bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracellular condensates (ECs) are endogenous modulators of HIV transcription and latency reactivation
Authors: Naushad Wasifa , Premadasa Lakmini S , Okeoma Bryson C. , Mohan Mahesh , Okeoma Chioma M.
Published: September 2024

Persistence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) latent reservoir is the major challenge to HIV cure because the latent reservoir is not eliminated by antiretroviral therapy (ART), and they serve as sources for viral rebound upon cessation of ART. Mechanisms regulating viral persistence are not well understood. This study used model systems of post-integration latency to explore the role of basal ganglia (BG) isolated extracellular condensates (ECs) in reprogramming HIV latent cells. We found that BG ECs from uninfected macaques (VEH) and SIV infected macaques (VEH|SIV) activate latent HIV transcription in various model systems. VEH and VEH|SIV ECs significantly increased expression of viral antigen in latently infected cells. Activation of viral transcription, antigen expression, and latency reactivation was inhibited by ECs from the brain of macaques treated with Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and infected with SIV (THC|SIV). Virus produced by latently infected cells treated with VEH|SIV ECs potentiated cell-cell and cell-free HIV transmission. VEH|SIV ECs also reversed dexamethasone-mediated inhibition of HIV transcription while TNFα-mediated reactivation of latency was reversed by THC|SIV ECs. Transcriptome and secretome analyses of total RNA and supernatants from latently infected cells treated with ECs revealed significant alteration in gene expression and cytokine secretion. THC|SIV ECs increased secretion of Th2 and decreased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Most strikingly, while VEH/SIV ECs robustly induced HIV RNA in latently HIV-infected cells, long-term low-dose THC administration enriched ECs for anti-inflammatory cargo that significantly diminished their ability to reactivate latent HIV, an indication that ECs are endogenous host factors that may regulate HIV persistence.

Highlights

ECs isolated from SIV infected macaques (VEH|SIV ECs) is a positive regulator of LTR-dependent HIV transcription and production of infectious viral particles in vitro.

ECs isolated from THC treated SIV infected macaques (THC|SIV ECs) prevents the transcription and reactivation of HIV in latently infected cells and prevents production of viral particles in vitro.

ECs reprogram host transcriptome and secretome in manners that or suppress promote reactivation of latent HIV reservoir.

The above highlights led to the conclusion that while VEH/SIV ECs robustly induced HIV RNA in latently HIV-infected cells, long-term low-dose THC administration enriched ECs for anti-inflammatory cargo that significantly diminished their ability to reactivate latent HIV.
Comparative study on the effects of different types of acute exercise on cortisol levels and cognitive functions
Authors: shao Zhongshu , Zikereya Talifu , Peng Jiazheng , Luo Minggang , Chen Jinliang , Shi Kaixuan
Published: September 2024

This study examines the different effects of dual-task and single-task exercises on cortisol levels and cognitive performance. Seventeen male college students participated, performing each exercise on separate days. Salivary samples were taken before and after exercise to assess cortisol levels. Cognitive functions were measured using the 2-Back Test, Bells Test, and Mental Rotation Test. Results showed that both exercises significantly improved reaction times across cognitive tests. However, dual-task exercise caused a more notable increase in cortisol levels (p=0.002) than the single-task. A negative correlation between post-exercise cortisol levels and reaction times suggests that higher cortisol levels might enhance cognitive processing speed. Cognitive performance ac-curacy remained unchanged across both exercises. These findings indicate that while both exercise types enhance cognitive speed, dual-task exercise triggers a greater cortisol response, potentially offering more benefits for cognitive processing speed without affecting accuracy. This research highlights the complex interaction between acute exercise, stress hormones, and cognitive function, providing insights into how different exercise types influence cognitive performance through hormonal pathways.
Engineering a Cell-Based Orthogonal Ubiquitin Transfer Cascade for Profiling the Substrates of RBR E3 Parkin
Authors: Fang Shuai , Zhou Li , Chen Geng , Wang Xiaoyu , Jeong In Ho , Jacobs Savannah E , Kossmann Bradley R. , Wei Wei , Zhang Jing , Jeong Geon H. , Ivanov Ivaylo , Mabb Angela M. , Kiyokawa Hiroaki , Zhao Bo , Yin Jun
Published: September 2024

The E3 ubiquitin (UB) ligase Parkin utilizes a Ring-Between-Ring (RBR) domain to mediate the transfer of UB to its substrates to regulate diverse cellular functions, including mitochondrial quality control, cell cycle progression, metabolism programming, and the establishment of synaptic functions. Mutations affecting the E3 ligase activity of Parkin are associated with cancer and Parkinson’s disease (PD). An essential role of Parkin is to synthesize UB chains on the surface of damaged mitochondria to initiate mitophagy. Still, it is not clear how Parkin carries out other biological functions through the ubiquitination of its downstream targets in the cell. We hypothesized that a comprehensive substrate profile of Parkin would facilitate the discovery of ubiquitination pathways underpinning its multifaceted roles in cell regulation and reveal mechanistic linkages between Parkin malfunction and disease development. Here, we used phage display to assemble an orthogonal ubiquitin transfer (OUT) cascade of Parkin that can exclusively deliver an engineered UB mutant (xUB) to Parkin and its substrates in living cells. We then generated a substrate profile of Parkin by purifying xUB-conjugated proteins from cells and identifying them by proteomics. The OUT screen identified Parkin substrates involved in DNA replication, protein translation, intracellular protein transport, and rhythmic regulation. Based on previous literature implicating alterations in membrane vesicle trafficking in PD, we verified Parkin-catalyzed ubiquitination of Rab GTPases (Rab1a, Rab5a, Rab5c, Rab7a, Rab8a, Rab10, an Rab13) as well as CDK5, with reconstituted ubiquitination reactions in vitro and in cells. We also found chemical-induced stimulation of mitophagy enhanced Parkin-mediated ubiquitination of Rab proteins. These findings demonstrate that the OUT cascade of Parkin can serve as an empowering tool for identifying Parkin substrates to elucidate its cellular functions.
De novo Design of A Fusion Protein Tool for GPCR Research
Authors: Gao Kaixuan , Zhang Xin , Nie Jia , Meng Hengyu , Zhang Weishe , Tian Boxue , Liu Xiangyu
Published: September 2024

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play pivotal roles in cellular signaling and represent prominent drug targets. Structural elucidation of GPCRs is crucial for drug discovery efforts. However, structural studies of GPCRs remain challenging, particularly for inactive state structures, which often require extensive protein engineering. Here, we present a de novo design strategy termed “click fusion” for generating fusion proteins to facilitate GPCR structural studies. Our method involves the rational design of structurally stable protein domains rigidly linked to GPCRs. The resulting fusion protein enhances the thermostability of the target GPCR and aids in determining GPCR structures via cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). We further demonstrate that the designed fusion protein can be transferred among structurally similar GPCRs with minor adjustments to the linker region. Our study introduces a promising approach for facilitating GPCR structural studies and advancing drug discovery efforts.
Barriers and facilitators for the implementation of wiki- and blog-based Virtual Learning Environments as tools for improving collaborative learning in the Bachelor of Nursing degree.
Authors: RODRIGUEZ-MARTIN BEATRIZ , MIRON-GONZALEZ RUBEN , ZABALA-BANOS MARIA DEL CARMEN , Pulido-Fuentes Montserrat , Santacruz-Salas Esmeralda , Castillo-Sarmiento Carlos A
Published: September 2024

There is little research on teachers' perceptions of the use of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) in undergraduate nursing education. The aim of this study was to understand teachers' perceptions of the barriers and facilitators for the implementation of wiki- and blog-based VLEs as tools to improve collaborative learning. A qualitative action-research study in an intentional opinion-intensity sample of teachers on the Bachelor of Nursing degree course was used. The data were collected and analysed according to the SWOT approach, the constant comparison method, and the coding process. The analysis highlighted weaknesses (e.g., limited audio-visual communication and feedback, privacy concerns), threats (e.g., training, pre-planning, and time cost), strengths (e.g., being intuitive, friendly and accessible, creating shared knowledge) and opportunities (e.g., improving technological skills, teaching innovation, evaluation and peer learning) for the incorporation of VLEs to promote collaborative learning in nursing training. Although both our study and the existing literature on the subject show many advantages that encourage the implementation of VLEs in nursing training, the barriers described in this paper cannot be ignored in the context in which the university currently finds itself. These barriers and facilitators to implementing VLEs in nursing training will be of interest to educational authorities.
Ca2+-evoked sperm cessation determines embryo number in mammals
Authors: Watanabe Hitomi , Ohara Daiya , Chuma Shinichiro , Takeuchi Yusuke , Takano Tomoatsu , Katanaya Ami , Nakao Satohiro , Kaneko Akihisa , Oida Takatoku , Katsuno Tatsuya , Uehata Takuya , Takeo Toru , Okamoto Munehiro , Hirota Keiji , Kondoh Gen
Published: September 2024

In mammals, fertilization takes place followed by fetus development in the maternal body, so the number of fetuses that exceeds the mother’s capacity increases the frequency of stunted growth and stillbirths, while an excessive number of pups increases postnatal stunting and maternal child-rearing stress, which is detrimental to offspring procreation and species maintenance. Therefore, various control mechanisms are thought to be at work to ensure that fertilization occurs in appropriate numbers. Sperm are not capable of fertilization immediately after they are produced in the testis, and must undergo a stepwise activation process including capacitation, hyper motility activation or acrosome reaction before they meet the egg in the oviduct, where fertilization takes place, contributing positively on fertilization, which in turn ensures the number of fetuses for the maintenance of species. In contrast, in this study, we found that a subpopulation of sperm is derived in a Ca2+-dependent manner during the process for sperm to acquire fertility, which may regulate the number of fetuses. When sperm were harvested from the epididymis of mice and activatedin vitro, a subpopulation of sperm emerged from the sperm population in which Lypd4 was expressed on the sperm surface at a ratio up to 30%. The sperm in this subpopulation were rather small in size, more permeable to dyes, and had already ceased motility. We further characterized this sperm population by surface antigen screening using various monoclonal antibodies and found the expression of several proteins, such as CD55, ICOS or Ccr3, specific to this population. The emergence of this sperm population was induced at a concentration of about 4% of Ca2+in body fluids and was independent of capacitation or acrosome reaction, and also apoptotic process. This subpopulation also appeared over time in sperm ejaculated into the female body, accounting for about 50% of the sperm that reached the oviduct in an hour. When this sperm subpopulation was then removed from the entire population using anti-Lypd4 antibody followed byin uteroinsemination, the fertilization rate of the oocytes collected from the oviducts doubled. Such a sperm subpopulation was also observed in macaque monkeys, and removal of this subpopulation increased the egg penetration rate of sperm, suggesting that this sperm subpopulation exists commonly in mammals and that the mother’s acceptable fetal number is adjusted by systematically sterilizing a certain number of sperm.
Long-read DNA and cDNA sequencing identify cancer-predisposing deep intronic variation in tumor-suppressor genes
Authors: Gulsuner Suleyman , AbuRayyan Amal , Mandell Jessica B. , Lee Ming K. , Bernier Greta V. , Norquist Barbara M. , Pierce Sarah B. , King Mary-Claire , Walsh Tom
Published: September 2024

The vast majority of deeply intronic genomic variants are benign, but some extremely rare or private deep intronic variants lead to exonification of intronic sequence with abnormal transcriptional consequences. Damaging variants of this class are likely underreported as causes of disease for several reasons: Most clinical DNA and RNA testing does not include full intronic sequences; many of these variants lie in complex repetitive regions that cannot be aligned from short-read whole-genome sequence; and, until recently, consequences of deep intronic variants were not accurately predicted by in silico tools. We evaluated the frequency and consequences of rare deep intronic variants for families severely affected with breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and/or metastatic prostate cancer, but with no causal variant identified by any previous genomic or cDNA-based approach. For 10 tumor-suppressor genes, we used multiplexed adaptive sampling long-read DNA sequencing and cDNA sequencing, based on patient-derived DNA and RNA, to systematically evaluate deep intronic variation. We identified all variants across the full genomic loci of targeted genes, applied the in silico tools SpliceAI and Pangolin to predict variants of functional consequence, and then carried out long-read cDNA sequencing to identify aberrant transcripts. For eight of the 120 (6%) previously unsolved families, rare deep intronic variants inBRCA1,PALB2, andATMcreate intronic pseudoexons that are spliced into transcripts, leading to premature truncations. These results suggest that long-read DNA and cDNA sequencing can be integrated into variant discovery, with strategies for accurately characterizing pathogenic variants.
Shrinking a gradient-index-lens antenna system with a spaceplate
Authors: Mrnka Michal , Whittaker Thomas , Phillips David B. , Hendry Euan , Whittow Will
Published: September 2024

The miniaturization of optical systems is an ongoing challenge across the electromagnetic spectrum. While the thickness of optical elements themselves can be reduced using advances in metamaterials, it is the voids between these elements—which are necessary parts of an optical system—that occupy most of the volume. Recently, a novel optical element coined a “spaceplate” has been proposed, which replaces a region of free space with a thinner optical element that emulates the free-space optical response function—thus having the potential to substantially shrink the volume of optical systems. While there have been a few proof-of-principle demonstrations of spaceplates, they have not yet been deployed in a real-world optical system. In this work, we use a bespoke-designed spaceplate to reduce the length of a gradient-index- (GRIN) lens microwave antenna. Our antenna is designed to operate at 23.5 GHz and the incorporation of a nonlocal metamaterial spaceplate enables the distance between the antenna feed and the GRIN lens to be reduced by almost a factor of 2. We find that the radiation patterns from a conventional and space-squeezed antenna are very similar, with a very low cross-polarization, and only a minor increase in the side-lobe levels when introducing the spaceplate. Our work represents a demonstration of a spaceplate integrated into a real-world optical system operating in microwave spectral region, highlighting the potential for this concept to reduce the physical size of systems in applications including imaging, spectroscopy, radar, and communications.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dimensionality-mediated type-II Dirac semimetal to quantum spin Hall insulator phase transition in TiC
Authors: Sufyan Ali , Abdullah Hasan M. , Larsson J. Andreas
Published: September 2024

We present first-principles results on monolayer (ML) and bulk titanium carbide (TiC) exhibiting dual topological characteristics: a quantum spin Hall insulator state in two-dimensional ML and a type-II Dirac semimetal state in its three-dimensional bulk form. The nontrivial nature of ML TiC is confirmed through the calculation of a Z2 invariant, spin Hall conductivity, and edge states. The edge band structure of ML TiC displays a single pair of gapless edge states at the M point. The insulating topological phase in ML TiC is driven by a band inversion around the M point involving Ti-d orbitals, with a nontrivial band gap of 0.47 eV. Our findings also indicate that ML TiC possesses excellent dynamical and thermal stability. Moreover, the bulk, ML hollow sphere arrays, and a 4-nm-thick film of TiC have already been synthesized, suggesting the high feasibility of the experimental synthesizing of ML TiC. On the other hand, we demonstrate that the bulk TiC hosts both a type-II Dirac cone and a topological nodal surface without spin-orbit coupling, protected by a combined symmetry of inversion and time reversal. The presence of spin-orbit coupling removes the nodal surface while preserving the type-II Dirac cone. Surface states connecting bulk Dirac nodes in bulk TiC can be readily observed, making the surface characteristics easily detectable in experiments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
QCD corrections to Higgs boson production and
H→bb¯
decay in weak boson fusion
Authors: Asteriadis Konstantin , Behring Arnd , Melnikov Kirill , Novikov Ivan , Röntsch Raoul
Published: September 2024

We study QCD corrections to the process where a Higgs boson is produced in weak boson fusion and then decays into a pair of massive b quarks. We find that typical experimental criteria used to identify b jets in this process affect QCD corrections to the decay, making it necessary to account for them in the proper description of this process. Indeed, if corrections to the production and decay are combined, the fiducial cross section of the weak boson fusion process pp→H(→bb¯)jj is reduced by about 40% relative to leading-order predictions, compared to just about 8% if only corrections to the production process are considered. We investigate the origin of these large corrections through next-to-next-to-leading order and conclude that they appear because a number of independent moderately large effects conspire to significantly reduce the fiducial cross section for this process.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Analyzing leptonic decays of heavy quarkonia in the covariant confined quark model
Authors: Dubnička Stanislav , Dubničková Anna Zuzana , Ivanov Mikhail A. , Liptaj Andrej , Tyulemissova Akmaral , Tyulemissov Zhomart
Published: September 2024

The leptonic decay widths of heavy quarkonia are complementary observables to the semileptonic decays of heavy mesons and provide additional insight into the possible lepton flavor universality breaking. We analyze the former in the framework of the covariant confined quark model, introducing a novel approach for the description of the radially excited quarkonia states, which is based on constituent quark mass running and the orthogonality of the states. We are able to describe the experimental observations by our approach within the Standard Model, which does not support new physics explanations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Room-Temperature Optically Detected Coherent Control of Molecular Spins
Authors: Mena Adrian , Mann Sarah K. , Cowley-Semple Angus , Bryan Emma , Heutz Sandrine , McCamey Dane R. , Attwood Max , Bayliss Sam L.
Published: September 2024

Optically interfaced molecular spins are a promising platform for quantum sensing and imaging. Key for such applications is optically detecting coherent spin manipulation at room temperature. Here, using the photoexcited triplet state of organic chromophores (pentacene doped in p-terphenyl), we optically detect coherent spin manipulation with photoluminescence contrasts exceeding 15% at room temperature, both in a molecular crystal and thin film. We further demonstrate how multifrequency spin control could enhance such systems. These results open opportunities for room-temperature quantum sensors that capitalize on the versatility of synthetic chemistry.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Interplay of multiple labels and willingness to pay
Authors: D'Souza Clare , Ibanez Vanessa Apaolaza , Hartmann Patrick
Published: September 2024

Purpose

There are calls for irradiated food labelling due to a significant need for food safety and extensive procedures to safeguard consumer health. Additionally, there is a strong push from producers for mandatory Country of Origin (COO) labelling. The study examines how the COO and Radura labels influence consumer behaviour and shows the interplay between these influences. Using Attitude-Behavior-Context theory, a conceptual model is proposed and tested to evaluate these factors. The use of multiple labels allows for more choices. How the information presented on labels corresponds to consumers' pre-purchase information search is tested on regular label users.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), Generalised Linear Modelling and Cluster Analysis were used to analyse the data on a sample of 322 Australian respondents.

Findings

The study revealed that COO labelling had a significant positive relationship with attitudes but a negative relationship with WTP, acting as a suppressed mediator between attitudes and WTP. Interestingly, while knowledge was not found significant, label confidence emerged as a significant factor. Furthermore, the research suggests that regular users may prioritize COO labels over Radura labels.

Originality/value

This research contributes novelty by being the first to address the interplay between COO and irradiated labels, complementing the growing body of literature on irradiation labelling. It also offers valuable insights for retail practitioners, providing an understanding that can facilitate the delivery of high-value multiple labels at the point of purchase.
Cowpea grain sales by women and men traders in local markets of Senegal
Authors: Smale Melinda , Theriault Veronique , Assima Amidou
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To orient the commercial development of cowpeas, we identify the determinants of the value of cowpea grain sold by traders in Senegal’s local markets. We test whether the determinants differ between men and women traders and explore seasonal patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ ordinary least squares and seemingly unrelated regressions using a nationally representative dataset of 973 traders, of whom 380 sell cowpea grain, in 99 urban and rural markets across the 14 regions of Senegal.

Findings

The value of cowpea grain sold is influenced by vendor and market characteristics but not by cowpea type. Women and men traders represent statistically distinct groups. The sales value was eight times higher during the survey season among men. Most women grain sellers are retailers, whereas men are involved in both retailing and wholesaling. The picture that emerges is that men traders are able to respond more to economic signals, such as purchase cost, credit and labor payments, perhaps because they operate on a larger scale. Sales were significantly correlated across seasons.

Research limitations/implications

To support cowpea commercialization, researchers should explore the characteristics of enterprises led by women and men traders in greater depth. Sampling grain sold in markets to test genetic relationships with improved varieties would enable researchers to link market-based incentives directly to cowpea breeding.

Originality/value

Previous economics research about cowpea grain markets emphasized the hedonic analysis of grain characteristics to guide crop improvement. This study reveals differentiation among traders by gender and the importance of trader and market characteristics in sales value.
The impact of supply chain revamping announcements on shareholder value
Authors: Zhan Xinrui , Mu Yinping , Su Jiafu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Supply chain revamping (SCR) is an important strategy for firms to improve their supply chain operations in a rapidly changing environment. The purpose of this study is to shed light on the impact of SCR on shareholder value.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Signaling Theory and 184 SCR announcements published by US-listed firms from 2013 to 2018, this study employs event study methodology and empirically examines three issues: Antecedents of SCRs; Primary purposes and actions of SCRs; In addition to the impact of SCRs on shareholder value using stock returns, we also examined the factors that can influence the extent of stock returns.

Findings

Firstly, our results indicate that SCRs are primarily driven by firms’ poor prior performance, CEO turnover and external control threats (ECTs). Secondly, the stock market favors SCRs aiming to meet customer needs and those accomplished through network remodel. However, the market reacts negatively to SCRs aiming at cutting costs, improving poor performance, and those implemented through network trim. Finally, the cross-sectional analysis indicates that shareholders prefer firms operating in more competitive or faster-growing industries and those adopting an expansionist strategy than those adopting a streamlining strategy.

Originality/value

Our study provides managers with valuable insights into when firms can benefit from initiating SCRs not only by examining the purposes and actions of SCRs but also by examining the industry- and strategy-specific moderators. Our study illuminates the conditions under which SCR will positively affect shareholder value. Additionally, this study contributes to the existing literature by deepening the understanding of the impact of supply chain decisions on firm performance and identifying the marginal conditions under which the stock market will react positively to SCR announcements.
Promoting faculty collaboration to support school-university partnerships and increase coaching self-efficacy
Authors: Larson Kristine E. , Savick Stephanie L. , Silver Patrice M. , Poling Rosemary E.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This manuscript examines how university coaches can use the Classroom Check-Up (CCU; Reinke et al., 2008) to support continuous school improvement efforts around teacher practice within a PDS model and how collaboration between university faculty can increase their coaching self-efficacy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual in that it presents an innovative idea to stimulate discussion, generate new ideas, and advance thinking about supporting educator coaching efficacy in school-university partnerships.

Findings

The paper provides insights and ideas for using a collaborative faculty coaching model based on the CCU (Reinke et al., 2008). Each coach provides insight about adapting the model to fit teacher, school, and district needs. Moreover, coaches report on how collaborating impacted their coaching self-efficacy.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to support continuous school improvement efforts amid a teaching shortage using a collaborative faculty coaching model. Moreover, the authors explore “coaching self-efficacy” as a rare but valuable construct that is impacted by peer feedback.
Variation of magnesium drives plant adaption to heterogeneous environments by regulating efficiency in photosynthesis on a large scale
Authors: Jiao Chaolian , Zhang Jiahui , Yu Haili , He Nianpeng
Published: September 2024

Magnesium (Mg) is a vital nutrient for plants, and its role in photosynthesis, enzyme regulation and resistance to environmental stress is becoming increasingly evident. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding the characteristics of Mg (content, density and stock) on a large scale, particularly at the community level, which is essential for linking to ecosystem functions.

A leaf‐branch‐trunk‐root‐matched database of the Mg content (mg g−1) and biomass density (g m−2) of plant organs across 1972 sampling sites in China was constructed based on field surveys and data compilation. Using machine learning algorithms, we comprehensively explored the spatial patterns and main influencing factors of plant Mg content and density (g m−2). Furthermore, a new index, leaf Mg productivity (LMP), was developed to determine the Mg use efficiency, defined as the ratio of gross primary productivity to leaf Mg density.

The Mg contents in the leaves, branches, trunks and roots were 2.80, 0.87, 0.23 and 1.66 mg g−1, respectively. Deserts exhibited higher Mg content, with the primary influencing factors being high temperatures and soil Mg supply. Higher LMP values observed in grasslands and deserts indicate that Mg use is more efficient in these relatively stressful environments, whereas forests require more Mg for unit biomass productivity. This change was driven by the minimum temperature, aridity and soil Mg content.

Synthesis. We systematically explored spatial variation in plant community Mg and its correlation with the photosynthetic capacity of plant communities. The aridity and soil Mg content have negative effects on LMP. This suggests that Mg is used more efficiently in photosynthesis under conditions of resource scarcity, indicating that resources become more valuable when they are limited. Photosynthesis in forests is more sensitive to Mg and more Mg is required for biomass production; therefore, Mg is not just a nutrient but a potential bottleneck in optimizing photosynthetic efficiency. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of Mg in photosynthesis and offer a foundation for optimizing ecosystem management through Mg regulation.
COVID‐19 Vaccine Safety in Pregnancy, A Nested Case–Control Study in Births From April 2021 to March 2022, England
Authors: Mensah Anna A. , Stowe Julia , Jardine Jennifer E. , Kirsebom Freja C. M. , Clare Tom , Kall Meaghan , Campbell Helen , Lopez‐Bernal Jamie , Andrews Nick
Published: September 2024

Objective

Assessment of COVID‐19 vaccine safety in pregnancy using population‐based data.

Design

Matched case–control study nested in a retrospective cohort.

Setting

April 2021–March 2022, England.

Population or Sample

All pregnant individuals aged between 18 and 50 years with valid health records.

Methods

Individuals identified from the national Maternity Services Data Set (MSDS) had their records linked to hospital admission, national COVID‐19 vaccine and COVID‐19 testing databases. Matching included participant's age and estimated week of conception. We compared outcomes across multiple COVID‐19 vaccine exposures using conditional multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographic and health characteristics.

Main Outcome Measures

Adverse pregnancy, maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results

514 013 individuals were included. We found lower odds of giving birth to a baby who was low birthweight (aOR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.79–0.93), preterm (aOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85–0.92) or who had an Apgar score < 7 at 5 min of age (aOR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.80–0.98) for individuals who received at least one dose of COVID‐19 vaccine during pregnancy. The odds of admission to intensive care unit during pregnancy were lower in those vaccinated (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76–0.95). There was no association between vaccination in pregnancy and stillbirth, neonatal death, perinatal death and maternal venous thromboembolism in pregnancy.

Conclusions

COVID‐19 vaccines are safe to use in pregnancy. Our findings generated important information to communicate to pregnant individuals and health professionals to support COVID‐19 maternal vaccination programmes.
Cardiovascular Adaptation in Fetal Growth Restriction: A Longitudinal Study From Fetuses at Term to the First Year of Life
Authors: Coutinho Conrado Milani , Giorgione Veronica , Thilaganathan Basky , Patey Olga
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate longitudinal trends in fetal and offspring cardiovascular adaptation in fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Design

Prospective longitudinal study.

Setting

Fetal Medicine Unit.

Sample

Thirty‐five FGR pregnancies and 37 healthy controls assessed as term fetuses (mean age 37 ± 1 weeks) and again in infancy (mean age 8 ± 2 months).

Methods

Conventional echocardiographic techniques, tissue Doppler imaging and speckle tracking echocardiography.

Main Outcome Measures

Left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) geometry and function. Echocardiographic parameters were normalised by ventricular size adjusting for differences in body weight between groups.

Results

Compared to healthy controls, late FGR fetuses showed significant alterations in cardiac geometry with more globular LV chamber (LV sphericity index, 0.56 vs. 0.52), increase in biventricular global longitudinal systolic contractility (MAPSE, 0.29 vs. 0.25 mm; TAPSE, 0.42 vs. 0.37 mm) and elevated cardiac output (combined CO: 592 vs. 497 mL/min/kg, p < 0.01 for all). Indices of LV diastolic function in FGR fetuses were significantly impaired with myocardial diastolic velocities (LV A', 0.30 vs. 0.26 cm/s; IVS E', 0.19 vs. 0.16 cm/s) and LV torsion (1.2 vs. 3.5 deg./cm, p < 0.01 for all). At postnatal assessment, FGR offspring revealed persistently increased SAPSE (0.27 vs. 0.24 mm), LV longitudinal strain (−19.0 vs. −16.0%), reduced LV torsion (1.6 vs. 2.1 deg./cm) and elevated CO (791 vs. 574 mL/min/kg, p < 0.01 for all).

Conclusions

Perinatal cardiac remodelling and myocardial dysfunction in late FGR fetuses is most likely due to chronic placental hypoxaemia. Persistent changes in cardiac geometry and function in FGR offspring may reflect fetal cardiovascular maladaptation that could predispose to long‐term cardiovascular complications in later life.
Subdivision of M1 category and prognostic stage for de novo metastatic breast cancer to enhance prognostic prediction and guide the selection of locoregional therapy
Authors: Ji Lei , Song Ge , Xiao Min , Chen Xi , Li Qing , Wang Jiayu , Fan Ying , Luo Yang , Li Qiao , Chen Shanshan , Ma Fei , Xu Binghe , Zhang Pin
Published: September 2024

Background

Although de novo metastatic breast cancer (dnMBC) is acknowledged as a heterogeneous disease, the current staging systems do not distinguish between patients within the M1 or stage IV category. This study aimed to refine the M1 category and prognostic staging for dnMBC to enhance prognosis prediction and guide the choice of locoregional treatment.

Methods

We selected patients with dnMBC from the SEER database (2010–2019), grouping them into training (N = 8048) and internal validation (N = 3450) cohorts randomly at a 7:3 ratio. An independent external validation cohort (N = 660) was enrolled from dnMBC patients (2010–2023) treated in three hospitals. Nomogram‐based risk stratification was employed to refine the M1 category and prognostic stage, incorporating T/N stage, histologic grade, subtypes, and the location and number of metastatic sites. Both internal and external validation sets were used for validation analyses.

Results

Brain, liver, or lung involvement and multiple metastases were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). The nomogram‐based stratification effectively divided M1 stage into three groups: M1a (bone‐only involvement), M1b (liver or lung involvement only, with or without bone metastases), and M1c (brain metastasis or involvement of both liver and lung, regardless of other metastatic sites). Only subtype and M1 stage were included to define the final prognostic stage. Significant differences in OS were observed across M1 and prognostic subgroups. Patients with the M1c stage benefited less from primary tumor surgery in comparison with M1a stage.

Conclusion

Subdivision of the M1 and prognostic stage could serve as a supplement to the current staging guidelines for dnMBC and guide locoregional treatment.
Prepregnancy body mass index and visceral fat exhibit divergent associations with metabolic factors in pregnant women with obesity: A Norwegian cohort study
Authors: Bonnichsen Maja Lecic , Gunnes Nina , Nyfløt Lill Trine , Haugen Guttorm , Roland Marie Cecilie
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Pregnancy involves changes in maternal metabolism that differ between normal‐weight women and women with overweight or obesity, including changes in glucose, insulin, lipids, and adipokines. These changes contribute to altered risk profiles for adverse outcomes for both mother and child during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. We explored associations between visceral fat and prepregnancy body mass index (pBMI), respectively, with glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as with adipokines and C‐reactive protein (CRP), measured fasting in early and late pregnancy. We hypothesized that among women with pBMI ≥35 kg/m2, visceral fat measured around gestational week 18 (visceral fat18) would show associations with greater number of metabolic variables during pregnancy, than pBMI.

Material and Methods

This prospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Drammen Hospital from 2016 to 2019. We included 166 nulliparous (47.6%) and parous pregnant women with pBMI ≥35 kg/m2 and singleton pregnancy. Women with type 1 diabetes were excluded. We evaluated associations of pBMI and visceral fat estimated with bioimpedance weight around gestational week 18 (visceral fat18) with fasting metabolic measures around gestational weeks 18 and 36 using median regression models. We used the paired t‐test or the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, as appropriate, to analyze changes in metabolic measures from early to late pregnancy, and median regression to estimate crude and adjusted differences in medians of 21 maternal metabolic measures associated with one‐unit changes in pBMI and visceral fat18, respectively.

Results

pBMI and visceral fat18 were highly correlated and showed associations with similar metabolic measures in pregnancy in crude analysis. After mutual adjustment for each other in addition to age and parity, pBMI was associated with glucose metabolism, in particular fasting insulin, whereas visceral fat18 was primarily associated with leptin.

Conclusions

Among pregnant women with BMI ≥35 kg/m2, easily obtainable pBMI and the more resource‐demanding estimate of visceral fat18 exhibit divergent associations with metabolic measures; pBMI was positively associated with insulin, glucose, and HbA1c, while visceral fat18 was positively associated with leptin. We did not find visceral fat18 to be associated with greater number of metabolic factors than pBMI.
Risk of cervical laceration in forceps vs vacuum delivery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hossein‐Pour Parnian , Rajasingham Maya , Muraca Giulia M.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Cervical laceration is an obstetric injury associated with severe postpartum hemorrhage and subsequent spontaneous preterm birth. While operative vaginal delivery is a known risk factor for cervical laceration, it is unclear whether forceps and vacuum deliveries incur the same risk. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the risk of cervical laceration between operative instruments (forceps vs vacuum).

Material and Methods

Medline, Embase, Global Health, CENTRAL, Emcare, and Web of Science were searched from inception until August 2024 with terms related to operative vaginal delivery and cervical laceration. Studies comparing the risk of cervical laceration in individuals undergoing forceps or vacuum delivery were included. Two authors conducted screening, data extraction, and quality assessment of all studies. Random‐effects models were used to pool risk ratios across studies and certainty of evidence was assessed using Cochrane methods and the GRADE approach. PROSPERO Registration Number CRD42023421890.

Results

Thirteen studies were eligible for inclusion, 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 10 observational studies. The overall rate of cervical laceration was 0.35% (990/284218 births) where 1.04% of forceps deliveries (456/43817) were complicated by cervical laceration compared to 0.22% of vacuum deliveries (534/240401). The risk of cervical laceration was 2–5 fold greater in forceps deliveries than in vacuum deliveries: pooled unadjusted risk ratio [RR] 4.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56–14.98 among RCTs and pooled unadjusted RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.59–2.24 among observational studies. The overall quality of evidence was low to moderate mainly due to the lack of attention to confounding in the included literature. The GRADE assessment indicated that the certainty of evidence was very low for observational studies and moderate for RCTs.

Conclusions

Low certainty of evidence indicates that forceps deliveries may be associated with an increased risk of cervical laceration compared to vacuum deliveries.
Evaluation of Serum Adipokine Levels in Girls With Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: Caglayan Ilkin Seda Can , Çelik Nurullah , Bolat Serkan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Adipose tissue has an important endocrine function by secreting a variety of hormones known as adipokines, such as Visfatin, Omentin‐1 and Chemerin. On the other hand, these hormones are also secreted from places other than fatty tissues in the girl's genital system. The goal of this study was to demonstrate the secretory status of adipokines in patients with central precocious puberty (CPP) and their utility in the diagnosis of precocious puberty.

Method

A total of 105 patients were included in the study (53 in the CPP group and 52 in the control group). The following were used as the CPP diagnostic criteria; breast development, basal LH measurement higher than 0.3 IU/L, peak LH level ≥ 5 IU/L, peak LH/FSH ratio ≥ 0.66 (after 0.1 mg GnRH stimulation test) and a difference of at least 1 year between bone and chronological age.

Results

A statistically significant difference was detected between the groups in serum Omentin‐1 and Chemerin levels, and no significant differences were detected between the groups in Visfatin values. The cut‐off values for the diagnosis of CPP were calculated as ≤ 48.9 with 81% sensitivity and 54% specificity for Omentin‐1, and as ≥ 417 with 85% sensitivity and 60% specificity for Chemerin.

Conclusion

In our study, we found that Omentin‐1 level decreased and Chemerin level increased in lean girls with CPP. More studies are needed to elucidate how adipokines play roles in explaining the onset of CPP, and whether they may be used as a reliable marker for the diagnosis of CPP.
Pre‐reparations Preparation: Fixing the Plumbing before Turning on the Tap
Authors: Robinson Matthew
Published: September 2024

A growing number of communities in the global African diaspora are campaigning for reparations for historical and contemporary human rights violations. While the political advocacy campaigns continue, communities which are set to receive reparations should, through a process called pre‐reparations preparation, consider their current economic situation and how they may improve their circumstances with the restitution that they will receive. An integral part of pre‐reparations preparation is investigating community income and expenditure. This article explores the use of the leaky bucket analogy in assessing the Black American community's financial inflows and outflows, how Black communities can use this process to plan pre‐ and post‐payment community economic development, and why government administrators and regulators should engage in their own pre‐reparations preparation.
Repurposing chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy grading
Authors: Velasco Roser , Argyriou Andreas A. , Cornblath David R. , Bruna Pere , Alberti Paola , Rossi Emanuela , Merkies Ingemar S. J. , Psimaras Dimitri , Briani Chiara , Lalisang Roy I. , Schenone Angelo , Cavaletti Guido , Bruna Jordi ,   CI‐PeriNomS Group
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is perceived differently by patients and physicians, complicating its assessment. Current recommendations advocate combining clinical and patient‐reported outcomes measures, but this approach can be challenging in patient care. This multicenter European study aims to bridge the gap between patients' perceptions and neurological impairments by aligning both perspectives to improve treatment decision‐making.

Methods

Data were pooled from two prospective studies of subjects (n = 372) with established CIPN. Patient and physician views regarding CIPN were assessed using the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI‐CTCAE), Total Neuropathy Scale–clinical version (TNSc) items, and the disease‐specific quality of life ‐ Chemotherapy‐Induced Peripheral Neuropathy questionnaire (QLQ‐CIPN20) from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC). To identify inherent neurotoxic severity patterns, we employed hierarchical cluster analysis optimized with k‐means clustering and internally validated by discriminant functional analysis.

Results

Both NCI‐CTCAE and TNSc demonstrated a significant difference in the distribution of severity grades in relation to QLQ‐CIPN20 scores. However, a proportion of subjects with different neurotoxic severity grades exhibited overlapping QLQ‐CIPN20 scores. We identified three distinct clusters classifying subjects as having severely impaired, intermediately impaired, and mildly impaired CIPN based on TNSc and QLQ‐CIPN20 scores. No differences in demographics, cancer type distribution, or class of drug received were observed.

Conclusions

Our results confirm the heterogeneity in CIPN perception between patients and physicians and identify three well‐differentiated subgroups of patients delineated by degree of CIPN impairment based on scores derived from TNSc and QLQ‐CIPN20. A more refined assessment of CIPN could potentially be achieved using the calculator tool derived from the cluster equations in this study. This tool, which facilitates individual patient classification, requires prospective validation.
Role of comorbidities in epilepsy surgery outcomes of older adults
Authors: Tsai Carolyn , Taylor Sara , Thompson Nicolas , Vegh Deborah , Bingaman William , Jehi Lara , Punia Vineet
Published: September 2024

We lack knowledge about prognostic factors of resective epilepsy surgery (RES) in older adults (≥60 years), especially the role of comorbidities, which are a major consideration in managing the care of people with epilepsy (PWE). We analyzed a single‐center cohort of 94 older adults (median age = 63.5 years, 52% females) who underwent RES between 2000 and 2021 with at least 6 months of postsurgical follow‐up. Three fourths of the study cohort had lesional magnetic resonance imaging and underwent temporal lobectomy. Fifty‐four (57%) PWE remained seizure‐free during a median follow‐up of 3.5 years. Cox proportional hazard multivariable analysis showed that aura (hazard ratio [HR] = .52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .27–1.00), single ictal electroencephalographic pattern (HR = .33, 95% CI = .17–.660), and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.00–1.10) were independently associated with seizure recurrence at last follow‐up. A sensitivity analysis using the Charlson Combined Score (HR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.03–1.84, p = .027) confirmed the association of comorbidities with worse seizure outcome. Our findings provide a framework for a better informed discussion about RES prognosis in older adults. More extensive, multicenter cohort studies are needed to validate our findings and reduce hesitancy in pursuing RES in suitable older adults.