bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual follow‐up care among breast and prostate cancer patients during and beyond the COVID‐19 pandemic: Association with distress
Authors: Bender Jacqueline L. , Scruton Sarah , Wong Geoff , Abdelmutti Nazek , Berlin Alejandro , Easley Julie , Liu Zhihui Amy , McGee Sharon , Rodin Danielle , Sussman Jonathan , Urquhart Robin
Published: March 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between self‐reported distress (anxiety/depression) and satisfaction with and desire for virtual follow‐up (VFU) care among cancer patients during and beyond the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Breast and prostate cancer patients receiving VFU at an urban cancer centre in Toronto, Canada completed an online survey on their sociodemographic, clinical, and technology, characteristics and experience with and views on VFU. EQ5D‐5 L was used to assess distress. Statistical models adjusted for age, gender, education, income and Internet confidence.

Results

Of 352 participants, average age was 65 years, 48% were women,79% were within 5 years of treatment completion, 84% had college/university education and 74% were confident Internet users. Nearly, all (98%) had a virtual visit via phone and 22% had a virtual visit via video. The majority of patients (86%) were satisfied with VFU and 70% agreed that they would like VFU options after the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants who reported distress and who were not confident using the Internet for health purposes were significantly less likely to be satisfied with VFU (OR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2–0.8 and OR = 0.19; 95% CI: 0.09–0.38, respectively) and were less likely to desire VFU option after the COVID‐19 pandemic (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.30–0.82 and OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.23–0.70, respectively).

Conclusions

The majority of respondents were satisfied with VFU and would like VFU options after the COVID‐19 pandemic. Future research should determine how to optimize VFU options for cancer patients who are distressed and who are less confident using virtual care technology.
Consider implementing transfer fee model to benefit college sports programs
Authors: Romano Robert J.
Published: March 2024

In international football — the sport we refer to as soccer here in the United States — a “transfer” refers to the reassigning of a player's registration from one football club to another. Typically, when a player transfer occurs, a negotiated compensation amount, or “transfer fee,” is paid by the interested team to the club that currently possesses the player's contractual rights. This financial transaction is seen as a necessary way to compensate the soon‐to‐be former club for the costs associated with the player's training, instruction, and development. (See bit.ly/3RPwqgD.)
Design and Synthesis of 2‐Phenylindolizine Acetamides: Molecular Docking, in Vitro Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity Evaluation
Authors: Kumar Gandham Siva , Jha Anjali , Kudale Amit A.
Published: March 2024

In the present work, we synthesized a small library of 2‐phenylindolizine acetamide derivatives 7a–i and studied their biological activity. The synthesis was accomplished starting with easily available starting material phenacyl bromide 1 proceeding through the key intermediate 6‐methyl‐7‐nitro‐2‐phenylindolizine 4. All the compounds 7a–i were characterized using spectroscopy viz., 1H‐NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, and mass spectrometry. Interestingly, 2‐phenylindolizine scaffolds 7c, 7f and 7g revealed a remarkable antibacterial activity against relevant organisms S. aureus, E. coli, S. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa. The target compounds 7e and 7h showed excellent anticancer activity against Colo‐205 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines with IC50 values of 68.62, 62.91, 54.23 and 46.34 μM respectively. Additionally, all the 2‐phenylindolizine acetamide derivatives 7a–i were subjected to molecular docking prediction by Autodock 4.2. Compounds 7a, 7f and 7c exhibited very good hydrogen bonding amino acid interactions Asp83 (2.23 Å), Asp83 (2.08 Å), His74 (2.05 Å), His76 (1.71 Å), Ser80 (1.05 Å) with active site of Topoisomerase‐IV from S. pneumoniae (4KPE). Further, the compounds 7a–i have revealed acceptable ranges for drug‐likeliness properties upon evaluation using SwissADME for ADMET and physiochemical properties.
Innovative Encapsulation Strategies for Food, Industrial, and Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Aanniz Tarik , El Omari Nasreddine , Elouafy Youssef , Benali Taoufiq , Zengin Gokhan , Khalid Asaad , Abdalla Ashraf N. , Sakran Ashraf M. , Bouyahya Abdelhakim
Published: March 2024

Bioactive metabolites obtained from fruits and vegetables as well as many drugs have various capacities to prevent or treat various ailments. Nevertheless, their efficiency, in vivo, encounter many challenges resulting in lower efficacy as well as different side effects when high doses are used resulting in many challenges for their application. Indeed, demand for effective treatments with no or less unfavorable side effects is rising. Delivering active molecules to a particular site of action within the human body is an example of targeted therapy which remains a challenging field. Developments of nanotechnology and polymer science have great promise for meeting the growing demands of efficient options. Encapsulation of active ingredients in nano‐delivery systems has become as a vitally tool for protecting the integrity of critical biochemicals, improving their delivery, enabling their controlled release and maintaining their biological features. Here, we examine a wide range of nano‐delivery techniques, such as niosomes, polymeric/solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nano‐emulsions. The advantages of encapsulation in targeted, synergistic, and supportive therapies are emphasized, along with current progress in its application. Additionally, a revised collection of studies was given, focusing on improving the effectiveness of anticancer medications and addressing the problem of antimicrobial resistance. To sum up, this paper conducted a thorough analysis to determine the efficacy of encapsulation technology in the field of drug discovery and development.
Electrocatalytic Applications of Carbon Dots and Their Composites
Authors: Gao Shiqin , Chen Jiayi , Zhou Yida , Gan Tao , Wang Bolun
Published: March 2024

Carbon dots (CDs) have attracted much attention in the field of electrocatalysis due to their many advantages. These reactions are of great significance for energy conversion and storage, as well as environmental remediation. In this review, we summarize the latest achievements in the electrochemical applications of CDs and their composites, with a focus on environmentally relevant electrocatalysis. We present some representative examples of CDs‐based electrocatalysts for different reactions and analyze the catalytic mechanisms and the factors that affect the electrocatalytic performance. Furthermore, we conclude with some challenging issues and future perspectives of this emerging material. This review aims to help readers better understand the application of CDs in the field of electrocatalysis, reveal the reasons that affect electrocatalytic performance, and guide further constructing more efficient, stable, and green electrocatalysts.
Production of Galacto‐Oligosaccharides by Enzymatic Membrane Reactors Using Free β‐Galactosidase
Authors: Teng Cao , Nath Arijit , Galambos Ildikó , Kovács Zoltán
Published: March 2024

Prebiotic galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOSs) are synthesized by transgalactosylation of lactose using β‐galactosidases. Well‐established, large‐scale production of GOS is performed by stirred‐tank reactors (STR) operating in batch fashion. Main manufacturing expenses are attributed to enzyme purchase costs and the downstream operations required for subsequent enzyme inactivation and removal. In the last decades, several studies and patents have appeared on free enzyme membrane reactor (FEMR) as an economic alternative to STR due to enhanced enzyme recovery and reuse. In this review, we attempt to summarize the key design aspects, the catalytic performance and efficiency of FEMR compared to STR technology, and the main concerns related to stable product quality over long‐term operation.
Wheat bran extract as a source of amino compounds and sugar for biotech processes
Authors: Hanstein Stefan
Published: March 2024

Wheat bran is an abundant source of starch fragments, peptides and amino acids which represent a valuable nutrient source for bacterial production of natural products. The commercial protease Corolase® 7089 efficiently improves extraction of N‐compounds from wheat bran. Here we show the effect of combined applications with the commercial α‐amylase Termamyl® 120. Wheat bran was extracted with at a liquid/solid ratio of 12.3. The same product yield of 24% was obtained after simultaneous enzyme application for 1 h and after serial application (first amylase) with a total treatment time of 7.75 h. Crude protein concentration in the product was 23% and 22%, respectively. Measurements of the sugar concentration in the extraction liquid indicate that the degree of starch hydrolysis was decreased in the presence of protease. In a stirred pilot‐scale reactor a product yield of 32% was achieved.
NIR‐II Organic Photothermal Cocrystals with Strong Charge Transfer Interaction for Flexible Wearable Heaters
Authors: Zhang Dong , Li Shuyu , Gao Shaosong , Fu Siyao , Liu Kexin , He Dan , Liu Huapeng , Zhang Xiaotao , Hu Wenping
Published: March 2024

Comprehensive Summary

The organic cocrystal strategy has provided a convenient and efficient platform for preparing organic photothermal materials. However, the rapidly directional preparation of cocrystals with desirable photothermal properties remains challenging due to a lack of suitable design ideas. Here, two new photothermal cocrystals, MTC and MFC, based on acceptor molecules (TCNQ and F4TCNQ) with different electron‐withdrawing capacities were quickly prepared by the coprecipitation method, aiming to explore the effect of charge transfer (CT) interaction on photothermal properties. Compared with MTC, the stronger intermolecular CT interaction in MFC facilitates extending the absorption range (from the NIR‐I to the NIR‐II region) and enhancing the non‐radiative transition process. Under the 808 nm laser irradiation, the photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of MFC is 54.6%, whereas MTC displays a mere 36.8%. The MFC cocrystal was further combined with a flexible polymer substrate (HPDMS) to prepare a flexible wearable heater (HPDMS@MFC), which exhibits excellent NIR‐II photothermal performance. This work points out a research direction for the rapid assembly of efficient photothermal cocrystals and additionally provides an extensive application prospect for organic photothermal cocrystals in the field of wearable devices.
Production innovations to enhance sweetpotato as a food security crop in northern Ghana
Authors: Sugri Issah , Akansake Daniel , Abukari Issah A. , Low Jan W. , Abidin Putri E. , Dery Eric K. , Acheremu Kwabena , Adjebeng‐Danquah Joseph , Bidzakin John K. , Abubakari Mutari , Lamini Salim , Carey Edward E.
Published: March 2024

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas(L) Lam) is prioritized among crops that enhance food security and reduce malnutrition in Ghana. The production is expanding faster than other food crops owing to its superior nutrient composition. This study evaluates integrated approaches to increase on‐farm productivity, income, and utilization of sweetpotato. The first part evaluated the agronomic yield performance, financial return, and sensory quality of 10 varieties under different fertilizer treatments. The second part of activities assessed both storage root and leaf composition (i.e., total sugars, dry matter, protein, Fe, Zn, Ca, total phenolic, total monomeric anthocyanins, lutein, zeaxanthin, α‐tocopherol, β‐carotene, and total carotenoids). Third, storage stability characteristics were assessed (i.e., shelf life and the incidence of decay). Application of NPK of 40:40:70 at 300 kg ha−1significantly (p < 0.001) increased storage root yield from 12.4 to 17.3 t ha−1, which represents a 32% increase in yield compared to farmers’ standard practice. The variety SARI‐JanLow (where SARI is Savanna Agricultural Research Institute) was outstanding for root yield (23.5 t ha−1) and β‐carotene content (20.8 Mg 100 g−1). SARI‐Tiemeh was consistently ranked among the three most preferred varieties by the sensory panel across the production hubs. At locations Nyankpala and Nikongo, the most responsive varieties to fertilizer application with regard to marketable storage root yield were SARI‐Tiemeh (108%) and PGA14351‐4 (79%), respectively. The varieties SARI‐Nyumengre (1.4%), SARI‐Nyoriberi‐gu (1.4%), and PGA14351‐4 (1.6%) were the least susceptible to sweetpotato weevil attack. Considering the benefit–cost ratio and a return on investments, the four most economically viable varieties appear to be SARI‐JanLow, SARI‐Suyolo, SARI‐Tiemeh, and SARI‐Nyoriberi‐gu.
Impact of perceived CSR practices on customers loyalty. The mediating role of reputation and customer satisfaction
Authors: Mehnaz  , Jin Jiahua , Hussain Azhar , Warraich Muhammad Akib , Waheed Abdul
Published: March 2024

Customers' loyalty is considered as an important factor ensuring overall organizational success in the long run. The purpose of this investigation is to determine how customer loyalty in Pakistan's banking sector affected by perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) practice. To end this, the present study collected data from 378 respondents using convenience sampling technique. To test proposed hypothesis, the study used correlation analysis, regression analysis, and Baron and Kenny method used to test mediation effect of variables together with the Sobel test. The result of the study shows a significant positive association among perceived CSR, bank reputation and customers loyalty and customer satisfaction. This study further shows that bank reputation has a mediating effect between perceived CSR and customer loyalty, but the relationship between CSR practices and customer loyalty has a negative effect on customer satisfaction. It was found that there was no mediating effect of degree. The findings highlight the importance of allocating resources to CSR initiatives and reputation management as a means of increasing customer loyalty. The results provide an important academic addition to the current body of research on the impact of CSR on the development of customer loyalty, with a particular focus on the Pakistani banking industry.
Water table depth and plant species determine the direction and magnitude of methane fluxes in floodplain meadow soils
Authors: Peacock Mike , Lawson Clare , Gowing David , Gauci Vincent
Published: March 2024

Methane (CH4) is a powerful greenhouse gas with ongoing efforts aiming to quantify and map emissions from natural and managed ecosystems. Wetlands play a significant role in the global CH4 budget, but uncertainties in their total emissions remain large, due to a combined lack of CH4 data and fuzzy boundaries between mapped ecosystem categories. European floodplain meadows are anthropogenic ecosystems that originated due to traditional management for hay cropping. These ecosystems are seasonally inundated by river water, and straddle the boundary between grassland and wetland ecosystems; however, an understanding of their CH4 function is lacking. Here, we established a replicated outdoor floodplain‐meadow mesocosm experiment to test how water table depth (45, 30, 15 cm below the soil surface) and plant composition affect CH4 fluxes over an annual cycle. Water table was a major controller on CH4, with significantly higher fluxes (overall mean 9.3 mg m−2 d−1) from the high (15 cm) water table treatment. Fluxes from high water table mesocosms with bare soil were low (mean 0.4 mg m−2 d−1), demonstrating that vegetation drove high emissions. Larger emissions came from high water table mesocosms with aerenchymatous plant species (e.g. Alopecurus pratensis, mean 12.8 mg m−2 d−1), suggesting a role for plant‐mediated transport. However, at low (45 cm) water tables A. pratensis mesocosms were net CH4 sinks, suggesting that there is plasticity in CH4 exchange if aerenchyma are present. Plant cutting to simulate a hay harvest had no effect on CH4, further supporting a role for plant‐mediated transport. Upscaling our CH4 fluxes to a UK floodplain meadow using hydrological modelling showed that the meadow was a net CH4 source because oxic periods of uptake were outweighed by flooding‐induced anoxic emissions. Our results show that floodplain meadows can be either small sources or sinks of CH4 over an annual cycle. Their CH4 exchange appears to respond to soil temperature, moisture status and community composition, all of which are likely to be modified by climate change, leading to uncertainty around the future net contribution of floodplain meadows to the CH4 cycle.
Unprecedented Pyrazine‐Bridged Guanidinate Rare Earth Complexes Through a Bridge Splitting Reaction Path
Authors: Delano Francis , Demir Selvan
Published: March 2024

The development of reaction pathways and ancillary ligand scaffolds is essential in the pursuit of higher nuclearity rare earth metal clusters that are relevant in storage materials and catalysis. Guanidinate anions represent attractive ligands due to their high degree of customizability allowing for facile alterations of both their steric and electronic properties. Here, we demonstrate an unprecedented bridge splitting reaction that shifts chloride anions in favor of a bridging neutral pyrazine to give pyrazine‐bridged dinuclear guanidinate rare earth complexes, [{(Me3Si)2NC(NiPr)2}2RECl]2(μ‐pyz) (RE =Y (1) and Er (2), pyz=pyrazine). Each six‐coordinate metal center is ligated by two guanidinates, one chloride ligand, and one nitrogen atom from the bridging pyrazine unit. The molecules were characterized by X‐ray crystallography, IR, NMR, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. DFT calculations conducted on 1 provide insight into both the bonding picture and the mechanism of complex formation. This type of reaction constitutes a seminal application of a bridge splitting mechanism to the rare earth metals.
Urinary mutagenicity and bladder cancer risk in northern New England
Authors: Wong Jason Y. Y. , Fischer Alexander H. , Baris Dalsu , Beane Freeman Laura E. , Karagas Margaret R. , Schwenn Molly , Johnson Alison , Matthews Peggy P. , Swank Adam E. , Hosain G. Monawar , Koutros Stella , Silverman Debra T. , DeMarini David M. , Rothman Nathaniel
Published: March 2024

The etiology of bladder cancer among never smokers without occupational or environmental exposure to established urothelial carcinogens remains unclear. Urinary mutagenicity is an integrative measure that reflects recent exposure to genotoxic agents. Here, we investigated its potential association with bladder cancer in rural northern New England. We analyzed 156 bladder cancer cases and 247 cancer‐free controls from a large population‐based case–control study conducted in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Overnight urine samples were deconjugated enzymatically and the extracted organics were assessed for mutagenicity using the plate‐incorporation Ames assay with the Salmonella frameshift strain YG1041 + S9. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of bladder cancer in relation to having mutagenic versus nonmutagenic urine, adjusted for age, sex, and state, and stratified by smoking status (never, former, and current). We found evidence for an association between having mutagenic urine and increased bladder cancer risk among never smokers (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.3–11.2) but not among former or current smokers. Risk could not be estimated among current smokers because nearly all cases and controls had mutagenic urine. Urinary mutagenicity among never‐smoking controls could not be explained by recent exposure to established occupational and environmental mutagenic bladder carcinogens evaluated in our study. Our findings suggest that among never smokers, urinary mutagenicity potentially reflects genotoxic exposure profiles relevant to bladder carcinogenesis. Future studies are needed to replicate our findings and identify compounds and their sources that influence bladder cancer risk.
The tail connectedness among conventional, religious, and sustainable investments: An empirical evidence from neural network quantile regression approach
Authors: Jin Xin , Hussain Chang Bisharat , Han Chaosheng , Uddin Mohammed Ahmar
Published: March 2024

Financial markets are highly unpredictable and often associated with tail risks. This study examines the tail connectivity among three distinct markets—conventional, religious, and sustainable—and uses a new neural network quantile regression technique to quantify their risk exposure. The findings suggest that traditional and religious investments have the greatest tail risk exposure during crises, emphasising the importance of diversification using sustainable investments. The Systematic Network Risk Index identifies intense events, such as the COVID‐19 pandemic, the European debt crisis, and the global financial crisis, as having the greatest tail risk. The Systematic Fragility Index finds the Islamic stocks during the COVID‐19 crisis and the conventional stock market before the pandemic to the highly vulnerable markets. On the other hand, the Systemic Hazard Index identifies Islamic stocks as the primary source of systemic risk. The study concludes by providing implications for decision‐makers, regulatory authorities, investors, players in the financial system, and investment managers to diversify their risk by utilising green/sustainable investments.
An umbrella review of systematic reviews on interventions of physical activity before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and postpartum to control and/or reduce weight gain
Authors: Grau González Andrea , Sánchez del Pino Ana , Amezcua‐Prieto Carmen , Møller Luef Birgitte , Anne Vinter Christina , Stener Jorgensen Jan , García‐Valdés Luz
Published: March 2024

Background

The increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity worldwide represents a (chronic) complex public health problem. This is also seen among women of childbearing age despite increased efforts to promote physical activity (PA) interventions. Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) is associated with negative health outcomes for both mothers and offspring.

Objectives

To summarize current systematic reviews (SRs) on PA interventions during pregnancy and postpartum to prevent excessive GWG and identify the most effective approaches.

Search Strategy

A literature search was conducted on major electronic databases (MEDLINE/Pubmed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Epistemonikos) from inception to March 2023.

Selection Criteria

This study included SRs and meta‐analyses of studies involving women aged 18 years or older from diverse ethnic backgrounds, who were either in the preconception period, pregnant, or within 1 year postpartum and who had no contraindications for exercise. Women with chronic diseases, such as pre‐existing diabetes (type 1 or type 2) were excluded.

Data Collection and Analysis

Two reviewers extracted data from selected studies assessing the impact of PA in preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum. Methodologic quality was assessed with the AMSTAR‐2 tool. A narrative summary of results addresses relationships between PA and weight before, during, and after pregnancy, informing future research priorities for preventing excessive weight gain. This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD420233946666).

Main Results

Out of 892 identified articles, 25 studies were included after removing duplicates, unrelated titles, and screening titles and abstracts for eligibility. The results demonstrate that PA can help prevent excessive GWG and postpartum weight retention. Structured and supervised moderate‐intensity exercise, at least twice a week, and each session lasting a minimum of 35 min seems to provide the greatest benefits.

Conclusions

Women who comply with the PA program and recommendations are more likely to achieve adequate GWG and return to their pre‐pregnancy body mass index after delivery. Further research is warranted to explore how preconception PA influences pregnancy and postpartum outcomes given the absence of identified preconception‐focused interventions.
Successful treatment of severe monkeypox case with advanced HIV infection using plasma from smallpox‐vaccinated healthy population: A case report
Authors: Chen Chuming , Yao Weiming , Huang Siran , Peng Ling , Feng Shiyan , Wu Weibo , Yi Yunlan , Cheng Zhiqiang , Yang Yang , Yang Yan , Yang Liuqing , Lu Hongzhou , Wang Fuxiang
Published: March 2024

Since the first reported case of monkeypox in the UK in May 2022, there has been an upward trend in monkeypox cases and a global outbreak. However, reports of severe cases are relatively limited. In this study, we report a case of severe monkeypox in a patient with HIV. The patient presented with skin lesions that started on his face and around the penis and persisted for several months. Throughout the course of the disease, he received systematic symptomatic supportive treatment, topical remedies, and special care for the rash. He also underwent cidofovir antiviral therapy and smallpox‐vaccinated healthy population‐derived plasma therapy in succession, with the condition ultimately showing improvement after plasma treatment. After more than 3 months of hospitalization, he fully recovered. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported use of smallpox‐vaccinated healthy population‐derived plasma in the treatment of severe monkeypox cases.
Accounting journal entries as a long‐term multivariate time series: Forecasting wholesale warehouse output
Authors: Zupan Mario
Published: March 2024

Less than 2 years ago, many small entrepreneurs in the commodities trading business faced price volatility, which had not been the case for the last few decades. Generally, the income section of the profit and loss statement was not the main problem, especially in building material commodities trading, due to the recent growth in real estate demand. Logistic disorders, raw material shortages, inflation, and interest rate growth caused difficulties in supply management and warehouse balancing, which were reflected in a particular significant expense called the cost of goods sold. The real problem of its forecasting was identified, and data from accounting books likely contain information about previous warehouse dynamics. This paper presents how accounting data are prepared and shaped into time series suitable for machine learning algorithms, the relevant literature that helped in algorithm selection, and the development and description of the forecasting model, as well as its benchmarking with traditional forecasting models. Visualization and mean squared error loss measured on unseen data show that the model has proven more successful than expected. Based on data from four journal accounts spanning over 14 years, the model predicts the debit and credit sides of the wholesale warehouse for 150 working days.
CLDN6 inhibited cellular biological function of nonsmall cell lung cancer cells through suppressing aerobic glycolysis via the RIP1/ASK1/JNK axis
Authors: Guo Hua , Li Jianying , Dong Yu , Gao Humei , Wang Peng
Published: March 2024

Claudin‐6 (CLDN6) has been extensively studied in different tumors to date. However, in the case of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), CLDN6 has a largely unknown role and molecular mechanism. We detected the expression of CLDN6 in NSCLC tissues and cells using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot assays. A gain‐of‐function experiment was performed to evaluate the biological effects of CLDN6 on NSCLC cell behaviors. Methylation‐specific PCR was utilized to detect the DNA methylation of CLDN6 gene promoter region. The interaction of CLDN6 and receptor interacting protein 1 (RIP1) was determined by coimmunoprecipitation assay. Furthermore, the modulation of CLDN6 on RIP1/apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)/c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) axis was confirmed. The results showed that in NSCLC tissues and cells, CLDN6 expression level was declined, and was associated with a high level of DNA methylation. CLDN6 overexpression suppressed the viability, invasion, migration, and promoted cell apoptosis. Besides, the enhanced expression of CLDN6 reduced the glycolysis and the dysfunction of mitochondrial respiration of NSCLC cells. Mechanistic investigation confirmed that CLDN6 interacted with RIP1 and inhibited cellular biological function of NSCLC cells via RIP1/ASK1/JNK axis. Besides, CLDN6 overexpression inhibited tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, CLDN6 inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation through inactivating aerobic glycolysis via the RIP1/ASK1/JNK axis.
Intra‐allantoic injection of calcium promotes hatching of chick embryos grown in shell‐less culture
Authors: Dunn Bruce E.
Published: March 2024

The hatch rate of chick embryos cultured outside of the eggshell with 350 mg calcium l‐lactate hydrate (CaL) and 3.5 mL water is fourfold greater in cultures in which the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) surrounds the egg contents by incubation day 17.5 (E17.5) an event which occurs in ovo by E13. It was first investigated whether decreasing the volume of water added with 350 mg CaL would promote CAM expansion due to the smaller volume to enclose. When 350 mg CaL was present, the CAM did not surround the egg contents by E13. By E17.5, the CAM surrounded the egg contents in 53%–74% of cultures; however, CAM expansion was not significantly different when 0, 1, 2, or 3.5 mL water was present. The hatch rate with 2 or 3.5 mL water was greater than 50% but was not improved with less water. Second, it was investigated whether CaL or water inhibits CAM expansion. In the absence of CaL, the CAM surrounded the egg contents in up to two‐thirds of cultures by E13, whether 2 mL water was present or not. Thus CaL, but not water, inhibits expansion of the CAM by E13, even though CaL promotes hatching. Finally, it was investigated whether injection of aqueous CaL into the allantoic fluid, in conjunction with not adding CaL to culture hammocks, would promote CAM expansion. Allantoic injection of CaL starting at E13 did not promote CAM expansion at E17.5 but resulted in hatch rates of approximately 30%. Allantoic injection is a novel route for supplementation of calcium in cultured chick embryos.
Sexual behaviour and STIs among MSM living with HIV in the PrEP era: the French ANRS PRIMO cohort study
Authors: Baltes Virginie , de Boissieu Paul , Champenois Karen , Luan Louise , Seng Rémonie , Essat Asma , Novelli Sophie , Spire Bruno , Molina Jean‐Michel , Goujard Cécile , Meyer Laurence ,   for the ANRS PRIMO cohort study group
Published: March 2024

Introduction

In a context of declining condom use and high sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence, the diffusion of “treatment as prevention” (Tasp) and more recently pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may have changed the sexual behaviour of newly diagnosed men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV.

Methods

Six hundred and nine MSM were enrolled and followed annually between 2014 and 2021 in the ANRS PRIMO Cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03148964) from the time of HIV seroconversion. We studied changes over calendar time in sexual behaviour before and after HIV diagnosis. Factors associated with inconsistent condom use (ICU) after HIV diagnosis, PrEP use by partner(s) and bacterial STI acquisition were studied in random‐effects models.

Results

In the 6 months preceding HIV diagnosis, the number of sexual partners decreased from a median of 10 (IQR: 4−19) in 2014 to 6 (3−11) in 2021. After HIV diagnosis, ICU increased from 57.1% (16/28) of visits in 2014 up to 84.2% (229/272) in 2020−2021. Up to 25% (63/229) of MSM with HIV in recent years reported the use of PrEP by their partner(s) as the reason for ICU; these MSM were less frequently in a stable relationship, had a higher number of sexual partners and higher education level than those who did not report the use of PrEP by their partner(s). STI incidence after HIV diagnosis increased between 2014 and 2016 and remained high afterwards. STI risk was no longer associated with PrEP use by partners after adjustment for the number of partners and calendar period. ICU, age below 35 years, not being in a stable relationship, higher number of sexual partners were independently associated with an increased risk of STI.

Conclusions

Implementation of TasP and more recently PrEP has led to major changes in the sexual behaviour of MSM with HIV. ICU has become overwhelmingly prevalent, PrEP use by the partner increasingly being the reported reason for ICU, behind TasP, which remains the main reason. Characteristics of MSM at the time of diagnosis of HIV have changed, with fewer number of sexual partners today than in 2014, which must lead to broaden the indications for PrEP prescription. STIs incidence remains high in MSM with HIV and requires improvements in screening and prevention methods such as pre‐ or post‐exposition antibiotics or vaccines.
Revision of the muscular system in the brachiopod Novocrania anomala using 3D reconstruction: Functional and paleontological significance
Authors: Plandin Feodor A. , Temereva Elena N.
Published: March 2024

The musculature is one of the best studied organ systems in brachiopods, being approachable not only by dissecting recent species of brachiopods, but also by exploring muscle scars in fossil material. In the present study, the muscular anatomy of Novocrania anomala is studied using 3D reconstructions based on microcomputed tomography. Muscles of N. anomala may be subdivided into two groups: those related to movements of the lophophore, and those connected to movements of shell valves. Muscles, their morphology and possible functions, such as brachial protractors, elevators, and retractors, as well as anterior adductors, are described and discussed. We also provide the discussion of craniid muscle terminology, consider the valve‐opening mechanism. The investigation of muscle scars on dorsal valves supports the conclusion that the shape of muscle scars should be used for description and distinction of recent and extinct species only when visible distinctness cannot be explained by substrate differences. This study, which is aimed at improving our understanding the anatomy and functioning of muscles in craniids, will be useful not only for zoologists, but also for paleontologists.
Pathogenicity of Metarhizium rileyi (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) against Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Vivekanandhan Perumal , Alahmadi Tahani A. , Ansari Mohammad J.
Published: March 2024

Tenebrio molitor L., also known as the mealworm, is a polyphagous insect pest that infests various stored grains worldwide. Both the adult and larval stages can cause significant damage to stored grains. The present study focused on isolating entomopathogenic fungi from an infected larval cadaver under environmental conditions. Fungal pathogenicity was tested on T. molitor larvae and pupae for 12 days. Entomopathogenic fungi were identified using biotechnological methods based on their morphology and the sequence of their nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The results of the insecticidal activity indicate that the virulence of fungi varies between the larval and pupal stages. In comparison to the larval stage, the pupal stage is highly susceptible to Metarhizium rileyi, exhibiting 100% mortality rates after 12 days (lethal concentration 50 [LC50] = 7.8 × 106 and lethal concentration 90 (LC90) = 2.1 × 1013 conidia/mL), whereas larvae showed 92% mortality rates at 12 days posttreatment (LC50 = 1.0 × 106 and LC90 = 3.0 × 109 conidia/mL). The enzymatic analyses revealed a significant increase in the levels of the insect enzymes superoxide dismutase (4.76–10.5 mg−1) and glutathione S‐transferase (0.46–6.53 mg−1) 3 days after exposure to M. rileyi conidia (1.5 × 105 conidia/mL) compared to the control group. The findings clearly show that M. rileyi is an environmentally friendly and effective microbial agent for controlling the larvae and pupae of T. molitor.
LFK index does not reliably detect small‐study effects in meta‐analysis: A simulation study
Authors: Schwarzer Guido , Rücker Gerta , Semaca Cristina
Published: March 2024

The LFK index has been promoted as an improved method to detect bias in meta‐analysis. Putatively, its performance does not depend on the number of studies in the meta‐analysis. We conducted a simulation study, comparing the LFK index test to three standard tests for funnel plot asymmetry in settings with smaller or larger group sample sizes. In general, false positive rates of the LFK index test markedly depended on the number and size of studies as well as the between‐study heterogeneity with values between 0% and almost 30%. Egger's test adhered well to the pre‐specified significance level of 5% under homogeneity, but was too liberal (smaller groups) or conservative (larger groups) under heterogeneity. The rank test was too conservative for most simulation scenarios. The Thompson–Sharp test was too conservative under homogeneity, but adhered well to the significance level in case of heterogeneity. The true positive rate of the LFK index test was only larger compared with classic tests if the false positive rate was inflated. The power of classic tests was similar or larger than the LFK index test if the false positive rate of the LFK index test was used as significance level for the classic tests. Under ideal conditions, the false positive rate of the LFK index test markedly and unpredictably depends on the number and sample size of studies as well as the extent of between‐study heterogeneity. The LFK index test in its current implementation should not be used to assess funnel plot asymmetry in meta‐analysis.
Dietary rutin improves the antidiarrheal capacity of weaned piglets by improving intestinal barrier function, antioxidant capacity and cecal microbiota composition
Authors: Ma Longfei , Zhou Binbin , Liu Huijuan , Chen Shun , Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Tian , Wang Chao
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Early weaning is prone to damage intestinal barrier function, resulting in diarrhea, whereas rutin, as a natural flavonoid with multiple biological functions, shows potential in piglets. Therefore, the effects of dietary rutin on growth, antidiarrheal, barrier function, antioxidant status and cecal microbiota of weaned piglets were investigated with the control group (CON) (basal diet) and Rutin (basal diet+500 mg kg−1 rutin) groups fed for 14 days.

RESULTS

The results showed that dietary 500 mg kg−1 rutin significantly decreased diarrhea index, serum diamine oxidase activity and total aerobic bacterial population in mesenteric lymph nodes, whereas it significantly increased the gain‐to‐feed ratio (G:F) and serum growth hormone content, jejunal villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio, and also enhanced jejunal claudin‐1 and zonula occludens‐1 mRNA and protein expression. Meanwhile, dietary rutin significantly decreased inflammation‐associated mRNA expression, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, swollen mitochondrial number and mitochondrial area in the jejunum, whereas it increased the total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activities and activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Moreover, dietary rutin significantly increased Firmicutes abundance and decreased Campylobacterota abundance, which were closely associated with the decreased diarrhea index and MDA content or increased Claudin‐1 expression and T‐SOD activity.

CONCLUSION

Dietary 500 mg kg−1 rutin increased G:F by improving intestinal morphology, and alleviated diarrhea by enhancing intestinal barrier, which might be associated with the enhanced antioxidant capacity via activating the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and the improved cecal microbial composition in weaned piglets. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Laminar flame speed measurement and combustion mechanism optimization of methanol–air mixtures
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Zixing , Zhong Zheng
Published: March 2024

Laminar flame speeds of methanol/air mixtures at 338–398 K are measured by the heat flux method, extending the range of equivalence ratio up to 2.1. And a new optimized methanol mechanism with 94 reactions is proposed by using the particle swarm algorithm, adjusting 20 Arrhenius pre‐exponential factors in their uncertainty domains. The optimized model is compared with eight methanol combustion mechanisms and experimental data published in recent years, covering a wide range of initial temperatures (298–1537 K), pressures (0.04–50 atm) and equivalence ratios (0.5–2.1). The results show that the optimized mechanism not only improves the accuracy of ignition delay time with rapid compression machine at low temperature but also moderately improve the description of laminar flame speed in lean and stoichiometric conditions. Meanwhile, the optimized model significantly enhances the prediction accuracy of CH3and CH2O radical, and perfectly captures the evolution trend of HCO radical in laminar flat flame. Overall, the optimized mechanism provides the best overall description of the currently available measurements, leading to more accurate and comprehensive prediction of ignition delay time, laminar flame speed and species concentration.
Changes in isotope fractionation during nitrate assimilation by marine eukaryotic and prokaryotic algae under different pH and CO2 conditions
Authors: Chen Yawen , Yang Jin‐Yu Terence , Tang Jin‐Ming , Hong Haizheng , Kao Shuh‐Ji , Dai Minhan , Shi Dalin
Published: March 2024

The impact of environmental factors on nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) isotope effects during algal nitrate assimilation causes uncertainty in the field application of sedimentary N isotope records and nitrate isotopes to understand the marine nitrogen cycle. Ocean acidification is predicted to change nitrogen cycling including nitrate assimilation, but how N and O isotope effects during algal nitrate assimilation vary in response to changes in seawater pH and partial pressure CO2 (pCO2) remains unknown. We measured N and O isotope effects during nitrate assimilation and physiological states of the marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii and Synechococcus under different pH (8.1 or 7.8) and pCO2 (400 or 800 μatm) conditions. Low pH and/or high pCO2 equally decreased N and O isotope effects during nitrate assimilation by diatoms possibly due to reducing cellular nitrate efflux/uptake ratio and decreased isotope effects for nitrate uptake, whereas they did not affect those by Synechococcus with low intracellular nitrate concentration and limited nitrate efflux. Our results provide compelling experimental evidence showing different changes in N and O isotope effects during nitrate assimilation by marine eukaryotic and prokaryotic phytoplankton at low pH and/or high pCO2. These findings suggest new insight into environmental controls on variability in the isotope effect during algal nitrate assimilation, and have implications for improving a predictive understanding of N and O isotope tools in acidified oceans.
Rheumatoid arthritis: pathogenesis and therapeutic advances
Authors: Gao Ying , Zhang Yunkai , Liu Xingguang
Published: March 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the unresolved synovial inflammation for tissues‐destructive consequence, which remains one of significant causes of disability and labor loss, affecting about 0.2–1% global population. Although treatments with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are effective to control inflammation and decrease bone destruction, the overall remission rates of RA still stay at a low level. Therefore, uncovering the pathogenesis of RA and expediting clinical transformation are imminently in need. Here, we summarize the immunological basis, inflammatory pathways, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and metabolic disorders in RA, with highlights on the abnormality of immune cells atlas, epigenetics, and immunometabolism. Besides an overview of first‐line medications including conventional DMARDs, biologics, and small molecule agents, we discuss in depth promising targeted therapies under clinical or preclinical trials, especially epigenetic and metabolic regulators. Additionally, prospects on precision medicine based on synovial biopsy or RNA‐sequencing and cell therapies of mesenchymal stem cells or chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell are also looked forward. The advancements of pathogenesis and innovations of therapies in RA accelerates the progress of RA treatments.
Hypoxia‐activated ADCC‐enhanced humanized anti‐CD147 antibody for liver cancer imaging and targeted therapy with improved selectivity
Authors: Qi Fang‐Zheng , Su Hui‐Shan , Wang Bo , Qian Luo‐Meng , Wang Yang , Wang Chen‐Hui , Hou Ya‐Xin , Chen Ping , Zhang Qing , Li Dong‐Mei , Tang Hao , Jiang Jian‐Li , Bian Hui‐Jie , Chen Zhi‐Nan , Zhang Si‐He
Published: March 2024

Therapeutic antibodies (Abs) improve the clinical outcome of cancer patients. However, on‐target off‐tumor toxicity limits Ab‐based therapeutics. Cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) is a tumor‐associated membrane antigen overexpressed in cancer cells. Ab‐based drugs targeting CD147 have achieved inadequate clinical benefits for liver cancer due to side effects. Here, by using glycoengineering and hypoxia‐activation strategies, we developed a conditional Ab‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)‐enhanced humanized anti‐CD147 Ab, HcHAb18‐azo‐PEG5000 (HAP18). Afucosylated ADCC‐enhanced HcHAb18 Ab was produced by a fed‐batch cell culture system. Azobenzene (Azo)‐linked PEG5000 conjugation endowed HAP18 Ab with features of hypoxia‐responsive delivery and selective targeting. HAP18 Ab potently inhibits the migration, invasion, and matrix metalloproteinase secretion, triggers the cytotoxicity and apoptosis of cancer cells, and induces ADCC, complement‐dependent cytotoxicity, and Ab‐dependent cellular phagocytosis under hypoxia. In xenograft mouse models, HAP18 Ab selectively targets hypoxic liver cancer tissues but not normal organs or tissues, and has potent tumor‐inhibiting effects. HAP18 Ab caused negligible side effects and exhibited superior pharmacokinetics compared to those of parent HcHAb18 Ab. The hypoxia‐activated ADCC‐enhanced humanized HAP18 Ab safely confers therapeutic efficacy against liver cancer with improved selectivity. This study highlights that hypoxia activation is a promising strategy for improving the tumor targeting potential of anti‐CD147 Ab drugs.