bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Childhood PFAS exposure and immunotoxicity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human studies
Authors: Antoniou Evangelia E. , Dekant Wolfgang
Published: July 2024

Background

Exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may affect infant and childhood health through immunosuppression. However, the findings of epidemiological literature examining relationships between prenatal/childhood PFAS exposure and vaccine response and infection in humans are still inconclusive. The aim of this review was to examine the effects of PFAS exposure on vaccine antibody response and infection in humans.

Methods

The MEDLINE/Pubmed database was searched for publications until 1 February 2023 to identify human studies on PFAS exposure and human health.

Eligible for inclusion studies had to have an epidemiological study design and must have performed logistic regression analyses of gestational or childhood exposure to PFAS against either antibody levels for pediatric vaccines or the occurrence of children’s infectious diseases. Information on baseline exposure to PFAS (in ng/mL), the age of PFAS exposure (gestational or in years), and the outcome was measured, potentially leading to multiple exposure-outcome comparisons within each study was collected. Percentage change and standard errors of antibody titers and occurrence of infectious diseases per doubling of PFAS exposure were calculated, and a quality assessment of each study was performed.

Results

Seventeen articles were identified matching the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. In general, a small decrease in antibody response and some associations between PFAS exposure and childhood infections were observed.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis summarizes the findings of PFAS effects on infant and childhood immune health. The immunosuppression findings for infections yielded suggestive evidence related to PFAS exposure, particularly PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA but moderate to no evidence regarding antibody titer reduction.

Systematic review registration

The research protocol of this systematic review is registered and accessible at the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5M2VU).
Lateral root enriched Massilia associated with plant flowering in maize
Authors: Wang Danning , He Xiaoming , Baer Marcel , Lami Klea , Yu Baogang , Tassinari Alberto , Salvi Silvio , Schaaf Gabriel , Hochholdinger Frank , Yu Peng
Published: July 2024

Background

Beneficial associations between plants and soil microorganisms are critical for crop fitness and resilience. However, it remains obscure how microorganisms are assembled across different root compartments and to what extent such recruited microbiomes determine crop performance. Here, we surveyed the root transcriptome and the root and rhizosphere microbiome via RNA sequencing and full-length (V1–V9) 16S rRNA gene sequencing from genetically distinct monogenic root mutants of maize (Zea mays L.) under different nutrient-limiting conditions.

Results

Overall transcriptome and microbiome display a clear assembly pattern across the compartments, i.e., from the soil through the rhizosphere to the root tissues. Co-variation analysis identified that genotype dominated the effect on the microbial community and gene expression over the nutrient stress conditions. Integrated transcriptomic and microbial analyses demonstrated that mutations affecting lateral root development had the largest effect on host gene expression and microbiome assembly, as compared to mutations affecting other root types. Cooccurrence and trans-kingdom network association analysis demonstrated that the keystone bacterial taxon Massilia (Oxalobacteraceae) is associated with root functional genes involved in flowering time and overall plant biomass. We further observed that the developmental stage drives the differentiation of the rhizosphere microbial assembly, especially the associations of the keystone bacteria Massilia with functional genes in reproduction. Taking advantage of microbial inoculation experiments using a maize early flowering mutant, we confirmed that Massilia-driven maize growth promotion indeed depends on flowering time.

Conclusion

We conclude that specific microbiota supporting lateral root formation could enhance crop performance by mediating functional gene expression underlying plant flowering time in maize.
Increasing plasma calprotectin (S100A8/A9) is associated with 12-month mortality and unfavourable functional outcome in critically ill COVID-19 patients
Authors: Didriksson Ingrid , Lengquist Maria , Spångfors Martin , Leffler Märta , Sievert Theodor , Lilja Gisela , Frigyesi Attila , Friberg Hans , Schiopu Alexandru
Published: July 2024

Background

Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) is a pro-inflammatory mediator primarily released from neutrophils. Previous studies have revealed associations between plasma calprotectin, disease severity and in-hospital mortality in unselected COVID-19 patients.

Objective

We aimed to assess whether plasma calprotectin dynamics during the first week of intensive care are associated with mortality and functional outcome in critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Methods

This prospective study included 498 COVID-19 patients admitted to six intensive care units (ICUs) in Sweden between May 2020 and May 2021. Blood samples were collected on ICU admission and on day 7. The primary outcome was 12-month mortality. Secondary outcomes were functional outcome of survivors at 3 and 12 months, and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) or continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) during the ICU stay. Functional outcome was assessed by the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE, range 1–8, with < 5 representing an unfavourable outcome). Associations between plasma calprotectin and outcomes were examined in binary logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, BMI, hypertension, smoking, and creatinine.

Results

High plasma calprotectin on admission and day 7 was independently associated with increased 12-month mortality. Increasing calprotectin from admission to day 7 was independently associated with higher mortality at 12 months [OR 2.10 (95% CI 1.18–3.74), p = 0.012], unfavourable functional outcome at 3 months [OR 2.53 (95% CI 1.07–6.10), p = 0.036], and the use of IMV [OR 2.23 (95% CI 1.10–4.53), p = 0.027)] and CRRT [OR 2.07 (95% CI 1.07–4.00), p = 0.031)]. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) model including day 7 calprotectin and age was a good predictor of 12-month mortality [AUC 0.79 (95% CI 0.74–0.84), p < 0.001]. Day 7 calprotectin alone predicted an unfavourable functional outcome at 3 months [AUC 0.67 (95% CI 0.58–0.76), p < 0.001].

Conclusion

In critically ill COVID-19 patients, increasing calprotectin levels after admission to the ICU are associated with 12-month mortality and unfavourable functional outcome in survivors. Monitoring plasma calprotectin dynamics in the ICU may be considered to evaluate prognosis in critical COVID-19.

Study registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04974775, registered April 28, 2020.
Effectiveness of educational programs for patients with diabetic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kemmochi Takashi , Oka Michiyo , Inokuma Ayako , Shirato Natsumi , Totsuka Ryotaro
Published: July 2024

Background

To prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy, educational programs to improve self-management are important. However, the effectiveness of educational programs to prevent worsening of diabetic kidney disease on renal function and quality of life is under characterised.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify effective educational programs for diabetic kidney disease and the impact of educational programs on improving renal function and quality of life in patients with diabetic kidney disease.

Design

The study design is a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Method

We systematically collected research papers, and two authors independently selected papers and evaluated them according to the inclusion criteria. The extracted data were entered into Review Manager 5.4, and the standardised mean difference of the delta estimated glomerular filtration rate (ml/min/1.73m2/year) was calculated using a random effect size model for the renal function evaluation.

Results

Overall, 207 articles were retrieved from five electronic databases and three studies were shortlisted. Data from the two studies on delta estimated glomerular filtration rate (ml/min/1.73 m2/year) were combined, but the results were not significant. The effect on quality of life was observed in only one of the three studies, so they could not be pooled.

Conclusions

Effective educational programs for self-management of diabetic kidney disease could not be identified because of the small number of studies included. Educational programs reviewed also lacked a significant effect on kidney function, likely related to their short durations. The effect of the education programs on quality of life is unknown because studies could not be pooled.
Exploring the potential benefits of anthocyanins for individuals with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Mesiano Taufik , Rasyid Al , Gayatri Anggi , Kusumaningsih Widjajalaksmi , Witjaksono Fiastuti , Herqutanto  , Amalia Lisda , Andarwulan Nuri , Harris Salim
Published: July 2024

Several studies have demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of anthocyanins, as well as their potential phytoestrogenic activity, which could have positive effects on human health. These compounds have shown effectiveness against conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which are known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. Stroke is currently the second leading cause of death globally, and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) accounts for 20% of all strokes, and it often causes cognitive impairment and gait abnormalities in older adults. Anthocyanins and their metabolites can cross the blood–brain barrier and affect signaling pathways, gene expression, and protein function at the molecular level. In addition to their ability to enhance vascular flow, anthocyanins can also help mitigate the risk factors associated with CSVD by counteracting oxidative stress in the body. These findings exploring the potential benefits of anthocyanins for individuals with CSVD.
Recurrent catamenial hemoptysis: diagnostic challenges and management strategies—a case report
Authors: Arbat Ashok P. , Gadge Gauri , Chourasia Sweta R. , Deshpande Parimal S. , Bakamwar Swapnil I.
Published: July 2024

Catamenial hemoptysis (CH) is a rare, known disease for which diagnosis is crucial and treatment is indefinite. In this case report, CH was identified 2 years ago while taking medical history of the patient. It has disclosed hemoptysis at night with breathlessness that was concurrent with her menses every month for the past 6 months. A series of radiological tests followed by a bronchoscopic examination during menses confirmed the diagnosis. A complex fluid-filled cystic lesion with few air foci in the right lower lobe superior segment with ground glass opacity was seen by a CT scan test. Subsequent bronchoscopy examination showed an active bleeding site at the right lower lobe superior segment. The bronchial wash tests were negative for microbial infections as well as for malignancies. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) was done and it ceased the hemoptysis. However, it recurred after 2 years of the BAE procedure. The symptoms and amount of hemoptysis were milder; hence, repeated BAE was not required. Earlier, the patient refused hormonal therapy (HT) owing to its side effects, but this time, she accepted HT. After 2 months of HT, hemoptysis gradually ceased. If complications arise in the future, then surgical treatment along with HT (combination therapy) would be the course of treatment. The diagnosis of CH is challenging, and treatment procedures vary from patient to patient; hence, they are customised. Hormones regulate the CH recurrence even though the symptoms have ceased after treatment. Therefore, regular follow-up and close vigilance are crucial requirements.
Research on the classification of complex noise-mixed microseismic events based on machine vision
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Liu Yang , Ye Yicheng , Yao Nan , Hu Nanyan , Luo Binyu , Fu Fei , Luo Xiaobing , Feng Jie
Published: July 2024

Event classification is important for accurately monitoring and warning against rockburst hazards using microseismic technology. Here, we develop an automatic classification method for microseismic events based on machine vision. The method uses histogram of oriented gradient (HOG) integrated with support vector machine (SVM) as the core model to classify microseismic events. First, the method uses as input spectrograms generated from microseismic event signals recorded in the field. Next, the HOG method is used to accurately extract the spectral feature information of the useful signals of microseismic events from interference of noisy signal. Finally, the extracted feature data is used to train the SVM. After the training is completed, the SVM is used to classify the microseismic events. The performance of the method for categorizing microseismic events is tested using multiple independent test sets built from data monitored in the field of a mine in Shandong Province. The results show that the method can effectively extract the spectral feature information of useful signals of microseismic events contaminated with noise, with good classification accuracy and robustness to noise. It classifies microseismic events with high accuracy and efficiency compared with well-performing classification methods based on seismic source parameters and typical depth models. The method can provide technical support for the effective classification of microseismic events in complex construction sites, especially in noisy deep underground construction environments.
Computational intelligence techniques, pattern recognition and machine learning in audiovisual and biometric data analysis
Authors: Τριανταφύλλου Ανδρέας
Published: July 2024

Η ανάλυση της οπτικής απεικόνισης ανθρώπων μας οδηγεί σε χρήσιμα συμπεράσματα σε σχέση με βασικά εξωτερικά χαρακτηριστικά τους, όπως για παράδειγμα το φύλο, την χρωματική απόχρωση κ.α.. Επίσης, συγκεκριμένοι μορφασμοί του προσώπου, συστολές και διαστολές χαρακτηριστικών αλλά και ακολουθίες από κινήσεις του προσώπου, μας δίνουν επίσης χρήσιμες πληροφορίες σε σχέση με την συναισθηματική κατάσταση κάθε ανθρώπου. Όπως είναι λογικό, κάποια συμπεράσματα μπορούν να δίνουν ψευδείς πληροφορίες σε συγκεκριμένες περιπτώσεις αλλά σε καταστάσεις που η ανίχνευση πραγματοποιείται σε ανθρώπους που συμμετέχουν σε κάποια δραστηριότητα, το επίπεδο λάθους μειώνεται αρκετά και τα συμπεράσματα για την συναισθηματική κατάσταση του εκάστοτε ανθρώπου μας δίνουν πολύ χρήσιμες πληροφορίες που μπορούν να βοηθήσουν πάρα πολύ στην βελτίωση της ποιότητας των συγκεκριμένων δραστηριοτήτων. Όσο σημαντική είναι η ανίχνευση συναισθημάτων μεμονωμένων ανθρώπων άλλο τόσο είναι και η ανίχνευση τους βασιζόμενοι στις ομάδες που συμμετέχουν στην κάθε δραστηριότητα, διότι η «ομάδα επηρεάζει τα τελικά συμπεράσματα και την συνολική ανίχνευσή τους». Συγκεκριμένα, σε αυτή την έρευνα μελετήσαμε μέσα από μια σειρά σημαντικών «βημάτων» την ανίχνευση συναισθημάτων ομάδων ανθρώπων από λογισμικά υπολογιστών προσαρμοσμένοι στην απομακρυσμένη μάθηση (e-learning) και σε συστήματα αυτόματης διδασκαλίας (tutoring systems). Αυτή η έρευνα είχε σκοπό να εξάγουμε χρήσιμα συμπεράσματα σε ηλεκτρονικές διδασκαλίες παρόμοια με αυτά που καταλαβαίνουν έμπειροι καθηγητές μέσα σε πραγματικές τάξεις με την φυσική παρουσία μαθητών-φοιτητών και αντίστοιχα να προσαρμόζουν το μάθημα τους. Δηλαδή, όταν οι καθηγητές καταλαβαίνουν ότι οι φοιτητές αρχίζουν να «κουράζονται» ή αρχίζει το μάθημα να τους φαίνεται βαρετό, προσπαθούν να προσαρμόσουν το μάθημα έτσι ώστε να πετύχουν τα καλύτερα αποτελέσματα από πλευράς μετάδοσης γνώσης, κάτι το οποίο είναι αρκετά αποδοτικό και κερδοφόρο και για τις δύο πλευρές (φοιτητές – καθηγητές), βελτιώνοντας έτσι την ποιότητα διδασκαλίας. Τοιουτοτρόπως, καταφέραμε να φτιάξουμε ένα ολοκληρωμένο σύστημα αποτελούμενο από όλα τα ξεχωριστά κομμάτια της εργασίας, το οποίο μας δίνει σε πραγματικό χρόνο πληροφορίες για την κατάσταση συγκέντρωσης της κάθε ομάδας που παρακολουθεί ένα διαδικτυακό μάθημα. Επίσης, αυτό μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί σε όλες τις εφαρμογές διαδικτυακής μάθησης που μας δίνουν τα δεδομένα από τα πρόσωπα των συμμετεχόντων, διότι μπορούμε να παίρνουμε τα δείγματα απευθείας από την οθόνη που χρησιμοποιείται για την εκάστοτε διαδικτυακή διδασκαλία.
Overquailification
Authors: Τσαμέτη Αγγελική
Published: July 2024

Τα άτομα αναζητούν θέσεις εργασίας που θα τους επιτρέπουν να χρησιμοποιούν αποτελεσματικά τις γνώσεις, τις ικανότητες και τις δεξιότητές τους. Οι οργανισμοί στοχεύουν στο να προσλάβουν άτομα των οποίων τα προφίλ ταιριάζουν με τις απαιτήσεις των θέσεων εργασίας. Οι προκλήσεις (π.χ. παγκοσμιοποίηση, αβεβαιότητα, κρίσεις) αναγκάζουν τα άτομα να αποδεχτούν θέσεις εργασίας οι οποίες δεν αντιστοιχούν στα προσόντα που διαθέτουν. Ως εκ τούτου, προκύπτει το πλεόνασμα προσόντων το οποίο αφορά τα προσόντα εκείνα που υπερβαίνουν τις απαιτήσεις εργασίας, οδηγώντας σε αναντιστοιχία. Επιπλέον, το θέμα της καριέρας είναι εξίσου σημαντικό καθώς οι αποφάσεις για αυτήν επηρεάζουν την πορεία των ατόμων εντός και εκτός των οργανισμών. Η παρούσα διατριβή διερευνά τις επιπτώσεις του πλεονάσματος προσόντων στις εργασιακές στάσεις και συμπεριφορές των ατόμων, ειδικότερα όπως η εργασιακή απόδοση, η πρόθεση αποχώρησης και η επιχειρηματική πρόθεση, καθώς και των οργανισμών. Η υπάρχουσα βιβλιογραφία δίνει αμφίρροπα αποτελέσματα σχετικά με τη σχέση πλεονάσματος προσόντων και εργασιακής απόδοσης. Ακόμη, οι εργαζόμενοι με πλεόνασμα προσόντων μπορεί να έχουν την πρόθεση να αποχωρήσουν από τον οργανισμό λόγω αναντιστοιχίας ή και έλλειψης προκλήσεων στην υπάρχουσα θέση τους, αναζητώντας περισσότερες ευκαιρίες καριέρας. Παραδόξως, στην διεθνή βιβλιογραφία δεν υπάρχει προηγούμενη έρευνα που να διερευνά το πλεόνασμα προσόντων και την επιχειρηματική πρόθεση. Ωστόσο, πιστεύεται ότι τα άτομα με πλεόνασμα προσόντων είναι πιθανό να ασκήσουν επιχειρηματική δραστηριότητα σε μία προσπάθεια να χρησιμοποιήσουν τις πρόσθετες δεξιότητες και τα ταλέντα τους. Η συνεισφορά της παρούσας διατριβής αφορά στην επέκταση της υπάρχουσας βιβλιογραφίας διερευνώντας τον διαμεσολαβητικό ρόλο της εργασιακής αποξένωσης στη σχέση μεταξύ πλεονάσματος προσόντων και της πρόθεσης αποχώρησης καθώς και της εργασιακής απόδοσης αντίστοιχα. Ακόμη, διερευνά το διαμεσολαβητικό ρόλο της ικανοποίησης από την καριέρα μεταξύ του πλεονάσματος προσόντων και της επιχειρηματικής πρόθεσης, καθώς και την πρόθεση των ατόμων να εγκαταλείψουν τον οργανισμό στον οποίο εργάζονται. Ταυτόχρονα, η παρούσα διατριβή επιχειρεί να διερευνήσει τον ρυθμιστικό ρόλο των βασικών χαρακτηριστικών αυτοαξιολόγησης και της προσαρμοστικότητας στην καριέρα. Τα ευρήματα της μελέτης αποκάλυψαν ότι η εργασιακή αποξένωση διαμεσολαβεί στη σχέση μεταξύ του πλεονάσματος προσόντων και της πρόθεσης για αποχώρηση. Από πρακτική άποψη, η παρούσα διατριβή παρέχει χρήσιμες γνώσεις, υπογραμμίζοντας ότι οι οργανισμοί πρέπει να αξιολογούν τον τρόπο με τον οποίο οι πρακτικές τους επηρεάζουν τους εργαζόμενους με πλεόνασμα προσόντων ενώ είναι σημαντικό να εκτιμούν τη συνεισφορά τους, την ανάπτυξη και τη διατήρησή τους. Τα στελέχη διοίκησης ανθρωπίνων πόρων θα πρέπει να έχουν κατά νου ότι η πρόσληψη υποψηφίων με πλεόνασμα προσόντων δύναται να οδηγήσει στην επίτευξη οργανωσιακής αμφιδεξιότητας, στη βελτίωση της οργανωσιακής μάθησης, στην ενίσχυση της ομαδικής εργασίας καθώς και στην ενίσχυση της ευελιξίας στις διαδικασίες και τη διοίκηση.
Geographic distribution extension of Anoura cadenai and comments on Sturnira giannae distribution in Colombia
Authors: García-Restrepo Sebastián , Amórtegui-Hernández Daniela , Arenas Camilo , Carrasquilla Ferro María Cristina , González Camila
Published: July 2024

Aunque Colombia alberga una gran riqueza de especies de murciélagos, muchos taxa y áreas geográficas permanecen poco exploradas.  En este trabajo confirmamos la presencia de Anoura cadenai y Sturnira giannae en nuevas regiones geográficas y actualizamos la información sobre su distribución en el país.  A partir de la revisión de individuos recolectados en campo y de especímenes depositados en la Colección de Mamíferos del Museo de Historia Natural C. J. Marinkelle (ANDES-M), evaluamos la concordancia y la variación de caracteres externos y craneodentales con respecto a las descripciones originales.  Los registros de A. cadenai en la cordillera oriental constituyen una extensión de distribución desde las Cordillera Occidental y Central.  Sturnira giannae, es una especie con amplia distribución en Colombia a lo largo de la Cordillera Oriental, el valle del río Magdalena, y sobre la vertiente occidental de la Cordillera Occidental.  En comparación con las descripciones originales de ambas especies, encontramos variaciones morfológicas que comprenden menores tamaños en rasgos externos y craneodentales.  Este es el primer reporte de A. cadenai en la Cordillera Oriental y en simpatría con A. latidens.  En cuanto a S. giannae, reportamos su ocurrencia en el valle del río Magdalena y hasta la vertiente occidental de la Cordillera Occidental, lo que amplía el rango de distribución previamente sugerido hasta la vertiente oriental de los Andes.  Revisiones más extensas en colecciones biológicas podrían aportar nueva información acerca de la distribución de estas especies en Colombia.
Efectos de la variabilidad de temperatura y precipitación causadas por el cambio climático sobre la reproducción de los murciélagos
Authors: Ocampo-González Paola , Rioja-Paradela Tamara M. , Carrillo-Reyes Arturo , Lorenzo Consuelo , Espinoza-Medinilla Eduardo , López-Wilchis Ricardo
Published: July 2024

La reproducción en murciélagos es regulada por factores endógenos y exógenos, por lo que las variaciones en las condiciones climáticas pueden impactar en su éxito reproductivo.  Se presenta una revisión de literatura y análisis de los efectos de la variabilidad de la temperatura y precipitación causadas por el cambio climático sobre la reproducción de los murciélagos.  Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura científica publicada de 2000 a 2023, basada en la combinación de 3 elementos clave referentes a la variabilidad de la temperatura y precipitación, cambio climático y reproducción de murciélagos.  Los efectos descritos fueron analizados y la información se reporta en una síntesis cualitativa.  Un total de 41 artículos científicos y 3 capítulos de libros de 15 países abordaron el efecto de la variabilidad climática en la temperatura y precipitación causada por el cambio climático en la reproducción de murciélagos.  Se evidencia la capacidad de algunas especies para modificar su patrón reproductivo en respuesta a esta variabilidad y que las variables ambientales pueden modificar el momento de los eventos reproductivos.  Debido a la diversidad en su biología reproductiva y la capacidad para maximizar su eficiencia reproductiva ante diferentes condiciones ambientales, no se puede generalizar sobre los efectos del cambio climático en la reproducción de murciélagos, ya que se han demostrado diferencias intra e interespecíficas en la capacidad para maximizar su éxito reproductivo.  Se requiere de mayor investigación que aborde los efectos de las variables climáticas sobre los eventos reproductivos.
Noteworthy record of Puma yagouaroundi’s elevational distribution
Authors: Matías-Ramos Esteban , Trujillo Luis A. , Valdés Andrea T. , Martínez-Fonseca José G.
Published: July 2024

A pesar de la amplia distribución del jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) en América, es considerada una especie rara y elusiva, de la cual se conoce poco a lo largo de su rango de distribución.  El intervalo de su distribución altitudinal es desde el nivel del mar hasta alrededor de los 3,200 m, pero generalmente se encuentra por debajo de los 500 m.  Durante una caminata rutinaria en la Sierra de los Cuchumatanes (Huehuetenango, Guatemala), se documentó un encuentro directo con un jaguarundi y se registraron datos específicos sobre la ubicación, la hora del día y el comportamiento del individuo.  Observamos y fotografiamos un macho adulto a 3,559 m en el Parque Regional Municipal Todos Santos Cuchumatán.  Este es el registro a mayor altitud para la especie y refleja su plasticidad para habitar en una amplia variedad de ecosistemas y condiciones climáticas.
Philander opossum as prey of Didelphis marsupialis in a rainforest in México
Authors: Rojas-Sánchez J. Vladimir , Sánchez-Cordero Víctor , Coates Rosamond , Hernández-Jauregui Mauricio , Flores-Martínez José Juan
Published: July 2024

Las selvas húmedas Neotropicales albergan una diversidad de mamíferos con interacciones complejas entre especies.  Los didélfidos, conocidos como tlacuaches, son mamíferos comunes en estas selvas húmedas.  En México, el tlacuache común, Didelphis marsupialis y el tlacuache cuatro ojos, Philander opossum son especies simpátricas en estas selvas.  La zona de estudio se localiza en una selva tropical húmeda de la Estación de Biología Los Tuxtlas, en Veracruz, México.  Se filmaron ambas especies de tlacuaches in situ usando un teléfono celular.  Las características morfológicas de ambas especies corresponden a individuos adultos de D. marsupialis y P. opossum.  El video muestra a un individuo de D. marsupialis cruzando una vereda y llevando en su hocico un cadáver, como presa, de un individuo de P. opossum.  Se documenta el primer reporte de P. opossum como presa de D. marsupialis en una selva tropical húmeda en México.  Se discute si este escenario ocurrió por un evento de depredación, o bien, por un encuentro fortuito con una carcasa que estaba siendo trasladada para su consumo.  Se conoce que D. marsupialis consume carcasas, aunque también caza otras especies de tlacuaches.  Nuestro estudio coincide con observaciones que documentan la depredación de D. marsupialis sobre P. opossum en Barro Colorado, Panamá y contribuye a proveer información relevante sobre los hábitos alimenticios de esta especie en selvas tropicales húmedas.
Puma concolor: First photographic record in the El Jilguero Reserve Water Production Zone, Honduras
Authors: Sánchez Franklin Aguilar Kimberlin , Donaire Denis , Coll Julio , Arauz Waldina , Andrade Yeyson , Carias Marco A. , Gómez-Corea Wilson
Published: July 2024

El puma (Puma concolor) es el segundo mayor félido en Honduras, cuya distribución geográfica en los departamentos fronterizos a El Salvador, había sido objeto de controversia.  En la Zona Productora de Agua Reserva El Jilguero del Corredor Biológico Guajiquiro-El Jilguero, el 21 de marzo de 2023, se obtuvieron 2 fotografías de puma en trampas cámara instaladas en el bosque mesófilo de montaña a 2,092 m.  El sitio de ocurrencia del puma se encuentra ubicado a 30.4 km al noroeste del registro previo en La Paz y 32.2 km al noreste del registro más cercano en la Cuenca del Río Sapo, en El Salvador.  El puma es una especie prioritaria para la conservación, dado que está categorizado en Peligro de extinción en Honduras.  Por lo tanto, es necesario fortalecer los programas de monitoreo a largo plazo e implementar acciones de conservación con la finalidad de prevenir y reducir sus amenazas.
Hematological profile of wild vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) from the Apolobamba National Natural Integrated Management Area, Bolivia
Authors: Mollericona-Quispe Jose Luis , Alarcón-Silva Paola , Alberto-Alberto Humber , Coronel-Mamani Cinthia , Alfaro-Flores Adalid , Loayza-Cossio Oscar , Wallace Robert
Published: July 2024

En el presente estudio se estableció el perfil hematológico de vicuñas (Vicugna vicugna) silvestres.  Esta especie representa para las comunidades locales un recurso natural sostenible y considerar las prácticas de manejo y bienestar animal es fundamental para una de las experiencias de conservación de una especie con mayor éxito a nivel país y la región.  Se tomaron muestras sanguíneas de 78 vicuñas en 14 comunidades aprovechando el arreo, captura y esquila de la temporada 2021, en el Área Natural de Manejo Integrado Nacional (ANMIN) Apolobamba, ubicada en las provincias Franz Tamayo y Bautista Saavedra del departamento de La Paz, Bolivia.  Los resultados obtenidos del perfil hematológico fueron: recuento total de eritrocitos 15.2 x 1012 L, hematocrito 42 L/L, sólidos totales 5.6 g/dl, hemoglobina 11.8 g/L, volumen corpuscular media 28.1 fL, hemoglobina corpuscular media 9.2 pg, concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media 33 g/L, recuento total de leucocitos 10.3 x 109/L, neutrófilos 62 %, neutrófilos cayados 5 %, basófilos 0 %, eosinófilos 0.09 %, linfocitos 31 %, monocitos 2 % y recuento plaquetario 65 x 103 L.  Los parámetros obtenidos se encuentran dentro de los valores conocidos para la especie, aunque se observan ciertas alteraciones en pocas comunidades, como la elevación del hematocrito, la leucocitosis y la relación de neutrófilos y linfocitos asociados a cambios fisiológicos por la deshidratación y el esfuerzo muscular y el estrés de las vicuñas, los cuales estarían relacionados con una inadecuada implementación de las prácticas de bienestar animal.
Diversity of mammals in Cerro Páramo Miraflores Regional Park, Huila, Colombia: analysis of structure and composition
Authors: Díaz-B Camila A. , Ladino-Moreno Jose Luis
Published: July 2024

La falta de estudios en campo sobre la biodiversidad del Parque Regional Cerro Páramo de Miraflores (PRCPM), en Colombia, resalta la importancia de obtener información confiable para mejorar su gestión como área natural protegida.  Para esto, evaluamos la estructura y composición del ensamblaje de mamíferos terrestres y voladores de la franja altoandina y de subpáramo.  Para el registro de micromamíferos terrestres y voladores, y mamíferos medianos y grandes instalamos transectos de 100 trampas Sherman, 8 redes de niebla y 39 cámaras trampa en las franjas altoandina y de subpáramo del PRCPM.  Con los registros obtenidos junto con los rastros indirectos calculamos los índices de diversidad alfa y beta (Alfa de Fisher, Simpson, Shannon-Wiener, Whittaker y Morisita-Horn).  Registramos 21 especies, de las cuales Thomasomys dispar (22.5 %), T.  baeops (13.75 %) y Sturnira erythromos (8.75 %) fueron las más abundantes.  También documentamos la presencia de especies bandera como Tremarctos ornatus y Puma concolor, además de nuevos registros de distribución geográfica para el departamento del Huila de Neomicroxus bogotensis, T. prínceps, Cryptotis squamipes e Histiotus montanus.  Ambas franjas presentaron una diversidad media (H’ = 2.317 y 1.885), con dominancia de especies (D = 0.8612 y 0.8209) y alto recambio de especies (Bw = 0.75 IM-H = 0.32).  Las tierras altas del PRCPM albergan especies propias de ambientes conservados y diversidad de gremios tróficos, lo que indica su buen estado de conservación.  La mayor similitud de riqueza se encontró con la serranía del Perijá y Chingaza, con menos del 50 % de especies compartidas entre los 11 páramos andinos colombianos.  Aunque coincide parcialmente en composición de especies con otros páramos, difiere en la estructura del ensamblaje.
POSSIBILIDADE DE EMENDA CONSTITUCIONAL PARA ABOLIR O DEVER DO VOTO NO BRASIL
Authors: Cabral Netto Marcos Júlio , Feitosa Carneiro Flávia Renata , Afonso Henrique Weil
Published: July 2024

É possível abolir o dever do voto no Brasil por meio de emenda constitucional? O objetivo geral do presente artigo é avaliar o rigoroso processo de reforma da Constituição conducente à abolição do voto obrigatório, e tem os seguintes objetivos específicos: analisar as limitações ao poder de reforma da Constituição; e, avaliar o sistema de voto no Brasil e nos países desenvolvidos. A pesquisa é baseada em manuais de direito constitucional, artigos científicos e jurisprudência dos Tribunais Superiores. A pesquisa teve abordagem quali-quantitativa. Parte da hipótese de que a obrigatoriedade do voto não é a melhor maneira para se desenvolver uma nação. Caracteriza-se como pesquisa descritiva que explana o processo legislativo das emendas constitucionais e suas limitações por meio da revisão da literatura e pesquisa empírica mediante consulta ao site do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF). É possível concluir que abolir o dever fundamental de votar no Brasil por meio de emenda constitucional, pois tal modificação não fere o núcleo essencial da cláusula pétrea contida no artigo 60 da Constituição.
Palavras-chave: Abolir; Dever; Voto; Constituição.
Tackling the growth in childhood obesity
Authors: Parton Dan
Published: July 2024

The number of obese children has continued to rise despite policymakers' efforts, with councils wanting more powers and funds to tackle it
Leaving Care
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: July 2024

Care-experienced young people can face greater challenges than their peers when living independently. Local authorities must work to prepare care leavers and put in place the right support for them to flourish
Metformin
Authors: Winter George
Published: July 2024

In this month's article, George Winter discusses the role of metformin in treating diabetes, as well as a range of other conditions
A–Z of prescribing for children
Authors: Davies Kate
Published: July 2024

This series focuses on aspects of prescribing for neonates, children and young people, from A–Z. Aspects of pharmacokinetics will be considered, alongside legal considerations, consent and medications in schools
Strategies to improve adherence to inhaled therapies in asthma and COPD
Authors: McGrattan Mairead
Published: July 2024

Respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are significant public health challenges. Despite effective treatments, the rising mortality rates indicate a need for improved approaches in the management of these conditions. Patient adherence, which is known to be a key factor in treatment success, has been identified as low in these patient populations. Strategies to improve adherence include patient-centred interventions targeting knowledge of the treatment of their condition, ensuring that the most appropriate inhaler device is prescribed for an individual patient, and that all patients are followed up as recommended. Ultimately, this aims to improve patient outcomes in respiratory care.
Post-operative medication considerations in cardiac transplant patients
Authors: Kasmani Ilkin
Published: July 2024

The first successful heart transplant was carried out in 1979, and there are now approximately 200 transplants undertaken in the UK each year. Many medications are used to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ, but this needs to be balanced with the risk of complications of immunosuppression, such as infection, organ dysfunction, graft dysfunction and vasculopathy. Patients must be able to adhere to the complex and vast regimen of medications started post-transplant, and extensive monitoring is required to ensure the correct balance of rejection risk and adverse effects, depending on where the patient is in their postoperative journey. Immediately after the transplant is when the patient is at highest risk of rejecting their new heart. Guidance is available to recommend regimens to prevent rejection, but needs to be adapted to each patient, taking into consideration their clinical picture, together with comorbidities, drug interactions and organ dysfunction.
Maritime Linkages between the Han Dynasty and Parthian Empire: Evidence from Unearthed Persian Pottery
Authors: Zhaoming Xiong , Yaqing Liu Yaqing , Guirong Kuang , Cherian P. J. , Qinghui Li
Published: July 2024

This study describes a Persian pottery jug unearthed from Hepu, a well-known port for foreign trade in China during the Han Dynasty. The jug is the earliest and only Persian object dated to the Han Dynasty discovered in China. It thus serves as one of the most significant physical pieces of evidence for the investigation of trade between the Han Dynasty and Southeast Asia, South Asia, and even West Asia. This article takes the Persian jug as its starting point, and combines archaeological data from the same period unearthed from other port sites in Southeast Asia and South Asia, as well as Chinese and foreign historical documents, to recover the sea route via which the Persian jug moved from West Asia through South and Southeast Asia to Hepu, to confirm that the Han Dynasty had established indirect or direct maritime links with the Parthian Empire by the second century A.D. at the latest. This conclusion is supported with the discovery of glass and bronze cymbals from Western Asian and Mediterranean regions in Hepu and Panyu, the latter of which served as the largest foreign goods distribution center in the southern coastal area of China.
Japanese Oracle Bone Divinations during the Yayoi to Heian Periods: A Review of Studies of the Last Seventy Years
Authors: Shen Jie , Brunson Katherine , Flad Rowan
Published: July 2024

Although often thought to be mostly relevant to Bronze Age China, oracle bone divination also has a rich history in Japan, primarily documented through literature and ethnographic records. In recent decades, the discovery of oracle bones spanning from the Early Yayoi (1000-400 B.C.) to Heian (A.D. 794-1185) periods has opened new avenues for research in pyro-osteomancy. These archaeological findings provide fresh perspectives on the social and cultural influences on oracle bone divination in Japan and East Asia more broadly. In this study, we review the historical, ethnographic, and archaeological studies of oracle bone divination in Japan, offering a comprehensive overview of divination practices and their broader significance.
Unlovable Oneness
Authors: Ricco John Paul
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This essay highlights the centrality of the concept of "incongruity" in Leo Bersani's thinking of ethical relation. It is structured by the incongruous coupling of Eimear McBride's novel A Girl is a Half-formed Thing and Ellsworth Kelly's paintings, especially Blue Black (2000), as it considers the ethical value of going along with the unwatchable and unreadable (e.g., gender and sexual violence), and with monochromatic abstraction in the context of race. According to Bersani, incongruity is the syntax of undivided being. By looking at ungrammatical literary syntax (McBride) and chromatic oneness (Kelly), the essay argues for ethical alignments absent of predication or congruity as it affirms an antisocial aesthetics of incongruous oneness as opposed to the often-murderous fixation on identity and difference.
Parallel indirect time-of-flight ranging using on-chip dual-frequency combs
Authors: Gerguis John O. , Othman Ahmed M. , Qi Minghao
Published: July 2024

The significant advancements in
autonomous vehicle applications demand detection solutions capable of
swiftly recognizing and classifying objects amidst rapidly changing
and low-visibility conditions. Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) has
emerged as a robust solution, overcoming challenges associated with
camera imaging, particularly in adverse weather conditions or low
illumination. Rapid object recognition is crucial in dynamic
environments, but the speed of conventional LiDARs is often
constrained by the 2D scanning of the laser beam across the entire
scene. In this study, we introduce a parallelization approach for the
indirect time-of-flight (iToF) ranging technique. This method enables
efficient and high-speed formation of 1D clouds, offering the
potential to have extended range capabilities without being
constrained by the laser coherence length. The application potential
spans mid-range autonomous vehicles ranging to high-resolution
imaging. It utilizes dual-frequency combs with slightly different
repetition rates. The method leverages the topology of the target
object to influence the phase of the beating signal between the comb
lines in the RF domain. This approach enables parallel ranging in one
direction, confining the scanning process to a single dimension, and
offers the potential for high-speed LiDAR systems. A tri-comb approach
will be discussed that can provide an extended unambiguous range
without compromising the resolution due to the range–resolution
trade-off in iToF techniques. The study starts by explaining the
technique for parallel detection of distance and velocity. It then
presents a theoretical estimation of phase noise for dual combs,
followed by an analysis of distance and velocity detection limits,
illustrating their maximum and minimum extents. Finally, a study on
the mutual interference conditions between two similar LiDAR systems
is presented, demonstrating the feasibility of designing
simultaneously operating LiDARs to avoid mutual
interference.
Dimensional dependence of a molecular-polariton mode number
Authors: Lydick Nathanial , Hu Jiaqi , Deng Hui
Published: July 2024

Vibrational and electronic strong coupling of light with molecular excitations has shown promise for modifying chemical reaction rates. However, the Tavis–Cummings model often used to model such polaritonic chemistry considers only a single discrete cavity mode coupled with the molecular modes, while experimental systems generally consist of a larger number of molecules in cavities with a continuum of modes. Here, we model the polaritonic effects of multimode cavities of arbitrary dimensions and filled with a large number of molecules. We obtain the dependence of the effects on the dimensionality of the cavity, the molecular oscillator strength, and molecular concentration. Combining our model with the transition state theory, we show that polaritonic effects can be altered by a few orders of magnitude compared to including only a single cavity mode, and that the effect is stronger with a larger molecular dipole moment and molecular concentration. However, the change remains negligibly small for realistic chemical systems due to the large number of dark states.
Laser explosion-based fast lithography to modulate silicon crystals
Authors: Li Kai , Yuan Dan , Zhong Dong , Gan Zongsong
Published: July 2024

Laser direct lithography allows for the maskless production and alignment of nanocrystals. However, laser-induced crystal growth requires a complex process of nucleation followed by growth that takes a long time, resulting in low efficiency. Here, we used a laser explosion to pre-grow silicon seed crystals in a silicon precursor solution, simplified crystal growth and increased the lithography efficiency. By operating the laser exposure time, the crystal size can be controlled, and even inducing the fusion of nanocrystalline into single crystal grains. As a proof of concept, we fabricated silicon quantum dot architectures with a direct lithography rate of 350 µm/s by this strategy, achieving quantum dot growth within ∼0.54 milliseconds time in an ambient environment. The silicon quantum dots could be contact and fusion through a laser modulation, ultimately forming single silicon microcrystals within the architectures of lithography.
Fabrication of ultra-high-Q Ta2O5 microdisks by photolithography-assisted chemo-mechanical etching
Authors: Li Minghui , Zhao Guanghui , Lin Jintian , Gao Renhong , Guan Jianglin , Li CHuntao , Qiao Qian , Qiu Yingnuo , Deng Li , Qiao Lingling , Wang Min , Cheng Ya
Published: July 2024

Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) is widely recognized as a promising material platform for photonic integration. This is primarily attributed to its exceptional properties including large bandgap of 3.8 eV, broad transparency window ranging from 300 nm to 8000 nm, high nonlinear refractive index of ∼7.2 × 10−19 m2/W, low optical loss, moderate refractive index of 2.05, low intrinsic material stress, compatibility with CMOS technology, and high solubility for rare-earth ions. However, dry etching of Ta2O5 is challenging and typically results in sidewall roughness with substantial scattering losses. Here, we report on fabrication of a high-Q whispering gallery mode (WGM) microdisk with a diameter of 120 µm and a loaded Q factor of 1.92 × 106 by femtosecond laser photolithography assisted chemo-mechanical etching (PLACE) on amorphous Ta2O5 film. Thanks to the suppression of sidewall scattering, the loaded Q factor is two orders of magnitude higher than the best reported value in dispersion engineered Ta2O5 microresonators.
Double-parameter analysis of an asymmetric herringbone temperature and refractive index sensor based on all-dielectric metasurface
Authors: Yin Yingxin , Fan Xinye , Fang Wenjing , Wei Wenqian , Cao Ruiqing , Li Chuanchuan , Wei Xin , Tao Jifang , Wang Yanling , Kumar Santosh
Published: July 2024

The all-dielectric metasurface is a tremendously efficacious path to seek out planar optical manipulators. The application of extremely sensitive optical sensors is expected to benefit from the Fano resonances created in all-dielectric metasurface. An optical sensor basaed on the all-dielectric hollow herringbone metasurface is tuned for high-sensitivity temperature sensing and refractive index sensing. In the continuous near-infrared band, two resonance responses activated by magnetic toroidal dipole and magnetic quadrupole can be generated simultaneously. According to the simulation results, a superior properties refractive index sensor holding a Q factor as high as 2.6 × 104 is achieved, its maximum FOM of 3980 RIU−1 is displayed, and its sensitivity is 232 nm/RIU. And sensitivity of the temperature sensor is proved to be 63 pm/K, which shows a prominent improvement in temperature sensing. After analyzing it in the experiment, it is found that the Q factor is 5366 and FOM of 465 RIU−1, with the sensitivity of 178 nm/RIU. This refractive sensor provides a favorable groundwork for developing high-sensitivity sensing devices in many biochemical disciplines, which also increases the extensive application possibilities for biochemical analysis and environmental detection.
Liquid drop interferometry on reflective surfaces
Authors: Verma Gopal , Sharma Rakesh , Li Wei
Published: July 2024

We resolve the main bottleneck of achieving optimal fringe contrast on highly reflective surfaces through the innovative application of rear surface mirrors, unveiling a pioneering approach to precision measurements exemplified by the modified liquid drop interferometry (LDI) technique. By utilizing a liquid drop on a highly reflective surface, the need for a reference lens with a specific coating is eliminated, showcasing the technique’s versatility. Furthermore, we first validate a novel, to our knowledge, expression for p-polarization-dependent radiation pressure, addressing a century-old problem reported in the literature. Beyond advancing measurement techniques, this study broadens the scope of applications requiring high precision, particularly in nanotechnology and surface characterization of metallic-coated surfaces.
Flatbands in a bilayer surface plasmon crystal at a large twist angle due to interlayer strong coupling
Authors: Yang Shanqi , Zhao Xingchen , Fu Xinhui , Kong Weijin , Zhang Kun
Published: July 2024

The twisted bilayer system provides an excellent platform for the study of flatbands. In this work, we propose a bilayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)-like surface plasmon crystal at a large twist angle of 38.213° due to the interlayer strong coupling, in which the adjacent pillars are in different radii. We numerically and theoretically calculate the band structure while tuning the pillar radius ratio (PRR) and the interlayer separation distance. As a result, both increasing the PRR and decreasing the separation distance contribute to the transition from weak coupling to strong coupling, leading to the flatbands with slow velocity and large density of state. Consequently, the in-layer geometry as well as the separation distance offers the degree of freedom to achieve flatbands in the bilayer surface plasmon crystal. Our work provides a fundamental understanding of the band structure of the twisted bilayer photonic system, which enriches the methods to obtain flatbands at a large twist angle.