bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf Shelters Facilitate the Colonisation of Arthropods and Enhance Microbial Diversity on Plants
Authors: dos Santos Danilo F. B. , Herschberger Jacob E. , Subedi Bijay , Pocius Victoria M. , Neely Wesley J. , Greenspan Sasha E. , Becker C. Guilherme , Romero Gustavo Q. , Kersch‐Becker Mônica F.
Published: October 2024

Shelter‐building insects are important ecosystem engineers, playing critical roles in structuring arthropod communities. Nonetheless, the influence of leaf shelters and arthropods on plant–associated microbiota remains largely unexplored. Arthropods that visit or inhabit plants can contribute to the leaf microbial community, resulting in significant changes in plant–microbe interactions. By artificially constructing leaf shelters, we provide evidence that shelter‐building insects influence not only the arthropod community structure but also impact the phyllosphere microbiota. Leaf shelters exhibited higher abundance and richness of arthropods, changing the associated arthropod community composition. These shelters also altered the composition and community structure of phyllosphere microbiota, promoting greater richness and diversity of bacteria at the phyllosphere. In leaf shelters, microbial diversity positively correlated with the richness and diversity of herbivores. These findings demonstrate the critical role of leaf shelters in structuring both arthropod and microbial communities through altered microhabitats and species interactions.
The Effect of Temperature Variability on Biological Responses of Ectothermic Animals—A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Stocker Clayton W. , Bamford Stephanie M. , Jahn Miki , Mazué Geoffrey P. F. , Pettersen Amanda K. , Ritchie Daniel , Rubin Alexander M. , Noble Daniel W. A. , Seebacher Frank
Published: October 2024

Climate change is altering temperature means and variation, and both need to be considered in predictions underpinning conservation. However, there is no consensus in the literature regarding the effects of temperature fluctuations on biological functions. Fluctuations may affect biological responses because of inequalities from non‐linear responses, endocrine regulation or exposure to damaging temperatures. Here we establish the current state of knowledge of how temperature fluctuations impact biological responses within individuals and populations compared to constant temperatures with the same mean. We conducted a meta‐analysis of 143 studies on ectothermic animals (1492 effect sizes, 118 species). In this study, 89% of effect sizes were derived from diel cycles, but there were no significant differences between diel cycles and shorter (<8 h) or longer (>48 h) cycles in their effect on biological responses. We show that temperature fluctuations have little effect overall on trait mean and variance. Nonetheless, temperature fluctuations can be stressful: fluctuations increased ‘gene expression’ in aquatic animals, which was driven mainly by increased hsp70. Fluctuating temperatures also decreased longevity, and increased amplitudes had negative effects on population responses in aquatic organisms. We conclude that mean temperatures and extreme events such as heat waves are important to consider, but regular (particularly diel) temperature fluctuations are less so.
Pieces of an Inter‐Disciplinary Puzzle: Connecting Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Disaster Studies
Authors: Mulvihill Peter R.
Published: October 2024

The field of environmental studies has great, but largely under‐realized, potential to play an integral role in confronting its raison d'etre—the ecological and climate crisis. Realization of this potential depends on the prospect of stronger connections being made across the wide and eclectic spectrum of its sub‐fields. This article explores two sub‐fields and streams of literature that have remained mostly unconnected—environmental impact assessment and environmental disaster studies—and identifies cross‐cutting concepts and themes. It is argued that greater integration of the two sub‐fields may help generate new insights and approaches in the complicated challenge of preventing of environmental disasters.
Physical and biochemical characteristics of tropical grass and legume pastures grazed by lambs
Authors: Hampel Viviane da Silva , Poli Cesar Henrique Espírito Candal , Tontini Jalise Fabíola , Joy Margalida , Nabinger Carlos , Devincenzi Thais , Rodrigues Eliseu , Manfroi Vitor , Fajardo Neuza Maria
Published: October 2024

Large areas of tropical grass pastures are not grazed by lambs because of the difficulties in managing high growth rate swards with high selective animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical and biochemical characteristics of tropical pastures offered to lambs in continuous grazing. An upright grass and a shrub legume were set out in three pasture types and grazed by lambs: (1) aruana grass monoculture (AG—Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. IZ‐5), (2) pigeon pea monoculture (PP—Cajanus cajan [L.] Millsp. cv. Anão) and (3) contiguous swards (CS), half of the paddock with AG (CSAG) and half with PP (CSPP). The pastures were evaluated for structural characteristics, production, nutritional composition and antioxidant concentrations in four periods over 92 days of continuous grazing by lambs. Hand plucking samples, similar to animal diet, were collected for chemical analysis. Regarding height, the PP legume monoculture after 42 days of grazing had uncontrollable growth by the lambs, reaching 1.2 m in height. This same legume but as a CS beside AG (CSPP) was maintained at a lower and similar height throughout the experimental periods. In general, the leaf:stem ratio of the different pastures decreased over the experimental periods from 0.7 to 0.2. In most periods, the CS showed intermediary nutritional quality compared to AG and PP. The alpha‐tocopherol content was similar among swards, with an average of 137.2 ± 13.67 mg/kg of green matter (p > .05). Pigeon pea showed the highest levels of total tannin and condensed tannin at 63 and 92 days (p < .05). The use of tropical grass together with a legume provides a better physical structure of the pigeon pea for grazing lambs than when monoculture of this species.
Helios—Illuminating the way for lymphocyte self‐control
Authors: Hetemäki Iivo , Arstila T. Petteri , Kekäläinen Eliisa
Published: October 2024

Transcription factor Helios, encoded by the IKZF2 gene, has an important role in regulatory T cells by stabilizing their suppressive phenotype. While Helios is prominently expressed in regulatory T cells, its expression extends beyond to include effector T cells, follicular regulatory T cells, B cells, and innate‐like lymphocyte populations. Recent characterizations of patients with inborn error of immunity due to damaging IKZF2 variants coupled with translational research on lymphocytes from healthy individuals, have increased our understanding on Helios' multifaceted role in controlling the human adaptive immune system. A less studied role for Helios beyond the stabilizing of regulatory T cells has emerged in directing effector T cell maturation. In the absence of functional Helios, effector T cells acquire more inflammatory phenotype and are prone to senescence. Loss of Helios expression disrupts the regulation of the germinal centre reaction, often resulting in either hypogammaglobulinemia or B cell autoimmunity. This review summarizes findings from studies in both mice and men offering a comprehensive understanding of the impact of the transcription factor Helios on the adaptive immune system.
The prevalence of lifetime trauma and association with physical and psychosocial health among adults at the end of life
Authors: Duchowny Kate A. , Smith Alexander K. , Cenzer Irena , Brown Chelsea , Noppert Grace , Yaffe Kristine , Byers Amy L. , Perissinotto Carla , Kotwal Ashwin A.
Published: October 2024

Background

National guidelines recognize lifetime trauma as relevant to clinical care for adults nearing the end of life. We determined the prevalence of early life and cumulative trauma among persons at the end of life by gender and birth cohort, and the association of lifetime trauma with end‐of‐life physical, mental, and social well‐being.

Methods

We used nationally representative Health and Retirement Study data (2006–2020), including adults age > 50 who died while enrolled (N = 6495). Early life and cumulative traumatic events were measured using an 11‐item traumatic events scale (cumulative trauma: 0–5+ events over the lifespan). We included six birth cohorts (born <1924; children of depression [1924–1930]; HRS cohort [1931–1941]; war babies [1942–1947]; early baby‐boomers [1948–1953]; mid‐baby boomers [1954–1959]). End‐of‐life outcomes included validated measures of physical (pain, fatigue, dyspnea), mental (depression, life satisfaction), and social (loneliness, social isolation) needs. We report the prevalence of lifetime trauma by gender and birth cohort and the adjusted probability of each end‐of‐life outcome by trauma using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

The mean age at death was 78 years (SD = 11.1) and 52% were female. Lifetime trauma was common (0 events: 19%; 1–2: 47%; 3–4: 25%; 5+: 9%), with variation in individual events (e.g., death of a child, weapons in combat) by gender and birth cohort. After adjustment, increasing cumulative trauma was significantly associated (p‐value<0.001) with higher reports of end‐of‐life moderate‐to‐severe pain (0 events: 46%; 1–2 events: 50%; 3–4 events: 57%; 5+ events: 60%), fatigue (58%; 60%; 66%; 69%), dyspnea (46%; 51%; 56%; 58%), depression (24%; 33%; 37%; 40%), loneliness (12%; 17%; 19%; 22%), and lower life satisfaction (73%; 63%; 58%; 54%).

Conclusion

Older adults in the last years of life report a high prevalence of lifetime traumatic events which are associated with worse end‐of‐life physical and psychosocial health. A trauma‐informed approach to end‐of‐life care and management of physical and psychosocial needs may improve a patient's quality of life.
Evaluation of the Performance and Safety of a New Micro‐Needle Technology in Comparison With the Classic Needle on the Antiaging Effects of a Biorevitalizing Solution: A Randomized Split Face/Neck Study
Authors: Boca Andreea , Fanian Ferial , Smit Riekie , Redaelli Alessio , Goorochurn Ranesha , Issa Hanane , Sukmanskaya Natalia , Philippon Valérie , Dell’ Avanzato Roberto
Published: October 2024

Background

Skin biorevitalization involves multiple intradermal injections to enhance skin quality, but precise dermal targeting can be challenging due to variations in skin thickness smaller, less painful needles with fewer skin reactions are attractive options.

Aims

This study evaluates a new Micro‐Needle device's performance and safety in comparison with the classic needle used in skin biorevitalization.

Patients/Methods

Subjects with facial and neck skin aging were enrolled. Safety outcomes, including immediate and local tolerability, were assessed. Performance outcomes measured skin radiance, wrinkles and photoaging grade, hydration, subepidermal low echogenic band, dermis thickness, and skin elasticity. Both subjects and investigators recorded Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores.

Results

Micro‐Needle injections demonstrated superior performance compared to the classic needle, influenced by the specific skin zones and thickness. Micro‐Needle was superior for skin wrinkles at D49 for periorbital zone and nasolabial folds by −14.5% (p = 0.01) and −15% (p = 0.004), respectively, and for neck by 9.6% (p = 0.0008). The Nanosoft device showed a faster improvement for skin hydration at D42 for the cheek zone (p = 0.04) and at D75 for the neck area (p = 0.01); and for skin radiance at D75 (p = 0.03) and at D120 (p = 0.0098). Ex vivo studies confirmed the Micro‐Needle's accuracy in product placement in the dermis. Adverse events were milder with Micro‐Needle and no serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

Both needles significantly improved skin quality, but Micro‐Needle enhanced the outcomes of skin biorevitalization procedures, particularly in terms of skin wrinkle reduction, elasticity, and overall skin hydration.
FINGERPRINTS ON FIGURINES FROM THONIS‐HERACLEION
Authors: Hoff Leonie
Published: October 2024

This paper studies ancient fingerprints to produce an estimate of the age and sex of the makers of several terracotta figurines found at Thonis‐Heracleion in Egypt, dated to the Late and Ptolemaic periods (seventh–second centuries BC). This is only the second study of its kind to discuss the use of ancient fingerprint impressions from Ancient Egypt and the first to apply this method to Late Period/Ptolemaic material using RTI (reflectance transformation imaging) to obtain measurements. Albeit at a preliminary stage, the findings suggest the involvement of men, women, and children in figurine production, both for locally produced wares and imported Greek figurines, contrary to the image of figurine‐makers presented in ancient Greek literary sources, which portray figurine production as a predominantly male profession. The results also allow insight into questions of training and apprenticeship of ancient figurine production, with various stages of training being represented in the data.
Efficacy of Preoperative Autologous Blood Donation for Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Spinal Stenosis: A Propensity‐Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Qi Junbo , Hu Yuanyu , Niu Xiaoyan , Dong Yanlei , Zhang Xin , Xu Nanfang , Chen Zhongqiang , Li Weishi , Tian Yun , Sun Chuiguo
Published: October 2024

Objective

Thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) surgeries necessitate a substantial amount of allogeneic blood resources. However, the efficacy of preoperative autologous blood donation (PABD) in TSS surgery has not been clearly evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PABD for TSS surgery.

Methods

This study is a retrospective study. Totally 397 patients who underwent TSS surgeries at our institution from January 2019 to June 2023 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to make the PABD and Non‐PABD groups comparable at baseline. Regarding outcome measures, the incidence and amount of allogeneic blood transfusion, changes in postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, occurrence of postoperative complications, medical costs, drainage time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative neurological function were analyzed. The outcomes were compared between the matched PABD (n = 79) and Non‐PABD (n = 79) groups. Univariate analysis methods were used for statistical analysis, including independent samples t‐test, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, and chi‐square test.

Results

The incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion (8.9% vs. 25.3%, p = 0.006) and volume of intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (10.12 ± 54.52 vs. 122.78 ± 275.00 mL, p < 0.001) in the PABD group were significantly lower than those in the Non‐PABD group. The PABD group had significantly higher average postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels than the Non‐PABD group at 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery (p < 0.05). Similarly, the PABD group exhibited a smaller reduction in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels compared with the Non‐PABD group on 1, 3, and 5 days postoperatively. There were no significant intergroup differences in terms of transfusion‐related complications, medical expenses, neurological function, length of hospital stay, or drainage time. Notably, PABD was an independent protective factor of allogeneic transfusion in the multivariate regression analysis (OR = 0.334, 95%CI = 0.051–0.966).

Conclusions

PABD can effectively reduce the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion and amount of allogeneic blood in TSS surgeries with safety. It also significantly improved the postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Under the premise of clear indications, PABD is worth promoting for the surgical treatment of TSS.
The Effectiveness of Temporary Hemiepiphysiodesis for Non‐idiopathic Coronal Angular Deformity of the Knee in Children: A Comparison of Hinge Eight‐Plate and Traditional Eight‐Plate
Authors: Dai Zhen‐Zhen , Li Tai‐Chun , Zhou Han , Zhang Qin , Li Hai
Published: October 2024

Objective

Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis (TH) is a very common technique for coronal angular deformity of the knee in children, especially non‐idiopathic. However, there is currently a dearth of comparative research on the hinge eight‐plate (HEP) and traditional eight‐plate (TEP). This study aimed to assess the clinical effectiveness and implant‐related complication rates of TH using TEP and HEP for non‐idiopathic coronal angular deformity, as well as to identify clinical factors affecting correction velocity.

Methods

We retrospectively observed a consecutive series of patients with non‐idiopathic coronal angular deformity of the knee who underwent TH using HEP or TEP and completed the deformity correction process from July 2016 to July 2022. According to the kind of eight plates, we divided those patients into the HEP group and the TEP treatment group. Relevant clinical factors, including the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (mMPTA), screw divergence angle (SDA), angle of plate and screw (APS), hinge angle of HEP (HA), and the knee zone location of the lower extremity mechanical axis, were documented. Additionally, deformity correction velocity, complications, and clinical efficacy were assessed. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi‐squared test, Fisher exact test, or Wilcoxon test, while continuous variables were evaluated using the t‐test or analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

There were 29 patients in the HEP treatment group (seven girls and 22 boys) and 33 patients (12 girls and 21 boys) in the TEP treatment group. In all, 91.86% (79/86 knees) of the genu angular deformities were completely corrected, 6.98% (6/86 knees) had the overcorrection condition, and 10.47% (9/86 knees) had screw loosening. The swayback HEP rate was 11.29% (7/62 HEPs), which was related to the screw loosening in the HEP group (p < 0.001). The overall correction velocities and screw divergence angle change speeds in the HEP group were all significantly faster than those in the TEP group (p < 0.05). The initial APS of the HEP implanted was higher than that of TEP (p < 0.01), and multisite changes of APS during deformity correction of the HEP group were smaller than that of the TEP group.

Conclusion

HEP proved to be an appropriate device for TH for non‐idiopathic coronal angular deformities of the knee with high correction velocity in children. Avoiding the occurrence of the swayback phenomenon may reduce the complications of HEP.
Biocontrol mechanisms of poplar leaf blight due to Nigrospora oryzae
Authors: Han Jin , Lu Zhantong , Zhang Huifang , Ji Shida , Liu Bin , Kong Ning , Yang Yongfeng , Xing Baoyue , Liu Zhihua
Published: October 2024

Nigrospora oryzae, a newly identified pathogen, is responsible for poplar leaf blight, causing significant harm to poplar growth. Here, we describe, for the first time, a biological control method for the control of poplar leaf blight via the applications of 3 dominant Trichoderma strains/species. In this study, dominant Trichoderma species/strains with the potential for biocontrol were identified and then further characterised via dual culture assays, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and culture filtrates. The biocontrol efficacy of these strains against N. oryzae was found to exceed 60%. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis (PdPap) leaves pretreated with these Trichoderma strains significantly decreased. Furthermore, pretreatment of PdPap with a combination of these Trichoderma (Tcom) resulted in 9.71‐fold and 1.95‐fold increases in peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, respectively, and 3.87‐fold decrease in the MDA content compared to controls. Moreover, Tcom pretreatment activated the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) pathway‐dependent defence responses of poplar, upregulating pathogenesis‐related protein (PR) and MYC proto‐oncogene (MYC‐R) by more than 12‐fold and 17.32‐fold, respectively. In addition, Trichoderma treatments significantly increased the number of lateral roots, aboveground biomass, and stomata number and density of PdPap, and Tcom was superior to the single pretreatments. The soil pH also became weakly acidic in these pretreatments, which is beneficial for the growth of PdPap seedlings. These findings indicate that these dominant Trichoderma strains can effectively increase biocontrol and poplar growth promotion.
Characterising the expression of the organic cation transporter OCT3 in cutaneous papillomas of dogs
Authors: Sanz Ressel Berenice Liyare , Gomez Castro Gimena , Mórtola Eduardo Carlos , Massone Adriana Raquel , Barbeito Claudio Gustavo
Published: October 2024

Background

The identification of the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway as a frequent molecular event in canine cutaneous papillomas (CPs) has provided the rational foundation to explore novel molecular‐targeted therapies. Recent evidence indicates that metformin reduces the size of CPs in mice by inhibiting the mTOR signalling pathway. These effects require the expression of the organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3/SLC22A3), a well‐known metformin uptake transporter.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of the present study was to characterise the expression pattern of the metformin uptake transporter OCT3 in canine samples of CP that have shown activation of the mTOR signalling pathway in order to predict if this hyperplastic epidermal lesion is potentially sensitive to metformin.

Methods

The expression of OCT3 was evaluated by immunohistochemical investigation in sections of a previously constructed tissue microarray containing 28 samples of canine CP and compared with that previously evaluated for the mTOR activation marker pS6.

Results

OCT3 was highly expressed in the membrane and cytoplasm of the basal and suprabasal epidermal cells in all samples of canine CP. This OCT3 expression was localised at similar epidermal compartments to those observed for pS6.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These results show that canine CPs exhibit the expression of surrogate markers that suggest sensitivity to metformin, such as upregulated OCT3 and pS6 expression. Taken together, these findings provide the rationale for the early assessment of the use of metformin as a mechanism‐based therapeutic approach for treating canine patients with persistent or multiple CPs.
Spatial adiabatic passage of ultracold atoms in optical tweezers
Authors: Florshaim Yanay , Zohar Elad , Koplovich David Zeev , Meltzer Ilan , Weill Rafi , Nemirovsky Jonathan , Stern Amir , Sagi Yoav
Published: October 2024

Coherent manipulation of matter waves, a distinctive hallmark of quantum mechanics, is fundamental to modern quantum technologies. Spatial adiabatic passage (SAP) is a prime example of this phenomenon, where a wave packet is transferred between two uncoupled localized modes by adjusting the tunneling coupling to an intermediate third mode in a counterintuitive sequence. Although this concept was introduced over two decades ago, its observation was previously limited to electromagnetic waves. In this study, we demonstrate this quantum interference effect using massive particles that tunnel between three micro-optical traps (“optical tweezers”). We begin by preparing ultracold fermionic atoms in low vibrational eigenstates of one trap, followed by manipulating the distance between the traps to execute the SAP protocol. We observe a smooth and high-efficiency transfer of atoms between the two outer traps, with a very low population remaining in the central trap. These findings open possibilities for advanced control schemes in optical tweezer array platforms.
Models and observations agree on fewer and milder midlatitude cold extremes even over recent decades of rapid Arctic warming
Authors: Blackport Russell , Sigmond Michael , Screen James A.
Published: October 2024

An apparent increase in observed cold extremes over recent decades in the northern midlatitudes has been reported, in contrast to robust decreases predicted by climate models. This discrepancy has led to suggestions that models fail to accurately simulate changes in weather patterns caused by Arctic warming. Here, we show that the observed frequency and intensity of midlatitude cold extremes have strongly decreased since 1990 and are consistent with modeled trends. The previously reported increase in cold extremes was overestimated due to an artifact of changing data coverage. We also show that the fraction of land with observed cold extreme increases over recent decades is consistent with model internal variability on top of a near-uniform forced reduction in cold extremes across the midlatitudes. Our results provide strong evidence of a decrease in midlatitude cold extremes over recent decades and consistency between models and observations.
Substrate recognition principles for the PP2A-B55 protein phosphatase
Authors: Kruse Thomas , Garvanska Dimitriya H. , Varga Julia K. , Garland William , McEwan Brennan C. , Hein Jamin B. , Weisser Melanie Bianca , Benavides-Puy Iker , Chan Camilla Bachman , Sotelo-Parrilla Paula , Mendez Blanca Lopez , Jeyaprakash A. Arockia , Schueler-Furman Ora , Jensen Torben Heick , Kettenbach Arminja N. , Nilsson Jakob
Published: October 2024

The PP2A-B55 phosphatase regulates a plethora of signaling pathways throughout eukaryotes. How PP2A-B55 selects its substrates presents a severe knowledge gap. By integrating AlphaFold modeling with comprehensive high-resolution mutational scanning, we show that α helices in substrates bind B55 through an evolutionary conserved mechanism. Despite a large diversity in sequence and composition, these α helices share key amino acid determinants that engage discrete hydrophobic and electrostatic patches. Using deep learning protein design, we generate a specific and potent competitive peptide inhibitor of PP2A-B55 substrate interactions. With this inhibitor, we uncover that PP2A-B55 regulates the nuclear exosome targeting (NEXT) complex by binding to an α-helical recruitment module in the RNA binding protein 7 (RBM7), a component of the NEXT complex. Collectively, our findings provide a framework for the understanding and interrogation of PP2A-B55 function in health and disease.
Van der Waals integrated single-junction light-emitting diodes exceeding 10% quantum efficiency at room temperature
Authors: Hu Zhenliang , Fu Qiang , Lu Junpeng , Zhang Yong , Zhang Qi , Wang Shixuan , Duan Zhexing , Zhang Yuwei , Liu Xiaoya , Pan Qiang , Jiang Guangsheng , Yang Tong , Han Xu , Yang Yutian , Liu Tianqi , Tao Tao , Wang Wenhui , Zhao Bei , Yuan Xueyong , Wan Dongyang , Liu Yanpeng , You Yumeng , Zhou Peng , Liu Hongwei , Ni Zhenhua
Published: October 2024

The construction of miniaturized light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with high external quantum efficiency (EQE) at room temperature remains a challenge for on-chip optoelectronics. Here, we demonstrate microsized LEDs fabricated by a dry-transfer van der Waals (vdW) integration method using typical layered Ruddlesden-Popper perovskites (RPPs). A single-crystalline layered RPP nanoflake is used as the active layer and sandwiched between two few-layer graphene contacts, forming van der Waals LEDs (vdWLEDs). Strong electroluminescence (EL) emission with a low turn-on current density of ~20 pA μm
−2
and high EQE exceeding 10% is observed at room temperature, which sets the benchmark for the EQE of vdWLEDs ever recorded. Such efficient EL emission is attributed to the inherent multiple quantum well structure and high photoluminescence quantum yield (~35%) of RPPs and a low charge injection barrier of ~0.10 eV facilitated by the Fowler-Nordheim tunneling mechanism. These findings promise a scalable pathway for accessing high-performance miniaturized light sources for on-chip optical optoelectronics.
A microbiome-directed therapeutic food for children recovering from severe acute malnutrition
Authors: Hartman Steven J. , Hibberd Matthew C. , Mostafa Ishita , Naila Nurun N. , Islam Md. Munirul , Zaman Mahabub Uz , Huq Sayeeda , Mahfuz Mustafa , Islam Md. Tazul , Mukherji Kallol , Moghaddam Vaha Akbary , Chen Robert Y. , Province Michael A. , Webber Daniel M. , Henrissat Suzanne , Henrissat Bernard , Terrapon Nicolas , Rodionov Dmitry A. , Osterman Andrei L. , Barratt Michael J. , Ahmed Tahmeed , Gordon Jeffrey I.
Published: October 2024

Globally, severe acute malnutrition (SAM), defined as a weight-for-length
z
-score more than three SDs below a reference mean (WLZ < −3), affects 14 million children under 5 years of age. Complete anthropometric recovery after standard, short-term interventions is rare, with children often left with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM; WLZ −2 to −3). We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 12- to 18-month-old Bangladeshi children from urban and rural sites, who, after initial hospital-based treatment for SAM, received a 3-month intervention with a microbiome-directed complementary food (MDCF-2) or a calorically more dense, standard ready-to-use supplementary food (RUSF). The rate of WLZ improvement was significantly greater in MDCF-2–treated children (
P
= 8.73 × 10
−3
), similar to our previous RCT of Bangladeshi children with MAM without antecedent SAM (
P
= 0.032). A correlated meta-analysis of plasma levels of 4520 proteins in both RCTs revealed 215 positively associated with WLZ (largely representing musculoskeletal and central nervous system development) and 44 negatively associated (primarily related to immune activation). Moreover, the positively associated proteins were significantly enriched by MDCF-2 (
q
= 1.1 × 10
−6
). Characterizing the abundances of 754 bacterial metagenome-assembled genomes in serially collected fecal samples disclosed the effects of acute rehabilitation for SAM on the microbiome and how, during treatment for MAM, specific strains of
Prevotella copri
function at the intersection between MDCF-2 glycan metabolism and anthropometric recovery. These results provide a rationale for further testing the generalizability of MDCF efficacy and for identifying biomarkers to define treatment responses.
Supplemental Material: A “natural sand plant” at the shelf edge in the low-energy Gulf of Lions, western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Berné Serge , al. et
Published: October 2024

Data and methods and Figures S1–S11.  
On the Identification of Solid-Like Clusters in a Crystallizing Yukawa System
Authors: Klumov B. A.
Published: October 2024

The crystallization of systems with soft interaction potentials is analyzed for a Yukawa system as an example. The crystallization pathway in the plane of rotational invariants q4 and q6 is studied in detail. The recently proposed invariants bcc1 and bcc2, calculated using 12 nearest neighbors, are applied for the first time to study the crystallization. It is shown that the combination of the rotational invariant technique and the method of Voronoi polyhedra allows us to identify quite simply all types of solid-like clusters formed during the solidification of the system, including bcc-like clusters, which are hardly identified by conventional methods.
Evaluating the concordance between International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision Code and stroke severity as measured by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale
Authors: Taha Mohamed , Habib Mamoon , Lomachinsky Victor , Hadar Peter , Newhouse Joseph P , Schwamm Lee H , Blacker Deborah , Moura Lidia M V R
Published: October 2024

Background

The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores have been used to evaluate acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) severity in clinical settings. Through the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision Code (ICD-10), documentation of NIHSS scores has been made possible for administrative purposes and has since been increasingly adopted in insurance claims. Per Centres for Medicare & Medicaid Services guidelines, the stroke ICD-10 diagnosis code must be documented by the treating physician. Accuracy of the administratively collected NIHSS compared with expert clinical evaluation as documented in the Paul Coverdell registry is however still uncertain.

Methods

Leveraging a linked dataset comprised of the Paul Coverdell National Acute Stroke Program (PCNASP) clinical registry and matched individuals on Medicare Claims data, we sampled patients aged 65 and above admitted for AIS across nine states, from January 2017 to December 2020. We excluded those lacking documentation for either clinical or ICD-10-based NIHSS scores. We then examined score concordance from both databases and measured discordance as the absolute difference between the PCNASP and ICD-10-based NIHSS scores.

Results

Among 87 996 matched patients, mean NIHSS scores for PCNASP and Medicare ICD-10 were 7.19 (95% CI 7.14 to 7.24) and 7.32 (95% CI 7.27 to 7.37), respectively. Concordance between the two scores was high as indicated by an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.93.

Conclusion

The high concordance between clinical and ICD-10 NIHSS scores highlights the latter’s potential as measure of stroke severity derived from structured claims data.
New dimension in viral hepatitis research
Authors: Cocca Massimiliano , Testoni Barbara
Published: October 2024

Chronic hepatitis B is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and a significant global health issue, affecting over 296 million people worldwide, with 15 million people coinfected with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) suffering accelerated disease progression. Recent advances in single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics offer promising insights to improve the understanding of the liver’s immune responses and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected cell distribution, with the final goal being the achievement of an HBV ‘functional cure’. In this issue ofeGastroenterology, Crosset alused the GeoMx nanostring digital spatial profiling (DSP) technology to study gene expression in the liver tissues of three patients (one HBV-monoinfected, one HBV/HDV coinfected and one HBV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfected). Unlike other spatial transcriptomics techniques, GeoMx DSP allows targeted selection of specific tissue regions (regions of interest) for analysis, enabling precise gene expression mapping. The study revealed spatially distinct transcriptomic signatures related to immune features and viral burden, identifying a component of underinvestigated immune cells. Despite the small sample size, this proof-of-concept study demonstrates the feasibility of spatial transcriptomics in analysing HBV infections. Future advances, such as integrating viral proteins and nucleic acids, will enhance the understanding of spatial viral replication. Challenges in tissue processing, data analysis and costs remain before spatial transcriptomics can be applied as a diagnostic tool, but ongoing multiomics approaches offer promise for improved diagnosis and therapy.
Population-level effects on crime of recovering firearms from armed prohibited persons: intention-to-treat analysis of a pragmatic cluster-randomised trial in California cities
Authors: Wintemute Garen J , Tancredi Daniel , Pear Veronica A , Li Yueju , McCort Christopher D , Pierce Glenn , Braga Anthony A , Wright Mona A , Laqueur Hannah , Kravitz-Wirtz Nicole , Studdert David , Beckett Laurel
Published: October 2024

Background

Too little is known about the effectiveness of efforts to prevent firearm violence. We evaluated California’s Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS), which identifies legal purchasers of firearms who have become prohibited persons and seeks to recover all firearms and ammunition to which they have access.

Design and methods

This cluster-randomised pragmatic trial was made possible by APPS’s expansion from a small pilot to a continuing statewide programme. We included 363 California cities, allocated to early (n=187) or later (n=176) intervention in blocks stratified by region within the state, and within region by population and violent crime rate. The study period began 1 February 2015; region-specific end dates ranged from 1 May 2015 to 1 February 2016. Analysis was on an intention-to-treat, difference-in-difference basis using generalised linear mixed models and generalised estimating equations with robust SEs. The population-level primary outcome measures were monthly city-level counts of firearm-related homicides, robberies and aggravated assaults. The primary model was adjusted for stratification variables; city-level population, population density, socioeconomic status and firearm purchasing; year; and month.

Findings

Allocation groups were well balanced on baseline characteristics and implementation measures. In adjusted models, allocation to early intervention was not associated with statistically significant differences in any primary outcome measure; these findings were robust to multiple sensitivity analyses. There was some heterogeneity across regions.

Conclusions

The APPS intervention directly affects a very small percentage of the population, limiting its potential for population-level effects. Individual-level analyses may provide a better estimate of the intervention’s effectiveness.

Trial registration number

NCT02318732.
Overall and race-specific associations between state-level minimum wage policy and food insecurity in the United States
Authors: Freije Sophia L , Wallace Maeve , Chaparro M Pia
Published: October 2024

Background

In the USA, states can set higher minimum wages than the federal government. We investigated the association between state minimum wages and racial/ethnic inequities in food insecurity.

Methods

Household-level food insecurity and sociodemographic data were obtained from the cross-sectional Current Population Survey 2015–2019 (n=189 665 households) and merged by state and year with minimum wage and cost-of-living data obtained from the US Department of Labor and US Bureau of Economic Analysis, respectively. We fitted Poisson regression models with robust standard errors with 12-month or 30-day household food insecurity as the outcome, and minimum wage or inflation-adjusted minimum wage (ie, real wage) as the predictor, adjusting for cost of living, sociodemographic covariates and state fixed-effects. We tested interactions between minimum wage and race/ethnicity and ran race/ethnicity-stratified models.

Results

In adjusted models, the real wage was not associated with 12-month or 30-day food insecurity. Minimum wage was associated with 5% lower prevalence rate of 12-month food insecurity (PR 0.95, 95% CI=0.93 to 0.98) and 7% lower prevalence rate of 30-day food insecurity (PR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.96) for all households. The interaction p values for race/ethnicity with real wage and minimum wage were p<0.001. In stratified models, results were statistically significant for minimum wage and 12-month food insecurity among non-Hispanic (NH) white households (PR 0.93, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.96) and Hispanic households (PR 0.95, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.98), and minimum wage and 30-day food insecurity among NH white (PR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.96), NH black (PR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89 to 0.99) and Hispanic (PR 0.90, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.95) households.

Conclusions

Higher state-level minimum wages, but not real wages, were associated with lower food insecurity prevalence overall and for racial/ethnic subgroups.
Trans-umbilical access in the neonate with sheath preservation for intervention
Authors: Bazil Maximilian Jeremy , Shigematsu Tomoyoshi , Fifi Johanna T , Berenstein Alejandro
Published: October 2024

High-flow vascular malformations in neonates may require emergent embolization to prevent or treat congestive heart failure when intervention is indicated.1 While transfemoral access is the traditional approach, this route may be complicated by the sheath size (typically 4F in our experience, as a smaller sheath system may prove suboptimal) needed for embolization. This is especially true when (1) multiple acute interventions are anticipated during the neonatal period and/or (2) when it is preferred to spare femoral access for future treatments in infancy or childhood.1–3 The safety and feasibility of using transumbilical (TU) access via the umbilical artery and maintaining an indwelling sheath post-procedurally has been previously described and indeed does spare the femoral arteries for later treatments; however, this technique has not yet been sufficiently demonstrated or reported to the extent that it could be easily reproduced.1–10 In this technical video, we detail the required materials and demonstrate a step-by-step guide to obtaining TU access in the context of neonatal vascular malformation embolization. Our practice has utilized this technique for decades and we hope that by sharing our methods with the neurointerventional community we may make this rarely performed procedure a feasible option for proceduralists (see video 1) .

Video 1

Technical instructional video for trans-umbilical access in the neonate with sheath preservation for intervention
Braids and beyond: a comprehensive study on pipeline device braid stability from PREMIER data
Authors: Rodriguez-Erazú Fernanda , Cortez Gustavo M , Lopes Demetrius K , Gutierrez-Aguirre Salvador F , De Toledo Otavio Frederico , Aghaebrahim Amin , Sauvageau Eric , Kallmes David F , Fiehler Jens , Hanel Ricardo A
Published: October 2024

Background

The pipeline embolization device (PED) has been increasingly used to treat brain aneurysms; however, concerns have been raised about braid stability with newer drawn filled tubing technology devices.

Objective

To evaluate braid stability of PED early generations using data from the PREMIER trial.

Methods

All consecutive intracranial aneurysms treated with PED (Classic and Flex) within the PREMIER trial were reviewed for braid stability (fish mouthing, foreshortening, braid bump, braid collapsing). Immediate postprocedure cone-beam CT and angiography were compared with 1- and 2- years' follow-up. Analyses included safety, measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, including +1 mRS point and a good clinical outcome (mRS score 0–2), vessel stenosis ≥50%, effectiveness measured with Raymond-Roy Scale, and re-treatment rates.

Results

133/141 aneurysms had a complete dataset. 8/133 (6%) aneurysms showed braid deformations. Inter-reader agreement was excellent (κ=0.83). Braid deformations were statistically significantly associated with in-stent vessel stenosis >50% (P=0.029), without impact on effectiveness or safety. Fish mouthing was found in 1/133 (0.75%) at 1 year, causing >50% vessel stenosis. Foreshortening occurred in 6/133 (4.5%), and braid bump in 1/133 (0.75%) associated with severe in-stent stenosis. Four other cases (3.0%) of asymptomatic in-stent stenosis due to neointimal hyperplasia were seen without braid changes. No new braid stability deformations were found at the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates excellent braid stability among patients treated with the PED Classic and Flex in the PREMIER trial. Within the uncommon braid changes observed, none affected the PED safety or efficacy.

Trial registration number

NCT02186561.
Deformational behaviors of existing three-line tunnels induced by under-crossing of three-line mechanized tunnels: a case study
Authors: Chang Jiaqi , Thewes Markus , Zhang Dongming , Huang Hongwei , Lin Wei
Published: October 2024

This research presents monitoring data from a complicated case: the under-crossing of new three-line tunnels beneath existing three-line tunnels. The existing tunnels were monitored by electric level and wireless sensing network (WSN). By analyzing the monitoring data, the mutual influence patterns of the new three-line tunnels were identified, and a modified version of Peck’s formula was proposed. Additionally, a correlation between settlement data from the low-frequency electric level and tilt change data from the high-frequency WSN was established. This correlation provided a detailed understanding of the deformation process of the existing tunnels during the under-crossing. The results revealed that the deformation patterns of the existing three-line tunnels during the under-crossing process are similar and could be categorized into three stages. For each stage, a support vector machine prediction model was developed and interpreted using the Shapley Additive explanation method to rank the degree of influence of each construction parameter on the settlement. Grouting volume, shield position, pushing jacks’ pressure, and earth pressure were the main factors influencing the settlement and their importance varied in different stages due to the different relative position of the shield machine to the existing tunnels.
What do tree-growth archives tell us about anthropogenic pressures and their mitigations in the Atlantic Forest?
Authors: Olmedo Gabriela Morais , de Oliveira Juliano Morales , Tomazello-Filho Mario
Published: October 2024

The Atlantic Forest is a complex and heterogeneous biome, reflecting significant biodiversity that has historically been threatened by anthropogenic pressures. In this sense, solutions to these issues are needed and growth rings could represent an opportunity for this. This review aimed to compile studies addressing growth rings in the Atlantic Forest. We sought to answer whether these studies are contributing to an understanding of the impacts of environmental problems on trees and the implementation of environmental solutions. From 105 articles published on growth rings in the Atlantic Forest, most have contributed to exploring the climatic responses of trees. Compiling the results of these studies, we show a similar tendency for tree growth in the biome to be positively influenced by water conditions. However, it is important to highlight that few papers have focused on issues such as land degradation, climate change, biological invasions, and restoration approaches. Although it has been shown that dendrochronology is a collaborative science among researchers, there is a gap in studies and research groups in the northeast and southwest regions and with the applications of multiproxy research. There are studies worldwide that address environmental problems using different growth ring approaches to evaluate matters including climate change, pollution, tree health, carbon sequestration, and environmental monitoring. In this sense, there is a need and opportunity for tree-ring research in the Atlantic Forest biome on these issues.
Analysis and optimization of quantitative casting motion of a casting and pouring robot
Authors: Biaoxiong Xie , Xingang Miao , Jianqiang Xia
Published: October 2024

According to the specifications of a 20 kg load for the casting barrel, we have crafted a three-dimensional model of the robot and scrutinized the three phases of liquid level variation within the casting barrel throughout the casting procedure. Following our analysis, it has been ascertained that the relationship between time and angle is an implicit function, rendering the discovery of an analytical expression for time in terms of angle unattainable. The dynamics of the casting barrel have been emulated using MATLAB, revealing the presence of critical points in the function plot. Upon fitting the original function with a fifth-degree polynomial interpolation, the resultant fifth-degree polynomial function depicting time against angular acceleration exhibits significant oscillations, particularly at the critical points. To address this, a proportional integral derivative algorithm, predicated on the discretization of time and acceleration functions, has been implemented for rectification. The outcomes demonstrate that this approach effectively diminishes the oscillation amplitude of the function plot and enhances its alignment with the original function.