Pool Size Research Articles

Adverse Childhood Experiences are associated with Mental Health Problems later in life: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction: Evidence suggested a link between early adversity and mental health problems. However, it is unclear how much adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to mental health problems because researchers have produced inconsistent findings. Therefore, the objective of this umbrella review was to combine the contradictory data regarding the effect of ACEs on the development of mental health problems later in life in the global context. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, and Google Scholar which reported the effect of ACEs on the development of mental health problems were searched. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was applied to find the pooled estimates. The subgroup analysis, heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis were also assessed. Results: Forty-three SRM with 14707614 study participants were included. The pooled effect of ACEs on the development of mental health problems later in life in the global context is found to be (AOR=1.66 (1.46, 1.87)). Subgroup analysis based on country revealed (AOR=1.67(1.23, 2.11)) in UK, (AOR=0.61(0.41, 0.81)) in Canada, (AOR=1.55(1.40, 1.69)) in Brazil, (AOR=5.65(4.12, 7.18)) in Ethiopia, (AOR=1.92(1.45, 2.38)) in USA, (AOR=2.30(1.89, 2.72)) in Australia and (AOR=1.66(1.46, 1.87)) in irland. While subgroup analysis based on types of adverse childhood adverse experience: domestic violence ((AOR=4.13(1.96, 6.30)), maltreatment (AOR=1.5(0.79, 2.21)), physical abuse(AOR=1.56(1.43,1.63), sexual abuse (AOR=2.07(1.63, 2.51)), child abuse (AOR=5.66(4.12,7.18)), parental mental health problem (AOR=1.73(1.39,2.08)), bullying (AOR=1.99(1.69, 2.29), neglect(AOR=2.11(1.53,2.69)), and parental divorce (AOR=1.66(1.46,1.87)). Based on the type of mental health problem the pooled effect size is 1.87(1.45, 2.30) for depression and 1.67(1.22, 2.13) for anxiety. Conclusion: This umbrella review revealed that adverse childhood experience is significantly associated (with 66% increased risk) with anxiety and depression later in life in a global context. This association is most noticeable when one is subjected to domestic violence, maltreatment, physical abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse, parental mental health problems, bullying, neglect, and parental divorce. Childhood periods are a critical window of opportunity for reducing the risk of developing mental illness in the future and for implementing intervention measures. Preventing childhood maltreatment and addressing psychiatric risk factors can prevent psychopathology. Longitudinal studies are needed to optimize healthcare responses to ACEs. Increased awareness and public health interventions are needed to prevent childhood adversity and prevent mental problems among these victims. To optimize healthcare responses to unfavorable outcomes of childhood adversities, longitudinal and intervention research findings, more public health initiatives, and awareness are required.

Prior Musculoskeletal Injury and Components of Physical Fitness in Military Personnel: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysis.

Military personnel confront heightened risks of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) because of the demanding nature of their duties, contributing to restricted active duty and financial burdens. Although preventable factors like training and physical fitness influence some injuries, understanding the enduring effects of previous MSIs on physical fitness in military personnel remains a critical gap. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze this impact. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted, focusing on military personnel with and without a history of MSIs. Physical fitness components were assessed via observational studies, with isokinetic peak torque values as primary metrics. Quality assessments utilized the NIH Quality Assessment Tool and GRADE framework. Out of 36 papers, 6 met inclusion criteria, with 4 included in the meta-analysis. Across 1,267 participants, individuals with prior MSIs exhibited a significant reduction in the pooled effect size for isokinetic peak muscle force, with d+ = -0.25 (95% CI: -0.36 to -0.13), notably affecting knee and shoulder regions. These findings underscore the pervasive impact of MSIs on military personnel's physical performance, necessitating targeted interventions. Military personnel with prior MSIs exhibit enduring deficits in isokinetic peak muscle force, particularly in knee and shoulder regions. However, evidence on the impact of previous injuries on other physical fitness components remains limited. Further research is crucial to understanding the multifaceted impact of MSIs on diverse aspects of physical performance, informing comprehensive injury prevention strategies and optimizing performance outcomes among military personnel.

Physics-guided spatiotemporal approach for melt pool size prediction in laser powder bed fusion

ABSTRACT This study first proposes a physics-guided spatiotemporal graph. The melt pool temporal feature nodes and spatial feature nodes are extracted from melt pool images based on spatiotemporal correlations. These feature points are treated as graph nodes, and the edge weights in the graph are calculated based on an analytical heat transfer model. It supplements the physical information of accumulated heat. Based on this, the graph convolutional network (GCN) is used to extract spatiotemporal information of heat transfer, and the long short-term memory (LSTM) is used to capture the evolution patterns of the melt pool. Thus, a melt pool spatiotemporal feature extraction model is constructed for melt pool size prediction. The model achieves prediction errors within 12% for the melt pool area and 8.5% for the melt pool perimeter. Subsequently, interpretability analysis indicates that the physics-guided approach enhances the model's learning ability for the cumulative contribution of heat from neighboring tracks.

Abstract 4129182: Transendocardial Stem Cell Therapy Improves Cardiac Parameters in Chronic Ischemic Heart Failure: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Introduction: Despite recent advances in therapy, chronic ischemic heart failure remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Stem cell (SC) therapy has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic approach, yet its efficacy remains debatable. We aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the current evidence to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the following databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane, from inspection to April 2024. We identified RCTs with a blinded study design, done on patients diagnosed with chronic ischemic HFrEF, and utilized mesenchymal stem cells as an intervention in comparison to placebo/sham intervention using percutaneous endomyocardial catheter systems. Meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan v5.4 to calculate the odds ratio (OR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI) and a p-value of 0.05. I 2 was indicated for the assessment of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was done in case of heterogeneity between studies. Results: A total of twenty studies were included in our meta-analysis. The overall change in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) and stress SPECT significantly favored the stem cell group (pooled effect size -7.59, 95% CI [-12.28 to -2.89], P=0.002), and (pooled effect size -5.33, 95% CI [-6.73 to -3.93], P=0.00001), respectively. Initially, the change in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) did not favor either group. However, sensitivity analysis which excluded one study at a time, reduced heterogeneity (P=0.01, I 2 =54%) and showed a significant effect favoring the stem cell group (pooled effect size -3.87, 95% CI [-6.77 to -0.97], P=0.009). However, the overall changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) did not favor either of the two groups (pooled effect size 0.08, 95% CI [-0.1 to 0.26], P=0.39). Similarly, the overall change in myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) did not favor either group (pooled effect size 0.66, 95% CI [-0.1 to 1.32], P=0.05). Conclusion: Transendocardial SC therapy demonstrates promising results by significantly improving specific cardiac parameters. While the therapy shows potential, particularly after sensitivity adjustments, its impact on other critical measures like LVEF and MVO2 remains inconclusive. These findings highlight the need for further investigation to fully understand and enhance the therapeutic potential of stem cell interventions in heart failure management.

Abstract 4140154: Highly Sensitized Heart Transplant Recipients Who Have Undergone Pre-Transplant Desensitization Therapies Demonstrate Acceptable Medium-Term Outcomes

Introduction/Research Question: Allosensitization, the presence of circulating anti-HLA antibodies, is a barrier in heart transplantation (HT), restricting the donor pool size, and leading to increased waitlist mortality and rejection risk post-HT. Desensitization therapies can be used to broaden the donor pool in highly sensitized patients, defined as pre-HT calculated panel reactive antibodies (cPRA)≥50%, for antibodies with mean fluorescence intensity (MFI)>10,000. There is paucity of data on longer-term outcomes in such high-immunological risk patients. Methods: Sensitized patients with pre-HT cPRA>50%, who were treated with desensitization and then received HT between 2011-2022 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center were included. Desensitization therapies included bortezomib, rituximab, tocilizumab, obinutuzumab, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and plasmapheresis. cPRA, donor-specific antibody (DSA) levels, and post-HT clinical outcomes were assessed up to 5-year follow-up, loss to follow-up, or death. Results: 40 patients were analyzed. 77.5% of patients were female, and all had at least 1 risk factor for sensitization. cPRA decreased from 84.5±13.5% at baseline to 74.1±22.4% after completion of desensitization therapy, prior to transplant (p=0.005). Mean follow-up time post-HT was 4.3±2.9 years. 45.0% of patients had antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), 12.5% had CAV. Overall survival was 94.9%, 92.1%, and 87.5% at 1, 3, and 5 years respectively. All patients except 1 had normal left ventricular function at last follow-up. 72.5% of patients were transplanted in the presence of DSA, and 60.0% underwent post-HT induction with eculizumab in addition to antithymocyte globulin (ATG)/IVIG, while the remaining received ATG/IVIG alone. Among HT recipients with pre-formed DSA, 41.4% had high-level DSA (MFI > 10,000) at time of HT. At 6-12 months post-HT, only 17.2% had high-level DSA, and 41.4% had resolution of DSA. Conclusion: Highly sensitized HT candidates who underwent pre-HT desensitization had comparable survival and CAV rates as compared to the general HT population reported in the literature. However, sensitized patients experienced higher rates of AMR which were not associated with graft dysfunction or mortality.

Defect recognition in Ti-6Al-4V fabrication by in situ monitoring of directed energy deposition using a laser beam

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energydeposited Ti-6Al-4V. Design/methodology/approach In situ monitoring was conducted to extract and quantify the monitoring characteristics of each frame. A two-dimensional contour map was generated using the quantified characteristics to determine the defect formation locations. Computational thermal-fluid dynamics software was used to determine which surface tension terms or shielding gas had a significant effect on the depression of the molten pool. Findings This study has made a significant contribution by revealing the direct correlation between the molten pool size and brightness with defect formation in laser-based DED of Ti-6Al-4V. It was found that in regions of reduced height, the molten pool exhibited increased size and brightness, leading to surface depressions due to vapor recoil pressure flattening the molten pool. Moreover, the results highlighted that the enhanced Marangoni forces, caused by a high-temperature gradient, hindered the proper accumulation of molten metal, exacerbating height reductions. This insight provides a deeper understanding of how molten pool dynamics directly influence surface quality, which is a critical factor in DED processes. Originality/value This study contributes to understanding of the relationship between in situ monitoring characteristics and surface defects in laser-based directed energy-deposited Ti-6Al-4V. Additionally, by using in situ monitoring and computational analysis, significant insights were gained into the factors influencing molten pool behavior and subsequent surface defects.

Motor outcomes in individuals born small for gestational age at term: a systematic review.

Being born small for gestational age (SGA) is a risk factor for motor difficulties. Previous reviews exploring this topic are mostly focused on children born preterm. We aimed to review the literature to determine the association between being born SGA at term and motor outcomes. PubMed and Embase were searched for relevant articles without any restrictions on publication year or participants' age. Inclusion criteria were SGA exposure at term (≥ 37 weeks of gestation), cohort studies or randomized controlled trials with motor outcome assessed by standardized motor tests with results reported as continuous scores (mean/median) compared with a control group. Exclusion criteria were abstracts, editorials and commentaries, articles in non-English language or no full text available. Reviews were screened for relevant articles. Quality of included studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. In total, 674 records were identified by the literature search and screened by two independent authors. Thirteen original articles were eligible and included in a qualitative synthesis, and five (38%) of these were included in a meta-analysis. Nine (69%) studies were from high-income countries. Most studies were carried out in early childhood, and only one study in adulthood. Seven (54%) articles reported that individuals born SGA at term had poorer scores on standardized motor tests compared with controls, while no differences were reported in five (38%) articles. One article did not report p-values, although the differences were comparable to the other studies. Group differences were of small to moderate effect size (0.19 to 0.65 standard deviation units). The pooled effect size was -0.43 (95% confidence interval: -0.60 to -0.25). Adjustment for covariates were reported in seven (54%) articles and did not change the results. Proportions of motor difficulties, reported in five (38%) articles, ranged from 8.9 to 50% in individuals born SGA from infancy to adolescence. This systematic review shows that being born SGA, also at term, may be a risk factor for poorer motor outcomes throughout childhood, confirmed by a meta-analysis in early childhood. Further research is needed to establish the risk of adult motor difficulties in individuals born SGA at term.

TMET-16. GABA PRODUCTION INDUCED BY IMIPRIDONES IS A TARGETABLE AND IMAGEABLE METABOLIC ALTERATION IN DIFFUSE MIDLINE GLIOMAS

Abstract Diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs) are lethal brain tumors in children. The imipridones ONC201 and ONC206 have emerged as promising therapies for DMG patients, but efficacy as monotherapy is limited. Another hurdle is the lack of biomarkers that report on drug-target engagement at an early timepoint after treatment. Here, using 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), which is a non-invasive method of quantifying metabolite pool sizes, we show that imipridones induce accumulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in patient-derived (BT245, SF8628) and syngeneic (26-B7, 26-C2) cells. Importantly, in vivo1H-MRS detects a significant increase in GABA within a week of ONC206 treatment, when anatomical alterations are absent, in mice bearing orthotopic BT245, SF8628 or 26-B7 xenografts. Mechanistic studies show that imipridones activate the mitochondrial protease ClpP and upregulate the stress-responsive transcription factor ATF4. ATF4, in turn, upregulates glutamate decarboxylase, the enzyme that synthesizes GABA, and downregulates GABA transaminase, which degrades GABA, leading to GABA accumulation in DMG cells and orthotopic tumors. Since GABA is known to regulate oxidative stress signaling and since imipridones induce oxidative stress, we assessed whether GABA influences oxidative stress in DMG cells. Our studies indicate that GABA induces expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD1), which scavenges superoxide radicals and, thereby, curbs apoptosis induced by imipridones. The biological effects of GABA are mediated via signaling cascades triggered by GABA receptors and we find that GABA acts in an autocrine manner via the GABAB receptor to upregulate SOD1. Importantly, the clinically translatable GABAB receptor antagonist SGS742 and the SOD1 inhibitor ATN-224 exacerbate oxidative stress and synergistically induce apoptosis in combination with imipridones in DMG cells. Furthermore, SGS742 is brain-penetrant and potentiates ONC206-induced apoptosis in mice bearing orthotopic SF8628 xenografts in vivo. Collectively, we identify GABA as a unique metabolic adaptation to imipridones that can be leveraged for imaging drug-target engagement and for enhancing response to therapy. Clinical translation of our studies will enable precision therapy and imaging for DMG patients.

Nutrients, isolation and lack of grazing limit plant diversity in restored wetlands

Abstract Agricultural intensification has led to the loss of most natural wetlands from human‐dominated landscapes but, in recent decades, wetland restoration has gained traction worldwide. Restoration of suitable habitat conditions is hampered by nutrient residues from decades of high‐input farming, by continued input of nutrients from surrounding farmland and by incomplete restoration of natural hydrology. We assessed the effect of wetland restoration and disturbance (grazing) on vascular plant and bryophyte diversity in restored wetlands in Denmark at plot and landscape scales. Compared to near‐natural wetlands, we found a lower species richness and community uniqueness in restored wetlands, but we also found that grazing had a positive effect on vascular plant richness in restored wetlands. The size of the local species pool, presence of near‐natural habitat prior to restoration and near‐natural restored hydrology all had positive effects on plant diversity, whereas high soil iron and nitrogen had negative effects. Synthesis and applications: Restoration of plant diversity in wetlands is challenging, but our results point to potential remedies: plan restoration areas near colonisation sources of the target biota, restore hydrology to near‐natural conditions, discontinue nutrient loads from surrounding arable land and restore near‐natural grazing regimes. Bryophytes may be particularly useful as indicators for successful restoration of wetlands.

Patterns and Driving Mechanisms of Soil Organic Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus, and Their Stoichiometry in Limestone Mines of Anhui Province, China

Active vegetation restoration plays an important role in the improvement in soil organic matter (SOM), including the carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) sequestration of degraded mining ecosystems. However, there is still a lack of understanding of the key drivers of SOM pool size and dynamics in active vegetation restoration. For this study, soil was collected from five different sites (Xiaoxian, Dingyuan, Chaohu, Tongling and Dongzhi), four habitats (platforms, slopes, steps and native areas) and two soil layers (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm) in limestone mines of Anhui province to quantify the spatial distribution of SOM contents and their stoichiometric characteristics and influential factors. It was found that the top soil in Chaohu had the highest significant C, N and P contents in the ranges of 14.95–17.97, 1.74–2.21 and 0.80–1.24 g/kg, respectively. Comparing the stoichiometric ratios of the different sites revealed significant differences in C:N and N:P ratios, but C:P ratios were relatively consistent. In particular, the C:N and C:P ratios in deep soil were higher than those in top soil, whereas the N:P ratio in deep soil was lower than that in top soil, suggesting that soil N is a major limiting factor in the top soil. The SOM content did not differ significantly between the three reclaimed habitats, but was significantly higher than that in the native habitat, suggesting that mine restoration has significantly enhanced SOM accumulation. Further analysis showed that nutrient availability and enzyme activity are important factors affecting soil C, N and P content in top soil, while the relationship gradually weakens in deep soil. This was attributed to active anthropogenic management and conservation measures during the early stages of reclamation. This study shows that the ecological recovery of the mining area can be enhanced by implementing differentiated vegetation planting strategies and anthropogenic management on different habitats in the mining area.

Molecular basis of neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Polr3-related disease

Pathogenic variants in subunits of RNA polymerase (Pol) III cause a spectrum of Polr3-related neurodegenerative diseases including 4H leukodystrophy. Disease onset occurs from infancy to early adulthood and is associated with a variable range and severity of neurological and non-neurological features. The molecular basis of Polr3-related disease pathogenesis is unknown. We developed a postnatal whole-body mouse model expressing pathogenic Polr3a mutations to examine the molecular mechanisms by which reduced Pol III transcription results primarily in central nervous system phenotypes. Polr3a mutant mice exhibit behavioral deficits, cerebral pathology and exocrine pancreatic atrophy. Transcriptome and immunohistochemistry analyses of cerebra during disease progression show a reduction in most Pol III transcripts, induction of innate immune and integrated stress responses and cell-type-specific gene expression changes reflecting neuron and oligodendrocyte loss and microglial activation. Earlier in the disease when integrated stress and innate immune responses are minimally induced, mature tRNA sequencing revealed a global reduction in tRNA levels and an altered tRNA profile but no changes in other Pol III transcripts. Thus, changes in the size and/or composition of the tRNA pool have a causal role in disease initiation. Our findings reveal different tissue- and brain region-specific sensitivities to a defect in Pol III transcription.

Molecular basis of neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Polr3-related disease.

Pathogenic variants in subunits of RNA polymerase (Pol) III cause a spectrum of Polr3-related neurodegenerative diseases including 4H leukodystrophy. Disease onset occurs from infancy to early adulthood and is associated with a variable range and severity of neurological and non-neurological features. The molecular basis of Polr3-related disease pathogenesis is unknown. We developed a postnatal whole-body mouse model expressing pathogenic Polr3a mutations to examine the molecular mechanisms by which reduced Pol III transcription results primarily in central nervous system phenotypes. Polr3a mutant mice exhibit behavioral deficits, cerebral pathology and exocrine pancreatic atrophy. Transcriptome and immunohistochemistry analyses of cerebra during disease progression show a reduction in most Pol III transcripts, induction of innate immune and integrated stress responses and cell-type-specific gene expression changes reflecting neuron and oligodendrocyte loss and microglial activation. Earlier in the disease when integrated stress and innate immune responses are minimally induced, mature tRNA sequencing revealed a global reduction in tRNA levels and an altered tRNA profile but no changes in other Pol III transcripts. Thus, changes in the size and/or composition of the tRNA pool have a causal role in disease initiation. Our findings reveal different tissue- and brain region-specific sensitivities to a defect in Pol III transcription.

Effectiveness of non-invasive brain stimulation on depressive symptoms targeting prefrontal cortex in functional magnetic resonance imaging studies: a combined systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a critical non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) target for treating depression. However, the alterations of brain activations post-intervention remain inconsistent and the clinical moderators that could improve symptomatic effectiveness are unclear. The study aim was to systematically review the effectiveness of NIBS on depressive symptoms targeting PFC in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies. In our study, we delivered a combined activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta-analysis and meta-regression. Until November 2020, three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE) were searched and fourteen studies with a total sample size of 584 were included in the ALE meta-analysis; after NIBS, four clusters in left cerebrum revealed significant activation while two clusters in right cerebrum revealed significant deactivation (P < 0.001, cluster size > 150 mm3). Eleven studies were statistically reanalyzed for depressive symptoms pre-post active-NIBS and the pooled effect size was very large (d = 1.82, 95%CI [1.23, 2.40]); significant moderators causing substantial heterogeneity (Chi2 = 75.25, P < 0.01; I2 = 87%) were detected through subgroup analysis and univariate meta-regression. Multivariate meta-regression was then conducted accordingly and the model suggested good fitness (Q = 42.32, P < 0.01). In all, NIBS targeting PFC balanced three core depressive-related neurocognitive networks (the salience network, the default mode network and the central executive network); striatum played a central role and might serve as a candidate treatment biomarker; gender difference, treatment-resistant condition, comorbidity, treatment duration and localization all contributed to moderating depressive symptoms during NIBS. More high-quality, multi-center randomized controlled trails delivering personalized NIBS are urged for clinical practice in the future.

Pooling sputum samples for the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra assay: a sensitive and effective screening strategy

The sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) pooled testing is limited for diagnosing patients with paucibacillary tuberculosis (TB). We assessed whether pooled testing with Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Ultra) can be a sensitive and effective approach for mass TB screening. Conserved, frozen sputum samples, previously confirmed as positive or negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis by individual Xpert assays, were mixed in pools of 4, 8, and 16 and then tested using Ultra. Each pool contained a single positive sample with varying mycobacterial loads. We then simulated TB screening at prevalence ranges of 0.2-1.0% and calculated the cartridges required per case detected at different pool sizes. The overall sensitivity of Ultra pooled testing was high (88.9%, 75.9-96.3). Sensitivity was greater in pools in which the positive sample had a high mycobacterial load compared to those with scant bacilli. As prevalence increased, the optimal pool size and benefits of pooled testing declined, but a pool size of 8 resulted in at least 80% cartridge savings with the highest simulated prevalence. Sputum pooling using Ultra could be a sensitive and effective strategy for TB screening. However, broad TB screening in communities with limited resources will require new, lower-cost, high-throughput screening tools, perhaps based on non-sputum specimens.

Land-use determines the distribution of large branchiopods in climatically homogeneous northern Pannonia

Large branchiopods are key biota of temporary pools in Central European lowlands. Due to land use changes, they are among the most threatened aquatic invertebrates in Europe. The lack of information on the main drivers of species distribution hinders effective protection and conservation prioritisation. We selected eight branchiopod species with representative data on their occurrence in the northern Pannonia to identify the most important drivers of their distribution and to predict their distribution in unexplored temporary pools across the Pannonian region of southern Slovakia, south-eastern Czech Republic, and eastern Austria. Data on pool size and isolation, soil characteristics, land use and climate were used to generate species distribution models using five modelling techniques and ensemble predictions. The distribution of species was mainly affected by the proportion of arable land within the pool (e.g. Triops cancriformis, Leptestheria dahalacensis), land use (e.g. Eubranchipus grubii, Lepidurus apus) and distance from the river (e.g. Branchinecta ferox and Chirocephalus carnuntanus). Wetland size and habitat isolation were also important for some species, mainly for Branchipus schaefferi and Imnadia yeyetta, respectively. As we focused on a climatically homogeneous area, climatic conditions only had the most important effect on the distribution of species that have their distribution limit in northern Pannonia (B. ferox, C. carnuntanus, I. yeyetta). Overall, the diversity of large branchiopods increased with pool size, while decreased with distance to a river and habitat isolation. As some distribution patterns emerged repeatedly in the models, the effective protection can be simplified to consider species that require contrasting conditions. Particular attention should be paid to ephemeral wetlands on arable land, crucial habitats for large branchiopods, yet lacking any protection. Our results can contribute to better conservation of large branchiopods by facilitating surveys of species in understudied areas and improving the knowledge on the species environmental niches.

Meta-analysis on QEEG Changes to Antidepressant Treatment Among Patients with Depression

Introduction: Diagnostic and treatment accuracy of depression can lead to a better and possibly earlier response and remission in patients. The literature, though scanty, seems to suggest that quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) can predict the outcome of antidepressant effects. Methodology: Articles published between January 1990 and July 2019, including those dealing with QEEG recordings before and after the initiation of antidepressant medication, were included. The pooled effect size and subgroup analysis of waveforms were calculated to predict response to antidepressants. Result: In all, 572 results were retrieved from the searches, of which 20 studies were included. Pooled data using a random-effects model (REM) calculated an effect size of 0.80 (95% CI [0.64–0.97]). Heterogeneity of the sample was low with Tau² = 0.02; df = 18 ( P = .30); I² = 12%. Moreover, subgroup analysis showed that theta band frequencies were better at predicting response than alpha band frequencies (the standard mean difference [SMD] for theta was 0.91 compared to 0.68 for alpha waves). Conclusions: QEEG is a valuable predictor of the antidepressant response. Among the EEG frequencies, the theta band showed the most significant change with treatment.

An Integrated Approach to Elucidate the Interplay between Iron Uptake Dynamics and Magnetosome Formation at the Single-Cell Level in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense.

Iron is a crucial element integral to various fundamental biological molecular mechanisms, including magnetosome biogenesis in magnetotactic bacteria (MTB). Magnetosomes are formed through the internalization and biomineralization of iron into magnetite crystals. However, the interconnected mechanisms by which MTB uptake and regulate intracellular iron for magnetosome biomineralization remain poorly understood, particularly at the single-cell level. To gain insights we employed a holistic multiscale approach, i.e., from elemental iron species to bacterial populations, to elucidate the interplay between iron uptake dynamics and magnetosome formation in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense MSR-1 under near-native conditions. We combined a correlative microscopy approach integrating light and X-ray tomography with analytical techniques, such as flow cytometry and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, to evaluate the effects of iron and oxygen availability on cellular growth, magnetosome biogenesis, and intracellular iron pool in MSR-1. Our results revealed that increased iron availability under microaerobic conditions significantly promoted the formation of longer magnetosome chains and increased intracellular iron uptake, with a saturation point at 300 μM iron citrate. Beyond this threshold, additional iron did not further extend the magnetosome chain length or increase total intracellular iron levels. Moreover, our work reveals (i) a direct correlation between the labile Fe2+ pool size and magnetosome content, with higher intracellular iron concentrations correlating with increased magnetosome production, and (ii) the existence of an intracellular iron pool, distinct from magnetite, persisting during all stages of biomineralization. This study offers insights into iron dynamics in magnetosome biomineralization at a single-cell level, potentially enhancing the industrial biomanufacturing of magnetosomes.

Was Palaeolake Messel a death-trap? Insight from modern bat drownings and decay experiments

AbstractThe Messel Pit is an ancient maar lake that preserves an ecosystem from the last greenhouse phase of Earth’s climate with exceptional fidelity. There are two main competing hypotheses to explain the occurrence of animal fossils at Messel: asphyxiation in layers of heavy, toxic gases like carbon dioxide, and death following ingestion of surface water contaminated by cyanobacterial toxins. Both hypotheses imply mortality much higher than the null hypothesis of accidental death, for instance by drowning. We tested these hypotheses amongst bats by recourse to a unique survey on bats that drowned in modern swimming pools. We further conducted experiments on the fate of fresh bat carcasses that simulate drowning. Finally, we estimated the annual rate of bat fossil production at Messel. Overall, there are few good surveyed predictors of whether bats drown in swimming pools: most physical parameters like pool size or the height and distance of obstructions were not associated with mortality, although pool liner type would be a good candidate parameter for future study. In our experiments, carcasses with water-filled lungs tend to sink more quickly than those with air-filled lungs; all carcasses that initially sink “bloat and float” at shallow depths, but all floaters eventually disarticulate and sink within days to weeks. Our estimates of annual bat mortality at Palaeolake Messel are of the same order of magnitude as mortality in swimming pools. Mass mortality horizons for vertebrates are very rare at Messel. In sum, our quantitative analyses provide no evidence that bat mortality at Messel rises above background levels.

UniBin: Assembly semantic-enhanced binary vulnerability detection without disassembly

The widespread reuse of open-source code amplifies the impact of vulnerabilities. Current vulnerability detection methods predominantly rely on binary code similarity comparisons, which involve disassembling to obtain assembly code or control flow graphs. These methods depend on specific disassembly tools and complex preprocessing, limiting their applicability and detection speed. This paper proposes UniBin, a vulnerability detection method based on the multi-layer Transformer encoder. By employing bidirectional LM, unidirectional LM, and sequence-to-sequence LM tasks on both binary and assembly code during the pre-training phase, UniBin learns richer semantic information from binary machine code, enabling efficient similarity comparison without disassembly and mitigating the limitations of disassembly. We cross-compile 55 widely used open-source C projects as datasets. After 52 hours of pre-training and 8 hours of fine-tuning, UniBin reaches an average accuracy of 98.3% in similarity detection across compilation conditions, outperforming the state-of-the-art method. For search tasks across optimization options with a pool size of 1000, the Recall@1 metric improves by 28.2% (from 67.9% to 87.1%). UniBin eliminates dependency on specific disassembly tools and improves end-to-end binary analysis speed by over 36%. In real-world vulnerability detection tasks, UniBin detects all vulnerability functions with the lowest false positive rate of 0.16%.

Saturation transfer (CEST and MT) MRI for characterization of U-87 MG glioma in the rat.

The focus of this work was to identify the optimal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast between orthotopic U-87 MG tumours and normal appearing brain with the eventual goal of treatment response monitoring. U-87 MG human glioblastoma cells were injected into the brain of RNU nude rats (n= 9). The rats were imaged at 7T at three timepoints for all animals: 3-5, 7-9, and 11-13 days after implantation. Whole-brain T1-weighted (before and after gadolinium contrast agent injection), diffusion, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery scans were performed. In addition, single-slice saturation-transfer-weighted chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST), magnetization transfer (MT), and water saturation shift referencing (WASSR) contrast Z-spectra and T1 and T2 maps were also acquired. The MT and WASSR Z-spectra and T1 map were fitted to a two-pool quantitative MT model to estimate the T2 of the free and macromolecular-bound water molecules, the relative macromolecular pool size (M0, MT), and the magnetization exchange rate from the macromolecular pool to the free pool (RMT). The T1-corrected apparent exchange-dependent relaxation (AREX) metric to isolate the CEST contributions was also calculated. The lesion on M0, MT and AREX maps with a B1 of 2μT best matched the hyperintensity on the post-contrast T1-weighted image. There was also good separation in Z-spectra between the lesion and contralateral cortex in the 2-μT CEST and 3- and 5-μT MT Z-spectra at all time points. A pairwise Wilcoxon signed-rank tests with Holm-Bonferroni adjustment on MRI parameters was performed and the differences between enhancing lesion and contralateral cortex for the MT ratio with 2μT saturation at 3.6ppm frequency offset (corresponding to the amide chemical group) and M0, MT were both strongly significant (p< 0.001) at all time points. This work has identified that differences between enhancing lesion and contralateral cortex are strongest in MTR with B1=2μT at 3.6ppm and relative macromolecular pool size (M0, MT) images over entire period of 3-13 days after cancer cell implantation.