bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond the present: How climate change is relevant to pest risk analysis
Authors: Szyniszewska Anna M. , Akrivou Antigoni , Björklund Niklas , Boberg Johanna , Bradshaw Catherine , Damus Martin , Gardi Ciro , Hanea Anca , Kriticos Jessica , Maggini Ramona , Musolin Dmitrii L. , MacLeod Alan
Published: March 2024

Climate change is widely recognized as a critical global challenge with far‐reaching consequences. It affects pest species by altering their population dynamics, actual and potential distribution areas, as well as interactions with their hosts and natural enemies. Climate change thus has potentially important implications for multiple areas of the pest risk analysis (PRA) process. The importance of including climate change in PRA may vary depending on the climatic context of the PRA area in relation to the speed of climate change. If climatic changes within the time horizon of interest are minimal, their potential impact on pest risk is reduced accordingly. For PRAs in a changing climate, we need to be concerned with how future climates could alter our assessment of the risks currently posed by each pest species. While climate can influence the distribution and abundance of pests and hosts alike, its significance will vary depending on the situation. The inclusion of climate change within a PRA also presents challenges. The dynamic nature of climate change, with its complex interactions and uncertainties, can make it difficult to predict and assess the future risks posed by pests accurately. Uncertainties related to future predictions may be much greater than the potential effects associated with climate change and species’ responses to it. This paper outlines examples of the effects of climate change on hosts and different groups of pests, including invertebrates, pathogens, weeds and vector species. The aim is to review the opportunities and challenges of incorporating climate change into PRA, offering insights for a variety of stakeholders including policymakers on this topic.
Modelling tools for including climate change in pest risk assessments
Authors: Kriticos Darren , Szyniszewska Anna , Bradshaw Catherine , Li Christine , Verykouki Eleni , Yonow Tania , Duffy Catriona
Published: March 2024

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the modelling tools available for integrating climate change impacts into pest risk assessments (PRA), elucidating the existing methodologies and models employed to understand the potential distributions of pests based on historical data and under future climate change scenarios. We highlight the strengths and weaknesses of these models and provide commentary on their ability to identify emerging threats due to climate change accurately and adequately, considering pest establishment likelihood, host crop exposure and the distribution of impacts. The simplest methods are based on climate‐matching models, degree‐day development models and Köppen–Geiger climate classification. Correlative species distribution models derive species–environment relationships and have been applied to PRA with mixed success. When fitted models are applied to different continents they are usually challenged to extrapolate climate suitability patterns outside the climate space used to train them. Global climate change is creating novel climates, exacerbating this ‘transferability’ problem. Some tools have been developed to reveal when these models are extrapolating. Process‐oriented models, which focus on mechanisms and processes rather than distribution patterns, are inherently more reliable for extrapolation to novel climates such as new continents and future climate scenarios. These models, however, require more skill and generally more knowledge of the species to craft robust models.
Measuring secondary school students’ L2 writing self‐regulated strategies in the Korean EFL context
Authors: Woo Eojin , Kim Do‐Hong
Published: March 2024

This study examined the evidence for the reliability and validity of the Self‐Regulatory Writing Strategy Questionnaire (SRWSQ) and its suitability for the Korean English as a foreign language (EFL) context. The results indicated that the six dimensions of self‐regulated learning (SRL) strategies (writing planning, goal‐oriented monitoring, goal‐oriented evaluation, emotional control, metacognitive judgment, and memorization strategies) were closely but independently related to each other, falling under the overarching construct of self‐regulation. However, certain items require revision to ensure a more culturally sensitive measurement of SRL strategies in the Korean EFL context. The study observed differences in the use of SRL strategies based on gender and grade level. Furthermore, the use of SRL strategies significantly influenced students’ writing achievement. The study underscores the importance of SRL writing strategies in EFL contexts and discusses implications for teachers and future research.
Evaluation of perineal wound healing and pain outcomes after low‐angle mediolateral episiotomy in women undergoing vaginal childbirth: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Luo Qi , Lu Zhai'e , Xu Binbin
Published: March 2024

The efficacy of episiotomy, particularly the angle of incision in mediolateral episiotomies, remains a significant area of inquiry in obstetrics. This meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of low‐angle mediolateral episiotomy on perineal wound healing and pain outcomes in women undergoing vaginal childbirth. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted using the PICO framework. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving low‐angle mediolateral episiotomies. Comprehensive literature searches were performed across major electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. Data extraction and quality assessments were meticulously carried out by independent reviewers, employing the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. A total of 1246 articles were initially identified, with 8 articles meeting the strict inclusion criteria for the final analysis. The meta‐analysis revealed significant heterogeneity among studies regarding postoperative pain (p < 0.0001, I2 = 77.5%), and employed a random‐effects model. Results showed that low‐angle episiotomies significantly reduced postoperative pain (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.17–0.42, p < 0.001), and increased first‐degree healing rates (OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 2.20–3.96, p < 0.001) compared to traditional angles. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability of these findings, and no significant publication bias was detected. The analysis suggests that low‐angle episiotomies can potentially reduce postoperative perineal pain and enhance wound healing. However, the limited number and varying quality of the included studies warrant cautious interpretation of these results. Further well‐designed studies are needed to corroborate these findings and guide clinical practice.
Randomized clinical trial of continuous transversus thoracis muscle plane block for patients undergoing open heart valve replacement surgery
Authors: Zhan Yanping , Li Lei , Chen Shibiao , Peng Yongbao , Zhang Yang
Published: March 2024

The optimal analgesia regimen after open cardiac surgery is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of continuous transversus thoracis muscle plane (TTMP) blocks initiated before surgery on open cardiac surgery outcomes. A group of 110 patients were randomly allocated to either receive bilateral continuous TTMP blocks (TTP group) or no nerve block (SAL group). The primary endpoint was post‐operative pain at 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 h after extubation at rest and exercise. The secondary outcome measures included analgesia requirements (sufentanil and flurbiprofen axetil administration), time to extubation, incidence of reintubation, length of stay in the ICU, incidence of post‐operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), time until return of bowel function, time to mobilization, urinary catheter removal and length of hospital stay. The length of stay in the ICU and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in the SAL group than in the TTP group. NRS scores at rest and exercise were significantly lower in the TTP group than in the SAL group at all time points. The TTP group required significantly less intraoperative and post‐operative sufentanil and post‐operative dynastat consumption than the SAL group. Time to extubation, time to first flatus, time until mobilization and time until urinary catheter removal were significantly earlier in the TTP group than in the SAL group. The incidence of PONV was significantly lower in the TTP group. Bilateral continuous TTMP blocks provide effective analgesia and accelerate recovery in patients undergoing open heart valve replacement surgery.
NPS‐2143 inhibit glioma progression by suppressing autophagy through mediating AKT–mTOR pathway
Authors: Nie Jia‐Li , Li Qi , Yin Hai‐Tang , Yang Ji‐Hong , Li Ming , Li Qin , Fan Xing‐Hua , Zhao Qing‐Qing , Wen Zhi‐Peng
Published: March 2024

Gliomas are the most common tumours in the central nervous system. In the present study, we aimed to find a promising anti‐glioma compound and investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. Glioma cells were subjected to the 50 candidate compounds at a final concentration of 10 μM for 72 h, and CCK‐8 was used to evaluate their cytotoxicity. NPS‐2143, an antagonist of calcium‐sensing receptor (CASR), was selected for further study due to its potent cytotoxicity to glioma cells. Our results showed that NPS‐2143 could inhibit the proliferation of glioma cells and induce G1 phase cell cycle arrest. Meanwhile, NPS‐2143 could induce glioma cell apoptosis by increasing the caspase‐3/6/9 activity. NPS‐2143 impaired the immigration and invasion ability of glioma cells by regulating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition process. Mechanically, NPS‐2143 could inhibit autophagy by mediating the AKT–mTOR pathway. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the prognosis of glioma patients with low expression of CASR mRNA was better than those with high expression of CASR mRNA. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that CASR was associated with cell adhesion molecules and lysosomes in glioma. The nude mice xenograft model showed NPS‐2143 could suppress glioma growth in vivo. In conclusion, NPS‐2143 can suppress the glioma progression by inhibiting autophagy.
Direct effects of alcohol on gut‐epithelial barrier: Unraveling the disruption of physical and chemical barrier of the gut‐epithelial barrier that compromises the host–microbiota interface upon alcohol exposure
Authors: Kuo Cheng‐Hao , Wu Li‐Ling , Chen Hsiao‐Ping , Yu Jun , Wu Chun‐Ying
Published: March 2024

The development of alcohol‐associated diseases is multifactorial, mechanism of which involves metabolic alteration, dysregulated immune response, and a perturbed intestinal host‐environment interface. Emerging evidence has pinpointed the critical role of the intestinal host–microbiota interaction in alcohol‐induced injuries, suggesting its contribution to disease initiation and development. To maintain homeostasis in the gut, the intestinal mucosa serves as the first‐line defense against exogenous factors in the gastrointestinal tract, including dietary contents and the commensal microbiota. The gut‐epithelial barrier comprises a physical barrier lined with a single layer of intestinal epithelial cells and a chemical barrier with mucus trapping host regulatory factors and gut commensal bacteria. In this article, we review recent studies pertaining to the disrupted gut‐epithelial barrier upon alcohol exposure and examine how alcohol and its metabolism can affect the regulatory ability of intestinal epithelium.
Kinesophobia and its related factors in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zhu Yue , Wang Zhangyi , Su Tao , Fang Zhiping , Pang Xiaoli , Tang Xiaochun
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To explore the postoperative kinesophobia of patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and its related factors.

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention is an effective method to treat coronary heart disease (CHD), and cardiac rehabilitation is an important auxiliary method after PCI. However, the compliance of patients with cardiac rehabilitation after PCI is not good, among which kinesophobia is an important influencing factor.

Design

A descriptive cross‐sectional design was implemented, and the high‐quality reporting of the study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement.

Methods

In total, 351 inpatients who underwent PCI in three tertiary grade‐A hospitals in China were selected by convenient sampling method. We use one‐way ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis to determine the relevant related factors.

Results

The kinesophobia of patients after PCI was negatively correlated with chronic illness resource utilization and sense of personal mastery, and positively correlated with illness perception. Education level, clinical classification of CHD, exercise habits, chronic illness resource utilization, illness perception and sense of personal mastery entered the regression equation, which could explain 78.1% of the total variation.

Conclusion

The level of kinesiophobia of patients after PCI is high. Education level, clinical classification of CHD, exercise habits, chronic illness resource utilization, illness perception and sense of personal mastery are the related factors of kinesiophobia of patients after PCI.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

By reducing the level of exercise fear of patients after PCI, patients are more likely to accept and adhere to the cardiac rehabilitation plan, thus improving their prognosis and improving their quality of life.

Patient or Public Contribution

The patient underwent PCI in the research hospital. Researchers screen them according to the inclusion criteria and invite them to participate in this study. If they meet the requirements, participants will answer the research questionnaire face to face after signing the informed consent form.
Hot isostatic pressing as an alternative thermo‐mechanical treatment for metallic full‐arch implant‐supported frameworks obtained by additive and subtractive manufacturing technology: Vertical and horizontal fit, screw removal torque, and stress analysis
Authors: Barbin Thaís , Borges Guilherme Almeida , Jardini André Luiz , Mesquita Marcelo Ferraz
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To assess vertical and horizontal fit, screw removal torque, and stress analysis (considered biomechanical aspects) of full‐arch implant frameworks manufactured in Ti‐6Al‐4V through milling, and additive manufacturing Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM), and the effect of the thermo‐mechanical treatment Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) as a post‐treatment after manufacturing.

Material and Methods

Maxillary full‐arch implant frameworks were made by milling, DMLS, and EBM. The biomechanical assessments were screw removal torque, strain‐gauge analyses, and vertical and horizontal marginal fits. The vertical fit was assessed by the single‐screw test and with all screws tightened. All frameworks were submitted to a standardized HIP cycle (920°C, 1000 bar pressure, 2 h), and the tests were repeated (α = 0.05).

Results

At the initial time, milled frameworks presented higher screw removal torque values, and DMLS and EBM frameworks presented lower levels of strain. Using the single‐screw test, milled and DMLS frameworks presented higher vertical fit values, and with all screws tightened and horizontally, higher fit values were found for milled frameworks, followed by DMLS and EBM. After HIP, milling and EBM frameworks presented higher screw removal torque values; the lowest strain values were found for EBM. Using the single‐screw test, milled and DMLS frameworks presented higher vertical fit values, and with all screws tightened and horizontally no differences were found.

Conclusions

DMLS and EBM full‐arch frameworks presented adequate values of screw removal torque, strain, and marginal fit, although the worst values of marginal fit were found for EBM frameworks. The HIP cycle enhanced the screw removal torque of milled and EBM frameworks and reduced the strain values of milled frameworks. The HIP represents a reliable post‐treatment for Ti‐6Al‐4V dental prostheses produced by milling and EBM technologies.
Short‐term changes in social role statuses across young adulthood and their relation to heavy drinking in a given month
Authors: Fairlie Anne M. , Calhoun Brian H. , Walukevich‐Dienst Katherine , Janson Melissa , Patrick Megan E. , Lee Christine M.
Published: March 2024

Young adulthood is a developmental period during which individuals experience shifts in their social roles in various domains, which coincides with a period of time that is also high risk for lifetime peaks in alcohol use. The current study examined age‐related changes in heavy episodic drinking (HED) and high‐intensity drinking (HID) and associations with short‐term (i.e., monthly) variation in young adults' social roles over a 2.5‐year period in a community sample of young adults who reported past‐year alcohol use (N = 778, baseline age range 18–23). Results showed probabilities of past‐month HED and HID changed in a nonlinear fashion across ages 18–26 with greater probabilities of use at younger ages. Most participants did not report being in the same social role status every sampled month, underscoring the presence of short‐term role variation. Living with parents and being in a serious romantic relationship in a given month were negatively associated with past‐month HED. Living with parents in a given month was also negatively associated with past‐month HID. Being a 4‐year college student and being employed full‐time in a given month were not significantly related to either outcome. Findings provided partial evidence that monthly statuses were associated with heavy drinking. Several avenues for future research are described in light of the findings.
Interaction of sleep and emotion across the menstrual cycle
Authors: Meers Jessica M. , Bower Joanne , Nowakowski Sara , Alfano Candice
Published: March 2024

Menstruating individuals experience an increased risk for sleep and affective disorders, attributed in part to monthly oscillations in sex hormones. Emotional functioning and sleep continuity worsens during the perimenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle. This study examined the interactive effects of sleep, menstrual phase, and emotion in healthy women. Participants (N = 51, 43% Caucasian) aged 18–35 (m = 24 years) completed actigraphy and daily sleep/emotion diaries over two menstrual cycles (m days = 51.29). Diary and actigraphic total wake time at night (TWT) and daily ratings of positive and negative affect were compared across four phases of the menstrual cycle: perimenstrual, mid‐follicular, periovulatory, and mid‐luteal. Relationships between phase, sleep, and emotion were estimated using multistep hierarchical linear modelling. Mean menstrual cycle length was 28.61 ± 2.69 days. Perimenstrual phase positively predicted anger (p < 0.001) but no other emotions. Additionally, the perimenstrual phase predicted higher rates of TWT, such that diary TWT was 8–16 min longer during the perimenstrual (m = 67.54, SE = 3.37) compared to other phases (p < 0.001). Actigraphic TWT was also increased by 4–7 min (m = 61.54, SE = 3.37) in the perimenstrual phase (p < 0.001). Positive emotions were 0.05–0.10 points lower (p = 0.006–0.02) when TWT was greater in the perimenstrual phase. Greater rates of anger and sleep disruption were seen during the perimenstrual phase compared with other phases. When poor sleep occurred during the perimenstrual phase individuals reported reduced positive emotions. Reducing perimenstrual sleep disruptions may be an important intervention target for those at risk for affective disorders.
Effect of coral‐giant clam artificial reef on coral recruitment: insights for restoration and conservation efforts
Authors: Guibert Isis , Hayden Róisín , Sidobre Christine , Lecellier Gaël , Berteaux‐Lecellier Véronique
Published: March 2024

Coral recruitment is a vital process for the maintenance and recovery of coral reefs, particularly due to their decline from global change. While it is well established that larval settlement cues significantly influence coral recruitment, the investigation of recruitment success associated with the surrounding community mainly focuses on algae. To investigate other factors controlling this process, we examined the impact of benthic invertebrate assemblages on coral recruitment using artificial reefs. Three types of artificial reefs (mono‐, bi‐, and tri‐species) with different assemblages of three common species, Pocillopora acuta, Acropora cytherea, and Tridacna maxima, were studied over 8 months. This study revealed that benthic assemblages play a significant role in coral recruitment and survival. High biodiversity was found to enhance coral recruitment and inhibit potential negative cues from A. cytherea. Our findings underscore the importance of preserving high biodiversity using not only hard coral but a wide range of phyla, including bivalves, in coral restoration efforts. Maintaining sustainable populations is an important goal to reach in the face of the multiple threats that impact coral reefs.
Woody species alongside earth contour bunds enhance the soil water‐infiltration capacity in the Sahel, West Africa
Authors: Ky‐Dembele C. , Savadogo P. , Bengaly A. , Bargués‐Tobella A. , Diarra M. , Winowiecki L. A. , Bayala J.
Published: March 2024

Land degradation, including the loss of tree, forest and vegetation cover, and its related loss of water availability are the main constraints affecting the rainfed agricultural systems in West African Sahel and dry savanna. Therefore, farmers are implementing various soil and water conservation techniques such as zaï pits, half‐moons, contour stone and earth bunds to improve crop production through reduced erosion and enhanced water retention. This study explores the effect of woody and herbaceous vegetation established along earth contour bunds on soil infiltration capacity in southern Mali. The soil infiltration measurements were carried out from September to December 2019 using single ring infiltrometers up‐slope and down‐slope of the bunds built on contour lines in 2015 and 2016 with four types of vegetation: (1) natural annual herbaceous vegetation; (2) planted Andropogon gayanus (perennial grass); (3) planted Gliricidia sepium (woody species) and (4) planted Acacia colei (woody species). The field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) was estimated from the infiltration data and subjected to statistical analysis to compare the effect of the four types of vegetation on soil infiltration capacity. The results revealed significant differences in infiltration rate and Kfs between the four vegetation types. The highest infiltration rate and Kfs were observed for earth contour bunds reinforced with woody species G. sepium (299.5 ± 0.6; 45.3 ± 1.4 mm h−1), followed by A. colei (232.2 ± 2; 38.2 ± 1.6 mm h−1). These were followed by the grass A. gayanus (189.4 ± 2.5; 33.0 ± 1.7 mm h−1) and natural annual herbaceous vegetation (132 ± 2.3; 20.7 ± 1.9 mm h−1). In addition, soil water‐infiltration rate and Kfs were higher for down‐slope compared to up‐slope areas for the two woody species. In practice, it is appropriate for farmers to reinforce contour bunds with woody species and perennial herbs given the beneficial effect on soil water infiltration and retention capacity and the expected socio‐economic benefit they can get from them.
Extending the Architecture of Language From a Multimodal Perspective
Authors: Hagoort Peter , Özyürek Aslı
Published: March 2024

Language is inherently multimodal. In spoken languages, combined spoken and visual signals (e.g., co‐speech gestures) are an integral part of linguistic structure and language representation. This requires an extension of the parallel architecture, which needs to include the visual signals concomitant to speech. We present the evidence for the multimodality of language. In addition, we propose that distributional semantics might provide a format for integrating speech and co‐speech gestures in a common semantic representation.
Volatile communication in plants relies on a KAI2-mediated signaling pathway
Authors: Stirling Shannon A. , Guercio Angelica M. , Patrick Ryan M. , Huang Xing-Qi , Bergman Matthew E. , Dwivedi Varun , Kortbeek Ruy W. J. , Liu Yi-Kai , Sun Fuai , Tao W. Andy , Li Ying , Boachon Benoît , Shabek Nitzan , Dudareva Natalia
Published: March 2024

Plants are constantly exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are released during plant-plant communication, within-plant self-signaling, and plant-microbe interactions. Therefore, understanding VOC perception and downstream signaling is vital for unraveling the mechanisms behind information exchange in plants, which remain largely unexplored. Using the hormone-like function of volatile terpenoids in reproductive organ development as a system with a visual marker for communication, we demonstrate that a petunia karrikin-insensitive receptor, PhKAI2ia, stereospecifically perceives the (−)-germacrene D signal, triggering a KAI2-mediated signaling cascade and affecting plant fitness. This study uncovers the role(s) of the intermediate clade of KAI2 receptors, illuminates the involvement of a KAI2ia-dependent signaling pathway in volatile communication, and provides new insights into plant olfaction and the long-standing question about the nature of potential endogenous KAI2 ligand(s).
Rendezvous with an asteroid
The Asteroid Hunter: A Scientist’s Journey to the Dawn of Our Solar System
Dante S. Lauretta
Grand Central Publishing, 2024. 336 pp.
Authors: Rubin Alan E.
Published: March 2024

A planetary scientist recounts an audacious mission to retrieve mineral samples from space
Music and the mind
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: March 2024

When I was chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I tried never to miss the annual concert of the Triangle Youth Symphony. When people asked me why I was such a regular, I complimented the music but also suggested that there were potential future college science majors on the stage. The strong correlation between scientific and musical ability is an association familiar to many scientists, but in recent years, the connections between music and the mind have begun receiving broader attention, partly because of an unexpected partnership between the former long-time director of the US National Institutes of Health Francis Collins, and soprano opera superstar Renée Fleming. I caught up with Collins and Fleming for an extended chat about their shared curiosity regarding the science of music and health.
In Other Journals
Authors: Vignieri Sacha , Hurtley Stella M. , Ross Sarah H. , Lopez Bianca , Szuromi Phil , McCartney Melissa , Suleymanov Yury
Published: March 2024

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Persistence and free chlorine disinfection of human coronaviruses and their surrogates in water
Authors: Zhang Mengyang , Leong Michelle Wei , Mitch William A. , Blish Catherine A. , Boehm Alexandria
Published: March 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic illustrates the importance of understanding the behavior and control of human pathogenic viruses in the environment. Exposure via water (drinking, bathing, and recreation) is a known route of transmission of viruses to humans, but the literature is relatively void of studies on the persistence of many viruses, especially coronaviruses, in water and their susceptibility to chlorine disinfection. To fill that knowledge gap, we evaluated the persistence and free chlorine disinfection of human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) and its surrogates, murine hepatitis virus (MHV) and porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), in drinking water and laboratory buffer using cell culture methods. The decay rate constants of human coronavirus and its surrogates in water varied, depending on virus and water matrix. In drinking water without disinfectant addition, MHV showed the largest decay rate constant (estimate ± standard error, 2.25 ± 0.09 day
-1
) followed by HCoV-OC43 (0.99 ± 0.12 day
-1
) and TGEV (0.65 ± 0.06 day
-1
), while in phosphate buffer without disinfectant addition, HCoV-OC43 (0.51 ± 0.10 day
-1
) had a larger decay rate constant than MHV (0.28 ± 0.03 day
-1
) and TGEV (0.24 ± 0.02 day
-1
). Upon free chlorine disinfection, the inactivation rates of coronaviruses were independent of free chlorine concentration and were not affected by water matrix, though they still varied between viruses. TGEV showed the highest susceptibility to free chlorine disinfection with the inactivation rate constant of 113.50 ± 7.50 mg
-1
min
-1
L, followed by MHV (81.33 ± 4.90 mg
-1
min
-1
L) and HCoV-OC43 (59.42 ± 4.41 mg
-1
min
-1
L).

IMPORTANCE

This study addresses an important knowledge gap on enveloped virus persistence and disinfection in water. Results have immediate practical applications for shaping evidence-based water policies, particularly in the development of disinfection strategies for pathogenic virus control.
Cryptococcus neoforman
s rapidly invades the murine brain by sequential breaching of airway and endothelial tissues barriers, followed by engulfment by microglia
Authors: Francis Vanessa I. , Liddle Corin , Camacho Emma , Kulkarni Madhura , Junior Samuel R. S. , Harvey Jamie A. , Ballou Elizabeth R. , Thomson Darren D. , Brown Gordon D. , Hardwick J. Marie , Casadevall Arturo , Witton Jonathan , Coelho Carolina
Published: March 2024

Cryptococcus neoformans
causes lethal meningitis and accounts for approximately 10%–15% of AIDS-associated deaths worldwide. There are major gaps in our understanding of how this fungus invades the mammalian brain. To investigate the dynamics of
C. neoformans
tissue invasion, we mapped fungal localization and host cell interactions in infected brain, lung, and upper airways using mouse models of systemic and airway infection. To enable this, we developed an
in situ
imaging pipeline capable of measuring large volumes of tissue while preserving anatomical and cellular information by combining thick tissue sections, tissue clarification, and confocal imaging. We confirm high fungal burden in mouse upper airway after nasal inoculation. Yeast in turbinates were frequently titan cells, with faster kinetics than reported in mouse lungs. Importantly, we observed one instance of fungal cells enmeshed in lamina propria of the upper airways, suggesting penetration of airway mucosa as a possible route of tissue invasion and dissemination to the bloodstream. We extend previous literature positing bloodstream dissemination of
C. neoformans
, by finding viable fungi in the bloodstream of mice a few days after intranasal infection. As early as 24 h post systemic infection, the majority of
C. neoformans
cells traversed the blood-brain barrier, and were engulfed or in close proximity to microglia. Our work presents a new method for investigating microbial invasion, establishes that
C. neoformans
can breach multiple tissue barriers within the first days of infection, and demonstrates microglia as the first cells responding to
C. neoformans
invasion of the brain.

IMPORTANCE

Cryptococcal meningitis causes 10%–15% of AIDS-associated deaths globally. Still, brain-specific immunity to cryptococci is a conundrum. By employing innovative imaging, this study reveals what occurs during the first days of infection in brain and in airways. We found that titan cells predominate in upper airways and that cryptococci breach the upper airway mucosa, which implies that, at least in mice, the upper airways are a site for fungal dissemination. This would signify that mucosal immunity of the upper airway needs to be better understood. Importantly, we also show that microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, are the first responders to infection, and microglia clusters are formed surrounding cryptococci. This study opens the field to detailed molecular investigations on airway immune response, how fungus traverses the blood-brain barrier, how microglia respond to infection, and ultimately how microglia monitor the blood-brain barrier to preserve brain function.
Treatment of myopathy and cutaneous ulcers in anti-MDA5-positive dermatomyositis with triple therapy
Authors: Peringeth Gopisree , Abbi Bhavna , Mahmood Shereen
Published: March 2024

Antimelanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 positive dermatomyositis (MDA5 DM) is a rare subtype of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. There are limited data available regarding the cutaneous manifestations of MDA5 DM in the African American population. We presented the case of a male patient in his early 20s who presented with debilitating cutaneous ulceration and myopathy. Workup revealed interstitial lung disease (ILD) and positive MDA5 serology consistent with MDA5 DM. He made a remarkable recovery in terms of myopathy and cutaneous ulcerations with a multipronged regimen of prednisone, intravenous immunoglobulin and mycophenolate mofetil. However, there was a progression of ILD on this regimen which warranted use of rituximab.
Evidence for clinician underprescription of and patient non-adherence to guideline-recommended cardiovascular medications among adults with peripheral artery disease: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Launay David , Paquet Maude , Kirkham Aidan M , Graham Ian D , Fergusson Dean A , Nagpal Sudhir K , Shorr Risa , Grimshaw Jeremy M , Roberts Derek J
Published: March 2024

Introduction

International guidelines recommend that adults with peripheral artery disease (PAD) be prescribed antiplatelet, statin and antihypertensive medications. However, it is unclear how often people with PAD are underprescribed these drugs, which characteristics predict clinician underprescription of and patient non-adherence to guideline-recommended cardiovascular medications, and whether underprescription and non-adherence are associated with adverse health and health system outcomes.

Methods and analysis

We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews from 2006 onwards. Two investigators will independently review abstracts and full-text studies. We will include studies that enrolled adults and reported the incidence and/or prevalence of clinician underprescription of or patient non-adherence to guideline-recommended cardiovascular medications among people with PAD; adjusted risk factors for underprescription of/non-adherence to these medications; and adjusted associations between underprescription/non-adherence to these medications and outcomes. Outcomes will include mortality, major adverse cardiac and limb events (including revascularisation procedures and amputations), other reported morbidities, healthcare resource use and costs. Two investigators will independently extract data and evaluate study risk of bias. We will calculate summary estimates of the incidence and prevalence of clinician underprescription/patient non-adherence across studies. We will also conduct subgroup meta-analyses and meta-regression to determine if estimates vary by country, characteristics of the patients and treating clinicians, population-based versus non-population-based design, and study risks of bias. Finally, we will calculate pooled adjusted risk factors for underprescription/non-adherence and adjusted associations between underprescription/non-adherence and outcomes. We will use Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation to determine estimate certainty.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required as we are studying published data. This systematic review will synthesise existing evidence regarding clinician underprescription of and patient non-adherence to guideline-recommended cardiovascular medications in adults with PAD. Results will be used to identify evidence-care gaps and inform where interventions may be required to improve clinician prescribing and patient adherence to prescribed medications.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022362801.
Predictors of recovery time from severe community-acquired pneumonia among paediatrics patients in selected hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: an institution-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sinishaw Kalkidan Mekonnen , Sebsbie Girum , Kebede Mekonen Adimasu
Published: March 2024

Objective

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (SCAP) is a significant cause of morbidity worldwide and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Ethiopia ranks 6th out of 15 countries with the highest mortality rate due to pneumonia in children under 5 years of age. The aim of this study was to determine the recovery time from SCAP and factors in paediatric patients in selected hospitals in Addis Ababa.

Design, participants and setting

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 407 randomly selected paediatric patients admitted with SCAP in Addis Ababa public hospitals from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Recovery time and recovery rate from SCAP were estimated using Kaplan-Meier and simple frequency statistics, respectively, and the adjusted HR with a 95% CI was used to identify associated factors for recovery.

Results

91.5% (95% CI: 88.3% to 94.1%) of children recovered from SCAP with an overall recovery rate of 11.5 (95% CI: 10.37 to 12.76) per 100 person-day observation, and the median recovery time was 6 days. In the multivariable analysis, older age and the absence of comorbidities were protective factors for early recovery, while stunting and late utilisation of medical care were risk factors.

Conclusion

The median recovery time after SCAP was very long compared with the optimal recovery time of 3 days given in the British Thoracic Society guidelines. Older age and absence of comorbidities were found to shorten recovery time, whereas stunting and late initiation of treatment delayed recovery. Therefore, measures that increase the recovery rate and shorten the recovery time, such as primary prevention to eliminate malnutrition and increase the utilisation of medical care in the community, should be strengthened, and health workers should focus on the early detection and treatment of comorbid diseases.
Protocol for a scoping review of factors associated with disparities in clinical provision of deep brain stimulation
Authors: Abramson Tiffany , Aguero Rosario , Arizpe Angel , Frank Adam , Kang Sara , Mason Xenos
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be used to treat several neurological and psychiatric conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and obsessive-compulsive disorder; however, limited work has been done to assess the disparities in DBS access and implementation. The goal of this scoping review is to identify sources of disparity in the clinical provision of DBS.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review will be conducted based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-extension for Scoping Reviews methodology. Relevant studies will be identified from databases including MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science, as well as reference lists from retained articles. Initial search dates were in January 2023, with the study still ongoing. An initial screening of the titles and abstracts of potentially eligible studies will be completed, with relevant studies collected for full-text review. The principal investigators and coauthors will then independently review all full-text articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted and collected in table format. Finally, results will be synthesised in a table and narrative report.

Ethics and dissemination

No institutional board review or approval is necessary for the proposed scoping review. The findings will be submitted for publication to relevant peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

Scoping review registration

This protocol has been registered prospectively on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/cxvhu).
Identifying provider, patient and practice factors that shape long-term opioid prescribing for cancer pain: a qualitative study of American and Australian providers
Authors: Fereydooni Soraya , Lorenz Karl , Azarfar Azin , Luckett Tim , Phillips Jane L , Becker William , Giannitrapani Karleen
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Prescribing long-term opioid therapy is a nuanced clinical decision requiring careful consideration of risks versus benefits. Our goal is to understand patient, provider and context factors that impact the decision to prescribe opioids in patients with cancer.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of the raw semistructured interview data gathered from 42 prescribers who participated in one of two aligned concurrent qualitative studies in the USA and Australia. We conducted a two-part analysis of the interview: first identifying all factors influencing long-term prescribing and second open coding-related content for themes.

Results

Factors that influence long-term opioid prescribing for cancer-related pain clustered under three key domains (patient-related, provider-related and practice-related factors) each with several themes. Domain 1: Patient factors related to provider–patient continuity, patient personality, the patient’s social context and patient characteristics including racial/ethnic identity, housing and socioeconomic status. Domain 2: Provider-related factors centred around provider ‘personal experience and expertise’, training and time availability. Domain 3: Practice-related factors included healthcare interventions to promote safer opioid practices and accessibility of quality alternative pain therapies.

Conclusion

Despite the differences in the contexts of the two countries, providers consider similar patient, provider and practice-related factors when long-term prescribing opioids for patients with cancer. Some of these factors may be categorised as cognitive biases that may intersect in an already disadvantaged patient and exacerbate disparities in the treatment of their pain. A more systematic understanding of these factors and how they impact the quality of care can inform appropriate interventions.
Optimization of Optical Efficiency Modeling and Heliostat Field Layout of Tower Solar Thermal Power Station
Authors: Li Xu , Wang You
Published: March 2024

The aim of this paper is to study and optimize the layout of heliostat mirror fields in solar photovoltaic power plants to improve energy efficiency. By analyzing the key factors of optical efficiency, the optical efficiency model is constructed. The optical efficiency of a single heliostat mirror is calculated using five efficiency factors, namely, shadow shading efficiency, cosine efficiency, atmospheric transmittance, collector truncation efficiency, and mirror reflectivity. The DELSOL layout is used as the initial mirror field, and the mirror field design is optimized by the particle swarm algorithm. The optimal design parameters of the heliostat mirror field including the position of the absorption tower, the size of the heliostat, and the installation height were calculated by adjusting the positions of the heliostat and the absorption tower many times. The results show that the annual average optical efficiency of the heliostat field is 0.6127, and the annual average thermal power output is 37.4508 MW. Through optimization, the annual average optical efficiency of the heliostat field is increased to 0.75, and the annual average thermal power output reaches 64.98 MW. In addition, the results show that the heliostat field has a seasonal characteristic. The optical efficiency and the annual average thermal power output change monthly.
Interaction solutions of (2+1)-dimensional Korteweg–de Vries–Sawada–Kotera–Ramani equation via bilinear method
Authors: Bai Shuting , Yin Xiaojun , Cao Na , Xu Liyang
Published: March 2024

Using the bilinear neural network method (BNNM) and the symbolic computation system Mathematica, this paper explains how to find an exact solution for the (2+1)-dimensional Korteweg–de Vries–Sawada–Kotera–Ramani (KdVSKR) equation. In terms of activation function and weight coefficient, BNNM is a more appealing option for users than traditional symbolic computation methods. It is possible to develop a wide range of solutions and expand the classes of exact solutions by modifying the activation function. The activation function’s versatility allows it to generate a wide range of solutions with several theoretical and practical uses. The analytical solution is obtained by using a double layer type, while the rogue wave solution and mixed solutions are obtained by using a single layer type. The evolution of these waves is then illustrated using various 3D graphs, 2D graphs, and density plots.
A Comprehensive Literature Review on Efficient Synthetic Approaches and Polymorphism of Pazopanib (Votrient), a Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Chand Onkar , Chopra Lalita , Tiwari Shashi Kant
Published: March 2024

Angiogenesis involves the development of new blood vessels from the pre-existing vasculature. In cancer, an inappropriate or pathological angiogenesis reinforces tumor growth by feeding with nutrient and oxygen. Central to the process of angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR), as they regulate angiogenesis and vascular permeability. To stop tumor angiogenesis by cutting off the blood supply, a multitude of angiogenesis inhibitors (antiangiogenic agents or anticancer drugs) have been developed. In pursuit of developing an effective angiogenesis inhibitor, a novel pyrimidine derivative, an inhibitor of VEGFR-2 kinase activity later known as “VOTRIENT (Pazopanib)” was developed by GlaxoSmithKline and approved by the FDA in October 2009 for treatment of advanced renal cell cancer. Later, it was also approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced soft tissue sarcoma in April 2012. In the literature, there are multiple synthetic pathways reported and the present work reviews the literature related to the synthesis of Pazopanib emphasizing applicability at a commercial scale. The main purpose of this review paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of different existing routes of synthesis with relevant comparison, reported polymorphs, and suggesting further development.
A Compact Model for Carbon Nanotube Field Effect Transistors Incorporating Temperature Effects and Application for Operational Amplifier Design
Authors: Zou Yajie , Liu Hongwei , Liu Yiying , Yin Minghui , Zhang Weihua , You Yunxia , Zhou Huanhuan , Wang Chen
Published: March 2024

Semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs), characterized by high carrier mobility and atomic thickness, are considered ideal channel materials for building high-performance and ultimate-scale field-effect transistors for future electronics. Here, we present a data-calibrated compact model of CNT field-effect transistors (CNTFETs) that incorporates temperature effects using the virtual source approach. The proposed model also includes the self-heating effect. Temperature effect was characterized by the influence of temperature on devices, achieved through establishing a temperature-dependent semi-empirical model of carrier mobility and carrier velocity. The proposed model can be easily implemented in a simulator. We designed a two-stage operational amplifier (OPAMP) using the proposed model at 32 nm technology. Compared with other studies, the designed CNTFET-based OPAMP demonstrates lower power consumption, which is beneficial for exploring the biological applications of low-power analog circuits in portable electronic devices. Furthermore, the impact of thermal variations on the design of OPAMP, as per the proposed model, was delineated. Investigations revealed that our circuit maintains a high common mode rejection ratio, which diminishes as the temperature increases and exhibits a moderate gain value that escalates with temperature.