bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemical Signatures of Igneous Zircon and Apatite: Generation of Archean TTGs in the Barberton Granitoid‐Greenstone Terrain, South Africa
Authors: Miyake Shiho , Aoki Kazumasa , Komiya Tsuyoshi , Aoki Shogo , Fukuyama Mayuko , Ogasawara Masatsugu
Published: October 2024

We performed isotopic and trace element analyses of zircons and apatites from the Inyoni, Batavia, and Badplaas tonalites, trondhjemites and granodiorites series (TTG) in the Barberton Granitoid‐Greenstone Terrain (BGGT), South Africa using laser‐ablation inductively‐coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry to investigate Archean tectono‐magmatism. The U–Pb ages obtained from these minerals are consistent with previously reported ages ranging from ca. 3.28 to 3.23 Ga. The chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of zircons and apatites enabled us to identify grains with primary information on TTG magmatism. Trace element characteristics, such as Sr/Y and Ti concentrations from primary grains, indicated that Inyoni TTG magmas coexisted with eclogite residue, whereas Badplaas and Batavia TTG magmas coexisted with garnet‐amphibolite residue during the early formation stages. Furthermore, Lu–Hf isotope data, combined with the U/Yb‐Nb/Yb data from zircons, suggested that the tectonic settings for TTG generation involved a subduction‐type environment accompanied by crustal reworking. This implies that horizontal plate movement played a significant role in the TTG tectono‐magmatism, and the subduction of old and cold plates facilitated slab melting under eclogite facies conditions, leading to TTG generation on the Archean Earth.
Effectiveness of surgical interventions for managing obesity in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis framed using minimal important difference estimates based on GRADE guidance to inform a clinical practice guideline
Authors: Oei Krista , Johnston Bradley C. , Ball Geoff D. C. , Fitzpatrick‐Lewis Donna , Usman Ali , Sherifali Diana , Esmaeilinezhad Zahra , Merdad Roah , Dettmer Elizabeth , Erdstein Julius , Langer Jacob C. , Birken Catherine , Henderson Mélanie , Moore Sarah A. , Morrison Katherine M. , Hamilton Jill ,   the Steering Committee for Updating the Canadian Clinical Practice Guideline for Managing Pediatric Obesity
Published: October 2024

Objective

To summarize the literature on bariatric surgery for managing pediatric obesity, including intervention effects to improve patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), cardiometabolic risk factors, anthropometry, and assess adverse events (AEs).

Methods

Eligible studies were published between January 2012 and January 2022 and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational (controlled and uncontrolled) studies before and after surgery with a mean age <18 years old. Outcomes and subgroups were selected a priori by stakeholders; estimates of effect for outcomes were presented relative to minimal important differences (MIDs) and GRADE certainty of evidence. We examined data on PROMs, cardiometabolic risk factors, anthropometry, and AEs. Subgroup analyses examined outcomes by follow‐up duration and surgical technique, when possible.

Results

Overall, 63 publications (43 original studies) met our inclusion criteria (n = 6128 participants; 66% female). Studies reported six different surgical techniques that were evaluated using uncontrolled single arm observational (n = 49), controlled observational (n = 13), and RCT (n = 1) designs. Most studies included short‐term follow‐up (<18 months) only. PROMs were measured in 12 (28%) studies. Surgery led to large improvements in health‐related quality of life compared to baseline and control groups, and moderate to very large improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors compared to baseline. Large to very large improvements in BMIz were noted compared to baseline across all follow‐up periods. There was limited evidence of AEs with most reporting mild or non‐specific AEs; serious AEs were uncommon.

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery demonstrated primarily moderate to very large improvements across diverse outcomes with limited evidence of AEs, albeit with low to moderate certainty of evidence.
Associations of childhood physical activity and screen time with cardiometabolic health in preteens who were born to mothers with previous macrosomic delivery: Findings from the ROLO longitudinal birth cohort study
Authors: Callanan Sophie , Killeen Sarah Louise , Delahunt Anna , O'Brien Eileen C. , Geraghty Aisling A. , Cushion Rosemary , Gainfort Amy , Crowley Rachel K. , Twomey Patrick J. , McDonnell Ciara M. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M.
Published: October 2024

Background

Macrosomia (birthweight ≥4 kg) may alter the associations of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) throughout childhood with later cardiometabolic risk.

Objective

To investigate associations of PA and ST over a 4–6‐year follow‐up period with cardiometabolic outcomes in preteens (9–11‐year‐olds) who were born to mothers with previous macrosomic delivery.

Methods

This is an analysis of 402 preteens from the ROLO study, who were born to mothers that previously delivered an infant with macrosomia. Parental‐reported measures of PA and ST were obtained in early childhood at 5‐years of age. Preteen self‐reported PA, parental‐reported ST, anthropometry, dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, blood pressure, heart rate, cardiorespiratory endurance, and blood biomarkers were obtained at 9–11‐years. Crude and adjusted linear regression models explored associations and the interaction of birthweight was investigated in all models.

Results

Early childhood PA and ST at the 5‐year follow‐up were not related to preteen cardiometabolic outcomes. In adjusted models, higher preteen PA was associated with lower sum of skinfolds (B = −3.00, 95% CI −5.98, −0.02, p = 0.048) and higher cardiorespiratory endurance (B = 0.50, 95% CI 0.20, 0.80, p = 0.001) at the same time point. No strong evidence for modification by birthweight was found.

Conclusion

Higher preteen PA may have potential benefits for cardiometabolic health, irrespective of birthweight.
Assessing the frontline competency gap: Emergency care perceptions among nurses in Yemen's conflict zone
Authors: Mani Zakaria Ahmed , Innab Adnan , Taleb Fuad
Published: October 2024

Background

Nursing competencies in armed conflict situations are critical for effective response and recovery. This study explores nurses’ perceptions regarding their competencies in armed conflict zones to identify areas of proficiency and those requiring further emphasis in training.

Methods

This cross‐sectional descriptive study adhered to the STROBE reporting guidelines. It used a validated questionnaire examining 47 different competencies for nursing in armed conflict zones, which were subsequently ranked to identify those that were valued most and least.

Results

In total, 102 questionnaires were returned (85% response rate). The highest‐ranked competencies focused on immediate life‐saving interventions and personal safety. In contrast, competencies involving broader disaster management, such as understanding organizational disaster plans, post‐death care, and risk identification, ranked lower. This observation may indicate a tendency to prioritize direct clinical care over strategic planning and long‐term recovery in disaster nursing education.

Conclusion and implications for nursing and health policy

This study highlights the critical need to strengthen emergency care competencies among nurses working in armed conflict zones in Yemen. Its findings underscore the importance of targeted training programs, particularly in complex trauma management and psychological first aid, to address nurses’ self‐identified competency gaps. Policy implications include prioritizing resource allocation for emergency care infrastructure, implementing competency‐based deployment strategies, and ensuring access to mental health support for nurses in working conflict zones. These actions are essential for building a resilient nursing workforce capable of providing quality care amidst the unique challenges of armed conflict.
Effect of BaO on viscosity and structure of B2O3–SiO2–Al2O3–Na2O–BaO glass lubricant
Authors: Cui Lei , Ni Pei‐yuan , Lv Wei , Li Ying
Published: October 2024

Glass lubricant with a suitable viscosity is critical for the efficient production of high‐quality titanium alloy in hot extrusion process. In this study, a new glass lubricant, (30.93‐0.309x)B2O3‐(48.45‐0.485x)SiO2‐(7.22‐0.072x)Al2O3‐(13.4‐0.134x)Na2O‐xBaO (BSANB), was proposed for titanium alloy hot extrusion. The effect of BaO content varying from 0 wt.% to 15 wt.% on its viscosity was investigated, and the mechanism of viscosity change was clarified through melt structure analysis by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. The glass viscosity was measured in the temperature range of 950°C to 1100°C, and the atomic self‐diffusion coefficient of the glass melt was calculated. The results demonstrated that the BaO content has a significant influence on the viscosity of the BSANB glass at the hot extrusion temperature range. The viscosity value at 950°C was decreased by 52.87%, from 103.5 Pa·s to 48.8 Pa·s, when BaO content was increased from 0 wt.% to 15 wt.%. MD simulation results of the BSANB glass show that the self‐diffusion coefficient of Si atoms was lower than that of Al and B atoms, indicating that Si‐O bonds were more stable in the melt. The diffusion coefficient of Si atom was directly related to the rheological behavior of the melt, which can be reflected by the melt viscosity. The results of MD simulation, XPS and Raman spectral fitting at 950°C showed an increase in the amounts of Q1, Q0 and [BO4], while the amounts of Q2, Q3, Q4 and [AlO4] were decreased when BaO content was increased from 0 wt.% to 15 wt.%. This demonstrated that the melt network was depolymerized with an increased BaO content, which determined the melt viscosity change. In addition, the mechanism responsible for glass viscosity reduction due to temperature increase was also discussed.
Enhancing mandarin learning through classroom response apps: A comparison of cognitive and affective factors in touch and shaking responses
Authors: Hong Jon‐Chao , Tai Kai‐Hsin , Tai Tzu‐Yu
Published: October 2024

Background

This study was motivated by the need to enhance Mandarin learning through embodied interactions and physical engagement methods. While most studies confirm the positive effects of touchscreen devices on learning, mixed findings suggest a need for more engaging methods. This research addresses these gaps by exploring the benefits of embodied interaction through the Shaking‐On game app, an embodied question‐response platform, in comparison to Kahoot.

Objectives

To compare the learning effectiveness of the Shaking‐On app, which incorporates physical shaking interactions, with the conventional quiz platform Kahoot in promoting Mandarin learning and positive emotional experiences.

Methods

A total of 158 junior high school students participated in the study, engaging in 15‐minute sessions once a week for 3 weeks in a formal classroom setting. Participants were divided into two groups: one using the Shaking‐On app and the other using Kahoot. The study employed a comparative analysis framework based on achievement emotion theory to evaluate learning outcomes and emotional responses. Furthermore, the classroom response system (CRS) analysis was used to assess the cognitive and affective parameters of the learning tasks in the Shaking‐On app and Kahoot, providing detailed insight into how different interactive tasks contributed to learning.

Results and Conclusions

The results indicated that the Shaking‐On app significantly enhanced Mandarin learning and engagement compared with Kahoot. Participants using Shaking‐On experienced higher levels of interactive situational interest and flow, while test anxiety remained consistent across both groups. These findings suggest that incorporating embodied interactions into digital learning tools can substantially benefit student engagement and learning outcomes. The study indicated that such apps could be effectively integrated into classroom settings to enhance student learning. Educators and game developers are encouraged to integrate such interactive elements to improve the efficacy and appeal of educational applications.
The use of leaderboards in education: A systematic review of empirical evidence in higher education
Authors: Li Chunqi , Liang Lishi , Fryer Luke K. , Shum Alex
Published: October 2024

Background

Leaderboards are among the most popular gamification elements in education. Some studies have implemented leaderboards and reported their individual effects on students' learning. Despite the emergence of relevant empirical studies, most of the existing reviews have only investigated the holistic impact of gamification. No previous systematic reviews were identified examining the individual use of leaderboards.

Objective

To address this gap, this review aims to systematically synthesise the existing empirical evidence concerning leaderboard use in education, examine their designs and effectiveness, and propose leaderboard design recommendations in gamified educational settings.

Method

This systematic review drew upon 20 articles (22 studies; 29 interventions) published from 2014 to 2023.

Results

The results found that using leaderboards can have a beneficial influence on students' learning motivation, engagement, and performance, but their effectiveness largely depends on their designs. Thus, this review examined the effectiveness of specific leaderboard design practices on students' learning and proposed four corresponding leaderboard design recommendations based on well‐established educational and motivational theories as well as pertinent empirical studies.

Discussions and Conclusions

Notably, this review found that all included studies were undertaken in higher education and around half of them had short durations (less than or equal to 1 h). More longitudinal studies in other educational levels (e.g., primary and secondary schools) are thus called for to examine the validity and generalisability of the recommendations proposed.
Local calcium chloride infusion after pulsed field ablation enhances acute efficacy of cardiac electroporation
Authors: Koya Taro , Otsuka Naoto , Tri Jason A. , Sauer William H. , Asirvatham Samuel J. , Nguyen Duy T.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has emerged as an innovative therapy for cardiac arrhythmias. Drawing parallels with PFA's application in solid tumors, calcium chloride (CaCl2) as an adjuvant therapy, known as calcium electroporation, may amplify PFA's apoptotic effects. We propose that PFA in the atrium could enhance calcium uptake through PFA‐created pores, thereby increasing ablation efficacy even at reduced power levels by exploiting PFA's permeabilization effects.

Methods

We conducted in vivo ablations on the atria of seven pigs using low PFA power (250 V, 20 μs for 50 pulses at 200 ms intervals). Post‐PFA, we randomly administered an infusion of either 200 mg/2 ml CaCl2 (calcium group) or saline (control) directly to the ablation site via the catheter tip. We evaluated reduction in electrogram voltage amplitude, electrocardiography (ECG) parameters, ablation lesion parameters, and histology after PFA.

Results

Nineteen lesions from control and calcium groups were examined. Control lesions showed no voltage decrease post‐PFA, whereas calcium‐treated lesions exhibited a significant voltage reduction. Gross pathology indicated marked differences in maximum lesion surface diameter, depth, and volume between the lesion groups. Histologically, calcium group lesions were characterized by a more severe acute PFA response with contraction band necrosis, myocytolysis and nuclear pyknosis in adjacent myocardium, in addition to microhemorrhages.

Conclusion

Infusing calcium chloride locally after PFA markedly improves the immediate efficacy of electroporation in porcine atria. This study suggests that calcium electroporation could bolster PFA outcomes without higher energy levels, potentially diminishing associated risks. These preliminary findings warrant further research into the long‐term efficacy and potential clinical application of calcium electroporation in PFA.
Orthorexia nervosa tendencies and risk of eating disorders among culinary arts students: A comparative study with dietetics students
Authors: Lakritz Clara , Tête Nicolas , Iceta Sylvain , Lafraire Jérémie
Published: October 2024

Background

Students pursuing food‐related academic fields such as dietetics have higher orthorexia nervosa (ON) tendencies and are at a greater risk of developing eating disorders (EDs). However, there is limited research available on ON tendencies and on the risk of EDs in the culinary arts field, which also revolves around food. The present study explored ON tendencies and the risk of EDs among culinary arts students and compared them with those of dietetics students.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in France, using the eating habits questionnaire (EHQ) to measure ON tendencies, and the SCOFF as well as the eating disorders examination questionnaire (EDEQ) to evaluate the risk of EDs and ED symptoms. The study also included questions about sports practice. In total, 267 students participated in the study, including 144 culinary arts students (51 women, 92 men and one other) and 123 dietetics ones (106 women, 15 men and two others).

Results

Culinary arts students exhibited similar means of EHQ scores as dietetics ones (32.99 vs. 33.34) but higher SCOFF scores (52.8% vs. 39.8%). In addition, a gender difference was evidenced: women in culinary arts showed higher EHQ, SCOFF and EDEQ scores than men in culinary arts. Linear regression models showed no effect of the type of academic field (culinary arts vs. dietetics) on the EDEQ score but revealed effects of gender, body mass index and hours of sports practice.

Conclusions

The study emphasises the need to monitor culinary students and implement interventions to prevent EDs. It also suggests a correlation between food‐related education and the risk of EDs, which requires further research.
Awareness, attitude, and acceptance of post placental intra uterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD) among women in Jordan
Authors: Rawashdeh Hasan , Alalawne Tamara , Abujaber Bara , Alshraiedeh Noura , Hamadneh Shereen
Published: October 2024

Aim

To assess the awareness, attitude, and acceptance of the Post Placental Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device (PPIUCD) as an immediate long‐acting contraceptive method among Jordanian women.

Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study was conducted at King Abdulla University Hospital among women attending antenatal clinics after 20 weeks of gestation between January 2020 and May 2021. One thousand and 30 women had completed a structured questionnaire in Arabic.

Results

Only 41.4% of the sample was aware of the PPIUCD. The attitude toward PPIUCD after a brief introduction was 56.3%. Women who had used interval IUCD were 5.82 times more likely to express a positive attitude toward PPIUCD, while postgraduate women were 1.35 times more prone to show the same attitude. Only 34% accepted PPIUCD if offered, whereas the main barrier to acceptance was the false fear of extra complications in 34.5% of the sample. The rate of unintended current pregnancy was 35.8%, where 53.4% were using natural methods.

Conclusions

The rate of awareness of PPIUCD is low among women in Jordan. Antenatal introduction encourages attitude toward PPIUCD.
Absorptive capacity in a more (or less) absorptive environment: A meta‐analysis of contextual effects on firm innovation
Authors: Stettler Tatiana R. , Moosauer Esther J. , Schweiger Simone A. , Baldauf Artur , Audretsch David
Published: October 2024

The effects of the knowledge environment on a firm's ability to acquire, assimilate, transform, and utilize new knowledge—its absorptive capacity (AC)—to produce innovation (INN) have been largely overlooked in prior literature. Drawing on the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship, we conduct a meta‐analysis summarizing findings from 145 empirical studies on 434,985 firms with 798,650 firm‐year observations. We distinguish between knowledge‐rich environments with abundant, easily accessible information; knowledge‐protected environments with high levels of intellectual property rights protection; and knowledge‐intensive environments with high levels of reliance on knowledge. Our study assesses the impact of the environment on the AC–INN relationship. First, we confirm that knowledge‐rich environments create more opportunities to reap innovation benefits from AC compared to knowledge‐scarce environments. Driven by the development of communication technologies and increased information sharing, the effects of AC on innovation are almost twice larger in the smartphone era as they were during the preinternet or early internet era. Second, our analysis indicates that high levels of knowledge protection, as seen in North America and Europe, while safeguarding intellectual property, also dampen positive effects of absorptive capacity on innovation. In environments with less knowledge protection, the effects of AC on innovation are stronger. Finally, our findings suggest that AC is beneficial across industry sectors, but its effects are stronger in less knowledge‐intensive sectors. The mean effect size in low‐tech manufacturing and services is two times larger than in high‐tech industries. Beyond contextual effects, we assess AC's effects on two major creativity outputs: invention, as a breakthrough scientific discovery, and commercialization, as a socially usable and marketable product. Our findings show that AC overall boosts innovation and is more strongly associated with commercialization than with invention. The implications of this study aim to inform practitioners and policymakers and advance future research on knowledge environments.
The importance of integrating phycological research, teaching, outreach, and engagement in a changing world
Authors: Stancheva Rosalina , Cantonati Marco , Manoylov Kalina , Furey Paula C. , Cahoon A. Bruce , Jones R. Christian , Gillevet Pat , Amsler Charles D. , Wehr John D. , Salerno Jennifer L. , Krueger‐Hadfield Stacy A.
Published: October 2024

The ecological, evolutionary, economic, and cultural importance of algae necessitates a continued integration of phycological research, education, outreach, and engagement. Here, we comment on several topics discussed during a networking workshop—Algae and the Environment—that brought together phycological researchers from a variety of institutions and career stages. We share some of our perspectives on the state of phycology by examining gaps in teaching and research. We identify action areas where we urge the phycological community to prepare itself to embrace the rapidly changing world. We emphasize the need for more trained taxonomists as well as integration with molecular techniques, which may be expensive and complicated but are important. An essential benefit of these integrative studies is the creation of high‐quality algal reference barcoding libraries augmented with morphological, physiological, and ecological data that are important for studies of systematics and crucial for the accuracy of the metabarcoding bioassessment. We highlight different teaching approaches for engaging undergraduate students in algal studies and the importance of algal field courses, forays, and professional phycological societies in supporting the algal training of students, professionals, and citizen scientists.
Social media versus surveys: A new scalable approach to understanding legislators' discourse
Authors: González‐Rostani Valentina , Incio José , Lezama Guillermo
Published: October 2024

This paper explores how legislators use social media, specifically investigating whether their posts reflect the concerns expressed by their legislative party peers in an anonymous survey. Utilizing data from Twitter (now X), we compare legislators' social media posts with their responses in a survey of legislators in Latin America. We propose a novel and scalable method for analyzing political communications, employing OpenAI for topic identification in statements and BERTopic analysis to identify clusters of political communication. This approach enables a thorough and detailed examination of these topics over time and across political parties. Applying our method to statements made by members of the Chilean Congress, we observe a general alignment between the preferences stated in surveys by elites and the prominence of these issues on Twitter. This result validates social media platforms (particularly Twitter) as a tool for predicting politicians' preferences. Our methodological approach offers a scalable tool for analyzing political rhetoric over time.
You are safe here: A flyer with re‐orientating messages for families of patients with delirium in the intensive care unit
Authors: Nydahl Peter , Chahdi Mohamed , Debue Anne‐Sophie , Deffner Teresa , Galazzi Alessandro , Gallie Louise , La‐Calle Gabriel Heras , Krotsetis Susanne , Lewko Agnieszka , Lindroth Heidi , Liu Keibun , Paulino Maria Carolina , Prigge Arvid , van den Boogaard Mark , von Haken Rebecca
Published: October 2024

Patients in delirium require trustful communication and re‐orientation. We developed a flyer with positive, re‐orientating suggestions for families of delirious patients in intensive care units. Suggestions include creating a safe environment, interpreting unusual behaviours positively and fostering mental resilience. Additionally, families are encouraged to prioritize their own well‐being, recognizing their crucial role in supporting their loved ones. This flyer offers practical strategies across four key areas: ensuring security and orientation, reframing noises and body experiences, managing agitation and reshaping perceptions. By equipping families with knowledge and tools, this resource aims to promote understanding, resilience and strength to humanize delirium care.
Bats as instructive animal models for studying longevity and aging
Authors: Cooper Lisa Noelle , Ansari Mohammad Y. , Capshaw Grace , Galazyuk Alex , Lauer Amanda M. , Moss Cynthia F. , Sears Karen E. , Stewart Mark , Teeling Emma C. , Wilkinson Gerald S. , Wilson Rachel C. , Zwaka Thomas P. , Orman Rena
Published: October 2024

Bats (order Chiroptera) are emerging as instructive animal models for aging studies. Unlike some common laboratory species, they meet a central criterion for aging studies: they live for a long time in the wild or in captivity, for 20, 30, and even >40 years. Healthy aging (i.e., healthspan) in bats has drawn attention to their potential to improve the lives of aging humans due to bat imperviousness to viral infections, apparent low rate of tumorigenesis, and unique ability to repair DNA. At the same time, bat longevity also permits the accumulation of age‐associated systemic pathologies that can be examined in detail and manipulated, especially in captive animals. Research has uncovered additional and critical advantages of bats. In multiple ways, bats are better analogs to humans than are rodents. In this review, we highlight eight diverse areas of bat research with relevance to aging: genome sequencing, telomeres, and DNA repair; immunity and inflammation; hearing; menstruation and menopause; skeletal system and fragility; neurobiology and neurodegeneration; stem cells; and senescence and mortality. These examples demonstrate the broad relevance of the bat as an animal model and point to directions that are particularly important for human aging studies.
Investigating discrepancies in findings between rigorous randomized trials and meta‐analyses evaluating pregnancy interventions to limit gestational weight gain
Authors: Dodd Jodie M. , Deussen Andrea R. , Poprzeczny Amanda J. , Slade Laura J. , Mitchell Megan , Louise Jennie
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Robust randomized trials consistently demonstrate little impact from diet and physical activity interventions on gestational weight gain (GWG) and clinical outcomes, although meta‐analyses report some benefit. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of trial quality on treatment effect estimates and review conclusions.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of dietary and/or physical activity interventions for pregnant women with a body mass index ≥18.5 kg/m2. We assessed studies for risk of bias and methodological features impacting reliability. Outcomes included GWG; gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); pre‐eclampsia; caesarean birth; and birth weight measures. For each outcome, a sequence of meta‐analyses was performed based on intervention group and level of potential bias in the effect estimate.

Results

We identified 128 eligible studies. The most robust estimate from a combined diet and physical activity behavioral intervention, with only studies at negligible risk of bias, was a difference in GWG of 1.10 kg (95% CI −1.62 to −0.58; 17,755 women). There was no evidence of an effect on any clinical outcomes.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight discrepancies produced by the indiscriminate inclusion of studies with methodological flaws in previous systematic reviews. Regular weighing of pregnant women is futile in the absence of clinical benefit.
How do global forest pests respond to increasing temperatures? – a meta‐analysis
Authors: Warlo Hannes , Kautz Markus
Published: October 2024

Biotic disturbances caused by insects and pathogens have a major impact on forests in the Northern Hemisphere. Knowledge of the effects of increasing temperature on the performance of these forest pests will thus be crucial for predicting future disturbance risks. Here, we systematically review the direct effects of increasing temperatures on four functional subgroups of forest pests, including leaf chewers, sap suckers, bark and wood borers, and pathogens. We considered 118 studies (2003–2022) representing 72 pest species feeding on 33 host genera from sub‐tropical, temperate and boreal forests in Asia, Europe and North America. Based on a subset of 89 studies reporting the required data, we conducted a meta‐analysis 1) distinguishing the functional subgroups, and 2) considering the main life‐history traits, i.e. development, fitness and survival. A temperature corresponding to the expected mean temperature during the growing season in the years 2081–2100 had a significant positive effect on the overall performance of leaf chewers (+18%) and bark and wood borers (+10%), while sap suckers and pathogens remained unaffected. In contrast, performance was not or even significantly negatively affected when a more pronounced temperature increase, i.e. corresponding to the temperature maxima in 2081–2100, was considered. This finding reflects the non‐linear temperature–performance relationship beyond currently evolved temperature optima in insects and pathogens. Furthermore, we showed that differential responses of life‐history traits to increased temperatures may counterbalance each other (e.g. development versus survival), highlighting the importance of a multi‐trait approach to assessing the impact of global warming on pest performance. By quantifying the effects of increasing temperatures on forest pest performance, our results facilitate the prediction of biotic disturbance impacts in a future climate. For instance, they could provide a valuable contribution to the parameterization of large‐scale ecosystem models, which often do not explicitly consider the response of biotic disturbances to climate change.
Prevention of allergies and infections by minimally processed milk in infants—The MARTHA feasibility and safety trial
Authors: Weber Melanie , Hehn Franziska , Huynh Yvi , Remkes Aaron , Strunz‐Lehner Christine , Häuser Irmgard , Hollunder Stefanie , Sharma Sheena , Contento Sibylle , Mansmann Ulrich , von Mutius Erika , Ege Markus Johannes
Published: October 2024

Background

Consumption of raw cow's milk has repeatedly been shown to protect from asthma, allergies, and respiratory infections. As raw milk bears potential health hazards, it cannot be recommended for prevention. Therefore, we performed an intervention study with microbially safe but otherwise minimally processed cow's milk. Here we describe feasibility and safety of the trial.

Methods

The MARTHA trial (DRKS00014781) was set up as a double‐blind randomized intervention in a population residing in Bavaria. Infants from 6 to 36 months of age consumed minimally processed cow's milk (intervention arm) or ultra‐heat‐treated (UHT) semi‐skimmed milk (comparator arm).

Results

At the age of 6 to 12 months, 260 infants were enrolled, with 72% having a family history of atopy. The extensive screening system for milk consumption and symptoms suggestive of adverse events was well accepted with 22,988 completed weekly surveys and an average completion of 82% surveys sent out. The children consumed the study milk on average on 457 days (61% of intervention days). The intervention proved to be safe without any case of milk allergy or milk intolerance under the intervention in both arms. All 6 cases of serious adverse events were unrelated to milk. The most common reason was unscheduled hospitalization of more than 3 days.

Conclusions

The intervention with minimally processed milk and the study instruments proved feasible. During the age of 6 to 36 months, there was no increased risk of milk allergy in a population with a substantial proportion of family history of atopy.
Flexible substrate‐based mass spectrometry platform for in situ non‐destructive molecular imaging of living plants
Authors: Zhang Guanhua , Zheng Han , Wang Xiao , Han Shuxin , Liu Wei , Sun Chenglong , Hu Qiongzheng , Ma Chunxia
Published: October 2024

Monitoring and localizing molecules on living plants is critical for understanding their growth, development and disease. However, current techniques for molecular imaging of living plants often lack spatial information or require tedious pre‐labelling. Here, we proposed a novel molecular imaging platform that combines sliver nanowire‐doped Ti3C2 MXene (Ag NWs@MXene) flexible film substrate with laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AMF‐LDI‐MSI) to study the spatial distribution of biomolecules on the surface of living plants. This platform overcomes the MSI challenges posed by difficult‐to‐slice plant tissues (e.g., tough or water‐rich roots and fragile flowers) and enables precisely transfer and visualize the molecule. Comparisons of the measurement results to those from matrix‐assisted LDI‐MSI (MALDI‐MSI) technology demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the platform. Biocompatibility evaluations indicated that the platform without observable adverse effects on the health of living plants. The distribution of growth and disease‐associated signalling molecules, such as choline, organic acids and carbohydrates, can be in situ non‐destructively detected on the surfaces of living plants, which is important for tracking the health of plants and their diseased areas. AMF‐LDI‐MSI platform can serve as a promising tool for label‐free, in situ and non‐destructive monitoring of functional biomolecules and plant growth from a spatial perspective.
Does Taking a Break Matter—Adaptations in Muscle Strength and Size Between Continuous and Periodic Resistance Training
Authors: Halonen Eeli J. , Gabriel Idda , Kelahaara Milla M. , Ahtiainen Juha P. , Hulmi Juha J.
Published: October 2024

We aimed to compare the effects of periodic resistance training (RT) and continuous RT on muscle strength and size. Fifty‐five healthy, untrained participants (age 32 ± 5 years) were randomized to periodic (PRT, n = 20 completed the study, 45% females) or continuous (CRT, n = 22 completed the study, 45% females) groups. PRT completed a 10‐week RT, a 10‐week detraining, and a second identical 10‐week RT. CRT began with a 10‐week non‐RT, followed by a 20‐week RT. RT included twice‐weekly supervised whole‐body RT sessions. Leg press (LP) and biceps curl (BC) one repetition maximum (1RM), countermovement jump (CMJ) height, muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA) of vastus lateralis (VL), and biceps brachii (BB) using ultrasound imaging were measured twice at the beginning and every fifth week during the intervention. Both groups increased (p < 0.001) 1RM in LP and BC, CSA in VL and BB, and CMJ height with no differences between the groups. In PRT, 1RM in LP and BC, CSA in VL and BB, and CMJ height decreased during detraining (p < 0.05). During the first 5 weeks of retraining in PRT, increases in LP 1RM, and VL and BB CSA were greater than in CRT during Weeks 10–15 of their CRT (p < 0.01). PRT and CTR ended up in similar postintervention adaptations, as decreased muscle strength and size during detraining in PRT regained rapidly during retraining. Our results therefore suggest that trainees should not be too concerned about occasional short‐term training breaks in their daily lives when it comes to lifelong strength training.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05553769
Characterization of the Novel HLA‐A*24:02:169 Allele by Sequencing‐Based Typing
Authors: Elsermans Vincent , Cargou Marine , Pajot Thibault , Top Isabelle , Labalette Myriam
Published: October 2024

HLA‐A*24:02:169 differs from HLA‐A*24:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon −23 in exon 1.
Dynamics of Feline Sporotrichosis in Espírito Santo, Brazil: Impact of Urbanisation
Authors: Gomes Angelita Reis , Vieira Luisa Frasson , Enriquez‐Martinez Oscar Giovanny , Castro Fernanda Cristina de Abreu Quintela , Teixeira Sarah Fernandes , Ambrósio Roberta Passamani , Carneiro Rediguieri Bruno , Gonçalves Sarah Santos , Faria Renata Osorio , Romero Ágata Fernandes , Pereira Clairton Marcolongo
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Sporotrichosis is a chronic infectious mycosis caused by traumatic implantation of Sporothrix spp., which poses a significant challenge to public health because of its zoonotic nature. It affects humans and other animals, particularly cats. This study investigated epidemiological trends and spatial distribution of feline sporotrichosis in Espírito Santo between 2017 and 2022.

Methods

This study collected diagnostic data on sporotrichosis from the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory and Center for Infectious Diseases in Espírito Santo from 2017 to 2022. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA and spatial analyses were performed using ArcGIS software to create maps and identify hotspots. Kernel density estimation and directional mean statistics were applied to visualise the disease concentration and transmission trends.

Results

The results showed a significant increase in feline sporotrichosis cases in Espírito Santo from 2017 to 2022, with hotspots identified in urban and densely populated areas. Anchieta, Aracruz and Vila Velha reported the highest numbers of cases. Spatial analysis indicated a spread towards the central and northern coastal regions.

Conclusion

This study highlights the growing threat of feline sporotrichosis in Espírito Santo, Brazil, particularly in densely populated urban areas. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies that address urbanisation, human–animal interactions and managing stray cat populations. Effective control measures and enhanced surveillance are crucial to mitigate the spread of this zoonotic disease. Importantly, this study provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of sporotrichosis in Brazil and offers a framework for other regions identified as emerging hotspots that face similar challenges.
Reflecting perfection for finite‐dimensional differential graded algebras
Authors: Goodbody Isambard
Published: October 2024

We generalise two facts about finite‐dimensional algebras to finite‐dimensional differential graded algebras. The first is the Nakayama lemma and the second is that the simples can detect finite projective dimension. We prove two dual versions which relate to Gorenstein differential graded algebras and Koszul duality, respectively. As an application, we prove a corepresentability result for finite‐dimensional differential graded algebras.
A Comprehensive Literature Review on the Resolution of Turbine Engine Performances' Inverse Problems
Authors: Vu Dong Quan , Razakarivony Sebastien , Marnissi Yosra , Nocture Michel
Published: October 2024

Turbine engine monitoring is a well-known and well-studied subject that proves to be essential for the aeronautic industry. A popular approach in engine monitoring is constructing indicators that reflect systems' health states by leveraging operational measurements (i.e., sensors' data during flights)—this is known as the engine performance's inverse problem. There exists an extensive literature on this topic, especially revolving around two well-used types of performance indicators of aircraft engines: efficiencies and air mass flow rates of engine's modules. This review aims to provide a comprehensive survey of this particular literature, which so far has not been properly organized and structured. Our first contribution is to propose a novel taxonomy of the relevant methods. In particular, we consider the role of physics-based models—an element that provides specific advantages and challenges in the context of aircraft engines monitoring—and see if each method exploits such models inside or outside the main algorithmic process (or not exploiting them at all). Our second contribution is to identify the pros and cons of each method, along with additional insights with respect to two commonly encountered challenges: under-determined scenarios and time-series data. Finally, we give some guidelines for selecting appropriate strategies in practical situations and perspectives for future works.
Multidisciplinary Surrogate-Based Optimization of a Compressor Rotor Blade Considering Ice Impact
Authors: Nyssen F. , de Cazenove J. , Nigro R. , Cracco C. , Baert L. , Ruess J.-S. , Valentin V.
Published: October 2024

Ice ingestion can lead to a range of detrimental effects, from diminished engine performance to potentially catastrophic failure, especially for the first compressor stages. As the ice is traveling through the engine, whether due to direct hail particle ingestion or due to shedding of ice accretions, the impact with engine components that rotate at high speed can result in severe mechanical damage. The leading edge of the blades in the low-pressure compressor is particularly prone to local damage. Therefore, it is important to consider ice impact simulations as soon as possible in the design process. In this context, the authors propose in this work a multidisciplinary surrogate-based optimization strategy for a compressor rotor that includes ice impact simulations. For this purpose, a dedicated three-dimensional (3D) blade parametrization is first introduced. Then, based on this set of design parameters, the proposed optimization chain is presented, and each chain block is detailed. In particular, (1) aerodynamical simulations are considered at three different flight conditions, (2) maximum static stresses and frequency margins with respect to specific engine orders are evaluated, (3) the blade robustness to blade/casing contact events is assessed using the clearance consumption simplified criteria, and (4) ice impact simulations are carried out using transient response computations with an explicit time integration scheme and the ice fragment modeled with the smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. A dedicated lower-fidelity model has been developed for the specific purpose of optimization loops to maintain reasonable computations times. The proposed strategy is applied to design a rotor blade of a low-pressure compressor. The aim is to satisfy all mechanical constraints to ensure the blade robustness in operation, without deteriorating its aerodynamic performance. The optimization process is detailed in the paper, and an in-depth analysis of the optimization results is presented.
Archaeometabolomics characterizes phenotypic differences in human cortical bone at a molecular level relating to tobacco use
Authors: Badillo-Sanchez Diego , Davies-Barrett Anna M. , Ruber Maria Serrano , Jones Donald J. L. , Inskip Sarah A.
Published: October 2024

Tobacco consumption affects human health, but no studies have investigated its effect on the bone metabolome, or if any changes are traceable after long postmortem intervals. Human osteoarchaeological remains preserve small molecules, making them valuable for studies that aim to examine past conditions. We test if there are molecular differences in the metabolome of cortical bone between archaeological individuals who used tobacco and those who did not, and if these differences are distinct enough to assign tobacco use status to individuals with unknown tobacco use. Cortical bone of 323 known and unknown tobacco users was studied by an untargeted metabolomics assay using a liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry platform. We identified 45 discriminating molecular features that differed between tobacco consumers (15 up-regulated features) and nonconsumers (17 up-regulated features). Tobacco consumption leaves a metabolic record in human bone distinctive enough to identify its use in individuals of unknown tobacco consumption. Future work will validate molecular features relating to tobacco consumption.
Wireless neuromodulation at submillimeter precision via a microwave split-ring resonator
Authors: Marar Carolyn , Jiang Ying , Li Yueming , Lan Lu , Zheng Nan , Chen Guo , Yang Chen , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: October 2024

A broad spectrum of electromagnetic waves has been explored for wireless neuromodulation. Transcranial magnetic stimulation, with long wavelengths, cannot provide submillimeter spatial resolution. Visible light, with its short wavelengths, suffers from strong scattering in the deep tissue. Microwaves have centimeter-scale penetration depth and have been shown to reversibly inhibit neuronal activity. Yet, microwaves alone do not provide sufficient spatial precision to modulate target neurons without affecting surrounding tissues. Here, we report a split-ring resonator (SRR) that generates an enhanced microwave field at its gap with submillimeter spatial precision. With the SRR, microwaves at dosages below the safe exposure limit are shown to inhibit the firing of neurons within 1 mm of the SRR gap site. The microwave SRR reduced seizure activity at a low dose in both in vitro and in vivo models of epilepsy. This microwave dosage is confirmed to be biosafe via histological and biochemical assessment of brain tissue.
Shine and darkle the blood vessels: Multiparameter hypersensitive MR angiography for diagnosis of panvascular diseases
Authors: Li Wenyue , Cheng Junwei , Liu Chuang , Zhang Ni , Lin Hua , He Fangfei , Gan Zhihua , Zhang Peisen , Qin Meng , Hou Yi
Published: October 2024

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is pivotal for diagnosing panvascular diseases. However, single-modality MRA falls short in diagnosing diverse vascular abnormalities. Thus, contrast agents combining
T
1
and
T
2
effects are sought for multiparameter MRA with clinical promise, yet achieving a balance in
T
1
and
T
2
contrast enhancement effects remains a scientific challenge. Herein, we developed a hypersensitive multiparameter MRA strategy using dual-modality NaGdF
4
nanoparticles. Because of the longer tumbling time (τ
R
), NaGdF
4
nanoparticles can improve the longitudinal relaxivity (
r
1
), brightening vessels in
T
1
-weighted sequences. Simultaneously, the regular arrangement of Gd
3+
in the crystal induces magnetic anisotropy, creating local static magnetic field heterogeneity and generating negative signals in
T
2
-weighted sequences. Consequently, the efficacy of NaGdF
4
-enhanced high-resolution multiparameter MRA has been validated in diagnosing ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease in rodent models. In addition, the dual-contrast imaging has been realized on swine with a clinical 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging scanner, highly emphasizing the clinical translation prospect.