bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro morphogenesis, cryopreservation and induction of variability in bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis (L.) Fukuhara): a review
Authors: Kulus Dariusz
Published: September 2024

This review explores recent advances in the biotechnology of Lamprocapnos spectabilis (L.) Fukuhara (commonly known as bleeding heart), a valuable ornamental-medicinal perennial. The article covers in vitro morphogenesis, cryopreservation techniques, and methods for inducing variability. The establishment of in vitro cultures utilized Murashige and Skoog medium enriched with various auxins, cytokinins, gold nanoparticles, and plant extracts, under both fluorescent and wide-spectrum LED lighting. Axillary bud activation and indirect somatic embryogenesis were more efficient, particularly in the presence of kinetin and picloram, respectively, compared to adventitious shoot regeneration. Significant cultivar differences were observed, with ‘Valentine’ being the easiest and ‘White Gold’ the most challenging to culture in vitro. To mitigate stress caused by classical growth regulators, alternative substances such as nanoparticles and natural extracts were used. Gold nanoparticles enhanced shoot proliferation and plantlet quality, while coconut and rice extracts improved survival rates during acclimatization. Enhanced metabolite production was achieved using exogenous auxins and gold nanoparticles. Guaiacol peroxidase was identified as a sensitive oxidative stress marker, with glutathione reductase being the most stable under stress. Cryogenic techniques incorporating explant encapsulation, i.e. encapsulation-vitrification, showed high effectiveness and genetic stability of plants, with nanomaterials boosting effectiveness. Coconut extract also enhanced post-thaw shoot proliferation, while sesame extract served as a natural retardant for slow-growth cultures. Mutagenic effectiveness ranked as microwaves < nanoparticles < X-rays. Comprehensive genetic variability insights were provided by integrating multiple SPAR marker systems. This review underscores the promising biotechnological advancements for L. spectabilis, emphasizing the potential of in vitro techniques, innovative cryopreservation methods, and the application of nanoparticles and plant extracts to enhance micropropagation, genetic variability, and metabolite production, thereby contributing to the conservation and commercial sustainability of this valuable ornamental-medicinal perennial.
Effects of host size and substrate types on the distribution of accidental and obligate epiphytes: a case study in a temperate forest of Japan
Authors: Komada Natsuki , Azuma Wakana A. , Ogawa Yuya , Tatsumi Chikae
Published: September 2024

In forests, the distribution of vascular epiphytes is controlled by various environmental factors such as host tree size and substrate type. However, a few studies focused on temperate forests, despite the growing interest in temperate forests with high diversity of accidental epiphytes. This study examined the distribution of accidental and obligate epiphytes on 8 Cercidiphyllum japonicum (Cercidiphyllaceae) trees in a Japanese temperate forest based on observations of 1,301 epiphyte individuals belonging to 49 species. As predicted, the number of species and individuals of accidental and obligate epiphytes increased with host tree size. While the percentage of accidental epiphyte species increased with the host tree size, the percentage of obligate epiphyte species decreased; however, these changes were not significant for the number of individuals. Consistent with our hypothesis, the major rooting substrates of accidental and obligate epiphytes was different. Accidental epiphytes primarily depend on arboreal soil and, to a lesser extent, on moss, but are absent on tree bark. Contrastingly, obligate epiphytes were most frequently found on moss, followed by bark and arboreal soil. These results highlight the impact of host tree size on the diversity of accidental epiphytes compared to obligate epiphytes, suggesting that the host tree size effects are different between accidental and obligate epiphytes in temperate forests. Additionally, a thick accumulation of arboreal soil is crucial for the establishment of accidental epiphytes.
A nisin-inducible chromosomal gene expression system based on ICE Tn5253 of Streptococcus pneumoniae, transferable among streptococci and enterococci
Authors: Tirziu Mariana , Colombini Lorenzo , Stincarelli Maria Alfreda , Cuppone Anna Maria , Lazzeri Elisa , Santoro Francesco , Pozzi Gianni , Iannelli Francesco
Published: September 2024

The present work reports the development and validation of a chromosomal expression system in Streptococcus pneumoniae which permits gene expression under the control of Lactococcus lactis lantibiotic nisin. The system is based on the integrative and conjugative element (ICE) Tn5253 of S. pneumoniae capable of site-specific chromosomal integration and conjugal transfer to a variety of bacterial species. We constructed an insertion vector that integrates in Tn5251, an ICE contained in Tn5253, which carries the tetracycline resistance tet(M) gene. The vector contains the nisRK regulatory system operon, the L. lactis nisin inducible promoter PnisA upstream of a multiple cloning site for target DNA insertion, and is flanked by two DNA regions of Tn5251 which drive homologous recombination in ICE Tn5253. For system evaluation, the emm6.1::ha1 fusion gene was cloned and integrated into the chromosome of the Tn5253-carrying pneumococcal strain FR24 by transformation. This gene encodes a fusion protein containing the signal peptide, the 122 N-terminal and the 140 C-terminal aa of the Streptococcus pyogenes M6 surface protein joined to the HA1 subunit of the influenza virus A hemagglutinin. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis carried out on total RNA purified from nisin treated and untreated cultures showed an increase in emm6.1::ha1 transcript copy number with growing nisin concentration. The expression of M6-HA1 protein was detected by Western blot and quantified by Dot blot, while Flow cytometry analysis confirmed the presence on the pneumococcal surface. Recombinant ICE Tn5253::[nisRK]-[emm6.1::ha1] containing the nisin-inducible expression system was successfully transferred by conjugation in different streptococcal species including Streptococcus gordonii, S. pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae and Enterococcus faecalis. As for S. pneumoniae, the emm6.1::ha1 transcript copy number and the amount of M6-HA1 protein produced correlated with the nisin concentration used for induction in all investigated bacterial hosts. We demonstrated that this host-vector expression system is stably integrated as a single copy within the bacterial chromosome, is transferable to both transformable and non transformable bacterial species, and allows fine tuning of protein expression modulated by nisin concentration. These characteristics make our system suitable for a wide range of applications including complementation assays, physiological studies, host-pathogen interaction studies.
Elastography as a non-invasive method of screening non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the adult phenotype of paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Durdikova Anna , Durdik Peter , Prso Marek , Dvorska Dominika , Remen Lukas , Vojtkova Jarmila , Oleksak Filip , Banovcin Peter
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The high prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) calls for early non-invasive screening. The aim of this study was to use ultrasonographic liver echogenicity and elasticity to evaluate the early stages of liver injury in obese children with OSA.

Methods

Fifty-five obese children with OSA aged 12 to 15 years were included. The control group (n = 56) consisted of healthy, non-obese children. All children underwent ultrasound examination to assess liver echogenicity using the hepatorenal index (HRI) and real-time elastography to determine the liver fibrosis index (LFI). Polysomnographic parameters, sonographic values, and clinical-biochemical assessment were statistically analysed according to OSA and its severity. Subgroup 1 was obese children with OSA and AHI < 5 and subgroup 2 was obese children with OSA and AHI ≥ 5.

Results

Higher average values of HRI and LFI were recorded in the group of obese paediatric patients with OSA (mean age ± SD, 14.1 ± 2.2 year; 53% male; BMI z-score, 2.6 ± 0.35) compared to the control group (1.37 ± 0.19 vs. 1.12 ± 0.07, p < 0.001 and 1.82 ± 0.31 vs. 1.02 ± 0.27, p < 0.001). A significantly higher LFI was recorded in subgroup 2 compared to subgroup 1 (2.0 ± 0.3 vs. 1.6 ± 0.2, p < 0.001) while laboratory parameters and HRI (1.4 ± 0.2 vs. 1.4 ± 0.2, p = 0.630) did not change significantly. A strong positive correlation was found between the severity of OSA and the LFI (r = 0.454; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that ultrasound elastography is a useful non-invasive screening test for OSA-related steatohepatitis in obese adolescents, but other clinical studies are needed to confirm this result.
Associations of Alcohol Outcome Expectancies with Alcohol Use in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pinquart Martin , Borgolte Katharina
Published: September 2024

The meta-analysis integrated research on associations of contents of alcohol outcome expectancies (AOE) with alcohol use in adolescents and emerging adults. A systematic search in the electronic databases PsycInfo, Medline, Psyndex, and Web of Science identified 558 studies with 494,116 individuals (mean age 17.92, SD = 3.04) that were included in multi-level meta-analysis. AOE about pleasure and social enhancement showed the strongest concurrent associations with alcohol use (r = .33 and r = .29, respectively). Among negative AOE, only expectancies about negative alcohol effects on self-perception were related to lower consumption. Longitudinal analyses indicated reciprocal determinism of AOE and alcohol use. Associations of AOE and drinking were moderated by age, gender, and heavy/binge drinking status. We conclude that social and pleasure-related expectancies are especially relevant targets of prevention and intervention and that expectancies of adolescents and of heavy/binge drinkers should be, in particular, addressed in expectancy-challenging interventions.
Skeleton-guided 3D convolutional neural network for tubular structure segmentation
Authors: Zhu Ruiyun , Oda Masahiro , Hayashi Yuichiro , Kitasaka Takayuki , Misawa Kazunari , Fujiwara Michitaka , Mori Kensaku
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Accurate segmentation of tubular structures is crucial for clinical diagnosis and treatment but is challenging due to their complex branching structures and volume imbalance. The purpose of this study is to propose a 3D deep learning network that incorporates skeleton information to enhance segmentation accuracy in these tubular structures.

Methods

Our approach employs a 3D convolutional network to extract 3D tubular structures from medical images such as CT volumetric images. We introduce a skeleton-guided module that operates on extracted features to capture and preserve the skeleton information in the segmentation results. Additionally, to effectively train our deep model in leveraging skeleton information, we propose a sigmoid-adaptive Tversky loss function which is specifically designed for skeleton segmentation.

Results

We conducted experiments on two distinct 3D medical image datasets. The first dataset consisted of 90 cases of chest CT volumetric images, while the second dataset comprised 35 cases of abdominal CT volumetric images. Comparative analysis with previous segmentation approaches demonstrated the superior performance of our method. For the airway segmentation task, our method achieved an average tree length rate of 93.0%, a branch detection rate of 91.5%, and a precision rate of 90.0%. In the case of abdominal artery segmentation, our method attained an average precision rate of 97.7%, a recall rate of 91.7%, and an F-measure of 94.6%.

Conclusion

We present a skeleton-guided 3D convolutional network to segment tubular structures from 3D medical images. Our skeleton-guided 3D convolutional network could effectively segment small tubular structures, outperforming previous methods.
Coupling photocatalytic trifluoromethylation with biocatalytic stereoselective ketone reduction in continuous flow
Authors: Valotta Alessia , Maderbacher Julia , Reiter Tamara , Kroutil Wolfgang , Gruber-Woelfler Heidrun
Published: September 2024

Photocatalysis and biocatalysis represent powerful efficient tools in synthetic chemistry. While, both have individually shown promising results, their integration remains challenging, particularly in continuous flow processes. This work presents a semicontinuous setup, combining photo- and biocatalysis in a multistep synthesis for the production of optically pure (S)-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-phenylpropan-1-ol. Initially, a photocatalytic trifluoromethylation of a methyl ketone in α-position in a self-made photoreactor was tested in flow, followed by enzymatic ketone reduction catalyzed by an alcohol dehydrogenase (variant of an ADH from Lactobacillus kefir). The study addresses the challenge of enzyme stability in aggressive solvents, developing a robust immobilization approach for the selected ADH with a PVA/PEG cryogel matrix. This strategy has been investigated in this work to ensure enzyme stability in THF, marking a notable advance in compatibility for continuous cascades. The separate process steps were finally combined in a semicontinuous flow system, achieving a space–time yield for the photocatalytic step of 39.8 g L−1 h−1 and of 1.12 g L−1 h−1 for the enzymatic step. The study signifies one of the first instances of combining photo- and biocatalysis in continuous cascades, offering an innovative approach to synthesizing chiral 3,3,3-trifluoro-1-phenylpropan-1-ol.

Graphical abstract
Navigating Role Models: Shaping Masculine Identity Among Transmasculine and Cisgender Emerging Adults
Authors: Anzani Annalisa , Pavanello Decaro Sofia , Paganin Giulia , Prunas Antonio
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The present study explores the influence of role models on the development of masculinity among emerging adults, specifically focusing on how Italian transgender and cisgender young men draw inspiration from role models to shape their own identities.

Methods

We conducted six focus groups with 16 trans masculine and 15 cisgender emerging adults. We transcribed and analyzed the discussions using a specific qualitative analysis framework for focus groups.

Results

Both groups identified family members and individuals from the entertainment industry as sources of inspiration for masculinity. Cisgender participants mentioned more role models from the sport industry, whereas trans participants mentioned more social media influencers. Cisgender participants also identified role models embodying traditional masculinity traits, whereas both groups created “anti-models” representing characteristics they rejected in their ideals of masculinity.

Conclusions

The study reveals differences in the sources of inspiration and the construction of masculine identities between the two groups. We suggest integrating Todd et al.’s (2022) model for the evolution of transgender masculine identities, taking into account the subtle distinctions rooted in gender socialization and identity.

Policy Implications

This work has relevant implications for policy makers, especially in the field of education and social sciences. Educational training targeted at emerging adults should promote a healthy approach to masculinity and should be built in awareness of what are the current models and anti-models.
Divisionalization and symmetric product differentiation
Authors: Fauli-Oller Ramon
Published: September 2024

I consider a standard two-stage game of divisionalization in which, in the first stage, two firms choose the number of divisions and, in the second stage, divisions compete independently à la Cournot. Two important assumptions are made. The creation of a division involves a fixed cost, and all divisions sell symmetrically differentiated goods. I obtain that differentiation stimulates the creation of divisions in equilibrium. This effect is so important that prices decrease with the level of product differentiation. As far as welfare is concerned, I obtain that the equilibrium number of divisions is lower than the one that it would maximize social welfare if no intervention at the market stage is feasible.
Geospatial Analysis of the Socioeconomic and Demographic Effects of Historic Coal Mining in the Greater Pittsburgh Region, Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Bram Lauren , Klemetsrud Bethany , Vandeberg Gregory
Published: September 2024

A geospatial model was developed to statistically assess the socioeconomic effects of coal mining in the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area by integrating home sale data, abandoned mine lands (AML) inventory “problem area” sites, and census demographic information. Results indicated that homes located within problem areas sold for an average of 28% ($58,600) less than homes outside of these regions. Demographic data revealed a notable disparity in the population distribution within Allegheny County mining problem areas as having a statistically significant larger Black population. This same trend was even more pronounced in urban areas. The study also established that areas influenced by past mining activities had a higher proportion of individuals without formal postsecondary education. Logistic regression models were created to analytically evaluate the relationship between predictor variables, specifically home sale price and Community Needs Index, to the probability of being situated within mining problem areas. The home sale analysis indicated a negative correlation between sale prices and the likelihood of residing in a mining-affected zone, implying that properties with lower prices are more commonly situated in these impacted areas. The CNI logistic regression model revealed a correlation between the probability of living in a mining problem area and overall higher community needs.
Addressing the challenges posed by energy poverty in Latin American countries
Authors: Leal Filho Walter , Begum Halima , Anholon Rosley , Quelhas Osvaldo , Rampasso Izabela , Sharifi Ayyoob , de Andrade Guerra José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório , Gatto Andrea , Lovett Matthew , Velazquez Luis , Chávez Muñoz Pastor David , Alam A. S. A. Ferdous , Brandli Luciana , Salvia Amanda Lange , Amaro Nelson , Eustachio João Henrique Paulino Pires
Published: September 2024

Many of the energy systems functioning across the developing world are poorly designed and largely inadequate to meet a country's commercial and domestic energy needs. This is especially so in Latin America, where poverty trends have been exacerbated by limited access to energy, which could be used towards supporting industrial and small-scale commercial activities. This has characterised the widespread trend of energy poverty. This phenomenon poses a major barrier towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and addressing climate change, since lack of access to reliable energy generation systems hinders the development of economic activities and limits the comfort of living conditions. This paper reports on a study aimed at catering to a better understanding of the challenges related to energy poverty in Latin America and identifying some of the tools that may be deployed to address them. The methodological procedures used were bibliometric analysis and survey. The main findings of this research evidence that reducing energy poverty in Latin American countries is crucial to alleviating household costs since a considerable part of family income is used to pay the energy needs. Less use of coal, greater access to electricity—including those from renewable generation—as well as the use of technologies and programs subsidized by governments would significantly contribute to increasing the Latin American citizens' quality of life and achieving the SDGs.
Design and synthesis of a 2,5-Diarylthiophene chromophore for enhanced near-infrared two-photon uncaging efficiency of calcium ions
Authors: Tran Tam Thi Thanh , Abe Manabu
Published: September 2024

The design and synthesis of two-photon-responsive chromophores have recently garnered significant attention owing to their potential applications in materials and life sciences. In this study, a novel π-conjugated system, 2-dimethylaminophenyl-5-nitrophenylthiophene derivatives, featuring a thiophene unit as the π-linker between the donor (NMe2C6H4–) and acceptor (NO2C6H4–) units was designed, synthesized, and applied for the development of two-photon-responsive chromophores as a photoremovable protecting group in the near-infrared region. Notably, the positional effect of the nitro group (NO2), meta versus para position, was observed in the uncaging process of benzoic acid. Additionally, while the para-isomer exhibited a single fluorescence peak, a dual emission was detected for the meta-isomer in polar solvents. The caged calcium ion (Ca2+) incorporating the newly synthesized thiophene unit exhibited a sizable two-photon absorption cross-section value (σ2 = 129 GM at 830 nm). Both one-photon and two-photon photoirradiation of caged calcium ions successfully released calcium ions, indicating the potential utility of 2,5-diarylthiophene derivatives in future biological studies.

Graphical abstract
Achieving super high yield in rice by simultaneously increasing panicle number and grain weight via improving pre-heading biomass production
Authors: Huang Min , Xiao Zhengwu , Fang Shengliang , Zhang Hengdong , Liu Longsheng , Cao Fangbo , Chen Jiana
Published: September 2024

Understanding the yield attributes of rice crops grown at super high-yielding sites is useful for identifying how to achieve super high yield in rice. In this study, field experiments were conducted in 2021 and 2022 to compare grain yield and yield attributes of ten high-yielding hybrid rice varieties between Xingyi (a super high-yielding site) and Hengyang (a site with typical yields). Results showed that Xingyi produced an average grain yield of 13.4 t ha−1 in 2021 and 14.0 t ha−1 in 2022, which were, respectively, 20% and 44% higher than those at Hengyang. Higher panicles per m2 and higher grain weight were responsible for the higher grain yield at Xingyi compared to Hengyang. The higher values of panicles per m2 and grain weight at Xingyi compared to Hengyang were due to greater source capacity resulting from improved pre-heading biomass production. This study suggests that simultaneously increasing panicle number and grain weight through improving pre-heading biomass production is a potential way to achieve super high yield in rice.
A local collision-free motion planning strategy for hyper-redundant manipulators based on dynamic safety envelopes
Authors: Ju Renjie , Zhang Dong , Gai Yan , Cao Zhengcai
Published: September 2024

Hyper-redundant manipulators (HRMs) exhibit promising adaptability and superior dexterity in cavity detection tasks, owing to their snake-like segmented backbones. Due to the safety concern in contactless operating tasks, reliable motion planning in a confined environment for HRMs is very challenging. However, existing expanding-based obstacle avoidance methods are not feasible in narrow environments, as they will excessively occupy free spaces required for maneuvering. In this work, a local collision-free motion planning strategy based on dynamic safety envelope (DSE) is proposed for HRMs. First, the local motion of HRMs is analyzed in detail, and DSE is proposed for the first time to describe the boundary of the collision-free area. Then, to maximize the efficient utilization of narrow spaces, a reference trajectory for HRM is roughly planned without expanding obstacles. Further, a tip-guided trajectory tracking method based on configuration prediction is proposed by considering the discrete characteristics of rigid links to avoid obstacles. During the tracking process, DSEs are applied to evaluate collision risk and optimize the configuration. Finally, to validate the effectiveness of our proposed method, simulations are conducted, followed by experiments by using a 18-degrees of freedom mobile HRM prototype system.
Mainstream and deviating ideologies in Japanese gubernatorial elections
Authors: Hijino Ken Victor Leonard
Published: September 2024

The ideological conflicts of Japan's subnational politics have tended to be interpreted as either being largely muted or contained within national dimensions. Following two decades of substantial decentralization and growing local autonomy, however, a diversity of new ideological responses to local issues have appeared. These include neo-liberal parties and executives in wealthier regions such as Tokyo and Osaka or a rising regionalist identity politics such as that found in Okinawa. Nativist right and populist left along with single-issue parties are also now fielding candidates for subnational elections. Despite this increasingly crowded field, there is still no systematic understanding of the divergent ideological worldviews and dimensions of conflict operating at the subnational level. Nor do we know how these worldviews “deviate” from the traditional “norm” of a progressive vs. conservative conflict dimension assumed to characterize Japanese subnational politics. This paper begins to fill this gap by investigating the campaign discourse of gubernatorial candidates both before and after the pandemic outbreak. We find that the language, and underlying ideological orientation, of these candidates can be separated into four clusters: “mainstream”, “old left”, “neo-liberal”, and “fringe”. In addition, “regionalist” and “new left” populism can also be identified in select elections.
Why did England change its law on deceased organ donation in 2019? The dynamic interplay between evidence and values
Authors: Williams Lorraine , Bostock Jennifer , Noyes Jane , McLaughlin Leah , O'Neill Stephen , Al-Haboubi Mustafa , Boadu Paul , Mays Nicholas
Published: September 2024

In the three years since the law on adult deceased organ donation consent in England changed to include an opt-out system, there has been no discernible change to donation rates. The lack of a positive impact on donation rates was predicted by many of those who took part in debates before and during the passage of the Bill through Parliament. This invites the question as to why England moved to an opt-out system for organ donation despite equivocal evidence of likely benefit and opposition from expert health professional organisations. To address this question qualitative analyses of Parliamentary debates on organ donation was undertaken. This revealed a shift from a dominant position, which gave primacy to the evidence of likely effects, towards a more normative position where a deemed consent option was viewed as the ‘correct thing to do’ and the limited and conflicting evidence viewed in a positive light. By 2017, following Wales's move to an opt-out system, together with continued lobbying for similar changes for England by professional and patient groups, alongside sustained public popularity for organ donation, the balance of opinion had shifted towards a system where deemed consent would become the default position for most English adults
Adapting low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy for autistic adults: lessons from Plymouth’s NHS Talking Therapies and Autism Spectrum Service
Authors: Trimmer Hope , Heintz Sonja , Williams Sarah
Published: September 2024

The prevalence of mental health conditions is high for autistic adults. Yet, the IAPT manual states that referral rates into NHS Talking Therapies Services (NHS-TTS) do not reflect this nationally. Non-adapted treatment has been identified as a key barrier to accessing these services. It is therefore imperative that clinicians adapt to the needs of autistic individuals to make treatment accessible and effective. However, there is limited research in the field, especially for low-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (LICBT). This service evaluation explores adapted LICBT for autistic adults within Plymouth’s NHS-TTS and Autism Service. It investigated clinical outcomes of adapted group and one-to-one LICBT with 84 participants. It hypothesised that psychometric measures for anxiety and depression would be lowered on treatment completion, whilst exploring whether either intervention showed a greater reduction. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants from the sample to gather perspectives on what aspects of treatment were favourable or require improvement. A factorial ANOVA revealed that psychometric measures reduced on completion across both interventions, with a greater decrease for one-to-one treatment and the anxiety measure. In addition, four themes and nine subthemes emerged following a thematic analysis, which focus on different aspects of treatment, such as content, structure, interaction, and barriers to engagement. Findings indicated that adapted LICBT was associated with lower anxiety and depression for autistic adults. This consequently has implications for improving the current LICBT provisions being offered to autistic adults within the NHS-TTS.

Key learning aims

(1)

To understand some of the barriers autistic people face accessing an NHS Talking Therapies Service (NHS-TTS) and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

(2)

To reflect on the importance of adapting practice and CBT for autistic people.

(3)

To present potential adaptations to low-intensity CBT for autistic adults with anxiety and depression.
Effect of coercive measures on mental health status in adult psychiatric populations: a nationwide trial emulation
Authors: Baggio S. , Kaiser S. , Huber C.G. , Wullschleger A.
Published: September 2024

Aims

Healthcare staff use coercive measures to manage patients at acute risk of harm to self or others, but their effect on patients’ mental health is underexplored. This nationwide Swiss study emulated a trial to investigate the effects of coercive measures on the mental health of psychiatric inpatients at discharge.

Methods

We analysed retrospective longitudinal data from all Swiss adult psychiatric hospitals that provided acute care (2019–2021). The primary exposure was any coercive measure during hospitalization; secondary exposures were seclusion, restraint and forced medication. Our primary outcome was Health of the Nations Outcome Scale (HoNOS) score at discharge. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting to emulate random assignment to the exposure.

Results

Of 178,369 hospitalizations, 9.2% (n = 18,800) included at least one coercive measure. In patients exposed to coercive measures, mental health worsened a small but statistically significant amount more than in non-exposed patients. Those who experienced at least one coercive measure during hospitalization had a significantly higher HoNOS score (1.91-point, p < .001, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.73; 2.09) than those who did not experience any coercive measure. Results were similar for seclusion (1.60-point higher score, p < .001, 95% CI: 1.40; 1.79) and forced medication (1.97-point higher score, p < .001, 95% CI: 1.65; 2.30). Restraint had the strongest effect (2.83-point higher score, p < .001, 95% CI: 2.38; 3.28).

Conclusions

Our study presents robust empirical evidence highlighting the detrimental impact of coercive measures on the mental health of psychiatric inpatients. It underscores the importance of avoiding these measures in psychiatric hospitals and emphasized the urgent need for implementing alternatives in clinical practice.
Deradicalization and the Experience of Governing: Evidence from the Transformation of Socialist Parties in Western Europe, 1945–2021
Authors: Tiratelli Matteo
Published: September 2024

The question of deradicalization looms large in the historiography of western European socialism. But in this contested field, the contributions of the New Left historian, Ralph Miliband, have been curiously neglected. Through his work on the British Labour Party, Miliband developed a distinctive account of deradicalization that foregrounds the fact that when parties enter government, party elites find themselves transplanted into new, alien institutions. Over time, he argued, they then come to internalize the worldviews of those institutions and reshape their parties accordingly. This essay presents the first quantitative and cross-national test of this “experience of governing hypothesis,” using Comparative Manifesto Project data from western European socialist parties between 1945 and 2021 and a novel matching technique for panel data. Miliband’s theory is strongly supported by this analysis, which also demonstrates the value of taking a multi-dimensional approach to deradicalization.
Examining the Psychometric Properties of the BIIS-2 in Ethnic Minority Adolescents in Germany
Authors: Duwe Paula , Titzmann Peter F.
Published: September 2024

Abstract: Understanding how adolescents integrate multiple cultures into their identity is a growing field of research in modern multicultural societies and requires psychometrically sound assessments tools. The Bicultural Identity Integration framework together with the Bicultural Identity Integration Scale 2 (BIIS-2; Huynh et al., 2018 ) offers an instrument that allows assessing BII with two factors (Blendedness vs. Compartmentalization and Harmony vs. Conflict). However, the psychometric properties of the BIIS-2 remain inconclusive for multicultural youth in Germany. To address this gap, we examined the psychometric properties of the BIIS-2 in a sample comprising 595 diverse ethnic minority adolescents in Germany ( Mage = 13.26, SD = 1.3; 45.6% female). Contrary to the proposed two-factor structure ( Huynh et al., 2018 ), our findings provide evidence for a four-factor structure (Blendedness, Compartmentalization, Harmony, and Conflict) which is also supported through unique associations in validation results.
Sampling Error of Mean and Trend of Nighttime Air Temperature at Weather Stations Over China Using Satellite Data as Proxy
Authors: Chen Linghong , Wang Kaicun
Published: September 2024

Meteorological observations of surface air temperature have provided fundamental data for climate change detection and attribution. However, the weather stations are unevenly distributed, and are still very sparse in remote regions. The possible sampling error is well known, but not well quantified because we are lack of the adequate and regularly distributed measurements. The high resolution of satellite land surface temperature retrieval during night time provide a nice proxy for near surface temperature as both temperatures controlled by surface longwave radiative cooling and the nocturnal temperature inversion depress land‐atmosphere turbulent exchange. The sampling error of mean value and trend were assessed by comparing station point measurements (pixel of ∼0.01°) with grid (1°) mean and national mean from 2001 to 2021. This method permits us to make the first assessment of under‐sampling error and spatial representative error on both national mean and trend of air temperature during nighttime collected at ∼2,400 weather stations over China. The sampling error in national mean temperature is more than 3°C. The under‐sampling error due to lack of observation explains two thirds and the spatial representative error due to the difference between station and grid/regional mean elevation contribute the other one third. The sampling error in trend account for one third of the national mean trend. The urban heat island effect associated with urbanization around the weather stations (spatial representative error) can explain four fifths of the sampling error in trend, which is consistent with existing studies based on air temperature collected at paired weather station.
Predictors of mortality and severe illness from Escherichia coli sepsis in neonates
Authors: Hoffman Adriana , Satyavolu Sriram , Muhanna Danah , Malay Sindhoosha , Raffay Thomas , Windau Anne , Ransom Eric M. , Mukherjee Devashis
Published: September 2024

Neonatal Escherichia coli (E. coli) sepsis is increasing. There is limited data on the factors contributing to increased mortality and severity of illness in neonatal E. coli sepsis. A retrospective review of neonates (<30 days) admitted to a Level IV NICU in the United States from 2008 to 2022 diagnosed with E. coli bloodstream or cerebrospinal fluid infection was conducted. Primary outcome was defined as mortality from or severe illness during E. coli infection (defined as a need for inotropic support or metabolic acidosis). E. coli neonatal sepsis rate increased from 2008 to 2022 (average of 1.12 per 1000 live births). The primary outcome, which occurred in 57.4% of cases, was independently associated with prematurity, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. Ampicillin resistance was not associated with the primary outcome. GA, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia but not ampicillin resistance, are associated with mortality or severe illness from E. coli sepsis.
Molecular and micro-architectural mapping of gray matter alterations in psychosis
Authors: García-San-Martín Natalia , Bethlehem Richard A. I. , Mihalik Agoston , Seidlitz Jakob , Sebenius Isaac , Alemán-Morillo Claudio , Dorfschmidt Lena , Shafiei Golia , Ortiz-García de la Foz Víctor , Merritt Kate , David Anthony , Morgan Sarah E. , Ruiz-Veguilla Miguel , Ayesa-Arriola Rosa , Vázquez-Bourgon Javier , Alexander-Bloch Aaron , Misic Bratislav , Bullmore Edward T. , Suckling John , Crespo-Facorro Benedicto ,   Lifespan Brain Chart Consortium, Romero-García Rafael
Published: September 2024

The psychosis spectrum encompasses a heterogeneous range of clinical conditions associated with abnormal brain development. Detecting patterns of atypical neuroanatomical maturation across psychiatric disorders requires an interpretable metric standardized by age-, sex- and site-effect. The molecular and micro-architectural attributes that account for these deviations in brain structure from typical neurodevelopment are still unknown. Here, we aggregate structural magnetic resonance imaging data from 38,696 healthy controls (HC) and 1256 psychosis-related conditions, including first-degree relatives of schizophrenia (SCZ) and schizoaffective disorder (SAD) patients (n = 160), individuals who had psychotic experiences (n = 157), patients who experienced a first episode of psychosis (FEP, n = 352), and individuals with chronic SCZ or SAD (n = 587). Using a normative modeling approach, we generated centile scores for cortical gray matter (GM) phenotypes, identifying deviations in regional volumes below the expected trajectory for all conditions, with a greater impact on the clinically diagnosed ones, FEP and chronic. Additionally, we mapped 46 neurobiological features from healthy individuals (including neurotransmitters, cell types, layer thickness, microstructure, cortical expansion, and metabolism) to these abnormal centiles using a multivariate approach. Results revealed that neurobiological features were highly co-localized with centile deviations, where metabolism (e.g., cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRGlu) and cerebral blood flow (CBF)) and neurotransmitter concentrations (e.g., serotonin (5-HT) and acetylcholine (α4β2) receptors) showed the most consistent spatial overlap with abnormal GM trajectories. Taken together these findings shed light on the vulnerability factors that may underlie atypical brain maturation during different stages of psychosis.
A home-based self-directed EEG neurofeedback intervention for people with chronic neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (the StoPain Trial): description of the intervention
Authors: Hesam-Shariati Negin , Alexander Lara , Chen Kevin Yi , Craig Ashley , Glare Paul A. , Jensen Mark P. , Lin Chin-Teng , McAuley James H. , Middleton James W. , Moseley G. Lorimer , Newton-John Toby , Restrepo Sebastian , Skinner Ian W. , Zahara Pauline , Gustin Sylvia M.
Published: September 2024

Study design

Randomised controlled trial.

Objectives

The objective is to describe an electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback intervention that will be provided in a randomised controlled trial for people with neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI): the StoPain Trial. In this trial, participants in the treatment group will implement an EEG neurofeedback system as an analgesic intervention at home, while participants in the control group will continue with the treatments available to them in the community.

Setting

University-based study in Sydney, Australia.

Methods/results

This manuscript describes the rationale and components of the EEG neurofeedback intervention designed for individuals with SCI neuropathic pain and intended for home-based implementation. Our report is based on the criteria of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist, and includes why the efficacy of EEG neurofeedback will be investigated, what will be provided, who will administer it, and how, where, when, and how much the EEG neurofeedback intervention will be administered.

Conclusions

This manuscript provides a detailed description of a complex intervention used in a randomised controlled trial. This description will facilitate the subsequent interpretation of the trial results and allow for the replication of the intervention in clinical practice and future trials.

Sponsorship

Australian Government Medical Research Future Fund (2020 Rare Cancers Rare Diseases and Unmet Needs Scheme: 2006020).
Inhibition of nucleo-cytoplasmic proteasome translocation by the aromatic amino acids or silencing Sestrin3—their sensing mediator—is tumor suppressive
Authors: Livneh Ido , Fabre Bertrand , Goldhirsh Gilad , Lulu Chen , Zinger Adar , Shammai Vainer Yael , Kaduri Maya , Dahan Aviva , Ziv Tamar , Schroeder Avi , Ben-Neriah Yinon , Zohar Yaniv , Cohen-Kaplan Victoria , Ciechanover Aaron
Published: September 2024

The proteasome, the catalytic arm of the ubiquitin system, is regulated via its dynamic compartmentation between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, among other mechanisms. Under amino acid shortage, the proteolytic complex is translocated to the cytoplasm, where it stimulates proteolysis to supplement recycled amino acids for essential protein synthesis. This response is mediated via the mTOR pathway and the lack of the three aromatic amino acids Tyr, Trp, and Phe (YWF). mTOR activation by supplementation of the triad inhibits proteasome translocation, leading to cell death. We now show that tumoral inherent stress conditions result in translocation of the proteasome from the nucleus to the cytosol. We further show that the modulation of the signaling cascade governed by YWF is applicable also to non-starved cells by using higher concentration of the triad to achieve a surplus relative to all other amino acids. Based on these two phenomena, we found that the modulation of stress signals via the administration of YWF leads to nuclear proteasome sequestration and inhibition of growth of xenograft, spontaneous, and metastatic mouse tumor models. In correlation with the observed effect of YWF on tumors, we found – using transcriptomic and proteomic analyses – that the triad affects various cellular processes related to cell proliferation, migration, and death. In addition, Sestrin3—a mediator of YWF sensing upstream of mTOR—is essential for proteasome translocation, and therefore plays a pro-tumorigenic role, positioning it as a potential oncogene. This newly identified approach for hijacking the cellular “satiety center” carries therefore potential therapeutic implications for cancer.
Clinical features, risk factors and outcomes of contact lens-related bacterial keratitis in Nottingham, UK: a 7-year study
Authors: Suresh Lakshmi , Hammoudeh Yasmeen , Ho Charlotte S. , Ong Zun Zheng , Cairns Jessica , Gopal Bhavesh P. , Krstic Lazar , Elsahn Ahmad , Lister Michelle M. , Said Dalia G. , Dua Harminder S. , Ting Darren S. J.
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives

To examine the clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of contact lens-related bacterial keratitis (CLBK) in a large UK tertiary referral centre.

Subjects/Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients who presented to the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK, with suspected CLBK between October 2015 to September 2022 (a 7-year period) was performed. Relevant data on demographic factors, CL wear behaviour, causes, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were analysed.

Results

We included 138 patients with CLBK; the mean age was 42.0 ± 17.8 years and 74 (53.6%) patients were male. Most CLBK were related to soft CL wear (94.5%), particularly monthly disposable (42.5%) and daily disposable (24.4%) CLs. Poor CL wear behaviour/hygiene was documented in 57.1% cases. Among the 64 (46.4%) microbiological-positive cases (n = 73 organisms), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36, 49.3%) and Staphylococcus spp. (16, 21.9%) were most commonly identified. Six (4.3%) cases were polymicrobial. Most (97.0%) patients were successfully treated with topical antibiotics alone, with 80.6% achieving good final corrected-distance-visual-acuity (CDVA) of ≥ 0.30 logMAR. Poor visual outcome (final CDVA < 0.30 logMAR) was significantly associated with presenting CDVA < 0.6 logMAR (p = 0.002) and central ulcer (p = 0.004). Poor corneal healing (complete healing of > 30 days from initial presentation) was significantly associated with age > 50 years (p = 0.028), female gender (p = 0.020), and infiltrate size >3 mm (p = 0.031).

Conclusions

Poor CL wear behaviour/hygiene is commonly observed in CLBK, highlighting the importance of improved counselling and awareness regarding CL use and hygiene. When presented early and managed appropriately, most patients are able to achieve good clinical outcomes with medical treatment alone.
Probing the interplay of interactions, screening and strain in monolayer MoS2 via self-intercalation
Authors: Pielić Borna , Mužević Matko , Novko Dino , Cai Jiaqi , Bremerich Alice , Ohmann Robin , Kralj Marko , Šrut Rakić Iva , Busse Carsten
Published: September 2024

Controlling many-body interactions in two-dimensional systems remains a formidable task from the perspective of both fundamental physics and application. Here, we explore remarkable electronic structure alterations of MoS2 monolayer islands on graphene on Ir(111) induced by non-invasive self-intercalation. This introduces significant differences in morphology and strain of MoS2 as a result of the modified interaction with the substrate. Consequently, considerable changes of the band gap and non-rigid electronic shifts of valleys are detected, which are a combined effect of the screening of the many-body interactions and strain in MoS2. Furthermore, theory shows that each substrate leaves a unique stamp on the electronic structure of two-dimensional material in terms of those two parameters, restricted by their correlation.
Direct electron transfer in a covalent triazine framework for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Qian Zhuangfei , Zhang Hao , Wei Wenxin , Zhao Yan , Zhang Kai A. I.
Published: September 2024

The design strategies for direct electron transfer in a covalent triazine framework for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
Photo-induced difluoroalkylation/cyclization of alkyne ketones: a novel strategy to access difluoroalkyl thiofavones
Authors: Song Shengjie , Luo Can , Wang Guan , Guo Jingjing , Chen Zhi , Li Jianjun
Published: September 2024

We report a photoredox protocol for the difluoroalkylation of alkyne ketones under photocatalyst-, metal- and oxidant-free conditions, offering a straightforward and eco-friendly route for the synthesis of difluoroalkyl thiofavone derivatives.
A new scope for Environmental Science: Nano in its tenth year
Authors: Vikesland Peter J.
Published: September 2024

Editor-in-Chief Peter Vikesland introduces a new scope for Environmental Science: Nano.
Microfluidic sperm trap array for single-cell flagellar analysis with unrestricted 2D flagellar movement
Authors: Wang Kaiyu , Tao Antai , Zhang Rongjing , Yuan Junhua
Published: September 2024

A microfluidic trap array that efficiently captures sperm without applying external factors like fluid fields, and preserves their unfettered 2D flagellar motion while trapped, enabling high-throughput, long-term, and full-flagellum analysis.