bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of local plant diversity and community saturation in deciduous forests in Europe
Authors: Paulssen Jolina , Brunet Jörg , Cousins Sara A. O. , Decocq Guillaume , De Frenne Pieter , De Smedt Pallieter , Hedwall Per‐Ola , Lenoir Jonathan , Liira Jaan , Lindgren Jessica , Naaf Tobias , Paal Taavi , Valdés Alicia , Verheyen Kris , Wulf Monika , Diekmann Martin
Published: November 2024

Questions

How do local forest conditions and characteristics at the forest patch ‐ scale and landscape ‐ scale affect plot‐scale plant diversity in Europe? Do these patterns vary between forest specialists and generalists? Do community saturation patterns differ between forests varying in their surrounding landscape type?

Location

Deciduous forests sampled along a European gradient from southwest to northeast comprising eight regions in five countries (France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Estonia).

Methods

We examined the effects of local conditions assessed by means of Ellenberg indicator values (soil moisture, soil nitrogen, soil pH, light availability), patch‐scale characteristics (patch‐scale plant diversity, forest patch age, forest patch size) and a landscape‐scale variable (representing low and high connectivity of forest patches) on plot‐scale plant diversity, separately for forest specialist and generalist species. Additionally, we ran regression models to examine community saturation patterns.

Results

We found patterns of niche partitioning among forest specialists and generalists. Low light availability and medium soil moisture favored forest specialists, while generalists were mostly present at higher light availability and medium and high soil moisture. In general, we found the highest plot‐scale diversity at medium soil pH. Patch‐scale diversity showed a positive impact on plot‐scale diversity and plots in the high‐connectivity landscape had a higher diversity than plots in the low‐connectivity landscape. Further, we observed a high degree of community saturation in both landscape types.

Conclusion

The positive impact of a high connectivity of forest patches on local plant diversity emphasizes the importance of small semi‐natural habitats like tree lines, unused field margins and hedgerows to enhance the potential dispersal of forest plants across agricultural landscapes. Community saturation patterns revealed the increasing relevance of local conditions and processes for plot‐scale diversity when patch‐scale diversity increases.
Truthmaker Semantics and Natural Language Semantics
Authors: Champollion Lucas
Published: November 2024

Truthmaker semantics is a non‐classical logical framework that has recently garnered significant interest in philosophy, logic, and natural language semantics. It redefines the propositional connectives and gives rise to more fine‐grained entailment relations than classical logic. In its model theory, truth is not determined with respect to possible worlds, but with respect to truthmakers, such as states or events. Unlike possible worlds, these truthmakers may be partial; they may be either coherent or incoherent; and they are understood to be exactly or wholly relevant to the truth of the sentences they verify. Truthmaker semantics generalises collective, fusion‐based theories of conjunction; alternative‐based theories of disjunction; and nonstandard negation semantics. This article provides a gentle introduction to truthmaker semantics aimed at linguists; describes applications to various natural language phenomena such as imperatives, ignorance implicatures, and negative events; and discusses its similarities and differences to related frameworks such as event semantics, situation semantics, alternative semantics, and inquisitive semantics.
Genomic Architecture Underlying the Striking Colour Variation in the Presence of Gene Flow for the Guinan Toad‐Headed Lizard
Authors: Chen Ying , Tan Song , Xu Qiwei , Fu Jinzhong , Qi Yin , Qiu Xia , Yang Weizhao
Published: November 2024

How divergence occurs between closely related organisms in the absence of geographic barriers to gene flow stands as one of the long‐standing questions in evolutionary biology. Previous studies suggested that the interplay between selection, gene flow and recombination strongly affected the process of divergence with gene flow. However, the extent to which these forces interact to drive divergence remains largely ambiguous. Guinan toad‐headed lizards (Phrynocephalus guinanensis) in the Mugetan Desert exhibit striking colour differences from lizards outside the desert and provide an excellent model to address this question. Through extensive sampling and whole genome sequencing, we obtained genotypes for 191 samples from 14 populations inside and outside the desert. Despite the colour differences, continuous and asymmetric gene flow was detected across the desert border. More importantly, 273 highly diverged regions (HDRs) were identified between them, accounting only for 0.47% of the genome but widely distributed across 20 (out of the total 24) chromosomes. Strong signatures of selection were identified in HDRs, and local recombination rates were repressed. Furthermore, five HDRs exhibited significantly higher divergence, which contained key genes associated with crucial functions in animal coloration, including pteridine and melanocyte pigmentation. Genes related to retinal cells and steroid hormones were identified in other HDRs, which might have also contributed to the formation of colour variation in the presence of gene flow. This study provided novel insights into the understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms of genetic divergence in the presence of gene flow.
The two‐component system CpxA/CpxR regulates pathogenesis and stress adaptability in the poplar canker bacterium Lonsdalea populi
Authors: Yang Ruirui , Ming Zexu , Zeng Sha , Wang Yanwei , Wang Yonglin , Li Aining
Published: November 2024

Bacteria employ two‐component systems (TCSs) to rapidly sense and respond to their surroundings often and during plant infection. Poplar canker caused by Lonsdalea populi is an emerging woody bacterial disease that leads to high mortality and poplar plantation losses in China. Nonetheless, the information about the underlying mechanism of pathogenesis remains scarce. Therefore, in this study, we reported the role of a TCS pair CpxA/CpxR in regulating virulence and stress responses in L. populi. The CpxA/R system is essential during infection, flagellum formation, and oxidative stress response. Specifically, the Cpx system affected flagellum formation by controlling the expression of flagellum‐related genes. CpxR, which was activated by phosphorylation in the presence of CpxA, participated in the transcriptional regulation of a chaperone sctU and the type III secretion system (T3SS)‐related genes, thereby influencing T3SS functions during L. populi infection. Phosphorylated CpxR directly manipulated the transcription of a membrane protein‐coding gene yccA and the deletion of yccA resulted in reduced virulence and increased sensitivity to H2O2. Furthermore, we mutated the conserved phosphorylation site of CpxR and found that CpxRD51A could no longer bind to the yccA promoter but could still bind to the sctU promoter. Together, our findings elucidate the roles of the Cpx system in regulating virulence and reactive oxygen species resistance and provide further evidence that the TCS is crucial during infection and stress response.
First Reported Cases of Terbinafine‐Resistant Trichophyton indotineae Isolates in Israel: Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics and Response to Treatment
Authors: Galili Eran , Lubitz Irit , Shemer Avner , Astman Nadav , Pevzner Keren , Gazit Zeala , Segal Oz , Lyakhovitsky Anna , Halevi Shiraz , Baum Sharon , Barzilai Aviv , Amit Sharon
Published: November 2024

Background

Trichophyton indotineae, a newly defined species within the T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale complex, has emerged as an epidemiological concern worldwide. However, owing to the limitations of commonly applied fungal identification techniques, T. indotineae remains underreported. In addition, T. indotineae's response to treatment has been described in only a few studies.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of terbinafine‐resistant T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale complex infections, as well as to detect T. indotineae cases.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 22 patients with T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale complex infections between 2019 and 2023, using either culture or commercial polymerase chain reaction methods. Patient demographics, disease characteristics and treatment responses were recorded. Patients non‐responsive to oral terbinafine underwent further analyses, including DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer region for accurate species identification and mutational analysis of the squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 49.7 years (±18.2), with 54.5% men. Terbinafine‐resistant T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale complex infections were reported in 46.2% of the cohort (n = 6/13 patients; 9 lost to treatment response follow‐up), all of whom exhibited extensive dermatophytosis. Among the terbinafine‐resistant T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale isolates, all five isolates available for fungal analysis were identified as T. indotineae, harbouring SQLE single‐point mutations (Phe397Leu and Leu393Ser). Only three of the terbinafine‐resistant cases responded to oral itraconazole 200 mg/day, with two responding only to oral voriconazole and one to oral itraconazole 400 mg/day.

Conclusion

All cases of T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale assessed in this study were identified as T. indotineae, which exhibits SQLE gene mutations. This underscores the importance of integrating methods to detect T. indotineae in routine clinical practice.
Multicentre Study of Candida parapsilosis Blood Isolates in Türkiye Highlights an Increasing Rate of Fluconazole Resistance and Emergence of Echinocandin and Multidrug Resistance
Authors: Ünal Nevzat , Spruijtenburg Bram , Arastehfar Amir , Gümral Ramazan , de Groot Theun , Meijer Eelco F. J. , Türk‐Dağı Hatice , Birinci Asuman , Hilmioğlu‐Polat Süleyha , Meis Jacques F. , Lass‐Flörl Cornelia , Ilkit Macit
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Worldwide emergence of clonal outbreaks caused by fluconazole‐resistant (FLCR) and the recent emergence of echinocandin‐ and multidrug‐resistant (ECR and MDR) Candida parapsilosis isolates pose serious threats to modern clinics. Conducting large‐scale epidemiological studies aimed at determining the genetic composition and antifungal resistance rates is necessary to devise antifungal stewardship and infection control strategies at international, national and local levels. Despite being severely hit by outbreaks due to FLCR C. parapsilosis isolates, such knowledge at the national level is lacking in Türkiye. Herein, we conducted a prospective multicentre study involving five major clinical centres in Türkiye to determine antifungal resistance rates, underlying mechanisms and genetic composition of all isolates.

Methods

In total, 341 isolates were collected from 265 patients including clinical information. Antifungal susceptibility testing against common antifungals was performed in addition to sequencing of ERG11 and FKS1. Last, isolates were genotyped with short tandem repeat (STR) genotyping to investigate potential nosocomial transmission.

Results

The FLCR rate was 26.7% (91/341), out of which 75.8% (69/91) harboured the ERG11Y132F mutation. Patients infected with FLCR isolates had a higher mortality rate compared to their susceptible counterparts (49% for FLCR vs. 42% for susceptible). ECR rate was 2.1% (7/341) and isolates carried FKS1F652L/R658G/W1370R mutations. Concerningly, four ECR isolates were MDR. FLCR isolates grouped in distinct clusters without evidence of inter‐hospital transmission, whereas large clusters containing susceptible isolates from all centres were noted.

Conclusion

Overall, the increasing prevalence of FLCR C. parapsilosis at national level and the emergence of ECR and MDR isolates pose serious clinical challenges in Türkiye. Therefore, conducting large‐scale epidemiological studies are critical to determine the trend of antifungal resistance and to tailor pertinent antifungal stewardship and infection control strategies to effectively curb the spread of drug‐resistant C. parapsilosis.
Effects of multidisciplinary therapy on energy balance, inflammation, and metabolic diseases in adolescents with obesity: A narrative review
Authors: Dâmaso Ana Raimunda , Masquio Deborah Cristina Landi , Campos Raquel Munhoz da Silveira , Corgosinho Flávia Campos , Cercato Cintia
Published: November 2024

Obesity is a consequence of multiple factors, including genetics, lifestyle and nutritional choices, physical activity, sleep duration, screen time, and mood disorders. These behavioral elements can impair the regulation of energy balance and obesity management that link obesity to a constellation of chronic conditions that lead to a high prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Multidisciplinary therapy is defined as an approach delivered by a multidisciplinary‐trained health team covering at least two components of behavior, physical activity/exercise, dietary habits, and/or psychological counseling associated with clinical interventions. This narrative review summarizes the effects of multidisciplinary therapy on neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance, inflammatory biomarkers, cardiometabolic risk factors, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, behavior, and quality of life. We found that multidisciplinary therapy, including medical, nutritional, exercise, and behavioral counseling, and/or education, was useful for addressing outcomes such as visceral adiposity, neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance, inflammatory biomarkers, cardiometabolic risk factors, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome. The effects were mediated by improvements in neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance, downregulation of the pro‐inflammatory states, and a reduction in comorbidities. Multidisciplinary therapy also improved mood disorders and quality of life.
A narrow complex tachycardia with a short HV interval: What is the mechanism?
Authors: Chen Hongwu , Wang Hao , Jin Ying , Ehdaie Ashkan , Wang Xunzhang , He Lang , Chen Minglong
Published: November 2024

The case was a 15‐year‐old male with a history of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia refractory to medical therapy and prior catheter. A repeat electrophysiology study and catheter ablation were applied. Baseline AH and HV intervals were 100 and 55 ms during normal sinus rhythm (NSR), respectively. Programmed atrial stimulation induced a short RP narrow complex tachycardia (HV interval 22 ms) with an incomplete right bundle branch block configuration and right axis deviation. Tachycardia was terminated with ATP 5 mg injection. An atrial premature beat within the His refractory period advanced and reset tachycardia. Entrainment performed from the coronary sinus and left ventricle both showed a post‐pacing interval minus tachycardia cycle length (TCL) of 90 ms. After confirming the diagnosis, left atrial mapping along mitral annulus was performed using trans‐septal access and accessory pathway potentials were recorded during NSR and tachycardia at the superior mitral annulus. An irrigated ablation catheter guided by 3‐D mapping was used to perform ablation during tachycardia. Tachycardia terminated immediately during the first RF application with ensuing automaticity exhibiting a warm‐up during radiofrequency delivery and a cooling down upon the suspension of ablation. Therefore, all phenomena of Mahaim‐fiber associated tachycardia were observed. In this case, we describe an antidromic atrio‐ventricular reentry tachycardia using a left atrio‐fascicular fiber inserting into the proximal left anterior fascicle.
Submyocardial Pacing Threshold Distribution During Cold Saline Application; Exploring Reversible Arrhythmia Inhibition
Authors: Saitoh Osamu , Kasai Takumi , Oikawa Ayaka , Hasegawa Yuki , Otsuki Sou , Tagawa Minoru , Furushima Hiroshi , Inomata Takayuki , Chinushi Masaomi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Cold saline application through an irrigation catheter may induce reversible inhibition of submyocardial excitation, which may be used to identify in advance an ideal site for radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery around delicate areas.

Methods

An open irrigation catheter was positioned vertically or parallel with 10‐g contact on coronary perfusing porcine hearts and the contacted myocardium was cooled by cold saline at 4°C (20 mL/min). A temperature electrode was inserted 2 mm below the myocardial surface (intra‐myocardial temperature at approximately 2 mm below the surface [Temp‐BS]). Pacing threshold inside the ventricular wall was measured using an eight‐pole electrode plunge needle inserted 5–8 mm close to the ablation catheter, and percent increase of the pacing threshold by the cold saline application (%increase‐PT) was calculated.

Results

During cooling, pacing at 10 V from the myocardial surface interrupted constant capture in 7/10 experiments in vertical and in 9/10 experiments in parallel ablation catheter contact. Minimum Temp‐BS was not different in both catheter contact positions (25.9 ± 4.0°C in vertical vs. 25.4 ± 2.6°C in parallel). Large % increase‐PT on the surface myocardium decreased as the myocardial depth became deeper, and > 150% increase was at a depth approximately 2–3 mm from the surface and > 120% increase around 6–7 mm from the surface. After cessation of cold saline application, the increased %increase‐PT recovered to the pre‐cooling values.

Conclusions

Cold saline application through an irrigation catheter reversibly inhibited submyocardial excitation. This simple method may have the potential to pre‐determine the ideal ablation site in sensitive areas of the heart, although further studies and technological adjustments are required before clinical use.
Atrioventricular Block in the Setting of Immune Myocarditis: A Pragmatic Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Gürdoğan Muhammet , Taylan Gökay , Özkan Uğur , Ebik Mustafa , Solak Nilay , Gürlertop Yekta , Yalta Kenan
Published: November 2024

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment in the last decade and has significantly improved patient survival. However, immunotherapy is associated with serious cardiac adverse events including myocarditis and conduction disturbances. In the literature, the mortality rate in patients with immunotherapy‐associated myocarditis and complete AV block is reported to be approximately 60%. Current cardio‐oncology guidelines provide a series of recommendations for the management of immune myocarditis (IM). However, there is no recommendation on whether or when pacemaker implantation should be performed in the setting of complete AV block associated with myocarditis. This gap in the literature has led to a trend in cardio‐oncology practice to implant permanent pacemakers (PPMs) in a significant proportion of patients without waiting for a response to immunosuppressive therapy. However, in a significant proportion of patients undergoing PPM implantation, complete AV block resolves after immunosuppressive therapy. This suggests that in cases of complete AV block in the setting of IM, more robust clues are needed for PPM implantation. This review aims to present algorithms for the management of myocarditis and complete AV block, one of the most lethal complications of immunotherapy, to help fill this gap in the literature.
Declining pain medicine fellowship applications from 2019 to 2024: A concerning trend among anesthesia residents and a growing gender disparity
Authors: Pritzlaff Scott G. , Singh Naileshni , Sanghvi Chinar , Jung Michael J. , Cheng Paul K. , Copenhaver David
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The fields of anesthesiology and pain medicine are experiencing significant changes driven by market forces and professional preferences. While demand for anesthesiologists is rising, pain medicine is facing a decline in fellowship applications.

Methods

This study analyzed data from the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) from 2019 to 2023, focusing on trends in fellowship applications to pain medicine programs. Additionally, preliminary data from the 2024 match cycle were examined.

Results

There has been a notable decrease in anesthesiology residents applying to pain medicine fellowships, with applications dropping from 351 in 2019 to 193 in 2023. The overall decline in anesthesia‐based applicants to pain medicine fellowships was 45%, signaling the highest detriment among anesthesiology applicants compared to other specialties. Gender disparities have been prevalent, with the absolute number of female applicants decreasing every year since 2019. Additionally, the 2023 match saw a significant number of unfilled programs, with 35 out of 115 programs failing to fill all positions. Preliminary data from the 2024 match cycle suggest this downward trend is continuing.

Conclusion

The decline in pain medicine fellowship applications, particularly among anesthesiology residents, signals potential future workforce shortages and challenges in patient care. Recruitment strategies should include early exposure to pain medicine during residency, enhanced mentorship programs, and robust recruitment efforts (including virtual options). Addressing these issues is essential to ensure enough trained specialists to meet the growing need for pain specialists nationally.
Genome Manipulation Advances in Selected Aquaculture Organisms
Authors: Wang Jinhai , Cheng Yu , Su Baofeng , Dunham Rex A.
Published: November 2024

With the rising global demand for seafood and the challenges posed by overfishing and climate change, the aquaculture sector has become increasingly important in providing high‐quality protein for human consumption. Although traditional selection breeding programs have made great strides in genetic improvement of aquaculture species over the past decades, faster and more precise breeding tools, such as genome manipulation, are needed for performance enhancement of aquaculture stock. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the current status of three major genome manipulation tools, including RNA interference (RNAi), gene transfer, and genome editing in aquaculture species, and discusses the advances made, challenges faced, and potential future directions of this fast‐developing field. Taking catfish as an example, this paper reviews the specific applications of these techniques to improve traits such as growth, disease resistance, reproduction, and nutritional profiles in various commercially important fishes and crustaceans, highlighting successful applications and ongoing research efforts. We also propose CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated multiplex genome editing for the knockout or replacement of multiple genes in parallel to improve multiple traits in fish. Collectively, this review provides insights into the evolving landscape of genome manipulation in aquaculture and sheds light on its implications for sustainable practices and responsible innovation.
Use of Injectable Progesterone as a Pre‐Synchronisation Strategy in a Timed Artificial Insemination Protocol Based on Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone and Progesterone in Bos indicus Beef Cows in Anoestrous
Authors: Silva Matheus Cruz , dos Anjos Mariana Moreira , de Camargo Higor Souza , Lollato João Paulo Mendes , Lorenzetti Elis , Barreiros Thales Ricardo Rigo , Seneda Marcelo Marcondes , Morotti Fábio
Published: November 2024

This study evaluated the effects of pre‐synchronisation with injectable progesterone (P4) on the ovarian follicular dynamics of Bos taurus indicus cows in anoestrous treated with a timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol. Multiparous Nelore females (n = 47) at 30–60 days postpartum were used in this study. 10 days before (D‐10) the TAI protocol, antral follicle count (AFC; follicles ≥ 3 mm), ovarian condition and body condition score (BCS; 1–5) were assessed and were randomly allocated into two groups: Pre‐sync (n = 25), which underwent pre‐synchronisation with 150 mg of injectable P4 intramuscularly (i.m.), and control (n = 22), which received the same volume of NaCL 0.9%. On D0, the ovarian assessment was repeated, and TAI protocol was initiated in all animals, with the insertion of an intravaginal P4 device and administration of 10.5 μg of buserelin acetate (gonadotropin‐releasing hormone—GnRH). On D7, the P4 device was removed, and 300 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin, 150 μg of D‐cloprostenol and 1 mg of estradiol cypionate were administered i.m. On the same day (D7), the presence of the corpus luteum (CL) was assessed, the dominant follicle was measured, and the tail was painted to evaluate estrous expression. On D9, the largest follicle was remeasured, and TAI was performed. Animals that were not detected in oestrous at the time of AI were administered 10.5 μg of GnRH i.m. Numerical data were analysed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Binary data were analysed using the Fisher's exact test (5%). BCS, both at the beginning of pre‐synchronisation (p = 0.45) and TAI protocol initiation (p = 0.20), and AFC (p = 0.36) did not differ between control and Pre‐sync groups. The diameter of the largest follicle was similar between the control and Pre‐sync groups on D‐10 (p = 0.32), D0 (p = 0.33), D7 (p = 0.29) and D9 (p = 0.22). On D7 of the protocol, the Pre‐sync group had a higher percentage of CL visible on transrectal ultrasonography (84.0%; p = 0.02) than the control group (54.5%); however, the expression during oestrous did not differ between groups (p = 0.59). The pregnancy rate was similar (p = 0.64) between groups and was not influenced by the CL rate on D7 (p = 0.48), oestrous expression (p = 0.20) or their interaction (p > 0.1). Pre‐synchronisation effectively increased the proportion of cows with CL on D7 without altering the diameter of the largest follicle, oestrous expression or pregnancy rate in anoestrous cows treated with a GnRH/P4‐based TAI protocol.
A Nonlocal Reaction‐Diffusion‐Advection System Modeling the Phytoplankton and Zooplankton
Authors: Wang Biao , Nie Hua , Wu Jianhua
Published: November 2024

We present a nonlocal reaction‐diffusion‐advection system that models the predator–prey relationship between zooplankton and phytoplankton species in a eutrophic vertical water column. The invasion dynamics of zooplankton are analyzed in terms of the spontaneous death rates and buoyant/sinking velocities of both phytoplankton and zooplankton. Our analysis reveals that the zooplankton species can successfully invade and coexist with the phytoplankton only under conditions of low spontaneous death rates and matching buoyant/sinking velocities with phytoplankton. Additionally, we derived asymptotic profiles for the unique positive steady state of this system when one of the sinking or buoyant velocities of either phytoplankton or zooplankton approaches infinity, while the other velocity remains fixed. These findings highlight the significant role of advection due to buoyancy in shaping the dynamics of plankton ecosystems.
Theorizing Labor in the Platform Economy: Labor Restructuring in Historical Perspective
Authors: Faraoun Ahlem
Published: November 2024

The rise of the platform economy is one of the most widely debated issues in contemporary studies of work and labor relations. Scholarly work on platform labor has been permeated by claims of radical restructuring, either caused or exacerbated by the disruptive properties of algorithms, networks and data‐driven systems of control. However, a growing body of literature has drawn attention to the weaknesses of such claims, highlighting several continuities in the organization of work between the pre‐platform and platform economy, including in labor processes and in the regulation of labor‐capital relations. This article reviews key theoretical interventions within these areas of the literature, arguing that they eventually point toward the lack of historical distinctiveness of platform labor. It then suggests that a more nuanced and critical understanding of labor restructuring and platformization as part of a process of systemic social change would benefit from engagement with the theory of Uneven and Combined Development (U&CD). This engagement would build on two lines of inquiry: workforce diversity and spatial differentiation in the platform economy. The article concludes that U&CD is a useful meta‐theoretical framework to understand change within continuity, accounting for the variegated experiences of platform workers in interconnected spaces of capitalist accumulation.
Evaluating the microbiological dynamics and physicochemical characteristics of the soil on slopes and flats in alpine mining regions with different reclamation times
Authors: Kong Lingjian , Zhang Lin , Zhang Ying , Liu Yifan , Huang Zhanbin
Published: November 2024

Ecological restoration in alpine open‐pit mines significantly impacts microbial communities and soil characteristics, yet early adaptive responses in mine dump slopes and flats are not well understood. Thus, using high‐throughput sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA amplicon study, our study uses spatial sequence rather than time successional sequence to investigate early‐stage changes in soil microbe and physicochemical properties in alpine mining land reclamation in Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. The pH range of the treatment location was neutral to alkaline from 7.5 to 8.0. In 2021, conductivity is higher on slopes than on flats; however, by 2019 or before, conductivity is higher on flats than on slopes after soil reclamation. The CEC is lower for slopes and flats in 2021, but it rises for both as reclamation time lengthens. Gradual increase in soil organic matter and other nutrients and higher overall nutrient content on the flat than on the slope. The bacterial community connections during mine reclamation and restoration are as follows: Proteobacteria > Acidobacteriota > Bacteroideta > Actinobacteria > Firmicutes. Their abundance varies throughout the bacterial community. Important bacteria such as Sphingomonas, Bacillus, Lysobacter, norank‐f‐norank‐o‐Vicinamibacterales and Ferruginibacter also appeared in the reclamation process. Fertilization of side slopes can result in notable changes to the qualities of the soil, according to data from the Qinghai West Copper Mining Area. Through appropriate approaches and regular monitoring, better reclamation outcomes can be reached in the first year with more plentiful soil microorganisms on slopes.
Impact of Bebtelovimab Treatment Timing on COVID‐19 Outcomes in Ambulatory Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Salto‐Alejandre Sonsoles , Cochran Willa , Siddiqui Zishan , Langlee Julie , Boyer Lauren , Freed Kristin , Purekal Sophia , Gupta Ishaan , Bowring Mary Grace , Brennan Daniel C. , Werbel William , Avery Robin K.
Published: November 2024

Background

Outcomes after bebtelovimab treatment for COVID‐19 were favorable for most but not all solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) during the era of Omicron BA.2 to BA.5, but effects of timing of bebtelovimab administration on these outcomes are unknown. We sought to compare outcomes of SOTR who received early bebtelovimab (“EBT”, given ≤ 2 days from diagnosis) versus late bebtelovimab (“LBT”, given between Days 3 and 7), versus no bebtelovimab (NBT).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of SOTRs with mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19, with endpoint of 30‐day COVID‐19‐related hospitalization. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine variables associated with receiving EBT, and to assess impact of EBT on hospitalization. A propensity score (PS) was calculated for EBT versus NBT.

Results

Of 297 SOTRs, 162 (58.1%) received EBT, 46 (16.5%) LBT, and 71 (25.4%) NBT. Early bebtelovimab treatment was associated with a lower risk of 30‐day COVID‐19‐related hospitalization compared to NBT (OR, 0.112 [95% CI, 0.018–0.686]; p = 0.018). There was no significant difference in hospitalization risk between LBT and NBT, suggesting that delayed administration may not confer additional benefits over no treatment.

Conclusions

Early bebtelovimab treatment in outpatient SOTRs was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization compared to no treatment, while late administration did not show a significant advantage over no treatment. Although bebtelovimab is no longer authorized, these findings suggest that the timing of COVID therapies for SOTRs may be important to optimize outcomes.

image
The Outcomes of Adenovirus Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Me Hay Me , Nair Sumi , Schinstock Carrie A. , Jarmi Tambi , Zhang Nan , Budhiraja Pooja , Kodali Lavanya , Vikram Holenarasipur R. , Mour Girish
Published: November 2024

Background

Adenovirus (ADV) infection can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, particularly in those with hematopoietic stem cells or solid organ transplants. The incidence of ADV infection in kidney transplant (KT) is not well‐defined as ADV is often asymptomatic and not routinely checked.

Methods

This retrospective case‐series study included KT and simultaneous pancreas‐KT (SPKT) recipients from January 1, 2008, to January 31, 2024, across three Mayo Clinic sites (Arizona, Florida, and Minnesota) with symptomatic adenovirus polymerase chain reaction cases. The primary outcomes were allograft function at various intervals post‐ADV infection, allograft, and patient survival.

Results

We report one of the largest multi‐site case series regarding outcomes of ADV in KT with 17 patients. The median time to ADV infection was 30 weeks (5–74). Five patients (29%) developed disseminated infection. Nine patients (53%) of the entire cohort experienced graft loss within a median of 35 (4–168) weeks, with four (44%) of graft loss attributed to ADV. Nine patients (53%) developed rejections post‐ADV infection with a median of 4 (2–8) weeks after resolution. One patient died from acute hypoxic respiratory failure from ADV infection.

Conclusion

ADV should be considered in KT/SPKT patients with renal dysfunction, hematuria, and with or without fever. Despite the low mortality rate, there is a significant risk of graft loss and rejection after ADV infection. It is crucial to screen for ADV and develop intervention strategies for treatment. Further multicenter studies are needed to better define, stage, and manage ADV infection.

image
Cropping history allows tracking of C4 cover crop residues by δ13C natural abundance
Authors: Lynch D.H. , Barrett R. , McNeil M.O. , Nyiraneza J.
Published: November 2024

Given potato farm cropping history, the recent introduction of C4 cover crops may provide an in situ opportunity to track their residues by δ13C techniques. From 2019 to 2022 soil (0–15 cm) samples were collected on Prince Edward Island potato farms from 15 paired strips of sorghum sudangrass (SS) and C3 crops. Under C3 crops, soil δ13C was remarkably uniform at −27.7‰ ± 0.26‰, while SS cover cropping (aboveground biomass −12.8‰) significantly enriched soil δ13C values to −27.4‰ ± 0.38‰. This study demonstrates proof of concept that δ13C techniques can quantify the dynamics of C4 cover crop residues in potato farm soils.
Private and Secure Distributed Deep Learning: A Survey
Authors: Allaart Corinne , Amiri Saba , Bal Henri , Belloum Adam , Gommans Leon , van Halteren Aart , Klous Sander
Published: November 2024

Traditionally, deep learning practitioners would bring data into a central repository for model training and inference. Recent developments in distributed learning, such as federated learning and deep learning as a service (DLaaS), do not require centralized data and instead push computing to where the distributed datasets reside. These decentralized training schemes, however, introduce additional security and privacy challenges. This survey first structures the field of distributed learning into two main paradigms and then provides an overview of the recently published protective measures for each. This work highlights both secure training methods as well as private inference measures. Our analyses show that recent publications, while being highly dependent on the problem definition, report progress in terms of security, privacy, and efficiency. Nevertheless, we also identify several current issues within the private and secure distributed deep learning (PSDDL) field that require more research. We discuss these issues and provide a general overview of how they might be resolved.
A Metric-Based Detection System for Large Language Model Texts
Authors: Le Linh , Tran Dung
Published: November 2024

More efforts are being put into improving the capabilities of Large Language Models (LLM) than into dealing with their implications. Current LLMs are able to generate high-quality texts seemingly indistinguishable from those written by human experts. While offering great potential, such breakthroughs also pose new challenges for safe and ethical uses of LLMs in education, science, and a multitude of other areas. Thus, majority of current approaches in LLM text detection are either computationally expensive or need access to the LLMs’ internal computations, both of which hinder their public accessibility. With such motivation, this article presents a novel metric learning paradigm for detection of LLM-generated texts that is able to balance computational costs, accessibility, and performances. Specifically, the detection is based on learning a similarity function between a given text and an equivalent example generated by LLMs that outputs high values for LLM-LLM text pairs and low values for LLM-human text pairs. In terms of architecture, the detection framework includes a pre-trained language model for the text embedding task and a newly designed deep metric model. The metric component can be trained on triplets or pairs of same-context instances to signify the distances between human and LLM texts while reducing that among LLM texts. Next, we develop five datasets totaling more than 95,000 contexts and triplets of responses in which one is from humans and two are from GPT-3.5 TURBO or GPT-4 TURBO for benchmarking. Experiment studies show that our best architectures maintain F1 scores between 0.87 and 0.95 across the tested corpora in multiple experiment settings. The metric framework also demands significantly less time in training and inference compared to RoBERTa, LLaMA 3, Mistral v0.3, and Ghostbuster, while keeping 90% to 150% performance of the best benchmark.
Current Approaches on Natural Fiber Reinforcement Surface Treatment for Construction Material Application
Authors: Khoaele Katleho Keneuwe , Mphahlele Ipoteng Justice , Gbadeyan Oluwatoyin Joseph , Sithole Bruce , Chunilall Viren
Published: November 2024

The conversion of waste into value‐added products is critical to long‐term sustainability as waste disposal costs, landfilling space, and climate change would be reduced. Research and production industries investigate the possible use of natural fibers as a substitute for fossil fuels. Natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites’ physical and mechanical properties can be altered by natural fiber treatment, and the treatment choice relies on the desired properties and performance. In addition to cost‐profitability, environmental effects, and required performance, composites can be designed based on the product conditions. Disadvantages such as incompatibility of the hydrophilic natural fiber reinforcements with the hydrophobic polymer matrix often result in the tendency of the composite to have high moisture absorption, poor thermal stability, crystallinity, and mechanical strength. These factors critically impair the performance of the natural fibers as reinforcements in polymer composites, hence resulting in less‐favourable mechanical and physical properties. Physical, chemical, and biological treatments were examined to determine their effect on the durability and thermal, physical, and mechanical properties. It was observed that plasma treatment for bamboo fibers resulted in interfibral spaces and anchoring mechanisms between the resin and fibers, leading to increased load transfer. Chemical treatment at various concentrations improved the surface smoothness. The best mechanical, physical, thermal, and chemical properties for application as reinforcement in polymer composites were obtained at 6% for alkali treatments. Enzymatic treatment showed a significant impact on the impact and flexural strength of the composites. Factors such as duration, concentration, and extent of treatment need to be established for effective treatment, as prolonged treatments may damage the NFs’ properties. This review comprehensively highlights the potential utilization of current natural fiber treatment methods for the potential of natural fibers as value‐added products for construction materials, considering their economical affordability, production of lightweight materials, sustainability, utilization of readily available waste material, and nature preservation. Furthermore, the three natural fiber treatment approaches for improving fiber‐matrix adhesion are discussed. The physical and mechanical properties of composites are highlighted, which aids in evaluating suitability for construction materials.
Miniaturized Ss‐Shaped CP Circular Patch Antenna Design for Implantable Medical Device Applications
Authors: Omran Muammer , Ghobadi Changiz , Nourinia Javad , Shokri Majid
Published: November 2024

A small antenna is critical in wireless communication and monitoring of vital signs using data collected by implantable devices. Numerous studies address antenna miniaturization and reliability challenges while maintaining performance efficiency in this field. A reliable small‐sized circularly polarized antenna of dimension (4.152 π × 1.28) mm3 developed for medical implants operating at the 1.4‐GHz Wireless Medical Telemetry Service (WMTS) narrow band is presented in this work. The shorting pin, variable arc slots, and substrate and superstrate of high dielectric constant techniques were used. The proposed antenna underwent testing in a three‐layer biological simulation environment that includes the skin, fat, and muscle. Subsequently, the antenna was fabricated, and measurements were performed by placing the antenna in beef biological tissues. The measurement results confirmed the simulated results. The antenna achieves an impedance bandwidth of 98 MHz (1.367~1.465 GHz, 7%). The effective axial ratio bandwidth (AR <3 dB) is 55.2 MHz (1.3668~1.422 GHz, 3.94%), which covers the CP operating frequency range. The simulation results attain a peak realized gain of −19.2 dBic. The communication link budget and the specific absorption rate (SAR) were analyzed. The results indicate that the radiation of the proposed antenna aligns with the safety limit of IEEE C95.1‐1999 standards. The antenna exhibits excellent performance and reliability compared to other works operating within the 1.4‐GHz WMTS band.
Medication Errors: An Update From the Central Region of Ghana
Authors: Boye Alex , Asenso James , Ayiku Philippa Jennifer , Agroh Wisdom Xoese Kwadzo
Published: November 2024

Objective: The study assessed the following medication error indicators: drug education by pharmacists, the clarity of physician prescription forms, patients’ and students’ drug package insert (PI) reading habits, and the adequacy of information on drug PIs.

Design: A cross‐sectional study was carried out. One‐on‐one interviews were conducted with the pharmacists alongside the use of structured questionnaires to assess their involvement in drug education and experience with the clarity of physician prescription forms. A structured questionnaire was used to investigate patients’ and students’ PI reading habits. Drug PIs were collected from pharmacies, and their components were examined based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) criteria for labeling pharmaceutical products.

Setting: The study was conducted at four selected hospital pharmacies, four community pharmacies, and the University of Cape Coast, in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana.

Participants: The study included pharmacists working at the pharmacies, patients, and students of the University of Cape Coast, who visited any of these pharmacies.

Results: Fifty‐three percent of pharmacists educate their patients on drug dosage, storage, and precautions during each patient visit, 17.6% hardly do, and 29.4% do not educate their patients. A majority of the sampled prescription forms submitted by patients to the pharmacists had illegible handwriting (63.7%) and unconventional prescription notations (78.0%). Of the 138 visiting patients, only a few (41.0%) read the PIs before drug use as compared to students (72.9%). Out of the 88 PIs collected, 90.2% had component deficiencies.

Conclusion: Pharmacists’ drug education to visiting patients was poor, just as patients’ PI reading habits. Most PIs had component deficiencies, and the majority of prescription forms had some medication error‐provoking features. Going forward, pharmacists, physicians, drug manufacturers, and patients must perform their responsibilities toward the collective effort of minimizing medication errors associated with drug use.
Effect of Nystatin Coated Copper Oxide (CuO) Particles on Mechanical, Thermal, and Antifungal Properties of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)–Based Denture Materials
Authors: Ayub Zainab , Liaqat Saad , Alamoudi Abdulmohsin J. , Alshamrani Meshal , Rizg Waleed Y. , Shaik Rasheed A. , Ahmad Naveed , Feroz Sandleen , Muhammad Nawshad
Published: November 2024

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) has garnered significant attention in the field of dentistry due to its wide applications. This paper proposes the incorporation of the nystatin coated copper oxide (CuO) particles having desirable conductivity and antifungal properties, as a filler in the PMMA denture to address their low thermal conductivity, low impact strength, low fatigue resistance, and microbial adhesion. The prepared nystatin coated CuO particles were characterized with several analytical techniques. The nystatin coated CuO particles were mixed in different ratios (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4%) in PMMA corresponding to groups C, E1, E2, and E3, respectively. The prepared samples of composite PMMA with nystatin coated CuO were evaluated to determine their transverse strength, impact strength, Vickers hardness (HV), and thermal conductivity. Furthermore, antifungal properties of CuO particles, nystatin coated CuO particles, and their acrylic composites were evaluated against Candida albicans. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the particles’ spherical and irregular shapes. The particle sizes range from nano to micron level. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis confirmed the coating of nystatin on CuO. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the diffraction patterns and planes of CuO monoclinic shape structure. The composite prepared to have higher values of HV (19.53 ± 0.65, 20.16 ± 0.37, and 21.11 ± 0.75, respectively) as compared to the control. The impact strength values were measured high at 14.12 ± 5.55 kJ/m2 for 2% containing nystatin coated CuO acrylic resins compared to control and other groups. The conductivity increased linearly with the addition of CuO particles. The addition of CuO particles causes a reduction in flexural strength as compared to the control group. As the concentration of nystatin coated CuO (1%, 2%, and 4%) in acrylic samples increased, the antifungal properties were improved. Thus, the incorporation of optimized concentrations of nystatin coated CuO particles in acrylic resin resulted in the improved mechanical, thermal, and antifungal properties.