bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical analysis of selected meads produced in Poland
Authors: Dobrowolska-Iwanek Justyna , Kwit Mateusz , Fołta Maria , Rusin Marcelina , Galanty Agnieszka , Zagrodzki Paweł
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was the analysis of 25 commercially available meads obtained from three leading producers in Poland. In the course of the analyses, the concentration of nine organic acids was determined using the capillary isotachophoresis technique, and the total polyphenol content (58–699 mg/L GAE) and the antioxidant activity were expressed as FRAP (234–6422 µmol/L Fe2+) using spectrophotometric methods. We were able to indicate the acids whose main source was honey—gluconic acid (561–2287 mg/L) and formic acid (35–176 mg/L), the one that was formed during alcoholic fermentation—succinic acid (280–845 mg/L), and also those originating from the additives in the form of fruit juices, or as a result of acidification—tartaric acid (< LOD–159 mg/L), malic acid (135–1611 mg/L) or citric acid (125–4576 mg/L). Our results provide a further contribution to the general knowledge of the chemical composition of meads, and, in particular, these are the first results of this kind for meads commercially available in Poland. The analysis of principal components showed the correlation structure of the examined parameters and the existence of two clusters containing specific meads.
Low-temperature corn straw-degrading bacterial agent and moisture effects on indigenous microbes
Authors: Zhang Sainan , Han Shengcai , Gao Julin , Yu Xiaofang , Hu Shuping
Published: July 2023

While the in situ return of corn straw can improve soil fertility and farmland ecology, additional bacterial agents are required in low-temperature areas of northern China to accelerate straw degradation. Moisture is an important factor affecting microbial activity; however, owing to a lack of bacterial agents adapted to low-temperature complex soil environments, the effects of soil moisture on the interaction between exogenous bacterial agents and indigenous soil microorganisms remain unclear. To this end, we explored the effect of the compound bacterial agent CFF constructed using Pseudomonas putida and Acinetobacter lwoffii, developed to degrade corn straw in low-temperature soils (15 °C), on indigenous bacterial and fungal communities under dry (10% moisture content), slightly wet (20%), and wet (30%) soil-moisture conditions. The results showed that CFF application significantly affected the α-diversity of bacterial communities and changed both bacterial and fungal community structures, enhancing the correlation between microbial communities and soil-moisture content. CFF application also changed the network structure and the species of key microbial taxa, promoting more linkages among microbial genera. Notably, with an increase in soil moisture, CFF enhanced the rate of corn straw degradation by inducing positive interactions between bacterial and fungal genera and enriching straw degradation-related microbial taxa. Overall, our study demonstrates the alteration of indigenous microbial communities using bacterial agents (CFF) to overcome the limitations of indigenous microorganisms for in situ straw-return agriculture in low-temperature areas.

Key points

• Low-temperature and variable moisture conditions (10–30%) were compared

• Soil microbial network structure and linkages between genera were altered

• CFF improves straw degradation via positive interactions between soil microbes
Clinical efficacy and tolerability of venetoclax plus rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia—a real-world analysis of the Polish Adult Leukemia Study Group
Authors: Soboń Anita , Drozd-Sokołowska Joanna , Paszkiewicz-Kozik Ewa , Popławska Lidia , Morawska Marta , Tryc-Szponder Jagoda , Bołkun Łukasz , Rybka Justyna , Pruszczyk Katarzyna , Juda Adrian , Majeranowski Alan , Iskierka-Jażdżewska Elżbieta , Steckiewicz Paweł , Wdowiak Kamil , Budziszewska Bożena , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Hus Iwona , Lech-Marańda Ewa , Puła Bartosz
Published: July 2023

The results of the MURANO trial showed encouraging progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (RR-CLL) patients treated with venetoclax-rituximab (VEN-R). A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VEN-R within the Polish Adult Leukemia Study Group (PALG) centers. The study group included 117 patients with RR-CLL (with early relapse after immunochemotherapy or bearing TP53 aberrations) treated with VEN-R in 2019–2023 outside clinical trials. Patients were treated with a median of 2 (range 1–9) previous lines of therapy. Twenty-two participants were previously treated with BTKi (18.8% out of 117). The median follow-up was 20.3 months (range 0.27–39.1). The overall response rate (ORR) was 95.3% in the group of patients in whom a response to treatment was assessed and 86.3% for all patients. Twenty patients (17.1% out of 117) achieved a complete response (CR), 81 (69.2%) achieved a partial response (PR), and in 5 patients (4.3%), disease progression was noted (assessed as the best response during treatment). The median PFS in the whole cohort was 36.97 (95% CI 24.5, not reached) months, and the median OS was not reached (95% CI 27.03, not reached). Thirty-six patients died during the follow-up, 10 (8.5%; 27.8% of deaths) due to COVID-19 infection. All grade neutropenia (n = 87/117, 74.4%; grade 3 or higher n = 67/117, 57.3%) was the most common treatment adverse event. Forty-five patients (38.5%) remained on treatment, and twenty-two (18.8%) completed 24 months of therapy, while it was discontinued in fifty cases (42.7%). In this real-world setting of early access in very high-risk RR-CLL patients, the VEN-R regimen was associated with shorter median PFS compared with the results of the MURANO trial. This outcome, however, could be attributed to patients’ exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the aggressive course of the disease as very high-risk patients, after multiple lines of prior therapies, were included in the Polish Ministry of Health reimbursement program.
Development of a floating element photoelastic force balance
Authors: McLaughlin Bradley , Lawson John , Ganapathisubramani Bharathram
Published: July 2023

We present a floating element force balance design that uses an optical measurement of the force using photoelastic stress analysis. The force sensing element consists of pins embedded in photoelastic polyurethane pads, which generate an internal stress when the floating element is loaded that is observed via a transmission polariscope. A series of known loads and their corresponding fringe patterns allow a calibration matrix to be derived using a polynomial model solved by least squares regression. Finite element analysis (FEA) simulation is carried out to validate the proposed method. The balance then measured a lift curve of the NACA0015 wing at low speed. A comparison of the photoelastic balance and a commercial, 6-axis strain-gauge load cell showed typical differences of less than 6$$\%$$%. This optical approach enables accurate measurements with inexpensive and simple components inside the sensor. This work demonstrates that a photoelastic balance is a simple, inexpensive, and sensitive force transducer.
Vancouver type B2 periprosthetic femoral fractures: clinical and radiological outcomes from a tertiary care center
Authors: Tornago Stefano , Cavagnaro Luca , Mosconi Lorenzo , Chiarlone Francesco , Zanirato Andrea , Patroniti Nicolò , Formica Matteo
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to report mid-term clinical and radiographic results after hip arthroplasty revision in Vancouver type B2 femoral periprosthetic fractures (PPFx). Specifical focus of the paper is as follows: (1) the description of a standardized and reproducible surgical technique, (2) functional outcomes presentation and (3) type and number of complications and implants’ survival rate analysis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated for hip revision with non-modular tapered fluted titanium stem in patients with Vancouver type B2 femur PPFx at a single institution. At least 18 months’ follow-up period was required. Harris Hip Scores and SF-12 were obtained, and radiographical follow-up was performed. Complications were reported and analyzed.

Results

The authors included 114 patients (114 hips) with a mean follow-up of 62.8 ± 30.6 months. All patients were treated with Wagner SL revision hip stem (Zimmer-Biomet), metal cerclage wires ± trochanteric plate. The mean HHS and SF-12 score at the last follow-up evaluation were respectively 81.3 ± 9.7 and 32.5 ± 7.6. Seventeen (14.9%) complications occurred. We observed five cases of dislocations, two of periprosthetic joint infections and six cases of new PPFx. The stem-related revision rate for any cause at the final FU was 1.7%, due to PJI. No patients underwent stem revision surgery for aseptic loosening. Fracture healed in all the included patients with a union-rate of 100%. The re-operation rate for any cause was 9.6%, with an implant survival rate for overall failure of 96.5%.

Conclusion

The presented standard and reproducible surgical technique obtains optimal clinical and radiological results with limited complication rate at mid-term follow up. Preoperative planning as well as careful intraoperative surgical technique is of a paramount importance.
Post-traumatic stress syndromes following childbirth influenced by birth mode—is an emergency cesarean section worst?
Authors: Hüner Beate , Friedl Thomas , Schütze Sabine , Polasik Arkadius , Janni Wolfgang , Reister Frank
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The experience of birth is an emotional challenge for women. Traumatic birth experiences can cause psychological stress symptoms up to post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), with impact on women’s wellbeing. Primarily unplanned interventions can trigger birth-mode-related traumatization. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether an emergency cesarean section (ECS) is the most traumatizing.

Methods

A retrospective case–control study was undertaken. Therefore, data were collected by standardized questionnaires (Impact of Event Scale-Revised and City Birth Trauma Scale) that were sent to women with singleton pregnancies > 34 weeks of gestation who either give birth by ECS (case group, n = 139), unplanned cesarean section (UCS), operative vaginal birth (OVB), or natural birth (NB) (three control groups, n = 139 each). The investigation period was 5 years.

Results

Overall, 126 of 556 (22%) sent questionnaires were returned and could be analyzed (32 ECS, 38 UCS, 36 OVB, and 20 NB). In comparison to other birth modes, women with ECS were associated with a higher degree of traumatization as revealed by statistically significant differences regarding the DSM-5 criteria intrusion and stressor. In addition, women who underwent ECS declared more frequently a demand for professional debriefing compared to other birth modes.

Discussion

ECS is associated with more post-traumatic stress symptoms compared to other birth modes. Therefore, early interventions are recommended to reduce long-term psychological stress reactions. In addition, outpatient follow-ups by midwives or emotional support programs should be implemented as an integral component of postpartum debriefings.
Determining ICU EEG periodic patterns and why it matters
Authors: Gélisse Philippe , Tatum William O. , Crespel Arielle , Jallon Pierre , Kaplan Peter W.
Published: July 2023

Historically, periodic EEG patterns were described as any pattern with stereotyped paroxysmal complexes occurring at regular intervals, i.e., the period (T). T is the sum of the duration of the waveform (t1) and, eventually, the duration of the interval between two consecutive waves (t2). The American Clinical Neurophysiology Society introduced the concept of a clearly discernible inter-discharge interval between consecutive waveforms (i.e., t2). As this definition was not applied to what have previously been termed triphasic waves and in some cases of lateralized periodic discharges, we propose reconsideration of terminology that includes historical use of definitions. This will allow the development and usage of the concept for periodic EEG patterns as any runs of stereotyped paroxysmal waveforms separated by nearly identical intervals and prolonged repetitive complexes on the EEG. Prolonged expression means EEG is recorded for a sufficient period of time to prove that the pattern is repetitive, thus resulting in a monomorphic/monotonous pattern. More important than the inter-discharge interval (t2), periodic EEG patterns occur at time regular intervals (T). As a result, periodic EEG activity should be considered along a continuum and not the opposite of rhythmic EEG activity where no interval activity exists between consecutive waveforms.
The relationship of diabetic retinopathy severity scales with frequency and surface area of diabetic retinopathy lesions
Authors: Esmaeilkhanian Houri , Liu Henry , Fasih-Ahmed Sohaib , Gnanaraj Ramya , Verma Aditya , Oncel Deniz , He Ye , Nittala Muneeswar Gupta , Attiku Yamini , Kadomoto Shin , Corradetti Giulia , Velaga Swetha Bindu , Tsui Irena , Prasad Pradeep , Li Xiaorong , Li Xiao , Jiang Shangjun Collier , Choudhry Netan , Jayadev Chaitra , Sadda SriniVas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To assess the relationship between qualitative diabetic retinopathy (DR) scales with the precise numbers and surface area of DR lesions within the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) standard seven field (S7F) region on ultrawide-field (UWF) color fundus images.

Methods

In this study, we collected UWF images from adult patients with diabetes. Poor-quality images and eyes with any pathology precluding assessment of DR severity were excluded. The DR lesions were manually segmented. DR severity was graded according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy (ICDR) and AA protocol by two masked graders within the ETDRS S7F. These lesions’ numbers and surface area were computed and correlated against the DR scores using the Kruskal–Wallis H test. Cohen’s Kappa was performed to determine the agreement between two graders.

Results

One thousand five hundred and twenty eyes of 869 patients (294 females, 756 right eyes) with a mean age of 58.7 years were included. 47.4% were graded as no DR, 2.2% as mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR), 24.0% as moderate NPDR, 6.3% as severe NPDR, and 20.1% as proliferative DR (PDR). The area and number of DR lesions generally increased as the ICDR level increased up to severe NPDR, but decreased from severe NPDR to PDR. There was perfect intergrader agreement on the DR severity.

Conclusion

A quantitative approach reveals that DR lesions’ number and area generally correlate with ICDR-based categorical DR severity levels with an increasing trend in the number and area of DR lesions from mild to severe NPDR and a decrease from severe NPDR to PDR.
Multiple-point statistical modeling of three-dimensional glacial aquifer heterogeneity for improved groundwater management
Authors: Kawo Nafyad Serre , Korus Jesse , Gulbrandsen Mats Lundh
Published: July 2023

Quaternary glacial aquifers are important water sources for irrigation in many agricultural regions, including eastern Nebraska, USA. Quaternary glacial aquifers are heterogeneous, with juxtaposed low-permeability and high-permeability hydrofacies. Managing groundwater in such aquifers requires a realistic groundwater-flow model parameterization, and characterization of the aquifer geometry, spatial distribution of aquifer properties, and local aquifer interconnectedness. Despite its importance in considering uncertainty during decision-making, hydrofacies probabilities generated from multiple-point statistics (MPS) are not widely applied for groundwater model parameterization and groundwater management zone delineation. This study used a combination of soft data, a cognitive training image, and hard data to generate 100 three-dimensional (3D) conditional aquifer heterogeneity realizations. The most probable model (probability of hydrofacies) was then computed at node spacing of 200 × 200 × 3 m and validated using groundwater-level hydrographs. The resulting hydrofacies probability grids revealed variations in aquifer geometry, locally disconnected aquifer systems, recharge pathways, and hydrologic barriers. The profiles from hydrofacies probability at various locations show spatial variability of the streambed and aquifer connectivity. Groundwater-level hydrographs show evidence of these aquifer characteristics, verifying the general structure of the model. Using the MPS-generated 3D hydrofacies probability and hydrologic data, a novel workflow was developed in order to better define high-resolution groundwater management zones and strategies. In general, the conditional probability of hydrofacies helps improve the understanding of glacial aquifer heterogeneity, the characterization of aquifer-to-aquifer and streambed-aquifer connections, and the delineation of groundwater management zones. This MPS workflow can be adapted to other areas for modeling 3D aquifer heterogeneity using multisource data.
How do native and non-native speakers recognize emotions in the instructor’s voice in educational videos? Exploring the first step of the cognitive-affective model of e-learning for international learners
Authors: Sajinčič Nežka , Sandak Anna , Simmons Amy , Istenič Andreja
Published: July 2023

The emotional stance of the instructor in an educational video can influence the learning process. For this reason, we checked the first link of the cognitive-affective model of e-learning, namely, whether learners can recognize emotions that an instructor expresses only with their voice. Since English is not the native language for many learners and most instructional videos are produced in English, we tested for possible differences in emotion recognition between native and non-native speakers. We focused on positive emotions typically conveyed in such videos — enthusiasm and calmness. Native and non-native English speakers watched 12 short video clips about wood as a building material spoken by an instructor in different emotional tones — five videos expressed enthusiasm, five calmness, one boredom and one frustration. Participants rated the extent to which they thought the narrator expressed a specific emotion, the valence and activation level of the narration and solved an English vocabulary test. Both native and non-native speakers recognized the correct emotions (except for frustration), demonstrating the power of voice prosody to convey emotion in a multimedia learning scenario. Native speakers rated the enthusiastic videos more positively than non-native speakers, indicating a subtle difference in the way the two groups perceive emotions expressed through voice.
Convergence for varying measures in the topological case
Authors: Di Piazza Luisa , Marraffa Valeria , Musiał Kazimierz , Sambucini Anna Rita
Published: July 2023

In this paper convergence theorems for sequences of scalar, vector and multivalued Pettis integrable functions on a topological measure space are proved for varying measures vaguely convergent.
Cytotoxic NK cells phenotype and activated lymphocytes are the main characteristics of patients with alcohol-associated liver disease
Authors: Zurera-Egea Coral , Teniente-Serra Aina , Fuster Daniel , Martínez-Cáceres Eva , Muga Roberto , Zuluaga Paola
Published: July 2023

T cells, natural killer (NK) and NKT cells have opposing actions in the development of alcohol-associated liver fibrosis. We aimed to evaluate the phenotype of NK cells, NKT cells and activated T cells in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) according to the presence of advanced liver fibrosis (ALF). Totally, 79 patients (51-years, 71% males) were admitted to treatment of AUD. ALF was defined as FIB4-score > 2.67. Immunophenotyping of NK cells (CD3−CD56+CD16+, CD3−CD56+CD16−, CD3−CD56−CD16+), NKT-like (CD3+CD56+), and the activation status of CD4+, CD8+ and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were evaluated according to the HLA-DR expression. Patients had an AUD duration of 18 ± 11 years with a daily alcohol consumption of 155 ± 77 gr/day prior to hospital admission. The values of absolute cells were 2 ± 0.9 cells/L for total lymphocytes, 1054 ± 501 cells/µL for CD4+, 540 ± 335 cells/µL for CD8+, 49.3 ± 24.8 cells/µL for Tregs, 150.3 ± 97.5 cells/µL for NK cells and 69.8 ± 78.3 cells/µL for NKT-like. The percentage of total NK cells (11.3 ± 5.5% vs. 7 ± 4.3%, p < 0.01), CD3−CD56+CD16+ regarding total lymphocytes (9.7 ± 5.1% vs. 5.8 ± 3.9%, p < 0.01), activated CD4+ cells (5.2 ± 3.2% vs. 3.9 ± 3%, p = 0.04) and activated CD8+ cells (15.7 ± 9.1% vs. 12.2 ± 9%, p = 0.05) were significantly higher in patients with ALF. The percentage of CD3−CD56+CD16− regarding NK cells (5.1 ± 3.4% vs. 7.6 ± 6.2%, p = 0.03) was significantly lower in patients with ALF. Activated Tregs (39.9 ± 11.5 vs. 32.4 ± 9.2, p = 0.06) showed a tendency to be higher in patients with ALF. The proportion of activated CD4+ cells (r = 0.40, p < 0.01) and activated CD8+ cells (r = 0.51, p < 0.01) was correlated with the proportion of NKT-like in patients without ALF. Patients with ALF presented an increased NK cytotoxic phenotype and activated T cells concomitant with a decreased NK cytokine-secreting phenotype.
Sex- and age-dependent breeding plumage acquisition in monomorphic species, the Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Authors: Meissner Włodzimierz , Czaplewska Emilia , Ożarowska Agnieszka
Published: July 2023

In monomorphic species, like in the Black-headed Gull, both sexes look alike in breeding plumage. With large sets of data on captured and photographed birds and using the Underhill–Zucchini moult model, we provided a detailed pattern of breeding plumage development in this species by age and sex. This study, similar to other studies, documented first adults with the initial stage of head moult at the beginning of January, yet the mean start date of nuptial moult in adults was the end of February. Half of adults acquired full breeding plumage about mid-March and almost all of them before mid-April. The start date of nuptial moult was more variable in immatures. The mean start of head moult in immatures was 19th April, which is 52 days later than in adults, and the majority, i.e., 70%, did not complete moult until the end of May. We showed for the first-time sex-dependent breeding plumage acquisition in monomorphic species. According to the Underhill–Zucchini moult model, males started to moult on average 7 days earlier than females and their moult lasted 7 days longer. Hence, the final date of completed head moult was the same in both sexes. A fully developed hood is an important part of the status signalling during pairing; therefore, completing the moult before mating is important for both sexes.
Exploring adaptive expertise in residency: the (missed) opportunity of uncertainty
Authors: Gamborg Maria Louise , Mylopoulos Maria , Mehlsen Mimi , Paltved Charlotte , Musaeus Peter
Published: July 2023

Preparing novice physicians for an unknown clinical future in healthcare is challenging. This is especially true for emergency departments (EDs) where the framework of adaptive expertise has gained traction. When medical graduates start residency in the ED, they must be supported in becoming adaptive experts. However, little is known about how residents can be supported in developing this adaptive expertise. This was a cognitive ethnographic study conducted at two Danish EDs. The data comprised 80 h of observations of 27 residents treating 32 geriatric patients. The purpose of this cognitive ethnographic study was to describe contextual factors that mediate how residents engage in adaptive practices when treating geriatric patients in the ED. Results showed that all residents fluidly engaged in both adaptive and routine practices, but they were challenged when engaging in adaptive practices in the face of uncertainty. Uncertainty was often observed when residents’ workflows were disrupted. Furthermore, results highlighted how residents construed professional identity and how this affected their ability to shift between routine and adaptive practices. Residents reported that they thought that they were expected to perform on par with their more experienced physician colleagues. This negatively impacted their ability to tolerate uncertainty and hindered the performance of adaptive practices. Thus, aligning clinical uncertainty with the premises of clinical work, is imperative for residents to develop adaptive expertise.
Adolescent Girls and Young Women’s Experiences with Disclosing Oral PrEP or Dapivirine Vaginal Ring Use: a Multi-Country Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Young Alinda M. , Mancuso Noah , Atujuna Millicent , Tenza Siyanda , Chitukuta Miria , Kemigisha Doreen , Ngure Kenneth , van der Straten Ariane , Garcia Morgan , Szydlo Danny , Soto-Torres Lydia , Roberts Sarah T.
Published: July 2023

Effective use of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been low among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Eastern and Southern Africa, partly due to stigma and opposition from key influencers. Understanding AGYW’s experiences of disclosure of different PrEP modalities to key influencers may inform strategies to motivate uptake and adherence. We analyzed qualitative in-depth interviews and focus group discussions data from 119 participants in the MTN-034/REACH (Reversing the Epidemic in Africa with Choices in HIV Prevention) study of oral PrEP and the dapivirine vaginal ring (ring) to explore AGYW’s disclosure experiences. We found that AGYW disclosure experiences varied across influencers and product type. The ring was disclosed less often to most influencers, except partners, because it was discreet. Oral PrEP was disclosed more often, because pills were more common and to avoid HIV stigma given that oral PrEP resembled HIV treatment. Ultimately, disclosure typically led most key influencers to support product use through reminders and encouragement. While disclosure yielded positive support from influencers, further community awareness of both PrEP products is essential to reduce potential opposition and perceived stigma.

Clinical Trial Number: NCT03593655.
Worst-case analysis of heuristic approaches for the temporal bin packing problem with fire-ups
Authors: Martinovic John , Strasdat Nico
Published: July 2023

We consider the temporal bin packing problem with fire-ups (TBPP-FU), a branch of operations research recently introduced in multi-objective cloud computing. In this scenario, any item is equipped with a resource demand and a lifespan meaning that it requires the bin capacity only during that time interval. We then aim at finding a schedule minimizing a weighted sum of the total number of bins required and the number of switch-on processes (so-called fire-ups) caused during operation. So far, research on the TBPP-FU has mainly focused on exact approaches and their improvement by valid cuts or variable reduction techniques. Although these studies have revealed the problem considered here to be very difficult to cope with, theoretical contributions to heuristic solution methods have not yet been presented in the available literature. Hence, in this article we investigate the worst-case behavior of some approximation algorithms, ranging from classic online algorithms to a more sophisticated look-ahead heuristic specifically designed for the TBPP-FU. In addition, we theoretically study three heuristics the ideas of which are inspired by solution methods for generalized bin packing problems in the field of logistics. As a main contribution, we constructively show that the feasible solutions obtained by all these approaches can be arbitrarily bad. By doing so, we (i) identify a new open problem in cutting and packing, and (ii) establish another previously unknown difference between the classical TBPP and the extended problem with fire-ups, rendering the latter the more difficult problem even from a heuristic point of view.
Induction of multiple defense responses in wheat plants against stripe rust using mycorrhizal fungi and Streptomyces viridosporus HH1
Authors: El-Sharkawy Hany H. A. , Rashad Younes M. , Elazab Nahla T.
Published: July 2023

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat worldwide. This study dealt with investigating the biocontrol activity of mycorrhizal colonization and/or application of Streptomyces viridosporus HH1 against stripe rust of wheat. In vitro, data showed that S. viridosporus HH1 had a strong anti-spore germination effect on uredospores of P. striiformis (90% reduction). A 84.2% reduction in the disease severity was achieved in the infected wheat plants, which were colonized with mycorrhizal fungi and were sprayed with S. viridosporus HH1. Molecular investigation revealed that mycorrhizal colonization and application of S. viridosporus HH1 upregulated the defensive genes ethylene response factor protein 3 (JERF3) by 20.7-fold, chitinase II (13.6-fold), and β-1,3-glucanase (9.8-fold). Furthermore, mycorrhizal colonization and application of S. viridosporus HH1 led to a significant increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes peroxidase (52.3%), polyphenol oxidase (106.9%), and catalase (87.9%). The phenolic content also increased due to mycorrhizal colonization and application of S. viridosporus HH1, while the lipid peroxidation decreased in the infected wheat leaves. A mitigation in the adverse effects of infection on the photosynthetic pigments in wheat leaves was noticed. Observations from transmission electron microscopy showed that different hypersensitivity reactions were induced on the ultrastructural level in the infected wheat cells due to this treatment. In addition, a significant growth-promoting effect was also reported. It can be concluded that mycorrhizal colonization and spraying with S. viridosporus HH1 have a promising biocontrol activity against stripe rust in wheat. Field evaluation is necessary in the future studies before the use recommendation.
Discordance of PIK3CA mutational status between primary and metastatic breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rosin Justus , Svegrup Ella , Valachis Antonios , Zerdes Ioannis
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In light of the clinically meaningful results of the PI3K inhibitors in PIK3CA-mutated metastatic breast cancer (BC) patients, the reliable identification of PIK3CA mutations is of outmost importance. However, lack of evidence on the optimal site and timing of assessment, presence of temporal heterogeneity and analytical factors pose several challenges in clinical routine. We aimed to study the discordance rates of PIK3CA mutational status between primary and matched metastatic tumors.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in three different databases (Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science) and—upon screening—a total of 25 studies reporting PIK3CA mutational status both on primary breast tumors and their matched metastases were included in this meta-analysis. The random-effects model was used for pooled analyses of discordance of PIK3CA mutational status.

Results

The overall discordance rate of PIK3CA mutational status was 9.8% (95% CI, 7.0–13.0; n = 1425) and did not significantly differ within BC subtypes or metastatic sites. The change was bi-directional, more commonly observed from PIK3CA mutated to wild-type status (14.9%, 95% CI 11.8–18.2; n tumor pairs = 453) rather than the opposite direction (8.9%, 95% CI 6.1–12.1; n tumor pairs = 943).

Conclusions

Our results indicate the need of obtaining metastatic biopsies for PIK3CA-mutation analysis and the possibility of testing of the primary tumor, in case a re-biopsy deemed non-feasible.
Clinical relevance of biomarker discordance between primary breast cancers and synchronous axillary lymph node metastases
Authors: Janeva Slavica , Parris Toshima Z. , Krabbe Ellen , Sundquist Marie , Karlsson Per , Audisio Riccardo A. , Olofsson Bagge Roger , Kovács Anikó
Published: July 2023

Clinical decision-making for patients with breast cancer (BC) is still primarily based on biomarker characteristics of the primary tumor, together with the evaluation of synchronous axillary lymph node metastasis (LNM). In this study, we investigated the prevalence of discordance in the biomarkers and surrogate subtyping between the primary BC and the LNM, and whether subsequent changes would have altered clinical treatment recommendations. In this retrospective study, 94 patients treated for unifocal primary BC and synchronous LNM at Sahlgrenska UniversityHospital during 2018 were included. Estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor, Ki67, and HER2 status were assessed in the primary tumor and LNM using immunohistochemistry. Discordances between the primary tumor and the LNM were analyzed for each individual biomarker and surrogate subtyping. The concordance between the primary tumor and the LNM for ER, PR, Ki67, and HER2 status was 98.9%, 89.4%, 72.3%, and 95.8%, respectively. Discordance in surrogate subtyping was found in 28.7% of the tumors and matched LNMs, the majority (81.5%) of which changed to a more favorable subtype in the LNM; most commonly from Luminal B to Luminal A (48.6%). No changes in surrogate subtyping were detected where ER or HER2 status changed from negativity in the BC to positivity in the LNM, thereby showing no additional value in performing immunohistochemistry on the LNM from a treatment decision-making perspective. However, large studies need to be performed that test both the primary BCs and synchronous LNMs for more accurate diagnostics.
Zero-knowledge proofs for set membership: efficient, succinct, modular
Authors: Benarroch Daniel , Campanelli Matteo , Fiore Dario , Gurkan Kobi , Kolonelos Dimitris
Published: July 2023

We consider the problem of proving in zero knowledge that an element of a public set satisfies a given property without disclosing the element, i.e., for someu, “$$u \in S$$u∈SandP(u) holds”. This problem arises in many applications (anonymous cryptocurrencies, credentials or whitelists) where, for privacy or anonymity reasons, it is crucial to hide certain data while ensuring properties of such data. We design newmodularandefficientconstructions for this problem through newcommit-and-prove zero-knowledge systems for set membership, i.e. schemes proving$$u \in S$$u∈Sfor a valueuthat is in a public commitment$$c_u$$cu. We also extend our results to supportnon-membership proofs, i.e. proving$$u \notin S$$u∉S. Being commit-and-prove, our solutions can act as plug-and-play modules in statements of the form “$$u \in S$$u∈SandP(u) holds” by combining our set (non-)membership systems with any other commit-and-prove scheme forP(u). Also, they work with Pedersen commitments over prime order groups which makes them compatible with popular systems such as Bulletproofs or Groth16. We implemented our schemes as a software library, and tested experimentally their performance. Compared to previous work that achieves similar properties—the clever techniques combining zkSNARKs and Merkle Trees in Zcash—our solutions offer more flexibility, shorter public parameters and$$3.7 \times $$3.7×–$$30\times $$30×faster proving time for a set of size$$2^{64}$$264.
Modeling Complex Concentration-Discharge Relationships with Generalized Additive Models
Authors: von Brömssen Claudia , Fölster Jens , Kyllmar Katarina , Bieroza Magdalena
Published: July 2023

Concentration-discharge relationships in water chemical time series can provide important insights into sources, mobilization, and delivery of solutes and particulates into stream networks. The observed relationships are often complex, including nonlinear and hysteretic patterns reflecting seasonal, climatic, and land management changes in biogeochemical release and hydrological transport of solutes and particulates to streams. Using standard single concentration-discharge (c-q) slopes can obscure this wealth of information. In this study, we suggest a new approach using generalized additive models for evaluation of complexc-qpatterns in low-frequency water quality data (only monthly or biweekly observations). We used these models to estimatec-qslopes together with their uncertainty, to provide evidence of changes inc-qbehaviors and their controls. We estimatedc-qslopes for a selection of Swedish streams and evaluated their nonlinear, seasonal, and temporal structure as indicators of changing hydrological or biochemical drivers.
Simulating Evacuation of Humanitarian Settlements
Authors: Kuligowski Erica D. , Gwynne Steve M. V. , Xie Hui , Westbury Aaron , Antonellis Danielle , Pongratz Christine
Published: July 2023

Informal settlements and settlements of displaced communities (e.g., humanitarian settlements) provide crucial shelter for people, including those negatively impacted by natural hazards and human-caused crises. However, these settlements are also prone to fire as a ‘secondary incident’. This occurrence can be influenced by the use of flammable materials in the building construction and unsafe fire and electricity practices given the harsh and sudden conditions faced (along with pre-existing economic hardship). Humanitarian practitioners and agencies are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing the fire safety problem in humanitarian settlements, with a particular focus on community evacuation. This article presents a new method to assess the safety of the areas involved and explores the use of a pedestrian simulation model (Pathfinder), to conduct evacuation analysis in an example settlement given the occurrence of a fire. The goal is to demonstrate the potential for such applications and provide a foundation from which such an application might be formalized and tested across representative scenarios. The Pathfinder tool is widely used in the fire safety community for building evacuations. It is applied here on a larger scale, although examining the same core evacuation factors. The impact of four key factors on evacuation performance is examined (i.e., density, pre-travel delays, route choice, and restricted routes), based on a case study of the community within the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Study results show that Pathfinder provides insights into evacuation outcomes during settlement fires despite the complexity involved in creating the simulation model. The results also show that the evacuation times produced were sensitive to the four conditions tested and that the prolonged evacuation times resulting from these conditions could lead to serious consequences to settlement residents, especially in cases with fast moving fires. Of course, the accuracy of such estimates is reliant on the data available and the assumptions made to configure the model. However, we have demonstrated that the simulation tool can cope with the scenarios examined and provide insights into the evacuation dynamics produced—establishing the potential of such a tool and the value of more rigorous examination.
Modelling Charring and Burning of Spruce and Pine Woods During Pyrolysis, Smoldering and Flaming
Authors: Rinta-Paavola Aleksi , Sukhomlinov Dmitry , Hostikka Simo
Published: July 2023

The goal of this work is to develop a material model for Norway spruce and Scots pine woods for use in performance-based fire safety design to predict char front progress and heat release in burning timber. For both woods a set of two different models is estimated: one that assumes wood as a single component and another that considers the pyrolysis of wood principal components independently (single and parallel reactions models, respectively). The material models are calibrated using cone calorimeter experiments. The models are intended for a number of different fire scenarios, such as fully developed fire with only little oxygen in the compartment, or the decay period after flaming with exposed char still smoldering. For both spruce and pine, the single and parallel reactions models are able to predict the experiments in the scale of cone calorimeter with near-equal accuracy. Hence, the single reaction model emerges as the preferable level of complexity when modelling charring and heat release, avoiding the increased uncertainty associated with the additional parameters of the parallel reactions model. When scaling up to the simulations of large scale fire tests, the models can predict the char front progress, but the final temperature profile differs from the experimental. The effects of crack forming in the char layer is one of the likely causes, but its mechanisms are not sufficiently known. Therefore, we suggest a closer study on crack formation in wood under fire as future research.
The treaty management organization established under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement: an international actor in its own right?
Authors: Gehring Thomas , Spielmann Linda
Published: July 2023

A peculiar treaty management organization operates under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement that does not fit established categories of international law and political science. Unlike traditional international organizations (IOs), it lacks the formal status of an IO, comprises only a limited secretariat with predominantly servicing functions, and is not even denominated as an organization. We argue that it has nevertheless become an international actor, mainly due to activities of its Conference of the Parties and several specialized organizational schemes.Theoretically, we develop an analytical framework that shows how even heavily member-dominated IOs can become international actors and what this means for global environmental governance. IOs gain the capability to influence international politics by their own action if authorized to make decisions with external effects. They gain autonomy if organizational rules and procedures shape organizational decision-making and create specific organizational rationales.Empirically, we demonstrate that the organizational component of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement has acquired both considerable action capability and autonomy. It is authorized to flesh out the skeletal provisions of the constituent treaties through far-reaching COP decisions and to decide continuously in several specialized organizational schemes, especially on climate funding, cooperation mechanisms, and compliance management. Organizational decisions are heavily influenced by autonomy-creating organizational factors, such as path dependence, fundamental organizational norms and dense sets of decision criteria. We conclude that this organization, and the organizational components of other multilateral environmental agreements, point at important organizational effects, which merit further attention.
Dilated superior ophthalmic vein: systemic associations
Authors: Rana Khizar , Juniat Valerie , Slattery James , Patel Sandy , Selva Dinesh
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To review systemic associations of patients with dilated superior ophthalmic veins (SOV) in the absence of orbital, cavernous sinus, or neurological disease.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients who had dilated SOVs with a diameter of ≥ 5.0 mm. Patients with a dilated SOV secondary to orbital, cavernous sinus or neurological disease were excluded. Patient demographics, past medical history, and SOV diameters on initial and follow up scans were collected. The maximum diameter of the SOV was taken perpendicular to the long axis of the SOV.

Results

Nine cases were identified. Patients ranged in age from 58 to 89 years and six out of nine were female. The dilated SOV involved both eyes in two cases, left eye in five cases and right eye in two cases. Three patients had dilated SOV likely secondary to raised venous pressures from decompensated right heart failure (n = 1), pericardial effusion (n = 1) and left ventricle dysfunction secondary to a myocardial infarction (n = 1). Five patients had a significant history of previous ischaemic heart or peripheral vascular disease. Two patients had risk factors for venous clotting disease whilst one patient had a history of giant cell arteritis and vertebral artery dissection.

Conclusion

A dilated SOV may raise concern for life threatening conditions such as a carotid cavernous fistula and may prompt additional investigations. A dilated SOV may be reversible and secondary to raised venous pressures due to cardiac failure. Other cases may be seen in patients with significant cardiovascular risk factors, possibly due to changes in vasculature.
The Economic Context of Higher Education Expansion: Race, Gender, and Household Finances Across Cohorts and Generations
Authors: Quadlin Natasha , Conwell Jordan A. , Rouhani Shiva
Published: July 2023

This article assesses how the economic context of higher education expansion since the mid-20th century has shaped families’ financial lives—in terms of income and wealth/debt—as well as how these trends have differed for Black and White women and men. We use data from the NLSY-79 (comprising trailing-edge Baby Boomers) and NLSY-97 (comprising early Millennials) to show how academically similar students in these two cohorts fared in terms of educational attainment, household income, household wealth, and total student debt accrued by age 35. While we discuss findings across race-gender groups, our results call attention to the education-related economic disadvantages faced by Black women that have accelerated across cohorts. Over time, Black women’s educational attainment has increased substantially, and high-achieving Black women, in particular, have become uniquely likely to progress beyond the BA. But while high-achieving Black women have made many advances in higher education, they also have become more likely than similarly high-achieving White men, White women, and Black men to have zero or negative wealth at the household level, and to accrue student debt for themselves and for their children. Our findings demonstrate that the costs of expanded access to credit for higher education have not been borne equally across race, gender, and achievement, and that these patterns have multigenerational financial consequences for college attendees and their families.
Y4O2(CN2)3Cl2, Its Relation to the Metal-Rich Y2Cl3, and the Photoluminescence of Y4O2(CN2)3Cl2:Ce
Authors: Brand Catharina-Darine , Ströbele Markus , Enseling David , Jüstel Thomas , Meyer H.-Jürgen
Published: July 2023

Y4O2(CN2)3Cl2 and some isotypic rare earth (RE) carbodiimides RE4O2(CN2)3Cl2 (RE = Sm, Gd, Tb) were prepared by solid-state metathesis reaction between RECl3, REOCl and Li2CN2. The crystal structure of Y4O2(CN2)3Cl2 was solved and refined from single-crystal XRD data with the monocline space group C2/m. Homologous compounds with RE = Sm, Gd, Tb were assigned isotypically by means of XRD powder diffraction. The structure of Y4O2(CN2)3Cl2 is characterized by one-dimensional cluster chains which are showing a striking resemblance to the trans-edge bridging RE6-octahedra in the structures of Y2Cl3, β-Y2Cl3N, and RE2N(CN2)Cl, despite different numbers of cluster electrons. Crystals of RE4O2(CN2)3Cl2 appear as transparent rods. The presence of (NCN)2− ions is confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Y4O2(CN2)3Cl2, doped with Ce3+ is a photoluminescent material that is showing an emission band in the orange region (λ = 550 nm) of the visible spectrum.