bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercomparison of snow water equivalent products in the Sierra Nevada California using airborne snow observatory data and ground observations
Authors: Yang Kehan , Rittger Karl , Musselman Keith N. , Bair Edward H. , Dozier Jeff , Margulis Steven A. , Painter Thomas H. , Molotch Noah P.
Published: June 2023

Whereas many independent methods are used to estimate snow water equivalent (SWE) and its spatial distribution and seasonal variability, a need exists for a systematic characterization of inter-model differences at annual, seasonal, and regional scales necessary to quantify the associated uncertainty in these datasets. This study conducts a multi-scale validation and comparison, based on Airborne Snow Observatory data, of five state-of-the-art SWE datasets in the Sierra Nevada, California, including three SWE datasets from retrospective models: an INiTial REConstruction model (REC-INT), an improved REConstruction model based on the ParBal energy balance model (REC-ParBal), and a Sierra Nevada SWE REConstruction with Data Assimilation (REC-DA), and two operational SWE datasets from the U.S. National Weather Service, including the Snow Data Assimilation System (SNODAS) and the National Water Model (NWM-SWE). The results show that REC-DA and REC-ParBal provide the two most accurate estimates of SWE in the snowmelt season, both with small positive biases. REC-DA provides the most accurate spatial distribution of SWE (R2 = 0.87, MAE = 66 mm, PBIAS = 8.3%) at the pixel scale, while REC-ParBal has the least basin-wide PBIAS (R2 = 0.79, MAE = 73 mm, PBIAS = 4.1%) in the snowmelt season. Moreover, REC-DA underestimates peak SWE by −5.8%, while REC-ParBal overestimates it by 7.5%, when compared with the measured peak SWE at snow pillow stations across the Sierra Nevada. The two operational SWE products—SNODAS and NWM-SWE—are less accurate. Furthermore, the inter-model comparison reveals a certain amount of disagreement in snow water storage across time and space between SWE datasets. This study advances our understanding of regional SWE uncertainties and provides critical insights to support future applications of these SWE data products and therefore has broad implications for water resources management and hydrological process studies.
Price bubbles in lithium markets around the world
Authors: Restrepo Natalia , Uribe Jorge M. , Guillen Montserrat
Published: June 2023

The global energy transition to low-carbon technologies for transportation is heavily dependent on lithium. By leveraging advances in time-series econometrics we show that lithium prices (carbonate and hydroxide) have recently experienced market explosive behaviors, particularly from 2016 to mid-2018, and in most lithium markets also from October 2021 to December 2022, thus, the global lithium markets are currently experiencing explosive dynamics. These explosive episodes are accompanied by market corrections and extreme uncertainty which, in the case of lithium, may put at risk the future continuous supply needed for manufacturing lithium-based batteries for the electric vehicle. Governments and private stakeholders could reduce uncertainty imposed by these unpredictable dynamics, for instance, by establishing public stabilization funds and setting up capital buffers that help to diversify operational and market risks induced by future price reversals. Such funds should be ideally located in portfolios, such as the global stock markets or other energy commodities, which exhibit idiosyncratic explosive dynamics unsynchronized with the episodes observed in lithium markets.
Identification model for weak areas of transient energy balance in EESs based on dynamic grid partitioning
Authors: Qiu Shi , Zhang Kun , Chen Zhuo , Zhang Youming , Chen Zhe , Cheng Songqing
Published: June 2023

In response to the high uncertainty of large-scale new energy output in the electrical energy system (EES) and the weak controllability of energy output at multiple time scales, this paper proposes a weak grid identification model for transient energy balance in EESs based on grid partitioning, which has an increasingly complex impact on the weak areas of transient energy balance in the sending-end network. First, the accumulation of port energy during transient faults and the propagation mechanism of port energy in the sending-end system were studied, and an EES transient energy propagation mechanism model was established. Then, considering the energy balance support requirements of nodes, an EES grid partitioning model was established. Afterward, based on the characteristics of transient energy propagation and a grid partitioning model, an identification model for weak areas of transient energy balance in EESs was constructed. Finally, based on actual operating data, numerical simulations were conducted, and the results showed that the proposed weak grid identification model for transient energy balance can meet the requirements for transient stability analysis and transient energy balance characteristic analysis during actual operation of power grids.
Sustainable land management policy to address land degradation: linking old forest management practices in Senegal with new REDD+ requirements
Authors: Dieng Moussa , Mbow Cheikh , Skole David L. , Ba Baba
Published: June 2023

Prior to the UN Policy framework REDD+, the Government of Senegal (GoS) initiated for many decades, important land management programs to address deforestation and land degradation which affects the country’s food production, ecosystem benefits and livelihoods. A lot of investment and policies have been implemented in various ecologies to improve tree cover and ecosystem services. Reviewing and analyzing the past and present tree recovery actions that are consistent with REDD + policy, this paper explores the way REDD + initiative could play a role in consolidating land management strategies in non-forested area. We use a method based on the wide range of experience of the Senegalese Forest Service, forest development projects and NGOs involved in the management of natural resources and a review of seven selected forestry projects/programs through the country, We found many opportunities for Senegal in implementing REDD + activities (e.g., tree plantation, agroforestry, bush fires management, soil erosion control, sustainable intensification, ecosystem (carbon) and socio-economic (livelihoods) services, etc.). Based on the lessons learned from early land restoration and management projects, the REDD + program could take stock from existing tools and frameworks to advance the agenda and leap in the country’s preparedness as a REDD + country. For that, the national context dictates an expansion of REDD scope 5 (enhancement of forest carbon stock) to AFOLU and afforestation/reforestation and trees outside of forest, which means moving REDD + from LULUCF to AFOLU. The GoS needs to address two (02) key areas: 1) the land ownership issue by pursuing the land tenure reform and integrate regulations about who has access to land, who can benefit from land use services and how the benefits sharing and carbon rights must be organized and; 2) the promotion of more engagement of local communities in forest resource management through community forestry and the sustainable practices of agriculture, forestry and agroforestry.
Drivers of post-fire Nothofagus antarctica forest recovery in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Authors: Ruggirello Matthew Joseph , Bustamante Gimena , Fulé Peter Z. , Soler Rosina
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Large wildfires were historically absent in the forests of Tierra del Fuego, southern Argentina. This has changed in recent decades as humans have increased ignition sources, and warmer, drier periods have fueled large, severe wildfires. As a result of its location at an extreme southern latitude, Tierra del Fuego has very low tree species diversity. One of the region's dominant tree species, Nothofagus antarctica, is believed to have traits that may make it resilient to wildfire (e.g., the ability to resprout prolifically).

Methods

This study examined post-fire N. antarctica regeneration across an environmental and time-since-fire gradient. Plots were established in burned areas (n = 160) and unburned controls (n = 32) in and around two wildfires that occurred circa 1940 and in 2019. Seedling/resprout and sapling regeneration densities, as well as site characteristics (e.g., slope) and fire-impacted variables (e.g., distance to mature live trees), were measured.

Results

Seedling and resprout densities were lower in burned plots than in controls, with this trend being exacerbated in the 2019 fire with increasing distance from mature live trees. Regeneration generally occurs in clumps and principally through sprouting from live and top-killed trees, with not all top-killed trees having resprouted. Seedling and resprout densities were most strongly impacted by time since fire, distance to mature live trees and post-fire canopy cover. Sapling densities were modulated by slope, time since fire, and distance to mature live trees.

Discussion

Despite lower regeneration densities in recently burned plots and less live basal area and canopy cover in older burned plots compared to unburned controls, burned stands may be on a trajectory to recover pre-fire characteristics, although this recovery is spatially variable. However, full recovery has not occurred 80 years after the 1940's fire. Currently, these burned areas resemble grasslands or savannas. They do not provide the habitat or ecosystem services that denser forests do and may require active restoration to fully recover their pre-fire characteristics.
Conversion of specific lncRNAs to biomarkers in exhaled breath condensate samples of patients with advanced stage non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Tetik Vardarlı Aslı , Ozgur Su , Goksel Tuncay , Korba Korcan , Karakus Hardar Soydaner , Asık Aycan , Pelit Levent , Gunduz Cumhur
Published: June 2023

Objectives: Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most prevalent cancers with the highest fatality rate worldwide. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are being considered potential new molecular targets for early diagnosis, follow-up, and individual treatment decisions in LC. Therefore, this study evaluated whether lncRNA expression levels obtained from exhaled breath condensate (EBC) samples play a role in the occurrence of metastasis in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma (LA).

Methods: A total of 40 patients with advanced primary LA and 20 healthy controls participated in the study. EBC samples were collected from patients (during diagnosis and follow-up) and healthy individuals for molecular analysis. Liquid biopsy samples were also randomly obtained from 10 patients with LA and 10 healthy people. The expression of lncRNA genes, such as MALAT1, HOTAIR, PVT1, NEAT1, ANRIL, and SPRY4-IT1 was analyzed using cfRNA extracted from all clinical samples.

Results: In the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with LA, lncRNA HOTAIR (5-fold), PVT1 (7.9-fold), and NEAT1 (12.8-fold), PVT1 (6.8-fold), MALAT1 (8.4-fold) expression levels were significantly higher than those in healthy controls, respectively. Additionally, the distinct lncRNA expression profiles identified in EBC samples imply that decreased ANRIL–NEAT1 and increased ANRIL gene expression levels can be used as biomarkers to predict the development of bone and lung metastases, respectively.

Conclusion: EBC is an innovative, easily reproducible approach for predicting the development of metastases, molecular diagnosis, and follow-up of LC. EBC has shown potential in elucidating the molecular structure of LC, monitoring changes, and discovering novel biomarkers.
Can pyroptosis be a new target in rheumatoid arthritis treatment?
Authors: Wu Dengqiang , Li Yujie , Xu Ranxing
Published: June 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease of undefined etiology, with persistent synovial inflammation and destruction of articular cartilage and bone. Current clinical drugs for RA mainly include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and so on, which can relieve patients’ joint symptoms. If we want to have a complete cure for RA, there are still some limitations of these drugs. Therefore, we need to explore new mechanisms of RA to prevent and treat RA radically. Pyroptosis is a newly discovered programmed cell death (PCD) in recent years, which is characterized by the appearance of holes in cell membranes, cell swelling and rupture, and the release of intracellular pro-inflammatory factors into the extracellular space, resulting in a strong inflammatory response. The nature of pyroptosis is pro-inflammatory, and whether it is participating in the development of RA has attracted a wide interest among scholars. This review describes the discovery and mechanism of pyroptosis, the main therapeutic strategies for RA, and the role of pyroptosis in the mechanism of RA development. From the perspective of pyroptosis, the study of new mechanisms of RA may provide a potential target for the treatment of RA and the development of new drugs in the clinics.
Influence of antipsychotic medications on hyperlipidemia risk in patients with schizophrenia: evidence from a population-based cohort study and in vitro hepatic lipid homeostasis gene expression
Authors: Wu Tien-Yuan , Tien Ni , Lin Cheng-Li , Cheah Yu-Cun , Hsu Chung Y. , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Fang Yi-Jen , Lim Yun-Ping
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Schizophrenia increases the risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. However, the correlation between antipsychotics (APs) and CVD remains controversial. Hyperlipidemia is a significant risk factor for CVD.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study to investigate the effects of APs on the risk of hyperlipidemia and lipid homeostasis gene expression. We used data from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database of Taiwan on new-onset schizophrenia patients and a comparison cohort without schizophrenia. We used a Cox proportional hazards regression model to analyze the differences in hyperlipidemia development between the two cohorts. Furthermore, we examined the effects of APs on the hepatic expression of lipid homeostasis-related genes.

Results

After adjusting for potential interrelated confounding factors, the case group (N = 4,533) was found to have a higher hyperlipidemia risk than the control cohort (N = 4,533) [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.30, p < 0.001]. Patients with schizophrenia without APs had a significantly higher risk of hyperlipidemia (aHR, 2.16; p < 0.001). However, patients receiving APs had a significantly lower risk of hyperlipidemia than patients not receiving APs (all aHR ≤ 0.42, p < 0.001). First-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) induce the expression of hepatic lipid catabolism genes in an in vitro model.

Discussion

Patients with schizophrenia had a higher risk of hyperlipidemia than controls; however, compared with non-treated patients, AP users had a lower risk of hyperlipidemia. Early diagnosis and management of hyperlipidemia may help prevent CVD.
Case report: Single-operator peroral cholangioscopy system (SpyGlass) diagnosis of an extrahepatic biliary cystadenoma (video)
Authors: Deng Xin , Wang Jingwen , Mou Tong , Pan Long , Du Chengyou , Wu Qiao
Published: June 2023

Biliary cystadenoma is a type of rare liver cystic tumor. Intrahepatic biliary cystadenomas are the most common, while extrahepatic biliary cystadenomas are rarely seen. Biliary cystadenoma tends to occur in middle-aged to older women and there is a lack of specific preoperative diagnostic markers. Recent advancements in technology and the development of the SpyGlass system have led to an increased use of cholangioscopy. Herein, we report a patient in whom a space-occupying lesion was found in the bile duct by SpyGlass, and who later underwent radical surgery. The pathology report indicated that the final diagnosis was biliary cystadenoma. SpyGlass cholangioscopy may be a novel and effective diagnostic method for biliary cystadenoma.
Altered brain connectivity in Long Covid during cognitive exertion: a pilot study
Authors: Barnden Leighton , Thapaliya Kiran , Eaton-Fitch Natalie , Barth Markus , Marshall-Gradisnik Sonya
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Debilitating Long-Covid symptoms occur frequently after SARS-COVID-19 infection.

Methods

Functional MRI was acquired in 10 Long Covid (LCov) and 13 healthy controls (HC) with a 7 Tesla scanner during a cognitive (Stroop color-word) task. BOLD time series were computed for 7 salience and 4 default-mode network hubs, 2 hippocampus and 7 brainstem regions (ROIs). Connectivity was characterized by the correlation coefficient between each pair of ROI BOLD time series. We tested for HC versus LCov differences in connectivity between each pair of the 20 regions (ROI-to-ROI) and between each ROI and the rest of the brain (ROI-to-voxel). For LCov, we also performed regressions of ROI-to-ROI connectivity with clinical scores.

Results

Two ROI-to-ROI connectivities differed between HC and LCov. Both involved the brainstem rostral medulla, one connection to the midbrain, another to a DM network hub. Both were stronger in LCov than HC. ROI-to-voxel analysis detected multiple other regions where LCov connectivity differed from HC located in all major lobes. Most, but not all connections, were weaker in LCov than HC. LCov, but not HC connectivity, was correlated with clinical scores for disability and autonomic function and involved brainstem ROI.

Discussion

Multiple connectivity differences and clinical correlations involved brainstem ROIs. Stronger connectivity in LCov between the medulla and midbrain may reflect a compensatory response. This brainstem circuit regulates cortical arousal, autonomic function and the sleep–wake cycle. In contrast, this circuit exhibited weaker connectivity in ME/CFS. LCov connectivity regressions with disability and autonomic scores were consistent with altered brainstem connectivity in LCov.
Motor learning in developmental coordination disorder: behavioral and neuroimaging study
Authors: Al-Yahya Emad , Esser Patrick , Weedon Benjamin D. , Joshi Shawn , Liu Yan-Ci , Springett Daniella N. , Salvan Piergiorgio , Meaney Andy , Collett Johnny , Inacio Mario , Delextrat Anne , Kemp Steve , Ward Tomas , Izadi Hooshang , Johansen-Berg Heidi , Ayaz Hasan , Dawes Helen
Published: June 2023

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is characterized by motor learning deficits that are poorly understood within whole-body activities context. Here we present results of one of the largest non-randomized interventional trials combining brain imaging and motion capture techniques to examine motor skill acquisition and its underpinning mechanisms in adolescents with and without DCD. A total of 86 adolescents with low fitness levels (including 48 with DCD) were trained on a novel stepping task for a duration of 7 weeks. Motor performance during the stepping task was assessed under single and dual-task conditions. Concurrent cortical activation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Additionally, structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted during a similar stepping task at the beginning of the trial. The results indicate that adolescents with DCD performed similarly to their peers with lower levels of fitness in the novel stepping task and demonstrated the ability to learn and improve motor performance. Both groups showed significant improvements in both tasks and under single- and dual-task conditions at post-intervention and follow-up compared to baseline. While both groups initially made more errors in the Stroop task under dual-task conditions, at follow-up, a significant difference between single- and dual-task conditions was observed only in the DCD group. Notably, differences in prefrontal activation patterns between the groups emerged at different time points and task conditions. Adolescents with DCD exhibited distinct prefrontal activation responses during the learning and performance of a motor task, particularly when complexity was increased by concurrent cognitive tasks. Furthermore, a relationship was observed between MRI brain structure and function measures and initial performance in the novel stepping task. Overall, these findings suggest that strategies that address task and environmental complexities, while simultaneously enhancing brain activity through a range of tasks, offer opportunities to increase the participation of adolescents with low fitness in physical activity and sports.
Advancing radioactive material research method: the development of a novel in situ particle-attached microfluidic electrochemical cell
Authors: Yao Jennifer , Tripathi Shalini , McNamara Bruce K. , Lahiri Nabajit , Riechers Shawn L. , Chatterjee Sayandev , Reilly Dallas D. , Ilton Eugene S. , Buck Edgar C.
Published: June 2023

Introduction: This study aims to develop a microgram-scale microfluidic electrochemical cell (E-cell) for investigating the redox behavior of uranium oxide (UO2). The traditional bulk electrochemical methods may require shielded facilities to investigate the hazardous materials, e.g., spent nuclear fuel, due to high radiation levels. Microfluidic E-cells offer advantages such as reduced radiation exposure, control over fluid flow rates, and high-throughput capabilities.

Methods: The design of the E-cell considers electrode morphology, adhesion to a thin membrane, electrode configuration, and vacuum compatibility. Three techniques, including FIB-SEM lift-out, Au coating, and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) binder, are explored for fabricating and attaching microgram quantities of UO2 as working electrodes. The PVDF binder method proves to be the most effective, enabling the creation of a vacuum-compatible microfluidic E-cell.

Results and discussion: The PVDF binder method demonstrates successful electrochemical responses and allows for real-time monitoring of UO2 electrode behavior at the microscale. It offers chemical imaging capabilities using in situ SEM/EDS analysis. The technique provides consistent redox outcomes similar to bulk electrochemical analysis.

Conclusion: The development of a microgram-scale microfluidic electrochemical cell using the PVDF binder technique enables the investigation of UO2 redox behavior. It offers a low-risk approach with reduced radiation exposure and high-throughput capabilities. The technique provides real-time monitoring and chemical imaging capabilities, making it valuable for studying spent nuclear fuel systems and material characterization.
An integrated radiomics nomogram based on conventional ultrasound improves discriminability between fibroadenoma and pure mucinous carcinoma in breast
Authors: Wang Hui , Zha Hailing , Du Yu , Li Cuiying , Zhang Jiulou , Ye Xinhua
Published: June 2023

Objective

To evaluate the ability of integrated radiomics nomogram based on ultrasound images to distinguish between breast fibroadenoma (FA) and pure mucinous carcinoma (P-MC).

Methods

One hundred seventy patients with FA or P-MC (120 in the training set and 50 in the test set) with definite pathological confirmation were retrospectively enrolled. Four hundred sixty-four radiomics features were extracted from conventional ultrasound (CUS) images, and radiomics score (Radscore) was constructed using the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm. Different models were developed by a support vector machine (SVM), and the diagnostic performance of the different models was assessed and validated. A comparison of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the incremental value of the different models.

Results

Finally, 11 radiomics features were selected, and then Radscore was developed based on them, which was higher in P-MC in both cohorts. In the test group, the clinic + CUS + radiomics (Clin + CUS + Radscore) model achieved a significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) value (AUC = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.733-0.942) when compared with the clinic + radiomics (Clin + Radscore) (AUC = 0.76, 95% CI, 0.618-0.869, P > 0.05), clinic + CUS (Clin + CUS) (AUC = 0.76, 95% CI, 0.618-0.869, P< 0.05), Clin (AUC = 0.74, 95% CI, 0.600-0.854, P< 0.05), and Radscore (AUC = 0.64, 95% CI, 0.492-0.771, P< 0.05) models, respectively. The calibration curve and DCA also suggested excellent clinical value of the combined nomogram.

Conclusion

The combined Clin + CUS + Radscore model may help improve the differentiation of FA from P-MC.
Unveiling the genomic landscape of possible metastatic malignant transformation of teratoma secondary to cisplatin-chemotherapy: a Tempus gene analysis-based case report literature review
Authors: Farag Christian M. , Johnston Elena K. , Antar Ryan M. , Issa Shaher G. , Gadiwalla Qasim , Tariq Zoon , Kim Sun A. , Whalen Michael J.
Published: June 2023

In this case report, we describe a patient who developed metastatic liver cancer of unknown primary origin one year following the surgical removal of a retroperitoneal adenocarcinoma. The retroperitoneal adenocarcinoma is considered a malignant transformation of teratoma (MTT), given the patient’s distant history of testicular tumor excised 25 years prior and treated with chemotherapy. Despite no primary tumor being identified, the leading primary hypothesis is that the liver metastasis stemmed from the resected retroperitoneal adenocarcinoma from one year prior. We theorize that the patient’s cisplatin-based chemotherapy 25 years ago may have triggered the MTT, as documented in the existing literature. Using TEMPUS gene testing on both the retroperitoneal adenocarcinoma and the recently discovered liver metastasis, we identified several genes with variants of unknown significance (VUS) that could potentially be linked to cisplatin chemotherapy resistance. While we cannot conclude that this patient definitively underwent MTT, it remains the most plausible explanation. Future research should investigate both the validity of the genes we have uncovered with respect to cisplatin resistance, as well as other genes associated with cisplatin resistance to further understand the pathogenesis of cisplatin resistance for better prediction of treatment response. As the world of medicine shifts towards individualized therapies and precision medicine, reporting and analyzing genetic mutations derived from tumors remains imperative. Our case report aims to contribute to the growing database of defined mutations and underscores the immense potential of genetic analysis in directing personalized treatment options.
Technical feasibility of multimodal imaging in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy from an ovine model to a human case series
Authors: Hagan Brian , Mujumdar Radhika , Sahoo Jagdish P. , Das Abhijit , Dutta Anirban
Published: June 2023

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) secondary to perinatal asphyxia occurs when the brain does not receive enough oxygen and blood. A surrogate marker for “intact survival” is necessary for the successful management of HIE. The severity of HIE can be classified based on clinical presentation, including the presence of seizures, using a clinical classification scale called Sarnat staging; however, Sarnat staging is subjective, and the score changes over time. Furthermore, seizures are difficult to detect clinically and are associated with a poor prognosis. Therefore, a tool for continuous monitoring on the cot side is necessary, for example, an electroencephalogram (EEG) that noninvasively measures the electrical activity of the brain from the scalp. Then, multimodal brain imaging, when combined with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), can capture the neurovascular coupling (NVC) status. In this study, we first tested the feasibility of a low-cost EEG-fNIRS imaging system to differentiate between normal, hypoxic, and ictal states in a perinatal ovine hypoxia model. Here, the objective was to evaluate a portable cot-side device and perform autoregressive with extra input (ARX) modeling to capture the perinatal ovine brain states during a simulated HIE injury. So, ARX parameters were tested with a linear classifier using a single differential channel EEG, with varying states of tissue oxygenation detected using fNIRS, to label simulated HIE states in the ovine model. Then, we showed the technical feasibility of the low-cost EEG-fNIRS device and ARX modeling with support vector machine classification for a human HIE case series with and without sepsis. The classifier trained with the ovine hypoxia data labeled ten severe HIE human cases (with and without sepsis) as the “hypoxia” group and the four moderate HIE human cases as the “control” group. Furthermore, we showed the feasibility of experimental modal analysis (EMA) based on the ARX model to investigate the NVC dynamics using EEG-fNIRS joint-imaging data that differentiated six severe HIE human cases without sepsis from four severe HIE human cases with sepsis. In conclusion, our study showed the technical feasibility of EEG-fNIRS imaging, ARX modeling of NVC for HIE classification, and EMA that may provide a biomarker of sepsis effects on the NVC in HIE.
T-cell-derived TNF-α and a cluster of immunological parameters from plasma allow a separation between SARS-CoV-2 convalescent versus vaccinated elite athletes
Authors: Palmowski Jana , Kohnhorst Sarah , Bauer Pascal , Puta Christian , Haunhorst Simon , Gebhardt Kristina , Reichel Thomas , Keller Christian , Huber Magdalena , Raifer Hartmann , Krüger Karsten
Published: June 2023

Guidelines for medical clearing after SARS-CoV-2 infection in elite athletes do not include T-cell immunity aspects despite its relevance in the course of COVID-19 disease. Therefore, we aimed to analyze T-cell-related cytokines before and after in-vitro activation of CD4+ T-cells. We sampled professional indoor sports athletes at medical clearing after SARS-CoV-2 infection obtaining clinical, fitness data, and serological data including CD4+ T-cell cytokines. All data were analyzed by principal component analysis and 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA. CD4+ T-cells were sampled for cell culture activation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 tetramers. At medical clearing, CD4+ T-cells from convalescent athletes secreted increased levels of TNF-α 72 h after in-vitro activation compared to vaccinated athletes. IL-18 levels in plasma were elevated and a cluster of parameters differentiated convalescent from vaccinated athletes by 13 parameters at the timepoint of medical clearing. All clinical data indicate infection is resolved, while increased TNF-α may reflect altered proportions of peripheral T-cells as a hangover of infection.
An uncharted territory of sexualized drug use: exploring the dynamics of chemsex among young and adolescent MSM including self-identified gay men in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Irfan Samira Dishti , Sarwar Golam , Emran Junyed , Khan Sharful Islam
Published: June 2023

Global and local literature depicted the pervasiveness of chemsex among men who have sex with men (MSM), yet there is limited evidence on adolescents and youth. Though literature showed their engagement in chemsex, further exploration is warranted about their socio-sexual contexts and implications. Therefore, this article explored the contexts and implications of chemsex on young and adolescent MSM. This article is extracted from qualitative research evidence, and research data are triangulated by programmatic evidence on adolescent and young MSM from two ongoing pilot interventions. The key motivational factors for engaging in chemsex were primarily rooted in the dynamics of their peer networks. Specifically, the onset of drug use is predominantly attributed to curiosity toward experimentation with methamphetamine, peer influence, propensity to lose weight, and increasing courage to approach potential sexual partners. Moreover, they continued taking drugs as it enhanced their sexual performance, thus perpetuating chemsex. Additionally, the findings revealed several sexual implications of methamphetamine, e.g., bolstering their sexual “stamina,” increasing their propensity toward sexual violence, and reducing their decision-making abilities and judgment, thus collectively decreasing condom use. In essence, chemsex is considerably driven by their socio-sexual contexts, thus perpetuating sexual risk behaviors and compromising sexual health outcomes. Therefore, harm reduction interventions targeted need to be designed keeping in mind their socio-sexual dynamics and age.
Understanding psychoanalytic work online and back to the couch in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: an investigation among Italian psychoanalysts
Authors: Reatto Licia Lea , Werbart Andrzej , Oasi Osmano , De Salve Francesca , Ierardi Elena , Giordano Mattia , Riva Crugnola Cristina
Published: June 2023

Background

Worldwide, psychotherapists’ clinical experience went through rapid developments with transition to teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Literature on the use of remote psychoanalysis was not conclusive, leaving the issue of the consequences of the necessary setting alternation open. This study aimed to investigate the psychoanalysts’ experiences of shifting to remote work and then returning to in-person setting, considering the effect of the patients’ attachment styles and personality configurations.

Method

Seventy-one analysts of the Italian Psychoanalytic Society were asked to fill out an online survey about patients who found the transition easier and patients who found it more difficult. General questions on therapeutic work, ISTS (Interpretive and Supportive Technique Scale) for interpretive and supportive aspects of technique, WAI-S-TR (Working Alliance Inventory-Short Revised-Therapist) for therapeutic alliance, RQ (Relationship Questionnaire) for attachment style, and PMAI (Prototype Matching of Anaclitic-Introjective Personality Configuration) for personality configurations were administered.

Results

All of the analysts chose to continue the treatment using audio-visual tools. Patients with difficult transitions had a significantly higher frequency of insecure attachment and a higher score on RQ Dismissing scale than patients with easy transitions. No significant differences were found between the two groups in personality configurations, psychotherapeutic alliance, and psychotherapeutic technique. Moreover, a higher level of therapeutic alliance was positively correlated to RQ Secure scale and was negatively correlated to RQ Dismissing scale. Patients with easy transition both to remote work and back to in-person setting had higher scores of therapeutic alliances than those with difficult transition both to remote work and back to in-person setting.

Conclusion

Online psychoanalytic therapy was widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with insecure attachment styles had greater difficulties in adapting to setting alternations, thus confirming that insecure attachment is a vulnerability factor not only for psychopathological problems but also for a well-functioning therapeutic collaboration. Patient’s personality configuration did not influence their adaptation to the setting alternation. The supportive and interpretive styles did not undergo significant changes in the transition from in-person setting to remote setting and vice versa, thus suggesting a continuity in the analysts’ “internal setting.”
The association between psychological distress and alcohol consumption and physical activity: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Alpers Silvia Eiken , Pallesen Ståle , Vold Jørn Henrik , Haug Ellen , Lunde Linn-Heidi , Skogen Jens Christoffer , Mamen Asgeir , Mæland Silje , Fadnes Lars Thore
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic and infection control measures caused changes to daily life for most people. Heavy alcohol consumption and physical inactivity are two important behavioral risk factors for noncommunicable diseases worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its social distancing measures, home office policies, isolation, and quarantine requirements may have an impact on these factors. This three-wave longitudinal study aims to investigate if psychological distress and worries related to health and economy were associated with levels and changes in alcohol consumption and physical activity during the two first years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway.

Methods

We used data collected in April 2020, January 2021, and January 2022 from an online longitudinal population-based survey. Alcohol consumption and physical activity status were assessed at all three measuring points via the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT-C) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF). COVID-19-related worries, home office/study, occupational situation, age, gender, children below 18 years living at home, and psychological distress (measured with the Symptom Checklist (SCL-10)) were included as independent variables in the model. A mixed model regression was used and presented with coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Analysis of data from 25,708 participants demonstrates that participants with substantial symptoms of psychological distress more often reported higher alcohol consumption (1.86 units/week, CI 1.48–2.24) and lower levels of physical activity [−1,043 Metabolic Equivalents of Task (METs) per week, CI −1,257;−828] at baseline. Working/studying from home (0.37 units/week, CI 0.24–0.50) and being male (1.57 units/week, CI 1.45–1.69) were associated with higher alcohol consumption. Working/studying from home (−536 METs/week, CI −609;−463), and being older than 70 years (−503 METs/week, CI −650;−355) were related to lower levels of physical activity. The differences in activity levels between those with the highest and lowest levels of psychological distress reduced over time (239 METs/week, CI 67;412), and similarly the differences in alcohol intake reduced over time among those having and not having children < 18 years (0.10 units/week, CI 0.01–0.19).

Conclusion

These findings highlight the substantial increases in risks related to inactivity and alcohol consumption among those with high levels of psychological distress symptoms, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and increase the understanding of factors associated with worries and health behavior.
How AI tools can—and cannot—help organizations become more ethical
Authors: De Cremer David , Narayanan Devesh
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we argue that we cannot expect that AI systems—even given more data or better computational resources—will be more ethical than the humans who develop, deploy and use them. As such, we advocate that it is necessary to retain the responsibility for ethical decision-making in human hands. In reality, however, human decision-makers currently do not have the ethical maturity to meaningfully take on this responsibility. So, what to do? We develop the argument that to broaden and strengthen the ethical upskilling of our organizations and leaders, AI has a crucial role to play. Specifically, because AI is a mirror that reflects our biases and moral flaws back to us, decision-makers should look carefully into this mirror—taking advantage of the opportunities brought about by its scale, interpretability, and counterfactual modeling—to gain a deep understanding of the psychological underpinnings of our (un)ethical behaviors, and in turn, learn to consistently make ethical decisions. In discussing this proposal, we introduce a new collaborative paradigm between humans and AI that can help ethically upskill our organizations and leaders and thereby prepare them to responsibly navigate the impending digital future.
Future developments in sociology in the age of the metaverse
Authors: Auriemma Vincenzo
Published: June 2023

The intent of this article is to shed light on the future challenges that sociology, in concert with other disciplines, will have to face from now on, starting with one of the possible hypotheses of research methodology. Indeed, as much as some of these issues in the last two decades have become the preserve of neuroscience, their origins, namely the conceptualizations of the classics of sociology, should not be forgotten. In this regard, it will be the task of researchers and sociology to investigate, through applied research attempts, phenomena such as empathy and emotions from innovative methodologies and research different from the current ones, capable of highlighting how emotions are modified by cultural context and spaces of interaction, moving away from a depersonalizing structuralism we were used to, refuting, for example, what neuroscientists have pointed out, according to which empathy and emotions belong to biological universalisms. Therefore, within this brief and informative article we intend to present a possibility of investigation, without any claim to truth or the only way to be able to do research in this field, moved only by the desire to open a fruitful discourse that can lead to the methodological approach toward applied sociology or laboratory research. The idea is to move beyond online netnography, not because the latter cannot provide satisfactory results, but because it will be necessary to broaden the range of choices, such as analysis in the metaverse, generating a viable alternative where this type of analysis cannot be pursued.
Adsorption Behavior and Residue Degradation of Triazine Herbicides in Soil Amended with Rice Straw Biochar
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Yao Liming , Hu Beibei , Li Ting , Tian Hongzhe
Published: June 2023

The removal of or decrease in pesticide residues in soil has attracted considerable attention, due to the serious pollution of pesticides in soil. The purpose of the study was to explore the adsorption behavior of biochar on pesticides and the impact on the degradation of pesticide residues in soil, providing a basis for the remediation of soil by biochar. Biochars were prepared via pyrolysis of rice straw at a high temperature (300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C). The individual and competitive adsorption of three triazine herbicides, prometryn, atrazine, and simazine, on biochar was investigated, and the degradation of the herbicide residues in biochar-added soil was determined. The selected herbicides presented similar adsorption characteristics to rice straw biochar, and the amount of herbicides adsorbed increased with higher preparation temperature and the amount of biochar. The rice straw biochar adsorbed the studied herbicides simultaneously, and the adsorption amount decreased as follows: simazine > atrazine > prometryn. The competition adsorption of the selected herbicides on the biochar presented a lower adsorption affinity than that when they are adsorbed individually. The adsorption isotherm was best fitted by the Freundlich model. The half-lives of prometryn, atrazine, and simazine were 9.8~12.6 d, 5.2~8.1 d, and 3.7~5.6 d, respectively. Biochar addition increased the degradation of the evaluated herbicides in soil. The rice straw biochar could be the potential sorbents that can be implemented for the removal of pesticides.
Molecular Characterization and Haplotype Analysis of Low Phytic Acid-1 (lpa1) Gene Governing Accumulation of Kernel Phytic Acid in Subtropically-Adapted Maize
Authors: Bhatt Vinay , Muthusamy Vignesh , Chhabra Rashmi , Katral Ashvinkumar , Ragi Shridhar , Rojaria Vinay , Chand Gulab , Sarma Govinda Rai , Zunjare Rajkumar Uttamrao , Panda Kusuma Kumari , Singh Ashok Kumar , Hossain Firoz
Published: June 2023

Maize is an important food, feed, fodder and industrial crop in addition to being a valuable source of micronutrients. Phytic acid (PA), an anti-nutritional factor in maize, makes crucial minerals inaccessible to monogastric animals. The low phytic acid-1 (lpa1) gene located on chromosome-1S is 7292 bp long with 11 exons, and the recessive lpa1-1 allele reduces the accumulation of PA thereby enhances the bioavailability of essential minerals in maize kernels. Here, we characterized the full-length Lpa1 gene sequence in three mutants (lpa1-1) and seven wild-type (Lpa1) maize inbreds. Sequence analysis revealed 607 polymorphic sites across Lpa1 sequences, indicating wide variability for Lpa1 among the inbreds. Further, SNP from “C” to “T” differentiated wild-type and mutant-type alleles at 1432 amino acid position. Gene-based diversity among 48 diverse maize inbreds using 15 InDel markers revealed the formation of 42 distinct haplotypes; six of which (Hap6, Hap16, Hap17, Hap19 Hap27 and Hap31) were shared by more than one genotype. The number of exons in Lpa1 ranged from 11–19 among maize genotypes and 6–14 among 26 orthologues. Major functional motifs of Lpa1 detected were ATP-binding Cassette (ABC) transporter trans-membrane region and ABC transporter. Phylogenetic tree using nucleotide and protein sequences revealed a closer relationship of maize Lpa1 sequences with Sorghum bicolor, Panicum hallii, Setaria italica and S. viridis. This study offered newer insights into the understanding of the genetic diversity of the Lpa1 gene in maize and related crop-species, and information generated here would further help in exploiting the lpa1 mutant for the enhancement of nutritional value in maize kernels.
Asp376Glu Mutation and Enhanced Metabolism Controlling the Resistance to ALS-Inhibiting Herbicides in Ixophorus unisetus (J. Presl) Schltdl from the Bajio, Mexico
Authors: Domínguez-Valenzuela José Alfredo , Vázquez-García José G. , Castro Patricia , Palma-Bautista Candelario , Cruz-Hipólito Hugo E. , Rey Maria-Dolores , De Prado Rafael , Portugal João
Published: June 2023

A study was carried out to determine the ALS (acetolactate synthase)-inhibitor herbicide resistance in the Mexican grass Ixophorus unisetus, a troublesome weed in corn crops in Mexico. First, the resistance was confirmed in field screening assays. Eight populations that survived nicosulfuron treatment at a field rate of 40 g ai ha−1 were labeled as putative-resistant. Dose–response trials demonstrated a high resistance in the eight populations (GR50 from 140.33 to 245.46 g ai ha−1). The synergism of malathion plus nicosulfuron demonstrated that the non-target-site resistance (NTSR) mechanism based on cytochrome P450 (Cyt-P450) was involved in five populations of I. unisetus. Molecular studies revealed that a single-nucleotide change occurs in the amino acid at position 376 (from GAT to GAG), which codifies from Asp-376 to Glu-376. This is the first time that Asp-376-Glu has been reported in this species. Assays in vitro and in vivo demonstrated I. unisetus cross-resistance to flucarbazone, penoxsulam, bispyribac-Na, and imazamox. No multiple resistance was found in two resistant populations exposed to different herbicides. Our results indicate that the lack of good control over Mexican grass in corn with ALS inhibitors is due to target-site mutation and NTSR mechanisms (Cyt-P450-mediated metabolism). A strategy should be established in Mexican fields to continue controlling this weed, including mechanical control practices and a good combination of the available pre- and post-emergence herbicides.