bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Premature closure of the arterial duct presenting with right heart failure of the fetus and ductal aneurysm postnatally
Authors: Michelitsch Mathias , Wiedemann Dominik , Schermer Elisabeth , Zimpfer Daniel , Michel-Behnke Ina
Published: October 2023

In utero idiopathic constriction of the arterial duct is a rare condition with only a handful reported cases. Ductal aneurysms with thrombus formations on the other hand are significantly more common. We report a case of a term infant who presented with right heart failure due to premature ductal closure and postnatal severe respiratory distress. Subsequent diagnostics revealed paresis of left laryngeal nerve and obstruction of the left pulmonary artery secondary to a ductal aneurysm. Consequently, surgical intervention was considered necessary. Post-operatively, right ventricular function and hoarseness resolved slowly.
Parents’ experiences of infant and young child feeding during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland
Authors: O’Sullivan Elizabeth J , Kennedy Aileen
Published: October 2023

Objective:

The WHO has urged member states to develop preparedness plans for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) during emergencies. Ireland has no such plan. We aimed to identify the needs of caregivers in Ireland with regards IYCF during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design:

Online survey conducted in May–June 2020.

Setting:

Ireland, during the first period of severely restricted movement due to COVID-19 (lockdown).

Participants:

Respondents (n 745) were primary caregivers of a child under 2 years; they were primarily well educated and likely of higher socio-economic status.

Results:

Among those who breastfed, being unable to access breast-feeding support groups and being unable to access in-person, one-to-one breast-feeding assistance were the biggest challenges reported. Nearly three quarters of those who had their babies during lockdown reported these challenges: 72·8 % and 68·8 %, respectively. For those using formula, the main challenges were structural in nature; approximately two-thirds of those who had their baby prior to lockdown feared there would be formula shortages and a third were unable to purchase formula due to shortages.

Conclusions:

Regardless of how their babies were fed, parents in Ireland experienced multiple challenges with infant feeding during the COVID-19 crisis. Breast-feeding should be protected, supported and promoted, particularly during an infectious disease pandemic. Additionally, assurances around supply of infant formula could reduce parental stress during a pandemic or emergency. An IYCF in emergencies plan would clearly set out how we could best support and protect the nutrition of the most vulnerable members of our population.
Consumption of foods with the highest nutritional quality, and the lowest greenhouse gas emissions and price, differs between socio-economic groups in the UK population
Authors: Aceves-Martins Magaly , Bates Ruth L , Craig Leone CA , Chalmers Neil , Horgan Graham , Boskamp Bram , de Roos Baukje
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To establish a baseline understanding of whether consuming food with the highest nutritional quality, lowest greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and cost differs between different UK demographic and socio-economic population groups.

Design:

Multiple linear regression models were fitted to evaluate the relationship between predictor socio-demographic variables in this study (i.e. sex, ethnic group, age, BMI and level of deprivation) and the response variables (i.e. consumption of items considered most nutritious, with a low GHGE and price, as a proportion of total items consumed).

Setting:

The UK.

Participants:

1374 adult (18–65 years) participants from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey latest waves 9–11 (2016–2017 and 2018–2019).

Results:

Based on the total energy consumption in a day, the average diet-based GHGE was significantly higher for participants with a higher BMI. Non-white and most deprived participants spent significantly (P < 0·001) less money per total energy consumption. Participants with a BMI between 18·6 and 39·9 kg/m2 and those living in the least deprived areas consumed a significantly (P < 0·001) higher amount of those items considered the most nutritious, with the lowest GHGE and cost per 100 kcal.

Conclusions:

Consumption of food with the highest nutritional quality, lowest GHGE and cost in the UK varies among those with different socio-demographic characteristics, especially the deprivation level of participants. Our analysis endorses the consideration of environmental sustainability and affordability, in addition to the consideration of nutritional quality from a health perspective, to make current dietary guidelines more encompassing and equitable.
Capital requirement modeling for market and non-life premium risk in a dynamic insurance portfolio
Authors: Cotticelli Stefano , Savelli Nino
Published: October 2023

For some time now, Solvency II requires that insurance companies calculate minimum capital requirements to face the risk of insolvency, either in accordance with the Standard Formula or using a full or partial Internal Model. An Internal Model must be based on a market-consistent valuation of assets and liabilities at a 1-year time span, where a real-world probabilistic structure is used for the first year of projection. In this paper, we describe the major risks of a non-life insurance company, i.e. the non-life underwriting risk and market risk, and their interactions, focusing on the non-life premium risk, equity risk, and interest rate risk. This analysis is made using some well-known stochastic models in the financial-actuarial literature and practical insurance business, i.e. the Collective Risk Model for non-life premium risk, the Geometric Brownian Motion for equity risk, and a real-world version of the G2++ Model for interest rate risk, where parameters are calibrated on current and real market data. Finally, we illustrate a case study on a single-line and a multi-line insurance company in order to see how the risk drivers behave in both a stand-alone and an aggregate framework.
Understanding Suicide Clusters Through Exploring Self-Harm Behaviors
Authors: Lee Sze Chim , Rouquette Olivier Y. , Hawton Keith , Cleobury Louise , Spencer Sarah , Lloyd Keith , Gunnell David , Scourfield Jonathan , John Ann
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Background: There is little information about characteristics and long-term outcomes of individuals who self-harm during a suicide cluster. Aims: To compare characteristics of individuals who self-harmed during a suicide cluster in South Wales (∼10 deaths between December 2007 and March 2008) with others who self-harmed prior to the cluster and to evaluate 10-year self-harm and mortality outcomes. Method: Using records from the hospital serving the catchment area of the suicide cluster, enhanced by national routinely collected linked data, we created the following two groups: individuals who self-harmed (a) during the suicide cluster and (b) 1 year before. We compared individuals’ characteristics and performed logistic regression to compute odds ratios of 10-year self-harm and mortality outcomes. Results: Individuals who self-harmed during the cluster were less likely to be hospitalized or have a mental health history than those who self-harmed prior to the cluster. No significant group differences were found for 10-year self-harm outcomes, but all-cause mortality was higher for males. Limitations: Sample size was small, and data were lacking on psychological and social proximity to individuals who died during the suicide cluster. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of long-term healthcare follow-up of those who self-harm during a suicide cluster, particularly males.
Spatial Variability in Salt Marsh Drainage Controlled by Small Scale Topography
Authors: Donatelli Carmine , Passalacqua Paola , Jensen Daniel , Oliver‐Cabrera Talib , Jones Cathleen E. , Fagherazzi Sergio
Published: October 2023

Water movement in coastal wetlands is affected by spatial differences in topography and vegetation characteristics as well as by complex hydrological processes operating at different time scales. Traditionally, numerical models have been used to explore the hydrodynamics of these valuable ecosystems. However, we still do not know how well such models simulate water‐level fluctuations beneath the vegetation canopy since we lack extensive field data to test the model results against observations. This study utilizes remotely sensed images of sub‐canopy water‐level change to understand how marshes drain water during falling tides. We employ rapid repeat interferometric observations from the NASA's Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar instrument to analyze the spatial variability in water‐level change within a complex of marshes in Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana. We also used maps of herbaceous aboveground biomass derived from the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer‐Next Generation to evaluate vegetation contribution to such variability. This study reveals that the distribution of water‐level change under salt marsh canopies is strongly influenced by the presence of small geomorphic features (<10 m) in the marsh landscape (i.e., levees, tidal channels), whereas vegetation plays a minor role in retaining water on the platform. This new type of high‐resolution remote sensing data offers the opportunity to study the feedback between hydrodynamics, topography and biology throughout wetlands at an unprecedented spatial resolution and test the capability of numerical models to reproduce such patterns. Our results are essential for predicting the vulnerability of these delicate environments to climate change.
Networks of Tree‐Ring Based Streamflow Reconstructions for the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A.
Authors: Littell J. S. , Pederson G. T. , Martin J. T. , Gray S. T.
Published: October 2023

Water resources in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) are characterized by significant interannual to interdecadal variation. Paleo‐proxy reconstructions such as those derived from tree‐rings provide longer‐term context and supplement information on this expected range of variability, which can improve planning, management, and response related to extreme events and hydrologic change. However, existing paleo‐proxy reconstructions have yet to address the potential for pronounced within‐ and among‐basin variations in the PNW due to a lack of spatial coverage. Here we develop methodologically consistent reconstructions for 36 gages in the PNW, including the Columbia and Snake River drainages, as well as key coastal watersheds. These reconstructions extend back at least to the 1500s coefficient of efficiency. Reconstruction skill is relatively high (mean R2 = 0.63), and snowpack‐ or winter precipitation‐sensitive chronologies from high‐elevation sites provide important contributions to reconstruction skill. At the whole‐region scale, reconstructed variability indicates evidence for drier and wetter years, more persistent decadal variability, and correspondingly longer episodes of deficit and surplus compared to instrumental records. Within the region, this expanded range of extremes appears especially prevalent in the Snake River and southern PNW watersheds. Regionally, cumulative deficits in the early 1500s and mid 1600s rival those of the early 20th century, though persistence and timing vary widely among basins. These reconstructions suggest that considering within‐region variability will be key for water management and planning under climate change, and that sub‐regional adaptation strategies are likely to be advantageous.
0D van der Waals interfacial ferroelectricity
Authors: Niu Yue , Li Lei , Qi Zhiying , Aung Hein Htet , Han Xinyi , Tenne Reshef , Yao Yugui , Zak Alla , Guo Yao
Published: October 2023

The dimensional limit of ferroelectricity has been long explored. The critical contravention is that the downscaling of ferroelectricity leads to a loss of polarization. This work demonstrates a zero-dimensional ferroelectricity by the atomic sliding at the restrained van der Waals interface of crossed tungsten disufilde nanotubes. The developed zero-dimensional ferroelectric diode in this work presents not only non-volatile resistive memory, but also the programmable photovoltaic effect at the visible band. Benefiting from the intrinsic dimensional limitation, the zero-dimensional ferroelectric diode allows electrical operation at an ultra-low current. By breaking through the critical size of depolarization, this work demonstrates the ultimately downscaled interfacial ferroelectricity of zero-dimensional, and contributes to a branch of devices that integrates zero-dimensional ferroelectric memory, nano electro-mechanical system, and programmable photovoltaics in one.
The rise of predation in Jurassic lampreys
Authors: Wu Feixiang , Janvier Philippe , Zhang Chi
Published: October 2023

Lampreys, one of two living lineages of jawless vertebrates, are always intriguing for their feeding behavior via the toothed suctorial disc and life cycle comprising the ammocoete, metamorphic, and adult stages. However, they left a meager fossil record, and their evolutionary history remains elusive. Here we report two superbly preserved large lampreys from the Middle-Late Jurassic Yanliao Biota of North China and update the interpretations of the evolution of the feeding apparatus, the life cycle, and the historic biogeography of the group. These fossil lampreys’ extensively toothed feeding apparatus differs radically from that of their Paleozoic kin but surprisingly resembles the Southern Hemisphere pouched lamprey, which foreshadows an ancestral flesh-eating habit for modern lampreys. Based on the revised petromyzontiform timetree, we argued that modern lampreys’ three-staged life cycle might not be established until the Jurassic when they evolved enhanced feeding structures, increased body size and encountered more penetrable host groups. Our study also places modern lampreys’ origin in the Southern Hemisphere of the Late Cretaceous, followed by an early Cenozoic anti-tropical disjunction in distribution, hence challenging the conventional wisdom of their biogeographical pattern arising from a post-Cretaceous origin in the Northern Hemisphere or the Pangean fragmentation in the Early Mesozoic.
The structure of a hibernating ribosome in a Lyme disease pathogen
Authors: Sharma Manjuli R. , Manjari Swati R. , Agrawal Ekansh K. , Keshavan Pooja , Koripella Ravi K. , Majumdar Soneya , Marcinkiewicz Ashley L. , Lin Yi-Pin , Agrawal Rajendra K. , Banavali Nilesh K.
Published: October 2023

The spirochete bacterial pathogen Borrelia (Borreliella) burgdorferi (Bbu) affects more than 10% of the world population and causes Lyme disease in about half a million people in the US annually. Therapy for Lyme disease includes antibiotics that target the Bbu ribosome. Here we present the structure of the Bbu 70S ribosome obtained by single particle cryo-electron microscopy at 2.9 Å resolution, revealing a bound hibernation promotion factor protein and two genetically non-annotated ribosomal proteins bS22 and bL38. The ribosomal protein uL30 in Bbu has an N-terminal α-helical extension, partly resembling the mycobacterial bL37 protein, suggesting evolution of bL37 and a shorter uL30 from a longer uL30 protein. Its analogy to proteins uL30m and mL63 in mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes also suggests a plausible evolutionary pathway for expansion of protein content in mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes. Computational binding free energy predictions for antibiotics reflect subtle distinctions in antibiotic-binding sites in the Bbu ribosome. Discovery of these features in the Bbu ribosome may enable better ribosome-targeted antibiotic design for Lyme disease treatment.
Climate change and land use threaten global hotspots of phylogenetic endemism for trees
Authors: Guo Wen-Yong , Serra-Diaz Josep M. , Eiserhardt Wolf L. , Maitner Brian S. , Merow Cory , Violle Cyrille , Pound Matthew J. , Sun Miao , Slik Ferry , Blach-Overgaard Anne , Enquist Brian J. , Svenning Jens-Christian
Published: October 2023

Across the globe, tree species are under high anthropogenic pressure. Risks of extinction are notably more severe for species with restricted ranges and distinct evolutionary histories. Here, we use a global dataset covering 41,835 species (65.1% of known tree species) to assess the spatial pattern of tree species’ phylogenetic endemism, its macroecological drivers, and how future pressures may affect the conservation status of the identified hotspots. We found that low-to-mid latitudes host most endemism hotspots, with current climate being the strongest driver, and climatic stability across thousands to millions of years back in time as a major co-determinant. These hotspots are mostly located outside of protected areas and face relatively high land-use change and future climate change pressure. Our study highlights the risk from climate change for tree diversity and the necessity to strengthen conservation and restoration actions in global hotspots of phylogenetic endemism for trees to avoid major future losses of tree diversity.
Cumulative effect of PM2.5 components is larger than the effect of PM2.5 mass on child health in India
Authors: Chaudhary Ekta , George Franciosalgeo , Saji Aswathi , Dey Sagnik , Ghosh Santu , Thomas Tinku , Kurpad Anura. V. , Sharma Sumit , Singh Nimish , Agarwal Shivang , Mehta Unnati
Published: October 2023

While studies on ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure effect on child health are available, the differential effects, if any, of exposure to PM2.5 species are unexplored in lower and middle-income countries. Using multiple logistic regression, we showed that for every 10 μg m−3 increase in PM2.5 exposure, anaemia, acute respiratory infection, and low birth weight prevalence increase by 10% (95% uncertainty interval, UI: 9–11), 11% (8–13), and 5% (4–6), respectively, among children in India. NO3-, elemental carbon, and NH4+ were more associated with the three health outcomes than other PM2.5 species. We found that the total PM2.5 mass as a surrogate marker for air pollution exposure could substantially underestimate the true composite impact of different components of PM2.5. Our findings provide key indigenous evidence to prioritize control strategies for reducing exposure to more toxic species for greater child health benefits in India.
Alterations in sea urchin (Mesocentrotus nudus) microbiota and their potential contributions to host according to barren severity
Authors: Park Joon-Young , Jo Jae-Won , An Yu-Jeong , Lee Jin-Jae , Kim Bong-Soo
Published: October 2023

Sea urchins are biotic factors driving the decline of kelp forests in marine ecosystems. However, few studies have analyzed the microbiota of surviving sea urchins in barren regions with scarce diet resources. Here, we analyzed the microbiota in the pharynx and gut of the sea urchin Mesocentrotus nudus located along the coast of an expanding barren region in South Korea. The ecological adaptation of genera in sea urchins was predicted using the neutral assembly model. The pharynx and gut microbiota were different, and microbes in the surrounding habitats dispersed more to the pharynx than to the gut. The gut microbiota in sea urchins is altered by barren severity and plays different roles in host energy metabolism. These findings help to understand the microbiota in sea urchins according to urchin barren and its contribution to the survival of sea urchins in severe barren regions with limited macroalgae.
Returning incidentally discovered Hepatitis C RNA-seq results to COPDGene study participants
Authors: Silverman Edwin K. , Kim Arthur Y. , Make Barry J. , Regan Elizabeth A. , Morrow Jarrett D. , Hersh Craig P. , O’Brien James , Crapo James D. , Hansel Nadia N. , Criner Gerard , Flenaugh Eric L. , Conrad Douglas , Casaburi Richard , Bowler Russell P. , Hanania Nicola A. , Barr R. Graham , Bhatt Surya P. , Sciurba Frank C. , Anzueto Antonio , Han MeiLan K. , McEvoy Charlene E. , Comellas Alejandro P. , DeMeo Dawn L. , Rosiello Richard , Curtis Jeffrey L. , Uchida Tricia , Wilson Carla , O’Rourke P. Pearl
Published: October 2023

The consequences of returning infectious pathogen test results identified incidentally in research studies have not been well-studied. Concerns include identification of an important health issue for individuals, accuracy of research test results, public health impact, potential emotional distress for participants, and need for IRB permissions. Blood RNA-sequencing analysis for non-human RNA in 3984 participants from the COPDGene study identified 228 participants with evidence suggestive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We hypothesized that incidentally discovered HCV results could be effectively returned to COPDGene participants with attention to the identified concerns. In conjunction with a COPDGene Participant Advisory Panel, we developed and obtained IRB approval for a process of returning HCV research results and an HCV Follow-Up Study questionnaire to capture information about previous HCV diagnosis and treatment information and participant reactions to return of HCV results. During phone calls following the initial HCV notification letter, 84 of 124 participants who could be contacted (67.7%) volunteered that they had been previously diagnosed with HCV infection. Thirty-one of these 124 COPDGene participants were enrolled in the HCV Follow-Up Study. Five of the 31 HCV Follow-Up Study participants did not report a previous diagnosis of HCV. For four of these participants, subsequent clinical HCV testing confirmed HCV infection. Thus, 30/31 Follow-Up Study participants had confirmed HCV diagnoses, supporting the accuracy of the HCV research test results. However, the limited number of participants in the Follow-Up Study precludes an accurate assessment of the false-positive and false-negative rates of the research RNA sequencing evidence for HCV. Most HCV Follow-Up Study participants (29/31) were supportive of returning HCV research results, and most participants found the process for returning HCV results to be informative and not upsetting. Newly diagnosed participants were more likely to be pleased to learn about a potentially curable infection (p = 0.027) and showed a trend toward being more frightened by the potential health risks of HCV (p = 0.11). We conclude that HCV results identified incidentally during transcriptomic research studies can be successfully returned to research study participants with a carefully designed process.
Analysis of the decoupling effect and driving factors of carbon emissions from the transportation sector in Guangdong Province
Authors: Tang Yongping , Jiang Huiyuan
Published: October 2023

To propel the green transformation of the transportation industry in Guangdong Province. Against the backdrop of the five-year plan, this study employs the Tapio decoupling model and the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index decomposition method to analyze the decoupling status and driving factors of carbon emissions from transportation and economic growth in Guangdong Province from 2001 to 2020. The results show that:(1) Both the total volume of carbon emissions from transportation and per capita emissions exhibit an overall upward trend, with petroleum-based emissions accounting for an overwhelming 96%, with diesel emissions register the highest proportion and most substantial increase. (2) The decoupling status predominantly manifests as weak decoupling, with intermittent years expansive coupling,, expansive negative decoupling, strong decoupling, and recessive coupling, thus indicating a persistent state of decoupling instability. (3) The study introduces the urbanization effect, wherein the effects of income urbanization, as well as spatial urbanization, predominantly exert positive driving influences. Conversely, the effects of energy intensity, population urbanization, industry scale, and energy structure collectively exert negative driving influences. Notably, the effect of income urbanization emerges as the primary factor propelling the augmentation of carbon emissions, while the energy intensity effect serves as the primary factor curbing such escalation. Finally, pertinent policy recommendations are put forth.
IL-8 is a novel prometastatic chemokine in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma that induces CXCR2-PI3K/AKT signaling upon CD97 activation
Authors: Meng Ze-Wu , Zhang Lei , Cai Xin-Ran , Wang Xing , She Fei-Fei , Chen Yan-Ling
Published: October 2023

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a rare but highly aggressive malignant tumor arising within the liver, with a 5-year survival rate of only 20–40% after surgery. The role of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in ICC progression remains elusive. A transcriptomic approach based on IL-8 stimulation first revealed significant upregulation of the prometastatic gene CD97 and key epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors E-cadherin and vimentin. Immunohistochemistry of 125 ICC tissues confirmed the positive correlation between IL-8 and CD97. Multivariable Cox regression indicated that they are both independent predictors of ICC prognosis. Mechanistically, IL-8 treatment induced CD97 expression at 50 and 100 ng/ml in QBC-939 and QBE cells, respectively. Moreover, the induction of cell migration and invasion upon IL-8 treatment was attenuated by CD97 RNA interference, and the expression of EMT-associated genes was dramatically inhibited. To determine whether CXCR1 or CXCR2 are downstream effectors of IL-8, siCXCR2 was applied and shown to significantly attenuate the oncogenic effects of IL-8 by inhibiting the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT. Finally, the induction of CD97 expression by the PI3K pathway was verified by treatment with the inhibitor LY294002. In vivo, the significant tumor growth and lung metastasis effects induced by intraperitoneal injection of IL-8 were greatly inhibited by silencing CD97 in nude mice. Collectively, the study presents a novel mechanism of the IL-8-CXCR2-PI3K/AKT axis in regulating CD97 expression, which leads to ICC metastasis mainly through EMT. The study may provide alternatives for targeting the tumor microenvironment in metastatic ICC.
Effects of assessment method (real-time versus video-recorded) on a validated pain-altered behavior scale used in castrated piglets
Authors: Trindade Pedro Henrique Esteves , Lopez-Soriano Magdiel , Merenda Victoria Rocha , Tomacheuski Rubia Mitalli , Pairis-Garcia Monique Danielle
Published: October 2023

We aimed to compare two assessment methodologies (real-time vs. video-recorded) using the Unesp-Botucatu Pig Composite Acute Pain Scale (UPAPS) in piglets before and after castration. Twenty-nine male piglets were castrated. Four observers scored the UPAPS over three perioperative timepoints of castration following two assessment methodologies. In real-time assessments, the observers were in-person observing the piglets in front of the pen. After two weeks, the observers did video-recorded assessments randomizing piglets and timepoints. Modeling was conducted to compare the UPAPS and each pain-altered behavior between methodologies. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Bland–Altman, and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) were conducted to investigate agreement between methodologies. UPAPS was statistically equivalent between methodologies (P = 0.4371). The ICC for each method was very good (0.85 to 0.91). The agreement of the UPAPS assessed between methodologies had minimal bias (− 0.04), no proportion bias, and 53% of the assessments presented a perfect agreement. However, CCC of the UPAPS was moderate (0.65), and only one pain-altered behavior (“presents difficulty in overcoming obstacles or other animals”) occurred more in real-time assessments (P = 0.0444). In conclusion, piglet pain assessment by UPAPS can be conducted in real-time based on a suitable agreement between the real-time and video-recorded assessment methods.
Lifetime enhancement in QDLEDs via an electron-blocking hole transport layer
Authors: Samaeifar Fatemeh , Azadinia Mohsen , Aziz Hany
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the impact of an engineered hole transport layer (HTL) on the stability of electroluminescent quantum dot light-emitting devices (QDLEDs). The 9-Phenyl-3,6-bis(9-phenyl-9Hcarbazol-3-yl)-9H-carbazole (Tris-PCz) HTL, which possesses a shallower lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level compared to the widely used 4,4′-bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl (CBP) HTL, is employed to confine electron overflow toward the HTL. Utilizing the Tris-PCz HTL results in a 20× improvement in the electroluminescence half-life (LT50) of QDLEDs compared with conventional QDLEDs using the CBP HTL. Electric and optoelectronic analyses reveal that the migration of excess electrons toward the HTL is impeded by the up-shifted LUMO level of Tris-PCz, contributing to prolonged operational device stability. Furthermore, the augmented electric field at the QD/Tris-PCz interface, due to accumulated electrons, expedites hole injection rates, leading to better charge injection balance and the confinement of the exciton recombination zone within the QD and thus the device stability enhancement. This study highlights the significant influence of the HTL on QDLED stability and represents one of the longest LT50 for a QDLED based on the conventional core/shell QD structure.
Temperate silvopastures provide greater ecosystem services than conventional pasture systems
Authors: Amorim Helen C. S. , Ashworth Amanda J. , O’Brien Peter L. , Thomas Andrew L. , Runkle Benjamin R. K. , Philipp Dirk
Published: October 2023

Management and design affect systems’ ability to deliver ecosystem services and meet sustainable intensification needs for a growing population. Soil–plant–animal health evaluations at the systems level for conventional and silvopastoral environments are lacking and challenge adoption across temperate regions. Impacts of silvopasture on soil quality, microclimate, cattle heat stress, forage quality and yield, and cattle weight gain were compared to a conventional pasture in the mid-southern US. Here, we illustrate silvopastures have greater soil organic carbon, water content, and overall quality, with lower temperatures (soil and cattle) than conventional pastures. Forage production and cattle weight gains were similar across systems; yet, conventional pasture systems would need approximately four times more land area to yield equivalent net productivity (tree, nuts, forage, and animal weight) of one ha of silvopasture. Temperate silvopastures enhanced delivery of ecosystem services by improving soil quality and promoting animal welfare without productivity losses, thus allowing sustainable production under a changing climate.
Exploration of semen quality analyzed by casa-mot systems of brahman bulls infected with BLV and BHV-1
Authors: Pichardo-Matamoros Derling , Sevilla Francisco , Elizondo-Salazar Jorge , Jiménez-Sánchez Carlos , Roldan Eduardo R. S. , Soler Carles , Gacem Sabrina , Valverde Anthony
Published: October 2023

Enzootic bovine leukosis virus (BLV) and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) are very important infectious agents for the livestock industry worldwide. The present study aimed to explore the association between natural exposure to BLV and BHV-1 with sperm quality analyzed by Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) systems. Ten sexually mature Brahman bulls, with sanitary status BLV+/BHV-1+ (n = 2), BLV−/BHV-1+ (n = 6) and BLV-/BHV-1- (n = 2) were evaluated twice, 30 days apart. Results showed that sanitary status of each bull was not associated with semen quality. It was found that the quality of the semen from the second collection was better due to the interruption of sexual rest. The evidence thus revealed that a bull infected with BLV generated good-quality contaminated semen and, therefore, that it is essential to detect contaminated seminal samples to prevent the spread of BLV. A multivariate analysis showed the presence of four sperm subpopulations in Brahman bulls that differ significantly in their kinematic patterns and with respect to sanitary status (P < 0.05), indicating that infection-free and seronegative bulls present the best kinematic parameters, which improved discrimination of sperm quality according to sanitary status. Overall, the analyses indicate that the seropositive-infected bulls with BLV and BHV-1 should be excluded from beef cattle farms.
Safety assessment, radioiodination and preclinical evaluation of antinuclear antibody as novel medication for prostate cancer in mouse xenograft model
Authors: Nguyen Thu Minh Chau , Hoang Lu Duc Chinh , Nguyen Thi Khanh Giang , Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Nguyen Quang Chien , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Dang Ho Hong Quang , Bui Van Cuong , Pham Thanh Minh , Nguyen Thi Thu
Published: October 2023

This study aims to provide in vitro and in vivo data to support the utilization of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) as novel tools for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancers. The hematological, biochemical, and histological toxicities of ANAs were assessed at the doses of 5 and 50 μg per mouse. Radiolabeling study was then conducted with ANA and 131I using the chloramine T method, and the biodistribution and treatment efficacy were subsequently investigated in a PC3 xenograft model. No changes in clinical behavior or signs of intoxication, necrosis, or malignancy were observed in ANA-treated mice. 131I-ANA was obtained in very high yield and radiochemical purity, at 94.97 ± 0.98% and 98.56 ± 0.29%, respectively. They achieved immunoreactivity fraction of 0.841 ± 0.17% with PC-3 cells. Levels of radiolabeled ANAs were 1.15–10.14 times higher in tumor tissues than in other examined organs at 24 h post-injection. The tumor growth inhibition rates were 28.33 ± 5.01% in PC3 xenografts mice treated with 131I-ANAs compared with controls and a nearly twofold improvement in median survival was observed. These results demonstrate that radioimmunotherapy of radiolabeled natural ANAs may be an effective treatment for prostate tumors.
Factors affecting fledglings survival in urban population of European blackbirds in Szczecin (NW Poland)
Authors: Wysocki Dariusz , Witkowska Marta , Walczakiewicz Szymon
Published: October 2023

The first-year survival alters population growth rates and viability in birds, however this period remains the least-studied of the avian life stages. Here we present results of the 19 years of study of fledglings apparent survival of urban population of European blackbirdTurdus merulain Szczecin (NW Poland). We checked for possible influence on survival of several factors, including parental traits, such as parental age, their previous breeding experience, natal brood size, presence of another brood in a given breeding season and the time gap between clutches of a particular pair. Moreover, we incorporate into our analysis fledging’s hierarchy in the brood, its fledging time in the breeding season, temperature and precipitation during the first months of life. We also investigated changes in the apparent survival over 19 years. We found that the individual’s hierarchy in the nest, and the day of fledging had the strongest influence on the apparent survival, with heavier birds fledged earlier in the season surviving better. Increase in parental age and previous breeding experience of the pair could result in enhanced survival. Surprisingly increased precipitation lowered fledglings’ survival. During the 19 years of the study fledglings’ apparent survival dropped about 10%.
Exploring the microbiome of two uterine sites in cows
Authors: Murga Valderrama Nilton Luis , Segura Portocarrero Gleni Tatiana , Romani Vasquez Ana Cecilia , Frias Torres Hugo , Flores Durand Gary Jacsel , Cornejo Villanueva Victor Guillermo , Del Solar Jakson Ch. , Costa Polveiro Richard , da Silva Vieira Dielson , Bardales Escalante William , Zamora-Huamán Segundo José , Ordinola-Ramirez Carla Maria , Maicelo Quintana Jorge Luis , Lopez Lapa Rainer Marco
Published: October 2023

Bacterial communities in the mammalian reproductive system can be rich and diverse, differing in structure and quantity depending on location. In addition, its microbiome is associated with the state of health of this tract and reproductive success. This study evaluated the microbiome composition of the uterine body (UB) and uterine horn mucosa (UH) samples using 16S rRNA sequencing of samples extracted from cows in the Amazon region. It was observed that four main phyla were shared between the uterine sites: Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. Linear discriminant analysis effect size and heat tree analysis showed that members of Lachnospiraceae (NK3A20 group) and Oscillospiraceae were significantly more abundant in the UB than in UH. In addition, there are more unique genera in the UB than in the UH. A higher bacterial load in UB than in UH is expected because of the exposure to external factors of UB. However, comparing the site's communities through beta diversity did not generate well-defined clustering. Thus, it can be attributed to the closeness of the sites, which would make the niches similar ecologically and microbiologically. Therefore, this research provides knowledge to understand biomarkers in the prior reproduction period.
Projection of climate change impacts on extreme temperature and precipitation in Central Poland
Authors: Ghazi Babak , Przybylak Rajmund , Pospieszyńska Aleksandra
Published: October 2023

Climate change is exacerbating the risk of the occurrence of extreme weather. This study has projected the change in mean and extreme climate conditions in Central Poland during near-future (2026–2050), mid-term (2051–2075), and far-future (2076–2100) periods under two climate-change scenarios in six General Circulation Models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). The results showed that, compared to the historical reference period (1990–2014), Central Poland will experience an increase in temperature and precipitation by the end of the twenty-first century. It is expected that the mean annual temperature and mean annual precipitation totals will increase by 1–4.8 °C and 2–7.5%, respectively. Furthermore, it is projected that the average number of hot, very hot days and extremely hot days (Tmax > 25 °C, > 30 °C, and > 35 °C), tropical nights (Tmin > 20 °C), and extremely high daily precipitation (> 10 mm, > 20 mm and > 30 mm) will also increase, while the average number of slight frost days (Tmin < 0 °C), and frost and severe frost days (Tmax < 0 °C, Tmax <  − 10 °C) will decline on average by the end of the twenty-first century. Therefore, it is essential for policymakers to take some appropriate measurements and strategies in advance to strengthen resilience to extreme climate events.
Effect of enhanced biogeochemical transformation of tetrachloroethylene by EVO–FeSO4 and its transport characteristics in aquifers
Authors: Sun Chen , Sun Minglu , Liang Xue , Mo Yanyang , Dong Jun
Published: October 2023

Enhanced biogeochemical transformation of tetrachloroethylene under EVO–FeSO4 amendment.
Cobalt-free layered perovskites RBaCuFeO5+δ (R = 4f lanthanide) as electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Marelli Elena , Lyu Jike , Morin Mickaël , Leménager Maxime , Shang Tian , Yüzbasi N. Sena , Aegerter Dino , Huang Jinzhen , Daffé Niéli D. , Clark Adam H. , Sheptyakov Denis , Graule Thomas , Nachtegaal Maarten , Pomjakushina Ekaterina , Schmidt Thomas J. , Krack Matthias , Fabbri Emiliana , Medarde Marisa
Published: October 2023

O K-edge XAS measurements reveal a surface reconstruction in RBaCuFeO5+δ layered perovskites when δ > 0. Oxygen excess, together with some degree of A-site cation intermixing, appears to control the OER activity in these Co-free electrocatalysts.
Orthogonal polymerization of aziridine with cyclic carbonates for constructing amphiphilic block copolymers
Authors: Guo Xiao-Hui , Gu Ge-Ge , Yue Tian-Jun , Ren Wei-Min
Published: October 2023

Orthogonal polymerization of aziridine and cyclic carbonates is developed for constructing amphiphilic block copolymers, followed by acidification to construct polysomes.
Zero-dimensional mixed-cation hybrid lead halides with broadband emissions
Authors: Mączka Mirosław , Drozdowski Dawid , Stefańska Dagmara , Gągor Anna
Published: October 2023

The synthesis and study of three novel compounds comprising Cs+ and metylhydrazinium cations show that mixing of cations is a promising way to develop novel 0D lead halides exhibiting broadband emission.
“Out, Damned Spot”: The art and science of forensic restoration
Authors: DeBruyn Jennifer
Published: October 2023

Forensic restoration focuses on remediation of indoor environments that are contaminated with potentially hazardous biological materials. Some of the more challenging cases are those where someone has died alone and remained undiscovered for some time. Decomposition begins almost immediately after death: blood stops circulating and starts to pool and coagulate, and cells undergo autolysis. Our commensal microbes, critical to health during life, turn against us after death and start consuming us from within. Anaerobic microbial processes produce odorous volatile organic compounds and fluids that seep into the floor. Insects can oviposit in the body, resulting in masses of larvae feeding on the body. When ready to pupate, larvae leave, acting as vectors which can spread contamination around the site. Remediating a home where an unattended death has occurred involves removal of fluid-soaked items and a load reduction to remove soil, followed by a thorough cleaning to remove organic materials and prepare surfaces for disinfection, all while keeping operators safe from potential infectious agents. It’s certainly not a job for everyone, but one couple is trying to bring a higher level of science-based practices and training to the industry.
Advances in the discovery and analyses of human tandem repeats
Authors: Chaisson Mark J.P. , Sulovari Arvis , Valdmanis Paul N. , Miller Danny E. , Eichler Evan E.
Published: October 2023

Long-read sequencing platforms provide unparalleled access to the structure and composition of all classes of tandemly repeated DNA from STRs to satellite arrays. This review summarizes our current understanding of their organization within the human genome, their importance with respect to disease, as well as the advances and challenges in understanding their genetic diversity and functional effects. Novel computational methods are being developed to visualize and associate these complex patterns of human variation with disease, expression, and epigenetic differences. We predict accurate characterization of this repeat-rich form of human variation will become increasingly relevant to both basic and clinical human genetics.
Challenges for crop improvement
Authors: Ortiz Rodomiro
Published: October 2023

The genetic improvement of crops faces the significant challenge of feeding an ever-increasing population amidst a changing climate, and when governments are adopting a ‘more with less' approach to reduce input use. Plant breeding has the potential to contribute to the United Nations Agenda 2030 by addressing various sustainable development goals (SDGs), with its most profound impact expected on SDG2 Zero Hunger. To expedite the time-consuming crossbreeding process, a genomic-led approach for predicting breeding values, targeted mutagenesis through gene editing, high-throughput phenomics for trait evaluation, enviromics for including characterization of the testing environments, machine learning for effective management of large datasets, and speed breeding techniques promoting early flowering and seed production are being incorporated into the plant breeding toolbox. These advancements are poised to enhance genetic gains through selection in the cultigen pools of various crops. Consequently, these knowledge-based breeding methods are pursued for trait introgression, population improvement, and cultivar development. This article uses the potato crop as an example to showcase the progress being made in both genomic-led approaches and gene editing for accelerating the delivery of genetic gains through the utilization of genetically enhanced elite germplasm. It also further underscores that access to technological advances in plant breeding may be influenced by regulations and intellectual property rights.
A Publicly Verifiable Leveled Fully Homomorphic Signcryption Scheme
Authors: Bian Zhaoxuan , Wang Fuqun , Zhang Renjun , Lian Bin , Han Lidong , Chen Kefei
Published: October 2023

With the deepening of research, how to construct a fully homomorphic signcryption scheme based on standard assumptions is a problem that we need to solve. For this question, recently, Jin et al. proposed a leveled fully homomorphic signcryption scheme from standard lattices. However, when verifying, it is supposed to unsigncrypt first as they utilize sign‐then‐encrypt method. This leads to users being unable to verify the authenticity of the data first, which resulting in the waste of resources. This raises another question of how to construct an fully homomorphic signcryption (FHSC) scheme with public verifiability. To solve this problem, we propose a leveled fully homomorphic signcryption scheme that can be publicly verified and show its completeness, IND‐CPA security, and strong unforgeability.
Autoavaliação de competências fundamentais e orientação médico durante o primeiro ano de residência ortopédica brasileira
Authors: Barbato Kelly Biancardini Gomes , Carvalho Luciana Santos de , Barreira Marangoni Viviani , Souza Fábio de , Vaena Marcella Martins de Vasconcelos
Published: October 2023

Objetivo A formação de um médico competente requer direcionar o perfil de pós-graduação residente para atividades práticas. Buscou-se identificar a orientação de relacionamento médico-paciente e a autoavaliação das competências fundamentais que eles apontaram que precisavam ser desenvolvidas.

Métodos Todos os 56 residentes em ortopedia admitidos entre 2016 e 2019 participaram do presente estudo observacional prospectivo. A Escala de Orientação Médico-Paciente (Patient Practitioner Orientation Scale [PPOS, na sigla em inglês]) e um questionário de autoavaliação foram respondidos no início e no final do primeiro ano de residência (R1) em Ortopedia e Traumatologia. Calculamos o desvio médio e padrão para itens e pontuações de PPOS e os analisamos através do teste t emparelhado. As opções de resposta do Questionário de Autoavaliação foram "sim" ou "preciso melhorar" e as habilidades foram classificadas na ordem decrescente da frequência das respostas "preciso melhorar" com descrição de número absoluto e percentual. Comparamos frequências usando o teste de Fisher. Consideramos significativos valores-p < 0,05. Os programas GraphPad Prism 8.4.3 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, EUA) e Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, EUA) foram utilizados para análise estatística.

Resultados No período entre o início e o final do R1, a média total de PPOS diminuiu significativamente, de 4,63 para 4,50 (p = 0,024), mais focada em biomédica. Cerca de um terço dos residentes identificou competências do cuidado ao paciente, aprendizagem e melhoria baseadas na prática e habilidades interpessoais e de comunicação, como necessitando melhorar.

Conclusões As atividades de PPOS e autoavaliação podem promover práticas de reflexão e são possíveis ferramentas para avaliação de competência centrada no aluno. A orientação biomédica tende a prevalecer à medida que a formação dos médicos progride e as autoavaliações periódicas podem ser trabalhadas para construir uma mentalidade de crescimento.