bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of deep borehole heat exchangers for decarbonization of heating systems
Authors: Lund Andreas E. D.
Published: May 2024

Meeting the climate change mitigation targets will require a substantial shift from fossil to clean fuels in the heating sector. Heat pumps with deep borehole exchangers are a promising solution to reduce emissions. Here the thermal behavior of deep borehole exchangers (DBHEs) ranging from 1 to 2 km was analyzed for various heat flow profiles. A strong correlation between thermal energy extraction and power output from DBHEs was found, also influenced by the heating profile employed. Longer operating time over the year typically resulted in higher energy production, while shorter one yielded higher average thermal power output, highlighting the importance of the choice of heating strategy and system design for optimal performance of DBHEs. Short breaks in operation for regenerating the borehole, for example, with waste heat, proved to be favorable for the performance yielding an overall heat output close to the same as with continuous extraction of heat. The results demonstrate the usefulness of deep boreholes for dense urban areas with less available space. As the heat production from a single DBHE in Finnish conditions ranges from half up to even a few GWh a year, the technology is best suitable for larger heat loads.
Maternal age effects on offspring lifespan and reproduction vary within a species
Authors: Liguori Alyssa , Korm Sovannarith , Profetto Alex , Richters Emily , Gribble Kristin E.
Published: May 2024

Across diverse taxa, offspring from older mothers have decreased lifespan and fitness. Little is known about the extent to which maternal age effects vary among genotypes for a given species, however, except for studies of a few arthropod species. To investigate the presence and degree of intraspecific variability in maternal age effects, we compared lifespan, reproductive schedule, and lifetime reproductive output of offspring produced by young, middle‐aged, and old mothers in four strains of rotifers in the Brachionus plicatilis species complex. We found significant variability among strains in the magnitude and direction of maternal age effects on offspring life history traits. In one strain, offspring of young mothers lived 20% longer than offspring of old mothers, whereas there were no significant effects of maternal age on lifespan for other strains. Depending on strain, advanced maternal age had positive effects, negative effects, or no effect on lifetime reproductive output. Across strains, older mothers produced offspring that had higher maximum daily reproduction early in life. The effects of maternal age on offspring vital rates could not be explained by changes in trade‐offs between lifespan and reproduction. This study documents intraspecific variability in maternal age effects in an additional clade. Investigating intraspecific variability is critical for understanding the ubiquity of maternal age effects and their role in the evolution of life history and aging.
Soil geochemistry and constraint of tree seedlings immediately after germination on Macrotermes termite mounds in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Mills Anthony J. , van Mazijk Ruan , Allen Jessica Laine , Strydom Tercia
Published: May 2024

Macrotermes termite mounds in the Kruger National Park occupy a significant part of the savanna landscapes, occurring at densities of up to 70 km−2 and often exceeding 10 m in width and 4 m in height. The mounds are usually devoid of trees, but have dense grass cover in wet years. As a result, these mounds form large patches of grassland amongst the wooded savanna. To our knowledge, it is not known why trees are largely excluded from the mounds. We analysed soil surface nutrient concentrations on and off mounds (0–2 cm deep, n = 80) to ascertain whether the availability of nutrients could be influencing competition between grasses and tree seedlings. The results showed that potential deficiencies in P, Ca, Cu, Zn and B in soils off the mounds are likely to be constraining plant growth. Notably, only B, with an average concentration of 0.19 mg kg−1, was likely to be limiting plant growth on the mounds. Notwithstanding likely interactions with herbivory and fire, we hypothesise that because grasses are far less susceptible to deficiencies of B than dicotyledonous trees, it is likely that grass competition with tree seedlings is considerably greater on mounds than off mounds.
Harbour porpoises respond to recreational boats by speeding up and moving away from the boat path
Authors: Hao Xiuqing , Hamel Héloïse , Grandjean Céline Hagerup , Fedutin Ivan , Wahlberg Magnus , Frankish Caitlin Kim , Nabe‐Nielsen Jacob
Published: May 2024

Recreational boats are common in many coastal waters, yet their effects on cetaceans and other sensitive marine species remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we used drone video footage recorded from a recreational boat to quantify how harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) responded to the boat approaching at different speeds (10 or 20 knots). Furthermore, we used a hydrophone to record boat noise levels at full bandwidth (0.1–150 kHz) and at the 1/3 octave 16 kHz frequency band for both experimental speeds. The experiments were carried out in shallow waters near Funen, Denmark (55.51° N, 10.79° E) between July and September 2022. Porpoises were more likely to move further away from the path of the boat when approached at 10 knots, but not when approached at 20 knots. In contrast, they swam faster when approached at 20 knots, but not when approached at 10 knots. The recorded received sound level did not depend on how fast the boat approached, suggesting that differences in porpoise responses were related to the speed of the approaching boat rather than to sound intensity. In addition, porpoises generally reacted within close proximity (<200 m) to the approaching boat and quickly (<50 s) resumed their natural behaviour once the boat had passed, indicating that the direct impact of small vessels on porpoise behaviour was most likely small. Nevertheless, repeated exposure to noise from small vessels may influence porpoises' activity or energy budget, and cause them to relocate from disturbed areas. The approach used in this study increases our understanding of recreational boats' impact on harbour porpoises and can be used to inform efficient mitigation measures to help focus conservation efforts.
Bubbling trouble: Effects of supersaturated water on benthic macroinvertebrates
Authors: Velle Gaute , Isaksen Trond Einar , Lennox Robert J. , Pulg Ulrich
Published: May 2024

The saturation of total dissolved gases (TDG) in water remains around 100%. Certain circumstances can lead to TDG values exceeding 100%, resulting in TDG supersaturation (TDGS). TDGS above about 110% can be toxic to animals that rely on water for gas exchange. However, saturation beyond 200% can occur in freshwater downstream of dams and hydroelectric power plants. Despite its impact, TDGS is often overlooked as a hazard to aquatic life, particularly for benthic macroinvertebrates. This study aimed to examine the effects of TDGS on nine species of benthic macroinvertebrates. We used replicated tank studies to manipulate TDGS levels from 100% to 120% and investigated the overall survival and species‐specific effects on survival and buoyancy. We also present a summary on the effects of TDGS on invertebrate species previously tested. The results indicate that seven of nine species exhibited increased buoyancy when exposed to TDGS, causing them to float on the water surface. Additionally, a Cox Proportional Hazards model revealed a significant effect of TDGS on the survival of the macroinvertebrates. The sensitivity towards TDGS varied greatly among species of benthic macroinvertebrates, and significant species‐specific effects were only observed for Isoperla grammatica, Baetis rhodani and Asellus aquaticus. Among these, the two latter species showed clear dose‐related effects caused by TDGS, enabling the assessment of LT50 (time required to kill half of the tested population). B. rhodani was most sensitive with a LT50 of 3.7 days at 119% TDGS. Both species had visible air bubbles under the exoskeleton. Our findings highlight that direct and indirect effects on benthic macroinvertebrates can occur even at low to moderate levels of gas supersaturation, likely causing reduced density, decreased species diversity and altered species composition. The emerging evidence strongly supports the implementation of regulations on TDGS in freshwaters.
Accelerating the Screening of Modified MA2Z4 Catalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by Deep Learning‐Based Local Geometric Analysis
Authors: Zheng Jingnan , Wang Shibin , Deng Shengwei , Yao Zihao , Hu Junhua , Wang Jianguo
Published: May 2024

Machine learning (ML) integrated with density functional theory (DFT) calculations have recently been used to accelerate the design and discovery of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) by establishing deep structure–activity relationships. The traditional ML models are always difficult to identify the structural differences among the single‐atom systems with different modification methods, leading to the limitation of the potential application range. Aiming to the structural properties of several typical two‐dimensional MA2Z4‐based single‐atom systems (bare MA2Z4 and metal single‐atom doped/supported MA2Z4), an improved crystal graph convolutional neural network (CGCNN) classification model was employed, instead of the traditional machine learning regression model, to address the challenge of incompatibility in the studied systems. The CGCNN model was optimized using crystal graph representation in which the geometric configuration was divided into active layer, surface layer, and bulk layer (ASB‐GCNN). Through ML and DFT calculations, five potential single‐atom hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts were screened from chemical space of 600 MA2Z4‐based materials, especially V1/HfSn2N4(S) with high stability and activity (ΔGH* is 0.06 eV). Further projected density of states (pDOS) analysis in combination with the wave function analysis of the SAC‐H bond revealed that the SAC‐dz2 orbital coincided with the H‐s orbital around the energy level of −2.50 eV, and orbital analysis confirmed the formation of σ bonds. This study provides an efficient multistep screening design framework of metal single‐atom catalyst for HER systems with similar two‐dimensional supports but different geometric configurations.
Understanding Bonding Nature of α‐Keggin Polyoxometalates [XW12O40]n− (X = Al, Si, P, S): A Generalized Superatomic Perspective
Authors: Li Rui , Shi Yulei , Yu Famin , Wang Rui , Yan Haitao , Teo Boon K. , Wang Zhigang
Published: May 2024

α‐Keggin polyoxometalates (POMs) [XW12O40]n− (X = Al, Si, P, S) are widely used in batteries owing to their remarkable redox activity. However, the mechanism underlying the applications appears inconsistent with the widely accepted covalent bonding nature. Here, first‐principles calculations show that XW12 are core–shell structures composed of a shell and an XO4n− core, both are stabilized by covalent interactions. Interestingly, owing to the presence of a substantial number of electrons in W12O36 shell, the frontier molecular orbitals of XW12 are not only strongly delocalized but also exhibit superatomic properties with high‐angular momentum electrons that do not conform to the Jellium model. Detailed analysis indicates that energetically high lying filled molecular orbitals (MOs) have reached unusually high‐angular momentum characterized by quantum number K or higher, allowing for the accommodation of numerous electrons. This attribute confers strong electron acceptor ability and redox activity to XW12. Moreover, electrons added to XW12 still occupy the K orbitals and will not cause rearrangement of the MOs, thereby maintaining the stability of these structures. Our findings highlight the structure–activity relationship and provide a direction for tailor‐made POMs with specific properties at atomic level.
Intentional weight loss in overweight and obese patients with heart failure: A systematic review
Authors: Peck Kah Hua , Dulay Mansimran Singh , Hameed Saira , Rosano Guiseppe , Tan Tricia , Dar Owais
Published: May 2024

Approximately 30–49% of heart failure (HF) patients are living with obesity. The recommended body mass index (BMI) for the general population is 18.5–24.9 kg/m2. The obesity paradox suggests that HF patients with obesity (HFpwO) have a better prognosis compared to normal BMI. Guideline recommendations on ideal BMI for HFpwO are limited. This systematic review aims to examine the evidence base for intentional weight loss in HFpwO on the following parameters: mortality, hospitalization, symptoms, quality of life (QOL), effects on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and adverse events. A total of 22 studies were identified: lifestyle intervention (n = 9), pharmacotherapy (n = 3), bariatric surgery (n = 10). Mortality and hospitalization, symptoms, QOL, and LVEF were reported in 8, 15 and 14 studies, respectively. All studies had moderate to high risk of bias except one randomized controlled trial (RCT) which evaluated semaglutide in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. Semaglutide resulted in weight loss with improvement in QOL. Lifestyle intervention led to weight loss, minimal adverse events, and improvement in symptoms in both HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and HFpEF patients. In six observational studies, bariatric surgery in HFrEF patients achieved weight loss and improvement in LVEF safely in most patients but some patients developed worsening HF perioperatively. There is a need for high‐quality adequately powered RCTs on intentional weight loss in HFpwO with survival and hospitalization outcomes. All forms of weight loss intervention studied in this review were likely to result in significant weight loss, improved symptoms and QOL. Careful monitoring is required due to an increase in certain adverse events.
Water‐Stable Lewis Superacids as Precursors for (Pseudo)halogenogallate and ‐indate Salts
Authors: Tölke Katharina , Porath Sven , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Hoge Berthold
Published: May 2024

Tris(pentafluoroethyl)indane dihydrate, [In(C2F5)3(OH2)2], and the gallium analog, [Ga(C2F5)3(OH2)2], serve as transfer reagents for the In(C2F5)3 and Ga(C2F5)3 units, as illustrated by the preparation of salts of (pseudo)halogenotris(pentafluoroethyl)indate and ‐gallate anions, [M(C2F5)3)X]− (M=Ga, In; X=F, Cl, Br, I, CN, SCN). Due to the water tolerance and water solubility of [In(C2F5)3(OH2)2] and [Ga(C2F5)3(OH2)2], reactions can be performed in the presence of water or even in an aqueous medium.
Selective Oxidation of Sufur‐Containing Flavones: Synthesis of Sulfoxide/Sulfone‐Flavonoids
Authors: Yang Jia‐Cheng , Cheng Yu‐Hao , Zhao Cong , Li Ping‐Gui , Zou Liang‐Hua
Published: May 2024

A transition‐metal‐free protocol is proposed for the selective oxidation of flavones, providing various sulfoxide/sulfone‐flavonoids in excellent yields. This strategy features excellent selectivities, high yields and broad substrate scope. The combination of oxone (2KHSO5 ⋅ KHSO 4⋅ K2SO4) as the sole oxidant and NaHCO3/Na2CO3 as the buffer play an important role in the process, in which the amounts of oxone and reaction temperatures are the key to the outstanding selectivities and high efficiency of the reaction. It should be noteworthy that a class of novel sulfone‐flavonols is also synthesized through triple oxidation. Moreover, the glycosylation of sulfone‐flavonols has been realized.
A numerical investigation on enhancing the performance of a diesel engine fuelled with diesel‐biodiesel blend using a diethyl ether as an additive
Authors: Youssef Abdulkarim , Ibrahim Amr
Published: May 2024

Globally, the encouragement of using renewable fuels like biodiesel for diesel engines is driven by concerns over the fossil fuel depletion and harmful emissions. Additionally, the utilization of renewable fuel additives like diethyl ether has the potential to enhance fuel properties and boost engine performance. The aim of this paper was to construct a computer simulation using Ricardo Wave program in order to predict the performance and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission of a diesel engine fuelled by a diesel‐biodiesel blend and a diethyl ether (DEE) as a fuel additive. The computer model was validated by comparing the simulation engine performance and NOx emission results against the corresponding experimental data for diesel, diesel‐biodiesel blend with 30% biodiesel proportion (B30), and two blends of diesel‐biodiesel‐DEE with DEE proportions of 5% and 10% on a volume basis. Also, the effect of varying the inlet air pressure on engine performance and NOx emission was compared for all investigated fuels. It was numerically demonstrated that using the DEE with an optimum proportion of 5% enhanced engine performance as it decreased engine fuel consumption by 5.9% and increased engine thermal efficiency by 9.6% compared to diesel fuel at engine full load condition. Also, a significant reduction of 20.5% in NOx emission resulted from the addition of DEE. Increasing the inlet air pressure increased engine power and decreased engine fuel consumption for all investigated fuels. Increasing the inlet air pressure from 1 to 3 bar increased engine brake thermal efficiency by almost 20% for all tested fuels. However, NOx emission increased slightly within a range from 1.7% to 7% for the different investigated fuels.
How quickly does wood fragment in rivers? Methodological challenges, preliminary findings, and perspectives
Authors: Hortobágyi Borbála , Milan David , Bourgeau Fanny , Piégay Hervé
Published: May 2024

Large wood plays a significant role in fluvial ecosystems, influencing river geomorphology and ecology. However, it poses both benefits to river systems and risks, making it essential to understand its dynamics for effective management. A better understanding the wood breakdown process is required to evaluate the flood risk of wood in rivers. This paper aims to evaluate early‐stage fragmentation of wood in rivers after being recruited through bank erosion, taking into account its mobility and residence time. Two methods for characterising and monitoring wood fragmentation are suggested and compared: 1) photo‐interpretation based on ground and drone photo and 2) terrestrial LiDAR. We used Quantitative Structure Modelling (QSM) of point clouds to accurately simulate the full branching structure of trees. Close relationships exist between photo‐interpreted and LiDAR‐derived complexity metrics, but a scaled parameter (i.e., diameter) is needed to correlate branching complexity with volume. The debranching process occurs quickly, with a median reduction in branching complexity of over 80% within the initial 2 years. Further research with a larger sample size is necessary to investigate the impact of context – including transportation, submersion, accumulation, and isolation of wood pieces – on the fragmentation process. Field observations indicate that immobile wood pieces can experience a rapid reduction in their branching complexity, similar to the ones that are transported. Partial fine branching structure can be maintained on transported pieces. Both photo‐interpretation and terrestrial LiDAR offer complimentary approaches to monitoring wood fragmentation. Photo‐interpretation is easily implementable and may be used as a proxy for mechanical fragmentation, while terrestrial LiDAR may be used to monitor 3D wood fragmentation, volume and length evolution, following QSM modelling.
Landscape evolution during Holocene transgression of a mid‐latitude low‐relief coastal plain: The southern North Sea
Authors: Eaton Stephen , Barlow Natasha L. M. , Hodgson David M. , Mellett Claire L. , Emery Andy R.
Published: May 2024

Low‐relief coastal landscapes are at major risk of rising sea levels, as vertical changes in relative sea level have far‐reaching lateral effects. Integration of a dense 2D grid of seismic reflection data with sedimentological and geotechnical data obtained in two offshore wind farm zones allows detailed documentation of postglacial landforms and environmental change over a 1,021 km2 area in the western sector of the southern North Sea. Following the retreat of Last Glacial Maximum ice sheets from the southern North Sea, the resulting postglacial terrestrial landscape provided a surface for peatland formation as climate started to warm and the water table rose in response to relative sea‐level rise. Southward‐draining fluvial networks formed contemporaneously with the peatlands, and remnants of this terrestrial wetland landscape are buried beneath Holocene marine sediments. Distinctive isolated incisional features and discrete widening of fluvial channels that cut through the peats are interpreted as either tidal ponds or relict tidal channels. These features record the evolution of this landscape through the Early Holocene as marine transgression inundated a low‐relief coastal plain. The erosion of the peatlands observed in the cores, the patchy preservation of the organic wetland landscape, and the lack of preserved barrier systems recorded by the seismic reflection data suggest that the rate of relative sea‐level rise outpaced sediment supply during the Late Postglacial and Early Holocene in this area of the southern North Sea. In a regional context, the southward draining river channels contrast to northward fluvial drainage to the North Sea, pointing to a subtle drainage divide in the palaeolandscape and the presence of a low‐relief land bridge separating the North Sea and the English‐Channel/La Manche during the Early Holocene. The documented scenario of rising sea levels combined with decreasing sediment supply in a low‐relief setting is a situation faced by many global deltas and coastlines, which makes the southern North Sea a crucial archive of coastal landscape change.
Building a Validity Argument for the TOEFL Junior® Tests
Authors: Hsieh Ching‐Ni
Published: May 2024

The TOEFL Junior® tests are designed to evaluate young language students' English reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in an English‐medium secondary instructional context. This paper articulates a validity argument constructed to support the use and interpretation of the TOEFL Junior test scores for the purpose of placement, progress monitoring, and evaluation of a test taker's English skills. The validity argument is built within an argument‐based approach to validation and consists of six validity inferences that provide a coherent narrative about the measurement quality and intended uses of the TOEFL Junior test scores. Each validity inference is underpinned by specific assumptions and corresponding evidential support. The claims and supporting evidence presented in the validity argument demonstrate how the TOEFL Junior research program takes a rigorous approach to supporting the uses of the tests. The compilation of validity evidence serves as a resource for score users and stakeholders, guiding them to make informed decisions regarding the use and interpretation of TOEFL Junior test scores within their educational contexts.
Effects of kefir consumption on gut microbiota and health outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Çıtar Dazıroğlu Merve Esra , Acar Tek Nilüfer , Cevher Akdulum Münire Funda , Yılmaz Canan , Yalınay Ayşe Meltem
Published: May 2024

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is common among women of reproductive age, is characterized by low‐grade chronic inflammation and is associated with several health problems and dysbiosis. Kefir has been shown to have many beneficial health effects; however, its effect on PCOS is unknown. This study aimed to examine the effect of kefir on the intestinal microbiota and health outcomes in PCOS. In this intervention study, 17 women with PCOS consumed 250 mL/day of kefir (containing Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens subsp. kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens subsp. kefirgranum, Lactobacillus kefiri, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus parakefiri, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc mesentereoides, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Kluyveromyces lactis, Acetobacter pasteurianus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) for 8 weeks. Food consumption and physical activity records, anthropometrical measurements, quality of life, and fecal and blood samples were taken at the study's beginning and end. Quality of life in mental health (58.8 ± 15.08; 64.0 ± 15.23, respectively) and physical function (95.00 and 100.00, respectively) categories showed a significant increase after kefir intervention (p < .05). Additionally, Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), one of the inflammatory cytokines, significantly decreased (174.00 and 109.10 ng/L, respectively) (p < .05). The intestinal barrier permeability was evaluated with zonulin, and no significant change was observed. Gut microbiota analysis showed that while the relative abundance of the class Bacilli and genus Lactococcus significantly increased, the genus Holdemania decreased with kefir consumption (p < .05). In conclusion, kefir appears to be beneficial for improving the microbiota and some health outcomes, like reducing inflammation and improving quality of life in PCOS. Therefore, kefir may be useful in the treatment of PCOS.
Autophagy‐induced cell death by aqueous and polyphenol‐enriched extracts of honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) in liver and colon cancer cells
Authors: Samodien Sedicka , de Kock Maryna , Joubert Elizabeth , de Beer Dalene , Kriel Jurgen , Gelderblom Wentzel C. A. , Lilly Mariska
Published: May 2024

The anti‐cancer potential of Cyclopia species (honeybush) has been demonstrated in several models. The present study investigated the effects of aqueous and polyphenol‐enriched (PE) extracts of C. subternata and C. genistoides, as well as mangiferin and hesperidin, on different cell growth parameters in human liver (HepG2) and colon (HT‐29) cancer cells. Mangiferin and hesperidin were most abundant in C. genistoides and C. subternata, respectively. Cyclopia subternata extracts had the highest ferric‐reducing antioxidant capacity. Following exposure of the cells to the extracts and compounds, cell viability, proliferation, and death (apoptosis and autophagy) were determined. Cyclopia subternata extracts reduced cell viability and inhibited cell proliferation the most, associated with depletion of ATP. In HepG2 cells, the PE extracts were less effective than the aqueous extracts in reducing cell viability but more effective in inhibiting cell proliferation. Despite disrupting cell growth, none of the extracts induced apoptosis. The aqueous extracts affected autophagy in both cancer cells. Disruption of mitochondrial membrane integrity by the different extracts, presumably via polyphenol/iron interactions, is postulated to be involved; however, mangiferin and hesperidin had no effect, suggesting that other polyphenols and/or complex interactions between compounds are likely responsible for the differential cytotoxic and/or cytoprotective effects of the extracts.
Grassland management intensity determines root development, soil structure, and their interrelationship: Results of a regional study of Leptosols in the Swabian Alps
Authors: Kuka Katrin , Joschko Monika
Published: May 2024

Background

Soil structure is a key indicator of the functioning of soil processes in grasslands, which is influenced by site conditions and management.

Methods

In this study, we investigated soil structure and its relationship with root growth in 31 Leptosols under different grassland management intensities using X‐ray microcomputed tomography. A close relationship between land use intensity, soil structure, and root growth was observed.

Results

Our results show that land use type affects root development and soil structure. Pastures had more developed roots and more structured soils than meadows and mown pastures. However, all pastures were unfertilized, while meadows and mown pastures had both fertilized and unfertilized plots. Although no significant differences were found in the unfertilized plots, sample size was limited. In particular, fertilization negatively affected root growth and soil structure, resulting in significant differences between fertilized and unfertilized grasslands. Mowing frequency also had an effect on soil physics, but to a much lesser extent than fertilization.

Conclusions

Increased land use intensity, characterized by increased fertilization and more frequent mowing, reduces root growth and adversely affects soil structure. Therefore, X‐ray microcomputed tomography is a suitable method to investigate the relationship between soil structure and roots in the soil.
Trends of female authorship in head and neck surgery publications over the last decade
Authors: Ferraro Tatiana , Cole Jamie , Lee Sean M. , Pershad Alisha R. , Lee Esther , Hildebrand Hannah , Harrington Chloe , Derdzakyan Nicole A. , Gold Beck O. , Tummala Neelima , Thakkar Punam
Published: May 2024

Background

While other otolaryngology subspecialties have established female authorship trends, there is no comprehensive study within head and neck surgery (HNS).

Methods

Five researchers recorded the gender identity of first and senior authors from HNS subspecialty papers (head and neck oncology, endocrine surgery, salivary gland pathology, and microsurgery) derived from 10 journals in otolaryngology and oncology in the years 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022.

Results

From 3457 articles, 6901 unique author identities were analyzed. Female authors represented 32% (N = 1103) of first authors and 20% (N = 690) of senior authors. Female authors were less likely to publish in microvascular and reconstructive surgery. Senior female authors were more likely to publish in higher impact journals than male senior authors, and first female authors had an increased likelihood of funding compared to their male counterparts.

Conclusions

While female authors remain underrepresented in certain literature, we illustrate promising trends in productivity, funding allocation, and impact.
Immune‐monitoring of myelodysplastic neoplasms: Recommendations from the i4MDS consortium
Authors: Tentori Cristina A. , Zhao Lin P. , Tinterri Benedetta , Strange Kathryn E. , Zoldan Katharina , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Feng Xingmin , Riva Elena , Lim Benjamin , Simoni Yannick , Murthy Vidhya , Hayes Madeline J. , Poloni Antonella , Padron Eric , Cardoso Bruno A. , Cross Michael , Winter Susann , Santaolalla Aida , Patel Bhavisha A. , Groarke Emma M. , Wiseman Daniel H. , Jones Katy , Jamieson Lauren , Manogaran Charles , Daver Naval , Gallur Laura , Ingram Wendy , Ferrell P. Brent , Sockel Katja , Dulphy Nicolas , Chapuis Nicolas , Kubasch Anne S. , Olsnes Astrid M. , Kulasekararaj Austin , De Lavellade Hugues , Kern Wolfgang , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Bonnet Dominique , Westers Theresia M. , Freeman Sylvie , Oelschlaegel Uta , Valcarcel David , Raddi Marco G. , Grønbæk Kirsten , Fontenay Michaela , Loghavi Sanam , Santini Valeria , Almeida Antonio M. , Irish Jonathan M. , Sallman David A. , Young Neal S. , van de Loosdrecht Arjan A. , Adès Lionel , Della Porta Matteo G. , Cargo Catherine , Platzbecker Uwe , Kordasti Shahram ,   i4MDS consortium
Published: May 2024

Advancements in comprehending myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) have unfolded significantly in recent years, elucidating a myriad of cellular and molecular underpinnings integral to disease progression. While molecular inclusions into prognostic models have substantively advanced risk stratification, recent revelations have emphasized the pivotal role of immune dysregulation within the bone marrow milieu during MDS evolution. Nonetheless, immunotherapy for MDS has not experienced breakthroughs seen in other malignancies, partly attributable to the absence of an immune classification that could stratify patients toward optimally targeted immunotherapeutic approaches. A pivotal obstacle to establishing “immune classes” among MDS patients is the absence of validated accepted immune panels suitable for routine application in clinical laboratories. In response, we formed International Integrative Innovative Immunology for MDS (i4MDS), a consortium of multidisciplinary experts, and created the following recommendations for standardized methodologies to monitor immune responses in MDS. A central goal of i4MDS is the development of an immune score that could be incorporated into current clinical risk stratification models. This position paper first consolidates current knowledge on MDS immunology. Subsequently, in collaboration with clinical and laboratory specialists, we introduce flow cytometry panels and cytokine assays, meticulously devised for clinical laboratories, aiming to monitor the immune status of MDS patients, evaluating both immune fitness and identifying potential immune “risk factors.” By amalgamating this immunological characterization data and molecular data, we aim to enhance patient stratification, identify predictive markers for treatment responsiveness, and accelerate the development of systems immunology tools and innovative immunotherapies.
Identifying key beliefs underlying QR code check‐in and compliance behaviours in the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mac Thi Nhung , Phipps Daniel J. , Parkinson Joy , Hamilton Kyra
Published: May 2024

Issue Addressed

The implementation of quick response (QR) code check‐in compliance behaviour during the COVID‐19 pandemic featured in infection control strategies in several global jurisdictions, but was of particular interest in the Australian context, where it became mandated on a nationwide scale. We aimed to identify the salient beliefs people hold toward complying with the QR code check‐in using a Theory of Planned Behaviour belief‐based framework.

Methods

An elicitation study using open‐ended questions (Queensland; N = 93, Mage = 4.77 years, SD = 13.62 and Victoria; N = 76, Mage = 44.92 years, SD = 11.63) and a prospective correlational study using a two‐wave online survey (Queensland; N = 290, Mage = 38.99, 46.6% female and Victoria; N = 290, Mage = 38.27, 53.4% female) were conducted.

Results

Qualitative data were coded through an iterative content analysis, while quantitative data were analysed using linear multiple regression. Behavioural, normative and control beliefs were associated with intention and behaviour in both samples. Variation in beliefs across the states also were observed.

Conclusions

Across both samples, beliefs in positive outcomes consistently exhibited stronger associations with both intention and behaviour than the reported negative outcomes. Distinct differences emerged between the two samples in terms of regression effects.

So What?

Results indicate individual experience may affect the beliefs which guide behaviour, supporting the potential efficacy of health promotion campaigns tapping into context specific beliefs and experiences if QR code check‐in is to be implemented as an infection control measure in future.
Is food and drink advertising across various settings associated with dietary behaviours and intake among Australian adolescents? Findings from a national cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Gascoyne Claudia , Scully Maree , Morley Belinda
Published: May 2024

Issue Addressed

The pervasive promotion of energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor food and drinks undermines efforts by adolescents and their parent/carers to maintain a nutritious diet during a crucial developmental period. This study examined the association between awareness of food and drink advertisements and adolescents' dietary behaviours and intake.

Methods

A sample of Australian secondary students aged 12–17 years (N = 8763) self‐reported their awareness of food and drink advertisements across seven settings, whether they had tried a new product or asked a parent/carer to purchase a product they had seen advertised, and their consumption of various unhealthy food and drink types. Analyses used multilevel mixed‐effects generalised linear models adjusted for school‐level clustering, socio‐demographic factors and television viewing.

Results

Students with higher advertising awareness were more likely to have tried a new product they had seen advertised (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.51–1.73, p < .001) and asked their parent/carer to buy an advertised product (APR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.51–1.73, p < .001) at least once in the past month. As advertising awareness increased, so too did students' likelihood of reporting these dietary behaviours. A high unhealthy food intake was more commonly reported among students with higher advertising awareness (APR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.32–1.58, p < .001), as was a high unhealthy drink intake (APR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.18–1.42, p < .001).

Conclusions

Australian adolescents are vulnerable to the persuasive effects of food and drink marketing.

So What?

Greater restrictions on the way the food and drink industry can market their products to adolescents are needed to better support them in developing and maintaining positive dietary behaviours.
The changes in biethnic acceptance across daily settings and biethnic adolescents' psychological well‐being during middle school transition
Authors: Hong Sung Hee , Lee Jiyeon , Chung Grace H.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Patterns of biethnic adolescents' perceived biethnic acceptance across families, peers, and school contexts were examined during the transition from elementary to middle school in South Korea. We also examined how the transition patterns were related to their psychological outcomes during this period.

Methods

Utilizing 2‐wave data (2017 and 2019) from the Panel Survey of Korean Multicultural Youth Adjustment, a latent transition analysis was conducted. Participants were biethnic adolescents who were in 5th or 6th grade at Wave 1 (N = 245; 51.02% female; Mage = 11.38). Their fathers were Korean, and mothers were immigrants from neighboring countries. Familial ethnic socialization, peer discrimination, and school multicultural climate scores were used as indicators of biethnic acceptance. Outcomes of self‐esteem, depression, and biethnic affirmation were also examined.

Results

Latent profile and transition analyses yielded two groups (i.e., high acceptance and low acceptance) at each wave and four transition patterns (i.e., high‐high, low‐high, low‐low, and high‐low). Compared to high‐high group, which was the most prevalent group, low‐low and high‐low groups reported lower self‐esteem and ethnic affirmation, and greater depression at Wave 3.

Conclusions

While for the majority of participants, their daily settings continued to be high in biethnic acceptance across the transition period, most at risk were those who perceived a decrease in biethnic acceptance in their daily settings. Results shed light on the need for support to maintain the context of high biethnic acceptance surrounding biethnic adolescents for their psychological well‐being in school transitions.
The marijuana, cannabinoids, and female reproductive system
Authors: Najafi Leila , Moasses Zia , Bahmanpour Soghra
Published: May 2024

The marijuana is considered as widely used recreational illicit drug that has become popular among women of reproductive age. It is believed that the marijuana use may have negative impacts on the female fertility. However, the exact mechanisms of its reproductive toxicity remain unclear. The studies suggest that the exogenous cannabinoids may interfere with endocannabinoid system and disrupt hypothalamic‐pituitary‐ovary axis. Consequently, it impacts the female fertility by disruption of normal secretion of ovarian sex hormones and menstrual cycles. However, other studies have shown that medical marijuana is useful analgesic agent for pain management. But, given that the wide range of cannabinoids side effects are reported, it seems that caution should be taken in the recreational use of these substances. In summary, this article aimed to review the possible impacts of marijuana and its derivatives on the main female reproductive organs and embryonic growth and development.
Comparing fabrication techniques for engineered cardiac tissue
Authors: Hatano Rachel , Smith Ariell M. , Raman Ritu , Zamora Jose E. , Bashir Rashid , McCloskey Kara E.
Published: May 2024

Tissue engineering can provide in vitro models for drug testing, disease modeling, and perhaps someday, tissue/organ replacements. For building 3D heart tissue, the alignment of cardiac cells or cardiomyocytes (CMs) is important in generating a synchronously contracting tissue. To that end, researchers have generated several fabrication methods for building heart tissue, but direct comparisons of pros and cons using the same cell source is lacking. Here, we derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and compare the assembly of these cells using three fabrication methods: cardiospheres, muscle rings, and muscle strips. All three protocols successfully generated compacted tissue comprised of hiPSC‐derived CMs stable for at least 2 weeks. The percentage of aligned cells was greatest in the muscle strip (55%) and the muscle ring (50%) compared with the relatively unaligned cardiospheres (35%). The iPSC‐derived CMs within the muscle strip also exhibited the greatest elongation, with elongation factor at 2.0 compared with 1.5 for the muscle ring and 1.2 for the cardiospheres. This is the first direct comparison of various fabrication techniques using the same cell source.
Single‐cell RNA‐seq reveals novel interaction between muscle satellite cells and fibro‐adipogenic progenitors mediated with FGF7 signalling
Authors: Ma Lu , Meng Yingying , An Yalong , Han Peiyuan , Zhang Chen , Yue Yongqi , Wen Chenglong , Shi Xin'e , Jin Jianjun , Yang Gongshe , Li Xiao
Published: May 2024

Background

Muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) exert essential roles in skeletal muscle adaptation to growth, injury and ageing, and their functions are extensively modulated by microenvironmental factors. However, the current knowledge about the interaction of MuSCs with niche cells is quite limited.

Methods

A 10× single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) was performed on porcine longissimus dorsi and soleus (SOL) muscles to generate a single‐cell transcriptomic dataset of myogenic cells and other cell types. Sophisticated bioinformatic analyses, including unsupervised clustering analysis, marker gene, gene set variation analysis (GSVA), AUCell, pseudotime analysis and RNA velocity analysis, were performed to explore the heterogeneity of myogenic cells. CellChat analysis was used to demonstrate cell–cell communications across myogenic cell subpopulations and niche cells, especially fibro‐adipogenic progenitors (FAPs). Integrated analysis with human and mice datasets was performed to verify the expression of FGF7 across diverse species. The role of FGF7 on MuSC proliferation was evaluated through administering recombinant FGF7 to porcine MuSCs, C2C12, cardiotoxin (CTX)‐injured muscle and d‐galactose (d‐gal)‐induced ageing model.

Results

ScRNA‐seq totally figured out five cell types including myo‐lineage cells and FAPs, and myo‐lineage cells were further classified into six subpopulations, termed as RCN3+, S100A4+, ID3+, cycling (MKI67+), MYF6+ and MYMK+ satellite cells, respectively. There was a higher proportion of cycling and MYF6+ cells in the SOL population. CellChat analysis uncovered a particular impact of FAPs on myogenic cells mediated by FGF7, which was relatively highly expressed in SOL samples. Administration of FGF7 (10 ng/mL) significantly increased the proportion of EdU+ porcine MuSCs and C2C12 by 4.03 ± 0.81% (P < 0.01) and 6.87 ± 2.17% (P < 0.05), respectively, and knockdown of FGFR2 dramatically abolished the pro‐proliferating effects (P < 0.05). In CTX‐injured muscle, FGF7 significantly increased the ratio of EdU+/Pax7+ cells by 15.68 ± 5.45% (P < 0.05) and elevated the number of eMyHC+ regenerating myofibres by 19.7 ± 4.25% (P < 0.01). Under d‐gal stimuli, FGF7 significantly reduced γH2AX+ cells by 17.19 ± 3.05% (P < 0.01) in porcine MuSCs, induced EdU+ cells by 4.34 ± 1.54% (P < 0.05) in C2C12, and restored myofibre size loss and running exhaustion in vivo (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our scRNA‐seq reveals a novel interaction between muscle FAPs and satellite cells mediated by FGF7–FGFR2. Exogenous FGF7 augments the proliferation of satellite cells and thus benefits muscle regeneration and counteracts age‐related myopathy.
Trajectories of mental health across the primary to secondary school transition
Authors: Donaldson Caitlyn , Hawkins Jemma , Rice Frances , Moore Graham
Published: May 2024

Background

Adolescence is a period of profound developmental change during which the prevalence of mental health problems starts to increase. It also typically coincides with a school transition. Understanding mental health trajectories through school transition is important to inform interventions to support young people's mental health during this period.

Methods

In a longitudinal study with three assessment points spaced six months apart spanning the transition from primary (T1 = end of primary school [Year 6]) to secondary school (T2 = beginning of the first year secondary school [Year 7]; T3 = end of first year of secondary school [Year 7]) we carried out a latent class growth analysis of symptoms of common mental health problems. Young people (mean age at baseline of 11.2 years, standard deviation 0.29; 46.8% female; 53.2% male) from South East England (n = 1861) were included. We modelled emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity and peer problems in parallel over the transition period. Individual‐level variables: socioeconomic status (SES), special educational need(s) (SEN), gender, negative life events (NLEs) and being worried about transition were tested as predictors of trajectory class membership using multinomial logistic regression.

Results

A model with four trajectory classes provided the best fit to the data: ‘persistently elevated’ mental health problems, ‘emotional and peer problems’, ‘hyperactivity and conduct problems’ and ‘persistently low’ mental health problems. Class membership was differentially predicted by the individual‐level variables.

Conclusions

Young people from low SES backgrounds, those with SEN and those who have experienced two or more NLEs are more likely to exhibit trajectories with elevated mental health difficulties through the transition to secondary school. Young people who were worried about transition were more likely to belong to a trajectory class characterised by elevated emotional problems.