bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introduction: Transformations of European Welfare States and Social Rights
Authors: Nielsen Stine Piilgaard Porner , Hammerslev Ole
Published: December 2023

In this introductory chapter, we outline the literature in which the anthology is positioned and the anthology’s contribution hereto. We account for the questions addressed in the anthology and its structure based on three sections that each analyses transformations of European welfare states and social rights from macro, meso and micro level perspectives, respectively. As described in the chapter and illustrated throughout the anthology, the three levels are interlinked: Macro level welfare state transformations influence the meso level of public encounters between welfare professionals and citizens, and on micro level, these encounters have real effect for, for example, citizens’ access to social rights. Linking the levels, the anthology contributes with analytical insights into welfare state transformations and social rights.
Macroinvertebrate communities reveal regional asymmetries in riverine ecosystems along a gradient of water availability in hydrologically distinct years
Authors: Santos Joana Isabel , Silva Carlos , Gonçalves Fernando J. M. , Pereira Joana Luísa , Castro Bruno Branco
Published: December 2023

Climate change has been increasing the frequency and severity of drought periods. There is a need to understand how this water scarcity affects aquatic communities. The main aim of this work was to compare the macroinvertebrate communities and their bioindicator value (ecological status sensu the Water Framework Directive) in three Regions [northeast (N), central (C) and south (S)] of Portugal along a water availability and climate gradient, in two consecutive years that reflect hydrologically distinct scenarios (2018 versus 2019). The period prior to sampling (summer and autumn 2017) was extremely dry and hot, whereas climatic fluctuations in 2018–2019 (when the sampling occurred) were closer to the norm. A total of 28 sampling sites were surveyed in streams of Regions where water scarcity is differentially constitutive. The results showed a consistent environmental and ecological gradient in both years, despite the background differences. A coinciding mineralization, temperature, riparian cover and water availability gradient clearly separated Regions C (wettest) and S (driest), with Region N occupying an intermediate position. Region C had overall higher ecological quality (prevalence of sensitive organisms) in both years. Despite our a priori expectations that 2018 would represent a much more stressful condition, with larger differences across Regions (because of their constitutive background), the data suggest that macroinvertebrate communities may be resilient or adapted, to some degree, to hydrological fluctuations. Signs of more favourable conditions in 2019 were also observed (general improvement in ecological status). Studies across hydrological and climatic gradients (in time and space) are particularly important where water availability is becoming more challenging.
Silencing HE4 alleviates the renal fibrosis in lupus nephritis mice by regulating the C3/MMPs/prss axis
Authors: Li Yixia , Zhong Xiaorong , Yang Feng
Published: December 2023

To explore the regulatory effect of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) on renal fibrosis in mice with lupus nephritis (LN) and the underlying mechanism. Ten-week old MRL/LPR mice were injected with HE4 shRNA adenovirus vector through the renal pelvis for 5 days. Renal tissues were extracted for HE and Masson staining to evaluate pathological changes and fibrosis in lupus nephritis mice. The level of urine protein was measured using a biochemical analyzer, while the expression level of HE4 and p-NF-κB p65 in renal tissues was visualized using an immunofluorescence assay. The level of β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule 1 (Kim-1) was determined by the immunohistochemical assay. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of C3, HE4, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP9, p-p65, prss23, and prss35 in renal tissues. Compared to wild-type C57BL/6 mice, MRL/LPR mice showed a marked increase in the number of glomeruli, hyperplasic basement membrane, severe infiltration of inflammatory cells in renal tubules and glomeruli, obvious necrosis in glomeruli, elevated fibrosis levels, and increased levels of urine protein, β2-MG, NGAL, Kim-1, C3, HE4, MMP2, MMP9, and p-p65; and decreased levels of prss23 and prss35 were observed in MRL/LPR mice. After the administration of the HE4 shRNA adenovirus vector, the repaired structure of renal tubules and glomeruli improved infiltration of inflammatory cells, reduced collagen fiber and urine protein, suppressed levels of C3, HE4, MMP2, MMP9, and p-P65, and facilitated the expression of prss23 and prss35 which were observed. Silencing HE4 improved renal fibrosis and inhibited inflammation in mice with lupus nephritis, which may play a role in inhibiting C3/MMPs and promoting prss-related protein expression.
Dune Blowouts as Microbial Hotspots and the Changes of Overall Microbial Activity and Photosynthetic Biomass Along with Succession of Biological Soil Crusts
Authors: Chowaniec Karolina , Styburski Jakub , Kozioł Szymon , Pisańska Zofia , Skubała Kaja
Published: December 2023

Biological soil crust (BSC) constitutes a consortium of cyanobacteria, algae, lichen, mosses, and heterotrophic microorganisms, forming a miniature ecosystem within the uppermost soil layer. The biomass of different organisms forming BSC and their activity changes along with succession. Previous studies focused primarily on BSC in hyper-arid/arid regions, whereas the ecophysiology of BSC in temperate climates is still not well recognized. In order to determine changes in overall microbial activity and photosynthetic biomass in BSC at different stages of the succession of inland sandy grasslands, we analyzed dehydrogenase activity and determined the content of photosynthetic pigments. We also compared these parameters between BSC developed on the dune ridges and aeolian blowouts in the initial stage of succession. Our study revealed a significant increase in both photosynthetic biomass and overall microbial activity in BSC as the succession of inland shifting sands progresses. We found that chl a concentration in BSC could be considered a useful quantitative indicator of both the presence of photoautotrophs and the degree of soil crust development in warm-summer humid continental climates. The photosynthetic biomass was closely related to increased microbial activity in BSC, which suggests that photoautotrophs constitute a major BSC component. Dune blowouts constitute environmental niches facilitating the development of BSC, compared to dune ridges. High biomass of microorganisms in the dune blowouts may be associated with a high amount of organic material and more favorable moisture conditions. We conclude that deflation fields are key places for keeping a mosaic of habitats in the area of shifting sands and can be a reservoir of microorganisms supporting further settlement of dune slopes by BSC.
Inhibitor design for TMPRSS2: insights from computational analysis of its backbone hydrogen bonds using a simple descriptor
Authors: Ugrani Suraj
Published: December 2023

Transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is an important drug target due to its role in the infection mechanism of coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2. Current understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms of known inhibitors and insights required for inhibitor design are limited. This study investigates the effect of inhibitor binding on the intramolecular backbone hydrogen bonds (BHBs) of TMPRSS2 using the concept of hydrogen bond wrapping, which is the phenomenon of stabilization of a hydrogen bond in a solvent environment as a result of being surrounded by non-polar groups. A molecular descriptor which quantifies the extent of wrapping around BHBs is introduced for this. First, virtual screening for TMPRSS2 inhibitors is performed by molecular docking using the program DOCK 6 with a Generalized Born surface area (GBSA) scoring function. The docking results are then analyzed using this descriptor and its relationship to the solvent-accessible surface area term ΔGsa of the GBSA score is demonstrated with machine learning regression and principal component analysis. The effect of binding of the inhibitors camostat, nafamostat, and 4-guanidinobenzoic acid (GBA) on the wrapping of important BHBs in TMPRSS2 is also studied using molecular dynamics. For BHBs with a large increase in wrapping groups due to these inhibitors, the radial distribution function of water revealed that certain residues involved in these BHBs, like Gln438, Asp440, and Ser441, undergo preferential desolvation. The findings offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of these inhibitors and may prove useful in the design of new inhibitors.
Acute self-myofascial release modulates cardiac autonomic function and hemodynamic parameters at rest and reduces cardiovascular stress reaction
Authors: Ketelhut Sascha , Oechslin Livia , Zehnder Cäcilia , Kubica Claudia , Nigg Claudio R.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Self-myofascial release (SMR) is a form of self-massage aiming to release tension, improve blood flow, and alleviate muscle soreness. This study aimed to determine whether a single session of SMR could impact cardiovascular parameters at rest and during a cold pressor test (CPT).

Methods

Twenty male participants (aged 26 ± 2 years) underwent a 20-min SMR and a 20-min seated control condition (CON) on two separate test days in a randomized order. Peripheral and central blood pressure (BP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), pulse wave velocity (PWV), heart rate (HR), root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD), and the quotient of low-frequency power and high-frequency power (LF/HF) were measured both at rest and during a CPT before (t0), 2 min (t1), and 20 min (t2) after the SMR and CON.

Results

Time × condition interactions could be detected for peripheral and central diastolic BP, TPR, HR, and RMSSD. Following the SMR, peripheral diastolic BP, central diastolic BP, TPR, and RMSSD were reduced, while HR was increased compared to the CON. Regarding the CPT time × condition interactions could be detected for peripheral, and central diastolic BP, with lower values after SMR.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that a single bout of SMR confers favorable cardiovascular benefits in healthy normotensive individuals. Furthermore, SMR can attenuate the hemodynamic reactivity to a stress test. Future research should address whether regular SMR leads to chronic adaptations similar to regular, moderate aerobic exercise, massage therapy, and static stretching.
Anomalous diffusion limit for a kinetic equation with a thermostatted interface
Authors: Bogdan Krzysztof , Komorowski Tomasz , Marino Lorenzo
Published: December 2023

We consider the limit of solutions of scaled linear kinetic equations with a reflection-transmission-killing condition at the interface. Both the coefficient describing the probability of killing and the scattering kernel degenerate. We prove that the long-time, large-space limit is the unique solution of a version of the fractional in space heat equation that corresponds to the Kolmogorov equation for a symmetric stable process, which is reflected, or transmitted while crossing the interface and is killed upon the first hitting of the interface. The results of the paper are related to the work in Komorowski et al. (Ann Prob 48:2290–2322, 2020), where the case of a non-degenerate probability of killing has been considered.
Neuropsychological performances, quality of life, and psychological issues in pediatric onset multiple sclerosis: a narrative review
Authors: Tarantino Samuela , Proietti Checchi Martina , Papetti Laura , Monte Gabriele , Ferilli Michela Ada Noris , Valeriani Massimiliano
Published: December 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is primarily a disease diagnosed in young and middle-aged adults. Although MS is a rare condition in pediatric age, an increasing rate of patients is diagnosed under the age of 18. The disabling nature of the disease cannot be reduced only to physical symptoms. Several additional symptoms such as cognitive impairment, fatigue, and psychological symptoms are common features of pediatric MS. The reviewed literature suggests that, despite the lower physical disability, children and adolescents diagnosed with MS are vulnerable to cognitive impairment even in the early stage of the disease. The neuropsychological profile of pediatric MS may resemble that of adult MS, including an impairment in attention/information processing speed, learning, verbal, and visuospatial memory. However, cognitive difficulties in children and adolescents are more likely to involve also general intelligence and linguistic abilities, presumably due to patients’ younger age and cognitive growth stage. Cognitive difficulties, beyond physical disability and relapses, may have a considerable impact on learning and school achievement. Depression and fatigue are other highly prevalent disturbances in pediatric MS and may contribute to patients’ low functional outcomes. Overall, these manifestations may cause considerable functional impairment on daily activities and quality of life that may require individualized rehabilitative treatment and extensive psychosocial care. Additional neuropsychological research evaluating larger samples, using more homogenous methods, and exploring the role of MS treatment on cognitive and psychological development is required.
Activity of imipenem/relebactam and comparators against KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Delgado-Valverde Mercedes , Portillo-Calderón Inés , Alcalde-Rico Manuel , Conejo M. Carmen , Hidalgo Carmen , del Toro Esperón Carlos , Pascual Álvaro
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Relebactam is a novel β-lactamase inhibitor, which, when combined with imipenem/cilastatin, is active against both class A and class C β-lactamases. To evaluate in vitro antimicrobial activity of imipenem/relebactam against a collection of recent clinical isolates of carbapenem-non-susceptible P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae ST258 and ST512 KPC producers belonging to different lineages from hospitals in Southern Spain.

Methods

Six hundred and seventy-eight isolates were tested: 265 K. pneumoniae (230 ST512/KPC-3 and 35 ST258/KPC-3) and 413 carbapenem-non-susceptible P. aeruginosa. Imipenem, piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftazidime, cefepime, aztreonam, ceftolozane/tazobactam, meropenem, amikacin, ciprofloxacin, colistin, and ceftazidime/avibactam were used as comparators against P. aeruginosa. Against K. pneumoniae ceftazidime, cefepime, aztreonam, and ceftolozane/tazobactam were not tested, and tigecycline was studied instead. MICs were determined in duplicate by broth microdilution according to EUCAST guidelines.

Results

Imipenem/relebactam displayed potent in vitro activity against both sequence types of KPC-3-producing K. pneumoniae. MIC50 and MIC90 values were 0.25 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively, with percent of susceptible isolates >97%. Only three K. pneumoniae ST512/KPC-3 isolates and one ST258/KPC-3 were resistant to imipenem/relebactam. Relebactam sensitized 98.5% of K. pneumoniae isolates resistant to imipenem. The activity of imipenem/relebactam against P. aeruginosa was moderate (susceptibility rate: 62.7%). Analysis of the acquired and mutational resistome of isolates with high levels of resistance to imipenem/relebactam has not shown a clear association between them.

Conclusion

Imipenem/relebactam showed excellent activity against K. pneumoniae KPC-3. The activity of imipenem/relebactam against imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa was moderate.
A novel efficient energy absorber with free inversion of a metal foam-filled circular tube
Authors: Zhang Jianxun , Bai Jinwen
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a novel efficient energy absorber with free inversion of a metal foam-filled circular tube (MFFCT) is designed, and the axial compressive behavior of the MFFCT under free inversion is studied analytically and numerically. The theoretical analysis reveals that the energy is mainly dissipated through the radial bending of the metal circular tube, the circumferential expansion of the metal circular tube, and the metal filled-foam compression. The principle of energy conservation is used to derive the theoretical formula for the minimum compressive force of the MFFCT over free inversion under axial loading. Furthermore, the free inversion deformation characteristics of the MFFCT are analyzed numerically. The theoretical steady values are found to be in good agreement with results of the finite element (FE) analysis. The effects of the average diameter of the metal tube, the wall thickness of the metal tube, and the filled-foam strength on the free inversion deformation of the MFFCT are considered. It is observed that in the steady deformation stage, the load-carrying and energy-absorbing capacities of the MFFCT increase with the increase in the average diameter of the metal tube, the wall thickness of the metal tube, or the filled-foam strength. The specific energy absorption (SEA) of free inversion of the MFFCT is significantly higher than that of the metal tube alone.
Evaluation and performance comparison of different models for global solar radiation forecasting: a case study on five cities
Authors: Ali Mohamed A. , Elsayed Ashraf , Elkabani Islam , Youssef M. Elsayed , Hassan Gasser E.
Published: December 2023

Recently, solar energy has emerged as the most promising renewable energy source to meet the world’s energy demands. However, to harness the potential of solar energy, accurate data on solar radiation are crucial. It is considered the first step in assessing solar resources for various applications and achieving energy sustainability goals. Due to the unavailability of solar radiation measurements in many parts of the world, several models have been developed to predict global solar radiation (GSR) at these locations. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the proficiency of several GSR models at five new locations and determine the most suitable one for GSR prediction. The study has further developed solar radiation models for these new locations, as well as general ones for the entire region, which does not have any GSR models despite the existence of many planned solar energy facilities in this area. Additionally, the study investigates the effect of changing the length of the validation dataset on models’ performance and accuracy, as well as assesses the introduced models’ generalization capability. To achieve these objectives, the observed data of GSR for approximately 37 years at studied locations are used to develop and validate the proposed models. The study’s findings reveal that Model 1 provides the best performance at all locations, with accuracy, coefficient of determination ($$R^{2}$$

R
2

), ranging from 95 to 98%, except for the coastal location, where it is from 91 to 95%. The remaining performance indicators of the best models, such as RMSE, MABE, MAPE, and $$r$$
r
, are good, and their values range from 0.7863 to 1.9097 (MJ m−2 day−1), from 0.6430 to 1.7060 (MJ m−2 day−1), from 3.4319 to 10.0890 (%), and from 0.9914 to 0.9981, respectively. The length of the validation dataset has a slight effect on the models’ performance, ranging from about 1% to 2%. Therefore, Model 1 is the recommended solar radiation model, which can provide precise and rapid estimates of global solar radiation. This approach could be used in the design and performance evaluation of many solar applications. The primary benefit of this approach in the current investigation is that temperature data are continuously and effortlessly recorded for various purposes.
The application of 5E rehabilitation management mode in the nursing of patients with aortic dissection complicated by obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Huang Li-ling , Yang Yi , Guo Jin-hua , Huang Yi-lin , Lin Li-xia
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study was designed to explore the effect of 5E rehabilitation mode (encouragement, education, exercise, employment, and evaluation) in patients with aortic dissection (AD) complicated by obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods

Patients with Stanford type B AD (TBAD) complicated by OSA were admitted to Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. They were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. After discharge, patients in the control group were given routine nursing and follow-up education, whereas patients in the experimental group were given 5E rehabilitation management mode–based nursing and follow-up education. Upon the nursing intervention, the differences in polysomnography (PSG) parameters, medication adherence, quality of life, blood pressure, and heart rate of patients between the two groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for the occurrence of adverse aortic events.

Results

A total of 89 patients were enrolled, 49 in the experimental group and 40 in the control group. After the intervention, the control of heart rate, systolic blood pressure, medication adherence, PSG parameters, and quality of life scores in the experimental group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse aortic events including aortic rupture and progressive aortic dilation in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P< 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that acute TBAD [odds ratio (OR) = 15.069; 95%confidence interval (CI), 1.738–130.652;P=0.014], history of chronic kidney disease (OR=10.342; 95%CI, 1.056–101.287;P=0.045), and apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 30 (OR=2.880; 95%CI, 1.081–9.51;P=0.036) were adverse factors affecting adverse aortic events; while 5E rehabilitation management mode (OR=0.063; 95%CI, 0.008–0.513;P=0.010) was a favorable factor for occurrence of adverse aortic events.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that continuous nursing based on information carrier 5E rehabilitation management significantly enhanced medication adherence, improved patients’ overall quality of life, and decreased the incidence of adverse aortic events in patients TBAD patients and OSA.
Green Extraction of Carotenoids from Tomato By-products Using Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate
Authors: Ferrando Belén Olga , Baenas Nieves , Rincón Francisco , Periago María Jesús
Published: December 2023

Tomato peel by-products contain high levels of lycopene, which has traditionally been extracted using organic solvents. This research focuses on the optimisation of a sustainable method to obtain a lycopene-rich extract using the biodegradable anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). A Plackett–Burman experimental design was used to investigate the effect of seven factors on the extraction of carotenoids from tomato peels using sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS volume and concentration, homogenisation intensity and time, sonication phase, extraction time and ultracentrifugation intensity). Based on the responses of total carotenoid extraction, the SDS volume, the use of ultrasound and the extraction time significantly influenced the extraction yield and were selected for optimisation using a Box–Wilson experimental design. The final green extraction protocol (1 g sample + 11.9 ml SDS 0.3%, homogenisation at 13,500 rpm for 2 min, ultrasound phase, agitation for 8.2 h and ultracentrifugation) was selected after quantification of total carotenoids by UV–VIS and HPLC-DAD. Finally, we used nuclear magnetic resonance to demonstrate a high lycopene purity in the carotenoid extract obtained. Furthermore, using transmission electron microscopy, we observed the presence of intact chromoplasts in the extract, protecting the carotenoids from the exposure to external agents. Thus, this work reports an optimised method for the sustainable extraction of carotenoids and demonstrates the viability of the degradable solvent SDS for the extraction of liposoluble bioactive compounds, like carotenoids and mainly lycopene. The lycopene extract could be used for the technological and nutritional enrichment of new foods and/or the design of nutraceuticals.
Efficient and accurate numerical-projection of electromagnetic multipoles for scattering objects
Authors: Guo Wenfei , Cai Zizhe , Xiong Zhongfei , Chen Weijin , Chen Yuntian
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we develop an efficient and accurate procedure of electromagnetic multipole decomposition by using the Lebedev and Gaussian quadrature methods to perform the numerical integration. Firstly, we briefly review the principles of multipole decomposition, highlighting two numerical projection methods including surface and volume integration. Secondly, we discuss the Lebedev and Gaussian quadrature methods, provide a detailed recipe to select the quadrature points and the corresponding weighting factor, and illustrate the integration accuracy and numerical efficiency (that is, with very few sampling points) using a unit sphere surface and regular tetrahedron. In the demonstrations of an isotropic dielectric nanosphere, a symmetric scatterer, and an anisotropic nanosphere, we perform multipole decomposition and validate our numerical projection procedure. The obtained results from our procedure are all consistent with those from Mie theory, symmetry constraints, and finite element simulations.

Graphical Abstract
Unsupervised machine learning for disease prediction: a comparative performance analysis using multiple datasets
Authors: Lu Haohui , Uddin Shahadat
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Disease risk prediction poses a significant and growing challenge in the medical field. While researchers have increasingly utilised machine learning (ML) algorithms to tackle this issue, supervised ML methods remain dominant. However, there is a rising interest in unsupervised techniques, especially in situations where data labels might be missing — as seen with undiagnosed or rare diseases. This study delves into comparing unsupervised ML models for disease prediction.

Methods

This study evaluated the efficacy of seven unsupervised algorithms on 15 datasets, including those of heart failure, diabetes, and breast cancer. It used six performance metrics for this comparison. They are Adjusted Rand Index, Adjusted Mutual Information, Homogeneity, Completeness, V-measure and Silhouette Coefficient.

Results

Among the seven unsupervised ML methods, the DBSCAN (Density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise) showed the best performance most times (31), followed by the Bayesian Gaussian Mixture (18) and Divisive clustering (15). No single model consistently outshined others across every dataset and metric. The study emphasises the crucial role of model and performance measure selections based on application-specific needs. For example, DBSCAN excels in Homogeneity, Completeness and V-measure metrics. Conversely, the Bayesian Gaussian Mixture is good in the Adjusted R and Index metric. The codes used in this study can be found at https://github.com/haohuilu/unsupervisedml/.

Conclusion

This research contributes deeper insights into the unsupervised ML applications in healthcare and encourages further investigations into model selection. Subsequent studies could harness genuine disease records for a more nuanced comparison and evaluation of models.
Actions to strengthen the contribution of small farms and small food businesses to food security in Europe
Authors: Moreno-Pérez Olga M. , Arnalte-Mur Laura , Cerrada-Serra Pedro , Martinez-Gomez Victor , Adamsone-Fiskovica Anda , Bjørkhaug  , Brunori Gianluca , Czekaj Marta , Duckett Dominic , Hernández Paola A. , Noble Christina , Pinto-Correia Teresa , Płonka Aleksandra , Prosperi Paolo , Redman Mark , Rivera Maria , Šūmane Sandra , Ortiz-Miranda Dionisio
Published: December 2023

This study stems from a participatory foresight exercise conducted in nine Mediterranean, Baltic, Nordic and Eastern European regions, aiming to strengthen the role of small farms and small food businesses in ensuring food security. A wide range of stakeholders participated by attending workshops. They represented farmers’ organisations, food businesses, consumers’ organisations, NGOs, researchers, extension services, professional groups, and administration and public bodies. The actions proposed by participants are scanned and categorised around six broad objectives, stakeholders’ priorities and their underlying beliefs and preconceptions are discussed around the current debates of the literature, and the drivers that influence the feasibility of the proposed actions are discussed. Furthermore, the alignment of stakeholders’ -driven objectives with the European Strategies on food, agriculture, and rural areas is examined, with a focus on: (i) the EU Farm to Fork Strategy, (ii) the Rural Action Plan contained in the Long-Term Vision of Rural Areas developed by the EU Commission, and (iii) the Common Agricultural Policy in force since January 2023.
Legume cover crop as a primary nitrogen source in an organic crop rotation in Ontario, Canada: impacts on corn, soybean and winter wheat yields
Authors: Yang Xueming , Drury Craig F. , Dan Reynolds W. , Reeb Mary-Anne D.
Published: December 2023

This study presents results from the first 5 years of an organic cropping trial in Ontario, Canada, where legume cover crops were the primary nitrogen source in a soybean-winter wheat/cover crop-corn rotation. Treatments included cover crop termination using moldboard plow (MP) or chisel plow (CP), a no-cover crop control under conventional production (CK-C), and four cover crops including summer-seeded crimson clover (CC, Trifolium incarnatum L.), summer-seeded hairy vetch (HV, Vicia villosa L. Roth), summer-seeded red clover (RCss, Trifolium pratense L.), and frost-seeded red clover (RCfs). Summer-seeding occurred after wheat harvest (July–August), and frost-seeding occurred in early spring (March–April). At cover crop termination, average aboveground cover crop biomass ranged from 5.9 to 8.1 Mg ha−1, while accumulated biomass nitrogen ranged from 155 to 193 kg ha−1. Corn grain yields were 11.6 Mg ha−1 for MP and 10.2 Mg ha−1 for CP tillage-termination method; and 13.3 Mg ha−1 for CK-C, 10.9 Mg ha−1 for RCfs, 10.6 Mg ha−1 for HV, 10.2 Mg ha−1 for CC, and 9.5 Mg ha−1 for RCss. Organic winter wheat yields were nitrogen-limited, averaging 27% lower than CK-C. Winter wheat yields were 10–15% lower in the RCfs than in other summer-seeded cover crop treatments. Soybean yields were largely unaffected by the treatments. It was concluded that summer-seeded legume cover crops are an effective primary nitrogen source for corn, but not as effective for the winter wheat phase of the soybean-winter wheat-corn rotation.
Flow-induced high frequency vascular wall vibrations in an arteriovenous fistula: a specific stimulus for stenosis development?
Authors: Bozzetto Michela , Remuzzi Andrea , Valen-Sendstad Kristian
Published: December 2023

Hemodialysis is the lifeline for nearly three million end stage renal disease patients worldwide. Native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access, but 40% fail within 1 year. We recently demonstrated that AVFs harbour transitional flows and the goal of the present study was to investigate whether the associated high-frequency pressure fluctuations could promote vibrations within the vascular wall. We acquired MRI images and flow rates immediately after surgery in one patient and generated a 3D patient-specific model. High-fidelity fluid structure interaction simulations revealed the presence of wall vibrations in distinct frequency bands up to 200 Hz and amplitude of 200 μm. A sensitivity analysis to assess the impact of flow rates, and vascular wall stiffness and thickness, changes that typically occur during AVF maturation, confirmed the robustness of the results. Interestingly, the vibrations were always predominant at the anastomosis floor and on the inner venous side, which correlates with typical stenotic regions. As studies seeking to correlate aberrant stresses and vascular remodelling have been largely inconclusive, the focal colocalization between vibrations and stenosis may suggest an unknown mechanobiological process between high-frequency mechanical stresses within the vascular wall and adverse vascular remodelling.
Magnetic targeting of lornoxicam/SPION bilosomes loaded in a thermosensitive in situ hydrogel system for the management of osteoarthritis: Optimization, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies in rat model via modulation of RANKL/OPG
Authors: Ibrahiem Basma , Shamma Rehab , Salama Abeer , Refai Hanan
Published: December 2023

Osteoarthritis is a bone and joint condition characterized pathologically by articular cartilage degenerative damage and can develop into a devastating and permanently disabling disorder. This investigation aimed to formulate the anti-inflammatory drug lornoxicam (LOR) into bile salt–enriched vesicles loaded in an in situ forming hydrogel as a potential local treatment of osteoarthritis. This was achieved by formulating LOR-loaded bilosomes that are also loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for intra-muscular (IM) administration to improve joint targeting and localization by applying an external magnet to the joint. A 31.22full factorial design was employed to develop the bilosomal dispersions and the optimized formula including SPION (LSB) was loaded into a thermosensitive hydrogel. Moreover, in vivo evaluation revealed that the IM administration of LSB combined with the application of an external magnet to the joint reversed carrageen-induced suppression in motor activity and osteoprotegerin by significantly reducing the elevations in mitogen-activated protein kinases, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa beta/osteoprotegerin expressions. In addition, the histopathological evaluation of knee joint tissues showed a remarkable improvement in the injured joint tissues. The results proved that the developed LSB could be a promising IM drug delivery system for osteoarthritis management.

Graphical Abstract
Current Challenges and Future Prospects of Osseointegration Limb Reconstruction for Amputees
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad Adeel , Low Caroline , Tiemessen Christopher , Hoellwarth Jason Shih , Al Muderis Munjed , Tetsworth Kevin
Published: December 2023

Although osseointegration has proven successful at improving the physical deficits that traditional prostheses leave unfulfilled, future innovation should be systematically guided rather than randomly explored. Therefore, this article attempts to summarise, in a systematic manner, the challenges and prospects of osseointegration limb reconstruction for amputees from an implant design and manufacturing point of view, to provide a template for the development of the next generation of osseointegration implants. A scoping literature review was conducted, and key papers were identified and summarised. To combat osseointegration-related infection, advances such as smart implant coatings, mechanical inactivation of bacteria, biofilm eradication, implant monitoring technologies and nanotechnology were evaluated. Regarding production and biomaterials, the potential of 3D printing to balance supply and demand to achieve cost-effectiveness and sustainability were investigated. Considering the evolution of designs and the goal to provide a sensate limb, the prospects of smart implants, biofeedback and myoelectric pattern recognition were also explored. Osseointegration appears to follow a trajectory like that of total joint arthroplasty, which gained widespread clinical acceptance and adoption over the last 50 years. In our opinion, the future of amputee rehabilitation is bright, and we are optimistic osseointegration will continue to progress and advance as new technologies emerge.
On the Judicialization of Health and Access to Medicines in Latin America
Authors: Iunes Roberto , Guerra Junior Augusto Afonso
Published: December 2023

In a context of rapid technological innovation and expensive new products, the paper calls for the generation of real-world data to inform decision-making and an international discussion on the affordability of new medicines, particularly for low- and middle-income countries. Without these, the challenges of health judicialization will continue to grow.
Implications of Fault‐Valve Behavior From Immediate Aftershocks Following the 2023 Mj6.5 Earthquake Beneath the Noto Peninsula, Central Japan
Authors: Kato Aitaro
Published: December 2023

The Mj6.5 (Mw6.2) event that occurred on 5 May 2023 near the northern shoreline of the northeastern tip of the Noto Peninsula, central Japan, is the largest event to date in a long‐lasting, intense earthquake swarm. Here we have created a more precise aftershock catalog associated with the 2023 Mj6.5 and the second‐largest 2022 Mj5.4 sequence to understand the rupture process of this largest earthquake. Most of the aftershocks are aligned along a ∼45° SE‐dipping plane. The mainshock initially ruptured the same deep section of the fault zone that had been ruptured by the 2022 Mj5.4 event, before propagating rapidly to shallow depths and to offshore along the ruptured fault plane. The aftershock front migrated at a speed of ∼20 km/hr. This rapid upward migration of the immediate aftershocks might be driven by upwelling of crustal fluids along the intensely fractured and permeable fault zone via mainshock dynamic rupture.
U‐Net Segmentation for the Detection of Convective Cold Pools From Cloud and Rainfall Fields
Authors: Hoeller Jannik , Fiévet Romain , Engelbrecht Edward , Haerter Jan O.
Published: December 2023

Convective cold pools (CPs) mediate interactions between convective rain cells and help organize thunderstorm clusters, in particular mesoscale convective systems and extreme rainfall events. Unfortunately, the observational detection of CPs on a large scale has been hampered by the lack of relevant near‐surface data. Unlike numerical studies, where fields, such as virtual temperature or wind, are available at high resolution and frequently used to detect CPs, observational studies mainly identify CPs based on surface time series, for example, from weather stations or research vessels—thus limiting studies to a regional scope. To expand to a global scope, we here develop and evaluate a methodology for CP detection that relies exclusively on data with (a) global availability and (b) high spatiotemporal resolution. We trained convolutional neural networks to segment CPs in high‐resolution cloud‐resolving simulation output by deliberately restricting ourselves to only cloud top temperature and rainfall fields. Apart from simulations, such data are readily available from geostationary satellites that fulfill both (a) and (b). The networks employ a U‐Net architecture, popular with image segmentation, where spatial correlations at various scales must be learned. Despite the restriction imposed, the trained networks systematically identify CP pixels. Looking ahead, our methodology aims to reliably detect CPs over tropical land from space‐borne sensors on a global scale. As it also provides information on the spatial extent and the relative positioning of CPs over time, our method may unveil the role of CPs in convective organization.
A Comprehensive Biogeochemical Assessment of Climate‐Threatened Glacial River Headwaters on the Eastern Slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains
Authors: Serbu J. A. , St. Louis V. L. , Emmerton C. A. , Tank S. E. , Criscitiello A. S. , Silins U. , Bhatia M. P. , Cavaco M. A. , Christenson C. , Cooke C. A. , Drapeau H. F. , Enns S. J. A. , Flett J. E. , Holland K. M. , Lavallee‐Whiffen J. , Ma M. , Muir C. E. , Poesch M. , Shin J.
Published: December 2023

Climate change is driving the loss of alpine glaciers globally, yet investigations about the water quality of rivers stemming from them are few. Here we provide an overview assessment of a biogeochemical data set containing 200+ parameters that we collected between 2019 and 2021 from the headwaters of three such rivers (Sunwapta‐Athabasca, North Saskatchewan, and Bow) which originate from the glacierized eastern slopes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. We used regional hydrometric data sets to accurately model discharge at our 14 sampling sites. We created a Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL) using riverine water isotope signatures and compared it to collected regional rain, snow, and glacial ice signatures. Principal component analyses of river physicochemical measures revealed distance from glacier explained more data variability than other spatiotemporal factors (i.e., season, year, or river). Discharge, chemical concentrations, and watershed areas were then used to model site‐specific open water season yields for 25 parameters. Chemical yields followed what would generally be expected along river continuums from glacierized to montane altitudinal life zones, with landscape characteristics driving chemical sources and sinks. For instance, particulate chemical yields were generally highest near source glaciers with proglacial lakes acting as settling ponds, whereas most dissolved yields varied by parameter and site. As these headwaters continue to evolve with glacier mass loss, the data set and analyses presented here can be used as a contemporary baseline to mark future change against. Further, following this initial assessment of our data set, we encourage others to mine it for additional biogeochemical studies.
Cu2+-doped zeolitic imidazolate frameworks and gold nanoparticle (AuNPs@ZIF-8/Cu) nanocomposites enable label-free and highly sensitive electrochemical detection of oral cancer-related biomarkers
Authors: Hu Xueting , Qiu Dengxue , Jiang Qi , Xu Qin , Li Jing
Published: December 2023

Herein, we established a label-free, simple and sensitive electrochemical biosensor for oral cancer overexpressed 1 detection, which integrates Cu2+-doped ZIF-8 and AuNPs nanocomposites with a one-step strand displacement reaction.
Decarboxylative photoinduced ligand-to-metal charge transfer reaction: synthesis of 2-substituted chroman-4-ones
Authors: Monirialamdari Mohsen , Albrecht Anna
Published: December 2023

This manuscript describes studies on the decarboxylative photoinduced ligand-to-metal charge transfer reaction for the synthesis of 2-substituted chroman-4-ones.
Chalcogen alloying for band structure modulation of antimony chalcogen iodide alloy: 1D van der Waals materials SbSI–SbSeI system
Authors: Jeon Jiho , Kang Jinsu , Zhang Xiaojie , Choi Kyung Hwan , Jeong Byung Joo , Woo Chaeheon , Dong Xue , Kim Sang Hyuk , Park Jae-Hyuk , Baik Jeong Min , Oh Hyung-Suk , Yu Hak Ki , Choi Jae-Young
Published: December 2023

Alloys of SbSI and SbSeI, 1D van der Waals materials, were synthesized through chalcogen atom substitution. The band structure and photocurrent were modulated based on the composition of the synthesized alloy.
A copper(i) thiocyanate-based photoresponsive semiconducting 2D coordination polymer
Authors: Nishiyama Tomoki , Kitoh-Nishioka Hirotaka , Tanaka Senku , Maekawa Masahiko , Kuroda-Sowa Takayoshi , Yoshida Masaki , Kato Masako , Okubo Takashi
Published: December 2023

A photoconductive luminescence coordination polymer having an infinite two-dimensional (2D) structure containing copper(i) thiocyanate and a nitrogen-containing π-conjugated ligand.
Recent progress in hierarchical nanostructures for Ni-based industrial-level OER catalysts
Authors: Yao Haiyu , Wang Peijie , Zhu Min , Shi Xue-Rong
Published: December 2023

Constructing a nickel based hierarchical structure is one of the important strategies for achieving high current density oxygen evolution reactions.
Antioxidant activity of an Mg(ii) compound containing ferulic acid as a chelator: potential application for active packaging and riboflavin stabilisation
Authors: Marchi Rafael C. , Kock Flavio V. C. , Soares dos Campos Isabele A. , Jesus Hugo Cesar R. , Venâncio Tiago , da Silva Maria Fátima G. F. , Fernandes João B. , Rollini Manuela , Limbo Sara , Carlos Rose M.
Published: December 2023

A novel Mg(ii)-based antioxidant with high electrochemical stabilization and enhanced antioxidant activity. The complex is able to stabilize and protect Rf from photodegradation and showed antimicrobial effect enabling its use for meat protection.
Atomic-layered metal–organic framework on NiFe LDH for enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xu Dan , Gao Yingying , Qian Sheng , Fan Yu , Tian Jingqi
Published: December 2023

An organic ligand coordination strategy was proposed to modulate the electronic state of metallic centers in NiFe LDH by introducing organic linkers on the surface for enhanced electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction.
Determination of major and trace elements in silicate rock fused with lithium metaborate using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry
Authors: Qiu Xiaoyun , Hu Zhaochu , He Tao , Luo Tao , Zhang Wen , Li Ming , Zong Keqing , Wang Zaicong , Liu Yongsheng
Published: December 2023

A novel lithium metaborate fusion technique using a homemade fusion furnace and graphite crucibles was developed for the determination of major and trace elements in silicate rocks using LA-ICP-MS.
Generation of time-multiplexed chiroptical information from multilayer-type luminescence-based circular polarization conversion films
Authors: Okazaki Yutaka , Shimizu Hayaki , Nakamura Kaito , Yoshida Kyohei , Raffy Guillaume , Kimura Misaki , Tsukamoto Keita , Akasegawa Rei , Hachiya Kan , Takafuji Makoto , Del Guerzo André , Sagawa Takashi
Published: December 2023

Time-multiplexed chiroptical information was systematically produced by the multi-layered luminescence-based CP convertors comprising two LPL films with different PL spectral profiles and different PL lifetimes.
Introducing alkyl chains to realize the construction of superhydrophobic/superoleophilic MOFs and the transformation from three-dimensional to two-dimensional structure
Authors: He Xinglei , Yu Chunlong , Li Jingheng , Wang Zhihua , Ye Ke-Yin
Published: December 2023

The introduction of organic side chains not only regulates the wettability of MOFs but also changes their structure/pore environment. This strategy provides a straightforward method to prepare superhydrophobic MOFs capable of efficient and selective separation of oil and water.
Self-detachable protecting group function of CO2 in the electrochemical reduction of aryl azides
Authors: Fan Yuhang , Zhang Zhanshuo , Zhao Yulei
Published: December 2023

A unique self-detachable protecting group function of CO2 and its application in the electrochemical reduction of aryl azides are demonstrated.
Catalyst-free photoinduced radical sulfonylation/cyclization of unactivated alkenes toward sulfone-containing quinazolinones
Authors: Chen Si-Yuan , Wang Ying-Shan , Han Xian , Zhang Zhen-Dong , Li Zhi-Kai , Lu Dong-Liang , Li Shaoyu
Published: December 2023

A catalyst-free, photoinduced three-component reaction involving sulfur dioxide insertion/sulfonyl radical addition to an unactivated CC double bond/Minisci-type cyclization sequence has been developed to access sulfonated quinazolinones.
Advanced nanostructuring and gradient phosphorus doping enhance p-Si photocathode performance for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Seo Dong Hyeok , Park Kee-Ryung , Kim Woo-Byoung
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on enhancing the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance of p-type silicon (p-Si) solar cells designed for water splitting applications.