bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ENSINO DE HISTÓRIA E AVALIAÇÃO: REFLEXÕES SOBRE O ENEM E O VESTIBULAR UEPG
Authors: Monteiro Alessandro Henrique , Cerri Luis Fernando
Published: December 2023

Este texto tem por objeto de estudo o conhecimento histórico encontrado em questões de História em avaliações de larga escala. A base empírica da pesquisa foi constituída em torno das questões de história do Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio e do vestibular da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa. O recorte temporal para a análise de ambas as provas é de 2009 a 2015. Um primeiro resultado está na compreensão de que as questões do vestibular trazem características gerais e detalhadas que fazem predominar a competência central de memorização para que o candidato possa ter um bom desempenho. As questões do ENEM, por sua vez, além de uma cobrança de conteúdo, também exigem mais frequentemente as capacidades de interpretação de texto, de imagem e de fontes, compondo um panorama mais amplo de avaliação da aprendizagem do candidato.
The Predictive Validity of Theory of Planned Behaviour to Understand Performance of Agroforestry in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Zubair Muhammad , Arshad Ateeba , Hussain Syed Bilal , Gilani Matoor Mohsin
Published: December 2023

Agroforestry remained instrumental in ensuring food security, ameliorate environment and support livelihood across the globe particularly the developing countries. Present research made use of Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to understand performance of agroforestry in Southern Punjab. A total of 130 randomly selected respondents belonging to two groups; farmers practicing Agroforestry (AF)  and Non-Agroforestry farmers (NAF) were interviewed to explore their attitudes, Subjective Norms (SN) and Perceived behavioral Control (PBC) to form intention to grow trees along with agricultural crops on their farms. Results revealed that constructs of TPB explained AF showed positive attitudes underpinning beliefs, value opinions of salient referents and feel more ease in planting trees than those of NAF thereby forming positive intention to adopt agroforestry. It is concluded that application of this model would be helpful in the promotion of agroforestry in the region.
Incidence of Fusarium oxysporum spp. Udum on Pigeonpea in Bundelkhand Region, India
Authors: Singh Vivek , Singh V. K. , Gupta Himanshu Kumar , Kumar Arvind , Singh Saurabh , Tiwari Brajrajsharan
Published: December 2023

Survey was conducted of pigeonpea growing areas of 4 districts in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh during 2019-20. Fusarium udum was found constantly associated with the root samples. This indicates that this fungus, a well-known wilt pathogen, was primarily responsible for the wilt disease of pigeonpea. The average disease incidence ranged between 3.25% to 49.00% from district to districts. The average incidence percentage of wilted plants in Chitrakoot district was 39.06% followed by Banda district 25.67%, Hamirpur district 15.99% and Mahoba district 14.64% respectively. The maximum wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) incidences were recorded in Chitrakoot district followed by Banda, Hamirpur, and Mahoba. Chitrakoot isolate of F. udum was found more pathogenic and caused higher wilt incidence than other isolate. All the isolates differed in their radial growth colony characters on both solid media. It was found that PDA was the best medium in compare to PSA. The Chitrakoot isolate and radial growth was fast growing followed by others. Sporulation was moderate to excellent in different isolates. However, the maximum radial growth was a recorded-on PSA in Chitrakoot isolate and minimum radial growth in Mahoba isolate. The most distinguishing characteristic of the macro conidia are their strongly curved or hooked apices and measure 11-21.12 x 1.95 to 3.78µm.
Effect of Designer Seeds and Fertilizer Micro-dosing on Productivity of Cowpea
Authors: Priyadarsini P. T. Vidhu , Anitha S.
Published: December 2023

An experiment was conducted at the Instructional Farm of the College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Vellanikkara, Thrissur from October to December 2021. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of fertilizer micro-dosing and designer seeds on the growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp). The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (Factorial), with 3 replications. The treatments consisted of five levels of fertilizer micro-dosing (micro-dose 25%, 50%, 75% of NPK as per package of practices (POP) of KAU, NPK as per POP of KAU and absolute control) and three levels of seed treatments (designer seeds, rhizobium treated seeds, and untreated seeds). The results of the study indicated that, micro-dose and designer seeds significantly increased the biometric and yield parameters of cowpea. Among fertilizer micro-dosing, micro-dose (50 %) showed minimum days (39.78 days) to 50% flowering which was on par with micro-dose (25 %) (39.89 days). Designer seeds showed a minimum of days to 50% flowering (37.27 days) as compared to other seed treatments The combination of micro-dose (50%) along with designer seeds emerged as the most potent, yielding the highest pod weight per plant and seed yield (43.80g and 969.87kg/ha, respectively).
Toolpath Smoothing Based on Controlled NURBS Interpolation
Authors: Guo Yuanjie , Yan Jihong , Wang Xingbo
Published: December 2023

Based on cubic non-uniform B-spline curve constrained with tolerance band, a tool path smoothing approach is proposed for the purpose to achieve high-speed and high-precision machining of consecutive short line segments. According to a given tolerance band, the approach calculates the control polygon of the non-uniform cubic B-spline curve to transition the corners of the short line segments and obtains a GC2 continuous smooth transition for the tool path near the corners. The paper also designs an algorithm to realize the transition procedure. Compared with the reported similar approaches, this paper’s approach has advantages in reducing the fluctuations of machining speed and acceleration, enhancing machining  quality, and improving the processing efficiency and motion stability of machine tools. This approach is helpful for CNC system development, as well as CAD and CAM.
Possible link between pelvic venous disorders and fertility
Authors:   Chapidze Cardiovascular Center, Tbilisi, Georgia, Lazarashvili Zaza
Published: December 2023

Pelvic venous disorders (PeVD) is characterized by chronic pelvic pain for at least 6 months as a result of varices or the insufficiency of pelvic veins. It usually manifests as chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea and varicosities of atypical localizations. One of the most important issue in this field pertains to the impact of PeVD on female reproductive function, particularly its influence on pregnancy and the significance of timely treatment in this regard. The analysis of the studies presented in current review, despite rather scarce data, indicates that the presence of pelvic venous disorders affects the reproductive activity of women. However, due to the weak evidence, future investigations are extremely needed.
Apples and oranges in pelvic venous disorders: Heterogeneity and best practice
Authors:   University of Ferrara, Department of Translational Medicine, Ferrara, Italy, Gianesini Sergio
Published: December 2023

Pelvic venous disorder represents an as common as challenging clinical scenario because of the blurred borders between pelvic region and lower limb treatment target, because of the subtle and aspecific signs and symptoms, because of the lack of large randomized comparative trials providing clarity on the best practice and strong recommendations. Herein we present pathophysiology and clinical considerations on the lower limb varicosities of pelvic origin, suggesting possible management strategies based on clinical manifestation, ultrasound detection and targeted sclerotherapy. Large studies are needed to identify the best diagnostic parameters guiding the best strategy and highlighting the most reliable reported outcomes from such heterogeneous patients.
Pelvic escape points: Bottom- up is the way to go!
Authors:   Center of Phlebology and Aesthetic Medicine, Jaworuccy Surgery Center, Gorzów, Wielkopolski, Poland, Jaworucka-Kaczorowska Aleksandra
Published: December 2023

Varicose veins (VVs) of pelvic origin are one of the clinical presentations of pelvic venous disorders (PeVD) and are increasingly being diagnosed in patients in phlebological offices these days. To investigate VVs potentially resulting from pelvic vein incompetence (PVI), a usual full duplex ultrasonography (DUS) of lower extremity veins in the upright position is recommended as well as DUS for evaluation of pelvic escape points (PELVs). Seven PELVs have been described, connecting the pelvic veins to the veins of the genital region and/or legs. There are two possible treatment options for pelvic origin VVs, top-down treatment such as pelvic vein embolization or treatment of iliac/renal vein compression if it is the cause of PVI and bottom-up treatment of PELVs and related VVs. The idea of the latter approach is to treat the causes of the external pelvic VVs in the genital region and VVs in the legs without having to treat asymptomatic pelvic veins within the pelvis. The most common methods of bottom- up treatment are sclerotherapy, surgical ligation and miniphlebectomy. The efficacy of such treatment approach for VVs of pelvic origin has been reported in the literature, whereas studies have failed to demonstrate good results of top- down treatment in the context of eliminating VVs of pelvic origin as well as minimizing the risk of VVs recurrence. Bottom-up treatment is a useful option to avoid unnecessary and more expensive pelvic vein embolization and should be considered as an initial therapeutic approach. Only if bottom-up treatment fails, if the VVs recur rapidly, or if the patient develops pelvic symptoms due to PVI, pelvic veins embolization can be considered.
Patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) and patient reported experience measures (PREMS): Measuring outcomes in pelvic venous disorders
Authors:   The Venus Clinic and The Harley Street Heart and Vascular Centre, Singapore, Narayanan Sriram
Published: December 2023

Pelvic venous disorders (PeVD) present with a range of heterogenous symptoms that arise from altered venous hemodynamics in the pelvis. Many of these symptoms lead to mental health and quality of life issues and are not limited to the pelvic region. The nutcracker phenomenon causing left renal vein compression and left ovarian venous hypertension as well as the compression of the left common iliac vein by the overlying right common iliac artery are often stated as the common underlying pathologies. As a result, there has been a sudden increase in the number of ovarian vein coil embolizations and iliac vein stents placed. In truth however, the altered venous hemodynamics in PeVD is more complex. There appears to be little correlation between the symptoms patients experience and the obvious image detected anatomical lesions being treated. In addition, these anatomical lesions are very commonly seen in asymptomatic and especially muti-parous women as well. To compare outcomes of these and other more extensive procedures being performed for these commonly seen anatomical changes in the pelvic veins, objective assessments of the outcomes as seen from the symptom relief they bring to patients treated is essential. Validated Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) can be an important tool to compare outcomes across interventions for PeVD. However, as the impact of similar symptoms on different patients’ quality of life (QoL) can vary, developing a validated PROM that can be used to compare procedural outcomes in PeVD is a challenge. On the other hand, complications and procedural success as reported by physician do not assess the effect on a patient’s QoL. This paper provides a narrative review of PROMs, patient reported experience measures (PREMs) and individualized-PROMs. It also suggests a process for how a validated PROM for comparing procedural outcomes in PeVD may be developed. This could provide a framework that incorporates the recently adopted Symptoms-Varices-Pathophysiology (SVP) classification of pelvic venous disorders into the PROM development process to ensure that a like-for-like comparison is made between procedures being performed on a very heterogenous, but long-suffering group of patients.
Common Painful Foot and Ankle Conditions
Authors: Cooper Minton Truitt
Published: December 2023

Importance

Morton neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy are foot and ankle conditions that are associated with pain and disability, but they can respond to nonoperative treatment.

Observations

Morton neuroma, consisting of interdigital neuronal thickening and fibrosis, is characterized by burning pain in the ball of the foot and numbness or burning pain that may radiate to the affected toes (commonly the third and fourth toes). First-line nonoperative therapy consists of reducing activities that cause pain, orthotics, and interdigital corticosteroid injection; however, approximately 30% of patients may not respond to conservative treatment. Plantar fasciitis accounts for more than 1 million patient visits per year in the US and typically presents with plantar heel pain. Fifteen years after diagnosis, approximately 44% of patients continue to have pain. First-line nonoperative therapy includes stretching of the plantar fascia and foot orthotics, followed by extracorporeal shockwave therapy, corticosteroid injection, or platelet-rich plasma injection. Midportion Achilles tendinopathy presents with pain approximately 2 to 6 cm proximal to the Achilles insertion on the heel. The primary nonoperative treatment involves eccentric strengthening exercises, but extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be used.

Conclusions and Relevance

Morton neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy are painful foot and ankle conditions. First-line therapies are activity restriction, orthotics, and corticosteroid injection for Morton neuroma; stretching and foot orthotics for plantar fasciitis; and eccentric strengthening exercises for Achilles tendinopathy.
A Multinational Survey Investigating the Unmet Needs and Patient Perspectives Concerning Proton Pump Inhibitors in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Bandini Giulia , Alunno Alessia , Pinheiro Filipe O. , Campochiaro Corrado , Galetti Ilaria , Matucci‐Cerinic Pietro , Ruaro Barbara , El Aoufy Khadija , Melis Maria R. , Pignone Alberto Moggi , Randone Silvia Bellando , Dagna Lorenzo , Matucci‐Cerinic Marco , McMahan Zsuzsanna H. , Hughes Michael
Published: December 2023

Objective

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). However, not all patients adequately respond to the treatment, and there are frequent concerns about the safety of long‐term use of PPIs. Our aim was to identify the main problems/complaints of SSc patients on PPIs, as well as understand their unmet needs.

Methods

SSc patients treated with PPIs were invited through international patient associations and social media to participate in an online survey.

Results

We gathered 301 valid responses from 14 countries (United Kingdom 19.3% and United States 70.4%). Multiple PPIs use (two: 30% and three: 21% in series) was common. The majority (89%) reported improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms from receiving PPIs. Side effects attributed to receiving PPIs were uncommon (19%); however, most (79%) were potentially concerned. Around half (58%) had received lifestyle information, and most (85%) had searched online for information about PPIs. Only in the minority (12%) had a surgical approach been discussed; however, half (46%) indicated that they would be willing to undergo surgery to resolve their GERD symptoms but had important concerns.

Conclusion

Despite the frequent use of PPIs in patients with SSc, there is significant heterogeneity in prescription, and combination therapy (PPIs plus other medication for acid reflux) is not uncommon (approximately 40%). Patients have significant concerns about PPIs side effects. Education about PPIs is often neglected, and patients very frequently use online sources to obtain information on drug treatment. A surgical approach is infrequently discussed, and patients fear this potential therapeutic approach.
Pyroelectric Polyelectrolyte Brushes
Authors: Wang Jian , Hu Fei , Sant Sabrina , Chu Kanghyun , Riemer Lukas , Damjanovic Dragan , Kilbey S. Michael , Klok Harm‐Anton
Published: December 2023

Piezo‐ and pyroelectric materials are of interest, for example, for energy harvesting applications, for the development of tactile sensors, as well as neuromorphic computing. This study reports the observation of pyro‐ and piezoelectricity in thin surface‐attached polymer brushes containing zwitterionic and electrolytic side groups that are prepared via surface‐initiated polymerization. The pyro‐ and piezoelectric properties of the surface‐grafted polyelectrolyte brushes are found to sensitively depend on and can be tuned by variation of the counterion. The observed piezo‐ and pyroelectric properties reflect the structural complexity of polymer brushes, and are attributed to a complex interplay of the non‐uniform segment density within these films, together with a non‐uniform distribution of counterions and specific ion effects. The fabrication of thin pyroelectric films by surface‐initiated polymerization is an important addition to the existing strategies toward such materials. Surface‐initiated polymerization, in particular, allows for facile grafting of polar thin polymer films from a wide range of substrates via a straightforward two‐step protocol that obviates the need for multistep laborious synthetic procedures or thin film deposition protocols. The ability to produce polymer brushes with piezo‐ and pyroelectric properties opens up new avenues of application of these materials, for example, in energy harvesting or biosensing.
Thermal and Moisture Managing E‐Textiles Enabled by Janus Hierarchical Gradient Honeycombs
Authors: Zhang Yufei , Fu Jingjing , Ding Yichun , Babar Aijaz Ahmed , Song Xian , Chen Fan , Yu Xinge , Zheng Zijian
Published: December 2023

Moisture and thermal comfort are critical for long‐term wear. In recent years, there has been rapidly growing attention on the importance of the comfortability in wearable electronic textiles (e‐textiles), particularly in fields such as health monitoring, sports training, medical diagnosis and treatment, where long‐term comfort is crucial. Nonetheless, simultaneously regulating thermal and moisture comfort for the human body without compromising electronic performance remains a significant challenge to date. Herein, a thermal and moisture managing e‐textile (TMME‐textile) that integrates unidirectional water transport and daytime radiative cooling properties with highly sensitive sensing performance is developed. The TMME‐textile is made by patterning sensing electrodes on rationally designed Janus hierarchical gradient honeycombs that offer wetting gradient and optical management. The TMME‐textile can unidirectionally pump excessive sweat, providing a dry and comfortable microenvironment for users. Moreover, it possesses high solar reflectivity (98.3%) and mid‐infrared emissivity (89.2%), which reduce skin temperature by ≈7.0 °C under a solar intensity of 1 kW m−2. The TMME‐textile‐based strain sensor displays high sensitivity (0.1749 kPa−1) and rapid response rate (170 ms), effectively enabling smooth long‐term monitoring, especially during high‐intensity outdoor sports where thermal and moisture stresses are prominent challenges to conventional e‐textiles.
Nanocluster Surface Microenvironment Modulates Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Yoo Seungwoo , Yoo Suhwan , Deng Guocheng , Sun Fang , Lee Kangjae , Jang Hyunsung , Lee Chan Woo , Liu Xiaolin , Jang Junghwan , Tang Qing , Hwang Yun Jeong , Hyeon Taeghwan , Bootharaju Megalamane Siddaramappa
Published: December 2023

The catalytic activity and product selectivity of the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (eCO2RR) depend strongly on the local microenvironment of mass diffusion at the nanostructured catalyst and electrolyte interface. Achieving a molecular‐level understanding of the electrocatalytic reaction requires the development of tunable metal‐ligand interfacial structures with atomic precision, which is highly challenging. Here, the synthesis and molecular structure of a 25‐atom silver nanocluster interfaced with an organic shell comprising 18 thiolate ligands are presented. The locally induced hydrophobicity by bulky alkyl functionality near the surface of the Ag25 cluster dramatically enhances the eCO2RR activity (CO Faradaic efficiency, FECO: 90.3%) with higher CO partial current density (jCO) in an H‐cell compared to Ag25 cluster (FECO: 66.6%) with confined hydrophilicity, which modulates surface interactions with water and CO2. Remarkably, the hydrophobic Ag25 cluster exhibits jCO as high as −240 mA cm−2 with FECO >90% at −3.4 V cell potential in a gas‐fed membrane electrode assembly device. Furthermore, this cluster demonstrates stable eCO2RR over 120 h. Operando surface‐enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy and theoretical simulations reveal how the ligands alter the neighboring water structure and *CO intermediates, impacting the intrinsic eCO2RR activity, which provides atomistic mechanistic insights into the crucial role of confined hydrophobicity.
Regio‐ and Diastereoselective Conjugate Addition of Grignard Reagents to Chiral Fluoroalkyl α,β‐Unsaturated N‐tert‐Butanesulfinyl Ketimines: Synthesis of Optically Active Fluorinated Enamines and Derivatives
Authors: Ma Wen‐Jiang , Liu Peng , Liao Tian‐Ming , Gao Yu‐Ning , Bian Ming , Liu Jin‐Tao , Wu Fanhong , Chen Hui‐Yu , Liu Zhen‐Jiang
Published: December 2023

A regio‐ and diastereoselective conjugate addition reaction of Grignard reagents to fluoroalkyl α,β‐unsaturated N‐tert‐butanesulfinyl ketimines was disclosed. A range of different fluoroalkyls and Grignard reagents were well tolerated, giving up to 99% diastereomeric and regioisomeric ratios. This reaction provided a straightforward method for the synthesis of a variety of enantiomerically enriched α‐fluorinated enamines and derivatives which are difficult to achieve with other methods.
Mask‐Type Acoustic Sensor Featuring a Conventional Disposable Mask Embedded with Electrospun Poly(styrene) Fiber Mats
Authors: Takagaki Kenichi , Takahashi Kyoka , Hayashi Tomoki , Takeuchi Shunji , Kuwahara Noriaki , Ishii Yuya
Published: December 2023

Disposable masks are widely used, particularly in medicine to prevent the spread of infections, as they afford hygiene and convenience. Recently, sensor‐integrated masks are explored for monitoring human voice and respiration. However, masks equipped with acoustic/respiration sensors containing nano/microfiber mats cannot be used as readily as conventional disposable masks because of their high material and manufacturing costs. To address these issues, in this article, a self‐power‐generating mask‐type acoustic/respiration sensor (MTAS) incorporated with electrospun atactic poly(styrene) (aPS) microfiber‐nonwoven mats is proposed. aPS is integral to the MTAS fabrication strategy as it is inexpensive and amenable to the one‐step production of charged electrospun microfiber mats. When subjected to acoustic waves, the MTAS generates a voltage corresponding to the sound pressure and frequency owing to its ferroelectric properties. Furthermore, when a tablet is connected to the mask worn by a subject who is vocalizing, the uttered words are converted into text on the tablet. Additionally, the MTAS worn by a person can output a voltage in response to breathing. Overall, the devised mask can pioneer the development of systems that can link voice and breathing in virtual spaces, enable real‐time translation of speech, and monitor respiratory diseases.
Effect of symmetrical and asymmetrical structures of transverse tube on heat transfer performance of nanofluids in a solar collector system
Authors: Tang Maoqing , Jiang Xinyi , Qi Cong , Liang Lin , Han Dongtai
Published: December 2023

In an effort to enhance the heat transfer performance of solar collectors, this paper proposed to replace the smooth tube with symmetrical and asymmetrical transversely corrugated tubes, and to couple with SiO2‐H2O nanofluids for heat transfer of solar collectors. Effects of nanofluids mass fraction (w = .0%, .1%, .3%, and .5%), Reynolds number (3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, and 7000), and groove radius (1.5, 2, and 2.5 mm) on the flow and heat transfer properties of nanofluids in solar collectors were studied. The comprehensive evaluation index was used to consider the heat transfer property and flow resistance of fluid flow at the same time. Results showed that with the augment of nanofluids mass fraction, Reynolds number, and groove radius, the heat transfer enhancement performance of the collector becomes better. Among them, when the Reynolds number is 4000, the asymmetric transversely corrugated tube with a nanofluids mass fraction of .5% and a groove depth of 2.5 mm has the best comprehensive flow and heat transfer performance, and the comprehensive evaluation index can reach 1.62. The study results in this paper are beneficial to the coupling of nanofluids and transversely corrugated tubes and their application in the domain of enhanced heat transfer of solar collectors.
Changes in threats to macroalgal forests (Cystoseira sensu lato) at three restoration sites in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Fehér Dóra , Bianchelli Silvia , Verdura Jana , Danovaro Roberto , Anthony Brandon P.
Published: December 2023

Macroalgal forests, such as Cystoseira sensu lato, comprise crucially important habitats in the Mediterranean Sea, providing protection and structural complexity, enhancing productivity, food, shelter and spawning grounds in coastal marine ecosystems. However, due to increasing direct and indirect anthropogenic impacts, these habitats are rapidly declining.

Due to their biological and ecological characteristics, the natural recovery of the populations belonging to these species is slow. For this reason, active restoration has been identified as an effective tool for their recovery.

Since the mitigation of impacts is one of the prerequisites for restoration success, Modified Threat Reduction Assessments were used to estimate success of conservation measures in three areas of the central and north‐western Mediterranean Sea (Costa del Conero, Italy; Cala Bona and Port de la Selva, Spain). In particular, the assessment was conducted to: (i) identify and evaluate the changes in threats to Cystoseira s.l. species between 2019 and 2021; and (ii) propose management in relation to the ongoing restoration measures.

A total of 13 threats were identified and determined negative Modified Threat Reduction Assessment Indices of approximately −46%, −14% and −13%, respectively, in Costa del Conero, Cala Bona and Port de la Selva. The study's findings, when combined, document the increase of the scale of threats during the second year of the survey period despite the lockdown due to COVID‐19.
Fitness effect and transcription profile reveal sublethal effect of nitenpyram on the predator Chrysopa pallens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)
Authors: Du Qiankun , Shan Yongpan , Hu Hongyan , Wu Changcai , Wang Dan , Song Xianpeng , Ma Yajie , Xi Jianping , Ren Xiangliang , Ma Xiaoyan , Ma Yan
Published: December 2023

Although neonicotinoids are widely used and important insecticide, there are growing concerns about their effect on nontarget insects and other organisms. Moreover, the effects of nitenpyram (NIT), a second generation of neonicotinoid insecticides, on Chrysopa pallens are still unclear. Therefore, this study purposed to investigate the acute toxicity of NIT to C. pallens using the spotting method. To examine the potential effects of a sublethal dose of NIT (LD30, 1.85 ng of active ingredient per insect) on C. pallens, we constructed the life tables and analyzed the transcriptome data. The life table results showed that the period of second instar larvae, adult pre‐oviposition period and total pre‐oviposition period were significantly prolonged after exposure to sublethal dose of NIT, but had no significant effects on the other instars, longevity, oviposition days, and fecundity. The population parameters, including the preadult survival rate, gross reproduction rate, net reproductive rate, the intrinsic rate of increase, and finite rate of increase, were not significantly affected, and only the mean generation time was significantly prolonged by NIT. Transcriptome analysis showed that there were 68 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 50 upregulated genes and 18 downregulated genes. Moreover, 13 DEGs related to heat shock protein, nose resistant to fluoxetine protein 6, and prophenoloxidas were upregulated. This study showed the potential effects of sublethal doses of NIT on C. pallens and provided a theoretical reference for the comprehensive application of chemical and biological control in integrated pest management.
Opportunities and challenges in single‐cell protein production using lignocellulosic material
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Raj Tirath , Næss Geir , Sørensen Mette , Dhawan Vibha
Published: December 2023

The increase in world population has led to an increase in global food demand, which is estimated to grow by 35–56% from 2010 to 2050. As a result, the risk of hunger is also expected to rise. Protein consumption between 2000 and 2018 rose by 40% worldwide and is expected to increase at 9.3% cumulative annual growth rate in the near future. Hence, there is a huge demand and potential market available for human and animal protein. Therefore, newer and more protein sources will be required to meet the longer food value chains. Hence, a microbial protein produced using waste biomass could offer socio‐economic benefits and consumer acceptance owing to its vegetarian nature. Moreover, waste biomass‐based proteins are environmentally benign and very good ingredients in food and feed. Dry microbial protein, described as single‐cell protein, grown on agricultural residue, has been considered as a potent source of protein for both humans and animals. Thus, single‐cell protein will open up new opportunities to meet the growing protein demands for humans and animals. Microbially produced beer, cheese and yogurt are all examples of microbial protein sources for humans and animals. The feedstock, like agriculture residue, is relatively cheap and could be a potential source for large‐scale protein production in the future.
Characterization of a thermostable cellobiose dehydrogenase from Myceliophthora thermophila and its function of electron‐donating for lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase
Authors: Xie Yanping , Ma Xuekun , Waheed Abdul , Adnan Muhammad , Xie Ning , Liu Gang
Published: December 2023

Cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) catalyzes the oxidation of cello‐oligosaccharides and transfers electrons to oxygen or other electron receptors, such as lytic polysaccharide oxygenases (LPMOs). Cellobiose dehydrogenase has the potential to be used as an electron donor for LPMOs. Therefore, it is important to obtain CDHs under reaction conditions that are compatible with those of cellulases and LPMOs. Here, a CDH gene from Myceliophthora thermophila (MtCDH‐A) was constitutively expressed in Trichoderma reesei, and its ability to donate electrons to the LPMO was validated. MtCDH‐A has an optimal pH of 6.0 and maintains relatively high activity over a wide pH range. The optimal temperature was 60°C, and it remained stable at 50°C for a long time. These enzymatic properties were compatible with the catalytic conditions of fungal LPMOs and cellulases. When MtCDH‐A was used as an electron donor, the synergistic effect of LPMO and cellulase improved the degradation efficiency of phosphoric acid‐swollen cellulose by 141%. This work provides a novel insight into finding a stable electron donor for LPMOs and a new direction for finding more efficient thermostable CDHs in newly identified fungal species. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Optilume drug‐coated balloon for anterior urethral stricture: 2‐year results of the ROBUST III trial
Authors: VanDyke Maia E. , Morey Allen F. , Coutinho Karl , Robertson Kaiser J. , D'Anna Richard , Chevli Kent , Cantrill Christopher H. , Ehlert Michael J. , Te Alexis E. , Dann Jeffrey , DeLong Jessica M. , Virasoro Ramón , Hagedorn Judith C. , Levin Richard , DeSouza Euclid , DiMarco David , Erickson Brad A. , Olsson Carl , Elliott Sean P.
Published: December 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to report the updated 2‐year results of the intervention arm of the ROBUST III randomized trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Optilume drug‐coated balloon (DCB) versus standard endoscopic management of recurrent male anterior urethral stricture.

Materials and Methods

Eligible patients included men with recurrent anterior urethral stricture ≤3 cm in length and ≤12Fr in diameter, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥11 and peak flow rate (Qmax) <15 mL/s. Patients were randomized to treatment with the Optilume DCB or standard‐of‐care endoscopic management. Primary efficacy endpoints measured at 2 years included freedom from re‐intervention and changes in IPSS, Qmax and post‐void residual (PVR). Secondary endpoint was impact on sexual function using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Primary safety endpoint was freedom from serious procedure‐ or device‐related adverse events (AEs).

Results

A total of 127 patients enrolled at 22 sites in the United States and Canada (48 randomized to standard‐of‐care dilation and 79 to DCB dilation). Seventy‐five patients in the DCB arm entered the open‐label phase after 6 months. Participants averaged 3.2 prior endoscopic interventions (range 2–10); most (89.9%) had bulbar strictures with an average stricture length of 1.63 cm (SD 0.76). Significant improvements in IPSS, average Qmax and PVR were maintained at 2 years. Freedom from repeat intervention was significantly higher in the Optilume DCB arm at 2 years versus the Control arm at 1 year (77.8% vs. 23.6%, p < 0.001). During the follow‐up period, there were 15 treatment failures and two non‐study‐related deaths. Treatment‐related AEs were rare and generally self‐limited (haematuria, dysuria and urinary tract infection).

Conclusion

The Optilume DCB shows sustained improvement in both objective and subjective voiding parameters at 2‐year follow‐up. Optilume appears to provide a safe and effective endoscopic treatment alternative for short recurrent anterior urethral strictures among men who wish to avoid or delay formal urethroplasty.
Helicopter mobility: Changing habitus without challenging structural inequalities, experiences of an international elite education programme
Authors: Mountford‐Zimdars Anna , Gaulter Julia , Harrison Neil
Published: December 2023

This original study followed up ten beneficiaries of a UK charity‐led programme that supported disadvantaged students in applying to elite US universities. First interviewed in 2015 during their early university days in the United States, in our 2019 follow‐up all participants had graduated. Six remained in the United States and four had returned to the United Kingdom, with only one returning to their pre‐university community. They reported benefitting immensely from their international opportunities and were nearly all in high‐paying graduate jobs or high‐profile graduate programmes. Drawing on Bourdieu's concept of the ‘cleft habitus’, which can result from rapid and substantial shifts in field, we found that this was rare. Rather, the majority had undergone a ‘wholesale escape’, replacing their originary habitus with one that was consistent with their new field. The significance of the study is that the findings allow us to propose the concept of ‘helicopter mobility’ to describe individualised approaches to social mobility, whereby those considered to have merit are removed from their communities without questioning or affecting wider structural inequalities.
Exploring the impact of non‐verbal cues on user experience in immersive virtual reality
Authors: Dzardanova Elena , Nikolakopoulou Vasiliki , Kasapakis Vlasios , Vosinakis Spyros , Xenakis Ioannis , Gavalas Damianos
Published: December 2023

Face‐to‐face communication relies extensively on non‐verbal cues (NVCs) which complement, or at times dominate, the communicative process as they convey emotions with intense salience, thus definitively affecting interpersonal communication. The capture, transference, and subsequent interpretation of NVCs becomes complicated in computer‐mediated communicative processes, particularly in shared virtual worlds, for which there is growing interest both in regard to NVCs technological integration and their affective impact. This paper presents a between‐groups experimental setup which is facilitated in immersive virtual reality (IVR), and examines NVCs effects on user experience, with special emphasis on degree of attention toward each NVC as an isolated controlled variable of a scripted performance by a virtual character (VC). This study aims to evaluate NVCs fidelity based on the capabilities of the motion‐capture technologies utilized to address cue integration developmental challenges and examines NVCs impact on users' perceived realism of the VC, their empathy toward him, and the degree of social presence experienced. To meet the objectives set the affective impact of low‐fidelity automated NVCs and high‐fidelity real‐time captured NVCs were compared. The findings of the evaluation suggest that although NVCs do impact user experience to an extent, their effects are notably more subtle compared to previous studies.
Integrating problem‐based learning into a school counseling classroom instruction course
Authors: Waalkes Phillip L. , Alhiyari Nour , Thompson Jason , DeCino Daniel Andrew
Published: December 2023

School counseling graduate programs can fall short of preparing students with authentic and systems‐focused skills in classroom instruction. We offer three problem‐based learning assignments for counselor educators to help school counselors‐in‐training develop pedagogical skills and deliver lessons that address authentic problems facing students and schools.
Clinical relevance of pre‐ and coseasonal sublingual immunotherapy with a 300 index of reactivity 5‐grass SLIT tablet in allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Pfaar Oliver , Wahn Ulrich , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Bahbah Farah , Devillier Philippe
Published: December 2023

Background

There is considerable interest in improving the scoring methods for evaluating the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) and to show if this is associated with clinically meaningful results from the patient's perspective. We aimed to assess the efficacy and clinical relevance of a 300 index of reactivity (IR) 5‐grass pollen sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablet in children, adolescents and adults with moderate to severe grass‐induced allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) with or without controlled asthma using the combined symptom and medication score CSMS0‐36.

Methods

The data of the European population that participated in 3 Phase III, international, randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled clinical trials were analyzed post hoc.

Results

A total of 864 patients randomized to 300 IR 5‐grass tablet or placebo were analyzed. Over the primary evaluation period, the difference in CSMS0‐36 between the 300 IR and placebo groups was statistically significant (point estimates: −2.51, CI95% [−3.88; −1.14], p < 0.0001 in clinical trial1; −2.31, CI95% [−3.39; −1.23], p < 0.0001 in CT2; and −2.31, CI95% [−3.58; −1.03], p = 0.0004 in CT3). The relative differences between the 300 IR 5‐grass tablet and placebo were −29.7%, −33.8%, and −26.3%, respectively. The results based on CSMS0‐36 were consistent with those obtained with the primary endpoints of the trials and support the consideration of the 2‐point threshold of the CSMS0‐36 for clinical relevance of AIT.

Conclusion

Post hoc analysis of 3 CTs with the 300 IR 5‐grass SLIT tablet confirmed its significant and clinically relevant effect in the European population with grass pollen‐induced ARC with or without controlled asthma.
A potential cure for tumor‐associated immunosuppression by Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Lotfalizadeh Narges , Sadr Soheil , Morovati Solmaz , Lotfalizadeh Mohammadhassan , Hajjafari Ashkan , Borji Hassan
Published: December 2023

Background

Recently, immunotherapy has become very hopeful for cancer therapy. Cancer treatment through immunotherapy has excellent specificity and less toxicity than conventional chemoradiotherapy. Pathogens have been used in cancer immunotherapy for a long time. The current study aims to evaluate the possibility of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) as a probable treatment for cancers such as melanoma, breast, ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancer.

Recent findings

Nonreplicating type I uracil auxotrophic mutants of T. gondii can stimulate immune responses against tumors by reverse immunosuppression at the cellular level. T. gondii can be utilized to research T helper 1 (Th1) cell immunity in intracellular infections. Avirulent T. gondii uracil auxotroph vaccine can change the tumor's immunosuppression and improve the production of type 1 helper cell cytokines, i.e., Interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and Interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and activate tumor‐related Cluster of Differentiation 8 (CD8+) T cells to identify and destroy cancer cells. The T. gondii profilin protein, along with T. gondii secreted proteins, have been found to exhibit promising properties in the treatment of various cancers. These proteins are being studied for their potential to inhibit tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies. Their unique mechanisms of action make them valuable candidates for targeted interventions in ovarian cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer treatments.

Conclusion

In summary, the study underscores the significant potential of harnessing T. gondii, including its diverse array of proteins and antigens, particularly in its avirulent form, as a groundbreaking approach in cancer immunotherapy.
Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis by Next‐Generation Sequencing
Authors: Wen Ting , Ehivet Fabienne , Stanislaw Christine , Mao Rong , Hegde Madhuri
Published: December 2023

Pathogenic germline variants causally contribute to the etiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) and polyposis. The era of massively parallel sequencing, also known as next‐generation sequencing (NGS), make it highly possible, effective, and efficient to offer rapid and cost‐effective diagnosis for CRC. To aid clinical laboratories in testing the most clinically significant genes, along with the published ACMG CRC technical standard guidelines, this protocol aims to provide a step‐by‐step technical workflow for carrying out the NGS‐panel based CRC molecular diagnosis focusing on the wet lab portion of library preparation and massively parallel sequencing. Using the most popular pull‐down‐based target enrichment, the chapter particularly encompasses genomic DNA (gDNA) fragmentation, adapter ligation, indexing, hybridization, and capture, which is the most variable and technically challenging part of NGS testing involving at least 3 quality control (QC) checkpoints plus the pre‐ and post‐capture PCR. The gDNA extraction and sequencing is less covered because they are relatively standard technologies with little variations and choices. Although this protocol also introduces pertinent testing algorithms and a brief guideline for pre‐ and post‐testing genetic counselling, the audiences are required to refer to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) clinical practice guidelines to determine the most appropriate testing strategies. Since NGS panel‐based testing is a highly complex and dynamic platform with multiple choices from different technology and commercial resources, this technical benchtop‐based protocol also aims to cover some of the key ramification points for decision‐making by each laboratory at the discretion of the directors. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis by next‐generation sequencing
Effect of bank slope and ambient groundwater discharge on hyporheic transport and biogeochemical reactions in a compound channel
Authors: Liu Jiaming , Xiao Yang , Gualtieri Carlo , Yuan Saiyu , Jiang Qihao , Jin Guangqiu , Zhang Taotao , Zhou Jian
Published: December 2023

As floodplains are inundated during floods in a compound channel, solutes in the surface water column reach the hyporheic zone and react with solutes upwelled from the groundwater. These biogeochemical reactive processes, such as aerobic respiration, nitrification, and denitrification, need more clarification. In this study, a 3D hydrodynamic model combined with a 2D groundwater and biogeochemical model was used to examine the influence of bank slope angle and ambient groundwater discharge on these processes. A denitrification zone was found under the interface between the main channel and the floodplain when the bank slope angle was 90°, while lower angles extended that zone horizontally. In addition, a lower bank angle decreased N entry into the streambed and enhanced nitrogen removal. A decrease in ambient groundwater had a negative impact on both aerobic respiration and denitrification. When the ambient groundwater discharge reached below −0.9 m/d, nitrification was dominant in the model domain, and the hyporheic zone turned into a NO3− source. The greatest removal efficiency, equal to 0.8, was attained at a discharge rate of −0.5 m/d for ambient groundwater and a bank slope angle of 30°. The hyporheic zone should lose its ability to remove N when ambient groundwater discharges exceed 0.25 m/d and removal efficiency fluctuates by 0. In conclusion, our findings indicate that bank slope angle and ambient groundwater discharge have a substantial impact on solute transport and biogeochemical activities in the hyporheic zone of a compound channel.
Quantifying modeling uncertainties in seismic analysis of dams: Insights from an international benchmark study
Authors: Hariri‐Ardebili Mohammad Amin
Published: December 2023

Advances in nonlinear dynamic analysis of dams have not completely resolved concerns over modeling confidence and analysis accuracy. Verification and validation offer accuracy assessment, but uncertainties persist during performance evaluation due to both epistemic (modeling) and aleatory (parametric) sources. Epistemic uncertainties arise from simplifications and modeling techniques. This paper addresses epistemic uncertainties in a gravity dam seismic analysis using data from the International Comnission on Large Dams (ICOLD) benchmark study. While the benchmark formulation included the finite element model of the dam, mechanical material properties, and dynamic loads, participants retained the flexibility to opt for best‐practice modeling assumptions, simplifications, and other specifics. Notable response variability emerged, particularly in crack profiles and damage predictions. This study examines sources of variability, quantifying modeling uncertainty for the benchmark problem. More specifically, the modeling variability is quantified using the logarithmic standard deviation, also known as dispersion. This metric enables its incorporation into other seismic risk assessment and fragility studies. Under relatively low‐intensity motion (peak ground acceleration [PGA] of 0.18 g in this case), modeling dispersion of 0.45, 0.30, 0.32, and 0.30 were calculated for the maximum dynamic crest displacement, maximum hydrodynamic pressure at the heel, heel and crest maximum acceleration, respectively. Additionally, the dispersion of the failure PGA was determined to be 0.7. Findings underscore the need for systematic seismic response modeling in dam engineering to enhance prediction accuracy. A better understanding of the sources and magnitudes of modeling uncertainties can help improve the reliability of dam seismic analysis and contribute to the development of more effective risk assessment and mitigation strategies.