bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weaponised Deception
Authors: Hughes David A.
Published: April 2024

Totalitarianism is facilitated by what Hannah Arendt calls “gigantic lies and monstrous falsehoods,” which the masses are organised to believe. This tradition has a long history, even in the West. The “Covid-19 pandemic” was a Big Lie: there is no credible epidemiological evidence to support its existence. Rather, the “pandemic” was a media-driven social phenomenon that served to deflect attention from far-reaching technocratic agendas being advanced across every area of life. “Pandemic preparedness” provides cover for building the institutional architecture of global dictatorship under the pretext of public health. It is unclear whether “SARS-CoV-2” is real: problems exist regarding its alleged “isolation” (involving cytopathic effects, genome sequencing, and electron microscopy images). There is, however, evidence to suggest that “SARS-CoV-2” may, in part, have been influenza rebranded. The “vaccines,” which instead of protecting people have caused catastrophic harm, are likely bioweapons aimed at controlling the population in multiple ways. Yet, despite the “Covid-19” narrative being saturated with deceit, most people cannot and will not see it, owing to cognitive dissonance.
Bilocal holography and locality in the bulk
Authors: de Mello Koch Robert , Kemp Garreth , Van Zyl Hendrik J. R.
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Bilocal holography provides a constructive approach to the vector model/higher spin gravity duality. It has two ingredients: a change of field variables and a change of space time coordinates. The change of field variables ensures that the loop expansion parameter becomes $$ \frac{1}{N} $$

1
N

. The change of coordinates solves the Clebsch-Gordan problem of moving from the tensor product basis (in which the collective bilocal field is written) to the direct sum basis (appropriate for the description of the gravity fields). We argue that the change of space time coordinates can be deduced by requiring that operators constructed in the bilocal collective field theory are dual to local operators in the AdS bulk.
Doubled Hilbert space in double-scaled SYK
Authors: Okuyama Kazumi
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We consider matter correlators in the double-scaled SYK (DSSYK) model. It turns out that matter correlators have a simple expression in terms of the doubled Hilbert space $$\mathcal{H}\otimes \mathcal{H}$$, where $$\mathcal{H}$$ is the Fock space of q-deformed oscillator (also known as the chord Hilbert space). In this formalism, we find that the operator which counts the intersection of chords should be conjugated by certain “entangler” and “disentangler”. We explicitly demonstrate this structure for the two- and four-point functions of matter operators in DSSYK.
Teneurin C-terminal associated peptide (TCAP)-1 attenuates the development and expression of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal in male Swiss Webster mice
Authors: Mueller Lauren E. , Wexler Roseanne S. , Lovejoy David A. , Stein Robert B. , Slee Andrew M.
Published: April 2024

Rationale

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), the apical stress-inducing hormone, exacerbates stress and addictive behaviors. TCAP-1 is a peptide that directly inhibits both CRF-mediated stress and addiction-related behaviors; however, the direct action of TCAP-1 on morphine withdrawal-associated behaviors has not previously been examined.

Objective

To determine whether TCAP-1 administration attenuates behavioral and physiological consequences of morphine withdrawal in mice.

Methods

Mice were administered via subcutaneous route TCAP-1 either before or after initial morphine exposure, after which jumping behavior was quantified to assess the effects of TCAP-1 on naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal. As a comparison, mice were treated with nonpeptide CRF1 receptor antagonist CP-154,526. In one experiment, plasma corticosterone (CORT) was also measured as a physiological stress indicator.

Results

Pretreatment with TCAP-1 (10–250 nmol/kg) before morphine treatment significantly inhibited the development of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. TCAP-1 (250–500 nmol/kg) treatment administered after morphine treatment attenuated the behavioral expression of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. TCAP-1 (250 nmol/kg) treatment during morphine treatment was more effective than the optimal dosing of CP-154,526 (20 mg/kg) at suppressing the behavioral expression of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal, despite similar reduction of withdrawal-induced plasma CORT level increases.

Conclusions

These findings establish TCAP-1 as a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of morphine withdrawal.
Comparative performance of scFv-based anti-BCMA CAR formats for improved T cell therapy in multiple myeloma
Authors: Stock Sophia , Fertig Luisa , Gottschlich Adrian , Dörr Janina , Märkl Florian , Majed Lina , Menkhoff Vivien D. , Grünmeier Ruth , Rejeski Kai , Cordas dos Santos David M. , Theurich Sebastian , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Endres Stefan , Subklewe Marion , Kobold Sebastian
Published: April 2024

In multiple myeloma (MM), B cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed CAR T cells have emerged as a novel therapy with potential for long-term disease control. Anti-BCMA CAR T cells with a CD8-based transmembrane (TM) and CD137 (41BB) as intracellular costimulatory domain are in routine clinical use. As the CAR construct architecture can differentially impact performance and efficacy, the optimal construction of a BCMA-targeting CAR remains to be elucidated. Here, we hypothesized that varying the constituents of the CAR structure known to impact performance could shed light on how to improve established anti-BCMA CAR constructs. CD8TM.41BBIC-based anti-BCMA CAR vectors with either a long linker or a short linker between the light and heavy scFv chain, CD28TM.41BBIC-based and CD28TM.CD28IC-based anti-BCMA CAR vector systems were used in primary human T cells. MM cell lines were used as target cells. The short linker anti-BCMA CAR demonstrated higher cytokine production, whereas in vitro cytotoxicity, T cell differentiation upon activation and proliferation were superior for the CD28TM.CD28IC-based CAR. While CD28TM.CD28IC-based CAR T cells killed MM cells faster, the persistence of 41BBIC-based constructs was superior in vivo. While CD28 and 41BB costimulation come with different in vitro and in vivo advantages, this did not translate into a superior outcome for either tested model. In conclusion, this study showcases the need to study the influence of different CAR architectures based on an identical scFv individually. It indicates that current scFv-based anti-BCMA CAR with clinical utility may already be at their functional optimum regarding the known structural variations of the scFv linker.
Testing practical relevance of treatment effects
Authors: Ongaro Andrea , Migliorati Sonia , Ascari Roberto , Ripamonti Enrico
Published: April 2024

Traditionally, common testing problems are formalized in terms of a precise null hypothesis representing an idealized situation such as absence of a certain “treatment effect”. However, in most applications the real purpose of the analysis is to assess evidence in favor of a practically relevant effect, rather than simply determining its presence/absence. This discrepancy leads to erroneous inferential conclusions, especially in case of moderate or large sample size. In particular, statistical significance, as commonly evaluated on the basis of a precise hypothesis low p value, bears little or no information on practical significance. This paper presents an innovative approach to the problem of testing the practical relevance of effects. This relies upon the proposal of a general method for modifying standard tests by making them suitable to deal with appropriate interval null hypotheses containing all practically irrelevant effect sizes. In addition, when it is difficult to specify exactly which effect sizes are irrelevant we provide the researcher with a benchmark value. Acceptance/rejection can be established purely by deciding on the (ir)relevance of this value. We illustrate our proposal in the context of many important testing setups, and we apply the proposed methods to two case studies in clinical medicine. First, we consider data on the evaluation of systolic blood pressure in a sample of adult participants at risk for nutritional deficit. Second, we focus on a study of the effects of remdesivir on patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Respiratory comorbidities and treatments in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: impact on life expectancy and causes of death
Authors: Wahlgren Lisa , Kroksmark Anna-Karin , Lindblad Anders , Tulinius Mar , Sofou Kalliopi
Published: April 2024

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disorder with progressive decline of pulmonary function increasing the risk of early mortality. The aim of this study was to explore the respiratory-related comorbidities, and the effect of these comorbidities and treatments on life expectancy and causes of death.

Methods

All male patients living in Sweden with DMD, born and deceased 1970–2019, were included. Data regarding causes of death were collected from the Cause of Death Registry and cross-checked with the medical records along with diagnostics and relevant clinical features.

Results

Hundred and twenty nine patients were included with a median lifespan of 24.3 years. Acute respiratory failure accounted for 63.3% of respiratory-related causes of death. 70.1% suffered at least one pneumonia, with first episode at a median age of 17.8 years. Hypoventilation was found in 73.0% with onset at 18.1 years. 60.5% had their first pneumonia before established hypoventilation. Age at onset of hypoventilation showed a strong correlation with age at first pneumonia. First pneumonia and scoliosis non-treated with scoliosis surgery increased the risk of dying of respiratory-related causes. In 10% of the patients, first pneumonia resulted in acute tracheostomy or early death. Patients treated with assisted ventilation had higher life expectancy compared to untreated patients.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the importance of identifying subclinical hypoventilation in a timely manner and the importance of an active treatment regime upon clinical signs of pneumonia.
Perinatal exposure to traffic related air pollutants and the risk of infection in the first six months of life: a cohort study from a low-middle income country
Authors: Soesanti Frida , Hoek Gerard , Brunekreef Bert , Meliefste Kees , Chen Jie , Idris Nikmah S. , Putri Nina D. , Uiterwaal Cuno S. P. M. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin
Published: April 2024

Objective

There is limited study from low-and-middle income countries on the effect of perinatal exposure to air pollution and the risk of infection in infant. We assessed the association between perinatal exposure to traffic related air pollution and the risk of infection in infant during their first six months of life.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed in Jakarta, March 2016–September 2020 among 298 mother-infant pairs. PM2.5, soot, NOx, and NO2 concentrations were assessed using land use regression models (LUR) at individual level. Repeated interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain data on infection at 1, 2, 4 and 6 months of age. The infections were categorized as upper respiratory tract (runny nose, cough, wheezing or shortness of breath), lower respiratory tract (pneumonia, bronchiolitis) or gastrointestinal tract infection. Logistic regression models adjusted for covariates were used to assess the association between perinatal exposure to air pollution and the risk of infection in the first six months of life.

Results

The average concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2 were much higher than the WHO recommended levels. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were much more common in the first six months of life than diagnosed lower respiratory tract or gastro-intestinal infections (35.6%, 3.5% and 5.8% respectively). Perinatal exposure to PM2.5 and soot suggested increase cumulative risk of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in the first 6 months of life per IQR increase with adjusted OR of 1.50 (95% CI 0.91; 2.47) and 1.14 (95% CI 0.79; 1.64), respectively. Soot was significantly associated with the risk of URTI at 4–6 months age interval (aOR of 1.45, 95%CI 1.02; 2.09). All air pollutants were also positively associated with lower respiratory tract infection, but all CIs include unity because of relatively small samples. Adjusted odds ratios for gastrointestinal infections were close to unity.

Conclusion

Our study adds to the evidence that perinatal exposure to fine particles is associated with respiratory tract infection in infants in a low-middle income country.
The potential impact of exercise upon symptom burden in adolescents and young adults undergoing cancer treatment
Authors: Munsie Claire , Ebert Jay , Joske David , Collins Jo , Ackland Timothy
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) experience vast symptom burden resulting from cancer treatment-related toxicities (TRTs). Evidence supports integrated exercise to mitigate several TRTs in other cohorts; however, evidence in AYAs is lacking. Conventional reporting of TRTs adopts a maximum grade approach failing to recognise the trajectory over time, of persistent, or lower grade toxicities. Alternatively, longitudinal analysis of toxicities over time (ToxT) may provide clinically meaningful summaries of this data. We evaluated the longitudinal impact of an exercise intervention on TRTs in AYAs undergoing cancer treatment.

Methods

A prospective, randomised trial allocated participants to a 10-week exercise intervention (EG) or control group (CG) undergoing usual care. Detailed information on TRTs was collected throughout the intervention. All TRTs were graded per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v5.0).

Results

Forty-three (43) participants (63% male, mean age 21.1 years) were enrolled. When categorised to reflect the maximal worst grade experienced (Grade 0, Grade 1–2 and ≥ Grade 3), the CG reported an increased incidence of severe fatigue (≥ Grade 3) compared with the EG (p = 0.05). No other differences between groups were evident (p > 0.05). ToxT analysis of the four most common toxicities (fatigue, pain, nausea and mood disturbances) demonstrated no difference in the mean grade of each over time (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

A 10-week exercise intervention reduces the severity of fatigue in AYAs undergoing treatment. While the ToxT approach provided insight into the toxicity profile, adequately powered studies are needed to better understand these differences within a homogenous sample.

Trial registration

(ACTRN12620000663954) 10th June 2020.
A randomized controlled trial demonstrating sustained benefit of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC®) over microfracture: 10-year follow-up
Authors: Volz Martin , Schaumburger Jens , Gellißen Jörg , Grifka Joachim , Anders Sven
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC®) and microfracture are established treatments for focal chondral defects in the knee, but there are little clinical data concerning these procedures over the long term. This study evaluates the outcomes of AMIC® compared to microfracture over 10-year follow-up.

Methods

Forty-seven patients were randomized and treated either with MFx (n = 13), sutured AMIC® (n = 17) or glued AMIC® (n = 17) in a prospective, randomized, controlled multicentre trial. The Modified Cincinnati Knee Score, a visual analogue scale for pain and MOCART score were used to assess outcomes over 10 years post-operatively.

Results

All treatment arms improved in the first 2 years, but a progressive and significant deterioration in scores was observed in the MFx group, while both AMIC® groups remained stable. MOCART scores were comparable between groups.

Conclusion

The AMIC® procedure results in improved patient outcomes in comparison with microfracture up to 10 years following surgery for the repair of focal chondral defects in the knee.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02993510
A Computational Pipeline to Investigate Longitudinal Blood Flow Changes in the Circle of Willis of Patients with Stable and Growing Aneurysms
Authors: Coccarelli Alberto , Van Loon Raoul , Chien Aichi
Published: April 2024

Changes in cerebral blood flow are often associated with the initiation and development of different life-threatening medical conditions including aneurysm rupture and ischemic stroke. Nevertheless, it is not fully clear how haemodynamic changes in time across the Circle of Willis (CoW) are related with intracranial aneurysm (IA) growth. In this work, we introduced a novel reduced-order modelling strategy for the systematic quantification of longitudinal blood flow changes across the whole CoW in patients with stable and unstable/growing aneurysm. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) images were converted into one-dimensional (1-D) vessel networks through a semi-automated procedure, with a level of geometric reconstruction accuracy controlled by user-dependent parameters. The proposed pipeline was used to systematically analyse longitudinal haemodynamic changes in seven different clinical cases. Our preliminary simulation results indicate that growing aneurysms are not necessarily associated with significant changes in mean flow over time. A concise sensitivity analysis also shed light on which modelling aspects need to be further characterized to have reliable patient-specific predictions. This study poses the basis for investigating how time-dependent changes in the vasculature affect the haemodynamics across the whole CoW in patients with stable and growing aneurysms.
Ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure and breast cancer risk in a population-based Canadian case–control study
Authors: Hinton Patrick , Villeneuve Paul J. , Galarneau Elisabeth , Larsen Kristian , Wen Deyong , Meng Jun , Savic-Jovcic Verica , Zhang Junhua , King Will D.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a class of ubiquitous pollutants recognized as established human carcinogens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. PAHs have seldom been modeled at the population-level in epidemiological studies. Fluoranthene is a prevalent PAH in urban settings and correlates with the occurrence of other PAHs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations between long-term residential exposure to ambient PAHs and breast cancer risk, both pre- and post-menopausal, in Canada.

Methods

Using the National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance System (NECSS), a national-scale Canadian population-based case–control study, annual fluoranthene exposures were estimated using the GEM-MACH-PAH chemical transport model on the basis of geocoded residential histories throughout a 20-year exposure window. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) controlling for potential confounders were estimated using logistic regression. Separate analyses were conducted for Ontario and national samples given a finer-resolution exposure surface and additional risk factor information available for Ontario.

Results

Positive associations were observed between fluoranthene exposure and premenopausal breast cancer, with inconsistent findings for postmenopausal breast cancer. For premenopausal breast cancer, adjusted ORs of 2.48 (95% CI: 1.29, 4.77) and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.11, 2.29) were observed when comparing the second highest category of exposure to the lowest, among the Ontario and national samples, respectively. For postmenopausal breast cancer, adjusted ORs were 1.10 (95% CI: 0.67, 1.80) and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.73). Associations for the highest level of exposure, across both samples and menopausal strata, were non-significant.

Conclusion

This study provides support for the hypothesis that ambient PAH exposures increase the risk of premenopausal breast cancer.
Multi-modal Battle Royale optimizer
Authors: Çiçek K. Dilşad , Akan Taymaz , Bayat Oğuz
Published: April 2024

Multimodal optimization poses a challenging problem in the field of optimization as it entails the discovery of multiple local and global optima, unlike unimodal optimization, which seeks a single global solution. In recent years, the significance of addressing multimodal optimization challenges has grown due to the real-world complexity of many problems. While numerous optimization methods are available for unimodal problems, multimodal optimization techniques have garnered increased attention. However, these approaches often grapple with a common issue: the determination of the niching parameter, necessitating prior knowledge of the problem space. This paper introduces a novel multimodal optimization approach that circumvents the need for prior problem space knowledge and avoids the challenge of predefining the niching parameter. Building upon the Battle Royal Optimization (BRO) algorithm, this extended version formulates a multimodal solution by utilizing Coulomb's law to identify suitable neighbors. The incorporation of Coulomb's law serves the dual purpose of identifying potential local and global optima based on fitness values and establishing optimal distances from solution candidates. A comparison study was done between the MBRO and seven well-known multimodal optimization algorithms using 14 benchmark problems from the CEC 2013 and CEC 2015 competitions to see how well it worked. The experimental results underscore MBRO's proficiency in successfully identifying most, if not all, local and global optima, positioning it as a superior solution when compared to its competitors.
Submission to Journal of Polymers and the Environment Evaluation of Thermal Properties and Crystallinity in PHB-Based Systems – A DoE Approach
Authors: Majerczak Katarzyna , Liggat John J.
Published: April 2024

Complex formulations based on poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) were studied to statistically assess the effect of formulation (i.e., hydroxyvalerate (HV) content, plasticiser chemistry and content, filler type and content) on their thermal properties and degree of crystallinity (Xc). In binary systems, thermal properties were mainly influenced by filler type rather than its content, while for plasticised systems the changes were dependent on both increasing plasticiser content and PHB-plasticiser compatibility. Variations in HV content affected the ability of the polymer chain to fold, leading to significant changes in both thermal properties and Xc. In ternary systems, presence of multiple additives and consequent changes in intermolecular interactions lead to multifaceted behaviours that were not easily predicted by results from binary systems alone. For example, melting temperature did not show dependence on filler presence in PHBV systems despite introducing variations in pure PHB systems. In general, thermal properties and Xc are affected by all parameters studied, with changes in system free volume (i.e. changes in HV content and plasticisation) playing the most significant role. These results expand the understanding of factors controlling crystallisation in complex polymer systems and can be used to control matrix properties in new generations of packaging materials.
Bacteria from the skin of amphibians promote growth of Arabidopsis thaliana and Solanum lycopersicum by modifying hormone-related transcriptome response
Authors: Romero-Contreras Yordan J. , González-Serrano Francisco , Bello-López Elena , Formey Damien , Aragón Wendy , Cevallos Miguel Ángel , Rebollar Eria A. , Serrano Mario
Published: April 2024

Plants and microorganisms establish beneficial associations that can improve their development and growth. Recently, it has been demonstrated that bacteria isolated from the skin of amphibians can contribute to plant growth and defense. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the beneficial effect for the host are still unclear. In this work, we explored whether bacteria isolated from three tropical frogs species can contribute to plant growth. After a wide screening, we identified three bacterial strains with high biostimulant potential, capable of modifying the root structure of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. In addition, applying individual bacterial cultures to Solanum lycopersicum plants induced an increase in their growth. To understand the effect that these microorganisms have over the host plant, we analysed the transcriptomic profile of A. thaliana during the interaction with the C32I bacterium, demonstrating that the presence of the bacteria elicits a transcriptional response associated to plant hormone biosynthesis. Our results show that amphibian skin bacteria can function as biostimulants to improve agricultural crops growth and development by modifying the plant transcriptomic responses.
On the performance of Sargassum-derived calcium alginate ion exchange resins for Pb2+ adsorption: batch and packed bed applications
Authors: Mohammed Akeem , Mohammed Chantal , Mautner Andreas , Kistow Matika , Chaitram Pooran , Bismarck Alexander , Ward Keeran
Published: April 2024

Driven by climate change and human activity, Sargassum blooming rates have intensified, producing copious amount of the invasive, pelagic seaweed across the Caribbean and Latin America. Battery recycling and lead-smelter wastes have heavily polluted the environment and resulted in acute lead poisoning in children through widespread heavy metal contamination particular in East Trinidad. Our study details a comprehensive investigation into the use of Sargassum (S. natans), as a potential resource-circular feedstock for the synthesis of calcium alginate beads utilized in heavy metal adsorption, both in batch and column experiments. Here, ionic cross-linking of extracted sodium alginate with calcium chloride was utilized to create functional ion-exchange beads. Given the low quality of alginates extracted from Sargassum which produce poor morphological beads, composite beads in conjunction with graphene oxide and acrylamide were used to improve fabrication. Stand-alone calcium alginate beads exhibited superior Pb2+ adsorption, with a capacity of 213 mg g−1 at 20 °C and pH 3.5, surpassing composite and commercial resins. Additives like acrylamide and graphene oxide in composite alginate resins led to a 21–40% decrease in Pb2+ adsorption due to reduced active sites. Column operations confirmed Alginate systems’ practicality, with 20–24% longer operating times, 15 times lower adsorbent mass on scale-up and 206% smaller column diameters compared to commercial counterparts. Ultimately, this study advocates for Sargassum-based Alginate ion-exchange beads as a bio-based alternative in Trinidad and developing nations for dealing with heavy metal ion waste, offering superior heavy metal adsorption performance and supporting resource circularity.

Graphical Abstract
Vitreous humor in the forensic toxicology of quetiapine and its metabolites
Authors: Moschovakou Danai , Ntoupa Stamatina-Panagoula , Dona Artemisia , Athanaselis Sotirios , Spiliopoulou Chara , Nikolaou Panagiota , Papoutsis Ioannis
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Τhe aim of the present study was to investigate the use of vitreous humor as an alternative biological material in forensic toxicology for the determination of quetiapine, 7-hydroxy-quetiapine, and nor-quetiapine. The distribution of these substances in vitreous humor was studied by determining and correlating their concentrations in vitreous humor with the respective concentrations in blood.

Methods

During this study, a method for the determination of these substances was developed, validated and applied to postmortem samples obtained from 16 relative forensic cases. The sample preparation procedure included the isolation of the analytes from vitreous humor and blood samples using solid-phase extraction, with Bond Elut LRC C18 columns followed by derivatization with BSTFA with 1% TMCS prior to GC/MS analysis.

Results

The developed method is characterized by a dynamic range of 10.0–1000.0 ng/mL (R2 ≥ 0.991) for the three substances, with a limit of detection and quantification of 3.0 and 10.0 ng/mL, respectively. Accuracy and precision were below 8.09% and 8.99%, respectively, for both biological materials, while absolute recovery for the three substances was greater than 81%. According to the results, quetiapine, 7-hydroxy-quetiapine, and nor-quetiapine are easily distributed in vitreous humor.

Conclusion

The results of the study indicate the usefulness of vitreous humor in toxicological analysis for the determination of these substances, especially when the traditional biological materials are not available. The levels of quetiapine and its metabolites in vitreous humor as well as the vitreous humor to blood concentration ratios can provide important information for a more thorough toxicological investigation of forensic cases.
The interplay between I and We intentionality
Authors: Rizzo Antonio , Boucher Cynthia , Carnesecchi Marco
Published: April 2024

We and I intentionality appear to be two distinct forms of human intentionality, as one cannot be explained in terms of the other. We-intentionality is part of the psychological infrastructure at the basis of human cooperative behavior, while I-intentionality is potentially more related to competitive relationships with conspecifics. Our work tries to empirically address the relationship between these two forms of human intentionality as exhibited during the early stages of human development. The experimental setting consisted of four different games, two competitive and two cooperative. We focused our experiment on three age groups and schooling: Early Elementary School Children (mean = 5 years 6 months; σ = 4.2 months), Late Elementary School Children (mean = 9 years 4 months; σ = 7.5 months), and Adult University students (mean = 21 years; σ = 11 months). The key aspect of the investigation was that only one participant was informed of the game, rules, and reward. The second participant came to the set uninformed. It was the first participant's decision whether and how to engage the latter in the game. We were especially interested in the communicative behaviors: when and how the informed participant would share his or her information. We observed that the Adult University Informed participants shared their information with the Adult University Uninformed participants, while this almost never happened in Early Elementary School Children. Late Elementary School Children presented a split halfway between keeping and sharing the information. The results seem to support the hypothesis of a developmental relationship between the two forms of intentions. They also suggest that the two forms of intentionality are complementary. Each plays a specific role in human relationships with social and physical environments: the We-intentionality would establish the common ground within which the I-intentionality would manifest itself.
Microwave-assisted sumac based biocatalyst synthesis for effective hydrogen production
Authors: Canpolat Gurbet
Published: April 2024

Hydrogen (H2), a renewable energy source with a high energy density and a reputation for being environmentally benign, is being lauded for its potential in various future applications. In the present context, the catalytic methanolysis of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) is of considerable importance due to its provision of a pathway for the efficient production of hydrogen gas (H2). The main aim of this research attempt was to assess the viability of utilizing refuse defatted sumac seeds as an unusual precursor in microwave-assisted K2CO3 activation to produce a biocatalyst.

The primary objective that motivated the synthesis of the biocatalyst was to facilitate the generation of hydrogen via the catalytic methanolysis of NaBH4. With the aim of developing a biocatalyst characterized by enhanced catalytic performance, we conducted an exhaustive investigation of a wide range of experimental parameters. The activation agent-to-sample ratio (IR), impregnation time, microwave power, and irradiation time were among these parameters.

Significantly enhanced in catalytic activity, the biocatalyst produced under particular conditions achieved a peak hydrogen production efficiency of 10,941 mL min− 1 g.cat− 1. In particular, it was determined that the ideal conditions were as follows: 0.5 IR, 24 h of impregnation, 500 W of microwave power, and 10 min of irradiation. This novel strategy not only demonstrates the impressive potential of eco-friendly biocatalysts, but also positions them as a viable alternative material for the sustainable production of hydrogen via NaBH4 methanolysis.

Three significant parameters contribute to the value and renewability of this study. The first is that waste is used as the primary material; the second is that the activator is less hazardous than other activators; and the third is that microwave activation is a green chemistry technique.

Graphical Abstract
Characterization and evaluation of photolabile (µ-peroxo)(µ-hydroxo)bis[bis(bipyridyl)cobalt caged oxygen compounds to facilitate time-resolved crystallographic studies of cytochrome c oxidase
Authors: Sandelin Emil , Johannesson Jonatan , Wendt Ola , Brändén Gisela , Neutze Richard , Wallentin Carl-Johan
Published: April 2024

Photolabile (µ-peroxo)(µ-hydroxo)bis[bis(bipyridyl)-cobalt-based caged oxygen compounds have been synthesized and characterized by optical absorbance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography. and the quantum yield and redox stability were investigated. Furthermore, conditions were established where redox incompatibilities encountered between caged oxygen compounds and oxygen-dependant cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) could be circumvented. Herein, we demonstrate that millimolar concentrations of molecular oxygen can be released from a caged oxygen compound with spatio-temporal control upon laser excitation, triggering enzymatic turnover in cytochrome c oxidase. Spectroscopic evidence confirms the attainment of a homogeneous reaction initiation at concentrations and conditions relevant for further crystallography studies. This was demonstrated by the oxidizing microcrystals of reduced CcO by liberation of millimolar concentrations of molecular oxygen from a caged oxygen compound. We believe this will expand the scope of available techniques for the detailed investigation of oxygen-dependant enzymes with its native substrate and facilitate further time-resolved X-ray based studies such as wide/small angle X-ray scattering and serial femtosecond crystallography.

Graphical abstract
A coordinated switch in sucrose and callose metabolism enables enhanced symplastic unloading in potato tubers
Authors: van den Herik Bas , Bergonzi Sara , Li Yingji , Bachem Christian W. , ten Tusscher Kirsten H.
Published: April 2024

One of the early changes upon tuber induction is the switch from apoplastic to symplastic unloading. Whether and how this change in unloading mode contributes to sink strength has remained unclear. In addition, developing tubers also change from energy to storage-based sucrose metabolism. Here, we investigated the coordination between changes in unloading mode and sucrose metabolism and their relative role in tuber sink strength by looking into callose and sucrose metabolism gene expression combined with a model of apoplastic and symplastic unloading. Gene expression analysis suggests that callose deposition in tubers is decreased by lower callose synthase expression. Furthermore, changes in callose and sucrose metabolism are strongly correlated, indicating a well-coordinated developmental switch. Modelling indicates that symplastic unloading is not the most efficient unloading mode per se. Instead, it is the concurrent metabolic switch that provides the physiological conditions necessary to potentiate symplastic transport and thereby enhance tuber sink strength .
First report of Leucinodes africensis and Leucinodes laisalis on Solanum aethiopicum and Solanum melongena in farmer's fields in southern Ghana
Authors: Fening Ken Okwae , Okyere Stanley Osafo , Forchibe Ethelyn Echep , Layodé Babatoundé Ferdinand Rodolphe , Richmond Tegbe Enyonam , Agboyi Lakpo Koku B. A. , Afreh-Nuamah Kwame , Wamonje Francis Onono
Published: April 2024

The eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB) is a devastating pest of eggplants (Solanum aethiopicum L. and Solanum melongena L.) in Ghana, causing significant economic losses. Although initially thought to be the Leucinodes orbonalis Guenee species found in Asia, recent European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization reports suggest its absence in Africa. However, eight Leucinodes species have been recently described in Africa, including two new species, Leucinodes africensis sp. n. and Leucinodes laisalis Walker, which were intercepted in eggplant fruits exported from Ghana to the United Kingdom. Despite the reported absence of L. orbonalis in Africa, it remains on the pest list of Ghana as a species known to attack eggplants. To accurately determine the identity of the EFSB complex occurring on eggplant in Southern Ghana, molecular and morphological taxonomic tools were employed, and adult male populations were monitored in on-farm conditions. Our results revealed the presence of two EFSB species, L. africensis and L. laisalis, in the shoot and fruits of eggplants, with L. africensis being the dominant species and widely distributed in Southern Ghana. Notably, L. africensis males were attracted to the pheromone lure of L. orbonalis despite the two species being biologically distinct. This study provides crucial information on correctly identifying the EFSB species attacking eggplants in Southern Ghana and has significant implications for developing management interventions against these pests and their effects on international eggplant trade.
The bug-killer fly Gymnosoma rotundatum (L.) (Diptera: Tachinidae) forms the respiratory funnel independently of the host's immune response
Authors: Komagata Shin , Ogawa Kota , Tachi Takuji
Published: April 2024

In internal parasitism, the respiration strategy within the host's body is as essential as evading attack from the host's immune system. Tachinid flies are parasitoids of terrestrial arthropods, mostly insects, during their larval stage. To obtain oxygen while living in the host body, they build a cylindrical structure known as the respiratory funnel at the aperture opened by the tachinid larva on the host integument or trachea. These funnels can be divided morphologically into sheath and cone types. Previous research on sheath-type funnels revealed that they are derived from the encapsulating substance produced by the host's immune system. In contrast, the cone-type funnels cover part of the body of the larval tachinid and may be constructed independently from the host immune system. To determine the mechanisms of cone-type funnel formation, histological observations were carried out on Gymnosoma rotundatum (L.) (Diptera: Tachinidae), which possesses this type of funnel. The respiratory funnel of G. rotundatum was found to be derived from the tube-shaped faeces wrapped with the peritrophic membrane and excreted by the fly larva, not from host tissue or haemocytes. Additionally, secretory glands putatively involved in the funnel formation were discovered around the larval anal plate of G. rotundatum. A comparison of funnel types within Tachinidae revealed that Phasiinae and Dexiinae have cone-type funnels, which may be created by the same mechanism as in G. rotundatum. These new findings suggest that funnel formation that does not use the host immune system is relevant to tachinid phylogeny.
Population and contact tracer uptake of New Zealand’s QR-code-based digital contact tracing app for COVID-19
Authors: Chambers Tim , Anglemyer Andrew , Chen Andrew , Atkinson June , Baker Michael G.
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to understand the population and contact tracer uptake of the quick response (QR)-code-based function of the New Zealand COVID Tracer App (NZCTA) used for digital contact tracing (DCT). We used a retrospective cohort of all COVID-19 cases between August 2020 and February 2022. Cases of Asian and other ethnicities were 2.6 times (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 2.58, 99 per cent confidence interval (95% CI) 2.18, 3.05) and 1.8 times (aRR 1.81, 95% CI 1.58, 2.06) more likely than Māori cases to generate a token during the Delta period, and this persisted during the Omicron period. Contact tracing organization also influenced location token generation with cases handled by National Case Investigation Service (NCIS) staff being 2.03 (95% CI 1.79, 2.30) times more likely to generate a token than cases managed by clinical staff at local Public Health Units (PHUs). Public uptake and participation in the location-based system independent of contact tracer uptake were estimated at 45%. The positive predictive value (PPV) of the QR code system was estimated to be close to nil for detecting close contacts but close to 100% for detecting casual contacts. Our paper shows that the QR-code-based function of the NZCTA likely made a negligible impact on the COVID-19 response in New Zealand (NZ) in relation to isolating potential close contacts of cases but likely was effective at identifying and notifying casual contacts.
‘To his utter undoing in this world’: maintaining, contesting and crossing Hanseatic legal boundaries in medieval London and Bruges
Authors: Zoomer Ester
Published: April 2024

The protection of privileges abroad was a recurring theme in Hanseatic conflict management. Trade rights were to be shielded from outsiders and internal mercantile conflicts were part of its own jurisdiction. However, efforts to maintain privileged trade relations in London and Bruges were complicated by the Hanse’s own transregional organization and the diverging interests of its members. This article explores the tense dynamic between institutional and individual perceptions of the Hanseatic common good. While the increasingly strict rules of membership and jurisdiction were meant to serve Hansards abroad, these regulations were continuously contested by those the Hanse sought to protect.
Safety evaluation of single-sperm cryopreservation technique applied in intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Zhang Duanjun , Yao Wenliang , Zhang Mingliang , Yang Lijuan , Li Lin , Liu Shujuan , Jiang Xianglong , Sun Yingli , Hu Shuonan , Huang Yufang , Xue Jie , Zheng Xiaoting , Xiong Qi , Chen Shenghui , Zhu Haiqin
Published: April 2024

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a technique that directly injects a single sperm into the cytoplasm of mature oocytes. Here, we explored the safety of single-sperm cryopreservation applied in ICSI. This retrospective study enrolled 186 couples undergoing ICSI-assisted pregnancy. Subjects were allocated to the fresh sperm (group A)/single-sperm cryopreservation (group B) groups based on sperm type, with their clinical baseline/pathological data documented. We used ICSI-compliant sperm for subsequent in vitro fertilization and followed up on all subjects. The recovery rate/cryosurvival rate/sperm motility of both groups, the pregnancy/outcome of women receiving embryo transfer, and the delivery mode/neonatal-related information of women with successful deliveries were recorded. The clinical pregnancy rate, cumulative clinical pregnancy rate, abortion rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, premature delivery rate, live birth delivery rate, neonatal birth defect rate, and average birth weight were analyzed. The two groups showed no significant differences in age, body mass index, ovulation induction regimen, sex hormone [anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)/luteinizing hormone (LH)] levels, or oocyte retrieval cycles. The sperm recovery rate (51.72%-100.00%) and resuscitation rate (62.09% ± 16.67%) in group B were higher; the sperm motility in the two groups demonstrated no significant difference and met the ICSI requirements. Group B exhibited an increased fertilization rate, decreased abortion rate, and increased safety versus group A. Compared with fresh sperm, the application of single-sperm cryopreservation in ICSI sensibly improved the fertilization rate and reduced the abortion rate, showing higher safety.
Impact of agroecological practices on farm performance in Botswana
Authors: Selelo Obakeng Tevin , Danso-Abbeam Gideon , Ogundeji Abiodun A.
Published: April 2024

Despite the potential of agroecological practices to promote sustainable agrifood systems, their adoption among farmers is limited, and there is insufficient information regarding their impact on farm performance. This study evaluates the adoption of agroecological practices and their impact on farm performance among vegetable farmers in Botswana. The multivariate probit model was used to understand the complementarity and/or substitutability of the key agroecological practices under consideration—mulching, cover cropping, afforestation, and minimum tillage, as well as their determinants. Furthermore, the direct two-stage least squares (direct-2sls) technique within the framework of instrumental variable treatment effect regression (ivtreatreg) was used to eliminate self-selection bias that may be evident as a result of observed and unobserved characteristics. The results indicated that the agroecological practices are complementary and that the practice of one agroecology is conditional on another. The factors shaping the adoption of these agroecological practices vary among them. Furthermore, the adoption of agroecological practices led to a significant improvement in farmers' net revenue and yield, and farmers that did not adopt any of the practices would have been better off if they had adopted them. These findings have significant implications for stakeholders and will boost the campaign for the adoption of agroecological practices to improve farm performance and, consequently, farmers' welfare.
High‐Order Harmonics of Thermal Tides Observed in the Atmosphere of Mars by the Pressure Sensor on the InSight Lander
Authors: Hernández‐Bernal J. , Spiga A. , Forget F. , Banfield D.
Published: April 2024

Thermal tides are atmospheric planetary‐scale waves with periods that are harmonics of the solar day. In the Martian atmosphere thermal tides are known to be especially significant compared to any other known planet. Based on the data set of pressure timeseries produced by the InSight lander, which is unprecedented in terms of accuracy and temporal coverage, we investigate thermal tides on Mars and we find harmonics even beyond the number 24, which exceeds significantly the number of harmonics previously reported by other works. We explore comparatively the characteristics and seasonal evolution of tidal harmonics and find that even and odd harmonics exhibit some clearly differentiated trends that evolve seasonally and respond to dust events. High‐order tidal harmonics with small amplitudes could transiently interfere constructively to produce meteorologically relevant patterns.
Moonlit Nights Change a Coral Reef’s Tune
Authors: Martin-Jones Erin
Published: April 2024

Some reef fish get chattier when the Moon is out, while feisty snapping shrimp and other invertebrates pipe down.