemical properties, allowing us to associate highest INP concentrations with local and marine origins. Following these comparisons, we use aerosol total number concentration to develop a new parameterization. In addition, this parameterization is specifically optimized for warmer temperature INP measurements, and demonstrated a good performance when tested on independent data sets.
Kinetic Isotope Effects During Reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II): Large Normal and Inverse Isotope Effects for Abiotic Reduction and Smaller Fractionations by Phytoplankton in Culture
Authors: John S. G. , Boyle E. A. , Cunningham B. R. , Fu F.‐X. , Greene S. , Hodierne C. , Hutchins D. A. , Kavner A. , King A. L. , Rosenberg A. D. , Saito M. A. , Wasson A.
Published: June 2024

Iron stable isotopes (δ56Fe) are a useful tool for studying Earth processes, many of which involve redox transformations between Fe(III) and Fe(II). Here, we present two related experimental efforts, a study of the kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) associated with the reduction of Fe(III)‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to Fe(II), and measurements of the biological fractionation of Fe isotopes by phytoplankton in culture. Reductants tested were ascorbate, hydroxylamine, Mn(II), dithionite, and photoreduction at pH between 5 and 9 and temperatures from 0 to 100°C. Isotope fractionations were very large, and included both normal and inverse KIEs, ranging from −4‰ to +5‰. Experiments were reproducible, yielding similar results for triplicate experiments run concurrently and for experiments run weeks apart. However, fractionations were not predictable, without a clear relationship to reaction rate, temperature, pH, or the reductant used. Acquisition of Fe by eukaryotic phytoplankton also often involves the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II). Several species of diatoms and a coccolithophore were tested for Fe isotope fractionation in culture using EDTA, NTA, and DFB as Fe(III) chelating ligands, yielding fractionations from −1.3‰ to +0.6‰. Biological isotope effects were also unpredictable, showing no clear relationship to species, growth rate, or Fe concentration. Variability in Fe isotope fractionation observed in culture may be explained in part by the sensitivity of KIEs. This work has implications for the industrial purification of isotopes, interpretation of natural δ56Fe, and the use of Fe isotopes as a tracer Fe source and biological processes in the ocean and other natural systems.