bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Left Behind’ neighbourhoods in England: Where they are and why they matter
Authors: Houlden Victoria , Robinson Caitlin , Franklin Rachel , Rowe Francisco , Pike Andy
Published: May 2024

The term ‘left behind’ has come to connote political disaffection, alongside social and spatial inequalities in wealth and opportunity. Yet the term is also widely contested, often prioritising a regional and economic perspective at the expense of a more local and nuanced approach. In response, we argue that neighbourhood context is integral to understanding and identifying ‘left behind’ places. Building a neighbourhood classification of ‘left behindness’ for England, we evaluate the extent to which the neighbourhood trajectory contributes to our understanding of a range of multidimensional individual‐level outcomes. Our findings reveal a geography of neighbourhoods that are systematically disadvantaged over time, concentrated in major urban conurbations, and post‐industrial and coastal towns. The magnitude and impact is highlighted through poorer economic, health, social and political outcomes for those living in ‘left behind’ areas.
In vitro efficacy of combinations of antibiotics used in clinical practice on clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Kaouah Zahyra , Buyck Julien M. , Pichon Maxime , Burucoa Christophe , Prouvensier Laure , Moreau Jeremy , Marchand Sandrine , Cremniter Julie , Grégoire Nicolas
Published: May 2024

Background

The main antibiotics used against Helicobacter pylori have been chosen empirically over time, with few preclinical studies to provide support. The rise in resistance to some of these antibiotics is prompting a reassessment of their use. This work aimed to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of 2 × 2 combinations of the most widely used antibiotics against H. pylori.

Materials and Methods

J99 reference strains and 19 clinical isolates of H. pylori with various antibiotic resistance phenotypes were used. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were carried out using the microdilution method in 96‐well plates. The activity of 15 possible combinations of two antibiotics including amoxicillin, clarithromycin (CLA), levofloxacin, rifampicin, tetracycline, and metronidazole was determined for all strains by the checkerboard method. A mean fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICmean) was calculated for each combination and strain and the type of pharmacodynamic interaction was considered as synergic if FICmean ≤ 0.5, additive if 0.5 < FICmean ≤ 1, indifferent if 1 < FICmean < 4 or antagonistic if FICmean ≥ 4.

Results

Most of the 285 pharmacodynamic interactions tested with clinical strains were close to additivity (average FICmean = 0.89 [0.38–1.28]). No interaction was found to be antagonistic. When two antibiotics to which a strain was resistant were combined, the concentrations required to inhibit bacterial growth were higher than their respective breakpoints.

Conclusion

The present results have shown that in vitro, the different antibiotics used in therapeutics have additive effects. The addition of the effects of two antibiotics to which a strain was resistant was not sufficient to inhibit bacterial growth. In probabilistic treatment, the choice of antibiotics to combine should therefore be based on the local epidemiology of resistance, and on susceptibility testing in the case of CLA therapy, so that at least one antibiotic to which the strain is susceptible is used.
Comparison of Helicobacter pylori eradication rates between 7 and 14 days of tailored therapy according to clarithromycin resistance test: A randomized, multicenter, non‐inferiority study
Authors: Jung Kyoungwon , Jee Sam Ryong , Lee Moon Won , Koh Myeongseok , Kim Su Jin , Lee Jin , Park Moo In
Published: May 2024

Background

Recently, a simple tailored therapy based on clarithromycin resistance has been implemented as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy. Nonetheless, despite the tailored therapy and frequent adverse events, studies on treatment period are lacking. This study aimed to compare the H. pylori eradication rates of 7‐day and 14‐day tailored therapy regimens according to clarithromycin resistance.

Materials and Methods

This multicenter, prospective, randomized, noninferiority trial enrolled H. pylori‐positive patients who were randomly assigned to 7‐day and 14‐day regimen groups, depending on the presence or absence of clarithromycin resistance by 23S rRNA gene point mutations. Standard triple therapy (STT) (20 mg rabeprazole, 1 g amoxicillin, and 500 mg clarithromycin twice daily) or bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT) (20 mg rabeprazole twice daily, 500 mg metronidazole thrice daily, 120 mg bismuth four times daily, and 500 mg tetracycline four times daily) was assigned by clarithromycin resistance. Eradication rates and adverse events were evaluated.

Results

A total of 314 and 278 patients were included in the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses, respectively; however, 31 patients were lost to follow‐up, whereas five patients violated the protocol. Both the 7‐day and 14‐day regimens showed similar eradication rates in the ITT (7‐day vs. 14‐day: 78.3% vs. 78.3%, p > 0.99) and PP (87.9% vs. 89.1%, p = 0.851) analyses. Non‐inferiority was confirmed (p < 0.025). A subgroup analysis according to clarithromycin resistance (clarithromycin resistance rate: 28.7%) revealed no significant difference in eradication rates between the 7‐day and 14‐day STT (90.0% vs. 90.1%, p > 0.99) and BQT (82.5% vs. 86.5%, p = 0.757). Furthermore, adverse events did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

The 7‐day triple and quadruple therapy according to clarithromycin resistance showed similar eradication rates, as compared to the 14‐day therapy.
Population viability analysis predicts long‐term impacts of commercial Sooty Tern egg harvesting to a large breeding colony on a small oceanic island
Authors: Inch Thalissa , Nicoll Malcolm A.C. , Feare Chris J. , Horswill Catharine
Published: May 2024

The over‐exploitation of wild birds and the products derived from them can be a key threat driving changes in bird species richness and abundance. However, inadequate information on harvest levels combined with irregular population monitoring often means that the role of harvesting in population decline is difficult to quantify. Historically, the pan‐tropical Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus has been subjected to extensive egg harvesting, yet the role of sustained harvesting in population change and future population viability remains unclear. In this study, we used published and new estimates of key demographic rates for a large, harvested Sooty Tern population in Seychelles, western Indian Ocean, to run a series of population viability analyses. We retrospectively assess the impact of historical levels of egg harvesting, and also predict how this population may respond under different future harvesting regimes, assuming no additional environmental change. We provide evidence that egg harvesting has played a substantial role in driving the population decline of Sooty Terns to date and demonstrate that continued harvesting will probably lead to further, possibly dramatic, declines in population size. These results indicate that recent levels of egg harvesting in Seychelles are not sustainable. We also show that the life‐history strategy of Sooty Terns, including a delayed age of first breeding, means the current 2‐year local moratorium on egg harvesting is unlikely to generate an observable population‐level response in Seychelles. Instead, we recommend that the current moratorium is extended at least beyond the age of first breeding (i.e. 5 years) to support appropriate evaluation. We additionally show that harvesting Sooty Tern eggs at much lower levels, i.e. 10% of the population size, is unlikely to reverse population decline. Therefore, long‐term egg harvesting strategies require careful evaluation to maintain a balance between the social, commercial, cultural and biodiversity significance of Sooty Terns in Seychelles.
Egg yolk peptide‐iron chelate: preparation, conformational structure, chelating mechanism and stability in vitro
Authors: Wei Shuaishuai , Huo Jiaying , Lin Jia , Zhang Ziwei , Dong Shijian , Ma Lulu , Li Shugang
Published: May 2024

In this study, a method to produce iron‐chelating peptides derived from egg yolk proteins was developed and optimised. The egg yolk proteins were enzymolysed and ultrafiltered to prepare egg yolk peptide (EYP), and then the EYP was chelated with Fe to produce egg yolk peptide‐Fe (EYP‐Fe). The optimised mass ratio of peptide to iron, pH, temperature and reaction time were found at 8:1, pH 8.0, 40 °C and 30 min, respectively. The mean particle size of EYP‐Fe was 389.2 ± 2.61 nm, and the chelating ratio was 95.38 ± 1.93%. The measurements of FTIR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and NMR showed that ferrous ions mainly combined with the amino and carboxyl of EYP to form EYP‐Fe. In vitro stability studies have shown that the iron release rate of the EYP‐Fe is maintained at around 5% under alkaline conditions, and there is no significant difference in iron release rate under conditions of 30 °C–80 °C; besides, it has a lower iron release rate (18%) in gastrointestinal digestion compared to FeSO4 (97.93%), indicating that the EYP‐Fe has good heat tolerance, alkalinity and digestion tolerance. The above results provide a scientific basis for the use of EYP‐Fe derived from egg yolk protein as a potential alternative to iron supplements.
Comparison of four D‐dimer assays in the context of venous thromboembolism in the emergency department
Authors: Del Ben Fabio , Fontanini Elisabetta , Azzarini Gabriella , Arini Marina , Marini Christian , Poli Giovanni , Pradella Paola , Parusso Serena , Santarossa Liliana , Targa Federica , Zardo Lorena , Giacomello Roberta , Morelli Benedetto
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This observational study conducted across seven emergency care units compares the efficacy of four D‐dimer detection methods, namely HemosIL D‐dimer HS (HS), HemosIL D‐dimer HS‐500 (HS‐500), VIDAS D‐dimer (VIDAS), and HemosIL AcuStar D‐dimer (ACUSTAR). The primary focus is on patients with a clinical suspicion of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).

Methods

A total of 149 samples were collected from patients with suspected DVT or PE. The confirmation of DVT/PE was based on calf ultrasound or computed tomography‐Angiography. Direct comparisons were made between the different detection methods, considering both their analytical performance and clinical utility. Additionally, the impact of an age‐adjusted cut‐off on the diagnostic accuracy of each method was assessed.

Results

The results revealed comparable negative predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity across the methods, with a notable exception of increased specificity for HS compared with HS‐500 (50.8% vs. 41.5%, p = 0.03). Further analysis incorporating an age‐adjusted cut‐off demonstrated a significant improvement in specificity for HS. When using the age‐adjusted cut‐off, HS exhibited a substantial increase in specificity compared with HS‐500 (63.1% vs. 49.2%, p = 0.004) and demonstrated significantly higher specificity compared with VIDAS (63.1% vs. 53.8%, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the nonuniversal effect of an age‐adjusted cut‐off and discusses the potential necessity for different cut‐off values, particularly in the case of HS‐500. These findings contribute to the understanding of D‐dimer detection methods in the context of DVT and PE, providing insights into their relative performances and the potential optimization through age‐adjusted cut‐offs.
The new paradigm in machine learning – foundation models, large language models and beyond: a primer for physicians
Authors: Scott Ian A. , Zuccon Guido
Published: May 2024

Foundation machine learning models are deep learning models capable of performing many different tasks using different data modalities such as text, audio, images and video. They represent a major shift from traditional task‐specific machine learning prediction models. Large language models (LLM), brought to wide public prominence in the form of ChatGPT, are text‐based foundational models that have the potential to transform medicine by enabling automation of a range of tasks, including writing discharge summaries, answering patients questions and assisting in clinical decision‐making. However, such models are not without risk and can potentially cause harm if their development, evaluation and use are devoid of proper scrutiny. This narrative review describes the different types of LLM, their emerging applications and potential limitations and bias and likely future translation into clinical practice.
Modulation of multiple sclerosis risk and pathogenesis by the gut microbiota: Complex interactions between host genetics, bacterial metabolism, and diet
Authors: Montgomery Theresa L. , Peipert Daniel , Krementsov Dimitry N.
Published: May 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, affecting nearly 2 million people worldwide. The etiology of MS is multifactorial: Approximately 30% of the MS risk is genetic, which implies that the remaining ~70% is environmental, with a number of factors proposed. One recently implicated risk factor for MS is the composition of the gut microbiome. Numerous case–control studies have identified changes in gut microbiota composition of people with MS (pwMS) compared with healthy control individuals, and more recent studies in animal models have begun to identify the causative microbes and underlying mechanisms. Here, we review some of these mechanisms, with a specific focus on the role of host genetic variation, dietary inputs, and gut microbial metabolism, with a particular emphasis on short‐chain fatty acid and tryptophan metabolism. We put forward a model where, in an individual genetically susceptible to MS, the gut microbiota and diet can synergize as potent environmental modifiers of disease risk and possibly progression, with diet‐dependent gut microbial metabolites serving as a key mechanism. We also propose that specific microbial taxa may have divergent effects in individuals carrying distinct variants of MS risk alleles or other polymorphisms, as a consequence of host gene‐by‐gut microbiota interactions. Finally, we also propose that the effects of specific microbial taxa, especially those that exert their effects through metabolites, are highly dependent on the host dietary intake. What emerges is a complex multifaceted interaction that has been challenging to disentangle in human studies, contributing to the divergence of findings across heterogeneous cohorts with differing geography, dietary preferences, and genetics. Nonetheless, this provides a complex and individualized, yet tractable, model of how the gut microbiota regulate susceptibility to MS, and potentially progression of this disease. Thus, we conclude that prophylactic or therapeutic modulation of the gut microbiome to prevent or treat MS will require a careful and personalized consideration of host genetics, baseline gut microbiota composition, and dietary inputs.
An obituary to Yukio Yoneda (1950–2023)
Authors: Sng Judy C. G. , Wanaka Akio , Lawrence Andrew J. , Johnston Graham
Published: May 2024

Yukio Yoneda died on 31 December 2023, at 73 years old after a long fight against cancer. He was an eminent neurochemist in academia and industry and also had leadership roles within the International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) and the Asian Pacific Society for Neurochemistry (APSN) and Japanese Society for Neurochemistry (JSN). Photo credit: Yukio Yoneda provided the APSN with the photo during his service to APSN.

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Parental warmth buffers the negative impact of weaker fronto‐striatal connectivity on early adolescents' academic achievement
Authors: Yang Beiming , Zhou Zexi , Chen Ya‐Yun , Devakonda Varun , Cai Tianying , Lee Tae‐Ho , Qu Yang
Published: May 2024

In past decades, the positive role of self‐control in students' academic success has attracted plenty of scholarly attention. However, fewer studies have examined the link between adolescents' neural development of the inhibitory control system and their academic achievement, especially using a longitudinal approach. Moreover, less is known about the role of parents in this link. Using large‐scale longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study (N = 9574; mean age = 9.94 years at baseline, SD = .63; 50% girls), the current study took an integrative biopsychosocial approach to explore the longitudinal link between early adolescents' fronto‐striatal connectivity and their academic achievement, with attention to the moderating role of parental warmth. Results showed that weaker intrinsic connectivity between the frontoparietal network and the striatum was associated with early adolescents' worse academic achievement over 2 years during early adolescence. Notably, parental warmth moderated the association between fronto‐striatal connectivity and academic achievement, such that weaker fronto‐striatal connectivity was only predictive of worse academic achievement among early adolescents who experienced low levels of parental warmth. Taken together, the findings demonstrate weaker fronto‐striatal connectivity as a risk factor for early adolescents' academic development and highlight parental warmth as a protective factor for academic development among those with weaker connectivity within the inhibitory control system.
Overparenting and psychological wellbeing among Chinese adolescents: Findings based on latent growth modeling
Authors: Leung Janet T. Y. , Shek Daniel T. L.
Published: May 2024

Although overparenting is a growing phenomenon across the globe, there is a severe lack of longitudinal studies examining the trajectory of overparenting and its effects on early adolescent development, particularly in non‐Western contexts. The study collected three waves of longitudinal data from 1328 early Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong with an interval of 1 year to examine the stability and change of perceived paternal and maternal overparenting and their effects on adolescent psychological wellbeing. The results indicated that perceived paternal and maternal overparenting declined over time. Besides, adolescents reported lower anxiety and depressive symptoms when they perceived a steep decline in maternal overparenting. Adolescent anxiety at earlier time points also predicted a steeper decline in paternal and maternal overparenting trajectories respectively. Furthermore, we identified gender differences in the initial level of paternal overparenting and the trajectory of maternal overparenting, as well as the effects of rates of change of maternal overparenting on adolescent anxiety and depressive symptoms. The findings give support for self‐determination theory and the separation‐individuation model, suggesting that changes of overparenting may hinder adolescents' desires for autonomy and self‐direction, which may increase their psychological morbidity. The study contributes to theoretical development of contemporary Chinese socialization models and provides useful pointers for future studies of overparenting.
Socioeconomic constraints on low‐income individuals' perceptions toward food safety
Authors: Phan Uyen Thuy Xuan , Tran Cuc Thuy Thi , Nguyen Nguyet Minh Thi
Published: May 2024

Food safety has emerged as a critical concern in Vietnam, posing a significant threat to public health due to the prevalence of unsafe foods in the market. Among those most vulnerable to contaminated foods, low‐income individuals are significantly affected. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of food safety among this demographic, utilizing qualitative and quantitative approaches, including focus groups, survey questionnaires, and behavioral experiments using steamed bun as a stimulus. Participants were generally from low‐income classes with certain variations in household monthly income. Results from focus groups and the survey highlighted that the factors influencing food purchases included perception of safety, sensory properties, and acceptable pricing. The behavioral experiment revealed that participants with lower incomes were more inclined to select foods containing unsafe chemicals. In conclusion, the study underscored the heightened vulnerability of low‐income individuals to unsafe foods, with their perception of food safety bounded by socioeconomic status.

Practical Applications

The study highlights the high risk of contaminated food consumption among low‐income individuals in Vietnam, intensified by economic struggles and heightened vulnerability to food insecurity. With this demographic relying on regulations for their health, urgent actions are needed. Governmental policymakers should focus on implementing food safety educational campaigns, promoting affordable and safe alternatives, and providing food aid to economically disadvantaged communities. Mandatory food safety training programs for street food vendors, food handlers, and small businesses, coupled with regular safety practice monitoring, can play a crucial role in mitigating serious consequences. In addition, the research methodologies employed in this study, especially the behavioral experiment approach, can serve as valuable tools for researchers in the field of consumer behavior, enabling them to attain valid and reliable results.
Constraint‐aware optimization model for plane truss structures via single‐agent gradient descent
Authors: Park Jun Su , Hong Taehoon , Lee Dong‐Eun , Park Hyo Seon
Published: May 2024

This study introduces the constraint‐aware optimization model (CAOM), a novel optimization framework designed to optimize the size, shape, and topology of plane truss structures simultaneously. Unlike traditional optimization models, which rely on gradient descent and frequently struggle with managing various constraints due to their dependence on a single optimization agent, CAOM effectively addresses this challenge. It does so by incorporating a variety of assistant modules along with the Adam optimizer, a variant of the gradient descent method. Uniquely, CAOM employs the leaky rectified linear unit (ReLU) activation function beyond its conventional use in neural networks, applying it as a mechanism to integrate constraints and losses seamlessly. The model's effectiveness was validated through two numerical examples and a practical application, demonstrating that CAOM can reduce structural weight by up to 84% compared to unoptimized designs while fully adhering to structural, dimensional, and moveable constraints. Furthermore, the study found that while shape optimization plays a key role for stiffness‐governed structures, size optimization is crucial for strength‐governed structures. Optimizing size, shape, and topology together consistently leads to the most weight‐efficient designs. This emphasizes the significance of a holistic approach in the optimization processes.
An autopsy case of type A FTLD‐TDP with a GRN mutation presenting with the logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia at onset and with corticobasal syndrome subsequently
Authors: Tomenaga Takafumi , Minatani Shinobu , Namba Hiroto , Takeda Akitoshi , Yoshizaki Takahito , Kawabe Joji , Keyoumu Nazere , Morino Hiroyuki , Higuchi Makoto , Matsubara Tomoyasu , Hatsuta Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Masato , Murayama Shigeo , Itoh Yoshiaki
Published: May 2024

A 68‐year‐old woman presented with difficulty finding words and writing characters. Neurological examination led to clinical diagnosis at onset of the logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia accompanied with ideomotor apraxia, visuospatial agnosia on the right, and Gerstmann syndrome. Bradykinesia and rigidity on the right with shuffling gait developed after one year. Treatment with L‐dopa had no effect. The patient was diagnosed with corticobasal syndrome (CBS). Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse cortical atrophy dominantly on the left, especially in the temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes. Positron emission tomography did not reveal any significant accumulation of amyloid β or tau protein. She died five years later. Neuropathological examination revealed diffuse cortical atrophy with severe neuronal loss and fibrous gliosis in the cortex. Neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, short dystrophic neurites, and, most notably, neuronal intranuclear inclusions, all immunoreactive for phosphorylated TDP‐43, were observed. Western blotting revealed a full length and fragments of phosphorylated TDP‐43 at 45 and 23 kDa, respectively, confirming the pathological diagnosis of type A FTLD‐TDP. Whole exome sequencing revealed a pathogenic mutation in GRN (c.87dupC). FTLD‐TDP should be included in the differential diagnosis of CBS.
Nutrition and exercise: Cornerstones of health with emphasis on obesity and type 2 diabetes management—A narrative review
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Kwon Oran
Published: May 2024

While a broad consensus exists that integrated nutrition and regular exercise are foundational for health maintenance and serve as a robust non‐pharmacological strategy against cardiometabolic diseases, the nuanced interplay between these elements remains incompletely understood. Through multifaceted interactions, these factors profoundly influence primary metabolic organs, notably the skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Despite the critical nature of this interactivity, a holistic understanding of the combined effects of physical activity and dietary practices is still emerging. This narrative review aims to elucidate the intertwined roles of nutrition and exercise. It provides a comprehensive overview of their synergistic dynamics and emphasizes the importance of a dual‐focus approach in mitigating and managing cardiometabolic disorders, predominantly obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Cytokinin‐deficient Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CRISPR‐Cas9 mutants show reduced ability to prime resistance of tobacco against bacterial infection
Authors: Sandor Roman , Wagh Sopan Ganpatrao , Kelterborn Simon , Großkinsky Dominik K. , Novak Ondrej , Olsen Niels , Paul Bichitra , Petřík Ivan , Wu Shujie , Hegemann Peter , Strnad Miroslav , Červený Jan , Roitsch Thomas
Published: May 2024

Although microalgae have only recently been recognized as part of the plant and soil microbiome, their application as biofertilizers has a tradition in sustainable crop production. Under consideration of their ability to produce the plant growth‐stimulating hormone cytokinin (CK), known to also induce pathogen resistance, we have assessed the biocontrol ability of CK‐producing microalgae. All pro‐ and eukaryotic CK‐producing microalgae tested were able to enhance the tolerance of tobacco against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci (PsT) infection. Since Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Cre) proved to be the most efficient, we functionally characterized its biocontrol ability. We employed the CRISPR‐Cas9 system to generate the first knockouts of CK biosynthetic genes in microalgae. Specifically, we targeted Cre Lonely Guy (LOG) and isopentenyltransferase (IPT) genes, the key genes of CK biosynthesis. While Cre wild‐type exhibits a strong protection, the CK‐deficient mutants have a reduced ability to induce plant defence. The degree of protection correlates with the CK levels, with the IPT mutants showing less protection than the LOG mutants. Gene expression analyses showed that Cre strongly stimulates tobacco resistance through defence gene priming. This study functionally verifies that Cre primes defence responses with CK, which contributes to the robustness of the effect. This work contributes to elucidate microalgae‐mediated plant defence priming and identifies the role of CKs. In addition, these results underscore the potential of CK‐producing microalgae as biologicals in agriculture by combining biofertilizer and biocontrol ability for sustainable and environment‐friendly crop management.
Consumer acceptance of microalgae as a novel food ‐ Where are we now? And how to get further
Authors: Olsen Malene Lihme , Olsen Karsten , Jensen Poul Erik
Published: May 2024

Microalgae provide a potential new food resource for sustainable human nutrition. Many microalgae species can produce a high content of total protein with a balanced composition of essential amino acids, healthy oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, fibers, and vitamins. These components can be made available via unprocessed microalgae or refined as individual ingredients. In either case, if added to foods, microalgae may affect taste, smell, texture, and appearance. This review focuses on how consumer acceptance of new foods — such as microalgae — can be accessed in the world of sensory science by bringing together examples from recent consumer surveys. The main aim is to obtain an overview of the attitude towards microalgae as a food ingredient in Europe. The overarching finding suggests that European consumers generally find microalgae acceptable as ingredients in food products. However, there is a prevailing preference for keeping inclusion levels low, primarily attributed to the vivid green color that algae impart to food items upon addition. Additionally, consumers tend to favor the taste of freshwater algae over marine species, often finding the latter's pronounced fishy flavor less appealing.
Factors influencing pregnancy rate and loss after laparoscopic artificial insemination with frozen–thawed semen in Lohi sheep under sub‐tropical conditions
Authors: Khan Muhammad Tayyab , Ahmad Ejaz , Husnain Ali , Yousaf Muhammad Rizwan , Oneeb Muhammad , Ahmad Tanveer , Khan Muhammad Irfan‐ur‐Rehman
Published: May 2024

This study evaluates factors influencing pregnancy rates per artificial insemination (P/AI) and pregnancy loss in Lohi ewes undergoing laparoscopic AI with frozen–thawed semen under sub‐tropical conditions. Data from three experiments comprising ewes (n = 358) of mixed parity (nulliparous; NP and parous; P), various body condition score (BCS) and assigned to long‐term (LTP, 11 days) and short‐term (STP, 5 days) oestrus synchronization regimen across high breeding season (HBS) and low breeding season (LBS) were analysed. Laparoscopic insemination was conducted 54 h post‐sponge removal. Pregnancy diagnosis and loss were evaluated on days 35 and 90 post‐insemination via ultrasonography. Results showed parity significantly influenced P/AI, with nulliparous ewes achieving higher pregnancy ratios than parous ewes (p = .001). BCS significantly influenced P/AI (p < .05), with a quadratic relationship observed between BCS and season (BCS*BCS*Season; p = .07). Progestin treatment did not significantly influence the ratio of pregnant ewes (p = .07). Pregnancy losses were significantly higher during LBS than HBS (p < .05), irrespective of progestin treatment. In conclusion, parity and BCS significantly influenced P/AI, with BCS demonstrating a quadratic association with season. Ewes bred during LBS experienced higher pregnancy losses than HBS, irrespective of progestin treatment.
Lifetime milk production of Holstein cattle in the humid tropics compared to Holstein‐Gyr and Holstein‐Brahman crosses
Authors: Vargas‐Leitón Bernardo , Romero‐Zúñiga Juan José , Rojas José , Galina Carlos. S. , Martínez José Francisco
Published: May 2024

Crossbred cattle are commonly used for milk production in the tropics, combining the potential benefits of pure breeds with the heterosis effects of the offspring. However, no comprehensive assessment of lifetime productivity for crossbred versus purebred cattle in low‐altitude tropical environments has been carried out. The present study compares the lifetime productivity of purebred Holstein (HO, n = 17,269), Gyr (GY4, n = 435), and Brahman (BR4, n = 622) with crossbreds Gyr × Holstein (GY × HO, n = 5521) and Brahman×Holstein (BR × HO, n = 5429) cows from dairy farms located in low and medium altitude tropical regions in Costa Rica. The production traits of interest were age at first calving (AFC), days open (DO), milk production per lactation (TMP), lactation length (LLEN), age at culling (ACUL), and number of lactations (NLAC). Estimates of heterosis were also calculated. The AFC for GY × HO crosses (33–34 months) was not significantly different (p > .05) from HO (33.8 months). For BR × HO crosses, a significant (p < .05) decrease in AFC (BR3HO1 35.6 months, BR2HO2 34.5 months, and BR1H03 33.3 months) was observed as the fraction of HO breed increased. Estimates of heterosis for AFC were favourable for both crosses, of a magnitude close to 3%. The DO for F1 crosses (GY2HO2 94 days; BR2HO2 96 days) was significantly (p < .05) lower than HO (123 days). Estimates of heterosis for DO were also favourable and above 15% for both crosses. The TMP and LLEN were higher for HO (TMP = 5003 kg; LLEN = 324 days) compared with GY × HO (TMP = 4428 to 4773 kg; LLEN = 298 to 312 days) and BR × HO (TMP = 3950 to 4761 kg; LLEN = 273 to 313 days) crosses. Heterosis for TMP was favourable but low for both crosses, with a magnitude below 3.0%. The NLAC for HO (4.6 lactations) was significantly (p < .05) lower than F1 (GY2HO2, 5.8 lactations; BR2HO2, 5.4 lactations). Heterosis for NLAC was above 6.0% for both crosses. Overall, estimates of lifetime income over feed costs per cow on average were USD 2637 (30.3%) and USD 734 (8.4%) higher in F1 GY × HO and BR × HO, respectively, compared to HO. In conclusion, crossbred animals, specifically those with Gyr and Brahman genetics, extend the productive lifespan, increasing economic returns.
A critical analysis on quality‐of‐life in women with visible facial disfigurements
Authors: Okine E. , Helms J. A. , Luhrmann T.
Published: May 2024

Aims

This study aimed to examine whether surgical treatment for a facial disfigurement influenced an individual's quality of life.

Methods and Results

One‐on‐one interviews were conducted with the aim of synthesizing participant's medical experiences into common themes. Additionally, participants completed the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL‐BREF) questionnaire. The WHOQL‐BREF is a standardized testing instrument with four domains of 26 questions, meant to analyze participants’ overall quality of health, physical health, psychological status, social relationships, and environmental health. Our study revealed that women with visible facial differences experienced a quality of life below the average of the general population. However, in those who reported above‐average quality of life, a key theme emerged: active participation in the choice to undergo surgical treatment. Participants who felt this sense of agency in the decision‐making process also reported a more positive healthcare experience. They felt more respected by others, indicating a strong connection between personal agency, surgical choices, and overall well‐being.

Conclusions

These findings reveal that personal agency plays an important role in the decision‐making process for patients undergoing surgical treatment for facial differences, as it improves quality of life and has a positive impact on overall healthcare experience and well‐being.
Freshwater plume‐like condition near the north‐eastern coastal Arabian Sea during early Miocene: Evidence from the stable isotope record in the growth bands of gastropods (Turritella sp.)
Authors: Banerjee Yogaraj , Ghosh Prosenjit
Published: May 2024

The Early Miocene witnessed major tectonic, palaeoceanographic and climatological reorganizations over the Asian realm. The Himalayan and Tibetan plateau upliftment influenced monsoon intensity during this age. Contemporary high‐resolution tropical hydroclimate records are limited. Here, we present an early Miocene sub‐annual stable isotope record from the growth bands of well‐preserved Turritella sp. from the Kachchh basin, Western India. It showed δ13C and δ18O variabilities from −4.83‰ to −1.80‰ and − 7.06‰ to −2.66‰ (in VPDB) respectively. Conventional oxygen isotope thermometry showed an apparent temperature seasonality from 9.3° to 28.1°C. A comparison of the present early Miocene δ18O record with the modern δ18O records in the carbonates from coastal‐estuarine environments of the Indian Ocean confirmed a high freshwater influx into the NE Arabian Sea during the early Miocene, similar to the modern‐day freshwater plume events observed in the coastal region.
Creating Low‐Carbon Economies: Probing Transition Dynamics through the Lens of Field Theory
Authors: Dörry Sabine , Schulz Christian
Published: May 2024

We employ field theory as an approach to analysing sustainable regional development by reconciling funding needs and funding procurement. Initial expectations that private capital would bridge the financial gap to decarbonize our economies and societies have not materialized. Instead, state‐led coalitions increasingly introduce spatialized decarbonization strategies in which public development banks are pivotal, yet underappreciated, actors. Field theory provides a fresh perspective for mapping the particular context in which regional industrial policies intersect with broader national and supra‐national investment programmes and funding needs for these long‐term initiatives. Transitions are typically directed but open‐ended social processes, necessitating agency to both alter context and institutions and stabilize the emerging new structures. Field theory can surpass limitations in approaches like transition studies and integrate change mechanisms across scales.
Flood susceptibility modeling by integrating tree‐based regression with metaheuristic algorithm, BWO
Authors: Satapathy Deba Prakash , Mishra Bibhu Prasad
Published: May 2024

Floods are becoming more widely acknowledged as a common occurrence of nature's dangers on a global scale. Although forecasting models primarily focus on timely warnings, models aimed at evaluating dangerous zones can play a vital role in shaping policies for adaptation, mitigation, and reducing the risk of disasters. Using machine learning techniques including hybrid black widow optimization (BWO) with XGBoost, LGBoost, and AdaBoost. We generate a flood susceptibility map for considered region of lower mahanadi basin (LMB). This study examines the effectiveness of these machine learning models in assessing and mapping flood susceptibility, while also providing suggestions for future research in this area. Flood susceptibility model was developed using 13 variables: Altitude, Aspect, Curvature, Distance from river, Drainage Density, Stream Power Index (SPI), Sediment Transport Index (STI), Rainfall intensity, Land Use Land Cover (LULC), Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Terrain Roughness Index (TRI), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and slope. Additionally, flood inventory data were incorporated into the model. Dataset was divided into a 70% portion for training model and a 30% portion for validating model. To assess the performance of the model, several evaluation metrics were employed, including receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and other performance indices. Evaluation of flood susceptibility mapping, using ROC curve method in combination with flood density yielded strong and reliable results for various models. BWO‐XGBoost achieved a score of 0.889, BWO‐LGBoost achieved a score of 0.937, and BWO‐ADABoost achieved a score of 0.904. These scores indicate effectiveness of these models in accurately predicting flood susceptibility in the study area. A comparison was made with commonly used methods in flood susceptibility assessment to evaluate the efficiency of proposed models. It was found that having a first‐class and enlightening database is crucial for accurately classifying flood types in flood susceptibility mapping. This aspect greatly contributes to improving the overall performance of the model. Among the evaluated methods, the hybrid model BWO‐LGBoost demonstrated better performance compared with others, indicating its effectiveness in accurately predicting flood susceptibility.
On the set of supercyclic operators
Authors: Alves Thiago R. , Souza Gustavo C.
Published: May 2024

In this article, we address a problem posed by Bayart regarding the existence of an infinite‐dimensional closed vector subspace (excluding the null operator) within the set of supercyclic operators on Banach spaces. We fully resolve this problem by establishing the existence of the closed subspace. Furthermore, we prove that the set of supercyclic operators on contains, up to the null operator, an isometric copy of .
Acoustic cues to femininity and masculinity in spontaneous speech
Authors: Nylén Fredrik , Holmberg Jenny , Södersten Maria
Published: May 2024

The perceived level of femininity and masculinity is a prominent property by which a speaker's voice is indexed, and a vocal expression incongruent with the speaker's gender identity can greatly contribute to gender dysphoria. Our understanding of the acoustic cues to the levels of masculinity and femininity perceived by listeners in voices is not well developed, and an increased understanding of them would benefit communication of therapy goals and evaluation in gender-affirming voice training. We developed a voice bank with 132 voices with a range of levels of femininity and masculinity expressed in the voice, as rated by 121 listeners in independent, individually randomized perceptual evaluations. Acoustic models were developed from measures identified as markers of femininity or masculinity in the literature using penalized regression and tenfold cross-validation procedures. The 223 most important acoustic cues explained 89% and 87% of the variance in the perceived level of femininity and masculinity in the evaluation set, respectively. The median fo was confirmed to provide the primary cue, but other acoustic properties must be considered in accurate models of femininity and masculinity perception. The developed models are proposed to afford communication and evaluation of gender-affirming voice training goals and improve voice synthesis efforts.
Predicting underwater acoustic transmission loss in the SOFAR channel from ray trajectories via deep learning
Authors: Wang Haitao , Peng Shiwei , He Qunyi , Zeng Xiangyang
Published: May 2024

Predicting acoustic transmission loss in the SOFAR channel faces challenges, such as excessively complex algorithms and computationally intensive calculations in classical methods. To address these challenges, a deep learning-based underwater acoustic transmission loss prediction method is proposed. By properly training a U-net-type convolutional neural network, the method can provide an accurate mapping between ray trajectories and the transmission loss over the problem domain. Verifications are performed in a SOFAR channel with Munk's sound speed profile. The results suggest that the method has potential to be used as a fast predicting model without sacrificing accuracy.
Proline metabolic reprogramming modulates cardiac remodeling induced by pressure overload in the heart
Authors: Lv Qingbo , Li Duanbin , Zhao Liding , Yu Pengcheng , Tao Yecheng , Zhu Qiongjun , Wang Yao , Wang Meihui , Fu Guosheng , Shang Min , Zhang Wenbin
Published: May 2024

Metabolic reprogramming is critical in the onset of pressure overload–induced cardiac remodeling. Our study reveals that proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), the key enzyme in proline metabolism, reprograms cardiomyocyte metabolism to protect against cardiac remodeling. We induced cardiac remodeling using transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in both cardiac-specific PRODH knockout and overexpression mice. Our results indicate that PRODH expression is suppressed after TAC. Cardiac-specific PRODH knockout mice exhibited worsened cardiac dysfunction, while mice with PRODH overexpression demonstrated a protective effect. In addition, we simulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro using neonatal rat ventricular myocytes treated with phenylephrine. Through RNA sequencing, metabolomics, and metabolic flux analysis, we elucidated that PRODH overexpression in cardiomyocytes redirects proline catabolism to replenish tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, enhance energy production, and restore glutathione redox balance. Our findings suggest PRODH as a modulator of cardiac bioenergetics and redox homeostasis during cardiac remodeling induced by pressure overload. This highlights the potential of PRODH as a therapeutic target for cardiac remodeling.
Biomimetic piezoelectric nanomaterial-modified oral microrobots for targeted catalytic and immunotherapy of colorectal cancer
Authors: Fan Yueyue , Ye Jiamin , Kang Yong , Niu Gaoli , Shi Jiacheng , Yuan Xue , Li Ruiyan , Han Jingwen , Ji Xiaoyuan
Published: May 2024

Lactic acid (LA) accumulation in the tumor microenvironment poses notable challenges to effective tumor immunotherapy. Here, an intelligent tumor treatment microrobot based on the unique physiological structure and metabolic characteristics of
Veillonella atypica
(VA) is proposed by loading
Staphylococcus aureus
cell membrane–coating BaTiO
3
nanocubes (SAM@BTO) on the surface of VA cells (VA-SAM@BTO) via click chemical reaction. Following oral administration, VA-SAM@BTO accurately targeted orthotopic colorectal cancer through inflammatory targeting of SAM and hypoxic targeting of VA. Under in vitro ultrasonic stimulation, BTO catalyzed two reduction reactions (O
2
→ •O
2
−
and CO
2
→ CO) and three oxidation reactions (H
2
O → •OH, GSH → GSSG, and LA → PA) simultaneously, effectively inducing immunogenic death of tumor cells. BTO catalyzed the oxidative coupling of VA cells metabolized LA, effectively disrupting the immunosuppressive microenvironment, improving dendritic cell maturation and macrophage M1 polarization, and increasing effector T cell proportions while decreasing regulatory T cell numbers, which facilitates synergetic catalysis and immunotherapy.
Powerful UAV manipulation via bioinspired self-adaptive soft self-contained gripper
Authors: Guo Xinyu , Tang Wei , Qin Kecheng , Zhong Yiding , Xu Huxiu , Qu Yang , Li Zhaoyang , Sheng Qincheng , Gao Yidan , Yang Huayong , Zou Jun
Published: May 2024

Existing grippers for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manipulation have persistent challenges, highlighting a need for grippers that are soft, self-adaptive, self-contained, easy to control, and lightweight. Inspired by tendril plants, we propose a class of soft grippers that are voltage driven and based on winding deformation for self-adaptive grasping. We design two types of U-shaped soft eccentric circular tube actuators (UCTAs) and propose using the liquid-gas phase-transition mechanism to actuate UCTAs. Two types of UCTAs are separately cross-arranged to construct two types of soft grippers, forming self-contained systems that can be directly driven by voltage. One gripper inspired by tendril climbers can be used for delicate grasping, and the other gripper inspired by hook climbers can be used for strong grasping. These grippers are ideal for deployment in UAVs because of their self-adaptability, ease of control, and light weight, paving the way for UAVs to achieve powerful manipulation with low positioning accuracy, no complex grasping planning, self-adaptability, and multiple environments.
Untangling the environmental and tectonic drivers of the Noto earthquake swarm in Japan
Authors: Wang Qing-Yu , Cui Xin , Frank William B. , Lu Yang , Hirose Takashi , Obara Kazushige
Published: May 2024

The underlying mechanism of the ongoing seismic swarm in the Noto Peninsula, Japan, which generates earthquakes at 10 times the average regional rate, remains elusive. We capture the evolution of the subsurface stress state by monitoring changes in seismic wave velocities over an 11-year period. A sustained long-term increase in seismic velocity that is seasonally modulated drops before the earthquake swarm. We use a three-dimensional hydromechanical model to quantify environmentally driven variations in excess pore pressure, revealing its crucial role in governing the seasonal modulation with a stress sensitivity of 6 × 10
−9
per pascal. The decrease in seismic velocity aligns with vertical surface uplift, suggesting potential fluid migration from a high–pore pressure zone at depth. Stress changes induced by abnormally intense snow falls contribute to initiating the swarm through subsequent perturbations to crustal pore pressure.