bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChatGPT’s quiz skills in different otolaryngology subspecialties: an analysis of 2576 single-choice and multiple-choice board certification preparation questions
Authors: Hoch Cosima C. , Wollenberg Barbara , Lüers Jan-Christoffer , Knoedler Samuel , Knoedler Leonard , Frank Konstantin , Cotofana Sebastian , Alfertshofer Michael
Published: June 2023

Purpose

With the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in various domains, including healthcare, there is growing acceptance and interest in consulting AI models to provide medical information and advice. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of ChatGPT’s responses to practice quiz questions designed for otolaryngology board certification and decipher potential performance disparities across different otolaryngology subspecialties.

Methods

A dataset covering 15 otolaryngology subspecialties was collected from an online learning platform funded by the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, designed for board certification examination preparation. These questions were entered into ChatGPT, with its responses being analyzed for accuracy and variance in performance.

Results

The dataset included 2576 questions (479 multiple-choice and 2097 single-choice), of which 57% (n = 1475) were answered correctly by ChatGPT. An in-depth analysis of question style revealed that single-choice questions were associated with a significantly higher rate (p < 0.001) of correct responses (n = 1313; 63%) compared to multiple-choice questions (n = 162; 34%). Stratified by question categories, ChatGPT yielded the highest rate of correct responses (n = 151; 72%) in the field of allergology, whereas 7 out of 10 questions (n = 65; 71%) on legal otolaryngology aspects were answered incorrectly.

Conclusion

The study reveals ChatGPT’s potential as a supplementary tool for otolaryngology board certification preparation. However, its propensity for errors in certain otolaryngology areas calls for further refinement. Future research should address these limitations to improve ChatGPT’s educational use. An approach, with expert collaboration, is recommended for the reliable and accurate integration of such AI models.
Eye and hair color prediction of an early medieval adult and subadult skeleton using massive parallel sequencing technology
Authors: Zupanič Pajnič Irena , Leskovar Tamara , Črešnar Matija
Published: June 2023

Phenotypic trait prediction in ancient DNA analysis can provide information about the external appearance of individuals from past human populations. Some studies predicting eye and hair color in ancient adult skeletons have been published, but not for ancient subadult skeletons, which are more prone to decay. In this study, eye and hair color were predicted for an early medieval adult skeleton and a subadult skeleton that was anthropologically characterized as a middle-aged man and a subadult of unknown sex about 6 years old. When processing the petrous bones, precautions were taken to prevent contamination with modern DNA. The MillMix tissue homogenizer was used for grinding, 0.5 g of bone powder was decalcified, and DNA was purified in Biorobot EZ1. The PowerQuant System was used for quantification and a customized version of the HIrisPlex panel for massive parallel sequencing (MPS) analysis. Library preparation and templating were performed on the HID Ion Chef Instrument and sequencing on the Ion GeneStudio S5 System. Up to 21 ng DNA/g of powder was obtained from ancient petrous bones. Clean negative controls and no matches with elimination database profiles confirmed no contamination issue. Brown eyes and dark brown or black hair were predicted for the adult skeleton and blue eyes and brown or dark brown hair for the subadult skeleton. The MPS analysis results obtained proved that it is possible to predict hair and eye color not only for an adult from the Early Middle Ages, but also for a subadult skeleton dating to this period.
Proteomic profiling of sudden cardiac death with acquired cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Kakimoto Yu , Ueda Atsushi , Ito Masatoshi , Tanaka Masayuki , Kubota Tomoko , Isozaki Shotaro , Osawa Motoki
Published: June 2023

Background

Cardiac hypertrophy, which develops in middle-aged and older individuals as a consequence of hypertension and obesity, is an established risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate SCD with acquired cardiac hypertrophy (SCH) from compensated cardiac hypertrophy (CCH), at autopsy. We aimed to elucidate the proteomic alteration in SCH, which can be a guideline for future postmortem diagnosis.

Methods

Cardiac tissues were sampled at autopsy. SCH group consisted of ischemic heart failure, hypertensive heart failure, and aortic stenosis. CCH group included cases of non-cardiac death with cardiac hypertrophy. The control group comprised cases of non-cardiac death without cardiac hypertrophy. All patients were aged > 40 years, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was not included in this study. We performed histological examination and shotgun proteomic analysis, followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Results

Significant obesity and myocardial hypertrophy, and mild myocardial fibrosis were comparable in SCH and CCH cases compared to control cases. The proteomic profile of SCH cases was distinguishable from those of CCH and control cases, and many sarcomere proteins were increased in SCH cases. Especially, the protein and mRNA levels of MYH7 and MYL3 were significantly increased in SCH cases.

Conclusion

This is the first report of cardiac proteomic analysis in SCH and CCH cases. The stepwise upregulation of sarcomere proteins may increase the risk for SCD in acquired cardiac hypertrophy before cardiac fibrosis progresses significantly. These findings can possibly aid in the postmortem diagnosis of SCH in middle-aged and older individuals.
Evaluating mismatch repair deficiency in colorectal cancer biopsy specimens
Authors: Grillo F. , Paudice M. , Gambella A. , Bozzano S. , Sciallero S. , Puccini A. , Lastraioli S. , Dono M. , Parente P. , Vanoli A. , Angerilli V. , Fassan M. , Mastracci L.
Published: June 2023

Mismatch repair (MMR) testing on all new cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) has customarily been preferably performed on surgical specimens, as more tissue is available; however, new clinical trials for the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the neoadjuvant setting require MMR testing on biopsy samples. This study aims at identifying advantages, disadvantages and any potential pitfalls in MMR evaluation on biopsy tissue and how to cope with them. The study is prospective-retrospective, recruiting 141 biopsies (86 proficient (p)MMR and 55 deficient (d)MMR) and 97 paired surgical specimens (48 pMMR; 49 dMMR). In biopsy specimens, a high number of indeterminate stains was observed, in particular for MLH1 (31 cases, 56.4%). The main reasons were a punctate nuclear expression of MLH1, relatively weak MLH1 nuclear expression compared to internal controls, or both (making MLH1 loss difficult to interpret), which was solved by reducing primary incubation times for MLH1. A mean of  ≥﻿ 5 biopsies had adequate immunostains, compared to ≤ 3 biopsies in inadequate cases. Conversely, surgical specimens rarely suffered from indeterminate reactions, while weaker staining intensity (p < 0.007) for MLH1 and PMS2 and increased patchiness grade (p < 0.0001) were seen. Central artefacts were almost exclusive to surgical specimens. MMR status classification was possible in 92/97 matched biopsy/resection specimen cases, and all of these were concordant (47 pMMR and 45 dMMR). Evaluation of MMR status on CRC biopsy samples is feasible, if pitfalls in interpretation are known, making laboratory-specific appropriate staining protocols fundamental for high-quality diagnoses.
The role of acrolein for E-cigarette vapour condensate mediated activation of NADPH oxidase in cultured endothelial cells and macrophages
Authors: Kuntic Ivana , Kuntic Marin , Oelze Matthias , Stamm Paul , Karpi Angelica , Kleinert Hartmut , Hahad Omar , Münzel Thomas , Daiber Andreas
Published: June 2023

Electronic cigarettes (E-cigarettes) have recently become a popular alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. Despite being marketed as a healthier alternative, increasing evidence shows that E-cigarette vapour could cause adverse health effects. It has been postulated that degradation products of E-cigarette liquid, mainly reactive aldehydes, are responsible for those effects. Previously, we have demonstrated that E-cigarette vapour exposure causes oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension by activating NADPH oxidase in a mouse model. To better understand oxidative stress mechanisms, we have exposed cultured endothelial cells and macrophages to condensed E-cigarette vapour (E-cigarette condensate) and acrolein. In both endothelial cells (EA.hy 926) and macrophages (RAW 264.7), we have observed that E-cigarette condensate incubation causes cell death. Since recent studies have shown that among toxic aldehydes found in E-cigarette vapour, acrolein plays a prominent role, we have incubated the same cell lines with increasing concentrations of acrolein. Upon incubation with acrolein, a translocation of Rac1 to the plasma membrane has been observed, accompanied by an increase in oxidative stress. Whereas reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation by acrolein in cultured endothelial cells was mainly intracellular, the release of ROS in cultured macrophages was both intra- and extracellular. Our data also demonstrate that acrolein activates the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant pathway and, in general, could mediate E-cigarette vapour-induced oxidative stress and cell death. More mechanistic insight is needed to clarify the toxicity associated with E-cigarette consumption and the possible adverse effects on human health.
Home-visiting programs based on the Brazelton approach: a scoping review
Authors: Tazza Cecilia , Ioverno Salvatore , Pallini Susanna
Published: June 2023

This review maps and summarizes the quantitative studies on the main outcomes associated with home visiting (HV) programs using Brazelton methods aimed at supporting expectant and new parents. One hundred thirty-seven records were identified, and 19 records were selected. The design of our study was based on the methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews. Quality was assessed through the Jadad scale. Studies were coded for participant characteristics (number, mean age, and risk status), methodology (recruitment, home visit frequency, age of the child, Brazelton method, and research design), and intervention outcomes (on infants, parents, and home visitors). The studies mostly focused on the impact of Brazelton HV programs on infant development, the mother’s psychological well-being, mother-infant interaction, and home visitor satisfaction. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies consistently have shown that parents receiving the intervention have greater knowledge of their children. Results are less conclusive regarding the intervention’s impact on other domains of child development, mothers’ psychological well-being, and mothers’ sensitivity to the relationship with the child. Overall, the results suggest that the improvements associated with the intervention are mainly influenced by the risk status of families. Further research is needed to better understand the benefits of HV based on the Brazelton approach and the target population that may benefit most from this intervention.

Conclusion: Although the impact of the Brazelton home visiting intervention is not yet fully understood, there is promising evidence of its positive effects on child development, maternal well-being, and parental knowledge. Further research with consistent methodologies and larger sample sizes is needed to strengthen our understanding. However, existing findings in the literature underscore the importance of preventive interventions such as the Brazelton program in improving family well-being, with potential long-term benefits.

What is Known:

• Home visiting programs based on the Brazelton approach aim to increase parents’ knowledge and sensitivity to their children.

• There is no clear picture in the literature of the effectiveness of these programs.

What is New:

• Existing studies consistently show the effectiveness of these programs to improve parents’ knowledge of their children.

• Findings on the impact of these programs on child development, mothers' psychological well-being and sensitivity to their child are inconclusive and may be influenced by the risk status.
Der Zentrumbereichskern Wilmersdorfer Straße in Berlin-Charlottenburg in Zeiten multipler Krisen – gestärkt durch Nutzungsmischung, Kiezcharakter und Kuration?
Authors: Suwala Lech , Pfeil Nina , Lange Max , Pfeiffer Linus , Albers Hans-Hermann
Published: June 2023

Die Coronapandemie hat zwischenzeitlich für einen durchschnittlichen Rückgang der Passantenfrequenzen von bis zu 40 % in den Hauptgeschäftsstraßen der deutschen Großstädte gesorgt. In Kombination mit den Schreckgespenstern Onlinehandel, der zunehmenden Einzelhandels- und Filialdichte und neuerdings der Inflation kommen besondere Herausforderungen auf innerstädtische Geschäftsstraßen und ihre Erdgeschosseinheiten zu. Dieser Beitrag setzt sich mit dem Zentrumbereichskern Wilmersdorfer Straße in Berlin-Charlottenburg auseinander und hat das Ziel, zu zeigen, dass Nutzungsmischung, Kiezcharakter und Kuration im Verbund innerstädtischen Geschäftsstraßen und ihren Erdgeschosseinheiten gerade in Krisenzeiten helfen können. Dies geschieht basierend auf einem sozio- und regionalökonomischen Profil der Geschäftsstraße, das sich aus lokalen sekundärstatistischen Daten, einer Kartierung der Liegenschaften und 13 Expertengesprächen mit mannigfaltigen Stakeholdern speist. Es kann gezeigt werden, dass ein breit gefächerter Nutzungs- und Funktionsmix jenseits von Handelsaktivitäten mit einer integrierten Nahversorgungsfunktion, gepaart mit Kiezcharakter und einer Kuration, die offen für neuartige institutionelle Verbünde mit der Zivilgesellschaft ist, innerstädtische Geschäftsstraßen sehr widerstandsfähig machen kann. Dies gilt insbesondere dann, wenn die Geschäftsstraße zusätzlich in einen Kiez eingebettet ist, auf einen räumlich verwurzelten Kundenstamm trifft und eben auf dessen lokaleren Lebensradien (z. B. als gesellschaftlicher Treffpunkt) Bezug nimmt.
Automating the Calibration of Flat-Jointed Bonded Particle Model Microproperties for the Rewan Sandstone Case Study
Authors: Tsang Matthew , Clark Ian , Karlovšek Jurij
Published: June 2023

The flat joint contact model (FJM) provides significant improvements over its predecessors, the parallel bond and contact bond models, for bonded particle modelling of rocks due to its unique microstructure that allows for the reproduction of the macroscopic compressive–tensile strength ratio, σc/|σt|; internal friction angle, ϕ; and the Hoek–Brown constant, mi. However, the microproperty calibration process is tedious and time-consuming to perform manually due to the various microproperty interdependencies that exist in the FJM. Previous attempts at automating the bonded particle model microproperty calibration process have typically utilised advanced statistical methods, such as artificial neural networks, but they have not yet been widely applied to the FJM over a representative range of confining stresses for calculation of ϕ and mi. In this study, a new method is proposed for automating the FJM microproperty calibration process based on a numerical root-finding algorithm and specific calibration sequencing. The new method is applied to a Rewan Sandstone case study with similar natural porosity to a 2D bonded particle model packed to a low initial mean stress. The resulting FJM microproperties are shown to reproduce both the target macroscopic laboratory properties and a realistic damage evolution, including a normalised crack initiation stress of 0.46 and a normalised crack damage stress of 0.83 coinciding with a reversal of the axial stress–volumetric strain curve in an unconfined compression test simulation. It is also demonstrated that the absolute change in the instantaneous lateral–axial strain ratio (Poisson’s ratio in the linear-elastic phase) provides a reasonable proxy to the acoustic emissions which may be measured in the laboratory.
Calibration of the root water uptake spatial distribution of a young Melaleuca styphelioides, an Australian-native plant, by means of a large-scale apparatus experiment
Authors: Bertolini Ilaria , Gottardi Guido , Gragnano Carmine Gerardo , Buzzi Olivier
Published: June 2023

The stability of slopes is greatly influenced by seasonal variations in pore water pressures (pwp) induced by rainfall infiltration and evapotranspiration processes. Despite that, the prediction of the hydrological effects of long-stem planting is often simplified or neglected because it is challenging to address. Its computation requires a proper definition of the plant root water uptake spatial distribution, which depends, in turn, on geometry and spatial root density. A well-suited case study in this field of application has been provided by a soil-filled embankment, close to an important traffic artery in Newcastle (Australia), which experienced shallow instability. The implementation of long-stem planting has been suggested as a remediation intervention. Based on this, an experimental study focusing on the effects of plant roots on the distribution of pwp in the site soil has been performed by means of a large-scale laboratory experiment on a 2-year-old native plant. Suction measurements were recorded within the vegetated soil mass under controlled boundary conditions and used to calibrate two different root spatial distributions in a seepage simulation. One is based on a flexible RWU spatial distribution function, and the other, specific for the plant RWU pattern, is simpler in its formulation and requires the definition of a lower number of parameters. A comparison between their performances in reproducing pwp distribution suggests that the second one is a better alternative. The methodological approach adopted has proven to be suitable for representing the hydraulic behaviour of a vegetated hillslope, to be eventually implemented in a proper stability assessment problem.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in older patients with gastric cancer undergoing surgery: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Keywani Kammy , Borgstein Alexander B. J. , Eshuis Wietse J. , Pape Marieke , Versteeg Kathelijn S. , Derks Sarah , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Gisbertz Suzanne S. , Verhoeven Rob H. A. , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I.
Published: June 2023

Background

In trials evaluating perioperative chemotherapy for gastric cancer, which serve as the basis for treatment guidelines, patients are selected. The generalizability of these trial findings to older patients is uncertain.

Methods

This population-based retrospective cohort study compared the survival outcomes of patients ≥ 75 years with gastric adenocarcinoma treated with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy between 2015 and 2019. Additionally, the percentage of patients < 75 years and ≥ 75 years who did not proceeded to surgery after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were examined.

Results

A total of 1995 patients, of whom 1249 aged < 75 years and 746 aged ≥ 75 years, were included. In the group of patients ≥ 75 years, 275 patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and 471 patients were directly scheduled for gastrectomy. Patients ≥ 75 years treated with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy differed significantly from one and another in characteristics. Overall survival of patients ≥ 75 years treated with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy was not significantly different (median 34.9 vs. 32.3 months; P = 0.506), also after adjusting for potential confounders (HR 0.87; P = 0.263). Of patients ≥ 75 years who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, 43 (15.6%) did not proceed to surgery compared to 111 (8.9%) patients < 75 years (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients ≥ 75 years treated with or without chemotherapy were highly selected, and overall survival was not significantly different between both groups. Nonetheless, the proportion of patients who did not proceed to surgery following neoadjuvant chemotherapy was higher in patients ≥ 75 years compared to patients < 75 years. Therefore, neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be considered with more caution in patients ≥ 75 years, while identifying those who may benefit.
Classification of homogeneous hypersurfaces in some noncompact symmetric spaces of rank two
Authors: Solonenko Ivan
Published: June 2023

We classify, up to isometric congruence, the homogeneous hypersurfaces in the Riemannian symmetric spaces $$\textrm{SL}(3,\mathbb {H})/\textrm{Sp}(3), \textrm{SO}(5,\mathbb {C})/\textrm{SO}(5),$$

SL
(
3
,
H
)
/
Sp
(
3
)
,
SO
(
5
,
C
)
/
SO
(
5
)
,

and $$\textrm{Gr}^*(2,\mathbb {C}^{n+4}) = \textrm{SU}(n+2,2)/\textrm{S}(\textrm{U}(n+2)\textrm{U}(2)), \, n \geqslant 1$$

Gr
∗

(
2
,

C

n
+
4

)

=
SU

(
n
+
2
,
2
)

/
S

(
U

(
n
+
2
)

U

(
2
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,

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1

.
Aberrant phosphorylation of human LRH1 at serine 510 is predictable of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence
Authors: Nishimagi Atsushi , Kobayashi Makoto , Sugimoto Kotaro , Kofunato Yasuhide , Sato Naoya , Haga Junichiro , Ishigame Teruhide , Kimura Takashi , Kenjo Akira , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Hashimoto Yuko , Marubashi Shigeru , Chiba Hideki
Published: June 2023

We previously identified the AKT-phosphorylation sites in nuclear receptors and showed that phosphorylation of S379 in mouse retinoic acid γ and S518 in human estrogen receptor α regulate their activity independently of the ligands. Since this site is conserved at S510 in human liver receptor homolog 1 (hLRH1), we developed a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognized the phosphorylation form of hLRH1S510 (hLRH1pS510) and verified its clinicopathological significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We generated the anti-hLRH1pS510 mAb and assessed its selectivity. We then evaluated the hLRH1pS510 signals in 157 cases of HCC tissues by immunohistochemistry because LRH1 contributes to the pathogenesis of diverse cancers. The developed mAb specifically recognized hLRH1pS510 and worked for immunohistochemistry of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. hLRH1pS510 was exclusively localized in the nucleus of HCC cells, but the signal intensity and positive rates varied among the subjects. According to the semi-quantification, 45 cases (34.9%) showed hLRH1pS510-high, and the remaining 112 cases (65.1%) exhibited hLRH1pS510-low. There were significant differences in the recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the two groups, and the 5-year RFS rates in the hLRH1pS510-high and hLRH1pS510-low groups were 26.5% and 46.1%, respectively. In addition, high hLRH1pS510 was significantly correlated with portal vein invasion, hepatic vein invasion, and high levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Furthermore, multivariable analysis revealed that hLRH1pS510-high was an independent biomarker for HCC recurrence. We conclude that aberrant phosphorylation of hLRH1S510 is a predictor of poor prognosis for HCC. The anti-hLRH1pS510 mAb could provide a powerful tool to validate the relevance of hLRH1pS510 in pathological processes such as tumor development and progression.
IL-6-induced response of human osteoblasts from patients with rheumatoid arthritis after inhibition of the signaling pathway
Authors: Sellin Marie-Luise , Klinder Annett , Bergschmidt Philipp , Bader Rainer , Jonitz-Heincke Anika
Published: June 2023

Interleukin (IL-) 6 is a critical factor in inflammatory processes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is of high interest as the progression of RA may lead to the implantation of joint endoprostheses, which is associated with a pro-inflammatory increase in IL-6 in the periprosthetic tissue. Biological agents such as sarilumab have been developed to inhibit IL-6-mediated signaling. However, IL-6 signaling blockade should consider the inhibition of inflammatory processes and the regenerative functions of IL-6. This in vitro study investigated whether inhibiting IL-6 receptors can affect the differentiation of osteoblasts isolated from patients with RA. Since wear particles can be generated at the articular surfaces of endoprostheses leading to osteolysis and implant loosening, the potential of sarilumab to inhibit wear particle-induced pro-inflammatory processes should be investigated. Both in monocultures and indirect co-cultures with osteoclast-like cells (OLCs), human osteoblasts were stimulated with 50 ng/mL each of IL-6 + sIL-6R and in combination with sarilumab (250 nM) to characterize cell viability and osteogenic differentiation capacity. Furthermore, the influence of IL-6 + sIL-6R or sarilumab on viability, differentiation, and inflammation was evaluated in osteoblasts exposed to particles. Stimulation with IL-6 + sIL-6R and sarilumab did not affect cell viability. Except for the significant induction of RUNX2 mRNA by IL-6 + sIL-6R and a significant reduction with sarilumab, no effects on cell differentiation and mineralization could be detected. Furthermore, the different stimulations did not affect the osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation of co-cultured cells. Compared to the osteoblastic monocultures, a decreased release of IL-8 was triggered in the co-culture. Among these, treatment with sarilumab alone resulted in the greatest reduction of IL-8. The co-culture also showed clearly increased OPN concentrations than the respective monocultures, with OPN secretion apparently triggered by the OLCs. Particle exposure demonstrated decreased osteogenic differentiation using different treatment strategies. However, sarilumab administration caused a trend toward a decrease in IL-8 production after stimulation with IL-6 + sIL-6R. The blockade of IL-6 and its pathway have no significant effect on the osteogenic and osteoclastic differentiation of bone cells derived from patients with RA. Nonetheless, observed effects on the reduced IL-8 secretion need further investigation.
How common is hybridization in birds?
Authors: Ottenburghs Jente
Published: June 2023

Hybridization—the interbreeding of different species—plays an integral role in the evolution of numerous bird species. However, it remains unclear how widespread this phenomenon is within and across different bird groups. Estimating the incidence of hybridization in different bird lineages can inform comparative analyses to uncover the evolutionary and ecological forces that promote or prevent the formation of hybrids. Estimates on a species level have varied from about 10% to almost 20% of hybridizing bird species. The variation among the latest estimates largely depends on the choice of global species checklists with differing decisions on the taxonomic status of certain (sub)species. However, the hybrid records in these estimates have generally been taken at face value. Detailed assessments of these records revealed that some cases are unreliable or incorrect. Removing of these faulty records and discovery of novel hybrids will result in a fluctuating percentage of hybridizing species that can best be captured in a living document (e.g., a regularly updated website or checklist). Estimating hybridization on an individual level is more challenging. A first attempt, using citizen science data from the eBird project, reported 0.064% hybrid individuals in the United States. This percentage is probably an underestimate due to underreporting of hybrids by birdwatchers and remains to be finetuned by considering other confounding factors, such as spatial and temporal variation in hybridization dynamics. Future efforts in estimating avian hybridization will need to rely on a combination of data sources and techniques, such as genetics, museum specimens, and citizen science.
Linking winter severity to space use of European bison around feeding sites in Białowieża Primeval Forest (NE Poland)
Authors: Bramorska Beata , Kowalczyk Rafał , Kamiński Tomasz , Borowik Tomasz
Published: June 2023

Supplementary feeding is a commonly used wildlife management practice, but while it may bring benefits and fulfil management goals, it can also result in unintended negative consequences. In the temperate zone, winter supplementary feeding may reduce movement of some ungulate species, leading to increased utilization of feeding sites by individuals and, consequently, animal aggregation. However, the intensity of feeding site utilization can vary depending on various extrinsic factors, e.g. habitat type, population density or weather conditions. Here, we predicted that the index of feeding sites utilization, expressed as the distance of European bison (Bison bonasus) to feeding sites, would be positively associated with the severity of winter conditions; thus, bison will be closer to feeding sites on colder days and in the presence of snow cover. We analysed winter (December to March) tracking data of 43 VHF- and GPS-collared European bison (24 males and 19 females) collected from 2005 to 2012 in Białowieża Primeval Forest (NE Poland), where bison are supplementally fed with different intensity throughout winter. Female bison were closer to feeding sites than males throughout winter, and regardless of sex, bison were the closest to feeding sites in mid-winter (January to February) and on colder days independently of the time of the season. Additionally, the distances of bison to feeding sites were significantly related to snow cover and depth; i.e. bison were closer to the feeding sites on days with present snow cover and deeper snow. Hence, the winter area occupied by bison differed with changing weather severity — being 4 and 28 times larger in the warmest periods compared to the coldest days with snow cover (for females and males, respectively). This may have direct and indirect ecological consequences for the ecosystem due to potential impact on nutrient cycling, seed dispersal, interspecific competition, vegetation growth, forest succession and carrion distribution. Given these ecological impacts of bison and weather-dependent utilization of supplementary fodder, we recognize the possible need in the future to revise and adapt winter supplementary feeding to annual and seasonal variation in winter severity to meet management goals while optimizing the costs.
Natural Clerodendrum-derived tick repellent: learning from Nepali culture
Authors: Mazuecos Lorena , Contreras Marinela , Kasaija Paul D. , Manandhar Prajwol , Grąźlewska Weronika , Guisantes-Batan Eduardo , Gomez-Alonso Sergio , Deulofeu Karelia , Fernandez-Moratalla Isabel , Rajbhandari Rajesh Man , Sojka Daniel , Grubhoffer Libor , Karmacharya Dibesh , Gortazar Christian , de la Fuente José
Published: June 2023

Ticks attaching to ear canals of humans and animals are the cause of otoacariasis, common in rural areas of Nepal. The plant Clerodendrum viscosum is used in multiple indigenous systems of medicine by ethnic communities in the Indo-Nepali-Malaysian region. Visiting the Chitwan National Park, we learned that in indigenous medicine, flower extract of C. viscosum is utilized to treat digestive disorders and extracts from leaves as tick repellent to prevent ticks from invading or to remove them from the ear canal. The objective of our study was to provide support to indigenous medicine by characterizing the in vivo effect of leave extracts on ticks under laboratory conditions and its phytochemical composition. We collected plant parts of C. viscosum (leaves and flowers) and mango (Mangifera indica) leaves at the Chitwan National Park, previously associated with repellent activity to characterize their effect on Ixodes ricinus ticks by in vivo bioassays. A Q-ToF high-resolution analysis (HPLC-ESI-QToF) was conducted to elucidate phenolic compounds with potential repellent activity. Clerodendrum viscosum and M. indica leaf extracts had the highest tick repellent efficacy (%E = 80–100%) with significant differences when compared to C. viscosum flowers extracts (%E = 20–60%) and phosphate-buffered saline. Phytochemicals with tick repellent function as caffeic acid, fumaric acid and p-coumaric acid glucoside were identified in C. viscosum leaf extracts by HPLC-ESI-QToF, but not in non-repellent flower extracts. These results support the Nepali indigenous medicine application of C. viscosum leaf extracts to repel ticks. Additional research is needed for the development of natural and green repellent formulations to reduce the risks associated with ticks resistant to acaricides.
Content-free speech activity records: interviews with people with schizophrenia
Authors: Cangemi Francesco , Grice Martine , Janz Alicia , Lucarini Valeria , Spaniol Malin , Vogeley Kai
Published: June 2023

Schizophrenia is characterised by a variety of symptoms, many of which are expressed verbally. However, privacy concerns limit the possibility of collecting and sharing large corpora of schizophrenic speech. As a result, variability in the communicative behaviour of individuals with schizophrenia is currently poorly understood. In this study we explore how far content-free speech activity records can successfully profile the behaviour of patients with schizophrenia. We used data from one of the very few publicly available corpora of conversations with patients with schizophrenia, featuring interviews between a therapist and three patients with different symptoms. Crucially, in this study we annotated only moments of speech and silence during the interview, and we entirely discarded the verbal content of the interview. In this way we perform a type of analysis that fully preserves the speakers’ privacy, while still allowing for comparisons with the full original recorded material. We developed several types of analyses and corresponding visualisations from the activity records. Exemplifying these analyses, clear patient-specific profiles can be derived, based on the dimensions of total silence duration and the speech duration of patients and therapists. These findings are consistent with an independent phenomenological assessment of the three patients.
Cumulative risk assessment of the dietary heavy metal and aluminum exposure of Finnish adults
Authors: Suomi Johanna , Tuominen Pirkko
Published: June 2023

While directly comparable toxicological data are unavailable, this pilot study used published toxicological endpoints for neurological damage to weigh the relative importance of cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury, nickel, and aluminum in the mixture Finnish adults receive from their daily diet. In addition, the effects of a selection of these chemicals on cognition, kidney tubular damage, and fertility were assessed using the toxicological endpoints available in the Chemical Mixture Calculator developed by the Technical University of Denmark. Consumption data from the FinDiet 2012 national survey of 25 to 74-year-olds and occurrence data mainly obtained in national monitoring were used to estimate the cumulative dietary exposure, which was found to be so high that the possibility of neurological damage or kidney effects cannot be ruled out for most of the population, particularly fertile age women. For Finns below the age of 65 years, the main sources of cumulative exposure were bread and other cereals, non-alcoholic drinks, and vegetables. When mean exposure was statistically compared between age groups and genders, women aged 25 to 45 years had a statistically significantly higher exposure than men of the same age (P < 0.05) and women aged 46 to 64 years (P < 0.001).
Assessment of a Parachor Model for the Surface Tension of Binary Mixtures
Authors: Log Alexandra Metallinou , Diky Vladimir , Huber Marcia L.
Published: June 2023

We compiled an experimental database for the surface tension of binary mixtures containing a wide variety of fluids, from the chemical classes (water, alcohols, amines, ketones, linear and branched alkanes, naphthenes, aromatics, refrigerants, and cryogens). The resulting data set includes 65 pure fluids and 154 binary pairs with a total of 8205 points. We used this database to test the performance of a parachor model for the surface tension of binary mixtures. The model uses published correlations to determine the parachors of the pure fluids. The model has a single, constant binary interaction parameter for each pair that was found by fitting experimental mixture data. It can be also used in a predictive mode when the interaction parameters are set to zero. We present detailed comparisons on the performance of the model for both cases. In general, the parachor model in a predictive mode without fitted interaction parameters can predict the surface tension of binary mixtures of non-polar mixtures such as linear and branched alkanes, linear and branched alkanes with naphthenes, aromatics with aromatics, aromatics with naphthenes, and mixtures of linear alkanes of similar sizes with an average absolute percentage deviation of about 3 % or less. Polar mixtures of halocarbons with other halocarbons and also polar/nonpolar mixtures of alkanes with halocarbons could be modeled with an average absolute deviation of less than 0.35 mN·m−1 with the use of a binary interaction parameter. The parachor model even with a fitted binary interaction parameter performs poorly for mixtures of water and organic compounds and is not recommended.
Assessment of Critical Health and Safety Risks in Homes where Hoarding is Prevalent
Authors: Larkin Persephone , Bratiotis Christiana , Woody Sheila R.
Published: June 2023

Hoarding behaviour sometimes requires intervention from community agencies to reduce risks to residents and the nearby community. Human services professionals from a wide range of disciplines are called upon to address hoarding concerns, often in collaboration with each other. No guidelines currently exist to guide staff from those community agencies in a shared understanding of common health and safety risks that occur with severe hoarding behaviour. Using a modified Delphi method, we aimed to generate consensus among a panel of 34 service-provider experts from a range of disciplines on essential risks in the home that would require intervention for health or safety reasons. This process identified 31 environmental risk factors that experts agreed are critical to assess in cases of hoarding. Panelist comments outlined the debates that commonly occur in the field, the complexity of hoarding, and the difficulty with conceptualizing risks in the home. The multi-disciplinary consensus achieved on these risks will facilitate better collaboration between agencies by providing a minimum standard of what to evaluate in hoarded homes to ensure health and safety standards are being met. This can improve communication between agencies, specify the core hazards that should be incorporated into training for professionals who work with hoarding, and facilitate more standardized assessment of health and safety risks in hoarded homes.
Allelic and genotypic frequencies of SNP related to beef and carcass quality in Romosinuano cattle in Mexico
Authors: Rocha Ricardo Martínez , Ramírez-Valverde Rodolfo , Núñez-Domínguez Rafael , García-Muñiz José G. , Parra-Bracamonte Gaspar M. , Domínguez-Viveros Joel
Published: June 2023

Romosinuano is a tropically adaptedBos taurusbreed, and some Mexican breeders aim to improve it genetically. The aim was to estimate allelic and genotypic frequencies for SNPs associated with meat quality in a Mexican Romosinuano population. Four hundred ninety-six animals were genotyped using the Axiom©BovMDv3 array. Only SNPs related to meat quality in this array were studied in this analysis. The Calpain, Calpastatin, and Melanocortin-4 receptor alleles were considered. Allelic and genotypic frequencies and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were estimated with the PLINK software. Alleles associated with meat tenderness and higher marbling scores were found in the Romosinuano cattle population. CAPN1_4751 was not found in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The rest of the markers could not be affected by selection and inbreeding. Romosinuano cattle in Mexico have similar genotypic frequencies in markers related to meat quality toBos taurusbreeds known for their meat tenderness. Breeders can choose a marker-assisted selection to improve meat quality characteristics.
Effect of anthocyanin-rich blackberry juice on endoplasmic reticulum stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Tony Sallam K. , Hassan Mohamed SH. , Ismail Hamadi A. , El-Naem Gamal F. Abd , Gazwi Hanaa S. S.
Published: June 2023

This study investigates blackberry juice’s effects on glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Fifty Wistar rats were distributed to five groups randomly of ten rats each: Normal control, diabetic control, 9 mL/kg body weight (b.wt) blackberry juice only, blackberry juice plus diabetes, and 500 mg/kg b.wt metformin plus diabetes. A single intraperitoneal injection of 50 mg/kg b.wt STZ induced diabetes in the rats. This animal study continued for 56 days after the confirmation of diabetes. The levels of liver function and renal function, as well as insulin, glucose-6-phosphatase, glucokinase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were determined. Additionally, interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and activated transcription factor 4 (ATF4) expressions were examined in the liver homogenate of rats. Furthermore, the liver tissues were utilized for histopathological examination. The results showed that blackberry juice prevented drastic loss of body weight and reduced food consumption in diabetic rats. Additionally, the levels of blood glucose, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid, creatinine, and urea improved after the administration of blackberry juice in diabetic rats. Blackberry juice significantly increased glucose metabolism and antioxidant status while reducing ER stress and inflammation in diabetic rats. Moreover, blackberry juice improved glucose metabolism by increasing insulin levels and improving the dysregulated activities of glucose-metabolizing enzymes. The microstructure of liver tissues in diabetic rats was also improved with blackberry juice treatment. Therefore, blackberry juice has the potential to alleviate diabetes in rats and could be considered as a functional food for people with diabetes.
SARS-CoV-2 airborne infection probability estimated by using indoor carbon dioxide
Authors: Iwamura Narumichi , Tsutsumi Kanako
Published: June 2023

Airborne transmission is one of the main routes of SARS-CoV-2 spread. It is important to determine the circumstances under which the risk of airborne transmission is increased as well as the effective strategy to reduce such risk. This study aimed to develop a modified version of the Wells-Riley model with indoor CO2 to estimate the probability of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strains with a CO2 monitor and to evaluate the validity of this model in actual clinical practices. We used the model in three suspected cases of airborne transmission presented to our hospital to confirm its validity. Next, we estimated the required indoor CO2 concentration at which R0 does not exceed 1 based on the model. The estimated R0 (R0, basic reproduction number) based on the model in each case were 3.19 in three out of five infected patients in an outpatient room, 2.00 in two out of three infected patients in the ward, and 0.191 in none of the five infected patients in another outpatient room. This indicated that our model can estimate R0 with an acceptable accuracy. In a typical outpatient setting, the required indoor CO2 concentration at which R0 does not exceed 1 is below 620 ppm with no mask, 1000 ppm with a surgical mask and 16000 ppm with an N95 mask. In a typical inpatient setting, on the other hand, the required indoor CO2 concentration is below 540 ppm with no mask, 770 ppm with a surgical mask, and 8200 ppm with an N95 mask. These findings facilitate the establishment of a strategy for preventing airborne transmission in hospitals. This study is unique in that it suggests the development of an airborne transmission model with indoor CO2 and application of the model to actual clinical practice. Organizations and individuals can efficiently recognize the risk of SARS-CoV-2 airborne transmission in a room and thus take preventive measures such as maintaining good ventilation, wearing masks, or shortening the exposure time to an infected individual by simply using a CO2 monitor.
Interdisciplinary analyses of the remains from three gallery graves at Kinnekulle: tracing Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age societies in inland Southwestern Sweden
Authors: Blank Malou , Tornberg Anna , Sjögren Karl-Göran , Knipper Corina , Frei Karin M , Malmström Helena , Fraser Magdalena , Storå Jan
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we investigate the Scandinavian Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of Kinnekulle in southwestern Sweden. The above-mentioned periods in the study area are poorly understood and the archaeological record consists of a few stray finds and a concentration of 20 gallery graves. This study focuses on three of the gallery graves where commingled skeletons from successive burials were recovered. The human remains and the artefacts from the graves were used for discussing individual life stories as well as living societies with the aim of gaining new knowledge of the last part of the Neolithic and the beginning of the Early Bronze Age in southwestern Sweden. We focused on questions concerning health and trauma, mobility and exchange networks, and diet and subsistence of the people using the graves. Chronological, bioarchaeological, and biomolecular aspects of the burials were approached through the application of archaeological and osteological studies, as well as stable isotope, strontium isotope, radiocarbon, and mtDNA analyses. The study provides evidence for high mobility and diverse diets, as well as inhumations primarily dated to the transition between the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. We suggest that the mountain plateau of Kinnekulle was mainly reserved for the dead, while the people lived in agriculture-based groups in the surrounding lower lying regions.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Dutch version of the 4AT for delirium detection in a mixed patient population and setting
Authors: Pouw Maaike A. , Calf Agneta H. , Georg Rita R. , de Rooij Sophia E. , ter Maaten Jan C. , van Munster Barbara C.
Published: June 2023

Background

Delirium is an acute disturbance in attention, awareness and cognition. Immediate detection in older adults is recommended because delirium is associated with adverse outcomes. The 4 ‘A’s Test (4AT) is a short screening instrument for delirium. The aim of this study is to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of the Dutch version of the screening tool 4AT for delirium detection in different settings.

Methods

Prospective observational study conducted in two hospitals in patients aged ≥ 65 years in geriatric wards and the Emergency Department (ED). Each participant underwent two assessments; the index test 4AT, followed by the reference standard for delirium performed by a geriatric care specialist. The reference standard delirium is according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) criteria.

Results

A total of 71 geriatric inpatients and 49 older ED patients were included. The prevalence of delirium was 11.6% in the acute geriatric ward and 6.1% in the ED. The sensitivity and specificity of the 4AT in the acute geriatric ward were 0.88 and 0.69, respectively. In the ED, the sensitivity and specificity were 0.67 and 0.83, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.80 for the acute geriatric ward setting and 0.74 for the ED setting.

Conclusion

The Dutch version of the 4AT is a reliable screening tool for delirium detection in both acute geriatric wards and ED. Due to its brevity and practicality (i.e., no special training is required to administer the tool), it is useful in clinical practice.