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Abstract In ectotherms, the performance of physiological, ecological and life-history traits universally increases with temperature to a maximum before decreasing again. Identifying the most appropriate thermal performance model for a specific trait type has broad applications, from metabolic modelling at the cellular level to forecasting the effects of climate change on population, ecosystem and disease transmission dynamics. To date, numerous mathematical models have been designed, but a thorough comparison among them is lacking. In particular, we do not know if certain models consistently outperform others and how factors such as sampling resolution and trait or organismal identity influence model performance. To fill this knowledge gap, we compile 2,739 thermal performance datasets from diverse traits and taxa, to which we fit a comprehensive set of 83 existing mathematical models. We detect remarkable variation in model performance that is not primarily driven by sampling resolution, trait type, or taxonomic information. Our results reveal a surprising lack of well-defined scenarios in which certain models are more appropriate than others. To aid researchers in selecting the appropriate set of models for any given dataset or research objective, we derive a classification of the 83 models based on the average similarity of their fits.

Abstract MXenes are a diverse family of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides. They can be synthesized through both top-down approaches, such as selective etching of A-layers from MAX phases using acids or molten salts, and bottom-up approaches, such as direct synthesis using chemical vapor deposition. However, the degree of the surface termination coverage depends on the synthesis route and is one key parameter for controlling its properties. This study focuses on halogen- and chalcogen-terminated MXenes, particularly M2CT x where M = Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, and T = S, Se, Te, Cl, Br, I, and with surface termination coverage ranging from 100% (ideal, x = 2) to 50% (x = 1). The incorporation of oxygen on vacant termination sites was also evaluated. Using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we investigated the structural, electronic, and mechanical properties of these MXenes. Our findings reveal that non-ideal termination coverage (x

Abstract The increasing prevalence of threats and violence against ambulance clinicians is a critical issue that has not been adequately studied. These incidents pose significant challenges to the provision of prehospital emergency care, affecting both the safety and well-being of the clinicians involved. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Swedish ambulance clinicians when encountering threats and violence during their work. A qualitative approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews with 11 ambulance clinicians from various regions of Sweden. The participants were selected to ensure diversity in gender, age, and educational background. The data were collected over three weeks in 2021 and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis revealed three key categories related to the challenges faced by ambulance clinicians: Police cooperation challenges, Strategies for a safe care environment, and Impact during and relief after stressful events. These categories highlight the complexities of managing threats and violence in the field. This study sheds light on the multifaceted challenges that ambulance clinicians face due to threats and violence. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive training, effective communication, and clear role allocation in complex situations. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of organized support systems to help clinicians cope with the aftermath of stressful events.

Abstract Tackling environmental challenges that face humanity requires us to acknowledge new ways of working and to cross disciplinary boundaries. However, the methodological toolkit used by environmental researchers to explore the human attitudes, knowledge and behaviours that drive global challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate breakdown remains constrained. Here, we describe participatory video, a methodology for capturing and communicating knowledge, which goes beyond interviews, focus groups and participant observation. We draw from the literature and our own experience of conducting participatory video projects in Nepal, Guyana and Peru. We demonstrate the diverse ways in which the methodology can be applied to environmental research and highlight its strengths and limitations. Participatory video provides a more holistic understanding of environmental issues by using multiple types of data, its longer‐term engagement with issues, opening channels of communication between stakeholders, engaging a diversity of knowledge systems and advocating for transformative change. By taking a participatory video approach, environmental researchers may begin to counter commonplace criticisms about lack of diversity and entrenched colonialism. This simultaneously responds to wider calls for environmental research to engage with social justice issues, represent diverse voices, understand different contexts and acknowledge the role of power. Crucially, this helps build trust amongst all those involved. By demonstrating how we have successfully used participatory video in projects in conservation, ecology and climate science, we provide guidance for researchers looking to expand their methodological toolkit. Ultimately, we seek to improve the use of participatory methods to help support communities to tackle the environmental challenges that they face. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Abstract Digital technology is considered to have great potential to promote learning in higher education. In line with the Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive (ICAP) framework, this seems to be particularly true when instructors stimulate high-quality learning activities such as constructive and interactive learning activities instead of active and passive learning activities. Against the background of a lack of empirical studies in authentic, technology-enhanced instructional settings, we investigated the cognitive and affective-motivational effects of these learning activity modes in technology-enhanced higher education courses. To this end, we used 3.820 student assessments regarding 170 course sessions for which the teachers stated the learning activities students were engaged in. Results of multilevel structural equation modelling highlight the importance of technology-enhanced interactive learning activities for students’ perception of learning and the potential negative consequences of passive learning activities for affective-motivational outcomes. However, the superiority of constructive and interactive learning activities compared to passive and active learning activities for cognitive and affective-motivational outcomes was not supported by the findings. Instead, the findings point to potential differential effects of the individual learning activities within one activity mode. Future research should follow up on these effects to gain a more fine-grained understanding of how technology-enhanced learning activities can be optimized to enhance students’ learning outcomes.

Abstract The Afrotropics are experiencing some of the fastest urbanisation rates on the planet but the impact of city growth on their rich and unique biodiversity remains understudied, especially compared to natural baselines. Little is also known about how introduced species influence β‐diversity in these contexts, and how patterns coincide with native ranges of species. Here we investigated how tree assemblages of the endemic‐rich Afrotropical island of São Tomé differed between urban, rural and natural zones. These were primarily characterised by urban greenspaces, shade plantations, and old‐growth forests, respectively. Based on 81 transects, we assessed biodiversity metrics of endemic, native and introduced species. Tree abundance and species richness were highest in the natural zone, where the composition was most different from the urban zone. The tree community of the rural zone was the most uneven and had the least variation among transects, representing the lowest β‐diversity. The urban zone was dominated by introduced species (57.7%), while the natural zone hosted almost exclusively native species (93.3%), including many endemics (26.1%). The biogeographic realms that species originated from were particularly diverse in the urban zone, with few species from the Afrotropics. In contrast to native and endemic trees, introduced trees were clearly associated with urban and rural expansion, as they were much more abundant and species‐rich in these zones than in the natural zone, facilitating biotic homogenisation. These findings highlight how urban and rural environments are affecting the native tree flora of São Tomé, and the need for conservation measures geared towards globally threatened and endemic tree species. Importantly, these require the protection of natural forests, despite the rising land demands for settlements and agriculture. Ultimately, such action to conserve endemic trees will contribute to global efforts to prevent further biodiversity declines.

Globally, ammonia (NH3) is one of the key air pollutants and reducing NH3 emissions and the associated indirect emission of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide remains challenging for the agricultural sector. During the past three decades, a number of urease inhibitors have been placed on the market with the goal of reducing NH3 loss from urea containing fertilisers. N–(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), N–(2-nitrophenyl) phosphoric triamide (2-NPT), a 3:1 ratio of NBPT + N-(n-propyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NPPT) and the maleic and itaconic acid co-polymer (MIP) are registered urease inhibitors under the European Commission Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR). However, the availability of several inhibitor options has raised questions from farmers, policymakers and emissions inventory compiling authorities regarding the field efficacy of the different options available for reducing NH3 loss. Despite many disparate NH3 field studies existing for NBPT, 2-NPT, NBPT + NPPT and MIP there is presently no review that brings these results together, a significant and important knowledge gap. This review addresses the gap by summarising the published field trial literature on NH3 volatilisation mitigation offered by NBPT, 2-NPT, NBPT + NPPT and MIP. Our review identified 48 peer reviewed studies where NH3 loss mitigation was measured in a field setting, giving 256 replicated comparisons. The synthesised literature results revealed that NBPT + NPPT reduced NH3 loss by 75% (95% CI = 58–82% n = 32), 2-NPT reduced NH3 loss by 70% (95% CI = 63–76% n = 19) and NBPT reduced NH3 loss by 61% (95% CI = 57–64% n = 165), giving on average a 69% reduction by these three urease inhibitors. In contrast, MIP increased NH3 loss by 0.3% on average (95% CI = −8–9% n = 40). The results presented in this review broaden the understanding of urease inhibitor efficacy in field conditions and demonstrate that not all products behave the same in terms of field NH3 reduction efficacy. This review is important for farmers, policymakers, emission inventory compilers and other stakeholders.

In an effort to reduce the occurrence of chlorine derived residues such as chlorate and trichloromethane (TCM) in milk and ultimately in dairy products, ‘chlorine-free’ cleaning of milking equipment became compulsory in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) from January 2021. While data exists on TCM levels in bulk tank milk, little is known about the prominence and typical levels (mg/kg) of chlorate residue in bulk tank milk. To address this, 3625 bulk milk samples were collected from six milk processors and were analysed for chlorate and TCM residues across 2020 and 2021, with 2020 representing a period before chlorine-free cleaning was introduced and 2021 being the period after chlorine removal. In 2020, 15% of the samples analysed had detectable levels of chlorate (0.0020–1.6 mg/kg), but this reduced to 8% in 2021 (0.0020–3.9 mg/kg), following the introduction of ‘chlorine-free’ cleaning. Chlorate and TCM residues have not been totally eliminated because sources of residue other than cleaning chemicals exist, i.e., chlorinated water.

Abstract Exogenous shocks during sensitive periods of development can have long-lasting effects on adult phenotypes including behavior, survival and reproduction. Cooperative breeding, such as grandparental care in humans and some other mammal species, is believed to have evolved partly in order to cope with challenging environments. Nevertheless, studies addressing whether grandparental investment can buffer the development of grandchildren from multiple adversities early in life are few and have provided mixed results, perhaps owing to difficulties drawing causal inferences from non-experimental data. Using population-based data of English and Welsh adolescents (sample size ranging from 817 to 1197), we examined whether grandparental investment reduces emotional and behavioral problems in children resulting from facing multiple adverse early life experiences (AELEs), by employing instrumental variable regression in a Bayesian structural equation modeling framework to better justify causal interpretations of the results. When children had faced multiple AELEs, the investment of maternal grandmothers reduced, but could not fully erase, their emotional and behavioral problems. No such result was observed in the case of the investment of other grandparent types. These findings indicate that in adverse environmental conditions the investment of maternal grandmothers can improve child wellbeing.

Background: Evidence on the health benefits of spending time in nature has highlighted the importance of provision of blue and green spaces where people live. The potential for health benefits offered by nature exposure, however, extends beyond health promotion to health treatment. Social prescribing links people with health or social care needs to community-based, non-clinical health and social care interventions to improve health and wellbeing. Nature-based social prescribing (NBSP) is a variant that uses the health-promoting benefits of activities carried out in natural environments, such as gardening and walking. Much current NBSP practice has been developed in the UK, and there is increasing global interest in its implementation. This requires interventions to be adapted for different contexts, considering the needs of populations and the structure of healthcare systems. Methods: This paper presents results from an expert group participatory workshop involving 29 practitioners, researchers, and policymakers from the UK and Germany’s health and environmental sectors. Using the UK and Germany, two countries with different healthcare systems and in different developmental stages of NBSP practice, as case studies, we analysed opportunities, challenges, and facilitators for the development and implementation of NBSP. Results: We identified five overarching themes for developing, implementing, and evaluating NBSP: Capacity Building; Accessibility and Acceptability; Networks and Collaborations; Standardised Implementation and Evaluation; and Sustainability. We also discuss key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for each overarching theme to understand how they could be developed to support NBSP implementation. Conclusions: NBSP could offer significant public health benefits using available blue and green spaces. We offer guidance on how NBSP implementation, from wider policy support to the design and evaluation of individual programmes, could be adapted to different contexts. This research could help inform the development and evaluation of NBSP programmes to support planetary health from local and global scales.

AimTo determine the efficacy and safety of pharmacogenomics (PGx)-guided antidepressant prescribing in patients with depression through an umbrella review and updated meta-analysis.MethodsA comprehensive systematic search was conducted on PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane databases. The pooled effect sizes of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were expressed as mean differences for continuous data and risk ratios for noncontinuous data.ResultsPatients who received PGx-guided medications were 41% to 78% more likely to achieve remission and 20% to 49% more likely to respond to antidepressants than patients receiving treatment-as-usual (TAU).ConclusionPGx-guided antidepressant prescribing improves the treatment of depression. However, the significance and magnitude of the benefit varies widely between studies and different PGx testing panels.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022321324.

Abstract Background Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) is a destructive floral disease of different cereal crops. The Ascomycete fungus Fusarium graminearum (Fg) is one of the main causal agents of FHB in wheat and barley. The role(s) in virulence of Fg genes include genetic studies that involve the transformation of the fungus with different expression cassettes. We have observed in several studies where Fg genes functions were characterised that integration of expression cassettes occurred randomly. Random insertion of a cassette may disrupt gene expression and/or protein functions and hence the overall conclusion of the study. Target site integration (TSI) is an approach that consists of identifying a chromosomal region where the cassette can be inserted. The identification of a suitable locus for TSI in Fg would avert the potential risks of ectopic integration. Results Here, we identified a highly conserved intergenic region on chromosome 1 suitable for TSI. We named this intergenic region TSI locus 1. We developed an efficient cloning vector system based on the Golden Gate method to clone different expression cassettes for use in combination with TSI locus 1. We present evidence that integrations in the TSI locus 1 affects neither fungal virulence nor fungal growth under different stress conditions. Integrations at the TSI locus 1 resulted in the expression of different gene fusions. In addition, the activities of Fg native promoters were not altered by integration into the TSI locus 1. We have developed a bespoke bioinformatic pipeline to analyse the existence of ectopic integrations, cassette truncations and tandem insertions of the cassette that may occurred during the transformation process. Finally, we established a protocol to study protein secretion in wheat coleoptiles using confocal microscopy and the TSI locus 1. Conclusion The TSI locus 1 can be used in Fg and potentially other cereal infecting Fusarium species for diverse studies including promoter activity analysis, protein secretion, protein localisation studies and gene complementation. The bespoke bioinformatic pipeline developed in this work together with PCR amplification of the insert could be an alternative to Southern blotting, the gold standard technique used to identify ectopic integrations, cassette truncations and tandem insertions in fungal transformation.

Abstract The aim of this work was to explore whether real-world walking speed (RWS) would change as a consequence of 60-day bed-rest. The main hypothesis was that daily RWS would decrease after the bed-rest, with a subsequent recovery during the first days of re-ambulation. Moreover, an exploratory analysis was done in order to understand whether there is an agreement between the loss in RWS after bed-rest and the loss in the maximum oxygen uptake capacity (VO2max), or the loss in maximal vertical jump power (JUMP) respectively. Twenty-four subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a continuous artificial gravity group, an intermittent artificial gravity group, or a control group. The fitted linear mixed effects model showed a significant decrease (p

Abstract Background This article asks the following question: how well are coal regions, affected by phase-out plans, represented in mediating commissions, to what extent do local communities participate in the decision-making process and how are the political negotiations perceived by the communities? We look at the case of the German lignite phase-out from a procedural justice perspective. Informed by literature on sociotechnical decline and procedural justice in energy transitions, we focus first on aspects of representation, participation and recognition within the German Commission on Growth, Structural Change and Employment (“Coal Commission”). Second, we analyze how to exnovate coal in two regions closely tied to the coal- and lignite-based energy history in Germany: Lusatia and the Rhenish Mining District. Results Based on interview series in both regions, we connect insights from local communities with strategies for structural change and participation programs in the regions. We find significant differences between the two regions, which is primarily an effect of the challenging historical experiences in Lusatia. Participation within existing arrangements is not sufficient to solve these problems; they require a comprehensive strategy for the future of the regions. Conclusions We conclude that the first phase-out process was a lost opportunity to initiate a community-inclusive sustainable transition process. As the phase-out process is not yet concluded, additional efforts and new strategies are needed to resolve the wicked problem of lignite phase-out.

Empirical life tests are used for reliability demonstration and determination of the actual reliability of the product. Therefore, engineers are faced with the challenge of selecting the most suitable test strategy out of the possible many and also the optimal parameter setting, e.g. sample size, in order to realize reliability demonstration with limited costs, time and with their available testing resources. It becomes even more challenging due to the stochastic nature of failure times and necessary cost and time being dependent on those. The considerations and guidelines in this paper are intended to simplify this process. Even simple products can fail due to several causes and mechanisms and usually have several components and subsystems. Therefore, this paper provides test planning options for single critical failure mechanisms as well as for systems with multiple failure mechanisms. For this purpose, the Probability of Test Success (Statistical Power of a life test) is used as a central, objective assessment metric. It is capable of indicating the probability of a successful reliability demonstration of a test and thus allows, for example, to answer the question of the required sample size for failure-based tests. The main planning resource is prior knowledge, which is mandatory due to the stochastic lifetime, in order to provide estimates for the Probability of Test Success at all. Therefore, it is also shown how to deal with uncertain prior knowledge and how the underlying information can additionally be used to increase the Probability of Test Success using Bayes’ theorem. The guidelines show how the most efficient test can be identified in the individual case and for individual boundary conditions.

Abstract Background Prone position is used in acute respiratory distress syndrome and in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, physiological mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether improved oxygenation was related to pulmonary shunt fraction (Q’s/Q’t), alveolar dead space (Vd/Vtalv) and ventilation/perfusion mismatch (V’A/Q’). Methods This was an international, prospective, observational, multicenter, cohort study, including six intensive care units in Sweden and Poland and 71 mechanically ventilated adult patients. Results Prone position increased PaO2:FiO2 after 30 min, by 78% (83–148 mm Hg). The effect persisted 120 min after return to supine (p

Abstract The need to recognise plural values and integrate these into policy design has long been of interest in nature conservation. However, we also need to understand whether and how different values are prioritised among diverse stakeholders. This is particularly important when indigenous and traditional cultures play a role in how land is managed and protected. Working in the sacred forests of Nigeria, we applied the principles of biocultural conservation and sociocultural valuation to understand the values that underpin people's relationship with nature and with other users of nature. We operationalised this by employing participatory workshop methods to identify multiple values of sacred forests, and conjoint analysis to elicit local people's value priorities and preferences for conserving sacred forests. We identified multiple values attributed to sacred forests, but the strongest preferences were for improved provision of medicinal values. However, preference heterogeneity analysis showed that sacred forests are valued differently among clusters of people with distinct sociodemographic profiles. Our findings also showed that the current management strategy for the conservation of sacred forests is inadequate to galvanise shared and collective responsibility from diverse stakeholders. Using a value‐based approach, more robust management strategies that will yield high utility to the public were determined and recommended for implementation. Policy implications. Overall, our study demonstrates that sacred forests are valued in multiple ways above and beyond their role in a cultural belief system. New strategies are therefore needed to effectively manage and conserve them. We recommend a plural approach to the conservation of sacred forests that will incorporate multiple values. This can be achieved by integrating biocultural conservation and sociocultural valuation. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Abstract Background Many women may not be aware of physiotherapy in pregnancy. The objective of this study was to assess the level of awareness of physiotherapy in pregnancy among pregnant women in the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), Kenya. Methods A mixed study was conducted on ANC mothers, ANC nurses, and physiotherapists. Consecutive sampling was employed for the quantitative study (101 participants) and a purposive sample of 15 participants for the qualitative study. Questionnaire and interview guides were utilized for data collection. SPSS version 27 was applied for quantitative data analysis, while thematic content approach analyzed qualitative data. Results One hundred one ANC mothers participated in the study; the mean age was 27.3 year. Forty percent (n = 40) had attained high school education; 54% (n = 55) lived in the urban area. Seventy-five percent (n = 76) were knowledgeable on the significance of antenatal care; however, only 27% (n = 27) attended the first ANC visit, and the numbers tapered with subsequent visits to 2% (n = 2) for the 6th visit. Eighty-five percent (n = 86) did not know about physiotherapy during pregnancy, while a meager 15% (n = 15) pregnant women had knowledge regarding physiotherapy in pregnancy. Fifty-three percent of pregnant women had no source of knowledge about physiotherapy; 22% experienced LBP as a complication during the pregnancy that would be managed by physiotherapy. Interviews elicited three themes which highlighted low knowledge of physiotherapy in pregnancy, low uptake of ANC, and the challenges facing physiotherapy education program in ANC. Conclusion There was low knowledge on physiotherapy among ANC mothers despite the need for this service. Low education levels and staff shortage came out strongly as the main challenges. Programs should be instituted to empower women with lower educational status to seek for apt knowledge on all relevant services during ANC. Likewise, the government should improve staff establishment in public hospitals to facilitate ANC educational programs for healthcare providers and mothers.

Abstract Background Prehospital tracheal intubation (TI) is associated with increased mortality in patients with penetrating trauma, and the utility of prehospital advanced airway management is debated. The increased incidence of deadly violence in Sweden warrants a comprehensive evaluation of current airway management for patients with penetrating trauma in the Swedish prehospital environment and on arrival in the emergency department (ED). Methods This was an observational, multicenter study of all patients with penetrating trauma and injury severity scores (ISSs) ≥ 15 included in the Swedish national trauma register (SweTrau) between 2011 and 2019. We investigated the frequency and characteristics of prehospital and ED TI, including 30-day mortality and patient characteristics associated with TI. Result Of 816 included patients, 118 (14.5%) were intubated prehospitally, and 248 (30.4%) were intubated in the ED. Patients who were intubated prehospitally had a higher ISS, 33 (interquartile range [IQR] 25, 75), than those intubated in the ED, 25 (IQR 18, 34). Prehospital TI was associated with a higher associated mortality, OR 4.26 (CI 2.57, 7.27, p

Background: Compared to conventional 2D mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) offers greater breast lesion detection rates. Ring-like hypodense artifacts surrounding dense lesions are a common byproduct of DBT. This study’s purpose was to assess whether minuscule changes spanning this halo—termed the “broken halo sign”—could improve lesion classification. Methods: This retrospective study was approved by the local ethics review board. After screening 288 consecutive patients, DBT studies of 191 female participants referred for routine mammography with a subsequent histologically verified finding of the breast were assessed. Examined variables included patient age, histological diagnosis, architectural distortion, maximum size, maximum halo depth, conspicuous margins, irregular shape and broken halo sign. Results: While a higher halo strength was indicative of malignancy in general (p = 0.031), the broken halo sign was strongly associated with malignancy (p < 0.0001, odds ratio (OR) 6.33), alongside architectural distortion (p = 0.012, OR 3.49) and a diffuse margin (p = 0.006, OR 5.49). This was especially true for denser breasts (ACR C/D), where the broken halo sign was the only factor predicting malignancy (p = 0.03, 5.22 OR). Conclusion: DBT-associated halo artifacts warrant thorough investigation in newly found breast lesions as they are associated with malignant tumors. The “broken halo sign”—the presence of small lines of variable diameter spanning the peritumoral areas of hypodensity—is a strong indicator of malignancy, especially in dense breasts, where architectural distortion may be obfuscated due to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract Background Patients with critical COVID-19 have a high risk of thromboembolism, but intensified thromboprophylaxis has not been proven beneficial. The activity of low-molecular-weight heparins can be monitored by measuring anti-Factor Xa. We aimed to study the association between anti-Factor Xa values and death, thromboembolism, and bleeding in patients with critical COVID-19. Method This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with critical COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit at three Swedish hospitals between March 2020 and May 2021 with at least one valid peak and/or trough anti-Factor Xa value. Within the peak and trough categories, patients’ minimum, median, and maximum values were determined. Logistic regressions with splines were used to assess associations. Results In total, 408 patients had at least one valid peak and/or trough anti-Factor Xa measurement, resulting in 153 patients with peak values and 300 patients with trough values. Lower peak values were associated with thromboembolism for patients’ minimum (p = 0.01), median (p = 0.005) and maximum (p = 0.001) values. No association was seen between peak values and death or bleeding. Higher trough values were associated with death for median (p = 0.03) and maximum (p = 0.002) values and with both bleeding (p = 0.01) and major bleeding (p = 0.02) for maximum values, but there were no associations with thromboembolism. Conclusions Measuring anti-Factor Xa activity may be relevant for administrating low-molecular-weight heparin to patients with critical COVID-19. Lower peak values were associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism, and higher trough values were associated with an increased risk of death and bleeding. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the results. Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05256524, February 24, 2022.

Abstract Argyle is the world’s largest source of natural diamonds, yet one of only a few economic deposits hosted in a Paleoproterozoic orogen. The geodynamic triggers responsible for its alkaline ultramafic volcanic host are unknown. Here we show, using U-Pb and (U-Th)/He geochronology of detrital apatite and detrital zircon, and U-Pb dating of hydrothermal titanite, that emplacement of the Argyle lamproite is bracketed between 1311 ± 9 Ma and 1257 ± 15 Ma (2σ), older than previously known. To form the Argyle lamproite diatreme complex, emplacement was likely driven by lithospheric extension related to the breakup of the supercontinent Nuna. Extension facilitated production of low-degree partial melts and their migration through transcrustal corridors in the Paleoproterozoic Halls Creek Orogen, a rheologically-weak rift zone adjacent to the Kimberley Craton. Diamondiferous diatreme emplacement during (super)continental breakup may be prevalent but hitherto under-recognized in rift zones at the edges of ancient continental blocks.

Abstract Introduction Sweden is facing a surge of gun violence that mandates optimized prehospital transport approaches, and a survey of current practice is fundamental for such optimization. Management of severe, penetrating trauma is time sensitive, and there may be a survival benefit in limiting prehospital interventions. An important aspect is unregulated transportation by police or private vehicles to the hospital, which may decrease time but may also be associated with adverse outcomes. It is not known whether transport of patients with penetrating trauma occurs outside the emergency medical services (EMS) in Sweden and whether it affects outcome. Method This was a retrospective, descriptive nationwide study of all patients with penetrating trauma and injury severity scores (ISSs) ≥ 15 registered in the Swedish national trauma registry (SweTrau) between June 13, 2011, and December 31, 2019. We hypothesized that transport by police and private vehicles occurred and that it affected mortality. Result A total of 657 patients were included. EMS transported 612 patients (93.2%), police 10 patients (1.5%), and private vehicles 27 patients (4.1%). Gunshot wounds (GSWs) were more common in police transport, 80% (n = 8), compared with private vehicles, 59% (n = 16), and EMS, 32% (n = 198). The Glasgow coma scale score (GCS) in the emergency department (ED) was lower for patients transported by police, 11.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 3, 15), in relation to EMS, 15 (IQR 14, 15) and private vehicles 15 (IQR 12.5, 15). The 30-day mortality for EMS was 30% (n = 184), 50% (n = 5) for police transport, and 22% (n = 6) for private vehicles. Transport by private vehicle, odds ratio (OR) 0.65, (confidence interval [CI] 0.24, 1.55, p = 0.4) and police OR 2.28 (CI 0.63, 8.3, p = 0.2) were not associated with increased mortality in relation to EMS. Conclusion Non-EMS transports did occur, however with a low incidence and did not affect mortality. GSWs were more common in police transport, and victims had lower GCS scorescores when arriving at the ED, which warrants further investigations of the operational management of shooting victims in Sweden.

Rapid and reliable Rhesus D typing is crucial for blood donation centers. In instances of massive blood transfusion or reduced antigen expression, DNA-based phenotype prediction becomes mandatory. Our molecular RHD typing approach involves an initial real-time PCR for the most common aberrant RHD types in our region, RHD*01W.1 (weak D type 1), RHD*01W.2 (weak D type 2), RHD*01W.3 (weak D type 3), and RHD*07.01 (DVII). For comprehensive coverage, Sanger sequencing of RHD coding regions is performed in the case of PCR target-negative results. We evaluated the specificity and accuracy of these methods using the recently launched LightCycler® PRO real-time platform. All findings demonstrated remarkable accuracy. Notably, the LightCycler® PRO instrument offers a distinct advantage in data interpretation and integration via the HL7 interface. This study underlines the importance of including advanced molecular techniques in blood typing protocols, especially in scenarios where conventional serological methods may be insufficient.

Seventy-five samples were collected from 15 beehives in the central highlands of Ecuador (Tungurahua–Chimborazo) to assess Africanization in managed bee populations using wing geometric morphometric and mitochondrial DNA analyses. The results indicated that when grouping the apiaries based on altitudinal floors into 2600–2800, 2801–3000, and 3001–3274 m above sea level, differences (p < 0.001) were observed. The morphotypes were similar in the first two floors, but the third indicated that altitude plays a crucial role in the differentiation of populations. When comparing with the pure subspecies, we found differences (p < 0.001); the nearest Mahalanobis distance was for Apis mellifera scutellata (D2 = 3.51), with 95.8% Africanization via father in the area. The maternal origin of all patterns belonged to lineage A (A. m. scutellata), with seven haplotypes. The most frequent haplotypes were A26 and A1; however, the A1q haplotype was not detected at the national level or in nearby countries. The identified haplotypes do not coincide with A4, which is predominant in South Africa and Brazil. The results indicate a double origin due to their presence in North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. The formation of specific morphological groups within ecoregions is suggested.

From the various perspectives of machine learning (ML) and the multiple models used in this discipline, there is an approach aimed at training models for the early detection (ED) of anomalies. The early detection of anomalies is crucial in multiple areas of knowledge since identifying and classifying them allows for early decision making and provides a better response to mitigate the negative effects caused by late detection in any system. This article presents a literature review to examine which machine learning models (MLMs) operate with a focus on ED in a multidisciplinary manner and, specifically, how these models work in the field of fraud detection. A variety of models were found, including Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), decision trees (DTs), Random Forests (RFs), naive Bayesian classifier (NB), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNNs), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), among others. It was identified that MLMs operate as isolated models, categorized in this article as Single Base Models (SBMs) and Stacking Ensemble Models (SEMs). It was identified that MLMs for ED in multiple areas under SBMs’ and SEMs’ implementation achieved accuracies greater than 80% and 90%, respectively. In fraud detection, accuracies greater than 90% were reported by the authors. The article concludes that MLMs for ED in multiple applications, including fraud, offer a viable way to identify and classify anomalies robustly, with a high degree of accuracy and precision. MLMs for ED in fraud are useful as they can quickly process large amounts of data to detect and classify suspicious transactions or activities, helping to prevent financial losses.

Abstract Accurate dating of young eruptions from explosive volcanoes is essential for forecasting future eruptions and for defining the hazardscape of volcanic fields. However, precise dating of Quaternary eruptions is often challenging due to limited number of applicable dating methods or lack of datable eruptive phases. Moreover, small volume eruptions (e.g., monogenetic type), despite their significance on regional scale, have traditionally deserved less attention than their large volume counterparts. Puketerata is a maar-lava dome complex in the central Taupō Volcanic Zone (New Zealand), encompassing mafic and silicic phreatomagmatic eruptions with well-preserved pyroclastic deposits sourced from closely spaced vents. Its most recent activity is estimated to ca. 16 ka based on medial and distal stratigraphic surveys. Here, we carried out two independent age determinations and an additional paleomagnetic analysis on the volcanic succession of the Puketerata maar-lava dome complex with an aim to unravel the timing of volcanic activity. Combined U-Th disequilibrium and (U-Th)/He dating of zircon from two lava domes yielded eruption ages of 11.3 ± 2.6 ka and 11.3 ± 1.7 ka, which are concordant with the radiocarbon ages of 11.3–11.7 ka obtained on charcoal from the base of the pyroclastic sequence. Paleomagnetic data on the lavas from the two lava domes suggest at least ~ 100 years difference between their emplacements. Our geochronological results and new stratigraphic observations suggest that the volcanic/magmatic history of the Puketerata is complex with multiple eruptions within a small, confined area, where the most recent eruptions occurred only at ca. 11.5 ka, which is significantly younger than previously thought. This provides an additional datum for volcanic hazards assessment and stratigraphic correlations in New Zealand. Graphical Abstract