bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Young student’s views of NAPLAN: impact on wellbeing through drawn responses
Authors: Roberts Pauline , Barblett Lennie
Published: September 2024

Standardized testing of academic knowledge is common in many developed countries. In Australia, the process implemented is the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). The stand-alone tests were introduced in 2008 for several educational and political reasons, and since that time, the results of this assessment have been used beyond their initial purpose and brought about an unintended consequence of making the tests high-stakes. The pressure of these assessments has the potential to impact student’s wellbeing, but little research has been done in this area and even less where the student’s perspectives are considered. This research examined the impact of NAPLAN testing on the wellbeing of 1,015 students in Years 3 and 5 across 23 school sites within metropolitan Perth in Western Australia through three iterations. This research gave students the opportunity to draw or write how they felt about NAPLAN as a participatory approach to hearing children’s voices in research. This paper reports on the two-stage analysis of the 917 drawn images provided. Stage 1 analysis by two researchers categorized the images as initially positive, negative, or mixed/neutral and identified the impact across the cohorts of students was not significantly negative with an average of 22.5% of the images coded as negative. Stage 2 involved detailed systematic content analysis examining the actors, locations, and emotions of the drawings, which indicated high levels of stress and anxiety for a small number of these students. It was evident that the tests can have a negative impact on the wellbeing of some students and this finding requires consideration by policymakers and curriculum teams engaged with writing, implementing, and assessing NAPLAN as well as those using the results for both intended and unintended purposes.
Depression, anxiety and self-esteem in adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yuxin , Zhang Jiayu , Zheng Xuanling , Lu Wenjing , Guo Jinru , Chen Fuhong , Liu Changqin
Published: September 2024

Objective

Studies have shown the adverse psychological impact of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the state of mental health in adolescents with PCOS remains unclear. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety, as well as potential effects on self-esteem and quality of life (QoL) in this specific population.

Methods

We systematically searched four electronic databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Reviews database for articles published until 25/8/2024. We considered observational studies in which the subjects were adolescent girls with PCOS who had reported symptoms including anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and QoL. The Review Manager version 5.4 was used to analyze the available data extracted. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale (NOS) to evaluate the quality of selected studies. A funnel plot was utilized to assess the risk of literature bias, and a forest plot was used to represent the combined outcomes. This systematic review was previously registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42022382036.

Results

We included 11 studies in the systematic review and conducted meta-analyses on 10 of them. Adolescents with PCOS reported a higher risk of depression (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.23 to 4.00, p = 0.008) and a higher level of depression scores (SMD = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.16 to 0.71, p = 0.002) than controls. There were no significant differences in anxiety (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 0.52 to 6.96, p = 0.33; SMD = 0.19, 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.59, p = 0.36), self-esteem (SMD = -0.17, 95% CI: -0.85 to 0.52, p = 0.64), and QoL (SMD = -0.15, 95% CI: -0.42 to 0.11, p = 0.26) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our research indicated that adolescents with PCOS experienced more severe depressive symptoms than those without PCOS. This highlights the importance of evaluation and early treatment of mental health in PCOS. More clinicians should pay attention to the mental health of adolescent girls with PCOS through this study.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022382036.
Androgen-mediated maternal effects and trade-offs: postnatal hormone development, growth, and survivorship in wild meerkats
Authors: Davies Charli S. , Shearer Caroline L. , Greene Lydia K. , Mitchell Jessica , Walsh Debbie , Goerlich Vivian C. , Clutton-Brock Tim H. , Drea Christine M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Mammalian reproductive and somatic development is regulated by steroid hormones, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Based largely on information from humans, model organisms, and domesticated animals, testosterone (T) and the GH/IGF-1 system activate sexually differentiated development, promoting male-biased growth, often at a cost to health and survivorship. To test if augmented prenatal androgen exposure in females produces similar developmental patterns and trade-offs, we examine maternal effects in wild meerkats (Suricata suricatta), a non-model species in which adult females naturally, albeit differentially by status, express exceptionally high androgen concentrations, particularly during pregnancy. In this cooperative breeder, the early growth of daughters predicts future breeding status and reproductive success.

Methods

We examine effects of normative and experimentally induced variation in maternal androgens on the ontogenetic patterns in offspring reproductive hormones (androstenedione, A4; T; estradiol, E2), IGF-1, growth from pup emergence at 1 month to puberty at 1 year, and survivorship. Specifically, we compare the male and female offspring of dominant control (DC or high-T), subordinate control (SC or lower-T), and dominant treated (DT or blocked-T) dams, the latter having experienced antiandrogen treatment in late gestation.

Results

Meerkat offspring showed sex differences in absolute T and IGF-1 concentrations, developmental rates of A4 and E2 expression, and survivorship — effects that were sometimes socially or environmentally modulated. Atypical for mammals were the early male bias in T that disappeared by puberty, the absence of sex differences in A4 and E2, and the female bias in IGF-1. Food availability was linked to steroid concentrations in females and to IGF-1, potentially growth, and survival in both sexes. Maternal treatment significantly affected rates of T, E2, and IGF-1 expression, and weight, with marginal effects on survivorship; offspring of DT dams showed peak IGF-1 concentrations and the best survivorship.

Discussion

Maternal effects thus impact offspring development in meerkats, with associated trade-offs: Whereas prenatal androgens modify postnatal reproductive and somatic physiology, benefits associated with enhanced competitiveness in DC lineages may have initial costs of reduced IGF-1, delay in weight gain, and decreased survivorship. These novel data further confirm the different evolutionary and mechanistic pathways to cooperative breeding and call for greater consideration of natural endocrine variation in both sexes.
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: epidemiology, genetics, and treatment
Authors: Tan Baizhou , Zhang Beiyu , Chen Hongping
Published: September 2024

The incidence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP NEN) is increasing at a rapid pace and is becoming an increasingly important consideration in clinical care. Epidemiological data from multiple countries indicate that the incidence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP NEN) exhibits regional, site-specific, and gender-based variations. While the genetics and pathogenesis of some GEP NEN, particularly pancreatic NENs, have been investigated, there are still many mechanisms that require further investigation. The management of GEP NEN is diverse, but surgery remains the primary option for most cases. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is an effective treatment, and several clinical trials are exploring the potential of immunotherapy and targeted therapy, as well as combination therapy.
Blastocysts originated from oocytes with smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates have a reduced euploidy rate: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kong Pengcheng , Pan Jiaping , Liang Shanshan , Yin Mingru , Teng Xiaoming
Published: September 2024

Research question

Does the presence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregates (SERa) in oocytes adversely impact the euploidy rate of subsequent blastocysts?

Design

We performed a retrospective cohort study with 671 young patients (< 38 years) undergoing their first preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) between January 2019 and October 2022 at a reproductive medical center of university affiliated teaching hospitals in China. Cycles were categorized as either SERa(+) cycles (containing at least one SERa(+) oocyte) or SERa(-) cycles (all oocytes without SERa). In SERa(+) cycles, oocytes were further subdivided into the SERa(+) oocyte group and the sibling SERa(-) oocyte group, comprising oocytes with normal morphology.

Results

No significant differences were observed in the normal fertilization rate (72.9% vs. 75.4% vs. 72.6%, P=0.343), and cleavage rate (96.8% vs. 97.1% vs. 96.4%, P=0.839) among the SERa(-) cycle group, the SERa(-) oocyte group, and the SERa(+) oocyte group. Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences in the rates of good quality embryos (44.7% vs. 48.8% vs. 46.2%, P=0.177) or blastocyst formation (60.1% vs. 60.9% vs. 60.5%, P=0.893) among the groups. However, the euploidy rate of blastocysts derived from SERa(+) oocytes was significantly lower compared to those from SERa(-) oocytes in SERa(+) cycles and normal oocytes in SERa(-) cycles (39.3% vs. 51.2% vs. 54.5%, P=0.005). Despite this, there were no significant differences in pregnancy and neonatal outcomes after euploid embryo transfer among the three groups.

Conclusions

Blastocysts derived from SERa(+) oocytes have a lower euploidy rate than those derived from SERa(-) oocytes. Nevertheless, comparable reproductive outcomes were achieved following euploid embryo transfer from both SERa(+) and SERa(-) oocytes.
Green synthesis of CaO nanoparticles from chicken eggshells: antibacterial, antifungal, and heavy metal (Pb2⁺, Cr2⁺, Cd2⁺ and Hg2⁺) adsorption properties
Authors: Hemmami Hadia , Zeghoud Soumeia , Ben Amor Ilham , Alnazza Alhamad Ali , Tliba Ali , Alsalme Ali , Cornu David , Bechelany Mikhael , Barhoum Ahmed
Published: September 2024

Background

Chicken eggshells, a common poultry byproduct, are rich in calcium and provide a sustainable source for producing calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaO NPs). Their use in eco-friendly synthesis aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable materials for environmental and biomedical applications. Objectives: This study develops an eco-friendly method for synthesizing CaO NPs from chicken eggshells, characterizes their physicochemical properties, and evaluates their antibacterial and antifungal activities. It also tests their effectiveness in removing heavy metal ions (Pb2⁺, Cr2⁺, Cd2⁺, and Hg2⁺) from aqueous solutions.

Methods

CaO NPs were synthesized by calcining chicken eggshells at 700°C for 7 h. Comprehensive characterization included analysis of crystalline structure, morphology, optical properties, bandgap energy, chemical composition, and thermal stability. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested using the well-agar diffusion method. Batch adsorption experiments evaluated heavy metal ion removal under varying conditions of pH, temperature, stirring time, and adsorbent concentration

Results

The synthesis produced spherical, single-crystal CaO NPs with diameters ranging from 5 to 30 nm and a crystalline size of approximately 20 nm. The nanoparticles had a bandgap energy of about 4.7 eV. Significant antibacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, with increasing inhibition zones correlating with nanoparticle concentration. The CaO NPs also effectively inhibited Candida albicans. For efficient metal ion removal, the optimal conditions were found to be 30 min at pH 6 with 40 mg of CaO NPs at 25°C, achieving recovery rates of 98% for Pb2⁺, 97% for Cd2⁺, 97% for Cr2⁺, and 97% for Hg2⁺. For near-complete removal, extending the process to 70 min at pH 6 with 40 mg of CaO NPs at 45°C achieved the highest recovery rates: 99% for Pb2⁺, 98% for Cd2⁺, 99% for Cr2⁺, and 99% for Hg2⁺, though this approach involves higher energy and cost.

Conclusion

CaO NPs derived from chicken eggshells are effective antibacterial agents and adsorbents for heavy metal removal. These findings highlight their potential for sustainable applications in environmental and biomedical fields.
Black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) population status, reasons for decline and potential conservation measures from Western and Central Europe to Fennoscandia: a literature review
Authors: Hambálková Lucie , Cukor Jan , Brynychová Kateřina , Ševčík Richard , Vacek Zdeněk , Vacek Stanislav , Skoták Vlastimil , Linda Rostislav , Andersen Oddgeir
Published: September 2024

The long-term decline of the black grouse population throughout Europe is influenced by many factors that affect populations differently depending on the distribution range, from Central Europe to the Scandinavian countries. Therefore, we analyzed available literature sources to describe the main reasons for the population decline of this species and to suggest conservation measures. In total, 228 pieces of literature from 1955 to 2024 were analyzed for this study. Based on the literature analysis, it is clear that the drivers of population decline differ across the distributional range. In Central Europe, where the population is declining rapidly, habitat loss and forest fragmentation are crucial factors, as is the negative impact of tourism. In Scandinavia, where the population is gradually declining, decreasing breeding success and increasing chick mortality rates are generally considered the main negative factors. However, these factors also affect black grouse populations in Central Europe. It is crucial to acknowledge that a significant proportion of the contributing factors, such as predation and habitat loss, can be attributed to human activities. Therefore, it is necessary to emphasize that environmental protection should work hand in hand with wildlife managers to improve the situation.
Impact of winch-assisted logging machinery on soil disturbance in the mountainous forests of Western Carpathians
Authors: Allman Michal , Dudáková Zuzana , Duchan Martin , Jankovský Martin , Juško Vladimír
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Timber harvesting on steep terrain is a challenge in terms of economic viability, safety, and environmental performance. Felling with chainsaws and use of yarders seems optimal in this environment. However, using mobile traction winches allows for the safe work of ground-based technologies even in these challenging conditions.

Methods

Our study assessed the impact of winch-assisted cut-to-length harvesting on soil disturbance in young forest stands (up to 40 years old) across slopes of 14.9°-27.4° (27–52%). Utilizing 78 measurement points (i.e., 234 measurements), we analyzed soil samples from trail ruts, between ruts, and undisturbed areas for soil bulk density (g.cm−3) and soil moisture content (%), simultaneously measuring penetration resistance (MPa), penetration depth (cm) and rut depth (cm).

Results

The results highlighted that areas without winch assistance experienced the most significant increases in soil bulk density (up to 22.35%) and penetration resistance (up to 26.8%), though these differences were not statistically significant. Linear mixed effects models did not confirm a significant effect (p > 0.05) of a traction winch on the soil bulk density (g cm−3) and penetration resistance (MPa) in the ruts of the forwarding trails. Mean forwarding trail profile depths ranged from 4.63 to 7.28 cm, with the maximum depths between 10.86 and 17.25 cm, showing deeper ruts in non-assisted areas. Moreover, the presence of the traction winch (p < 0.05) significantly affected the maximal depth of the forwarding trail rut.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that winch-assisted harvesting may mitigate soil disturbance (rut depths) on steep slopes, offering a sustainable option for utilizing ground-based machinery with reduced environmental impact.
The correlation between cancer stem cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition: molecular mechanisms and significance in cancer theragnosis
Authors: Lei Zi-Ning , Teng Qiu-Xu , Koya Jagadish , Liu Yangruiyu , Chen Zizhou , Zeng Leli , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Fang Shuo , Wang Jinxiang , Liu Yuchen , Pan Yihang
Published: September 2024

The connections between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, making it a focal point in cancer theragnosis. This review provides a panorama of associations and regulation pathways between CSCs and EMT, highlighting their significance in cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlined EMT are thoroughly explored, including the involvement of key transcription factors and signaling pathways. In addition, the roles of CSCs and EMT in tumor biology and therapy resistance, is further examined in this review. The clinical implications of CSCs-EMT interplay are explored, including identifying mesenchymal-state CSC subpopulations using advanced research methods and developing targeted therapies such as inhibitors and combination treatments. Overall, understanding the reciprocal relationship between EMT and CSCs holds excellent potential for informing the development of personalized therapies and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Nonclinical evaluations of deucravacitinib and Janus kinase inhibitors in homeostatic and inflammatory pathways
Authors: Johnson Brandon , Cheng Lihong , Koenitzer Jennifer , Catlett Ian M. , Schafer Peter
Published: September 2024

Translational medicine provides insight into novel drugs and predicts unwanted effects. In well-characterized pathways (e.g., cytokine-Janus kinase [JAK]-signal transducers and activators of transcription [STAT]), a variety of in vitro assessments were used to estimate selectivity of effects on different potential targets (i.e., JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and tyrosine kinase 2 [TYK2]). Several approved drugs were characterized as selective for the JAK family. These assessments are challenged by a lack of compounds that only inhibit one JAK family member. Deucravacitinib is a first-in-class, oral, selective, allosteric inhibitor of TYK2, a kinase required for IL-12, IL-23, and Type I interferon signaling. Unlike deucravacitinib, which selectively binds to the TYK2 regulatory domain, JAK1,2,3 inhibitors target the catalytic domain, contributing to nonselective targeting of JAK1,2,3. Cytokines associated with JAK1,2,3 signaling are required for both immune and nonimmune functions. A similar laboratory abnormality profile was observed in clinical trials using JAK1,2,3 inhibitors that has not been observed with deucravacitinib. In vitro testing of JAK1,2,3 inhibitors has relied upon assays of signal transduction, such as those measuring STAT phosphorylation, for estimates of potency and selectivity. These assay systems can be effective in estimating in vivo efficacy; however, they may not provide insight into downstream outcomes of receptor signaling, which may be more relevant for evaluating safety aspects. Assay systems assessing functional outcomes from cells may yield a more useful translational evaluation. Here, deucravacitinib was assessed for potency and selectivity versus three representatives of the JAK inhibitor class (tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib) based on functional assays. JAK inhibitors had suppressive activity against JAK2-dependent hematopoietic colony-forming assays modeling thrombopoiesis, erythropoiesis, and myelopoiesis; however, deucravacitinib did not. Deucravacitinib had limited potency against NK cells, cytotoxic T cells, T-helper cells, and regulatory T cells activated by JAK1/JAK3-dependent common gamma chain cytokines. These data are consistent with the biologic role of JAK1,2,3 and pharmacodynamic changes in clinical laboratory abnormalities. Against TYK2-dependent cytokines, deucravacitinib selectively inhibited Type I interferon stimulation of monocytes and dendritic cells and was a more potent inhibitor than JAK inhibitors. IL-12 and IL-23 functional outputs were similarly potently inhibited by deucravacitinib. Results are consistent with deucravacitinib selectively inhibiting TYK2.
Role of N6-methyladenosine methylation in head and neck cancer and its regulation of innate immune pathways
Authors: Cao Luhong , Huang Guixiang , Fan Jiangang , Liu Xingren , Ma Zhiyue
Published: September 2024

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is considered the most prevalent methylation modification in messenger RNA (mRNA) that critically impacts head and neck cancer (HNC) pathogenesis and development. Alterations of m6A methylation related proteins are closely related to the progression, therapeutic effect, and prognosis of HNC. The human innate immune system activates immune pathways through pattern recognition receptors, which can not only resist pathogen infection, but also play a vital role in tumor immunity. Emerging evidence has confirmed that m6A methylation affects the activation of innate immune pathways such as TLR, cGAS-STING, and NLR by regulating RNA metabolism, revealing its potential mechanisms in the innate immune response of tumor cells. However, the relevant research is still in its infancy. This review elaborates the biological significance of RNA m6A methylation in HNC and discusses its potential regulatory relationship with TLR, cGAS-STING, and NLR pathways, providing a new perspective for in-depth understanding of the role of RNA methylation in the innate immune mechanism and therapeutic application of HNC.
Finding potential targets in cell-based immunotherapy for handling the challenges of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kheirkhah Amir Hossein , Habibi Sina , Yousefi Mohammad Hasan , Mehri Sara , Ma Bin , Saleh Mahshid , Kavianpour Maria
Published: September 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hostile hematological malignancy under great danger of relapse and poor long-term survival rates, despite recent therapeutic advancements. To deal with this unfulfilled clinical necessity, innovative cell-based immunotherapies have surfaced as promising approaches to improve anti-tumor immunity and enhance patient outcomes. In this comprehensive review, we provide a detailed examination of the latest developments in cell-based immunotherapies for AML, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, T-cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T-cell therapy, and natural killer (NK) cell-based therapies. We critically evaluate the unique mechanisms of action, current challenges, and evolving strategies to improve the efficacy and safety of these modalities. The review emphasizes how promising these cutting-edge immune-based strategies are in overcoming the inherent complexities and heterogeneity of AML. We discuss the identification of optimal target antigens, the importance of mitigating on-target/off-tumor toxicity, and the need to enhance the persistence and functionality of engineered immune effector cells. All things considered, this review offers a thorough overview of the rapidly evolving field of cell-based immunotherapy for AML, underscoring the significant progress made and the ongoing efforts to translate these innovative approaches into more effective and durable treatments for this devastating disease.
Efficacy of artesunate-mefloquine combination therapy on survival in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice: a time-to-event analysis
Authors: Vieira Santos Valdeene , Campos Pereira Laiz , dos Santos Miranda Aline Lorena Lourenço , Quadros Helenita Costa , Magalhães Moreira Diogo Rodrigo , Johansson Azeredo Francine
Published: September 2024

Artesunate-mefloquine combination therapy (AR-MQ) is a standard therapy for treating uncomplicated malaria by Plasmodium falciparum. Time-to-event (TTE) analysis is used to describe the occurrence and timing of events by yielding information about the risk of an event occurring during a specific period. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of AR-MQ combination therapy on the survival time of Plasmodium berghei-infected mice using TTE analysis. Here, TTE analysis was used to analyze P. berghei-infected mice receiving a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg artesunate and 55 mg/kg mefloquine or dose-matched artesunate monotherapy. Median survival was higher for AR-MQ than for monotherapy. A survival analysis to evaluate the influence of treatment on survival was performed using MonolixSuite™. The Weibull model best described the mortality time of the animals. Subsequent analysis identified that AR-MQ had a significant influence on population survival time (Te_pop), estimated at 13.66 days, population parameter for curve fitting (p_pop) at 4.39, and survival time under AR-MQ treatment (beta Te_AR-MQ) at 0.77 days. The probability of survival 7, 15, and 30 days after treatment with AR-MQ was 94.4%, 88.9%, and 14.9%, respectively. The experimental and modeling data both found that AR-MQ combination therapy yielded increased survival of infected animals.
Biologging reveals rapid movements of harbour seals between freshwater and marine habitats in the subarctic
Authors: Florko Katie R.N. , Yurkowski David J. , Breiter C-Jae C. , Ferguson Steven H. , Gamblin Holly E.L. , Grottoli Adam , Nace Andrea , Shuert Courtney R. , Petersen Stephen D.
Published: September 2024

Biologging tools can provide invaluable information on the movement and behaviour of animals, facilitating the elucidation of ecological dynamics, especially for wide-ranging species, and supporting conservation and management efforts. Harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) exhibit extensive habitat plasticity in their vast range across the northern hemisphere, with likely recent increases in abundance at northern latitudes, yet details of their movement behaviour in subarctic areas remain largely unknown. We used satellite-telemetry data, including nearly 5,000 locations and over 12,000 dives, obtained from six harbour seals tagged in western Hudson Bay from 2021 to 2023, to address the knowledge gap on their movement behaviour between marine and freshwater habitats in subarctic regions. We document the behavioural patterns, transit speeds, and diverse aquatic system usage, including detailed records of a harbour seal track traversing over 170 km upriver on three separate trips along the Seal River, Canada. Notably, we observed a rapid downstream transit from the Seal River to Hudson Bay, covering 214 km within a single day. Additionally, we highlight the prevalence of short dive durations in the Seal and Churchill Rivers, in contrast to longer dive durations in Hudson Bay. These insights complement existing evidence of harbour seal occurrences and river use at northern latitudes, as well as enhance our understanding of harbour seal movement ecology within Hudson Bay which can be used to better inform conservation and management strategies between connected freshwater and marine environments in the Arctic.
Ship-based RPA operations for cetacean research in Antarctica: progress, opportunities and challenges
Authors: Andrews-Goff Virginia , Smith Joshua N. , Irvine Lyn G. , Double Michael C.
Published: September 2024

Data collection facilitated by remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) has proven to be revolutionary in many disciplines including for research in extreme environments. Here we assess current use and utility of small multirotor remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) for the challenging role of facilitating ship-based cetacean research in Antarctica. While such aircraft are now used routinely in sheltered environments in and off Antarctica, a comprehensive literature review found that RPA-mediated cetacean research conducted from ships at sea and outside of the Antarctic Peninsula region was relatively uncommon. In order to determine the potential utility of ship-based multirotor RPA operations for cetacean research, we repeatedly deployed small RPAs during a multidisciplinary research voyage in maritime East Antarctica to collect scientific data contributing to an understanding of krill and krill predator interactions. RPA flight metrics (duration, height, length, speed, distance from ship, battery drainage, satellites acquired) were compared to ship underway environmental sampling data. At a mean duration of 12 minutes, these 139 RPA flights were relatively short yet adequate to achieve the science intended, namely a range of cetacean related data streams including photogrammetry, photo identification, behavioural observations and whale blow sampling in addition to water sampling and collection of general scenic imagery. RPA flight operations were constrained by wind speed but not by air temperature with flights undertaken throughout the full range of air temperatures experienced (down to –9.5°C) but not throughout the full range of wind speeds experienced. For a 12-minute flight duration, battery drainage was around 60% indicating that the RPAs were rarely pushed to their operational limit. There was little evidence that the cold impacted RPA lithium battery performance with estimated maximum flight time within approximately 10% of expected flight time for the RPA platforms most used. Whist small multirotor RPAs are rarely applied to cetacean related research in maritime East Antarctica, we demonstrate their value and potential to deliver data critical to address knowledge gaps that challenge the effective management of both krill and their predators.
Cutting-edge developments in the application of hydrogels for treating skin photoaging
Authors: Cao Lili , Qian Xiaoying , Min Jie , Zhang Zhongfeng , Yu Meiping , Yuan Dan
Published: September 2024

Skin photoaging, caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, manifests as intricate biological transformations, encompassing oxidative damage and structural alterations. Despite a growing need for effective interventions, the existing therapeutic repertoire for treating skin photoaging remains constrained. Recent investigations have shifted focus towards the application of hydrogels as a novel avenue for addressing this concern. Various active substances can be combined with hydrogels for transdermal delivery, including compounds from the ocean, plants, cell active substances, which can promote skin UV damage repair mainly through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and promote collagen production. This review seeks to offer a thorough summary of recent progress in employing hydrogels for addressing skin photoaging. Topics covered include the mechanism of skin photoaging, and emerging trends in hydrogel-based therapies for skin rejuvenation. The discussion also explores challenges and outlines potential future directions in leveraging hydrogels as therapeutic agents to address skin photoaging.
Innovative pH-triggered antibacterial nanofibrous coatings for enhanced metallic implant properties
Authors: Kloster Gianina A. , Rivero Guadalupe , Ballarre Josefina , Herrera Seitz M. Karina , Ceré Silvia M. , Abraham Gustavo A.
Published: September 2024

Metallic stainless steel bone implants are widely used due to their excellent mechanical properties, low cost, and ease of fabrication. Nanofibrous composite polymers have been proposed as coatings to promote biocompatibility and osseointegration, thanks to their biomimetic morphology that resembles the extracellular matrix. However, critical practical issues are often overlooked in the literature. For instance, applying coatings to implants with different shapes presents a significant technological challenge, as does evaluating viable sterilization procedures for hybrid devices containing electrospun polymers. In addition, infections pose a risk in any surgical procedure and can lead to implant failure, there is a need for antimicrobial prevention during surgery as well as in the short term afterward. In this work, we propose a new and straightforward method for manufacturing nanofibrous composite coatings directly on thin cylindrical-shaped metallic implants. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers containing bioactive glass microparticles were electrospun onto stainless steel wires and then post-treated using two different strategies to achieve both hydrophilicity and surface disinfection. To address antimicrobial properties, amoxicillin-loaded Eudragit®E nanofibers were co-electrospun to impart pH-selective release behavior in event of a potential infection. The resulting composite hybrid coatings were characterized morphologically, physically, chemically, and electrochemically. The antibacterial behavior was evaluated at different media, confirming the release of the antibiotic in the pH range where infection is likely to occur. The impact of this study lies in its potential to significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of orthopedic implants by offering a novel, adaptable solution to combat infection. By integrating a pH-responsive drug delivery system with antimicrobial coatings, this approach not only provides a preventive measure during and after surgery but also addresses the growing issue of antibiotic resistance by targeting specific infection conditions.
Assessment of whole-body vibration and development of mitigation intervention for single-axle tractor–trailer combination
Authors: Naveen Rachamalla , Kumar Adarsh , Kumar Rajeev , Kushwaha H. L. , Khanna Manoj , Ramasubramanian V. , Poojith Sajja
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Tractarization is synonymous with farm mechanization in India. Tractor-trailers are extensively used for the transportation of farm inputs and produce on and off-road, exposing drivers to excessive vibration.

Objectives

The study was undertaken to assess tractor drivers’ vibration exposure while using trailers and to develop low-cost mitigation interventions.

Methodology

The whole-body vibrations were measured at the tractor seat during the transportation with a no, half (3715 kg soil) and full payload (5910 kg soil) trailer on two terrain conditions, namely, asphalt and farm terrains. The speeds recommended by ISO 5008-1979 of 10, 12 and 14 km/h on asphalt roads and 4, 5 and 7 km/h on farm roads, as well as actual working speeds preferred by the operator (18, 20 and 22 km/h on asphalt road and 8, 10 and 12 km/h on farm terrain), were selected for experiments. Two vibration reduction interventions, namely spring suspended single point hitch (I1) and polyurethane (PU) bush (I2), were developed and installed between the tractor and trailer. Whole-body vibration (WBV) was measured by repeating the experiments.

Results

The maximum vibration reduction on asphalt road at 22 km/h with I1 was found as 14.3, 19.03 and 23.1%, whereas on-farm terrain at 12 km/h was found as 15.16, 22.43, and 25.56% for no, half and full payload. Similarly, with I1 + I2 interventions, the maximum total vibration reduction at 22 km/h was 16.86, 21.12 and 25.51% on asphalt roads, whereas on-farm tertian at 12 km/h was 17.07, 23.77 and 28.67%. The average value of lower health guidance caution zone (HGCZ) limits on asphalt roads increased by 1.11, 0.95 and 0.92 h and on-farm tertian 1.55, 1.14 and 0.83 h with no, half, and full payload. The average value of upper HGCZ limits on asphalt roads increased by 3.13, 3.21 and 3.68 h and on-farm tertian by 2.24, 2.94 and 3.31 h with intervention.

Conclusions

This infers that with developed interventions an operator can safely perform for a longer duration and at higher operational speeds because of the reduced vibration.
Whole-body PET image denoising for reduced acquisition time
Authors: Kruzhilov Ivan , Kudin Stepan , Vetoshkin Luka , Sokolova Elena , Kokh Vladimir
Published: September 2024

Purpose

A reduced acquisition time positively impacts the patient's comfort and the PET scanner's throughput. AI methods may allow for reducing PET acquisition time without sacrificing image quality. The study aims to compare various neural networks to find the best models for PET denoising.

Methods

Our experiments consider 212 studies (56,908 images) for 7MBq/kg injected activity and evaluate the models using 2D (RMSE, SSIM) and 3D (SUVpeak and SUVmax error for the regions of interest) metrics. We tested 2D and 2.5D ResNet, Unet, SwinIR, 3D MedNeXt, and 3D UX-Net. We have also compared supervised methods with the unsupervised CycleGAN approach.

Results and conclusion

The best model for PET denoising is 3D MedNeXt. It improved SSIM on 38.2% and RMSE on 28.1% in 30-s PET denoising and on 16.9% and 11.4% in 60-s PET denoising when compared to the original 90-s PET reducing at the same time SUVmax discrepancy dispersion.
Efficacy of combined doxycycline and intense pulsed light therapy for the management of intractable recurrent chalazion
Authors: Yoon Hyeon-Jeong , Moon Ja Young , Yoon Kyung Chul
Published: September 2024

Management of chalazion, characterized by noninfectious chronic granulomatous inflammation of the meibomian glands (MGs), remains challenging in ophthalmic practice, particularly because of its propensity for recurrence even after surgical intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the combined efficacy of doxycycline and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for treating intractable recurrent chalazion, focusing on reducing recurrence rates and improving MG status. This retrospective study included patients with intractable recurrent chalazion refractory to conventional treatments including surgical intervention and antibiotics. All patients were treated with a combination of doxycycline and IPL therapy. Clinical assessments included best-corrected visual activity, intraocular pressure, and MG evaluations using slit-lamp biomicroscopy and Keratograph 5 M topography. The study included 12 patients (5 male and 7 female) with an average age of 36.3 years. Treatment outcomes were categorized as ‘success’ (83.3%), ‘stationary’ (8.3%), and ‘failure’ (8.3%). Significant improvements were noted in the MG expression scores (p = 0.038), MG quality scores (p = 0.045), and lid margin telangiectasia scores (p = 0.002). In addition, significant improvement in meiboscores was observed (p = 0.002). The combination of doxycycline and IPL therapy demonstrated promising efficacy in treating intractable recurrent chalazion, with significant improvements in MG function and reduced recurrence rates. This treatment approach offers a viable alternative for patients with recurrent chalazions, particularly for those who are unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Seminal plasma microbiomes, sperm parameters, and cryopreservation in a healthy fertile population
Authors: Fu Longlong , Lou Yuanlei , Guo Ying , Zhou Fang , Ma Jing , Wang Shusong , Gu Yiqun , Fu Bin , Lu Wenhong
Published: September 2024

Background

Recent advances in microbiome research have revealed the presence of diverse microbial communities in human tissues previously thought to be sterile. The present study delves into the emerging field of seminal plasma microbiomics, examining the relationship between semen microbes and semen parameters and post-freezing tolerance.

Methods

The study involved a cohort of healthy fertility males and microbial genome analysis using 16S rRNA to characterize the microbial diversity of seminal plasma. Microbial diversity analysis identified unique amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and genera dominant in seminal plasma. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between flora and semen parameters. A paired t-test was used to compare the changes in microbiome expression in seminal plasma before and after cryo-resuscitation.

Results

The relevant results show that the top five phyla in terms of abundance of seminal plasma microbiome were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Campylobacterota. Spearman correlation analysis highlighted the association between specific microbial species and semen parameters, between Porphyromonas_asaccharolytica and sperm concentration. Microbial changed significantly after cryo-resuscitation, affecting taxonomic units such as Campylobacter and Muribaculaceae, and KEGG enrichment analyses, suggesting that metabolic pathways are associated with sperm freezing. Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes and Eptoniphilus_duerdenii exhibited a potential impact, while Orynebacterium_tuberculostearicum demonstrated a positive correlation with the recovery rate of progressive motile sperm.

Conclusion

The semen of normal fertile individuals contains a microflora component that is closely related to semen quality, including the sperm’s ability to withstand freezing.
Updated insights into the NLRP3 inflammasome in postoperative cognitive dysfunction: emerging mechanisms and treatments
Authors: Wang Tian , Sun Guangwei , Tao Bingdong
Published: September 2024

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) poses a significant threat to patients undergoing anesthesia and surgery, particularly elderly patients. It is characterized by diminished cognitive functions post surgery, such as impaired memory and decreased concentration. The potential risk factors for POCD include age, surgical trauma, anesthetic type, and overall health condition; however, the precise mechanisms underlying POCD remain elusive. Recent studies suggest that neuroinflammation might be a primary pathogenic factor. NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes are implicated in exacerbating POCD by promoting the release of inflammatory factors and proteins that initiate pyroptosis, further influencing the disease process. The regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome activity, including its activation and degradation, is tightly controlled through multiple pathways and mechanisms. In addition, autophagy, a protective mechanism, regulates the NLRP3 inflammasome to control the progression of POCD. This review reviews recent findings on the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in POCD pathogenesis and discusses therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing NLRP3 sources, inhibiting cellular pyroptosis, and enhancing autophagy.
Genetic causality of lipidomic and immune cell profiles in ischemic stroke
Authors: Chen Haohao , Zheng Zequn , Cai Xiaorui , Li Shunxian , Chen Manli , Wu Jiaming , He Wenzhen , Gao Fenfei
Published: September 2024

Background

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a global health issue linked to lipid metabolism and immune cell responses. This study uses Mendelian randomization (MR) to identify genetic risk factors for IS subtypes using comprehensive genetic data from lipidomic and immune cell profiles.

Methods

We assessed genetic susceptibility to IS across 179 lipids and 731 immune cell phenotypes using instrumental variables (IVs) from recent genome-wide association studies. A two-sample MR approach evaluated correlations, and a two-step MR mediation analysis explored the role of immune cell phenotypes in the lipid-IS pathway. Sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger and Cochran Q tests, ensured robust results.

Results

Genetic IVs for 162 lipids and 614 immune cell phenotypes were identified. Significant genetic causality was found between 35 lipids and large artery stroke (LAS), with 12 as risk factors (sterol esters, phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines) and 23 as protective factors (phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylinositols). For small vessel stroke (SVS), 8 as risk factors (sterol esters, phosphatidylcholines), and 2 as protective factors (phosphatidylinositol, sphingomyelin). For cardioembolic stroke (CS), 2 as risk factors, and 4 as protective factors. Mediation analysis revealed that CCR2 on granulocytes, CD11c on CD62L+ myeloid dendritic cells, and FSC-A on granulocytes mediated the lipid-immune cell-LAS pathway, while CD4 on activated CD4 regulatory T cells and CD4 on activated & secreting CD4 regulatory T cells mediated the lipid-immune cell-SVS pathway.

Conclusion

This study identifies genetic links between specific lipids and IS subtypes, highlights immune cells’ role in IS risk and mediation, suggests new therapeutic targets, and uncovers IS genetic drivers.
On the influence of discourse connectives on the predictions of humans and language models
Authors: Britton James , Cong Yan , Hsu Yu-Yin , Chersoni Emmanuele , Blache Philippe
Published: September 2024

Psycholinguistic literature has consistently shown that humans rely on a rich and organized understanding of event knowledge to predict the forthcoming linguistic input during online sentence comprehension. We, the authors, expect sentences to maintain coherence with the preceding context, making congruent sentence sequences easier to process than incongruent ones. It is widely known that discourse relations between sentences (e.g., temporal, contingency, comparison) are generally made explicit through specific particles, known as discourse connectives, (e.g., and, but, because, after). However, some relations that are easily accessible to the speakers, given their event knowledge, can also be left implicit. The goal of this paper is to investigate the importance of discourse connectives in the prediction of events in human language processing and pretrained language models, with a specific focus on concessives and contrastives, which signal to comprehenders that their event-related predictions have to be reversed. Inspired by previous work, we built a comprehensive set of story stimuli in Italian and Mandarin Chinese that differ in the plausibility and coherence of the situation being described and the presence or absence of a discourse connective. We collected plausibility judgments and reading times from native speakers for the stimuli. Moreover, we correlated the results of the experiments with the predictions given by computational modeling, using Surprisal scores obtained via Transformer-based language models. The human judgements were collected using a seven-point Likert scale and analyzed using cumulative link mixed modeling (CLMM), while the human reading times and language model surprisal scores were analyzed using linear mixed effects regression (LMER). We found that Chinese NLMs are sensitive to plausibility and connectives, although they struggle to reproduce expectation reversal effects due to a connective changing the plausibility of a given scenario; Italian results are even less aligned with human data, with no effects of either plausibility and connectives on Surprisal.