bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carpesii fructus extract exhibits neuroprotective effects in cellular and Caenorhabditis elegans models of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Zhu Feng‐Dan , Wang Bin‐Ding , Qin Da‐Lian , Su Xiao‐Hui , Yu Lu , Wu Jian‐Ming , Law Betty Yuen‐Kwan , Guo Min‐Song , Yu Chong‐Lin , Zhou Xiao‐Gang , Wu An‐Guo
Published: October 2023

Objective

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Despite extensive research, no definitive cure or effective disease‐modifying treatment for PD exists to date. Therefore, the identification of novel therapeutic agents with neuroprotective properties is of utmost importance. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of Carpesii fructus extract (CFE) in both cellular and Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) models of PD.

Methods

The neuroprotective effect of CFE in H2O2‐ or 6‐OHDA‐induced PC‐12 cells and α‐synuclein‐overexpressing PC‐12 cells were investigated by determining the cell viability, mitochondrial damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, and α‐synuclein expression. In NL5901, BZ555, and N2 worms, the expression of α‐synuclein, motive ability, the viability of dopaminergic neurons, lifespan, and aging‐related phenotypes were investigated. The signaling pathway was detected by Western blotting and validated by employing small inhibitors and RNAi bacteria.

Results

In cellular models of PD, CFE significantly attenuated H2O2‐ or 6‐OHDA‐induced toxicity, as evidenced by increased cell viability and reduced apoptosis rate. In addition, CFE treatment suppressed ROS generation and restored mitochondrial membrane potential, highlighting its potential as a mitochondrial protective agent. Furthermore, CFE reduced the expression of α‐synuclein in wide type (WT)‐, A53T‐, A30P‐, or E46K‐α‐synuclein‐overexpressing PC‐12 cells. Our further findings reveal that CFE administration reduced α‐synuclein expression and improved its induced locomotor deficits in NL5901 worms, protected dopaminergic neurons against 6‐OHDA‐induced degeneration in BZ555 worms, extended lifespan, delayed aging‐related phenotypes, and enhanced the ability of stress resistance in N2 worms. Mechanistic studies suggest that the neuroprotective effects of CFE may involve the modulation of the MAPK signaling pathway, including ERK, JNK, and p38, whereas the interference of these pathways attenuated the neuroprotective effect of CFE in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion

Overall, our study highlights the potential therapeutic value of CFE as a neuroprotective agent in the context of PD. Furthermore, elucidation of the active compounds of CFE will provide valuable insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for PD.
A multitaxonomic assessment of Natura 2000 effectiveness across European biogeographic regions
Authors: Ricci Lorenzo , Di Musciano Michele , Sabatini Francesco Maria , Chiarucci Alessandro , Zannini Piero , Gatti Roberto Cazzolla , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Walentowitz Anna , Lawrence Alexandra , Frattaroli Anna Rita , Hoffmann Samuel
Published: October 2023

The Natura 2000 (N2K) protected area (PA) network is a crucial tool to limit biodiversity loss in Europe. Despite covering 18% of the European Union's (EU) land area, its effectiveness at conserving biodiversity across taxa and biogeographic regions remains uncertain. Testing this effectiveness is, however, difficult because it requires considering the nonrandom location of PAs, and many possible confounding factors. We used propensity score matching and accounted for the confounding effects of biogeographic regions, terrain ruggedness, and land cover to assess the effectiveness of N2K PAs on the distribution of 1769 species of conservation priority in the EU's Birds and Habitats Directives, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, arthropods, fishes, mollusks, and vascular and nonvascular plants. We compared alpha, beta, and gamma diversity between matched selections of protected and unprotected areas across EU's biogeographic regions with generalized linear models, generalized mixed models, and nonparametric tests for paired samples, respectively, for each taxonomic group and for the entire set of species. PAs in N2K hosted significantly more priority species than unprotected land, but this difference was not consistent across biogeographic regions or taxa. Total alpha diversity and alpha diversity of amphibians, arthropods, birds, mammals, and vascular plants were significantly higher inside PAs than outside, except in the Boreal biogeographical region. Beta diversity was in general significantly higher inside N2K PAs than outside. Similarly, gamma diversity had the highest values inside PAs, with some exceptions in Boreal and Atlantic regions. The planned expansion of the N2K network, as dictated by the European Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, should therefore target areas in the southern part of the Boreal region where species diversity of amphibians, arthropods, birds, mammals, and vascular plants is high and species are currently underrepresented in N2K.
Dynamic immune cell profiling identified natural killer cell shift as the key event in early allograft dysfunction after liver transplantation
Authors: Lu Di , Yang Xinyu , Pan Linhui , Lian Zhengxing , Tan Winyen , Zhuo Jianyong , Yang Modan , Lin Zuyuan , Wei Qiang , Chen Jun , Zheng Shusen , Xu Xiao
Published: October 2023

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) is a life‐threatening and fast‐developing complication after liver transplantation. The underlying mechanism needs to be better understood, and there has yet to be an efficient therapeutic target. This study retrospectively reviewed 109 patients undergoing liver transplantation, with dynamic profiling of CD3/4/8/16/19/45/56 on the peripheral immune cells (before transplant and 2–4 days after). Altogether, 35 out of the 109 patients developed EAD after liver transplantation. We observed a significant decrease in the natural killer cell proportion (NK cell shift, p = 0.008). The NK cell shift was linearly correlated with cold ischemic time (p = 0.016) and was potentially related to the recipients' outcomes. In mouse models, ischemic/reperfusion (I/R) treatments induced the recruitment of NK cells from peripheral blood into liver tissues. NK cell depletion blocked a series of immune cascades (including CD8+ CD127+ T cells) and inhibited hepatocyte injury effectively in I/R and liver transplantation models. We further found that I/R treatment increased hepatic expression of the ligands for natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), a primary activating cell surface receptor in NK cells. Blockade of NKG2D showed a similar protective effect against I/R injury, indicating its role in NK cell activation and the subsequent immunological injury. Our findings built a bridge for the translation from innate immune response to EAD at the bedside. Peripheral NK cell shift is associated with the incidence of EAD after liver transplantation. NKG2D‐mediated NK cell activation is a potential therapeutic target.
White etching area damage induced by shear localization in rolling contact fatigue of bearing steel
Authors: Chen Jin‐Hua , Xie Chao , Li Shu‐Xin , Lu Si‐Yuan
Published: October 2023

White etching area (WEA) is a primary damage in rolling contact fatigue (RCF) of bearing steels. In spite of extensive investigations, there is a large discrepancy in the existing mechanisms of WEA formation. We attempt to unify the mechanisms from the perspective of shear localization and plastic damage accumulation based on ductile damage. RCF tests were conducted to generate WEAs with various microstructures and compositions. A thermodynamically consistent model of the ductile damage evolution from an inclusion was established by developing the phase field damage coupled with the crystal elastic‐viscoplastic constitutive relationship under RCF. The model was implemented into the FE framework through a user materials subroutine. The results indicated that the WEA is the shear band resulting from shear localization. The large inhomogeneity and scatter in WEA's microstructure are due to the influence of the crystal orientation. The development and orientation of SBs predicted by the model and the experimental observation of the WEA are in good agreement. The large micro‐shear strain in the WEA provides the driving force for mechanically controlled austenite phase transformation. The shear band center, which has the largest strain and the least stress, is where cracks initiate. This demonstrates that contrary to earlier reports that WEA is induced by previously formed crack faces friction, cracks actually initiate from the interior of the WEA.
Recent advances in hepatitis A virus research and clinical practice guidelines for hepatitis A virus infection in Japan
Authors: Kanda Tatsuo , Sasaki‐Tanaka Reina , Ishii Koji , Suzuki Ryosuke , Inoue Jun , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Nakamoto Shingo , Abe Ryuzo , Fujiwara Keiichi , Yokosuka Osamu , Li Tian‐Cheng , Kunita Satoshi , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Okamoto Hiroaki ,   The AMED HAV and HEV Study Group
Published: October 2023

In 2018, there was a hepatitis A outbreak in Japan, and hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is considered a sexually transmitted disease. In general, patients with hepatitis A should be given attention, and this disease should be prevented more than ever. The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) Hepatitis A and E viruses (HAV and HEV) Study Group has worked on the project to create “Recent Advances in Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Research and Clinical Practice Guidelines for HAV Infection in Japan”. The group consists of expert hepatologists and virologists who gathered at virtual meeting on August 5, 2023. Data about the pathogenesis, infection routes, diagnosis, complications, several factors for the severities, vaccination, and current and future treatments for hepatitis A were discussed and debated for a draft version. The participants assessed the quality of cited studies. The finalized recommendations are presented in this review. The recent advances in HAV research and clinical practice for HAV infection in Japan, have been reviewed by the AMED HAV and HEV Study Group.
‘We have no services for you… so you have to make the best out of it’: A qualitative study of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome patients’ dissatisfaction with healthcare services
Authors: Melby Line , Nair Roshan das
Published: October 2023

Introduction

People should have access to healthcare services that are effective, safe and secure, patient‐centred, and coordinated and continuous. One group that has consistently reported negative experiences and feels dissatisfied with services are patients with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME)/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The objective of this study was to develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of dissatisfaction among ME/CFS patients and explore the reasons for such dissatisfaction.

Methods

We conducted in‐depth interviews with 48 people from 24 households (comprising patients and family members), providing insight into the experiences of 37 ME/CFS sufferers in Norway. The participants were purposively sampled and included persons of different ages, genders, time since having the condition (3–30 years), and severity.

Results

Four main themes were developed: (1) ‘Nonexistent services’ cover patients’ experience that healthcare services had nothing to offer them after receiving their ME/CFS‐diagnosis. (2) ‘Nonpersonalised services’ documents experiences where patients did receive services, which in theory was appropriate for relieving a specific health problem, but in practice were experienced as inappropriate because they were not adapted to the patient's need. (3) ‘Slow services’ address patients’ experience of getting services too late (or too little) to be useful. (4) ‘Wrong services’ comprise patients’ experiences of being offered and/or ‘forced’ to accept services that they felt were inappropriate for their health problems.

Conclusions

Providers’ lacking knowledge of the condition and lack of precise recommendations for follow up may partly explain unsatisfactory experiences. Providers’ belief (or disbelief) in the condition could furthermore influence caregiving. Also, systemic issues in the healthcare sector, like high workloads and bureaucracy, can negatively affect care provision. Finally, users’ unsatisfactory experiences may also be due to a lack of patient involvement in the design of such services. Further research should investigate how patients can be involved in service design, and also providers’ perspectives on caregiving and the barriers they experience for providing high‐quality care.

Patient or Public Contribution

The ME‐patient organisation suggested research topics to the call from which this study got funding. Patients and caregivers provided feedback during analysis and interpretation of data.
Effect of radiation therapy during surgery on postoperative wound complications after breast reconstruction in patients with breast cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Na , Liu Lihao , Qin Yuan , Xie Yao
Published: October 2023

Breast remodelling is a major therapeutic choice in radical mastectomy. Breast reconstruction is regarded as a promising option for the treatment of breast cancer. The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to investigate the effect of Post mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) on postoperative wound complications in breast carcinoma. A comprehensive review of documents was conducted between the date of establishment and the 28th of August 2023. In all of the trials, patients were treated with breast cancer. The researchers chose 11 publications out of 8068 related studies. Two researchers examined these publications to satisfy the inclusion criteria. Among the 516 patients who had received radiation therapy in the course of the operation, 1772 had not received radiation therapy. The impact of radiation therapy and non‐radiation therapy in breast cancer patients after breast reconstruction was reported in 8 studies, and the incidence of postoperative wound infection in non‐radiation group was significantly lower (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.26–3.02 p = 0.003). In nine studies, There is not considered to have achieved statistical significance between radiation therapy and non‐radiation treatment for post‐operation wound dehiscence in breast cancer patients who had received chemotherapy (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 0.70–3.72 p = 0.27). The results of six trials demonstrated that radiation therapy and non‐radiation therapy had no statistical significance on post‐operation haemorrhage in breast cancer patients (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.42–2.47 p = 0.96). The results of 7 trials demonstrated that radiation therapy and non‐radiation therapy had no significant impact on the post‐operation of skin necrosis (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.66–2.28 p = 0.53). Two trials demonstrated that those without radiation therapy were less likely than those who received radiation therapy in skin contracture in patients (OR, 7.24; 95% CI, 1.80–29.10 p = 0.005). Regarding the incidence of wound infection and cutaneous contraction was higher in the radiation group.
Entrepreneurial Cognition, Entrepreneurial Orientation and Firm Capability in the Creative Industries
Authors: Chaston Ian , Sadler‐Smith Eugene
Published: October 2023

Creative industries are firms which are characterized largely by the labour inputs of creative individuals, and surrounded by a degree of rhetoric as to their significance, but are a comparatively under‐researched sector. In this study we developed a research framework which integrated entrepreneurial cognition, entrepreneurial orientation and firm capabilities and explored the relationships between these variables, market conditions and the performance of small creative industry enterprises. The data suggest that high growth small firms are characterized by well‐developed internal capabilities allied to an entrepreneurial orientation and that the combination of the various sub‐attributes associated with each of these appear to be especially salient under conditions of intense competition. The policies, managerial and educational implications of the findings are discussed.
Novel high entropy (Y0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Er0.2Ho0.2)3NbO7 nanofibers with ultralow thermal conductivity
Authors: Sun Xiaoning , Sun Guoxun , Huang Meng
Published: October 2023

Thermal insulation materials can provide thermal protection in extreme environments. Ceramic fibers have played an important role in the thermal protection field at high temperatures due to the advantages of low density, high strength, low thermal conductivity, and excellent thermal stability. In this work, high entropy (Y0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Er0.2Ho0.2)3NbO7 (5RE3NbO7) nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning and subsequent calcination. Defective fluorite‐structured 5RE3NbO7 nanofibers were obtained when heated at 900°C. The research indicates that 5RE3NbO7 nanofiber based porous ceramics present an ultralow thermal conductivity (0.0992 W/m·K, porosity of 78.18%), good thermal stability, and high spectral reflectance, which establish the foundation for applications in thermal insulation.
Academic nurses' transition across an academic career: A qualitative study
Authors: Barken Tina Lien , Robstad Nastasja
Published: October 2023

Aim

The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of nurse academics' experiences with the transition from clinical practice to academia and throughout their whole career trajectory.

Design

Qualitative study design.

Methods

Three focus group interviews with 17 nurse academics employed at a University in Norway were conducted in May and June 2020. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Nurse academics experienced several diverse career transitions that continued throughout their whole career trajectory, affecting their daily life. Three interconnected themes were identified: ‘clinically confident, yet academically uncertain’, ‘balancing the academic role’ and ‘lost in academic transition’.

Conclusion

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of nurse academics' experiences of transitioning into their academic role and identity. Transition was found not as separate occurrences but was described as several ongoing and concurrent processes throughout their whole career trajectory regardless of seniority level or academic experience. These transitions encompass shifts in identity, new responsibilities and increased tasks, yet often occur without adequate support. As a result, nurse academics may lack the essential skills and knowledge of the academic role.

Impact

This study provides insights into nurse academics' transition from clinical practice to academia and throughout their whole career trajectory. This is not a one‐time occurrence but a continuous process that takes place throughout their entire career trajectory. This transition is embedded within a complex environment that requires careful consideration and attention. To address challenges regarding career transitions for nurse academics, universities should provide more training and preparation opportunities for all nurse academics when facing different career transitions.

Reporting Method

Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
The Present Functions and the Future Persistence of Planning Agency
Authors: Ferrero Luca
Published: October 2023

Following Bratman, I distinguish between the Cummins or component‐function of the planning capacity (its role as a component of larger forms of practical organizations) and its Wright or existence‐function – the planning capacity's effect that explains its existence. I agree with Bratman that these functions are distinct. The planning capacity's role within larger practical organizations need not explain its origin. But I argue that the distinction is less stark for future‐oriented existence‐functions, which concern the future persistence and stability of the capacity. In mature practical organizations, component‐functions usually give rise to matching future‐oriented existence‐functions, given that pressures for the persistence of practical organizations transfer to their components (such as the planning capacity) because of their component‐functions. But in the special case of individual temporally extended agency, there is an even stronger alignment of functions. The planning capacity and individual temporally extended agency are part of an inextricable package. The capacity is not just a distinct component. This entails that, within individual agency, the two functions merge and the planning capacity is the primary rather than the derivative target of pressures of persistence, care, and value. Or so I speculatively conjecture.
Understanding the influence of medical education on physician geographic disposition: A qualitative study of family physician perspectives in Canada
Authors: Grierson Lawrence , Elma Asiana , Aggarwal Monica , Bakker Dorothy , Johnston Neil , Agarwal Gina
Published: October 2023

Rationale

Primary care access challenges are experienced by many communities. In several jurisdictions, including Canada, family physicians (FP) have the professional autonomy to organize their practice in alignment with professional and personal interests. Although system‐level interventions are tremendously important, investment in upstream interventions associated with the medical education of graduating FPs is a promising strategy for ameliorating primary healthcare access challenges.

Aims and Objectives

This study investigates the medical education experiences that influence FP's decisions about practice locations in Canada.

Methods

We conducted semistructured interviews with FPs who completed undergraduate and postgraduate medical training in Canada and now have a practice in Ontario, Canada. Interview data were coded and analysed using an unconstrained descriptive approach.

Results

FPs preferred practice locations are intimately tied to their desired practice scope. Practice preferences were shaped through training experiences with patient populations, heightened clinical responsibilities, practice models and locations, professional mentorships and networks. Proximity to family, partner and lifestyle preferences, cultural connections and the available practice opportunities also shaped practice location decisions.

Conclusion

Medical education influences the identification and refinement of professional family practice preferences. Health workforce policies and interventions should leverage medical education to promote more equitable primary healthcare access.
Staining protocols affect use of otolith to estimate the demography of the damselfish sergeant major (Abudefduf vaigiensis)
Authors: Rigg Alexander L. , Bellotto Clara , Fowler Ashley M. , Booth David J.
Published: October 2023

This study assessed the otolith (sagittae, lapilli, and asterisci) increment deposition rate in the range‐shifting damselfish, A. vaigiensis, using different concentrations of Alizain Red S and evaluated the impact of staining on increment width. Daily increment deposition was verified in all otolith types and presented clearer fluorescent markings in the lapilli and sagittae than the asterisci, with high stain concentration showing the best clarity. Higher stain concentrations were found to decrease increment width, suggesting care is needed when using stained otoliths as a proxy for growth for this species.
Heart rate as an indicator of stress during the critical swimming speed test of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Yousaf Muhammad Naveed , Røn Øyvind , Keitel‐Gröner Frederike , McGurk Charles , Obach Alex
Published: October 2023

A swim tunnel is to fish as a treadmill is to humans, and is a device used for indirect measuring of the metabolic rate. This study aims to explore the fish stress (if any) during the critical swimming test routines (fish handling, confinement, and swimming) using heart rate (fH, heartbeat per minute) bio‐loggers in farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). In addition, the recovery dynamics of exercised fish using fH were explored for 48 h post swim tests. Continuous fH data were acquired following the surgical implantation and throughout the trials, such as during fish handling, swim tests (critical swimming speed, Ucrit), and 48 h post swim tests. After 3 weeks of surgical recovery, fH stabilized at 46.20 ± 1.26 beats min−1, equalizing a ~38% reduction in fH recorded post‐surgical tachycardia (74.13 ± 1.44 beats min−1). Interestingly, fH was elevated by ~200% compared to baseline levels not only due to the Ucrit (92.04 ± 0.23 beats min−1) but also due to fish handling and confinement in the swim tunnel, which was 66% above the baseline levels (77.48 ± 0.34 beats min−1), suggesting fish stress. Moreover, significantly higher plasma cortisol levels (199.56 ± 77.17 ng mL−1) corresponding to a ~300% increase compared to baseline levels (47.92 ± 27.70 ng mL−1) were identified after Ucrit, predicting post‐swim test stress (physiological exhaustion). These findings reinforce the importance of fish acclimation in the swim tunnel prior to the swimming tests. However, fH dropped over the course of the 48‐h post‐swim test, but remained comparatively higher than the basal levels, suggesting fish should be given at least 48 h to recover from handling stress for better fish welfare. This study further explored the influence of fish tagging on Ucrit, which resulted in reduced swimming capabilities of tagged fish (1.95 ± 0.37 body lengths s−1) compared to untagged fish (2.54 ± 0.42 body length s−1), although this was not significant (p = 0.06), and therefore future tagging studies are warranted.
The importance of transparency: Declaring the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in academic writing
Authors: Tang Arthur , Li Kin‐Kit , Kwok Kin On , Cao Liujiao , Luong Stanley , Tam Wilson
Published: October 2023

The integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into academic research writing has revolutionized the field, offering powerful tools like ChatGPT and Bard to aid researchers in content generation and idea enhancement. We explore the current state of transparency regarding generative AI use in nursing academic research journals, emphasizing the need for explicitly declaring the use of generative AI by authors in the manuscript. Out of 125 nursing studies journals, 37.6% required explicit statements about generative AI use in their authors' guidelines. No significant differences in impact factors or journal categories were found between journals with and without such requirement. A similar evaluation of medicine, general and internal journals showed a lower percentage (14.5%) including the information about generative AI usage. Declaring generative AI tool usage is crucial for maintaining the transparency and credibility in academic writing. Additionally, extending the requirement for AI usage declarations to journal reviewers can enhance the quality of peer review and combat predatory journals in the academic publishing landscape. Our study highlights the need for active participation from nursing researchers in discussions surrounding standardization of generative AI declaration in academic research writing.
Occurrence of wilt disease caused by Fusarium proliferatum on carnation in Türkiye
Authors: Cer Ceren , Benlioglu Seher
Published: October 2023

During the survey in greenhouse‐cut flower carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) areas in Izmir, wilted carnation samples were collected from 92 greenhouses. A total of 95 Fusarium spp. isolates were obtained from carnation greenhouses, 80 had been identified as Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. dianthi and published earlier, while the remaining 15 were identified as Fusarium proliferatum (Fp) based on morphological and molecular analysis using TEF1‐α gene sequences in this study. The prevalence of wilting disease of carnation caused by Fp was estimated to be 16.3% of the total area. Pathogenicity tests were conducted by dipping the carnation roots (cv. Turbo) in a spore suspension of monoconidial isolates and transplanting them into pots. Pathogenicity studies confirmed the ability of all Fp to cause symptoms of wilting, leaves and stems shriving. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences from the translation elongation factor 1α (TEF‐1 α) region of the 15 Fp isolates obtained from carnation formed a large clade of isolates originating from carnation and a wide range of other hosts in different geographical locations worldwide. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. proliferatum causing wilt disease of carnation based on molecular identification in Türkiye.
Impact of repeated short light exposures on sustained pupil responses in an fMRI environment
Authors: Beckers Elise , Campbell Islay , Sharifpour Roya , Paparella Ilenia , Berger Alexandre , Aizpurua Jose Fermin Balda , Koshmanova Ekaterina , Mortazavi Nasrin , Talwar Puneet , Sherif Siya , Jacobs Heidi I. L. , Vandewalle Gilles
Published: October 2023

Light triggers numerous non‐image‐forming, or non‐visual, biological effects. The brain correlates of these non‐image‐forming effects have been investigated, notably using magnetic resonance imaging and short light exposures varying in irradiance and spectral quality. However, it is not clear whether non‐image‐forming responses estimation may be biased by having light in sequential blocks, for example, through a potential carryover effect of one light onto the next. We reasoned that pupil light reflex was an easy readout of one of the non‐image‐forming effects of light that could be used to address this issue. We characterised the sustained pupil light reflex in 13–16 healthy young individuals under short light exposures during three distinct cognitive processes (executive, emotional and attentional). Light conditions pseudo‐randomly alternated between monochromatic orange light (0.16 melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance lux) and polychromatic blue‐enriched white light of three different levels (37, 92, 190 melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance lux). As expected, higher melanopic irradiance was associated with larger sustained pupil light reflex in each cognitive domain. This result was stable over the light sequence under higher melanopic irradiance levels compared with lower ones. Exploratory frequency‐domain analyses further revealed that sustained pupil light reflex was more variable under lower melanopic irradiance levels. Importantly, sustained pupil light reflex varied across tasks independently of the light condition, pointing to a potential impact of light history and/or cognitive context on sustained pupil light reflex. Together, our results emphasise that the distinct contribution and adaptation of the different retinal photoreceptors influence the non‐image‐forming effects of light and therefore potentially their brain correlates.
Increasing fibre in white flour and bread: Implications for health and processing
Authors: Shewry Peter R. , Joy Edward J. M. , De La Revilla Lucia Segovia , Hansen Annalene , Brennan Joe , Lovegrove Alison
Published: October 2023

Dietary fibre is beneficial for human health, but dietary intakes are below recommended levels in most countries. Cereals are the major source of dietary fibre in Western diets, with bread providing about 20% of the daily intake in the United Kingdom. Despite the promotion of fibre‐rich wholegrain products, white bread (which has a lower fibre content) remains dominant in many countries due to cultural preferences. Increasing the fibre content of white bread and other products made from white flour is therefore an attractive strategy for increasing fibre intake. This can be achieved by exploiting genetic variation in wheat without major effects on the processing quality or the consumer acceptability of products. Modelling data for food consumption in the United Kingdom shows that increasing the fibre content of white flour by 50% (from about 4% to 6% dry weight) and in wholegrain by 20% will increase total fibre intake by 1.04 g/day and 1.41 g/day in adult females and males, respectively. Furthermore, in vitro studies indicate that the increased fibre content of white bread should reduce the rate of starch digestion and glucose release in the human gastrointestinal tract.
Successful treatment of seronegative immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy developing during pregnancy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Hayashi Yuto , Ozono Tatsuhiko , Beck Goichi , Yonenobu Yuki , Yamashita Rika , Ikenaka Kensuke , Okuno Tatsusada , Murayama Shigeo , Mochizuki Hideki
Published: October 2023

Immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by limb weakness, markedly elevated serum creatine kinase (CK), and muscle fiber necrosis without lymphocytic infiltration. Here, we present a case of IMNM that developed during pregnancy. The patient was treated immediately with systemic corticosteroids, and muscle weakness and serum CK levels were improved without adverse effects on the pregnancy. As there are only a few reports of IMNM during pregnancy, the clinical course and treatment of IMNM during pregnancy are discussed with a review of the literature.
Asynchronous neural maturation predicts transition to psychosis
Authors: Iftimovici Anton , Bourgin Julie , Houenou Josselin , Gay Olivier , Grigis Antoine , Victor Julie , Chaumette Boris , Krebs Marie‐Odile , Duchesnay Edouard ,   for the ICAAR‐plus Study Group
Published: October 2023

Aim

Neuroimaging‐based machine‐learning predictions of psychosis onset rely on the hypothesis that structural brain anomalies may reflect the underlying pathophysiology. Yet, current predictors remain difficult to interpret in light of brain structure. Here, we combined an advanced interpretable supervised algorithm and a model of neuroanatomical age to identify the level of brain maturation of the regions most predictive of psychosis.

Methods

We used the voxel‐based morphometry of a healthy control dataset (N = 2024) and a prospective longitudinal UHR cohort (N = 82), of which 27 developed psychosis after one year. In UHR, psychosis was predicted at one year using Elastic‐Net‐Total‐Variation (Enet‐TV) penalties within a five‐fold cross‐validation, providing an interpretable map of distinct predictive regions. Using both the whole brain and each predictive region separately, a brain age predictor was then built and validated in 1605 controls, externally tested in 419 controls from an independent cohort, and applied in UHR. Brain age gaps were computed as the difference between chronological and predicted age, providing a proxy of whole‐brain and regional brain maturation.

Results

Psychosis prediction was performant with 80 ± 4% of area‐under‐curve and 69 ± 5% of balanced accuracy (P < 0.001), and mainly leveraged volumetric increases in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and decreases in the left precentral gyrus and the right orbitofrontal cortex. These regions were predicted to have delayed and accelerated maturational patterns, respectively.

Conclusion

By combining an interpretable supervised model of conversion to psychosis with a brain age predictor, we showed that inter‐regional asynchronous brain maturation underlines the predictive signature of psychosis.
Emerging technologies revolutionising disease diagnosis and monitoring in aquatic animal health
Authors: Bohara Kailash , Joshi Pabitra , Acharya Krishna Prasad , Ramena Grace
Published: October 2023

In recent years, aquaculture has seen tremendous growth worldwide due to technological advancements, leading to research and development of various innovations. Aquaculture farmers prioritise early diagnosis for timely treatment to achieve better productive and economic performance. Aquatic animal health experts still employ traditional diagnostic methods using visual diagnosis, cell culture, media culture, histopathology and serology. However, the developments of technologies in aquamedicine, such as sequencing, biosensors and CRISPR, have enabled rapid disease detection within minutes. Furthermore, integrating sensors, drones, artificial intelligence and the internet in aquaculture farm monitoring has helped farmers take decisive actions to improve production. Advancements in diagnostic techniques have significantly enhanced the efficient detection of bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal diseases in aquatic animals. Moreover, monitoring water quality, aquatic animal health and animal behaviour on farms has become exceptionally streamlined with cutting‐edge tools like drones, sensors and artificial intelligence. Summarising research and development in aquatic animal health and monitoring aids efficient technology adoption in aquaculture. With these advanced technologies' continued development and adoption in developed countries, the aquaculture industry is experiencing growth and increased efficiency, benefiting farmers and consumers in these regions. However, farmers and educators in developing countries lack information about these technologies. Training of agricultural educators and efficient dissemination of knowledge and technologies through advertising and publication in collaboration with companies is essential. This review delves into emerging technologies capable of replacing the conventional diagnostic and monitoring methods utilised in aquaculture. We also explore their strengths, limitations and potential future applications within aquaculture settings.
Educational impact of COVID‐19 on foundation doctors and the decision to take a break from structured approved training programmes in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kilday Colin , Laughey William , Boland Jason W.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic impacted the Foundation Programme for doctors in the United Kingdom. Foundation doctors were working under increased pressure and significant changes were made to their training.

Aims

The aim of this study is to explore the educational impact the COVID‐19 pandemic had on foundation doctors and to understand how this resulted in doctors choosing to take time away from structured training programmes within the United Kingdom to make up for lost educational opportunities.

Methods

In this phenomenological research, semi‐structured interviews were carried out with post‐foundation doctors who had completed their training during the pandemic. The data collected from these interviews were coded to carry out a thematic analysis.

Results

All 12 participants reported that their formalised teaching had been cancelled, and due to the pandemic, many doctors felt that service provision was prioritised over their postgraduate education. Some doctors had positive experiences of informal teaching; however, many felt they missed out on educational opportunities. Doctors acknowledged that this was a contributing factor when deciding to take time out of training. This also resulted in doctors seeking educational opportunities outside of training.

Discussion

The pandemic created many educational challenges for foundation doctors; this has contributed to doctors deciding to take time away from training. In some cases, due to a focus on service provision and their ‘lost education’, doctors are using time away from training to address their own specific educational needs. The impact of this ‘lost education’ requires further research and needs to be considered when doctors do apply to speciality training.
Refracciones : ensayos sobre Katy Chamorro, la bailarina
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Fonseca García Sara Regina
Published: October 2023

Refracciones' se fundamenta en una idea de diálogo, es una apuesta a la investigación práctica que se propone entablar una conversación con Katy Chamorro, con su danza, con su energía y, particularmente, con su obra 'De las antiguas historias de Quiché-caminantes'. Este diálogo busca hacer énfasis en la subjetividad de su sentido y en la implicación de las miradas que comparte con nosotros Katy y su memoria. Me refiero con esto a las miradas de cada miembro del equipo de trabajo, así como la misma mirada de Katy Chamorro, quien es también una visitante de su propia obra. A través de metodologías orientadas hacia la reconstrucción, la variación, la escritura reflexiva y la creación, este equipo de trabajo logra integrar lo efímero a la investigación en danza, comprendiendo que este trabajo se puede llevar a cabo desde el mismo cuerpo, desde su subjetividad y un universo de posibilidades intuitivas.
Physical vapor deposition simulator by graphical processor unit ray casting
Authors: Thomas Adam R. , Kotadiya Naresh B. , Wang Binyu , Dhakal Tara P.
Published: October 2023

This paper presents fast, accurate software for modeling physical vapor deposition systems over irregular surfaces. The model is implemented using graphics processing unit (GPU) ray casting. Applied models are viewed as a cross section of the area of interest. Given evaporation rate, time, and angular profiles in a vacuum system, an iterative time-step approach for calculating deposition profiles is calculated in the GPU architecture following a ballistic modeling approach. Thin-film technologies for the electronics industry will require evaporations on complex surfaces. Depending on the nature of the surface, a uniform thin film across the topology is wanted for various device parameters. The ray casting method is tested against various profiles. The code is freely distributed on GitHub (see https://github.com/adam-r-thomas/PVDS).
Draft genome sequence of
Janibacter limosus
strain RCAM05316 isolated from Shulgan-Tash cave lime mud
Authors: Sazanova Anna , Belimov Andrey , Gogolev Yuri , Chirak Elizaveta , Afonin Alexey , Karlov Denis , Kuznetsova Irina , Guro Polina , Tikhomirova Nina , Safronova Vera
Published: October 2023

The Shulgan-Tash (Kapova) cave is a unique object for scientific research. In this article, we report the draft genome sequence of
Janibacter limosus
strain P1(28)-3 (RCAM05316) isolated from cave lime mud, Russia (53° 2′ 0″ N, 57° 3′ 0″ E). The sequence was obtained using Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION.
Screening and combination selection of multifunctional actinomycetes for aerobic composting
Authors: Zhao Zixiao , Liu Huanzhang , Zhao Suxing , Liu Huiqia , Han Yuer , Liu Jianchai
Published: October 2023

To screen the most effective combination of multipurpose actinomycete strains for aerobic composting, lignocellulose-degrading strains were obtained through enrichment culture, separation and purification, and multiselection culture. The isolated strains were identified on the basis of morphology and 16S rRNA gene sequencing and comparison. The obtained actinomycetes were screened for the lignocellulose degradation rate, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide removal rate, and cellulase activity. Subsequently, a combination of strains with ecological coordination and complementary functions was determined through antagonistic tests. The combined strains were subjected to a straw fermentation test to evaluate their degradation effect. As a result, 20 strains of actinomycetes were isolated and identified from more than 56 samples from different sources, including 18 strains of
Streptomyces
sp. and 2 strains of
Nocardiopsis
sp. After a number of screenings, eight strains of actinomycetes with strong function were obtained. From the results of function and antagonistic tests, strains A3, A7, A8, A11, and A16 were selected to form consortia. The straw fermentation test showed that the lignocellulose degradation rate of the strain combination was as high as 39.8%, which was significantly higher than that of eachevery single strain (
P
< 0.05). The screened multifunctional actinomycete strains and their combination enriched the actinomycete germplasm resources used for microbial enhanced aerobic composting.

IMPORTANCE

With the development of animal husbandry in China, the production of a large amount of livestock and poultry manure has become one of the main agricultural pollution sources. High-temperature aerobic composting stands out as one of the most crucial methods for the safe and resourceful utilization of livestock and poultry manure, serving as an essential link between crop cultivation, animal breeding, and sustainable agricultural development. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the addition of exogenous multifunctional bacterial agents to compost reduces not only harmful emissions but also sequesters or increases essential nutrients. However, these efficacies depend on the specific functions of the bacteriophage itself, the harmonization and complementarity within the colony, and its ability to adapt to the environment. In recent years, relatively few studies have been conducted on actinomycetes. This experiment provides excellent actinomycete resources for the production of high-efficiency and high-quality compost compound microbial agents of manure and straw.
Dynamical forms of various optical soliton solutions and other solitons for the new Schrödinger equation in optical fibers using two distinct efficient approaches
Authors: Niwas Monika , Dhiman Shubham Kumar , Kumar Sachin
Published: October 2023

In this work, the new nonlinear [Formula: see text]-dimensional Schrödinger (NLS) equation, which describes wave propagation in optical fibers, has been successfully studied using the [Formula: see text]-expansion method and the Unified method (UM). These techniques have been applied for the first time in extracting new analytic solutions for the mentioned NLS equation. The obtained solutions exhibit various types of optical solitons, including singular solitons, solitary waves, periodic solitons, and wave collisions. These solutions have wide-ranging applications in various fields such as fiber optics, telecommunication systems, plasma physics, hydrodynamics, and nonlinear optics. The behavior of the derived solutions has been visually represented using three-dimensional, two-dimensional, and contour plots, considering appropriate choices of the involved parameters within specific time intervals. These plots provide insights into the dynamics and characteristics of the solutions. The effectiveness, reliability, and ease of application of the [Formula: see text]-expansion method and the UM are demonstrated through the obtained solutions. These mathematical tools have proven to be powerful in solving nonlinear partial differential equations, offering valuable contributions to the field of mathematical physics, soliton theory and nonlinear sciences.
Analysis of Zero–Hopf Bifurcation in a Simple Jerk System
Authors: Guo Biyao , Zhou Yan , Zhang Wei , Liu Yu
Published: October 2023

This work aims to study the zero–Hopf bifurcation of a jerk system with four real parameters. Some sufficient conditions of the emergence of periodic orbit and its stability at zero–Hopf equilibrium point are obtained by averaging theory.
A Novel 4D Conservative Chaotic System with Hidden Extreme Multistability, Special Multitransient Behaviors, and Offset Boosting Behaviors
Authors: Li Xinyu , Fan Chunlei , Zeng Jian , Ding Qun
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we propose a novel 4D conservative chaotic system with a variety of interesting dynamic behaviors. By analyzing the divergence, Lyapunov exponent, equilibrium point and K-Y dimension of the proposed system, it is found that the system has hidden attractors and conservative characteristics. When the control parameters and initial values of the 4D conservative chaotic system are set to different values, the system shows hidden extreme multistability and offset boosting behaviors. In addition, in the case of fixed control parameters, when different initial values are selected, the system exhibits a variety of special transient transition behaviors, including quasi-periodic to periodic, quasi-periodic to hyperchaotic state. Subsequently, compared with existing systems, the complexity analysis of the chaotic sequence shows that the proposed system has a significant improvement in terms of sequence complexity. Finally, the system is implemented through a DSP hardware platform, preparing for subsequent engineering applications.