bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers for a less invasive strategy to predict children with eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Thulin Helena , Mansouri Ladan , Altman Maria , Merid Simon Kebede , Lundahl Joachim , Nilsson Caroline , Säfholm Jesper
Published: August 2024

Background

Noninvasive biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are currently lacking. This study evaluates 20 biomarkers in serum and saliva, aiming to assess their diagnostic potential in pediatric EoE patients and healthy individuals.

Methods

Blood and saliva from children undergoing upper endoscopy were analyzed for biomarkers, including absolute eosinophil count (AEC), eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin (EDN), total and specific IgG4‐antibodies (sIgG4), specific IgE‐antibodies (sIgE) and 15‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15(S)‐HETE). Some patients participated twice, forming a longitudinal cohort. The ability to use the biomarkers to predict the EoE diagnosis was evaluated.

Results

Analysis from 105 children divided into active EoE, remission, and healthy, revealed elevated levels of serum biomarkers (AEC, EDN, 15(S)‐HETE, sIgG4, and sIgE) in active EoE compared to healthy individuals. A combination of biomarkers (AEC, EDN, sIgE to egg white and wheat) and symptoms showed an AUC of 0.92 in distinguishing between the three groups. We further showed that optimal cutoff values for these biomarkers could discriminate between active EoE and healthy with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 100% in distinguishing EoE (active and in remission) from healthy. Longitudinally, levels of EDN, sIgG4 to Bos d 4, Bos d 5, Bos d 8, gliadin, and birch, and sIgE to milk decreased in patients progressing from active EoE to remission (p <.05).

Conclusions

This study identified novel biomarkers associated with EoE and proposes a panel, together with symptoms, for effective discrimination between active EoE, EoE in remission, and healthy individuals. The findings may contribute to a less invasive diagnostic method and may be a potential surveillance tool for pediatric EoE patients.
Genomic testing for differences of sex development: Practices and perceptions of clinicians
Authors: Atlas Gabby , Hanna Chloe , Tan Tiong Yang , Nisselle Amy , Tucker Elena , Ayers Katie , Sinclair Andrew , O'Connell Michele A.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To investigate the approach taken by clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of individuals with Differences of Sex Development (DSD), particularly with regard to genomic testing, and identify perceived gaps/strengths/barriers in current practice.

Design and Methods

An anonymous online survey was developed, with questions exploring demographics, perceptions of genomic testing, availability of genetics services and opinions on the role and utility of genomic testing in DSD. All responses were anonymous. Clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of individuals with DSD were recruited from relevant societies and departments across Australia and New Zealand.

Results

79 eligible clinicians commenced the survey, with 63 completing it and 16 providing a partial response. The perceived benefit of having a genetic diagnosis for DSD was almost unanimous (97%). Almost half (48%) of respondents reported barriers in genomic testing. 81% of respondents reported they order genomic tests currently. Approaches to genomic testing when faced with four different clinical scenarios varied across respondents. Clinicians perceived genomic testing to be underutilised (median 36 on sliding scale from 0 to 100).

Conclusions

Despite 97% of respondents reporting benefit of a genetic diagnosis for individuals with DSD, this was not reflected throughout the survey with regard to clinical implementation. When faced with clinical scenarios, the recommendations for genomic testing from respondents was much lower, indicating the discrepancy between perception and clinical practice. Genomic testing in the context of DSD is seen as both beneficial and desired, yet there are multiple barriers impacting its integration into standard clinical care.
Development of an immunoprecipitation assay for detecting anti‐3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase autoantibodies using a non‐radioactive biotinylated recombinant protein
Authors: Nishikawa Yukihiro , Hasegawa Kimiko , Abe Hiroki , Matsuzawa Shun , Isayama Takuya , Nakashima Ran , Saito Yoshihiko , Nishino Ichizo , Kuwana Masataka
Published: August 2024

Objectives

A variety of myositis‐specific autoantibodies have been identified in sera from patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, and they play a crucial role in tailoring personalized disease management. In particular, autoantibodies against 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) are now recognized as a key tool for diagnosing immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy. The current gold standard for detecting anti‐HMGCR autoantibodies involves immunoprecipitation (IP) using radiolabeled proteins from cell extracts or purified proteins produced by in vitro transcription/translation (IVTT). Unfortunately, this radioisotope labeling is technically intricate and not suitable for routine laboratory use. To address this, we developed a novel assay called “Bio‐IVTT‐IP” for detecting anti‐HMGCR autoantibodies, which uses a nonradioactive biotinylated recombinant HMGCR protein produced by IVTT.

Methods

We collected 14 clinical specimens containing anti‐HMGCR autoantibodies from patients with immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy, which were validated using the gold standard IP assay, and a set of 35 control samples from patients with other autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

Results

The Bio‐IVTT‐IP assay successfully identified 14 clinical samples positive for anti‐HMGCR. We confirmed that the performance of the Bio‐IVTT‐IP assay was completely consistent with that of the gold standard IP assay using radiolabeled proteins. Notably, no immunoprecipitates were found in control samples from patients with other autoimmune diseases.

Conclusions

These findings show that the Bio‐IVTT‐IP assay can serve as a potential alternative to the gold standard IP assay for detecting anti‐HMGCR autoantibodies. It can be considered a practical immunodiagnostic tool for diagnosing immune‐mediated necrotizing myopathy, particularly owing to its accessibility in routine laboratory settings.
The varying effects of benefit types on community members' views of whether they gain from wildlife
Authors: Carpenter Stefan
Published: August 2024

Community‐based conservation (CBC) is a popular governance approach that asks rural populations to sustainably manage local wildlife resources. CBC programs often rely on the distribution of wildlife benefits to communities to foster tolerance of wildlife, with the idea that those benefits can offset costs arising from human‐wildlife conflict. A survey of residents in four Namibian CBC areas found that different benefit types varied significantly in their relationship with whether respondents felt that wildlife improved their lives. Some higher monetary value benefits evidenced a negative and/or non‐significant relationship with respondents' perceptions, whereas meat‐based benefits were associated with a greater likelihood of residents feeling that they benefited from wildlife. These findings suggest that the impact of different benefit types in CBC programs may depend on a host of cultural/social, psychological, and community‐specific factors. From a practical standpoint, the form of direct monetary benefits may matter, and cultural considerations likely play an important role in determining which and when specific benefits are more effective.
Opportunities to optimize lifestyle interventions in combination with glucagon‐like peptide‐1‐based therapy
Authors: Dash Satya
Published: August 2024

Obesity is a chronic multi‐system disease and major driver of type 2 diabetes and cardiometabolic disease. Nutritional interventions form the cornerstone of obesity and type 2 diabetes management. Some interventions such as Mediterranean diet can reduce incident cardiovascular disease, probably independently of weight loss. Weight loss of 5% or greater can improve many adiposity‐related comorbidities. Although this can be achieved with lifestyle intervention, it is often difficult to sustain in the longer term due to adaptive endocrine changes. In recent years glucagon‐like‐peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) have emerged as effective treatments for both type 2 diabetes and obesity. Newer GLP‐1RAs can achieve average weight loss of 15% or greater and improve cardiometabolic health. There is heterogeneity in the weight loss response to GLP‐1RAs, with a substantial number of patients unable to achieve 5% or greater weight. Weight loss, on average, is lower in older adults, male patients and people with type 2 diabetes. Mechanistic studies are needed to understand the aetiology of this variable response. Gastrointestinal side effects leading to medication discontinuation are a concern with GLP‐1RA treatment, based on real‐world data. With weight loss of 20% or higher with newer GLP‐1RAs, nutritional deficiency and sarcopenia are also potential concerns. Lifestyle interventions that may potentially mitigate the side effects of GLP‐1RA treatment and enhance weight loss are discussed here. The efficacy of such interventions awaits confirmation with well‐designed randomized controlled trials.
Exploring the causes, consequences, and solutions of Chinese EFL teachers' psychological ill‐being: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Ding Lan
Published: August 2024

Teachers' psycho‐affective states are considerably reported to play a vital role in English as a foreign language (EFL) education. However, the overall mechanism, realization, and representation of teachers' psychological ill‐being (PIB) have been widely kept under the shadow of well‐being. To fill this gap, this qualitative investigation examined 46 Chinese EFL teachers' perceptions about the causes, outcomes and solutions of PIB. The results of thematic analysis revealed that PIB was caused by different personal, interpersonal, professional, task, student and contextual factors among Chinese EFL teachers. More specifically, ill‐being emerged out of “heavy workload pressure”, “mental and physical exhaustion”, “unrelated tasks to teaching”, “students' classroom behavior and performance”, “unfriendly school climate”, “poor interpersonal relationships with colleagues” and “social and cultural environment”. The findings also indicated that teachers' ill‐being led to different outcomes such as “reducing teaching quality”, “creating negative emotions”, “causing physical and mental health problems”, “leading to burnout” and “hurting students' feeling and learning rate”. To solve this aversive state, the participants suggested different techniques such as “reducing workload”, “learning emotion regulation strategies”, “establishing a positive classroom/school climate”, “offering teacher training courses”, “providing support and facilities for teachers”, “increasing salary” and “reading books”. A discussion of the findings and implications for EFL teachers, teacher educators and policy‐makers is provided to enhance their emotional literacy and competency regarding negative teacher‐related emotions in L2 teaching.
Seven reasons why elementary school teachers do not encourage their students' metacognition in L1 language lessons
Authors: Colognesi Stéphane , Coppe Thibault , Dannau Lara , Barbier Elise
Published: August 2024

Specifically in the field of language teaching, it has been recognized that metacognitive strategies maximize language acquisition and improve performance. But despite this, it appears that few teachers currently consider metacognition in their teaching practices. The current study adopted a qualitative design to focus on the reasons that inhibit teachers in French‐speaking Belgium from prompting their students to engage in metacognition in first‐language (L1) lessons. Semistructured interviews were conducted with seven teachers. The teachers in our sample believed that use of metacognitive strategies can provide benefits for students. But despite this, they explicitly said that they do not prompt their students to engage in metacognition in L1 language lessons. And this for seven specific reasons, as outlined in the article. Knowing these reasons allows us to target the points of attention to be had in training teachers in metacognition in L1.
Obesity and the gut microbiota: implications of neuroendocrine and immune signaling
Authors: Romaní‐Pérez Marina , Líebana‐García Rebeca , Flor‐Duro Alejandra , Bonillo‐Jiménez Daniel , Bullich‐Vilarrubias Clara , Olivares Marta , Sanz Yolanda
Published: August 2024

Obesity is a major health challenge due to its high prevalence and associated comorbidities. The excessive intake of a diet rich in fat and sugars leads to a persistent imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, which increases adiposity. Here, we provide an update on relevant diet–microbe–host interactions contributing to or protecting from obesity. In particular, we focus on how unhealthy diets shape the gut microbiota and thus impact crucial intestinal neuroendocrine and immune system functions. We describe how these interactions promote dysfunction in gut‐to‐brain neuroendocrine pathways involved in food intake control and postprandial metabolism and elevate the intestinal proinflammatory tone, promoting obesity and metabolic complications. In addition, we provide examples of how this knowledge may inspire microbiome‐based interventions, such as fecal microbiota transplants, probiotics, and biotherapeutics, to effectively combat obesity‐related disorders. We also discuss the current limitations and gaps in knowledge of gut microbiota research in obesity.
A framework for rapid fatigue hotspot localization and damage assessment of plate with multiple holes based on the fatigue damage response spectrum method
Authors: Cui Dengkai , Xie Ruili , Li Ming , Cheng Wei
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a novel framework for the random vibration fatigue assessment of thin‐walled plate with multiple holes based on the fatigue damage response spectrum method. Compared with other frequency‐domain evaluation methods, this framework fully exploits the dynamic characteristics of complex structures, decoupling the external excitation characteristics from the spatial characteristics of the structural response. This approach significantly enhances evaluation efficiency by avoiding the complex calculations associated with stress response spectral moments. The proposed method is employed to evaluate the contribution of each mode to the overall damage, additionally, the stress mode shapes are used to identify and refine the mesh around fatigue hotspots. Modal damage contribution factors are proposed to identify the key modes. By leveraging both structural dimension reduction and modal reduction techniques, the proposed framework can swiftly and accurately locate fatigue hotspots within complex structures and conduct precise fatigue assessments using the Absolute Sum ‐ Square Root of the Sum of Squares hybrid method. Finite element simulation analysis is conducted on a single‐lap structure containing numerous circular openings, validating the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed stochastic vibration fatigue assessment.
A modified critical distance method for estimating fretting fatigue life of dovetail joints
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Chen Xuejun
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a modified theory of critical distance (TCD) method (i.e., Gradient‐TCD method) is proposed, which combines fatigue parameter gradient and the TCD, to estimate fretting fatigue life of dovetail joints. The advantage of Gradient‐TCD method lies in utilizing the gradient parameters to effectively characterize the local effect zone caused by fretting, thereby enabling the determination of a suitable critical distance length independent of material fatigue parameters. The reliability and predictive capability of the method is validated through experimental results. Furthermore, this method demonstrates insensitivity to mesh size, resulting in an 83.6% reduction in computational time while maintaining the predictions within the two‐times scatter band. The novel Gradient‐TCD method may provide an efficient and reliable approach for fretting fatigue life prediction, which holds promise for evaluating complex full‐scale fretting problems.
Deformation behavior of plastic zone at crack tip of 304 stainless steel
Authors: Sun Tianyi , Zhu Yongmei , Deng Yi
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the deformation behavior of plastic zone at crack tip during crack propagation of 304 stainless steel was studied. Firstly, the fatigue crack propagation tests of 304 stainless steel material were carried out. Combined with digital image correlation (DIC) technology, the strain field data of plastic zone at crack tip, the size of plastic zone, and the strain evolution law of crack tip region at different positions were obtained. Then, combined with the theoretical model and the numerical model, the theoretical, numerical, and experimental results were compared to verify the accuracy of the model. Finally, the effects of cyclic loading, specimen thickness, and weld position on plastic zone at crack tip were analyzed. The research results provide a reference for accurately predicting the fatigue crack growth of 304 stainless steel.
Beyond Auto‐Models: Self‐Correlated Sui‐Model Respecifications
Authors: Griffith Daniel A.
Published: August 2024

This year is the 50th anniversary of Besag's classic auto‐models publication, a cornerstone in the development of modern‐day spatial statistics/econometrics. Besag struggled for nearly two decades to make his conceptualization collectively successful across a wide suite of random variables. But only his auto‐normal, and to a lesser degree his auto‐logistic/binomial, were workable. Others, like his auto‐Poisson, were effectively failures, whereas still others, such as potentials like an auto‐Weibull, defied even awkward mathematical incorporations of spatial lag terms. Besag circumvented this impediment by introducing an auto‐normal random effects components (within a Bayesian estimation context), building upon his single total success. This article describes an alternative approach, partly paralleling his reformulation while avoiding inserting spatial lag terms directly into probability density/mass functions, implanting spatial autocorrelation into cumulative distributions functions (CDFs), instead, via a spatially autocorrelated uniform distribution. The already existing probability integral transform and quantile function mathematical statistics theorems enable this mechanism to spatialize any random variable, with these new ones labeled sui‐models.
Validation of Mg Isotopic Measurements for the Characterisation of Ten Carbonate Reference Materials with Ultra‐Low Mg Mass Fractions
Authors: An Yajun , Li Xin , Lu Wenning , Xu Jianbing , Xue Yongli , Gong Qing , Peng Yang , Liu Fang , Ling Mingxing , Zhang Zhaofeng
Published: August 2024

Magnesium isotope ratios in carbonate rocks and minerals play an important role in tracing geological and biological processes. We report δ26MgDSM3 values for the first time in ten carbonate reference materials (GBW07865, GBW07114, GBW(E)070159, GBW07136, GBW07108, GBW03109a, GBW07120, GBW07214a, IAEA‐B‐7 and IAEA‐CO‐8) with calcium to magnesium mass ratios around 1300 g g−1 and ultra‐low Mg mass fractions of 295 μg g−1. A combination of AG MP‐50 (100–200 mesh) and AG 50W‐X12 (200–400 mesh) resins for the matrix extraction and multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS) were used for the isotopic measurements. This measurement procedure is applicable to materials with high and low Mg mass fractions (e.g., carbonates, lunar highlands anorthosites, ice core). It was validated using various types of reference material. In‐house synthetic solutions with 1000 and 1300 g g−1 [Ca]/[Mg] mass ratios yielded δ26MgDSM3 values at 2s = ±0.05‰ (n = 62), ‐4.89‰ and ‐4.89‰, respectively, indistinguishable from those of the pure Mg solutions, at ‐4.91‰. δ26MgDSM3 values in well characterised carbonatite and carbonate reference materials (such as JDo‐1, COQ‐1, GBW07133, GBW07217a and GBW07129), with varying MgO and CaO mass fractions, were in agreement with literature values.
Impact of omission of routine blood monitoring of stable patients living with HIV during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Swift Eleanor , Upton George , Fitzpatrick Colin , Roberts Jonathan , Gilleece Yvonne , Clarke Amanda
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The British HIV Association (BHIVA) guidelines were amended during the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic, allowing for less frequent monitoring of routine bloods. We assessed the impact of this on patient outcomes.

Methods

Between April 2020 and March 2021, routine blood appointments at our HIV clinic were replaced by virtual consultations in ‘stable’ people living with HIV (PLWH), defined using standard operating procedure (SOP) criteria. All had an undetectable HIV viral load (VL) (<50 copies/mL). Demographic, HIV clinical information, and antiretroviral treatment (ART) data were collated using the electronic patient record (EPR). Blood results from before (baseline) and after (follow‐up) the omitted appointment were analysed for each parameter.

Results

In all, 791/2395 PLWH were scheduled to have blood tests omitted; 381 were excluded for reasons including not fitting the SOP criteria or presenting to clinic early, and 410 were included in analysis. The demographics of the group were consistent with our whole HIV cohort. HIV VL became detectable in 8/410 individuals (1.95%, range 51–730 copies/mL). VL resuppressed in 6/8 after a median of 29 days. VL remained detectable in two individuals, both of whom remain in care. Routine blood monitoring revealed baseline and follow‐up blood parameters that were largely within normal range. Four out of 12 parameters had statistically significant changes but were not considered clinically significant; 59/410 (14.4%) changed ART, most commonly for simplification.

Conclusion

For the majority of stable PLWH included in our evaluation, the omission of routine blood monitoring during the pandemic did not have a negative impact on HIV suppression or blood monitoring outcomes. ART switch was uncommon.
Explaining differences in internationalization between emerging and developed economy born global firms: A systematic literature review and the way forward
Authors: Manohar Amrita , Lioliou Eleni , Prevezer Martha , Saridakis George
Published: August 2024

Born global firms (BGs) in emerging markets differ in significant ways from those in developed countries and this study aims to comprehensively examine those differences. To do this, we conduct a systematic literature review that analyses 148 empirical research articles published during 2010–2023, highlighting how BGs from developed and emerging economies differ in terms of their firm and entrepreneurial characteristics, as well as their operating environments. We find that these differences shape the BG's disposition to distance, liabilities and risks, with BGs from emerging economies facing additional liabilities and demonstrating a greater tolerance for risk and distance compared with BGs from developed economies. This leads to particular outcomes with regard to the BG's strategic choice of host country and internationalization mode, as well as its performance. The paper concludes by suggesting pathways for future research.
Calcium‐mediated DAD in membrane potentials and triggered activity in atrial myocytes of ETV1f/fMyHCCre/+ mice
Authors: Fang Li‐Hua , Chen Qian , Cheng Xian‐Lu , Li Xiao‐Qian , Zou Tian , Chen Jian‐Quan , Xiang Guo‐Jian , Xue Qiao , Li Yang , Zhang Jian‐Cheng
Published: August 2024

The E‐twenty‐six variant 1 (ETV1)‐dependent transcriptome plays an important role in atrial electrical and structural remodelling and the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF), but the underlying mechanism of ETV1 in AF is unclear. In this study, cardiomyocyte‐specific ETV1 knockout (ETV1f/fMyHCCre/+, ETV1‐CKO) mice were constructed to observe the susceptibility to AF and the underlying mechanism in AF associated with ETV1‐CKO mice. AF susceptibility was examined by intraesophageal burst pacing, induction of AF was increased obviously in ETV1‐CKO mice than WT mice. Electrophysiology experiments indicated shortened APD50 and APD90, increased incidence of DADs, decreased density of ICa,L in ETV1‐CKO mice. There was no difference in VINACT,1/2 and VACT,1/2, but a significantly longer duration of the recovery time after inactivation in the ETV1‐CKO mice. The recording of intracellular Ca2+ showed that there was significantly increased in the frequency of calcium spark, Ca2+ transient amplitude, and proportion of SCaEs in ETV1‐CKO mice. Reduction of Cav1.2 rather than NCX1 and SERCA2a, increase RyR2, p‐RyR2 and CaMKII was reflected in ETV1‐CKO group. This study demonstrates that the increase in calcium spark and SCaEs corresponding to Ca2+ transient amplitude may trigger DAD in membrane potential in ETV1‐CKO mice, thereby increasing the risk of AF.
Construction and validation of a SASP‐related prognostic signature in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Li Ming‐Feng , Zhang Dong‐Hui , Wang Li‐Si , Yue Cai‐Feng , Pang Li‐Juan , Guo Yun‐Miao , Yang Zhi‐Gang
Published: August 2024

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a common and highly aggressive haematological malignancy in adults. Senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) plays important roles in tumorigenesis and progression of tumour. However, the prognostic value of SASP in patients with AML has not been clarified. The present study aims to explore the prognostic value of SASP and develop a prognostic risk signature for AML. The RNA‐sequencing data was collected from the TCGA, GTEx and TARGET databases. Subsequently, differentially expressed gene analysis, univariate Cox regression and LASSO regression were applied to identified prognostic SASP‐related genes and construct a prognostic risk‐scoring model. The risk score of each patient were calculated and patients were divided into high‐ or low‐risk groups by the median risk score. This novel prognostic signature included 11 genes: G6PD, CDK4, RPS6KA1, UBC, H2BC12, KIR2DL4, HSF1, IFIT3, PIM1, RUNX3 and TRIM21. The patients with AML in the high‐risk group had shorter OS, demonstrating that the risk score acted as a prognostic predictor, which was validated in the TAGET‐AML dataset. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed the risk score was an independent prognostic factor in patients with AML. Furthermore, the present study revealed that the risk score was associated with immune landscape, immune checkpoint gene expression and chemotherapeutic efficacy. In the present study, we constructed and validated a unique SASP‐related prognostic model to assess therapeutic effect and prognosis in patients with AML, which might contribute to understanding the role of SASP in AML and guiding the treatment for AML.
Designing iron‐ethyl cellulose microparticles to prevent unwanted color changes during iron fortification of milk tea
Authors: Siddiqui Juveria , Dialani Grisha J. , Diosady Levente L.
Published: August 2024

Iron deficiency affects an estimated 1.62 billion individuals worldwide, while Asia and Africa bearing the highest burden. The widespread consumption, unique sensory properties and cultural significance of tea make it an appealing avenue for iron fortification. Obtaining microparticles for food fortification with acceptable organoleptic properties is key for consumer acceptability. Microcapsules were prepared with Aquacoat and various iron salts. The experiments were designed to understand the effect of formulation variables, i.e. type of iron salt, ratio of iron‐to‐coating, temperature and flow rate of the process. The iron compound significantly impacted yield, particle formation, and size distribution (5‐15 μm). Post treatment by curing at specified relative humidity and temperature improved the colour in milk tea with ΔE reduced from 7 to 2 in NBS units. Microparticles from FeCl3 exhibited superior morphology and colour‐masking efficacy, inhibiting iron‐polyphenol interaction in tea and show promise as iron fortificants for milky black tea.

Practical applications

Microencapsulation is a highly effective technique for encapsulating active iron cores within inert coating materials, ensuring the desired chemical and physical properties. Using spray drying, we can produce small and uniformly sized particles ranging from 1 to 20 μm. This can easily be utilized for fortification of beverage like hot tea/coffee or similar products. The success of the current process is evaluated based on several key factors, including process yield, encapsulation efficiency, and sensory properties of fortified tea.
Nice to know 2: The impact of NICE guidelines on ketogenic diet services in the UK and Ireland – An update
Authors: Whiteley Victoria J. , Schoeler Natasha E. ,   Ketogenic Dietitians Research Network
Published: August 2024

Background

Ketogenic diet therapy (KDT) has been recommended as a treatment for drug‐resistant epilepsy in children and young people since 2012 in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Clinical Guidelines for Epilepsies. The Ketogenic Dietitians Research Network completed a survey in 2017 to assess the impact of these guidelines.

Methods

An online survey was circulated to ketogenic dietitians across the UK and Ireland. The results were compared with those of the 2017 survey.

Results

The number of individuals following KDT was 854, comprising an increase of 13% since 2017. Service sizes ranged widely, with 1–74 (median 16) patients on the diet. Of 36 services, 30 had a waiting list, ranging from 2 to 67 (median 9) patients. The classical diet continued to be the most common KDT used (58% of patients). Ten services reported use of a new flexible medium chain triglyceride protocol. Some 48% of patients (n = 427) had been following the KDT for over 2 years, comprising an 18% increase since 2017. Of these, 68 (15.9%) had attempted to wean off KDT but had to re‐start as a result of a deterioration in seizures.

Conclusions

The number of individuals following medical KDT remains stable. Referral numbers and waiting lists remain high, highlighting that KDT is still a well‐recognised treatment option for drug‐resistant epilepsy. The types of KDT used are similar to previous years, although increasingly flexible protocols are being adopted. Longer‐term use of KDT is increasing, with a proportion of patients requiring long‐term use to maintain seizure control.
Strigolactones positively regulate HY5‐dependent autophagy and the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins in response to cold stress in tomato
Authors: Chi Cheng , Chen Xinlin , Zhu Changan , Cao Jiajian , Li Hui , Fu Ying , Qin Guochen , Zhao Jun , Yu Jingquan , Zhou Jie
Published: August 2024

Autophagy, involved in protein degradation and amino acid recycling, plays a key role in plant development and stress responses. However, the relationship between autophagy and phytohormones remains unclear.

We used diverse methods, including CRISPR/Cas9, ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and dual‐luciferase assays to explore the molecular mechanism of strigolactones in regulating autophagy and the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins under cold stress in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum).

We show that cold stress induced the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. Mutants deficient in strigolactone biosynthesis were more sensitive to cold stress with increased accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. Conversely, treatment with the synthetic strigolactone analog GR245DS enhanced cold tolerance in tomato, with elevated levels of accumulation of autophagosomes and transcripts of autophagy‐related genes (ATGs), and reduced accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins. Meanwhile, cold stress induced the accumulation of ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5), which was triggered by strigolactones. HY5 further trans‐activated ATG18a transcription, resulting in autophagy formation. Mutation of ATG18a compromised strigolactone‐induced cold tolerance, leading to decreased formation of autophagosomes and increased accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins.

These findings reveal that strigolactones positively regulate autophagy in an HY5‐dependent manner and facilitate the degradation of ubiquitinated proteins under cold conditions in tomato.
NPCC4: Advancing climate justice in climate adaptation strategies for New York City
Authors: Foster Sheila R. , Baptista Ana , Nguyen Khai Hoan , Tchen Jack , Tedesco Marco , Leichenko Robin
Published: August 2024

The Advancing Climate Justice in Climate Adaptation Strategies for New York City (Equity) chapter of NPCC4 builds on the findings and recommendations from NPCC3 to identify additional metrics and adaptation efforts that can advance climate justice. First, the chapter assesses the efforts of the City to incorporate equity into climate adaptation efforts since NPCC3 and describes how the communities profiled in NPCC3 have implemented and evolved their approaches to addressing the intersecting climate, environmental, and social stressors that they continue to face. Second, it adds to the historical context of climate inequity by linking the bioregion's history of colonization, land dispossession, and slavery building on emerging evidence demonstrating how historical and contemporary land use patterns and decisions shape present and future climate risks and social vulnerability, including climate displacement. Third, it recommends a NYC‐focused metric to identify areas of the city that are most vulnerable to the intersection of climate hazards, social vulnerability, and displacement. Finally, it highlights approaches to more equitable and just climate adaptation drawn from local, national, and international examples. As such, the chapter offers best practices that prioritize community‐driven climate resilience approaches that are integrated, more equitable, and racially just.
NPCC4: Climate change and New York City's flood risk
Authors: Rosenzweig Bernice , Montalto Franco A. , Orton Philip , Kaatz Joel , Maher Nicole , Kleyman Jerry , Chen Ziyu , Sanderson Eric , Adhikari Nirajan , McPhearson Timon , Herreros‐Cantis Pablo
Published: August 2024

This chapter of the New York City Panel on Climate Change 4 (NPCC4) report provides a comprehensive description of the different types of flood hazards (pluvial, fluvial, coastal, groundwater, and compound) facing New York City and provides climatological context that can be utilized, along with climate change projections, to support flood risk management (FRM). Previous NPCC reports documented coastal flood hazards and presented trends in historical and future precipitation and sea level but did not comprehensively assess all the city's flood hazards. Previous NPCC reports also discussed the implications of floods on infrastructure and the city's residents but did not review the impacts of flooding on the city's natural and nature‐based systems (NNBSs). This—the NPCC's first report focused on all drivers of flooding—describes and profiles historical examples of each type of flood and summarizes previous and ongoing research regarding exposure, vulnerability, and risk management, including with NNBS and nonstructural measures.
NPCC4: Tail risk, climate drivers of extreme heat, and new methods for extreme event projections
Authors: Ortiz Luis , Braneon Christian , Horton Radley , Bader Daniel , Orton Philip , Gornitz Vivien , Rosenzweig Bernice , McPhearson Timon , Smalls‐Mantey Lauren , Sheerazi Hadia , Montalto Franco A. , Golkhandan Mobin Rahimi , Evans Colin , DeGaetano Arthur , Mallen Evan , Carter Latonya , McConnell Kathryn , Mayo Talea , Buchanan Maya
Published: August 2024

We summarize historic New York City (NYC) climate change trends and provide the latest scientific analyses on projected future changes based on a range of global greenhouse gas emissions scenarios. Building on previous NPCC assessment reports, we describe new methods used to develop the projections of record for sea level rise, temperature, and precipitation for NYC, across multiple emissions pathways and analyze the issue of the “hot models” associated with the 6th phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) and their potential impact on NYC's climate projections. We describe the state of the science on temperature variability within NYC and explain both the large‐scale and regional dynamics that lead to extreme heat events, as well as the local physical drivers that lead to inequitable distributions of exposure to extreme heat. We identify three areas of tail risk and potential for its mischaracterization, including the physical processes of extreme events and the effects of a changing climate. Finally, we review opportunities for future research, with a focus on the hot model problem and the intersection of spatial resolution of projections with gaps in knowledge in the impacts of the climate signal on intraurban heat and heat exposure.
Accuracy of clear aligners in the orthodontic rotational movement using different attachment configurations
Authors: Fiorillo Gianluigi , Campobasso Alessandra , Croce Silvia , Hussain Umar , Battista Giovanni , Lo Muzio Eleonora , Mandelli Gualtiero , Ambrosi Alessandro , Gastaldi Giorgio
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy of dental rotational movements using clear aligners with different attachment configurations.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study analysed 212 teeth from 89 patients undergoing Invisalign treatment. Digital models were analysed after the virtual treatment plan (ST1) and after the first treatment phase (ET1) to evaluate the effective clinical rotational movement. The rotational movements of incisors, canines, and bicuspids were measured using data from the Clincheck Movements Table. ST1 and ET1 were compared to determine the actual rotational movement achieved (ST1‐ET1). The presence or absence of attachments (rectangular or optimized) on teeth was analysed. The accuracy of rotational movements among attachment types was compared using the Kruskal‐Wallis test. Multiple linear regressions were conducted with accuracy as the dependent variable and tooth type, gender, and age as predictors.

Results

Optimized attachments had the highest median accuracy (70%), followed by rectangular (65%), and without attachment (63%), with no significant differences (p = .5). There were no significant differences across age groups, genders, or tooth types. Baseline accuracy was 68.62% (95% CI: 56.03–81.20, p < .001). Age was a significant predictor (estimate = −0.30, 95% CI: −0.58 – −0.03, p = .032), indicating decreased accuracy with increasing age. The model's R2 was 0.046, with an adjusted R2 of 0.003, indicating minimal variance explained.

Conclusion

The addition of attachment configurations to clear aligners improves rotational accuracy, but not significantly. Further advancements in these configurations are needed to enhance the performance of the aligners.
Mycobiota of revegetated post‐mining and adjacent unmined sites 10 years after mining decommissioning
Authors: B. Cardoso Emanuelle , P. Júnior Paulo , G. R. Veloso Tomás , C. Jordão Thuany , Kemmelmeier Karl , S. da Silva Marliane de Cássia , Pereira Eduardo G. , Kasuya Maria Catarina Megumi
Published: August 2024

Although overlooked in post‐mining rehabilitation, soil mycobiota constitute an important fraction of biodiversity, playing pivotal functions in soil that contribute to the revegetation process and soil stability in post‐mining environments. Evaluating the rehabilitation progress requires comparing it, when possible, with a reference site, preferably identical or similar to pre‐mining characteristics. Here, we investigated the mycobiota from a reference site, comparable to pre‐mining characteristics, and a post‐mining revegetated site 10 years after decommissioning and revegetation, during rainy and dry seasons. We combined the metabarcoding approach with functional traits from fungal operational taxonomic units and complemented our results with traditional techniques for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) surveys using spore morphology and mycorrhizal colonization. Our findings demonstrated that the composition of the fungal community exhibited more differences between the two sites studied than the intra‐annual periods assessed, even though the sites were under the same climatic conditions, spatially nearby, and without barriers between them. The mycobiota composition displayed differences between sites from phylum to genus levels. However, the predictive trophic modes (pathotrophs, saprotrophs, and symbionts) were equivalent in the two sites. All roots of plants assessed had AMF colonization, and AMF spore densities were similar. While many fungal taxa were present at both sites, the spatial connectivity between both sites was insufficient for equivalence of fungal community structure and composition. Differences in chemical and physical soil characteristics may have shaped the fungal communities. This study highlights the need to comprehend the fungal community from mining environments, considering concepts of landscape connectivity.
Passing on the red genes: Communism nostalgia in online fictions and ideological governance in China
Authors: Han Rongbin
Published: August 2024

How does communism as an ideology fare in the post‐reform digital age China? What are the implications for China's ideological governance? Through online ethnographic work and text analysis, this paper identifies and analyzes how communism as an ideation and a practice is (re)memorized, (re)presented, and (re)interpreted in popular online fictions. In doing so, it reveals how such “communism nostalgia” passes on the “red genes,” shaping citizens' understanding of history, the communist ideology, and their expectations toward the current regime. The popular trend creates a predicament of ideological governance for the Chinese regime by allowing it to garner historical legitimacy while also questioning the very nature of the regime today—to what extent has it deviated from its ideological root? By focusing on everyday politics of digital experiences, the article approaches authoritarian ideological governance from a nonconventional perspective, highlighting the agency of ordinary citizens in the process.
The Role of ICT in Maintaining Social Cohesion: Understanding the Potential of Digital Initiatives for Social Networks in Rural Areas☆
Authors: Phillips Rita Helena
Published: August 2024

Digital initiatives may have helped to maintain active social networks during restrictive, social distancing measures of the COVID‐19 pandemic. To examine how and under which circumstances digital initiatives can contribute to social cohesion, semistructured interviews with 35 stakeholders of local communities and clubs were conducted. The thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews identified four main themes, characterizing conditions under which digital initiatives successfully contributed to social cohesion. First, preexisting digital routines need to be considered. Information and communications technology (ICT) routines, even if limited, need to be extended for digital initiatives to be successfully integrated into communities. Second, acquiring ICT skills are not a technical but a social problem. Members with limited prior knowledge relied heavily on strong ties to improve their ICT skills to become part of digital networks. Third, social media fatigue is particularly prevalent in those with limited prior ICT experience. Importantly, individual withdrawal from digital networks, resulting from SMF, had a knock‐on effect on others. Finally, communities that were not engaging with ICT dissipated. As such, ICT may contribute to social capital by maintaining social engagement in social networks, particularly if providing additional benefits to the community.
Ultraviolet radiation protection factors of livestock shade cloths for free‐range pigs
Authors: Schmalwieser A. W. , Bigelbach L. , Helletzgruber S. , Danhel H. , Heydenreich J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Protection from solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is paramount in light‐skinned pig breeds such as Yorkshire or Landrace to avoid sunburn.

Objectives

Determination of the UVR exposure of a pig and the sun protection abilities of shade cloths with different shade rates.

Animals

Life‐sized plastic model of a Landrace pig.

Materials and Methods

The model was equipped with 20 UVR meters at various anatomical positions that recorded the erythemal effective solar irradiance. A turntable enabled irradiation from different directions. Solar irradiance was measured in direct sunlight as well as under three shade cloths with different shade rates (50%, 75% and 90%) and a camouflage net. The sun protection factors (SPF) were determined as the ratio of unshaded‐to‐shaded measurements at the same solar elevation. The exposure ratio to ambient (ERTA) was calculated for each body site with respect to ambient irradiance. It allows determination of when pigs are at risk of sunburn and protection is needed.

Results

The calculated ERTA values show that some body parts may receive higher values than ambient UVR. Measurements showed that the SPF of shade cloths depends on textile denseness. Selected shade cloths reached values of 3.5 (shade rate 50%), 4.2 (75%) and 5.8 (90%). Protection by the camouflage net was poor. The highest SPF was gained on body sides where ERTA was highest.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Shade cloths can protect all body sites effectively and vulnerable sites in particular. The results of our study enable an estimation of when pigs are at risk of sunburn and provide quantitative metrics for sun protection. This allows effective prevention of UVR‐caused skin damage and secondary disorders.
Fault Detection on Short-Haul or Highly Dynamic Flights Using Transient Flight Segments
Authors: Varchev Tihomir , Mathes Jürgen , Koch Christian , Staudacher Stephan
Published: August 2024

A machine learning-based approach is presented, which allows to detect persistent engine faults after a single flight. It utilizes transient in-flight measurements and a transient engine model. The time series of the residuals between the measured data and the data resulting from performance synthesis is evaluated using moving windows containing at least one transient segment. A continuous wavelet transformation and a pretrained convolutional neural network are utilized on the residuals for feature extraction. The fault detection is carried out via a one-class support vector machine, trained exclusively on nominal engine operation data. Therefore, the approach requires no a-priory knowledge of the effects of engine faults on the in-flight measurements. Under the assumption of persistent faults, all windows of a single flight, which contain at least one transient segment, are considered in order to improve the reliability of the fault detection. This approach is validated using measured data of a small helicopter engine that replicates the dynamic flight of the corresponding model helicopter on a ground test bed. Consequently, step changes as well as complex variations of the shaft power output are considered. Four standard gas path sensors are considered. The one-class support vector machine is used successfully to detect two types of total pressure sensor anomalies. Assuming a typical number of transient segments for an average short haul flight, it turns out that persistent faults can be detected within one flight with a probability of above 90%.