Scientific Community Research Articles

Dynamic Jahn-Teller effect in the strong spin-orbit coupling regime

Exotic quantum phases, arising from a complex interplay of charge, spin, lattice and orbital degrees of freedom, are of immense interest to a wide research community. A well-known example of such an entangled behavior is the Jahn-Teller effect, where the lifting of orbital degeneracy proceeds through lattice distortions. Here we demonstrate that a highly-symmetrical 5d1 double perovskite Ba2MgReO6, comprising a 3D array of isolated ReO6 octahedra, represents a rare example of a dynamic Jahn-Teller system in the strong spin-orbit coupling regime. Thermodynamic and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering experiments, supported by quantum chemistry calculations, undoubtedly show that the Jahn-Teller instability leads to a ground-state doublet, resolving a long-standing puzzle in this family of compounds. The dynamic state of ReO6 octahedra persists down to the lowest temperatures, where a multipolar order sets in, allowing for investigations of the interplay between a dynamic JT effect and strongly correlated electron behavior.

Growth-phase-dependent control of rRNA synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the most well-studied model organisms used in the scientific community. Its ease of manipulation, accessible growth conditions, short life cycle, and conserved eukaryotic metabolic pathways make it a useful model organism. Consequently, yeast has been used to investigate a myriad of phenomena, from microbial to human studies. Most of the research performed using this model organism utilizes yeast cell populations when they are growing exponentially, a growth phase aptly termed exponential or log phase. However, log phase encompasses several yeast generations and ranges several hours of yeast growth, meaning that there is a potential for variability during this "homogenous" growth phase. Cells in log phase require robust ribosome biogenesis to support their rapid growth and cell division. Interestingly, during log phase, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis (which is the first and rate limiting step in ribosome biosynthesis) has been shown to decrease prior to growth rate decline in stationary phase. In this study, we utilized several genomic and biochemical methods to elucidate the relationship between subphases of log phase and rRNA synthesis. Our results indicate that as yeast cells progress through subphases of log growth, both polymerase I transcription and rRNA processing are repressed. Overall, this study establishes a growth-phase-dependent control of rRNA synthesis that unexpectedly begins prior to the switch to stationary phase (i.e., pre-diauxic shift) as a putative mechanism of anticipating nutrient starvation.IMPORTANCESaccharomyces cerevisiae is a ubiquitously used model organism in a wide range of scientific research fields. The conventional practice when performing yeast studies is to investigate its properties during logarithmic growth phase. This growth phase is defined as the period during which the cell population doubles at regular intervals, and nutrients are not limiting. However, this growth phase lasts hours and encompasses several yeast cell generations which consequently introduce heterogeneity to log growth phase depending on their time of harvest. This study reveals significant changes in the transcriptomic landscape even in early stages of exponential growth. The overall significance of this work is the revelation that even the seemingly homogenous log growth phase is far more diverse than was previously believed.

A conceptual framework proposal for the implementation of Prognostic and Health Management in production systems

AbstractPrognostic and Health Management (PHM) is an emerging maintenance concept that is highly regarded by the scientific community and practitioners, as its adoption can bring economic, technical and environmental benefits to a company. PHM fully reflects the smart maintenance paradigm encompassing data collection, data manipulation, state detection, health assessment, prognostic assessment and advisory generation. Despite the undeniable benefits, there is still a large gap between the scientific and the real world. Several authors have investigated on the barriers to PHM implementation for companies, highlighting among them the lack of systematic approaches to its design and implementation. As a first contribution to this topic, the authors conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to investigate the use of Decision Support Systems (DSSs) to support the PHM implementation. The SLR highlighted that few DSS had been developed and were limited to critical unit identification, maintenance strategy selection and data acquisition phase of PHM. Therefore, a conceptual framework for PHM implementation was provided as a second contribution. This framework summarises the decisions that should be addressed by a practitioner wishing to implement PHM services; moreover, it could lay the foundations for the development/improvement of the missing/existing DSSs for PHM implementation.

The Trailer of the ACM 2030 Roadmap for Software Engineering

The landscape of software engineering has dramatically changed. The recent advances in AI, the new opportunities of quantum computing, and the new challenges of sustainability and cyber security upset the software engineering research prospective. The 2030 SE-Roadmap special issue of ACM TOSEM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology gives a 360° view of the research challenges of the 30ties with a thorough editorial, four roadmap papers from the ACM TOSEM editorial board, and over 30 peer-reviewed papers from the research community. This paper previews the main content of the 2030 roadmap special issue with a report from the 2030 Software Engineering Roadmap workshop, co-located with ACM SIGSOFT FSE Foundations of Software engineering on July 15th and 16th, 2024 in Porto de Galinhas, Brazil, that spotlighted the software engineering research horizon to feed ideas into the ACM TOSEM special issue. The paper discusses the new challenges to software engineering that emerged in the SE2030 workshop: AI for software engineering, software engineering by and for humans, sustainable software engineering, automatic programming, cyber security, validation and verification, and quantum software engineering.

Effectiveness of Psychosocial Interventions in Preventing Postpartum Depression Among Teenage Mothers-Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Postpartum depression is a significant public health issue that occurs within the first 12weeks after childbirth. It is more prevalent among teenage mothers compared to adults. However, the findings of the existing interventional studies cannot be readily applied to teenage mothers due to their unique psychosocial concerns. Furthermore, these findings have shown inconsistencies regarding the benefit of psychological and psychosocial interventions in reducing the incidence of postpartum depression. The current review is aimed at investigating the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in preventing postpartum depression, specifically among teenage mothers. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis manuals were utilized to identify and select relevant articles for this review. The articles were retrieved using population, intervention, control, and outcome models. The quality of each article was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 17. The effect size of the intervention was estimated using the standard mean difference in depression scores between the intervention and control groups. Heterogeneity among the studies was assessed using the I2 statistic and Q statistic, while publication bias was evaluated through funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's test. A total of nine eligible articles were included. While psychosocial interventions have been demonstrated to decrease the incidence of postpartum depression compared to usual maternal health care, it is worth noting that the mean difference in depression scores was significant in only three of the included studies. The meta-analysis revealed that psychosocial interventions were effective at preventing postpartum depression, with a pooled effect size of - 0.5 (95% CI: - 0.95, - 0.06) during the final postpartum depression assessment. The heterogeneity was substantial, with an I2 value of 82.3%. Although publication bias was not observed, small studies had a significant effect on the pooled effect size. The findings of this review suggest that psychosocial interventions can effectively prevent PPD, particularly within the first 3months of the postpartum period. This review highlights the scarcity of interventional studies in low-income countries, indicating the need for further research in diverse communities.

Navigating the light and shadow of scientific publishing faced with machine learning and generative AI.

The public release of ChatGPT in November 2022 sparked a boom and public interest in generative artificial intelligence (AI) that has led to journals and journal families hastily releasing generative AI policies, ranging from asking authors for acknowledgement or declaration to the outright banning of use. Here, we briefly discuss the basics of machine learning, generative AI, and how it will affect scientific publishing. We focus especially on potential risks and benefits to the scientific community as a whole and journals specifically. While the concerns of editors, for example about manufactured studies, are valid, some recently implemented or suggested policies will not be sustainable in the long run. The quality of generated text and code is quickly becoming so high that it will not only be impossible to detect the use of generative AI but would also mean taking a powerful tool away from researchers that can make their life easier every day. We discuss the history and current state of AI and highlight its relevance for medical publishing and pain research. We provide guidance on how to act now to increase good scientific practice in the world of ChatGPT and call for a task force focusing on improving publishing pain research with use of generative AI.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes From 2009 to 2023: Protocol for a Systematic Review.

In 2009, Gary and colleagues reviewed prior research examining racial and ethnic differences in outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Over the past 15 years, advances in research and changes in the demographic composition of the United States warrant a comprehensive understanding of racial and ethnic disparities after TBI. A systematic review will be conducted to examine racial and ethnic differences in TBI outcomes from 2009 to 2023. Preliminary searches and study screening processes will identify relevant English-language articles published from January 2009 to December 2023 using the CINAHL, Gale OneFile, PsycINFO (Ovid), and PubMed electronic databases. Relevant articles will include quantitative or mixed method approaches, involve individuals with TBI or their caregivers, and compare 2 or more groups by race or ethnicity on post-TBI outcomes. Quality will be assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This systematic review protocol was developed following PRISMA-P (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols) guidelines. Results will be summarized, and a subgroup analysis may be conducted based on demographics (eg, age, gender, or sex). We have already identified abstracts using the search strategy for all 4 of the included electronic databases. We recently updated the search and will begin abstract screening of the additional abstracts identified from the last search completed in January 2024. This systematic review is anticipated to be completed by fall 2024, and its findings will be disseminated to the scientific community, persons with TBI, caregivers, and the lay audience. This systematic review will advance our understanding regarding outcome disparities among minoritized individuals with TBI, examine progress over the past 15 years in minimizing barriers encountered by these racial and ethnic groups, and provide professionals with a roadmap illustrating existing gaps in rehabilitation care, making way for further development and implementation of evidence-based interventions to improve health equity in TBI outcomes. PROSPERO CRD42023394529; https://tinyurl.com/53mtcz9b. PRR1-10.2196/58763.

7th International Workshop on Software-intensive Business (IWSiB 2024): Software-intensive Business in the Era of Generative Artificial Intelligence

The 7th International Workshop on Software-intensive Business (IWSiB'24), held on April 16, 2024, in Lisbon, Portugal, as part of the 46th International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE 2024), brought together diverse research communities to address the pressing challenges faced by software-producing organizations. These challenges, driven by changing demands, evolving technologies, and dynamic environments, require interdisciplinary collaboration across software engineering and business research. The workshop focused on the theme "Software Business in the Era of Generative Artificial Intelligence," highlighting the transformative impact of GenAI and large language models on software businesses. The event featured a keynote by Jan Bosch and showcased 11 accepted papers on a diverse range of topics. Participants engaged in interactive discussions, group activities, and ideation sessions aimed at identifying future challenges and solutions for software-intensive businesses, fostering ongoing community development and cross-disciplinary synergy.

Ameliorative Effects of Ginger on Allergic Diseases: An Updated Review.

The hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system to harmless environmental substances causes allergic diseases. Today, about 22%-30% of the world's population suffers from allergic diseases. Since the probability of change in the genetic structure during the past decades of lives is very low, genetic disorders cannot be blamed for causing allergic diseases. Thus, factors such as air pollution, climate change, change in diet, increased antibiotics consumption, change in the gut microbiome, migration toward urban areas, and increase in airborne allergens should be considered as the main causes of the spread and increase in allergic diseases. Methods of preventing contact with allergens, drug treatment, and allergen-specific immunotherapy are used to treat allergic diseases. In recent years, the therapeutic efficacy of herbal compounds has been significantly investigated by the scientific community, because these compounds have very few side effects. Ginger is one of the plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The ameliorative effects of this plant on allergic diseases have been identified. Therefore, the aim of this short review is to summarize the knowledge, which is available about the ameliorative properties of the compounds found in the ginger plant that can reduce the clinical symptoms of allergic diseases. The hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system to harmless environmental substances causes allergic diseases. Today, about 22%-30% of the world's population suffers from allergic diseases. Since the probability of change in the genetic structure during the past decades of lives is very low, genetic disorders cannot be blamed for causing allergic diseases. Thus, factors such as air pollution, climate change, change in diet, increase in antibiotic consumption, change in the gut microbiome, migration toward urban areas, and increase in airborne allergens should be considered as the main causes of the spread and increase in allergic diseases. Methods of preventing contact with allergens, drug treatment, and allergen-specific immunotherapy are used to treat allergic diseases. In recent years, the therapeutic efficacy of herbal compounds has been significantly investigated by the scientific community, because these compounds have very few side effects. Ginger is one of the plant compounds that have antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. The ameliorative effects of this plant on allergic diseases have been identified. Therefore, the aim of this short review is to summarize the knowledge, which is available about the ameliorative properties of the compounds found in the ginger plant that can reduce the clinical symptoms of allergic diseases.

Functionalization of activated carbon with melamine binder for adsorption of metallic species from aqueous environments

ABSTRACT In the face of the increasing exposure to heavy metals in the environmental scenario, there arose the need for further research by the scientific community. In this perspective, the present work reports the application of a material made from Typha sp. leaf, activated and functionalised with molecules of 1,3,5-Triazine-2,4,6-triamine (melamine), for the selective adsorption of metal ions Cu(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) in aqueous solutions. Confirmation of material functionalization occurred through infrared vibrational spectroscopy, revealing bands at 3467, 3424, and 1338 cm−1 associated with the stretching vibration of -NH2. These results provide evidence of the possible anchoring of the ligand on the material surface. Elemental nitrogen analysis corroborated the results of infrared spectroscopy and showed 2.21% nitrogen in the functionalised material, while 1.30% in activated carbon. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the modification of the material surface composition after the functionalization reaction. The specific surface area was calculated as 193.876 m2/g. Adsorption studies revealed a rapid kinetics, best described by the pseudo-second-order model. The optimised pH for adsorption was 6.0 (pHPZC = 7.5), aligning with conditions found in natural waters. The maximum adsorption capacity was 0.4388, 0.4025, and 0.2792 mmol g−1 for Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II), respectively, following the Langmuir model. Furthermore, to facilitate practical application, parameters such as mass and flow rate were optimised. The results suggest that the developed material exhibits promising adsorptive properties, emerging as a potential solution for remediating areas contaminated by metallic species.

B-107 Advancing Parasitology Laboratory Quality and Processes Through Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation

Abstract Background This research emphasizes the profound impact of intestinal parasitic infections on developing countries, particularly in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, South and Central America, China, and East Asia. With over 1.5 billion people globally affected and 450 million facing serious illness and a mortality rate of 155,000 cases per year, the socio-economic hindrances posed by these infections necessitate innovative approaches for control and eradication. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into parasitology, exemplified by the “Automated Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasites” (ADIP), from brazilian Portuguese “Diagnóstico Automatizado de Parasitas Intestinais” (DAPI) system, showcases a paradigm shift. This advanced system, combining simple and complex decision-making mechanisms, demonstrates promising results, achieving high agreement compared to TF-Test (three fecal test). Methods Data were extracted through reports from the laboratory information system (LIS) from January-December 2023. TF-test was replaced by ADIP system in October 2023. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel software, with a bibliographic survey in national and international repositories. Results The parasitology laboratory of AFIP implemented artificial intelligence (AI) with ADIP equipment associated with system LIS automation, automating the analysis of approximately 38,000 monthly stool samples. The ADIP classification, image analysis and subsequent algorithm allowed a reduced examination time, since approximately 90% of samples could be released automatically, optimizing the whole process. In addition, after a three-month period using only ADIP, positivity results increased from 7,63% (TF-test) to 9,53%. Our database is periodically reviewed by specialized professionals who validate positive results, ensuring the security of information obtained by artificial intelligence, bringing efficiency, safety, and quality to the laboratory processes. Conclusions Artificial intelligence (AI) in parasite identification and the automated results system promises a bright future. Collaboration between the scientific community and data scientists is crucial to enhance laboratory processes. Through these tools, it is possible to focus on continuous improvements, increased efficiency, and, most importantly, without sacrificing accuracy and result quality. With new technologies associated with the parasitology field, detailed records can be ensured, previously challenging to obtain, showcasing each step from result acquisition to issued report. Process improvement in parasitology brings optimizations, suggesting the potential for team reduction without compromising quality and improving the takt time.

Coastal Storm-Induced Sinkholes: Insights from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Monitoring

In recent decades, the scientific community has increasingly focused on extreme events linked to climate change, which are leading to more intense and frequent natural disasters. The Mediterranean can be considered a hotspot where the effects of these changes are expected to be more intense compared to other regions of the planet. Italy is not exempt; in fact, with its extensive shoreline, it is particularly vulnerable, especially to high sea levels and coastal erosions. In this framework, from late October to early November 2023, six storm surges occurred in the Gulf of Trieste (NE Italy). These events, characterized by winds from 190°N to 220°N and the significant wave height, which reached up to 1.81 m nearshore—an uncommon meteorological condition in the northern Adriatic Sea—caused the occurrence of eight coastal sinkholes and substantial damages to man-made structures. Thanks to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and their derived products (high-resolution orthomosaics, Digital Elevation Models—DEMs, and point clouds), it was possible to study these features over time, enabling long-term coastal dynamics monitoring, which can be crucial for timely and effective response and restoration efforts.

Vitamin D-Do Diet Recommendations for Health Remain Strong?

How will the scientific community and authoritative bodies define future nutritional requirements for vitamin D? At the International Symposium on Nutritional Aspects of Musculoskeletal Health, the authors debated the strength of current evidence for setting vitamin D intake recommendations from diet: the positive side of the strength of the evidence (PRO) suggests there is a physiological requirement for vitamin D and the opposing view (CON) that in light of negative results from large, recent trials, particularly those with fractures and bone health outcomes, we are left rudderless. Should we provide recommendations based on empiric treatment of vitamin D for most groups and conditions? It is becoming increasingly evident that vitamin D plays a role in many physiological functions and processes associated with long-term human health; however, to what extent are these benefits apparent beyond what is needed for adequate nutritional status, measured as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, for active calcium absorption? The meeting attendees voted for the PRO vs. CON position at the end of the session.

Twenty-four years of empirical research on trust in AI: a bibliometric review of trends, overlooked issues, and future directions

AbstractTrust is widely regarded as a critical component to building artificial intelligence (AI) systems that people will use and safely rely upon. As research in this area continues to evolve, it becomes imperative that the research community synchronizes its empirical efforts and aligns on the path toward effective knowledge creation. To lay the groundwork toward achieving this objective, we performed a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, supplemented with a qualitative content analysis of over two decades of empirical research measuring trust in AI, comprising 1’156 core articles and 36’306 cited articles across multiple disciplines. Our analysis reveals several “elephants in the room” pertaining to missing perspectives in global discussions on trust in AI, a lack of contextualized theoretical models and a reliance on exploratory methodologies. We highlight strategies for the empirical research community that are aimed at fostering an in-depth understanding of trust in AI.

Solid-Solution MXenes: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications.

ConspectusMXenes, among other two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, hexagonal BN, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), 2D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), are the fastest growing class discovered thus far. The general formula of MXenes is Mn+1XnTx, where M, X, and Tx represent an early transition metal (Ti, V, Nb, Mo, etc.), C and/or N, and the surface functional groups (typically, O, OH, F, Cl), respectively, and n can be between 1 and 4. MXenes as a class of materials have extraordinary properties, such as high electrical conductivity, nonlinear optical properties, solution processability, scalability and ease of synthesis, redox capability, and tunable surface properties, among others; the specific properties, however, depend on their chemistry. Since the initial report of the first MXene in 2011, the research community has primarily focused on Ti3C2Tx, and the amount of research work to investigate its synthesis and properties has increased exponentially over the years. In materials science, alloying is a useful way of synthesizing new materials to improve the properties of a class of materials. Advancement of steel and synthesis of inorganic semiconductors can be regarded as some of the major historical advancements in the concept of alloying. Thus, just one year after the initial report of MXenes, the first solid-solution MXene, (TiNb)2CTx, was reported, which demonstrates the inherent chemical tunability of this class of materials.MXenes have two sites for compositional variation: elemental substitution on both the metal (M) and carbon/nitrogen (X) sites, presenting promising routes for tailoring their properties. X-site solid-solutions include carbonitride MXenes and are the least studied class of MXenes to date. Comparatively, multi-M MXenes have acquired significant attention, leading to the extreme example of high-entropy solid-solution MXenes. By using multiple M elements, a significant expansion of the structural and chemical diversity is possible, giving rise to novel chemical, magnetic, electronic, and optical properties that cannot be accessed by single-M MXenes. Solid-solution MXenes represent the largest and most tunable class of MXenes; solid-solution MXenes are those that have multiple metals that are randomly distributed on their M sites with no distinct chemical ordering. Using multiple M elements in MXenes, it is possible to synthesize novel MXene structures that cannot be produced otherwise, such as M5X4Tx MXenes. Based on their chemistry, it is possible to rationally control the electronic, optical, mechanical, and chemical properties in a way that no other class of MXenes can. In some cases, the resultant property is linearly related to the chemistry, such as the electrical conductivity, while in other cases the properties are nonlinear or emergent: optical properties, enabling these MXenes to fulfill roles that no other MXene, or 2D material, can.In this Account, we discuss the recent progress in the synthesis, properties, applications, and outlook of solid-solution MXenes. Importantly, we demonstrate how multi-M solid-solutions can be used to tailor properties for specific applications easily.

Carbon Footprint Assessment: Case Studies for Hemp-Based Eco-Concrete Masonry Blocks

In recent times, climate change has become more evident than ever, and measures to slow down its negative effects are imperative for the future of the world. The scientific and economic communities of countries around the world, under the force of international climate agreements, are identifying solutions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by establishing appropriate measures and developing new strategies. In the context of these objectives, the effort to identify eco-sustainable practices for the construction industry is growing significantly. Recently, much research has focused on solutions for producing green building materials, as well as applying circular economy principles to achieve a balance between anthropogenic emissions and absorptions by greenhouse gas absorbers. The relevant indicators of the level of achievement of these major objectives can be identified, already from the construction design phase, with the help of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis. This paper presents a series of environmental impact analyses for an eco-friendly solution of precast concrete masonry blocks. Ecological concrete is manufactured with aggregates from biological waste resulting from hemp crops. Impact assessments were performed with the SimaPro 9.5 software application. Research has shown that in the production chain, which includes the materials resulting from the recycling and reuse of hemp concrete blocks, the contribution to the effort to achieve neutrality in terms of global warming is significant. The Cradle-to-Cradle scenario revealed that the recycling of hemp concrete masonry blocks at the end of their use, for a functional unit of 0.5 m3, has a GHG emission of 33.5228 [kg CO2-eq] and CO2 uptakes can reach the negative value of −53.8397 [kg CO2-eq]. Thus, the balance of GHG emissions is negative, with values of approximately −20.3169 [kg CO2-eq]. The LCA analyses also reflect a decreased damage to human health, natural resources, and biodiversity when hemp concrete is used for masonry blocks.

A-270 Evaluation of a multiplex panel to determine antibody profile to monkeypox virus in vaccinated, exposed, and naïve individuals

Abstract Background Monkeypox Virus (MPXV) is a double-stranded DNA virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus that causes Mpox disease with symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, chills, exhaustion, and blisters that appear on the face, inside the mouth, hands, feet etc. The genus orthopoxvirus (OPXV) has four species, namely, MPXV, smallpox-causing variola major virus (VARV), variola minor virus, and cowpox virus (CPXV), that cause disease in humans. In 1980, the World Health Assembly declared that smallpox had been eradicated due to a successful global vaccination program. This vaccine also provided cross-protection against other OPXV. Historically, the pox disease was rarely seen outside West and Central Africa. The first case of Mpox was identified in 1970 in a 9-year-old boy from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), two years after the smallpox vaccination was discontinued. Since then, it has been reported in 11 African countries. In 2003, the first Mpox outbreak outside of Africa was in the USA and was linked to contact with infected pet prairie dogs. The recent 2022-2023 Mpox outbreak has generated renewed interest in the scientific community to understand the level of OPXV-specific immunity in the various geographic regions, among different age groups, and especially in the risk groups and its impact on future outbreaks by using integrated serosurveillance. To meet the need of the hour, we developed a novel multiplex assay for the detection of human IgG antibodies using Luminex® xMAP® technology for the detection of the human IgG profiles. Methods We have evaluated 11 different recombinant antigens from VARV, Vaccinia virus (VACV), and MPXV in a multiplex assay for detecting human IgG antibodies to OPXV using Luminex® xMAP® technology. We have covalently coupled magnetic fluorescent microspheres to three recombinant proteins from VARV, three from VACV, and five from MPXV to interrogate IgG responses. This 15-plex assay also includes four internal controls that assure the assay and reagent performance. In this preliminary evaluation, we have tested 84 de-identified serum and plasma from healthy subjects. We evaluated 24 serum samples of MPXV-exposed individuals procured commercially. We performed principal component analysis to determine which of these 11 antigens contributed the maximum differential and a result analysis algorithm was developed to predict these individuals' positive and negative antibody outcomes. Results The healthy subjects that were assumed to have been vaccinated showed positive response to A35R of MPXV; A36R of VARV, A33R of VACV, the homologous proteins in the three species and were distinct from unvaccinated younger individuals. There was some reactivity with B6R of MPXV protein. In MPXV-exposed subjects, we observed strong positive antibody responses to A35R of MPXV, A36R of VARV, A33R of VACV, and B6R of MPXV proteins in 19 out of 24 individuals. Fifteen individuals showed a moderate positive response to the A27L protein of VACV, and 8 out of 24 showed a weak positive response to the A29 protein of MPXV. Conclusions This panel is a useful tool to understand the level of OPXV-specific immunity by measuring IgG profiles for successful serosurveillance programs for public health.

A Scoping Review of Angiostrongyliasis and Other Diseases Associated with Terrestrial Mollusks, Including Lissachatina fulica: An Overview of Case Reports and Series

Terrestrial mollusks, including the invasive giant African snail (Lissachatina fulica), pose significant public health risks due to their role as carriers of various pathogens, such as Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus costaricensis. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of diseases associated with Lissachatina fulica and other terrestrial mollusks, with a particular focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. Following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRISMA-ScR framework, we conducted a systematic search and filtered results, identifying 27 relevant case reports and series for analysis. Our findings reveal that ingesting raw or undercooked snails is the most hazardous exposure route, with a 75% mortality rate in affected adults, particularly in regions where snail consumption is culturally significant, such as France. A. cantonensis is the primary cause of eosinophilic meningitis, while A. costaricensis leads to abdominal angiostrongyliasis. The review also highlights the widespread impact of L. fulica in countries like France, the United States, Brazil, and Colombia, emphasizing the global nature of the threat. Children show consistent vulnerability across all exposure types, underscoring the need for targeted preventive strategies. This review underscores the urgent need for public health interventions, particularly educational campaigns to inform communities about the dangers of L. fulica. Additionally, it highlights the importance of enhancing diagnostic methods and expanding surveillance to better manage the risks associated with these invasive snails. The findings provide valuable insights for the scientific community and recommend a multidisciplinary approach to effectively mitigate the public health risks posed by L. fulica across diverse regions.

Buckwheat containing-bread: a scientific inquiry into insulin, polyphenols, antioxidants status, and oxidative stress markers in type-II diabetic individuals

Buckwheat grains contain bioactive components with known effects on cardio-metabolic biomarkers. Previous research on oxidative stress markers made exclusively from wheat flour or two-hour postprandial levels of antioxidant status, plasma total polyphenols, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were considerably higher than fasting values after consuming buckwheat-incorporated bread (BWB), including clinical, animal, and epidemiological studies, suggesting the potential of buckwheat intake to influence parameters such as polyphenol intake, antioxidant status, insulin levels, and oxidative stress markers. However, the specific impact of buckwheat-containing bread on these biomarkers in individuals with type-II diabetes remains a significant gap in our understanding. Our current work aims to address this gap by exploring the effects of buckwheat-containing bread on insulin levels, polyphenol intake, antioxidant status, and markers of oxidative stress. In a randomized crossover study, 16 individuals with type-II diabetes were assigned to consume control bread made exclusively from wheat flour or bread incorporating 50% buckwheat flour. The research followed a crossover design, with a period of one to two washout interventions. Test breads were given at breakfast following a 12 h fast the previous night. After 2 h of bread intake, blood samples were collected at baseline (fasting). The two-hour postprandial levels of antioxidant status, plasma total polyphenols, and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were significantly higher than fasting values after consuming buckwheat-incorporated bread (BWB). This suggests that the buckwheat-containing bread improved plasma total polyphenol levels and total antioxidant status. Our research concludes that the intake of bread containing buckwheat positively influences polyphenols in plasma and the status of antioxidants. This suggests that incorporating buckwheat into bread may have favorable effects on biomarkers associated with cardio-metabolic health in individuals with type-II diabetes. By addressing these knowledge gaps, our research aims to inform and engage the scientific community in further exploration of the potential health benefits of buckwheat-containing bread.

A Comprehensive Compilation of Spectral Libraries for Petroleum Hydrocarbons (PHC) Encompassing VNIR-SWIR-TIR Ranges

Remote detection and mapping of surface materials using optical sensors relies predominantly on analyzing multispectral and hyperspectral imagery employing classification algorithms. The classification process involves comparing the spectra of individual pixels within the image to spectra from reference databases, commonly referred to as spectral libraries. Here, we introduce a comprehensive compilation of spectral libraries specifically tailored for petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC), meticulously crafted under controlled laboratory conditions. This compilation includes reference spectral libraries for various PHC forms, including crude oils, mineral substrate-PHC mixtures (comprising crude oils and fuels), oil-film on water, and oil-water emulsions. Data collection was conducted within the visible, near, and shortwave IR (VNIR-SWIR – 0.35–2.5 µm) spectra and thermal IR (TIR – 3–15 µm) range. The openly accessible spectral libraries presented herein support the scientific community and industry in characterizing field samples or spectral data from onshore and offshore sites. Furthermore, these libraries are instrumental in developing and applying classification algorithms designed for processing spectral images captured by cameras coupled to multiple platforms (e.g., tripods, drones, airborne, orbital satellites).