bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on diabetic retinopathy and referral levels in the English National Health Service Diabetic Eye Screening Programme
Authors: Scanlon P. H. , Norridge C. F. E. , Prentis D. , Holman N. , Rankin P. , Valabhji J.
Published: February 2025

Aims

The aim was to determine the effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on diabetic retinopathy and referral rates in the English National Health Service (NHS) Diabetic Eye Screening Programme (DESP).

Methods

Non‐patient identifiable data are submitted centrally from the 57 regional centres in the NHS DESP on a quarterly basis and analysed using STATA, comparing 01/04/2019–31/03/2020 and 01/04/2021–31/03/2022. Patient characteristics were analysed from National Diabetes Audit (NDA) data.

Results

There were 2,274,635 grades from the 57 centres in 2019–2020 and 2,199,623 grades in 2021–2022. The proportion of eyes with referable DR increased from 3.1% in 2019–2020 to 3.2% in the 2021–2022 NHS year (p < 0.01) with a small increase in the level of non‐referable DR from 24.6% to 24.8% (p < 0.01). The median proportion of ungradable eyes in 2019–2020 was 2.6% (IQR: 2.3% to 3.3%) increasing to 3.1% (IQR: 2.5% to 3.7%) in 2021–2022. NDA data demonstrated that the proportions with type 1 diabetes receiving eye screening were higher in the latter year (8.3% vs. 7.3%).

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with small increases in referable retinopathy rates from 3.1% to 3.2%, non‐referable DR from 24·6% to 24.8% and an increase in the ungradable image rate from 2.6% to 3.1%, the latter increase possibly being caused by untreated cataract during the pandemic. Risk stratification of invitations in the recovery period was believed to have contributed to keeping the referable rates low and supports a similar approach in extension of the screening interval for low‐risk groups.
Niche packing, but not niche expansion, explains the co‐occurrence of hummingbirds‐visited plants
Authors: de Oliveira Rafael , Barreto Elisa , Zanata Thais B. , Tobar Francisco , Santander Tatiana , Gavilanes María José , Graham Catherine H. , Varassin Isabela G.
Published: February 2025

Tropical mountains often harbour high species richness. Yet the mechanisms behind such high richness remain poorly understood. One prominent hypothesis for high species richness is niche partitioning, which reduces competition and promotes coexistence. Here, we evaluate niche structure and specialisation of plant species based on the floral traits related to pollination interactions across an elevational gradient in the northern Andes. Niche structure can vary among sites, either expanding or contracting, or becoming more or less packed. We sampled eleven communities of hummingbird‐visited plants along an elevation gradient in the Ecuadorian Andes and measured a series of functional traits associated with hummingbird pollination. We used the traits of all co‐occurring species to calculate community weighted means, functional richness, and mean nearest neighbour distances and evaluated how they varied across elevation. Additionally, we measured specialisation based on plant–hummingbird interaction records to assess if packing is associated with narrower resource use or greater niche overlap. Species and functional richness were constant along the elevation gradient; however, niche packing was stronger at mid‐elevation. We found changes in network specialisation, where the least specialised communities were those with higher niche packing. These results suggest that traits related to pollination and plant reproduction help to explain species co‐occurrence and specialisation.
A pattern‐oriented simulation for forecasting species spread through time and space: a case study on an ecosystem engineer on the move
Authors: Amin Rahil J. , Buettel Jessie C. , Fielding Matthew W. , Vaughan Peter M. , Brook Barry W.
Published: February 2025

Modelling the spread of introduced ecosystem engineers is a conservation priority due to their potential to cause irreversible ecosystem‐level changes. While existing models predict potential distributions and spread capacities, new approaches that simulate the trajectory of a species' spread over time are needed. We developed novel simulations that predict spatial and temporal spread, capturing both continuous diffusion‐dispersal and occasional long‐distance leaps. We focused on the introduced population of superb lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae in Tasmania, Australia. Initially introduced as an insurance population, lyrebirds have become novel bioturbators, spreading across key natural areas and becoming ‘unwanted but challenging to eradicate'. Using multi‐scale ecological data, our research 1) identified broad and fine‐scale correlates of lyrebird occupation and 2) developed a spread simulation guided by a pattern‐oriented framework. This occurrence‐based modelling framework is useful when demographic data are scarce. We found that the cool, wet forests of western Tasmania with open understoreys offer well‐connected habitats for lyrebird foraging and nesting. By 2023, lyrebirds had reached quasi‐equilibrium within a core range in southern Tasmania and were expanding northwest, with the frontier reaching the western coast. Our model forecasts that by 2085, lyrebirds will have spread widely across suitable regions of western Tasmania. By pinpointing current and future areas of lyrebird occupation, we provide land managers with targeted locations for monitoring the effects of their expansion. Further, our area of applicability (AOA) analysis identified regions where environmental variables deviate from the training data, guiding future data collection to improve model certainty. Our findings offer an evidence‐based approach for future monitoring and provide a framework for understanding the dynamics of other range‐expanding species with invasive potential.
Coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), continues to devastate coconut palms around Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Jackson Trevor , Kemoi Marjorie , Asigau Bala , Oki Laurie , Tenakanai David , Sar Solomon , Paudel Sulav
Published: February 2025

The coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) is an invasive pest from South‐East Asia that poses a significant threat to coconut palms in tropical regions. First detected on the mainland of Papua New Guinea in 2009 near Jacksons International Airport, located on the southern coast of the mainland near the city of Port Moresby, coconut rhinoceros beetle spread rapidly throughout Port Moresby and along the coast. This study utilized historical records, satellite imagery, on‐site surveys and stakeholder interviews to assess the impact of coconut rhinoceros beetle in three Port Moresby locations: the Gateway Hotel gardens, the Kilakila settlement and the Pacific Adventist University plantation. Results indicated severe coconut palm losses, over 90%, 80% and 40% at the three sites, respectively, with significant economic repercussions, including a sharp rise in local coconut prices. These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive management and mitigation strategies to protect Papua New Guinea's coconut palm ecosystems and dependent livelihoods.
The utilization of biological control against regulated pests in the EPPO region: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Tanner R. , Bluemel S. , Kapranas A. , Kenis M. , Matosevic D. , Horn N.
Published: February 2025

Biological control is a pest control method that can offer an environmentally safer alternative to chemical pesticides. The proven safety record of both augmentative and classical biological control technologies allows its utilization against indigenous and non‐indigenous but well‐established pests, whether under protected conditions (e.g., glasshouses) or in open field cropping systems. This manuscript has been developed by the Joint European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) and the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control (IOBC) Panel on Biological Control Agents and presents an assessment on the current use of classical and augmentative biological control for the control of regulated plant pests. The paper discusses challenges for the uptake of biological control for regulated pests and provides recommendations to increase the safe use of biological control agents in the EPPO region.
Thermal Plasticity Changes Competitive Ability Across a Woodland Salamander Hybrid System
Authors: James Emmy , Muñoz Martha M.
Published: February 2025

Temperature mediates performance in ectotherms, affecting their ability to grow, survive, and reproduce. Aggression and evasion are key examples of thermally dependent behaviors that can impact fitness. However, we know relatively little about how the thermal plasticity of such behaviors varies among close relatives and impacts competitive outcomes. Woodland salamanders (Genus: Plethodon) from the Appalachian Mountains are distributed across wide thermal gradients in accordance with latitude or elevation. These plethodontid (lungless) salamanders compete for space and develop hybrid zones where territories overlap among species. Plethodontids tend to exhibit increased aggression at warmer temperatures, suggesting that as temperatures rise, behavioral interactions may be altered in ways that impact hybrid zone dynamics. It is thus far unclear, however, how salamander hybrids, which may encroach on their parent populations and drive competitive exclusion, respond behaviorally to warming. Here, we used staged bouts to examine the effects of temperature on aggression and evasion in the Plethodon shermani and Plethodon teyahalee hybrid system from the southern Appalachians. The behavior of salamanders from parent populations, particularly P. shermani, appears to be more sensitive to thermal changes than that of hybrid individuals. Additionally, evasive behavior was significantly more plastic than aggressive behavior in response to warming. Our results suggest that rising temperatures may increase competition for preferable microhabitats, but the effects on behavior among parental and hybrid salamanders will be asymmetric. Temperature may therefore alter the outcomes of competition, determining which populations can persist under rapid warming.
Equine tongue tumours: A multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Noll C. , Reyner C. , Dechant J. E. , Omura C. , Dixon P. , Nowak M. , Schulte‐Bahrenberg S. , Fowlie J. , Lang H. M. , Mair T. S. , Prange T.
Published: February 2025

Background

Tumours of the oral cavity in horses are rare, and because they are not easily visible, their diagnosis is often delayed. Different types of equine tongue tumours have been described, but information about clinical signs, treatments and outcomes is very limited.

Objectives

To identify horses with a confirmed antemortem diagnosis of a tongue tumour and to document their clinical presentation, treatment and outcome.

Study design

Retrospective multicentre study.

Methods

Medical records (1997–2024) from eight specialty or referral practices were reviewed. Horses met inclusion criteria if an antemortem diagnosis of a tongue tumour was made and confirmed by cytology or histopathology.

Results

Thirteen horses met the inclusion criteria. Presenting complaints included one or more of the following: tongue mass (4) or wound (2), difficulty eating (6), external facial swelling (2) and abnormal respiratory noise (2). Tumours were identified as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (5), melanoma (2), mast cell tumour (2), anaplastic carcinoma (1), poorly differentiated carcinoma (1), B‐cell lymphoma (1) and neuroendocrine tumour (1). Seven of 13 horses (54%) underwent surgical treatment. Five of the seven (71%) had no recurrence for ≥1 year, and two were euthanised earlier for reasons other than tumour regrowth. One mast cell tumour responded to conservative treatment. All horses with SCC were euthanised following palliative or no treatment.

Main limitations

The main limitations are the small sample size, a result of the rarity of the condition and the diversity of performed diagnostics and treatments, a consequence of the multicentre study design.

Conclusion

Horses with tongue tumours frequently present for evaluation of a tongue laceration or mass and biopsy or cytology is required for definitive diagnosis. While the prognosis for lingual SCC was uniformly grave, surgical excision for other types of tongue tumours carried a good long‐term prognosis in this study.
Study of Fatigue Crack Initiation in 316 Stainless Steel
Authors: Benabdeljalil O. , Khan M. K. , Fitzpatrick M. E.
Published: February 2025

Crack initiation in AISI 316 stainless steel has been investigated. Persistent slip bands (PSBs) were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). PSBs on the surface of the material increase the surface roughness and result in crack initiation. EBSD data from near the crack initiation region were used to correlate the global and local misorientations of the grains, plastic deformation, and Schmid factor with the fatigue life of specimens. The crack initiation region was found to have the highest misorientations. The region near crack initiation was found to have more plastic deformation, which was severe in specimens loaded with higher stresses. The kernel average misorientation (KAM) and grain reference orientation deviation (GROD) maps from the EBSD data were investigated for specimens that failed at different fatigue cycles. It was found that the interaction of high dislocation density, substructuring, and misorientation of low‐angle grain boundaries in the region of plastic deformation resulted in fatigue crack initiation.
Cytocompatibility of mesoporous bioactive glasses doped with cerium and loaded with polyphenols
Authors: Salvatori Roberta , Anesi Alexandre , Cavazzoli Chiara , Zambon Alfonso , Lusvardi Gigliola
Published: February 2025

Therapeutic inorganic ions (TIIs) and biomolecules like polyphenols (POLY) can both enhance the properties of mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBGs), which are promising biomaterials for use in hard and soft tissues. In our previous studies, we demonstrated the excellent antioxidant properties of cerium‐doped MBGs containing polyphenols (Ce‐MBGs‐POLY) and their persistent apatite‐forming ability. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the cytocompatibility of MBGs containing POLY and/or cerium. The cytocompatibility is evaluated using MLO‐Y4 cells, Neutral Red (NR) and the 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, and morphological analyses. The NR and MTT results show that MBG‐POLY and Ce‐MBG‐POLY improve cell viability and proliferation compared with MBG, indicating the beneficial effects of both cerium and polyphenols on cell health. Morphological evaluations using optical and electron microscopes confirmed good cell adhesion and proliferation on the surface of all studied MBGs. MBG‐POLY and Ce‐MBG‐POLY possess not only antioxidant properties and apatite‐forming ability but are also cytocompatible; for this reason, these MBGs may be proposed as innovative materials to promote tissue regeneration and repair.
Multiple optical thermometry and dynamic anti‐counterfeiting based on multicolor emission in Y2GaSbO7:Bi3+,Er3+ phosphor
Authors: Lei Bocheng , Ma Ligan , Zhang Lili , Wei Rongfei , Guo Hai
Published: February 2025

Optical thermometric and anti‐counterfeiting multifunctional materials hold great promise for practical applications, yet their development continues to encounter considerable challenges. Here, we successfully developed a new Bi3+,Er3+ co‐doped Y2GaSbO7 powder with multicolor luminescence. Through adjusting the excitation wavelengths, emissions in violet, blue, green, and orange are achieved. The phosphor demonstrates remarkable thermochromism due to the distinct temperature‐dependent luminescence of Bi3+ and Er3+, confirmed under irradiation at 312 or 980 nm. By reducing the power of 980 nm laser or increasing the laser‐to‐sample distance, the emitting color can be precisely tuned from gold‒yellow or yellow‒green to orange‒red. These diverse luminescent characteristics enable the creation of a multilevel anti‐counterfeiting system. Moreover, a four‐mode optical thermometry with an optimal relative sensitivity of 1.98% K−1, a high thermal resolution of 0.15 K, and signal reversibility was established using fluorescence intensity ratio and fluorescence decay time. These results disclose that Y2GaSbO7:Bi3+,Er3+ phosphor is a promising candidate for temperature monitoring and dynamic anti‐counterfeiting applications.
A Novel Method by Three Slot Coupling Holes Alternate Working to Improve Microwave Heating Uniformity
Authors: Wu Haoran , Li Dan , Chen Jianjun , Huang Kama , Tang Zhengming
Published: February 2025

Microwave heating is a booming technology in the food industry that has gained attention for its outstanding benefits. However, the problem of uneven heating remains a persistent challenge in practical applications. To solve this problem, this study presents a novel microwave heating method that improves heating uniformity by generating a rotating electric field. However, unlike traditional methods, it does not rely on physical rotation. To illustrate the method succinctly, a structure with three center‐symmetric coupling slots was designed. The cyclic activation of these slots results in an effect similar to a port in rotation, generating a dynamic electric field in the resonant cavity so that the microwave energy is absorbed more uniformly. To validate the proposed method, a corresponding multiphysics field simulation model is developed. The heating process was simulated and analyzed by deeply coupling Maxwell's equations with heat conduction equations. Moreover, a well‐established system was built for physical experimental validation. The results show that the proposed method surpasses the traditional single‐port fixed‐position heating with a 79.3% improvement in heating efficiency and a 17.2% improvement in heating uniformity.
Dyadic Analysis of Cumulative Childhood Trauma and Relationship Satisfaction: The Role of Parental Alliance
Authors: Baumann Mathilde , Villeneuve Élise , Bélanger Claude , Paradis Alison , Herba Catherine M. , Godbout Natacha
Published: February 2025

Cumulative childhood trauma (CCT) increases the risk of relationship difficulties in adulthood. Couples welcoming a new child are particularly prone to relationship distress, and CCT survivors may be especially vulnerable during this period. This study examined the association between CCT and relationship satisfaction and tested the role of parental alliance in this association. A random sample of 1136 different‐gender parental couples completed online self‐report questionnaires. Path analyses guided by the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model revealed that parents' CCT was associated with their own lower relationship satisfaction through their own and their partner's parental alliance in both mothers and fathers. Results also revealed dyadic associations between one parent's CCT and their partner's relationship satisfaction through their own and their partner's parental alliance. These findings support the relevance of couple interventions focusing on the parental alliance to improve relational well‐being in parental couples where one or both partners have experienced CCT.
Family Rituals and Quality of Life: The Mediating Role of Parental Burnout
Authors: Lisboa‐Lima Maria , Nguyen Thanh‐Minh , Hasse Inês , Crespo Carla
Published: February 2025

Family rituals are meaningful interactions with benefits for individuals and families. Previous research has linked family ritual meaning with quality of life (QoL), yet the mechanisms that explain this association are not fully known. The present research examined parental burnout, an exhaustion disorder related to parenting, as a mediator in the association between family ritual meaning and QoL. Participants were 109 Portuguese married couples with at least one child up to 18. Partners individually completed the Family Ritual Questionnaire, the Parental Burnout Assessment, and the EUROHIS‐QOL‐8. The results showed that women attributed more meaning to family rituals and reported higher levels of parental burnout than men. Family ritual meaning was negatively associated with parental burnout and positively associated with QoL, for both partners. The mediation analysis showed that family ritual meaning was associated with QoL, directly and indirectly via parental burnout. Findings can contribute to strengthening evidence‐based interventions with families.
Building Bridges or Forging Bonds? Exploring the Role of Social Capital in the Reception of Ukrainian Refugees in Italy
Authors: Alfano Vincenzo , Ercolano Salvatore , Ippolito Marzia
Published: February 2025

In the immediate aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine, over 6 million Ukrainians fled their country to various European countries, including Italy. Various entities in the country, ranging from third‐sector organizations to private citizens, expressed their interest in hosting these refugees, with significant subnational heterogeneity. What influenced this varying willingness to be hosts? We aim to provide some preliminary answers to this question by investigating the role of social capital in this heterogeneous response, using a quantitative framework. Our results, obtained through a set of regressions using Fractional Probit estimators, suggest that bonding social capital is associated with greater willingness to host, whereas the opposite is true for bridging social capital. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Effect of Plant‐Derived Feed Additives on Enteric Methane Emission, Nutrient Digestibility and Immune Status of Adult Male Goats
Authors: Kumari Neelam , Kala Anju , Agarwal Neeta , Chaturvedi Vishwa Bandhu , Vijayalakshmy Kennady , Chaudhary Lal Chandra
Published: February 2025

Ruminal methanogenesis reduces animal feed utilizing efficiency and is a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. The present study aimed to study the effect of plant secondary metabolites on methane emission, nutrient digestibility and immune status of adult male goats. To fulfil the goal, 20 adult male goats (2.5−3 years of age, body weight [BW] 25.90 ± 1.46 kg) were divided into four groups of five animals. The control was fed a basal diet containing wheat straw and concentrate in a 50:50 ratio without additives. In groups T1, T2 and T3, the basal diet was supplemented with ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) oil @ 0.06% dry matter intake (DMI), bahera (Terminalia belirica) @ 0.8% DMI and combination of ajwain oil and bahera @ 0.06% and 0.8% DMI, respectively. The DMI, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen intake, outgo and nitrogen balance were similar (p > 0.05) in all four groups. Methane emissions (g/kg DDMI) reduced (p < 0.05) by 22.16%, 23.88% and 33.49% in T1, T2 and T3 compared to control. Both cell‐mediated immunity and humoral immune response significantly improved in T3 than other supplemented groups and control. In conclusion, the combination of behera and ajwain oil effectively reduced methane emissions and improved the immune status of adult male goats without affecting nutrient digestibility.
Beyond the classroom: The transformative experience of short rural immersion programs for health professional students: A narrative review
Authors: Nyaradi Anett , Solomons Terena , McNaught Keith
Published: February 2025

Background

Rural areas house nearly half the global population yet face a significant shortage of skilled health professionals, exacerbating health inequities. Short‐term rural immersion programs offer a cost‐effective approach to exposing health professional students to the unique challenges of rural healthcare. Transformative learning theory is well suited to examining how these programs foster critical reflection and perspective shifts in students.

Objectives

To explore the potentially transformative impact of short‐term (<6 weeks) rural immersion programs on health professional students through the lens of transformative learning theory.

Methods

This review synthesised findings from various studies on the impact of rural immersion programs. Comprehensive searches were conducted across multiple databases, identifying 17 studies published between 2001 and 2024. Data extraction and thematic synthesis were guided by Mezirow's transformative learning framework, identifying key patterns and insights through an iterative process.

Results

Rural immersion programs deepen students' understanding of the unique health needs of rural and remote communities. These experiences promote personal and professional growth, enhance critical thinking, problem‐solving abilities, cultural competence and social accountability and foster a commitment to serving underserved populations. The collaborative role of the community, student cohort and academic staff in facilitating transformative learning is emphasised.

Conclusion

Short‐term rural immersion programs offer invaluable and transformative educational opportunities that extend beyond traditional learning environments.
Invasive Mould Infections Following Combat‐Related Injuries—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hoffman Tomer , Haviv Yael , Cohen Amir , Nesher Lior , Schlaeffer‐Yosef Tal , Azulay Hovav , Brosh‐Nissimov Tal , Amit Sharon , Gazit Zeala , Tribble David R. , Ben‐Ami Ronen , Yahav Dafna
Published: February 2025

Background

Available data on combat wound‐related invasive mould infections (IMIs) are limited.

Objectives

We aimed to describe the characteristics and outcomes of IMIs in casualties of a recent conflict.

Patients/Methods

A retrospective study including hospitalised patients with combat‐related injuries, fulfilling criteria for wound‐related IMI based on Trauma Infectious Disease Outcomes Study definitions. Patient and injury characteristics, management and outcomes are described and compared to previous cohorts. Mould isolates and susceptibility testing results, including the novel agent manogepix, are reported.

Results

Overall, 31 patients (69 mould isolates) were included—resulting in an IMI incidence rate of 1.9%. Blast was the most common injury mechanism (71%), with limb amputations and abdominoperineal injuries in 35% and 45%, respectively. Mould cultures, obtained mostly from lower extremities wounds (62%), were positive in all patients. Most (68%) had poly‐mould infections, with Aspergillus and Fusarium species predominating. Overall, non‐susceptibility rates of > 50% to newer azoles and 38% to amphotericin B reflected the high proportion of Fusarium spp., A. terreus and A. flavus, with the lowest azole minimal inhibitory concentrations demonstrated with posaconazole. Manogepix displayed good in‐vitro activity against all isolates, except for Mucorales species. Two patients (6.5%) died of disseminated IMIs and 19% required amputations. Patients with Mucorales had poorer outcomes (40% mortality/amputation vs. 19% for non‐Mucorales).

Conclusions

Combat wound‐related IMIs are uncommon but carry significant morbidity and mortality. High susceptibility rates to manogepix were observed. Further studies are needed to evaluate optimal surgical approaches and the role of antifungal susceptibility testing in this setting.
Similarities and Differences in Resting‐State Brain Activity Changes of Distinct Chronic Pain Types
Authors: Chen Xiaofei , Tang Ruoyu , Jin Yihan , Wu Liqiang , Liang Yidan , Xu Kuanghui , He Ping , Guo Yun , Li Jie
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To explore neural similarities and differences between visceral and somatic pain by comparing spontaneous brain activity in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Methods

Twenty eight IBS patients, 21 TMD patients, and 28 healthy controls (HC) underwent resting‐state fMRI and behavioral assessments. The correlations between fMRI metrics such as the amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (ALFF), regional homogeneity (ReHo), functional connectivity (FC), and clinical manifestations were further analyzed.

Results

Compared with HC, both patient groups demonstrated increased ALFF in right parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), insula, medial superior frontal gyrus (SFGmed), precentral gyrus (PreCG), and increased ReHo in right SFGmed and left supplementary motor area (SMA). Compared with IBS patients, TMD patients exhibited reduced ALFF in right SFGmed and insula, increased ALFF in right PHG and PreCG, decreased ReHo in right SFGmed and left lingual gyrus, and increased ReHo in left SMA. Both patient groups exhibited enhanced right PHG‐related FC in left precuneus and right cingulate gyrus, and right insula‐related FC in left superior temporal gyrus and right paracentral lobule. Specifically, IBS patients showed higher FC between right PHG and orbitofrontal cortex than TMD patients, which was negatively correlated with mood and gastrointestinal symptoms. Mediation analysis revealed that pain in TMD and gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS mediated these relationships.

Conclusion

Visceral and somatic pain share abnormal activity in multiple brain networks. Abnormalities in affective region present potential neuroimaging markers for pain disorders, with depression in somatic pain linked to pain intensity and in visceral pain to gastrointestinal symptoms.
Long‐Term in vivo Observation of Maize Leaf Xylem Embolism, Transpiration and Photosynthesis During Drought and Recovery
Authors: Allen Brendan S. , Stewart Jared J. , Polutchko Stephanie K. , Ocheltree Troy W. , Gleason Sean M.
Published: February 2025

Plant water transport is essential to maintain turgor, photosynthesis and growth. Water is transported in a metastable state under large negative pressures, which can result in embolism, that is, the loss of function by the replacement of liquid xylem sap with gas, as a consequence of water stress. To avoid experimental artefacts, we used an optical vulnerability system to quantify embolism occurrence across six fully expanded maize leaves to characterize the sequence of physiological responses (photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence, whole‐plant transpiration and leaf inter‐vein distance) in relation to declining water availability and leaf embolism during severe water stress. Additionally, we characterize the recovery of leaf function in the presence of sustained embolism during a 6‐day recovery period. Embolism formation occurred after other physiological processes were substantially depressed and were irreversible upon rewatering. Recovery of transpiration, net CO2 assimilation and photosystem II efficiency were aligned with the severity of embolism, whereas these traits returned to near pre‐stress levels in the absence of embolism. A better understanding of the relationships between embolism occurrence and downstream physiological processes during stress and recovery is critical for the improvement of crop productivity and resilience.
Cathodoluminescence from Y2O3:Er3+: A metal oxide-based green nanophosphor for field emission displays
Authors: Nagarasanakote Jayaramu Shivaramu , Janardhana Divya , Coetsee Elizabeth , Swart Hendrik C.
Published: February 2025

The degradation of Y2O3:Er3+ nanophosphors under cathodoluminescence (CL) was assessed for their suitability as a green phosphor for low-voltage field emission displays (FEDs). The Er3+-doped Y2O3 green nanophosphor was prepared using the solution combustion approach and characterized by x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. XRPD analysis indicated a single-phase cubic Y₂O₃ structure. Under UV excitation at 378 nm, the PL spectra showed a strong green emission corresponding to the 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transition of the Er3+ ions. Green luminescence and degradation in Y2O3:Er3 nanophosphors were studied using a 2 kV, 3 μA electron beam in vacuum. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) was used to analyze the surface chemical modification of nanophosphors after achieving a vacuum pressure of 2.6 × 10−8 Torr. The CL degradation of nanophosphors was investigated by simultaneously monitoring the CL and Auger electrons’ peak-to-peak heights with an electron dose of 932 C/cm2. The CL intensity was then correlated with surface modifications observed in the AES results. The CL spectra for different accelerating voltages (0.5–2 kV) and probe currents were also measured. A noticeable enhancement in CL intensity was detected in the powders as the accelerating voltage ranged from 0.5 to 2 kV, highlighting a crucial property for their potential application in FEDs. Under continuous low-voltage electron-beam bombardment, phosphors demonstrated outstanding resistance to degradation and maintained good color stability. These findings suggested that Y2O3:Er3+ nanophosphor is a promising candidate for green phosphors in field emission displays.
Study on elementary gas-phase reaction kinetics and chemical vapor deposition modeling from methyltrichlorosilane
Authors: Song Botao , Gao Bing , Liu Sheng
Published: February 2025

Through modeling with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), it is possible to thoroughly and effectively explore the impact of different growth conditions on the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Conducting CFD simulations for the CVD process must couple with reaction kinetics. Currently, research on the reaction kinetics and simulations of the CVD process using methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) as a precursor is still limited. In this study, at first, density functional theory was employed to investigate the reaction paths of MTS and the related gaseous species in its gas-phase system at various temperatures ranging from 1000 to 1800 K, providing a theoretical basis for improving the gas-phase reaction kinetics in CVD models used to analyze the distribution of gaseous species. Based on the modification and improvement of the gas-phase reaction kinetics for MTS pyrolysis, this study proposes a new gas-phase reaction kinetics model suitable for CVD simulation modeling. Then, CFD simulations of CVD by employing finite element theory have been conducted using the reaction kinetics model proposed in this study. The effects of temperature, initial MTS composition ratio, and the residence time on the distribution of gas-phase species have been studied.
Automated acoustic voice screening techniques for comorbid depression and anxiety disorders
Authors: Pietrowicz Mary , Cunningham Kaci , Thompson Dylan J. , Gruzmark Fiona , Reinders Alexis , Ford Anna , Pulido Sonia , Calhoun Carmen , Hutchinson Milon , Medina Victor Javier , Finkenbine Ryan , Donohue Sarah E.
Published: February 2025

Anxiety disorders (AD) and major depressive disorders (MDD) are growing in prevalence, yet many people suffering from these disorders remain undiagnosed due to known perceptual, attitudinal, and structural barriers. Methods, tools, and technologies that can overcome these barriers and improve screening rates are needed. Tools based on automated analysis of acoustic voice could help bridge this gap. Comorbid AD/MDD presents additional challenges since some effects of AD and MDD oppose one another. Here, acoustic models that use acoustic and phonemic data from verbal fluency tests to discern the presence of comorbid AD/MDD are presented, with the best results of F1 = 0.83.
Exploring the role of room acoustic environments in the perception of musical blending
Authors: Thilakan Jithin , B T Balamurali , Colella Gomes Otavio , Chen Jer-Ming , Kob Malte
Published: February 2025

Assessing blending of instruments is important in music performance and perception research, but remains underexplored due to its complex multi-dimensional nature. Despite extensive research on source-level blending, the influence of room acoustics on this process is rarely examined. This study proposes a computational modelling approach to evaluate the perceived overall blending between instruments examining the blending at the source-level and its alteration brought by room acoustics. Three audio stimuli, each showcasing different degrees of source-level blending between two violins, were auralized in 25 simulated room acoustic environments, with expert listeners assessing their overall perceived blending. The correlation analysis of room acoustic parameters revealed that their influence on overall blending is contingent upon source-level blending. A random forest regression model is proposed to predict perceived overall blending ratings using source-level blending ratings and room acoustic parameters. Its viability was confirmed through twofold evaluation, including Leave-one-out-cross-validation and separate training and test data, with a mean absolute error of 6% in each case. Feature importance analysis revealed that source-level blending contributes 60%, while room acoustics contribute 40% of the overall perceived blending ratings, with perceived reverberance being the primary contributor. Overall, this investigation contributes to a more holistic understanding of blending perception.
Do Fans Have to Choose Between Formula One and Sustainability? A Case Study of Spectators Balancing Environmental Beliefs and Fandom
Authors: Acaf Yara , Brown-Devlin Natalie , Atkinson Lucy
Published: February 2025

The environmental impact of sports has become a growing concern, with many organizations facing scrutiny over their sustainability practices and accusations of greenwashing. Formula 1 (F1), a global motorsport, is no exception. This exploratory case study examined F1 fans’ perceptions of the sport’s environmental impact and its initiatives to mitigate it. It particularly analyzes how F1 spectators navigate potentially conflicting social identities and any subsequent cognitive dissonance between their fandom and environmental beliefs. Using semistructured interviews with ten F1 fans who attended the 2022 U.S. F1Grand Prix, we explored their perspectives on the sport’s sustainability efforts and how cognitive dissonance influenced their attitudes, focusing on how they reconciled the tension between their environmental values and dedication to F1 fandom. Our interviews show that while F1 spectators prioritize their fandom over environmental concerns, issue salience is a crucial element in their cognitive dissonance. These results can guide sports toward more serious proactive efforts in getting involved in sustainability initiatives and communicating them well, thus moving away from potential greenwashing. By placing these findings in a broader sport context, this study also adds to the literature on the intersection between sport fandom, behavior, and environmental communication.
G protein peptidomimetics reveal allosteric effects and stepwise interactions in ghrelin receptor–G protein coupling
Authors: Mannes Morgane , Martin Charlotte , Damian Marjorie , Cantel Sonia , Orcel Hélène , Fehrentz Jean-Alain , Mouillac Bernard , Kniazeff Julie , Banères Jean-Louis , Ballet Steven
Published: February 2025

G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling is a dynamic process involving various conformational intermediates in addition to those captured in static three-dimensional structures. Here, we used newly developed G protein peptidomimetics to characterize the interactions of the ghrelin receptor (GHSR) with G proteins. Coupling to the G protein peptidomimetic not only affected the conformational features of the cytoplasmic regions of the receptor where the G protein binds but also allosterically affected the extracellular ligand-binding pocket. These conformational and allosteric changes increased the affinity of G protein–coupled GHSR for the endogenous agonist ghrelin. In addition, our data identified different complexes along the G protein activation pathway that differed in the engagement of the Gα
q
C-terminal helix. Given that this helix is the main link between the activated receptor and the Gα nucleotide-binding pocket, these findings suggested a stepwise process involving distinct states in GPCR-catalyzed G protein activation. Collectively, our results provide evidence for the dynamic behavior of GPCR–G protein signaling complexes, with such dynamics most likely contributing to signaling selectivity and/or efficacy.
Artemisinin pressure in field isolates can select highly resistant
Plasmodium falciparum
parasites with unconventional phenotype and no K13 mutation
Authors: Paloque Lucie , Mathieu Luana , Laurent Marion , Coppée Romain , Blandin Stéphanie , Campagne Pascal , Augereau Jean-Michel , Musset Lise , Benoit-Vical Françoise
Published: February 2025

Artemisinin resistance, which poses a serious threat to malaria control efforts, is monitored in the field by delayed parasite clearance in patients, elevated parasite survival rate in the ring-stage survival assay, and mutations in the
Plasmodium falciparum kelch13
gene. However, sporadic cases of artemisinin-resistant malaria do not meet all of these criteria, highlighting that our understanding of artemisinin resistance is still incomplete. Here, we selected for artemisinin resistance
in vitro
in nine
P. falciparum
field isolates from Africa, Asia, and South America. Artemisinin pressure selected highly resistant parasites in all lineages, but only one acquired a validated
pfkelch13
mutation. Phenotypic tests evidenced an unconventional response of selected parasites that can be artemisinin-resistant only at an advanced ring age, making them undetectable by the standard “0–3 h” test used to monitor resistance. These results highlight the need for broader approaches to artemisinin resistance monitoring.
Modeling suggests SARS-CoV-2 rebound after nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment is driven by target cell preservation coupled with incomplete viral clearance
Authors: Phan Tin , Ribeiro Ruy M. , Edelstein Gregory E. , Boucau Julie , Uddin Rockib , Marino Caitlin , Liew May Y. , Barry Mamadou , Choudhary Manish C. , Tien Dessie , Su Karry , Reynolds Zahra , Li Yijia , Sagar Shruti , Vyas Tammy D. , Kawano Yumeko , Sparks Jeffrey A. , Hammond Sarah P. , Wallace Zachary , Vyas Jatin M. , Li Jonathan Z. , Siedner Mark J. , Barczak Amy K. , Lemieux Jacob E. , Perelson Alan S.
Published: February 2025

In a subset of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals treated with the antiviral nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, the virus rebounds following treatment. The mechanisms driving this rebound are not well understood. We used a mathematical model to describe the longitudinal viral load dynamics of 51 individuals treated with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, 20 of whom rebounded. Target cell preservation, either by a robust innate immune response or initiation of N-R near the time of symptom onset, coupled with incomplete viral clearance, appears to be the main factor leading to viral rebound. Moreover, the occurrence of viral rebound is likely influenced by the time of treatment initiation relative to the progression of the infection, with earlier treatments leading to a higher chance of rebound. A comparison with an untreated cohort suggests that early treatments with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may be associated with a delay in the onset of an adaptive immune response. Nevertheless, our model demonstrates that extending the course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment to a 10-day regimen may greatly diminish the chance of rebound in people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 and who are at high risk of progression to severe disease. Altogether, our results suggest that in some individuals, a standard 5-day course of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir starting around the time of symptom onset may not completely eliminate the virus. Thus, after treatment ends, the virus can rebound if an effective adaptive immune response has not fully developed. These findings on the role of target cell preservation and incomplete viral clearance also offer a possible explanation for viral rebounds following other antiviral treatments for SARS-CoV-2.

IMPORTANCE

Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir is an effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2. In a subset of individuals treated with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, the initial reduction in viral load is followed by viral rebound once treatment is stopped. We show that the timing of treatment initiation with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may influence the risk of viral rebound. Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir stops viral growth and preserves target cells but may not lead to full clearance of the virus. Thus, once treatment ends, if an effective adaptive immune response has not adequately developed, the remaining virus can lead to rebound. Our results provide insights into the mechanisms of rebound and can help develop better treatment strategies to minimize this possibility.
Conventional and antibody-enhanced DENV infection of human macrophages induces differential immunotranscriptomic profiles
Authors: Hardy Céline S. C. , Wegman Adam D. , Waldran Mitchell J. , Chan Gary C. , Waickman Adam T.
Published: February 2025

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus which coexists as four genetically and immunologically distinct serotypes (DENV-1 to -4). In secondary heterologous DENV infection, pre-existing immunity is believed to contribute to severe disease through antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Although the elevated pathology observed in ADE conditions has been described, the cell-intrinsic mechanisms governing this process remain unclear. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), we investigated the transcriptomic profiles of human monocyte-derived macrophages infected by DENV-2 in ADE compared to conventional infection conditions. Unsupervised analysis of scRNAseq data enabled the identification of two distinct cell populations in a heterogeneous cell culture, likely representing infected and bystander/uninfected cells. Differential gene expression and ingenuity pathway analyses revealed a number of significantly upregulated and downregulated genes and gene networks between cells infected by ADE compared to conventional infection. Specifically, these pathways indicated mechanisms such as suppressed interferon signaling and inflammatory chemokine transcription in cells infected via ADE. Further analysis revealed that transcriptomic changes were independent of viral RNA within infected cells, suggesting that the observed changes are reflective of cell-intrinsic responses and not simply a function of per-cell viral burden. The interpreted “bystander” cell population also demonstrated distinct profiles in ADE conditions, indicating an immunologically activated phenotype enriched for the expression of gene networks involved with protein translation, cytokine production, and antigen presentation. Together, these findings support the concept that DENV infection via ADE induces a qualitatively different transcriptomic response in infected cells, contributing to our understanding of ADE as a mechanistic driver of disease and pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne human pathogen with a significant and growing global health burden. Although correlates of severe dengue disease are poorly understood, pre-existing immunity to DENV has been associated with severe disease risk and known to contribute to an alternative route of viral entry termed antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we identified distinct transcriptomic processes involved in antibody-mediated DENV entry compared to conventional receptor-mediated entry. These data provide meaningful insight into the discrete processes contributing to DENV pathogenesis in ADE conditions.