bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sociality reduces the probability of eradication success of arthropod pests
Authors: Howse M. W. F. , Haywood J. , Lester P. J.
Published: July 2023

Social insects are successful and globally significant invaders. Compared to ongoing suppression, eradication is seen as an ideal solution and cost effective in the long term. The success of eradication attempts is not guaranteed and identifying key factors that could influence the success of such management programs would be beneficial. In this study, 239 eradication attempts were compiled and analysed to identify why eradication attempts fail, with a focus on how eusociality of the target species impacts eradication success. All else remaining constant, the odds of successful eradication were 79% lower when targeting social species compared to non-social insects. Eradication success was shown to increase when comparing more recent attempts to earlier ones but was found to decrease as the duration of the attempt went on. Eradication attempts that occurred on islands, and those that targeted species with a broader host range, were also associated with increased success. A review of cited reasons for eradication failure highlighted the importance of employing effective control treatments, management, and monitoring systems, as well as garnering adequate social and political support. This study indicates how social insects are particularly challenging to eradicate; it also notes the importance of considering both logistical and biological aspects of any eradication, before initiating eradication attempts.
Marriage and divorce: the role of unemployment insurance
Authors: Schulz Bastian , Siuda Fabian
Published: July 2023

This paper examines how changes in household-level risk sharing affect the marriage market. We use as our laboratory a German unemployment insurance (UI) reform that tightened means-testing based on the partner’s income. The reduced generosity of UI increased the demand for household-level risk sharing, which lowered the attractiveness of individuals exposed to unemployment risk. Because unemployment risk correlates with non-German nationality, our main finding is that the UI reform led to a decrease in intermarriage. The 2004 expansion of the European Union had a comparable effect on intermarriage for the affected nationalities. Both reforms increased marital stability, which is consistent with better selection by couples.
Screening bisphenols in complex samples via a planar Arxula adeninivorans bioluminescence bioassay
Authors: Jaber Max , Jähne Martin , Oberle Michaela , Morlock Gertrud E.
Published: July 2023

The Arxula yeast bisphenol screen (A-YBS) utilizes the bioluminescent Arxula adeninivorans yeast–based reporter cells for tailored analysis of bisphenols, one of the major endocrine-disrupting compound groups. For the first time, this bioreporter has been applied on the high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) adsorbent surface to develop a respective planar bioluminescence bioassay (pA-YBS). The goal was to combine the advantages of HPTLC with a more selective bioassay detection for bisphenols. The performance of this pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay was demonstrated by calculating the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of bisphenols compared to references. The EC50 ranged from 267 pg/band for bisphenol Z and 322 pg/band for bisphenol A (BPA) to > 1 ng/band for other bisphenols (BPC, BPE, BPF, and BPS) and references (17β-estradiol and 17α-ethinylestradiol). The EC50 value of BPA was three times more sensitive in signal detection than that of 17β-estradiol. The visual or videodensitometric limit of detection of BPA was about 200 pg/zone. The higher signal intensity and sensitivity for BPA confirmed the tailored bioassay selectivity compared to the existing estrogen screen bioassay. It worked on different types of HPTLC silica gel plates. This HPTLC–UV/Vis/FLD–pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay method was used to analyze complex mixtures such as six tin can migrates, five thermal papers, and eleven botanicals. The detected estrogenic compound zones in the tin can migrates were successfully verified via the duplex planar yeast antagonist estrogen screen (pYAES) bioassay. The two bisphenols A and S were identified in one out of five thermal papers and confirmed with high-resolution mass spectrometry. No bisphenols were detected in the botanicals investigated via the pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay. However, the botanicals proved to contain phytoestrogens as detected via the pYAES bioassay, which confirmed the tailored bioassay selectivity. This HPTLC–UV/Vis/FLD–pA-YBS bioluminescence bioassay is suited for cost-efficient analysis of BPA in complex samples, with no need for sterile conditions due to the fast workflow.
Views from ‘crabworld’: the spatial distribution of light in a tropical mudflat
Authors: Zeil Jochen
Published: July 2023

Natural scene analysis has been extensively used to understand how the invariant structure of the visual environment may have shaped biological image processing strategies. This paper deals with four crucial, but hitherto largely neglected aspects of natural scenes: (1) the viewpoint of specific animals; (2) the fact that image statistics are not independent of the position within the visual field; (3) the influence of the direction of illumination on luminance, spectral and polarization contrast in a scene; and (4) the biologically relevant information content of natural scenes. To address these issues, I recorded the spatial distribution of light in a tropical mudflat with a spectrographic imager equipped with a polarizing filter in an attempt to describe quantitatively the visual environment of fiddler crabs. The environment viewed by the crabs has a distinct structure. Depending on the position of the sun, the luminance, the spectral composition, and the polarization characteristics of horizontal light distribution are not uniform. This is true for both skylight and for reflections from the mudflat surface. The high-contrast feature of the line of horizon dominates the vertical distribution of light and is a discontinuity in terms of luminance, spectral distribution and of image statistics. On a clear day, skylight intensity increases towards the horizon due to multiple scattering, and its spectral composition increasingly resembles that of sunlight. Sky-substratum contrast is highest at short wavelengths. I discuss the consequences of this extreme example of the topography of vision for extracting biologically relevant information from natural scenes.
Observing the fragmentation of two expanding bullet types and a full metal-jacketed bullet with computed tomography—a forensic ballistics case study
Authors: Oura Petteri , Niinimäki Jaakko , Brix Mikael , Lammentausta Eveliina , Liimatainen Timo , Junno Alina , Junno Juho-Antti
Published: July 2023

Computed tomography (CT) may have a crucial role in the forensic documentation and analysis of firearm injuries. The aim of this forensic ballistics case study was to explore whether two types of expanding bullets and a full metal-jacketed bullet could be differentiated by inspecting bullet fragments and fragmentation pattern in CT. Three types of .30 caliber bullets (full metal-jacketed Norma Jaktmatch, expanding full-copper Norma Ecostrike, and expanding soft-point Norma Oryx) were test fired from a distance of 5 m to blocks of 10% ballistic gelatine. CT scans of the blocks were obtained with clinical equipment and metal artifact reduction. Radiopaque fragments were identified and fragmentation parameters were obtained from the scans (total number of fragments, maximum diameter of the largest fragment, distance between entrance and the closest fragment, length of the fragment cloud, and maximum diameters of the fragment cloud). The fragmentation patterns were additionally visualized by means of 3D reconstruction. In CT, the bullet types differed in several fragmentation parameters. While the expanding full-copper bullet Ecostrike left behind only a single fragment near the end of the bullet channel, the soft-point Oryx had hundreds of fragments deposited throughout the channel. For both expanding bullets Ecostrike and Oryx, the fragments were clearly smaller than those left behind by the full metal-jacketed Jaktmatch. This was surprising as the full metal-jacketed bullet was expected to remain intact. The fragment cloud of Jaktmatch had similar mediolateral and superoinferior diameters to that of Oryx; however, fragments were deposited in the second half of the gelatine block, and not throughout the block. This case study provides a basis and potential methodology for further experiments. The findings are expected to benefit forensic practitioners with limited background information on gunshot injury cases, for example, those that involve several potential firearms or atypical gunshot wounds. The findings may prove beneficial for both human and wildlife forensics.
The implementation of a home-based isometric wall squat intervention using ratings of perceived exertion to select and control exercise intensity: a pilot study in normotensive and pre-hypertensive adults
Authors: Lea John W. D. , O’Driscoll Jamie M. , Wiles Jonathan D.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Isometric exercise (IE) and isometric wall squat (IWS) training have been shown to be effective methods of reducing arterial blood pressure. However, most IE interventions require methodologies and equipment that could present a barrier to participation. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of an accessible RPE prescribed IWS intervention.

Methods

Thirty normotensive and pre-hypertensive adults were randomly assigned to a control group or one of two 4-week home-based IWS intervention groups: the first group conducted IWS exercise where intensity was prescribed and monitored using RPE (RPE-EX), whilst the other used a previously validated HR prescription method (HR-EX). Resting and ambulatory heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured pre- and post-intervention.

Results

Minimum clinically important differences (MCID; − 5 mmHg) in SBP and/or DBP were shown in 100% of intervention participants. Statistically significant reductions were shown in resting seated BP (RPE-EX: SBP: − 9 ± 6, DBP: − 6 ± 4, MAP: − 6 ± 3 mmHg; HR-EX: SBP: − 14 ± 6, DBP: − 6 ± 4, MAP: − 8 ± 4 mmHg), supine BP (RPE-EX: SBP: − 8 (− 5), DBP: − 8 (− 7), MAP: − 8 (− 4) mmHg; HR-EX: SBP: − 5 (− 4), MAP − 5 (− 4) mmHg), and ambulatory SBP (RPE-EX: − 8 ± 6 mmHg; HR-EX: − 10 ± 4 mmHg) following the interventions. There were no statistically significant differences between intervention groups in the magnitude of BP reduction.

Conclusion

RPE prescribed IWS exercise can provide an effective and more accessible method for reducing BP at home, providing reductions comparable to the current HR-based prescription method.
Impact of patent ductus arteriosus on non-invasive assessments of lung fluids in very preterm infants during the transitional period
Authors: Martini Silvia , Gatelli Italo Francesco , Vitelli Ottavio , Vitali Francesca , De Rienzo Francesca , Parladori Roberta , Corvaglia Luigi , Martinelli Stefano
Published: July 2023

This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate whether lung fluids, assessed by lung ultrasonography and transthoracic electrical bioimpedance (TEB), may be influenced by the presence of a haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in very preterm infants during the transitional period. Infants < 32 weeks of gestational age (GA) admitted to the neonatal intensive care units of IRCCS AOU Bologna and Niguarda Metropolitan Hospital of Milan (Italy) underwent a daily assessment of a lung ultrasound score (LUS) and of a TEB-derived index of thoracic fluid contents (TFC) during the first 72 h after birth. Echocardiographic scans were simultaneously performed to evaluate the concomitant ductal status (hsPDA vs. restrictive or closed duct). The correlation between LUS, TFC, and the ductal status was tested using generalized estimating equations. Forty-six infants (median GA: 29 [interquartile range, IQR: 27–31] weeks; median birth weight: 1099 [IQR: 880–1406] g) were included. At each daily evaluation, the presence of a hsPDA was associated with significantly higher LUS and TFC compared with a restrictive or closed ductus (p < 0.01 for all comparisons). These results were confirmed significant even after adjustment for GA and for the ongoing modality of respiratory support.

 Conclusion: Even during the first 72 h of life, the presence of a hsPDA determines a significant increase in pulmonary fluids which can be non-invasively detected and monitored over time using lung ultrasonography and TEB.

What is Known:• Lung ultrasonography provides a non-invasive assessment of lung fluids and is widely used in neonatal settings.• In preterm infants, the persistence of a haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) over the first weeks can negatively affect pulmonary outcomes.

What is New:• The presence of aan hsPDA is associated with increased lung fluids since early postnatal phases.• Lung ultrasonography and transthoracic electrical bioimpedance can effectively monitor lung fluid clearance in preterm infants with a hsPDA during the transitional period, with potential clinical implications.
Construction and validation of a prognostic nomogram for predicting cancer-specific survival in patients with intermediate and advanced colon cancer after receiving surgery and chemotherapy
Authors: Shi Yiheng , Wu Xiaoting , Qu Wanxi , Tian Jiahao , Pang Xunlei , Fan Haohan , Fei Sujuan , Miao Bei
Published: July 2023

Background

Existing predictive models often focus solely on overall survival (OS), neglecting the bias that other causes of death might introduce into survival rate predictions. To date, there is no strict predictive model established for cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with intermediate and advanced colon cancer after receiving surgery and chemotherapy.

Methods

We extracted the data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database on patients with stage-III and -IV colon cancer treated with surgery and chemotherapy between 2010 and 2015. The cancer-specific survival (CSS) was assessed using a competitive risk model, and the associated risk factors were identified via univariate and multivariate analyses. A nomogram predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS was constructed. The c-index, area under the curve (AUC), and calibration curve were adopted to assess the predictive performance of the model. Additionally, the model was externally validated.

Results

A total of 18 risk factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses for constructing the nomogram. The AUC values of the nomogram for the 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS prediction were 0.831, 0.842, and 0.848 in the training set; 0.842, 0.853, and 0.849 in the internal validation set; and 0.815, 0.823, and 0.839 in the external validation set. The C-index were 0.826 (se: 0.001), 0.836 (se: 0.002) and 0.763 (se: 0.013), respectively. Moreover, the calibration curve showed great calibration.

Conclusion

The model we have constructed is of great accuracy and reliability, and can help physicians develop treatment and follow-up strategies that are beneficial to the survival of the patients.
Barriers to and facilitators of physical activity in adults living with and beyond cancer, with special emphasis on head and neck cancer: a systematic review of qualitative and mixed methods studies
Authors: Doughty Hannah C. , Hill Ruaraidh A. , Riley Andrew , Midgley Adrian W. , Patterson Joanne M. , Boddy Lynne M. , Rogers Simon N. , Maden Michelle , Williams Nefyn H.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Physical activity can improve health outcomes for cancer patients; however, only 30% of patients are physically active. This review explored barriers to and facilitators of physical activity promotion and participation in patients living with and beyond cancer. Secondary aims were to (1) explore similarities and differences in barriers and facilitators experienced in head and neck cancer versus other cancers, and (2) identify how many studies considered the influence of socioeconomic characteristics on physical activity behaviour.

Methods

CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus and Cochrane (CDSR) were searched for qualitative and mixed methods evidence. Quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and a Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Tool. Thematic synthesis and frequency of reporting were conducted, and results were structured using the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour model and Theoretical Domains Framework.

Results

Thirty qualitative and six mixed methods studies were included. Socioeconomic characteristics were not frequently assessed across the included studies. Barriers included side effects and comorbidities (physical capability;skills) and lack of knowledge (psychological capability;knowledge). Having a dry mouth or throat and choking concerns were reported in head and neck cancer, but not across other cancers. Facilitators included improving education (psychological capability;knowledge) on the benefits and safety of physical activity.

Conclusion

Educating patients and healthcare professionals on the benefits and safety of physical activity may facilitate promotion, uptakeand adherence. Head and neck cancer patients experienced barriers not cited across other cancers, and research exploring physical activity promotion in this patient group is required to improve physical activity engagement.
$$\Gamma $$-convergence and stochastic homogenisation of singularly-perturbed elliptic functionals
Authors: Bach Annika , Marziani Roberta , Zeppieri Caterina Ida
Published: July 2023

We study the limit behaviour of singularly-perturbed elliptic functionals of the form$$\begin{aligned} {\mathscr {F}}_k(u,v)=\int _A v^2\,f_k(x,\nabla u)\, \textrm{d}x+\frac{1}{\varepsilon _k}\int _A g_k(x,v,\varepsilon _k\nabla v)\, \textrm{d}x, \end{aligned}$$Fk(u,v)=∫Av2fk(x,∇u)dx+1εk∫Agk(x,v,εk∇v)dx,whereuis a vector-valued Sobolev function,$$v \in [0,1]$$v∈[0,1]a phase-field variable, and$$\varepsilon _k>0$$εk>0a singular-perturbation parameter; i.e.,$$\varepsilon _k \rightarrow 0$$εk→0, as$$k\rightarrow +\infty $$k→+∞. Under mild assumptions on the integrands$$f_k$$fkand$$g_k$$gk, we show that if$$f_k$$fkgrows superlinearly in the gradient-variable, then the functionals$${\mathscr {F}}_k$$Fk$$\Gamma $$Γ-converge (up to subsequences) to abrittleenergy-functional; i.e., to a free-discontinuity functional whose surface integrand doesnotdepend on the jump-amplitude ofu. This result is achieved by providing explicit asymptotic formulas for the bulk and surface integrands which show, in particular, that volume and surface term in$${\mathscr {F}}_k$$Fkdecouplein the limit. The abstract$$\Gamma $$Γ-convergence analysis is complemented by a stochastic homogenisation result forstationary randomintegrands.
MNAzymes and gold nanoparticles as isothermal signal amplification strategy for visual detection of miRNA
Authors: Sánchez-Visedo Adrián , Gallego-Martínez Borja , Royo Luis José , Soldado Ana , Valledor Marta , Campo Juan Carlos , Ferrero Francisco Javier , Costa-Fernández José Manuel , Fernández-Argüelles María Teresa
Published: July 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a class of small noncoding RNAs that are considered a novel emerging class of disease biomarkers in a variety of afflictions. Sensitive detection of miRNA is typically achieved using hybridization-based methods coupled with genetic amplification techniques. Although their sensitivity has improved, amplification techniques often present erroneous results due to their complexity. In addition, the use of these techniques is usually linked to the application of protein enzymes, the activity of which is dependent on the temperature and pH of the medium. To address these drawbacks, an alternative genetic enzyme for the highly sensitive detection of miRNAs is proposed in this work. Multicomponent nucleic acid enzymes (MNAzymes), coupled with the use of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), were used in this study to develop an isothermal signal amplification strategy for visual genetic detection. miR146a, a biomarker of bovine mastitis present in milk, was selected as a model analyte. The developed methodology is easily carried out in 80 min at 50 °C, generating a low visual limit of detection of 250 pM based on the observation of a color change. The methodology was successfully applied to the detection of miR146a in raw cow milk samples.

Graphical Abstract
Synthesis of a novel magnetic nanomaterial for the development of a multielemental speciation method of lead, mercury, and vanadium via HPLC-ICP MS
Authors: Montoro-Leal Pablo , García-Mesa Juan Carlos , Morales-Benítez Irene , Vázquez-Palomo Laura , López Guerrero María del Mar , Vereda Alonso Elisa I.
Published: July 2023

A new magnetic functionalized material based on graphene oxide magnetic nanoparticles named by us, M@GO-TS, was designed and characterized in order to develop a magnetic solid-phase extraction method (MSPE) to enrich inorganic and organic species of lead, mercury, and vanadium. A flow injection (FI) system was used to preconcentrate the metallic and organometallic species simultaneously, while the ultra-trace separation and determination of the selected species were achieved by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP MS). Therefore, preconcentration and separation/determination processes were automated and conducted separately. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method combining an online MSPE and HPLC-ICP MS for multielemental speciation. Under the optimized conditions, the enrichment factor obtained for PbII, trimethyllead (TML), HgII, methylmercury (MetHg), and VV was 27. The calculated LOD for all studied species were as follows: 5 ng L−1, 20 ng L−1, 2 ng L−1, 10 ng L−1, and 0.4 ng L−1, respectively. The RSD values calculated with a solution containing 0.5 μg L−1 of all species were between 2.5 and 4.5%. The developed method was validated by analyzing Certified Reference Materials TMDA 64.3 for total concentration and also by recovery analysis of the species in human urine from volunteers and a seawater sample collected in Málaga. The t statistical test showed no significant differences between the certified and found values for TMDA 64.3. All the recoveries obtained from spiked human urine and seawater samples were close to 100%. All samples were analyzed using external calibration. The developed method is sensitive and promising for routine monitoring of the selected species in environmental waters and biological samples.

Graphical abstract
Anatomic trajectory for iliac screw placement adapts better to the morphological features of the pelvis of each individual than the S2 alar iliac screw: a radiological study
Authors: Galovich Luis Álvarez , Bordón Julia Montoya , Blanco Irantzu Castelbon , Peiro Alejandro , Mengis Charles Louis , Piñera Ángel R. , Tomé-Bermejo Félix , Gallego Jesus
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The iliac fixation (IF) through the S2 ala permits the minimization of implant prominence and tissue dissection. An alternative to this technique is the anatomic iliac screw fixation (AI), which considers the perpendicular axis to the narrowest width of the ileum and the width of the screw. The morphological accuracy of the iliac screw insertion of two low profile iliac fixation (IF) techniques is investigated in this study.

Methods

Twenty-nine patients operated on via low profile IF technique were divided into two groups, those treated using 28 screws with the starting point at S2, and those treated with 30 AI entry point. Radiological parameters (Tsv-angle, Sag-Angle, Max-length, sacral-distance, iliac-width, S2-midline, skin-distance, iliac-wing, and PSIS distance) and clinical outcomes (early and clinic complications) were evaluated by two blinded expert radiologists, and the results were compared in both groups with the real trajectory of the screws placed.

Results

Differences between ideal and real trajectories were observed in 6 of the 9 evaluated parameters in the S2AI group. In the AI group, these trajectories were similar, except for TSV-Angle, Max-length, Iliac-width, and distance to iliac-wing parameters. Moreover, compared with S2AI, AI provided better adaptation to the pelvic morphology in all parameters, except for sagittal plane angulation, skin distance, and iliac width.

Conclusions

AI ensures the advantages of low profile pelvic fixation like S2AI, with a starting point in line with S1 pedicle anchors and low implant prominence, and moreover adapts better to the morphological features of the pelvis of each individual.
LAD: an application design model to support the analysis of large-scale personal data collections generated by lifelogging
Authors: Duane Aaron , Jónsson Björn Þór , Lee Hyowon , Gurrin Cathal
Published: July 2023

Lifelogging is a form of personal data collection which seeks to capture the totality of one’s experience through intelligent technology and sensors. Yet despite notable advancement in such technologies, there remain persistent challenges to developing interactive systems to analyse the types of large-scale personal collections often generated by lifelogging. In response to this, we present the Lifelog Application Design (LAD) model which is intended to address these challenges and support the design of more novel interactive systems that may target a broader range of application use cases. The model is deliberately structured to remain impartial to the specific personal data, technology platform, or application criterion, to provide maximum utility across the domain. We demonstrate this utility by exploring two case studies and a retrospective analysis of VRLE, a real-world application prototype developed to examine the potential of large-scale personal data retrieval in virtual reality. This work is based on the accumulation of insights garnered from involvement in a number of collaborative lifelogging projects over the past decade. It is our goal to encourage future researchers to utilise the LAD model to support the design and development of their own application prototypes and further solidify the model’s contribution to the domain as a whole.
Combining knowledge bases for small wins in peripheral regions. An analysis of the role of innovation intermediaries in sustainability transitions
Authors: Friedrich Christoph , Feser Daniel
Published: July 2023

A growing number of economic geography scholars have discussed the spatial dimensions of sustainability transitions (STs), which entail radical changes in socio-technical systems to overcome societal, economic, and ecological problems. This involves innovation processes with a broad range of distinctive actors. Innovation intermediaries, such as universities and research institutes, are needed to support and accelerate the transfer of knowledge. Nevertheless, little is known about the influence of such actors on the configuration of the knowledge bases required for STs. This article presents insights from 14 semi-structured interviews with experts conducted in a regional innovation system (RIS) in East Germany. In cooperation with the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, we investigate four innovation intermediaries in the region of Eberswalde. The analytical framework links the concept of differentiated knowledge bases to small wins. Our results show that, first, in the Eberswalde region, the relevant actors involved in regional knowledge transfer focus predominantly on synthetic knowledge bases, such as experience-based knowledge of local area settings. Second, symbolic knowledge bases are crucial and often prerequisites for intermediary organizations to recombine knowledge bases and support the capability to innovate in regional knowledge transfer. Symbolic knowledge entails the ability to translate scientific findings to a language that can be understood by the various actors in knowledge transfer. Third, changes in organizational structures complement changes in cultural–cognitive and normative institutions to support innovation on a systemic level and foster change processes.
Profiling salivary miRNA expression levels in Fanconi anemia patients – a pilot study
Authors: Tang Kai Dun , Amenábar José M. , Schussel Juliana L. , Torres-Pereira Cassius Carvalho , Bonfim Carmem , Dimitrova Nevenka , Hartel Gunter , Punyadeera Chamindie
Published: July 2023

The overarching goal of this study is to predict the risk of developing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in Fanconi anemia (FA) patients. We have compared the microRNA (miRNA, miR) expression levels in saliva samples from FA patients (n = 50) who are at a low-moderate and/or high risk of developing OSCC to saliva samples from healthy controls (n = 16). The miRNA expression levels in saliva samples were quantified using qPCR. We observed that miR-744, miR-150-5P, and miR-146B-5P had the best discriminatory capacity between FA patients and controls, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 94.0%, 92.9% and 85.3%, respectively. Our data suggest that miR-1, miR-146B-5P, miR-150-5P, miR-155-5P, and miR-744 could be used as panel to predict the risk of developing OSCC in FA patients, with a 89.3% sensitivity and a 68.2% specificity (AUC = 81.5%). Our preliminary data support the notion that the expression levels of salivary miRNAs have the potential to predict the risk of developing OSCC in FA patients and in the future may reduce deaths associated with OSCC.
Early-onset hereditary isolated non-neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in a Swedish family
Authors: Fagius Jan , Klar Joakim , Dahl Niklas
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Orthostatic hypotension is a common condition with heterogeneous and, in many cases, unclear underlying pathophysiology. Frequent symptoms are syncope and falls with a strong impact on daily life. A two-generation family with eight individuals segregating early-onset severe orthostatic hypotension with persistent tachycardia in upright position and repeated faints was identified. Our aim was to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology.

Methods

One severely affected individual underwent thorough investigation with neurophysiological and blood pressure (BP) measurements, including direct recording of baroreflex-governed sympathetic nerve signalling and induction of BP rise with phenylephrine. Family members underwent parts of the examination. Genetic analysis using exome sequencing was performed.

Results

Marked postural hypotension with greatly reduced cardiac preload was observed, but without signs of autonomic nervous system dysfunction: sympathetic nerve signalling was normal, as were catecholamine levels, and phenylephrine stimulation revealed a normal increase in BP. The results of the genetic analysis using exome sequencing comprising all known genes associated with the regulation of BP and catecholamine metabolism were normal.

Conclusion

The combined findings suggest an autosomal dominant form of early-onset orthostatic hypotension with variable clinical expression and without any additional autonomic dysfunction. It is possible that further investigation will reveal an as yet undescribed entity of orthostatic hypotension transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait.
On the equivalence of ionospheric-free, differenced, and undifferenced, uncombined GNSS network processing
Authors: Platz Hans Daniel
Published: July 2023

Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations are commonly processed using various established methods, including the processing of ionospheric-free (IF) linear combinations (LC), differences of observations as well as the processing of undifferenced, uncombined (UDUC) observations. The most general and flexible approach to GNSS processing is widely regarded to be the UDUC approach, as this approach is based on the raw observation equations of potentially all available observations. The IF approach uses IF-LC obtained by observations on different frequencies but the same receiver-satellite link to eliminate the ionospheric slant delay. The differencing approach also uses LC of observations, with the distinction that observations of the same signal but different receivers and/or satellites are being used. The purpose of differencing is the elimination of satellite/receiver clocks and biases and, in some cases, reducing or even eliminating atmospheric delays. We aim to uncover the implicit model assumptions made when using various IF and differencing approaches and in what case they are equivalent to the processing of the UDUC observations. This is achieved by introducing a reformulation method, which is then applied to the UDUC observations of code division multiple access GNSS to obtain the functional models of various IF and differencing approaches. The underlying assumptions in this reformulation can then be identified. The results of this theoretical contribution will provide insight into the most appropriate method for processing GNSS observations in different cases and what implicit assumptions are being made when the respective method is being used.
Cognitive enhancing effects of pazopanib in D‑galactose/ovariectomized Alzheimer’s rat model: insights into the role of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL necroptosis signaling pathway
Authors: Abdelhady Rasha , Younis Nancy S. , Ali Omaima , Shehata Samah , Sayed Rabab H. , Nadeem Rania I.
Published: July 2023

Necroptosis, a programmed form of necrotic cell death carried out by receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and RIPK3, has been found to be implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). An FDA-approved anti-cancer drug, pazopanib, is reported to possess potent inhibitory effect against necroptosis via interfering with RIPK1. So far, there are no existing data on the influence of pazopanib on necroptotic pathway in AD. Thus, this study was designed to explore the impact of pazopanib on cognitive impairment provoked by ovariectomy (OVX) together with D-galactose (D-Gal) administration in rats and to scrutinize the putative signaling pathways underlying pazopanib-induced effects. Animals were allocated into four groups; the first and second groups were exposed to sham operation and administered normal saline and pazopanib (5 mg/kg/day, i.p.), respectively, for 6 weeks, while the third and fourth groups underwent OVX then were injected with D-Gal (150 mg/kg/day, i.p.); concomitantly with pazopanib in the fourth group for 6 weeks. Pazopanib ameliorated cognitive deficits as manifested by improved performance in the Morris water maze besides reversing the histological abnormalities. Pazopanib produced a significant decline in p-Tau and amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques. The neuroprotective effect of pazopanib was revealed by hampering neuroinflammation, mitigating neuronal death and suppressing RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL necroptosis signaling pathway. Accordingly, hindering neuroinflammation and the necroptotic RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway could contribute to the neuroprotective effect of pazopanib in D-Gal/OVX rat model. Therefore, this study reveals pazopanib as a valuable therapeutic agent in AD that warrants future inspection to provide further data regarding its neuroprotective effect.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C): Implications for long COVID
Authors: Constantin Tamás , Pék Tamás , Horváth Zsuzsanna , Garan Diána , Szabó Attila J.
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the coronavirus 2 of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) has significantly affected people around the world, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Although the pandemic has affected people of all ages, there is increasing evidence that children are less susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and are more likely to experience milder symptoms than adults. However, children with COVID-19 can still develop serious complications, such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This narrative review of the literature provides an overview of the epidemiology and immune pathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and MIS-C in children. The review also examines the genetics of COVID-19 and MIS-C in children, including the genetic factors that can influence the susceptibility and severity of the diseases and their implications for personalized medicine and vaccination strategies. By examining current evidence and insights from the literature, this review aims to contribute to the development of effective prevention and treatment strategies for COVID-19, MIS-C, and long COVID syndromes in children.
Neuromodulatory effect of vardenafil on aluminium chloride/d-galactose induced Alzheimer’s disease in rats: emphasis on amyloid-beta, p-tau, PI3K/Akt/p53 pathway, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and cellular senescence
Authors: Awad Heba H. , Desouky Mahmoud A. , Zidan Alaa , Bassem Mariam , Qasem Amaal , Farouk Mona , AlDeab Haidy , Fouad Miral , Hany Cherry , Basem Nada , Nader Rita , Alkalleny Ashrakat , Reda Verina , George Mina Y.
Published: July 2023

Dysregulation of protein homeostasis, proteostasis, is a distinctive hallmark of many neurodegenerative disorders and aging. Deleteriously, the accumulation of aberrant proteins in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is accompanied with a marked collapse in proteostasis network. The current study explored the potential therapeutic effect of vardenafil (VAR), a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, in AlCl3/d-galactose (d-gal)-induced AD in rats and its possible underlying mechanisms. The impact of VAR treatment on neurobehavioral function, hippocampal tissue architecture, and the activity of the cholinergic system main enzymes were assessed utilizing VAR at doses of 0.3 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg. Additionally, the expression level of amyloid-beta and phosphorylated tau proteins in the hippocampus were figured out. Accordingly, VAR higher dose was selected to contemplate the possible underlying mechanisms. Intriguingly, VAR elevated the cyclic guanosine monophosphate level in the hippocampus and averted the repressed proteasome activity by AlCl3/d-gal; hence, VAR might alleviate the burden of toxic protein aggregates in AD. In addition, a substantial reduction in the activating transcription factor 6-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress was demonstrated with VAR treatment. Notably, VAR counteracted the AlCl3/d-gal-induced depletion of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 level. Moreover, the anti-senescence activity of VAR was demonstrated via its ability to restore the balance of the redox circuit. The modulation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/p53 pathway and the reduction of nuclear factor kappa B level, the key regulator of senescence-associated secretory phenotype mediators release, with VAR treatment were also elucidated. Altogether, these findings insinuate the possible therapeutic benefits of VAR in AD management.

Graphic abstract
A Multisession SLAM Approach for RatSLAM
Authors: Menezes Matheus , Muñoz Mauro , Pignaton de Freitas Edison , Cheng Sen , de Almeida Neto Areolino , Ribeiro Paulo , Oliveira Alexandre
Published: July 2023

To successfully perform autonomous navigation, mobile agents must solve the Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) problem. However, acquiring the map in a single SLAM session may not be possible, thus the map may be incrementally built over multiple sessions. Two solutions could be considered to solve the multisession SLAM problem: (i) the robot must localize itself in the previously stored map before the new session starts; (ii) it can start a new map and merge it with the map from the previous sessions. To date, only scenario (i) has been addressed by RatSLAM, an algorithm inspired by the navigation system in rodent brains. Therefore, this work proposes a multisession solution that solves both scenarios. A new mechanism merges the data from the RatSLAM structures of the current mapping session with those previously stored if there are connections between these paths. This approach was tested in four different scenarios, from virtual controlled environments to real-world environments with two, three, and five sessions. The robot started in an unfamiliar location for each mapping session, but it also works if the agent starts in a known place, scenario (ii) and (i), respectively. For all experiments, the entire map was consistently obtained. Furthermore, the proposed approach updates and enhances the previous session’s map in real-world environments. Therefore, the proposed approach may be a multiple SLAM session solution for the RatSLAM algorithm.
Surface-Based Computation of the Euler Characteristic in the BCC Grid
Authors: Čomić Lidija , Magillo Paola
Published: July 2023

As opposed to the 3D cubic grid, the body-centered cubic (BCC) grid has some favorable topological properties: each set of voxels in the grid is a 3-manifold, with 2-manifold boundary. Thus, the Euler characteristic of an object O in this grid can be computed as half of the Euler characteristic of its boundary $$\partial O$$

∂
O

. We propose three new algorithms to compute the Euler characteristic in the BCC grid with this surface-based approach: one based on (critical point) Morse theory and two based on the discrete Gauss–Bonnet theorem. We provide a comparison between the three new algorithms and the classic approach based on counting the number of cells, either of the 3D object or of its 2D boundary surface.
Investigation of the Dietary Preferences of Two Dorid Nudibranchs by Feeding-Choice Experiments and Chemical Analysis
Authors: Gris Lauren , Battershill Christopher N. , Prinsep Michele R.
Published: July 2023

Feeding-choice experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions with two dorid spongivorous nudibranchs, Goniobranchus aureomarginatus and Ceratosoma amoenum, collected from a sponge meadow off Tauranga, New Zealand with two sponge prey (Dysidea teawanui sp.nov. and an undescribed species from the Dictyodendrillidae family, possibly Dictyodendrilla tenella (Lendenfeld 1888). The first choice of prey, the total number of prey choices made, and the time spent on each prey target was recorded, results indicating that each nudibranch had strong preferences for specific prey species. Preferences were significant when the time spent grazing on prey was taken into consideration. Goniobranchus aureomarginatus had a strong preference for the undescribed Dictyodendrillid sponge, while Ceratosoma ameonum preferred Dysidea teawanui. The results of the feeding-choice experiments matched observations in the wild. Chemical analysis of the undescribed Dictyodendrillid sponge led to the isolation and characterisation of six known bioactive metabolites, dictyodendrin C (1), D (2) and F (3), as well as denigrin E (4), dactylpyrrole A (5) and lamellarin O1 (6). Two of the known compounds, dictyodendrins C (1) and F (3) were also isolated from G. aureomarginatus individuals. Chemical analysis of D. teawanui afforded ergosterol peroxide, 5α,8α-epidioxy-24-methylcholesta-6,22-dien-3β-ol (7). The structures of the isolated natural products were elucidated based on extensive analysis of 1D and 2D NMR data.
Understanding the relationship between residential environment, social exclusion, and life satisfaction of private renters in Shenzhen
Authors: Li Bo , Jin Chi , Jansen Sylvia J.T. , van der Heijden Harry , Boelhouwer Peter
Published: July 2023

The recent revival of the private rented sector in many regions highlights the importance of understanding the well-being of private renters. While there is a consensus that private renters are less satisfied with their life than homeowners, little attention has been given to examining the life satisfaction of private renters from different sub-sectors, nor has the underlying mechanism linking residential environment and life satisfaction been thoroughly investigated. The present paper aims to address these gaps by examining the life satisfaction of private renters from different sub-sectors in Shenzhen, China. We propose a model, based on Amérigo and Aragones’ (1997) theoretical framework, that links residential environment, social exclusion, and life satisfaction. The model fits well with the data collected from 619 renters. The results showed that only 38% of the respondent private renters were satisfied with their life. Furthermore, we found urban village renters were significantly less satisfied with their life compared with renters living in commercial housing and Long-term Rented Apartments. Path analysis results suggest that some objective aspects of the residential environment, renters’ perceived social exclusion, and their residential satisfaction could explain a substantial proportion of the variances in life satisfaction while the influence of demographic variables was found to be insignificant. Perceived equal citizenship rights, perceived discrimination, and perceived reasonable rent were shown to have significant effects on life satisfaction. The paper concludes with a discussion on policy implications aimed at enhancing the life satisfaction of private renters.
Separation of overlapping phases for Se88Te10Ag2 glass
Authors: Hamad D. , Moustafa Samar , Abdel‑Rahim M. A. , Abdelraheem A. M.
Published: July 2023

Results of crystallization kinetics for Se88Te10Ag2 glass using differential scanning calorimetry under non-isothermal condition are described and discussed. The glass has a single glass transition and two crystalline phases that overlap. The Gaussian fit model was used to separate the overlapping crystalline phases. By applying the Matusita et al. approach to analyses the data, it was possible to determine the activation energy (Ec) and Avrami exponent (n) for the two phases. The average Ec values for the first and the second phases are 126.16 and 113.99 kJ mol−1, respectively. It was shown that the activation energy strongly depended on the heating rate. Using the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose method, the variable activation energies with crystalline fraction are calculated. This variation demonstrates how the transition from the amorphous to the crystalline phase is a complicated process requiring several nucleation and growth mechanisms. It was discussed if the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami model to describe the crystallization for the composition under investigation. The results show SB(M, N) that model is more appropriate to represent the crystallization process for the examined composition. While the results agree with JMA models at low heating rates. Through the use of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, the crystalline phases for the two stages were identified.
Metaphors of violence and survival: Primo Levi’s philosophy of chemistry
Authors: Arnds Peter
Published: July 2023

One of the principal dilemmas Holocaust survivors have faced is how to voice the traumatic memories that haunt them. Although in his seminal Language and Silence George Steiner once claimed that “the world of Auschwitz lies outside speech as it lies outside reason”, the Italian Holocaust survivor Primo Levi was an obvious exception in having been able to voice his trauma throughout his life by writing about it and analysing what happened to him. He has left us an oeuvre in which he unceasingly found ways to express his memories of the eleven months he spent in Auschwitz, from February 1944 until his liberation by the Russian Army in January 1945. This article demonstrates how Levi was able to express himself about the trauma he had experienced specifically by employing language and imagery derived from myths such as Tantalus and Homer’s Odyssey, but primarily also through the use of metaphor. Close attention is paid to the role of chemistry in Levi’s life, his philosophy of chemistry, how it influenced his literary career, and how in the face of persistent silence about the Holocaust the use of chemical metaphors in The Periodic Table (1975) provided Levi with a means to translate to himself and the world his harrowing memories of his year in Auschwitz.