bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ursolic acid acetate and iso-mukaadial acetate bind to Plasmodium falciparum Hsp90, abrogating its chaperone function in vitro
Authors: Nndwammbi Andani A. T , Dongola Tendamudzimu Harmfree , Shonhai Addmore , Mokoena Fortunate , Pooe Ofentse J. , Simelane Mthokozisi B. C
Published: January 2024

Plasmodium falciparum is the most lethal malaria parasite. Increasing incidences of drug resistance of P. falciparum have prompted the need for discovering new and effective antimalarial compounds with an alternative mode of action. Heat shock protein 90 (PfHsp90) facilitates protein folding and is a promising antimalarial drug target. We have previously reported that iso-mukaadial acetate (IMA) and ursolic acid acetate (UAA) exhibit antimalarial activity. We investigated the abilities of IMA and UAA to bind PfHsp90 by molecular docking and dynamics simulations. The in silico predictions were validated by biochemical assays conducted on recombinant PfHsp90. The interaction between the ligands and PfHsp90 was evaluated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis. The results obtained by docking calculations and MD dynamics simulation predicted that UAA and IMA preferentially bound to PfHsp90 via the N-terminal domain, with UAA binding more stable than IMA. UV-vis-based data suggest that PfHsp90 harbors buried aromatic amino acids, which were exposed in the presence of either IMA or UAA. In addition, data obtained using FTIR suggested that IMA and UAA destabilized the secondary structure of PfHsp90. Of the two compounds, UAA bound to PfHsp90 within the micromolar range based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based binding assay. Furthermore, both compounds disrupted the holdase chaperone function of PfHsp90 as the chaperone failed to suppress heat-induced aggregation of the model proteins, malate dehydrogenase (MDH), luciferase, and citrate synthase in vitro. In addition, both compounds lowered the ATPase activity of PfHsp90. The molecular dynamics simulation analysis indicated that the docked complexes were mostly stable for 100 ns, validating the data obtained through the biochemical assays. Altogether, this study expands the repository of antiplasmodial compounds that have PfHsp90 among their possible targets.
Biosynthesis of Bt-Ag2O nanoparticles using Bacillus thuringiensis and their pesticidal and antimicrobial activities
Authors: Ge Jiajia , Hu Jianzhong , Cui Sufen , Wang Yirong , Xu Caijiayi , Liu Wenzhuo
Published: January 2024

Nanosilver oxide exhibits strong antibacterial and photocatalytic properties and has shown great application potential in food packaging, biochemical fields, and other fields involving diseases and pest control. In this study, Ag2O nanoparticles were synthesized using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt-Ag2O NPs). The physicochemical characteristics of the Bt-Ag2O NPs were analyzed by UV‒vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and zeta potential. The phis-chemical characterization revealed that the Bt-Ag2O NPs are in spherical shape with the small particle size (18.24 nm), high crystallinity, well dispersity, and stability. The biopesticidal and antifungal effects of Bt-Ag2O NPs were tested against Tribolium castaneum, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium chrysogenum. The survival, growth, and reproduction of tested pests and molds were significantly inhibited by Bt-Ag2O NPs in a dose-dependent manner. Bt-Ag2O NPs showed higher pesticidal activities against T. castaneum than Bt and commercial Ag2O NPs. The LC50 values of Bt, Ag2O NPs, and Bt-Ag2O NPs were 0.139%, 0.072%, and 0.06% on day 14, respectively. The Bt-Ag2O NPs also showed well antifungal activities against A. flavus and P. chrysogenum, while it resulted a small inhibition zone than commercial Ag2O NPs did. In addition, A. flavus showed much more sensitive to Bt-Ag2O NP treatments, compared to P. chrysogenum. Our results revealed that Bt-Ag2O NPs synthesized using B. thuringiensis could act as pesticides and antifungal agents in stored-product fields.

Key points

• Bt-Ag2O NPs could be synthesized using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

• The NPs showed a high degree of crystallinity, spherical shape, and small particle size.

• The NPs also showed excellent insecticidal and antifungal activity.
Combined 6-benzylaminopurine and H2O2 stimulate the astaxanthin biosynthesis in Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous
Authors: Torres-Haro Alejandro , Verdín Jorge , Kirchmayr Manuel R. , Arellano-Plaza Melchor
Published: January 2024

Astaxanthin is one of the most attractive carotenoids due to its high antioxidant activity and beneficial biological properties, while Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous is one of its main microbial sources. Since astaxanthin is synthesized as a response to oxidative stress, several oxidative agents have been evaluated to increase X. dendrorhous astaxanthin yields. However, the extent of the stimulation is determined by the cellular damage caused by the applied oxidative agent. Phytohormones have also been reported as stimulants of astaxanthin biosynthesis acting directly on its metabolic pathway and indirectly promoting cellular resistance to reactive oxygen species. We reasoned that both oxidative agents and phytohormones lead to increased astaxanthin synthesis, but the latter could mitigate the drawbacks of the former. Thus, here, the stimulation on astaxanthin biosynthesis, as well as the cellular and transcriptional responses of wild type X. dendrorhous to phytohormones (6-benzylaminopurine, 6-BAP; abscisic acid, ABA; and indole-3-acetic acid, IAA), and oxidative agents (glutamate, menadione, H2O2, and/or Fe2+) were evaluated as a single or combined treatments. ABA and 6-BAP were the best individual stimulants leading to 2.24- and 2.60-fold astaxanthin biosynthesis increase, respectively. Nevertheless, the effect of combined 6-BAP and H2O2 led to a 3.69-fold astaxanthin synthesis increase (0.127 ± 0.018 mg astaxanthin/g biomass). Moreover, cell viability (> 82.75%) and mitochondrial activity (> 82.2%) remained almost intact in the combined treatment (6-BAP + H2O2) compared to control (< 52.17% cell viability; < 85.3% mitochondrial activity). On the other hand, mRNA levels of hmgR, idi, crtYB, crtR, and crtS, genes of the astaxanthin biosynthetic pathway, increased transiently along X. dendrorhous fermentation due to stimulations assayed in this study.

Key points

• Combined 6-BAP and H2O2 is the best treatment to increase astaxanthin yields in X. dendrorhous.

• 6-BAP preserves cell integrity under oxidative H2O2 stress conditions.

• 6-BAP and H2O2 increase transcriptional responses of hmgR, idi, and crt family genes transiently.

Graphical abstract
Metagenomic analysis of hot spring soil for mining a novel thermostable enzybiotic
Authors: Pantiora Panagiota D. , Georgakis Nikolaos D. , Premetis Georgios E. , Labrou Nikolaos E.
Published: January 2024

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics have contributed to a rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens. This global health threat underlines the urgent need for innovative and novel antimicrobials. Endolysins derived from bacteriophages or prophages constitute promising new antimicrobials (so-called enzybiotics), exhibiting the ability to break down bacterial peptidoglycan (PG). In the present work, metagenomic analysis of soil samples, collected from thermal springs, allowed the identification of a prophage-derived endolysin that belongs to the N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase type 2 (NALAA-2) family and possesses a LysM (lysin motif) region as a cell wall binding domain (CWBD). The enzyme (Ami1) was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli, and its bactericidal and lytic activity was characterized. The results indicate that Ami1 exhibits strong bactericidal and antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacterial pathogens, as well as against isolated peptidoglycan (PG). Among the examined bacterial pathogens, Ami1 showed highest bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus sand Staphylococcus epidermidis cells. Thermostability analysis revealed a melting temperature of 64.2 ± 0.6 °C. Overall, these findings support the potential that Ami1, as a broad spectrum antimicrobial agent, could be further assessed as enzybiotic for the effective treatment of bacterial infections.

Key points

• Metagenomic analysis allowed the identification of a novel prophage endolysin

• The endolysin belongs to type 2 amidase family with lysin motif region

• The endolysin displays high thermostability and broad bactericidal spectrum
Enhanced chlorobenzene removal by internal magnetic field through initial cell adhesion and biofilm formation
Authors: Chen Dong-zhi , Qiu Jinfeng , Sun Haimin , Liu Yanting , Ye Jiexu , Chen Jian-Meng , Lu Lichao
Published: January 2024

Magnetic fields (MF) have been proven efficient in bioaugmentation, and the internal MFs have become competitive because they require no configuration, despite their application in waste gas treatment remaining largely unexplored. In this study, we firstly developed an intensity-regulable bioaugmentation with internal MF for gaseous chlorobenzene (CB) treatment with modified packing in batch bioreactors, and the elimination capacity increased by up to 26%, surpassing that of the external MF. Additionally, the microbial affinity to CB and the packing surface was enhanced, which was correlated with the ninefold increased secreted ratio of proteins/polysaccharides, 43% promoted cell surface hydrophobicity, and half reduced zeta potential. Furthermore, the dehydrogenase content was promoted over 3 times, and CB removal steadily increased with the rising intensity indicating enhanced biofilm activity and reduced CB bioimpedance; this was further supported by kinetic analysis, which resulted in improved cell adhesive ability and biological utilisation of CB. The results introduced a novel concept of adjustable magnetic bioaugmentation and provided technical support for industrial waste gas treatments.

Key points

• Regulable magnetic bioaugmentation was developed to promote 26% chlorobenzene removal

• Chlorobenzene mineralisation was enhanced under the magnetic field

• Microbial adhesion was promoted through weakening repulsive forces

Graphical abstract
Microfluidics for adaptation of microorganisms to stress: design and application
Authors: Zoheir Ahmed E. , Stolle Camilla , Rabe Kersten S.
Published: January 2024

Microfluidic systems have fundamentally transformed the realm of adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) for microorganisms by offering unparalleled control over environmental conditions, thereby optimizing mutant generation and desired trait selection. This review summarizes the substantial influence of microfluidic technologies and their design paradigms on microbial adaptation, with a primary focus on leveraging spatial stressor concentration gradients to enhance microbial growth in challenging environments. Specifically, microfluidic platforms tailored for scaled-down ALE processes not only enable highly autonomous and precise setups but also incorporate novel functionalities. These capabilities encompass fostering the growth of biofilms alongside planktonic cells, refining selection gradient profiles, and simulating adaptation dynamics akin to natural habitats. The integration of these aspects enables shaping phenotypes under pressure, presenting an unprecedented avenue for developing robust, stress-resistant strains, a feat not easily attainable using conventional ALE setups. The versatility of these microfluidic systems is not limited to fundamental research but also offers promising applications in various areas of stress resistance. As microfluidic technologies continue to evolve and merge with cutting-edge methodologies, they possess the potential not only to redefine the landscape of microbial adaptation studies but also to expedite advancements in various biotechnological areas.

Key points

• Microfluidics enable precise microbial adaptation in controlled gradients.

• Microfluidic ALE offers insights into stress resistance and distinguishes between resistance and persistence.

• Integration of adaptation-influencing factors in microfluidic setups facilitates efficient generation of stress-resistant strains.
The Statistical Theory of the Angiogenesis Equations
Authors: Birnir Björn , Bonilla Luis , Carretero Manuel , Terragni Filippo
Published: January 2024

Angiogenesis is a multiscale process by which a primary blood vessel issues secondary vessel sprouts that reach regions lacking oxygen. Angiogenesis can be a natural process of organ growth and development or a pathological one induced by a cancerous tumor. A mean-field approximation for a stochastic model of angiogenesis consists of a partial differential equation (PDE) for the density of active vessel tips. Addition of Gaussian and jump noise terms to this equation produces a stochastic PDE that defines an infinite-dimensional Lévy process and is the basis of a statistical theory of angiogenesis. The associated functional equation has been solved and the invariant measure obtained. The results of this theory are compared to direct numerical simulations of the underlying angiogenesis model. The invariant measure and the moments are functions of a Korteweg–de Vries-like soliton, which approximates the deterministic density of active vessel tips.
Extreme low-frequency waves on the Ofu, American Samoa, reef flat
Authors: Cheriton Olivia M. , Storlazzi Curt D. , Oberle Ferdinand K. J. , Rosenberger Kurt J. , Brown Eric K.
Published: January 2024

The southern fringing reef along Ofu, American Samoa, has been a focus of coral research owing to the presence of super-heated pools on the reef flat, where corals thrive in elevated sea temperatures. Here, we present the first documentation of exceptionally large low-frequency (periods > 100 s) waves over this reef flat. During a large, southerly swell event, low-frequency waves on the inner reef flat had mean heights of 0.7 m and periods of 2–4 min and are estimated to have contributed up to 50% of the total water levels. One observed low-frequency wave had a trough-to-peak vertical height of 1.5 m, possibly representing the largest low-frequency wave ever directly observed on a reef flat. These large, low-frequency waves, which were likely amplified by reef resonance, are important factors in coastal hazards such as flooding and erosion and may also be relevant to coral health and resilience.
Crickets in the spotlight: exploring the impact of light on circadian behavior
Authors: Levy Keren , Barnea Anat , Tauber Eran , Ayali Amir
Published: January 2024

Crickets serve as a well-established model organism in biological research spanning various fields, such as behavior, physiology, neurobiology, and ecology. Cricket circadian behavior was first reported over a century ago and prompted a wealth of studies delving into their chronobiology. Circadian rhythms have been described in relation to fundamental cricket behaviors, encompassing stridulation and locomotion, but also in hormonal secretion and gene expression. Here we review how changes in illumination patterns and light intensity differentially impact the different cricket behaviors as well as circadian gene expression. We further describe the cricket’s circadian pacemaker. Ample anatomical manipulations support the location of a major circadian pacemaker in the cricket optic lobes and another in the central brain, possibly interconnected via signaling of the neuropeptide PDF. The cricket circadian machinery comprises a molecular cascade based on two major transcriptional/translational negative feedback loops, deviating somewhat from the canonical model of Drosophila and emphasizing the significance of exploring alternative models. Finally, the nocturnal nature of crickets has provided a unique avenue for investigating the repercussions of artificial light at night on cricket behavior and ecology, underscoring the critical role played by natural light cycles in synchronizing cricket behaviors and populations, further supporting the use of the cricket model in the study of the effects of light on insects. Some gaps in our knowledge and challenges for future studies are discussed.
Association between telomere length and neuropsychological function at 4–5 years in children from the INMA project: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Campos-Sánchez Irene , Navarrete-Muñoz Eva María , Hurtado-Pomares Miriam , Júlvez Jordi , Lertxundi Nerea , Martens Dries S. , Fernández-Somoano Ana , Riaño-Galán Isolina , Guxens Mònica , Ibarluzea Jesús María , Nawrot Tim , Valera-Gran Desirée
Published: January 2024

Shortened telomere length (TL) has been associated with lower cognitive performance, different neurological diseases in adults, and certain neurodevelopmental disorders in children. However, the evidence about the association between TL and neuropsychological developmental outcomes in children from the general population is scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association between TL and neuropsychological function in children 4–5 years of age. We included 686 children from the INMA Project, a population-based birth cohort in Spain. Leucocyte TL was determined by quantitative PCR method, and neuropsychological outcomes were measured using the McCarthy Scales of Children’s Abilities (MCSA). Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate associations adjusted for potential confounding variables. Main findings showed that a longer TL was associated with a higher mean working memory score (β = 4.55; 95% CI = 0.39, 8.71). In addition, longer TL was associated with a higher mean global quantitative score (β = 3.85; 95% CI = −0.19, 7.89), although the association was marginally significant. To our knowledge, this is the first study that shows a positive association between TL and better neuropsychological outcomes in children. Although further research is required to confirm these results, this study supports the hypothesis that TL is essential in protecting and maintaining a child’s health, including cognitive functions such as working memory.
Effects of small heat shock proteins from thermotolerant bacteria on the stress resistance of Escherichia coli to temperature, pH, and hyperosmolarity
Authors: Sato Yu , Okano Kenji , Honda Kohsuke
Published: January 2024

Small heat shock proteins (HSPs), such as HSP20, represent cellular thermal resistance mechanisms, to avoid protein aggregation at elevated temperatures. Recombinantly expressed HSP20s serve as a molecular tool for improving the tolerance of living cells to various physical and chemical stressors. Here, we aimed to heterologously express 18 HSP20s from 12 thermotolerant bacteria in Escherichia coli and evaluate their effects on various physical and chemical cellular stresses. Seventeen HSP20s were successfully expressed as soluble proteins. Recombinant E. coli cells were subjected to heat, cold, acidic, alkaline, and hyperosmolar stress to evaluate the effects of HSP20 proteins on stress resistance. Notably, the overexpression of 15 HSP20s enhanced the stress resistance of E. coli compared to that of the control strain. In particular, HSPs from Tepidimonas sediminis and Oceanithermus profundus improved the stress tolerance of E. coli under all tested conditions. In addition, E. coli harboring HSP20 from T. sediminis retained cell viability even after heat treatment at 52 °C for 5 days. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. coli tolerance to prolonged (> 100 h) high-temperature stress. These findings indicate the potential of thermotolerant HSPs as molecular tools for improving stress tolerance in E. coli.
Risk factors, outcomes, and epidemiological and etiological study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with bacterial co-infection and secondary infections
Authors: Duan Yishan , Wang Jing , Wang Suyan , Zhang Rui , Hu Jinrui , Li Weimin , Chen Bojiang
Published: January 2024

Background

As a common complication of viral respiratory tract infection, bacterial infection was associated with higher mortality and morbidity. Determining the prevalence, culprit pathogens, outcomes, and risk factors of co-infection and secondary infection occurring in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) will be beneficial for better antibiotic management.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort research, we assessed clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, microbiologic results, and outcomes of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients with bacterial co-infection and secondary infection in West China Hospital from 2022 December 2nd to 2023 March 15th.

Results

The incidence of bacterial co-infection and secondary infection, as defined by positive culture results of clinical specimens, was 16.3% (178/1091) and 10.1% (110/1091) respectively among 1091 patients. Acinetobacter, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas were the most commonly identified bacteria in respiratory tract samples of COVID-19 patients. In-hospital mortality of COVID-19 patients with co-infection (17.4% vs 9.5%, p = 0.003) and secondary infection (28.2% vs 9.5%, p < 0.001) greatly exceeded that of COVID-19 patients without bacterial infection. Cardiovascular disease (1.847 (1.202–2.837), p = 0.005), severe COVID-19 (1.694 (1.033–2.778), p = 0.037), and critical COVID-19 (2.220 (1.196–4.121), p = 0.012) were proved to be risk factors for bacterial co-infection, while only critical COVID-19 (1.847 (1.202–2.837), p = 0.005) was closely related to secondary infection.

Conclusions

Bacterial co-infection and secondary infection could aggravate the disease severity and worsen clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Notably, only critical COVID-19 subtype was proved to be an independent risk factor for both co-infection and secondary infection. Therefore, standard empirical antibiotics was recommended for critically ill COVID-19 rather than all the inpatients according to our research.
Inferring the impacts of climate extreme in the Kabul River Basin
Authors: Khatiwada Kabi Raj , Pradhananga Saurav , Nepal Santosh
Published: January 2024

The increasing temperature and variability in precipitation, in terms of both frequency and intensity, are affecting different sectors in the Himalayan region. This study aims to quantify the future scenario and related extremes in the Kabul River Basin (KRB) of the western Himalaya using high-resolution climate datasets. We selected four representative General Circulation Model (GCM) runs from Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, based on future projections, climatic extremes and their abilities to represent the historical climate cycle (1981–2010) of KRB. The seasonal analysis of precipitation shows decreasing pattern during the winter and pre-monsoon seasons and annual mean temperature will increase consistently by 3 to 5 °C in RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Ten indices were selected to study climatic extremes pertaining to the health, agriculture and water resources sectors. The extremes, like consecutive summer days, warm days and heatwaves, will increase, whereas the frost days, cold nights, cold waves and extreme precipitation days will decrease towards the end of this century. Besides, the extremes are not homogenous in time and space. Based on the results of this study, there is a need for prompt climate actions in order to increase the adaptive capacity against these extreme changes and to build resilient livelihoods in the KRB.
Linking telomere dynamics to evolution, life history and environmental change: perspectives, predictions and problems
Authors: Monaghan Pat
Published: January 2024

This perspectives paper considers the value of studying telomere biology outside of a biomedical context. I provide illustrative examples of the kinds of questions that evolutionary ecologists have addressed in studies of telomere dynamics in non-model species, primarily metazoan animals, and what this can contribute to our understanding of their evolution, life histories and health. I also discuss why the predicted relationships between telomere dynamics and life history traits, based on the detailed cellular studies in humans and model organisms, are not always found in studies in other species.
“Every morning I take two steps to my desk…”: students’ perspectives on distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chiodaroli Marco , Freyhult Lisa , Solders Andreas , Tarrío Diego , Günter Katerina Pia
Published: January 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning became the predominant teaching method at most universities, exposing students and teachers alike to novel and unexpected challenges and learning opportunities. Our study is situated in the context of higher physics education at a large Swedish university and adopts a mixed-methods approach to explore how students perceive shifts to distance learning. Quantitative student survey responses comparing distance learning during the pandemic with previous in-person learning are analyzed with k-means cluster analysis and with a random-intercept multilevel linear model. Combined analyses produce a consistent picture of students who report having experienced the greatest challenges. They are on average younger, report being less autonomous in their learning, and find it harder than peers to ask questions to the instructor. They are also less likely to have access to a place where they can study without interruptions. Variation across courses is small with students being largely subjected to the same set of challenges. Qualitative data from semi-structured focus group interviews and open-ended questions supports these findings, provides a deeper understanding of the struggles, and reveals possibilities for future interventions. Students report an overall collapse of structure in their learning that takes place along multiple dimensions. Our findings highlight a fundamental role played by informal peer-to-peer and student-instructor interactions, and by the exchange of what we refer to as “structural information.” We discuss implications for teachers and institutions regarding the possibility of providing support structures, such as study spaces, as well as fostering student autonomy.
High Public Good Values for Ecosystem Service Attributes of on-farm Quinoa Diversity Conservation in Peru
Authors: Drucker Adam G. , Pradel Willy , Scott Craig , Elmes Sarah , Arpazi Valero Kleny G. , Zander Kerstin K.
Published: January 2024

Agrobiodiversity is associated with a range of important but poorly quantified public good ecosystem services, the conservation of which requires public support. With a view to determining the general public’s willingness to pay (WTP) for such conservation, we organised interviews with 491 adult Peruvian residents in three regions a stated preference choice experiment (CE) to elicit the value they place on crop genetic resources conservation, using quinoa cultivation as a case study. Responses revealed strong support for the conservation of quinoa diversity particularly when conservation was framed in terms of conserving national cultural identity or food security. Respondents were willing to make a one-off donation of US$31.79 to an in situ on-farm quinoa crop diversity conservation programme, placing the highest values on programme attributes related to securing bequest/existence and option values, followed closely by stable landscape conservation. WTP was higher when the public was reminded that conservation also contributed to national cultural identify or food security. A conservative aggregation of the WTP estimates to the population of the three regions results in an estimated total WTP for quinoa conservation of US$24.18 m and a benefit-cost ratio of 1.22. Findings demonstrate the significant and frequently ignored social welfare benefits associated with non-market agrobiodiversity-related public good ecosystem services, in this case equivalent to just over a quarter of market production values. Such information can be used to design and prioritise quinoa genetic diversity conservation programmes with an emphasis on such attributes.
Mental Health and Behavioral Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Incarcerated Parents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Merhi Dania , Demou Evangelia , Niedzwiedz Claire
Published: January 2024

Parental incarceration is a traumatic experience that affects millions of children and adolescents worldwide. This population is at an increased risk of suffering from mental health problems and problematic behaviors that can lead to future delinquency, furthering the inter-generational cycle of criminality. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of interventions for the mental health and behavior of children and adolescents with incarcerated parents. The following databases were searched to retrieve relevant studies from 1995 to 2021: PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Child Development and Adolescent Studies, SocINDEX, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Web of Science Core Collection. Quality assessment was performed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist and the “Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies” developed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project. The initial search yielded 2,711 records and 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The narrative synthesis conducted determined that interventions focusing on improving caregiver outcomes and support, and maternal attachment may be effective in reducing mental health problems and problematic behaviors, however, findings need to be evaluated with regards to the included studies’ quality of evidence since many (n = 7) had a weak rating. Future research should aim to conduct a comparative analysis between the effectiveness of different types of interventions, while focusing on improving the quality of the evidence.
Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights Defenders Under the UNGPs and Steps Towards Mandatory Due Diligence
Authors: Koula Aikaterini-Christina
Published: January 2024

Besides state actors, non-state actors and particularly private companies target human rights defenders (HRDs) and violate their rights to intimidate and stop them from challenging their interests. Despite the absence of responsibility of non-state actors in international human rights law, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) set out global standards and acknowledge the role of HRDs in the promotion of human rights, urging corporations to work closely with defenders. Considering the effectiveness of the UNGPs, the article explores the potential for protecting HRDs within the framework and concludes that the UNGPs could be utilised to enhance the protection of defenders in relation to business activities. It also suggests that current efforts of implementation would be strengthened by mandatory human rights due diligence laws at the national and regional levels, and emphasises that a clear inclusion of corporate responsibility to respect defenders is required, as it would be beneficial for both sides, defenders and business enterprises.
Cholesterol associated genetic risk score and acute coronary syndrome in Czech males
Authors: Hubacek Jaroslav A. , Adamkova Vera , Lanska Vera , Staněk Vladimir , Mrázková Jolana , Gebauerová Marie , Kettner Jiri , Kautzner Josef , Pitha Jan
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite a general decline in mean levels across populations, LDL-cholesterol levels remain a major risk factor for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The APOB, LDL-R, CILP, and SORT-1 genes have been shown to contain variants that have significant effects on plasma cholesterol levels.

Methods and results

We examined polymorphisms within these genes in 1191 controls and 929 patients with ACS. Only rs646776 within SORT-1 was significantly associated with a risk of ACS (P < 0.05, AA vs. + G comparison; OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.01–1.45). With regard to genetic risk score (GRS), the presence of at least 7 alleles associated with elevated cholesterol levels was connected with increased risk (P < 0.01) of ACS (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.06–1.52). Neither total mortality nor CVD mortality in ACS subjects (follow up—9.84 ± 3.82 years) was associated with the SNPs analysed or cholesterol-associated GRS.

Conclusions

We conclude that, based on only a few potent SNPs known to affect plasma cholesterol, GRS has the potential to predict ACS risk, but not ACS associated mortality.
A trilemma for the lexical utility model of the precautionary principle
Authors: Stefánsson H. Orri
Published: January 2024

Bartha and DesRoches (Synthese 199(3–4):8701–8740, 2021) and Steel and Bartha (Risk Analysis 43(2):260–268, 2023) argue that we should understand the precautionary principle as the injunction to maximise lexical utilities. They show that the lexical utility model has important pragmatic advantages. Moreover, the model has the theoretical advantage of satisfying all axioms of expected utility theory except continuity. In this paper I raise a trilemma for any attempt at modelling the precautionary principle with lexical utilities: it permits choice cycles or leads to paralysis or implies that the smallest value difference that is possible in a context has extreme axiological implications.
Monadic panpsychism
Authors: Kadić Nino
Published: January 2024

One of the main obstacles for panpsychism, the view that consciousness is fundamental and ubiquitous, is the difficulty of explaining how simple subjects could combine to form complex subjects. Known as the subject combination problem, it poses a possibly insurmountable challenge to the view. In this paper, I will assume that this challenge cannot be overcome and instead present a version of panpsychism that completely avoids talk of combination. Inspired by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz’s metaphysics of monads, I will focus on a relational explanation of how simple subjects could constitute complex experiences, without them having to combine in virtue of their subjectivity. I call this view monadic panpsychism. Additionally, my proposal will not rely on emergence and so it will circumvent problems commonly faced by emergentist accounts. As I will argue, monadic panpsychism is preferable to combinatory and emergentist panpsychism because it faces a significantly less worrisome set of objections. Apart from being unaffected by the seemingly insuperable issue of subject combination, I will demonstrate that monadic panpsychism also has tools to address other kinds of the combination problem. That alone justifies the need for a new formulation of panpsychism, one which faces unique difficulties but also offers unique solutions.
The social contract for science and the value-free ideal
Authors: Douglas Heather , Branch T. Y.
Published: January 2024

While the Value-Free Ideal (VFI) had many precursors, it became a solidified bulwark of normative claims about scientific reasoning and practice in the mid-twentieth century. Since then, it has played a central role in the philosophy of science, first as a basic presupposition of how science should work, then as a target for critique, and now as a target for replacement. In this paper, we will argue that a narrow focus on the VFI is misguided, because the VFI coalesced in the midst of other important shifts in the relationship between science and society. In particular, the mid-twentieth century saw the acceptance of the “social contract for science,” a tacit agreement between scientists and government officials, and more broadly between science and society. It was built around three core concepts: a distinction between basic and applied science, a conception of scientific freedom that limited social responsibility for scientists, and a justification for public funding of basic science in the form of the linear model. Within the conceptual framework of the social contract for science, it is clearer both (1) why the VFI was adopted, (2) why it is difficult to replace the VFI within the old social contract, and (3) how we need to revise the social contract for science in order to replace the VFI.
Parasaturnius maurepasi n. gen. et n. comb. (Digena: Bunocotylidae) from the stomach of the silver mullet, Mugil curema (Perciformes: Mugilidae) in coastal lagoons of northern Yucatán, Mexico
Authors: Andrade-Gómez Leopoldo , Pérez-Ponce de León Gerardo
Published: January 2024

Bunocotylid trematodes represent a group of 149 species with a rather complex taxonomic history. The current concept of the subfamily only includes three genera, Bunocotyle, Saturnius, and Robinia. Specimens of a bunocotylid were collected from the silver mullet, M. curema, from a coastal lagoon of Yucatán and identified as belonging to Saturnius. Further detailed morphological study revealed they corresponded to S. maurepasi, a species previously reported from the stripped mullet, Mugil cephalus in Mississippi, USA. Specimens were sequenced for the LSU of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene (28S) to test their phylogenetic position. We discovered that they do not belong in Saturnius since they nest as an independent lineage which is the sister taxa of a clade formed by Robinia, and Saturnius + Bunocotyle; additionally, the new genus exhibits high genetic divergence (10-12%) with respect to species allocated in the other bunocotylid genera. The species S. maurepasi was then transferred to the new genus as Parasaturnius maurepasin. gen., n. comb. that was created to accommodate it, and was redescribed based on newly sampled specimens.
Flow Characterization in a Partially Liquefied Vitreous Humor
Authors: Khoobyar Anahid , Penkova Anita , Humayun Mark S. , Irimia Andrei , Sadhal Satwindar Singh
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to systematically examine the basic fluid dynamics associated with a fully liquid region within a porous material. This work has come about as a result of our investigation on the ocular fluid dynamics and transport process in a partially liquefied vitreous humor. The liquid is modeled as a sphere with Stokes flow while the surrounding infinite porous region is described by Brinkman flow. The development here provides basic three-dimensional axisymmetric results on flow characterization and also serves to evaluate the limits of validity of Darcy flow analysis for the same geometry. In the Darcy flow model, the liquid region is also treated as a porous region with a much higher permeability. Therefore, both liquid and porous regions are modeled by Darcy’s law. Besides the analytical results from Brinkman–Stokes model, the simpler case of Darcy–Darcy flow for the same geometry has been provided. The results of both cases are compared and the differences between the two sets of results provide the range of validity of our computational model (Khoobyar et al. in J Heat Transf 144:031208, 2022). Some interesting fluid-dynamical aspects of the system are observed through the analysis. For the Darcy–Darcy system, the liquid region velocity is uniform throughout, as expected for potential flow. With the Brinkman–Stokes model, the liquid region has a paraboloidal profile with the maximum possible peak value of six times the far-field velocity in the porous medium. With the liquid region having a lower resistance, the flow tends to converge there for both models as it seeks the path of least resistance. As for the validation of the Darcy–Darcy model, it is a good approximation as far as the exterior flow is concerned. However, the liquid region flow profiles for the two models are different as noted. The current Brinkman–Stokes model has led to explicit analytical solutions for the flow field for both regions. This has permitted an asymptotic analysis giving deeper insight into the flow characterization.
Comparison of photoinduced and electrochemically induced degradation of venlafaxine
Authors: Voigt Melanie , Dluziak Jean-Michel , Wellen Nils , Langerbein Victoria , Jaeger Martin
Published: January 2024

The European Union requires environmental monitoring of the antidepressant drug venlafaxine. Advanced oxidation processes provide a remedy against the spread of micropollutants. In this study, the photoinduced and electrochemical decompositions of venlafaxine were investigated in terms of mechanism and efficacy using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution multifragmentation mass spectrometry. Kinetic analysis, structure elucidation, matrix variation, and radical scavenging indicated the dominance of a hydroxyl-mediated indirect mechanism during photodegradation and hydroxyl and direct electrochemical oxidation for electrochemical degradation. Oxidants, sulfate, and chloride ions acted as accelerants, which reduced venlafaxine half-lives from 62 to 25 min. Humic acid decelerated degradation during ultra-violet irradiation up to 50%, but accelerated during electrochemical oxidation up to 56%. In silico quantitative structure activity relationship analysis predicted decreased environmental hazard after advanced oxidation process treatment. In general, photoirradiation proved more efficient due to faster decomposition and slightly less toxic transformation products. Yet, matrix effects would have to be carefully evaluated when potential applications as a fourth purification stage were to be considered.
Robot-assisted language assessment: development and evaluation of feasibility and usability
Authors: Seok Sukyung , Choi Sujin , Kim Kimun , Choi Jongsuk , Sung Jee Eun , Lim Yoonseob
Published: January 2024

Many studies have shown that robots can provide medical help to patients, such as supporting physical movements, managing mood, or simulating cognitive function. However, robotic cognitive/language assessment, which is vital for mental health care, has not been fully explored and is limited to only a few types of assessment. The aim of this study is to present and evaluate a social robot equipped with a web-based language assessment for sentence comprehension test (SCT) with a dialogue system involving yes/no questions. A total of 50 participants took the test with 36 items conducted by a robot (robot-SCT), while a total of 55 participants took the same test but conducted by a human examiner (human-SCT). Comparative analyses were performed to evaluate the validity of the robot-SCT in terms of test scores and time-related measures. Usability was evaluated through the system usability score and interview feedback. With regard to the validity of the robot-SCT, the test scores indicated no significant differences between the robot-SCT and human-SCT. In addition, conditional differences in reaction time for the test items were observed, similar to the previous paper-and-pencil researches. The high system usability scores (i.e., mean = 78.5, SD = 11) demonstrated the high usability of the robot-SCT. This study demonstrates the validity and usability of robotic language assessment among normal adults. However, further evaluation is required for people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
Healthcare Utilization Differences Among Primary Care Patients Using Telemedicine in the Veterans Health Administration: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: O’Shea Amy M. J. , Mulligan Kailey , Carlson Paige , Haraldsson Bjarni , Augustine Matthew R. , Kaboli Peter J. , Shimada Stephanie L.
Published: January 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic encouraged telemedicine expansion. Research regarding follow-up healthcare utilization and primary care (PC) telemedicine is lacking.

Objective

To evaluate whether healthcare utilization differed across PC populations using telemedicine.

Design

Retrospective observational cohort study using administrative data from veterans with minimally one PC visit before the COVID-19 pandemic (March 1, 2019–February 28, 2020) and after in-person restrictions were lifted (October 1, 2020–September 30, 2021).

Participants

All veterans receiving VHA PC services during study period.

Main Measures

Veterans’ exposure to telemedicine was categorized as (1) in-person only, (2) telephone telemedicine (≥ 1 telephone visit with or without in-person visits), or (3) video telemedicine (≥ 1 video visit with or without telephone and/or in-person visits). Healthcare utilization 7 days after index PC visit were compared. Generalized estimating equations estimated odds ratios for telephone or video telemedicine versus in-person only use adjusted for patient characteristics (e.g., age, gender, race, residential rurality, ethnicity), area deprivation index, comorbidity risk, and intermediate PC visits within the follow-up window.

Key Results

Over the 2-year study, 3.4 million veterans had 12.9 million PC visits, where 1.7 million (50.7%), 1.0 million (30.3%), and 649,936 (19.0%) veterans were categorized as in-person only, telephone telemedicine, or video telemedicine. Compared to in-person only users, video telemedicine users experienced higher rates per 1000 patients of emergent care (15.1 vs 11.2; p < 0.001) and inpatient admissions (4.2 vs 3.3; p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, video versus in-person only users experienced greater odds of emergent care (OR [95% CI]:1.18 [1.16, 1.19]) inpatient (OR [95% CI]: 1.29 [1.25, 1.32]), and ambulatory care sensitive condition admission (OR [95% CI]: 1.30 [1.27, 1.34]).

Conclusions

Telemedicine potentially in combination with in-person care was associated with higher follow-up healthcare utilization rates compared to in-person only PC. Factors contributing to utilization differences between groups need further evaluation.
Relationship Between Patient Portal Tool Use and Medication Adherence and Viral Load Among Patients Living with HIV
Authors: Midboe Amanda M. , Cave Shayna , Shimada Stephanie L. , Griffin Ashley C. , Avoundjian Tigran , Asch Steven M. , Gifford Allen L. , McInnes Donald Keith , Troszak Lara K.
Published: January 2024

Background

Patient portals play an increasingly critical role in engaging patients in their health care. They have the potential to significantly impact the health of those living with chronic diseases, such as HIV, for whom consistent care engagement is both critical and complex.

Objective

The primary aim was to examine the longitudinal relationships between individual portal tool use and health-related outcomes in patients living with HIV.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data to examine the relationship between patient portal tool use and key HIV-specific, health-related outcomes in patients engaged in care in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) through the application of marginal structural models.

Participants

A national sample of patients living with HIV (PLWH) active in VA care who were registered to use the VA’s patient portal, My HealtheVet (MHV; n = 18,390) between 10/1/2012 and 4/1/2017.

Main Measures

The MHV tools examined were prescription refill (including prescription refill of an antiretroviral (ART) medication and any medication), secure messaging, view appointments, and view labs. Primary outcomes were viral load test receipt, viral load suppression, and ART medication adherence (measured as proportion of days covered).

Key Results

The use of prescription refill for any medication or for ART was positively associated with ART adherence. Secure messaging was positively associated with ART adherence but not with viral load test receipt or viral load suppression. The use of view appointments was positively associated with ART adherence and viral load test receipt but not viral load suppression. The use of view labs was positively associated with viral load suppression but not ART adherence or viral load test receipt.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the valuable role patient portals may play in improving health-related outcomes among PLWH and have implications for patients living with other types of chronic disease.