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Abstract Guillain–Barré syndrome and neuralgic amyotrophy have been associated with hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 infections, while myasthenia gravis (MG) has been associated with HEV genotype 4 infections. However, whether chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is associated with HEV infections has not been conclusively clarified yet. 102 CIDP patients, 102 age- and sex-matched blood donors, 61 peripheral neuropathy patients (non-CIDP patients), and 26 MG patients were tested for HEV and anti-HEV IgM and IgG. Sixty-five of the 102 (64%) CIDP patients tested positive for anti-HEV IgG and one (1%) for anti-HEV IgM. No other patient tested positive for ati-HEV IgM. In the subgroup of CIDP patients with initial diagnosis (without previous IVIG treatment), 30/54 (56%) tested positive for anti-HEV IgG. Anti-HEV rates were significantly lower in blood donors (28%), non-CIDP peripheral neuropathy patients (20%), and MG patients (12%). No subject tested positive for HEV viremia. CSF tested negative for in 61 CIDP patients (54 patients with primary diagnosis). The development of CIDP but not non-CIDP polyneuropathy may be triggered by HEV exposure in an HEV genotype 3 endemic region. The increased anti-HEV seroprevalence in CIDP patients is not a consequence of IVIG therapy.

Increasingly, the heterogeneity of devices and software that comprise the Internet of Things (IoT) is impeding innovation. IoT deployments amalgamate compute, storage, networking capabilities provisioned at multiple resource scales, from low-cost, resource constrained microcontrollers to resource rich public cloud servers. To support these different resource scales and capabilities, the operating systems (OSs) that manage them have also diverged significantly. Because the OS is the “API” for the hardware, this proliferation is causing a lack of portability across devices and systems, complicating development, deployment, management, and optimization of IoT applications. To address these impediments, we investigate a new, “clean slate” OS design and implementation that hides this heterogeneity via a new set of abstractions specifically for supporting microservices as a universal application programming model in IoT contexts. The operating system, called Ambience, supports IoT applications structured as microservices and facilitates their portability, isolation, and deployment time optimization. We discuss the design and implementation of Ambience, evaluate its performance, and demonstrate its portability using both microbenchmarks and end-to-end IoT deployments. Our results show that Ambience can scale down to 64MHz microcontrollers and up to modern x86_64 servers, while providing similar or better performance than comparable commodity operating systems on the same range of hardware platforms.

The presence of a neutron halo in 15C has been demonstrated in several reaction experiments at intermediate energies. In the present study, the dynamical effects of this structure are observed for the first time at Coulomb barrier energies in the 15C + 208Pb quasi-elastic scattering at Elab=65 MeV, measured at the HIE-ISOLDE facility, CERN using the high-granularity detector array GLORIA. A combined continuum discretised coupled channels and coupled reaction channels calculation describes the data well and significant coupling effects due both to breakup and single-neutron stripping are identified.

Re-assessment of the lectotype of Hypnum sylvaticum Brid. (≡ Plagiothecium sylvaticum (Brid.) Schimp.) (B 31 0915 01) showed that this specimen is characterised by dense, 6–10 cm long stems, pale green, yellowish-green to dark green and dull foliage; with complanate, ovate, not imbricate and not julaceous, 2.0–3.0 × 1.0–1.6 mm leaves; acute and denticulate, often eroded apices; 75.0–160.0 × 12.5–20.0 μm laminal cells at mid-leaf, which form diagonal rows, and decurrencies of 3–4 rows of rectangular to square, inflated cells, forming distinct auricules. Thus, this specimen represents the characteristics of the taxon currently referred to as Plagiothecium platyphyllum Mönk. Taking into account the above and the fact that the name H. sylvaticum was published first, the correct name for the species is Plagiothecium sylvaticum. Whereas the later one (P. platyphyllum) is a synonym. Additionally, in this article for the name P. platyphyllum, a lectotype is designated and a new synonym (Plagiothecium ruthei f. submersum) is proposed for the resurrected P. sylvaticum.

Abstract This work aims to unravel the potential of copper(II) phosphate as a new promising heterogenous catalyst for the degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in the presence of H2O2 and/or visible light (λ > 400 nm). For this purpose, copper(II) phosphate was prepared by a facile precipitation method and fully characterized. Of our particular interest was the elucidation of the kinetics of CIP degradation on the surface of this heterogeneous catalyst, identification of the main reactive oxygen species responsible for the oxidative degradation of CIP, and the evaluation of the degradation pathways of this model antibiotic pollutant. It was found that the degradation of the antibiotic proceeded according to the pseudo-first-order kinetics. Copper(II) phosphate exhibited ca. 7 times higher CIP degradation rate in a Fenton-like process than commercial CuO (0.00155 vs. 0.00023 min−1, respectively). Furthermore, the activity of this metal phosphate could be significantly improved upon exposure of the reaction medium to visible light (reaction rate = 0.00445 min−1). In a photo-assisted Fenton-like process, copper(II) phosphate exhibited the highest activity in CIP degradation from among all reference samples used in this study, including CuO, Fe2O3, CeO2 and other metal phosphates. The main active species responsible for the degradation of CIP were hydroxyl radicals.

A re-examination of the original collection of Plagiothecium novae-seelandiae described by Brotherus in 1916 indicated that this material is not homogeneous. Re-examination of the diagnosis of this species and morphological analysis supports that two separate taxa should be distinguished – Plagiothecium novae-seelandiae var. novae-seelandiae and P. novae-seelandiae var. brotheri var. nov. Also, comparisons with the original collection of Hypnum lamprostachys (= P. lamprostachys) showed differences, which supported their treatment as separate taxa. Revision of the genus Plagiothecium from Australasia (CANB, CHR, HO, MEL, WELT) and types of other species described from this part of the world (P. funale and P. lucidum) supported by the study of their diagnoses, qualitative and quantitative characteristics as well as mathematical analyses (PCA, HCA) allowed the division of the examined material into six separate groups – six separate taxa. Thereby, three distinct taxa are proposed – P. cordatum sp. nov., P. semimortuum sp. nov., and P. semimortuum var. macquariense var. nov. All taxa mentioned above are described in detail, their current known distribution and ecological preferences are also included. In addition, images illustrating their most important taxonomic features, as well as an original key to distinguish individual taxa are presented.

Abstract Background Fetal echocardiography can diagnose neonatal atrial flutter, which can cause heart failure in newborns. Little is known about catheter ablation in this population. Methods Case report that aimed to review a successful ablation in a 20‐day‐old patient with refractory atrial flutter. Results This is the first report of a successful neonatal atrial flutter ablation without any early recurrence after the procedure. Conclusions Atrial flutter ablation performed on newborns is a reliable and long‐lasting treatment option.

Summary: Here, we present a protocol for evaluating type VI secretion system (T6SS)-dependent fitness of the oral symbiont A. aphrophilus using biofilm competition assays and metaproteomics. We describe steps for designing T6SS-specific mutants. We then detail procedures for using them in competition assays with the pathobiont A. actinomycetemcomitans and in biofilm models, analyzing metaproteomes to assess the impact of the T6SS on multiple pathobionts. The biofilm model is designed to mimic the oral plaque ecosystem and includes seven species.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Oscarsson et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Ionic liquids (ILs) are seen as a more sustainable alternative to volatile organic solvents that are accelerating innovations in many industries such as energy storage, separations, and bioprocessing. The ability to effectively deconstruct lignocellulosic biomass is a significant hurdle in the biorefining/bioprocessing industry and presents limitations towards the commercial production of bioproducts (such as biofuels, biomaterials, etc.). Certain ILs have been shown to promote effective lignin removal, cellulose recovery, and sugar yields from various biomass feedstocks such as corn stover, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, sorghum, switchgrass, miscanthus, poplar, pine, eucalyptus, and certain mixtures of municipal solid waste. However, these improvements are often counteracted by the limited biocompatibility of ILs, which results in an IL-induced reduction in enzyme activity and stability—an important downstream step in the conversion of biomass to biofuels/bioproducts. As a result, significant efforts have been made to discover and engineer compatible enzyme-IL systems and to improve our understanding on the effect that these ILs have on these systems. This review seeks to examine the impact of ionic liquids on enzymes involved in lignocellulosic biomass deconstruction, with a specific focus on their relevance in the context of pretreatment. Beyond presenting an overview of the ionic liquid pretreatment landscape, we outline the main factors that influence enzyme activity and stability in the presence of ILs This data is consolidated and analyzed to apply this body of knowledge towards new innovations that could lead to improvements in the processing of biomass to biofuels and bioproducts.

Introduction African cities, particularly Abidjan and Johannesburg, face challenges of rapid urban growth, informality and strained health services, compounded by increasing temperatures due to climate change. This study aims to understand the complexities of heat-related health impacts in these cities. The objectives are: (1) mapping intraurban heat risk and exposure using health, socioeconomic, climate and satellite imagery data; (2) creating a stratified heat–health forecast model to predict adverse health outcomes; and (3) establishing an early warning system for timely heatwave alerts. The ultimate goal is to foster climate-resilient African cities, protecting disproportionately affected populations from heat hazards.Methods and analysis The research will acquire health-related datasets from eligible adult clinical trials or cohort studies conducted in Johannesburg and Abidjan between 2000 and 2022. Additional data will be collected, including socioeconomic, climate datasets and satellite imagery. These resources will aid in mapping heat hazards and quantifying heat–health exposure, the extent of elevated risk and morbidity. Outcomes will be determined using advanced data analysis methods, including statistical evaluation, machine learning and deep learning techniques.Ethics and dissemination The study has been approved by the Wits Human Research Ethics Committee (reference no: 220606). Data management will follow approved procedures. The results will be disseminated through workshops, community forums, conferences and publications. Data deposition and curation plans will be established in line with ethical and safety considerations.

ObjectiveLipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an important genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease (ASCVD). With the development of Lp(a)-lowering therapies, this study sought to characterise patterns of Lp(a) levels in a global ASCVD population and identify racial, ethnic, regional and gender differences.MethodsA multicentre cross-sectional epidemiological study to estimate the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in patients with a history of myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke or peripheral artery disease conducted at 949 sites in 48 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, South America, South Africa and Australia between April 2019 and July 2021. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and Lp(a) levels were measured either as mass (mg/dL) or molar concentration (nmol/L).ResultsOf 48 135 enrolled patients, 13.9% had prior measurements of Lp(a). Mean age was 62.6 (SD 10.1) years and 25.9% were female. Median Lp(a) was 18.0 mg/dL (IQR 7.9-57.1) or 42.0 nmol/L (IQR 15.0-155.4). Median LDL-C was 77 mg/dL (IQR 58.4-101.0). Lp(a) in women was higher, 22.8 (IQR 9.0-73.0) mg/dL, than in men, 17.0 (IQR 7.1-52.2) mg/dL, p50 mg/dL, 20.7% had levels >70 mg/dL, 12.9% were >90 mg/dL and 26.0% of patients exceeded 150 nmol/L.ConclusionsGlobally, Lp(a) is measured in a small minority of patients with ASCVD and is highest in black, younger and female patients. More than 25% of patients had levels exceeding the established threshold for increased cardiovascular risk, approximately 50 mg/dL or 125 nmol/L.Trial registration number

Recommender systems are becoming crucial in academia, where the number of available scientific resources is continuously increasing. One of the main challenges of such systems is a cold start problem, which often occurs when new users have no preference for any items or recommend new items that no community user has recommended yet. In the case of academic systems, where researchers are usually reluctant to express their explicit feedback or scientific interests, the cold start problem has a considerable and long-term impact on the recommendation algorithms. To alleviate this problem, this paper discusses a graph-based recommendation approach extending the Page Rank algorithm by using a co-authorship network. The proposed approach aims to enhance existing recommendation capabilities in the European Open Science Cloud (EOSC). The first results of the evaluation indicate that the proposed recommendation model is promising and reduces the cold start user-side problem in the academic domain.

Abstract Empetro nigri-Pinetum is a unique sea coast plant community developing along the Baltic Sea from Germany to Lithuania. Our detailed field research of bryophytes and vascular plants has highlighted the regional diversity of the Empetro nigri-Pinetum typicum plant community throughout its range in Central Europe. Our study indicated that vascular plants and mosses effectively discriminate against the described phytocoenoses, thus it was possible to distinguish three variants of the coastal forest: Calluna–Deschampsia (from Germany), Vaccinium vitis–idaea (from Poland) and Melampyrum–Deschampsia (from Lithuania). Redundancy analysis indicated that the division is related to the habitat conditions of the analyzed areas, with humidity having the greatest impact on this differentiation. Kohonen’s artificial neural network (i.e. self-organising map, SOM) confirmed the heterogeneous nature of the studied phytocenoses, and combined with the IndVal index enabled identification of indicator species for respective studied patches: Deschampsia flexuosa for Calluna–Deschampsia group; Aulacomnium palustre, Calluna vulgaris, Carex nigra, Dicranum polysetum, Erica tetralix, Oxycoccus palustris, Sphagnum capillifolium, Vaccinium uliginosum and Vaccinium vitis–idaea for Vaccinium vitis–idaea group; and young specimens of Betula pendula, Lycopodium annotinum, Melampyrum pratense and Orthilia secunda for Melampyrum–Deschampsia group. Thereby, our study showed that individual groups of species can be very good bioindicators for each of the studied phytocoenoses.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the frequency of spina bifida oculta (SBO) in the early modern population from Dąbrówki (Poland); 26 males, 19 females, 3 adults with unspecified sex, 2 subadult were taken into the analysis. SBO was found in 9 individuals (18%), of whom only one exhibited a complete cleft in the sacrum (2%). In males, SBO was reported in 7 out of 26 skeletons studied (27%). Complete cleft was observed in one individual (4%), partial cleft in 6 individuals (23%). In females, no case of complete cleft was detected (0%), and one case of partial cleft was found (5%). These differences between males and females in the frequency of this skeletal condition were statistically significant. Due to the lack of uniform methods for SBO analyses, the inability to make interpopulation compari-sons, the relatively high prevalence of the SBO phenomenon in ancient and modern populations, and the unclear etiology of the disease, research on SBO should be continued.

A revision of specimens of Plagiothecium deposited in the herbarium of Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) collected during a Japanese lead project on Cryptogams in the Western Himalaya (Pakistan) shows that the material consists of five taxa. Of the studied samples, the most common taxa were from the P. denticulatum complex, including Plagiothecium denticulatum var. obtusifolium, new to Pakistan. Examination of the rest of the collection showed that it consists of specimens with a unique combination of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of their gametophyte. For example, for small plants, with small asymmetrical, folded leaves, gradually tapering into long, acuminate, not denticulate apex, whose leaf cells are long and narrow, making the cell areolation tight, the name Plagiothecium filifolium is proposed. For other plants with large leaves, loosely arranged on the stem, concave, symmetrical to slightly asymmetrical, with denticulate apex and long decurrency composed of rectangular and spherical, inflated cells, the name Plagiothecium higuchii is proposed. However, within this material, specimens differ in terms of the length and width of the leaf cells and therefore, within this taxon, two varieties are distinguished: Plagiothecium higuchii var. higuchii and Plagiothecium higuchii var. brevicellum.

Abstract The question was asked “whether plant phytocenosis has an impact on the medical potential of the extracts from Pleurozium schreberi”. Moss samples were collected from four different phytocoenoses: mixed forest (oak-pine forest), a forest tract in pine forest, 5–15-year-old pine forest and 50-year-old pine forest. Chemical composition of the extracts, antioxidative capacity (FRAP and ABTS·+ assays), as well as biological activities including cytotoxicity for the mouse fibroblasts L929 line (MTT reduction assay), biostatic/biocidal effect against selected bacteria and fungi (broth microdilution method followed by culture on solid media), and regenerative properties on human fibroblasts HFF-1 line (scratch assay) were tested. The conducted research clearly proves that phytocenosis determines the quality of moss extracts. The analyses showed that in every examined aspect the IV-7 extract (obtained from a specimen collected in a Pinus sylvestris L. forest, monoculture up to 15 years old) exhibited the highest values and the strongest activity. Other extracts of the same species but growing in other phytocenoses—in a mixed forest (IV-5), a forest tract in a Pinus sylvestris monoculture forest (IV-6) and in a P. sylvestris forest of pine monoculture about 50 years old (IV-8) showed much weaker activity and lower values of the above-mentioned parameters. At the same time, none of the tested extracts exerted a pro-regenerative effect. The P. schreberi extracts were characterized by a varied total content of phenolic compounds in the range from 0.63 ± 0.02 to 14.01 ± 0.25 mg/g of plant material. UPLC/MS analysis showed a varied phenolic profile of the extracts, with caffeoylquinic acid and quercetin triglucoside predominating in all of them.

Abstract Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 infections in Germany are mainly transmitted zoonotically through the consumption of swine meat. Furthermore, there is evidence that pets might come into contact with HEV, but the relevance of companion animals as possible sources of HEV transmission in Germany still needs to be defined. A monitoring study was therefore carried out on dogs, cats, and horses from Germany. In total 365 serum samples from pets (124 dogs, 119 cats, and 122 horses) were tested for HEV by PCR and for anti-HEV antibodies by a commercial ELISA. The HEV seroprevalence determined by the sero-assay varied significantly between dogs (10%), cats (6%), and horses (2%). Liver injury-related enzymes, alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) showed no differences between HEV-positive or negative animals. None of the pet serum samples tested positive for PCR. This serological study suggests that dogs and cats are significantly exposed to HEV in Germany, while horses are of minor relevance.

This article provides a comprehensive examination of non-canonical DNA structures, particularly focusing on G-quadruplexes (G4s) and i-motifs. G-quadruplexes, four-stranded structures formed by guanine-rich sequences, are stabilized by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds and monovalent cations like potassium. These structures exhibit diverse topologies and are implicated in critical genomic regions such as telomeres and promoter regions of oncogenes, playing significant roles in gene expression regulation, genome stability, and cellular aging. I-motifs, formed by cytosine-rich sequences under acidic conditions and stabilized by hemiprotonated cytosine–cytosine (C:C+) base pairs, also contribute to gene regulation despite being less prevalent than G4s. This review highlights the factors influencing the stability and dynamics of these structures, including sequence composition, ionic conditions, and environmental pH. Molecular dynamics simulations and high-resolution structural techniques have been pivotal in advancing our understanding of their folding and unfolding mechanisms. Additionally, the article discusses the therapeutic potential of small molecules designed to selectively bind and stabilize G4s and i-motifs, with promising implications for cancer treatment. Furthermore, the structural properties of these DNA forms are explored for applications in nanotechnology and molecular devices. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in observing these structures in vivo and fully elucidating their biological functions. The review underscores the importance of continued research to uncover new insights into the genomic roles of G4s and i-motifs and their potential applications in medicine and technology. This ongoing research promises exciting developments in both basic science and applied fields, emphasizing the relevance and future prospects of these intriguing DNA structures.

This study explores the development and validation of an airflow model to support climate prediction for Citrus Under Protective Screens (CUPS) in California. CUPS is a permeable screen structure designed to protect a field of citrus trees from large insects including the vector that causes the devastating citrus greening disease. Because screen structures modify the environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, relative humidity, airflow), farm management and treatment strategies (e.g., pesticide spraying events) must be modified to account for these differences. Toward this end, we develop a model for predicting wind speed and direction in a commercial-scale research CUPS, using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. We describe the model and validate it in two ways. In the first, we model a small-scale replica CUPS under controlled conditions and compare modeled and measured airflow in and around the replica structure. In the second, we model the full-scale CUPS and use historical measurements to “back test” the model’s accuracy. In both settings, the modeled airflow values fall within statistical confidence intervals generated from the corresponding measurements of the conditions being modeled. These findings suggest that the model can aid decision support and smart agriculture solutions for farmers as they adapt their farm management practices for CUPS structures.

There is limited validation for portable methods in evaluating high-speed running biomechanics, with inertial measurement unit (IMU) systems commonly used as wearables for this purpose. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of an IMU system in high-speed running compared to a 3D motion analysis system (MAS). One runner performed incremental treadmill running, from 12 to 18 km/h, on two separate days. Sagittal angles for the shank, knee, hip and pelvis were measured simultaneously with three IMUs and the MAS at the point of contact (POC), the timing when the foot initially hits the ground, as identified by IMU system acceleration, and compared to the POC identified via force plate. Agreement between the systems was evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients, Pearson’s r, Bland–Altman limits of agreements, root mean square error and paired t-tests. The IMU system reliably determined POC (which subsequently was used to calculate stride time) and measured hip flexion angle and anterior pelvic tilt accurately and consistently at POC. However, it displayed inaccuracy and inconsistency in measuring knee flexion and shank angles at POC. This information provides confidence that a portable IMU system can aid in establishing baseline running biomechanics for performance optimisation, and/or inform injury prevention programs.

The preparation of biocarbons from cellulose fibres utilised in the production of baby nappy mats (sourced from Feniks Recycling company, Poland) for the removal of methylene blue and rhodamine B dyes has been documented. A Brunauer, Emmett and Teller analysis revealed a surface area within the range of 384 to 450 m2/g. The objective of this study was to investigate the removal efficiency of dyes from aqueous solutions by biocarbons, with a particular focus on the influence of various parameters, including pH, dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, shaking speed, contact time, and temperature. The maximum adsorption capacity of the dyes onto the biocarbons was found to be 85 mg/g for methylene blue and 48 mg/g for rhodamine B, respectively. The Langmuir equation proved to be the most suitable for interpreting the sorption of organic dyes. The adsorption process was found to exhibit a chemisorption mechanism, effectively mirroring the pseudo-second-order kinetics. Furthermore, the adsorption of dyes was observed to be endothermic (the enthalpy change was positive, 9.1–62.6 kJ/mol) and spontaneous under the tested operating conditions. The findings of this study indicate that biocarbons represent a cost-effective option for the removal of methylene blue and rhodamine B. The adsorption method was observed to be an effective and straightforward approach for the removal of these dyes. The results of the Boehm titration analysis and zero charge point value indicated that the synthesised biomaterials exhibited a slightly basic surface character.

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) comprise a group of 12 metabolic disorders where defects in specific enzyme activities lead to the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) within lysosomes. This classification expands to 13 when considering MPS IIIE. This type of MPS, associated with pathogenic variants in the ARSG gene, has thus far been described only in the context of animal models. However, pathogenic variants in this gene also occur in humans, but are linked to a different disorder, Usher syndrome (USH) type IV, which is sparking increasing debate. This paper gathers, discusses, and summarizes arguments both for and against classifying dysfunctions of arylsulfatase G (due to pathogenic variants in the ARSG gene) in humans as another subtype of MPS, called MPS IIIE. Specific difficulties in diagnostics and the classification of some inherited metabolic diseases are also highlighted and discussed.