Lameness on dairy goat farms is a welfare concern and could negatively affect milk production. This study's objective was to evaluate the effects of clinical lameness on the daily milk production of dairy goats. Between July 2019 and June 2020, 11,847 test-day records were collected from 3,145 goats on three farms in New Zealand. Locomotion scoring of goats used a 5-point scoring system (0 to 4). The dataset was split into two groups by lactation type, where goats were classified as being in seasonal lactation (≤305 days in milk) or extended lactation (>305 days in milk). A linear mixed model was used to analyze datasets using milk characteristics as the dependent variables. Clinically lame goats (score 3 or 4) in seasonal and extended lactation produced 2.63% and 4.66% less milk than goats not lame, respectively. Severely lame goats (score 4) in seasonal and extended lactation produced 7.10% and 8.56% less milk than goats not lame, respectively. The estimated average daily milk income lost was between NZD 26 and 104 per goat. This study established the negative impact of lameness on milk production and annual income in dairy goats on three farms.

Turner syndrome (TS) is caused by a complete or partial absence of an X or Y chromosome, including chromosomal mosaicism, affecting 1 in 2,500 female live births. Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) is used as a sensitive indicator of spontaneous chromosome instability. Cells from mosaic patients constitute useful material for SCE evaluations as they grow under the influence of the same genetic background and endogenous and exogenous factors. We evaluated proliferation dynamics and SCE frequencies of 45,X and 46,XN cells of 17 mosaic TS patients. In two participants, 45,X cells exhibited a proliferative disadvantage in relation to 46,XN cells after 72h of cultivation. The analysis of mean PI showed significant differences between 45,X and 46,XN lineages; however there were no intraindividual differences. On the other hand, mean SCE frequencies showed no differences between the two lineages, but there were intraindividual differences in 5 patients. The absence of mean SCE frequency differences between 45,X and 46,XN lineages may indicate that both were equally unstable, as more than 70% of the 46,XN lineages had an anomalous karyotype. However, 46,XN had a higher mean PI, suggesting that the amount of cells with a karyotype distinct from 45,X may increase with time in mosaic TS women.

This paper presents a new methodology to derive and analyze strategies for a fully decarbonized urban transport system which combines conceptual vehicle design, a large-scale agent-based transport simulation, operational cost analysis, and life cycle assessment for a complete urban region. The holistic approach evaluates technical feasibility, system cost, energy demand, transportation time and sustainability-related impacts of various decarbonization strategies. In contrast to previous work, the consequences of a transformation to fully decarbonized transport system scenarios are quantified across all traffic segments, considering procurement, operation and disposal. The methodology can be applied to arbitrary regions and transport systems. Here, the metropolitan region of Berlin is chosen as a demonstration case. First results are shown for a complete conversion of all traffic segments from conventional propulsion technology to battery electric vehicles. The transition of private individual traffic is analyzed regarding technical feasibility, energy demand and environmental impact. Commercial goods, municipal traffic and public transport are analyzed with respect to system cost and environmental impacts. We can show a feasible transition path for all cases with substantially lower greenhouse gas emissions. Based on current technologies and today’s cost structures our simulation shows a moderate increase in total systems cost of 13-18%.

The option of decarbonizing urban freight transport using Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) seems promising.However, there is currently a strong debate whether Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) might be the bettersolution. The question arises as to how a fleet of FCEV influences the operating cost, the Greenhouse Gas(GHG) emissions and primary energy demand in comparison to BEVs and to Internal Combustion EngineVehicle (ICEV). To investigate this, we simulate the urban food retailing as a representative share of urbanfreight transport using a multi-agent transport simulation software. Synthetic routes as well as fleet size andcomposition are determined by solving a Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP). We compute the operating costsusing a total cost of ownership (Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)) analysis and the use phase emissions as wellas primary energy demand using the Well To Wheel (WTW) approach. While a change to BEV results in 17 -23% higher costs compared to ICEV, using FCEVs leads to 22 - 57% higher costs. Assuming today’s electricitymix, we show a GHG emission reduction of 25% compared to the ICEV base case when using BEV. Currenthydrogen production leads to a GHG reduction of 33% when using FCEV which however cannot be scaled tolarger fleets. Using current electricity in electrolysis will increase GHG emission by 60% compared to the basecase. Assuming 100% renewable electricity for charging and hydrogen production, the reduction from FCEVsrises to 73% and from BEV to 92%. The primary energy requirement for BEV is in all cases lower and forhigher compared to the base case. We conclude that while FCEV have a slightly higher GHG savings potentialwith current hydrogen, BEV are the favored technology for urban freight transport from an economic andecological point of view, considering the increasing shares of renewable energies in the grid mix.

For 80 years high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been a significant area for medical research. It is a non-invasive procedure which causes cell death in a highly localised area at a defined distance from the transducer. Since 2000, the clinical indications have broadened considerable as the technology has improved. This review looks back at the history of HIFU and the current clinical indications.

Barry Turner’s 1978 Man-made Disasters and Charles Perrow’s 1984 Normal Accidents were seminal books but a detailed comparison has yet to be undertaken. Doing so is important to establish content and priority of key ideas underpinning contemporary safety science. Turner’s research found socio-technical and systemic patterns that meant that major organisational disasters could be foreseen and were preventable. Perrow’s macro-structuralist industry focus was on technologically deterministic but unpredictable and unpreventable ‘system’ accidents, particularly rare catastrophes. Andrew Hopkins and Nick Pidgeon respectively suggested that some prominent writers who wrote after Turner may not have been aware of, or didn’t properly acknowledge, Turner’s work. Normal Accidents didn’t cite Turner in 1984 or 1999. Using a methodology involving systematic reading and historical, biographical and thematic theory analysis, a detailed review of Turner’s and Perrow’s backgrounds and publications sheds new light on Turner’s priority and accomplishment, highlighting substantial similarities as well as clear differences. In a previously unpublished letter, Perrow confirmed reading Man-made Disasters while writing Normal Accidents. Turner became better known after a 1997 second edition but under-acknowledgment issues continued. Ethical citation and potential reasons for under-acknowledgment are discussed. It is concluded that Turner’s foundational importance for safety science should be better recognised.

T cell Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a heterogeneous disease ranging from malignancies arising from thymic T cells halted in development, through to mature, circulating peripheral T cells. The latter cases are diagnostically problematic with many entering the category of peripheral T cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL, NOS). Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is one of the exceptions to this whereby aberrant expression of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase and distinctive presence of cell surface CD30 places this entity in its own class. Besides expression of a well-studied oncogenic translocation, ALCL, ALK+ may also have a unique pathogenesis with a thymic origin like T lymphoblastic lymphoma but a peripheral presentation akin to PTCL. This review discusses evidence towards the potential origin of ALCL, ALK+ and mechanisms that may give rise to its unique phenotype.

This paper argues that, in 2020, the beneficial atmospheric effect from the reduction in aviation may have been at least 7-8 times greater than that occurring from the reduction in fossil carbon dioxide emissions from all sectors. Specifically, compared to potential atmospheric effects in 2020 without the pandemic, the decrease in effective radiative forcing from reduced contrail-cirrus formation may have been in the order of 35mWm^-2 in 2020, compared to a reduction of only 4-5mWm^-2 from the drop in fossil CO₂ emissions. Over time, pursuing a low carbon pathway generates benefits that mount up to be much more significant than 2020 effects might imply, and is essential to stabilise the climate. However, a twin-track policy focus may be needed, with more emphasis on reducing short-term climate forcing, to minimise the impacts of climate change now, and to avoid detrimental feedback events. Future policy decisions about aviation should be made in this context.

With the emergence of the novel corona virus SARS-CoV-2 since December 2019, more than 43 million cases have been reported worldwide. This virus has shown high infectivity and severe symptoms in some cases leading to over 1 million deaths globally. Despite the collaborative and concerted research efforts that has been made, no effective treatment for COVID-19 (corona virus disease-2019) is currently available. SARS-CoV-2 uses the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as an initial mediator for viral attachment and host cell invasion. ACE2 is widely distributed in human tissues including the cell surface of lung cells which represent the primary site of the infection. Inhibiting or reducing cell surface availability of ACE2 represents a promising therapy for tackling COVID-19. In this context, most ACE2–based therapeutic strategies have aimed to achieve this through the use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or neutralizing the virus by exogenous administration of ACE2. However, through this review, we present another perspective focusing on the subcellular localization and trafficking of ACE2. Membrane targeting of ACE2, shedding and its cellular trafficking pathways including internalization are not well elucidated. Therefore, hereby we present an overview on the fate of newly synthesized ACE2, its post translational modifications, what is known of its trafficking pathways. In addition, we highlight the possibility that some of the identified ACE2 missense variants might affect its trafficking efficiency and localization and hence may explain some of the observed variable severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Extensive understanding of these processes is necessary to evaluate the potential use of ACE2 as a credible therapeutic target.

We consider new insights into the origin and nature of pointer states and their role in wave function collapse in macroscopic quantum coherence. The work includes new theory of quantum coherence underpinned by turbulence, generated by a field of pointer states in the form of recirculating vortices (toroids), interconnected via a vortex cascade. Decoherence occurs when the interconnected field of vortices between pointer states is disrupted by external forces, leading to their localisation. The applicability of this work is considered in addressing unresolved questions in high temperature superconductivity and macroscopic quantum processes in biological systems. We also consider its implications for our understanding of intrinsic spin and pointer states within the standard "point source" representation of a quantum particle, which intuitively requires a more complexed description.

The physiological response to a psychological stressor broadly impacts energy metabolism. In-versely, changes in energy availability affect the physiological response to the stressor in terms of hypothalamus, pituitary adrenal axis (HPA) and sympathetic nervous system activation. Glu-cocorticoids, the endpoint of the HPA axis, are critical checkpoints in endocrine control of ener-gy homeostasis and have been linked to metabolic diseases including obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Glucocorticoids, through the glucocorticoid receptor, activate transcription of genes associated with glucose and lipid regulatory pathways and thereby control both physi-ological and pathophysiological systemic energy homeostasis. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of glucocorticoid functions in energy metabolism and systemic metabolic dysfunc-tion, particularly focusing on glucose and lipid metabolism. There are elements in the external environment that induce lifelong changes in the HPA axis stress response and glucocorticoid levels, the most prominent are early-life adversity, or exposure to traumatic stress. We hypothe-sise that when the HPA axis is so disturbed after early-life adversity, it will fundamentally alter hepatic gluconeogenesis, inducing hyperglycaemia, and hence crystalise the significant lifelong risk of developing either the metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes. This gives a “Jekyll and Hyde” role to gluconeogenesis, providing the necessary energy in situations of acute stress, but driving towards pathophysiological consequences when the HPA axis has been altered.

Turner syndrome (TS) is a chromosomal disorder that is caused by a missing or structurally ab-normal second sex chromosome. Subjects with TS are at an increased risk of developing intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, short stature, congenital heart diseases, infertility, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases (stroke and myocardial infarction). The underlying pathogenetic mechanism of TS is unknown. The assumption that X chromosome-linked gene haploinsufficiency is associated with the TS phenotype is questioned since such genes have not been identified. Thus, other pathogenic mechanisms have been suggested to explain this phenotype. Morphogenesis encompasses a series of events that includes cell division, the production of migratory precursors and their progeny, differentiation, programmed cell death, and integration into organs and systems. The precise control of the growth and differentiation of cells is essential for normal development. The cell cycle frequency and the number of proliferating cells are essential in cell growth. 45,X cells have a failure to proliferate at a normal rate, leading to a decreased cell number in a given tissue during organogenesis. A convergence of data indicates an association between a prolonged cell cycle and the phenotypical features in Turner syndrome. This review aims to examine old and new findings concerning the relationship between a prolonged cell cycle and TS phenotype. These studies reveal a diversity of phenotypic features in TS that could be explained by reduced cell proliferation. The implications of this hypothesis for our understanding of the TS phenotype and its pathogenesis are discussed. It is not surprising that 45,X monosomy leads to cellular growth pathway dysregulation with profound deleterious effects on both embryonic and later stages of development. The prolonged cell cycle could represent the beginning of the pathogenesis of TS, leading to a series of phenotypic consequences in embryonic/fetal, neonatal, pediatric, adolescence, and adulthood life.

The evolving global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic emphasizes how unprepared we are for the emergence of the next lethal viral pathogen. A list of potential candidates was created by the World Health Organization which named Nipah virus infection as the highly lethal prototypic member of that list. Building on our earlier viral pandemic preparedness research into SARS-CoV-2 we have created computer simulations of Nipah virus infection complicated by encephalitis, the most common cause of Nipah-associated mortality. In the current experiments, we first created updated simulations of wild-type whole-brain organoids (aiWBO). Upon validation, the aiWBO were infected with the simulated Nipah virus genome. The Nipah encephalitis simulations (aiWBO-NiV) were then used to find optimal single, double, and triple protein combinations for candidates as potential targets for vaccine development. Our data suggest that the use of multi-viral proteins/epitopes chimera is the most promising approach to Nipah vaccine development and that employing artificial intelligence to guide the identification of promising vaccine candidates is an efficient and cost-effective strategy for future viral pandemic preparedness.

There are many ‘faces’ of early life adversity (ELA), such as childhood trauma, institutionalization, abuse or exposure to environmental toxins. These have been implicated in the onset and severity of a wide range of chronic non-communicable diseases later in life. The later-life disease risk has a well-established immunological component. This raises the question as to whether accelerated immune-ageing mechanistically links early-life adversity to the lifelong health trajectory resulting in either ‘poor’ or ‘healthy’ ageing. Here we examine observational and mechanistic studies of ELA and inflammageing, highlighting common and distinct features in these two life stages. Many biological processes appear in common including reduction in telomere length, increased immuno-senescence, metabolic distortions and chronic (viral) infections. We propose that ELA shapes the developing immune, endocrine and nervous system in a non-reversible way, creating a distinct phenotype with accelerated immuno-senescence and systemic inflammation. We believe that ELA acts as an accelerator for inflammageing and age-related diseases. Furthermore, we now have the tools and cohorts to be able to dissect the interaction between early life adversity and later life phenotype. This should, in the near future, allow us to identify the ecological and mechanistic processes that are involved in ‘healthy’ or accelerated immune-ageing.

Wood and plants are made of fibers which contain, in addition to cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses. Xylan and galactoglucomannan are the dominant secondary cell wall hemicelluloses. Besides fibers’ traditional use in textile and paper industries, the fibers are important materials for the biorefinery industry and for developing biocomposites. In the former context, renewable lignocellulosic biomass is used as feedstock to sustainably produce fuels, chemicals, and polymers. On the other hand, in relation to composites, cellulose fibers which are anisotropic play an important reinforcing role in fiber-matrix interactions. However, for these and other applications, structural analysis of the fibers is important and among many analytical techniques used, Raman spectroscopy is one of the methods. However, given the structural similarity between hemicelluloses and cellulose, many of their Raman contributions overlap. While the wavenumber positions corresponding to the Raman contributions of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin are known, extent to which overlapping features of hemicellulose modify the spectrum of cellulose is not yet fully understood. The present investigation focuses on this aspect by using xylan as one of the hemicelluloses. As a model system, samples with various mass ratios of microcrystalline cellulose (cotton) and xylan (birch wood) were prepared and analyzed by FT-Raman spectroscopy. The findings were then applied to interpret Raman spectra of selected xylan containing delignified plant fibers. It is hoped that insights gained would lead to better interpretation of the spectra of natural and treated plant materials.

The inositol triphosphate associated proteins IRAG1 and IRAG2 are cGMP kinase substrate proteins, which regulate intracellular Ca2+. Previously, IRAG1 was discovered as a 125 kDa membrane protein at the endoplasmic reticulum, that is associated with the intracellular Ca2+ channel IP3R-I and the PKGIβ and inhibits IP3R-I upon PKGIβ-mediated phosphorylation. IRAG2 is a 75 kDa membrane protein homologue of IRAG1 and was recently also determined as a PKGI substrate protein. Several (patho-)physiological functions of IRAG1 and IRAG2 were meanwhile and recently elucidated in a variety of human and murine tissues, e.g. of IRAG1 in various smooth muscles, heart, platelets and other blood cells, of IRAG2 in pancreas, heart, platelets and taste cells. Hence, lack of IRAG1 or IRAG2 leads to diverse phenotypes in these organs, e.g. smooth muscle and platelet disorders or secretory deficiency, respectively. This review aims to highlight the recent research regarding these both regulatory proteins to envision its molecular and (patho-)physiological tasks and to unravel its functional interplay as possible (patho-)physiological counterparts.

Neuroinflammation is considered to be a significant component in a range of neuropathologies. Unfortunately, whilst its role is well recognized, the options for therapeutic intervention are limited. As such, there is a need to identify novel targets in order to increase treatment options. Given its role as both a neurotransmitter and an immune modulator, substance P and its NK1 receptor have been widely studied as a potential therapeutic target. There is evidence that NK1 receptor antagonists may exert beneficial effects in a range of conditions, including traumatic brain injury and stroke. Blocking the NK1 receptor has been shown to reduce blood-brain barrier dysfunction, reduce cerebral oedema, and reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These actions are associated with improved survival and functional outcomes. The NK1 receptor has also been shown to be involved in the inflammatory reaction to CNS infection, and hence antagonist may have some benefit in reducing infection-driven inflammation. However, the NK1 receptor may also play a role in the host immune response to infection, and so here, the potential beneficial and detrimental effects need to be carefully balanced. As such, the purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the involvement of substance P in acute inflammation, particularly in the context of traumatic brain injury and stroke.

Distant Retrograde Orbits in the Earth-Moon system are gaining in popularity as stable `parking' orbits for various conceptual missions. To investigate the stability of potential Distant Retrograde Orbits, simulations were executed, with propagation running over a thirty-year period. Initial conditions for the vehicle state were limited such that the position and velocity vectors were in the Earth-Moon orbital plane, with the velocity oriented such that it would produce retrograde motion about Moon. The resulting trajectories were investigated for stability against the eccentric relative orbits of Earth and Moon in an environment that also included gravitational perturbations from Sun, Jupiter, and Venus, and the effects of radiation pressure. The results appear to indicate that stability is enhanced for certain resonant states within the Earth-Moon system.

This paper offers insights into the nexus of youth, masculinity and right-wing populism in Australia. Here we make reference to a wide body of international literature on the topic. There is some affinity between disenfranchised (white) working-class young men and the radical right. Survey data were collected for a project on masculinity and the far right in Australia. 203 young men worked primarily in “blue collar” sectors of the Australian labour force. Some survey responses locate them partly or potentially within the field of the populist right-wing, with many expressing anti-government sentiments and the discourse of white male victimhood. The majority were nostalgic for stereotypical masculinity. While right-wing populist movements across the world certainly differ, they often share a discourse promoting traditional gender roles.

In this study, we present case studies to explore the dynamics of implementation and maintenance of health interventions. We analyze how specific interventions are built and eroded, how the building and erosion mechanisms are interconnected, and why we can see significantly different erosion rates across otherwise similar organizations. We use multiple comparative obesity prevention case studies to provide empirical information on the mechanisms of interest, and use qualitative systems modeling to integrate our evolving understanding into an internally consistent and transparent theory of the phenomenon. Our preliminary results identify reinforcing feedback mechanisms, including design of organizational processes, motivation of stakeholders, and communication among stakeholders, which influence implementation and maintenance of intervention components. Over time, these feedback mechanisms may drive a wedge between otherwise similar organizations, leading to distinct configurations of implementation and maintenance processes.

In this paper, we design a quantum heat exchanger which converts heat into light on relatively short quantum optical time scales. Our scheme takes advantage of collective cavity-mediated laser cooling of an atomic gas inside a cavitating bubble. Laser cooling routinely transfers individually trapped ions to nano-Kelvin temperatures for applications in quantum technology. The quantum heat exchanger which we propose here is expected to provide cooling rates of the order of Kelvin temperatures per millisecond and is expected to find applications in micro and nanotechnology.

Combining the Job Demands-Resourses model and the Work Adjustment theory, this research aims to create a theoretical model that considers Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) and Work Adjustment as protective factors, capable of reducing job exhaustion and turnover intention. A convenience sample of 257 Italian employees filled an online self-report questionnaire. A sequential mediation model was tested, which showed that the relationship between LMX and turnover intention is mediated by Work Adjustment and Job Exhaustion. The results show that the higher the LMX, the higher the work adjustment of the workers and the less they will perceive job exhaustion and, consequently, intent to leave the organisation. With a view to primary prevention, the aim was to investigate possible protective factors at work and the risk factors to look out for in order to move in the direction of preventing a malaise phenomenon before it develops with the aim of promoting wellbeing in organisations.

The latest IPCC report forcefully states that immediate, decisive, and large-scale actions are needed to avert climate catastrophe. This essay presumes that democratic governments are best and most desirably positioned to take these actions. Yet in the countries most pivotal to global climate, significant voting blocs are uninterested in environmental issues. The essay urges adding bottom-up dialog between environmental and anti-environmental voters, to current and future top-down technocratic “solutions.” To make this combination result in a unified pro-environment electorate, we must understand: religious objections to environmentalism; the capital-vs.-knowledge strife that slows polluting corporations’ green transitions; and the psychological mechanisms that can make inter-group dialog fruitful.

Preschoolers with disabilities and their family caregivers are missed out in many public health initiatives especially in low-income countries. Yet they can benefit from early intervention to promote their development from soon after birth and to provide a better quality of life for their families. In this paper, we describe how a community-based approach has been implemented with minimal funding in two areas in Zimbabwe: a township in Harare and in rural areas of Manicaland Province. Our aim in sharing this information – allied with references to research studies recently undertaken in Africa – is that it will enable similar supports to be replicated in other communities by local personnel. A logic model is used to describe the situation in which the two projects work, the various inputs they have provided to their community and the different forms of support they have offered to the children and their caregivers. The project outputs are listed in terms of the number of beneficiaries helped and activities undertaken. The outcomes achieved for the children, the family and communities are reported. The sustainability and extensions of community-based projects to address unmet needs are discussed. The main conclusion is that disadvantaged communities can be energized to address the needs of their most marginalized residents.

Reptile behaviour and welfare are understudied in comparison with mammals. In this study, behavioural data on three species of tortoises were recorded before and after an environmental change which was anticipated to be positive in nature. The environmental changes differed for each population, but included a substantial increase in enclosure size, the addition of substrate material, and a change in handling procedure. A tortoise-specific ethogram was created to standardise data collection. Focal behaviour sampling was used to collect behavioural data. Changes in the duration of performance of co-occupant interaction and object interaction in the leopard (Stigmochelys pardalis) and Aldabra (Aldabrachelys gigantea) tortoises were observed following the environmental changes. The Shannon-Weiner’s diversity index did not yield a significant increase after the changes but had a numerical increase which was relatively greater for the leopard tortoise group, which had experienced the greatest environmental change. The leopard tortoises also demonstrated changes in a greater number of behaviours compared to the other species, and this was sustained over the study period. However, this included a behaviour indicative of negative affect; aggression. Whilst we are unable to conclude that welfare was improved by the management changes, there are suggestions that behavioural diversity increased, and some promotion of positive social behaviours occurred.

The role of Physician Assistant emerged in 1960s America and their number has increased to become a significant component of the health care workforce in that country. On the eve of a new policy regulating Physician Associates in the United Kingdom, the role of key actors in shaping the development of regulatory policies in the two countries is critically compared against a backdrop of very different political contexts and health care systems, to reveal the factors that might help or hinder the deployment of Physician Associates/Assistants and ameliorate workforce shortages.

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are aggressive and invasive cancers of the brain, associated with high rates of tumor recurrence and poor patient outcomes despite initial treatment. Targeting cell migration is therefore of interest in highly invasive cancers such as GBMs, to prevent tumor dissemination and regrowth. One current aim of GBM research focusses on assessing anti-migratory properties of novel or repurposed inhibitors, including plant-based drugs which display anti-cancer properties. We investigated the potential anti-migratory activity of plant-based products with known cytotoxic effects in cancers, using a range of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) migration and invasion assays as well as immunofluorescence microscopy to determine specific anti-migratory and phenotypic effects of three plant-derived compounds, Turmeric, Indigo and Magnolia bark, on established glioma cell lines. Migrastatic activity was observed in all three drugs, with Turmeric exerting the most inhibitory effect on GBM cell migration into scratches and from the spheroid edge at all timepoints investigated (p < 0.001). We also observed novel cytoskeletal phenotypes affecting actin and focal adhesion dynamics. By determining the migrastatic activity of Turmeric, Indigo and Magnolia on GBM cell migration, we demonstrate a potential role for Turmeric as a novel GBM anti-migratory therapeutic, in combination with the current standard of care, to prevent tumor recurrence and promote patient survival.

Intercropping cover crops have become mandatory in areas at risk of nitrogen leaching to groundwater. These covers include several attractive late-flowering entomophilous species. They can therefore represent crucial floral resources (pollen and nectar) for pollinating insects in early autumn. Pesticides used in previous crops, however, represent a potential risk for pollinators when they are transferred to the intercropping cover plants and their floral resources. We studied the potential transfer of clothianidin (a neonicotinoid insecticide), applied two years earlier in a beet cultivation, from soil to plants and to the floral resources of three common cover species: Phacelia tanacetifolia, Sinapis alba, and Vicia faba. Soils, entire plants, flowers, and nectar were collected from plants grew in greenhouses, and soils and pollen were collected on a treated field. Our results showed that clothianidin was still present in soils (4.5 ng g−1). The residues accumulated in plants (5-15 times higher concentrations than in soils) and were present in pollen of both Vicia faba (0.07 ng g−1) and Sinapis alba (1.7 ng g−1) and in nectar of both Sinapis alba and Phacelia tanacetifolia.

The Combined Elevation Test (CET) is a musculoskeletal screening technique (MST) replicates the streamline position in swimming and is commonly used in various sports. Although the CET is widely used, no normative data exist within an adolescent population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a normative data set for the CET within an adolescent population and to evaluate the influence various demographic and anthropometric variables. Data was collected for 416 participants aged between 8 and 18 years old. Age and arm span showed a significant correlation with CET scores (arm span r_s (105) = .478, p = .000, age r_s (416) = .238 p = .000). Regression analysis further quantified the influence of arm span and age on CET scores accounting for 23.1% and 5.3% of variability respectively. These results can be used as a reference point for clinicians and coaches who are using the CET within their assessment.

Remanufacturing is a viable option to extend the useful life of an end-of-use product or its parts, ensuring sustainable competitive advantages under the current global economic climate. Challenges typical to remanufacturing still persist, despite its many benefits. According to the European Remanufacturing Network a key challenge is lack of accurate, timely and consistent product knowledge as highlighted in a 2015 survey of 188 European remanufacturers. With more data being produced by electric and hybrid vehicles, this adds to the information complexity challenge already experienced in remanufacturing. Therefore, it is difficult to implement real-time and accurate remanufacturing for the shop floor; there are no papers that focus on this within an electric and hybrid vehicle environment. To address this problem this paper attempts to (1) identify the required parameters/ variables needed for fuel cell remanufacturing by means of interviews (2) rank the variables by Pareto analysis (3) develop a casual loop diagram for the identified parameters/ variables to visualise its impact on remanufacturing (4) model a simple stock and flow diagram to simulate and understand data and information-driven schemes in remanufacturing.

(1) Background: As part of the Scottish Governments five-year recovery plan to address the backlog in NHS care following the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacies in Scotland are planned to provide a Hospital Discharge Medicines Supply and Medicines Reconciliation Service. We aimed to qualitatively explore patients’ experience of this new service; (2) Method: Adult patients (≥18yrs age) who consented to participate in the Community Pharmacy Hospital Dis-charge and Medicines Reconciliation Service were invited for interview within 21 days of dis-charge from hospital. Qualitative, one-to-one, semi-structured, patient interviews were conducted by telephone and audio-recorded using Microsoft Teams®. The interview audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and underwent thematic analysis; (3) Results: 12 patients were inter-viewed, evenly split by sex and with a median age of 62 years (range; 36 to 88 years). Analysis generated main five themes; Patient Engagement, Stakeholder Communication, Practical Factors, Human Factors, and Comparative Experiences. Many of these were interdependent; (4) Con-clusions: Patients appreciated that the service ensured a quicker discharge from hospital. Good stakeholder communication, practical factors (including choice, location, and the realities of ob-taining their medication from the community pharmacy), and a pre-existing and trusted rela-tionship in their usual community pharmacy were the key factors that regulated the patient ex-perience. In the main, patients were positive about the introduction of this new service. However, a lack of previous relationship or trust with a community pharmacy, and previous experiences with medication supply problems were factors which had the potential to negatively impact on patient experiences.

The cellular stress response corresponds to the molecular changes that cell undergoes in response to various environmental stimuli. It induces drastic changes in the regulation of gene expression, at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Actually, translation is strongly affected with a blockade of the classical cap-dependent mechanism, whereas alternative mechanisms are activated to support translation of specific mRNAs. One of the major mechanisms involved in stress-activated translation is the internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-driven initiation. IRESs, first discovered in viral mRNAs, are present in cellular mRNAs coding for master regulators of cell responses, whose expression must be tightly controlled. IRESs allow translation of these mRNAs in response to different stresses, including DNA damage, amino-acid starvation, hypoxia or endoplasmic reticulum stress, as well as to physiological stimuli such as cell differentiation or synapse network formation. Importantly, cellular mRNA IRESs are regulated by IRES trans-acting factor (ITAFs), exerting their action by at least nine different mechanisms. This review presents an update of the reported ITAFs regulating cellular mRNA translation and of the different mechanisms allowing them to control translation initiation in specific conditions. The impact of ITAFs on coordinated expression of mRNA families and consequences in cell physiology and diseases are also highlighted.

The lack of knowledge on the link between the manufacturing process and performances constitutes a major issue of brake lining development. This study focuses on the effect of mixing duration on properties and tribological behavior of organic friction composite materials. The adopted methodology is based on efficient simplified formulations to limit synergic effects by the reduction of number and size distribution of constituents. Microstructural characteristics are analyzed and correlated to thermo physical and mechanical properties. Wear mechanisms and tribological behavior are studied in relation with the given microstructure and material properties. In the elaboration process, mixing duration has an impact on particle distribution and fibre arrangement. Distribution and size of fibre entanglements are found to cluster carbonaceous particles, which creates bulk thermal bridges improving thermal conductivity. Moreover, rockwool fibre arrangements affect density, porosity and thermo-physical properties. In addition, mixing duration disrupts cohesion of fibre bundles with the matrix, affecting compressive modulus and wear behaviour. This microstructural defect fosters an abundant third-body source flow, which results in a high wear flow. Porosities induced by fibre entanglements, presenting large and irregular size and distribution on the friction surface, lead to a low wear resistance and change the stability of friction.

Wheat dwarf disease (WDD) is an important disease of monocotyledonous species, including economically important cereals. The causative pathogen, the wheat dwarf virus (WDV), is a monopartite Mastrevirus that has a circular single-stranded (ss)DNA genome and is transmitted persistently and propagatively mainly by the leafhopper Psammotettix alienus. The disease can induce high yield losses in many European countries in a range of 20-100%. Due to climate change the periods of vector activity increased and the vectors spread to new habitats, leading to an increased importance of WDV in large parts of Europe. In the light of integrated pest management approaches cultivation practices and the use of resistant/tolerant host plants are currently the only effective methods for controlling WDV. To date, there is limited knowledge of the pathosystem and epidemiology of the disease. The few sources of genetic tolerance, indicate the need for further research. Considering the economic importance of the disease, and its likely increasing relevance in the coming decades, this review was prepared to compile and update knowledge on aspects of WDV.

In this paper we study the class of mixed-index time fractional differential equations in which different components of the problem have different time fractional derivatives on the left hand side. We prove a theorem on the solution of the linear system of equations, which collapses to the well-known Mittag-Leffler solution in the case the indices are the same, and also generalises the solution of the so-called linear sequential class of time fractional problems. We also investigate the asymptotic stability properties of this class of problems using Laplace transforms and show how Laplace transforms can be used to write solutions as linear combinations of generalisedMittag-Leffler functions in some cases. Finally we illustrate our results with some numerical simulations.

Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) exhibits zero-strain behavior, exceptional cycle stability, low cost, and high safety. However, it is still low in electronic and ionic conductivity. Incorporating Sn into LTO materials can increase electronic conductivity and specific capacity. However, Sn still experiences volumetric expansion during the charging/discharging process. Adding activated carbon (AC) into the LTO/Sn composite can help improve the expansion resistance and electronic conductivity. In this work, the AC was first synthesized from charcoals through the carbon activation process and mixed with LTO precursors through the sol-hydrothermal method followed by mixing with Sn through the mechanochemical process to produce LTO@AC/Sn composites. The Sn content was fixed at 15 wt.%, while the AC contents were varied at 1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, and 5 wt.%. The AC specific surface area is increased by more than 100% compared to the non-activated one. The best effects of AC on grain morphology and distribution were found in the LTO/Sn contained 3 wt.% of AC, leading to transfer resistance, ohmic resistance, specific capacity, and coulombic efficiency were found to be 48.1 Ω, 8.5 Ω, 138 mAhg-1, and near 100%, respectively. The result suggests that the LTO@AC/Sn could be a favorable anode active material in lithium-ion batteries.

There is growing awareness that “Nature-based Solutions” (NbS) can help to protect us from climate change impacts whilst slowing further warming, supporting biodiversity and securing ecosystem services. However, the potential of NbS to provide the intended benefits has not been rigorously assessed. There are concerns over their reliability and cost-effectiveness compared to engineered alternatives, and their resilience to climate change. Trade-offs can arise if climate mitigation policy encourages NbS with low biodiversity value, such as afforestation with non-native monocultures. This can result in maladaptation, especially in a rapidly changing world where biodiversity-based resilience and multifunctional landscapes are key. Here we highlight the rise of NbS in climate policy—focussing on their potential for climate change adaptation as well as mitigation—and discuss barriers to their evidence-based implementation. We outline the major financial and governance challenges to implementing NbS at scale, highlighting avenues for further research. As climate policy turns increasingly towards greenhouse gas removal approaches such as afforestation, we stress the urgent need for natural and social scientists to engage with policymakers. They must ensure that NbS can achieve their potential to tackle both the climate and biodiversity crisis while also contributing to sustainable development. This will require systemic change in the way we conduct research and run our institutions.

Odontogenic infections are infections of the orofacial structures arising from dental disease. Despite its preventability, it exerts a significant burden on healthcare infrastructure worldwide. Our study explored the various different microbiological, social, and epidemiological characteristics of 103 cases of odontogenic infections at our regional center which demonstrated specific predilections for the young and middle-aged, those with diabetes mellitus, African American/Black and Hispanic ethnicities, posterior teeth, left-sided dentition, and male gender. However, nuances and exceptions to these trends were also seen with specific groups that may complicate treatment.

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency affects up to 1 in 4,000 children and is usually treated with daily injections of GH whilst the child is still growing. With children typically diagnosed around 5 years old, this can mean over 10 years of therapy, which can place a considerable burden on the child and parent. Over three-quarters of children are estimated to be not fully compliant with therapy, which can compromise their chances of attaining their target height. In recent years, interactive mobile health (smart phone or tablet) interventions using game-like concepts, so called ‘gamification’, have increased in popularity and have demonstrated success in promoting positive self-management behaviour in children with chronic conditions, such as diabetes. The application of gamified interventions has the potential to support adherence to therapy and positive behaviour in children with GH deficiency in a number of ways: 1) By providing education in a format that the child understands and accepts (e.g. using behavioural constructs to facilitate explaining why adherence is important); 2) By providing a mechanism to reduce the anxiety and stress associated with administering the injection (e.g. diversion with a virtual pet); and 3) By providing feedback to encourage on-going engagement (e.g. rewards, progression through levels).

The Circular Economy has been of growing significance within academic, policymaking and industry groups. Latest developments in the field of Circular Economy has led to an expansion of CE studies focused on interrogating CE as a paradigm, its relationship with sustainability and concepts and definitions of the Circular Economy. Research has also identified the significant potential of applying circular approaches to areas of the economy, including manufacturing and Industry 4.0, which, with data, is enabling latest the advances in digital technologies. This is the first review paper to integrate the fields of CE and digital technologies resulting in a framework which provides directions for policymakers and guidance for future research. To achieve this, we conduct a systematic literature review of the empirical literature related to digital technologies, industry 4.0 and circular approaches, from the point of the 9 Rs. The systematic literature review (SLR) is based on peer-reviewed articles published between 2000-2018. The findings reveal that while research on the circular economy has been on an annual rise, research on digital technologies enabled circular economy is still relatively an untouched area of research across all nine (9) circular approaches. As such this is an area rife for further research. This paper also presents illustrative charts and graphs to summarize the current trends in circular economy research in manufacturing. From this, a framework for future circular economy research for manufacturing for digital technologies is proposed.

Tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomics facilitate multiplexing in mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantification and identification of proteins and their post-translational modifications. The use of TMT isobaric tags can enable multiplexing of up to 18 samples using commercially available kits. A single TMT experiment can quantify proteome, serine, threonine phosphorylation, and tyrosine phosphorylation. Of note, tyrosine phosphorylation is of low abundance, and identification/quantification can be improved using two complementary strategies. First, by employing SH2 superbinder which increases the number of identified sites. The SH2 Superbinder is more cost-effective than the commonly used phosphotyrosine antibodies. Second, by employing phosphotyrosine booster strategy, a pervanadate-treated channel to boost the signal of low-abundant phosphotyrosine. Noteworthy, pervanadate boost increases the likelihood of low abundant peptide to be selected for MS2, and facilitating the detection of > 6000 proteins, 10,000 unique pS/T and 1000 unique pY sites.

Zoos are increasingly putting in place formalized animal welfare assessment programs to allow monitoring of welfare over time, as well as to aid in resource prioritization. These programs tend to rely on assessment tools that incorporate resource-based and observational animal- focused measures since it is rarely feasible to obtain measures of physiology in zoo-housed animals. A range of assessment tools are available which commonly have a basis in the Five Domains framework. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted to bring together recent studies examining welfare assessment methods in zoo animals. A summary of these methods is provided with advantages and limitations of the approach es presented. We then highlight practical considerations with respect to implementation of these tools into practice, for example scoring schemes, weighting of criteria, and innate animal factors for consideration. It is concluded that would be value in standardizing guidelines for development of welfare assessment tools since zoo accreditation bodies rarely prescribe these. There is also a need to develop taxon or species- specific assessment tools to inform welfare management.

In the dynamic landscape of 6G and smart cities, Visible Light Communication (VLC) assumes critical significance for IoT (Internet of Things) applications spanning diverse sectors. The escalating demand for bandwidth and data underscores the need for innovative solutions, positioning VLC as a complementary technology within the electromagnetic spectrum. This paper focuses on the relevance of VLC in the 6G paradigm, shedding light on its applicability across smart cities and industries. The paper highlights the growing efficiency of lighting LEDs in infrastructure, facilitating the seamless integration of VLC. The study then emphasizes VLC’s robustness in outdoor settings, demonstrating effective communication up to 10 meters. This resilience positions VLC as a key player in addressing the very last meter of wireless communication, offering a seamless solution for IoT connectivity. By introducing an a freely available open-source simulator combined to an alternative waveform, UFMC, the study empowers researchers to dimension applications effectively, showcasing VLC’s potential to improve wireless communication in the evolving landscape of 6G and smart cities.

We currently face several, interlinked environmental crises, including climate change, habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. However, many governments seem unwilling to take strong and immediate action to address these threats, preferring to promote neoliberal approaches to allow consumers and the general public to make environmentally friendly choices. This is despite neoliberal approaches being much less likely to be successful than government leadership, taxation, subsidies, and legislation in addressing environmental issues. In this study, we examine public perception of environmental threats and solutions to these threats, in a survey, mainly completed in the UK. Climate change is seen as the biggest issue, likely due to recent activist campaigns and subsequent media attention on the issue. Neoliberal attitudes, such as green consumer choices to environmental concerns, do still dominate in a series of possible presented solutions, and score more highly than lifestyle changes such as changing diet. However, when questioned specifically about plastic pollution, government intervention to ban all unnecessary plastic scored very strongly, indicating a shift from a consumer driven response. Furthermore, most participants think they are at best only partly ‘doing their bit’ to protect the environment. The results demonstrate that the public are aware that not enough is happening to protect the environment and provide evidence that there is willingness for stronger government intervention to address environmental issues, although there is potential resistance to major lifestyle changes.

Micromobility has gained attention from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academia; however, a comprehensive conceptualization of micromobility is still missing. Existing definitions are largely vehicle-centric: either listing modes or detailing vehicle characteristics. This paper addresses this gap by developing a ‘beyond vehicles’, multi-dimensional conceptualization of micromobility, accompanied by a novel socio-technical definition. Through a review of related concepts, combined with an analysis of the use and definitions of the term micromobility in publications, this study establishes a new conceptualization of micromobility. It incorporates human, social, and cultural dimensions, considers environmental, economic, infrastructure, vehicle technology, regulatory and policy aspects, and considerations for public health. Our definition of micromobility encompasses a wide range of mobility options typically used for shorter trips and manoeuvrable by an individual without motor assistance, at least for short distances. These modes are characterized by their ‘micro’ attributes, including low energy demand, environmental impact, and road space use relative to automobility. The conceptualization incorporates a range of micromobility modes, including fully human-powered (including walking), partially motor-assisted, and fully powered options. These modes typically operate at speeds not exceeding 25 to 32 kilometres per hour (or 45 km/h for faster options), weigh (typically substantially) below 350 kilograms and often yield significant (public) health benefits. Trip length is generally less than 15 kilometres, and daily distances under 80 kilometres. Importantly, our definition includes the practices, policies, cultures, and infrastructures that emerge around the use of micromobility options and shape their uptake. This proposed conceptualization significantly broadens the prevailing vehicle-focus in micromobility debates towards a socio-technical perspective. Embracing a widely accepted conceptualisation of micromobility would offer several advantages, including robust design standards, legislation, and evaluation metrics and methods. Additionally, this paper highlights the pivotal role micromobilities can play in transcending the limitations of automobility, towards more sustainable and equitable mobility futures.

There are guidelines on lactation following maternal analgo-sedative exposure, but these do not consider the effect of maternal fasting, nor fluid abstention on human milk macronutrient composition. We therefore performed a structured search (PubMed) on ‘human milk composition’ and screened title, abstract and full paper on ‘fasting’ or ‘abstention’ and ‘macronutrient composition’ (lactose, protein, fat, solids, triglycerides, cholesterol). This resulted in 6 papers and one abstract related to religious fasting (n=129 women) and observational studies in lactating women (n=23, healthy volunteers, fasting). These data reflect two different ‘fasting’ patterns: an acute (18-25h) model in 71 (healthy volunteers, Yom Kippur/Ninth of Av) women and a chronic fasting (Ramadan) model in 81 women. Changes were most related to electrolytes and were moderate, with almost no changes in macronutrients during acute fasting. We therefor conclude that neither short term fasting nor fluid abstention (18-25h) affect human milk macronutrient composition, so that women can be reassured when this topic were raised during consulting. Besides the nutritional relevance, this also matters as clinical research samples – especially to estimate analgo-sedative exposure by lactation - are commonly collected after maternal procedural sedation, associated with maternal fasting and physiology-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models assume stable human milk composition.

The river Teign in Devon has come under scrutiny for failing to meet Environmental Quality Standards for ecotoxic metals due to past mining operations. A disused mine known as Bridford Barytes mine, has been found to contribute a significant source of Zn, Cd and Pb to the river. Recently, studies have been focused on the remediation of such mine sites using low-cost treatment methods to help reduce metal loads to the river downstream. Red mud is a waste product from the aluminium industry, the utilization of this resource has proven an attractive low-cost treatment method for adsorbing toxic metals. Adsorption kinetics and capacity experiments reveal metal removal efficiencies of up to 70% within the first 2 hours when red mud is applied in pelletized form. Biochar is another effective adsorbent with the potential to remove >90% Zn using agricultural feedstock. Compliance of the Teign has been investigated by analysing dissolved metal concentrations and bioavailable fractions of Zn to assess if levels are of environmental concern. By applying a Real-World Application Model, this study reveals that compressed pellets and agricultural biochar offer an effective, low-cost option to reducing metal concentrations and thus improving the quality of the river Teign.

The current focus on afforestation in climate policy runs the risk of compromising both longterm carbon storage and human adaptation. It also works against efforts to stem the tide of biodiversity loss. We outline why an emphasis on diverse, intact natural ecosystems—as opposed to tree plantations with fast-growing exotic species—will help nations deliver the goals of the Paris Agreement and much more.

Sea ice surface roughness affects ice-atmosphere interactions, serves as an indicator of ice age, shows patterns of ice convergence and divergence, affects the spatial extent of summer melt ponds, and ice albedo. We have developed a method for mapping sea ice surface roughness using angular reflectance data from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) and lidar-derived roughness measurements from the Airborne Topographic Mapper (ATM). Using an empirical data modeling approach, we derived estimates of Arctic sea ice roughness ranging from centimeters to decimeters meters within the MISR 275-m pixel size. Using independent ATM data for validation, we find that histograms of lidar and multi-angular roughness values are nearly identical for areas with roughness <20 cm but that for rougher regions, the MISR-derived roughness has a narrower range of values than the ATM data. The algorithm is able to accurately identify areas that transition between smooth and rough ice. Because of its coarser spatial scale, MISR-derived roughness data have a variance of about half that ATM roughness data.

Epigenetic changes are a hallmark of short- and long-term transcriptional regulation, and hence instrumental in the control of cellular identity and plasticity. Epigenetic mechanisms leading to changes in chromatin structure, accessibility for recruitment of transcriptional complexes, and interaction of enhancers and promoters all contribute to acute and chronic adaptations of cells, tissues and organs to internal and external perturbations. Similarly, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) is activated by stimuli that alter the cellular energetic demand, and subsequently controls complex transcriptional networks responsible for cellular plasticity. It thus is of no surprise that PGC-1α is under the control of epigenetic mechanisms, and constitutes a mediator of epigenetic changes in various tissues and contexts. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the link between epigenetics and PGC-1α in health and disease.

Ecological footprint calculators are digital tools that help individuals calculate their environmental or climate impact, with the aim of stimulating pro-environmental behaviour change. These footprint calculators typically take an information-provision approach, but this strategy assumes that increased levels of knowledge result in increased levels of pro-environmental behaviour (i.e., a reduced footprint). This is not a given – existing literature on the relationship between environmental knowledge and pro-environmental behaviour is inconclusive, and this relationship may be different from that of environmental knowledge and ecological footprint. As such, we investigated the relationship between environmental knowledge and ecological footprint as estimated by a footprint calculator. 448 Dutch participants completed an online survey, including an ecological footprint calculator. We found no evidence for a relationship between environmental knowledge and ecological footprint calculator outcome. Rather, an exploratory analysis of our data showed that environmental values were more important predictors of ecological footprint. The finding that increased levels of knowledge are not related to a reduced ecological footprint suggests that calculators would do well to move beyond information provision, and employ additional behaviour change strategies. Based on our exploratory analysis, we provide several concrete examples of potential strategies.

Obtaining a good socket fit is an iterative process dependent on the skill and experience of the prosthetist creating it, and requiring individualisation based on the size and shape. There is no standard measurement system used to aid prosthetic socket creation, despite the severe impacts on physical health and quality of life if one is ill-fitting. Pressure sensors embedded in a prosthetic socket were used to collect data at the socket-residuum interface. To choose an interpolation method, a 2D grid was used, with previously collected walking test pressure data, to simplify the sensor array with a border for extrapolation. Four multivariable interpolation methods were evaluated to create a colour map of the pressure data. Radial Basis Function interpolation was chosen as it produced a clear image with a graduated interpolation between data points and was used to create a colour map across the surface of a 3D prosthetic socket model. For the model to be accessible to clinical audiences, a desktop application was created using PyQt to view the model. The created application allowed for connection to the sensors via Bluetooth, with the pressure data updating the colour map on the 3D model in real-time. The created application shows the potential for a clinical product, however further development informed by feedback from rehabilitation clinicians and prosthesis users is required

Consumption of prebiotic fibers to modulate the human gut microbiome is a promising strategy to positively impact health. Nevertheless, given the compositional complexity of the microbiome and its inter-individual variances, generalized recommendations on the source or amount of fiber supplements remain vague. This problem is further compounded by availability of tractable in vitro and in vivo models to validate certain fibers. We employed a gnotobiotic mouse model containing an a priori characterized 14-member synthetic human gut microbiome (SM) for their ability to metabolize a suit of fibers in vitro; the SM contains 14 different strains belonging to five distinct phyla. Since soluble purified fibers have been a common subject of studies, we specifically investigated the effects of concentrated raw fibers (CRFs)—containing fibers from pea, oat, psyllium, wheat and apple—on the compositional and functional alterations in the SM. We demonstrate that, compared to a fiber-free diet, CRF supplementation increased the abundance of fiber-degraders namely Eubacterium rectale, Roseburia intestinalis and Bacteroides ovatus and decreased the abundance of the mucin-degrader Akkermansia muciniphila. These results were corroborated by a general increase of bacterial fiber-degrading α-glucosidase enzyme activity. Overall, our results highlight the ability of CRFs to enhance the microbial fiber-degrading capacity.

Despite the Australian Government’s attempts to reduce domestic violence (DV) incidences, impediments that exist within the social and health systems and interventions designed to identify DV victims may contribute to female victims’ reluctance to disclose DV experiences to their primary healthcare providers. This scoping review aimed to provide the state of evidence about reasons for such reluctance to reveal DV, symptoms and comorbidities patients present to healthcare providers, detection and interventions in the clinical setting, and recommendations to generate more effective responses to DV. Female victims are reluctant to reveal DV because they do not trust or believe that general practitioners can help them to solve the issue, they do not acknowledge they are in an abusive relationship or are unaware that they are, or had been, victims of DV. The most common symptoms and comorbidities victims present with are sleep difficulties and fear. DV screening programs are the most prominent intervention type within Australian primary health services. This scoping review provides formative evidence that further research and interventions are required to increase professional skills, knowledge, sensitivity and referral processes among primary healthcare professionals treating patients experiencing DV in Australia.

The ability to predict physical characteristics from DNA presents significant opportunities for forensic science. Giving scientists an ability to make predictions about the donor of genetic material at a crime scene can then give investigators new intelligence leads for cold cases where DNA evidence has not identified any person of interest. However, the interpretation of this new form of intelligence requires careful analysis. The responses to an online survey, conducted in 2018-19, were used to examine how actors in the criminal justice system assess and interpret different types of DNA evidence and intelligence. The groups of focus for the survey were investigators, legal practitioners and the general public (as potential jurors). Several statistically significant effects were identified based on occupation and whether an individual had prior exposure to new DNA technology. Monitoring how those involved in interpreting reports from different types of DNA evidence and intelligence interpret them helps to ensure that decisions are made based on a sound understanding of their capabilities and limitations and may inform broader training and awareness strategies.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly recognised for their potential to address both the climate and biodiversity crises. These outcomes are interdependent, and both rely on the capacity of NbS to support and enhance the health of an ecosystem: its biodiversity, the condition of its abiotic and biotic elements, and its capacity to function normally despite environmental change. However, while understanding of ecosystem health outcomes of nature-based interventions for climate change mitigation is growing, the outcomes of those implemented for adaptation remain poorly understood with evidence scattered across multiple disciplines. To address this, we conducted a systematic review of the outcomes of 109 nature-based interventions for climate change adaptation using 33 indicators of ecosystem health across eight broad categories (e.g. diversity, biomass, ecosystem functioning and population dynamics). We showed that 88% of interventions with positive outcomes for climate change adaptation also reported measurable benefits for ecosystem health. We also showed that interventions were associated with a 67% average increase in local species richness. All eight studies that reported benefits in terms of both climate change mitigation and adaptation also supported ecosystem health, leading to a triple win. However, there were also trade-offs, mainly for forest management and creation of novel ecosystems such as monoculture plantations of non-native species. Our review highlights two major limitations of research to date. First, only a limited selection of metrics are used to assess ecosystem health and these rarely include key aspects such as functional diversity and habitat connectivity. Second, taxonomic coverage is poor: 67% of outcomes assessed only plants and 57% did not distinguish between native and non-native species. Future research addressing these issues will allow the design and adaptive management of NbS to support healthy and resilient ecosystems, and thereby enhance their effectiveness for meeting both climate and biodiversity targets.

Heterochromatin formation plays a pivotal role in regulating chromatin organization and influences nuclear architecture, and genome stability and expression. Among the regions at which heterochromatin is present, pericentric regions are known to recruit the histone variant macroH2A1. However, the factors and mechanisms behind macroH2A1 incorporation into these regions have not been explored. In this study, we probe different conditions that lead to the recruitment of macroH2A1 to pericentromeric regions and elucidate its underlying functions. Through experiments conducted on murine fibroblastic cells, we discover that partial chromatin relaxation resulting from DNA damage, senescence or histone hyper-acetylation, is necessary for the recruitment of macroH2A1 to pericentric regions. Furthermore, macroH2A1 is required for up-regulation of noncoding pericentric RNA expression but not for pericentric chromatin organization. Our findings shed light on the functional rather than structural significance of macroH2A1 incorporation into pericentric chromatin.

The osseointegration process in and around additively manufactured (AM) lattice structures of a new titanium alloy, Ti–19Nb–14Zr, was evaluated. Three different implants, including lattices with increasing high sidewalls gradually closing them, were designed, manufactured and implanted in the tibia and metatarsal bone of two sheep for twelve weeks. After removal, they were characterized with X-ray computed tomography (XCT). The 3D XCT images were segmented using machine learning. The bone-interface implant (BII) and bone-implant contact (BIC) were studied. The results show that, since AM naturally leads to high roughness surface finish, the wettability of the implant is increased. The new alloy possesses an increased affinity to the bone enhancing the quality of osseointegration. The lattice provides crevices, in which the biological tissue can jump in and cling. The combination of these factors is pushing ossification beyond its natural limits. Therefore, the quality and speed of the ossification and osseointegration in and around these Ti–19Nb–14Zr AM laterally closed lattice implants open the possibility of bone spline key of prostheses. This enables the stabilization of the implant into the bone while keeping the possibility of punctual hooks allowing the implant to be removed more easily if required.

Research focused on succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and its substrate, succinate, culminated in the 50’s accompanying the rapid development of research dedicated to bioenergetics and intermediary metabolism. This allowed to uncover the implication of the SDH in both the mitochondrial respiratory chain and the Krebs cycle. Nowadays this theme is experiencing a real revival following the discovery of the role of SDH and succinate in a subset of tumors and cancers in human. The aim of this review is to enlighten the many questions yet unanswered, ranging from fundamental to clinically oriented aspects, up to the danger of the current use of SDH as a target for a sub class of pesticides.

Background: Radiotherapy plays an important role in the management and survival of patients with breast cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the association between age, comorbidities and use of radiotherapy in this population. Methods: Patients diagnosed with breast cancer from 2004–2013 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Cancer Database (NCDB). Follow-up time was measured from the date of diagnosis (baseline) to the date of death or censoring. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were used as the measure of association. Results: Independently of comorbidities and other important outcome-related factors, patients >65 years of age who received radiotherapy survived significantly longer than those who did not receive radiotherapy (aHR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.52–0.54). However, as women aged, those with comorbidities were less likely to receive RT (adjusted P-trend by age <0.0001). Conclusions: The development of decision-making tools to assist clinicians, and older women with breast cancer and comorbidities, are needed to facilitate personalized treatment plans regarding RT. This is particularly relevant as the population ages and the number of women with breast cancer is expected to increase in the near future.

It is important to be familiar with the presentation of Turner syndrome and to understand the common causes of death associated with the disease. Using the autopsy case as an example, this case report will outline the classic presentation of Turner syndrome, go over its physiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis and explain the cause of death in this particular case while also highlighting other common causes of death/risk factors within Turner syndrome. Differential diagnosis and mimicking disease processes will also be discussed. This report will also highlight the molecular tests used for the diagnosis of Turner syndrome, discuss developments using in situ hybridization, and discuss why this method is best for the determination of Turner syndrome over conventional karyotyping.

The temperature of the indoor environment is important for health and wellbeing especially at the extremes of age. The study aim was to undertsand the relationship between self-reported thermal sensation and extremity skin temperature in care home residents with and without dementia. The Abbreviated Mental Test (AMT) was used to discriminate residents to two categories, those with and those without dementia. After acclimatisation, measurements included: tympanic membrane temperature, thermal sensation rating followed by infrared thermal mapping of non-dominant hand and forearm. Sixty-nine afebrile adults (60-101 years of age) were studied in groups of two to five, in mean ambient temperatures of 21.4^oC-26.6^oC (median 23.6^oC). Significant differences were observed between groups; thermal sensation rating (p=0.02), tympanic temperature (p=0.01), fingertip skin temperature (p=0.01) and temperature gradients; fingertip-wrist p=0.001 and fingertip-distal forearm, p=0.001.

To monitor adherence to diets and to design and evaluate nutritional interventions it is essential to obtain objective knowledge about eating behavior. In most research, measures of eating behavior are based on self-reporting, such as 24-h recalls, food records (food diaries), and food frequency questionnaires. Self-reporting is prone to inaccuracies due to inaccurate and subjective recall and other biases. Recording behavior using non-obtrusive technology in daily life would overcome this. We here provide an up-to-date systematic overview encompassing all (close-to) publicly or commercially available technologies to automatically record eating behavior in real-life settings. 1328 studies were screened and after applying defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 122 studies were included for in-depth evaluation. Technologies in these studies were categorized by what type of eating behavior they measure and which type of sensor technology they use. In general, we found that relatively simple sensors are often used. Depending on the purpose, these are mainly motion sensors, microphones, weight sensors, and photo cameras. While several of these technologies are commercially available, there is still a lack of publicly available algorithms that are needed to process and interpret the resulting data. We argue that future work should focus on developing robust algorithms and validating these technologies in real-life settings. Combining technologies (e.g., prompting individuals for self-reports at sensed, opportune moments) is a promising route toward ecologically valid studies of eating behavior.

Introduction: OS2966 is a fist-in-class, humanized and de-immunized monoclonal antibody which targets the adhesion receptor subunit, CD29/β1 integrin. CD29 expression is highly upregulated in glioblastoma and has been shown to drive tumor progression, invasion, and resistance to multiple modalities of therapy. Here, we present a novel Phase I clinical trial design addressing several factors plaguing effective treatment of high-grade gliomas (HGG). Study Design: This 2-part, ascending-dose, Phase I clinical trial will enroll patients with recurrent/progressive HGG requiring a clinically-indicated resection. In Study Part 1, patients will undergo stereotactic tumor biopsy followed by placement of a purpose-built catheter which will be used for intratumoral, convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of OS2966. Subsequently, patients will undergo their clinically-indicated tumor resection followed by CED of OS2966 to the surrounding tumor-infiltrated brain. Matched pre- and post-infusion tumor specimens will be utilized for biomarker development and validation of target engagement by receptor occupancy. Dose escalation will be achieved using a unique concentration-based accelerated titration design. Discussion: The present study design leverages multiple innovations including: 1) the latest CED technology, 2) 2-part design including neoadjuvant intratumoral administration, 3) a first-in-class investigational therapeutic, and 4) concentration-based dosing. Trial registration: A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Investigational New Drug application (IND) for the above protocol is now active. A Phase I trial is registered at clinicialtrials.gov (NCT04608812).

Cytokines secreted by individual immune cells regulate tissue regeneration and allow communication between various cell types. Cytokines bind to cognate receptors and trigger the healing process. Determining the orchestration of cytokine interactions with their receptors on their cellular targets is essential to fully understand the process of inflammation and tissue regeneration. To this end, we have investigated the interactions of Interleukin-4 cytokine (IL-4)/Interleukin-4 cytokine receptor (IL-4R) and Interleukin-10 cytokine (IL-10)/Interleukin-10 cytokine receptor (IL-10R) using in situ Proximity Ligation Assays in a regenerative model of skin, muscle and lung tissues in the mini-pig. The pattern of protein-protein interactions was distinct for the two cytokines. IL-4 bound predominantly to receptors on macrophages and endothelial cells around the blood vessels while the target cells of IL-10 were mainly receptors on muscle cells. Our results show that in situ studies of cytokine-receptor interactions can provide unravel the fine details of the mechanism of action of cytokines.

Consumer preference not only dictates what food is consumed but how that food is produced. Ingredients in livestock feed that are not antibiotics, not genetically modified, not of animal origin, and that are nutrient-like, tend to be more acceptable to consumers, retailers, and producers. Mono- and diglycerides (MDG) fit these criteria, are commonly used in food, and are generally recognized as safe. But beyond being emulsifiers and a source of energy, MDG are also known to have antimicrobial, immune and microbiome modulation, and angiogenic activity. MDG in broiler diets have been shown to impact a variety of immune-related functions such as regulation of circulating antibodies, as well as decreased gene expression or protein concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ. In addition, MDG can affect metabolic function and intestinal integrity. Results of this review show that MDG can serve as antimicrobial and growth-supporting alternatives for reducing poultry production losses, improving resource utilization, and meeting consumer demand for sustainably produced and safe animal protein.

Societal changes have had effects on deaths from all causes in Russia. Up until now, deaths from all causes have been well researched, although several inconsistencies persist on the contributions of researchers. This study assessed research output, trends and topics that shaped deaths from all causes studies in Russia. Using bibliometric and topic modelling approaches, deaths from all causes in Russia published from 1914 to date was analysed using data on publications, citations, journals, keywords co-occurrence, year of publication, institutional affiliations, and country of origin from Scopus. Overall results indicate a steady growth of publications in Russia was documented after 1985. The h-index of some top 10 authors did not surpass single digits. A network visualisation map showed that ‘Russia’, ‘male’, ‘mortality’ and ‘human’ were the most commonly encountered vital terms. Of the ten most prolific authors, McKee M, Shkolnikov VM, Bobak M, Samorodskaya IV and Andreev E were the first five. Although the top 10 journals researching on death causes in Russia were Russian, these journals were not included in the most cited journals. The most prolific institutions studying deaths in Russia included; Tehran University of Medical Sciences, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University College London, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research and National Research University-Higher School of Economics. Findings suggest that deaths from all causes research attention in Russia increased in recent years, but the number of publications and research related engagements (e.g., networking and/ collaboration) does not match-up to other countries (e.g., UK, US, Germany). This research lag calls for more collaborative research between public health disciplines and networking among researchers (i.e., both national and international).

With increased participation in telework expected to continue, to support emerging hybrid work models in the aftermath of the Covid-19, it is important to consider the long-term impact this practice could have on sustainability outcomes. This paper describes a systematic review of 113 academic journal articles and identifies associations between telework and sustainability, explored by previous researchers. Those associations were categorized and discussed, based on their contributions to different United Nations Social Development Goals. Most of research was found to focus on countries classified as having a very high human development index status, and regions with a low, medium or high human development index, largely ignored. The SWOT matrix technique was used to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses identified in the current literature as well as threats and opportunities for future work. This can help to ensure policy coherence and that strategies to promote one outcome, such as economic productivity improvements, does not undermine another, such as improved health. Practical implications and potential research opportunities were identified across a range of SDG impact areas, including good health and well-being, gender equality, reduced inequality, climate mitigation, sustainable cities and resilient communities. On the whole, our impression is that increased rates of telework present an important opportunity to improve sustainability outcomes, however, it will be important that integrated and holistic policy is developed that mitigates key risks.

Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal for biological systems. Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 is a model strain for heavy metal resistance and bioremediation. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the c-di-GMP pathway in the C. metallidurans CH34 response to cadmium in both planktonic and biofilm cells. Increasing cadmium concentrations correlates with an inhibition of biofilm formation and EPS production in C. metallidurans cells. Planktonic and biofilm cells showed similar tolerance to cadmium. During exposure to cadmium an acute decrease of c-di-GMP levels in planktonic and biofilm cells was observed. Transcription analysis by RT-qPCR showed that cadmium induced in planktonic cells and strongly induced in biofilm cells the expression of the urf2 gene and the mercuric reductase encoding merA gene, which belong to the Tn501/Tn21 mer operon. After exposure to cadmium the cadA gene involved in cadmium resistance was equally upregulated in both lifestyles. Bioinformatic analysis and null mutant complementation assays indicated that the protein encoded by the urf2 gene is a functional phosphodiesterase involved in the c-di-GMP metabolism. We propose to rename the urf2 gene as mrp gene for metal regulated phosphodiesterase. An increase of the second messenger c-di-GMP content by the heterologous expression of the constitutively active diguanylate cyclase PleD* correlated with an increase in biofilm formation and cadmium susceptibility. These results indicate that the response to cadmium in C. metallidurans CH34 involves a decrease in c-di-GMP content that inhibits the biofilm lifestyle.

In this work, the apparent shear strength at the interface between a bamboo fiber and the surrounding poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix is quantified. A method for processing pull-out test samples within a controlled embedded length is proposed and the details of the test procedure are presented, along with a critical discussion of the results. Two series of samples are considered: untreated and mercerized bamboo fibers from the same batch, embedded in the same polyester matrix. Electron and optical microscopy are used to observe the fiber-matrix interface before and after the test, and to identify the failure mode of each sample, especially as regards the occurrence of fibrillation in the fiber bundles. The values of apparent interfacial shear strength are calculated only for regular fibers successfully pulled out from the matrix, and reported with their statistical variations. Mercerization, whose efficiency was proven by Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy, did not appear though to improve the quality of the interface (τ_app = 7.0 ± 3.1 MPa for untreated fibers and τ_app = 5.3 ± 2.4 MPa for treated fibers).

We explored the impacts of the remote and return to in-person work periods on sleep and well-being as reported by faculty (n = 22) and non-teaching staff (n=21) with and without disabilities. Our results show that contrary to expectations, the Covid-19 remote teaching/working period resulted in better sleep, as well as greater well-being, than the return to in-person. With respect to sleep, faculty members had slightly more negative outcomes than staff, most evident in heightened anxiety and work aspects. Faculty with disabilities had somewhat worse sleep and well-being during the remote period than faculty without disabilities. During the return to in-person work, both faculty and non-teaching staff reported more negative than positive sleep and well-being outcomes. In particular, during the in-person period faculty members experienced slightly more negative sleep outcomes related to anxiety and work, while staff members experienced slightly more negative sleep outcomes related to the need to commute and lifestyle. Our findings show that there were benefits and disadvantages to both remote and in-person work periods, suggesting a hybrid work schedule should be considered in more detail, particularly as an optional reasonable accommodation for faculty and staff with disabilities. Our study highlights that training to keep faculty abreast of the latest technological innovations, ways to promote work-life balance and steps to remedy classroom size and building ventilation to prevent the spread of disease all need urgent attention.

The practice of collecting, treating and management of solid waste prior to disposal has become a necessity in developing and modern societies. Over the years, it is known that most wastes that are disposed have a second hand value. However, the construction cost for conventional Material Recovery Facility(s) (MRFs) has been a major barrier for implementation. These technologies require considerable technical expertise, which is often not available in developing nations to successfully operate the MRFs. Covenant University; a private mission institution through her waste to wealth scheme is focused on managing and processing used materials to reusable products. These include Pet bottles, Paper wastes, Food wastes from cafeteria, plastic food packs, nylon, tin cans and others. Specific areas chosen for the Survey include the residential areas for staff and students and the two cafeterias. The waste generated was characterized based on the waste stream so as to quantify the amount of recyclable waste generated and most occurring. The survey involved the use of structured questionnaires, on-site observations and measurements. The study reveals an average amount of recyclable waste generated per day in the institution as 13.46% pet bottles, 4.03% paper, 55.56% food waste, 12.64% plastic, 9.63% nylon and 4.68% tin cans. The study established that adequate waste characterization is a requirement for effective integrated solid waste management which would boost resource recovery, reuse and recycling.

Since their identification over twenty-five years ago, the plethora of cell penetrating peptides (CPP) and their applications has skyrocketed. These 5 to 30 amino acid long peptides have the unique property of breaching the cell membrane barrier while carrying cargoes larger then themselves into cells in an intact, functional form. CPPs can be conjugated to fluorophores, activatable probes, radioisotopes or contrast agents for imaging tissues, such as tumors. There is no singular mechanism for translocation of CPPs into a cell, and therefore, many CPPs are taken up by a multitude of cell types, creating the challenge of tumor specific translocation and hindering clinical effectiveness. Varying strategies have been developed to combat this issue and enhance their diagnostic potential by derivatizing CPPs for better targeting by constructing specific cell activated forms. These methods are currently being used to image integrin expressing tumors, breast cancer cells, human histiocytic lymphoma and protease secreting fibrosarcoma cells, to name a few. Additionally, identifying safe, effective therapeutics for malignant tumors has long been an active area of research. CPPs can circumvent many of the complications found in treating cancer with conventional therapeutics by targeted delivery of drugs into tumors, thereby decreasing off-target side effects, a feat not achievable by currently employed conventional chemotherapeutics. Myriad types of chemotherapeutics such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, anti-tumor antibodies and nanoparticles can be functionally attached to these peptides leading to the possibility of delivering established and novel cancer therapeutics directly to tumor tissue. While much research is needed to overcome potential issues with these peptides, they offer a significant advancement over current mechanisms to treat cancer. In this review, we present a brief overview of the research leading to identification of CPPs with a comprehensive state of the art review on the role of these novel peptides in both cancer diagnostics as well as therapeutics.

Inflorescence architecture underpins sexual reproduction in wild Musa species and productivity in edible banana cultivars. In a functional analysis we identified the apical inflorescence and lateral ‘cushion’ meristems and the change in flower type as the three primary components of inflorescence architecture. Five genotypes of two clone-sets of edible plantains (Musa AAB), were grown for four generations along an elevation gradient (1100 m to 2200 m, 16°C to 24°C) straddling the equator in the humid highlands of East Africa. The data consisted of peduncle length at harvest, fruit per hand (Fh) and hands per bunch (Hb). The activity of the apical inflorescence meristem drives peduncle length and lateral ‘cushion’ meristems determine fruit per hand. However, Hb is determined by a change in flower type – from fruit-forming to non-fruit forming. Site temperature affected Hb more than Fh, while development of the genet (rhizome) changed the allocation of resources between Hb and Fh, independently of the effect of site temperature. Clone-sets differed in their response to genet development. Cooler temperatures reduced the number of fruit-forming flowers in an inflorescence and changed the balance away from female towards male flowers. In banana breeding schemes, manipulating inflorescence components independently raises options for producing genotypes better suited to markets, environments, and cultural practices.

Insect outbreaks are major drivers of natural disturbances in forest ecosystems. Outbreaks can have both direct and indirect effects on the composition of soil arthropod communities, through canopy opening, nutrient addition and predator-prey interactions. In this study, we aim to understand the effects of forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria; FTC) outbreaks on ant communities in both temperate and boreal forests in Canada. Using pitfall traps and Berlese funnels, we compared the ant communities as well as the surrounding arthropod communities between control and outbreak sites in boreal andboreal and temperate forests (in Québec, Canada). Using the Sørensen dissimilarity index, we determined the alpha and beta diversity of the ant community. Other arthropods collected in the traps were counted to evaluate the richness and abundance of potential prey for the ants and other potential predators of the FTC. We used an indicator species analysis to examine the species associated with sites defoliated by the outbreak. In the boreal forest, we found that FTC outbreaks caused decreases in species richness and increases in the evenness of ant communities in defoliated sites. In the boreal forest sites, species composition varied significantly between control and outbreak sites. This pattern was driven by the presence of other predators. We also saw no changes in beta diversity in the boreal forest but did see a significant decrease in the temperate forest between the outbreak sites and the control sites. A similar, but weaker pattern was observed in the temperate forest. Ant species in the boreal forest tended to exhibit a more marked preference for either control or previously defoliated sites than species in the temperate forest. Our study showed that disturbances like insect outbreaks can drive changes in the ant community. While we saw small effects of outbreaks, manipulation experiments using resource addition could help us validate the mechanisms behind these relationships.

As new treatment modalities are being explored in neuro-oncology, viruses are emerging as a promising class of therapeutics. Virotherapy consists of introduction of either wild-type or engineered viruses to the site of disease, where they exert anti-tumor effect. These viruses can either be non-lytic, in which case they are used to deliver gene therapy, or lytic, which induce tumor cell lysis and subsequent host immunologic response. Replication-competent viruses can then go on to further infect and lyse neighboring glioma cells. This treatment paradigm is being explored extensively in both preclinical and clinical studies for a variety of indications. Virus-based therapies are advantageous due to the natural susceptibility of glioma cells to viral infection, which improves therapeutic selectivity. Furthermore, lytic viruses expose glioma antigens to the host immune system and subsequently stimulate an immune response that specifically targets tumor cells. This review surveys the current landscape of oncolytic virotherapy clinical trials in high-grade glioma, summarizes preclinical experiences, identifies challenges associated with this modality across multiple trials, and highlights potential to integrate this therapeutic strategy into promising combinatory approaches.

Healthcare professionals and resource planners can use healthcare delivery process mining to ensure the optimal utilisation of scarce healthcare resources when developing policies. Within hospitals, patients' Length of Stay (LOS) and volume of admitted patients, in terms of number and characteristics (age, gender, and social deter-minants), are significant factors determining daily resource requirements. In this study, we used Coxian phase-type Distribution (C-PHD) based Phase-Type Survival (PTS) trees for analysing how covariates such as admission date, gender, age, district, and admissions source influence the admission rate and LOS distribution. PTS trees. This study used a two-year data set (2011-2012) of patients admitted to the Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital to generate models and an independent one-year data set (2013) of patients admitted to the Emergency Department at Mater Dei Hospital to evaluate. The PTS tree effectively clusters patients based on their LOS, considering the prognostic significance of different covariates related to patients' characteristics. Charac-terising these covariates provided meaningful results about LOS. Similarly, the PTS tree was used to effectively cluster patients based on the admission rate, considering the prognostic significance of these covariates.

Veratrum californicum is a rich source of steroidal alkaloids such as cyclopamine, a known inhibitor of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Here we provide a detailed analysis of the alkaloid composition of V. californicum by plant part through quantitative analysis of cyclopamine, veratramine, muldamine and isorubijervine in the leaf, stem and root/rhizome of the plant. To determine if additional alkaloids in the extracts contribute to Hh signaling inhibition, we replicated the concentrations of these alkaloids observed in extracts using commercially available standards and compared the inhibitory potential of the extracts to alkaloid standard mixtures using Shh-Light II cells. Alkaloid combinations enhanced Hh signaling pathway antagonism compared to cyclopamine alone, and significant differences were observed in the Hh pathway inhibition between the stem and root/rhizome extracts and their corresponding alkaloid standard mixtures, indicating that additional alkaloids present in these extracts contribute to Hh signaling inhibition.

Spiral galaxies and their rotation curves have key characteristics of differentially spinning objects. Oblate spheroid shapes are a consequence of spin and reasonably describe galaxies, indicating that their matter is distributed in gravitationally interacting homeoidal shells. Previously published equations describing differentially spinning oblate spheroids with radially varying density are here applied to 51 galaxies, mostly spirals. A constant volumetric density (rho, kg m-3) is assumed for each thin homeoid in these formulae, after Newton, which is consistent with RC being reported simply as a function of equatorial radius r. We construct parameter-free inverse models that uniquely specify mass inside any given r, and thus directly constrain rho vs. r solely from velocity v(r) and galactic aspect ratios (assumed as 1:10 when data are unavailable). Except for their innermost zones, rho is proven to be closely proportional to rn, where n for all 36 spirals studied equals -1.80±0.40. Our values for interior densities compare closely with independently measured baryon density in appropriate astronomical environments: for example, calculated rho at galactic edges agrees with estimated rho of intergalactic media (IGM). Our finding that central densities increase with galaxy size is consistent with behavior exhibited by diverse self-gravitating entities. Our calculated mass distributions are consistent with visible luminosity and require no non-baryonic component. Empirical luminosity-velocity relationships for galaxies, such as the Tully-Fisher rule, originate in Newtonian physics.

Hospitalized patients frequently have disordered and poor-quality sleep due to a variety of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. These include frequent nighttime intrusions, insomnia related to pain and unfamiliar environments, dark conditions during the day with loss of natural light, and disruption of natural sleep cycle due to illness. Sleep wake disturbances can result in deleterious consequence on physical, emotional and cognitive status, which may impact patient satisfaction, clinical recovery, and hospital length of stay. Despite this, clinicians frequently fail to document sleep disturbances and are generally unaware of best practices to improve sleep quality in the hospital. The purpose of this review is to discuss sleep disturbances in hospitalized patients with a focus on causes of sleep disturbance, effect of poor quality sleep, high risk populations, considerations for surveillance and prevention, as well as pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options for treatment.

This study aimed to expand and inform the growing body of research on Postpartum Depression, from a netnographic standpoint, for the social media platform of Pinterest. More specifically, it aimed to assess the type of content present on Pinterest regarding Postpartum Depression shared by women in 2018 and 2021, as well as examine the subjective experience of women who have experienced this mood disorder. Data were collected following a search using the keywords “Postpartum Depression” on Pinterest on two separate timestamps (2018 and 2021); pins were limited to those in English or French. Master themes were identified among all pins and those identified as “self-disclosure” were subsequently further analyzed. Self-disclosure data were separately analysed using thematic analysis, specifically adopting a deductive thematic approach for the 2021 data set stemming from the coding scheme created from analysis of the 2018 data. Major themes were identified, and an analysis of frequency was performed for each sub-theme, along with qualitative examples associated with each theme. A total of 483 Pinterest pins from two different time points of 2018 (169 pins) and 2021 (314 sample pins) were analyzed. Five primary categories were identified in both 2018 and 2021, with five additional categories being identified in the 2021 dataset. Comparative results from 2018 and 2021 self-disclosure pins show individuals’ varying yet similar subjective manifestations of PPD, the potential need to adopt a multidisciplinary treatment approach, and the societal fears, such as mental health stigma, that are playing a part in help-seeking behavior hesitancies. Our findings provide imperative insight into individuals’ subjective experiences with PPD; experiences that involve a sensitive and vulnerable topic. Netnographic research, along with Pinterest, must be taken into consideration for future work delving into women’s health issues, including those surrounding perinatal mental health.

Background: Poor patient flow can lead to adverse outcomes for patients and organisational inefficiency. Many hospitals have addressed suboptimal patient flow by increasing resourcing, such as bed stock and staffing, however, this is an unsustainable approach. In determining the nature of poor patient flow issues, it is important to collect data from healthcare professionals who manage patient flow on a daily basis. Doing so provides insights into the current state of patient flow management in its entirety, whilst also helping with the development of sustainable solutions.; Methods: Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with clinicians who were directly involved with patient flow at a tertiary care centre in Tasmania, Australia. Results: Through a thematic analysis method, four major themes were developed: managing patient flow, communication for decisions, tools as enablers and barriers and increasing complexity. Conclusions: The findings of this study provide great insights into patient flow issues, with potential solutions identified to address them.

In the context of the H1N1 pandemic and the Pandemrix vaccination campaign, an increased number of narcolepsy cases were noted in several countries. In Sweden, this phenomenon was attributed to the effect of the Pandemrix vaccination in the first place. Interestingly, Denmark, a neighboring country, also had an increased incidence during this period, despite a low vaccination rate. Additionally, studies from China indicated that narcolepsy could occur as a consequence of the H1N1 infection itself. Against these background factors, and due to the clinical impression that narcolepsy patients who were vaccinated tend to dominate in the Swedish narcolepsy polyclinic, we performed an analysis of the increase with a specific interest in age and sex distribution. We also aimed to validate the origin of the excess cases, post hoc. Materials & Methods: The data for narcolepsy patients (ICD code G 47.4) distributed by sex and age at 5-year intervals, annually between 2005 and 2017, was retrieved from the National Patient Register. Information on the total population was collected from the Swedish Population Register and was used for calculations of the narcolepsy prevalence. Results: The number of narcolepsy cases increased markedly from 2009 to 2014 compared to the period before 2009. A particular increase in 2011 among children and teenagers was observed, which resulted in increased cases among the age group 20-39 years in the following years. The sex ratio did not change significantly during the study period. The excess cases found in our study exceeded the number of patients who so far (December 2023) received economic compensation for vaccine side effects (n=450). Conclusions: Our results confirm an association between the increased prevalence of narcolepsy cases and the Pandemrix vaccination. Consequently, the effect of the virus itself cannot be ruled out as a contributing factor. The delayed timing in diagnostics is crucial when determining the number of cases with onset during the pandemic.

Group-B enteroviruses (EV-B) are ubiquitous naked single-stranded positive RNA viral pathogens that are responsible for common acute or persistent human infections. Their genome is composed in the 5'end by a non-coding region, which is crucial for the initiation of the viral replication and translation processes. RNA domain-I secondary structures can interact with viral or cellular proteins to form viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes regulating viral genomic replication, whereas RNA domains-II to -VII (IRES) are known to interact with cellular ribosomal subunits to initiate the viral translation process. Natural 5’ terminally deleted viral forms lacking some genomic RNA domain-I secondary structures have been described in EV-B induced murine or human infections. Recent in vitro studies have evidenced that the loss of some viral RNP complexes in the RNA domain-I can modulate the viral replication and infectivity levels in EV-B infections. Moreover, the disruption of secondary structures of RNA domain-I could impair viral RNA sensing by RIG-I or MDA5 receptors, a way to overcome antiviral innate immune response. Overall, natural 5′ terminally deleted viral genomes resulting in the loss of various structures in the RNA domain-I could be major key players of host-cell interactions driving the development of acute or persistent EV-B infections.

Panoramic and periapical radiograph tools help dentists diagnose the most common dental diseases. Generally, dentists identify dental caries manually by inspecting X-ray images. However, due to their heavy workload, or poor image quality, dentists may sometimes overlook some unnoticeable dental caries, which may ultimately hinder the patient treatment. The purpose of this study was to develop an algorithm that classifies the teeth X-Ray images into three categories of “Normal”, “Caries”, and “Filled”. Our study used a dataset of 116 patients and 3712 single teeth images for training, validation and testing. Images were pre-processed using a sharpening filter and an intensity color map. We used a pre-trained transfer learning model, the NASNetMobile, which served as the feature extractor and the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model served as the classifier. The training dataset had a “Recall” of 0.92, 0.90 and 0.91 for “Normal”, “Caries” and “Filled” respectively and the test dataset had a “Recall” of 0.86, 0.81 and 0.85 for “Normal”, “Caries” and “Filled” respectively. The classification of the teeth X-Rays was successful and can be valuable for dentist as the artificial intelligence algorithm can serve as a decision support tool to aid dentists when they need to diagnose dental treatment.

Sea ice roughness can serve as a proxy for other sea ice characteristics such as ice thickness and ice age. Arctic-wide maps that represent spatial patterns of sea ice roughness can be used to better characterize spatial patterns of ice convergence and divergence processes. Sea ice surface roughness can also control and quantify turbulent exchange between sea ice surface and atmosphere and therefore influence surface energy balance at the basin scale. We have developed a data processing system that produces georeferenced sea ice roughness rasters that can be mosaicked to produce Arctic-wide maps of sea ice roughness. This approach starts with Top-of-Atmosphere radiance data from the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR). We used red-band angular data from three MISR cameras (Ca, Cf, An). We created a training data set in which MISR pixels were matched with co-located and concurrent lidar-derived roughness measurements from the Airborne Topographic Mapper (ATM). We used a K-nearest neighbor algorithm with the training data to calibrate the multi-angle data to values of surface roughness and then applied the algorithm to Arctic-wide MISR data for two 16-day periods in April (spring) and July (summer). After georeferencing the roughness rasters, we then mosaicked each 16-day roughness dataset to produce Arctic-wide maps of sea ice roughness for spring and summer. Assessment of the results shows good agreement with independent ATM roughness data, not used in model development. A preliminary exploration of spatial and seasonal changes in sea ice roughness for two locations shows the ability to characterize the roughness of different ice types and the results align with previous studies. This processing system and its data products can help the sea ice research community to gain insights into the seasonal and interannual changes in sea ice roughness over the Arctic.

A shrimp oil rich in omega-3 lipids and carotenoids is obtained in remarkably high 5 wt% yield extending to pink shrimp processing waste (head and carapace) the circular economy approach to extract fish oil from fish processing by-products using d-limonene. Biobased limonene, a powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant agent, is an excellent solvent for both lipids and astaxanthin-based carotenoids preventing oxidative degradation during the extraction cycle including solvent and oil separation at 85°C. A new low cost route is established to extract valued marine oil from biowaste annually made available in over 2.2 million tonnes.

Development of effective treatments for high-grade glioma (HGG) is hampered by 1) the blood-brain barrier (BBB), 2) an infiltrative growth pattern, 3) rapid development of therapeutic resistance, and, in many cases, 4) dose-limiting toxicity due to systemic exposure. Convec-tion-enhanced delivery (CED) has the potential to significantly limit systemic toxicity and in-crease therapeutic index by directly delivering homogenous drug concentrations to the site of disease. In this review, we present clinical experiences and preclinical developments of CED in the setting of high-grade gliomas.

Objective To Identify risk factors of perinatal complications amongst macrosomic babies in a reference hospital structure. Method We conducted a case-control institutional based study. Cases and controls of singleton livebirths were extracted from the maternity registry from January 2017 to December 2019 The case population consisted of mother and child macrosomic couples with perinatal complications. The control group consisted of couples without perinatal complications. Matching was done on age and sex. The main primary end point was the risk factors for complications. Data were analyzed using R, software version3.0 in adjusted and unadjusted analysis with p<0.05 threshold considered statistically significant. Results Out of 362 couples, we had 186 cases and 176 controls. Maternal age ≥30 years (p=0.024); non-screening for gestational diabetes (p=0.027); history of caesarean section (p=0.041); weight gain ≥16 kg (p<0.001); maternal HIV (p=0.047); birth weight ≥4500g (p=0.015) and birth height ≥ 52.7 ±1.7cm (p=0.026) were risk factors. Conclusion The delivery of a macrosomic baby remains problematic in this setting. The improvement of the maternal-fetal prognosis requires quality prenatal surveillance and management by a multidisciplinary perinatal team involving obstetricians, endocrinologist, and neonatal pediatricians.

To Identify risk factors of perinatal complications amongst macrosomic babies in a reference hospital structure.We conducted a case-control institutional based study. Cases and controls of singleton livebirths were extracted from the maternity registry from January 2017 to December 2019 The case population consisted of mother and child macrosomic couples with perinatal complications. The control group consisted of couples without perinatal complications. Matching was done on age and sex. The main primary end point was the risk factors for complications. Data were analyzed using R, software version3.0 in adjusted and unadjusted analysis with p<0.05 threshold considered statistically significant.Out of 362 couples, we had 186 cases and 176 controls. Maternal age ≥30 years (p=0.024); non-screening for gestational diabetes (p=0.027); history of caesarean section (p=0.041); weight gain ≥16 kg (p<0.001); maternal HIV (p=0.047); birth weight ≥4500g (p=0.015) and birth height ≥ 52.7 ±1.7cm (p=0.026) were risk factors. The delivery of a macrosomic baby remains problematic in this setting. The improvement of the maternal-fetal prognosis requires quality prenatal surveillance and management by a multidisciplinary perinatal team involving obstetricians, endocrinologists and neonatal pediatricians.

Hexane is a solvent used extensively in the food industry for the extraction of various products such as vegetable oils, fats, flavours, fragrances, colour additives or other bioactive ingredients. As it is classified as a "processing aid", it does not have to be declared on the label under current legislation. Therefore, although traces of hexane may be found in final products, especially in processed products, its presence is not known to consumers. However, hexane, and in particular the n-hexane isomer, has been shown to be neurotoxic to humans and has even been listed as a cause of occupational diseases in several European countries since the 1970s. In order to support the European strategy for a toxic-free environment (and toxic-free food), it seemed important to collect scientific information on this substance by reviewing the available literature. This review contains valuable information on the nature and origin of the solvent hexane, its applications in the food industry, its toxicological evaluation and possible alternatives for the extraction of natural products. Numerous publications have investigated the toxicity of hexane, and several studies have demonstrated the presence of its toxic metabolite 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) in the urine of the general, non-occupationally exposed population. Surprisingly, a tolerable daily intake (TDI) has apparently never been established by any food safety authority. Since hexane residues are undoubtedly found in various foods, it seems more than necessary to clearly assess the risks associated with this hidden exposure. A clear indication on food packaging and better information on the toxicity of hexane could encourage industry to switch towards one of the numerous other alternative extraction methods already developed.

The transport sector in Germany causes one-quarter of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. One potential solution to reduce these emissions is the use of battery electric vehicles. Although a number of life cycle assessments have been conducted for these vehicles, the influence of a transport system wide transition has not been researched sufficiently. Therefore, we developed a method which combines life cycle assessment with an agent-based transport simulation and synthetic electric, diesel and gasoline powered vehicle models. We use the transport simulation to obtain the number of vehicles, their lifetime mileage and road-specific consumption. Subsequently we analyze the product systems’ vehicle production, use phase and End-of-Life. The results are scaled depending on the covered distance, the vehicle weight and the consumption for the whole life cycle. The results indicate that the sole transition of drive trains is insufficient to significantly lower the greenhouse gas emissions. However, sensitivity analyses demonstrate that there is a considerable potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with higher shares of renewable energies, a different vehicle distribution and a higher lifetime mileage. The method facilitates the assessment of the ecological impacts of the complete car based transportation in urban agglomerations and is able to analyze different transport sectors.

Inflammation mediators enhance the activity of connexin (Cx) hemichannels especially in the epithelial and endothelial tissues. As potential release route for injury signals like (oligo)nucleotides, Cx hemichannels may contribute to long lasting inflammation. Specific inhibition of Cx hemichannels may therefore be a mode of prevention and treatment of long lasting, chronic sterile inflammation. The activity of Cx hemichannels was analysed in N2A and HeLa cells transfected with human Cx26 and Cx46 as well as in Calu-3 cells using the dye uptake as functional assay. Moreover, possible impact of the bioactive phenolic agents CVB2-61 and CVB4-57 on the barrier function of epithelial cells was analysed using Calu-3 cells. Both agents inhibited the dye uptake in N2A cells expressing Cx26 (> 5 µM) and Cx46 (> 20 µM). In Calu-3 cells, CVB2-61 and CVB4-57 reversible inhibited the dye uptake at concentrations as low as 5 µM, without affecting the gap junction communication and barrier function, even at concentrations of 20 µM. While CVB2-61 or CVB4-57 maintained a reduced dye uptake in Calu-3 cells, an enhancement of the dye uptake in response to stimulation of adenosine signaling was still observed after removal of the agents. The report shows that CVB2-61 and CVB4-57 reversible block Cx hemichannels. Deciphering the interaction mechanisms with Cx hemichannels could allow further development of phenolic compounds to target Cx hemichannels for a better and safer use in treatment of pathologies that involve Cx hemichannels.

In cancer, the lymphatic system is hijacked by tumor cells to escape from primary tumor and to metastasize to the sentinel lymph nodes. Tumor lymphangiogenesis is stimulated by the vascular endothelial growth factors-C (VEGFC) after binding to its receptor VEGFR-3. However, how VEGFC cooperates with other molecules to promote lymphatic neovessels growth is not fully determined. Here, we found that tumor lymphangiogenesis developed in tumoral lesions and in their surrounding adipose tissue (AT). Interestingly, lymphatic vessel density correlated with an increase of circulating free fatty acids (FFA) in the lymph from tumor-bearing mice. We found that adipocyte-released FFA are uploaded by lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) to stimulate their sprouting. Lipidomic analysis identified the monounsaturated oleic acid (OA) as the major circulating FFA in the lymph in tumoral context. OA transporters FATP-3, -6 and CD36 were only upregulated on LEC in the presence of VEGFC showing a collaborative effect of these molecules. OA released from adipocytes is taken up by LECs to stimulate the fatty acid β-oxidation, leading to increase adipose tissue lymphangiogenesis. Our results provide new insights on the dialogue between tumors and adipocytes via the lymphatic system and identify a key role for adipocyte-derived FFA in the promotion of lymphangiogenesis, revealing novel therapeutic opportunities for inhibitors of lymphangiogenesis in cancer.

A retrospective study including 49 women with ovarian clear cell carcinoma between January 2009 and December 2021 at Oxford cancer centre was done. The mean age was 63 years, with 78% post-menopausal. All women underwent cytoreductive surgery with no residual disease (R0) in 39 women. The follow-up time ranged between 12-144 months, with mean of 105.5 months. The 3-year OS was 73.4%, and 3-year PFS was 81.3%, with a mean of 101.7months (95%CI, 84.63-118.93). As expected, women with stage 1 disease had the best outcome. In comparing OS in respect to absence or presence of residual disease, the 3-year OS was 88.6% (95% CI 108.6-141.8), compared to 12.5% (95% CI 4.48-32.11) respectively (P<0.001). In multivariant analysis the variables included were CA 125 (< or >200 IU/ml), Hb (< or >115 g/L), albumin (< or >40 g/L), associated endometriosis, ascites, residual disease, and FIGO staging. FIGO stage was the only independent prognostic indicator of OS with (p<0.05). Surgery to achieve no residual tumour is necessary to improve the prognosis in advanced OCCC. At present, the true challenge is to predict which patients with early-stage disease are at higher risk of recurrence and would most benefit from adjuvant treatments.

This study analyzes the natural and social factors influencing the emergence and publicization of the invasive status of a fast growing bush, gorse (Ulex europaeus), by comparison between countries on a global scale. We used documents collected on the web in a standardized way. The results show that in all the countries studied, there are several public statuses attributed to gorse. The invasive status is the one that is most shared. The other most frequently encountered status are those of noxious weed, and of economically useful. The invasive status is publicized in nearly all countries, including those where gorse is almost absent. We quantified the publicization of the invasive gorse status of gorse by an indicator with 5 levels, and then performed a multivariate analysis that combines natural and social explanatory variables. The results lead us to propose the concept of invasive niche: the set of natural and social parameters that allow a species to be considered invasive in a given socio-ecosystem.

In the current context of worldwide honey bee colony losses, among which the varroa mite plays a major role, hope to improve honey bee health lies in part in the breeding of varroa resistant colonies. To do so, methods used to evaluate varroa resistance need better understanding. Repeatability and correlations between traits such as Mite Non-Reproduction (MNR), Varroa Sensitive Hygiene (VSH) and hygienic behaviour are poorly known, due to practical limitations and to their underlying complexity. We investigate (i) the variability, (ii) repeatability of the MNR score and (iii) its correlation with other resistance traits. To reduce the inherent variability of MNR scores, we propose to apply an Empirical Bayes correction. On the short-term (ten days) MNR had a modest repeatability of 0.4 whereas on the long- term (a month) it had a low repeatability of 0.2, similar to other resistance traits. Within our dataset there was no correlation between MNR and VSH. Although MNR is amongst the most popular varroa resistance estimates in field studies, its underlying complex mechanism is not fully understood. Its lack of correlation with better described resistance traits and low repeatability suggest that MNR need to be interpreted cautiously, especially when used for selection.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) - working with and enhancing nature to address societal challenges - are increasingly being featured in climate change adaptation policy and plans. While there is growing evidence that NbS can reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts in general, there is a lack of understanding on the mechanisms through which this can be achieved, particularly in the Global South. To address this, we analyse 85 nature-based interventions in rural areas across the Global South, and factors mediating their effectiveness, based on a systematic map of peer-reviewed studies encompassing a wide diversity of ecosystems, climate impacts, and intervention types. We develop and apply an analytical framework of people’s social-ecological vulnerability to climate change, in terms of six pathways of vulnerability reduction: social and ecological exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Most cases (95%) report a reduction in vulnerability, primarily by lowering ecosystem sensitivity to climate impacts (73% of interventions), followed by reducing social sensitivity (52%), reducing ecological exposure (36%), increasing social adaptive capacity (31%), increasing ecological adaptive capacity (19%) and/or reducing social exposure (14%). An analysis of mediating factors shows that social dimensions are equally important as technical factors in NbS to achieving equitable and effective outcomes. Attention to the distinct social and ecological pathways through which vulnerability is reduced helps to harness the multiple benefits of working with nature in a warming world.

Introduction: The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is very contagious, and can be transmitted to other people by droplet, aerosol, sneezing, infected surface, and cough. There is no vaccine or effective treatment at this time. Therefore, the prevention of COVID-19 and the rapid diagnosis of infected patients is crucial. Method: We searched all relevant literature published up to February 28, 2020, from Embase, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library to collect the studies that reported clinical and laboratory characteristics of COVID-19 infected patients. The study quality was assessed with the Critical Appraisal Checklist. Depending on the heterogeneity test, we used either random or fixed-effect models to analyze the appropriateness of the pooled results. Result: Twenty studies were included in the meta-analysis, including a total of 52,251 patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. 69.5% (95% CI 54.5-81, p < 0.001) of patients had a history of recent travel to Wuhan, contact with people from Wuhan, or lived in Wuhan. The most common symptoms among COVID-19 infected patients were fever 85.6 % (95% CI 73 -93, p < 0.001), and cough 63 % (95% CI 55.5-70, p < 0.001), respectively. The laboratory analysis showed that thrombocytosis was present in 91% (95% CI 81-98, p < 0.001) CRP was elevated in 81% (95% CI 65-91, p < 0.001), and lymphopenia in 62.5% of cases (95% CI 42-79, p < 0.001). The most common radiographic signs were bilateral involvement in 76.8% (95% CI 62.5-87, p < 0.001) and consolidation in 75.5% (95% CI 50.5-91, p < 0.001) of patients. Most patients (85.4%) were hospitalized, 20.6% of patients were admitted to the ICU in critical condition, and the mortality rate was 5.6%. Conclusions: Fever and cough are the most common symptoms of COVID-19 infection in the literature published to date. Thombocytosis, lymphopenia, and increased CRP were common lab findings although most patients included in the overall analysis did not have laboratory values reported. The most common radiographic sign was bilateral involvement in and consolidation. Among Chinese patients with COVID-19, rates of hospitalization, critical condition, and hospitalization were high in this study, but these findings may be biased by reporting only confirmed cases.

A non-negligible fraction of quasars are red at optical wavelengths, indicating (in the vast majority of cases) that the accretion disc is obscured by a column of dust which extinguishes the shorter-wavelength blue emission. In this paper we summarise recent work by our group, where we find fundamental differences in the radio properties of SDSS optically selected red quasars. We also present new analyses, using a consistent colour-selected quasar parent sample matched to four radio surveys (FIRST, VLA Stripe 82, VLA COSMOS 3 GHz and LoTSS DR1) across a frequency range 150 MHz-3 GHz and four orders of magnitude in radio flux. We show this enhancement is driven by systems with small-scale radio emission (∼kpc) and peaks around the radio-quiet threshold (defined as the ratio of 1.4 GHz luminosity to 6μm luminosity) across the four radio samples. Exploring the potential mechanisms behind this enhancement, we rule out star-formation and propose either small-scale jets or dusty winds interacting with the interstellar medium; this will be tested in detail using new multi-band uGMRT data. Overall our results cannot be explained with a simple viewing angle hypothesis, and so may point towards red quasars representing a key phase in the evolution of galaxies.