bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing and reshaping attractor dynamics in large networks of cortical neurons
Authors: Beer Chen , Barak Omri
Published: January 2024

Attractors play a key role in a wide range of processes including learning and memory. Due to recent innovations in recording methods, there is increasing evidence for the existence of attractor dynamics in the brain. Yet, our understanding of how these attractors emerge or disappear in a biological system is lacking.

By following the spontaneous network bursts of cultured cortical networks, we are able to define a vocabulary of spatiotemporal patterns and show that they function as discrete attractors in the network dynamics. We show that electrically stimulating specific attractors eliminates them from the spontaneous vocabulary, while they are still robustly evoked by the electrical stimulation. This seemingly paradoxical finding can be explained by a Hebbian-like strengthening of specific pathways into the attractors, at the expense of weakening non-evoked pathways into the same attractors. We verify this hypothesis and provide a mechanistic explanation for the underlying changes supporting this effect.
PandoGen: Generating complete instances of future SARS-CoV-2 sequences using Deep Learning
Authors: Ramachandran Anand , Lumetta Steven S. , Chen Deming
Published: January 2024

One of the challenges in a viral pandemic is the emergence of novel variants with different phenotypical characteristics. An ability to forecast future viral individuals at the sequence level enables advance preparation by characterizing the sequences and closing vulnerabilities in current preventative and therapeutic methods. In this article, we explore, in the context of a viral pandemic, the problem of generating complete instances of undiscovered viral protein sequences, which have a high likelihood of being discovered in the future using protein language models. Current approaches to training these models fit model parameters to a known sequence set, which does not suit pandemic forecasting as future sequences differ from known sequences in some respects. To address this, we develop a novel method, called PandoGen, to train protein language models towards the pandemic protein forecasting task. PandoGen combines techniques such as synthetic data generation, conditional sequence generation, and reward-based learning, enabling the model to forecast future sequences, with a high propensity to spread. Applying our method to modeling the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein sequence, we find empirically that our model forecasts twice as many novel sequences with five times the case counts compared to a model that is 30× larger. Our method forecasts unseen lineages months in advance, whereas models 4× and 30× larger forecast almost no new lineages. When trained on data available up to a month before the onset of important Variants of Concern, our method consistently forecasts sequences belonging to those variants within tight sequence budgets.
Post-marketing active surveillance of Guillain Barré Syndrome following COVID-19 vaccination in persons aged ≥12 years in Italy: A multi-database self-controlled case series study
Authors: Morciano Cristina , Spila Alegiani Stefania , Menniti Ippolito Francesca , Belleudi Valeria , Trifirò Gianluca , Zanoni Giovanna , Puccini Aurora , Sapigni Ester , Mores Nadia , Leoni Olivia , Monaco Giuseppe , Clagnan Elena , Zappetti Cristina , Bovo Emanuela , Cutillo Maria , Da Cas Roberto , Massari Marco
Published: January 2024

Background

Recently published studies have reported association of COVID-19 vaccine ChAdOx1-S (Vaxzevria) with Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS). Less is known about the safety of other COVID-19 vaccines with respect to GBS outcome. This study investigated the association of COVID-19 vaccines with GBS in more than 15 million persons aged ≥12 years in Italy.

Methods

Study population was all individuals aged ≥12 years who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines, admitted to emergency care/hospital for GBS from 27 December 2020–30 September 2021 in Italy. Identification of GBS cases and receipt of at least one dose of mRNA-1273 (Elasomeran), BNT162b2 (Tozinameran), ChAdOx1-S (Vaxzevria) and Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen) through record linkage between regional health care and vaccination registries. Relative Incidence (RI) was estimated Self-controlled case series method adapted to event-dependent exposure using in the 42-day exposure risk period after each dose compared with other observation periods.

Results

Increased risk of GBS was found after first (RI = 6.83; 95% CI 2.14–21.85) and second dose (RI = 7.41; 2.35–23.38) of mRNA-1273 and first dose of ChAdOx1-S (RI = 6.52; 2.88–14.77). Analysis by age found an increased risk among those aged≥60 years after first (RI = 8.03; 2.08–31.03) and second dose (RI = 7.71; 2.38–24.97) of mRNA-1273. The first dose of ChAdOx1-S was associated with GBS in those aged 40–59 (RI = 4.50; 1.37–14.79) and in those aged ≥ 60 years (RI = 6.84; 2.56–18.28).

Conclusions

mRNA-1273 and ChAdOx1-S vaccines were associated with an increased risk of GBS however this risk resulted in a small number of excess cases. Limitations were loss of GBS outpatient cases and imprecision of the estimates in the subgroup analysis due to a low number of events.
Combination of phytochemicals, including ginsenoside and curcumin, shows a synergistic effect on the recovery of radiation-induced toxicity
Authors: Kim Min-Sung , Yang Su-Jeong , Jung Seo-Yeong , Lee Tae-Yong , Park Jin-Kyung , Park Yun-Gyeong , Woo So-Youn , Kim Seong-Eun , Lee Ryung-Ah
Published: January 2024

Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat solid cancers located in the pelvis. A considerable number of patients experience proctitis of varying severity, even for a considerable period after radiotherapy. These side effects are often long-lasting or progressively worsen despite multiple therapeutic efforts and are a primary cause of an unexpectedly low quality of life, even after successful cancer treatment. Therefore, this study evaluated the individual and combined efficacy of ginsenoside, curcumin, butyric acid, and sucralfate compounds in treating radiation-induced proctitis. While the candidate compounds did not affect the proliferation and migration of cancer cells, they promoted the recovery of cell activity, including motility. They exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on human dermal fibroblasts or human umbilical vein endothelial cells within in vitro disease models. When each compound was tested, curcumin and ginsenoside were the most effective in cell recovery and promoted the migration of human dermal fibroblasts and cell restoration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The combination of ginsenoside and curcumin resulted in cell migration recovery of approximately 54%. In addition, there was a significant improvement in the length of the endothelial tube, with an increase of approximately 25%, suggesting that the ginsenoside-curcumin-containing combination was the most effective against radiation-induced damage. Furthermore, studies evaluating the effects of combined treatments on activated macrophages indicated that the compounds effectively reduced the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including chemokines, and alleviated radiation-induced inflammation. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into using curcumin and ginsenoside as potential compounds for the effective treatment of radiation-induced injuries and highlights the promising therapeutic benefits of combining these two compounds.
The lived experiences of relatives of autistic adults, and their perceptions of their relationships with autistic adults across multiple age-related transitions and demands: A qualitative interview study with reflexive thematic analysis
Authors: Hamilton Jahnese , Finch Tracy , Le Couteur Ann , Mackintosh Joan , Petrou Alex , Garland Deborah , Parr Jeremy R.
Published: January 2024

Background

There is a need to better understand autism across the life course, including the lives of both autistic people and supporting relatives. As part of a larger mixed methods cohort study involving autistic adults, carers and relatives this sub-study focused on the experiences of relatives alone to learn more about the lives of people from the wider personal networks. Our research questions were: 1. What are the experiences of family members who care for and/or support autistic adults, 2. How can the viewpoints of relatives add to what we know about transitions and challenges experienced by autistic adults, and 3. What strategies/support have been helpful for adults and relatives?

Methods

Relatives of autistic adults were purposively sampled and recruited using the Relatives/Carers cohort from the Adult Autism Spectrum Cohort—UK. 18 participants aged 31-81years who were related to 16 autistic adults aged 18-57years were interviewed for 24-91minutes. Interview transcripts were examined using reflexive thematic analysis.

Main findings

Two overarching themes were developed, ‘Family support goes a long way in caring for autistic adults’ and ‘When families turn to society for support’ with subthemes. Relatives described benefits they had gained and their admiration for autistic adults. They reflected on how they gave support for independence in various contexts of dependence. They also identified the challenges that both autistic adults and families face navigating support systems (for example for healthcare and employment). An important novel outcome was the advocated value of role-models with lived experience who come from outside of the family.

Recommendations

The findings lead to recommendations for: (i) Strategies to reduce the barriers for support that are faced by autistic individuals and relatives during crisis points; (ii) recognition and support for what enables both relatives and autistic adults to function independently (e.g. funded activities, flexible employment); (iii) future planning conversations to include relatives who can enhance knowledge and help plan for future care or support needs for autistic adults and (iv) opportunities for role models (persons with lived experience, autistic adults and relatives) to inspire others and disseminate knowledge.

Conclusions

These findings add valuable insights into the experiences of relatives of autistic adults and challenge the reader to have greater appreciation of the many roles relatives can contribute across time and in a variety of contexts. These perspectives add important information for those working with and planning provision for autistic adults.
COVID-19 managed on respiratory wards and intensive care units: Results from the national COVID-19 outcome report in Wales from March 2020 to December 2021
Authors: Barry Simon M. , Davies Gareth R. , Underwood Jonathan , Davies Chris R. , Lewis Keir E.
Published: January 2024

Background

A COVID-19 hospital guideline was implemented across all 18 acute hospitals in Wales in March 2020, promoting ward management of COVID pneumonitis and data collected across the first 3 Waves of the pandemic (Wave 1 March 1st2020 to November 1st2020, Wave 2 November 2st2020 to February 21st2021 and Wave 3 June 1st2021 to December 14th2021). The aim of this paper is to compare outcomes for patients by admission setting and type of ventilatory support given, with a particular focus on CPAP therapy.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of those aged over 18 admitted to hospital with community acquired COVID-19 between March 2020 and December 2021. The outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality. Univariate logistic regression models were used to compare crude outcomes across the waves. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess outcomes by different settings and treatments after adjusting for Wave, age, sex, co-morbidity and deprivation.

Results

Of the 7,803 records collected, 5,887 (75.4%) met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of those cases identified statistically significant outcome improvements across the waves for all patients combined (Waves 1 to 3: 31.5% to 18.8%, p<0.01), all ward patients (28.9% to 17.7%, p<0.01), and all ICU patients (44.3% to 32.2%, p = 0.03). Sub group analyses identified outcome improvements in ward patients without any oxygen therapy (Waves 1 to 3: 22.2% to 12.7%, p<0.01), with oxygen therapy only (34.0% to 12.9%, p<0.01) and with CPAP only (63.5% to 39.2%, p<0.01). The outcome improvements for ICU patients receiving CPAP only (35.7% to 24.6%, p = 0.31) or invasive ventilation (61.6% to 54.6%, p = 0.43) were not statistically significant though the numbers being admitted to ICU were small. The logistic regression models identified important age and comorbidity effects on outcomes. The multivariable model that took these into account suggested no statistically significantly greater risk of death for those receiving CPAP on the ward compared to those receiving CPAP in ICU (OR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.49 to 1.60).

Conclusions

There were successive reductions in mortality in inpatients over the three Waves reflecting new treatments and better management of complications. Mortality for those requiring CPAP was similar in respiratory wards and ICUs after adjusting for differences in their respective patient populations.
Neural correlates of word processing influenced by painful primes
Authors: Brodhun Christoph , Borelli Eleonora , Weiss Thomas
Published: January 2024

The administration of painful primes has been shown to influence the perception of successively presented semantic stimuli. Painful primes lead to more negative valence ratings of pain-related, negative, and positive words than no prime. This effect was greater for pain-related than negative words. The identities of this effect’s neural correlates remain unknown. In this EEG experiment, 48 healthy subjects received noxious electrical stimuli of moderate intensity. During this priming, they were presented with adjectives of variable valence (pain-related, negative, positive, and neutral). The triggered event-related potentials were analyzed during N1 (120–180 ms), P2 (170–260 ms), P3 (300–350 ms), N400 (370–550 ms), and two late positive complex components (LPC1 [650–750 ms] and LPC2 [750–1000 ms]). Larger event-related potentials were found for negative and pain-related words compared to positive words in later components (N400, LPC1, and LPC2), mainly in the frontal regions. Early components (N1, P2) were less affected by the word category but were by the prime condition (N1 amplitude was smaller with than without painful stimulation, P2 amplitude was larger with than without painful stimulation). Later components (LPC1, LPC2) were not affected by the prime condition. An interaction effect involving prime and word category was found on the behavioral level but not the electrophysiological level. This finding indicates that the interaction effect does not directly translate from the behavioral to the electrophysiological level. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.
Neutrophil extracellular traps in CSF and serum of dogs with steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis
Authors: Wohlsein Jan Christian , Meurer Marita , Mörgelin Matthias , Nessler Jasmin Nicole , Flegel Thomas , Schenk Henning Christian , Jurina Konrad , Rentmeister Kai , Fischer Andrea , Gödde Thomas , Baumgärtner Wolfgang , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , Tipold Andrea
Published: January 2024

In steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (SRMA), inflammatory dysregulation is driven by neutrophilic granulocytes resulting in purulent leptomeningitis. Neutrophils can generate neutrophil extracellular traps (NET). Uncontrolled NET-formation or impaired NET-clearance evidently cause tissue and organ damage resulting in immune-mediated diseases. The aim of the study was to verify that NET-formation is detectable in ex vivo samples of acute diseased dogs with SRMA by visualizing and measuring NET-markers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. CSF-samples of dogs with acute SRMA (n = 5) and in remission (n = 4) were examined using immunofluorescence (IF)-staining of DNA-histone-1-complexes, myeloperoxidase and citrullinated Histone H3 (H3Cit). Immunogold-labeling of H3Cit and neutrophil elastase followed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to determine ultrastructural NET-formation in the CSF of one exemplary dog. H3Cit-levels and DNase-activity were measured in CSF and serum samples using an H3Cit-ELISA and a DNase-activity-assay, respectively in patients with the following diseases: acute SRMA (n = 34), SRMA in remission (n = 4), bacterial encephalitis (n = 3), meningioma with neutrophilic inflammation (n = 4), healthy dogs (n = 6). NET-formation was detectable with IF-staining in n = 3/5 CSF samples of dogs with acute SRMA but were not detectable during remission. Vesicular NET-formation was detectable in one exemplary dog using TEM. DNase-activity was significantly reduced in dogs suffering from acute SRMA compared to healthy control group (p < 0.0001). There were no statistical differences of H3Cit levels in CSF or serum samples of acute diseased dogs compared to dogs under treatment, dogs suffering from meningioma or bacterial encephalitis or the healthy control group. Our findings demonstrate that NET-formation and insufficient NET-clearance possibly drive the immunologic dysregulation and complement the pathogenesis of SRMA. The detection of NETs in SRMA offers many possibilities to explore the aetiopathogenetic influence of this defence mechanism of the innate immune system in infectious and non-infectious canine neuropathies.
Evaluation of educational resource utilization efficiency, regional technological heterogeneity, and total factor productivity change in 35 European countries
Authors: Liao Huayue , Hao Gang , Yasmeen Rizwana , Shah Wasi Ul Hassan
Published: January 2024

Educational resource utilization efficiency (ERUE) and productivity growth are considered current global challenges that the modern world faces. This study evaluates the educational resource utilization efficiency, dynamic productivity change, and regional discrepancies in technologies involved in educational resource utilization in 35 European countries and four regions. DEA Super SBM, Meta frontier analysis, and Malmquist productivity index are employed to gauge the ERUE, technology gap ratio (TGR), and total factor education resources productivity change. A set of inputs and outputs is used from 35 European countries for the study period of 1998–2021. Results revealed that the average ERUE in European countries is 0.6312, Which indicates a 36.88% improvement potential in educational resource utilization. Southern Europe continuously exhibits superior average ERUE scores (0.6871) compared to other regions, indicating a higher efficiency in using educational resources. Luxembourg (1.0813), Czechia (0.9356), and Slovenia (0.8984) are found to be the top three performers in terms of ERUE level. The technology gap ratio value is highest in Southern Europe. It demonstrates that southern European countries used the most advanced technology in education resource utilization. The average Malmquist Index (MI) in European countries is 1.0349. It Indicates a 3.49% growth in educational resource utilization. Technology is the primary determinant of productivity growth, as Technological change is higher than efficiency change. Southern European countries showed the highest MI of 1.0542. Italy, Lithuania, and Serbia were found to have higher average MI scores over the study period (1998–2021). Finally, the Kruskal Wallis test proved that ERUE and TGR in 4 different regions of Europe are heterogeneous. In contrast, the MI in European regions isn’t found to be significantly different.
Identifying the perceived local properties of networks reconstructed from biased random walks
Authors: Guerreiro Lucas , Silva Filipi Nascimento , Amancio Diego Raphael
Published: January 2024

Many real-world systems give rise to a time series of symbols. The elements in a sequence can be generated by agents walking over a networked space so that whenever a node is visited the corresponding symbol is generated. In many situations the underlying network is hidden, and one aims to recover its original structure and/or properties. For example, when analyzing texts, the underlying network structure generating a particular sequence of words is not available. In this paper, we analyze whether one can recover the underlying local properties of networks generating sequences of symbols for different combinations of random walks and network topologies. We found that the reconstruction performance is influenced by the bias of the agent dynamics. When the walker is biased toward high-degree neighbors, the best performance was obtained for most of the network models and properties. Surprisingly, this same effect is not observed for the clustering coefficient and eccentric, even when large sequences are considered. We also found that the true self-avoiding displayed similar performance as the one preferring highly-connected nodes, with the advantage of yielding competitive performance to recover the clustering coefficient. Our results may have implications for the construction and interpretation of networks generated from sequences.
Early swallowing rehabilitation and promotion of total oral intake in patients with aspiration pneumonia: A retrospective study
Authors: Otaka Yumi , Harada Yukinori , Shiroto Kanako , Morinaga Yoshiaki , Shimizu Taro
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To investigate the impact of early swallowing assessment and rehabilitation on the total oral intake and in-hospital mortality in patients with aspiration pneumonia.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with aspiration admitted between September 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016. The inclusion criterion was total oral intake before admission. A new protocol-based intervention for appropriate early oral intake was implemented on April 1, 2016. The protocol consisted of two steps. First, a screening test was conducted on the day of admission to detect patients who were not at high risk of dysphagia. Second, patients underwent a modified water swallowing test and water swallowing test. Patients cleared by these tests immediately initiated oral intake. The primary outcome, the composite outcomes of no recovery to total oral intake at discharge, and in-hospital mortality were compared between the patients admitted pre- and post protocol intervention.

Results

A total of 188 patients were included in the analysis (pre-, 92; post-, 96). The primary outcome did not differ between the pre- and post-intervention periods (23/92 [25.0%] vs. 18/96 [18.8%], p = 0.30). After adjusting for other variables, the intervention was significantly associated with a lower risk of composite outcomes (odds ratio, 0.22, 95%CI, 0.08–0.61, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

The new protocol for early swallowing assessment, rehabilitation, and promotion of oral intake in patients admitted with aspiration pneumonia may be associated with the lower risk for the composite outcomes of in-hospital mortality and no recovery to total oral intake.
Cost-utility analysis of sutureless and rapid deployment versus conventional aortic valve replacement in patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis in Thailand
Authors: Permsuwan Unchalee , Singhatanadgige Seri , Boonpipattanapong Kawinnooch , Slisatkorn Worawong , Chartrungsan Angsu , Nitayavardhana Prompak , Luangthong Nutthawadee , Porapakkham Pramote , Yadee Jirawit
Published: January 2024

Background

Sutureless and rapid deployment aortic valve replacement (SUAVR) has become an alternative to conventional aortic valve replacement (CAVR) for aortic stenosis (AS) treatment due to its advantages in reducing surgery time and improving outcomes. This study aimed to assess the cost-utility of SUAVR vs. CAVR treatment for patients with moderate to severe AS in Thailand.

Methods

A two-part constructed model was used to estimate the lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) from both societal and healthcare perspectives. Data on short-term mortality, complications, cost, and utility data were obtained from the Thai population. Long-term clinical data were derived from clinical studies. Costs and QALYs were discounted annually at 3% and presented as 2022 values. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated to determine additional cost per QALY gained. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

SUAVR treatment incurred higher costs compared with CAVR treatment from both societal (THB 1,733,355 [USD 147,897] vs THB 1,220,643 [USD 104,150]) and healthcare provider perspectives (THB 1,594,174 [USD 136,022] vs THB 1,065,460 [USD 90,910]). In addition, SUAVR treatment resulted in lower health outcomes, with 6.20 life-years (LYs) and 4.95 QALYs, while CAVR treatment achieved 6.29 LYs and 5.08 QALYs. SUAVR treatment was considered as a dominated treatment strategy using both perspectives. Sensitivity analyses indicated the significant impact of changes in utilities and long-term mortality on the model.

Conclusion

SUAVR treatment is not a cost-effective treatment strategy compared with CAVR treatment for patients with moderate-severe AS in Thailand, as it leads to higher costs and inferior health outcomes. Other important issues related to specific patients such as those with minimally invasive surgery, those undergoing AVR with concomitant procedures, and those with calcified and small aortic root should be taken into account.
Transformation of cereal grains: Botanical and chemical analysis of food residues encrusted on pottery from the Funnel Beaker settlement of Oldenburg LA 77, northern Germany
Authors: Kubiak-Martens Lucy , Oudemans Tania F. M. , Brozio Jan Piet , Filipović Dragana , Müller Johannes , Kirleis Wiebke
Published: January 2024

An integrated botanical and chemical approach is used to study surface residues on Funnel Beaker ceramics from the site of Oldenburg LA 77, in northern Germany. Organic residues were discovered adhering to fragments of thick-walled, undecorated ceramic vessels (n = 19) and ceramic discs (n = 2). The surface residues were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to examine remains of cereals and other plant tissues that survived food preparation and cooking, and using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) and direct time-resolved mass spectrometry (DTMS), to chemically identify specific food components. The SEM results show a reoccurring presence of cereal grain (emmer and barley) and one case of co-occurrence of emmer and fat-hen seeds. The SEM evidence for the use of sprouted emmer grain and milk-ripe barley from the Oldenburg residues greatly enhances our understanding of Neolithic foodways in northwestern Europe. The ATR-FTIR results showed that roughly a third of the surface residues contain traces of the original foods prepared or processed and DTMS results confirm that most of the residues primarily contain polysaccharides and a minimal amount of plant protein and that they lack lipids. Only one residue presents minor indications for a (partly) animal origin. The ceramic vessels were thus used almost exclusively for the processing or cooking of cereal grains. This study offers an intimate view of the cuisine and cooking practices (and in some cases their seasonal timing) in an early agricultural village located in a marginal farming region on the south coast of the Baltic Sea.
Screening and biodiversity analysis of cultivable inorganic phosphate–solubilizing bacteria in the rhizosphere of Hydrilla verticillata
Authors: Li Yong , Liu Huan , Yu Xintao , Gong Sidan , Gong Zhilian
Published: January 2024

The inorganic phosphate–solubilizing bacteria (IPB) in the rhizosphere of Hydrilla verticillata can convert insoluble inorganic phosphorus in the environment into soluble phosphorus that can be directly absorbed and utilized by Hydrilla verticillata. In this research, the roots and rhizosphere sediments of Hydrilla verticillata were collected from high–organic matter urban landscape water. The National Botanical Research Institute’s Phosphate growth medium (NBRIP medium) was used to screen for efficient cultivable IPB. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was used to determine the taxonomic affiliation of the strains, and ammonium molybdate spectrophotometry was used to detect the phosphate-solubilizing ability of the strains. The results show that a total of 28 IPB strains with good phosphate-solubilizing effect are obtained from the roots and rhizosphere sediments of Hydrilla verticillata. These IPB strains belong to two phyla, four orders, seven classes, nine families, and nine genera. Among these, Bacillus and Acinetobacter are the dominant genera, and the strains SWIH-7, SWIP-6, SWIP-7, SWIP-13, SWIP-15 and SWIP-16 are potential new species. The IPB strains isolated and screened in this research are rich in diversity, with potential new species and stable phosphate-solubilizing characteristic. These IPB strains are suitable for further development as microbial bacterial agents, which can be applied to promote the recovery of submerged plants in polluted water with high–organic matter, treatment of polluted water and ecological restoration of water.
Changes in value priorities due to the COVID-19 pandemic—A 4-year cross-sectional study with German students
Authors: Hannes Christian , Schiffer Sarah , von Nitzsch Rüdiger
Published: January 2024

In March 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus a pandemic. Since then, the German government has tried to control the spread of the virus with various restrictions. These restrictions had a direct impact on the life of German students. In this study, we investigate to what extent the restrictions led to a change of value priorities of German students. From January 2019 to January 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional study with four measurement points and, in total, 1,328 participants. Two measurement points were before the first outbreak of COVID-19 in Germany, one in the second lockdown phase and the third after two years in the pandemic. In this study, the students were asked to indicate their value priorities while solving a real-world decision problem important to them. Results suggest increased value priorities of the values Intellectual Fulfillment and Environment and Nature and a decrease of Family and Partner value priority as a direct effect of the second lockdown phase. We also found small differences regarding value priorities between the male and female subjects. The data show bounce-back effects as the pandemic became more normal to the students. In the long run, value priorities seem to be stable, with the exception of a longer-lasting increase in Freedom and Independence.
Development of antibodies against recombinant staphylococcal enterotoxin B from food poisoning cases
Authors: Purwanasari Hidayatun Nisa , Salasia Siti Isrina Oktavia , Aziz Fatkhanuddin , Wasissa Madarina , Lestari Fajar Budi , Santosa Christin Marganingsih
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim: Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is the most common serotype involved in food poisoning. The aim of this study was to develop immunoassay detection methods using a recombinant enterotoxin B antigen protein to produce recombinant polyclonal antibodies in vivo.

Materials and Methods: Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a food poisoning case (strain JH5800) was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and confirmed to contain a seb gene of 477 bp. A SEB segment was amplified, cloned, sequenced, and aligned. The PCR product corresponding to the predicted mature SEB peptide was inserted into Escherichia coli BL21 (DE-3) expression vector and expressed as a hexahistidine-SEB fusion protein. Antiserum against recombinant SEB protein was produced by immunization of Balb/c mice.

Results: In the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the polyclonal antibodies produced had a titer of 1:3200. The seb gene of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from a poisoning case (JH5800) had a molecular size of about 477 bp and a band of recombinant SEB toxin was observed at approximately 30 kDa on SDS-PAGE gel. The polyclonal anti-SEB antibody titer, as revealed by indirect ELISA, was 1:3200 at 59 days.

Conclusion: SEB recombinant protein could be used to produce polyclonal antibodies. ELISA and Western blotting were used to analyze the specificity and sensitivity of the recombinant polyclonal antibodies. Polyclonal antibodies produced could be used to detect SEB on a large-scale.

Keywords: antibody, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, recombinant, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, Staphylococcus aureus.
Effects of soil physico-chemical parameters on Sclerotium rolfsii
suppressiveness
Authors: Sen Krishnendu , Roy Mithu De , Halder Suman Kumar , Murmu Mukul , Pati Bikasranjan , Islam Sk Saruk , Barman Ashis Roy , Ray Sujit Kumar , Mondal Keshab Chandra , Dutta Subrata
Published: January 2024

The relationship of soil physico-chemical parameters with disease
suppressiveness property of soil is not well understood phenomenon. In this
regard, the surveys were conducted on the occurrence of collar rot disease
caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in two districts (North 24 Parganas and Nadia)
of West Bengal Gangetic new alluvial region of India from February to
March, 2016. Soil samples were screened through the disease conduciveness
and suppressiveness. The physicochemical properties of soils showed that
the clay loam soil dominated in new the alluvial region of West Bengal. It
was found that soil suppressiveness against S. rolfsii significantly
positively correlated with soil aggregate ratio (AR). PCA explained the
closeness of the parameters with soil suppressive index (SI) and aggregate
stability (AS). Mostly the exponential relationship has been observed among
the selected physico-chemical parameters. From this study we found AR, AS
and bulk density were most determining parameters for S. rolfsii soil
suppressiveness. Such indicators of soil health would be very beneficial
for forecasting potential risks and providing guidance on appropriate
farming techniques for specific geographic areas or microclimates. However,
further investigation is required to fully comprehend the impact of
physical and chemical properties on soil suppressiveness.
Biopriming salt-tolerant microbial isolates to chilli and pak choy
seeds: a study on salinity tolerance and physiological responses of treated
seeds
Authors: Chin Jia May , Ting Adeline Su Yien
Published: January 2024

Trichoderma asperellum and Pseudomonas fluorescens were first
established for their tolerance to salinity. They were bioprimed onto two
common vegetable seeds (pak choy and chilli) using sodium alginate (for T.
asperellum, TAB) and xanthan gum (for P. fluorescens, PFB) and sown into
soils amended with NaCl (salinity stress). Both T. asperellum and P.
fluorescens have high salt tolerance (up to 250 mM of NaCl) concentration).
Bioprimed seedlings had sustained growth in saline soils (2.72 – 3.05
dS/m). Pak choy seedlings benefited the most from biopriming with TAB or
PFB seedlings, showing enhanced fresh weight, shoot length, root length and
germination, compared to non-bioprimed seedlings. For chilli seedlings,
only shoot length was enhanced. Tolerance to salinity was marked by lower
levels of proline (0.62-2.73 µmol/g fr. wt.), total phenolic content
(80.29-130.10 mg GAE/100 g fr. wt.), and malondialdehyde (0.29-0.61 µmol/g
fr. wt.) compared to non-bioprimed seedlings (NB) under salinity stress
(1.87-3.55 µmol/g fr. wt. for proline, 105.60-278.82 mg GAE/100 g fr. wt.
for total phenolic content, 0.33-0.61 µmol/g fr. wt. for malondialdehyde).
Our early observations showed the potential of biopriming salt-tolerant
isolates to enhance survival of important vegetable crops in saline soils.
Artificial Intelligence–Enabled Stool Analysis for Lactulose Titration Assistance in Hepatic Encephalopathy Through a Smartphone Application
Authors: Sordi Chara Beatriz , Hara Kamalpreet S. , Penrice Daniel , Schmidt Kathryn A. , Kassmeyer Blake A. , Anstey Jacob , Tiede David , Kamath Patrick S. , Shah Vijay H. , Bajaj Jasmohan S. , Kraus Asaf , Simonetto Douglas A.
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Management of hepatic encephalopathy relies on self-titration of lactulose. In this feasibility trial, we assess an artificial intelligence–enabled tool to guide lactulose use through a smartphone application.

METHODS:

Subjects with hepatic encephalopathy on lactulose captured bowel movement pictures during lead-in and intervention phases. During the intervention phase, daily feedback on lactulose titration was delivered through the application. Goals were determined according to number of bowel movement and Bristol Stool Scale reports.

RESULTS:

Subjects completed the study with more than 80% satisfaction. In the lead-in phase, less compliant subjects achieved Bristol Stool Scale goal on 62/111 (56%) of days compared with 107/136 (79%) in the intervention phase (P = 0.041), while the most compliant subjects showed no difference. Severe/recurrent hepatic encephalopathy group achieved Bristol Stool Scale goal on 80/104 (77%) days in the lead-in phase and 90/110 (82%) days in the intervention phase (P = NS), compared with 89/143 (62%) days and 86/127 (68%) days in the stable group.

DISCUSSION:

Dieta application is a promising tool for objective Bowel Movement/Bristol Stool Scale tracking for hepatic encephalopathy and may potentially be used to assist with lactulose titration.
Prognostic nutritional index as a prognostic factor for very early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ho Chun-Ting , Chia-Hui Tan Elise , Lee Pei-Chang , Chu Chi-Jen , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Huo Teh-Ia , Hou Ming-Chih , Wu Jaw-Ching , Su Chien-Wei
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Field factors play more important roles in predicting the outcomes of patients compared with tumor factors in early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the prognostic ability of non-invasive serum marker scores for hepatic fibrosis and liver functional reserve on very early-stage HCC is still not yet determined. We aimed to investigate the performance of these serum marker scores in predicting the prognoses of patients with very early-stage HCC.

Methods:

A total of 446 patients with the very early-stage HCC from 2012 to 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Serum biomarkers and prognostic scores determining overall survival (OS) were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards model. We compared the Akaike information criterion (AIC) among the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, EZ (easy)-ALBI score, modified ALBI score, fibrosis (FIB)-4 score and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) to determine the predictability on the OS.

Results:

After a median follow-up of 41.0 months (interquartile range IQR 36.9-45.1 months), 81 patients died, with a 5-year OS rate of 71.0%. Among the non-invasive serum marker scores, PNI had the best performance in predicting the OS with the lowest AIC (846.407) compared to other scores. Moreover, we stratified the patients into high-risk (PNI<45) and low-risk (PNI>=45) groups. It showed that the 5-year OS rates were 83.4% and 60.8% in the low-risk and high-risk PNI groups, respectively (p<0.001).

Conclusions:

PNI had the best performance in predicting the OS for patients with very early-stage HCC.
Perkembangan dan Tren Penelitian Global tentang Research Data Management
Authors: Nurhayati Euis Sri , Lawanda Ike Iswary
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini mengkaji profil dan tren perkembangan penelitian tentang research data management (RDM) secara global. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi perkembangan dan tren global penelitian RDM; produktivitas penulis dan bidang keilmuan; negara dengan jumlah publikasi terbanyak, domain subjek, dan jurnal inti; visualisasi RDM pada wordcloud dan peta jaringan berdasarkan kata kunci; serta jaringan kolaborasi antar negara. Pendekatan kuantitatif dengan metode analisis bibliometrik digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Pengumpulan data dilakukan pada Scopus dengan menggunakan kueri: TITLE-ABS-KEY (ALL "Research Data Management" OR "Research Data Preservation" OR "Research Data Curation"). Sebanyak 1013 artikel dari 412 jurnal dan 2869 penulis diikutsertakan dalam penelitian. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan Biblioshiny dan VosViewer. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa publikasi RDM dimulai pada tahun 1945 dan mulai berkembang secara signifikan pada tahun 2012 hingga publikasi terbanyak terjadi pada tahun 2022. Jerman memimpin sebagai negara dengan publikasi terbanyak dan terkemuka. Lecture Note in Computer Science menjadi jurnal inti publikasi. Riberio, C menjadi penulis paling produktif. Ilmu komputer dan Ilmu sosial menjadi kontributor utama dengan menyumbang lebih dari 50% dari seluruh terbitan. Wordcloud pada Biblioshiny memetakan topik RDM meliputi tetapi tidak terbatas pada open science, big data, information processing, digital libraries dan metadata, sementara pemetaan jaringan pada VosViewer mengerucutkan kata kunci menjadi tujuh klaster. Ada pun persentase kolaborasi antar negara ditemukan sebesar 12,14%. Sebagai kesimpulan, status tren global pada penelitian RDM saat ini sedang mengalami peningkatan dengan jumlah produksi terbitan pada satu dekade terakhir ini mencapai 38,4 kali lipat dari lima dekade awal.
Introduction to Volume 46
Authors: Andersson Maria
Published: January 2024

Introduction
A metasurface color router facilitating RGB-NIR sensing for an image sensor application
Authors: Hong Yoon Jin , Jeon Byeong Je , Ki Yu Geun , Kim Soo Jin
Published: January 2024

CMOS image sensor (CIS) plays a crucial role in diverse optical applications by facilitating the capture of images in the visible and near-infrared spectra. The enhancement of image resolution in CIS by an increase in pixel density is becoming more significant and realizable with the recent progress of nanofabrication. However, as pixel size decreases towards the diffraction limit, there is an inevitable trade-off between the scale-down of pixel size and the enhancement of optical sensitivity. Recently, to overcome this, an entirely new concept of spectral sensing using a nanophotonic-based color router has been proposed. In this work, we present a metasurface-based spectral router to effectively split the spectrum from visible to near-infrared and redirect through the four optical channels to the targeted pixel surfaces. We optimize the metasurface that simultaneously controls the phases of the transmitted light of targeted spectra, i.e. red (R), green (G), blue (B), and near-infrared (NIR), which is the largest number of channels reported based on a single layered metasurface and has an optical efficiency that surpasses the efficiency of conventional color filter systems.
Vortex solitons in topological disclination lattices
Authors: Huang Changming , Shang Ce , Kartashov Yaroslav V. , Ye Fangwei
Published: January 2024

The existence of thresholdless vortex solitons trapped at the core of disclination lattices that realize higher-order topological insulators is reported. The study demonstrates the interplay between nonlinearity and higher-order topology in these systems, as the vortex state in the disclination lattice bifurcates from its linear topological counterpart, while the position of its propagation constant within the bandgap and localization can be controlled by its power. It is shown that vortex solitons are characterized by strong field confinement at the disclination core due to their topological nature, leading to enhanced stability. Simultaneously, the global discrete rotational symmetry of the disclination lattice imposes restrictions on the maximal possible topological charge of such vortex solitons. The results illustrate the strong stabilizing action that topologically nontrivial structures may exert on excited soliton states, opening new prospects for soliton-related applications.
On the recognitions of asemic poetry as language
Authors: Betancourt Michael
Published: January 2024

The recognition of a pattern of abstract marks as language is simultaneously obvious and undertheorized. Contemporary “asemic poetry” splits the recognition of language from its lexicality, providing an opportunity to consider this recognition directly. It reveals the necessary intervention of an “intentional function” that justifies considering markings as if they were encoded, i.e., as language. This essential moment of sign formation in written communication typically passes automatically without the need for consideration, but asemic poetry specifically allows meditation on that point of transition, allowing the role of cultural knowledge to become apparent in its identification, as well as the Romantic heritage which rejects mechanical reproduction and automation.
Survey of Blood Flow Restriction Training Applications in Sports Medicine and Performance Practice Across North America
Authors: Colapietro Mark A. , Lee Jungmin Z. , Vairo Giampietro L.
Published: January 2024

Colapietro, MA, Lee, JZ, and Vairo, GL. Survey of blood flow restriction training applications in sports medicine and performance practice across North America. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—This study profiled current clinical applications of blood flow restriction (BFR) training and observed side effects by surveying active sports medicine and performance personnel across North America. An online survey consisting of questions derived from a related position statement was distributed through professional organizations, email listservs, and social media. Personnel with experience applying or prescribing BFR training with permanent residence within the United States or Canada were eligible to participate. Variables captured included demographics (profession, practice setting), BFR equipment, treatment parameters, observed side effects, and personal perceptions regarding BFR training. An alpha level of p < 0.05 determined significance. A convenience sample included 72 clinicians with 67 being from the United States. Athletic trainers (n = 35) and physical therapists (n = 30) primarily participated. Chi-square test of independence indicated that a higher proportion of physical therapists (90.3%) report receiving formal education in BFR training compared with athletic trainers (65.7%) (

= 4.1, p = 0.043). Parameters varied between respondents for exercise prescription and occlusion settings. Respondents primarily followed position statement recommendations with individualized pressure selections for resistance (80.9%) and aerobic (84.8%) BFR modes. Side effects reported included delayed onset muscle soreness (66.2%), inability to continue because of pain (28%), and numbness (22.5%). Personal perceptions between athletic trainers and physical therapists were compared using independent t-tests. Physical therapists indicated higher confidence in safety (difference = 0.37 ± 0.32, p = 0.026), understanding recommendations (difference = 0.47 ± 0.37, p = 0.011), and theoretical principles (difference = 0.80 ± 0.53, p = 0.004). Despite variation in BFR parameters used, sports medicine personnel demonstrate compliance with position statement recommendations and report mild side effects.