bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social isolation and poor mental health in young people: testing genetic and environmental influences in a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Thompson Katherine N. , Oginni Olakunle , Wertz Jasmin , Danese Andrea , Okundi Malaika , Arseneault Louise , Matthews Timothy
Published: September 2024

We assessed genetic and environmental influences on social isolation across childhood and the overlap between social isolation and mental health symptoms including depression symptoms, conduct problems, and psychotic-like experiences from adolescence to young adulthood. Participants included 2,232 children from the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study. Social isolation was measured at ages 5, 7, 10, 12, and 18. A Cholesky decomposition was specified to estimate the genetic and environmental influences on social isolation across ages 5, 7, 10, and 12. An independent pathway model was used to assess additive genetic (A), shared environmental (C), and non-shared environmental (E) influences on the overlap between social isolation and mental health problems from age 12 to 18. Genetic and non-shared environmental influences accounted for half of the variance in childhood social isolation. Genetic influences contributed to the continuity of social isolation across childhood, while non-shared environmental influences were age-specific. The longitudinal overlap between social isolation and mental health symptoms was largely explained by genetic influences for depression symptoms (r = 0.15–0.24: 82–84% A, 11–12% C, and 5–6% E) and psychotic-like experiences (r = 0.13–0.15: 81–91% A, 0–8% C, and 9–11% E) but not conduct problems (r = 0.13–0.16; 0–42% A, 42–81% C, 16–24% E). Our findings emphasise that rather than a risk factor or an outcome, social isolation is aetiologically intertwined with the experience of poor mental health. An integrative assessment of social isolation could be a helpful indicator of underlying mental health symptoms in young people.
Identification of a Novel β-Defensin Gene in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Ferez-Puche M. , Serna-Duque Jhon A. , Cuesta Alberto , Sánchez-Ferrer Álvaro , Esteban María Ángeles
Published: September 2024

The excessive use of antibiotics in aquaculture favors the natural selection of multidrug-resistant bacteria, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) could be a promising alternative to this problem. The most studied AMPs in teleost fish are piscidins, hepcidins, and β-defensins. In this work, we have found a new gene (defb2) encoding a type 2 β-defensin in the genome of gilthead seabream, a species chosen for its economic interest in aquaculture. Its open reading frame (192 bp) encodes a protein (71 amino acids) that undergoes proteolytic cleavage to obtain the functional mature peptide (42 amino acids). The genetic structure in three exons and two introns and the six characteristic cysteines are conserved as the main signature of this protein family. In the evolutionary analysis, synteny shows a preservation of chromosomal localization and the phylogenetic tree constructed exposes the differences between both types of β-defensin as well as the similarities between seabream and European seabass. In relation to its basal expression, β-defensin 2 is mostly expressed in the intestine, thymus, skin, and gonads of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). In head kidney leucoytes (HKLs), the expression was very low and did not change significantly when stimulated with various immunocompetent agents. However, the expression was significantly down-regulated in the liver, head–kidney, and blood 4 h post-injection with the fish pathogen Vibrio harveyi. When infected with nodavirus, the expression was downregulated in brain at 7 days post-infection. These results denote a possible complementarity between the expression patterns of β-defensins and hepcidins. Further studies are needed to analyze gene duplications and expression patterns of β-defensins and describe their mechanism of action in seabream and other teleost fish.
IAT/ML: a metamodel and modelling approach for discourse analysis
Authors: Gonzalez-Perez Cesar , Pereira-Fariña Martín , Calderón-Cerrato Beatriz , Martín-Rodilla Patricia
Published: September 2024

Language technologies are gaining momentum as textual information saturates social networks and media outlets, compounded by the growing role of fake news and disinformation. In this context, approaches to represent and analyse public speeches, news releases, social media posts and other types of discourses are becoming crucial. Although there is a large body of literature on text-based machine learning, it tends to focus on lexical and syntactical issues rather than semantic or pragmatic. Being useful, these advances cannot tackle the nuanced and highly context-dependent problems of discourse evaluation that society demands. In this paper, we present IAT/ML, a metamodel and modelling approach to represent and analyse discourses. IAT/ML focuses on semantic and pragmatic issues, thus tackling a little researched area in language technologies. It does so by combining three different modelling approaches: ontological, which focuses on what the discourse is about; argumentation, which deals with how the text justifies what it says; and agency, which provides insights into the speakers’ beliefs, desires and intentions. Together, these three modelling approaches make IAT/ML a comprehensive solution to represent and analyse complex discourses towards their understanding, evaluation and fact checking.
Safety and efficacy of a novel 0.5% epinastine topical eyelid cream in allergic conjunctivitis: a phase 3 trial
Authors: Fujishima Hiroshi , Shoji Jun
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The high prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in Japan necessitates novel, easy-to-use treatment options for prophylactic use. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a newly-developed 0.5% epinastine topical eyelid cream to prevent the development of allergic conjunctivitis.

Study design

This was a phase 3, single-centre, double-masked, intra-patient randomised trial in asymptomatic adults (aged 20–65 years) with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis in Japan.

Methods

The left and right eyes of eligible patients were randomised to receive a topical application of either 0.5% epinastine cream (~ 30 mg per dose) to one eye or placebo cream to the other (on the outer skin of the upper and lower eyelids) after a conjunctival antigen challenge (CAC) test. Symptom severity was assessed up to 24 h post-treatment. Primary efficacy endpoints were mean ocular itching and conjunctival hyperaemia severity scores in each eye; safety endpoints included adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reaction (ADRs).

Results

In total, 30 patients (60 eyes) were included in the study. The 0.5% epinastine topical eyelid cream reduced mean ocular itching scores (difference in least squares means ± standard error, − 1.12 ± 0.214; p < 0.0001) and mean conjunctival hyperaemia scores (− 0.54 ± 0.197; p = 0.0097) 24 h after treatment versus placebo. The 0.5% epinastine topical eyelid cream was well tolerated, with no AEs or ADRs reported.

Conclusion

With its novel route of administration, 0.5% epinastine topical eyelid cream may be considered a unique, easy-to-use, once-daily treatment option to prevent the onset of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.
Improved a posteriori error bounds for reduced port-Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Rettberg Johannes , Wittwar Dominik , Buchfink Patrick , Herkert Robin , Fehr Jörg , Haasdonk Bernard
Published: September 2024

Projection-based model order reduction of dynamical systems usually introduces an error between the high-fidelity model and its counterpart of lower dimension. This unknown error can be bounded by residual-based methods, which are typically known to be highly pessimistic in the sense of largely overestimating the true error. This work applies two improved error bounding techniques, namely (a) a hierarchical error bound and (b) an error bound based on an auxiliary linear problem, to the case of port-Hamiltonian systems. The approaches rely on a secondary approximation of (a) the dynamical system and (b) the error system. In this paper, these methods are adapted to port-Hamiltonian systems. The mathematical relationship between the two methods is discussed both theoretically and numerically. The effectiveness of the described methods is demonstrated using a challenging three-dimensional port-Hamiltonian model of a classical guitar with fluid–structure interaction.
Selective FFRCT testing in suspected stable angina in clinical practice - initial experiences
Authors: Thangavel Shifan , Madsen Kristian Taekker , Rønnow Sand Niels Peter , Veien Karsten Tange , Deibjerg Lone , Husain Majed , Hosbond Susanne , Alan Dilek Hunerel , Øvrehus Kristian Altern , Junker Anders , Mortensen Jonas , Thomsen Kristian Korsgaard , Jensen Lisette Okkels , Poulsen Tina Svenstrup , Steffensen Flemming Hald , Rohold Allan , Busk Martin
Published: September 2024

Coronary CT angiography (CTA) derived fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) is recommended for physiological assessment in intermediate coronary stenosis for guiding referral to invasive coronary angiography (ICA). In this study, we report real-world data on the feasibility of implementing a CTA/FFRCT test algorithm as a gatekeeper to ICA at referral hospitals. Retrospective all-comer study of patients with new onset stable symptoms and suspected coronary stenosis (30–89%) by CTA. Evaluation of CTA datasets, interpretation of FFRCT analysis, and decisions on downstream testing were performed by skilled CT-cardiologists. CTA was performed in 3974 patients, of whom 381 (10%) were referred directly to ICA, whereas 463 (12%) to non-invasive functional testing: FFRCT 375 (81%) and perfusion imaging 88 (19%). FFRCT analysis was rejected in 8 (2%) due to inadequate CTA image quality. Number of patients deferred from ICA after FFRCT was 267 (71%), while 100 (27%) were referred to ICA. Obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) was confirmed in 62 (62%) patients and revascularization performed in 53 (53%). Revascularization rates, n (%), were higher in patients undergoing FFRCT-guided versus CTA-guided referral to ICA: 30–69% stenosis, 28 (44%) versus 8 (21%); 70–89% stenosis, 39 (69%) versus 25 (46%), respectively, both p < 0.05. Implementation of FFRCT at referral hospitals was feasible, reduced the number of invasive procedures, and increased the revascularization rate.
Breeding for resistance to bacterial wilt in Solanaceae crops: lessons learned and ways forward for Gboma eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon L.), a traditional African vegetable
Authors: Sossou Belchrist E. , Ayenan Mathieu A. T. , Schafleitner Roland , Rachidatou Sikirou , Achigan-Dako Enoch G.
Published: September 2024

Bacterial wilt (BW) is caused by Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) and can lead to severe losses in a wide range of crops, including many traditional African vegetables (TAV). Given the critical role of TAV in African food security, investigations of BW incidence, distribution, and effective breeding strategies are needed to support public and private TAV breeding programs. In this review, we address key questions related to the diversity of BW pathogens, susceptible TAV hosts, distribution, incidence, breeding strategies, sources of resistance, and gaps in the development of resistant TAV varieties in Africa. We also discuss the potential of multiomics integration to enhance our understanding of the host plant defense system against BW in Solanaceae crops. We curated BW strain databases obtained from several online platforms, representing a total of 948 BW strains. Using a refined database, we highlighted the diversity of RSSC and TAV crops affected by RSSC in different regions of Africa. Out of 29 species documented to be affected by BW in Africa, ten are TAV, including widely consumed TAV such as Amaranths and nightshades. In addition, phylotypes I and III are reported to affect TAV, and the incidence can reach up to 72.4% in farmers’ fields. An overview of the first reports revealed that the disease has become a serious threat to TAV in the past decade. Finally, this review proposes a schematic map of possible avenues for successful breeding of BW-resistant TAV using Gboma eggplant as a case study.
Endoscopic screening for identification of signet ring cell gastric cancer foci in carriers of germline pathogenic variants in CDH1
Authors: Mejia Perez Lady Katherine , O’Malley Margaret , Chatterjee Arjun , Lyu Ruishen , Yang Qijun , Cruise Michael W. , LaGuardia Lisa , Liska David , Macaron Carole , Walsh R. Matthew , Burke Carol A.
Published: September 2024

To determine the preoperative detection of signet ring cancer cells (SRC) on upper endoscopy (EGD) in patients with CDH1 pathogenic variant (PV) undergoing gastrectomy. To evaluate the development of advanced diffuse gastric cancer (DGC) in patients choosing surveillance. Guidelines recommend prophylactic total gastrectomy (pTG) in CDH1 PV carriers with family history of DGC between 18 and 40 years. Annual EGD with biopsies according to established protocols is recommended in carriers with no SRC and no family history of DGC, with consideration of pTG. Retrospective analysis of asymptomatic patients with CDH1 PVs with ≥ 1 surveillance EGD. Outcomes included pre-operative EGD detection of SRC, surgical stage, and progression to advanced DGC in those electing surveillance with EGD. 48 patients with CDH1 PVs who had ≥ 1 EGD were included. 24/ 48 (50%) underwent gastrectomy, including pTG in 7 patients. SRCC were detected on gastrectomy specimen in 21/24 (87.5%). SRCs were identified by EGD in 17/21 patients who had SRCC on gastrectomy specimens (sensitivity 81%, 17/21). All cancers were stage pT1a. The remaining 17 patients (50% with a family history of gastric cancer) continue in annual EGD surveillance with a median follow-up of 34.6 months. No SRCC or advanced DGC have been diagnosed. No CDH1 PV carriers without SRCC on random biopsies followed in an endoscopic program developed advanced DGC over a median follow up of 3 years. In the short term, EGD surveillance might be a safe alternative to immediate pTG in experienced hands in referral centers.
Analysing Double Shearing Mechanism in Fiberglass Rock Bolting Systems: a Comprehensive Analytical Model and Numerical Simulation Approach
Authors: Gregor Peter , Mirzaghorbanali Ali , McDougall Kevin , Aziz Naj , Jodeiri Shokri Behshad , Nourizadeh Hadi , Taheri Abbas
Published: September 2024

An analytical method and numerical simulation were developed to investigate the shear performance of fiberglass rock bolts (20-tonne and 30-tonne) by conducting sixteen double-shearing tests with both clean and infilled shear interfaces. Following the preparation of the required samples, each test set-up was subjected to different ranges of pretension values. The infilled scenario involved 5 mm thick sandy clay infilled shear interfaces. The results of the double shearing tests unveiled that as pretension increased, so did the confining pressures at the shear interfaces for both clean and infilled joints. Also, an analytical model was developed utilising the Fourier transform, energy balance theory, and linear elastic theory. The result was an empirical relationship that could determine the double shear performance of fibreglass rock bolts in close agreement with the experimental data. Coefficients were incorporated to facilitate model calibration and tuning. Eventually, fast Lagrangian analysis of continua (FLAC) three-dimensional (3D) modelling was utilised to conduct numerical simulations of fibreglass rock bolts subjected to double shearing scenarios. The numerical model was calibrated against experimental data and then extended to conduct a sensitivity analysis on fibreglass rock bolts subjected to double shear test setup variations. Scenarios included rock bolt installation angles, shearing rates, and various host rock strengths. The results revealed that increasing the shear speed from the experimental test baseline yielded substantial displacement increases in the post-failure residual performance of the rock bolts. Changing the installation angle resulted in greater peak shear forces and extended residual zones. The least significant impacts were observed when changing the host rock UCS, suggesting neither rock bolt was drastically impacted by weak or strong host rocks.
The importance of different forest management systems for people’s dietary quality in Tanzania
Authors: Olesen R. S. , Reiner F. , den Braber B. , Hall C. , Kilawe C. J. , Kinabo J. , Msuya J. , Rasmussen L. V.
Published: September 2024

Context

A large body of literature has shown that forests provide nutritious foods in many low- and middle-income countries. Yet, there is limited evidence on the contributions from different types of forest and tree systems.

Objectives

Here, we focus on individual trees and smaller forest patches outside established forest reserves as well as different forest management systems.

Methods

We do so by combining novel high-resolution data on tree cover with 24-h dietary recall surveys from 465 women in Tanzania.

Results

We show that people with more unclassified tree cover (i.e., individual trees and small forest patches) in their nearby surroundings have more adequate protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin A intakes. We also find that having a nearby forest under Participatory Forest Management (PFM) system is associated with higher adequacy levels of energy, iron, zinc and vitamin A. By contrast, tree cover within other types of forest (e.g., Government Forest Reserves and Government Forest Plantations) is not positively associated with people’s dietary quality.

Conclusions

Our key finding is that having individual trees, smaller forest patches and/or forest under PFM in close proximity is more beneficial for people’s diets than other types of established forests. Our results highlight the nutritional importance of trees outside established forests and question the often-assumed benefits of forests if these are made inaccessible by social barriers (e.g., legislation). Finally, our results emphasize the need to distinguish between different forest management systems when studying forest-diet linkages.
Economic risk of differential subsidence in Mexico City (2014–2022)
Authors: Fernández-Torres Enrique Antonio , Cabral-Cano Enrique , Salazar-Tlaczani Luis , Solano-Rojas Darío
Published: September 2024

Differential ground subsidence associated with groundwater extraction can damage urban infrastructure and housing, producing important economic risk and losses. This paper assessed the economic risk due to differential subsidence in Mexico City. To obtain the economic risk maps, we applied a three-stage methodology. In the first stage, we computed the cadastral value per city block. In the second stage, we obtained the vertical, horizontal, and differential subsidence velocities for the period 2014–2022 using Sentinel-1 SAR scenes. In the last stage, we combined the products of stages I and II to obtain the city blocks exceeding Mexico City’s Limit States to differential subsidence and the economic risk maps based on two scenarios of typologies. The first scenario consists of masonry construction with 1–2 floors, and the second of constructions with 1–4 floors with steel frames. In the first scenario of economic risk, we obtained that 7.6% of city blocks, 215,000 properties, and 738,000 people are within high and very high-risk categories, representing an economic cost of $10.5 billion USD. In the second risk scenario, we obtained that $2.5 billion USD is the cost of properties with high-risk, exposing 48,000 properties, 169 thousand people, and 2% of city blocks. This paper represents the first time land subsidence is evaluated in Mexico City in economic terms. The obtained results can be useful to local authorities to know the economic impacts of differential land subsidence in the city, which can help to improve land subsidence mitigation strategies in the coming years.
Gender identity: the subjective fit account
Authors: Cosker-Rowland Rach
Published: September 2024

This paper proposes a new account of gender identity on which for A to have gender G as part of their gender identity is for A to not take G not to fit them (or to positively take G to fit them). It argues that this subjective fit account of gender identity fits well with trans people’s testimony and both trans and cis people’s experiences of their genders. The subjective fit account also avoids the problems that existing accounts of gender identity face. Existing accounts face broadly two types of problems. First, they seem to imply that trans people have gender identities different from those that they in fact have. For instance, they seem to imply that some trans women do not have a female gender identity or have not always had that gender identity, contrary to their testimony and experiences. I argue that the subjective fit account avoids this problem. Second, many existing accounts of gender identity seem to conflict with the idea that our gender identities merit respect. I argue that the subjective fit account avoids this problem because it understands gender identities to consist in normative experiences and judgments and normative experiences and judgments merit respect.
Twenty-five years of experience with patient-reported outcome measures in soft-tissue sarcoma patients: a systematic review
Authors: Generaal Jasmijn D. , Jansen Marnix R. , van Leeuwen Goudje L. , van Ginkel Robert J. , Been Lukas B. , van Leeuwen Barbara L.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

As the importance of the patient’s perspective on treatment outcome is becoming increasingly clear, the availability of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has grown accordingly. There remains insufficient information regarding the quality of PROMs in patients with soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs). The objectives of this systematic review were (1) to identify all PROMs used in STS patients and (2) to critically appraise the methodological quality of these PROMs.

Methods

Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE and Embase on April 22, 2024. PROMs were identified by including all studies that evaluate (an aspect of) health-related quality of life in STS patients by using a PROM. Second, studies that assessed measurement properties of the PROMs utilized in STS patients were included. Quality of PROMs was evaluated by performing a COSMIN analysis.

Results

In 59 studies, 39 PROMs were identified, with the Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS) being the most frequently utilized. Three studies evaluated methodological quality of PROMs in the STS population. Measurement properties of the TESS, Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) were reported. None of the PROMs utilized in the STS population can be recommended for use based on the current evidence and COSMIN analysis.

Conclusion

To ensure collection of reliable outcomes, PROMs require methodological evaluation prior to utilization in the STS population. Research should prioritize on determining relevant content and subsequently selecting the most suitable PROM for assessment.
Becoming Symbolic: Some Remarks on the Judicial Rewriting of the Offence of Animal Abuse in Poland
Authors: Suska Marek
Published: September 2024

The discussion on symbolic legislation unveils intriguing relationships between law and politics. However, the abundance of observations often results in conceptual chaos and raises numerous problematic questions. These inquiries revolve around the scope of the concept of symbolic legislation (is it a marginal or universal phenomenon in the legal system?), as well as the circumstances determining whether a provision or legal act is classified as symbolic legislation. Of particular interest is the question of whether a provision or legal act can “become symbolic” over time. The research goal of this study is to analyse the process of “becoming symbolic” and derive conclusions that deepen the understanding of the phenomenon of symbolic legislation. This study organises the current discussion on symbolic legislation, focusing on a case study of the structure of the crime of animal abuse in the Polish Animal Protection Act. The author illustrates how certain elements of this provision “became symbolic,” demonstrating that this process is largely independent of the motives of the legislators. In conclusion, the author emphasises the importance of consistently separating the sphere of motives from the sphere of effects in the discussion on symbolic legislation. Furthermore, the author highlights the static nature of the former and the dynamic nature of the latter.
Women’s Sexual Agency, Pleasure, and Orgasm in Popular Netflix Series: A Quantitative Content Analysis of Mixed-Gender Scenes
Authors: Oschatz Tanja , Döring Nicola , Zimmermanns Christin , Klein Verena
Published: September 2024

Media representations of sexuality can play a relevant role in the development of gender stereotypes and sexual learning processes. In the current pre-registered study, we examined the representation of sexuality in content on Netflix, a dominant force in global mass media consumption. We coded 271 mixed-gender sexual scenes across seven highly popular Netflix series for orgasm portrayal, depiction of sexual behaviors, including clitoral stimulation, and gendered sexual scripts (i.e., initiation, control, and expression of desires). Our results revealed a nuanced picture of women’s sexual pleasure representation. Women’s orgasms were depicted less frequently than men’s, although orgasm portrayal was generally rare. Sexual behaviors were mostly limited to penile-vaginal intercourse, though cunnilingus was depicted more frequently than fellatio. Regarding gendered sexual scripts, women were portrayed as equally sexually agentic as men, initiating sexual encounters, taking control, and expressing their needs and desires. Our findings indicate that this content simultaneously reinforces and challenges gender stereotypes related to sexual experiences, highlighting the need for sexual educators to critically address the realism of mainstream media portrayals to foster a nuanced understanding of sexuality and pleasure.
Improving preparation in the emergency trauma room: the development and impact of real-time data transfer and dashboard visualization system
Authors: Schatz Anna , Osterhoff Georg , Georgi Christoph , Joeres Fabian , Neumuth Thomas , Rockstroh Max
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study examines, with clinical end users, the features of a visualization system in transmitting real-time patient data from the ambulance to the emergency trauma room (ETR) to determine if the real-time data provides the basis for more informed and timely interventions in the ETR before and after patient arrival.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative in-depth interview study with 32 physicians in six German and Swiss hospitals. A visualization system was developed as prototype to display the transfer of patient data, and it serves as a basis for evaluation by the participating physicians.

Results

The prototype demonstrated the potential benefits of improving workflow within the ETR by providing critical patient information in real-time. Physicians highlighted the importance of features such as the ABCDE scheme and vital signs that directly impact patient care. Configurable and mobile versions of the prototype were suggested to meet the specific needs of each clinic or specialist, allowing for the transfer of only essential information.

Conclusion

The results highlight on the one hand the potential need for adaptable interfaces in medical communication technologies that balance efficiency with minimizing additional workload for emergency medical services and show that the use of pre-notification systems in communication between ambulance and hospital can be supportive. Further research is recommended to assess practical application and support in clinical practice, including a re-evaluation of the enhanced prototype by professionals.
A new species of Capparis (Capparaceae) from Cambodia
Authors: Fici Silvio , Peou Youleang , Lao SengHong
Published: September 2024

Capparis glabrata
, a new species belonging to sect. Monostichocalyx, is described from the Kampong Cham and Takeo Provinces of Cambodia. The new species is a shrub characterized by glabrous twigs, straight or slightly recurved stipular thorns, glabrous leaf blade with apex acute or rounded, serial flowers in supra-axillary rows, yellow petals, and ellipsoid, puberulous ovaries with a knob-shaped stigma. It is related to C. echinocarpa, a species occurring in Thailand and northern Laos. The affinities of the new species to related taxa are discussed and a key is provided for all species of Capparis known from Cambodia. The conservation status is provisionally assessed as vulnerable (VU).
Why Contexts Matter for Gender Equal Outcomes in Research-Based Plant Breeding: The Case of Maize in Nigeria
Authors: Yami Mastewal , Cavicchioli Martina , Cole Steven M. , Wossen Tesfamicheal , Abdoulaye Tahirou
Published: September 2024

Maize is an important crop for food security and livelihood improvement in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa. Maize varieties that enable farmers to increase their productivity and profitability, for example, can help them achieve these development outcomes. Contextual factors shape women’s and men’s preferences for specific maize traits and varieties, thus influencing varietal uptake and the contribution varieties make towards securing people’s livelihoods. Understanding contextual factors is paramount to pursuing gender equal outcomes within research-based maize breeding. We review literature on the demand for and access to improved maize varieties in Nigeria by using a framework that helps breeding programs become more gender-responsive and, thereby, enhance their impact via increased uptake. Findings show that attention towards the role of social norms in shaping the contexts where women and men maize farmers negotiate production-related decisions, form trait preferences, and access improved maize varieties has been limited within breeding programs, while ethnobotanical approaches are absent. To boost gender equal outcomes, maize breeding programs should identify the reasons motivating women’s and men’s varietal preferences and their different capacities to access improved varieties with the suited characteristics. To pursue this objective, gender-based Indigenous knowledge should be integrated since the first stages of varietal development.
Das geheime Leben der Nutzpflanzen – neue Einblicke mit Biosensoren
Authors: Müller-Schüssele Stefanie J. , Schwarzländer Markus , Hahn Matthias
Published: September 2024

A key goal of plant biotechnology is the targeted improvement of resilience to biotic and abiotic stress. Genetically encoded biosensors can contribute to understanding stress physiology of crops by providing real-time information on dynamics of metabolism and signalling across different scales. Recently, barley plants equipped with the glutathione redox sensor Grx1-roGFP2 in their cytosol provided novel insights in the specific responses of barley to abiotic and biotic stresses.
Proteinimport über die mitochondriale Innenmembran
Authors: Busch Jakob D. , Fielden Laura F. , van der Laan Martin , Wiedemann Nils
Published: September 2024

The majority of mitochondrial proteins are nuclear-encoded and translated in the cytosol with an amino-terminal targeting signal called a presequence. Mitochondrial presequences are able to form amphiphilic α-helices with a positively charged and a hydrophobic side. The essential presequence translocase subunit Tim17 forms a cavity exposed to the bilayer, which harbors a negatively charged patch to initiate the translocation of positively charged presequences across the inner membrane.
Ganzzellsynthese von Calcidiol mit einem Molybdän-Biokatalysator
Authors: Kosian Dennis , Boll Matthias
Published: September 2024

Biotransformations have many advantages over chemical syntheses. By combining highly selective enzymatic reactions with the protective environment of living cells, novel and economically feasible processes are possible. In this article, we present a novel, oxygen-independent whole-cell-based platform for the production of calcidiol, the physiologically active form of vitamin D3 in the human body. The key biocatalyst involved is a bacterial Mo-dependent hydroxylase, originally discovered in studies of anaerobic cholesterol degradation.
Die Grenzen der Bioinformatik in der Erforschung von archaeellen Viren
Authors: Gehlert Finn O. , Chibani Cynthia M. , Schmitz-Streit Ruth A.
Published: September 2024

Archaeal viruses were studied by bioinformatics or isolation. While the accuracy of viral genome assemblies has improved through hybrid sequencing, this improvement is not observed in the prediction of gene functions due to missing homologs in databases. Therefore, further methods like powerful genetic systems are crucial to understand these viruses. A specific example is the system for MetSV, where the virus genome was cloned to create knockout mutants to better understand gene function.
Regulatorisches Fraktal oder evolutionärer Unfall?
Authors: Sieben Christian
Published: September 2024

Fraktale sind faszinierende Strukturen, die sich über mehrere Größenordnungen selbst ähnlich bleiben. Dass sich Biomoleküle wie z. B. Proteine zu fraktalen Gruppen zusammenlagern, war jedoch bisher unbekannt. Eine kürzlich erschienene Arbeit stellt ein bakterielles Protein vor, das sich spontan zu fraktalen Sierpiński-Dreiecken zusammenlagert.
Geoheritage Interpretation Panels in UNESCO Global Geoparks: Recommendations and Assessment
Authors: Štrba Ľubomír , Palgutová Silvia
Published: September 2024

Aspects of geoheritage have interested the general public for centuries. Since the global growth of geotourism and geoparks, the importance of geoheritage has become more evident, especially from the perspective of the development of (geo)tourism. From the perspective of sustainability, effective geoheritage presentation via geointerpretation and geoeducation is crucial. One of the most common and effective ways of presenting specific information in the field is an interpretive panel. This paper presents an assessment of geoheritage interpretation on interpretive panels in 11 UNESCO Global Geoparks. The proposed assessment methodology consists of six categories which include 39 assessment questions in total. The results show that the strongest feature of the evaluated panels is simplicity and clarity without losing scientific meaning, while minimal or no attention is paid to features increasing visitor’s enjoyment (e.g., questions or activities) and sustainability and conservation aspects. The approach presented in this paper may contribute to discussion and research in effective geoheritage interpretation for general public, fostering sustainable geotourism development and geoheritage management, use and protection.
Rapid LA-REIMS-based metabolic fingerprinting of serum discriminates aflatoxin-exposed from non-exposed pregnant women: a prospective cohort from the Butajira Nutrition, Mental Health, and Pregnancy (BUNMAP) Study in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfamariam Kokeb , Plekhova Vera , Gebreyesus Seifu H. , Lachat Carl , Alladio Eugenio , Argaw Alemayehu , Endris Bilal Shikur , Roro Meselech , De Saeger Sarah , Vanhaecke Lynn , De Boevre Marthe
Published: September 2024

To date, the changes in maternal metabolic response associated with prenatal aflatoxin exposure remain largely unknown. This study investigated the effects of prenatal aflatoxin exposure on the maternal serum metabolome in rural Ethiopia. A total of 309 pregnant women were enrolled prospectively, and their serum aflatoxin concentrations were measured using targeted liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Serum metabolic fingerprints were obtained using laser-assisted rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (LA-REIMS), followed by combination of univariate and multivariate statistical modelling to evaluate changes in circulating metabolic features between aflatoxin-exposed and unexposed mothers and to select discriminatory metabolic features. The analysis revealed that 81.8% of women were exposed to aflatoxins, with a median concentration of 12.9 pg/mg albumin. The orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) regression model demonstrated significant disparities in the serum metabolome when comparing Ethiopian pregnant women with low vs high aflatoxin exposure. Thirty-two differentially expressed metabolic features were identified, affecting aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathway. Several discriminatory metabolites have been identified, including glutamine, tryptophan, tyrosine, carnosine, and 1-methylnicotinamide. In conclusion, our findings indicate that aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy have shown disparities in the maternal serum metabolome, primarily affecting protein synthesis. Further research is needed to identify specific metabolite biomarkers and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Potential response of Mexican consumers to a Ban on genetically modified Maize imports
Authors: McFadden Brandon R. , Nalley Lawton Lanier , Durand-Morat Alvaro , Yang Wei , Loethen Katie
Published: September 2024

Mexico enacted a decree to ban the sale of genetically modified (GM) maize seed and maize for human consumption. Maize is particularly important to the average diet in Mexico as it is the main feed for the primary source of protein (poultry) and the main ingredient for the primary source of calories (corn tortillas). This study aimed to assess consumer awareness of the decree, support for the decree, and sensitivity of support given possible economic outcomes related to the decree. Additionally, we estimate the premiums consumers were willing to pay (WTP) for non-GM products relative to GM products (i.e., chicken meat, eggs, and corn tortillas). Results show that 54% of the Mexicans were unaware of the ban and that 77% of those aware supported the ban. Many consumers were willing to pay premiums to cover potential price increases due to the ban; however, not all low-income consumers would pay the potential premiums. Focusing on low-income consumers is particularly important, given they will likely be affected disproportionately more by the burden of increased food prices.
Functional conductivity imaging: quantitative mapping of brain activity
Authors: Cao Jun , Ball Iain K. , Cassidy Benjamin , Rae Caroline D.
Published: September 2024

Theory and modelling suggest that detection of neuronal activity may be feasible using phase sensitive MRI methods. Successful detection of neuronal activity both in vitro and in vivo has been described while others have reported negative results. Magnetic resonance electrical properties tomography may be a route by which signal changes can be identified. Here, we report successful and repeatable detection at 3 Tesla of human brain activation in response to visual and somatosensory stimuli using a functional version of tissue conductivity imaging (funCI). This detects activation in both white and grey matter with apparent tissue conductivity changes of 0.1 S/m (17–20%, depending on the tissue baseline conductivity measure) allowing visualization of complete system circuitry. The degree of activation scales with the degree of the stimulus (duration or contrast). The conductivity response functions show a distinct timecourse from that of traditional fMRI haemodynamic (BOLD or Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent) response functions, peaking within milliseconds of stimulus cessation and returning to baseline within 3–4 s. We demonstrate the utility of the funCI approach by showing robust activation of the lateral somatosensory circuitry on stimulation of an index finger, on stimulation of a big toe or of noxious (heat) stimulation of the face as well as activation of visual circuitry on visual stimulation in up to five different individuals. The sensitivity and repeatability of this approach provides further evidence that magnetic resonance imaging approaches can detect brain activation beyond changes in blood supply.
Agnes, Revisited: methods and principles for community-engaged research on historic flood disasters
Authors: Fitch Bethany , Stuhl Andrew
Published: September 2024

Stories—and story-tellers—can build resilience. A body of interdisciplinary research demonstrates that personal stories collected and shared in the immediate wake of a flood disaster can improve disaster preparedness and engagement in flood management. This article explores methods and principles for community story-sharing about destructive floods that are not as recent. Agnes, Revisited is a multi-disciplinary, mixed-methods study of the history of Tropical Storm Agnes (1972) in the Susquehanna River Valley (Pennsylvania, United States). “Agnes” was the costliest natural disaster in US history at the time ($3B in 1972; $91B in 2023) and the Susquehanna River Valley withstood catastrophic flooding. Working with partners on and off campus, we wrote an original play based on 48 interviews with storm survivors and archival research on state records, historical images, and historical newspapers. The play both represented a multi-vocal account of Tropical Storm Agnes and catalyzed continued story-sharing about flooding—in the past, present, and future—including an hour-long documentary on Pennsylvania public television and a book with a regional newspaper. This article details the methods we used to devise and execute the play, as well as pursue opportunities for public scholarship that arose because of the play. We highlight seven principles for community engagement that we followed across the project. In support of broader, community-level flood resilience efforts, we encourage scholars to identify anniversaries of historic flood disasters approaching in the next 3 to 5 years and design community-engaged research projects to meet them.
A Systematic Review of Anthropogenic Noise Impact on Avian Species
Authors: Engel Margret S. , Young Robert J. , Davies William J. , Waddington David , Wood Michael D.
Published: September 2024

Purpose of review

This study aims to investigate anthropogenic noise impact on avian species by means of a systematic review of literature.

Recent findings

Based on previous anthropogenic noise impact frameworks, it was possible to: clarify the impacts of noise on birds; optimise the existing frameworks with findings produced over 44 years; recategorise noise impacts into more appropriate categories, indicating which are the positive and negatives, as well as acute and chronic impacts caused by anthropogenic noise; provide a significant cluster model of anthropogenic noise impacts on avian species subdivided into impacts on ‘Behaviour’ and ‘Communication/Perception’ (Cluster 1) and ‘Physiology’ (Cluster 2); and show how avian hearing frequency range overlaps noise source frequency range.

This research adopted the database of Peacock et al. [1, 2] regarding avian species due to its vast coverage across taxa. A systematic literature review of 50 peer-reviewed papers about anthropogenic noise impact on birds was undertaken. A Two-Step Cluster analysis was calculated, showing the data subdivided into two clusters. Cluster 1 (76.9%) showed behavioural responses mainly composed of negative and auditory perception and communication impacts, presenting positive or negative noise impacts. Cluster 2 (23.1%) mainly showed negative impacts on physiological outcomes caused by traffic, anthropogenic, and background noise.
New Kantorovich-type Szász–Mirakjan Operators
Authors: Mahmudov Nazim I. , Kara Mustafa
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we present a Kantorovich-type Szász–Mirakjan operators. Initially, we establish the recurrence relationship for the moments of these operators and provide the central moments up to the fourth degree. Subsequently, we analyze the local approximation properties of these operators using Peetre’s K-function. We investigate the rate of convergence, by utilizing the ordinary modulus of continuity and Lipschitz-type maximal functions. Additionally, we prove weighted approximation theorems and Voronoskaja-type theorems specific to these new operators. Following this, we introduce bivariate extension of these operators and investigate some approximation properties. Lastly, we include several numerical illustrative examples.
Kindeswohlgefährdung: (k)ein Thema!?
Authors: Grau Katharina , Mayer Lea , Haun Maria , Lamp Natalie , Berthold Oliver , Barzel Anne , Fegert Jörg M. , Rothermund Eva , Oexle Nathalie , Clemens Vera , Rassenhofer Miriam
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Studien zeigen, dass Kindesmisshandlung in Deutschland häufig ist. Auch im Gesundheitssystem ergeben sich Handlungsimplikationen insbesondere im Hinblick auf das Erkennen von Hinweisen auf Misshandlung sowie die Einleitung von Hilfen. In der Primärversorgung tätigen Ärzt:innen kommt hierbei eine wichtige Schlüsselfunktion zu. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, Awareness, Kompetenzerleben und Fortbildungsbedarfe bezüglicher dieser Thematik bei in Deutschland hausärztlich tätigen Ärzt:innen zu beschreiben.

Material und Methoden

Deskriptive Beschreibung der Daten der Medizinischen Kinderschutzhotline von Telefonanrufen (N = 59) aus dem hausärztlichen und ambulanten internistischen Feld im Zeitraum von Juli 2017 bis Dezember 2021. Zudem erfolgte die qualitative Auswertung von semistrukturierten Interviews mit 15 hausärztlich tätigen Ärzt:innen, die im Rahmen eines Needs-Assessments zur Vorbereitung der Entwicklung eines E‑Learning-Curriculums für hausärztlich tätige Ärzt:innen zu psychosozialen Themen erfolgten.

Ergebnisse

In den Daten der Medizinischen Kinderschutzhotline zeigte sich eine bislang geringe Anzahl von Anrufen aus dem hausärztlichen Feld. Beratungsanliegen bezogen sich insbesondere auf das weitere Vorgehen im Jugendhilfekontext, vorliegende Befunde und Gesprächsführung. Unter den Befragten des Needs-Assessments bildeten sich unter den Interviewten bislang wenig Berührungspunkte mit dem Thema ab, jedoch wurden Unsicherheiten u. a. im Hinblick auf das Erkennen von Kinderschutzfällen und die Gesprächsführung genannt.

Diskussion

Grundsätzlich scheint eine bislang eher moderate Awareness bezüglich möglicher Kinderschutzfälle im hausärztlichen Behandlungskontext zu bestehen. Die Beratungsanliegen bei der Medizinischen Kinderschutzhotline ähnelten den Herausforderungen und Unsicherheiten, die sich aus den qualitativen Interviews ableiten ließen. Die Forschungsergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass in der Primärversorgung Schulungsbedarf in Bezug auf das Erkennen kinderschutzrelevanter Problemlagen und das Einleiten erster weiterführender Schritte besteht.
Removing nonrigid refractive distortions for underwater images using an attention-based deep neural network
Authors: Li Tengyue , Song Jiayi , Song Zhiyu , Ablimit Arapat , Chen Long
Published: September 2024

Refractive distortions in underwater images usually occur when these images are captured through a dynamic refractive water surface, such as unmanned aerial vehicles capturing shallow underwater scenes from the surface of water or autonomous underwater vehicles observing floating platforms in the air. We propose an end-to-end deep neural network for learning to restore real scene images for removing refractive distortions. This network adopts an encoder-decoder architecture with a specially designed attention module. The use of the attention image and the distortion field generated by the proposed deep neural network can restore the exact distorted areas in more detail. Qualitative and quantitative experimental results show that the proposed framework effectively eliminates refractive distortions and refines image details. We also test the proposed framework in practical applications by embedding it into an NVIDIA JETSON TX2 platform, and the results demonstrate the practical value of the proposed framework.