bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethyl acetate in e-liquids: Implications for breath testing
Authors: Holt Alaina K , Veeser Abby M , Poklis Justin L , Peace Michelle R
Published: May 2024

Electronic cigarette liquids (e-liquids) can contain a variety of chemicals to impart flavors, smells and pharmacological effects. Surveillance studies have identified hundreds of chemicals used in e-liquids that have known health and safety implications. Ethyl acetate has been identified as a common constituent of e-liquids. Ethyl acetate is rapidly hydrolyzed to ethanol in vivo. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhaling >2,000 mg/L ethyl acetate can lead to the accumulation of ethanol in the blood at concentrations >1,000 mg/L, or 0.10%. A “Heisenberg” e-liquid was submitted to the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research for analysis after a random workplace drug test resulted in a breath test result of 0.019% for a safety-sensitive position employee. Analysis of this sample resulted in the detection of 1,488 ± 6 mg/L ethyl acetate. The evaluation of purchased “Heisenberg” e-liquids determined that these products contain ethyl acetate. The identification of ethyl acetate in e-liquids demonstrates poor regulatory oversight and enforcement that potentially has consequences for breath ethanol testing and interpretations. The accumulation of ethanol in the breath from the ingestion/inhalation of ethyl acetate from an e-liquid used prior to a breath test may contribute to the detection of ethanol.
Diagnosis and Management of Orbital Compartment Syndrome in Burn Patients—A Systematic Review
Authors: Makarewicz Nathan , Perrault David , Cevallos Priscila , Sheckter Clifford C
Published: May 2024

Orbital compartment syndrome is a poorly understood complication of acute burns. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize the literature describing orbital compartment syndrome in patients with burns to provide greater detail on risk factors and guide the management of this morbid condition. A systematic review of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed in June 2023 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Study quality was assessed using 2 validated scoring systems. After removing duplicates, 303 unique articles were reviewed and 8 met the inclusion criteria. All publications were retrospective. Most studies considered intraocular pressure >30-40 mmHg as diagnostic for orbital compartment syndrome. In total, 60 unique cases of orbital compartment syndrome were reported. Orbital compartment syndrome occurred most frequently within 24 h postburn. The mean total body surface area of burn was 58.7%; the mean 24-h resuscitation volume was 6.01 cc/kg/%total burn surface area; and 86.5% of cases had periorbital burns. Surgical decompression always starts with lateral canthotomy. When pressures were not immediately reduced, cantholysis was performed. Study quality per median Newcastle–Ottawa Scores ranged from 38.9% to 94.4% (median 66.7%). A precise threshold for surgical decompression of orbital compartment syndrome remains conflicted; however, increased intraocular pressure > 30-40 mmHg warrants intervention. Burn surgeons/intensivists should be aware of the risk factors for this vision-threatening complication and act appropriately.
Sorting and Grading
Authors: Bizzotto Jacopo , Vigier Adrien
Published: May 2024

We propose a framework to assess how to optimally sort and grade students of heterogeneous ability. Potential employers face uncertainty regarding an individual’s productive value. Knowing which school an individual went to is useful for two reasons: firstly, average students’ ability may differ across schools; secondly, different schools may use different grading rules and thus provide varying incentives to exert effort. An optimal school system exhibits coarse stratification with respect to ability, and more lenient grading at the top-tier schools than at the bottom-tier schools. Our paper contributes to the ongoing policy debate on tracking in secondary schools.
Polar Bears and Gavels
Authors: Bertram Daniel , Hill George
Published: May 2024

This article analyses the increasingly pervasive enrolment of visual materials in the evolution and contestation of international criminal justice. We posit that this emerging field of ‘visual advocacy’ is transforming how international criminal law is produced and perceived. Visual advocacy stands to complement and reinforce, but also to challenge and subvert conventional norms and narratives. To probe how these dynamics play out in practice, we delve into the role of imagery in the ongoing controversy over the international criminalization of severe environmental destruction as ‘ecocide’. By articulating claims to non-human victimhood, the ecocide campaign pioneers an ecocentric vision that disrupts the anthropocentric aesthetics of international criminal law. Through a visual content analysis of 68 images posted by the movement organization Stop Ecocide International on X/Twitter and Instagram over the course of 2022, we explore how victimhood is depicted and concretized, how such imageries are framed, and how they appeal to legal authority. While our analysis underlines the critical potential of visual media as an epistemically emancipatory vehicle, it also evinces enduring ties to reductionist stereotypes and well-worn ‘aesthetic biases’.
Electrophysiological and behavioral responses of Tamarixia radiata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) to volatiles of nymphal Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)
Authors: Liu Yan-Mei , Huang Yuan-Yuan , Wang Fei-Feng , Hu Yu-Wei , Zhang Zhi-Lin , Cuthbertson Andrew G S , Qiu Bao-Li , Sang Wen
Published: May 2024

Huanglongbing (HLB), a devastating citrus disease caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, is efficiently vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae). Tamarixia radiata (Waterston) plays a crucial role as an ectoparasitoid, preying on D. citri nymphs. By collecting and identifying headspace volatiles from fifth instar nymphs of D. citri using a gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC–MS), we obtained a collection of 9 volatile compounds. These compounds were subsequently chosen to investigate the electrophysiological and behavioral responses of female T. radiata. At a concentration of 10 μg/μl, 9 compounds were compared with cis-3-hexen-1-ol (control), resulting in trans-2-nonenal inducing the highest relative electroantennogram (EAG) value, followed by hexanal, heptanal, n-heptadecane, tetradecanal, n-tetradecane, n-pentadecane, 1-tetradecanol, and 1-dodecanol. The top 5 EAG responses of female T. radiata to these compounds were further investigated through EAG dose–response experiments. The results showed positive dose–responses as concentrations increased from 0.01 to 10 μg/μl. In Y-tube olfactometer bioassays, female T. radiata exhibited a preference for specific compounds. They were significantly attracted to tetradecanal at a concentration of 10 µg/µl and trans-2-nonenal at 0.01 µg/µl, while no significant attraction was observed toward hexanal, heptanal, or n-heptadecane. Our report is the first to demonstrate that volatiles produced by D. citri nymphs attract T. radiata, which suggests that this parasitoid may utilize nymph volatiles to locate its host.
In response to bacteria, neutrophils release extracellular vesicles capable of initiating thrombin generation through DNA-dependent and independent pathways
Authors: Whitefoot-Keliin Kaitlyn M , Benaske Chase C , Allen Edwina R , Guerrero Mariana T , Grapentine Justin W , Schiff Benjamin D , Mahon Andrew R , Greenlee-Wacker Mallary C
Published: May 2024

Neutrophils release extracellular vesicles, and some subsets of neutrophil-derived extracellular vesicles are procoagulant. In response to Staphylococcus aureus, neutrophils produce extracellular vesicles that associate electrostatically with neutrophil extracellular traps. DNA in neutrophil extracellular traps is procoagulant, but whether neutrophil extracellular vesicles produced during bacterial challenge have similar activity is unknown. Given that extracellular vesicle activity is agonist and cell-type dependent and coagulation contributes to sepsis, we hypothesized that sepsis-causing bacteria increase production of neutrophil-derived extracellular vesicles, as well as extracellular vesicle–associated DNA, and intact extracellular vesicles and DNA cause coagulation. We recovered extracellular vesicles from neutrophils challenged with S. aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and measured associated DNA and procoagulant activity. Extracellular vesicles from S. aureus–challenged neutrophils, which were previously characterized, displayed dose-dependent procoagulant activity as measured by thrombin generation in platelet-poor plasma. Extracellular vesicle lysis and DNase treatment reduced thrombin generation by 90% and 37%, respectively. S. epidermidis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa also increased extracellular vesicle production and extracellular vesicle–associated extracellular DNA, and these extracellular vesicles were also procoagulant. Compared to spontaneously released extracellular vesicles, which demonstrated some ability to amplify factor XII–dependent coagulation in the presence of an activator, only extracellular vesicles produced in response to bacteria could initiate the pathway. S. aureus and S. epidermidis extracellular vesicles had more surface-associated DNA than E. coli and P. aeruginosa extracellular vesicles, and S. aureus and S. epidermidis extracellular vesicles contributed to initiation and amplification of thrombin generation in a DNA-dependent manner. However, DNA on E. coli or P. aeruginosa extracellular vesicles played no role, suggesting that neutrophils release procoagulant extracellular vesicles, which can activate the coagulation cascade through both DNA-dependent and independent mechanisms.
Dynamic response of carbon storage to future land use/land cover changes motivated by policy effects and core driving factors
Authors: Zhang Han , Luo Jungang , Wu Jingyan , Dong Hongtao
Published: May 2024

The evolution of land use/land cover (LULC) patterns significantly influences the dynamics of carbon storage (CS) in terrestrial ecosystems. In response to future environmental changes, however, most studies fail to synthesize the effects of policy pathways and evolving core driving factors on LULC projections. This article presents a systematic framework to assess the dynamic response of the terrestrial ecosystem CS to future LULC changes. After investigating spatiotemporal characteristics and driving forces, policy effects and future core driving factors are integrated into the improved Markov–future land use simulation model to project LULC across diverse scenarios. Then the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Service and Tradeoff model is coupled to explore CS dynamics with LULC changes. This framework was applied to the Weihe River Basin. The finding reveals that the overall proportion of cultivated land, forestland and grassland is above 85% and is significantly influenced by policy effects. Precipitation, temperature, population density and gross domestic product are core driving factors of LULC changes. Equal-interval projection is a viable approach to mitigate policy impacts by avoiding error propagation while coupling future core driving factors to improve LULC projection accuracy. Ecological protection should be emphasized in the future. The rate of increase in CS is 1.25 and 1.63 times higher than the historical trend and economic development scenario, respectively, which alleviates carbon loss from the expansion of built-up land. This research provides a valuable reference for future insight and optimization of ecological conservation strategies.
Effects of environment and genotype-by-environment interaction on phenotype of Rorippa elata (Brassicaceae), an endemic alpine plant in the Hengduan mountains
Authors: Du Zhi-Qiang , Xing Yao-Wu , Han Ting-Shen
Published: May 2024

Global climate change poses a severe threat to mountain biodiversity. Phenotypic plasticity and local adaptation are two common strategies for alpine plant to cope with such change. They may facilitate organismal adaptation to contrasting environments, depending on the influences of the environment or genotype or their interacted effects. In this study, we use an endemic alpine plant (Rorippa elata) in the Hengduan mountains (HDM) to unravel its phenotypic basis of adaptation strategy and evaluate the relative contributions of environment and genotype to its phenotype. We transplanted 37 genotypes of R. elata into two common gardens across low and high elevations (2800 vs. 3800 m) during 2021–2022. Nine fitness-related traits were measured, including flowering probability and glucosinolates (GS) content. We estimated the environmental or genotypic contributions to the phenotype and identified the main environmental components. Our results revealed that both environment and genotype-by-environment interactions contributed to the phenotypes of R. elata. Latitudinal heterogeneity was identified as a key factor that explained 24% of the total phenotypic variation. In particular, genotypes of the northern HDM showed significantly higher plasticity in flowering probability than those of the southern HDM. Furthermore, within the southern HDM, GS content indicated local adaptation to herbivory stresses for R. elata genotypes along elevations. In conclusion, our results suggest that R. elata may have adapted to the alpine environment through species-level plasticity or regional-level local adaptation. These processes were shaped by either complex topography or interactions between genotype and mountain environments. Our study provides empirical evidence on the adaptation of alpine plants.
Uncommon manifestation of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: a case of jejuno-jejunal intussusception and volvulus leading to small bowel obstruction
Authors: Barhmji Hesham , Alsalehi Abduraboh , Kammasha Ahmad , Alkheder Ahmad
Published: May 2024

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare genetic disorder causing gastrointestinal polyps and skin pigmentation. Our case report highlights a unique instance of jejuno-jejunal intussusception associated with PJS in a 28-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department with colicky abdominal pain, tachycardia, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Physical examination revealed mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation. Imaging studies showed a U-shaped distension in the jejunum with thickening and pneumatosis. Laparotomy revealed a jejuno-jejunal volvulus with intussusception. Surgical resection successfully addressed gangrenous jejunal tissue and ileal polyps. Histopathology confirmed PJS polyps. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well and was discharged. Family history revealed similar skin lesions in her uncle. Our case highlights the need for prompt surgical intervention to address complications associated with PJS and elucidates a unique presentation of PJS involving jejuno-jejunal intussusception and volvulus leading to complete small bowel obstruction. We aim to deepen understanding and prompt discussions on optimal therapeutic strategies.
Adult ileocecal intussusception as an unusual presentation of ascending colon adenocarcinoma: a case report from Sudan
Authors: Hilal Nadir Ali , Rafei Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Adult colonic intussusception, is a rare entity that is typically associated with underlying organic pathologies, notably colorectal tumors, unlike pediatric cases, which are mostly idiopathic. We present a unique case of a 42-year-old female with ascending colon adenocarcinoma, where ileocecal intussusception served as the initial clinical manifestation. The patient’s non-specific symptoms, familial history of colon cancer and subsequent diagnostic evaluations underscore the importance of considering malignancy in such presentations. Successful laparoscopic right hemicolectomy resolved the intussusception. This case, which is the first case to be reported in Sudan, highlights the clinical complexities of adult colonic intussusception, emphasizing the need for a heightened index of suspicion for underlying malignancy and the significance of timely surgical intervention. Furthermore, the challenges encountered in resource-limited settings underscore the necessity for genetic testing to guide familial screenings and identify hereditary factors contributing to colon cancer, providing valuable insights for clinicians managing similar cases.
Distribution of prostatic markers in glands of the female urethra and anterior vaginal wall—a rapid autopsy study
Authors: Haller Britt , Takano Elena A , Brock James , Fox Stephen B , Woodford Noel , Devereux Lisa , O’Connell Helen E
Published: May 2024

Background

There are varying reports of immunohistochemically detected prostatic marker protein distribution in glands associated with the female urethra that may be related to tissue integrity at the time of fixation.

Aim

In this study we used tissue derived from rapid autopsies of female patients to determine the distribution of glandular structures expressing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate-specific acid phosphatase (PSAP) along the female urethra and in surrounding tissues, including the anterior vaginal wall (AVW).

Methods

Tissue blocks from 7 donors that contained the entire urethra and adjacent AVW were analyzed. These tissue samples were fixed within 4-12 hours of death and divided into 5-mm transverse slices that were paraffin embedded. Sections cut from each slice were immunolabeled for PSA or PSAP and a neighboring section was stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The sections were reviewed by light microscopy and analyzed using QuPath software.

Observations

In tissue from all donors, glandular structures expressing PSA and/or PSAP were located within the wall of the urethra and were present along its whole length.

Results

In the proximal half of the urethra from all donors, small glands expressing PSAP, but not PSA, were observed adjacent to the and emptying into the lumen. In the distal half of the urethra from 5 of the 7 donors, tubuloacinar structures lined by a glandular epithelium expressed both PSA and PSAP. In addition, columnar cells at the surface of structures with a multilayered transitional epithelium in the distal half of the urethra from all donors expressed PSAP. No glands expressing PSA or PSAP were found in tissues surrounding the urethra, including the AVW.

Clinical Implications

Greater understanding of the distribution of urethral glands expressing prostatic proteins in female patients is important because these glands are reported to contribute to the female sexual response and to urethral pathology, including urethral cysts, diverticula, and adenocarcinoma.

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths of the present study include the use of rapid autopsy to minimize protein degradation and autolysis, and the preparation of large tissue sections to demonstrate precise anatomical relations within all the tissues surrounding the urethral lumen. Limitations include the sample size and that all donors had advanced malignancy and had undergone previous therapy which may have had unknown tissue effects.

Conclusion

Proximal and distal glands expressing prostate-specific proteins were observed in tissue from all donors, and these glands were located only within the wall of the urethra.
Lipidomic analysis of serum exosomes identifies a novel diagnostic marker for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zhang Ling , Lu Ting , Zhou Baocheng , Sun Yaoxiang , Wang Liyun , Qiao Guohong , Yang Tingting
Published: May 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) intricately involves disrupted lipid metabolism. Exosomes emerge as carriers of biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring. This study aims to identify lipid metabolites in serum exosomes for T2DM diagnosis.

Methods

Serum samples were collected from newly diagnosed T2DM patients and age and body mass index−matched healthy controls. Exosomes were isolated using exosome isolation reagent, and untargeted/targeted liquid chromatography−tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to identify and validate altered lipid metabolites. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of candidate lipid metabolites.

Results

Serum exosomes were successfully isolated from both groups, with untargeted LC-MS/MS revealing distinct lipid metabolite alterations. Notably, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (22:2(13Z,16Z)/14:0) showed stable elevation in T2DM-serum exosomes. Targeted LC-MS/MS confirmed significant increase of PE (22:2(13Z,16Z)/14:0) in T2DM exosomes but not in serum. PE (22:2(13Z,16Z)/14:0) levels not only positively correlated with hemoglobin A1C levels and blood glucose levels, but also effectively distinguished T2DM patients from healthy individuals (area under the curve = 0.9141).

Conclusion

Our research sheds light on the importance of serum exosome lipid metabolites in diagnosing T2DM, providing valuable insights into the complex lipid metabolism of diabetes.
Candida aurisfrom the Egyptian cobra: Role of snakes as potential reservoirs
Authors: Cafarchia Claudia , Mendoza-Roldan Jairo A , Rhimi Wafa , C I Ugochukwu Iniobong , Miglianti Mara , Beugnet Frederic , Giuffrè Letterio , Romeo Orazio , Otranto Domenico
Published: May 2024

Candida auris represents one of the most urgent threats to public health, although its ecology remains largely unknown. Because amphibians and reptiles may present favorable conditions for C. auris colonization, cloacal and blood samples (n = 68), from several snake species, were cultured and molecularly screened for C. auris using molecular amplification of glycosylphosphatidylinositol protein-encoding genes and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Candida auris was isolated from the cloacal swab of one Egyptian cobra (Naja haje legionis) and molecularly identified in its cloaca and blood. The isolation of C. auris from wild animals is herein reported for the first time, thus suggesting the role that these animals could play as reservoirs of this emerging pathogen. The occurrence of C. auris in blood requires further investigation, although the presence of cationic antimicrobial peptides in the plasma of reptiles could play a role in reducing the vitality of the fungus.
Digital “flipbooks” for enhanced visual assessment of simple and complex brain tumors
Authors: Cho Nicholas S , Le Viên Lam , Sanvito Francesco , Oshima Sonoko , Harper Jayla , Chun Saewon , Raymond Catalina , Lai Albert , Nghiemphu Phioanh L , Yao Jingwen , Everson Richard , Salamon Noriko , Cloughesy Timothy F , Ellingson Benjamin M
Published: May 2024

Typical longitudinal radiographic assessment of brain tumors relies on side-by-side qualitative visualization of serial magnetic resonance images (MRIs) aided by quantitative measurements of tumor size. However, when assessing slowly growing tumors and/or complex tumors, side-by-side visualization and quantification may be difficult or unreliable. Whole-brain, patient-specific “digital flipbooks” of longitudinal scans are a potential method to augment radiographic side-by-side reads in clinical settings by enhancing the visual perception of changes in tumor size, mass effect, and infiltration across multiple slices over time. In this approach, co-registered, consecutive MRI scans are displayed in a slide deck, where one slide displays multiple brain slices of a single timepoint in an array (eg, 3 × 5 “mosaic” view of slices). The flipbooks are viewed similarly to an animated flipbook of cartoons/photos so that subtle radiographic changes are visualized via perceived motion when scrolling through the slides. Importantly, flipbooks can be created easily with free, open-source software. This article describes the step-by-step methodology for creating flipbooks and discusses clinical scenarios for which flipbooks are particularly useful. Example flipbooks are provided in Supplementary Material.
A Potential Screening Strategy to Identify Probable Syphilis Infections in the Urban Emergency Department Setting
Authors: Hunt Joanne H , Laeyendecker Oliver , Rothman Richard E , Fernandez Reinaldo E , Dashler Gaby , Caturegli Patrizio , Hansoti Bhakti , Quinn Thomas C , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang
Published: May 2024

Background

Syphilis diagnosis in the emergency department (ED) setting is often missed due to the lack of ED-specific testing strategies. We characterized ED patients with high-titer syphilis infections (HTSIs) with the goal of defining a screening strategy that most parsimoniously identifies undiagnosed, untreated syphilis infections.

Methods

Unlinked, de-identified remnant serum samples from patients attending an urban ED, between 10 January and 9 February 2022, were tested using a three-tier testing algorithm, and sociodemographic variables were extracted from ED administrative database prior to testing. Patients who tested positive for treponemal antibodies in the first tier and positive at high titer (≥1:8) for nontreponemal antibodies in the second tier were classified as HTSI. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status was determined with Bio-Rad enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmatory assays. Exact logistic regression and classification and regression tree (CART) analyses were performed to determine factors associated with HTSI and derive screening strategies.

Results

Among 1951 unique patients tested, 23 (1.2% [95% confidence interval, .8%–1.8%]) had HTSI. Of those, 18 (78%) lacked a primary care physician, 5 (22%) were HIV positive, and 8 (35%) were women of reproductive age (18–49 years). CART analysis (area under the curve of 0.67) showed that using a screening strategy that measured syphilis antibodies in patients with HIV, without a primary care physician, and women of reproductive age would have identified most patients with HTSI (21/23 [91%]).

Conclusions

We show a high prevalence of HTSI in an urban ED and propose a feasible, novel screening strategy to curtail community transmission and prevent long-term complications.
Automatic urine cultures from catheter-obtained samples—time to implement a practice change to improve value
Authors: Kestenbom Inbal , Cohen Neta , Test Gidon , Campigotto Aaron , Science Michelle , Ostrow Olivia
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Urine cultures are often automatically obtained after urinary catheterization in young children, even in the absence of pyuria, to test for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although this practice conflicts with some newer guidelines, it is frequently followed in busy emergency departments (EDs) to minimize the need for a repeat invasive procedure. To assess the implications of this longstanding practice, we aimed to describe the frequency and characteristics of children with normal urinalysis (UA) and positive urine culture obtained via catheterization, and to describe their clinical course.

Methods

A single center, retrospective cohort study was performed for otherwise healthy children aged 6 to 24 months, presenting to a Pediatric ED between January and June 2019 who underwent UTI testing via a urine catheterization. The point-of-care (POC) UA and urine culture results along with any follow-up phone call documentation were reviewed and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the 818 urine cultures obtained via catheterization during the 6-month study period, 131 (16%) cultures were reported as positive. Of these positive cultures, 14 (10.7%) of the patients meeting inclusion criteria had a normal POC UA. In follow-up phone calls after the ED visit, the majority of these 14 patients were asymptomatic without any antibiotic treatment and 3 (2.3%) patients were still febrile and classified as a potentially missed UTI.

Conclusions

The routine practice of sending urine cultures from all catheterized urine samples in children 6 to 24 months, regardless of POC UA results, rarely detect missed UTIs. In alignment with more recent practice guidelines, this practice should be reconsidered in low-risk children seen in EDs to improve overall care quality and resource utilization.
NCPbook: A comprehensive database of noncanonical peptides
Authors: Sami Abdul , Fu Mengjia , Yin Haoqiang , Ali Usman , Tian Lei , Wang Shunxi , Zhang Jinghua , Chen Xueyan , Li Hehuan , Chen Minghui , Yao Wen , Wu Liuji
Published: May 2024

Noncanonical peptides (NCPs) are a class of peptides generated from regions previously thought of as noncoding, such as introns, 5′ UTRs, 3′ UTRs, and intergenic regions. In recent years, the significance and diverse functions of NCPs have come to light, yet a systematic and comprehensive NCP database remains absent. Here, we developed NCPbook (https://ncp.wiki/ncpbook/), a database of evidence-supported NCPs, which aims to provide a resource for efficient exploration, analysis, and manipulation of NCPs. NCPbook incorporates data from diverse public databases and scientific literature. The current version of NCPbook includes 180,676 NCPs across 29 different species, evidenced by MS, ribosome profiling, or molecular experiments. These NCPs are distributed across kingdoms, comprising 123,408 from 14 plant species, 56,999 from 7 animal species, and 269 from 8 microbial species. Furthermore, NCPbook encompasses 9,166 functionally characterized NCPs playing important roles in immunity, stress resistance, growth, and development. Equipped with a user-friendly interface, NCPbook allows users to search, browse, visualize, and retrieve data, making it an indispensable platform for researching NCPs in various plant, animal, and microbial species.
On an ErdŐs–Kac-Type Conjecture of Elliott
Authors: Gorodetsky Ofir , Grimmelt Lasse
Published: May 2024

Elliott and Halberstam proved that $\sum_{p \lt n} 2^{\omega(n-p)}$ is asymptotic to $\phi(n)$. In analogy to the Erdős–Kac theorem, Elliott conjectured that if one restricts the summation to primes p such that $\omega(n-p)\le 2 \log \log n+\lambda(2\log \log n)^{1/2}$ then the sum will be asymptotic to $\phi(n)\int_{-\infty}^{\lambda} \mathrm{e}^{-t^2/2}\,\mathrm{d}t/\sqrt{2\pi}$. We show that this conjecture follows from the Bombieri–Vinogradov theorem. We further prove a related result involving Poisson–Dirichlet distribution, employing deeper lying level of distribution results of the primes.
Nautical Metaphors and Late-Victorian Literary Culture
Authors: Hornsby Asha
Published: May 2024

This article reveals how nautical conceits were frequently used to articulate stylistic concerns and respond to publishing trends emerging in late-Victorian culture. Reviewers, authors, and press commentators described writing as akin to ship building or seafaring and employed marine metaphors to categorize and critique narratives as ‘vessels’ for certain characters or plots. For example, leisurely multi-volume ‘three-deckers’ were manned by a recognizable ‘crew’ of characters while modern literary ‘steamers’ were more sparsely populated and took shorter and more direct narrative routes. Many accounts discussed also show an acute awareness of commercial pressures of the book-trade and parallel developments in author-publisher relations. Rudyard Kipling, amongst others, envisioned the publishing world as a ‘seascape’ upon which works needed to be carefully launched—especially if the voyage was trans-Atlantic. His unusually inventive and intricate nautical metaphors anchor much of the article’s analysis, while close literary-critical readings of contemporary periodicals shed light on broader patterns of contact between literary and maritime cultures. The linguistic creativity with which the Victorian nautical imagination was expressed demonstrates the depth of maritime influence upon literary discourses of the period while also reflecting very real interconnections developing between nautical and literary industries.
Reputational Bargaining with External Resolution Opportunities
Authors: Ekmekci Mehmet , Zhang Hanzhe
Published: May 2024

Two parties negotiate in the presence of external resolution opportunities (e.g. court, arbitration, or war). The outcome of external resolution depends on the privately held justifiability/strength of their claims. A justified party issues an ultimatum for resolution whenever possible, but an unjustified party strategically bluffs with an ultimatum to establish a reputation for being justified. We show that the availability of external resolution opportunities can benefit or hurt an unjustified party in equilibrium. When the chances of being justified become negligible, agreement is immediate and efficient; and if the set of justifiable demands is rich, our solution modifies the Nash–Rubinstein bargaining solution of Abreu and Gul ((2000), Econometrica, 68, 85–117) in a simple way.
Exploring relief for Behçet’s disease refractory oral ulcers: a comparison of TNF inhibitors versus apremilast
Authors: Lopalco Giuseppe , Morrone Maria , Venerito Vincenzo , Cantarini Luca , Emmi Giacomo , Espinosa Gerard , Lledó Gema Maria , Mosca Marta , Talarico Rosaria , Cauli Alberto , Piga Matteo , Sota Jurgen , Fabiani Claudia , Chiara Emanuele , Biancalana Edoardo , Mattioli Irene , Argolini Lorenza Maria , Di Cianni Federica , Caporali Roberto , Iannone Florenzo
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Oral and genital ulcers are the hallmark manifestation of Behçet’s disease (BD), significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Our study focuses on comparing the effectiveness and safety of TNF inhibitors (TNFis) and apremilast in controlling oral ulcers of BD, aiming to provide evidence-based guidance for physicians in selecting appropriate treatment modalities.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on BD patients treated between December 2016 and December 2021 with TNFis or apremilast for refractory oral ulcers. The study assessed treatment response by the absence of oral ulcers at 3 and 6 months, with additional evaluations for genital ulcers and articular involvement.

Results

The study included 78 patients, equally allocated between TNFis and apremilast treatments. Both groups showed significant oral ulcer reduction at 3 (P < 0.001) and 6 months (P = 0.01), with no significant difference between the treatments. Apremilast had a notable CS-sparing effect by the 3-month follow-up, persisting through 6 months. Both treatments were equally effective in reducing genital ulcers, with TNFis showing greater effectiveness in addressing articular involvement. Apremilast had a higher discontinuation rate due to gastrointestinal side effects.

Conclusion

TNFis and apremilast are both effective for treating BD refractory oral ulcers. While TNFis may offer broader benefits for other disease manifestations, apremilast is distinguished by its CS-sparing effect, especially for patients with a milder disease phenotype. Treatment selection should consider individual disease severity and clinical features to ensure a personalized and effective management strategy.
The effect of a dynamic lighting schedule on neurobehavioral performance during a 45-day simulated space mission
Authors: Grant Leilah K , Kent Brianne A , Rahman Shadab A , St. Hilaire Melissa A , Kirkley Crystal L , Gregory Kevin B , Clark Toni , Hanifin John P , Barger Laura K , Czeisler Charles A , Brainard George C , Lockley Steven W , Flynn-Evans Erin E
Published: May 2024

Study Objectives

We previously reported that during a 45-day simulated space mission, a dynamic lighting schedule (DLS) improved circadian phase alignment and performance assessed once on selected days. This study aimed to evaluate how DLS affected performance on a 5-minute psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) administered multiple times per day on selected days.

Methods

Sixteen crewmembers (37.4 ± 6.7 years; 5F) underwent six cycles of 2 × 8-hour/night followed by 5 × 5-hour/night sleep opportunities. During the DLS (n = 8), daytime white light exposure was blue-enriched (~6000 K; Level 1: 1079, Level 2: 76 melanopic equivalent daytime illuminance (melEDI) lux) and blue-depleted (~3000–4000 K; L1: 21, L2: 2 melEDI lux) 3 hours before bed. In the standard lighting schedule (SLS; n = 8), lighting remained constant (~4500K; L1: 284, L2 62 melEDI lux). Effects of lighting condition (DLS/SLS), sleep condition (5/8 hours), time into mission, and their interactions, and time awake on PVT performance were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models.

Results

The DLS was associated with fewer attentional lapses (reaction time [RT] > 500 milliseconds) compared to SLS. Lapses, mean RT, and 10% fastest/slowest RTs were worse following 5 compared to 8 hours of sleep but not between lighting conditions. There was an effect of time into mission on RTs, likely due to sleep loss. Overall performance differed by time of day, with longer RTs at the beginning and end of the day. There were more lapses and slower RTs in the afternoon in the SLS compared to the DLS condition.

Conclusions

Future missions should incorporate DLS to enhance circadian alignment and performance. This paper is part of the Sleep and Circadian Rhythms: Management of Fatigue in Occupational Settings Collection.
The Business Judgment Rule as a Protective Armor for Directors’ Responsibilities: A Comparative Study Among Mauritius, United Kingdom, and United States
Authors: Beebeejaun Ambareen , Bissessur Pramod
Published: May 2024

The business judgment rule (BJR) is a corporate law doctrine that protects a decision of directors from fairness review by a court of law unless there is sufficient evidence that the director has breached his fiduciary duties or that the decision-making process is tainted. Given that the BJR acts as a protective armor for directors as their personal liability is not engaged for a corporate decision irrespective of its outcomes provided that some requirements are satisfied, the purpose of this paper is to critically assess whether directors of Mauritian companies are sufficiently protected and encouraged in the exercise of their duties. To achieve the research objective, the black letter research method was adopted to collect secondary data and a comparative analysis with some other countries’ rules on business judgment was conducted. A desk-based approach and content analysis were used to collect this information. The countries selected for the comparison are the United Kingdom and United States. Mauritian law does not afford protection to directors for decisions taken based on business judgment whereas this research has demonstrated that the laws of other countries being the United Kingdom and the United States as well as their judicial instances both recognize and apply the BJR.
The effect of a direct-fed microbial (10-G) on live animal performance, carcass characteristics, and Salmonella prevalence of fed beef heifers
Authors: Tilton Travis J , Martens Kevin , Lucherk Loni W , Word Alyssa B , Holland Ben P , Lawrence Ty E , Tennant Travis C
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of the direct-fed microbial 10-G upon cattle growth performance, liver and lung health, carcass quality, and yield outcomes, as well as prevalence and enumeration of Salmonella in feces and lymph nodes. Fed beef heifers (N = 1,400; initial shrunk body weight [BW] 343.3 ± 36.2 kg) were blocked by the day of arrival and randomly allocated to one of two treatments (0 [negative control, CON] or 2 g of a direct-fed microbial [10-G] that provided 1 billion CFUs per animal per day of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium, Pediococcus pentosaceus, L. brevis, and L. plantarum) with 10 pens per treatment. Recto-anal mucosal fecal samples (RAMs; n = 477) and subiliac lymph nodes (SLNs; n = 479) were collected longitudinally at harvest from 23 to 25 heifers per pen. Data were analyzed using mixed models; pen served as the experimental unit; block and harvest date were random effects. No differences were detected in dry matter intake (P = 0.78), final BW (P = 0.64), average daily gain (P = 0.51), gain to feed (P = 0.71), hot carcass weight (P = 0.54), dressed carcass yield (P = 0.52), 12th rib fat depth (P = 0.13), longissimus muscle area (P = 0.62), calculated empty body fat (P = 0.26), or marbling score (P = 0.82). Distributions of liver scores (P ≥ 0.34), quality grades (P ≥ 0.23), and yield grades (P ≥ 0.11) were also not different between treatments. A tendency was detected for more normal lungs (P = 0.08; 10-G = 65.96%, CON = 61.12%) and fewer inflated lungs at harvest for cattle fed 10-G (P = 0.10; 10-G = 0.29%, CON = 1.16%); other lung outcomes did not differ (P ≥ 0.54). Salmonella prevalence did not differ for RAM samples (P = 0.41; 10-G = 97.74%, CON = 96.82%) or SLN (P = 0.22; 10-G = 17.92%, CON = 13.66%). Salmonella concentration of RAM samples (P = 0.25; 10-G = 3.87 log CFU/g, CON = 3.32 log CFU/g) or SLN (P = 0.37; 10-G = 1.46 log CFU/g, CON = 1.14 log CFU/g) also did not differ between treatments at harvest. These results do not demonstrate any difference in live animal performance, carcass characteristics, or Salmonella carriage for heifers fed 10-G.
From Detection to Protection: The Role of Optical Sensors, Robots, and Artificial Intelligence in Modern Plant Disease Management
Authors: Mahlein Anne-Katrin , Arnal Barbedo Jayme G. , Chiang Kuo-Szu , Del Ponte Emerson M. , Bock Clive H.
Published: May 2024

In the past decade, there has been a recognized need for innovative methods to monitor and manage plant diseases, aiming to meet the precision demands of modern agriculture. Over the last 15 years, significant advances in the detection, monitoring, and management of plant diseases have been made, largely propelled by cutting-edge technologies. Recent advances in precision agriculture have been driven by sophisticated tools such as optical sensors, artificial intelligence, microsensor networks, and autonomous driving vehicles. These technologies have enabled the development of novel cropping systems, allowing for targeted management of crops, contrasting with the traditional, homogeneous treatment of large crop areas. The research in this field is usually a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary endeavor. It brings together experts from diverse fields such as plant pathology, computer science, statistics, engineering, and agronomy to forge comprehensive solutions. Despite the progress, translating the advancements in the precision of decision-making or automation into agricultural practice remains a challenge. The knowledge transfer to agricultural practice and extension has been particularly challenging. Enhancing the accuracy and timeliness of disease detection continues to be a priority, with data-driven artificial intelligence systems poised to play a pivotal role. This perspective article addresses critical questions and challenges faced in the implementation of digital technologies for plant disease management. It underscores the urgency of integrating innovative technological advances with traditional integrated pest management. It highlights unresolved issues regarding the establishment of control thresholds for site-specific treatments and the necessary alignment of digital technology use with regulatory frameworks. Importantly, the paper calls for intensified research efforts, widespread knowledge dissemination, and education to optimize the application of digital tools for plant disease management, recognizing the intersection of technology's potential with its current practical limitations.
Research on a Method for Identification of Peanut Pests and Diseases Based on a Lightweight LSCDNet Model
Authors: Yun Yuliang , Yu Qiong , Yang Zhaolei , An Xueke , Li Dehao , Huang Jinglong , Zheng Dashuai , Feng Qiang , Ma Dexin
Published: May 2024

Timely and accurate identification of peanut pests and diseases, coupled with effective countermeasures, is pivotal for ensuring high-quality and efficient peanut production. Despite the prevalence of pests and diseases in peanut cultivation, challenges such as minute disease spots, the elusive nature of pests, and intricate environmental conditions often lead to diminished identification accuracy and efficiency. Moreover, continuous monitoring of peanut health in real-world agricultural settings demands solutions that are computationally efficient. Traditional deep learning models often require substantial computational resources, limiting their practical applicability. In response to these challenges, we introduce LSCDNet (Lightweight Sandglass and Coordinate Attention Network), a streamlined model derived from DenseNet. LSCDNet preserves only the transition layers to reduce feature map dimensionality, simplifying the model's complexity. The inclusion of a sandglass block bolsters features extraction capabilities, mitigating potential information loss due to dimensionality reduction. Additionally, the incorporation of coordinate attention addresses issues related to positional information loss during feature extraction. Experimental results showcase that LSCDNet achieved impressive metrics with accuracy, precision, recall, and Fl score of 96.67, 98.05, 95.56, and 96.79%, respectively, while maintaining a compact parameter count of merely 0.59 million. When compared with established models such as MobileNetV1, MobileNetV2, NASNetMobile, DenseNet-121, InceptionV3, and X-ception, LSCDNet outperformed with accuracy gains of 2.65, 4.87, 8.71, 5.04, 6.32, and 8.2%, respectively, accompanied by substantially fewer parameters. Lastly, we deployed the LSCDNet model on Raspberry Pi for practical testing and application and achieved an average recognition accuracy of 85.36%, thereby meeting real-world operational requirements.
Streptomyces pratensis S10 Inhibits the Spread of Fusarium graminearum Invasive Hyphae and Toxisome Formation in Wheat Plants
Authors: Hu Lifang , Chen Jing , Jia Ruimin , Sun Yan , Dong Xiaomin , Cao Shang , Shen Xihui , Wang Yang
Published: May 2024

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat, mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, leads to severe economic losses worldwide. Effective management measures for controlling FHB are not available due to a lack of resistant cultivars. Currently, the utilization of biological control is a promising approach that can be used to help manage FHB. Previous studies have confirmed that Streptomyces pratensis S10 harbors excellent inhibitory effects on F. graminearum. However, there is no information regarding whether invasive hyphae of F. graminearum are inhibited by S10. Thus, we investigated the effects of S10 on F. graminearum strain PH-1 hypha extension, toxisome formation, and TRI5 gene expression on wheat plants via microscopic observation. The results showed that S10 effectively inhibited the spread of F. graminearum hyphae along the rachis, restricting the infection of neighboring florets via the phloem. In the presence of S10, the hyphal growth is impeded by the formation of dense cell wall thickenings in the rachis internode surrounding the F. graminearum infection site, avoiding cell plasmolysis and collapse. We further demonstrated that S10 largely prevented cell-to-cell invasion of fungal hyphae inside wheat coleoptiles using a constitutively green fluorescence protein-expressing F. graminearum strain, PH-1. Importantly, S. pratensis S10 inhibited toxisome formation and TRI5 gene expression in wheat plants during infection. Collectively, these findings indicate that S. pratensis S10 prevents the spread of F. graminearum invasive hyphae via the rachis.