bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive evaluation and stability analysis of ecosystem quality of Yellow River Basin during 1980–2019
Authors: Cao Zhiwei , Ma Wensi , Zhang Chao , Tan Peiying
Published: May 2023

Quality and stability are the basic characteristics of ecosystems, reflecting their structure, process, functional integrity, ability to resist disturbance, self‐regulation, and dynamic balance. The quantitative description of ecosystem quality and stability is an indispensable and important task to promote the ecological protection and high‐quality development of the Yellow River Basin as a major national strategy. In this study, an index evaluation system was constructed from the perspective of system governance, considering the special characteristics of the Yellow River Basin, and an entropy weight model was used to establish a multi‐indicator long time series ecosystem quality evaluation index (EQI) to quantitatively describe the ecological quality changes in the Yellow River Basin over 40 years. The dissipative structure theory and Brussels apparatus model were used to establish quantitative indicators and methods, and provide ideas for the study of ecosystem homeostasis transformation in the Yellow River basin. This study found that: (1) the average EQI value of the Yellow River Basin ecosystem for 40 years was 63.96, the maximum and minimum values were 69.65 and 59.45, respectively; the overall quality showed an oscillating trend of improvement, with an annual increase of 0.03, and the spatial distribution was better in the downstream than in the midstream, and in the midstream than in the upstream; (2) The key factors influencing the system changed gradually from the total water consumption and total annual precipitation in the basin in the early stage to the average income of residents in the last 10 years. (3) The system steady‐state transition force values from 1980 to 2019 were all <0, the steady‐state conversion force of the Yellow River Basin ecosystem was low, but the overall trend was oscillating upward, and the overall trend was getting closer to the critical condition of steady‐state conversion.
Sudden Onset Anhidrosis in an Otherwise Healthy Male
Authors: Tan Clara Michelle Tan Hwei Sian , Lee Rayson , Pei Ling Dua Janet
Published: May 2023

Acquired idiopathic generalised anhidrosis (AIGA) is a rare disorder that is characterised by sudden onset generalised absence of sweating without any dermatological, neurological or sweat gland abnormalities. AIGA predominately affects young males, mostly involving patients of Asian descent. There have been approximately 100 reported cases worldwide, most of which were reported in Japan. In Singapore, it is rarely seen with one case series on 15 cases of AIGA reported in a 2014 study. Here, we present a case of AIGA who responded well to conservative management with sweating activity.
An Ion Selective Electrode Construction Based on Phosphomolybdic Acid for Atropine Sulfate Detection
Authors: Hamad Omer Q. , Karim Wrya O.
Published: May 2023

This study presents an attempt has been carried out to fabricate ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs) for the determination of Atropine sulfate (AT) in pharmaceutical formulas. Three plasticizers; namely, di‐n‐butyl phthalate (DBP), bis (2‐ethyl hexyl) phthalate (BEP), nitrobenzene (NB), and tetrahydrofuran (THF) were used in the fabrication of the three ion selective electrodes after incorporating into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and symbolized as E1, E2, and E3, respectively. Beyond evaluation of the three ISEs, it has been confirmed that one with DBP experienced the most Nernstian behaviour. For the electrode of interest, the slope and detection limit are 55.02 mV/decade and 1.1×10−6 M, respectively. The linear range was 1.0×10−2–1.0×10−5 M (R2=0.9999) with recording 5 s and 45 days; sequentially, for the response time and shelf life of E1 electrode. The sensor has experienced high selectivity for atropine sulfate, verifying from the selectivity coefficient data for a number of potential interferences. The statistical analysis usingt‐test andF‐test indicates the eligibility of constructed electrode for utilization in field of pharmaceutical analysis. A satisfactory accordance has been obtained between the proposed electrode for atropine sulfate and the standard method. This methodology is supposed to be applicable in quality control and even clinical diagnosis.
Preparation and Performance of A Lime‐Preconditioned Phosphogypsum/Ag‐based Bacteriostatic Composite by Highly Efficient Loading of Ag (I) from Wastewater
Authors: Tu Junhong , Deng Qiulin , Luo Chenli , Zeng Boli , Deng Hongquan , Zhang Tao , Shi Lianjun , Zhang Hong , Dong Faqin
Published: May 2023

This work was supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Southwest University of Science and Technology (15zx7125); the Foundation of Post‐doctoral Scientific Research Station of Wengfu (Group) Co., Ltd. (YF(2020)022); the Foundation of National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Mineral Salt Deep Utilization (SF201906); the Sichuan Science and Technology Program (2023YFS0359); and the Undergraduate Innovation Fund Project Precision Funding Program by Southwest University of Science and Technology (s202210619057, 22XCY057)
Next steps: Operationalizing resilience research
Authors: Brown LaVerne , Cohen Barbara , Costello Rebecca , Brazhnik Olga , Galis Zorina S.
Published: May 2023

The National Institutes of Health have recently gathered internal and external input towards a shared understanding of resilience in the wide context of human health and the biomedical sciences that would help accelerate advances in human health and its maintenance. We suggest the current view that resilience refers in general to a system's capacity to recover, grow, adapt, or resist perturbation from a challenge or stressor. To help harmonize the design and reporting of resilience research studies across multiple domains we have developed and are proposing a Resilience Research Design (ResD) Tool. Researchers can use the Resilience ResD Tool to proceed through a flowchart of six questions that will guide identification of key features in a resilience research study. Through this special supplement, we have shown the application of the Resilience ResD Tool and suggest opportunities and gaps with respect to next steps towards operationalizing resilience research.
Functionalized Metal–Organic Framework‐Modified Hydrogel That Breaks the Vicious Cycle of Inflammation and ROS for Repairing of Diabetic Bone Defects
Authors: Lao An , Wu Jiaqing , Li Dejian , Shen Aili , Li Yaxin , Zhuang Yu , Lin Kaili , Wu Jianyong , Liu Jiaqiang
Published: May 2023

The regeneration of diabetic bone defects remains challenging. Hyperglycemia causes inflammation state and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) during bone regeneration period. These two effects reinforce one another and create an endless loop that is also accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction. However, there is still no effective and inclusive method targeting at the two aspects and breaking the vicious cycle. Herein, nanoparticles‐Met@ZIF‐8(metformin loaded zeolitic imidazolate frameworks) modified hydrogel that is capable of releasing metformin and Zn elements are constructed. This hydrogel treats hyperglycemia while also controlling mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation, and restoring homeostasis. In addition, the synergetic effect from metformin and Zn ions inhibits ROS‐inflammation cascade generation and destroys the continuous progress by taking effects in both ROS and inflammation and further keeping organelles’ homeostasis. Furthermore, with the recovery of mitochondria and breakdown of the ROS‐inflammation cascade cycle, osteogenesis under a diabetic microenvironment is enhanced in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the study provides critical insight into the biological mechanism and potential therapy for diabetic bone regeneration.
Organic Long‐Persistent Luminescence from a Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Electron Donor‐Acceptor Binary System
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zheng Daoyuan , Zhang Ruiling , Wei Haiwen , Mao Xin , Liu Feng , Han Keli
Published: May 2023

Organic long‐persistent luminescence (OLPL) based on long‐lived charge‐separated (CS) states shows considerable emission persistence time owing to the ability to store absorbed photon energy. Herein, a novel electron donor‐acceptor (D–A) binary system consisting of electron donor 4,4,4‐tris[3methylphenyl(phenyl)amino]triphenylamine and electron acceptor tris‐[3‐(3‐pyridyl)mesityl]borane is designed and investigated for outstanding OLPL performance. It is found that the proposed binary system exhibits effective OLPL emission that lasted for more than 100 s after 1 min of ultraviolet light irradiation at room temperature (292 K). Moreover, this electron D–A binary system also exhibits thermally activated delayed fluorescence emission prior to OLPL emission. Both emission types are found to be temperature‐sensitive, which are believed to result from the occurrence of reverse intersystem crossing and the formation of a CS state, respectively. The findings enrich the electron D–A system OLPL materials and clarify the rich excited‐state transitions during OLPL emission of electron D–A systems.
Ting, tang, tong: Emergent bilingual students investigating and constructing evidence‐based explanations about sound production
Authors: Suárez Enrique , Otero Valerie
Published: May 2023

There is a significant amount of research literature on the importance of identifying and building on students' experiences and ideas for making sense of the natural world, especially when engaging in science practices. Simultaneously, approaches to creating justice‐oriented science education promote the need to focus on the diverse sense‐making repertoires that students, especially those from historically marginalized communities, bring to science classrooms. However, when it comes to emergent bi/multilingual students, science education has favored narrow definitions of what ways of communicating are seen as productive for figuring out natural phenomena, privileging English‐based academic vocabulary. In this article, we investigate the myriad conceptual and semiotic resources that third‐grade emergent bilingual students developed and used when explaining sound production. Additionally, we explore how students investigated the sounds produced by a string instrument and unpacked the how and whys that give rise to the pitch of the sounds they heard. Our analyses indicate that: (1) students created mechanistic explanations that identified how changes to the salient physical features of strings affected the pitch of the sounds; (2) students created and laminated multiple semiotic resources when sharing their observations and explanations, particularly sound symbolisms; and (3) students navigated both semiotic convergence and divergence as they worked toward conceptual convergence. Based on our findings, we argue that justice‐oriented science learning environments must become spaces where emergent bilingual students can build on all their conceptual, semiotic, and cultural resources, without being policed, as they engage science practices.
Analysis of exotic pathogens found in a large group of imported dogs following an animal welfare investigation
Authors: Wright Ian , Whitfield Vanessa , Hanaghan Runa , Upjohn Melissa , Boyden Paula
Published: May 2023

Background

Increased dog relocation can cause dissemination of pathogen and vector populations, and this is being recognised in countries across Northern Europe, including the UK. Data regarding the prevalence of exotic infections in dogs entering the UK would be beneficial to veterinarians to help assess pets entering the UK from abroad and to help calculate the risk of establishment of novel pathogens. This study reports the findings from a group of imported dogs that was seized as part of a Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)‐led animal welfare investigation and subsequently blood tested for exotic pathogens.

Methods

As part of the RSPCA investigation, 151 dogs were removed from the site. Blood tests were performed for Babesia canis, Ehrlichia canis, Hepatozoon canis and Leishmania infantum by PCR, Brucella canis by antibody serology and Dirofilaria immitis by blood antigen. In addition to pathogen screening, a serology titre for rabies was measured for each dog. A clinical examination was performed by a veterinary surgeon, and clinical signs were recorded.

Results

Overall, 24% (32/133) of the dogs tested positive for an infection with one or more exotic pathogens. Two dogs were positive for Br. canis antibodies and had no clinical signs indicative of infection. Leishmania was identified in 10.5% (14/133) of dogs, and all but two of these were implanted with microchips of Romanian origin. H. canis was identified in 9.6% (10/104) of dogs, all of whom had a Romanian microchip. D. immitis was identified in 4.1% (5/121) of dogs, B. canis in 2.3% (3/129) of dogs and E. canis in only 1.5% (2/131) of dogs tested. Only four dogs were found to have co‐infections. No significant association was found between the pathogens detected and presenting clinical signs.

Limitations

This was a group of rescued dogs that were tested for a range of pathogens. They were not randomly selected and as such do not represent the true prevalence of these pathogens in dogs imported into the UK.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a range of exotic pathogens entering the UK, including Br. canis, and demonstrates the importance of screening imported dogs. The emphasis on early recognition of exotic pathogens in imported dogs has relied on screening based on relevant clinical signs and the country of origin. While these factors are useful, this study demonstrated no significant association between presenting clinical signs and the pathogens carried.
Sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of intranasal butorphanol with midazolam or dexmedetomidine in New Zealand white rabbits
Authors: Okur Sitkican , Yanmaz Latif Emrah , Golgeli Ayse , Senocak Mumin Gokhan , Ersoz Ugur , Orhun Omer Tarik , Gumurcinler Burak
Published: May 2023

Background

This study aimed to compare the sedative and cardiopulmonary effects of intranasal (IN) administration of dexmedetomidine–butorphanol (DB) and midazolam–butorphanol (MB) combinations in New Zealand white rabbits.

Methods

Eight New Zealand white rabbits were sedated by IN administration of a combination of 0.1 mg/kg dexmedetomidine and 0.4 mg/kg butorphanol (DB treatment) and 2 mg/kg midazolam and 0.4 mg/kg butorphanol (MB treatment). The electrocardiogram, pulse rate (PR), respiratory frequency (fR), arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2), fraction of expired carbon dioxide (EtCO2), rectal temperature (RT), noninvasive mean arterial pressure (MAP), noninvasive systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) were recorded. The onset of sedation, duration of sedation and sedation score (SS) were also noted.

Results

There were no significant differences in the EtCO2, RT, MAP, SAP and DAP measurements between treatments. The PR significantly decreased in DB compared with MB over time (p= 0.001). Compared with baseline, SpO2decreased over time in both treatments. The SS was significantly elevated over time in DB compared with MB (p= 0.002).

Limitations

No pharmacokinetic information was available for either treatment, so the findings should be interpreted cautiously.

Conclusions

IN DB provides more effective sedation than MB, but cardiopulmonary impairment was observed in both treatments.
Enabling and Supporting Irregular Migration
Authors: Ambrosini Maurizio , Hajer Minke H. J.
Published: May 2023

Despite widespread efforts to stop irregular migration, it continues; and irregular migrants remain present in societies, often finding alternative modes of inclusion. It is essential to recognise how a variety of intermediaries enable irregular migration. Between states, we can observe a complex interplay among ‘facilitating’ actors, including human smugglers, that provide services which help migrants cross borders. However, to a large extent, irregular migration is also enabled within states. Supporters act in favour of migrants and respond to their practical and social needs. Most of the help given to irregular migrants is informal, because irregular migrants most often cannot depend on help provided by public institutions. This chapter will describe the facilitation and support of border crossings, as well as the support given to irregular migrants in receiving societies.
Conclusion: Envisioning Better Governance of Irregular Migration
Authors: Ambrosini Maurizio , Hajer Minke H. J.
Published: May 2023

Irregular migration is a multifaceted phenomenon that comprises various perspectives, policies, and actors. This concluding chapter sums up some key findings of research on such a contentious issue. It will discuss a narrative for irregular migration beyond the idea of ‘invasion’, so frequently employed by anti-immigrant actors in developed countries, and elaborate on why implementing policies that categorically exclude migrants is difficult. We argue in the chapter that the main reason for this difficulty is that irregular immigration is not only a force stemming from the outside; it is also deeply embedded in the internal dynamics of receiving societies. From this perspective, the fight against irregular migration is not a categorical exclusion; instead, it is a tacit selection which targets some cases with fierce determination while implicitly but systematically condoning others. Moreover, we show that irregular migration finds a way to carve out a place in receiving societies, circumventing controls or enjoying tolerance, because it is situated at the intersection among different societal factors. Among them, together with labour market’s demand, solidarity by civil societies warrants attention. We use the concept of ‘debordering solidarity’ to indicate the solidarity that overcomes the distinction between citizens and non-citizens, authorised and non-authorised migrants, and that gives priority to human rights and people’s needs.
Datafizierte Gesellschaft | Bildung | Schule
Authors: Breiter Andreas , Bock Annekatrin
Published: May 2023

Mit dem Buch „Die datafizierte Schule“ beschreiben wir Datafizierung als einen gesellschaftlichen Metatrend im Kontext von Digitalisierung und als Prozess, in dessen Verlauf Entscheidungen in verschiedenen Akteurskonstellationen im Schulsystem (im Unterricht, von Lehrkräften, von der Schulleitung, der Schulaufsicht, von Dienstleistern und Providern) basierend auf digitalen Daten geprägt, getroffen und verändert werden. Die Wahl des Schulsystems ist dadurch begründet, dass die Schule einerseits bereits durch Daten gestützt gesteuert (datafiziert) wird und andererseits der gesellschaftliche Wandel durch die digitale Transformation erhebliche Wechselwirkungen auf das Handeln in Schule und ihrem Umfeld hat. Ziel der Beiträge ist es, aus verschiedenen Perspektiven, die Ambivalenzen, Spannungen und Brüche, die bei der Produktion, Sammlung, Distribution und Verwendung von schulischen digitalen Daten zu Tage treten, anhand von empirischem Material zu rekonstruieren. Zu dem diskutieren einzelne Kapitel die methodisch-methodologischen Herausforderungen, derer sich Datafizierungsforschung im Schulsystem stellen muss. An den Schnittstellen von Unterrichtspraktiken, Schulmanagement, Schulsteuerung bis zur Softwareproduktion schließen unsere Betrachtungen an Forschungen an, die sich aus einer Perspektive der kritischen Datenstudien (critical data studies) mit datafizierter Gesellschaft und Bildung auseinandersetzen. Mit unserem qualitativen, schnittstellenübergreifenden, interdisziplinären methodischen Ansatz reagieren wir auf Methodenappelle der kritischen Datenstudien. Dabei liegt unser Fokus auf Ambivalenzen quer zu den Themenfeldern bisheriger kritischer Forschung, erweitert deren Perspektive und zielt darauf ab, durch das Aufzeigen von Ambivalenzen, Komplexität und Spannungen Gesprächs- und Denkanstöße zu gesellschaftspolitischen Implikationen der Datafizierung von Schule zu geben. Indem wir auf die Ambivalenzen blicken, die durch Datafizierung hervorgebracht werden und wiederum selbst Datafizierung hervorbringen, diskutieren wir kritisch-abwägend den Umgang mit Daten und den Blick auf Datenpraktiken und laden jene, an Daten und Datafizierung interessierte Forscher*innen wie Bildungspraktiker*innen, dazu ein, über unterschiedliche Umgänge mit Daten in einer datafizierten Schule nachzudenken und dabei diverse Zukünfte von datafizierter Schule zu reflektieren.
Economic Instruments
Authors: Ong Corinne , Tortajada Cecilia , Arora Ojasvee
Published: May 2023

Water users’ consumption behaviour may be influenced via economic means such as by offering financial rewards and/or imposing monetary costs. The three most commonly used types of economic instruments are tariff structuring, water rebates, and fines for excessive use. Tariff mechanisms are the most commonly used economic instrument for WDM in ASEAN where several major cities have implemented an increasing block tariff (IBT) system.
Introduction
Authors: Dai Qionghai , Gao Yue
Published: May 2023

High-order correlations among data exist widely in various practical applications. Compared with the simple graph which can only model the pairwise relationship between two subjects, hypergraph is a flexible and representative model to formulate high-order correlations. Based on the hypergraph model, there have been many efforts to design the computation framework and analyze the high-order correlations. In this chapter, we briefly introduce the hypergraph computation, including its background, definition, history, recent challenges, and objectives.
Isometry groups of six-dimensional nilmanifolds
Authors: Ficzere Kornélia , Figula Ágota
Published: May 2023

We determine the 6-dimensional nilpotent metric Lie algebras such that the Lie algebra $${\mathfrak {n}}$$
n
has a descending series of ideals invariant under all automorphisms of $${\mathfrak {n}}$$
n
and the dimension of the consecutive members of the series decreases by one. We call them metric Lie algebras having a framing determined by ideals. We classify the isometry equivalence classes and determine the isometry groups of connected and simply connected Riemannian nilmanifolds on 6-dimensional nilpotent Lie groups having a Lie algebra $${\mathfrak {n}}$$
n
as their Lie algebra.
Neurofilament accumulations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients’ motor neurons impair axonal initial segment integrity
Authors: Lefebvre-Omar Cynthia , Liu Elise , Dalle Carine , d’Incamps Boris Lamotte , Bigou Stéphanie , Daube Clément , Karpf Léa , Davenne Marc , Robil Noémie , Jost Mousseau Coline , Blanchard Stéphane , Tournaire Guillaume , Nicaise Charles , Salachas François , Lacomblez Lucette , Seilhean Danielle , Lobsiger Christian S. , Millecamps Stéphanie , Boillée Séverine , Bohl Delphine
Published: May 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron (MN) disease in adults with no curative treatment. Neurofilament (NF) level in patient’ fluids have recently emerged as the prime biomarker of ALS disease progression, while NF accumulation in MNs of patients is the oldest and one of the best pathological hallmarks. However, the way NF accumulations could lead to MN degeneration remains unknown. To assess NF accumulations and study the impact on MNs, we compared MNs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) of patients carrying mutations in C9orf72, SOD1 and TARDBP genes, the three main ALS genetic causes. We show that in all mutant MNs, light NF (NF-L) chains rapidly accumulate in MN soma, while the phosphorylated heavy/medium NF (pNF-M/H) chains pile up in axonal proximal regions of only C9orf72 and SOD1 MNs. Excitability abnormalities were also only observed in these latter MNs. We demonstrate that the integrity of the MN axonal initial segment (AIS), the region of action potential initiation and responsible for maintaining axonal integrity, is impaired in the presence of pNF-M/H accumulations in C9orf72 and SOD1 MNs. We establish a strong correlation between these pNF-M/H accumulations, an AIS distal shift, increased axonal calibers and modified repartition of sodium channels. The results expand our understanding of how NF accumulation could dysregulate components of the axonal cytoskeleton and disrupt MN homeostasis. With recent cumulative evidence that AIS alterations are implicated in different brain diseases, preserving AIS integrity could have important therapeutic implications for ALS.
Phylogenetic analyses of Candidatus Branchiomonas cysticola refine the taxonomic classification of Betaproteobacteria associated with epitheliocystis in fish
Authors: Bysveen Mjølnerød Even , Lagadec Erwan , Nylund Are
Published: May 2023

Candidatus Branchiomonas cysticola is recognized as the most prevalent bacterial agent causing epitheliocystis in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Based on its partial 16S rRNA sequence, the bacterium has previously been found to be a member of Burkholderiales in the class Betaproteobacteria. Multilocus Sequence Analysis (MLSA) of the bacterium and 60 type strains of Betaproteobacteria using newly identified housekeeping genes (dnaK, rpoC, and fusA) and ribosomal subunit sequences (16S and 23S), instead supported the bacterium’s affiliation to Nitrosomodales. Taxonomic rank normalization by Relative Evolutionary Divergence (RED) showed the phylogenetic distinction between Cand. B. cysticola and its closest related type strain to be at the family level. A novel bacterial family named Branchiomonaceae has thus been proposed to include a monophyletic clade of Betaproteobacteria exclusively associated with epitheliocystis in fish.
Automatic characterization of drug/amino acid interactions by energy decomposition analysis
Authors: Ruano Lorena , Mandado Marcos , Nogueira Juan J.
Published: May 2023

The computational study of drug/protein interactions is fundamental to understand the mode of action of drugs and design new ones. In this study, we have developed a python code aimed at characterizing the nature of drug/amino acids interactions in an accurate and automatic way. Specifically, the code is interfaced with different software packages to compute the interaction energy quantum mechanically, and obtain its different contributions, namely, Pauli repulsion, electrostatic and polarisation terms, by an energy decomposition analysis based on one-electron and two-electron deformation densities. The code was tested by investigating the nature of the interaction between the glycine amino acid and 250 drugs. An energy-structure relationship analysis reveals that the strength of the electrostatic and polarisation contributions is related with the presence of small and large size heteroatoms, respectively, in the structure of the drug.
Thermal processing-induced changes in volatilome and metabolome of Brussels sprouts: focus on glucosinolate metabolism
Authors: Wieczorek Martyna N. , Drabińska Natalia , Jeleń Henryk H.
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate the influence of different thermal treatment methods (boiling, steaming) on the metabolome and volatilome of Brussels sprouts. Targeted, quantitative analysis of primary metabolites (amino acids and sugars), glucosinolates as well as untargeted analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were performed. The composition of primary metabolites was affected only by boiling, where the loss of nutrients was observed. Glucosinolate content increased after cooking, which can be explained by the loosening of the plant tissues and its better extractability. Most marked changes were noticed in the volatilome. Among the degradation products of glucosinolates, isothiocyanates were the main chemical group in the raw and boiled vegetable. In contrast, steaming favored the formation of nitriles. Another dominant group of VOCs were aldehydes, which were the most abundant in raw Brussels sprouts and their level significantly decreased after thermal treatment. It is well known that isothiocyanates are substances with widely proven bioactive properties. Therefore, their formation in the glucosinolate degradation process is favorable. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that boiling seems to be the most beneficial form of Brussels sprouts’ processing.
Can radiomics be used to detect hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy in neonates without magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities?
Authors: Zhuang Xiamei , Jin Ke , Lin Huashan , Li Junwei , Yin Yan , Dong Xiao
Published: May 2023

Background

No study has assessed normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings to predict potential brain injury in neonates with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of MRI-based radiomics models of the basal ganglia, thalami and deep medullary veins to differentiate between HIE and the absence of MRI abnormalities in neonates.

Materials and methods

In this study, we included 38  full-term neonates with HIE and normal MRI findings and 89 normal neonates. Radiomics features were extracted from T1-weighted images, T2-weighted images, diffusion-weighted imaging and susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI). The different models were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Clinical utility was evaluated using decision curve analysis.

Results

The SWI model exhibited the best performance among the seven single-sequence models. For the training and validation cohorts, the area under the curves (AUCs) of the SWI model were 1.00 and 0.98, respectively. The combined nomogram model incorporating SWI Rad-scores and independent predictors of clinical characteristics was not able to distinguish HIE in patients without MRI abnormalities from the control group (AUC, 1.00). A high degree of fitting and favorable clinical utility was detected using the calibration curve with the Hosmer−Lemeshow test. Decision curve analysis was used for the SWI, clinical and combined nomogram models. The decision curve showed that the SWI and combined nomogram models had better predictive performance than the clinical model.

Conclusions

HIE can be detected in patients without MRI abnormalities using an MRI-based radiomics model. The SWI model performed better than the other models.

Graphical Abstract
Right Colectomy with Intracorporeal Anastomosis: A European Multicenter Propensity Score Matching Retrospective Study of Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Procedures
Authors: de'Angelis Nicola , Piccoli Micaela , Casoni Pattacini Gianmaria , Winter Des C. , Carcoforo Paolo , Celentano Valerio , Coccolini Federico , Di Saverio Salomone , Frontali Alice , Fuks David , Genova Pietro , Guerrieri Mario , Kraft Miquel , Lakkis Zaher , Le Roy Bertrand , Micelli Lupinacci Renato , Milone Marco , Petri Roberto , Scabini Stefano , Tonini Valeria , Valverde Alain , Zorcolo Luigi , Bianchi Giorgio , Ris Frederic , Espin Eloy ,   For the MERCY Study Collaborating Group Members, Aisoni Filippo , Denet Christine , Antonot Céphise , Vertier Jeanne , Martínez‐Perez Aleix , De Palma Giovanni Domenico , Orci Lorenzo , Bartoletti Sebastiano , O'Connell Lauren , Ortenzi Monica , Pecchini Francesca , Paquet Jean‐Christophe , Chiarugi Massimo , Tartaglia Dario , Perrotto Ornella , Santangelo Antonio , Arces Francesco , De Rosa Raffaele , Andolfi Enrico , de'Angelis Gian Luigi , Carra Maria Clotilde , Pecchini Francesca , Pellino Gianluca , Urbani Alessia , Vidal Laura , Restivo Angelo , Deidda Simona
Published: May 2023

Background

This study aimed to compare the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of robotic (RRC‐IA) versus laparoscopic (LRC‐IA) right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis using a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis based on a large European multicentric cohort of patients with nonmetastatic right colon cancer.

Methods

Elective curative‐intent RRC‐IA and LRC‐IA performed between 2014 and 2020 were selected from the MERCY Study Group database. The two PSM‐groups were compared for operative and postoperative outcomes, and survival rates.

Results

Initially, 596 patients were selected, including 194 RRC‐IA and 402 LRC‐IA patients. After PSM, 298 patients (149 per group) were compared. There was no statistically significant difference between RRC‐IA and LRC‐IA in terms of operative time, intraoperative complication rate, conversion to open surgery, postoperative morbidity (19.5% in RRC‐IA vs. 26.8% in LRC‐IA; p = 0.17), or 5‐yr survival (80.5% for RRC‐IA and 74.7% for LRC‐IA; p = 0.94). R0 resection was obtained in all patients, and > 12 lymph nodes were harvested in 92.3% of patients, without group‐related differences. RRC‐IA procedures were associated with a significantly higher use of indocyanine green fluorescence than LRC‐IA (36.9% vs. 14.1%; OR: 3.56; 95%CI 2.02–6.29; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Within the limitation of the present analyses, there is no statistically significant difference between RRC‐IA and LRC‐IA performed for right colon cancer in terms of short‐ and long‐term outcomes.
Pelvic lymph node dissection for cervical or bladder cancer: embedding residual fat tissue offers no added value
Authors: Vaneman Jasmijn , van Beekhuizen Heleen J. , Boormans Joost L. , Ewing-Graham Patricia C. , van Leenders Geert J. L. H. , Smolders Ramon G. V. , van Doorn H C.
Published: May 2023

Diagnosis of lymph node metastases in pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is important for staging and treatment. Standard practice is to submit visible or palpable lymph nodes for histology. We assessed the added value of embedding all residual fatty tissue.

Patients (n = 85) who underwent PLND for cervical (n = 50) or bladder cancer (n = 35) between 2017 and 2019 were included. Study approval was obtained (MEC-2022-0156, 18.03.2022, retrospectively registered).

The median lymph node yield with conventional pathological dissection was 21 nodes (Interquartile range (IQR) 18–28). This led to discovery of positive lymph nodes in 17 (20%) patients. Extended pathological assessment found 7 (IQR 3-12) additional nodes, but did not result in identification of more node metastases.

Histopathological analysis of residual fatty tissue harvested at PLND resulted in an increased lymph node yield, but not in the detection of additional lymph node metastases.
Phenotypic and genotypic identification of carbapenem resistance in Bacteroides fragilis clinical strains
Authors: Kierzkowska Marta , Majewska Anna , Karłowicz Konrad , Pituch Hanna
Published: May 2023

Bacteroides fragilis is an important etiological agent of serious infections in humans. Rapid methods, readily adaptable to use in medical laboratories, are needed to detect antibiotic resistance and decrease the likelihood of therapy failure. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of B. fragilis cfiA-positive isolates. The second purpose was to investigate the carbapenemase activity in B. fragilis strains by Carba NP test. In the study, 5.2% of B. fragilis isolates are phenotypically resistant to meropenem. The cfiA gene was identified in 6.1% of B. fragilis isolates. The MICs of meropenem were significantly higher in cfiA-positive strains. The presence of the cfiA gene along with the IS1186 was detected in one B. fragilis strain which was resistant to meropenem (MIC 1.5 mg/L). The Carba NP test results were positive for all the cfiA-positive strains, including those susceptible to carbapenems based on their MIC values. A review of the literature revealed that the rate of B. fragilis with the cfiA gene varies from 7.6 to 38.9% worldwide. Presented results are in line with the other European studies. Phenotypic testing with the Carba NP test, it seems to be a viable alternative for the cfiA gene detection in B. fragilis isolates. The positive result obtained is of greater clinical importance than the detection of the gene cfiA.
Comparative genomic analysis of five coprinoid mushrooms species
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Zhang Ran , Ding Guoao , Wang Lingling , Wang Wei , Zhang Yan , Zhu GuiLan
Published: May 2023

Although coprinoid mushrooms are widely known for the phenomenon of deliquescence and production of fungal laccases and extracellular peroxygenases, the genome structure and genetic diversity of coprinoid mushroom species have not been extensively studied. To reveal the genomic structure and diversity in coprinoid mushroom species, the genomes of five coprinoid mushroom species were compared and analyzed. A total of 24,303 orthologous gene families, including 89,462 genes, were identified in the five species. The numbers of core, softcore, dispensable, and private genes were 5617 (25.6%), 1628 (7.4%), 2083 (9.5%), and 12,574 (57.4%), respectively. Differentiation time analysis revealed that Coprinellus micaceus and Coprinellus angulatus differentiated approximately 181.0 million years ago. Coprinopsis cinerea and Coprinopsis marcescibilis differentiated approximately 131.0 million years ago, and they were differentiated from Candolleomyces aberdarensis approximately 176.0 million years ago. Gene family contraction and expansion analyses showed that 1465 genes and 532 gene families were expanded, and 95 genes and 134 gene families were contracted. Ninety-five laccase-coding genes were detected in the five species, and the distribution of the laccase-coding genes in the five species was not uniform. These data provide a reference for a deeper understanding of the genetic structure of the genomes of coprinoid mushroom species. Furthermore, this study provides a reference for follow-up studies on the genome structure of coprinoid mushroom species and the diversity of specific functional genes.
Bioinformatics Approach to Identify the Influences of COVID-19 on Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhu Jiabao , Li Xiangui , Lv Fanzhen , Zhou Weimin
Published: May 2023

As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) is becoming more infectious and less virulent, symptoms beyond the lungs of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are a growing concern. Studies have found that the severity of COVID-19 patients is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke (IS); however, the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, bioinformatics approaches were utilized to explore potential pathogenic mechanisms and predict potential drugs that may be useful in the treatment of COVID-19 and IS. The GSE152418 and GSE122709 datasets were downloaded from the GEO website to obtain the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of the two datasets for further functional enrichment, pathway analysis, and drug candidate prediction. A total of 80 common DEGs were identified in COVID-19 and IS datasets for GO and KEGG analysis. Next, the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and hub genes were identified. Further, transcription factor–gene interactions and DEGs–miRNAs coregulatory network were investigated to explore their regulatory roles in disease. Finally, protein-drug interactions with common DEGs were analyzed to predict potential drugs. We successfully identified the top 10 hub genes that could serve as novel targeted therapies for COVID-19 and screened out some potential drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 and IS.
Designing Donation Incentive Contracts for Online Gig Workers
Authors: Reggiani Tommaso , Rilke Rainer Michael
Published: May 2023

This study examines the effects of donation incentives on labor supply in an online labor market through a field experiment (n = 944). We manipulate the donation purpose of the incentive to be either unifying or polarizing and the size of the donation relative to the workers’ wage. Our experimental design allows us to observe the decision to accept a job (extensive margin) and different dimensions of productivity (intensive margin). We predict and show that a unifying donation purpose attracts more gig workers and improves their productivity compared to a polarizing donation purpose. We discuss the implications of these results in order to understand the role of donation incentives and labor supply in online labor markets.
Impact of mean sea-level rise on the long-term evolution of a mega-nourishment
Authors: Ribas Francesca , Portos-Amill Laura , Falqués Albert , Arriaga Jaime , Marcos Marta , Ruessink Gerben
Published: May 2023

Mean sea-level rise (MSLR) will induce shoreline recession, increasing the stress on coastal systems of high socio-economic and environmental values. Localized mega-nourishments are meant to alleviate erosion problems by diffusing alongshore over decades and thus feeding adjacent beaches. The 21-st century morphological evolution of the Delfland coast, where the Sand Engine mega-nourishment was built in 2011, was simulated with the Q2Dmorfo model to assess the Sand Engine capacity to protect the area against the effects of MSLR. The calibrated and validated model was forced with historical wave and sea-level data and MSLR projections until 2100 corresponding to different Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). Results show that the Sand Engine diffusive trend will continue in forthcoming decades, with the feeding effect to adjacent beaches being less noticeable from 2050 onward. Superimposed to this alongshore diffusion, MSLR causes the shoreline to recede because of both passive-flooding and a net offshore sediment transport produced by wave reshaping and gravity. The existing feeding asymmetry enforces more sediment transport to the NE than to the SW, causing the former to remain stable whilst the SW shoreline retreats significantly, especially from 2050 onward. Sediment from the Sand Engine does not reach the beaches located more than 6 km to the SW, with a strong shoreline and profile recession in that area, as well as dune erosion. The uncertainties in the results are dominated by those related to the free model parameters up to 2050 whilst uncertainties in MSLR projections prevail from 2050 to 2100.
Histopathological growth patterns of neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases
Authors: Meyer Y. , Bohlok A. , Olthof P. , Donckier V. , Doukas M. , Lucidi V. , Vermeulen P. , Grünhagen D. , Verhoef C.
Published: May 2023

Histopathological growth patterns (HGPs) of liver metastases represent a potential biomarker for prognosis after resection. They have never been studied in neuroendocrine tumor liver metastases (NETLM). This study evaluated if distinct HGPs can be observed in resected NETLM and if they have prognostic value. Sixty-three patients who underwent resection of NETLM between 01–01-2001 and 31–12-2021 were retrospectively included. HGPs were scored on Haematoxylin&Eosin slides using light microscopy, distinguishing desmoplastic- (dHGP), pushing- (pHGP) and replacement HGP (rHGP). Average HGP scores were calculated per patient. Each patient was classified according to predominant HGP. Overall and Disease-Free Survival (OS and DFS) were evaluated through Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox regression. Eighteen patients had predominant dHGP (29%), 33 had predominant pHGP (52%) and 11 had predominant rHGP (17%). One patient had mixed HGP (2%). Five-year OS was 76% (95%CI: 66–87%) for the overall cohort. Five-year OS was 92% (95%CI: 77–100%) for dHGP, was 73% (95%CI: 59–91%) for pHGP, 50% (95%CI: 25–100%) for rHGP. Five-year DFS was 39% (95%CI: 19–83%) for dHGP, 44% (95%CI: 27–71%) for rHGP and 50% (95%CI: 23–100%) for pHGP. There was no significant association between HGP and OS or DFS in multivariable analysis. Distinct HGPs could be identified in NETLM. In patients who underwent resection of NETLM, no association was found between HGPs and postoperative survival. Half of the patients with NETLM have a predominant pushing growth pattern, which is a rare growth pattern in liver metastases from breast and colorectal cancer.
Monetary policy responses to COVID-19 in emerging European economies: measuring the QE announcement effects on foreign exchange markets
Authors: Uz Akdogan Idil
Published: May 2023

This paper examines the effects of quantitative easing (QE) announcements by emerging market central banks in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly on exchange rates with a higher frequency setting. Two different methodologies are used for analysing the policy announcement effects. The first methodology is the event study method that measures the sample exchange rates’ mean and cumulative mean abnormal return around the time of event. The second one is the time series approach that measures asymmetric behaviour of the exchange rate volatility to monetary policy shocks by employing exponential GARCH model. The results show that the foreign exchange markets respond to QE announcements in all selected countries. The response of exchange rates varies across countries and event windows. QE announcements cause appreciation of domestic currency in Hungary and Poland, and depreciation in Turkey. Additionally, the QE announcements increase exchange rate volatility in Hungary and Poland while they reduce volatility in Turkey. The asymmetric behaviour of domestic currencies prevails in all selected countries, but this asymmetry is sensitive to the exchange rate and the length of the window.
Asymptotic behavior of fractional-order nonlinear systems with two different derivatives
Authors: Chen Liping , Xue Min , Lopes António , Wu Ranchao , Chen YangQuan
Published: May 2023

This paper addresses the asymptotic behavior of systems described by nonlinear differential equations with two fractional derivatives. Using the Mittag–Leffler function, the Laplace transform, and the generalized Gronwall inequality, a sufficient asymptotic stability condition is derived for such systems. Numerical examples illustrate the theoretical results.
Validating the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales–Developmental Profile Infant–Toddler Checklist (CSBS–DP ITC) Beyond Infancy in the CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder
Authors: Saldaris Jacinta , Leonard Helen , Wong Kingsley , Jacoby Peter , Spence Mary , Marsh Eric D. , Benke Tim A. , Demarest Scott , Downs Jenny
Published: May 2023

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) results in early-onset epilepsy and lifelong cognitive and motor impairments. With no validated measure for communication in CDD, this study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales-Developmental Profile Infant Toddler Checklist (CSBS–DP ITC). Caregivers (n = 150; affected individuals aged 1–29 years) completed the CSBS-DP ITC. Distribution of scores indicated a floor effect. There was poor divergent validity for the three-factor model but goodness of fit and convergent validity data were satisfactory for the one-factor model. Individuals with poorer overall functional abilities scored lower on the CSBS-DP ITC. Test–retest reliability was excellent. The floor effect could explain the very high reliability, suggesting problems as a sensitive outcome measure in clinical trials for CDD.