bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating an ultra‐sensitive detection platform for monkeypox virus DNA based on CRISPR technology
Authors: Jiang Tong , Li Ge , Liu Runde , Zhou Jin , Gao Nana , Shen Jilu
Published: June 2023

The recent major worldwide outbreak of monkeypox virus (MPXV) has highlighted the urgent need for accurate MPXV detection methods. Although quantitative PCR (qPCR) technique is currently the gold standard for MPXV diagnosis, the high costs associated with the technique and the need for complex instrumentation, limits its application in resource‐poor settings. CRISPR technology has developed rapidly in recent years and provides an effective tool for point‐of‐care testing pathogen identification. Here, we exploited the cleavage properties of the Cas12a enzyme and Cas13a enzyme, to detect the MPXV specific genes, F3L gene and B6R gene, respectively. We developed two detection protocols: a 2‐step method in which the CRISPR Dual System reaction and the multiplex recombinase polymerase amplification reaction were carried out in separate tubes and a single‐tube method in which both reactions were carried out in one tube. Evaluation of the two methods showed that our protocol can detect the MPXV genome down to 10° copies/μL with good specificity and no cross‐reactivity with other poxviruses pseudoviruses, and bacteria. Mock positive samples were used to assess clinical applicability, with the results showing satisfactory concordance with the qPCR method for parallel testing. In conclusion, our study provides a reliable molecular diagnostic strategy for detection of MPXV.
5‐Nitrobenzo[c][1, 2, 5]selenadiazole as therapeutic agents in the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation induced by influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Guo Min , Chen Danyang , Zhao Mingqi , Xu Tiantian , Zhang Yingying , Xiao Misi , Li Yinghua , Zhu Bing
Published: June 2023

Currently, various problems are being faced in the treatment of influenza, so the development of new safe and effective drugs is crucial. Selenadiazole, an important component of selenium heterocyclic compounds, has received wide attention for its biological activity. This study aimed to verify the antiviral activity of 5‐nitrobenzo[c][1,2,5]selenadiazole (SeD‐3) in vivo and in vitro. The cell counting kit‐8 assay and observation of cytopathic effect verified that SeD‐3 could improve the survival of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09‐infected Madin–Darby canine kidney cells. Polymerase chain reaction quantification and neuraminidase assay showed that SeD‐3 could inhibit the proliferation of H1N1 virus. The time of addition assay demonstrated that SeD‐3 may have a direct effect on virus particles and block some stages of H1N1 life cycle after virus adsorption. Cell cycle, JC‐1, Annexin V, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick‐end labeling–4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (TUNEL‐DAPI) assays showed that SeD‐3 inhibited H1N1 infection–induced apoptosis. Cytokine detection demonstrated SeD‐3 inhibited the production of proinflammatory factors after infection, including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), TNF‐β, interferon‐γ, interleukin 12 (IL‐12), and IL‐17F. In vivo experiments suggested that the pathological damage in the lungs was significantly alleviated after treatment with SeD‐3 by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The TUNEL assay of lung tissues indicated that SeD‐3 inhibited DNA damage during H1N1 infection. Immunohistochemical assays were performed to further explore the mechanism that SeD‐3 inhibited H1N1‐induced apoptosis via reactive oxygen species‐mediated MAPK, AKT, and P53 signaling pathways. In conclusion, SeD‐3 may become a new potential anti‐H1N1 influenza virus drug due to its antiviral and anti‐inflammatory activity.
Adenovirus F41 infection and liver cytolysis in adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Lefeuvre Caroline , Thepot Sylvain , Mercier‐Delarue Séverine , Bouille Tiffany , Michonneau David , Le Goff Jérôme , Salmona Maud
Published: June 2023

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) of the F species are commonly responsible for acute gastroenteritis. A few cases of systemic infections have been described in adults or children who have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), but with no report of liver cytolysis. Since January 2022, several countries have reported an increase in cases of acute hepatitis of unknown cause in children. Adenovirus species F type 41 (HAdV‐F41) infection was predominantly identified. The objective of this study is to describe HAdV‐F41 infections diagnosed since January 2022 in adult HSCT recipients in two French hospitals. All four patients had diarrhea and liver cytolysis at the time of diagnosis of infection. HAdV viremia was observed in three patients (#1, #3, and #4), but no disseminated disease was reported. HAdV whole genome sequencing and metagenomics characterization were performed on stool and blood samples. The complete HAdV‐F41 genome sequence was obtained for three patients and phylogenetic analysis showed that the strains consisted of similar lineage (2b). We did not identify any new HAdV‐F41 strains. Metagenomics analysis found adeno‐associated virus 2 and torque‐teno virus infection in patient #1 and Epstein–Barr virus in patient #4. This is the first case series reporting liver cytolysis during HAdV‐F41 infection in adult HSCT patients.
Molecular insights into α‐glucosidase inhibition and antiglycation properties affected by the galloyl moiety in (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate
Authors: Guan Qinhao , Tang Lihua , Zhang Liangliang , Huang Lixin , Xu Man , Wang Yuan , Zhang Meng
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus poses a substantial threat to public health due to rising morbidity and mortality. α‐Glucosidase is one of the key enzymes affecting diabetes. Herein, (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) and (−)‐epigallocatechin (EGC) were applied to clarify the role of the galloyl moiety of tea polyphenols in the inhibition of glycation and α‐glucosidase activity. The structure–activity relationship of the galloyl moiety in EGCG on α‐glucosidase was investigated in terms of inhibition kinetics, spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and molecular docking. A bovine serum protein–fructose model was employed to determine the effect of the galloyl moiety on glycation.

RESULTS

The results indicated that the introduction of a galloyl moiety enhanced the capacity of EGCG to inhibit glycation and α‐glucosidase activity. The IC50 value of EGC is approximately 2400 times higher than that of EGCG. Furthermore, the galloyl moiety in EGCG altered the microenvironment and secondary structure of α‐glucosidase, resulting in a high binding affinity of EGCG to α‐glucosidase. The binding constant of EGCG to α‐glucosidase at 298 K is approximately 28 times higher than that of EGC.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the galloyl moiety of EGCG plays a crucial role in inhibiting glycation and α‐glucosidase activity, which helps to enhance the molecular understanding of the structure and function of the polyphenol galloyl moiety in the science of food and agriculture. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Incidence of scabies in Michigan during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Olsen E. , Tejasvi T. , Nakamura M.
Published: June 2023

Background

By March of 2020, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) had spread to 72 countries and was designated as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, leading to government policies enacted to keep citizens at home to reduce the spread of disease. Infectious dermatoses such as scabies are often spread by prolonged contact with infected skin. This study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated lockdown procedures on the incidence of scabies in the population of Southeast Michigan through a single‐centre retrospective chart review.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic and associated lockdown procedures on the incidence of scabies in Southeast Michigan.

Methods

The number of patients diagnosed with scabies at Michigan Medicine outpatient Dermatology clinics from March 2012 to March 2022 was determined. Incidence of scabies diagnosis was compared between years before lockdown to after lockdown.

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of total dermatology patients diagnosed with scabies at our institution from March 2020 through March 2022 compared with March 2012 through March 2020.

Conclusions

These results differ from trends previously reported in European populations. Although the reason for this disparity in incidence of scabies is unclear, contributing factors may include restrictions on visitor policies and inter‐resident contact in long‐term care facilities, use of ivermectin to treat COVID‐19, and temporary closure of daycare centres.
Weather conditions affecting white‐tailed deer harvest in Iowa
Authors: Elliott Jace R. , Harms Tyler M.
Published: June 2023

Weather conditions, such as temperature and precipitation, likely influence white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) activity and hunter participation, both of which are major factors contributing to deer harvest. Because harvest is often used to manage white‐tailed deer population trends and guide management decisions, understanding how certain abiotic factors may bias such data is important. We examined the effects of weather on deer harvest during the Iowa, USA, firearms seasons from 2006–2021 using a generalized mixed‐effects linear model. Weather conditions during the hunting season were related to overall deer harvest. Specifically, deer harvest was positively correlated with snowfall on opening day and negatively correlated with average minimum temperature, average snow depth, rainfall on opening day, and number of rainfall and snowfall days. Abiotic factors have the ability to substantially influence deer harvest. Because many white‐tailed deer population models use harvest data, incorporating the effects of weather variability into such models may substantially improve population estimates. Our study provides a compelling case for considering hunting season weather conditions when interpreting harvest data as a population index for white‐tailed deer. The results of this study also demonstrate potential for retrospective modeling of past harvest rates and incorporating the effects of abiotic factors on harvest into future age‐based population models.
Patient transfer from intensive care units to general wards: An exploratory qualitative study of ward nurses' experiences of patient safety
Authors: Nikolaisen Mette Kure , Fridh Stina , Olsen Brita Fosser
Published: June 2023

Aim

Patient transfer from intensive care units (ICUs) to general wards is a routine part of hospital care. However, if the transfer is not optimal, it can result in increased readmissions to the ICU, increased stress and discomfort for the patient and, thus, a threat to patient safety. The aim of this study was to explore how general ward nurses experience patient safety during patient transfers from ICUs to general wards.

Design

A qualitative design based on a phenomenological approach was used.

Methods

Two focus group interviews were conducted with a total of eight nurses from a medical ward and a surgical ward at one hospital in Norway. The data were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

The nurses' experiences of patient safety during patient transfer had four themes: (1) the importance of preparedness; (2) the importance of the handover of information; (3) stress and a lack of resources and (4) a feeling of two different worlds.

Conclusion

In order to promote patient safety, the informants highlighted the importance of being well prepared for transfer, and to have optimal handover of information. Stress, lack of resources and a feeling of two different worlds may pose threats to patient safety.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

We suggest several intervention studies testing the effect of intervention improving patient safety during the transfer process are designed, and that increased knowledge in this area is used to develop local practice recommendations.

Patient or Public Contribution

The participants of this study were nurses and this contribution has been explained in the Data collection section. There was no patient contribution in this study.
Methods to characterize the crystal polymorphs of polyvinylidene fluoride using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Mireja Shubham , Khakhar Devang V.
Published: June 2023

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a polymer with three common crystal polymorphs (α, β, γ), has several practically useful properties, including piezoelectric properties. Accurate measurement of its crystalline polymorphs is important since only the β phase has the desired piezo properties. PVDF was processed into isotropic samples having predominantly α, β, and γ crystalline phases. These samples were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). FTIR spectra were fitted with the Gaussian peaks for quantitative analysis of the phases. Peaks exclusive to the amorphous phase were identified and used for the amorphous phase quantification, leading to the accurate determination of the crystalline fraction. IR absorption coefficients for their respective peaks were calculated to quantify individual crystalline polymorphs in the sample. Pure phase spectra were extracted, and a linear combination of the pure phase spectra was fitted to the spectrum of a sample with different phases to accurately obtain the values of the phase fraction and the thickness of the sample.
Poly(ester amide)s from biomass‐based 3,4‐dihydrocoumarine through Meldrum's acid mediated ketene chemistry
Authors: Fan Zhang‐Jun , Liu Ying‐Ling
Published: June 2023

Meldrum's acid mediated ketene chemistry (MAMKC) is applied to synthesis of poly(ester amide)s in this work. An MA‐functionalized phenolic amide compound (MA_PhOH‐Am) is synthesized from the reaction between a MA‐functionalized amine and 3,4‐dihydrocoumarine (DHC, a biomass‐based chemical) through amine‐lactone addition reaction. Polymerization of MA_PhOH‐Am results in the corresponding poly(ester amide) (P(Es‐Am)), through MA thermolysis reaction (generating the corresponding ketene groups) and ketene‐phenol addition reaction. Both MA_PhOH‐Am and P(Es‐Am) have been characterized with spectral methods and thermal analysis. P(Es‐Am) has an inherent viscosity of 0.49 dL g−1, a molecular weight of 76,500 Da, a glass transition temperature of 145°C (tanδ peak in dynamic mechanical analysis), a thermal stability of about 320°C, and a storage modulus at 50°C of 1.0 GPa. In the stress–strain measurement, P(Es‐Am) exhibits a Young's modulus, a tensile strength, and an elongation at break of 10.6 ± 0.7 GPa, 165 ± 40 MPa, and 1.83 ± 0.41%, respectively. An effective approach for the synthesis of high‐performance poly(ester amide)s has been demonstrated.
Copanlisib population pharmacokinetics from phase I–III studies and exposure–response relationships in combination with rituximab
Authors: Morcos Peter N. , Moss Jonathan , Austin Rupert , Hiemeyer Florian , Zinzani Pier Luigi , Beckert Vita , Mongay Soler Lidia , Childs Barrett H. , Garmann Dirk
Published: June 2023

Copanlisib dose selection was established under the maximum tolerated dose paradigm, and no dedicated dose‐finding studies have investigated copanlisib dose selection when used in combination with rituximab. In CHRONOS‐3, copanlisib plus rituximab demonstrated significantly improved progression‐free survival versus placebo plus rituximab in patients with relapsed indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (iNHL). We conducted a comprehensive investigation of copanlisib population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) from a pooled analysis of 712 patients across nine copanlisib phase I–III studies and exposure–response (ER) relationships for efficacy and safety from the 1‐year follow‐up of CHRONOS‐3. PopPK analyses examined the impact of demographic, laboratory, and comedication covariates on copanlisib between‐patient PK variability. Individual static and time‐varying exposure estimates were derived to investigate exposure–efficacy and exposure–safety relationships. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression analyses examined ER relationships with consideration of predefined potentially prognostic demographic‐, laboratory‐, and/or disease‐related baseline covariates. Copanlisib PK were best described by a three‐compartment model with first‐order elimination. Individual identified covariates had modest effects on copanlisib PK and were generally in line with known copanlisib disposition properties. In CHRONOS‐3, ER analyses showed a significant relationship between time‐varying exposure estimates and progression‐free survival, and no significant exposure–safety relationships. Thus, lower copanlisib doses may result in reduced efficacy but not necessarily improved safety or tolerability. These outcomes substantiate the current intermittent dosing regimen of copanlisib 60 mg on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28‐day cycle and support the observed clinical results of copanlisib in combination with rituximab in the iNHL population.
Prescribed performance tracking control for adjacent virtual coupling high‐speed trains with input saturation
Authors: Huang Deqing , Jia Yuqi , Li Xuefang , Zhu Lei
Published: June 2023

In the present work, targeting at the perfect coupled tasks of two adjacent high‐speed trains under the virtual coupling tracking processes, a novel prescribed performance tracking control method is developed, where both the system uncertainties and the actuator constraints are taken into account. Notice that by utilizing a novel error conversion method, the singularity problem may occur in the prescribed performance control could be avoided, while the input constraints are also satisfied by using a smooth function to approximate the non‐smooth input saturation function. The system uncertainties are estimated by adopting the radial basis function neural network. Different with existing works, the initial speeds of the adjacent trains can be nonidentical. Furthermore, the stability of the proposed controller is rigorously analyzed under the framework of Lyapunov theory. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach, three different uncoupled cases are considered, where the corresponding tracking processes from coupling to completely coupled are described in details.
Suppressing Excess Lead Iodide Aggregation and Reducing N‐Type Doping at Perovskite/HTL Interface for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Cao Kun , Zhu Jiajun , Wu Yupei , Ge Mengru , Zhu Yuxuan , Qian Jie , Wang Yulong , Hu Kaiwen , Lu Jianfeng , Shen Wei , Liu Lihui , Chen Shufen
Published: June 2023

Excess lead iodide (PbI2) aggregation at the charge carrier transport interface leads to energy loss and acts as unstable origins in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Here, a strategy is reported to modulate the interfacial excess PbI2 by introducing π‐conjugated small‐molecule semiconductors 4,4'‐cyclohexylbis[N,N‐bis(4‐methylphenyl)aniline] (TAPC) into perovskite films through an antisolvent addition method. The coordination of TAPC to PbI units through the electron‐donating triphenylamine groups and π‐Pb2+ interactions allows for a compact perovskite film with reduced excess PbI2 aggregates. Besides, preferred energy level alignment is achieved due to the suppressed n‐type doping effect at the hole transport layer (HTL) interfaces. As a result, the TAPC‐modified PSC based on Cs0.05(FA0.85MA0.15)0.95Pb(I0.85Br0.15)3 triple‐cation perovskite achieved an improved PCE from 18.37% to 20.68% and retained ≈90% of the initial efficiency after 30 days of aging under ambient conditions. Moreover, the TAPC‐modified device based on FA0.95MA0.05PbI2.85Br0.15 perovskite produced an improved efficiency of 23.15% compared to the control (21.19%). These results provide an effective strategy for improving the performance of PbI2‐rich PSCs.
Stone–Wales Defect in Graphene
Authors: Tiwari Santosh K. , Pandey Sarvesh Kumar , Pandey Raunak , Wang Nannan , Bystrzejewski Michał , Mishra Yogendra Kumar , Zhu Yanqiu
Published: June 2023

2D graphene the most investigated structures from nanocarbon family studied in the last three decades. It is projected as an excellent material useful for quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and next generation advanced technologies. Graphene exists in several forms and its extraordinary thermal, mechanical, and electronic properties, principally depend on the kind of perfection of the hexagonal atomic lattice. Defects are always considered as undesired components but certain defects in graphene could be an asset for electrochemistry and quantum electronics due to the engineered electronclouds and quantum tunnelling. The authors carefully discuss the Stone‐Wales imperfections in graphene and its derivatives comprehensively. A specific emphasis is focused on the experimental and theoretical aspects of the Stone‐Wales defects in graphene with respect to structure‐property relationships. The corroboration of extrinsic defects like external atomic doping, functionalization, edge distortion in the graphene consisting of Stone‐Wales imperfections, which are very significant in designing graphene‐based electronic devices, are summarized.
Wide‐Potential‐Window Bimetallic Hydrated Eutectic Electrolytes with High‐Temperature Resistance for Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Wen Meichen , Yang Chao , Liu Qifan , Qiu Jianhui , Zang Limin
Published: June 2023

Aqueous zinc‐ion hybrid capacitors (ZHCs) are considered ideal energy‐storage devices. However, the common aqueous Zn2+‐containing electrolytes used in ZHCs often cause parasitic reactions during charging–discharging owing to free water molecules. Hydrated eutectic electrolytes (HEEs) that bind water molecules through solvation shells and hydrogen bonds can be applied at high temperatures and within a wide potential window. This study reports a novel bimetallic HEE (ZnK–HEE), consisting of zinc chloride, potassium chloride, ethylene glycol, and water, which enhances the capacity and electrochemical reaction kinetics of ZHCs. The bimetallic solvation shell in ZnK‐HEE is studied by molecular dynamics and density functional theory, confirming its low step‐by‐step desolvation energy. A Zn//activated carbon ZHC in ZnK–HEE shows a high operating voltage of 2.1 V, along with an ultrahigh capacity of 326.9 mAh g−1, power density of 2099.7 W kg–1, and energy density of 343.2 Wh kg–1 at 100 °C. The reaction mechanisms of charging–discharging process are investigated by ex situ X‐ray diffraction. This study reports a promising electrolyte for high‐performance ZHCs, which exhibits high‐temperature resistance and is operable within a wide potential window.
Amino‐Functionalized Interfacial Layer Enables an Ultra‐Uniform Amorphous Solid Electrolyte Interphase for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Based Batteries
Authors: Kang Lingzhi , Zheng Jiale , Yue Ke , Yuan Huadong , Luo Jianmin , Wang Yao , Liu Yujing , Nai Jianwei , Tao Xinyong
Published: June 2023

Aqueous rechargeable zinc‐based batteries (ZBBs) are emerging as desirable energy storage systems because of their high capacity, low cost, and inherent safety. However, the further application of ZBBs still faces many challenges, such as the issues of uncontrolled dendrite growth and severe parasitic reactions occurring at the Zn anode. Herein, an amino‐grafted bacterial cellulose (NBC) film is prepared as artificial solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) for the Zn metal anodes, which can significantly reduce zinc nucleation overpotential and lead to the dendrite‐free deposition of Zn metal along the (002) crystal plane more easily without any external stimulus. More importantly, the chelation between the modified amino groups and zinc ions can promote the formation of an ultra‐even amorphous SEI upon cycling, reducing the activity of hydrate ions, and inhibiting the water‐induced side reactions. As a result, the Zn||Zn symmetric cell with NBC film exhibits lower overpotential and higher cyclic stability. When coupled with the V2O5 cathode, the practical pouch cell achieves superior electrochemical performance over 1000 cycles.
Interactions between self‐regulated learning and assessment for learning in an undergraduate introductory computer science course
Authors: Chen Peggy P.
Published: June 2023

Many introductory computer science (CS) courses are intended to address the increased demand for computer literacy and the development of cross‐cutting concepts and practices of computational thinking (CT). Colleges and universities offer introductory CS courses every semester toward this end. The issue is centered on how to support CT learning in a large introductory CS course. To do it, an introductory CS course was designed to enrich CT by embedding short episodes of assessments to facilitate learning (AfL) and to support students’ self‐regulated learning (SRL). This chapter begins by articulating the intricacies of the underlying processes of SRL, principles of AfL, and computational thinking practices in CS. Using the undergraduate introductory CS course referred to above, key practices of SRL and AfL will be illustrated to demonstrate how student learning of CS programming is structured with various online and offline supports. The chapter then concludes by appraising aspects of this CS course with practical suggestions for supporting student SRL and their learning of CS programming.
A Glimmer of Hope for Tomorrow: Conversations with the 2022 Social Justice Literature Award Winners
Authors: Dunkerly Judith M. , Moffit Char
Published: June 2023

Against a backdrop of legislation aimed at classroom book bannings and efforts to whitewash curriculum, this article draws from interviews with the winners of the 2022 International Literacy Association's Social Justice Literature Award winners to offer hope and inspiration for literacy teachers, researchers, and most importantly, young readers. Utilizing a World Cafe approach, the authors of this article talk with the award winners about their personal stories, the origins of these social justice books, and their message for students, teachers, and caregivers in these tumultuous times. It concludes with a discussion of the use of social justice texts in the classroom and the importance of the continued need for diverse representation in children's and young adult literature.
Superstructures and Chemical Bonding in Rare Earth Metal Polytellurides RETe2‐δ (RE=La−Nd; Sm−Tm; 0≤δ≤0.2)
Authors: Doert Thomas , Poddig Hagen , Finzel Kati
Published: June 2023

Polychalcogenides REX2‐δ (X=S, Se, Te; 0≤δ≤0.2) of trivalent rare earth metals RE have been investigated in recent years to shed light on the structural diversity as a function of compositional, metric, thermodynamic, and electronic situation. Whereas the former aspects have comparable influence on the structures of all polychalcogenides REX2‐δ, the bonding situation was assumed different for tellurides due to tellurium's higher tendency to delocalize electrons. The crystal structures generally contain puckered [REX] double slabs and planar [X] layers, the latter hosting different distortions from a square‐like arrangement. The distortion patterns of sulfides and selenides can be understood by a Zintl‐type approach; they are dominated by localization of valence electrons in mono‐ (X2−) or dinuclear (X22−) anions only. This review discusses crystal structures of some rare‐earth metal polytellurides RETe2‐δ (0≤δ≤0.2) and bonding features in the chalcogenide layers and relates them to their sulfide and selenide counterparts.
Tip, Shoot, Root, and Regeneration Pests
Authors: Coyle David R.
Published: June 2023

Tree branches, shoot tips, and fine roots, are high in nutritive value and generally have comparatively lower amounts of defensive compounds than older tissues. These tree tissues are utilized by many different insect pests around the world. In some cases, these pests can cause loss of tissues, deformation, or even tree death. Many of these pests are native to the region in which they typically damage trees, and their damage is often confined to stressed or dying trees. However, sometimes these and other such pests can be non-native or even invasive, and can impact trees in new areas. Several tip, shoot, and root pests—typically coleopterans, heteropterans, and lepidopterans—can affect pines and hardwoods, both established trees and newly planted ones. In some cases, effective management strategies have been determined, while in others we know very little about potential management. This chapter will highlight several case studies from around the world where insect pests have impacted tree tips, roots, shoots, and/or regeneration. The causal agent will be discussed, as will any management strategies. Ultimately, careful monitoring and reporting can help forest managers be prepared for damage from these pests, and proper forest management will help ensure forests are resilient and resistant to insect pest damage.
Monitoring and Surveillance of Forest Insects
Authors: Brockerhoff Eckehard G. , Corley Juan C. , Jactel Hervé , Miller Daniel R. , Rabaglia Robert J. , Sweeney Jon
Published: June 2023

Monitoring of insect populations is widely used in forest entomology in the context of biodiversity studies, as an aspect of pest management, and for the detection and surveillance of non-native invasive species. In particular, monitoring is undertaken to obtain information on the presence or abundance of particular species, to study their phenology (e.g. the time of oviposition or flight periods), to predict pest population size, spread and damage, or to determine if pest management activities are required. A wide variety of methods are being used for these purposes including physical surveys, the use of insect traps, molecular methods, as well as aerial surveys and remote sensing. This chapter focusses on some of the more important methods to provide an overview of the objectives and applications of monitoring and surveillance of forest insects. The principles of each method and common uses are explained and illustrated with case studies on prominent forest insects including the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), the Sirex wood wasp (Sirex noctilio), spongy moth (Lymantria dispar), bark beetles such asIps typographus, and the brown spruce longhorn beetle (Tetropium fuscum). The chapter also explores statistical considerations and issues such as imperfect relationships between trap catch and the local population size of target species. Niche methods that are not widely used but have strengths in some situations (e.g. detector dogs for detection ofAnoplophora glabripennisand other invasive species) or are still in development (e.g. e-noses and acoustic detection) are also discussed.
Climate Change and Forest Insect Pests
Authors: Battisti Andrea , Larsson Stig
Published: June 2023

Climate change and the underlying causal factors have been thoroughly described in the scientific literature. Although well understood and documented in general, we are only beginning to understand the effects of climate change on biotic systems, such as insect communities. It seems obvious that insect pest problems should be be more important in a warmer climate; temperature has a strong impact on insect physiology and demography. It must be remembered, however, that insect distribution and abundance are controlled by many factors other than temperature, e.g. host plant, natural enemies. This chapter summarizes empirical evidence for climate change-induced insect pest problems, i.e. changed distribution range and frequency of insect outbreaks. The chapter reviews cases of forest pests for which there is sufficient scientific evidence of climate change-effects on their population dynamics leading to outbreaks, strong enough to be a concern for forest ecology and management.
Insect Ecology
Authors: Haavik Laurel J. , Stephen Fred M.
Published: June 2023

Insect ecology is the study of how insects interact with the environment. The environment consists of both physical characteristics (abiotic) and other organisms (biotic). Insects are natural components of forests and perform a variety of essential functions that help maintain forests as ecosystems. As consumers of forest products, people sometimes compete with insects for forest resources.
Forest Insect—Plant Interactions
Authors: Whitehill Justin G. A. , Bohlmann Jörg , Krokene Paal
Published: June 2023

Insects and plants dominate terrestrial ecosystems in terms of both species numbers and biomass. Ecological relationships between insects and plants are ubiquitous and insect-plant interactions are important for ecosystem structuring and functioning.
Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on salt-coated surfaces: an in vitro study
Authors: Gsell Monika , Bulliard Xavier , Schorderet Weber Sandra , Xiang Yang , Constant Samuel , Steiner Sandro , Biselli Silvia , Pugin Raphael , Palmieri Michele , Hogg Andreas , Peitsch Manuel C. , Hoeng Julia , Stan Adrian
Published: June 2023

In the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), face masks have become a very important safety measure against the main route of transmission of the virus: droplets and aerosols. Concerns that masks contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 infectious particles could be a risk for self-contamination have emerged early in the pandemic as well as solutions to mitigate this risk. The coating of masks with sodium chloride, an antiviral and non-hazardous to health chemical, could be an option for reusable masks. To assess the antiviral properties of salt coatings deposited onto common fabrics by spraying and dipping, the present study established an in vitro bioassay using three-dimensional airway epithelial cell cultures and SARS-CoV-2 virus. Virus particles were given directly on salt-coated material, collected, and added to the cell cultures. Infectious virus particles were measured by plaque forming unit assay and in parallel viral genome copies were quantified over time. Relative to noncoated material, the sodium chloride coating significantly reduced virus replication, confirming the effectiveness of the method to prevent fomite contamination with SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the lung epithelia bioassay proved to be suitable for future evaluation of novel antiviral coatings.
Screening of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from liquid fungal cultures using ambient mass spectrometry
Authors: Heffernan Daniel , Pilz Melania , Klein Marco , Haack Martina , Race Alan M. , Brück Thomas , Qoura Farah , Strittmatter Nicole
Published: June 2023

The potential of fungi for use as biotechnological factories in the production of a range of valuable metabolites, such as enzymes, terpenes, and volatile aroma compounds, is high. Unlike other microorganisms, fungi mostly secrete secondary metabolites into the culture medium, allowing for easy extraction and analysis. To date, the most commonly used technique in the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is gas chromatography, which is time and labour consuming. We propose an alternative ambient screening method that provides rapid chemical information for characterising the VOCs of filamentous fungi in liquid culture using a commercially available ambient dielectric barrier discharge ionisation (DBDI) source connected to a quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer. The effects of method parameters on measured peak intensities of a series of 8 selected aroma standards were optimised with the best conditions being selected for sample analysis. The developed method was then deployed to the screening of VOCs from samples of 13 fungal strains in three different types of complex growth media showing clear differences in VOC profiles across the different media, enabling determination of best culturing conditions for each compound-strain combination. Our findings underline the applicability of ambient DBDI for the direct detection and comparison of aroma compounds produced by filamentous fungi in liquid culture.

Graphical abstract
Clinical outcomes of frozen–thawed blastocysts from zygotes with no or one pronucleus for in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles
Authors: Tong Xiaomei , Jin Jiamin , Xue Yamei , Fang Lu , Zhu Haiyan , Jiang Lingying , Zhang Songying
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To investigate the clinical outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles using frozen–thawed blastocyst transfers derived from zygotes with no (0PN) or one pronucleus (1PN).

Methods

This retrospective study included 7084 0PN, 2238 1PN, and 72,266 two pronuclear (2PN) embryos cultured to the blastocyst stage from 19,631 IVF and 12,377 ICSI cycles between March 2018 and December 2021. Developmental potential and clinical outcomes of 0PN, 1PN, and 2PN embryos were analyzed. A total of 290 0PN-, 92 1PN-, and 1906 2PN-derived single frozen–thawed blastocyst transfers were performed. Chromosome euploid rates of 0PN-, 1PN-, and 2PN-derived blastocysts were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. Euploid 0PN- and 1PN-derived blastocysts underwent subsequent Infinium Asian Screening Array gene chip analysis to detect ploidy alterations.

Results

Available blastocyst rates of 0PN and 1PN embryos were significantly lower than those of 2PN embryos in both IVF and ICSI cycles. Single 0PN and 1PN blastocysts transferred in frozen–thawed cycles resulted in a similar clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, and neonatal outcome to 2PN blastocysts in IVF and ICSI cycles. Genetic analysis showed that euploid rates of 0PN- and 1PN-derived blastocysts used for ICSI cycles were similar to that of 2PN-derived blastocysts.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that 0PN- and 1PN-derived blastocysts resulted in similar clinical outcomes to 2PN-derived blastocysts. The 0PN- and 1PN-derived blastocysts from ICSI cycles can be transferred as well as those from IVF cycles when the number of 2PN-derived blastocysts is insufficient.
Development of a highly purified tick-borne encephalitis vaccine
Authors: Heinz Franz X.
Published: June 2023

Before the advent of a vaccine, infections with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus in Austria led to the hospitalization of several hundred and, due to underreporting, possibly more than thousand patients with severe neurological disease every year. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, this country had the highest recorded morbidity of TBE in Europe, but similar endemic risk areas exist in many other European countries as well as Central and Eastern Asia. In this article, I describe my personal recollections of the development of a highly purified TBE vaccine in the late 1970s, to which I contributed as a young post-doctoral scientist mentored by Christian Kunz (then director of the Institute of Virology at the Medical Faculty, University of Vienna) in a collaboration with the Austrian biopharmaceutical company Immuno. Low reactogenicity of the newly developed vaccine was a prerequisite for mass vaccination campaigns in Austria that started in the early 1980s. Because of its excellent immunogenicity, broad application of the highly purified vaccine paved the way for a dramatic reduction of the incidence of TBE in Austria, which is outstanding in Europe and referred to as an Austrian success story of immunoprophylaxis.
Opportunities to improve quality of care for cancer survivors in primary care: findings from the BETTER WISE study
Authors: Lofters Aisha , Khalil Ielaf , Sopcak Nicolette , Shea-Budgell Melissa , Meaney Christopher , Fernandes Carolina , Moineddin Rahim , Campbell-Scherer Denise , Aubrey-Bassler Kris , Manca Donna Patricia , Grunfeld Eva
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The BETTER WISE (Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care for Wellness of Cancer Survivors and Patients) intervention is an evidence-based approach to prevention and screening for cancers and chronic diseases in primary care that also includes comprehensive follow-up for breast, prostate and colorectal cancer survivors. We describe the process of harmonizing cancer survivorship guidelines to create a BETTER WISE cancer surveillance algorithm and describe both the quantitative and qualitative findings for BETTER WISE participants who were breast, prostate or colorectal cancer survivors. We describe the results in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We reviewed high-quality survivorship guidelines to create a cancer surveillance algorithm. We conducted a cluster randomized trial in three Canadian provinces with two composite index outcome measured 12 months after baseline, and also collected qualitative feedback on the intervention.

Results

There were 80 cancer survivors for whom we had baseline and follow-up data. Differences between the composite indices in the two study arms were not statistically significant, although a post hoc analysis suggested the COVID-19 pandemic was a key factor in these results. Qualitative finding suggested that participants and stakeholders generally viewed BETTER WISE positively and emphasized the effects of the pandemic.

Conclusions and implications for cancer survivors

BETTER WISE shows promise for providing an evidence-based, patient-centred, comprehensive approach to prevention, screening and cancer surveillance for cancer survivors in the primary care setting.

Trial registration

ISRCTN21333761. Registered on December 19, 2016, http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN21333761.
Experimental verification of high-performance polymer gears in an electric vehicle powertrain
Authors: Reitschuster S. , Tobie T. , Stahl K.
Published: June 2023

Gears made of polymers increasingly gain relevance in current research and industrial practice. Due to their advantages such as low density and the possibility of cost-efficient production in large quantities, more and more efforts are made to substitute steel gears with polymer wherever possible. However, the usage of polymer gears in current vehicle systems is still almost exclusively limited to applications with restricted power transmission, like actuators. To extend the field of application to power transmissions as well, in this study a transmission was developed for the usage in a small electric vehicle of the 7Le power class considering the application of polymer gears. Compared to the serial transmission, one of the gear stages was completely substituted with polymer gears. The load-carrying capacity of the newly designed hybrid polymer-steel transmission was investigated for functional verification on a specially developed test rig as well as inside a modified demonstrator vehicle under real-life conditions. Assuming usual operating conditions, the load-carrying capacity of the polymer gears appears suitable for the aimed application on the test rig as well as inside the demonstrator vehicle. Moreover, with increased power and under continuous sustained loading, high performance of the polymer stage as well as a stable temperature behavior can be observed. Under the given circumstances, polymer gears can be used as part of a powertrain in small electric vehicles.
Tricin-enriched Zizania latifolia ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through AMPK-dependent pathways
Authors: Chang Bo Yoon , Bae Jin Hye , Lim Cho Young , Kim Yoon Hee , Kim Tae Young , Kim Sung Yeon
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to identify and elucidate the mechanism underlying the protective effect of tricin-enriched Zizania latifolia (Z. latifolia) extract (ETZL) against free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipid accumulation in vitro and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet and fructose diet (HFD/F) in vivo. ETZL treatment significantly lowered body weight gain and decreased adipose tissue, lipid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in HFD/F-fed mice. ETZL acted on phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and anti-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) by activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway and inhibiting sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1 (SREBP)/fatty acid synthase (FAS) signaling to inhibit de novo adipogenesis and increase fatty acid oxidation. In addition, treatment with ETZL increased nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels to activate the antioxidant pathway. FFA-induced oxidative stress and fatty acid accumulation in HepG2 cells confirmed the improvement in fat accumulation through the AMPK and Nrf2 pathway activities of ETZL. These results suggest that ETZL ameliorates NAFLD by regulating lipid metabolism and defending against oxidative stress via AMPK-dependent pathways.
Prevalence of Borrelia, Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Babesia in ticks collected from vegetation in eastern Poland
Authors: Sawczyn-Domańska Anna , Zwoliński Jacek , Kloc Anna , Wójcik-Fatla Angelina
Published: June 2023

In Poland, tick-borne diseases constitute the majority of diseases related to exposure to biological agents with a predominance of Lyme borreliosis; therefore, research on ticks as a reservoir of various pathogens remains crucial in the epidemiology of human diseases after tick bites. This study aimed to identify the occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Borrelia miyamotoi, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, and Babesia spp. in ticks collected from vegetation in eastern Poland. Additionally, the prevalence of co-infections in the adult Ixodes ricinus ticks was determined. Among I. ricinus ticks the predominantly detected pathogen was B. burgdorferi s.l. (23%) with B. burgdorferi sensu stricto as the most frequently identified species, followed by B. garinii. In 2013, the double or triple infections of B. burgdorferi s.s., B. afzelii, and B. garinii species did not exceed 9% in adult ticks, whereas in 2016, the prevalence of mixed infections reached 29%. The prevalence of N. mikurensis and B. miyamotoi in I. ricinus was determined at the same level of 2.8%. Four Babesia species were identified in the examined I. ricinus population: B. microti (1.5%), B. venatorum (1.2%), B. divergens (0.2%), and B. capreoli (0.1%). Co-infections were detected in 10.1% of all infected ticks with the highest prevalence of co-infections with B. burgdorferi s.l. and Babesia species. The changes in the prevalence and the distribution of particular pathogens within tick populations indicate the need for monitoring the current situation related to tick-borne pathogens from the aspect of risk to human health.
Twin deficits through the looking glass: time-varying analysis in the Euro area
Authors: Afonso António , Coelho José Carlos
Published: June 2023

Using two measures of the fiscal position, the cyclically adjusted primary budget balance (CAPB) and the total budget balance, we assess the Twin Deficit Hypothesis for the Euro Area in the period 1995–2020. Furthermore, we estimate time-varying coefficients of the current account balance responses to changes in the CAPB and in the government balance and we identify the determinants of these responses. The CAPB and the government balance, in addition to being determinants of the current account balance, are also determinants of the time-varying responses of the current account balance. The government balance, current account balance and public debt, and the temporal period also influence these responses.