bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient Status and Supplement Use During Pregnancy Following Metabolic Bariatric Surgery: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Heusschen Laura , Berendsen Agnes A. M. , van Bon Arianne C. , van Laar Judith O. E. H. , Krabbendam Ineke , Hazebroek Eric J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Pregnant women with a history of metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) are at high risk of developing nutrient deficiencies, leading to greater challenges to reach nutritional requirements. This study compared nutrient status of women using specialized “weight loss surgery” multivitamin supplementation (WLS-MVS) to those using standard supplementation (sMVS) during pregnancy following MBS.

Methods

Multicenter observational cohort study including 119 pregnant women at 41.0 (18.5–70.0) months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB, n = 80) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG, n = 39). Routine blood samples were analyzed every trimester (T1, T2, T3), and micronutrient serum levels were compared between WLS-MVS and sMVS users.

Results

During pregnancy after RYGB, WLS-MVS users demonstrated higher serum concentrations of hemoglobin (7.4 [7.2, 7.5] vs. 7.0 [6.8, 7.3] mmol/L), ferritin (23.2 [15.0, 35.7] vs. 13.7 [8.4, 22.4] µg/L), and folic acid (31.4 [28.7, 34.2] vs. 25.4 [21.3, 29.4] nmol/L) and lower serum vitamin B6 levels (T1: 90.6 [82.0, 99.8] vs. 132.1 [114.6, 152.4] nmol/L) compared to sMVS users. Iron deficiencies and elevated serum vitamin B6 levels were less prevalent in the WLS-MVS group. During pregnancy after SG, WLS-MVS users showed higher serum vitamin D concentrations (89.7 [77.6, 101.8] vs. 65.4 [53.3, 77.4] nmol/L) and lower serum vitamin B1 concentrations (T2: 137.4 [124.2, 150.6] vs. 161.6 [149.0, 174.1] nmol/L, T3: 133.9 [120.1, 147.7] vs. 154.7 [141.9, 167.5] nmol/L) compared to sMVS users.

Conclusion

Low maternal concentrations of micronutrients are highly prevalent during pregnancy after MBS. The use of specialized multivitamin supplementation generally resulted in higher serum levels during pregnancy compared to standard supplementation. Future research is needed to investigate how supplementation strategies can be optimized for this high-risk population.

Graphical Abstract
Implementation of fracture risk assessment in men with prostate cancer requiring long-term androgen deprivation therapy: a systematic scoping review using the i-PARIHS implementation framework
Authors: Huang Qizhi , Mitchell Caroline , Theodoulou Elisavet , Lee Andrew C. K. , Brown Janet
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a mainstay of treatment for prostate cancer (PCa) and is associated with increased risks of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Despite international guidelines to mitigate fracture risk, osteoporosis is under-diagnosed and under-treated due to poor implementation. This scoping review aims to synthesise knowledge surrounding the implementation of guidelines to inform health service interventions to reduce fracture risk in men with PCa-taking ADT (PCa-ADT).

Method

Four databases and additional literature were searched for studies published between January 2000 and January 2023. Studies that provided evidence influencing guidelines implementation were included. The i-PARIHS (Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services) implementation framework was used to inform the narrative synthesis.

Results

Of the 1229 studies identified, 9 studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, an improvement in fracture risk assessment was observed across heterogeneous study designs and outcome measures. Six studies were from Canada. Two studies involved family physicians or a community healthcare programme. Two studies incorporated patient or specialist surveys. One utilised an implementation framework. Implementation barriers included the lack of knowledge for both patients and clinicians, time constraints, unsupportive organisational structures, and challenges in transferring patient care from specialists to primary care. Effective strategies included education, novel care pathways using a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating a healthy bone prescription tool into routine care, point-of-care interventions, and bespoke clinics.

Conclusion

There is an unmet need to provide evidence-based bone healthcare in men with PCa receiving ADT. This study highlights barriers and strategies in the implementation of fracture risk assessment for PCa-ADT patients.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Primary care clinicians can play a significant role in the management of complications from long-term cancer treatment such as treatment-induced bone loss. Future studies should consult patients, families, specialists, and primary care clinicians in service re-design.
Association between JAK2V617F variable allele frequency and risk of thrombotic events in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Brown Ryan , Jasiakiewicz Joanna , Greer Victoria , Hindley Andrew , McDowell Katie , Devlin Eadaoin , Clarke Kathryn , Buckley Frances , Crean Clare , McGimpsey Julie , Cuthbert Robert J. G. , Cunningham Nick , Arnold Claire , Finnegan Damian , Benson Gary , McMullin Mary Frances , Catherwood Mark A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of chronic disorders of the bone marrow characterised by the overproduction of clonal myeloid stem cells. The most common driver mutation found in MPNs is a point mutation on exon 14 of the JAK2 gene, JAK2V617F. Various studies have suggested that measuring the variable allele frequency (VAF) of JAK2V617F may provide useful insight regarding diagnosis, treatment, risks and outcomes in MPN patients. In particular, JAK2V617F has been associated with increased risk of thrombotic events, a leading cause of mortality in MPNs.

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine if JAK2V617F VAF was associated with clinical outcomes in patients with MPN.

Methods

JAK2V617F VAF was determined by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in a cohort of 159 newly diagnosed MPN patients, and the association of JAK2V617F VAF and risk of thrombosis was examined in this cohort.

Results

We observed a significantly higher JAK2V617F VAF in PV and PMF versus ET. A significant association was observed between JAK2V617F VAF and risk of thrombotic events. When patients were stratified by thrombotic events prior to and post diagnosis, an association with JAK2V617F VAF was only observed with post diagnosis thrombotic events. Of note, these associations were not observed when looking at each MPN subtype in isolation.

Conclusions

We have shown that a higher JAK2V617F VAF is associated with thrombotic events post MPN diagnosis. JAK2V617F VAF may therefore provide a valuable prognostic indicator for risk of thrombosis in MPNs.
Application of Steady-State and Time-Resolved Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Identification of Bee Products
Authors: Szukay Beata , Gałęcki Krystian , Kowalska-Baron Agnieszka , Budzyński Jacek , Fisz Jacek J.
Published: August 2024

In this study, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy techniques have been applied to determine fluorescence characteristics and fluorescence decay kinetics parameters (fluorescence lifetimes and their amplitudes) of available on the Polish market bee products, including several nectar honeys, royal jelly, bee bread in honey and in liquid artificial honey. The fluorescence properties of the tested bee products arise from the presence of a unique composition of aromatic amino acids, vitamins, phenolic compounds and Maillard reaction products. In the 300–550 nm region of the emission spectra (excited at 280 nm), each of the tested bee products exhibited (showed) a specific and distinctive vibronic structure, which was not observed in the spectrum of artificial honey. Quantitative and qualitative composition as well as specific interactions between fluorescent constituents determine the specific fluorescence characteristics of a given bee product providing a unique fingerprint that can be used in the identification of bee products of different botanical origin. Combination of stationary and time-resolved fluorescence techniques seems to be a promising approach in the identification, authentication and quality control of bee products to verify their health-beneficial properties.
Which heart failure patients benefit most from non-invasive telemedicine? An overview of current evidence and future directions
Authors: van Eijk Jorna , Luijken Kim , Trappenburg Jaap , Jaarsma Tiny , Asselbergs Folkert W.
Published: August 2024

Telemedicine in heart failure (HF) management may positively impact health outcomes, but varied effects in studies hinder guidance in HF guidelines. Evidence on the effectiveness of telemedicine in HF subpopulations is limited. We conducted a scoping review to evaluate and synthesise evidence on the effectiveness of telemedicine across HF subpopulations that could guide telemedicine strategies in routine practice. Meta-analyses concerning randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with subgroup analyses on telemedicine effectives were identified in PubMed. We identified 15 RCTs, encompassing 21 different subgroups based on characteristics of HF patients. Findings varied across studies and no definite evidence was found about which patients benefit most from telemedicine. Subgroup definitions were inconsistent, not always a priori defined and subgroups contained few patients. Some studies found heterogeneous effects of telemedicine on mortality and hospitalisation across subgroups defined by: New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, previous HF decompensation, implantable device, concurrent depression, time since hospital discharge and duration of HF. Patients represented in the RCTs were mostly male, aged 65–75 years, with HF with reduced ejection fraction and NYHA class II/III. Traditional RCTs have not been able to provide clinicians with guidance; continuous real-world evidence generation could enhance monitoring and identify who benefits from telemedicine.
Health risk assessment of heavy metals and physicochemical parameters in natural mineral bottled drinking water using ICP-MS in South Africa
Authors: John Samuel Odumu Ogana , Olukotun Stephen Friday , Kupi Tebogo Gilbert , Mathuthu Manny
Published: August 2024

The contamination of natural mineral bottled drinking water with trace, heavy metals and rare-earth elements is a growing concern globally, especially in regions with limited access to safe drinking water sources. In South Africa, the safety of bottled water remains a critical issue due to potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. This study aimed to evaluate physicochemical parameters alongside to assess the health risks due to heavy metals in natural mineral bottled drinking water available in South Africa, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. A total of 21 bottled water samples from different brands were collected and analysed for heavy metal concentrations including Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Ba and Hg, as well as physicochemical parameters such as pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and total dissolved solids among others. The results revealed physicochemical parameters were within acceptable ranges, indicating overall water quality. Varying levels of heavy metals across different brands observed with concentrations of Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, K and Mn in some samples exceeding permissible limits set by WHO and SAWQG for drinking water quality. The mean concentration of the heavy metals is in the decreasing toxicity order of Sr > Al > Ba > Mn > Cu > Cr > Zn > Fe > As > Co > U > Ni > Cs > Pb > Cd > Hg. The mean values of the chronic daily intake (CDI) for the concentration of heavy metals for adults are in the order of Cr > Fe > Sr > Ba > Mn > Cu > Zn > Li > V > As > Ni > Be > Pb > Hg > Cd and were below acceptable limits. The estimated values of both HQ and HI (with mean of 2.07E−03 and range of 0.00 to 1.76E−02) for the heavy metals are all found to be less than 1. The total mean value of ILCR is 4.67E−06, and range of 0.00 to 2.76E−05, which is insignificant and within the permissible level of the cancer risk guidance limit of 1.00E−06 to 1.00E−04. The results show that consumption of natural mineral bottled drinking water of South Africa is safe and may not cause any significant health risk to the populace. However, the long-time potential effects due to the few exceeded metals levels needed to be considered. Our findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on water quality assurance, offering insights into the overall integrity of the natural mineral bottled water supply chain in South Africa. This research not only serves as a foundation for regulatory measures but also underscores the significance of maintaining high-quality standards in the bottled water industry for public health and environmental sustainability.
Perov type T-contractive mappings on cone b-metric spaces with generalized c-distance
Authors: Nazir Talat , Abbas Mujahid , Silvestrov Sergei
Published: August 2024

The aim of this paper is to study the sufficient conditions for the existence of fixed points of Perov type T-contractive mappings in the setup of complete cone b-metric space associated with generalized c-distance. Some examples are presented to support our main results and concepts defined herein. The results proved in the paper extend and generalize various well known results in the existing literature.
Skin Type Diversity in Skin Lesion Datasets: A Review
Authors: Alipour Neda , Burke Ted , Courtney Jane
Published: August 2024

Purpose of review

Skin type diversity in image datasets refers to the representation of various skin types. This diversity allows for the verification of comparable performance of a trained model across different skin types. A widespread problem in datasets involving human skin is the lack of verifiable diversity in skin types, making it difficult to evaluate whether the performance of the trained models generalizes across different skin types. For example, the diversity issues in skin lesion datasets, which are used to train deep learning-based models, often result in lower accuracy for darker skin types that are typically under-represented in these datasets. Under-representation in datasets results in lower performance in deep learning models for under-represented skin types.

Recent findings

This issue has been discussed in previous works; however, the reporting of skin types, and inherent diversity, have not been fully assessed. Some works report skin types but do not attempt to assess the representation of each skin type in datasets. Others, focusing on skin lesions, identify the issue but do not measure skin type diversity in the datasets examined.

Effort is needed to address these shortcomings and move towards facilitating verifiable diversity. Building on previous works in skin lesion datasets, this review explores the general issue of skin type diversity by investigating and evaluating skin lesion datasets specifically. The main contributions of this work are an evaluation of publicly available skin lesion datasets and their metadata to assess the frequency and completeness of reporting of skin type and an investigation into the diversity and representation of each skin type within these datasets.
Disseminated, fatal reactivation of bovine tuberculosis in a patient treated with adalimumab: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Capoferri Gioele , Ghielmetti Giovanni , Glatz Bettina , Mutke Markus R. , Tzankov Alexandar , Stephan Roger , Keller Peter M. , Labhardt Niklaus D.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) are known to increase the risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation, though cases involving Mycobacterium bovis are rarely reported.

Case presentation/results

We describe a case of disseminated TB with M. bovis in a 78-year-old woman with a negative Interferon-Gamma-Release Assay (IGRA), taking adalimumab due to rheumatoid polyarthritis, which resulted in a fatal outcome. The atypical clinical and histopathological features were initially interpreted as sarcoidosis. The case occurred in Switzerland, an officially bovine tuberculosis-free country. The whole genome sequence of the patient’s cultured M. bovis isolate was identified as belonging to the animal lineage La1.2, the main genotype in continental Europe, but showed significant genetic distance from previously sequenced Swiss cattle strains. In a literature review, four cases of bovine tuberculosis reactivation under TNFi treatment were identified, with pulmonal, oral and intestinal manifestations. Similar to our patient, two cases presented a negative IGRA before TNFi initiation, which later converted to positive upon symptomatic presentation of M. bovis infection.

Conclusion

This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of TB in immunosuppressed patients, the limited sensitivity of IGRA, and the importance of considering TB reactivation even in regions declared free of bovine tuberculosis. Detailed patient histories, including potential exposure to unpasteurized dairy products, are essential for guiding preventive TB treatment before TNFi initiation.
Tolerance of uncertainty and its role for teachers’ use of ICT in classroom in times of digital transformation
Authors: Gerick Julia , Killus Dagmar
Published: August 2024

This paper focuses on conditions that are crucial for the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the classroom. Particular attention is given to teachers’ tolerance of uncertainty, which is seen as an important internal resource for coping with professional requirements. Furthermore, the paper examines whether teachers’ tolerance of uncertainty is related to other internal resources (positive views on ICT, ICT-related self-efficacy) and external resources (ICT-related teacher collaboration). The data are derived from a survey among 8th grade teachers in secondary schools in Germany conducted as part of the IEA International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS 2018). The findings show a positive relationship between teachers’ tolerance of uncertainty and their use of ICT in the classroom. Teachers’ tolerance of uncertainty is furthermore in particular positively related to teachers’ positive views on ICT and ICT-related teacher collaboration at school. The relationship between teachers’ tolerance of uncertainty and their use of ICT in the classroom remained when statistically controlled for internal and external resources. Teachers’ tolerance of uncertainty can therefore be seen as a resource in the teaching profession.
When all you have is a hammer - integration challenges in coastal zone planning
Authors: Sørdahl Patrick Berg , Kvalvik Ingrid
Published: August 2024

This paper critically examines the evolution of integration as a concept in coastal zone planning through an analysis of Norwegian municipal coastal zone plans spanning a 35-year period. By drawing on the framework of governmentality, we show how the coastal zone and the activities taking place there are being subject to problematizations, rationalizations and technologies for promoting integration. This illustrates how previous spatial dispositions themselves become problematized at later points, giving rise to new rationalizations and new technologies of governing, revealing a dynamic redefinition of integration in response to complex coastal governance challenges. What integration entails is not a given. Instead, it’s a fluid concept, evolving over time in meaning and intent. The paper also shows how ambitions for integrated or comprehensive planning can obscure the purpose of planning and increase complexity. With integration being framed as an undisputed answer to conflicts in the coastal zone, the difficulty of managing the multitude of coastal activities does not lead to a critical discussion on whether ‘integration’ is a fruitful ambition. Instead, it becomes an argument for yet more integrative efforts.
The Rule of Law and Corporate Actors: Measuring Influence
Authors: Uvarova Olena
Published: August 2024

This article proposes an approach for conceptualizing and assessing the extent to which corporate actors impact the rule of law environment in different societies. To achieve this, the methodology for the Corporate Actors and the Rule of Law Index is developed based on a reimagined methodology derived from the Rule of Law Index by the World Justice Project, originally conceived in a state-centric manner. The methodology proposed in this article includes the following factors: preventing corporate capture and corporate contribution to structural inequality, corporate integrity and transparency, meaningful stakeholder engagement; order and security; impact on the regulatory sphere; corporate accountability for human rights abuses; access to grievance mechanisms. Measuring the influence of corporate actors on the rule of law and indicating the dynamic of this influence significantly contributes to the overall understanding of the rule of law environment. The absence of such measurement distorts the comprehension of the balance of power in a society, impedes the development of legal regulation, obstructs the identification of problematic issues in ensuring the rule of law, and hinders efforts to address them.
Effects of Accelerated Reproductive Timing in Response to Childhood Adversity on Lifetime Reproductive Success in Modern Environments
Authors: Kometani Atsushi , Ohtsubo Yohsuke
Published: August 2024

Psychosocial acceleration theory postulates that human females have an evolved reaction norm that accelerates reproductive timing in response to childhood adversity, such as low socioeconomic status (SES). While this theory has garnered widespread acceptance in psychology, the extant evidence suggests that such a reaction norm was not adaptive in pre-industrialised human populations (and in a wild baboon population). However, there has been no study examining whether such psychosocial acceleration is adaptive in contemporary societies. Therefore, this study, conducted in Japan and the US, tests the hypothesis that early fertility is associated with higher lifetime reproductive success (LRS) among women from low SES families, while it is associated with lower LRS among women from high SES families. Participants were women aged 45–50 years (480 Japanese women in Study 1 and 780 American women in Study 2). Participants reported their childhood SES, early adulthood SES, and number of children. The results were not supportive of the hypothesis. In both the Japanese and American samples, early fertility was associated with higher LRS regardless of childhood SES. In other words, accelerated reproductive timing did not selectively confer fitness advantages on women from low-SES families. The results of this study are generally in line with previous findings in pre-industrialised societies.
A fast mask synthesis method for face recognition
Authors: Guo Kaiwen , Zhao Chaoyang , Wang Jinqiao
Published: August 2024

Mask face recognition has recently gained increasing attention in the current context. Face mask occlusion seriously affects the performance of face recognition systems, because more than 75% of the face area remains unexposed and the mask directly causes an increase in intra-class differences and a decrease in inter-class separability in the feature space. To improve the performance of face recognition model against mask occlusion, we propose a fast and efficient method for mask generation in this paper, which can avoid the need for large-scale collection of real-world mask face training sets. This approach can be embedded in the training process of any mask face model as a module and is very flexible. Experiments on the MLFW, MFR2 and RMFD datasets show the effectiveness and flexibility of our approach that outperform the state-of-the-art methods.
Seasonality of Subsurface Shear Instabilities at Tropical Instability Wave Fronts in the Atlantic Ocean in a High‐Resolution Simulation
Authors: Specht Mia Sophie , Jungclaus Johann , Bader Jürgen
Published: August 2024

Tropical Instability Waves (TIWs) have been shown to modulate upper ocean mixing. However, previous studies on the modulation of TIW related mixing are based on small numbers of TIWs and have not considered temporal variability, which can lead to discrepancies in the findings. In this study, using a 12‐year simulation carried out with a comprehensive, global, high‐resolution ocean model, we present evidence of seasonally modulated shear instabilities at TIW fronts in the Atlantic Ocean that reach down to the thermocline depth, potentially inducing mixing below the mixed layer depth. We find that, regardless of whether TIWs are present earlier in the year, frontal instabilities and potential mixing primarily occur in boreal summer, coinciding with a vertical shear maximum between the mean zonal currents. We argue that in the Atlantic Ocean, vertical shear at TIW fronts does usually not suffice to cause frontal instabilities below the mixed layer depth. Instead, the background shear needs to be sufficiently large in addition to TIW shear, to overcome the stability. The background shear in turn varies seasonally and is strongly driven by the variability of the northern branch of the South Equatorial Current (nSEC). As such, the variability of the nSEC strongly contributes to the generation and modulation of instabilities at TIW fronts that reach below the mixed layer depth and have the potential to induce mixing. Our results highlight the importance of seasonal variability when studying TIW impacts and their effect on mixing.
Enhanced Carbon Flux Response to Atmospheric Aridity and Water Storage Deficit During the 2015–2016 El Niño Compromised Carbon Balance Recovery in Tropical South America
Authors: Liu Junjie , Bowman Kevin , Palmer Paul I. , Joiner Joanna , Levine Paul , Bloom A. Anthony , Feng Liang , Saatchi Sassan , Keller Michael , Longo Marcos , Schimel David , Wennberg Paul O.
Published: August 2024

During the 2015–2016 El Niño, the Amazon basin released almost one gigaton of carbon (GtC) into the atmosphere due to extreme temperatures and drought. The link between the drought impact and recovery of the total carbon pools and its biogeochemical drivers is still unknown. With satellite‐constrained net carbon exchange and its component fluxes including gross primary production and fire emissions, we show that the total carbon loss caused by the 2015–2016 El Niño had not recovered by the end of 2018. Forest ecosystems over the Northeastern (NE) Amazon suffered a cumulative total carbon loss of ∼0.6 GtC through December 2018, driven primarily by a suppression of photosynthesis whereas southeastern savannah carbon loss was driven in part by fire. We attribute the slow recovery to the unexpected large carbon loss caused by the severe atmospheric aridity coupled with a water storage deficit during drought. We show the attenuation of carbon uptake is three times higher than expected from the pre‐drought sensitivity to atmospheric aridity and ground water supply. Our study fills an important knowledge gap in our understanding of the unexpectedly enhanced response of carbon fluxes to atmospheric aridity and water storage deficit and its impact on regional post‐drought recovery as a function of the vegetation types and climate perturbations. Our results suggest that the disproportionate impact of water supply and demand could compromise resiliency of the Amazonian carbon balance to future increases in extreme events.
A Path Toward Understanding Regional Sea Level Rise
Authors: Scharping Nathaniel
Published: August 2024

Finer-resolution models, as well as an improved understanding of ocean shelf–sea processes, are key to understanding the way different coastlines will be affected by rising waters, extreme storm surges, and waves.
Exciton-harvesting enabled efficient charged particle detection in zero-dimensional halides
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang Chenger , Shi Hongliang , Chen Jie , Yang Junye , Beitlerova Alena , Kucerkova Romana , Zhou Zhengyang , Li Yunyun , Nikl Martin , Sun Xilei , OuYang Xiaoping , Wu Yuntao
Published: August 2024

Materials for radiation detection are critically important and urgently demanded in diverse fields, starting from fundamental scientific research to medical diagnostics, homeland security, and environmental monitoring. Low-dimensional halides (LDHs) exhibiting efficient self-trapped exciton (STE) emission with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) have recently shown a great potential as scintillators. However, an overlooked issue of exciton-exciton interaction in LDHs under ionizing radiation hinders the broadening of its radiation detection applications. Here, we demonstrate an exceptional enhancement of exciton-harvesting efficiency in zero-dimensional (0D) Cs3Cu2I5:Tl halide single crystals by forming strongly localized Tl-bound excitons. Because of the suppression of non-radiative exciton-exciton interaction, an excellent α/β pulse-shape-discrimination (PSD) figure-of-merit (FoM) factor of 2.64, a superior rejection ratio of 10−9, and a high scintillation yield of 26 000 photons MeV−1 under 5.49 MeV α-ray are achieved in Cs3Cu2I5:Tl single crystals, outperforming the commercial ZnS:Ag/PVT composites for charged particle detection applications. Furthermore, a radiation detector prototype based on Cs3Cu2I5:Tl single crystal demonstrates the capability of identifying radioactive 220Rn gas for environmental radiation monitoring applications. We believe that the exciton-harvesting strategy proposed here can greatly boost the applications of LDHs materials.
Collective dynamics and long-range order in thermal neuristor networks
Authors: Zhang Yuan-Hang , Sipling Chesson , Qiu Erbin , Schuller Ivan K. , Di Ventra Massimiliano
Published: August 2024

In the pursuit of scalable and energy-efficient neuromorphic devices, recent research has unveiled a novel category of spiking oscillators, termed “thermal neuristors.” These devices function via thermal interactions among neighboring vanadium dioxide resistive memories, emulating biological neuronal behavior. Here, we show that the collective dynamical behavior of networks of these neurons showcases a rich phase structure, tunable by adjusting the thermal coupling and input voltage. Notably, we identify phases exhibiting long-range order that, however, does not arise from criticality, but rather from the time non-local response of the system. In addition, we show that these thermal neuristor arrays achieve high accuracy in image recognition and time series prediction through reservoir computing, without leveraging long-range order. Our findings highlight a crucial aspect of neuromorphic computing with possible implications on the functioning of the brain: criticality may not be necessary for the efficient performance of neuromorphic systems in certain computational tasks.
The SLICE-3D dataset: 400,000 skin lesion image crops extracted from 3D TBP for skin cancer detection
Authors: Kurtansky Nicholas R. , D’Alessandro Brian M. , Gillis Maura C. , Betz-Stablein Brigid , Cerminara Sara E. , Garcia Rafael , Girundi Marcela Alves , Goessinger Elisabeth Victoria , Gottfrois Philippe , Guitera Pascale , Halpern Allan C. , Jakrot Valerie , Kittler Harald , Kose Kivanc , Liopyris Konstantinos , Malvehy Josep , Mar Victoria J. , Martin Linda K. , Mathew Thomas , Maul Lara Valeska , Mothershaw Adam , Mueller Alina M. , Mueller Christoph , Navarini Alexander A. , Rajeswaran Tarlia , Rajeswaran Vin , Saha Anup , Sashindranath Maithili , Serra-García Laura , Soyer H. Peter , Theocharis Georgios , Vos Ayesha , Weber Jochen , Rotemberg Veronica
Published: August 2024

AI image classification algorithms have shown promising results when applied to skin cancer detection. Most public skin cancer image datasets are comprised of dermoscopic photos and are limited by selection bias, lack of standardization, and lend themselves to development of algorithms that can only be used by skilled clinicians. The SLICE-3D (“Skin Lesion Image Crops Extracted from 3D TBP”) dataset described here addresses those concerns and contains images of over 400,000 distinct skin lesions from seven dermatologic centers from around the world. De-identified images were systematically extracted from sensitive 3D Total Body Photographs and are comparable in optical resolution to smartphone images. Algorithms trained on lower quality images could improve clinical workflows and detect skin cancers earlier if deployed in primary care or non-clinical settings, where photos are captured by non-expert physicians or patients. Such a tool could prompt individuals to visit a specialized dermatologist. This dataset circumvents many inherent limitations of prior datasets and may be used to build upon previous applications of skin imaging for cancer detection.
Proteomic profiling of Arabidopsis nuclei reveals distinct protein accumulation kinetics upon heat stress
Authors: Muñoz-Díaz E. , Fuenzalida-Valdivia I. , Darrière T. , de Bures A. , Blanco-Herrera F. , Rompais M. , Carapito C. , Sáez-Vásquez J.
Published: August 2024

Heat stress (HS) impacts the nuclear proteome and, subsequently, protein activities in different nuclear compartments. In Arabidopsis thaliana, a short exposure to 37 °C leads to loss of the standard tripartite architecture of the nucleolus, the most prominent nuclear substructure, and, consequently, affects the assembly of ribosomes. Here, we report a quantitative label-free LC‒MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography coupled to tandem Mass Spectrometry) analysis to determine the nuclear proteome of Arabidopsis at 22 °C, HS (37 °C for 4 and 24 h), and a recovery phase. This analysis identified ten distinct groups of proteins based on relative abundance changes in the nucleus before, during and after HS: Early, Late, Transient, Early Persistent, Late Persistent, Recovery, Early-Like, Late-Like, Transient-Like and Continuous Groups (EG, LG, TG, EPG, LPG, RG, ELG, LLG, TLG and CG, respectively). Interestingly, the RNA polymerase I subunit NRPA3 and other main nucleolar proteins, including NUCLEOLIN 1 and FIBRILLARIN 1 and 2, were detected in RG and CG, suggesting that plants require increased nucleolar activity and likely ribosome assembly to restore protein synthesis after HS.
Multifractal characterization of meteorological to agricultural drought propagation over India
Authors: Pachore Akshay Bajirao , Remesan Renji , Kumar Rohini
Published: August 2024

Agricultural drought affects the regional food security and thus understanding how meteorological drought propagates to agricultural drought is crucial. This study examines the temporal scaling trends of meteorological and agricultural drought data over 34 Indian meteorological sub-divisions from 1981 to 2020. A maximum Pearson's correlation coefficient (MPCC) derived between multiscale Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) and monthly Standardised Soil Moisture Index (SSMI) time series was used to assess the seasonal as well as annual drought propagation time (DPT). The multifractal characteristics of the SPI time series at a time scale chosen from propagation analysis as well as the SSMI-1 time series were further examined using Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MF-DFA). Results reveal longer average annual DPT in arid and semi-arid regions like Saurashtra and Kutch (~ 6 months), Madhya Maharashtra (~ 5 months), and Western Rajasthan (~ 6 months), whereas, humid regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya, and Kerala exhibit shorter DPT (~ 2 months). The Hurst Index values greater/less than 0.5 indicates the existence of long/short-term persistence (LTP/STP) in the SPI and SSMI time series. The results of our study highlights the inherent connection among drought propagation time, multifractality, and regional climate variations, and offers insights to enhance drought prediction systems in India.
Metatranscriptomic analysis indicates prebiotic effect of isomalto/malto-polysaccharides on human colonic microbiota in-vitro
Authors: Borewicz Klaudyna , Hornung Bastian , Gu Fangjie , van der Zaal Pieter H. , Schols Henk A. , Schaap Peter J. , Smidt Hauke
Published: August 2024

Isomalto/malto-polysaccharides (IMMPs) are a novel type of soluble dietary fibres with a prebiotic potential promoting growth of beneficial microbes in the gut. However, the mode of action of IMMPs remains unknown. Previous studies on IMMPs showed an increase in total bacteria, especially lactobacilli, and higher production of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) when IMMPs were fed to rats or used during in vitro fermentation. Here we used metatranscriptomics to investigate how IMMPs with different amounts of α − (1 → 6) glycosidic linkages affected microbial function during incubation with human fecal inoculum. We showed that active microbial community dynamics during fermentation varied depending on the type of IMMP used and that the observed changes were reflected in the community gene expression profiles. Based on metatranscriptome analysis, members of Bacteroides, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were the predominant degraders of IMMPs, and the increased gene expression in these bacteria correlated with high amounts of α − (1 → 6) glycosidic linkages. We also noted an increase in relative abundance of these bacteria and an activation of pathways involved in SCFA synthesis. Our findings could provide a baseline for more targeted approaches in designing prebiotics for specific bacteria and to achieve more controlled modulation of microbial activity towards desired health outcomes.
Metagenome-assembled microbial genomes from Parkinson’s disease fecal samples
Authors: Duru Ilhan Cem , Lecomte Alexandre , Shishido Tânia Keiko , Laine Pia , Suppula Joni , Paulin Lars , Scheperjans Filip , Pereira Pedro A. B. , Auvinen Petri
Published: August 2024

The human gut microbiome composition has been linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, knowledge of the gut microbiota on the genome level is still limited. Here we performed deep metagenomic sequencing and binning to build metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from 136 human fecal microbiomes (68 PD samples and 68 control samples). We constructed 952 non-redundant high-quality MAGs and compared them between PD and control groups. Among these MAGs, there were 22 different genomes of Collinsella and Prevotella, indicating high variability of those genera in the human gut environment. Microdiversity analysis indicated that Ruminococcus bromii was statistically significantly (p < 0.002) more diverse on the strain level in the control samples compared to the PD samples. In addition, by clustering all genes and performing presence-absence analysis between groups, we identified several control-specific (p < 0.05) related genes, such as speF and Fe-S oxidoreductase. We also report detailed annotation of MAGs, including Clusters of Orthologous Genes (COG), Cas operon type, antiviral gene, prophage, and secondary metabolites biosynthetic gene clusters, which can be useful for providing a reference for future studies.
Direct healthcare expenditure on Alzheimer’s disease from healthcare providers’ perspective in Malaysia: a micro-costing approach
Authors: Ong Siew Chin , Tay Lyn Xuan , Yee Teck Fah , Teh Ewe Eow , Ch’ng Alan Swee Hock , Razali Rizah Mazzuin , Lim Wan Chieh , Zam Ungku Ahmad Ameen Bin Ungku Mohd. , Parumasivam Thaigarajan
Published: August 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an important geriatric disease that creates challenges in health policy planning. There is no previous attempt to quantify the actual direct healthcare cost of AD among older adults in Malaysia. This retrospective observational study with bottom-up micro-costing approach aimed to evaluate the direct healthcare expenditure on AD along with its potential predictors from healthcare providers’ perspective, conducted across six tertiary hospitals in Malaysia. AD patients aged 65 and above who received AD treatment between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2021 were included. Direct healthcare cost (DHC) of AD was estimated by extracting one-year follow-up information from patient medical records. As a result, 333 AD patients were included in the study. The mean DHC of AD was estimated RM2641.30 (USD 572.45) per patient per year (PPPY) from the healthcare payer’s perspective. Laboratory investigations accounted for 37.2% of total DHC, followed by clinic care (31.5%) and prescription medicine (24.9%). As disease severity increases, annual DHC increases from RM2459.04 (mild), RM 2642.27 (moderate), to RM3087.61 (severe) PPPY. Patients aged 81 and above recorded significantly higher annual DHC (p = 0.003). Such real-world estimates are important in assisting the process of formulating healthcare policies in geriatric care.
Species–specific circuitry of double cone photoreceptors in two avian retinas
Authors: Günther Anja , Haverkamp Silke , Irsen Stephan , Watkins Paul V. , Dedek Karin , Mouritsen Henrik , Briggman Kevin L.
Published: August 2024

In most avian retinas, double cones (consisting of a principal and accessory member) outnumber other photoreceptor types and have been associated with various functions, such as encoding luminance, sensing polarized light, and magnetoreception. However, their down-stream circuitry is poorly understood, particularly across bird species. Analysing species differences is important to understand changes in circuitry driven by ecological adaptations. We compare the ultrastructure of double cones and their postsynaptic bipolar cells between a night-migratory European robin and non-migratory chicken. We discover four previously unidentified bipolar cell types in the European robin retina, including midget-like bipolar cells mainly connected to one principal member. A downstream ganglion cell reveals a complete midget-like circuit similar to a circuit in the peripheral primate retina. Additionally, we identify a selective circuit transmitting information from a specific subset of accessory members. Our data highlight species-specific differences in double cone to bipolar cell connectivity, potentially reflecting ecological adaptations.
Impact of interface traps on charge noise and low-density transport properties in Ge/SiGe heterostructures
Authors: Massai Leonardo , Hetényi Bence , Mergenthaler Matthias , Schupp Felix J. , Sommer Lisa , Paredes Stephan , Bedell Stephen W. , Harvey-Collard Patrick , Salis Gian , Fuhrer Andreas , Hendrickx Nico W.
Published: August 2024

Hole spins in Ge/SiGe heterostructures have emerged as an interesting qubit platform with favourable properties such as fast electrical control and noise-resilient operation at sweet spots. However, commonly observed gate-induced electrostatic disorder, drifts, and hysteresis hinder reproducible tune-up of SiGe-based quantum dot arrays. Here, we study Hall bar and quantum dot devices fabricated on Ge/SiGe heterostructures and present a consistent model for the origin of gate hysteresis and its impact on transport metrics and charge noise. As we push the accumulation voltages more negative, we observe non-monotonous changes in the low-density transport metrics, attributed to the induced gradual filling of a spatially varying density of charge traps at the SiGe-oxide interface. With each gate voltage push, we find local activation of a transient low-frequency charge noise component that completely vanishes again after 30 hours. Our results highlight the resilience of the SiGe material platform to interface-trap-induced disorder and noise and pave the way for reproducible tuning of larger multi-dot systems.
Lab-on-a-chip: Mechanism and Mitigation of Biofouling
Authors: Sharma Archita , Modi Ritika , Parihar Arpana , Garg Mayank
Published: August 2024

Biofouling is a major bottleneck in the field of microfluidics. This not only obstructs the flow of fluid and reduces fluid pressure but also lowers the concentration of species retained in the solution. This is particularly problematic for microfluidic devices, which have a high surface-area-to-volume ratio. This means that the operations of the microfluidic devices must be stopped, and the components need to be washed for their optimum functioning. To resolve the issue of biofouling, various methods have been used. The use of chemicals is the most prominent method, although this has safety concerns. Alternatively, surface modifications can be made to resist fouling. The chapter provides an in-depth discussion regarding the various aspects of biofouling. The chapter comprehensively describes the various mitigation strategies employed to prevent biofouling in a microfluidic device.
Fluorescent probes for neuroscience: imaging ex vivo brain tissue sections
Authors: Schwehr Bradley J. , Hartnell David , Ellison Gaewyn , Hindes Madison T. , Milford Breah , Dallerba Elena , Hickey Shane M. , Pfeffer Frederick M. , Brooks Doug A. , Massi Massimiliano , Hackett Mark J.
Published: August 2024

Neurobiological research relies heavily on imaging techniques, such as fluorescence microscopy, to understand neurological function and disease processes.
Target and non-target screening of biomarkers in wastewater: towards a unique analytical methodology for sample preparation
Authors: Bernier-Turpin Gauthier , Thiebault Thomas , Alliot Fabrice , Mebold Emmanuelle , Guérin-Rechdaoui Sabrina , Oliveira Marcos , Le Roux Julien , Moilleron Régis
Published: August 2024

This study aims to optimize sample preparation using solid-phase extraction (SPE) in order to pursue both target and non-target screening of organic biomarkers in raw wastewater, enabling cross-comparison of results obtained from the same dataset.
Alternative separation strategy for o-/p-dichlorobenzene mixtures through supramolecular chemistry protocols
Authors: Barnardo Brandon , Barton Benita , Hosten Eric C.
Published: August 2024

A pair of significant short contacts involving chlorine atom of the guest species and hydrogens of the host compound ((guest)C–Cl⋯H–C(host)) that facilitate the retention of the favoured guest species in the H·1.5(oDCB) complex.
Giant longitudinal and transverse magnetothermoelectric effects in a van del Waals semimetal TaCo2Te2
Authors: Gui Zhigang , Yang Ye , Wen Xikai , Zhang Yuqing , Li Yikang , Li Yanjun , Liu Qingyuan , Wang Mingjie , Ying Jianjun , Chen Xianhui
Published: August 2024

TaCo2Te2 exhibits giant longitudinal and transverse magneto-thermoelectric effects, suggesting its great potential for thermoelectric refrigeration applications.
Antifungal profile and mechanism of bioinspired nanoscale magnesium against the agriculturally important pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum
Authors: Noman Muhammad , Ahmed Temoor , Islam Mohammad Shafiqul , Ahmad Mudassar , Wang Jing , Cai Yingying , Hao Zhongna , Ali Hayssam M. , Zhang Zhen , Wang Yanli , Li Bin , Wang Jiaoyu
Published: August 2024

Biogenic MgNPs suppress watermelon Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), through precisly targeting peroxin biogenesis-centered signaling events in Fon.
Tuning the thermal response of 3D-printed bilayer hydrogels via architectural control using binary ethanol–water solvent systems
Authors: Klincewicz Francis , Kalidindi Subhash , Korley LaShanda T. J.
Published: August 2024

While stimuli-responsive materials can be prepared via many established procedures, digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing offers a simple and robust technique for the fabrication of hydrogels, including spatially-defined bilayer systems.
Crosslinking-induced anion transport control for enhancing linearity in organic synaptic devices
Authors: Jang Hyoik , Bae Geun Yeol , Kim Seung Hyun , Sung Junho , Lee Eunho
Published: August 2024

A novel approach using click chemistry-designed photocrosslinking can effectively modulate ion transport in conjugated polymers, leading to improved linearity and nonvolatility in artificial synaptic devices.
Unconventional sulfonium C–H H-bond donor catalyst in fixation of carbon dioxide
Authors: Shi Na , Chen Ming , Li Zhenjiang , Ni Yongwei , Yu Hui , Zhou Daiqing , Li Ning , Zhang Min , Zou Xin , Guo Kai
Published: August 2024

Sulfonium featuring multiple α-C–H was revealed as a new type of H-bond donor catalyst in the cycloaddition of CO2 to epoxides.
A fluorescent biosensor based on boronic acid functionalized carbon dots for identification and sensitive detection of Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Ma Yue , Zhao Lingling , Liu Mei
Published: August 2024

B-CDs are constructed to serve as recognition molecules and fluorescence signal probes for achieving sensitive identification and discrimination of Gram-positive bacteria.