Search

Non‐targeted screenings (NTS) are essential tools in different fields, such as forensics, health and environmental sciences. NTSs often employ mass spectrometry (MS) methods due to their high throughput and sensitivity in comparison to, for example, nuclear magnetic resonance–based methods. As the identification of mass spectral signals, called annotation, is labour intensive, it has been used for developing supporting tools based on machine learning (ML). However, both the diversity of mass spectral signals and the sheer quantity of different ML tools developed for compound annotation present a challenge for researchers in maintaining a comprehensive overview of the field. In this work, we illustrate which ML‐based methods are available for compound annotation in non‐targeted MS experiments and provide a nuanced comparison of the ML models used in MS data analysis, unravelling their unique features and performance metrics. Through this overview we support researchers to judiciously apply these tools in their daily research. This review also offers a detailed exploration of methods and datasets to show gaps in current methods, and promising target areas, offering a starting point for developers intending to improve existing methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects approximately 20%–30% of the general population and is linked to high‐caloric western style diet. However, there are little data that specific nutrients might help to prevent steatosis. Methods: We analysed the UK Biobank (ID 71300) 24 h‐nutritional assessments and investigated the association between nutrient intake calculated from food questionnaires and hepatic steatosis indicated by imaging or ICD10‐coding. The effect of manganese (Mn) on subgroups with risk single nucleotide polymorphism carriage as well as the effect on metabolomics was investigated. All analyses are corrected for age, sex, body mass index, Townsend index for socioeconomic status, kcal, alcohol, protein intake, fat intake, carbohydrate intake, energy from beverages, diabetes, physical activity and for multiple testing. Results: We used a random forest classifier to analyse the feature importance of 63 nutrients and imaging‐proven steatosis in a cohort of over 25 000 UK Biobank participants. Increased dietary Mn intake was associated with a lower likelihood of MRI‐diagnosed steatosis. Subsequently, we conducted a cohort study in over 200 000 UK Biobank participants to explore the relationship between Mn intake and hepatic or cardiometabolic outcomes and found that higher Mn intake was associated with a lower risk of ICD‐10 coded steatosis (OR =.889 [.838–.943], p <.001), independent of other potential confounders. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that higher Mn intake may be associated with lower odds of steatosis in a large population‐based sample. These findings underline the potential role of Mn in the prevention of steatosis, but further research is needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ejaculated spermatozoa are considered to possess a higher fertilisation potential than testicular spermatozoa. In selected cases, the use of testicular spermatozoa from non‐azoospermic infertile men resulted in a higher implantation and pregnancy rate than the use of ejaculated spermatozoa. Objective: The primary objective was to compare the live birth rate and cumulative live birth rate between couples with failed intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure using ejaculated spermatozoa who subsequently had an intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle with testicular spermatozoa and those who subsequently had an intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycle with ejaculated spermatozoa. The secondary objective was to determine the indications for the use of testicular spermatozoa after intracytoplasmic sperm injection failure with ejaculated spermatozoa. Materials and methods: A retrospective study of matched couples using propensity score matching analysis was performed. After an intracytoplasmic sperm injection failure (cycle_1), intracytoplasmic sperm injection with either ejaculated spermatozoa (ejaculated sperm group), or testicular spermatozoa (testicular sperm group), was performed (cycle_2). The matching was on intracytoplasmic sperm injection performed in cycle_1 according to spermatozoa used (testicular or ejaculated) in cycle_2. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the influence of sperm origin on cumulative live birth rate. Univariate analysis on parameters of cycle_1 was used to identify the prognostic factors to propose an intracytoplasmic sperm injection with testicular spermatozoa in case of cycle_1 failure. The study outcomes were live birth rate and cumulative live birth rate. Results: Among the 6034 couples available, 63 were selected to constitute the testicular sperm group and 63 were selected by propensity score matching to constitute the ejaculated sperm group. After matching, the DNA fragmentation index was higher in the testicular sperm group (13.43% ± 9.65% vs. 8.93% ± 4.47%, p = 0.013); no significant difference was observed for the fertilisation rate, the number of obtained embryos, blastulation rate and frozen embryo rate. In cycle_2, the live birth rate was higher in the testicular group (22.2% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.001), as was the cumulative live birth rate (25.4% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.065). The prognostic factors identified for the proposal of intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure with testicular spermatozoa after intracytoplasmic sperm injection failure with ejaculated spermatozoa were: teratozoospermia, cryptozoospermia and high DNA fragmentation index. Discussion: According to the present study and current knowledge, the use of testicular spermatozoa after failed intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedure in non‐azoospermic men could be proposed instead of sperm donation in case of high sperm DNA fragmentation index, cryptozoospermia and teratozoospermia. A good oocyte response to ovarian stimulation during the previous assisted reproductive technology attempt will increase the chance of success. Although the main limitation of the current study is its retrospective nature, the use of the propensity score matching to perform causal inference study increases its reliability. Conclusion: The present study supports that the use of testicular spermatozoa outside the classical indication of azoospermia is a good option when the indication is well established. However, before proposing a testicular biopsy, an improvement in sperm characteristics should be considered by treating the causes of sperm alteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Methods Results Conclusions To develop the use of Thiel soft embalmed human cadavers (TeC) in open radical cystectomy (ORC) training for the first time, to investigate the effect of cadaveric training on surgical trainees' technical skills/performance and to determine how trainees perceive the use of cadaveric workshops.A 3‐day hands‐on workshop was organised. Ten trainees performed ORC on five TeC, supervised by five experts. Feedback from trainees and mentors was evaluated on a five‐point Likert scale. All procedures were completed in a fully equipped surgical environment and complied with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki.The workshop participants evaluated the anatomical and manipulation characteristics of the TeC as similar to real‐life conditions. The colour and consistency of the urethra and ureter differed little from those in live patients. The trainees stated that the TeC were beneficial for learning the stages of ORC and urinary diversion (UD), while their self‐confidence increased. In terms of realism, all steps of radical cystectomy (RC) were rated 4 out of 5 or higher on the Likert scale by both trainees and faculty.The use of TeC for RC und UD was perceived as favourable by trainees and faculty. The TeC demonstrated a surprising ability to mimic real‐life anatomy and represent a new and effective surgical training tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocytes intricately weave within the neuropil, giving rise to characteristic bushy morphologies. Pioneering studies suggested that primate astrocytes are more complex due to increased branch numbers and territory size compared to rodent counterparts. However, there has been no comprehensive comparison of astrocyte morphology across species. We employed several techniques to investigate astrocyte morphology and directly compared them between mice and rhesus macaques in cortical and subcortical regions. We assessed astrocyte density, territory size, branching structure, fine morphological complexity, and interactions with neuronal synapses using a combination of techniques, including immunohistochemistry, adeno‐associated virus–mediated transduction of astrocytes, diOlistics, confocal imaging, and electron microscopy. We found significant morphological similarities between primate and rodent astrocytes, suggesting that astrocyte structure has scaled with evolution. Our findings show that primate astrocytes are larger and more numerous than those in rodents but contest the view that primate astrocytes are morphologically far more complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and depression are highly prevalent and tied to significant psychological, physiological, social and economic consequences. Their co‐occurrence presents a complex clinical challenge, as the impact of antidepressant medication on AUD outcomes remains equivocal. In this multicenter, longitudinal study we investigated the relationship between antidepressant medication and changes in depression symptoms and alcohol use in AUD patients. Methods: We analyzed data from 153 detoxified AUD patients who attended a 12‐week residential treatment program between 2015 and 2019. Within a mediation analysis, adopting a bootstrapping approach and a quasi‐Bayesian framework, we estimated the total, direct, and mediated effects of antidepressants on the percentage of days abstinent to assess the role of changes in depression symptoms as a mediating factor. Results: The mediation analysis revealed a dual impact pathway model with a negative direct effect of antidepressants on abstinence (p = 0.004) and a positive indirect effect, mediated through the reduction of depression symptoms (p = 0.002). Conclusions: The findings of the mediation analysis show that patients treated with antidepressants and whose depression symptoms do not improve over time show more relapses, while patients treated with antidepressants who achieve a reduction in depression symptoms show fewer relapses over time. Thus, to optimize treatment outcome, depression symptoms should be vigilantly monitored when antidepressants are prescribed during AUD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, immune‐mediated liver disease that can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis. In this cohort study, we aimed to investigate morbidity and mortality in conjunction with metabolomic changes of PBC in a UK population‐based cohort. Methods: 454 participants with PBC and 908 propensity score (age, sex, BMI, ethnicity) matched controls without liver disease were included in the study. A subset of participants with PBC and controls were analysed for their metabolomic profile. Further, PBC‐associated comorbidities were investigated by PheWAS analysis. Lastly, we assessed causes of death in individuals with PBC using a Fine and Grey competing‐risks regression model. Results: Compared to the control group, various pathways associated with the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, and liver biochemistry were significantly enriched in individuals with PBC. We found reduced levels of S‐HDL‐cholesterol and Glycoprotein Acetyls in individuals with PBC as well as an association with diseases of the circulatory system. Notably, PBC individuals had a higher prevalence of digestive diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, anaemias, mental disorders, and urinary tract infections compared to the control group. Strikingly, the overall mortality was almost three times higher in the PBC group compared to the control group, with diseases of the digestive system accounting for a significant elevation of the death rate. A subsequent analysis, enhanced by propensity score matching that included the APRI score, demonstrated that the observed morbidity could not be exclusively attributed to advanced hepatic disease. Conclusions: Our study provides a detailed perspective on the morbidity of individuals with PBC. The exploration of potential effects of disease state on morbidity suggest that early detection and early treatment of PBC could enhance patient prognosis and prevent the onset of comorbid diseases. Finally, the metabolomic alterations could represent a link between the pathophysiological processes underlying PBC development, progression, and associated morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The κ2‐(P,N)−phosphine ligand precursor NH(CH2CH2PCy2)2 can be used for the synthesis of the rhodium(I) complex [Rh(CO){ĸ3‐(P,N,P)−Cy2PC2H4NHC2H4PCy2}][Cl] (1). The deprotonated complex [Rh(CO){ĸ3‐(P,N,P)−Cy2PC2H4NC2H4PCy2}] (2) shows a cooperative reactivity of the PNP ligand in the activation reaction of SO2F2 to yield the rhodium fluorido complex trans‐[Rh(F)(CO){ĸ2‐(P,P)−Cy2PC2H4N(SO2F)C2H4PCy2}]2 (3) by S−F bond cleavage. It is remarkable that no reaction was observed when 3 was treated with hydrogen sources e. g. dihydrogen, organosilicon compounds such as triethylsilane or TMS−CF3 and different fluorine sources such as SF4 or Selectfluor®. However, the treatment of complex 3 with XeF2 in the presence of CsF resulted in the formation of the unique fluorido rhodium(III) complex cis,trans‐[Rh(F)3(CO){ĸ2‐(P,P)−Cy2PC2H4N(SO2F)C2H4PCy2}]2 (4). In the presence of pyridine(HF)X or BF3 the fluorido complex 3 converted into the dicationic complexes [Rh(CO){ĸ2‐(P,P)−Cy2PC2H4N(SO2F)C2H4PCy2}]2[XF]2, X=HF (5) or BF3 (6), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aims: Language is frequently affected in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS), with reduced performance in naming, syntactic comprehension, grammatical expression, and orthographic processing. However, the language profile of patients with familial type 8 ALS (ALS8), linked to p.P56S VAPB mutation, remains unclear. We investigated language in patients with ALS8 by examining their auditory comprehension and verbal production. Methods: We included three groups of participants: (1) patients with sALS (n = 20), (2) patients with familial ALS8 (n = 22), and (3) healthy controls (n = 21). The groups were matched for age, sex, and education level. All participants underwent a comprehensive language battery, including the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, the reduced Token test, letter fluency, categorical fluency (animals), word definition from the Cambridge Semantic Memory Research Battery, and a narrative discourse analysis. Participants also were evaluated using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Exam‐Revised Version, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the ALS Functional Rating Scale‐Revised. Results: Compared to controls, sALS and ALS8 patients had impaired performance on oral (syntactic and phonological processing) comprehension and inappropriate discourse cohesion. sALS and ALS8 did not differ in any language measure. There was no correlation between language scores and functional and psychiatric scales. Discussion: ALS8 patients exhibit language deficits that are independent of motor features. These findings are consistent with the current evidence suggesting that ALS8 has prominent non‐motor features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the evolutionary history of anthropoid primates (monkeys, apes, and humans) appears relatively well‐documented, there is limited data available regarding their origins and early evolution. We review and discuss here the earliest records of anthropoid primates from Asia, Africa, and South America. New fossils provide strong support for the Asian origin of anthropoid primates. However, the earliest recorded anthropoids from Africa and South America are still subject to debate, and the early evolution and dispersal of platyrhines to South America remain unclear. Because of the rarity and incomplete nature of many stem anthropoid taxa, establishing the phylogenetic relationships among the earliest anthropoids remains challenging. Nonetheless, by examining evidence from anthropoids and other mammalian groups, we demonstrate that several dispersal events occurred between South Asia and Afro‐Arabia during the middle Eocene to the early Oligocene. It is possible that a microplate situated in the middle of the Neotethys Ocean significantly reduced the distance of overseas dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Western ragweed (Ambrosia psilostachya DC) is one of the most common perennial, native forbs of western US rangelands. Cattle consume small quantities of western ragweed in their diets when present in the forage sward, and forage nutritive value tends to be greater than the associated grass component in those swards. Yet, many producers view western ragweed as an undesirable forb in rangelands. We conducted a study over two years to compare vegetative and stocker animal productivity in pastures that were either sprayed with dicamba at 6 oz/acre (0.19 lb a.i./acre) for western ragweed control or were left unsprayed. Pastures started the study with high western ragweed densities (>9 western ragweed plants/ft2) before pasture treatment, and spraying with dicamba significantly reduced western ragweed density and yield compared to unsprayed pastures (0.2 vs. 3.5 ragweed plants/ft2, and 0 vs. 206 lb/acre, respectively). Grass production and total vegetation production were similar between treatments. Crude protein and total digestible nutrients of western ragweed was greater than grass at all mid‐season and end of season sampling dates both years. Stocker animal gain was not different between pastures sprayed for ragweed control and pastures left unsprayed in either year, nor when averaged over the two years (189 vs. 188 lb/head, sprayed vs. unsprayed, respectively). Beef production per acre was also similar. The spray treatment was an added expense that did not result in greater total forage, grass, or animal production. With natural fluctuations in western ragweed population densities due to weather patterns, producers will likely experience little benefit from spraying for western ragweed alone in pasture. Plain Language Summary: Western ragweed is a common pasture plant that is often viewed as a weedy species and sprayed with herbicides because it is not a pasture grass. However, cattle consume small quantities of western ragweed, and grassland birds greatly use western ragweed for cover and a food source, so ragweed can be beneficial to pastures and wildlife. We compared pastures with high densities of western ragweed that were either sprayed for western ragweed control with dicamba (6 oz/acre, or 0.19 lb a.i./acre) or were left unsprayed. Herbicide spraying greatly reduced the amount of western ragweed in the pastures for two seasons (0.2 vs. 3.5 ragweed plants/ft2 and 0 vs. 206 lb/acre, respectively), but the spray treatment was an expense that did not produce more total forage, more grass, or better animal gains compared to unsprayed pastures. Unless pastures have a much greater western ragweed density than measured in this study, spraying ragweed will not benefit cattle production nor wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines how parents' and children's explanatory talk and exploratory behaviors support children's causal reasoning at a museum in San Jose, CA in 2017. One‐hundred‐nine parent–child dyads (3–6 years; 56 girls, 53 boys; 32 White, 9 Latino/Hispanic, 17 Asian‐American, 17 South Asian, 1 Pacific Islander, 26 mixed ethnicity, 7 unreported) played at an air flow exhibit with a nonobvious causal mechanism. Children's causal reasoning was probed afterward. The timing of parents' explanatory talk and exploratory behaviors was related to children's systematic exploration during play. Children's exploratory behavior, and parents' goal setting during play, were related to children's subsequent causal reasoning. These findings support the hypothesis that children's exploration is related to both internal learning processes and external social scaffolding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding dispersal potential, or the probability a species will move a given distance, under different environmental conditions is essential to predicting species' ability to move across the landscape and track shifting ecological niches. Two important drivers of dispersal ability are climatic differences and variations in local habitat type. Despite the likelihood these global drivers act simultaneously on plant populations, and thus dispersal potential is likely to change as a result, their combined effects on dispersal are rarely examined. To understand the effect of climate and varying habitat types on dispersal potential, we studied Geum triflorum—a perennial grassland species that spans a wide range of environments, including both prairie and alvar habitats. We explored how the climate of the growing season and habitat type (prairie vs. alvar) interact to alter dispersal potential. We found a consistent interactive effect of climate and habitat type on dispersal potential. Across prairie populations, an increased number of growing degree days favored traits that increase dispersal potential or the probability of dispersing farther distances. However, for alvar populations, dispersal potential tended to decrease as the number of growing degree days increased. Our findings suggest that under continued warming, populations in prairie habitats will benefit from increased gene flow, while alvar populations will become increasingly segregated, with reduced potential to track shifting fitness optima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deceiving others is generally viewed as immoral. However, most people lie on a daily basis. This article examines the psychological consequences for the liars themselves, as they are participating in what is generally perceived as immoral behaviour. More specifically, this article focuses on the effects of lying on the liar's self‐esteem and affect. We tested if lying, in comparison to telling the truth, lowers people's self‐esteem and increases negative experienced affect. In total, three cross sectional and one longitudinal studies were conducted (N = 783). Results showed that lying decreased people's self‐esteem and increased negative affect, regardless of the type of lie (self‐centred vs. other‐oriented). Furthermore, lying on a given day decreased people's self‐esteem compared to their self‐esteem on the previous day and to their average level of self‐esteem across 5 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and trends of essential study design elements in preclinical urological studies, as well as key factors that may improve methodological rigour, as the demand for methodological rigour in preclinical studies is increasing since research reproducibility and transparency in the medico‐scientific field are being questioned. Methods and Results: PubMed was searched to include preclinical urological studies published between July 2007 to June 2021. A total of 3768 articles met the inclusion criteria. Data on study design elements and animal models used were collected. Citation density was also examined as a surrogate marker of study influence. We performed an analysis of the prevalence of seven critical study design elements and temporal patterns over 14 years. Randomisation was reported in 50.0%, blinding in 15.0%, sample size estimation in 1.0%, inclusion of both sexes in 6.3%, statistical analysis in 97.1%, housing and husbandry in 47.7%, and inclusion/exclusion criteria in 5.0%. Temporal analysis showed that the implementation of these study design elements has increased, except for inclusion of both sexes and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Reporting study design elements were associated with increased citation density in randomisation and statistical analysis. Conclusions: The risk of bias is prevalent in 14‐year publications describing preclinical urological research, and the quality of methodological rigour is barely related to the citation density of the article. Yet five study design elements (randomisation, blinding, sample size estimation, statistical analysis, and housing and husbandry) proposed by both the National Institutes of Health and Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments guidelines have been either well reported or are being well reported over time. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022233125. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Understanding the behaviour of legumes during soaking results of importance since this might affect subsequent processing steps and thus final product quality. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different ultrasound‐assisted soaking conditions (45.8–108.7 W cm−2 for 10–30 min) on the hydration, physicochemical and nutritional properties of kabuli chickpeas. During sonication, the temperature of the soaking media was either controlled at 20 °C (treatment referred to as US) or allowed to rise (treatment referred to as US + T). Selected temperature treatments without sonication (treatment referred to as T) were also included to identify thermal effects. Results showed that higher sonication intensities enhanced water imbibition up to a moisture content of 74.5% (w/w), being more pronounced in treatments where a temperature rise was allowed. Hydration kinetics were well described by the Peleg model (R2 = 0.961–0.998). Samples treated with temperature (US + T; T) showed high solid (0.8–5.1%), di‐ (13.2–59.7%) and α‐galactosyl‐sucrose oligosaccharide (5.4–58.7%) losses. In contrast, high US treatments enhanced oligosaccharides to up to 26.2% as well as pasting properties, while decreasing leaching losses (0.93–3.33%). Nutritional properties of sonicated chickpeas were only slightly affected after cooking following no clear trend. Overall, sonication was an effective pre‐treatment to reduce hydration time of up to 90% in chickpeas, especially when combined with temperature, and could be applied to drastically reduce the processing time of chickpea and chickpea flour in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bay of Bengal (BoB) spans >2.2 million km2 in the northeastern Indian Ocean and is bordered by dense populations that depend upon its resources. Over recent decades, a shift from larger phytoplankton to picoplankton has been reported, yet the abundance, activity, and composition of primary producer communities are not well‐characterized. We analysed the BoB regions during the summer monsoon. Prochlorococcus ranged up to 3.14 × 105 cells mL−1 in the surface mixed layer, averaging 1.74 ± 0.46 × 105 in the upper 10 m and consistently higher than Synechococcus and eukaryotic phytoplankton. V1‐V2 rRNA gene amplicon analyses showed the High Light II (HLII) ecotype formed 98 ± 1% of Prochlorococcus amplicons in surface waters, comprising six oligotypes, with the dominant oligotype accounting for 65 ± 4% of HLII. Diel sampling of a coherent water mass demonstrated evening onset of cell division and rapid Prochlorococcus growth between 1.5 and 3.1 div day−1, based on cell cycle analysis, as confirmed by abundance‐based estimates of 2.1 div day−1. Accumulation of Prochlorococcus produced by ultradian growth was restricted by high loss rates. Alongside prior Arabian Sea and tropical Atlantic rates, our results indicate Prochlorococcus growth rates should be reevaluated with greater attention to latitudinal zones and influences on contributions to global primary production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare resources are often limited in areas of sub‐Saharan Africa. This makes accurate and timely diagnoses challenging and delays treatment of childhood febrile illness. We explored longitudinal characteristics related to symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of hospitalised febrile children in a rural area of Ghana highly endemic for malaria. Methods: Febrile children under 15 years, admitted to the study hospital paediatric ward, were recruited to the study and clinical data were collected throughout hospitalisation. Descriptive statistics were reported for all cases; for longitudinal analyses, a subset of visits with limited missing data was used. Results: There were 801 hospitalised children included in longitudinal analyses. Malaria (n = 581, 73%) and sepsis (n = 373, 47%) were the most prevalent suspected diagnoses on admission. One‐third of malaria suspected diagnoses (n = 192, 33%) were changed on the discharge diagnosis, compared to 84% (n = 315) of sepsis suspected diagnoses. Among malaria‐only discharge diagnoses, 98% (n/N = 202/207) received an antimalarial and 33% (n/N = 69/207) an antibiotic; among discharge diagnoses without malaria, 28% (n/N = 108/389) received an antimalarial and 83% (n/N = 324/389) an antibiotic. Conclusions: Suspected diagnoses were largely based on clinical presentation and were frequently changed; changed diagnoses were associated with lingering symptoms, underscoring the need for faster and more accurate diagnostics. Medications were over‐prescribed regardless of diagnosis stability, possibly because of a lack of confidence in suspected diagnoses. Thus, better diagnostic tools are needed for childhood febrile illnesses to enhance the accuracy of and confidence in diagnoses, and to cut down unjustified medication use, reducing the risk of antimicrobial and malaria resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread impacts of roads on animal movement have led to the search for innovative mitigation tools. Wildlife crossing structures (tunnels or bridges) are a common approach; however, their effectiveness remains unclear beyond isolated case studies.We conduct an extensive literature review and synthesis to address the question: What is the evidence that wildlife crossing structures mitigate the barrier effect of roads on wildlife movement? In particular, we investigated whether wildlife crossing structures prevented an expected decline in cross‐road movement, restored movement to pre‐construction conditions, or improved movement relative to taking no action.In an analysis of 313 studies, only 14% evaluated whether wildlife crossing structures resulted in a change in animal movement across roads. We identified critical problems in existing studies, especially the lack of benchmarks (e.g. pre‐road, pre‐mitigation, or control data) and the use of biased comparisons.Wildlife crossing structures allowed cross‐road movement in 98% of data sets and improved movement in ~60%. In contrast, the decline of wildlife movement was prevented in fewer than 40% of cases. For most structure types and species groups there was insufficient evidence to draw generalisable conclusions.Synthesis and Applications: The evidence to date suggests that wildlife crossing structures can mitigate the barrier effect of roads on wildlife movement, but in many cases have been poorly implemented or evaluated. The most supported measures were the addition of ledges and vegetation cover to increase movement for small mammals; underpasses to prevent the decline in movement of ungulates following road construction; and improving road‐crossing for arboreal mammals using canopy bridges and vegetated medians. We strongly recommend that future use of crossing structures closely adheres to species‐specific, best‐practice guidelines to improve implementation and be paired with a thorough evaluation that includes benchmark comparisons, particularly for measures and species that lack sufficient evidence (e.g. invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and overpasses). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reductions in soil moisture due to prolonged episodes of drought can potentially affect whole forest ecosystems, including soil microorganisms and their functions. We investigated how the composition of soil microbial communities is affected by prolonged episodes of water limitation. In a mesocosm experiment with Scots pine saplings and natural forest soil maintained at different levels of soil water content over 2 years, we assessed shifts in prokaryotic and fungal communities and related these to changes in plant development and soil properties. Prolonged water limitation induced progressive changes in soil microbial community composition. The dissimilarity between prokaryotic communities at different levels of water limitation increased over time regardless of the recurrent seasons, while fungal communities were less affected by prolonged water limitation. Under low soil water contents, desiccation‐tolerant groups outcompeted less adapted, and the lifestyle of prokaryotic taxa shifted from copiotrophic to oligotrophic. While the abundance of saprotrophic and ligninolytic groups increased alongside an accumulation of dead plant material, the abundance of symbiotic and nutrient‐cycling taxa decreased, likely impairing the development of the trees. Overall, prolonged episodes of drought appeared to continuously alter the structure of microbial communities, pointing to a potential loss of critical functions provided by the soil microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Study: The research discusses the need for a paradigm shift in engineering education current practices to accommodate the digital native students. The paper emphasizes the importance of integrating disruptive technologies, namely Virtual Reality (VR) through Head Mounted Displays VR (HMD VR) and Desktop Based VR (DB VR) and comparing it with the traditional teaching methods. The research focuses on second‐year undergraduate students enrolled in a concrete structures course. Objectives: The objective of the study is to analyse the impact of DB VR and HMD VR on students' motivation, performance and workload in comparison with traditional 2D drawings. The study also aims to investigate how simulation sickness and system usability could impact students' motivation and performance when interpreting concrete structures. Methods: The study divided second‐year civil engineering students into three groups, 2D, DB VR and HMD VR. The performance and motivation levels of students were assessed based on the number of mistakes identified and an intrinsic motivation survey. Furthermore, data on system usability and simulation sickness were collected. Spearman rank correlation was conducted to analyse the relationships between the variables tested. Results: The results have shown that students' motivation and performance were much higher when using VR in general and HMD VR specifically, students' efficiency and accuracy were also observed. On the other hand, usability was found to be moderately correlated with motivation, with students rating HMD VR as the most usable approach. A moderate inverse correlation was observed between simulation sickness and motivation, indicating that higher simulation sickness led to lower motivation levels. Conclusion: The study concludes that integrating VR in general, DB VR, or HMD VR into a concrete structures course for undergraduate students can significantly improve students' performance and motivation. Furthermore, enhancing usability of any of the methods used can also improve the performance and motivation. On the other hand, simulation sickness inversely affects motivation and performance, therefore, VR developers and educators should not neglect it. Lay Description: What is already known about the topic: Traditional teaching methods in engineering education require improvement.Integrating digital technologies into engineering education enhances performance.Digital technologies can potentially enhance motivation. What this paper adds: Compares traditional teaching methods for concrete structures interpretation with virtual reality.Establishes correlations between motivation, performance and usabilityIntroduces how desktop‐based VR and head‐mounted display VR can produce varying results. Implications for practice and/or policy: Decision‐makers can use the information to integrate updated pedagogy into engineering curricula.Allows for further exploration of different digital technologies that can be used for concrete structure interpretation.Allows instructors to introduce virtual reality in their courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anterior cervical osteophytes (ACOs) are commonly found in the general population, especially in older individuals. While they are typically asymptomatic, they can cause symptoms in some patients due to compression of the aerodigestive tract. In rare cases, ACOs can result in unilateral vocal cord palsy (UVCP), leading to symptoms such as dysphonia, dyspnea, and dysphagia. This article presents a case study of a 59-year-old male with progressive symptoms of UVCP caused by a large ACO. The patient underwent surgery to remove the osteophyte, resulting in significant improvement in symptoms. The use of laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) was also discussed as a diagnostic tool for UVCP caused by ACOs. Overall, this case highlights the rare occurrence of UVCP due to ACOs and the potential for recovery after osteophytectomy. [Extracted from the article]

The development of the vehicles powered by photovoltaic (PV) is desirable and very important for reducing CO2 emissions from the transport sector to realize a decarbonized society. Although long‐distance driving of vehicle‐integrated PV (VIPV)‐powered vehicles without electricity charging is expected in sunny regions, driving distance of VIPV‐powered vehicles is affected by climate conditions such as solar irradiation and outside temperature, and the power consumption of the air conditioners. In this article, analytical results for system efficiency of VIPV‐powered vehicles and the effects of usage of air conditioner are presented by using power losses estimated from the electric mileage by using the driving distance data for Toyota Prius and Nissan Van demonstration cars installed with high‐efficiency InGaP/GaAs/InGaAs three‐junction solar cell modules with a module efficiency of more than 30%. The potential of VIPV‐powered vehicles to be deployed in major cities in Japan and the world is also analyzed. Mild weather cities such as Miyazaki in Japan and Sydney in Australia are thought to have longer driving range even under usage of air conditioners. The other power losses for the VIPV such as temperature rise of VIPV modules and partial shading estimate the previous data and some reference as well as effects of usage of air‐conditioners are also discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Halopseudomonas species, formerly classified as Pseudomonas pertucinogena lineage, form a unique phylogenetic branch within the Pseudomonads. Most strains have recently been isolated from challenging habitats including oil‐ or metal‐polluted sites, deep sea, and intertidal zones, suggesting innate resilience to physical and chemical stresses. Despite their comparably small genomes, these bacteria synthesise several biomolecules with biotechnological potential and a role in the degradation of anthropogenic pollutants has been suggested for some Halopseudomonads. Until now, these bacteria are not readily amenable to existing cultivation and cloning methods. We addressed these limitations by selecting four Halopseudomonas strains of particular interest, namely H. aestusnigri, H. bauzanensis, H. litoralis, and H. oceani to establish microbiological and molecular genetic methods. We found that C4‐C10 dicarboxylic acids serve as viable carbon sources in both complex and mineral salt cultivation media. We also developed plasmid DNA transfer protocols and assessed vectors with different origins of replication and promoters inducible with isopropyl‐β‐d‐thiogalactopyranoside, l‐arabinose, and salicylate. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the simultaneous genomic integration of expression cassettes into one and two attTn7 integration sites. Our results provide a valuable toolbox for constructing robust chassis strains and highlight the biotechnological potential of Halopseudomonas strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas species have become promising cell factories for the production of natural products due to their inherent robustness. Although these bacteria have naturally evolved strategies to cope with different kinds of stress, many biotechnological applications benefit from engineering of optimised chassis strains with specially adapted tolerance traits. Here, we explored the formation of outer membrane vesicles (OMV) of Pseudomonas putida KT2440. We found OMV production to correlate with the recombinant production of a natural compound with versatile beneficial properties, the tripyrrole prodigiosin. Further, several P. putida genes were identified, whose up‐ or down‐regulated expression allowed controlling OMV formation. Finally, genetically triggering vesiculation in production strains of the different alkaloids prodigiosin, violacein, and phenazine‐1‐carboxylic acid, as well as the carotenoid zeaxanthin, resulted in up to three‐fold increased product yields. Consequently, our findings suggest that the construction of robust strains by genetic manipulation of OMV formation might be developed into a useful tool which may contribute to improving limited biotechnological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impranil® DLN‐SD is a poly(ester‐urethane) (PEU) that is widely used as coating material for textiles to fine‐tune and improve their properties. Since coatings increase the complexity of such plastic materials, they can pose a hindrance for sustainable end‐of‐life solutions of plastics using enzymes or microorganisms. In this study, we isolated Halopseudomonas formosensis FZJ due to its ability to grow on Impranil DLN‐SD and other PEUs as sole carbon sources. The isolated strain was exceptionally thermotolerant as it could degrade Impranil DLN‐SD at up to 50°C. We identified several putative extracellular hydrolases of which the polyester hydrolase Hfor_PE‐H showed substrate degradation of Impranil DLN‐SD and thus was purified and characterized in detail. Hfor_PE‐H showed moderate temperature stability (Tm = 53.9°C) and exhibited activity towards Impranil DLN‐SD as well as polyethylene terephthalate. Moreover, we revealed the enzymatic release of monomers from Impranil DLN‐SD by Hfor_PE‐H using GC‐ToF‐MS and could decipher the associated metabolic pathways in H. formosensis FZJ. Overall, this study provides detailed insights into the microbial and enzymatic degradation of PEU coatings, thereby deepening our understanding of microbial coating degradation in both contained and natural environments. Moreover, the study highlights the relevance of the genus Halopseudomonas and especially the novel isolate and its enzymes for future bio‐upcycling processes of coated plastic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When you think back to your own experiences as a student, what was meaningful? Memorable? Had a lasting effect? Who are the teachers that stand out? And why? Throughout our lives, we have instructors both in and beyond the classroom, and upon intentional reflection, we can pick up on some qualities that make certain teachers more effective than others. Passionate, kind, humorous, and grace‐filled teachers, who used wholistic, multi‐modal, and multi‐layered pedagogical practices, enabled us to learn in "thick" and lasting ways. This article examines wholistic, multi‐modal, and multi‐layered andragogic practices in theological education that lead to "thick," collaborative, and lasting learning. I argue that these practices should be embodied in theological education so that students can become not only story receivers but also fellow storytellers in their own journey of lifelong learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pediatric heart transplant patients are at greatest risk of allograft loss in the first year. We assessed whether machine learning could improve 1‐year risk assessment using the Pediatric Heart Transplant Society database. Methods: Patients transplanted from 2010 to 2019 were included. The primary outcome was 1‐year graft loss free survival. We developed a prediction model using cross‐validation, by comparing Cox regression, gradient boosting, and random forests. The modeling strategy with the best discrimination and calibration was applied to fit a final prediction model. We used Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) values to perform variable selection and to estimate effect sizes and importance of individual variables when interpreting the final prediction model. Results: Cumulative incidence of graft loss or mortality was 7.6%. Random forests had favorable discrimination and calibration compared to Cox proportional hazards with a C‐statistic (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 0.74 (0.72, 0.76) versus 0.71 (0.69, 0.73), and closer alignment between predicted and observed risk. SHAP values computed using the final prediction model indicated that the diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) increased 1 year predicted risk of graft loss by 1.7 (i.e., from 7.6% to 9.3%), need for mechanical circulatory support increased predicted risk by 2, and single ventricle CHD increased predicted risk by 1.9. These three predictors, respectively, were also estimated to be the most important among the 15 predictors in the final model. Conclusions: Risk prediction models used to facilitate patient selection for pediatric heart transplant can be improved without loss of interpretability using machine learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cultural sensitivity (CS) training is vital to pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) curricula. This study aimed to explore CS in Yale PEM fellows and emergency medicine (EM) residents at Indus Hospital and Health Network (IHHN) in Pakistan through distance simulation activities. Methods: This mixed‐methods analysis of an educational intervention was conducted at Yale University in collaboration with IHHN. We approached seven U.S. PEM fellows and 22 Pakistani EM residents. We performed a baseline CS assessment using the Clinical Cultural Competency Questionnaire (CCCQ). Afterward, the U.S. PEM fellows facilitated the Pakistani EM residents through six distance simulation sessions. Qualitative data were collected through online focus groups. The CCCQ was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and content analysis was used to analyze the data from the focus groups. Results: Seven U.S. PEM fellows and 18 of 22 Pakistani EM residents responded to the CCCQ at the beginning of the module. The mean (±SD) CCCQ domain scores for the U.S. PEM fellows versus the Pakistani EM residents were 2.56 (±0.37) versus 2.87 (±0.72) for knowledge, 3.02 (±0.41) versus 3.33 (±0.71) for skill, 2.86 (±0.32) versus 3.17 (±0.73) for encounter/situation, and 3.80 (±0.30) versus 3.47 (±0.47) for attitude (each out of 5 points). Our qualitative data analysis showed that intercultural interactions were valuable. There is a common language of medicine among the U.S. PEM fellows and Pakistani EM residents. The data also highlighted a power distance between the facilitators and learners, as the United States was seen as the standard of "how to practice PEM." The challenges identified were time differences, cultural practices such as prayer times, the internet, and technology. The use of local language during debriefing was perceived to enhance engagement. Conclusion: The distance simulation involving U.S. PEM fellows and Pakistani EM residents was an effective approach in assessing various aspects of intercultural education, such as language barriers, technical challenges, and religious considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amino acid‐based surfactants are valuable compounds for cosmetic formulations. The chemical synthesis of acyl amino acids is conventionally performed by the Schotten–Baumann reaction using fatty acyl chlorides, but aminoacylases have also been investigated for use in biocatalytic synthesis with free fatty acids. Aminoacylases and their properties are diverse; they belong to different peptidase families and show differences in substrate specificity and biocatalytic potential. Bacterial aminoacylases capable of synthesis have been isolated from Burkholderia, Mycolicibacterium, and Streptomyces. Although several proteases and peptidases from S. griseus have been described, no aminoacylases from this species have been identified yet. In this study, we investigated two novel enzymes produced by S. griseus DSM 40236T. We identified and cloned the respective genes and recombinantly expressed an α‐aminoacylase (EC3.5.1.14), designated SgAA, and an ε‐lysine acylase (EC3.5.1.17), designated SgELA, in S. lividans TK23. The purified aminoacylase SgAA was biochemically characterized, focusing on its hydrolytic activity to determine temperature‐ and pH optima and stabilities. The aminoacylase could hydrolyze various acetyl amino acids at the Nα‐position with a broad specificity regarding the sidechain. Substrates with longer acyl chains, like lauroyl amino acids, were hydrolyzed to a lesser extent. Purified aminoacylase SgELA specific for the hydrolysis of Nε‐acetyl‐l‐lysine was unstable and lost its enzymatic activity upon storage for a longer period but could initially be characterized. The pH optimum of SgELA was pH 8.0. While synthesis of acyl amino acids was not observed with SgELA, SgAA catalyzed the synthesis of lauroyl‐methionine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The effects of oral dexamethasone on peripheral nerve blocks have not been investigated. We randomly allocated adults scheduled for forearm or hand surgery to oral placebo (n = 61), dexamethasone 12 mg (n = 61) or dexamethasone 24 mg (n = 57) about 45 min before lateral infraclavicular block. Mean (SD) time until first pain after block were: 841 (327) min; 1171 (318) min; and 1256 (395) min, respectively. Mean (98.3%CI) differences in time until first postoperative pain for dexamethasone 24 mg vs. placebo and vs. dexamethasone 12 mg were: 412 (248–577) min, p < 0.001; and 85 (‐78 to 249) min, p = 0.21, respectively. Mean (98.3%CI) difference in time until first postoperative pain for dexamethasone 12 mg vs. placebo was 330 (186–474) min, p < 0.001. Both 24 mg and 12 mg of oral dexamethasone increased the time until first postoperative pain compared with placebo in patients having upper limb surgery under infraclavicular brachial plexus block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food losses and waste (FLW) is a global problem. Because household FLW is one of the biggest contributors to total FLW, strategies are being implemented to reduce per capita FLW in many countries. The present research contributed to this goal by investigating individual factors influencing self‐reported household food waste in Australia. Using a web survey, data were obtained from 847 consumers. The average per capita food waste corresponded to 339 g/week and the median to 180 g/week. The most frequently wasted food categories were fresh vegetables and salads, fresh fruit, and bread. The percentage of participants reporting having disposed of these categories ranged between 45.9% and 65.9%. Although socio‐demographic characteristics have been identified as relevant influencers of household food waste, the evidence is still inconclusive about the strength of their effects. Results from the present work identified significant effects of age and household size. For the former, the amount of per capita household food wasted tended to reduce with participants' age. Regarding the effect of household size, per capita food waste decreased with the number of people in the household. The present research also explored the effect of a series of psychological factors on the amount of food waste and five hypotheses derived based on the postulates of theories of consumer behavior were supported. Practical applications: The association between the amount of food waste reported by participants and their intention to engage in food waste reduction behaviors and the positive effect of awareness on behavioral intention suggest the potential of communication campaigns to trigger behavioral change. Males and younger citizens should be targeted in such campaigns given their lower awareness compared with females and older citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored how different formats of instructional visuals affect the accuracy of students' metacognitive judgments. Undergraduates (n = 133) studied a series of five biology texts and made judgments of learning. Students were assigned randomly to study the texts only (text only), study the texts with provided visuals (provided visuals group), study the texts and generate their own visuals (learner‐generated visuals group), or study the texts and observe animations of instructor‐generated visuals (instructor‐generated visuals group). After studying the texts and making judgments of learning, all students completed multiple‐choice comprehension tests on each text. The learner‐generated and instructor‐generated visuals groups exhibited significantly higher relative judgment accuracy than the text only and provided visuals groups, though this effect was relatively small. The learner‐generated visuals group also required more study time and was more likely to report the use of visual cues when making their judgments of learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bay of Bengal (BoB) is a 2,600,000 km2 expanse in the Indian Ocean upon which many humans rely. However, the primary producers underpinning food chains here remain poorly characterized. We examined phytoplankton abundance and diversity along strong BoB latitudinal and vertical salinity gradients—which have low temperature variation (27–29°C) between the surface and subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM). In surface waters, Prochlorococcus averaged 11.7 ± 4.4 × 104 cells ml−1, predominantly HLII, whereas LLII and 'rare' ecotypes, HLVI and LLVII, dominated in the SCM. Synechococcus averaged 8.4 ± 2.3 × 104 cells ml−1 in the surface, declined rapidly with depth, and population structure of dominant Clade II differed between surface and SCM; Clade X was notable at both depths. Across all sites, Ostreococcus Clade OII dominated SCM eukaryotes whereas communities differentiated strongly moving from Arabian Sea‐influenced high salinity (southerly; prasinophytes) to freshwater‐influenced low salinity (northerly; stramenopiles, specifically, diatoms, pelagophytes, and dictyochophytes, plus the prasinophyte Micromonas) surface waters. Eukaryotic phytoplankton peaked in the south (1.9 × 104 cells ml−1, surface) where a novel Ostreococcus was revealed, named here Ostreococcus bengalensis. We expose dominance of a single picoeukaryote and hitherto 'rare' picocyanobacteria at depth in this complex ecosystem where studies suggest picoplankton are replacing larger phytoplankton due to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People's treatment of others (humans, nonhuman animals, or other entities) often depends on whether they think the entity is worthy of moral concern. Recent work has begun to investigate which entities are included in a person's moral circle, examining how certain target characteristics (e.g., species category, perceived intelligence) and judge characteristics (e.g., empathy, political orientation) shape moral inclusion. However, the relative importance of target and judge characteristics in predicting moral inclusion remains unclear. When predicting whether a person will deem an entity worthy of moral consideration, how important is it to know who is making the judgment (i.e., characteristics of the judge), who is being judged (i.e., characteristics of the target), and potential interactions between the two factors? Here, we address this foundational question by conducting a variance component analysis of the moral circle. In two studies with participants from the Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia (N = 836), we test how much variance in judgments of moral concern is explained by between‐target differences, between‐judge differences, and by the interaction between the two factors. We consistently find that all three components explain substantial amounts of variance in judgments of moral concern. Our findings provide two important insights. First, an increased focus on interactions between target and judge characteristics is needed, as these interactions explain as much variance as target and judge characteristics separately. Second, any theoretical account that aims to provide an accurate description of moral inclusion needs to consider target characteristics, judge characteristics, and their interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined discrete element method/computational fluid dynamics (DEM/CFD) approach allows for the description of reacting granular assemblies passed by a gas flow. Especially for thermally thick particles, the spatial resolution of the solid object volumes, their surfaces, and of the interstitial flow domain controls the quality of results while at the same time driving computational costs. To evaluate the differences between resolved and unresolved DEM/CFD approaches, pyrolysis of a bulk of spherical wood particles enclosed by a cylindrical heating surface and passed by hot nitrogen is numerically examined. The unresolved simulation is based on the averaged volume method (AVM). For the resolved simulation, the so‐called blocked‐off (BO) method is applied. The results show that the total mass conversion rate of solid particles into gaseous volatiles is faster when employing the resolved BO approach. The better spatial resolution of local flow field and particle surface representation leads to a more detailed prediction of convective and radiative heat transfer to the particles, but is associated with the penalty of a six‐fold computing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stream metabolism provides insight into the functional processes that regulate trophic status, biomass, and nutrient cycling in streams. Comparative (spatial) analyses of streams generally do not account for shifting at‐site controls on stream metabolism over time and, thus, may not identify the primary controls on cross‐site differences in trophic status, biomass, and nutrient cycling over longer time scales.The spatial component included assessing environmental factors controlling stream metabolism (daily values) during a summer low‐flow period (August) at 17 wadable stream sites in four regions of the United States. Explanatory variables for the spatial analysis included discrete nutrients and physical parameters.The temporal component included assessing 12 of the 17 sites with more than 90 days of stream metabolism values, and continuous nitrate, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), turbidity, maximum water temperature (°C) and stream stage (water surface elevation).Spatial analysis at the 17 sites during August (31 days) found that average gross primary production (GPP) ranged from 0.1 to 4 g O2 m−2 day−1 and ecosystem respiration (ER) from 0.37 to 6.4 g O2 m−2 day−1. Sites were primarily heterotrophic; however, some sites varied from autotrophic to heterotrophic daily. Multiple regression indicated that GPP was a function of orthophosphate, percent canopy cover, and the number of days since a high flow (R2 = 0.51), whereas ER was primarily a function of GPP (R2 = 0.40).Temporal patterns in daily stream metabolism were evaluated using at‐site autoregressive models at 12 streams with relatively complete, continuous records. PAR, nitrate and maximum water temperature were the dominant variables influencing GPP, and water depth and nitrate were the most common explanatory variables for ER models. The autoregressive components (i.e., GPP or ER for the previous day) had a strong influence on both GPP and ER except after spates, indicating that biomass may be the dominant control on metabolism rather than variability in environmental factors during stable‐flow periods.We found two dominant temporal metabolism regimes: a seasonal pattern with elevated spring metabolism followed by low stable summer metabolism and a temporally disturbed pattern which tended to occur in streams with frequent spates. These patterns were not indicated by differences in metabolism among streams during stable low‐flow conditions.Because streams are generally heterotrophic with only limited periods when production may be high, comparative analyses must estimate stream metabolism over a time scale representing at‐site spatial variability and account for controls on periods of high production to adequately characterise differences between streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a highly aggressive pediatric tumor driven by the RNA‐binding protein EWS (EWS)/friend leukemia integration 1 transcription factor (FLI1) chimeric transcription factor, which is involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT stabilizes a hybrid cell state, boosting metastatic potential and drug resistance. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the maintenance of this hybrid phenotype in ES remain elusive. Our study proposes a logical EMT model for ES, highlighting zinc finger E‐box‐binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2), miR‐145, and miR‐200 circuits that maintain hybrid states. The model aligns with experimental findings and reveals a previously unknown circuit supporting the mesenchymal phenotype. These insights emphasize the role of ZEB2 in the maintenance of the hybrid state in ES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aims: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) type 8 (ALS8) is caused by VAPB gene mutations. The differences between neuropsychological and behavioral profiles of patients with sporadic ALS (sALS) and those with ALS8 are unclear. We aimed to compare cognitive performance and behavioral aspects between sALS and ALS8 patients. Methods: Our study included 29 symptomatic ALS8 patients (17 men; median age 49 years), 20 sALS patients (12 men; median age 55 years), and 30 healthy controls (16 men; median age 50 years), matched for sex, age, and education. Participants underwent neuropsychological assessments focused on executive functions, visual memory, and facial emotion recognition. Behavioral and psychiatric symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Cambridge Behavioral Inventory. Results: Clinical groups (sALS and ALS8) exhibited lower global cognitive efficiency and impaired cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and inhibitory control compared with controls. ALS8 and sALS showed similar performance in most executive tests, except for poorer verbal (lexical) fluency in those with sALS. Apathy, anxiety, and stereotypical behaviors were frequent in both clinical groups. Discussion: sALS and ALS8 patients demonstrated similar deficits in most cognitive domains and had comparable behavioral profiles. These findings should be considered in the care of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Plants have evolved an extensive specialized secondary metabolism. The colorful flavonoid anthocyanins, for example, not only stimulate flower pollination and seed dispersal, but also protect different tissues against high light, UV and oxidative stress. Their biosynthesis is highly regulated by environmental and developmental cues and induced by high sucrose levels. Expression of the biosynthetic enzymes involved is controlled by a transcriptional MBW complex, comprising (R2R3) MYB‐ and bHLH‐type transcription factors and the WD40 repeat protein TTG1. Anthocyanin biosynthesis is not only useful, but also carbon‐ and energy‐intensive and non‐vital. Consistently, the SnRK1 protein kinase, a metabolic sensor activated in carbon‐ and energy‐depleting stress conditions, represses anthocyanin biosynthesis. Here we show that Arabidopsis SnRK1 represses MBW complex activity both at the transcriptional and post‐translational level. In addition to repressing expression of the key transcription factor MYB75/PAP1, SnRK1 activity triggers MBW complex dissociation, associated with loss of target promoter binding, MYB75 protein degradation and nuclear export of TTG1. We also provide evidence for direct interaction with and phosphorylation of multiple MBW complex proteins. These results indicate that repression of expensive anthocyanin biosynthesis is an important strategy to save energy and redirect carbon flow to more essential processes for survival in metabolic stress conditions. Significance Statement: In carbon‐ and energy‐depleting stress conditions, plants need to prioritize and redirect carbon flow from useful but expensive and non‐essential metabolites to more vital processes for metabolic homeostasis and survival. Consistently, the SnRK1 protein kinase represses activity of the MBW complex controlling anthocyanin biosynthesis gene expression, both at the transcriptional and post‐translational level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic severely affected the medical education worldwide. The infection risk for medical students and healthcare personnel who work with COVID‐19 positive cadavers or tissues remains unclear. Moreover, COVID‐19 positive cadavers have been rejected by medical schools, adversely impacting the continuum of medical education. Herein, the viral genome abundance in tissues from four COVID‐19 positive donors before and after embalming were compared. Tissue samples were collected from the lungs, liver, spleen, and brain both pre‐ and postembalming. The possible presence of infectious COVID‐19 was determined by inoculating human tissue homogenates onto a monolayer of human A549‐hACE2 cells and observing for cytopathic effects up to 72 h postinoculation. A real‐ time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to quantify COVID‐19 present in culture supernatants. Fully intact viral genome sequence was possible to obtain in samples with higher levels of virus, even several days postmortem. The embalming procedure described above substantially reduces the abundance of viable COVID‐19 genomes in all tissues, sometimes even to undetectable levels. However, in some cases, COVID‐19 RNA can still be detected, and a cytopathic effect can be seen both pre‐ and postembalmed tissues. This study suggests that embalmed COVID‐19 positive cadavers might be used safely with appropriate precautions followed in gross anatomy laboratories and in clinical and scientific research. Deep lung tissue is the best specimen to test for the virus. If the tests on the lung tissues are negative, there is a very low likelihood that other tissues will show positive results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research contributed to a better understanding of how check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) questions work by examining the relationship between likelihood of selecting a term and perceived attribute intensity. Seven consumer studies were conducted (147–157 people per study) using within‐subjects experimental designs where participants twice evaluated the same set of stimuli on the same set of terms (or attributes), respectively with CATA questions and intensity scaling (7‐point category scale; 1 = "not at all," 7 = "extremely"). As a function of perceived intensity, the average CATA citation frequency tended to follow a sigmoidal‐like relationship where likelihood of selecting a CATA term increased more slowly at the extreme ends of the intensity scale (1–2 and 6–7) and linearly otherwise. This illuminates why for a given term, CATA questions are less suited for discriminating between samples that are of similar "low" or "high" intensity. Practical Applications: CATA questions are popular for sensory product characterization tasks with consumers. Despite their simplicity, they accurately discriminate among samples, and term citation frequency is a proxy for perceived intensity, albeit not a direct measure hereof. Versatility and applicability of CATA questions to characterize diverse stimuli using diverse types of terms/attributes was demonstrated. By showing that likelihood of CATA term selection typically increases with perceived intensity according to a sigmoidal‐like shape, the present research shows that CATA terms best discriminate between samples when these vary in intensity rather than being of similar "low" or "high" perceived intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is increasingly used due to its beneficial outcomes and results compared to conventional CPR. After cardiac arrest, the overall ejection fraction is severely impaired; thus, weaning from ECMO is often prolonged or impossible. We hypothesized that early application of levosimendan in these patients facilitates ECMO weaning and survival. Methods: From 2016 until 2020, patients who underwent eCPR after cardiac arrest at our institution were analyzed retrospectively and divided into two groups: patients who received levosimendan during ICU stay (n = 24) and those who did not receive levosimendan (n = 84) and analyzed for outcome parameters. Furthermore, we used propensity‐score matching and multinomial regression analysis to show the effect of levosimendan on outcome parameters. Results: Overall, in‐hospital mortality was significantly lower in the group which received levosimendan (28% vs. 88%, p ≤ 0.01), and ECMO weaning was more feasible in patients who received levosimendan (88% vs. 20%, p ≤ 0.01). CPR duration until ECMO cannulation was significantly shorter in the levosimendan group (44 + 26 vs. 65 + 28, p = 0.002); interestingly, the rate of mechanical chest compressions before ECMO cannulation was lower in the levosimendan group (50% vs. 69%, p = 0.005). Conclusion: In patients after cardiac arrest treated with eCPR, levosimendan seems to contribute to higher success rates of ECMO weaning, potentially due to a short to mid‐term increase in inotropy. Also, the survival after levosimendan application was higher than patients who did not receive levosimendan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategies of community‐based disaster risk reduction have been advocated for more than 2 decades. However, we still lack in‐depth quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of such strategies. Our research is based on a national experiment in this domain: the "Comprehensive Disaster Reduction Demonstration Community" project, a governmental program running in China since 2007. Information on more than 11,000 demonstration communities was collected. Combined with the local disaster information and socioeconomic conditions, the spatiotemporal characteristics of these communities over 12 years and their differences in performance by region and income group were analyzed. We performed an attribution analysis for disaster risk reduction effectiveness. This is the first time a series of quantitative evaluation methods have been applied to verify the effectiveness of a large‐scale community‐based disaster risk reduction project, both from the perspective of demonstrative effects and loss reduction benefits. Here, we find that the project is obviously effective from these two perspectives, and the disaster loss reduction effectiveness illustrates clear regional differences, where the regional economic level and hazard severity act as important drivers. Significant differences of urban‐rural and income call for matching fortification measures, and the dynamic management of demonstration community size is required, since the loss reduction benefit converges when the penetration rate of the demonstration community reaches approximately 4% in a province. These and further results provide diverse implications for community‐based disaster risk reduction policies and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]