bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State de-financialisation through incorporating local government bonds in the budgetary process in China
Authors: Li Zhenfa , Wu Fulong , Zhang Fangzhu
Published: July 2023

In China, state-led financialisation through local government financing platforms resulted in a surge in local government debt. To manage financial risk, the central state introduced local government bonds (LGBs) to replace the platforms as the main financing source for infrastructure investment. The issuance of LGBs is subject to a budgetary process. We argue that LGBs mark a turn to state de-financialisation, as the local state’s financial logic of maximising value extraction from the built environment is restricted by budgetary control. Through developing a database of LGB issuance in over 400 prefectural cities, this article reveals that local indebtedness determines the geographies of bond issuance, confirming the effect of the central state’s objective of restricting local government debt. The dynamics of state-led financialisation change from the inter-jurisdictional competition in infrastructure investment among local states through local government financing platforms to a hierarchical control of LGB issuance led by the central state using the budget. Our findings show that financial expansion may mean state de-financialisation and fiscal resources are not only used to promote state-led financialisation but also to enable state de-financialisation.
Diverse enzymatic chemistry for propionate side chain cleavages in tetrapyrrole biosynthesis
Authors: Ushimaru Richiro , Lyu Jiaqi , Abe Ikuro
Published: July 2023

Tetrapyrroles represent a unique class of natural products that possess diverse chemical architectures and exhibit a broad range of biological functions. Accordingly, they attract keen attention from the natural product community. Many metal-chelating tetrapyrroles serve as enzyme cofactors essential for life, while certain organisms produce metal-free porphyrin metabolites with biological activities potentially beneficial for the producing organisms and for human use. The unique properties of tetrapyrrole natural products derive from their extensively modified and highly conjugated macrocyclic core structures. Most of these various tetrapyrrole natural products biosynthetically originate from a branching point precursor, uroporphyrinogen III, which contains propionate and acetate side chains on its macrocycle. Over the past few decades, many modification enzymes with unique catalytic activities, and the diverse enzymatic chemistries employed to cleave the propionate side chains from the macrocycles, have been identified. In this review, we highlight the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic enzymes required for the propionate side chain removal processes and discuss their various chemical mechanisms.

One-Sentence Summary

This mini-review describes various enzymes involved in the propionate side chain cleavages during the biosynthesis of tetrapyrrole cofactors and secondary metabolites.
A tale of policy carve-outs and general exceptions: Eco Oro v Colombia as a case study
Authors: Ünüvar Güneş
Published: July 2023

The Eco Oro v. Colombia Decision has garnered immediate public and academic attention and generated immense controversy. One of the reasons for its notoriety was the arbitral tribunal’s unconventional take on the general exceptions clause of the Canada–Colombia Free Trade Agreement and its contention that, even when a challenged measure fulfils the requirements of this exception, a host state’s duty to compensate remained. This conclusion has since been interpreted as an indication that, in spite of states’ attempts to carve certain regulatory and/or administrative measures motivated by public interest out of the protective scope of some recent international investment agreements (IIAs), such as environmental protection, arbitral tribunals continue to disregard these sensitivities. In light of this background, this article will focus on the parties’ arguments, the Tribunal’s analysis, as well as the interpretative implications of the Decision, focusing on indirect expropriation, the fair and equitable treatment, and the application of the general exception clause.
Inter- and intraspecific adaptations of pteridophyte leaf traits in limestone and non-limestone forests of monsoon tropical regions of southwest China
Authors: Phoutthavong Kittisack , Katabuchi Masatoshi , Nakamura Akihiro , Cheng Xiao , Cao Min
Published: July 2023

Plant species often show different taxonomic and functional characteristics between limestone forests (LFs) and non-limestone forests (NLFs) in tropical regions. Pteridophyte species are one of the major components in tropical rainforests; however, the morphological and physiological characteristics of pteridophytes occurring in LFs are poorly understood. We evaluated the differences in seven leaf functional traits between pteridophyte species in LFs and NLFs in southwest China. We measured leaf water content, morphological traits including leaf size, leaf thickness, stomatal length and stomatal density (SD), and physiological traits including stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rate from a total of 25 species. We found that pteridophytes had thicker and smaller leaves with lower SD and stomatal conductance in LFs compared with NLFs, probably reflecting their adaptations in water use strategies. These differences, however, became non-significant when phylogenetic relationships were taken into account, suggesting that phylogenetic conservatism shapes trait differences and ultimately species composition in LFs and NLFs. Some species that were commonly found in both LFs and NLFs exhibited intraspecific variation between forest types, with lower SD in LFs. Our findings suggest that only a handful of pteridophyte species can adapt to their water use strategies in both LFs and NLFs, and thus adaptative radiation is unlikely to occur.
Symbiosis between cyanobacteria and plants: from molecular studies to agronomic applications
Authors: Álvarez Consolación , Jiménez-Ríos Lucía , Iniesta-Pallarés Macarena , Jurado-Flores Ana , Molina-Heredia Fernando P , Ng Carl K Y , Mariscal Vicente
Published: July 2023

Nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria from the order Nostocales are able to establish symbiotic relationships with diverse plant species. They are promiscuous symbionts, as the same strain of cyanobacterium is able to form symbiotic biological nitrogen-fixing relationships with different plants species. This review will focus on the different types of cyanobacterial–plant associations, both endophytic and epiphytic, and provide insights from a structural viewpoint, as well as our current understanding of the mechanisms involved in the symbiotic crosstalk. In all these symbioses, the benefit for the plant is clear; it obtains from the cyanobacterium fixed nitrogen and other bioactive compounds, such as phytohormones, polysaccharides, siderophores, or vitamins, leading to enhanced plant growth and productivity. Additionally, there is increasing use of different cyanobacterial species as bio-inoculants for biological nitrogen fixation to improve soil fertility and crop production, thus providing an eco-friendly, alternative, and sustainable approach to reduce the over-reliance on synthetic chemical fertilizers.
Limited-transpiration trait in response to high vapor pressure deficit from wild to cultivated species: study of the Lens genus
Authors: Rouichi Salma , Idrissi Omar , Sohail Quahir , Marrou Hélène , Sinclair Thomas R , Hejjaoui Kamal , Amri Moez , Ghanem Michel Edmond
Published: July 2023

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is commonly grown in drought-prone areas where terminal heat and drought are frequent. The limited-transpiration (TRlim) trait under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) could be a way to conserve water and increase yield under water deficit conditions. The TRlim trait was examined in cultivated and wild lentil species together with its evolution throughout the breeding pipeline. Sixty-one accessions representing the six wild lentil species (L. orientalis, L. tomentosus, L. odemensis, L. lamottei, L. ervoides, and L. nigricans) and 13 interspecific advanced lines were evaluated in their transpiration response to high VPD. A large variation in transpiration rate (TR) response to increased VPD was recorded among wild lentil accessions, with 43 accessions exhibiting a breakpoint (BP) in their TR response to increasing VPD, with values ranging from 0.92 kPa to 3.38 kPa under greenhouse conditions. Ten genotypes for the interspecific advanced lines displayed a BP with an average of 1.95 kPa, much lower than previously reported for cultivated lentil. Results from field experiments suggest that the TRlim trait (BP=0.97 kPa) positively affected yield and yield-related parameters during the years with late-season water stress. The selection of TRlim genotypes for high VPD environments could improve lentil productivity in drought-prone areas.
Temperature regulation of auxin-related gene expression and its implications for plant growth
Authors: Bianchimano Luciana , De Luca María Belén , Borniego María Belén , Iglesias María José , Casal Jorge J
Published: July 2023

Twenty-five years ago, a seminal paper demonstrated that warm temperatures increase auxin levels to promote hypocotyl growth in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here we highlight recent advances in auxin-mediated thermomorphogenesis and identify unanswered questions. In the warmth, PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4 (PIF4) and PIF7 bind the YUCCA8 gene promoter and, in concert with histone modifications, enhance its expression to increase auxin synthesis in the cotyledons. Once transported to the hypocotyl, auxin promotes cell elongation. The meta-analysis of expression of auxin-related genes in seedlings exposed to temperatures ranging from cold to hot shows complex patterns of response. Changes in auxin only partially account for these responses. The expression of many SMALL AUXIN UP RNA (SAUR) genes reaches a maximum in the warmth, decreasing towards both temperature extremes in correlation with the rate of hypocotyl growth. Warm temperatures enhance primary root growth, the response requires auxin, and the hormone levels increase in the root tip but the impacts on cell division and cell expansion are not clear. A deeper understanding of auxin-mediated temperature control of plant architecture is necessary to face the challenge of global warming.
Hashimoto’s Encephalopathy with Use of Intravenous Immunoglobulin as First-Line Therapy
Authors: Barrett Laura D , Ballew Matthew , Ewers Evan
Published: July 2023

Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is an uncommon cause of altered mental status in hospitalized patients and is challenging to diagnose, particularly in the presence of other psychiatric comorbidities. Corticosteroids are the primary treatment. Here, we present a patient with history of post-traumatic stress disorder and prior substance abuse admitted with profound altered mental status and agitation requiring admission to the intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) instead of the standard steroid course because of concerns for worsening agitation. The patient had improvement with IVIG infusions, returned to a functional state, and has remained on IVIG therapy monthly since the initial episode without any disease recurrence.
Triple and quadruple black holes in the ASTRID simulation at z ∼ 2
Authors: Hoffman Calvin , Chen Nianyi , Di Matteo Tiziana , Ni Yueying , Bird Simeon , Croft Rupert , Loeb Abraham
Published: July 2023

We use the ASTRID cosmological hydrodynamic simulation to investigate the properties and evolution of triple and quadruple massive black hole (MBH) systems at z = 2–3. Only a handful of MBH tuple systems have been detected to date. In ASTRID, we find 4 per cent of the $M_{\rm BH}\gt 10^7\, M_\odot$ are in tuples with $\Delta r_{\rm max} \lt 200\, {\rm kpc}$. The tuple systems span a range of separations with the majority of the observable AGN systems at Δr ∼ 50–100 kpc. They include some of the most massive BHs (up to $10^{10} \, M_\odot$) but with at least one of the components of $M_{\rm BH} \sim 10^7 \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$. Tuples’ host galaxies are typically massive with $M_* \sim 10^{10-11} \, M_\odot$. We find that $\gt 10~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ massive haloes with Mhalo > 1013 M⊙ host MBH tuples. Following the subsequent interactions between MBHs in tuples, we found that in $\sim 5~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the triplets all three MBHs merge within a Gyr, and 15 per cent go through one merger. As a by-product of the complex multigalaxy interaction of these systems, we also find that up to $\sim 5~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of tuples lead to runaway MBHs. In ASTRID, virtually all of the ultramassive black holes ($\gt 10^{10} \, M_\odot$) have undergone a triple quasar phase, while for BHs with $M_{\rm BH} \sim 10^9 \, M_\odot$, this fraction drops to 50 per cent.
The BACCO simulation project: biased tracers in real space
Authors: Zennaro Matteo , Angulo Raul E , Pellejero-Ibáñez Marcos , Stücker Jens , Contreras Sergio , Aricò Giovanni
Published: July 2023

We present an emulator for the two-point clustering of biased tracers in real space. We construct this emulator using neural networks calibrated with more than 400 cosmological models in a 8D cosmological parameter space that includes massive neutrinos an dynamical dark energy. The properties of biased tracers are described via a Lagrangian perturbative bias expansion which is advected to Eulerian space using the displacement field of numerical simulations. The cosmology-dependence is captured thanks to a cosmology-rescaling algorithm. We show that our emulator is capable of describing the power spectrum of galaxy formation simulations for a sample mimicking that of a typical Emission-Line survey at z ∼ 1 with an accuracy of $1-2~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ up to non-linear scales $k\sim 0.7 h\, {\rm Mpc}^{-1}$.
Diffractive lensing of nano-Hertz gravitational waves emitted from supermassive binary black holes by intervening galaxies
Authors: Ma Hao , Lu Youjun , Chen Zhiwei , Chen Yunfeng
Published: July 2023

Pulsar timing array (PTA) experiments are expected to detect nano-Hertz gravitational waves (GWs) emitted from individual inspiralling supermassive binary black holes (SMBBHs). The GW signals from a small fraction of these SMBBHs may be diffractively lensed by intervening galaxies. In this paper, we investigate the diffractive lensing effects on the continuous GW signals from the lensed SMBBHs and estimate the detectable number of such signals by PTAs, such as the Chinese PTA (CPTA) and the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) PTA. We find that the amplitude of the lensed GW signals may be only amplified by a factor of ∼1.01−1.14 ($16{-}84~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ range) and the phase of the signals may shift somewhat due to the lensing, significantly different from those strongly lensed high-frequency GW signals from compact binary mergers in the geometric optics. We estimate that $\sim 0.01~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of all detected nano-Hertz GW signals from individual SMBBHs by future PTA experiments are lensed by foreground galaxies (i.e. up to ∼106 for CPTA and up to ∼289 for SKA-PTA). However, the lensed nano-Hertz GW signals are difficult to be distinguished from those without lensing by the PTA observations only. We further discuss the possibility about the identification of the lensed nano-Hertz GW signals from SMBBHs via the electromagnetic detection of their host galaxies or active galactic nuclei.
Feedback reshapes the baryon distribution within haloes, in halo outskirts, and beyond: the closure radius from dwarfs to massive clusters
Authors: Ayromlou Mohammadreza , Nelson Dylan , Pillepich Annalisa
Published: July 2023

We explore three sets of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations, IllustrisTNG (TNG50, TNG100, and TNG300), EAGLE, and SIMBA, to investigate the physical processes impacting the distribution of baryons in and around haloes across an unprecedented mass range of $10^8\lt M_{\rm 200c}/\rm {{\rm M}_{\odot }}\lt 10^{15}$, from the halo centre out to scales as large as $30\, R_{\rm 200c}$. We demonstrate that baryonic feedback mechanisms significantly redistribute gas, lowering the baryon fractions inside haloes while simultaneously accumulating this material outside the virial radius. To understand this large-scale baryonic redistribution and identify the dominant physical processes responsible, we examine several variants of TNG that selectively exclude stellar and active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback, cooling, and radiation. We find that heating from the UV background in low-mass haloes ($10^{8}\le {M_{\rm 200c}}/\rm {{\rm M}_{\odot }}\lt 10^{10}$), stellar feedback in intermediate-mass haloes ($10^{10}\le {M_{\rm 200c}}/\rm {{\rm M}_{\odot }}\lt 10^{12}$), and AGN feedback in groups ($10^{12}\le {M_{\rm 200c}}/\rm {{\rm M}_{\odot }}\lt 10^{14}$) are the dominant processes. Galaxy clusters ($M_{\rm 200c}/\rm {{\rm M}_{\odot }}\gt 10^{14}$) are the least influenced by these processes on large scales. We define a halo mass-dependent characteristic scale, the closure radius Rc, within which all baryons associated with haloes are found. For groups and clusters, we introduce a universal relation between this scale and the halo baryon fraction: Rc/R200c, 500c − 1 = β(z)(1 − fb(< R200c, 500c)/fb, cosmic), where $\beta (z)=\alpha \, (1+z)^\gamma$, and α and γ are free parameters fit using the simulations. Accordingly, we predict that all baryons associated with observed X-ray haloes can be found within Rc ∼ 1.5–2.5R200c. Our results can be used to constrain theoretical models, particularly the physics of supernova and AGN feedback, as well as their interplay with environmental processes, through comparison with current and future X-ray and Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) observations.
Detailed equilibrium and dynamical tides: impact on circularization and synchronization in open clusters
Authors: Mirouh Giovanni M , Hendriks David D , Dykes Sophie , Moe Maxwell , Izzard Robert G
Published: July 2023

Binary stars evolve into chemically peculiar objects and are a major driver of the galactic enrichment of heavy elements. During their evolution they undergo interactions, including tides, that circularize orbits and synchronize stellar spins, impacting both individual systems and stellar populations. Using Zahn’s tidal theory and mesa main-sequence model grids, we derive the governing parameters λlm and E2, and implement them in the new mint library of the stellar population code binary_c. Our mint equilibrium tides are two to five times more efficient than the ubiquitous bse prescriptions, while the radiative-tide efficiency drops sharply with increasing age. We also implement precise initial distributions based on bias-corrected observations. We assess the impact of tides and initial orbital-parameter distributions on circularization and synchronization in eight open clusters, comparing synthetic populations and observations through a bootstrapping method. We find that changing the tidal prescription yields no statistically significant improvement as both calculations typically lie within 0.5σ. The initial distribution, especially the primordial concentration of systems at log10(P/d) ≈ 0.8, e ≈ 0.05 dominates the statistics even when artificially increasing tidal strength. This confirms the inefficiency of tides on the main sequence and shows that constraining tidal-efficiency parameters using the e − log10(P/d) distribution alone is difficult or impossible. Orbital synchronization carries a more striking age-dependent signature of tidal interactions. In M35 we find twice as many synchronized rotators in our mint calculation as with bse. This measure of tidal efficiency is verifiable with combined measurements of orbital parameters and stellar spins.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon size tracers
Authors: Maragkoudakis A , Peeters E , Ricca A , Boersma C
Published: July 2023

We examine the dependence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) band intensity ratios as a function of the average number of carbon atoms and assess their effectiveness as tracers for PAH size, utilizing the data, models, and tools provided by the NASA Ames PAH Infrared Spectroscopic Data base. To achieve this, we used spectra from mixtures of PAHs of different ionization fractions, following a size distribution. Our work, congruent with earlier findings, shows that band ratios that include the 3.3 μm PAH band provide the best PAH size tracers for small-to-intermediate sized PAHs. In addition, we find that band ratios that include the sum of the 15–20 μm PAH features (I$_{\Sigma _{15-20}}$) and the 6.2 or 7.7 μm bands also serve as good tracers for PAH size in the case of small-to-intermediate sized PAHs, for objects under a similar PAH size distribution as with the presented models. For different PAH size distributions, the application of a scaling factor to the I6.2/I$_{\Sigma _{15-20}}$ ratio can provide estimates for the size of the small-to-intermediate PAH population within sources. Employment of the I6.2/I$_{\Sigma _{15-20}}$ and I7.7/I$_{\Sigma _{15-20}}$ ratios can be of particular interest for JWST observations limited only to ∼5–28 μm MIRI(MRS) coverage.
An apparent positive relation between spin and orbital angular momentum in X-ray binaries
Authors: Yan Zhen , Zhang Wenda , Yu Wenfei
Published: July 2023

The origin of current angular momentum (AM) of the black hole (BH) in X-ray binary (XRB) is still unclear, which is related with the birth and/or the growth of the BH. Here, we collect the spin parameters a* measured in BH XRBs and find an apparent bimodal distribution centered at ∼ 0.17 and 0.83. We find a positive relation between the spin parameter and the orbital period/orbital separation through combining distinct XRB categories, including neutron star (NS) low-mass X-ray binaries (LMXBs), Roche lobe overflow (RLOF) BH XRBs, and wind-fed BH XRBs. It seems that the AM of the compact star and the binary orbit correlates by combining the different XRB systems. These positive relations imply that accretion process is a common mechanism for spinning up the compact star in these diverse XRB systems. We infer that the low and high spin BH XRBs may experience different evolution and accretion history, which corresponds to the bimodal distribution of the BH spin parameters. The low spin BHs (a* < 0.3) are similar to the NS LMXBs, the compact star of which is spun-up by the low-level accretion, and the high spin BHs (a* > 0.5) had experienced a short hypercritical accretion ($\gg \dot{M}_\mathrm{Edd}$) period, during which, the BH spin dramatically increased.
A new pulsar candidate in 47 Tucanae discovered with MeerKAT imaging
Authors: Heywood Ian
Published: July 2023

MeerKAT imaging of the globular cluster 47 Tucanae (47 Tuc) reveals 1.28 GHz continuum emission at the locations of 20 known millisecond pulsars (MSPs). We use time series and spectral imaging to investigate the image-domain characteristics of the MSPs, and search for previously unknown sources of interest. The MSPs exhibit a range of differences in their temporal and spectral properties compared the general background radio source population. Temporal variability differs strongly from pulsar to pulsar, some appearing to vary randomly on 15 min time-scales, others varying coherently by factors of >10 on time-scales of hours. The error in the typical power law fit to the spectrum emerges as a powerful parameter for indentifying the MSPs. This behaviour is likely due to differing diffractive scintillation conditions along the sightlines to the MSPs. One MSP exhibits tentative periodic variations that are consistent with modulation due the orbit of an eclipsing binary system. One radio source has spectro-temporal properites closely resembling those of the MSP population in the cluster, and we report its position as a candidate new MSP, or alternatively an interferometric localization of one of six MSPs which do not yet have an accurate position from the timing solutions.
Zn deficiency disrupts Cu and S homeostasis in Chlamydomonas resulting in over accumulation of Cu and Cysteine
Authors: Strenkert Daniela , Schmollinger Stefan , Hu Yuntao , Hofmann Christian , Holbrook Kristen , Liu Helen W , Purvine Samuel O , Nicora Carrie D , Chen Si , Lipton Mary S , Northen Trent R , Clemens Stephan , Merchant Sabeeha S
Published: July 2023

Growth of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii in zinc (Zn) limited medium leads to disruption of copper (Cu) homeostasis, resulting in up to 40-fold Cu over-accumulation relative to its typical Cu quota. We show that Chlamydomonas controls its Cu quota by balancing Cu import and export, which is disrupted in a Zn deficient cell, thus establishing a mechanistic connection between Cu and Zn homeostasis. Transcriptomics, proteomics and elemental profiling revealed that Zn-limited Chlamydomonas cells up-regulate a subset of genes encoding “first responder” proteins involved in sulfur (S) assimilation and consequently accumulate more intracellular S, which is incorporated into L-cysteine, γ-glutamylcysteine, and homocysteine. Most prominently, in the absence of Zn, free L-cysteine is increased ∼80-fold, corresponding to ∼2.8 × 109 molecules/cell. Interestingly, classic S-containing metal binding ligands like glutathione and phytochelatins do not increase. X-ray fluorescence microscopy showed foci of S accumulation in Zn-limited cells that co-localize with Cu, phosphorus and calcium, consistent with Cu-thiol complexes in the acidocalcisome, the site of Cu(I) accumulation. Notably, cells that have been previously starved for Cu do not accumulate S or Cys, causally connecting cysteine synthesis with Cu accumulation. We suggest that cysteine is an in vivo Cu(I) ligand, perhaps ancestral, that buffers cytosolic Cu.
Glutathione-related antioxidant defence, DNA damage, and DNA repair in patients suffering from post-COVID conditions
Authors: Kankaya Selin , Yavuz Fatih , Tari Alper , Aygun Ahmet Bera , Gunes Esra Gizem , Bektan Kanat Bahar , Ulugerger Avci Gulru , Yavuzer Hakan , Dincer Yildiz
Published: July 2023

Post-COVID conditions are defined as the continuation of the symptoms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 3 months after the initial Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, with no other explanation. Post-COVID conditions are seen among 30%–60% of patients with asymptomatic or mild forms of COVID-19. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of post-COVID conditions are not known. In SARS-CoV-2 infection, activation of the immune system leads to increased production of reactive oxygen molecules, depleted antioxidant reserve, and finally occurrence of oxidative stress. In oxidative stress conditions, DNA damage increases and DNA repair systems impair. In this study, glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level, basal, induced, and post-repair DNA damage were investigated in individuals suffering from post-COVID conditions. In the red blood cells, GSH levels and GPx activities were measured with a spectrophotometric assay and a commercial kit. Basal, in vitro H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide)-induced, and post-repair DNA damage (DNA damage after a repair incubation following H2O2-treatment, in vitro) were determined in lymphocytes by the comet assay. The urinary 8-OHdG levels were measured by using a commercial ELISA kit. No significant difference was found between the patient and control groups for GSH level, GPx activity, and basal and H2O2-induced DNA damage. Post-repair DNA damage was found to be higher in the patient group than those in the control group. Urinary 8-OHdG level was lower in the patient group compared to the control group. In the control group, GSH level and post-repair DNA damage were higher in the vaccinated individuals. In conclusion, oxidative stress formed due to the immune response against SARS-COV-2 may impair DNA repair mechanisms. Defective DNA repair may be an underlying pathological mechanism of post-COVID conditions.
Nonstructural maintenance of chromatin condensin I complex subunit G promotes the progression of glioblastoma by facilitating Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1-mediated E2F1 transactivation
Authors: Hou Jianbing , Huang Pan , Xu Minghao , Wang Hao , Shao Yaqian , Weng Xuelian , Liu Yudong , Chang Hongbo , Zhang Li , Cui Hongjuan
Published: July 2023

Background

Nonstructural maintenance of chromatin condensin I complex subunit G (NCAPG), also known as non-structural maintenance of chromosomes condensin I complex subunit G, is mitosis-related protein that widely existed in eukaryotic cells. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that aberrant NCAPG expression was strongly associated with various tumors. However, little is known about the function and mechanism of NCAPG in glioblastoma (GBM).

Methods

The expression and prognostic value of NCAPG were detected in the clinical databases and tumor samples. The function effects of NCAPG downregulation or overexpression were evaluated in GBM cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and self-renewal in vitro and in tumor growth in vivo. The molecular mechanism of NCAPG was researched.

Results

We identified that NCAPG was upregulated in GBM and associated with poor prognosis. Loss of NCAPG suppressed the progression of GBM cells in vitro and prolonged survival in mouse models of GBM in vivo. Mechanistically, we revealed that NCAPG positively regulated E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) pathway activity. By directly interacting with Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1, a co-activator of E2F1, and facilitating the PARP1-E2F1 interaction to activate E2F1 target gene expression. Intriguingly, we also discovered that NCAPG functioned as a downstream target of E2F1, which was proved by the ChIP and Dual-Luciferase results. Comprehensive data mining and immunocytochemistry analysis revealed that NCAPG expression was positively associated with the PARP1/E2F1 signaling axis.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that NCAPG promotes GBM progression by facilitating PARP1-mediated E2F1 transactivation, suggesting that NCAPG is a potential target for anticancer therapy.
Calibration of local chemical pressure by optical probe
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Zhao Mei-Huan , Yao Shan-Ming , Dong Hongliang , Wang Yonggang , Chen Bin , Xing Xianran , Li Man-Rong
Published: July 2023

Chemical stabilization of a high-pressure metastable state is a major challenge for the development of advanced materials. Although chemical pressure (Pchem) can effectively simulate the effect of physical pressure (Pphy), experimental calibration of the pressure passed to local structural motifs, denoted as local chemical pressure (Pchem-Δ) which significantly governs the function of solid materials, remains absent due to the challenge of probing techniques. Here we establish an innovative methodology to experimentally calibrate the Pchem-Δ and build a bridge between Pchem and Pphy via an optical probe strategy. Site-selective Bi3+-traced REVO4 (RE = Y, Gd) is adopted as a prototype to introduce Bi3+ optical probes and on-site sense of the Pchem-Δ experienced by the REO8 motif. The cell compression of RE0.98Bi0.02VO4 under Pphy is chemically simulated by smaller-ion substitution (Sc3+ → RE3+) in RE0.98-xScxBi0.02VO4. The consistent red shift (Δλ) of the emission spectra of Bi3+, which is dominated by locally pressure-induced REO8 dodecahedral variation in RE0.98Bi0.02VO4 (Pphy) and RE0.98-xScxBi0.02VO4 (Pchem-Δ), respectively, is evidence of their similar pressure-dependent local structure evolution. This innovative Δλ-based experimental calibration of Pchem-Δ in the crystal-field dimension portrays the anisotropic transmission of Pchem to the local structure and builds a bridge between Pchem-Δ and Pphy to guide a new perspective for affordable and practical interception of metastable states.
Self-poisoning by E-cigarette and E-liquids: National Reports to French Poison Control Centers from July 2019 to December 2020: VIGIlance and VAPE: The VIGIVAPE Study
Authors: Franchitto Nicolas , Bloch Juliette , Solal Cécilia ,   French PCC Research Group, Pélissier Fanny
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Exposure to e-cigarette liquids, whether intentional or accidental, might lead to adverse events. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and characteristics of exposures to e-liquids reported to French Poison Control Centers.

Methods

All e-liquids exposure cases reported to French Poison Control Centers from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020, were reviewed. Information was collected about the patient’s characteristics, exposure circumstances, management and outcome.

Results

About 919 cases of exposure to e-liquids were reported. Ages ranged from one month to 89 years, with a mean age of 16.6 ± 18.6 years and a median age of 4 years. The highest number of exposures—50.7%—concerned infants (0–4 years), 3.1% children (5–11 years), 5.9% adolescents (12–17 years), and 40.1% of cases concerned adults. The majority of cases were accidental (95.0%). Intentional exposures (4.9%) were mainly observed in patients older than 12 years of age (P < 0.001). The route of exposure was ingestion in 73.7% of the cases. A total of 455 exposures showed no symptoms or signs related to poisoning. High nicotine concentration in e-liquids was associated with an increase in hospital management (Odds-ratio from 1.77 to 2.60).

Conclusion

Involuntary exposures to e-liquids occurred more often in children under the age of five, mainly by ingestion. Unlike intentional ingestions, unintentional ingestions rarely resulted in severe adverse events. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance to prevent such exposures and associated injuries, emphasizing the need for effective regulation of these products.
How Does Tobacco Use Affect the Cognition of Older Adults? A Propensity Score Matching Analysis Based on a Large-Scale Survey
Authors: Singh Lucky , Chandra Rishita , Pai Manacy , Singh Arpit , Mazumdar Sumit , Singh Balhara Yatan Pal , Singh Prashant Kumar , Singh Shalini
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Tobacco is a well-established risk factor for cancer, but its association with other morbidities needs consideration. The low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) with unprecedented demographic transformation lack evidence on tobacco use and its impact on cognitive health.

Aims and Methods

Using a propensity score matching approach, we utilized data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India. Study employed 1:1 nearest neighbor matching with the replacement methodology. We estimated the odds of the poor cognitive score and tobacco use among older adults based on five different models for ever tobacco user, former tobacco user, current tobacco user, current smokers, and current smokeless tobacco users with reference to never tobacco users.

Results

The estimated average treatment effect for the treated and the untreated group has shown a higher likelihood of cognitive decline among ever (OR −0.26; 95%CI −0.43 to −0.09), current (OR −0.28; 95%CI −0.45 to −0.10), and former (OR −0.53; 95%CI −0.87 to −0.19) tobacco users compared to never tobacco users. The finding further suggests the odds of lower cognitive scores among older adults who were smokers (OR −0.53; 95%CI −0.87 to −0.19) and smokeless tobacco users (OR −0.22; 95%CI −0.43 to −0.01) as compared to never tobacco users.

Conclusions

Interventions designed to prevent the incidence of cognitive impairment should focus on limiting the use of tobacco. Strategies under the tobacco-free generation initiative should be amplified in order to prevent future generations from productivity loss, premature ageing and to promote healthy aging.

Implications

Evidence of a definitive association between tobacco consumption and cognition among older adults is sporadic in LMICs. Though tobacco is a risk factor for various diseases including cancer, the extent of its impact on cognitive health among the older population is limited. This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting poor cognitive outcomes among older adults who smoke tobacco and/or consume smokeless tobacco as compared to never-tobacco users. Our findings emphasize the need to accelerate programmes related to tobacco-free generation in LMICs to reach a higher quality of life and healthy aging in pursuit of achieving the sustainable development goal of “good health and well-being.”
Substitutes or complements: a budget-based analysis of the relationship between donating and volunteering
Authors: Voorintholt Lieke
Published: July 2023

Are charitable gifts of money and time substitutes or complements? The answer to this question would benefit non-profit organizations and governments aiming to maximize charitable gifts, but previous research has not yet delivered a final conclusion. Therefore, I introduce an alternative approach to this question that focuses on variation in individuals’ budgets instead of previously used variation in the price of giving. For this purpose, I develop a theoretical model of charitable giving in which individuals are constrained by two budgets indicating their available money and time. My derivations show that the cross-budget effects can identify the relationship between donating and volunteering. Consequently, I empirically estimate the effect of time on donations using longitudinal survey data of Dutch individuals. My estimates (albeit insignificant) suggest that donating and volunteering are substitutes. This result would be in line with some previous experimental evidence, but additional applications are needed to strengthen this conclusion.
Molecular Characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi Reactivation and Follow-up in a Case Series of People With HIV
Authors: Fernandez Marisa Liliana , Albizu Constanza Lopez , Nicita Diego , Besuschio Susana , Giomi Cinthia , Biondi María Laura , Leguizamón María Susana , Garcia Julian , Corti Marcelo , Schijman Alejandro , Burgos Juan Miguel
Published: July 2023

We characterize Trypanosoma cruzi infections from blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples in a case series of people with human immunodeficiency virus and Chagas disease. We identify different infecting T. cruzi populations, highlighting the usefulness of real-time polymerase chain reaction for Chagas disease reactivation diagnosis and evaluation of treatment response.
Adverse effects of 21 antidepressants on sleep during acute-phase treatment in major depressive disorder: a systemic review and dose-effect network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Shuzhe , Li Pei , Lv Xiaozhen , Lai Xuefeng , Liu Zuoxiang , Zhou Junwen , Liu Fengqi , Tao Yiming , Zhang Meng , Yu Xin , Tian Jingwei , Sun Feng
Published: July 2023

Study Objectives

Sleep-related adverse effects during acute treatment with antidepressants undermine adherence and impede remission. We aimed to address subtypes of sleep-related adverse effects and depict the relationship between dose and sleep-related adverse events.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science for double-blind randomized controlled trials of depression published before April 30th, 2023. Eligible studies reporting sleep-related adverse effects during short-term monotherapy were included. The odds ratios (ORs) for sleep-related adverse effects were addressed with network meta-analysis. A Bayesian approach was used to depict the dose-effect relationship. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the τ2 and I2 statistics. Sensitivity analyses were performed without studies featuring high risk of bias.

Results

Studies with 64 696 patients were examined from 216 trials. Compared to placebo, 13 antidepressants showed higher ORs for somnolence, of which fluvoxamine (OR = 6.32; 95% CI: 3.56 to 11.21) ranked the top. Eleven had higher risks for insomnia, reboxetine ranked the top (OR = 3.47; 95% CI: 2.77 to 4.36). The dose-effect relationships curves between somnolence or insomnia and dose included linear shape, inverted U-shape, and other shapes. There was no significant heterogeneity among individual studies. The quality of evidence for results in network meta-analyses was rated as very low to moderate by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation.

Conclusions

Most antidepressants had higher risks for insomnia or somnolence than placebo. The diverse relationship curves between somnolence or insomnia and dose of antidepressants can guide clinicians to adjust the doses. These findings suggest clinicians pay more attention to sleep-related adverse effects during acute treatment with antidepressants.
LA Micro Group (UK) Ltd v LA Micro Group Inc [2023] EWCA Civ 214—A (sub-)trust for thee but not for me
Authors: Nam Seongwook , Yean Alexander
Published: July 2023

In LA Micro Group (UK) Ltd v LA Micro Group Inc [2023] EWCA Civ 214, the Court held that under an express trust with A as trustee and B as beneficiary, a constructive sub-trust could arise with B as sub-trustee and A as beneficiary under the sub-trust, resulting in B dropping out of the picture and the legal title and beneficiary interest merging in A. It is argued that the Court’s reasoning is conceptually untenable given the inherent instability of a circular sub-trust structure; the better view is that the remedy given was a sui generis equitable order.
Small artery remodeling and stiffening in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive rats involves the interaction between endogenous ouabain/Na+K+-ATPase/cSrc signaling
Authors: Tomazelli Caroline Aparecida , Ishikawa Flávia Midori , Couto Gisele Kruger , Parente Juliana Montenegro , Castro Michele Mazzaron de , Xavier Fabiano Elias , Rossoni Luciana Venturini
Published: July 2023

Objective:

Endogenous ouabain (EO) increases in some patients with hypertension and in rats with volume-dependent hypertension. When ouabain binds to Na+K+-ATPase, cSrc is activated, which leads to multieffector signaling activation and high blood pressure (BP). In mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA) from deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt rats, we have demonstrated that the EO antagonist rostafuroxin blocks downstream cSrc activation, enhancing endothelial function and lowering oxidative stress and BP. Here, we examined the possibility that EO is involved in the structural and mechanical alterations that occur in MRA from DOCA-salt rats.

Methods:

MRA were taken from control, vehicle-treated DOCA-salt or rostafuroxin (1 mg/kg per day, for 3 weeks)-treated DOCA-salt rats. Pressure myography and histology were used to evaluate the mechanics and structure of the MRA, and western blotting to assess protein expression.

Results:

DOCA-salt MRA exhibited signs of inward hypertrophic remodeling and increased stiffness, with a higher wall:lumen ratio, which were reduced by rostafuroxin treatment. The enhanced type I collagen, TGFβ1, pSmad2/3Ser465/457/Smad2/3 ratio, CTGF, p-SrcTyr418, EGFR, c-Raf, ERK1/2 and p38MAPK protein expression in DOCA-salt MRA were all recovered by rostafuroxin.

Conclusion:

A process combining Na+K+-ATPase/cSrc/EGFR/Raf/ERK1/2/p38MAPK activation and a Na+K+-ATPase/cSrc/TGF-1/Smad2/3/CTGF-dependent mechanism explains how EO contributes to small artery inward hypertrophic remodeling and stiffening in DOCA-salt rats. This result supports the significance of EO as a key mediator for end-organ damage in volume-dependent hypertension and the efficacy of rostafuroxin in avoiding remodeling and stiffening of small arteries.
Modified Limbal–Conjunctival Autograft Surgical Technique: Long-Term Results of Recurrence and Complications
Authors: Lee Brendon W. H. , Ip Matthew H. , Tat Lien , Chen Helen , Coroneo Minas T.
Published: July 2023

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to report the recurrence and complication rates of a modified limbal–conjunctival autograft surgical technique for pterygium excision.

Methods:

This was a retrospective, single-surgeon, single-operating environment, consecutive case series of 176 eyes in 163 patients with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of pterygium. All patients underwent excision using a 23-gauge needle to “behead” the pterygium head, followed by a limbal–conjunctival autograft including ∼50% of the palisades of Vogt. Outcomes measured included recurrence, defined as any conjunctival fibrovascular growth, and complication rates. Correlations between preoperative patient characteristics, pterygium morphology, and intraoperative factors (width of corneal extension, conjunctival defect, and graft) with postoperative recurrence were examined using logistic regression models.

Results:

The median age was 59.5 years and 122 eyes (69.3%) had primary pterygium (type I: 17%, II: 37.5%, and III: 45.5%). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated the median pterygium-free follow-up period to be 723 days (range 46–7230 days). Recurrence was observed in 3 eyes of 2 patients (1.7%). No postoperative graft-related complications were observed. Postoperative symptomatology was transient. Age demonstrated a negative correlation with recurrence (odds ratio 0.888, 95% CI, 0.789–0.998, P = 0.046). However, no other correlations with preoperative or intraoperative factors, including whether pterygium was primary or recurrent, were identified (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

This modified limbal–conjunctival autograft technique represents an effective alternative that offers a very low recurrence rate and avoids extensive dissection or antimetabolites, with minimal complications and transient postoperative symptomatology, over a long-term follow-up period. This technique is relatively simple and successful for both primary and recurrent pterygia. Future comparative studies with other surgical techniques may determine which are superior.
Clostridioides difficile Infections During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kaura Abhimanyu , Stanton Daniel , Villasante-Tezanos Alejandro , Halder Debopriyo , Reynoso David
Published: July 2023

Objective

To compare rates of prepandemic Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rates of antibacterial use prepandemic and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

This was a retrospective data review.

Setting

This study was performed at an academic medical center.

Patients

Patients were all adult patients admitted to the hospital between April 1, 2019, and December 31, 2019, who were tested for CDI and admitted in the same time frame in 2020, and who were tested for CDI were included in the study.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis was conducted across 5 hospitals from April 1 to December 31, 2019 (prepandemic), and on the same dates in 2020 during the pandemic. The standardized infection ratio (SIR) for hospital-acquired CDI (HA-CDI) was calculated for both groups. The mean and normal distributions were calculated for all values in both the groups. The 2 groups were compared using unpaired t tests for continuous variables and χ
2 tests for discrete variables.

Results

Thirty-six patients were diagnosed with HA-CDI before the pandemic (2019), and 45 patients during the pandemic (2020). The 2019 HA-CDI SIRs were 0.47 in 2019 and 0.56 in 2020. Days of therapy per 1000 patient-days of antibiotics increased from 337.1 to 364.6 (P = 0.0057). Analysis of 153 inpatients with diarrhea revealed no positive association between COVID and CDI.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, empiric broad-spectrum antibacterial use increased in our system, as did HA-CDI SIR compared with the national standards. We did not observe a positive correlation between COVID-19 and CDI.