bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specialization of Alcanivorax species in colonizing diverse plastics
Authors: Mattelin Valérie , Rombouts Astrid , Van Landuyt Josefien , Scoma Alberto , Boon Nico
Published: October 2024

Recently, there has been increased attention to hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria in the plastisphere. One particular genus, Alcanivorax, is reported in the biodegradation of several polymers in the literature. In this study, we further explored the role of Alcanivorax in the early colonization of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH), nylon 6/69, and a novel plastic B4PF01. Starting from enrichments of a one‐year experiment with a maximum relative abundance of 58.8% of Alcanivorax, two parallel experiments were set up. One experiment followed growth and activity during the first 21 days of plastic incubations, and the other followed the same parameters on the different material fractions of the plastics, such as leachables and pure polymer. For all plastic types, the highest microbial growth was associated with the total plastics compared to the other material fractions. A relative abundance of 62.7% of Alcanivorax in the nylon 6/69‐enriched community was observed. This, combined with data on activity, suggests that nylon 6/69 is potentially degraded by this genus. Two isolates were obtained, closely related to A. borkumensis SK2 and Alcanivorax sp. DG881. The activity and growth of the isolates as axenic cultures resemble their abundance in the community. In conclusion, this study contributes to the knowledge of the role of Alcanivorax in plastic‐enriched communities.
Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) analysis of human nails: Implications for age determination in forensics
Authors: Mitu Bilkis , Trojan Václav , Hrib Radovan , Halámková Lenka
Published: October 2024

A person's age estimation from biological evidence is a crucial aspect of forensic investigations, aiding in victim identification and criminal profiling. In this study, we present a novel approach of utilizing Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR FT‐IR) spectroscopy to predict the age of donors based on nail samples. A diverse dataset comprising nails from donors spanning different age groups was analyzed using ATR FT‐IR, with subsequent multivariate analysis techniques used for age prediction. The developed partial least squares regression (PLS‐R) model demonstrated promising accuracy in age estimation, with a root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) equal to 11.1 during external validation. Additionally, a partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) classification model achieved high accuracy of 88% in classifying donors into younger and older age groups during external validation. This proof‐of‐concept study highlights the potential of ATR FT‐IR spectroscopy as a non‐destructive and efficient tool for age estimation in forensic investigations, offering a new approach to forensic analysis with practical implications.
Physical activity modifies the association between atherogenic index of plasma and prediabetes and diabetes: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Yang Shenglan , Gou Xinyu , Dong Hui , Chen Limei , Wang Yiyan , Wu Jing
Published: October 2024

Background

Although research has explored the association between atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and prediabetes and diabetes, there is still not sufficient available evidence the role of physical activity (PA) in this relationship. Our purpose is to examine the complex connections between AIP, PA, and prediabetes and diabetes in a young and middle‐aged population.

Methods

This study included 2220 individuals from the general population, aged 20–60 years. AIP was calculated from the logarithm of the triglyceride (TG) to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) ratio. PA was assessed depending to the American Heart Association (AHA) criteria and categorized into medium‐high and low PA levels. We used binary logistic regression to explore associations and subsequently performed sensitivity and subgroup analyses.

Results

The 2220 participants had a mean age of 38 years, with a mean AIP of −0.1185, and a prediabetes and diabetes prevalence of 7.2%. After adjusting for auxiliary variables, AIP was positively correlated with prediabetes and diabetes (odds ratio [OR]: 3.447, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.829–6.497). In the low PA population, the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes raised significantly with higher AIP (OR: 3.678, 95% CI: 1.819–7.434). This association was not meaningful in the medium to high PA population (OR: 1.925, 95% CI: 0.411–9.007). Joint and sensitivity analyze results also showed agreement. Restricted cubic spline identified a linear relationship between AIP and the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes. Notably, the prevalence significantly increases when AIP values exceed −0.16 (p for linearity <0.05). The findings revealed heterogeneity across subgroups stratified by sex and age.

Conclusions

PA may modify the link as regards AIP with prediabetes and diabetes in young and middle‐aged populations. Adherence to PA prevents the adverse effects of abnormal glucose metabolism caused by dyslipidemia, particularly in women.

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Elevations in interleukin‐8 levels in individuals with alcohol use disorder and clinical insomnia symptoms
Authors: Grodin Erica N. , Baskerville Wave‐Ananda , McManus Kaitlin R. , Irwin Michael R. , Ray Lara A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Insomnia commonly co‐occurs with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and predicts poorer outcomes for those with AUD. Insomnia and AUD are individually associated with increases in systemic inflammation. Insomnia and inflammation both serve as risk factors for relapse in AUD. However, little is known about the relationship between insomnia and systemic inflammation in individuals with AUD. Therefore, the present study examined the relationship between the severity of insomnia symptoms and plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines in a sample of treatment‐seeking individuals with an AUD.

Methods

This secondary analysis included 101 (61M/40F) individuals with an AUD. Participants were categorized into groups based on their scores on the Insomnia Severity Index: no insomnia (n = 47), subthreshold insomnia (n = 37), and clinical insomnia (n = 17). Participants provided blood samples to measure plasma levels of four peripheral markers of inflammation (IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, and CRP). Inflammatory marker levels were compared between groups. Interactive effects of sex and AUD severity were examined.

Results

There was a significant main effect of insomnia group on log IL‐8 levels (F = 6.52, p = 0.002), such that individuals with AUD and clinical insomnia had higher log IL‐8 levels compared to both the no insomnia and subthreshold insomnia groups (ps ≤ 0.05). Sex and AUD severity interacted with this relationship, such that men with clinical insomnia and AUD and individuals with severe AUD had higher log IL‐8 levels. There were no significant effects of insomnia on IL‐6, TNF‐α, or CRP levels.

Conclusion

The present study identified a specific elevation in IL‐8 levels in individuals with an AUD and clinical insomnia that was not identified in other markers of peripheral inflammation (IL‐6, TNF‐α, CRP). Sex and AUD severity interacted with insomnia symptoms, indicating that those with clinical insomnia and severe AUD or male sex may be the most vulnerable to the inflammatory consequences associated with AUD and clinical insomnia symptoms.
Eighteen‐year trends in the rates of intra‐operative cardiac arrest and associated mortality at a public university hospital in Brazil*
Authors: Morais Arthur C. , Braz Jose R. C. , Soares Joao Vitor A. , Pessoto Jessica G. J. , Tanabe Matheus R. , Pignaton Wangles , de Carvalho Lidia R. , Braz Mariana G. , Braz Leandro G.
Published: October 2024

Background

Intra‐operative cardiac arrest is a rare but life‐threatening event. Over the past two decades, various initiatives have improved the care of patients undergoing surgery at our quaternary teaching hospital in Brazil. We aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of intra‐operative cardiac arrest and associated 30‐day mortality over an 18‐year period. A secondary aim was to identify associated risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective observational study using data collected from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2022. Factors associated with cardiac arrest and mortality were identified using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among the 154,178 cases, the overall rates of intra‐operative cardiac arrest (n = 297) and associated 30‐day mortality (n = 248) were 19.3 (95%CI (16.6–21.9)) and 16.1 (95% CI 13.9–18.3) per 10,000 anaesthetics, respectively. These decreased over time (2005–2010 vs. 2017–2022) from 26.3 (95%CI 21.0–31.6) to 15.4 (95%CI 12.0–18.7) per 10,000 anaesthetics, and from 23.4 (95%CI 18.8–28.1) to 13.7 (95%CI 10.8–16.7) per 10,000 anaesthetics, respectively. Factors associated with intra‐operative cardiac arrest included children aged < 1 year (adjusted OR (95%CI) 3.51 (1.87–6.57)); ASA physical status 3–5 (adjusted OR (95%CI) 13.85 (8.86–21.65)); emergency surgery (adjusted OR (95%CI) 10.06 (7.85–12.89)); general anaesthesia (adjusted OR (95%CI) 8.79 (4.60–19.64)); surgical procedure involving multiple specialities (adjusted OR (95%CI) 9.13 (4.24–19.64)); cardiac surgery (adjusted OR (95%CI) 7.69 (5.05–11.71)); vascular surgery (adjusted OR (95%CI) 6.21 (4.05–9.51)); and gastrointestinal surgery (adjusted OR (95%CI) 2.98 (1.91–4.65)).

Discussion

We have shown an important reduction in intra‐operative cardiac arrest and associated 30‐day mortality over an 18‐year period. Identification of relative risk factors associated with intra‐operative cardiac arrest can be used to improve the safety and quality of patient care, especially in a resource‐limited setting.
Associations between birth characteristics, pubertal timing and adult height
Authors: Skogastierna Carin , Kalay Nazli , Swolin‐Eide Diana , Holmgren Anton
Published: October 2024

Aim

This study investigated the association between gestational age and birth size with pubertal timing, measured as peak height velocity, and adult height.

Methods

This retrospective, population‐based study was conducted in Sweden in 2023. A sub‐group of the 1974 and 1990 GrowUp Gothenburg cohorts was used (n = 4700, 50% males). The subgroup consisted of healthy individuals with Nordic ethnicity, known parental heights and measured adult heights. Data on birth characteristics (gestational age, birth length, birth weight) were collected. Pubertal timing was assessed as age at peak height velocity. Univariable linear regression analysis and bivariate correlations were conducted to answer the research questions.

Results

Gestational age was not associated with age at peak height velocity or adult height. Birth length and weight could explain 12% and 8% (p ≤ 0.001) respectively of attained adult height. However, birth length and birth weight could only explain the variation in age at peak height velocity to a small degree.

Conclusion

This study showed that gestational age is not associated with age at peak height velocity or adult height. A positive relationship was found between birth size, particularly birth length, and adult height. No strong associations were found between birth size and age at peak height velocity.
Exploring the Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Insights Toward the Horizons Where Technology Meets Tradition
Authors: Bharadwaj Shruti , Deepika Kumari , Kumar Asim , Jaiswal Shivani , Miglani Shaweta , Singh Damini , Fartyal Prachi , Kumar Roshan , Singh Shareen , Singh Mahendra Pratap , Gaidhane Abhay M. , Kumar Bhupinder , Jha Vibhu
Published: October 2024

The technological revolutions in computers and the advancement of high‐throughput screening technologies have driven the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for faster discovery of drug molecules with more efficiency, and cost‐friendly finding of hit or lead molecules. The ability of software and network frameworks to interpret molecular structures' representations and establish relationships/correlations has enabled various research teams to develop numerous AI platforms for identifying new lead molecules or discovering new targets for already established drug molecules. The prediction of biological activity, ADME properties, and toxicity parameters in early stages have reduced the chances of failure and associated costs in later clinical stages, which was observed at a high rate in the tedious, expensive, and laborious drug discovery process. This review focuses on the different AI and machine learning (ML) techniques with their applications mainly focused on the pharmaceutical industry. The applications of AI frameworks in the identification of molecular target, hit identification/hit‐to‐lead optimization, analyzing drug–receptor interactions, drug repurposing, polypharmacology, synthetic accessibility, clinical trial design, and pharmaceutical developments are discussed in detail. We have also compiled the details of various startups in AI in this field. This review will provide a comprehensive analysis and outline various state‐of‐the‐art AI/ML techniques to the readers with their framework applications. This review also highlights the challenges in this field, which need to be addressed for further success in pharmaceutical applications.
Maintenance Costs, Time, and Efforts Following Implant Therapy With Fixed Restorations Over an Observation Period of 10 Years: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Pirc Miha , Gadzo Naida , Balmer Marc , Naenni Nadja , Jung Ronald E. , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To assess the costs and efforts of maintenance therapy following implant treatment with fixed restoration over an observation period of 10 years.

Material and Methods

This randomized controlled clinical trial included 64 patients who were randomly assigned to receive one of two implant systems (AST or STM) and fixed restoration. Patients were included in a regular maintenance program and were examined at loading, 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10 years. Outcome measures included technical and biological complications, time, efforts, and costs to resolve them.

Results

A total of 97 implants were placed in 64 patients (AST: 54, STM: 43). Patient recall rates at 5 and 10 years were 89% and 67%. In general, technical complications were resolved within one to two appointments (mean = 1.5), and biological complications required a mean of 1.3 appointments. The overall regular maintenance time for the period of 10 years amounted to 77 min per year. Technical complications occurred in 39.5% of the patients, with screw‐loosening being the most common one (43.4% of all complications). The most time‐consuming technical complication was abutment fracture (94 min ± 68), followed by screw fracture (84 min ± 38). The prevalence of peri‐implant mucositis on the patient level was 30.2%, and it was 9.3% for peri‐implantitis. The average annual maintenance costs amounted to 9% of the initial cost of the implant treatment over the period of 10 years.

Conclusions

Additional regular maintenance costs and costs due to the treatment of potential complications have to be taken into consideration when placing dental implants. The majority of technical complications could be resolved within one appointment, whereas the time needed to treat biological complications varied between one and three appointments for peri‐implantitis.
Evaluation of validity, reliability and ability to detect change for the Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) and evaluation of HECSI‐75 and HECSI‐90 as within‐patient responder definitions
Authors: Yüksel Yasemin Topal , Thoning Henrik , Larsen Lotte Seiding , Lehmann Lucine , Arbuckle Rob , Grant Laura , Agner Tove
Published: October 2024

Background

The Hand Eczema Severity Index (HECSI) is a Clinician‐Reported Outcome measure of the severity of hand eczema (HE).

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the validity, reliability and ability to detect change of the HECSI, and the HECSI‐75 and HECSI‐90 as responder definitions.

Methods

Analyses were performed using data from a sample of n = 258 patients with Chronic Hand Eczema (CHE) from a Phase 2b, randomised, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled trial of delgocitinib cream, pooled across treatment groups. The measurement properties of the HECSI were assessed and the adequacy of the HECSI‐75 and HECSI‐90 as responder definitions was explored through cross‐tabulation.

Results

Inter‐item correlations provided support for the scoring, whereby items are grouped by areas of the hand. HECSI demonstrated good test–retest reliability with intra‐class correlations >0.70. Construct validity was supported by a logical pattern of correlations with concurrent measures and significant differences in HECSI scores across severity groups (p < 0.001). HECSI was responsive with statistically significant improvements over time and with significant differences (p < 0.001) between improved and stable groups. Data provided support for both HECSI‐75 and HECSI‐90 as within‐patient responder definitions.

Conclusions

HECSI has strong validity, reliability and ability to detect change as a measure of CHE severity. HECSI‐75 and HECSI‐90 are appropriate responder definitions.
Inadvertent climate refugia
Authors: Hayes Forest P. , Berger Joel
Published: October 2024

For centuries, humans have intentionally moved species around the world, and such actions have rarely been laudable from conservation perspectives. The notion that introduced populations of cold‐adapted species hold conservation value despite their non‐native status remains controversial. Many such populations exist as a legacy of humans moving wildlife to novel environments with little true consideration of species conservation. Herein, we identify cases in which individuals from inadvertent climate refugia (ICR) are returned to formerly occupied ranges or used to augment declining native populations. While conservation benefits have been infrequently realized, the global distribution of ICR offers a potentially untapped resource. Lessening biodiversity loss under increasing climate challenges will likely require assisted migration of many species and necessitate novel valuation of extant introduced populations—such as those within ICR. While ecological costs of translocated species are widely known, we highlight how species moved generations ago to ICR offer a reservoir for reintroductions and a buffer against rapidly changing climates.
Identification of the Prognostic Factors for Synchronous Multiple Primary Lung Cancer Treated With Staged Bilateral Surgery
Authors: Zhang Hui , Liu Qiang , Chen Lian , Song Liwei , Mao Feng , Zhou Wenyong , Li Jiantao , Song Zuodong , Miao Wang , Shentu Yang
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Staged bilateral surgery is widely used to treat synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (SMPLC); however, the prognostic factors for survival outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to identify prognostic factors and construct a predictive model for overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) in patients with SMPLC who underwent staged bilateral surgery.

Methods

The study included 256 patients diagnosed with SMPLC and treated with staged bilateral surgery at our hospital between January 2010 and July 2017. Multivariate Cox proportional‐hazard regression was used to identify prognostic factors for OS and RFS. Additionally, a predictive model was constructed using time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

Among the 256 patients, 10 (3.95%) succumbed to the disease and 24 (9.41%) experienced recurrence. Smoking (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.128; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.442–18.233; p = 0.012) and most advanced pathological TNM (pTNM) stage (II + III) (HR: 12.938; 95% CI: 2.650–63.176; p = 0.002) were identified as significant predictors of poor OS. A prognostic model was developed for predicting OS, with a 5‐year area under the curve (AUC) of 0.854. Furthermore, most advanced pTNM stage (II + III) was associated with poor RFS (HR: 5.964; 95% CI: 2.669–13.327; p < 0.001), and the predictive model exhibited a 5‐year AUC of 0.718 for RFS.

Conclusion

This study revealed that smoking and most advanced pTNM stage were independent prognostic factors associated with poor OS in patients with bilateral SMPLC. Moreover, most advanced pTNM stage was also linked to unfavorable RFS. The developed predictive model demonstrated moderate prognostic performance for both OS and RFS.
Dependence, power imbalance, and value gains in business process outsourcing
Authors: Suresh Sukruth , Ravichandran T.
Published: October 2024

We examine the impact of interdependencies in business process outsourcing (BPO) relationships on client and vendor firm values both in the short term and over a longer time horizon. Drawing from recent research incorporating the resource dependence theory, which appertains the interdependence to both mutual dependence and power imbalance in interfirm relationships, we posit the value proposition of BPO to be greater for mutually dependent engagements, and more so for the vendor than for the client. In addition, we posit the power imbalance in BPO relationships to be detrimental for clients and vendors, and thus, the value proposition of such BPO is expected to be lower for both. We empirically examine these issues through an event study of 285 publicly announced BPO engagements and find that mutually dependent BPO relationships, which were difficult to decouple, are value enhancing for both clients and vendors, and more so for vendors. In addition, although the power imbalances were expected to be detrimental to both, we find this power imbalance to negatively affect only the vendors but had a positive effect on clients.
Natural history of gait patterns in untreated children with bilateral cerebral palsy in a low‐income country setting
Authors: Stebbins Julie , Wicks Laurence , Nunn Tim , Gardner Richard , Zerfu Tewodros T. , Kassahun Mesfin , Theologis Tim
Published: October 2024

Aim

To assess a group of ambulant, untreated children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, in a resource‐poor setting, who had never been assessed by a health care professional or received any treatment, to help establish the natural history of gait patterns in this condition.

Method

At CURE Children's Hospital of Ethiopia, 46 children with no prior health care contact were assessed in a cross‐sectional cohort study, through a detailed history, clinical examination, and instrumented gait analysis using a motion capture system.

Results

There was a large spread in the data reflecting the high natural heterogeneity in this population. The severity of gait pathology did not correlate with age; however, a small but significant reduction in sagittal hip and knee range of motion with increasing age was observed. There was also a trend towards reduced passive knee extension with age.

Interpretation

Improved understanding of the aspects of gait that are likely to naturally improve, deteriorate, or remain stable over time helps guide treatment decisions in this population.
Pacritinib Response Is Associated With Overall Survival in Myelofibrosis: PERSIST‐2 Landmark Analysis of Survival
Authors: Ajufo Helen , Bewersdorf Jan Philipp , Harrison Claire , Palandri Francesca , Mascarenhas John , Palmer Jeanne , Gerds Aaron , Kiladjian Jean‐Jacques , Buckley Sarah , Derkach Andriy , Roman‐Torres Karisse , Rampal Raajit K.
Published: October 2024

Spleen volume reduction (SVR) is a key endpoint in inhibitors of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor studies. Retrospective analyses have demonstrated an association between SVR and improved overall survival (OS) among patients treated with ruxolitinib with a platelet count > 100 × 109/L. Whether this association occurs in patients with thrombocytopenia is unclear. Pacritinib, a JAK2/IRAK1/ACVR1 inhibitor, demonstrated improved SVR versus best available therapy (BAT [best available therapy]; including ruxolitinib) in patients with myelofibrosis and platelet counts ≤ 100 × 109/L in the PERSIST‐2 study. Patients on study at the start of the 12‐week SVR window on pacritinib 200 mg twice daily or BAT were included. OS was evaluated among SVR responders versus non‐responders using different SVR thresholds (≥ 35%, ≥ 20%, ≥ 10%, and > 0%). Among patients on pacritinib (n = 89), SVR ≥ 10% demonstrated the greatest separation in OS curves between responders and non‐responders (HR, 0.00; 95% CI, 0.00–0.14; p < 0.01), though SVR ≥ 0% and SVR ≥ 20% were also associated with improved OS. No SVR threshold conferred OS benefit on BAT (n = 84), including ruxolitinib (n = 39). In patients with myelofibrosis and platelets ≤ 100 × 109/L, achieving SVR on pacritinib, but not BAT (including ruxolitinib), was associated with significant OS benefit, suggesting that pacritinib may offer a unique survival advantage in patients with myelofibrosis and thrombocytopenia who achieve any SVR.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT02055781
Plasma neurofilament heavy chain is a prognostic biomarker for the development of severe epilepsy after experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: Heiskanen Mette , Banuelos Ivette , Manninen Eppu , Andrade Pedro , Hämäläinen Elina , Puhakka Noora , Pitkänen Asla
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study was undertaken to test whether the postinjury plasma concentration of phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNF‐H), a marker of axonal injury, is a prognostic biomarker for the development of posttraumatic epilepsy.

Methods

Tail vein plasma was sampled 48 h after traumatic brain injury (TBI) from 143 rats (10 naïve, 21 controls, 112 with lateral fluid percussion injury) to quantify pNF‐H by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. During the 6th postinjury month, rats underwent 30 days of continuous video‐electroencephalographic monitoring to detect unprovoked seizures and evaluate epilepsy severity. Somatomotor (composite neuroscore) and spatial memory (Morris water maze) testing and quantitative T2 magnetic resonance imaging were performed to assess comorbidities and lesion severity.

Results

Of the 112 TBI rats, 25% (28/112) developed epilepsy (TBI+) and 75% (84/112) did not (TBI−). Plasma pNF‐H concentrations were higher in TBI+ rats than in TBI− rats (p < .05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that plasma pNF‐H concentration distinguished TBI+ rats from TBI− rats (area under the curve [AUC] = .647, p < .05). Differentiation was stronger when comparing TBI+ rats exhibiting severe epilepsy (≥3 seizures/month) with all other TBI rats (AUC = .732, p < .01). Plasma pNF‐H concentration on day 2 (D2) distinguished TBI+ rats with seizure clusters from other TBI rats (AUC = .732, p < .05). Higher plasma pNF‐H concentration on D2 after TBI correlated with lower neuroscores on D2 (p < .001), D6 (p < .001), and D14 (p < .01). Higher pNF‐H concentration on D2 correlated with greater T2 signal abnormality volume on D2 (p < .001) and D7 (p < .01) and larger cortical lesion area on D182 (p < .01). Plasma pNF‐H concentration on D2 did not correlate with Morris water maze performance on D37–D39.

Significance

Plasma pNF‐H is a promising clinically translatable prognostic biomarker for the development of posttraumatic epilepsy with frequent seizures or seizure clusters.
A Deep Feature Driven Expert System to Estimate the Postmortem Interval From Corneal Opacity Development
Authors: Cantürk İsmail , Özyılmaz Lale
Published: October 2024

Postmortem interval (PMI) estimation remains an unresolved challenge in forensic science, necessitating practical, reliable and more accurate tools. This study aimed to develop a quantitative PMI estimation tool that effectively meets these needs. Focusing on the postmortem opacity development of the eye as a key marker for determining time since death, we propose an artificial intelligence‐based clinical PMI prediction system utilising computer vision, deep learning and machine learning methods. The AlexNet algorithm was utilised to extract deep features from the postmortem eye images. Extracted features were then processed by machine learning algorithms. For feature selection, Lasso and Relief techniques were employed, while SVM and KNN were applied for classifications. The results were validated using the leave‐one‐subject‐out method. The system was tested across different postmortem ranges, providing multi‐label predictions. The performance was evaluated using various metrics. The deep features exhibited effective performance in grading postmortem opacity development, achieving state‐of‐the‐art results. The accuracy scores were 0.96 and 0.97 for 3‐h intervals (i.e., 5‐class) and 5‐h intervals (i.e., 3‐class) experiments, respectively. The experimental results indicate that the proposed system represents a promising tool for PMI estimation.
Unraveling the Genetic Legacy of Commercial Whaling and Population Dynamics in Arctic Bowhead Whales and Narwhals
Authors: de Greef Evelien , Müller Claudio , Thorstensen Matt J. , Ferguson Steven H. , Watt Cortney A. , Marcoux Marianne , Petersen Stephen D. , Garroway Colin J.
Published: October 2024

Assessing genetic structure and diversity in wildlife is particularly important in the context of climate change. The Arctic is rapidly warming, and endemic species must adapt quickly or face significant threats to persistence. Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) and narwhals (Monodon monoceros) are two long‐lived Arctic species with similar habitat requirements and are often seen together in the Canadian Arctic. Although their ranges overlap extensively, bowhead whales experienced significantly greater commercial whaling mortality than narwhals over several centuries. The similar habitat requirements but different harvest histories of these two species provide an opportunity to examine present‐day genetic diversity and the demographic and genetic consequences of commercial whaling. We whole‐genome resequenced contemporary Canadian Arctic bowhead whales and narwhals to delineate population structure and reconstruct demographic history. We found higher genetic diversity in bowhead whales compared to narwhals. However, bowhead whale effective population size sharply declined contemporaneously with the intense commercial whaling period. Narwhals, in contrast, exhibited recent growth in effective population size, likely reflecting exposure to limited opportunistic commercial harvest. Bowhead whales will likely continue to experience significant genetic drift in the future, leading to the erosion of genetic diversity. In contrast, narwhals do not seem to be at imminent risk of losing their current levels of genetic variation due to their long‐term low effective population size and lack of evidence for a recent decline. This work highlights the importance of considering population trajectories in addition to genetic diversity when assessing the genetics of populations for conservation and management purposes.
Interactive Effects of Climate Change and Pathogens on Plant Performance: A Global Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Gallego‐Tévar Blanca , Gil‐Martínez Marta , Perea Antonio , Pérez‐Ramos Ignacio M. , Gómez‐Aparicio Lorena
Published: October 2024

Plant health is increasingly threatened by abiotic and biotic stressors linked to anthropogenic global change. These stressors are frequently studied in isolation. However, they might have non‐additive (antagonistic or synergistic) interactive effects that affect plant communities in unexpected ways. We conducted a global meta‐analysis to summarize existing evidence on the joint effects of climate change (drought and warming) and biotic attack (pathogens) on plant performance. We also investigated the effect of drought and warming on pathogen performance, as this information is crucial for a mechanistic interpretation of potential indirect effects of climate change on plant performance mediated by pathogens. The final databases included 1230 pairwise cases extracted from 117 recently published scientific articles (from 2006) on a global scale. We found that the combined negative effects of drought and pathogens on plant growth were lower than expected based on their main effects, supporting the existence of antagonistic interactions. Thus, the larger the magnitude of the drought, the lower the pathogen capacity to limit plant growth. On the other hand, the combination of warming and pathogens caused larger plant damage than expected, supporting the existence of synergistic interactions. Our results on the effects of drought and warming on pathogens revealed a limitation of their growth rates and abundance in vitro but an improvement under natural conditions, where multiple factors operate across the microbiome. Further research on the impact of climate change on traits explicitly defining the infective ability of pathogens would enhance the assessment of its indirect effects on plants. The evaluated plant and pathogen responses were conditioned by the intensity of drought or warming and by moderator categorical variables defining the pathosystems. Overall, our findings reveal the need to incorporate the joint effect of climatic and biotic components of global change into predictive models of plant performance to identify non‐additive interactions.
Chinese English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language learners’ directed motivational currents for high‐stakes English exam preparation
Authors: Shen Bin , Lin Ziqian , Xing Weili
Published: October 2024

A directed motivational current (DMC) is an intense motivational drive that sustains long‐term behavior toward a valued goal. The quantitative study investigated the DMCs of English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language learners and their predictive role on learning performance in a high‐stakes English exam preparation context. The DMC dimension scale was distributed to Chinese English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language learners who experienced the National Postgraduate Entrance Examination, and data from 323 participants were retained for analysis. Independent T‐tests, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and regression analyses were performed to report findings on DMC levels, and influencing factors and impacts of DMCs. Results suggest a high DMC level during exam preparation, with female learners showing more goal‐oriented salient facilitative structure, and clear perception of progress than males, while high‐proficiency learners demonstrated greater participant ownership and “perceived behavioral control” than medium‐ and low‐proficiency learners. No differences were found between learners majoring in humanities/social sciences and those studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The five DMC dimensions collectively predicted English performance. Following self‐determination theory, the predictive role is explained. Theoretically, DMC components and their impacts on academic outcomes were reconfirmed in the Chinese English‐as‐a‐foreign‐language context; practically, educators and students are advised to use the DMC framework to enhance English performance in high‐stakes exam preparation.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of the geko™ device (an NMES technology) in managing venous leg ulcers in UK healthcare settings
Authors: Tuson Richard , Metry Andrew , Harding Keith
Published: October 2024

This study evaluates the cost‐effectiveness of the geko device a neuromuscular electro‐stimulator technology with standard of care (SoC) versus SoC alone for venous leg ulcer (VLU) treatment, from the UK National Health Service (NHS) perspective over 12 months. Research was conducted across NHS UK facilities, primarily within community services and outpatient leg ulcer clinics, encompassing a total of 51 patients. A partitioned survival model, based on a two‐arm randomised controlled trial, assessed wound healing rates using Kaplan–Meier curves and parametric extrapolations over a 12‐month time horizon. Costs were derived from UK reference costs the British National Formulary, and the Personal Social Services Research Unit (2021/22). The primary outcome measured was the incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life‐year gained. The geko device provides additional benefits by stimulating the lateral popliteal nerve, augmenting venous, arterial, and microvascular flow. The addition of the geko device to SoC significantly enhanced outcomes, increasing healing probability by 68% compared to SoC. This integration would result in a cost saving of £774.14 per patient when compared to the SoC alone across the NHS. Economic analyses indicate that integrating the geko device into SoC protocols would reduce the overall NHS expenditure on VLU wound management by as much as 15%. The approach also positively impacted health‐related quality of life. The geko™ device when used adjunctively with SoC would be a cost‐effective method for managing chronic VLUs within the NHS, improving healing rates and offering economic benefits.
Patient expectations and understanding of hospital food service provision when declaring a food allergy
Authors: Bromiley Leisa , Roberts Shelley , Affleck Kate , Clarke Alexandra , Tomecek Lauren , Angus Rebecca L.
Published: October 2024

Background

Food allergies are increasingly common and so hospitals must promptly identify and manage these to maintain patient safety. The present study explored patient understanding and expectations of food allergy management in hospital food services.

Methods

This exploratory descriptive study used mixed methods, including semi‐structured interviews and surveys with hospital inpatients declaring food allergies, aiming to explore understanding, expectations and preferences for food allergy management in the hospital setting.

Results

Twenty‐four participants were interviewed, reporting between one and six food allergies across 25 different allergens. Three main themes were identified: “Shared responsibility for declaring and managing allergens in hospital”, “Varied understanding and trust in hospital food service processes” and “Satisfactory hospital food service experience”. In the latter, participants identified 13 key factors valued for hospital food, including appearance, food quality and flavour. Remarkably, being “free from” the food allergen was not amongst the most common factors. Generally, participants felt that declaring a food allergy had not negatively impacted their hospital admission, and overall satisfaction with food services did not differ between the food allergic study participants and the general hospital population.

Conclusions

Overall, the declaration of a food allergy did not negatively impact on hospital experience. However, further investigations are required to identify the most valued factors for hospital meals, aiming to enable a more targeted approach to better meet patient expectations.
Middle‐out evolution of greenfield eco‐industrial parks: The journey of GreenLab, Denmark
Authors: Mortensen L. , Kørnøv L. , Gjerding A. N. , Rattigan E. , Schlüter L.
Published: October 2024

Transforming into eco‐industrial parks (EIPs) by applying collaborative measures and stakeholder engagement is a practical and political response to the decline of current industrial parks, and a solution for fostering sustainable industrial development. While the brownfield approach (EIP development through retrofits and new strategies of existing establishments) is common, greenfield development—where sustainability is inherent in planning, design, and construction—is gaining interest. The present study uses the case of GreenLab in Denmark to explore the emergence and development of greenfield EIPs, showcasing the potential of a middle‐out approach and emphasizing the role of curation in contrast to top‐down and bottom‐up processes. The study draws on a process‐model analytical framework, encompassing the evolutionary phases, the actors involved, and the co‐creation of the journey. The development of GreenLab is found to have passed through three phases of evolution: pre‐emergence, emergence, and probation, increasing the “networkness” in the business park. We point to several critical factors that drove these phases, among which shared vision, road mapping, and engagement and political support from local, regional, and national actors are critical. Furthermore, strategic planning, continuous funding, and strong collaboration with research institutions have been essential. The replication potential of GreenLab is substantial, and the experiences accumulated over the years can guide other greenfield EIPs and new research avenues considering greenfield EIPs.
The mediating role of marital quality in parenting intervention: Effects on preschoolers' conduct problems and effortful control
Authors: Somech Lior Y.
Published: October 2024

This study explores whether marital quality mediates the effects of a parenting intervention on preschoolers' conduct problems and effortful control. Using data from 209 children in a two‐wave randomized controlled trial of the Hitkashrut program, participants were assigned to either a 14‐session co‐parent training group or a minimal intervention control group. Intent‐to‐treat analysis revealed that improvements in marital quality significantly mediated the intervention's impact on both conduct problems and effortful control. An alternative model, which hypothesized that changes in child behavior would lead to improvements in marital quality, was not supported, reinforcing the importance of targeting marital dynamics to achieve better child outcomes. These findings highlight the potential of marital‐focused strategies within parenting interventions to foster healthier family environments and improve long‐term developmental trajectories in children.
Russia's Diplomatic Maneuvering In the Israel‐Palestine War
Authors: Šćepanović Janko
Published: October 2024

This article assesses Russia's policy and behavior since the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, and Israel's war on Gaza. For years, Moscow's approach to the Israel‐Palestine conflict was based on “equidistance” between the two parties—maintaining working relations with the Israelis and pledging friendship to the Palestinians. However, the outbreak of the latest war led Russia to take a clearly pro‐Palestinian stance and harshly criticize Tel Aviv's military response. The analysis shows that while relations were strained by Russian officials’ anti‐Israel statements, Moscow did not fundamentally alter its position. It did not cross Israel's red lines by arming Hamas and other militant groups, nor did it abandon its well‐established commitment to the two‐state solution. Russia's rhetoric and its high‐level diplomacy primarily serve to court the pro‐Palestinian Global South and to escape the diplomatic isolation sparked by the war in Ukraine.
The association between ultra‐processed food consumption and low‐grade inflammation in childhood: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mete Burak , Sadıkoğlu Hatice Merve , Demirhindi Hakan , Melekoglu Ebru , Barutcu Adnan , Makca Tuba , Atun Utuk Fatma
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the amount of ultra‐processed food (UPF) in the diet and low‐grade inflammation in children. This cross‐sectional study was conducted in 50 healthy children recruited from children attending the Social Paediatrics Outpatient Clinic for follow‐up of normal developmental stages. Low‐grade inflammation was calculated by INFLA‐score, dietary intake by three 24‐h dietary recalls and dietary content analyses by BeBiS™ software. The mean age of the 50 children included in our study was 10.18 ± 3.98 years (5–17 years). UPF accounted for 24.5% of the total daily energy intake of children. In children with higher inflammation scores (INFLA‐score ≥ 2), the amount in grams of UPF and the percentage of total energy from UPF were found to be significantly higher (p = 0.030 and p = 0.015, respectively). A weak positive correlation was found between the INFLA‐score and the percentage of daily dietary energy intake coming from UPFs (r = 0.350, p < 0.01), the average daily energy intake from UPFs (r = 0.313, p < 0.05), and the average daily amount of UPF consumed (r = 0.260, p < 0.05). The linear regression model revealed that every one‐unit increase (1%) in the percentage of total daily energy intake coming from UPF caused an increase in β = 0.154‐unit in the INFLA‐score. It was found that obesity was not a mediator in the association between the percentages of total energy intake from UPF on the INFLA‐score, instead, the energy intake from UPF had a significant direct association with the INFLA‐score. The average amount of UPF consumed daily showed an increasing pattern in parallel with inflammation‐score quartile classes (Q1 to Q4) with 33.3% in Q1, 38.5% in Q2, 53.8% in Q3 and 66.7% in Q4 (p = 0.049). In conclusion, a positive association was found between low‐grade inflammation and UPF consumption in children, independent of obesity.
Thinking food delivery platforms infrastructurally: The practices and politics of Baemin's infrastructuralisation in Seoul
Authors: Chung Noel
Published: October 2024

The proliferation of food delivery platforms is profoundly changing the way urbanites eat, work, and move. These platforms increasingly mobilise urban resources and population to function as critical infrastructure in the field of logistics and transportation, giving rise to a new form of governance. This paper traces the infrastructuralisation of Baemin, the largest South Korean food delivery platform. By engaging with critical infrastructure studies, it seeks to make the infrastructuring work of platforms more visible and political, revealing an opening for progressive disruption. Drawing on the empirical data from a mobile ethnography in Seoul, the paper claims that Baemin operationalises distinct sociotechnical arrangements that infrastructurally integrate the labour of couriers in its automated operations and generate ceaseless urban flows. Furthermore, it brings to the fore the significance of couriers' embodied practices in enabling and sustaining the contingent, hence precarious, operation of the convenient platform‐mediated food delivery that many take for granted.
Unique Tachycardia Recorded on a Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device: What is the Mechanism?
Authors: Sudo Yuta
Published: October 2024

In a 55‐year‐old man with nonischemic cardiomyopathy, a unique tachycardia was recorded on a dual‐chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillator (St. Jude Medical [Abbott]) as an automatic mode switch episode. This case report discusses the mechanism of tachycardia, how it can be differentiated from similar rhythms, and its clinical implications. The report explores device limitations in managing such tachycardias and presents reprograming strategies to prevent recurrence. This case emphasizes the importance of careful analysis of device‐mediated arrhythmias and appropriate programming.
An efficient CRISPR‐Cas12a‐mediated MicroRNA knockout strategy in plants
Authors: Zheng Xuelian , Tang Xu , Wu Yuechao , Zheng Xiaoqin , Zhou Jianping , Han Qinqin , Tang Yalan , Fu Xinxuan , Deng Jiao , Wang Yibo , Wang Danning , Zhang Shuting , Zhang Tao , Qi Yiping , Zhang Yong
Published: October 2024

In recent years, the CRISPR‐Cas9 nuclease has been used to knock out MicroRNA (miRNA) genes in plants, greatly promoting the study of miRNA function. However, due to its propensity for generating small insertions and deletions, Cas9 is not well‐suited for achieving a complete knockout of miRNA genes. By contrast, CRISPR‐Cas12a nuclease generates larger deletions, which could significantly disrupt the secondary structure of pre‐miRNA and prevent the production of mature miRNAs. Through the case study of OsMIR390 in rice, we confirmed that Cas12a is a more efficient tool than Cas9 in generating knockout mutants of a miRNA gene. To further demonstrate CRISPR‐Cas12a‐mediated knockout of miRNA genes in rice, we targeted nine OsMIRNA genes that have different spaciotemporal expression and have not been previously investigated via genetic knockout approaches. With CRISPR‐Cas12a, up to 100% genome editing efficiency was observed at these miRNA loci. The resulting larger deletions suggest Cas12a robustly generated null alleles of miRNA genes. Transcriptome profiling of the miRNA mutants, as well as phenotypic analysis of the rice grains revealed the function of these miRNAs in controlling gene expression and regulating grain quality and seed development. This study established CRISPR‐Cas12a as an efficient tool for genetic knockout of miRNA genes in plants.