bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of Asian hornet invasion in Mexico: a proposal for invasive species risk assessment from a spatial perspective
Authors: Ruiz-Utrilla Zenia P. , del-Val Ek , Equihua Julián , Cuervo-Robayo Ángela P.
Published: April 2024

Biological invasions need to be assessed as spatial processes, incorporating information on introduction sites, environmental suitability, dispersal parameters and negative impacts. The above allows us to develop risk maps, which are an important tool to determine the probability and consequences of an invasion in each area. In this study, we developed species niche-based distribution models for Vespa mandarinia and V. velutina, exotic species recently discovered in North America, being V. velutina a recognized invasive alien species that has caused enormous economic impacts in Europe. Species niche-based distribution models were used as a base map to determine the risk of establishment in conjunction with information related to the introduction, economic and biodiversity risk. The models developed in this study show environmental suitability for the establishment of these species in tropical and subtropical locations of North America. In Mexico, more than 50% of the ports are at high risk especially those located in the Gulf of Mexico. The biodiversity impact risk map for V. mandarinia shows that 57 protected areas are in regions with some risk of invasion and the V. velutina analysis shows 49 protected areas at potential risk. By implementing comprehensive surveillance and monitoring programs, integrating early detection and rapid response strategy and leveraging geographic information systems, Mexico can take proactive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of invasive species. These efforts will be crucial in protecting biodiversity, preserving ecosystems and safeguarding the country’s economy from the negative consequences associated with invasive species.
Analysis of the hyperparameter optimisation of four machine learning satellite imagery classification methods
Authors: Alonso-Sarría Francisco , Valdivieso-Ros Carmen , Gomariz-Castillo Francisco
Published: April 2024

The classification of land use and land cover (LULC) from remotely sensed imagery in semi-arid Mediterranean areas is a challenging task due to the fragmentation of the landscape and the diversity of spatial patterns. Recently, the use of deep learning (DL) for image analysis has increased compared to commonly used machine learning (ML) methods. This paper compares the performance of four algorithms, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Convolutional Network (CNN), using multi-source data, applying an exhaustive optimisation process of the hyperparameters. The usual approach in the optimisation process of a LULC classification model is to keep the best model in terms of accuracy without analysing the rest of the results. In this study, we have analysed such results, discovering noteworthy patterns in a space defined by the mean and standard deviation of the validation accuracy estimated in a 10-fold cross validation (CV). The point distributions in such a space do not appear to be completely random, but show clusters of points that facilitate the discovery of hyperparameter values that tend to increase the mean accuracy and decrease its standard deviation. RF is not the most accurate model, but it is the less sensitive to changes in hyperparameters. Neural Networks, tend to increase commission and omission errors of the less represented classes because their optimisation lead the model to learn better the most frequent classes. On the other hand, RF and MLP prediction layers are the most accurate from a general qualitative point of view.
Hotel chains and sustainable development: degree of internationalization, SDGs and dynamic capabilities as drivers of successful performance
Authors: Ruiz-Fernández Lorena , Rienda Laura , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé
Published: April 2024

Nowadays, many researchers are concerned with the study of sustainable business practice and its drivers and business outcomes. In a global and dynamic environment, such as the tourism sector, it is necessary to pay attention to management strategies to maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. In this paper, we focus on the study of hotel chains with different degrees of internationalization and how SDG engagement can serve as an engine to develop dynamic capabilities to improve their business performance. Based on Stakeholders and Dynamic Capabilities theories, we propose a research model. Next, using a variance-based structural equation modelling approach, we corroborate that more internationalized hotel chains are more involved with the SDGs, enabling them to improve business performance and to better adapt to the turbulent environment. Thus, as long as the higher degree of internationalization implies greater awareness and a greater deployment of dynamic capabilities, the performance of hotel chains will increase. These findings allow us to draw important managerial implications and provide a theoretical framework as a reference for scholars in the sustainable management field.
Tisochrysis lutea as a source of omega-3 polar lipids and fucoxanthin: extraction and characterization using green solvents and advanced techniques
Authors: García-García Paz , Ospina Mónica , Señoráns Francisco J.
Published: April 2024

The marine microalga Tisochrysis lutea is a potential and sustainable source of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. In the present work, the extraction of fucoxanthin and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid which constitutes polar lipids particularly in the brain, was studied using advanced extraction techniques with green and bio-based solvents compared to traditional extraction techniques with hazardous organic solvents. The experimental design to maximize the lipid extraction yield by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was developed, choosing as experimental factors the percentage of solvent (0, 50 and 100% of 2-methyl-tetrahydrofuran or 2-methyloxolane (2-me-THF) in ethanol), the extraction time (20, 30 and 40 min) and temperature (40, 50 and 60 ºC). The highest lipid extraction yields were obtained using ethanol as solvent. Nevertheless, the most interesting extracts based on their chemical composition were obtained when the presence of 2-me-THF in the extraction mixture was greater than that of ethanol. Through analytical techniques such as HPLC-ELSD/DAD and GC-MS as well as spectrophotometric techniques, the contents of polar lipids, fatty acids, total carotenoids and fucoxanthin were quantified. In addition, the antioxidant capacity of different selected extracts was studied, being once again the most interesting those extracted with different amounts of 2-me-THF due to its selectivity and enriched composition in high-added value bioactives, mainly fucoxanthin and DHA. Therefore, it is shown the importance of choosing an advanced extraction technique together with the use of green solvents not only to develop procedures that are in agreement with Green Chemistry but also to preserve its bioactivity.
Understanding Burnout among Parents of Children with Complex Care Needs: A Scoping Review Followed by a Stakeholder Consultation
Authors: Patty Nathalie J. S. , van Meeteren Karen M. , Willemen Agnes M. , Mol Marijke A. E. , Verdonk Minke , Ketelaar Marjolijn , Schuengel Carlo
Published: April 2024

The concept of parental burnout has been proposed to be helpful for describing and understanding the impact of parenting children with complex care needs (CCN). The objective of this scoping review was to investigate, among parents of children with CCN (i) how burnout is conceptualized, (ii) differences in burnout scores, (iii) the prevalence of burnout, and (iv) the associated factors related to burnout. A stakeholder consultation including parents of children with CCN, healthcare professionals, and researchers, was conducted to understand their perspectives on important insights and gaps from the literature. A total of 57 studies were eligible for inclusion. Conceptualization of parental burnout varied widely across studies, with few studies investigating the meaning of the concept for parents. Burnout scores were higher among parents of children with CCN and prevalence estimates varied between 20 and 77%, and exceeded burnout among parents of children without CCN. Few studies included associated factors in the context of parenting and caregiving. Stakeholders endorsed the importance of studies into the multifactorial determination of burnout in the context of parenting and caregiving children with CCN. The results highlight the extremes of stress and burden experienced by parents of children with CCN. An important gap remains understanding the complex interplay between personal and contextual factors pertaining to risk and resilience.
Rapamycin Controls Lymphoproliferation and Reverses T-Cell Responses in a Patient with a Novel STIM1 Loss-of-Function Deletion
Authors: Karakus Ibrahim Serhat , Catak Mehmet Cihangir , Frohne Alexandra , Bayram Catak Feyza , Yorgun Altunbas Melek , Babayeva Royala , Bal Sevgi Kostel , Eltan Sevgi Bilgic , Yalcin Gungoren Ezgi , Esen Fehim , Zemheri Itir Ebru , Karakoc-Aydiner Elif , Ozen Ahmet , Caki-Kilic Suar , Kraakman Michael J. , Boztug Kaan , Baris Safa
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Deficiency of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) results in combined immunodeficiency accompanied by extra-immunological findings like enamel defects and myopathy. We here studied a patient with a STIM1 loss-of-function mutation who presented with severe lymphoproliferation. We sought to explore the efficacy of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin in controlling disease manifestations and reversing aberrant T-cell subsets and functions, which has never been used previously in this disorder.

Methods

Clinical findings of the patient were collected over time. We performed immunological evaluations before and after initiation of rapamycin treatment, including detailed lymphocyte subset analyses, alterations in frequencies of circulating T follicular helper (cTFH) and regulatory T (Treg) cells and their subtypes as well as T cell activation and proliferation capacities.

Results

A novel homozygous exon 2 deletion in STIM1 was detected in a 3-year-old girl with severe lymphoproliferation, recurrent infections, myopathy, iris hypoplasia, and enamel hypoplasia. Lymphoproliferation was associated with severe T-cell infiltrates. The deletion resulted in a complete loss of protein expression, associated with a lack of store-operated calcium entry response, defective T-cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production. Interestingly, patient blood contained fewer cTFH and increased circulating follicular regulatory (cTFR) cells. Abnormal skewing towards TH2-like responses in certain T-cell subpopulations like cTFH, non-cTFH memory T-helper, and Treg cells was associated with increased eosinophil numbers and serum IgE levels. Treatment with rapamycin controlled lymphoproliferation, improved T-cell activation and proliferation capacities, reversed T-cell responses, and repressed high IgE levels and eosinophilia.

Conclusions

This study enhances our understanding of STIM1 deficiency by uncovering additional abnormal T-cell responses, and reveals for the first time the potential therapeutic utility of rapamycin for this disorder.
Patients with STAT1 Gain-of-function Mutations Display Increased Apoptosis which is Reversed by the JAK Inhibitor Ruxolitinib
Authors: Dotta Laura , Todaro Francesca , Baronio Manuela , Giacomelli Mauro , Pinelli Marinella , Giambarda Martina , Brognoli Beatrice , Greco Silvia , Rota Francesca , Cortesi Manuela , Soresina Annarosa , Moratto Daniele , Tomasi Cesare , Ferraro Rosalba Monica , Giliani Silvia , Badolato Raffaele
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT1) gain-of-function (GOF) syndrome accounts for most cases of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis but is characterized by a broader clinical phenotype that may include bacterial, viral, or invasive fungal infections, autoimmunity, autoinflammatory manifestations, vascular complications, or malignancies. The severity of lymphopenia may vary and influence the infectious morbidity.

Methods

In our cohort of seven STAT1-GOF patients, we investigated the mechanisms that may determine T lymphopenia, we characterized the interferon gene signature (IGS) and analyzed the effect of ruxolitinib in reverting the immune dysregulation.

Results

STAT1-GOF patients exhibited increased T lymphocyte apoptosis that was significantly augmented in both resting conditions and following stimulation with mitogens and IFNα, as evaluated by flow cytometry by Annexin V/ Propidium iodide assay. The JAK inhibitor ruxolitinib significantly reduced the IFNα-induced hyperphosphorylation of STAT1 and reverted the stimulation-induced T-cell apoptosis, in vitro. In two adult STAT1-GOF patients, the JAKinib treatment ameliorated chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and lymphopenia. Most STAT1-GOF patients, particularly those who had autoimmunity, presented increased IGS that significantly decreased in the two patients during ruxolitinib treatment.

Conclusion

In STAT1-GOF patients, T lymphocyte apoptosis is increased, and T lymphopenia may determine higher risk of severe infections. The JAKinib target therapy should be evaluated to treat severe chronic candidiasis and lymphopenia, and to downregulate the IFNs in patients with autoinflammatory or autoimmune manifestations.
Ruxolitinib Improves Immune-Dysregulation Features but not Epigenetic Abnormality in a Patient with STAT1 GOF
Authors: Koh June-Young , Kim Doo Ri , Son Sohee , Park Hwanhee , Kim Kyung-Ran , Min Sunwoo , Lee Ha Seok , Jhun Byung Woo , Kang Eun-Suk , Jung Inkyung , Kang Ji-Man , Kim Yae-Jean , Shin Eui-Cheol
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Patients with STAT1 gain-of-function (GOF) mutations often exhibit autoimmune features. The JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib can be administered to alleviate autoimmune symptoms; however, it is unclear how immune cells are molecularly changed by ruxolitinib treatment. Then, we aimed to investigate the trnscriptional and epigenetic status of immune cells before and after ruxolitinib treatment in a patient with STAT1 GOF.

Methods

A patient with a heterozygous STAT1 GOF variant (p.Ala267Val), exhibiting autoimmune features, was treated with ruxolitinib, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were longitudinally collected. PBMCs were transcriptionally analyzed by single-cell cellular indexing of the transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq), and epigenetically analyzed by assay of transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq).

Results

CITE-seq analysis revealed that before treatment, the patient’s PBMCs exhibited aberrantly activated inflammatory features, especially IFN-related features. In particular, monocytes showed high expression levels of a subset of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Ruxolitinib treatment substantially downregulated aberrantly overexpressed ISGs, and improved autoimmune features. However, epigenetic analysis demonstrated that genetic regions of ISGs—e.g., STAT1, IRF1, MX1, and OAS1—were highly accessible even after ruxolitinib treatment. When ruxolitinib was temporarily discontinued, the patient’s autoimmune features were aggravated, which is in line with sustained epigenetic abnormality.

Conclusions

In a patient with STAT1 GOF, ruxolitinib treatment improved autoimmune features and downregulated aberrantly overexpressed ISGs, but did not correct epigenetic abnormality of ISGs.
Effectiveness of Interventions on Work Outcomes After Road Traffic Crash-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Brakenridge Charlotte L. , Smits Esther J. , Gane Elise M. , Andrews Nicole E. , Williams Gina , Johnston Venerina
Published: April 2024

Background

Musculoskeletal injuries are common after road traffic crash (RTC) and can lead to poor work-related outcomes. This review evaluated the impact of interventions on work-related (e.g. sick leave), health, and functional outcomes in individuals with a RTC-related musculoskeletal injury, and explored what factors were associated with work-related outcomes.

Methods

Searches of seven databases were conducted up until 9/03/2023. Eligible interventions included adults with RTC-related musculoskeletal injuries, a comparison group, and a work-related outcome, and were in English. Meta-analyses were conducted using RevMan and meta-regressions in Stata.

Results

Studies (n = 27) were predominantly conducted in countries with third-party liability schemes (n = 26), by physiotherapists (n = 17), and in participants with whiplash injuries (94%). Pooled effects in favour of the intervention group were seen overall (SMD = − 0.14, 95% CI: − 0.29, 0.00), for time to return to work (− 17.84 days, 95% CI: − 24.94, − 10.74), likelihood of returning to full duties vs. partial duties (RR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.36), decreased pain intensity (− 6.17 units, 95% CI: − 11.96, − 0.39, 100-point scale), and neck disability (− 1.77 units, 95% CI: − 3.24, − 0.30, 50-point scale).

Discussion

Interventions after RTC can reduce time to return to work and increase the likelihood of returning to normal duties, but the results for these outcomes were based on a small number of studies with low-quality evidence. Further research is needed to evaluate a broader range of interventions, musculoskeletal injury types, and to include better quality work-related outcomes.
Anxiety, Sleep Problems, and Vigorous Physical Activity: Bidirectional Associations from Early Adolescence to Early Adulthood in Swedish Adolescents
Authors: Giannotta F. , Nilsson K. W. , Åslund C. , Olofdotter S. , Vadlin S. , Larm P.
Published: April 2024

Anxiety symptoms and sleep problems typically emerge during adolescence and are frequently intertwined. However, there is a dearth of knowledge concerning their reciprocal influence and whether physical activity might play a protective role in this relationship. The present study aims at filling this gap exploring also the moderating role of sex. 915 13-year-old Swedish adolescents (56% girls) answered a survey conducted four times: at ages 13 (T1), 16 (T2), 19 (T3), and 22 (T4). A random intercept cross-lagged panel model was used. At within-levels, sleep problems and anxiety symptoms had a bidirectional positive association in middle adolescence. Vigorous physical activity and anxiety symptoms showed a reciprocal negative association from middle adolescence. Vigorous physical activity and sleep problems were reciprocally associated only in late adolescence. Associations were the same for girls and boys. This study demonstrated that the relations between anxiety symptoms, sleep problems, and vigorous physical activity cannot be understood without adopting a developmental perspective and that middle adolescence is a crucial period to plan interventions to reduce anxiety symptoms and sleep problems.
The relationships between biotic uniqueness and abiotic uniqueness are context dependent across drainage basins worldwide
Authors: Snåre Henna , García-Girón Jorge , Alahuhta Janne , Bini Luis Mauricio , Boda Pál , Bonada Núria , Brasil Leandro S. , Callisto Marcos , Castro Diego M. P. , Chen Kai , Csabai Zoltán , Datry Thibault , Domisch Sami , García-Marquez Jaime R. , Floury Mathieu , Friberg Nikolai , Gill Brian A. , González-Trujillo Juan David , Göthe Emma , Haase Peter , Hamada Neusa , Hill Matthew J. , Hjort Jan , Juen Leandro , Jupke Jonathan F. , de Faria Ana Paula Justino , Li Zhengfei , Ligeiro Raphael , Linares Marden S. , Luiza-Andrade Ana , Macedo Diego R. , Mathers Kate L. , Mellado-Diaz Andres , Milosevic Djuradj , Moya Nabor , Poff N. LeRoy , Rolls Robert J. , Roque Fabio O. , Saito Victor S. , Sandin Leonard , Schäfer Ralf B. , Scotti Alberto , Siqueira Tadeu , Martins Renato Tavares , Valente-Neto Francisco , Wang Beixin , Wang Jun , Xie Zhicai , Heino Jani
Published: April 2024

Context

Global change, including land-use change and habitat degradation, has led to a decline in biodiversity, more so in freshwater than in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the research on freshwaters lags behind terrestrial and marine studies, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to comprehend freshwater biodiversity.

Objectives

We investigated patterns in the relationships between biotic uniqueness and abiotic environmental uniqueness in drainage basins worldwide.

Methods

We compiled high-quality data on aquatic insects (mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies at genus-level) from 42 drainage basins spanning four continents. Within each basin we calculated biotic uniqueness (local contribution to beta diversity, LCBD) of aquatic insect assemblages, and four types of abiotic uniqueness (local contribution to environmental heterogeneity, LCEH), categorized into upstream land cover, chemical soil properties, stream site landscape position, and climate. A mixed-effects meta-regression was performed across basins to examine variations in the strength of the LCBD-LCEH relationship in terms of latitude, human footprint, and major continental regions (the Americas versus Eurasia).

Results

On average, relationships between LCBD and LCEH were weak. However, the strength and direction of the relationship varied among the drainage basins. Latitude, human footprint index, or continental location did not explain significant variation in the strength of the LCBD-LCEH relationship.

Conclusions

We detected strong context dependence in the LCBD-LCEH relationship across the drainage basins. Varying environmental conditions and gradient lengths across drainage basins, land-use change, historical contingencies, and stochastic factors may explain these findings. This context dependence underscores the need for basin-specific management practices to protect the biodiversity of riverine systems.
Friction modeling from a practical point of view
Authors: Schuderer Matthias , Rill Georg , Schaeffer Thomas , Schulz Carsten
Published: April 2024

Regularized static friction models have been used successfully for many years. However, they are unable to maintain static friction in detail. For this reason, dynamic friction models have been developed and published in the literature. However, commercial multibody simulation packages such as Adams, RecurDyn, and Simpack have developed their own specific stick-slip models instead of adopting one of the public domain approaches. This article introduces the fundamentals of these commercial models and their behavior from a practical point of view. The stick-slip models were applied to a simple test model and a more sophisticated model of a festoon cable system using their standard parameters.
The quality of life impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS): evidence from the Australian MS Longitudinal Study
Authors: Henson Glen J. , van der Mei Ingrid , Taylor Bruce V. , Blacklow Paul , Claflin Suzi B. , Palmer Andrew J. , Hurst Carol , Campbell Julie A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

People living with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in metropolitan Victoria, Australia, experienced a 112-day, COVID-19-related lockdown in mid-2020. Contemporaneously, Australian PwMS elsewhere experienced minimal restrictions, resulting in a natural experiment. This study investigated the relationships between lockdowns, COVID-19-related adversity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). It also generated health state utilities (HSU) representative of changes in HRQoL.

Methods

Data were extracted from Australian MS Longitudinal Study surveys, which included the Assessment of Quality of Life-Eight Dimensions (AQoL-8D) instrument and a COVID-19 questionnaire. This COVID-19 questionnaire required participants to rank their COVID-19-related adversity across seven health dimensions. Ordered probits were used to identify variables contributing to adversity. Linear and logit regressions were applied to determine the impact of adversity on HRQoL, defined using AQoL-8D HSUs. Qualitative data were examined thematically.

Results

N = 1666 PwMS (average age 58.5; 79.8% female; consistent with the clinical presentation of MS) entered the study, with n = 367 (22.0%) exposed to the 112-day lockdown. Lockdown exposure and disability severity were strongly associated with higher adversity rankings (p < 0.01). Higher adversity rankings were associated with lower HSUs. Participants reporting major adversity, across measured health dimensions, had a mean HSU 0.161 (p < 0.01) lower than participants reporting no adversity and were more likely (OR: 2.716, p < 0.01) to report a clinically significant HSU reduction. Themes in qualitative data supported quantitative findings.

Conclusions

We found that COVID-19-related adversity reduced the HRQoL of PwMS. Our HSU estimates can be used in health economic models to evaluate lockdown cost-effectiveness for people with complex and chronic (mainly neurological) diseases.
Life scientists’ experience with posting preprints during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Biesenbender Kristin , Toepfer Ralf , Peters Isabella
Published: April 2024

In the COVID-19 pandemic, it was much more critical for many life science researchers to rapidly disseminate research results—so they used preprints as upstream publication opportunities. This was rather new to the life sciences where preprint servers had only appeared as early as 2013. With a mixed-methods-study we examined this development and investigated whether preprint posting is a temporary phenomenon or the beginning of a cultural shift in publishing behavior in the life sciences. First, we conducted a survey of researchers who have posted COVID-19 related preprints. We investigated experiences with posting preprints during the COVID-19 pandemic, motivations for and concerns about posting preprints, the role of research institutions or funders, and the future of preprint publishing. Answers were grouped to compare differences between respondents’ gender, career stage, region of origin (global south or global north) and experience with posting preprints before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We further analyzed eight popular preprint repositories regarding the number of posted preprints and preprint characteristics, such as the number of authors and citations. Interestingly, survey and preprint server analysis have presented different, if not contradicting results: While the majority of surveyed researchers was willing to continue posting preprints, the numbers of preprints published, especially on servers for the life sciences, have stagnated or declined. Also, while certain preprints garnered substantial citations during the COVID-19 pandemic, this has not resulted in a significant shift in researchers’ publishing behavior, and the posting of preprints has not become a routine. We concluded that the sustainability of preprint publishing practices is more strongly influenced by disciplinary norms and practices than by external shocks as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Discourses about grades and competency-based evaluation: Exploring communicative and situated meanings at an Italian high school
Authors: Costa Sara , Norton Laura Soledad , Pirchio Sabine
Published: April 2024

Grades are the universal tool for measuring students’ performance at school. However, other competency-based evaluation methods have shown to have a stronger impact on the learning quality. We investigated how different methods are collectively represented and discursively constructed among students at an Italian high school class. Thematic analysis was applied to 4 focus groups of about one hour conducted with 18 students (F = 12, M = 6) attending the second year of a scientific high school, at the end of the second year of “At School Beyond the Grade” project. The main themes emerged were linked to the cultural and communicational meanings constructed around each method, showing how they are used for different purposes and yet stay strictly related. Comments were used in a self-reflective manner to improve learning competencies individually. Grades were used to communicate with others their position as a socially shared code. The emerged narratives show the students’ expectations about the way teachers manage evaluation tools and their struggles on translating one into the other. Considerations on the shared ideal of both methods as complementary were discussed in terms of intercultural, identity and learning process.
Prey-mediated effects of Mpp51Aa2-producing cotton on longevity and reproduction of Orius majusculus
Authors: Meissle Michael
Published: April 2024

Genetically engineered (GE) cotton event MON 88702, producing Mpp51Aa2 (previously mCry51Aa2) from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), controls sucking pests, such as Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) and thrips (Thysanoptera). Ingesting high doses of the insecticidal protein resulted in adverse effects on life table parameters of beneficial, predatory Orius spp. (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). This triggered laboratory studies with more realistic food treatments, including different combinations of prey types with and without Bt protein to further characterize risks to this important group of non-target organisms. In this work, exclusive feeding of frozen spider mites (Tetranychus urticae, Acari: Tetranychidae) from Bt cotton confirmed adverse effects on longevity and fecundity of O. majusculus adults. Alternate feeding of Bt protein-containing spider mites and Bt-free Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs mitigated effects on longevity, but not on fecundity. When living larvae of Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) from Bt cotton were fed to the predators, however, no effects on longevity and reproduction of female O. majusculus were observed, despite the fact that Bt protein concentrations in larvae were almost as high as concentrations in spider mites. When a diverse mix of prey species with various Bt protein concentrations is consumed in the field, it is unlikely that exposure of Orius spp. to Mpp51Aa2 is high enough to exert adverse effects on predator populations. MON 88702 cotton may thus be a valuable tool for integrated management of sucking pests.
Predicting ischemic stroke patients’ prognosis changes using machine learning in a nationwide stroke registry
Authors: Lin Ching-Heng , Chen Yi-An , Jeng Jiann-Shing , Sun Yu , Wei Cheng-Yu , Yeh Po-Yen , Chang Wei-Lun , Fann Yang C. , Hsu Kai-Cheng , Lee Jiunn-Tay ,   Taiwan Stroke Registry Investigators
Published: April 2024

Accurately predicting the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients after discharge is crucial for physicians to plan for long-term health care. Although previous studies have demonstrated that machine learning (ML) shows reasonably accurate stroke outcome predictions with limited datasets, to identify specific clinical features associated with prognosis changes after stroke that could aid physicians and patients in devising improved recovery care plans have been challenging. This study aimed to overcome these gaps by utilizing a large national stroke registry database to assess various prediction models that estimate how patients’ prognosis changes over time with associated clinical factors. To properly evaluate the best predictive approaches currently available and avoid prejudice, this study employed three different prognosis prediction models including a statistical logistic regression model, commonly used clinical-based scores, and a latest high-performance ML-based XGBoost model. The study revealed that the XGBoost model outperformed other two traditional models, achieving an AUROC of 0.929 in predicting the prognosis changes of stroke patients followed for 3 months. In addition, the XGBoost model maintained remarkably high precision even when using only selected 20 most relevant clinical features compared to full clinical datasets used in the study. These selected features closely correlated with significant changes in clinical outcomes for stroke patients and showed to be effective for predicting prognosis changes after discharge, allowing physicians to make optimal decisions regarding their patients’ recovery.

Graphical Abstract
Assessing New York City’s COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Strategy: A Case for Risk-Informed Distribution
Authors: Schwalbe Nina , Nunes Marta C. , Cutland Clare , Wahl Brian , Reidpath Daniel
Published: April 2024

This study reviews the impact of eligibility policies in the early rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine on coverage and probable outcomes, with a focus on New York City. We conducted a retrospective ecological study assessing age  65+, area-level income, vaccination coverage, and COVID-19 mortality rates, using linked Census Bureau data and New York City Health administrative data aggregated at the level of modified zip code tabulation areas (MODZCTA). The population for this study was all individuals in 177 MODZCTA in New York City. Population data were obtained from Census Bureau and New York City Health administrative data. The total mortality rate was examined through an ordinary least squares (OLS) regression model, using area-level wealth, the proportion of the population aged 65 and above, and the vaccination rate among this age group as predictors. Low-income areas with high proportions of older people demonstrated lower coverage rates (mean vaccination rate 52.8%; maximum coverage 67.9%) than wealthier areas (mean vaccination rate 74.6%; maximum coverage 99% in the wealthiest quintile) in the first 3 months of vaccine rollout and higher mortality over the year. Despite vaccine shortages, many younger people accessed vaccines ahead of schedule, particularly in high-income areas (mean coverage rate 60% among those 45–64 years in the wealthiest quintile). A vaccine program that prioritized those at greatest risk of COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality would have prevented more deaths than the strategy that was implemented. When rolling out a new vaccine, policymakers must account for local contexts and conditions of high-risk population groups. If New York had focused limited vaccine supply on low-income areas with high proportions of residents 65 or older, overall mortality might have been lower.
Increased epicardial adipose tissue thickness as a sign of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ıts relationship with disease activity ındices
Authors: Keleşoğlu Dinçer Ayşe Bahar , Şahan Haluk Furkan
Published: April 2024

Epicardial adipose tissue is a novel cardiometabolic risk factor and indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis. We aimed to evaluate the epicardial adipose tissue thickness in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and its association with disease activity scores. A total of 81 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 70 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) was measured by transthoracic two-dimensional echocardiography. Tender and swollen joint counts were recorded at the time of inclusion. The laboratory tests included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, and serum lipid levels. Disease activity was calculated based on Disease Activity Scores for 28 joints (DAS-28) ESR and CRP, the Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was significantly higher in the RA patients compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.001). We found statistically significant correlations of EATT with all disease activity indices (p < 0.001) and CRP (p = 0.002). According to a cut-off value of 6.4 mm determined for epicardial adipose tissue thickness, the RA patients with thickness ≥ 6.4 mm had higher disease activity scores and CRP levels. In the multivariable regression analysis, only SDAI score was found as an independent risk factor for increased EATT (OR, (95%CI), 13.70 (3.88–48.43), p < 0.001). Epicardial adipose tissue thickness measurement by echocardiography is a reliable method for assessing subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients, and a higher disease activity score is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease.
Quality of life in patients with hypoparathyroidism receiving standard treatment: an updated systematic review
Authors: Büttner Matthias , Singer Susanne , Taylor Katherine
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Hypoparathyroidism is defined by hypocalcemia with inappropriately normal or low parathyroid hormone levels. The current standard treatment consists of lifelong calcium and/ or vitamin D supplementation. Even while on stable treatment regimens, hypoparathyroid patients might still suffer from symptoms that can negatively impact their quality of life.

Methods

A systematic literature review to identify the current knowledge regarding quality of life in patients with hypoparathyroidism receiving standard treatment was performed on November 1st, 2023. PubMed as well as Web of Science were searched. The systematic review is registered in PROSPERO (#CRD42023470924).

Results

After removal of duplicates, 398 studies remained for title and abstract screening, after which 30 were included for full-text screening. After exclusion of seven studies with five studies lacking a control population, one using a non-validated questionnaire, and one being a subsample of the larger included study, 23 studies were included in this systematic review. The majority of the included studies used a guideline-conform definition of hypoparathyroidism, and the SF-36 was the most often applied tool. Almost all studies (87%) reported statistically significantly lower scores in at least one quality of life domain compared to a norm population or controls.

Conclusion

Patients with hypoparathyroidism receiving standard treatment report impairments in quality of life. The reasons for these impairments are probably multifaceted, making regular monitoring and the inclusion of various professionals necessary.
Hypertension as predictive factor for bevacizumab-containing first-line therapy in metastatic breast and colorectal cancer in BRECOL (GEICAM/2011-04) study
Authors: Rodríguez-Lescure Álvaro , Gallego Javier , Garcia-Alfonso Pilar , Massuti Bartomeu , Márquez Raúl , Calvo Lourdes , Sánchez-Rovira Pedro , Antón Antonio , Chacón José Ignacio , Ciruelos Eva , Ponce Jose Juan , Santaballa Ana , Valladares-Ayerbes Manuel , Dueñas María Rosario , Alonso Vicente , Aparicio Jorge , Encinas Sara , Robles Luis , Escudero María José , Caballero Rosalía , Bezares Susana , de la Haba-Rodriguez Juan
Published: April 2024

Background

Retrospective data suggest an association between bevacizumab efficacy and the incidence of arterial hypertension (AHT). Additionally, epigenetic mechanisms have been related to AHT.

Methods

This prospective observational study conducted by GEICAM Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group included metastatic breast (MBC) or colorectal (mCRC) cancer patients treated with bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy as first-line treatment. Blood pressure (BP) levels were measured (conventional and 24-h Holter monitoring) at baseline and up to cycle 3. Primary endpoint assessed BP levels increase as predictive factor for progression-free survival (PFS). Germline DNA methylation profile was explored in pre-treatment blood samples; principal component analysis was used to define an epigenetic predictive score for increased BP levels.

Results

From Oct-2012 to Jul-2016, 143 (78 MBC and 65 mCRC) patients were included. The incidence of AHT according to guidelines was neither predictive of PFS nor of best overall tumor response (BOR). No statistically significant association was observed with systolic BP nor diastolic BP increment for PFS or BOR. Grade 3 and 4 adverse events were observed in 37 and 5% of patients, respectively. We identified 27 sites which baseline methylation status was significantly associated to BP levels increase secondary to bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Neither the frequency of AHT nor the increase of BP levels were predictive of efficacy in MBC and mCRC patients treated with bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy.

Clinical trial registry

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01733628.
Individual differences in short-term social dynamics: Theoretical perspective and empirical development of the social dynamics scale
Authors: Wrzus Cornelia , Roos Yannick , Krämer Michael D. , Richter David
Published: April 2024

People have a need to form and maintain fulfilling social contact, yet they differ with respect to with whom they satisfy the need and how quickly this need is deprived or overly satiated. These social dynamics across relationships and across time are theoretically delineated in the current article. Furthermore, we developed a questionnaire to measure individual differences in three aspects of such social dynamics: (a) Family-friends interdependence, (b) Social deprivation, and (c) Social oversatiation. In a longitudinal study spanning 9 weeks in spring 2020, in total 471 participants (18–75 years, 47% women) answered the newly developed items on social dynamics, questionnaires on social dispositions (e.g., affiliation motive, need to be alone, social anxiety), and questions on personal and indirect contact with family and friends during nationwide contact restrictions related to COVID-19. The results showed that individual differences in Family-friends interdependence, Social deprivation, and Social oversatiation can be measured reliably, validly, and with predictive value for changes in daily contact as contact restrictions were loosened. We discuss potential applications of the Social Dynamics Scale (SDS) for studying social relationships in healthy and clinical populations, and conclude that the brief self-report questionnaire of social dynamics can be useful for situations and samples where direct behavioral observations are not feasible.
The Spectrum of Response Bias in Trauma Reports: Overreporting, Underreporting, and Mixed Presentation
Authors: Boskovic Irena , Giromini Luciano , Katsouri Aria , Tsvetanova Elizabet , Fonse Josephine , Merckelbach Harald
Published: April 2024

Typically, research on response bias in symptom reports covers two extreme ends of the spectrum: overreporting and underreporting. Yet, little is known about symptom presentation that includes both types of response bias simultaneously (i.e., mixed presentation). We experimentally checked how overreporting, underreporting, and mixed reporting reflect in trauma symptom reports. Undergraduate students (N = 151) were randomly allocated to one of four conditions: control group (n = 40), overreporting (n = 37), underreporting (n = 36), or a mixed reporting (n = 38) group. The control group was asked to be honest, whereas the simulation groups received instructions they were expected to be able to relate to. Participants were administered a PTSD checklist, the Supernormality Scale-Revised, which screens for symptom denial, and the Inventory of Problems-29, which gauges overreporting. For all three measures, group differences were significant (F(3, 147) > 13.78, ps < . 001, ɳ2 > .22), with the overreporting group exhibiting the most severe symptom presentation and the underreporting group endorsing the fewest symptoms, while the mixed group almost perfectly imitated the results of the control group on all measures. Thus, instructing individuals to strategically exhibit both overreporting, to a functional degree, and underreporting results in a symptom presentation that is relatively similar to genuine performance. To optimize accuracy statistics, researchers might want to consider including such mixed group condition in future simulation studies.
A Study on Social Inclusion of Humanoid Robots: A Novel Embodied Adaptation of the Cyberball Paradigm
Authors: Roselli Cecilia , Marchesi Serena , Russi Nicola Severino , De Tommaso Davide , Wykowska Agnieszka
Published: April 2024

As social robots are being built with the aim of employing them in our social environments, it is crucial to understand whether we are inclined to include them in our social ingroups. Social inclusion might depend on various factors. To understand if people have the tendency to treat robots as their in-group members, we adapted a classical social psychology paradigm, namely the “Cyberball game”, to a 3-D experimental protocol involving an embodied humanoid robot. In our experiment, participants played the ball-tossing game with the iCub robot and another human confederate. In our version, the human confederate was instructed to exclude the robot from the game. This was done to investigate whether participants would re-include the robot in the game. In addition, we examined if acquired technical knowledge about robots would affect social inclusion. To this aim, participants performed the Cyberball twice, namely before and after a familiarization phase when they were provided with technical knowledge about the mechanics and software related to the functionality of the robot. Results showed that participants socially re-included the robot during the task, equally before and after the familiarization session. The familiarization phase did not affect the frequency of social inclusion, suggesting that humans tend to socially include robots, independent of the knowledge they have about their inner functioning.
Frequency and performance relevance of parent-coaches in competition-oriented sports
Authors: Straub Gunter , Plessner Henning
Published: April 2024

The occurrence of children being coached by their parents in the world of sport is a well-known phenomenon, but one that remains insufficiently researched. It is rather unclear how common this is and there are very different assessments of whether it is more of an advantage or a disadvantage to be trained by one’s own parents. In the first study, we assess the frequency of occurrence of parent-coaches as well as the duration of these collaborations and their developmental location in the lives of the offspring. Results from a cross-sport survey and a soccer-specific survey indicate that a notable proportion of performance-oriented male and female senior athletes (19 and 34%, respectively) have been coached by their own parents at some point (χ2 [1, N = 291] = 7.770, p = 0.005, V = 0.163). In the second study, we address the question of the relevance of parent-coaches to athletic achievement. In this regard, the hypothesis that the proportion of male soccer players who were coached by their parents is larger in higher-ranking amateur leagues (38%) than in lower-ranking leagues (28 and 14%) was empirically confirmed (χ2 [2, N = 331] = 11.950, p = 0.003, V = 0.190). Thus, it can be assumed that about one fifth of all performance-oriented senior athletes had been coached by their own parents for some time. Moreover, the fact of having been trained by one’s own parents can in principle be regarded as a conducive condition for the athletic development of adolescents.