bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oct4 activates IL-17A to orchestrate M2 macrophage polarization and cervical cancer metastasis
Authors: Bian Zhuoqiong , Wu Xiaoling , Chen Qing , Gao Qing , Xue Xiang , Wang Yidong
Published: March 2024

Background

Cervical cancer is a common malignant tumor in the female. Interleukin (IL)-17A is a proinflammatory factor and exerts a vital function in inflammatory diseases and cancers. M2 macrophage has been confirmed to promote tumor development. Nevertheless, it is not yet known whether IL-17A facilitates cervical cancer development by inducing M2 macrophage polarization. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the regulatory effect of IL-17A on M2 macrophage polarization and the underlying mechanism in cervical cancer development.

Methods

RT-qPCR was utilized for testing IL-17A expression in cancer tissues and cells. Flow cytometry was applied to evaluate the M1 or M2 macrophage polarization. Cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities were measured through colony formation and transwell assays. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays were applied to determine the interaction between IL-17A and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4).

Results

IL-17A expression and concentration were high in metastatic tissues and cells of cervical cancer. IL-17A was found to facilitate M2 macrophage polarization in cervical cancer. Furthermore, IL-17A facilitated the macrophage-mediated promotion of cervical cancer cell proliferative, migratory, and invasive capabilities. Mechanistic assays manifested that Oct4 binds to and transcriptionally activated IL-17A in cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, Oct4 promoted cervical cancer cell malignant phenotype and M2 macrophage polarization by activating the p38 pathway that, in turn, upregulated IL-17A. Additionally, in vivo experiments confirmed that Oct4 knockdown reduced tumor growth and metastasis.

Conclusion

Oct4 triggers IL-17A to facilitate the polarization of M2 macrophages, which promotes cervical cancer cell metastasis.
Riboflavin-LSD1 axis participates in the in vivo tumor-associated macrophage morphology in human colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Soldani Cristiana , De Simone Giulia , Polidoro Michela Anna , Morabito Aurelia , Franceschini Barbara , Colombo Federico Simone , Anselmo Achille , Milana Flavio , Lleo Ana , Torzilli Guido , Pastorelli Roberta , Donadon Matteo , Brunelli Laura
Published: March 2024

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are key components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In colorectal liver metastasis (CLM), TAM morphology correlates with prognosis, with smaller TAMs (S-TAMs) conferring a more favorable prognosis than larger TAMs (L-TAMs). However, the metabolic profile of in vivo human TAM populations remains unknown. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to freshly isolate S- and L-TAMs from surgically resected CLM patients (n = 14S-, 14L-TAMs). Mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analyses were implemented for the metabolic characterization of TAM populations. Gene expression analysis and protein activity were used to support the biochemical effects of the enzyme–substrate link between riboflavin and (lysine-specific demethylase 1A, LSD1) with TAM morphologies. L-TAMs were characterized by a positive correlation and a strong association between riboflavin and TAM morphologies. Riboflavin in both L-TAMs and in-vitro M2 polarized macrophages modulates LSD1 protein expression and activity. The inflammatory stimuli promoted by TNFα induced the increased expression of riboflavin transporter SLC52A3 and LSD1 in M2 macrophages. The modulation of the riboflavin-LSD1 axis represents a potential target for reprogramming TAM subtypes, paving the way for promising anti-tumor therapeutic strategies.
Ectopic CXCR2 expression cells improve the anti-tumor efficiency of CAR-T cells and remodel the immune microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Dai Zhengjie , Lin Xuan , Wang Xu , Zou Xuan , Yan Yu , Wang Ruijie , Chen Yusheng , Tasiheng Yesiboli , Ma Mingjian , Wang Xu , Cheng He , Yu Xianjun , Liu Chen
Published: March 2024

Background

Recent progressions in CAR-T cell therapy against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remain disappointing, which are partially attributed to the immunosuppressive microenvironment including macrophage-mediated T cell repletion.

Methods

We first characterized the expression patterns of macrophage-relevant chemokines and identified CXCR2 as the key factor regulating T cell trafficking and tumor-specific accumulation in PDAC microenvironment. After that, we synthesized and introduced a CXCR2 expression cascade into Claudin18.2 CAR-T cells and compared the behaviors of CAR-T cells in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic potential of CXCR2 CAR-T was evaluated in two different allogeneic models: subcutaneous allografts and metastatic PDAC models.

Results

The results showed that CXCR2 CAR-T not only reduced the size of allografted PDAC tumors, but also completely eliminated the formation of metastases. Lastly, we investigated the tumor tissues and found that expression of ectopic CXCR2 significantly improved tumor-targeted infiltration and residence of T cells and reduced the presence of MDSCs and CXCR2 + macrophages in PDAC microenvironment.

Conclusion

Our studies suggested that ectopic CXCR2 played a significant and promising role in improving the efficiency of CAR-T therapy against primary and metastatic PDAC and partially reversed the immune-suppressive microenvironment.
Neutrophils seeking new neighbors: radiotherapy affects the cellular framework and the spatial organization in a murine breast cancer model
Authors: Reichardt C. M. , Muñoz-Becerra M. , Rius Rigau A. , Rückert M. , Fietkau R. , Schett G. , Gaipl U. S. , Frey B. , Muñoz L. E.
Published: March 2024

Neutrophils are known to contribute in many aspects of tumor progression and metastasis. The presence of neutrophils or neutrophil-derived mediators in the tumor microenvironment has been associated with poor prognosis in several types of solid tumors. However, the effects of classical cancer treatments such as radiation therapy on neutrophils are poorly understood. Furthermore, the cellular composition and distribution of immune cells in the tumor is of increasing interest in cancer research and new imaging technologies allow to perform more complex spatial analyses within tumor tissues. Therefore, we aim to offer novel insight into intra-tumoral formation of cellular neighborhoods and communities in murine breast cancer. To address this question, we performed image mass cytometry on tumors of the TS/A breast cancer tumor model, performed spatial neighborhood analyses of the tumor microenvironment and quantified neutrophil-extracellular trap degradation products in serum of the mice. We show that irradiation with 2 × 8 Gy significantly alters the cellular composition and spatial organization in the tumor, especially regarding neutrophils and other cells of the myeloid lineage. Locally applied radiotherapy further affects neutrophils in a systemic manner by decreasing the serum neutrophil extracellular trap concentrations which correlates positively with survival. In addition, the intercellular cohesion is maintained due to radiotherapy as shown by E-Cadherin expression. Radiotherapy, therefore, might affect the epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity in tumors and thus prevent metastasis. Our findings underscore the growing importance of the spatial organization of the tumor microenvironment, particularly with respect to radiotherapy, and provide insight into potential mechanisms by which radiotherapy affects epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity and tumor metastasis.
Molecular classification reveals the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma to radiotherapy and immunotherapy: multi-omics clustering based on similarity network fusion
Authors: Zhang Jianguo , Li Yangyi , Dai Weijing , Tang Fang , Wang Lanqing , Wang Zhiying , Li Siqi , Ji Qian , Zhang Junhong , Liao Zhengkai , Yu Jing , Xu Yu , Gong Jun , Hu Jing , Li Jie , Guo Xiuli , He Fajian , Han Linzhi , Gong Yan , Ouyang Wen , Wang Zhihao , Xie Conghua
Published: March 2024

Background

Due to individual differences in tumors and immune systems, the response rate to immunotherapy is low in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. Combinations with other therapeutic strategies improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in LUAD patients. Although radioimmunotherapy has been demonstrated to effectively suppress tumors, the underlying mechanisms still need to be investigated.

Methods

Total RNA from LUAD cells was sequenced before and after radiotherapy to identify differentially expressed radiation-associated genes. The similarity network fusion (SNF) algorithm was applied for molecular classification based on radiation-related genes, immune-related genes, methylation data, and somatic mutation data. The changes in gene expression, prognosis, immune cell infiltration, radiosensitivity, chemosensitivity, and sensitivity to immunotherapy were assessed for each subtype.

Results

We used the SNF algorithm and multi-omics data to divide TCGA-LUAD patients into three subtypes. Patients with the CS3 subtype had the best prognosis, while those with the CS1 and CS2 subtypes had poorer prognoses. Among the strains tested, CS2 exhibited the most elevated immune cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoint genes, while CS1 exhibited the least. Patients in the CS2 subgroup were more likely to respond to PD-1 immunotherapy. The CS2 patients were most sensitive to docetaxel and cisplatin, while the CS1 patients were most sensitive to paclitaxel. Experimental validation of signature genes in the CS2 subtype showed that inhibiting the expression of RHCG and TRPA1 could enhance the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to radiation.

Conclusions

In summary, this study identified a risk classifier based on multi-omics data that can guide treatment selection for LUAD patients.
Frequency response of separated flows on a plunging finite wing with spoilers
Authors: Hadjipantelis Michail , Son Onur , Wang Zhijin , Gursul Ismet
Published: March 2024

The effectiveness of lift and bending moment reduction on a plunging wing was investigated in an experimental study to understand the effects of unsteady wing motion. The frequency response of the lift/moment reduction was studied for finite-span mini-spoilers placed on a finite wing. Single, multiple, and spanwise periodic mini-spoilers located at various spanwise locations all exhibit a decaying frequency response of the effectiveness of lift/moment reduction with increasing frequency and amplitude of the oscillations. This happens for pre-stall angles of attack as the mini-spoilers induce shear layer separation, roll-up of vorticity, and recirculation regions, generating additional lift. For the post-stall angles of attack, stronger leading-edge vortices are already shed from the clean wing at high frequencies, and the spoilers are not able to influence the development of the vortices, resulting in a decaying frequency response. The cut-off frequency for all spoiler configurations is similar and scales with the reduced frequency at pre-stall angles of attack, whereas the Strouhal number based on the peak-to-peak amplitude of the plunge oscillations becomes the scaling parameter at post-stall angle of attack. The spoilers exhibit similar cut-off frequency to their two-dimensional counterparts. The finite-spoilers delay or displace the shear layer away from the wing surface, similar to the two-dimensional mechanisms.
Impacts of El Niño diversity on East Asian summertime precipitation extremes
Authors: Cao Dingrui , Tam Chi-Yung , Xu Kang
Published: March 2024

This study examines the impacts of Eastern Pacific (EP) and Central Pacific (CP) El Niño on summertime extreme precipitation over East Asia during the El Niño decay phase. The findings reveal distinct patterns of extreme precipitation for the two El Niño types. During EP El Niño, more intense extreme precipitation occurs over south of the Yangtze River (SYR), while suppressed extremes are observed over Mei-Yu rainband in China, Baiu in Japan, and Changma in South Korea (MBC). Conversely, CP El Niño leads to weaker (stronger) extreme precipitation over SYR (MBC). This study also differentiates between tropical cyclone (TC) and non-TC related precipitation, showing that TCs have minimal influence on the overall extreme precipitation compared to non-TC related events. Further investigation reveals that EP and CP El Niño distinctly influence atmospheric circulation patterns, thereby causing different distributions of non-TC extreme precipitation. Specifically, during EP El Niño, sea surface temperature (SST) warming signals in the tropical Indian Ocean induce the southward displacement of the South Asia High (SAH), westerly jet (WJ), and Western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH). This amplifies moisture flux convergence, elevating the likelihood of intense extreme precipitation over SYR. Conversely, MBC experiences moisture flux divergence, resulting in fewer precipitation extremes. During CP El Niño, SST warming signals in the Maritime Continent prompt the northward shift of SAH, WJ, and WPSH by modulating local Hadley circulations. These anomalies lead to strengthened moisture convergence (divergence) over MBC (SYR), consequently resulting in a higher (lower) likelihood of intense extreme precipitation over MBC (SYR).
Long-term prognosis after stapled and hand-sewn ileal pouch–anal anastomoses for familial adenomatous polyposis: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Tatsuta Kyota , Sakata Mayu , Iwaizumi Moriya , Okamoto Kazuya , Yoshii Shigeto , Mori Masashi , Asaba Yutaro , Harada Takashi , Shimizu Mikihiro , Kurachi Kiyotaka , Takeuchi Hiroya
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The long-term prognosis of stapled and hand-sewn ileal pouch–anal anastomoses in familial adenomatous polyposis patients in Japan remains unknown. This study aimed to compare the overall survival in familial adenomatous polyposis patients who underwent stapled or hand-sewn ileal pouch–anal anastomosis.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective study was conducted at 12 institutions in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The clinical outcomes of 53 eligible familial adenomatous polyposis patients who underwent stapled (n = 24) and hand-sewn (n = 29) ileal pouch–anal anastomosis were compared.

Results

The median follow-up duration was 171.5 months. The incidence of adenoma in the remnant rectum or anal transitional zone and metachronous rectal cancer was significantly more common in stapled ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (adenoma: stapled, 45.8%, vs. hand-sewn, 10.3%, p = 0.005; metachronous rectal cancer: 29.2%, vs. none, p = 0.002). The number of deaths was remarkably higher in stapled ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (p = 0.002). Metachronous rectal cancer was the most common cause of death. Overall survival was worse in stapled ileal pouch–anal anastomosis than in hand-sewn ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (120 months, 90.7% vs. 96.6%; 240 months, 63.7% vs. 96.6%; p = 0.044). Cox regression analysis revealed the independent effects of preoperative advanced colorectal cancer and stapled ileal pouch–anal anastomosis on overall survival.

Conclusion

Stapled ileal pouch–anal anastomosis negatively affected the overall survival of familial adenomatous polyposis patients. Therefore, hand-sewn ileal pouch–anal anastomosis is recommended for better prognosis in these patients.
Two-stage total joint replacement for hip or knee septic arthritis: post-traumatic etiology and difficult-to-treat infections predict poor outcomes
Authors: Russo Antonio , Migliorini Filippo , Giustra Fortunato , Bosco Francesco , Massè Alessandro , Burastero Giorgio
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Septic arthritis (SA) is a rare but significant clinical challenge in orthopedics that can impact patients’ quality of life. This study aims to examine the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing two-stage total joint replacement (TJR) in hip and knee SA and analyze potential predictors of treatment failure.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from a prospectively collected institutional arthroplasty registry from January 1st, 2012, to January 1st, 2019. Patients with hip or knee SA who underwent a two-stage TJR and had at least two years of follow-up were included. Demographic characteristics, surgical variables, and outcomes were collected and analyzed from clinical and surgical data. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, with statistical significance at p < 0.05.

Results

One hundred and fourteen patients (61 with hip SA, 53 with knee SA) were included in the study. The mean follow-up was 72.8 months. Postoperatively, both clinical and functional outcomes significantly improved, as indicated by the Hip Society Score (HHS) and Knee Society Score (KSS). The overall success rate of the two-stage protocol was 89.5%. Complications that did not require revision occurred in 21% of cases. The most identified pathogen was methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Difficult-to-treat (DTT) infections and post-traumatic etiology were identified as predictors of treatment failure in patients undergoing two-stage TJR for hip and knee SA.

Conclusions

Two-stage TJR in hip and knee SA demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up. The procedure significantly improved functional scores and achieved a high success rate, while DTT infections and post-traumatic etiology were associated with a higher risk of treatment failure.
Assessment of PD-1 and PD-L1 tissue expression levels in lichen planus patients: a case–control study
Authors: Elmasry Maha Fathy , Mosaad Rana Ahmed , Azzam Omar Ahmed , Rashed Laila Ahmed , Fahim Aya
Published: March 2024

Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) is an immune checkpoint protein, PD-1 interaction with PD ligand-1 (PD-L1) is essential for maintaining immunological tolerance. The study aimed to study and compare the levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 in lesional and nonlesional skin of lichen planus (LP) patients and compare these levels to normal healthy controls to assess their role in the pathogenesis of LP. This case–control study involved 30 patients with LP and 30 healthy age-and sex-matched controls. After clinical assessment of the severity by LP severity index score (LPSI), skin biopsies were taken from lesional and nonlesional skin of LP patients and from normal skin in healthy controls for assessment of the tissue levels of PD-1 and PD-L1 by ELISA. The tissue levels of both PD-1 and PD-L1 were significantly higher in healthy controls than in both lesional and nonlesional skin of LP patients (P < 0.001). Also, significantly higher PD-l and PD-L1 levels in nonlesional skin than in lesional skin of LP patients were reported (P < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between lesional and nonlesional PD-1, PD-L1 levels, or LPSI score. Based on the fact that PD-1/PD-L1 interaction is important to maintain tolerance and protection against autoimmune diseases, in addition to our study results that revealed lower levels of PD-1/PD-L1 in LP skin than in healthy skin, we can conclude that PD-1/PDL-1 may be incriminated in the pathogenesis of LP. ClinicalTrials.govID: NCT04892381.
Retinal imaging for the assessment of stroke risk: a systematic review
Authors: Girach Zain , Sarian Arni , Maldonado-García Cynthia , Ravikumar Nishant , Sergouniotis Panagiotis I. , Rothwell Peter M. , Frangi Alejandro F. , Julian Thomas H.
Published: March 2024

Background

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Retinal imaging allows non-invasive assessment of the microvasculature. Consequently, retinal imaging is a technology which is garnering increasing attention as a means of assessing cardiovascular health and stroke risk.

Methods

A biomedical literature search was performed to identify prospective studies that assess the role of retinal imaging derived biomarkers as indicators of stroke risk.

Results

Twenty-four studies were included in this systematic review. The available evidence suggests that wider retinal venules, lower fractal dimension, increased arteriolar tortuosity, presence of retinopathy, and presence of retinal emboli are associated with increased likelihood of stroke. There is weaker evidence to suggest that narrower arterioles and the presence of individual retinopathy traits such as microaneurysms and arteriovenous nicking indicate increased stroke risk. Our review identified three models utilizing artificial intelligence algorithms for the analysis of retinal images to predict stroke. Two of these focused on fundus photographs, whilst one also utilized optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology images. The constructed models performed similarly to conventional risk scores but did not significantly exceed their performance. Only two studies identified in this review used OCT imaging, despite the higher dimensionality of this data.

Conclusion

Whilst there is strong evidence that retinal imaging features can be used to indicate stroke risk, there is currently no predictive model which significantly outperforms conventional risk scores. To develop clinically useful tools, future research should focus on utilization of deep learning algorithms, validation in external cohorts, and analysis of OCT images.
Contact lens fitting and changes in the tear film dynamics: mathematical and computational models review
Authors: Ramasubramanian Darshan , Hernández-Verdejo José Luis , López-Alonso José Manuel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This review explores mathematical models, blinking characterization, and non-invasive techniques to enhance understanding and refine clinical interventions for ocular conditions, particularly for contact lens wear.

Methods

The review evaluates mathematical models in tear film dynamics and their limitations, discusses contact lens wear models, and highlights computational mechanical models. It also explores computational techniques, customization of models based on individual blinking dynamics, and non-invasive diagnostic tools like high-speed cameras and advanced imaging technologies.

Results

Mathematical models provide insights into tear film dynamics but face challenges due to simplifications. Contact lens wear models reveal complex ocular physiology and design aspects, aiding in lens development. Computational mechanical models explore eye biomechanics, often integrating tear film dynamics into a Multiphysics framework. While different computational techniques have their advantages and disadvantages, non-invasive tools like OCT and thermal imaging play a crucial role in customizing these Multiphysics models, particularly for contact lens wearers.

Conclusion

Recent advancements in mathematical modeling and non-invasive tools have revolutionized ocular health research, enabling personalized approaches. The review underscores the importance of interdisciplinary exploration in the Multiphysics approach involving tear film dynamics and biomechanics for contact lens wearers, promoting advancements in eye care and broader ocular health research.
Agricultural exposures and DNA damage in PBMC of female farmers measured using the alkaline comet assay
Authors: Evenden P. , Vandoolaeghe Q. , Lecluse Y. , Gac A. C. , Delépée R. , Weiswald L. B. , Boutet-Robinet E. , Boulanger M. , Bonassi S. , Lebailly P. , Meryet-Figuière M.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Several studies investigated the link between agricultural occupational exposures and DNA damage, in an attempt to bring elements of biological plausibility to the increased cancer risk associated with them. However, only a few of these studies focused on females.

Methods

The comet assay was performed on PBMC (Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells) samples from 245 females working in open field farming and cattle raising, located in the Normandy area of France. Individual questionnaires on tasks performed were administered at the time of sampling to directly assess exposures. Environmental exposures were issued from a questionnaire assessing the farm productions. Linear regression analyses were done using the DNA damage scores.

Results

Regarding direct exposures, several tasks associated with exposure to potentially harmful chemicals were not associated with DNA damage, but a longer duration of use of herbicide on meadows (p = 0.05) or of cleaning and upkeep of agricultural equipment (p = 0.06) revealed higher DNA damage levels, although the number of exposed women was low. Several indirect and/or environmental exposures were associated with DNA damage in multivariate analyses: a larger surface of meadows (p = 0.006) or the presence of poultry (p = 0.03) was associated with less DNA damage, while the presence of swine (p = 0.01) was associated with higher DNA damage. Smokers and former smokers had less DNA damage than non-smokers (p = 0.0008 and p = 0.03).

Conclusions

We report modified levels of DNA damage for those environmentally exposed to meadows, poultry and pig farming, underlining the need for a better knowledge of the potential health risks experienced by females in this setting.
Meeting the 24-h movement recommendations and its relationship with Mediterranean dietary patterns in early childhood: the SENDO project
Authors: López-Gil José Francisco , Fabios Elise , Martín-Calvo Nerea
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to assess the association between meeting all three 24-h movement recommendations and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) in early childhood and (2) to examine whether participants who meet all three 24-h movement recommendations have greater adherence to the individual MedDiet foods/components than those who do not meet these recommendations. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a sample of 822 participants from the Seguimiento del Niño para un DesarrolloÓptimo (SENDO) project (Pamplona, Spain). Physical activity was assessed through a questionnaire that covered 17 different types of activities. Screen time was assessed by averaging the daily hours spent on activities such as watching TV, using a computer, or playing video games. Sleep duration was determined by taking the average of sleep durations during both weekdays and weekends. Adherence to the MedDiet was evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents (KIDMED). Greater odds of having an optimal adherence to the MedDiet were found for participants meeting all three 24-h movement recommendations (odds ratio (OR) = 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33–2.87, p = 0.001) in comparison with their counterparts not meeting these recommendations. Specifically, significant differences were found for “fruit or fruit juice every day” (p = 0.012), “second fruit every day” (p = 0.001), and “fresh or cooked vegetables regularly once a day” (p = 0.018) in relation to meeting all three 24-h movement recommendation status.

    Conclusions: This study provides further evidence of the potential importance of meeting all three 24-h movement recommendations to adopt a healthier eating pattern.

What is Known:• Only a limited number of studies have investigated the joint connection between the 24-h movement recommendations and dietary habits.• Integrating the 24-h movement recommendations with dietary recommendations could potentially yield greater effectiveness compared to promoting these recommendations independently within public health strategies.

What is New:• This is the first study in assessing the relationship between 24-h movement recommendations and adherence to the Mediterranean diet in early childhood.• These findings provide further evidence of the potential importance of meeting all three 24-h movement recommendations to adopt a healthier eating pattern.
The European Volcano Observatories and their use of the aviation colour code system
Authors: Barsotti Sara , Scollo Simona , Macedonio Giovanni , Felpeto Alicia , Peltier Aline , Vougioukalakis Georgios , de Zeeuw van Dalfsen Elske , Ottemöller Lars , Pimentel Adriano , Komorowski Jean-Christophe , Loughlin Susan , Carmo Rita , Coltelli Mauro , Corbeau Jordane , Vye-Brown Charlotte , Di Vito Mauro , de Chabalier Jean-Bernard , Ferreira Teresa , Fontaine Fabrice R. , Lemarchand Arnaud , Marques Rui , Medeiros Joana , Moretti Roberto , Pfeffer Melissa Anne , Saurel Jean-Marie , Vlastelic Ivan , Vogfjörd Kristín , Engwell Samantha , Salerno Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Volcano observatories (VOs) around the world are required to maintain surveillance of their volcanoes and inform civil protection and aviation authorities about impending eruptions. They often work through consolidated procedures to respond to volcanic crises in a timely manner and provide a service to the community aimed at reducing the potential impact of an eruption. Within the International Airways Volcano Watch (IAVW) framework of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), designated State Volcano Observatories (SVOs) are asked to operate a colour coded system designed to inform the aviation community about the status of a volcano and the expected threats associated. Despite the IAVW documentation defining the different colour-coded levels, operating the aviation colour code in a standardised way is not easy, as sometimes, different SVOs adopt different strategies on how, when, and why to change it. Following two European VOs and Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAACs) workshops, the European VOs agreed to present an overview on how they operate the aviation colour code. The comparative analysis presented here reveals that not all VOs in Europe use this system as part of their operational response, mainly because of a lack of volcanic eruptions since the aviation colour code was officially established, or the absence of a formal designation as an SVO. We also note that the VOs that do regularly use aviation colour code operate it differently depending on the frequency and styles of eruptions, the historical eruptive activity, the nature of the unrest, the monitoring level, institutional norms, previous experiences, and on the agreement they may have with the local Air Transport Navigation providers. This study shows that even though the aviation colour code system was designed to provide a standard, its usage strongly depends on the institutional subjectivity in responding to volcano emergencies. Some common questions have been identified across the different (S)VOs that will need to be addressed by ICAO to have a more harmonised approach and usage of the aviation colour code.
Fluid-evolving landform interaction by a surface-tracking method
Authors: Molina Jorge , Ortiz Pablo , Bravo Rafael
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a continuous finite element model to simulate fluid flow-bedform interaction problems. The approach utilizes a non-oscillatory finite element algorithm to compute the fluid dynamics by solving the complete Navier–Stokes equations. Additionally, it addresses the evolution of the fluid–bedform interface as a consequence of spatially non-balanced sediment fluxes through the solution of a conservation equation for the erodible layer thickness. A sign preservation algorithm is particularly relevant for landform tracking because a positive definite thickness of the erodible sediment layer is essential to model the interaction between evolving cohesionless sediment layers and rigid beds. The fluid/terrain interface is explicitly captured through a surface tracking methodology. First, new nodes fitting the interface are incorporated into the finite element mesh; then, elements beneath this interface are deactivated, while intersected elements are restructured to get a mesh composed exclusively of tetrahedral elements. Numerical experiments demonstrate capabilities of the method by exploring relevant problems related with civil engineering, such as the evolution of trenches and the scour of a submerged pile.
A new diagram for performance evaluation of complex models
Authors: Izzaddin Aras , Langousis Andreas , Totaro Vincenzo , Yaseen Marwah , Iacobellis Vito
Published: March 2024

In the latest years the capacity and complexity of climate and environmental modeling has increased considerably. Therefore, tools and criteria for model performance evaluation are needed to ensure that different users can benefit from model selection. Among graphical tools, Taylor’s diagram is widely used to provide evaluation and comparison of model performances, with particular emphasis on climate models. Taylor’s diagram accounts for different statistical features of model outputs and observations, including correlation, variability and centered root mean square error. Not included is model bias, which is an essential feature for climate model evaluations, and it is usually calculated separately to complement the information embedded in Taylor’s diagram. In this paper a new diagram is proposed, referred to as Aras’ diagram, which allows for visual assessments of the correspondence between model outputs and reference data in terms of total error, correlation, as well as bias and variability ratios through an easy-to-interpret two-dimensional (2D) plot, allowing for proper weighting of different model features. The strengths of the new diagram are exemplified in a case study of performance evaluation of EURO-CORDEX historical experiment over Southern Italy using E-OBS as reference dataset, for three hydrological variables (i.e. daily precipitation, daily surface minimum temperature, and daily maximum surface temperature), and four popular climate indices (i.e. total annual precipitation, annual maxima of daily precipitation, annual minima of daily minimum temperatures, and annual maxima of daily maximum temperatures). The proposed diagram shows interesting properties, in addition to those already included in Taylor’s diagram, which may help promoting climate model evaluations based on their accuracy in reproducing the climatological patterns observed in time and space.
A novel strategy to study apomixis, automixis, and autogamy in plants
Authors: Šarhanová Petra , Majeský Ľuboš , Sochor Michal
Published: March 2024

Key message

The combination of a flow cytometric seed screen and genotyping of each single seed offers a cost-effective approach to detecting complex reproductive pathways in flowering plants.

Reproduction may be seen as one of the driving forces of evolution. Flow cytometric seed screen and genotyping of parents and progeny are commonly employed techniques to discern various modes of reproduction in flowering plants. Nevertheless, both methods possess limitations constraining their individual capacity to investigate reproductive modes thoroughly. We implemented both methods in a novel manner to analyse reproduction pathways using a carefully selected material of parental individuals and their seed progeny. The significant advantage of this approach lies in its ability to apply both methods to a single seed. The introduced methodology provides valuable insights into discerning the levels of apomixis, sexuality, and selfing in complex Rubus taxa. The results may be explained by the occurrence of automixis in Rubus, which warrants further investigation. The approach showcased its effectiveness in a different apomictic system, specifically in Taraxacum. Our study presents a comprehensive methodological approach for determining the mode of reproduction where flow cytometry loses its potential. It provides a reliable and cost-effective method with significant potential in biosystematics, population genetics, and crop breeding.
The effect of Providence night-time bracing on the sagittal profile in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Heegaard Martin , Tøndevold Niklas , Dahl Benny , Andersen Thomas B. , Gehrchen Martin , Ohrt-Nissen Søren
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is characterized by coronal scoliosis and often a sagittal hypokyphosis. The effect of bracing on the sagittal profile is not well understood. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of night-time bracing on the sagittal profile in patients with AIS.

Methods

We retrospectively included AIS patients with a main curve of 25–45° treated with a night-time brace in our institution between 2005 and 2018. Patients with estimated growth potential based on either Risser stage, hand X-rays, or menarchal status were included. Coronal and sagittal radiographic parameters were recorded at both brace- initiation and -termination. Patients were followed until surgery or one year after brace termination. Results were compared to a published cohort of full-time braced patients.

Results

One hundred forty-six patients were included. Maximum thoracic kyphosis (TK) increased 2.5° (± 9.7) (p = 0.003), corresponding to a 3.5-fold relative risk increase post bracing in TK compared to a full-time brace cohort. Twenty-seven percent (n = 36) of the patients were hypokyphotic (T4/T12 < 20°) at brace initiation compared with 19% (n = 26) at brace termination (p = 0.134). All other sagittal parameters remained the same at follow-up. We found no association between progression in the coronal plane and change in sagittal parameters.

Conclusion

This is the first study to indicate that night-time bracing of AIS does not induce hypokyphosis. We found a small increase in TK, with a substantially lower risk of developing flat back deformity compared to full-time bracing. The coronal curve progression was not coupled to a change in TK.
Human orf virus (family Poxviridae) infection following a lamb bite in Hungary
Authors: Németh Csongor , Boros Ákos , Mészáros Endre , Gyömörei Csaba , Albert Ervin , Pankovics Péter , Reuter Gábor
Published: March 2024

Human orf disease (called ecthyma contagiosum or contagious/infectious pustular dermatitis in animals) was confirmed on the fingers of both hands of a 24-year-old female, after feeding diseased lambs with a nursing bottle in April 2023. In addition to skin symptoms, she had low-grade fever (37.6°C) and swollen lymph nodes in both axilla. The presence of orf virus (genus Parapoxvirus, family Poxviridae) was confirmed, and this strain, Baja/2023/HUN (OR372161-OR372163), was found to have > 98% nucleotide sequence identity to sheep-origin orf viruses in four tested genome regions (ORF011/B2L, ORF019, ORF020/VIR, and ORF056). This is the first report of a human case of infection with the neglected zoonotic orf virus in Hungary.
A new model of rotating nonlocal fiber-reinforced visco-thermoelastic solid using a modified Green–Lindsay theory
Authors: Othman Mohamed I. A. , Said Samia M. , Gamal Esraa M.
Published: March 2024

The effect of rotation on a nonlocal fiber-reinforced visco-thermoelastic media was examined in this work using an modified Green and Lindsay theory (MGL). The problem was resolved by using normal mode method to derive the precise expressions of field quantities. In this technique, one gets exact solution without any assumed restrictions on the field variables. The normal mode technique is applicable to a wide range of problems in thermodynamics and thermoelasticity. Graphical representations of the thermal temperature, displacements and stresses are obtained. Comparisons of the physical quantities are shown in figures to study the effects of nonlocal parameter, rotation, viscosity and reinforcement parameters. Some special cases of interest have also been inferred from the present problem. The results indicate that rotation, nonlocal parameter, viscosity and reinforcing factors have a considerable impact on the fluctuations of the variables under consideration. These impacts are examined and described in depth.
Internet- and mobile-based anxiety and depression interventions for children and adolescents: efficacy and negative effects - a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dülsen Patrick , Baumeister Harald
Published: March 2024

Mental disorders, most commonly anxiety disorders and fourth most common
depression, are prevalent in children and adolescents. Internet- and mobile-based
interventions might represent a scalable approach to improve mental health care,
however, evidence so far is inconclusive and systematic reports on negative effects
are missing. Four data-bases were searched for randomized controlled trials
evaluating internet- and mobile-based interventions (IMIs) targeting anxiety
disorders or depression in children and adolescents up to 18 years exhibiting
clinically relevant symptoms. Meta-analytic evaluations were conducted in comparison
to active and passive control groups, furthermore, pre-defined sub-groups were
explored and reported negative effects examined. Pooled estimates showed a moderate
positive effect for IMIs targeting anxiety disorders compared to passive control
groups (g = -0.69; CI -0.94 to -0.45; k = 8; n = 559; p ≤ 0,001), but not for depression. Pooled
estimates compared to active control groups remained non-significant. Subgroup
analyses were largely omitted due to an insufficient number of trials or were
non-significant. Negative effects were mainly reported as drop-out rates and
(non)-response rates, while additional negative effects, such as deterioration rates
or the development of additional symptoms, were reported by only one third of
included studies. The focus on children and adolescents with clinically relevant
symptoms allowed the present findings to complement previous work, however, the
limited amount of trials hindered many planned comparisons. The overview of reported
negative effects highlighted that negative effects are being neglected in the
majority of RCTs. Hence, in the future RCTs should include more information about
potential negative effects, at best a combination of quantitative and qualitative
information. Open Science Framework (osf.io/ch5nj).
Chunking as a function of sequence length
Authors: Tosatto Laure , Fagot Joël , Nemeth Dezso , Rey Arnaud
Published: March 2024

Chunking mechanisms are central to several cognitive processes. During the acquisition of visuo-motor sequences, it is commonly reported that these sequences are segmented into chunks leading to more fluid, rapid, and accurate performances. The question of a chunk’s storage capacity has been often investigated but little is known about the dynamics of chunk size evolution relative to sequence length. In two experiments, we studied the dynamics and the evolution of a sequence’s chunking pattern as a function of sequence length in a non-human primate species (Guinea baboons, Papio papio). Using an operant conditioning device, baboons had to point on a touch screen to a moving target. In Experiment 1, they had to produce repeatedly the same sequence of 4 movements during 2000 trials. In Experiment 2, the sequence was composed of 5 movements and was repeated 4000 times. For both lengths, baboons initially produced small chunks that became fewer and longer with practice. Moreover, the dynamics and the evolution of the chunking pattern varied as a function of sequence length. Finally, with extended practice (i.e., more than 2000 trials), we observed that the mean chunk size reached a plateau indicating that there are fundamental limits to chunking processes that also depend on sequence length. These data therefore provide new empirical evidence for understanding the general properties of chunking mechanisms in sequence learning.
Colonial breeding impacts potentially fitness-relevant cognitive processes in barn swallows
Authors: Medina-García Angela , Scherner Ellen , McDermott Molly T. , Hauber Mark E. , Safran Rebecca J.
Published: March 2024

Many animals breed colonially, often in dense clusters, representing a complex social environment with cognitive demands that could ultimately impact individual fitness. However, the effects of social breeding on the evolution of cognitive processes remain largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that facultative colonial breeding influences attention and decision-making. Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) breed in solitary pairs or in a range of colony sizes, up to dozens of pairs. We tested for selective attention to social information with playbacks of conspecific alarm calls and for decision-making with simulated predator intrusions, across a range of colony sizes from 1 to 33 pairs. We also evaluated the adaptive value of both processes by measuring seasonal reproductive success. Swallows breeding in larger colonies were more selective in their attention to social information. Birds breeding in larger colonies were also less risk averse, deciding to return more quickly to their nests after a predator approach paradigm. Finally, birds that showed higher selective attention hatched more eggs and birds that returned to their nests more quickly after a predator intrusion had more nestlings. Although we cannot fully attribute these fitness outcomes to the cognitive measures considered in this study, our results suggest that social breeding plays a role in adaptively shaping both the acquisition of social information and decision-making.
Many faces of dominance: the manifestation of cohabiting companion dogs’ rank in competitive and non-competitive scenarios
Authors: Vékony Kata , Pongrácz Péter
Published: March 2024

There are indications that companion dogs of multi-dog households form a hierarchy, maintained by formal and agonistic dominance. Although it was found that the behaviour of dogs depends on their rank in several contexts, so far, the assessment of their rank itself has been based on owner-completed questionnaires. With this research we endeavoured to find associations between rank scores from the Dog Rank Assessment Questionnaire (DRA-Q) and cohabiting dogs’ behaviour in a competitive test (Toy Possession test—32 dog pairs) and a non-competitive, citizen science scenario (Greeting test—20 dog pairs). Based on the grabbing the toy first and keeping the toy at the end variables, the dogs’ rank score provided a reliable indication of the dominant and subordinate dogs’ behaviour in the Toy Possession test. Similarly, the occurrence of dominant and submissive behaviours in the Greeting Test showed a good match with the agonistic and leadership subscores of the composite rank score from the DRA-Q. Our results provide a pioneering case for validating a questionnaire-based rank scoring method with biologically meaningful behavioural tests in the case of companion dogs. The finer analysis of the results highlighted that in the case of a multi-question scoring system, some components might provide more effective prediction of the dogs’ rank-related behaviour in some situations, while other components are more relevant in others, with traits related to agonistic dominance having relevance across contexts.
Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) create facial displays during social interactions by changing the shape of their melons
Authors: Richard Justin T. , Pellegrini Isabelle , Levine Rachael
Published: March 2024

Beluga whales are considered unique among odontocetes in their ability to visibly alter the appearance of their head by changing the shape of the melon, but only anecdotal observations are available to evaluate the use or potential function of these melon shapes. This study of belugas in professionally managed care aimed to establish an ethogram for the repertoire of categorizable melon shapes and then evaluate their potential function as intentional communication signals by determining if they were produced and elaborated during social interactions of varying behavioral contexts while in the line of sight of a recipient. Five different melon shapes were reliably identified in video observations of the primary study population (n = 4) and externally validated in a second aquarium population (n = 51). Among the 2570 melon shapes observed from the primary study subjects, melon shapes occurred 34 × more frequently during social interactions (1.72 per minute) than outside of social interactions (0.05 per minute). Melon shapes occurring during social interactions were performed within the line of sight of a recipient 93.6% of the time. The frequency of occurrence of the different melon shapes varied across behavioral contexts. Elaboration of melon shapes through extended duration and the occurrence of concurrent open mouth displays varied by shape type and across behavioral contexts. Melon shapes seem to function as visual displays, with some characteristics of intentional communication. This ability could yield adaptive benefits to belugas, given their complex social structure and hypothesized mating system that emphasizes pre-copulatory female mate choice.