bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of high‐ and low‐resolution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for herbal product classification: A case study with Ocimum essential oils
Authors: Abraham Evelyn J. , Wallace E. Diane , Kellogg Joshua J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Selection of marker compounds for targeted chemical analysis is complicated when considering varying instrumentation and closely related plant species. High‐resolution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), via orbitrap detection, has yet to be evaluated for improved marker compound selection.

Objective

This study directly compares high‐ and low‐resolution GC–MS for botanical maker compound selection using Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (OT) and Ocimum gratissimum L. (OG) for botanical ingredient authentication.

Methods

The essential oils of OT and OG were collected via hydrodistillation before untargeted chemical analysis with gas chromatography coupled to single‐quadrupole (GC‐SQ) and orbitrap (GC‐Orbitrap) detectors. The Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) software was used for compound annotation, and a manual search was used to find the 41 most common Ocimum essential oil metabolites.

Results

The GC‐Orbitrap resulted in 1.7‐fold more metabolite detection and increased dynamic range compared to the GC‐SQ. Spectral matching and manual searching were improved with GC‐Orbitrap data. Each instrument had differing known compound concentrations; however, there was an overlap of six compounds with higher abundance in OG than OT and three compounds with a higher abundance in OT than OG, suggesting consistent detection of the most variable compounds. An unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) could not discern the two species with either dataset.

Conclusion

GC‐Orbitrap instrumentation improves compound detection, dynamic range, and feature annotation in essential oil analysis. However, considering both high‐ and low‐resolution data may improve reliable marker compound selection, as GC‐Orbitrap analysis alone did not improve unsupervised separation of two Ocimum species compared to GC‐SQ data.
Passive Quantum Measurement: Arrival Time, Quantum Zeno Effect and Gambler's Fallacy
Authors: Jurić Tajron , Nikolić Hrvoje
Published: July 2023

Classical measurements are passive, in the sense that they do not affect the physical properties of the measured system. Normally, quantum measurements are not passive in that sense. In the infinite dimensional Hilbert space, however, it is found that quantum projective measurement can be passive in a way which is impossible in finite dimensional Hilbert spaces. Specifically, it is found that expectation value of a hermitian Hamiltonian can have an imaginary part in the infinite dimensional Hilbert space and that such an imaginary part implies a possibility to avoid quantum Zeno effect, which can physically be realized in quantum arrival experiments. The avoidance of quantum Zeno effect can also be understood as avoidance of a quantum version of gambler's fallacy, leading to the notion of passive quantum measurement that updates information about the physical system without affecting its physical properties. The arrival time probability distribution of a particle is found to be given by the flux of the probability current. Possible negative fluxes correspond to regimes at which there is no arrival at all, physically understood as regimes at which the particle departs rather than arrives.
CSR decoupling within business groups and the risk of perceived greenwashing
Authors: Bothello Joel , Ioannou Ioannis , Porumb Vlad‐Andrei , Zengin‐Karaibrahimoglu Yasemin
Published: July 2023

Research Summary

Given the growing legitimacy of corporate social responsibility (CSR), many firms engage in symbolic communication to showcase CSR without undertaking commensurate substantive actions. This “CSR decoupling” can create a risk of perceived greenwashing, which, in turn, may negatively affect a firm's performance. In this study, we explore an unexamined antecedent of decoupling: interfirm affiliation. Specifically, we use the structure of Business Groups (BGs) to investigate CSR decoupling across rather than within firms. We find that apex firms within a group are more likely to engage in CSR decoupling compared with non‐apex firms and, importantly, are partially shielded from greenwashing perceptions by the market. Our research contributes to the literatures on decoupling, perceived greenwashing, and the role of BGs and their CSR practices.

Managerial Summary

Companies that engage in symbolic communication about corporate social responsibility (CSR) without substantive actions risk being perceived as “greenwashers,” a perception that harms firm performance. Our study demonstrates how, in certain contexts where firms are affiliated with others, this may not occur. For instance, apex firms within Business Groups (BGs)—where firms are interconnected through equity and social relationships—can report on the CSR actions of non‐apex affiliates without providing commensurate substantive actions of their own. Importantly, the control and coordination abilities of these apex firms protect them from greenwashing perceptions. This study, therefore, demonstrates the role of BGs in shaping CSR practices and provides insights for managers to understand the potential risks and benefits of affiliations within BGs.
Integration of single‐cell transcriptome and proteome technologies: Toward spatial resolution levels
Authors: He Liyong , Wang Wenjia , Dang Kaitong , Ge Qinyu , Zhao Xiangwei
Published: July 2023

Cells are basic building blocks of life with vast heterogeneity. Nowadays, the rapid development of single‐cell multiomics (scMulti‐Omics) has facilitated comprehensive understanding of gene regulatory networks, cellular characteristics, and temporal dynamics. However, simultaneous analysis of transcriptome and proteome at single‐cell level still faces huge challenges due to their differences in molecular modalities. Recent technological advances in single‐cell manipulations, barcoding, and ultrasensitive instrument recently offer unprecedented opportunities for the co‐profiling of genes and proteins. In this review, multiple types of single‐cell isolation, lysis, and molecular separation technologies are first introduced. Second, various approaches for co‐measurement of transcriptome and proteome in single‐cells are summarized, with their advantages, limitations, and capacity for targeted or unbiased deep analysis. Then we highlight the cutting‐edge spatial multiomics methodologies that operate at the single‐cell or subcellular resolution level, providing a comprehensive understanding of cell function and heterogeneity within the tissue spatial environment. The emerging biomedical applications of multiomics are also discussed. Finally, the challenges and prospects of this field are proposed.
Hitting the mark: Localization of mRNA and biomolecular condensates in health and disease
Authors: Otis Jessica P. , Mowry Kimberly L.
Published: July 2023

Subcellular mRNA localization is critical to a multitude of biological processes such as development of cellular polarity, embryogenesis, tissue differentiation, protein complex formation, cell migration, and rapid responses to environmental stimuli and synaptic depolarization. Our understanding of the mechanisms of mRNA localization must now be revised to include formation and trafficking of biomolecular condensates, as several biomolecular condensates that transport and localize mRNA have recently been discovered. Disruptions in mRNA localization can have catastrophic effects on developmental processes and biomolecular condensate biology and have been shown to contribute to diverse diseases. A fundamental understanding of mRNA localization is essential to understanding how aberrations in this biology contribute the etiology of numerous cancers though support of cancer cell migration and biomolecular condensate dysregulation, as well as many neurodegenerative diseases, through misregulation of mRNA localization and biomolecular condensate biology.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Large displacements and rotations of a local linear elastic rod
Authors: du Toit Sonja , Labuschagne Madelein , van der Merwe Alna
Published: July 2023

The Local Linear Timoshenko (LLT) model for the planar motion of a rod that undergoes flexure, shear and extension, was recently derived in Van Rensburg et al. (2021). In this paper we present an algorithm developed for this model. The algorithm is based on the mixed finite element method, and projections into finite dimensional subspaces are used for dealing with nonlinear forces and moments. The algorithm is used for an investigation into elastic waves propagated in the LLT rod. Interesting properties of the LLT rod include the increased propagation speed of elastic waves when compared to the linear Timoshenko beam, and the appearance of buckled states or equilibrium solutions for compressed LLT beams. It is also shown that the LLT rod is applicable to large displacements and rotations for a wide range of slender elastic objects; from beams to highly slender flexible rods.
PCL retention demonstrates better functional scores and gait patterns in total knee arthroplasty using a medial congruent insert—a prospective study
Authors: Rajgopal Ashok , Kumar Sumit , Singh Manish Kumar , Aggarwal Kalpana
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Despite Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) being one of the most successful procedures for end stage arthritis, nearly 20% of patients undergoing this procedure remain dissatisfied. Various design options have been introduced to reduce this cohort of patients. One such option has been the introduction of the medial congruent (MC) polyethylene design. This study was undertaken to evaluate outcome measures and gait analysis in patients undergoing bilateral single stage TKA where the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was retained or excised in contralateral knees.

Methods

60 bilateral TKA’s were performed by a single surgeon using a MC design option from July to Sep 2021. The study lots included patients between the ages of 55 and 70 years with fixed varus deformity of degenerative aetiology, and Kellgren Lawrence Grade 3 and 4 radiological changes. Exclusion criteria were previous surgery to the lower extremities, sero positive arthropathies, post traumatic arthritis, valgus deformity, flexion contractures > 20°, and any pre‐existing pathology impacting gait, e.g., poliomyelitis, or neuromuscular disorders. The PCL was retained or sacrificed on contralateral sides for the purpose of this study. Functional scores, outcomes and gait analysis on level and gradient walking were evaluated at a follow‐up of 18 months.

Results

At 18, months the Range of Motion (ROM) improved from a preoperative value of 97.3 ± 11.5 to 110.3 ± 6.1 on the PCL retained side (MC‐PCL) and from 96.5 ± 10.8 to 113 ± 5.8 on the PCL excised side (MC‐PCLX). Knee Society Score (KSS‐2011) improved from a preoperative value of 21.2 ± 4.5 to 89.8 ± 3.4 at 18 months postoperatively on the MC‐PCL side and from 21.5 ± 4 to 88.2 ± 3.7 on the MC‐PCLX side. Forgotten Joint Score (FJS‐12) was 8.8 ± 0.7 on the MC‐PCL side and 8.1 ± 0.9 on the MC‐PCLX side 18 months after surgery. Our gait analysis evaluation demonstrated a lower forefoot pressure in the MC‐PCL group in comparison to the MC‐PCLX group when subjects were made to walk on a 30° upward incline. This difference was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusion

In this study, while ROM was greater in the MC‐PCLX study lot, patient satisfaction was higher in the MC‐PCL study lot. Gait assessment demonstrated lower forefoot pressure while ascending an incline of 30° in the MC‐PCL study lot as compared to the MC‐PCLX study lot approximating normal gait patterns.

Level of evidence

II.
A Metagenomic Time-Series Approach to Assess the Ecological Stability of Microbial Mats in a Seasonally Fluctuating Environment
Authors: Madrigal-Trejo David , Sánchez-Pérez Jazmín , Espinosa-Asuar Laura , Valdivia-Anistro Jorge A. , Eguiarte Luis E. , Souza Valeria
Published: July 2023

Microbial mats are complex ecological assemblages that have been present in the rock record since the Precambrian and can still be found in extant marginalized environments. These structures are considered highly stable ecosystems. In this study, we evaluate the ecological stability of dome-forming microbial mats in a modern, water-level fluctuating, hypersaline pond located in the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin, Mexico. We conducted metagenomic sampling of the site from 2016 to 2019 and detected 2250 genera of Bacteria and Archaea, with only <20 belonging to the abundant taxa (>1%). The microbial community was dominated by Proteobacteria, Euryarchaeota, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Cyanobacteria, and was compositionally sensitive to disturbances, leading to high taxonomic replacement even at the phylum level, with a significant increase in Archaea from$$\sim $$∼1-4% to$$\sim $$∼33% throughout the 2016-2019 study period. Although a core community represented most of the microbial community (>75%), relative abundances shifted significantly between samples, as demonstrated by changes in the abundance ofColeofasciculusfrom 10.2% in 2017 to 0.05% in 2019. Although functional differences between seasons were subtle, co-occurrence networks suggest differential ecological interactions between the seasons, with the addition of a new module during the rainy season and the potential shift in hub taxa. Functional composition was slightly more similar between samples, but basic processes such as carbohydrate, amino acid, and nucleic acid metabolisms were widely distributed among samples. Major carbon fixation processes included sulfur oxidation, nitrogen fixation, and photosynthesis (both oxygenic and anoxygenic), as well as the Wood-Ljundgahl and Calvin cycles.
Phase I study to assess the effect of adavosertib (AZD1775) on the pharmacokinetics of substrates of CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP3A in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Någård Mats , Ah-See Mei-Lin , Strauss James , Wise-Draper Trisha , Safran Howard P. , Nadeau Laura , Edenfield William J. , Lewis Lionel D. , Ottesen Lone H. , Li Yan , Mugundu Ganesh M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Adavosertib may alter exposure to substrates of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family of enzymes. This study assessed its effect on the pharmacokinetics of a cocktail of probe substrates for CYP3A (midazolam), CYP2C19 (omeprazole), and CYP1A2 (caffeine).

Methods

Period 1: patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors received ‘cocktail’: caffeine 200 mg, omeprazole 20 mg, and midazolam 2 mg (single dose); period 2: after 7- to 14-day washout, patients received adavosertib 225 mg twice daily on days 1–3 (five doses), with cocktail on day 3. After cocktail alone or in combination with adavosertib administration, 24-h pharmacokinetic sampling occurred for probe substrates and their respective metabolites paraxanthine, 5-hydroxyomeprazole (5-HO), and 1′-hydroxymidazolam (1′-HM). Safety was assessed throughout.

Results

Of 33 patients (median age 60.0 years, range 41–83) receiving cocktail, 30 received adavosertib. Adavosertib co-administration increased caffeine, omeprazole, and midazolam exposure by 49%, 80%, and 55% (AUC0–12), respectively; AUC0–t increased by 61%, 98%, and 55%. Maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) increased by 4%, 46%, and 39%. Adavosertib co-administration increased 5-HO and 1′-HM exposure by 43% and 54% (AUC0–12) and 49% and 58% (AUC0–t), respectively; paraxanthine exposure was unchanged. Adavosertib co-administration decreased Cmax for paraxanthine and 5–HO by 19% and 7%; Cmax increased by 33% for 1′-HM. After receiving adavosertib, 19 (63%) patients had treatment-related adverse events (six [20%] grade ≥ 3).

Conclusion

Adavosertib (225 mg bid) is a weak inhibitor of CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and CYP3A.

ClinicalTrials.gov

NCT03333824
Pre- and post-diagnostic dairy intake in relation to recurrence and all-cause mortality in people with stage I-III colorectal cancer
Authors: van Lanen Anne-Sophie , Kok Dieuwertje E. , Wesselink Evertine , Winkels Renate M. , van Halteren Henk K. , de Wilt Johannes H. W. , Kampman Ellen , van Duijnhoven Fränzel J. B.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Higher dairy consumption is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), but no studies thus far have investigated its relation with recurrence in CRC. Few studies have investigated total dairy in relation to mortality in CRC, and yielded inconsistent results.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, people newly diagnosed with stage I-III CRC filled out a food frequency questionnaire at diagnosis (n = 1812) and six months after diagnosis (n = 1672). We examined associations between pre- and post-diagnostic intake of total dairy, low-fat dairy, high-fat dairy, milk, yoghurt, and cheese with recurrence and all-cause mortality using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic splines (RCS).

Results

A total of 176 recurrences and 301 deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 3.0 and 5.9 years, respectively. Before diagnosis, a higher low-fat dairy intake was associated with a lower risk of recurrence (HRQ4vsQ1: 0.42, 95% CI 0.26–0.67; PRCS: 0.008) and all-cause mortality (HRQ4vsQ1: 0.58, 95% CI 0.41–0.81; PRCS < 0.001), whereas a higher high-fat dairy consumption tended to be associated with an increased all-cause mortality risk (HRQ4vsQ1: 1.41, 95% CI 0.98–2.01; PRCS: 0.030). After diagnosis, only the associations between low- and high-fat dairy in relation to all-cause mortality remained.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that higher pre- and post-diagnostic intakes of low-fat dairy were associated with a reduced all-cause mortality risk in people with stage I-III CRC, whereas higher intakes of high-fat dairy were associated with an increased all-cause mortality risk. Also, a higher pre-diagnostic low-fat dairy intake was associated with a reduced risk of recurrence.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials.gov identifier: NCT03191110.
Systematic review of imaging comparisons of spinal alignment among standing positions in healthy adolescents or adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: SOSORT 2023 award winner
Authors: Fehr Brianna J. , Visser Annika , Parent Eric C.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Clinicians detect scoliosis worsening over time using frequent radiographs during growth. Arms must be elevated when capturing sagittal radiographs to visualize the vertebrae, and this may affect the sagittal angles. The aim was to systematically review the published evidence of the effect of arm positions used during radiography on spinal alignment parameters in healthy participants and those with AIS.

Methods

Design was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022347494). A search strategy was run in Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Healthy participants ≥ 10 years old and participants with AIS between 10 and 18 years old, with Cobb angles > 10° were included. Study quality was assessed using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies (AXIS). Meta-analysis was performed where possible.

Results

Overall, 1332 abstracts and 33 full texts were screened. Data was extracted from 7 included studies. The most common positions were habitual standing, fists on clavicle, and active (arms raised unsupported). Kyphosis, lordosis, and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were most measured. Meta-analysis showed significantly decreased kyphosis (SMD = 0.78, 95%CI 0.48, 1.09) and increased lordosis (SMD = − 1.21, 95%CI − 1.58, − 0.85) when clavicle was compared to standing. Significant posterior shifts in SVA were shown in clavicle compared to standing (MD = 30.59 mm, 95%CI 23.91, 37.27) and active compared to clavicle (MD = − 2.01 mm, 95%CI − 3.38, − 0.64). Cobb angles and rotation were rarely studied (1 study).

Conclusion

Meta-analysis evidence showed elevated arm positions modify sagittal measurements compared to standing. Most studies did not report on all relevant parameters. It is unclear which position best represent habitual standing.
Adherence to the Obeid coronal malalignment classification and a residual malalignment below 20 mm can improve surgical outcomes in adult spine deformity surgery
Authors: Baroncini Alice , Frechon Paul , Bourghli Anouar , Smith Justin S. , Larrieu Daniel , Pellisé Ferran , Pizones Javier , Kleinstueck Frank , Alanay Ahmet , Kieser David , Cawley Derek T. , Boissiere Louis , Obeid Ibrahim ,   the European Spine Study Group (ESSG)
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Coronal balance is a major factor impacting the surgical outcomes in adult spinal deformity (ASD). The Obeid coronal malalignment (O-CM) classification has been proposed to improve the coronal alignment in ASD surgery. Aim of this study was to investigate whether a postoperative CM < 20 mm and adherence to the O-CM classification could improve surgical outcomes and decrease the rate of mechanical failure in a cohort of ASD patients.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on all ASD patients who underwent surgical management and had a preoperative CM > 20 mm and a 2-year follow-up. Patients were divided in two groups according to whether or not surgery had been performed in adherence to the guidelines of the O-CM classification and according to whether or not the residual CM was < 20 mm. The outcomes of interest were radiographic data, rate of mechanical complications and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.

Results

At 2 years, adherence to the O-CM classification led to a lower rate of mechanical complications (40 vs. 60%). A coronal correction of the CM < 20 mm allowed for a significant improvement in SRS-22 and SF-36 scores and was associated with a 3.5 times greater odd of achieving the minimal clinical important difference for the SRS-22.

Conclusion

Adherence to the O-CM classification could reduce the risk of mechanic complications 2 years after ASD surgery. Patients with a residual CM < 20 mm showed better functional outcomes and a 3.5 times greater odd of achieving the MCID for the SRS-22 score.
How loss of tooth structure impacts the biomechanical behavior of a single-rooted maxillary premolar: FEA
Authors: Abdelfattah Roaa Abdelwahab , Nawar Nawar Naguib , Kataia Engy M. , Saber Shehabeldin Mohamed
Published: July 2023

To evaluate the influence of the loss of coronal and radicular tooth structure on the biomechanical behavior and fatigue life of an endodontically treated maxillary premolar with confluent root canals using finite element analysis (FEA). An extracted maxillary second premolar was scanned to produce intact (IT) 3D model. Models were designed with an occlusal conservative access cavity (CAC) with different coronal defects; mesial defect (MO CAC), occlusal, mesial and distal defect (MOD CAC), and 2 different root canal preparations (30/.04, and 40/.04) producing 6 experimental models. FEA was used to study each model. A simulation of cycling loading of 50N was applied occlusally to stimulate the normal masticatory force. Number of cycles till failure (NCF) was used to compare strength of different models and stress distribution patterns via von Mises (vM) and maximum principal stress (MPS). The IT model survived 1.5 × 1010 cycles before failure, the CAC-30.04 had the longest survival of 1.59 × 109, while the MOD CAC-40.04 had the shortest survival of 8.35 × 107 cycles till failure. vM stress analysis showed that stress magnitudes were impacted by the progressive loss of coronal tooth structure rather than the radicular structure. MPS analysis showed that significant loss of coronal tooth structure translates into more tensile stresses. Given the limited size of maxillary premolars, marginal ridges have a critical role in the biomechanical behavior of the tooth. Access cavity preparation has a much bigger impact than radicular preparation on their strength and life span.
Changes in over-winter prey availability, rather than winter climate, are associated with a long-term decline in a northern Tawny Owl population
Authors: Orlando Giuseppe , Passarotto Arianna , Morosinotto Chiara , Ahola Kari , Karstinen Teuvo , Brommer Jon E. , Koskenpato Katja , Karell Patrik
Published: July 2023

Although the associations between climate, food conditions and reproduction in the wild has been the focus of numerous studies in recent years, we still know little about population level responses to climate and fluctuating food conditions in long-lived species and during longer periods of time. Here, we assessed the relative importance of the abundance of the main prey in winter (small mammals), and winter climate on population size and productivity in a Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) population in southern Finland during a 40-year period. We studied how population trends changed over time and in relation to winter weather and small mammal abundance on three levels: total estimated population size, proportion of breeders and population productivity. We identified declining trends in each population parameter over time, as well as directional changes in climate variables and prey abundance. Overall, small mammal abundance was the foremost predictor in explaining the variation in the number of active territorial pairs (population size). Moreover, both prey abundance and winter temperature significantly affected the proportion of territorial pairs that attempted to breed and thereby total offspring production, which reveals the relevance of winter weather conditions for population productivity. These results provide additional support to the view that changes in climate can modify predator–prey interactions leading to functional changes in the food web.
Single MCMC chain parallelisation on decision trees
Authors: Drousiotis Efthyvoulos , Spirakis Paul
Published: July 2023

Decision trees (DT) are highly famous in machine learning and usually acquire state-of-the-art performance. Despite that, well-known variants like CART, ID3, random forest, and boosted trees miss a probabilistic version that encodes prior assumptions about tree structures and shares statistical strength between node parameters. Existing work on Bayesian DT depends on Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), which can be computationally slow, especially on high dimensional data and expensive proposals. In this study, we propose a method to parallelise a single MCMC DT chain on an average laptop or personal computer that enables us to reduce its run-time through multi-core processing while the results are statistically identical to conventional sequential implementation. We also calculate the theoretical and practical reduction in run time, which can be obtained utilising our method on multi-processor architectures. Experiments showed that we could achieve 18 times faster running time provided that the serial and the parallel implementation are statistically identical.
Harvesting distance effect on tree species diversity in traditional agroforestry landscape: a case of Vhembe Biosphere Reserve in South Africa
Authors: Makhubele Lucky , Araia Mulugheta G. , Chirwa Paxie W.
Published: July 2023

Traditional agroforestry has been recognised to contribute to biodiversity conservation; however, biodiversity strategies often lack information about drivers of tree species diversity loss, which is crucial for decision-making. Anthropogenic disturbance has positive and negative effects on tree species richness and diversity. This study was conducted in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, and used distance from the nucleus of the community to the forest as a parameter to assess tree species richness and diversity. Vegetation data were collected using three transects of 150 m in each distance level and sampled a total area of 1000 m2by sampling five rectangular plots of 20 m2 × 10 m2(200 m2). Data analysis was conducted using Chao1, PERMANOVA,nMDS, PERMDISP, DISTLIM,dbRDA and SIMPER. The findings are in consonant with distance decay of community similarity hypotheses, with estimated tree species richness of 76, 93 and 95 species in an immediate distance, intermediate distance and far distance, respectively. Moreover, the highest species variation was observed at an intermediate distance, which indicates that there is greater species composition at an intermediate distance compared to immediate and far distances. The results confirm that the distance and associated factors have major detrimental effects on tree species richness and biodiversity in traditional agroforestry landscapes. Harvesting of provisioning ecosystem services is found and known to be extremely high in the study area. Effective interventions such as planting indigenous trees and conserving the existing vegetation must be implemented to reduce and halt overexploitation.
Online and offline determinants of drug trafficking across countries via cryptomarkets
Authors: Giommoni Luca , Décary-Hétu David , Berlusconi Giulia , Bergeron Andréanne
Published: July 2023

Drug cryptomarkets are a significant development in the recent history of illicit drug markets. Dealers and buyers can now finalize transactions with people they have never met, who could be located anywhere across the globe. What factors shape the geography of international drug trafficking via these cryptomarkets? In our current study, we test the determinants of drug trafficking through cryptomarkets by using a mix of social network analysis and a new dataset composed of self-reported transactions. Our findings contribute to existing research by demonstrating that a country’s level of technological advancement increases the probability of forming trafficking connections on cryptomarkets. Additionally, we found that a country’s capacity to police cryptomarkets reduces the number of trafficking connections with other countries. We also observed that trafficking on cryptomarkets is more likely to occur between countries that are geographically close. In summary, our study highlights the need to consider both online and offline factors in research on cryptomarkets.
Algorithmic legitimacy in clinical decision-making
Authors: Holm Sune
Published: July 2023

Machine learning algorithms are expected to improve referral decisions. In this article I discuss the legitimacy of deferring referral decisions in primary care to recommendations from such algorithms. The standard justification for introducing algorithmic decision procedures to make referral decisions is that they are more accurate than the available practitioners. The improvement in accuracy will ensure more efficient use of scarce health resources and improve patient care. In this article I introduce a proceduralist framework for discussing the legitimacy of algorithmic referral decisions and I argue that in the context of referral decisions the legitimacy of an algorithmic decision procedure can be fully accounted for in terms of the instrumental values of accuracy and fairness. I end by considering how my discussion of procedural algorithmic legitimacy relates to the debate on algorithmic fairness.
G6PDi-1 is a Potent Inhibitor of G6PDH and of Pentose Phosphate pathway-dependent Metabolic Processes in Cultured Primary Astrocytes
Authors: Watermann Patrick , Arend Christian , Dringen Ralf
Published: July 2023

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) catalyses the rate limiting first step of the oxidative part of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), which has a crucial function in providing NADPH for antioxidative defence and reductive biosyntheses. To explore the potential of the new G6PDH inhibitor G6PDi-1 to affect astrocytic metabolism, we investigated the consequences of an application of G6PDi-1 to cultured primary rat astrocytes. G6PDi-1 efficiently inhibited G6PDH activity in lysates of astrocyte cultures. Half-maximal inhibition was observed for 100 nM G6PDi-1, while presence of almost 10 µM of the frequently used G6PDH inhibitor dehydroepiandrosterone was needed to inhibit G6PDH in cell lysates by 50%. Application of G6PDi-1 in concentrations of up to 100 µM to astrocytes in culture for up to 6 h did not affect cell viability nor cellular glucose consumption, lactate production, basal glutathione (GSH) export or the high basal cellular ratio of GSH to glutathione disulfide (GSSG). In contrast, G6PDi-1 drastically affected astrocytic pathways that depend on the PPP-mediated supply of NADPH, such as the NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)-mediated WST1 reduction and the glutathione reductase-mediated regeneration of GSH from GSSG. These metabolic pathways were lowered by G6PDi-1 in a concentration-dependent manner in viable astrocytes with half-maximal effects observed for concentrations between 3 and 6 µM. The data presented demonstrate that G6PDi-1 efficiently inhibits the activity of astrocytic G6PDH and impairs specifically those metabolic processes that depend on the PPP-mediated regeneration of NADPH in cultured astrocytes.
An Exploratory Study of Dental Students’ Use of Whiteboard Animated Videos as Supplementary Learning Resources in Basic Sciences
Authors: Zheng Meixun , Cuenin Kyle , Lyon Cindy , Bender Daniel
Published: July 2023

Animated videos are being increasingly incorporated into health professions education, but evidence is limited and mixed regarding their educational impact. We have been providing dental students with complimentary access to whiteboard animated videos on a web-based and mobile learning platform. This exploratory study evaluated first-year predoctoral dental students’ (n = 143) adoption, perceived value, and impact of the videos as supplementary learning resources in basic sciences. Students were surveyed about their perceived value of the videos, while the host website platform analytics captured video watching patterns. Regression analyses examined the correlation between video watching and students’ exam performance. Results showed that the mean score of students’ perceived value of the videos was 3.2 on a 4-point scale. The class watched a total of 10, 919 videos throughout the academic year. The number of videos watched by individual students ranged from 0 to 627. Video watching was positively correlated with students’ exam performance in biochemistry and nutrition. These findings suggested that students had a favorable attitude towards the animated videos. They frequently used the videos to supplement their learning in basic sciences, but usage varied among individual students. Factors impacting the effectiveness of animated videos such as the complexity of cognitive processing, students’ personal differences, and video watching strategies were discussed and future directions were proposed. The study contributed to the literature of whiteboard animated videos in the understudied context of dental education. Experience from our school could help other institutions identify and implement animated videos to augment student learning.
First-in-Human Side-to-Side Magnetic Compression Duodeno-ileostomy with the Magnet Anastomosis System
Authors: Gagner Michel , Abuladze David , Koiava Levan , Buchwald J. N. , Van Sante Nathalie , Krinke Todd
Published: July 2023

Purposes

Classical gastrointestinal anastomoses are formed with sutures and/or metal staples, resulting in significant bleeding and leak rates. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of the novel magnet anastomosis system (MS) to create a side-to-side duodeno-ileal (DI) diversion for weight loss and type 2 diabetes (T2D) resolution.

Materials and Methods

Patients with severe obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 with/without T2D (HbA1C ≥ 6.5%)) underwent the study procedure, a side-to-side MS DI diversion, with a standard sleeve gastrectomy (SG). A linear magnet was delivered by flexible endoscopy to a point 250 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve; a second magnet was positioned in the first part of the duodenum; the bowel segments containing magnets were apposed, initiating gradual anastomosis formation. Laparoscopic assistance was used to obtain bowel measurements, obviate tissue interposition, and close mesenteric defects.

Results

Between November 22 and 26, 2021, 5 female patients (mean weight 117.6 ± 7.1 kg, BMI (kg/m2) 44.4 ± 2.2) underwent side-to-side MS DI + SG. All magnets were successfully placed, expelled without re-intervention, and formed patent durable anastomoses. Total weight loss at 12 months was 34.0 ± 1.4% (SEM); excess weight loss, 80.2 ± 6.6%; and BMI reduction, 15.1. Mean HbA1C (%) dropped from 6.8 ± 0.8 to 4.8 ± 0.2; and glucose (mg/dL), from 134.3 ± 17.9 to 87.3 ± 6.3 (mean reduction, 47.0 mg/dL). There was no anastomotic bleeding, leakage, obstruction, or infection and no mortality.

Conclusions

Creation of a side-to-side magnetic compression anastomosis to achieve duodeno-ileostomy diversion in adults with severe obesity was feasible and safe, achieved excellent weight loss, and resolved type 2 diabetes at 1-year follow-up.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT05322122.

Graphical Abstract
Introduction: Approaches to Vulnerability in Times of Crisis
Authors: Heikkilä Mikaela , Mustaniemi-Laakso Maija
Published: July 2023

With a view to contributing to a more nuanced view on the use of the vulnerability rhetoric in times of crisis, the article addresses the relationship between the “crisification” and “vulnerabilization” of human rights protection. In so doing, it discusses the concepts of crisis and vulnerability, as well as the related human rights obligations incumbent on states. By contemplating upon some of the processes through which the rhetoric of vulnerability both opens doors to protection and closes them, the article deconstructs vulnerabilization as an active legal and societal process in addressing different situations seen as crises. In so doing, it challenges the on-face neutrality of the concept of vulnerability as a tool to target protection in exceptional times and calls for an approach to vulnerability in times of crisis that is more firmly anchored in the normative baseline of international human rights law.
Water Releases From Dams Improve Ecological Health and Societal Benefits in Downstream Estuaries
Authors: Adams Janine B. , Taljaard Susan , Van Niekerk Lara
Published: July 2023

This review study investigated the response of low-inflow estuaries (LIEs) to dam releases as this type of estuary is particularly sensitive to freshwater inflow modification. LIEs occur in arid and semi-arid regions and are subject to periods of little to no freshwater inflow. Case studies were used to identify ecological health and societal benefits associated with flow releases. Successful releases have been made to keep the estuary mouth open, ensure mixing, facilitate a salinity gradient and provide recruitment pulses to the marine environment for fish and invertebrates. Baseflow inputs ensured ecosystem connectivity and maintained estuary water quality gradients. Flow pulse releases in certain seasons stimulated spawning migrations of fish between freshwater and estuarine habitats. Holistic and adaptive restoration approaches were successful in terms of providing ecosystem services and societal benefits such as improved fisheries and livelihoods. Ongoing engagement, inclusion of communities, support from river users, and cooperation between multiple agencies were also important. However, this management solution for LIEs is threatened by increasing abstraction of water, competing water uses, over allocation, and frequent droughts. Moving forward, freshwater releases from dams should be considered an important restoration action that can improve ecological health, estuary function, ecosystem services, and societal benefits. This should take place within a socio-ecological system framework using an adaptive management and monitoring approach. Other key considerations for planning and implementation of future dam releases to LIEs were recommended.
Fusobacterium nucleatum-triggered purine metabolic reprogramming drives tumorigenesis in head and neck carcinoma
Authors: Li Feiran , Huang Huiying , Xu Jing , Tao Lei , Zhou Liang , Hsueh Chiyao , Gong Hongli , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2023

Background

Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is a vital pro-oncogenic bacterium. Our previous study revealed that a high abundance of F. nucleatum in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is correlated with poor patient prognosis. However, the impact of F. nucleatum on metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression in HNSCC awaits more exploration.

Methods

Liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (LC‒MS) was applied to analyze the altered metabolites in a head and neck carcinoma cell line (AMC-HN-8) after coculture with F. nucleatum for 24 hrs and 48 hrs. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to screen for differential metabolites. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was further used to explore the metabolic changes.

Results

We observed a significantly altered metabolic profile in AMC-HN-8 cells over time after coculture with F. nucleatum. Among the several enriched pathways, the purine metabolic pathway was the most significantly enriched (P = 0.0005), with downregulation of purine degradation. Furthermore, uric acid, the end product of purine metabolism, significantly reversed F. nucleatum-triggered tumor progression and altered the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Moreover, the negative correlation between the serum uric acid level and the abundance of F. nucleatum was verified in 113 HNSCC patients (P = 0.0412, R = − 0.1924).

Conclusions

Our study revealed obviously aberrant purine metabolism driven by F. nucleatum in HNSCC, which was closely related to tumor progression and patient prognosis. These findings indicate the possibility of targeting F. nucleatum-induced purine metabolism reprogramming in the future treatment of HNSCC.
Opportunity cost neglect: a meta-analysis
Authors: Maguire Allegra , Persson Emil , Tinghög Gustav
Published: July 2023

In a seminal paper, Frederick et al. (J Consum Res 36:553–561, 2009) showed that people’s willingness to purchase a consumer good declined dramatically when opportunity costs were made more salient (Cohen’s d = 0.45–0.85). This finding suggests that people normally do not pay sufficient attention to opportunity costs and as a result make poorer and less efficient decisions, both in private and public domains. To critically assess the strength of opportunity cost neglect, we carried out a systematic review and a meta-analysis including published and non-published experimental work. In total, 39 experimental studies were included in the meta-analysis (N = 14,005). The analysis shows a robust significant effect (Cohen’s d = 0.22; p < 0.001) of opportunity cost neglect across different domains, albeit the effect is considerably smaller than what was originally estimated by Frederick et al. (2009). Our findings highlight the importance of meta-analyses and replications of initial findings.
Knockout of a gene encoding a Gγ protein boosts alkaline tolerance in cereal crops
Authors: Wang Peitong , Ma Jian Feng
Published: July 2023

Sorghum is highly tolerant to alkaline stress, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, based on genotypic difference in alkaline tolerance of sorghum, it was found that AT1 (Alkaline tolerance 1) encoding a G protein is involved in alkaline tolerance through negatively modulating the phosphorylation level of PIP2, an aquaporin with transport activity for H2O2. Knockout of AT1 releases its inhibition of PIP2, thereby resulting in an increased transport of H2O2 from the cytosol into the apoplast, subsequently boosting alkaline tolerance.
Global Consequences of Regional Connectivity Along the Antarctic Margin
Authors: Beadling Rebecca L.
Published: July 2023

Observations and modeling studies indicate that ocean and cryosphere dynamics at the Antarctic margin are rapidly evolving and will continue to do so in the face of unabated climate warming. Despite occupying a minute fraction of the world ocean's volume, local dynamics in this region may play an outsized role in the evolving global climate system. Water masses transported along and across the continental shelf influence Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) stability, Dense Shelf Water (DSW) production, oceanic heat and carbon uptake, nutrient distributions, and ecosystems. Changes in these processes may feedback onto the global climate system with significant remote consequences, including accelerated global sea level rise. Recently, Dawson et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022JC018962) combined results from a high‐resolution ocean‐sea ice model with offline Lagrangian particle tracking to constrain pathways and timescales of connectivity along the Antarctic margin. Their findings revealed widespread circumpolar connectivity, with waters able to circumnavigate Antarctica within two decades and reach neighboring shelf regions within 1–5 years. The results provide important context of timescales that anomalies from AIS mass loss or Circumpolar Deep Water intrusions may propagate downstream and feedback onto AIS stability or DSW formation. The authors highlight the importance of along‐slope and along‐shelf currents in setting connectivity timescales and pathways. Combined with other recent studies suggesting significant changes in Antarctic regional ocean circulation in response to warming, the findings of Dawson et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022JC018962) suggest the Antarctic margin is likely to significantly evolve over the 21st century in ways we are just starting to unravel.
On the use of aspect-based sentiment analysis of Twitter data to explore the experiences of African Americans during COVID-19
Authors: Chaudhary Meghna , Kosyluk Kristin , Thomas Sylvia , Neal Tempestt
Published: July 2023

According to data from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as of June 2020, a significant number of African Americans had been infected with the coronavirus disease, experiencing disproportionately higher death rates compared to other demographic groups. These disparities highlight the urgent need to examine the experiences, behaviors, and opinions of the African American population in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. By understanding their unique challenges in navigating matters of health and well-being, we can work towards promoting health equity, eliminating disparities, and addressing persistent barriers to care. Since Twitter data has shown significant promise as a representation of human behavior and for opinion mining, this study leverages Twitter data published in 2020 to characterize the pandemic-related experiences of the United States’ African American population using aspect-based sentiment analysis. Sentiment analysis is a common task in natural language processing that identifies the emotional tone (i.e., positive, negative, or neutral) of a text sample. Aspect-based sentiment analysis increases the granularity of sentiment analysis by also extracting the aspect for which sentiment is expressed. We developed a machine learning pipeline consisting of image and language-based classification models to filter out tweets not related to COVID-19 and those unlikely published by African American Twitter subscribers, leading to an analysis of nearly 4 million tweets. Overall, our results show that the majority of tweets had a negative tone, and that the days with larger numbers of published tweets often coincided with major U.S. events related to the pandemic as suggested by major news headlines (e.g., vaccine rollout). We also show how word usage evolved throughout the year (e.g.,outbreaktopandemicandcoronavirustocovid). This work also points to important issues like food insecurity and vaccine hesitation, along with exposing semantic relationships between words, such ascovidandexhausted. As such, this work furthers understanding of how the nationwide progression of the pandemic may have impacted the narratives of African American Twitter users.