bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New strategy for the biosynthesis of alternative feed protein: Single‐cell protein production from straw‐based biomass
Authors: Zhang Zherui , Chen Xiaoyi , Gao Le
Published: January 2024

With rapid growth of global population, meeting the increasing demand for food has become a significant challenge. This challenge is further compounded by limited arable land and the necessity to address the nutritional needs of both humans and animals. However, the utilization of straw biomass, which is readily available as an agricultural by‐product, presents a sustainable solution to this problem. Microbial fermentation has emerged as a highly effective method for converting non‐food biomass into protein, particularly known as single‐cell protein (SCP). Compared to traditional protein sources, SCP production through microbial fermentation is rapid and efficient, and requires minimal land resources. This review provides a comprehensive review of the research advancements in SCP from agricultural biomass, including pretreatment methods, microbial strains, and fermentation processes involved in the bioconversion of straw biomass. Due to the complexity of straw‐based biomass (SBB), it is essential to customize industrial strains and optimize the fermentation process to achieve the highest protein yield and productivity. Additionally, improving the compatibility between tailored processes and cost‐effective industrial strains can lead to the production of protein substitutes that are not only highly nutritious but also economically viable. Hence, the application of SCP derived from SBB presents a dual solution by reducing the need for managing agricultural residues and providing a sustainable source of protein. However, the production of SCP from SBB also has some limitations, such as protein‐synthesis efficiency, production cost, and difficulty to scale‐up the production process. In the future, there is great potential for significant advancements in the targeted conversion of SBB into protein by customizing high‐performance microbial strains. Several sensor and machine learning technologies will predict and monitor real‐time dynamic changes in the fermentation process of SBB, offering an opportunity to improve the production of sustainable SCP in an environmentally friendly and precise manner.
What drives low‐income older adults' intention to use mobility applications?
Authors: Chan Diana Yian Lian , Chong Chun Yong , Teh Pei‐Lee , Lee Shaun Wen Huey
Published: January 2024

Aim

Mobility applications have the potential to support low‐income older adults in facing mobility challenges. However, there is a generally lower uptake of technology in this segment. To understand factors affecting the intention to use a mobility app, we drew upon the Protection Motivation Theory, and tested a model of low‐income older adults' technology adoption.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted across seven states in Malaysia among community‐dwelling low‐income older adults aged ≥60 years old (n = 282). Measurement items were adapted from pre‐validated scales and 7‐point Likert Scales were used. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was utilized to assess the hypothesized model.

Results

Mobility technology awareness was found to shape an individual's threat and coping appraisals associated with their intention to use a mobility app. The decision of a low‐income older adult to adopt a mobility app as a protective action is not a direct function of threat and coping appraisals but is indirect, and mediated by the underlying cost–benefit perceptions of non‐adoption and adoption of the mobility app. In terms of technology perceptions, perceived usefulness is a significant predictor, but not perceived ease of use.

Conclusions

This study entails a new model by uncovering the psychological factors encompassing mobility technology awareness, threat‐coping appraisals, and cost–benefit perceptions on Technology Acceptance Model studies. These insights have important implications for the development and implementation of a mobility app among low‐income older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 342–350.
Sex instead of money: Conceptualizing sexual corruption
Authors: Bjarnegård Elin , Calvo Dolores , Eldén Åsa , Jonsson Sofia , Lundgren Silje
Published: January 2024

Research on the dynamics of corruption has rarely considered sex as a currency in corrupt transactions. This article puts forward the argument that the abuse of entrusted power in exchange for personal gain is relevant also when sex, rather than money, is the currency. It then contributes with a careful conceptualization of such transactions as sexual corruption. Anchoring our conceptualization in the abuse of entrusted power, the article defines sexual corruption, its elements, categories and delimitations, and proposes a conceptual framework that can be used to develop research on sexual corruption. We also address the implications of recognizing sex as a currency in corrupt transactions, providing insights as to why abuse of power is often overlooked when sex is the currency of the transaction. Our approach offers analytic precision and contributes to setting an agenda for the study of sexual corruption as an obstacle to good governance, at a time when efforts to collect data on sexual corruption are increasing.
Moving toward improved immune checkpoint immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer
Authors: De Velasco Marco A. , Kura Yurie , Fujita Kazutoshi , Uemura Hirotsugu
Published: January 2024

Human prostate cancer is a heterogenous malignancy that responds poorly to immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoints. The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that is typical of human prostate cancer has been the main obstacle to these treatments. The effectiveness of these therapies is also hindered by acquired resistance, leading to slow progress in prostate cancer immunotherapy. Results from the highly anticipated late‐stage clinical trials of PD‐1/PD‐L1 immune checkpoint blockade in patients with advanced prostate cancer have highlighted some of the obstacles to immunotherapy. Despite the setbacks, there is much that has been learned about the mechanisms that drive resistance, and new strategies are being developed and tested. Here, we review the status of immune checkpoint blockade and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and discuss factors contributing to innate and adaptive resistance to immune checkpoint blockade within the context of prostate cancer. We then examine current strategies aiming to overcome these challenges as well as prospects.
Ultrafine‐grained WC‐based ceramics prepared via two‐step oscillatory pressure sintering
Authors: Sun Nanjie , Zhu Tianbin , Zhang Yuhang , Cheng Yong , Su Yuqi , Wang Heng , Pan Liping , Li Yawei , Xie Zhipeng , Han Yao
Published: January 2024

Grain growth in ceramic‐based composites during sintering has always been an unavoidable problem. Based on the theory of fine‐grained reinforcement, the concept of rapid densification was coupled with the inhibition of grain growth to fabricate ultrafine‐grained WC‐based ceramics. Herein, by combining two‐step sintering with oscillatory pressure sintering (OPS), a new sintering process—two‐step oscillatory pressure sintering (TSOPS), was used for the preparation of ultrafine‐grained WC‐based ceramics. The comparison of the OPS with the TSOPS validated the feasibility of the strategy in achieving homogeneous and fine‐grained microstructures. The optimum mechanical properties of Vickers hardness, fracture toughness, and flexural strength reached up to 29.56 GPa, 7.97 MPa m1/2 and 1591 MPa, respectively. A developed TSOPS process was proposed and proved to dominate the grain size distribution homogenizing, which contributed to the simultaneous enhancement of mechanical properties of the ceramics.
Geographic links and predictable returns
Authors: Jin Zuben , Li Frank Weikai
Published: January 2024

Using establishment‐level data of U.S. public firms, we construct a novel measure of geographic linkage between firms. We show that the returns of geography‐linked firms have strong predictive power for focal firm returns and fundamentals. This effect is distinct from other cross‐firm return predictability and is not easily attributable to risk‐based explanations. It is more pronounced for focal firms that receive lower investor attention, are more costly to arbitrage, and during high sentiment periods. The cross‐firm information spillovers and return predictability are also stronger for geographic peers with economic linkages and with positive information. Our results are broadly consistent with sluggish price adjustment to nuanced geographic information.
Identification and validation of cuproptosis‐related molecular clusters in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Liu Changxu , Fang Zhihao , Yang Kai , Ji Yanchao , Yu Xiaoxiao , Guo ZiHao , Dong Zhichao , Zhu Tong , Liu Chang
Published: January 2024

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major chronic liver disease worldwide. Cuproptosis has recently been reported as a form of cell death that appears to drive the progression of a variety of diseases. This study aimed to explore cuproptosis‐related molecular clusters and construct a prediction model. The gene expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The associations between molecular clusters of cuproptosis‐related genes and immune cell infiltration were investigated using 50 NAFLD samples. Furthermore, cluster‐specific differentially expressed genes were identified by the WGCNA algorithm. External datasets were used to verify and screen feature genes, and nomograms, calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed to verify the performance of the prediction model. Finally, a NAFLD‐diet mouse model was constructed to further verify the predictive analysis, thus providing new insights into the prediction of NAFLD clusters and risks. The role of cuproptosis in the development of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and immune cell infiltration was explored. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease was divided into two cuproptosis‐related molecular clusters by unsupervised clustering. Three characteristic genes (ENO3, SLC16A1 and LEPR) were selected by machine learning and external data set validation. In addition, the accuracy of the nomogram, calibration curve and decision curve analysis in predicting NAFLD clusters was also verified. Further animal and cell experiments confirmed the difference in their expression in the NAFLD mouse model and Mouse hepatocyte cell line. The present study explored the relationship between non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and cuproptosis, providing new ideas and targets for individual treatment of the disease.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is unreliable in predicting melanoma mortality for both younger and older patients
Authors: Dixon Anthony J. , Kyrgidis Athanassios , Steinman Howard K. , Dixon John B. , Sladden Michael , Garbe Claus , Lallas Aimilios , Zachary Christopher B. , Leiter‐Stöppke Ulrike , Smith Harvey , Nirenberg Alexander , Zouboulis Christos C. , Longo Caterina , Argenziano Giuseppe , Apalla Zoe , Popescu Catalin , Tzellos Thrasyvoulos , Anderson Stuart , Nanz Lena , Cleaver Lloyd , Thomas J. Meirion
Published: January 2024

Background

Melanoma disease patterns vary with patient age.

Aim

To evaluate sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in managing melanoma at differing patient ages.

Methods

Online prediction tools were applied to compare SLNB positivity (SLNB+) and survival risk at patient ages 20–80. Tübingen melanoma data were used to determine variations in the hazard ratio of SLNB+ for mortality at different patient ages.

Results

Regardless of tumour thickness, predicted SLNB+ rates were markedly higher than mortality rates for 20‐year‐old patients. For 80‐year‐old patients, it is the opposite.

Discussion

If 1000 20‐year‐olds with a 0.4 mm thickness non‐ulcerated melanoma underwent SLNB, 100 would likely be positive. If all 100 were to be offered adjuvant drug therapy (ADT), fewer than three more melanoma deaths in those 1000 patients would be avoided. In total, 97 patients would have received medication they may never have needed. If 1000 80‐year‐olds with a 3 mm thickness non‐ulcerated melanoma underwent SLNB, only 40 would likely be positive. In total, 274 patients would be predicted to die of melanoma, 245 being SLNB negative and 29 SLNB+. ADT linked to SLNB+ could deny treatment to 89% of these high‐risk patients.

Limitations

The authors relied on published risk data.

Conclusion

SLNB has poor specificity at predicting mortality in young melanoma patients and poor sensitivity in older patients. SLNB is not indicated in managing cutaneous melanoma for patients under 40 or over 60 years of age. Many such patients could be managed with wide local excision alone in their clinician's office‐based practice. For all cutaneous melanoma patients at all ages, linking ADT to BAUSSS biomarker, (an algorithm of Breslow thickness, age, ulceration, subtype, sex and Site) rather than SLNB+ is likely more appropriate. BAUSSS provides a more accurate melanoma‐specific mortality risk assessment for patients without burdening them with added surgery, hospitalization, costs or morbidity risk.
A randomized, double‐blinded, vehicle‐controlled clinical trial of topical cryosim‐1, a synthetic TRPM8 agonist, in prurigo nodularis
Authors: Choi Myoung Eun , Lee Jeong Hyeon , Jung Chang Jin , Lee Woo Jin , Won Chong Hyun , Lee Mi Woo , Chang Sung Eun
Published: January 2024

Background

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is an intensively pruritic skin disease that negatively influences quality of life. Cryosim‐1 (Intrinsic IB Spot) is a synthetic, selective transient receptor potential melastatin 8 agonist.

Aims

To investigate the efficacy and safety of cryosim‐1 in PN patients.

Patients/Methods

A randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial including 30 patients was conducted. The numerical rating scale (NRS) of pruritus was evaluated before and 2 h after cryosim‐1 application at every visit.

Results

At week 8, the mean pruritus NRS before serum application (4.7 ± 0.4 treatment, 6.1 ± 0.5 placebo; p = 0.045) and 2 h after serum application (2.8 ± 0.4 treatment, 4.3 ± 0.5 placebo; p = 0.031) were significantly lower in the treatment group, and the mean NRS for sleep disorder was significantly lower in the treatment group (2.2 ± 0.5 treatment, 4.2 ± 0.8 placebo; p = 0.031). The mean satisfaction scales for pruritus improvement were significantly higher in the treatment group (7.2 ± 0.6) than in the placebo group (4.0 ± 0.9; p = 0.005). There was no difference in TEWL between the two groups, and no adverse reactions were reported.

Conclusions

Cryosim‐1 is a safe and effective topical treatment for PN patients.
Building an antifragile supply chain: A capability blueprint for resilience and post‐disruption growth
Authors: Nikookar Ethan , Stevenson Mark , Varsei Mohsen
Published: January 2024

Considerable research has focused on how supply chains can better handle disruptions. Consequently, concepts such as supply chain robustness and engineering resilience have emerged, with the dominant emphasis being that disruptions are a wholly bad thing to be avoided or resisted. However, recent discourse in the supply chain disruption management literature, such as the social–ecological interpretation of supply chain resilience, suggests that disruptions can be positioned more positively as potential catalysts for growth. Yet little is known about the capabilities required for a supply chain to grow following disruption. The emerging concept of supply chain antifragility focuses specifically on growth, providing an arrowhead for investigating what enables firms to grow following disruption. Utilizing a metaphorical transfer method, this research translates the capabilities of individuals—those who grow psychologically and emotionally after experiencing trauma—into supply chain capabilities that enhance antifragility. Five key capabilities for building antifragility in supply chains are identified: supply chain mindfulness, supply chain transformative learning, supply chain plasticity, supply chain bricolage, and supply chain collaboration. Furthermore, a hierarchy of capabilities is revealed that points to a sequential approach to capitalizing on the potential growth opportunities presented by supply chain disruptions. The findings are sense‐checked through focus groups with practitioners, informing the development of five propositions. This research contributes to theory development on handling supply chain disruptions by providing a capability blueprint for post‐disruption growth that complements the literature on social–ecological supply chain resilience. Finally, this research highlights the value of metaphorical transfer as an innovative approach for understanding contemporary supply chain phenomena and advancing novel theoretical frameworks.
Euro area inflation in the era of COVID‐19: A permanent or a transitory phenomenon?
Authors: Apergis Nicholas
Published: January 2024

The goal of this paper is to test the mean reversion process of the inflation rate in the Eurozone during the COVID‐19 pandemic crisis. The study uses weekly data on consumer prices (measured through the Harmonized Consumer Price Index), spanning the period from 2020 to the mid of 2022. The findings document that euro area inflation follows a mean non‐reverting process, with most of its components following a similar pattern. Moreover, sub‐period analysis illustrates that the vaccination process against the pandemic gives a transitory character to euro area inflation, which, however, is dominated by the lockdown and the Omicron mutation periods. Finally, comparative analysis illustrated the differences of inflation persistence during the Global Financial Crisis of 2007–2009.
Optimization‐improved thermal–mechanical simulation of welding residual stresses in welded connections
Authors: Wang Le , Qian Xudong
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a novel computer‐aided computational framework to determine the optimum shape parameters in a welding heat source model using a coupled supervised Gaussian process regression (GPR) and genetic algorithm (GA) approach in estimating the welding residual stresses. The experimental X‐ray diffraction (XRD) approach validates the optimization‐improved thermal–mechanical simulation method. The validation of the proposed approach includes the welded plates with simple geometry to welded pipe‐to‐plate and the circular hollow section joints with complex topologies. The optimization‐derived shape parameters in a welding heat source model lead to close estimates of the temperature history and the welding residual stresses for these types of welded joints considered in this study.
Salivary microbiota and metabolic phenotype of patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers
Authors: Dong Yunmei , Lou Fangzhi , Yan Li , Luo Shihong , Zhang Yingying , Liu Yang , Lv Shiping , Xu Jingyi , Kang Ning , Luo Zhuoyan , Liu Yiyun , Pu Juncai , Ji Ping , Jin Xin
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) is a prevalent oral mucosal disease, affecting around 20% of the global population. It can greatly impair the quality of life for affected individuals. However, the exact etiology of RAU remains unknown.

Subjects and Methods

16S rRNA sequencing (16S rRNA‐seq) and non‐targeted liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS) were employed to investigate the salivary microbiota and metabolic phenotype between RAU patients (N = 61) and healthy controls (HCs) (N = 105).

Results

Findings from 16S rRNA ‐seq indicated reduced oral microbial diversity in RAU patients compared to HCs, but increased interactions. Clinical variables did not show any significant association with the overall diversity of oral microbiota in RAU patients. However, significant correlations were observed between specific microorganisms and clinical variables. LC–MS results revealed dysregulation of amino acid, lipid, nucleotide, and caffeine metabolism in RAU patients. Furthermore, correlation analysis of 16S rRNA‐seq and LC–MS data revealed a significant association between salivary microbiota and metabolites in RAU patients.

Conclusions

Our study revealed notable differences in salivary microbiota and metabolic profiles between RAU patients and HCs, indicating a strong link between oral microbiota dysbiosis, metabolic disturbances, and the onset and progression of RAU.
Chemodiversity affects preference for Tanacetum vulgare chemotypes in two aphid species
Authors: Neuhaus‐Harr Annika , Ojeda‐Prieto Lina , Eilers Elisabeth , Müller Caroline , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Heinen Robin
Published: January 2024

Plants of the same species can strongly differ in their specialized metabolite profiles, which can affect insect presence and abundance in the field. However, how specialized chemistry shapes plant attractiveness to herbivorous insects is not fully understood. Here, we used common tansy Tanacetum vulgare, Asteraceae) – a perennial plant that is highly diverse in terpenoid composition and is known to have variable chemotypes – to test whether 1) plants with different chemotype profiles differ in attractiveness to two specialist aphid species, Macrosiphoniella tanacetaria and Uroleucon tanaceti, in pairwise choice assays; 2) the diversity of the terpenoid blend affects plant attractiveness to aphids; 3) how plant chemical traits relate to plant morphological traits and which traits best explain aphid preference. We found that M. tanacetaria preferred two out of five chemotypes, dominated by α‐thujone/β‐thujone and β‐trans‐chrysanthenyl acetate, while avoiding a chemotype dominated by α‐pinene/sabinene. Uroleucon tanaceti showed no clear preference towards chemotypes, but when given a choice between chemotypes dominated by α‐thujone/β‐thujone and by α‐pinene/sabinene, they preferred the former. Importantly, plant attractiveness to aphids was marginally negatively correlated with chemodiversity, i.e. the number of terpenoid compounds, in M. tanacetaria, but not in U. tanaceti. Interestingly, the relative concentration and number of terpenoids were generally higher in larger and bushier plants. Hence, we did not observe a tradeoff between plant growth and defence. We conclude that plant chemical composition affects plant attractiveness to aphids and hence may contribute to variation in natural aphid colonization patterns on plants of the same species.
The Preserved Thickness Ratio of the Femoral Head Contributes to the Collapse Predictor of Osteonecrosis
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Zhou Chi , Fan Yinuo , Fang Hanjun , Li Weifeng , Wang Xiyi , Chen Zhenqiu , Liu Yuhao
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The collapse of femoral head is a serious symptom of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), resulting in hip pain and deformity. However, it is hardly possible to reestablish the femoral head nonoperatively once the collapse happens. Predicting femoral head collapse is of great value for the prognosis of ONFH. This study aimed to develop a new method to quantify the preserved thickness of femoral head and to assess its diagnostic contribution in predicting femoral head collapse on plain radiographs.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective study. A total of 101 hips (85 patients) with ARCO stage II from January 2008 to December 2016 were included in this study. The preserved thickness was measured on standard anteroposterior (AP) and frog‐leg (FL) radiographs. The anteroposterior view's preserved thickness ratio (APTR) and the frog‐leg view's preserved thickness ratio (FPTR) were calculated to show the preserved thickness ratio of the femoral head anteriorly and laterally. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors for collapse. Sensitivity, specificity, and cut‐off values for APTR and FPTR were determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Kaplan–Meier (K‐M) analysis was applied to determine femoral head survival in ONFH patients.

Results

The mean age of the 27 females and 58 males was 38.93 years old. The mean follow‐up time was 74.62 (36–124) months in the non‐collapse group and 18.66 (3–82) months in the collapse group. Femoral head collapse was observed in 62 hips during the follow‐up period. Logistic regression analysis and ROC results showed that APTR <24.79% and FPTR <10.62% were significantly correlated with femoral head collapse. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve suggested that the overall survival rate of APTR ≥24.79% was 68.2% at 5 and 10 years and FPTR ≥10.62% was 71.63% at 5 and 10 years. At the last follow‐up, 26 hips had collapse on the anterior side of the femoral head, 12 hips occurred on the lateral side, and 24 hips happened to collapse on both anterior and lateral sides.

Conclusion

Femoral head collapse predominantly occurred anteriorly rather than laterally in ONFH patients. The measurements of APTR and FPTR have noticeable implications for the prediction of femoral head collapse, and contribute to the selection of treatment options for ONFH patients with types B and C1 according to the JIC classification.
Allelic variation of BBX24 is a dominant determinant controlling red coloration and dwarfism in pear
Authors: Yang Guangyan , Sun Manyi , Brewer Lester , Tang Zikai , Nieuwenhuizen Niels , Cooney Janine , Xu Shaozhuo , Sheng Jiawen , Andre Christelle , Xue Cheng , Rebstock Ria , Yang Bo , Chang Wenjing , Liu Yueyuan , Li Jiaming , Wang Runze , Qin Mengfan , Brendolise Cyril , Allan Andrew C. , Espley Richard V. , Lin‐Wang Kui , Wu Jun
Published: January 2024

Variation in anthocyanin biosynthesis in pear fruit provides genetic germplasm resources for breeding, while dwarfing is an important agronomic trait, which is beneficial to reduce the management costs and allow for the implementation of high‐density cultivation. Here, we combined bulked segregant analysis (BSA), quantitative trait loci (QTL), and structural variation (SV) analysis to identify a 14‐bp deletion which caused a frame shift mutation and resulted in the premature translation termination of a B‐box (BBX) family of zinc transcription factor, PyBBX24, and its allelic variation termed PyBBX24ΔN14. PyBBX24ΔN14 overexpression promotes anthocyanin biosynthesis in pear, strawberry, Arabidopsis, tobacco, and tomato, while that of PyBBX24 did not. PyBBX24ΔN14 directly activates the transcription of PyUFGT and PyMYB10 through interaction with PyHY5. Moreover, stable overexpression of PyBBX24ΔN14 exhibits a dwarfing phenotype in Arabidopsis, tobacco, and tomato plants. PyBBX24ΔN14 can activate the expression of PyGA2ox8 via directly binding to its promoter, thereby deactivating bioactive GAs and reducing the plant height. However, the nuclear localization signal (NLS) and Valine‐Proline (VP) motifs in the C‐terminus of PyBBX24 reverse these effects. Interestingly, mutations leading to premature termination of PyBBX24 were also identified in red sports of un‐related European pear varieties. We conclude that mutations in PyBBX24 gene link both an increase in pigmentation and a decrease in plant height.
Low‐symmetry A3B‐type 6H‐1,4‐diazepinoporphyrazines with anti‐Kasha effect as promising photosensitizers
Authors: Tarakanov Pavel A. , Neganova Margarita E. , Mishchenko Denis V. , Bondarenko Sergey D. , Sergeeva Irina A. , Krot Aleksey R. , Goryachev Nikolay S. , Simakov Anton O. , Kukharsky Michail S. , Pukhov Sergey A. , Pushkarev Victor E.
Published: January 2024

A series of tribenzo[g,l,q]‐6H‐1,4‐diazepino[2,3‐b]porphyrazines has been synthesized. A temperature‐dependent steric effect was applied in the mixed Linstead macrocyclization of phthalonitrile and 5,7‐bis(2′‐arylethenyl)‐6‐propyl‐6H‐1,4‐diazepine‐2,3‐dicarbonitrile to achieve high yield of low‐symmetry A3B‐type Mg(II) tribenzo[g,l,q]‐6H‐1,4‐diazepino[2,3‐b]porphyrazinate. The analysis of photophysical and photochemical properties of the obtained complexes showed the anti‐Kasha effect: the ultrafast spin changes successfully compete with the IC. TD‐DFT calculations showed that the presence of 1,4‐diazepine heterocycle in the porphyrazine structure leads to the formation of additional charge‐transfer triplet state T2. We propose, it could participate in the pumping of T1x state alongside with T1y state (these states are degenerate in D4h symmetry) and, therefore, increase singlet oxygen (1Δg) generation. Stable micellar nanoparticles have been obtained based on the tribenzo[g,l,q]‐6H‐1,4‐diazepino[2,3‐b]porphyrazine Mg(II) and Zn(II) complexes using polyvinylpyrrolidone. The nanoparticles effectively interact with model biological structures (FBS and brain homogenate), leading to disaggregation of the macrocycles. They also exhibit pronounced phototoxic effects in MCF‐7 cells upon red light irradiation. We propose that enhancement in PDT activity could be explained by their increased resistance to aggregation due to the presence of n‐propyl substituent directly attached to the C6 position of the 1,4‐diazepine moiety. The demonstrated results show the promising potential of tribenzo‐6H‐1,4‐diazepinoporphyrazines as heavy atom‐free photosensitizers.
Spatial–temporal distribution of preterm birth in China, 1990–2020: A systematic review and modelling analysis
Authors: Hu Wei‐Hua , Gao Xin‐Yuan , Li Xiu‐Xiu , Lin Qing‐Mei , He Li‐Ping , Lai Ying‐Si , Hao Yuan‐Tao
Published: January 2024

Background

Little is known about the long‐term trends of preterm birth rates in China and their geographic variation by province.

Objectives

To estimate the annual spatial–temporal distribution of preterm birth rates in China by province from 1990 to 2020.

Data Sources

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, WANFANG and VIP from January 1990 to September 2023.

Study Selection and Data Extraction

Studies that provided data on preterm births in China after 1990 were included. Data were extracted following the Guidelines for Accurate and Transparent Health Estimates Reporting.

Synthesis

We assessed the quality of each survey using a 9‐point checklist. We estimated the annual preterm birth risk by province using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models considering potential socioeconomic, environmental, and sanitary predictors.

Results

Based on 634 survey data from 343 included studies, we found a gradual increase in the preterm birth risk in most provinces in China since 1990, with an average annual increase of 0.7% nationally. However, the preterm birth rates in Inner Mongolia, Hubei, and Fujian Province showed a decline, while those in Sichuan were quite stable since 1990. In 2020, the estimates of preterm birth rates ranged from 2.9% (95% Bayesian credible interval [BCI] 2.1, 3.8) in Inner Mongolia to 8.5% (95% BCI 6.6, 10.9) in Jiangxi, with the national estimate of 5.9% (95% BCI 4.3, 8.1). Specifically, some provinces were identified as high‐risk provinces for either consistently high preterm birth rates (e.g. Jiangxi) or relatively large increases (e.g. Shanxi) since 1990.

Conclusions

This study provides annual information on the preterm birth risk in China since 1990 and identifies high‐risk provinces to assist in targeted control and intervention for this health issue.
The metabolomics and transcriptomics of Atraphaxis bracteata reveal age‐related molecular alterations under naturally high temperature and drought conditions
Authors: He Cai , Jin Min , Liu Wei , Shan Lishan , Li Yi , Zhang Zhengzhong , Li Qiang , Li Meng , Jin Na , Hu Fang
Published: January 2024

High temperature and drought are common environmental stresses that desert plants must withstand to grow and reproduce. In order to understand the resistance mechanisms of the desert plant Atraphaxis bracteata (A. Los) responding to natural high temperature and drought conditions, we combined physiological characteristics, transcriptome, and metabolome analysis to explore its responses in three different plant ages and CK. The results showed that most physiological indicators of A. bracteata increased with the age, except for SOD activity. There were 4 698, 7 594, and 8 485 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 119, 124, 188 differential expressed metabolites (DAMs) in the 3‐age‐old (T1), 5‐age‐old (T2) and 15‐age‐old (T3) plants compared to the CK, respectively. These DEGs were mainly enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, AMPK signalling pathway, flavonoid biosynthesis, circadian rhythm‐plant pathways, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism pathways. At the same time, the enriched DAMs were mainly involved in the aminoacyl‐tRNA biosynthesis pathway, arginine and proline metabolism pathway, flavonoid biosynthesis, and others. In addition, most DEGs involved in flavonoid biosynthesis, photosynthesis and plant hormones closely associated with abiotic stress were down‐regulated, and which numbers increased with age. Moreover, a higher number of DEGs and DAMs accumulated with age, which may be the key factor for the age‐dependent resistance of A. bracteata to abiotic stress. Therefore, these results could provide a way to better understand the stress resistance mechanism and provide a reference for further exploitation and utilization of A. bracteata.
Transcriptional regulation of oil synthesis and fatty acid desaturation in olive fruit under elevated growth temperature
Authors: García‐Inza Georgina Paula , Hernández María Luisa , Miserere Andrea , Sicardo María Dolores , Martínez‐Rivas José Manuel , Rousseaux María Cecilia
Published: January 2024

Ambient temperature during olive fruit growth modulates oil content and fatty acid composition. However, the mechanisms behind their regulation are not completely understood. In this work, the transcriptional regulation of oil synthesis and fatty acid desaturation were evaluated by manipulating air temperature in the field. Three‐year‐old trees of cultivars ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Coratina’ were placed in open‐top chambers (OTC) where control or elevated air temperatures were applied early in the oil accumulation phase, and fruits were sampled after 10 or 36 days of exposure. Upon elevated temperature, the oil content in ‘Coratina’ mesocarp tissue decreased less than in ‘Arbequina’ compared to their respective controls. However, the oleic acid content of ‘Coratina’ was more sensitive to temperature. The cultivar‐dependent responses were mainly explained by differential gene expression. In ‘Arbequina’, the downregulation of genes involved in triacylglycerol biosynthesis (OeDGAT1‐2, OeDGAT2, OePDAT1‐1, and OePDAT1‐2), upon elevated temperature explains the decrease in oil content, whereas the downregulation of the fatty acid desaturases genes (OeSAD1, OeSAD3, OeFAD2‐1, OeFAD2‐2, and OeFAD2‐5) decreased the oleic/linoleic ratio. In contrast, in ‘Coratina’, OePDAT1‐2 downregulation explains the fluctuation in oil content, but the increased expression of three members of the OeFAD2 gene family was responsible for the oleic/linoleic ratio. This knowledge contributes to developing an integrated strategy for olive production under high temperatures, and the analysis of the expression of key genes could be used as a selection criterion in genetic improvement programs for the adaptation of olive cultivars to global warming.
Changes in sleep effort mediate insomnia severity in older adults following online cognitive behavioural therapy
Authors: Kutzer Yvonne , Whitehead Lisa , Quigley Eimear , Stanley Mandy
Published: January 2024

Background

To examine treatment mechanisms of digitally delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I), this study assessed the mediating effects of dysfunctional beliefs, hyperarousal, locus of control, self‐efficacy, sleep effort, and safety behaviours on self‐reported insomnia severity in older adults before and following the completion of a self‐guided, online CBT‐I program.

Methods

The baseline and follow‐up measurements were completed by 62 older adults (55 female, 89%). This was a two‐condition within‐participant design. Mediation analysis using a parallel mediation model was conducted using the MEMORE macro for repeated measure designs.

Results

Out of all the included mediator variables, only a reduction in sleep effort scores (0.88; SE 0.51; 95% CI 0.001–2.00) significantly mediated changes in insomnia severity scores following the intervention. Insomnia severity scores significantly reduced following the intervention (Mpre = 9.84, SD = 5.89, Mpost = 6.87, SD = 4.90); t(61) = 5.19, P = <0.001; d = 0.55 95% CI 0.38–0.93.

Conclusions

Sleep in older adults improved following digitally delivered CBT‐I, and these changes were influenced by a reduction in sleep control efforts exerted by participants. These findings highlight possible treatment pathways of CBT‐I. Further investigation of CBT‐I as a strategy to prevent sleep problems is warranted.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN 12619001509156; http://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378451.
A pilot study of antimicrobial effects and ototoxicity of a Norway spruce (Picea abies) resin‐based canine otic rinse product
Authors: Aimo‐Koivisto Elina , Punakallio Laura , Järvinen Riikka , Junnila Jouni , Grönthal Thomas , Rantala Merja
Published: January 2024

Background

Norway spruce (Picea abies) resin‐based products are used in human medicine. A resin‐based otic rinse also could be useful in supportive care of canine otitis externa (COE), yet information on its antimicrobial effect against canine pathogens or ototoxicity is lacking.

Objectives

To investigate the antimicrobial properties and ototoxicity of a commercial resin‐based otic product.

Materials and Methods

Antimicrobial effect was evaluated using a standardised challenge test on Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Corynebacterium auriscanis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Malassezia pachydermatis, and Streptococcus halichoeri strains to measure reduction in growth after 24 h exposure to the product. Effect on cell morphology was investigated by exposing S. pseudintermedius, C. auriscanis, P. aeruginosa and M. pachydermatis to the product in 20% and 100% (v/v) concentrations for 6, 24 and 48 h, and evaluating cells by transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy. An in vitro microbial kill–rate assay also was performed. Auditory brain stem response test, clinical evaluation and postmortem histological evaluation of ear canals were undertaken on experimental guinea pigs treated with the test product or saline controls.

Results

The product showed >log 5 growth reduction for all strains in the challenge test. TEM and SEM images showed clear changes in the cells' inner structures and deterioration of cells, and 100% (v/v) test product exposure induced microbial killing in 1–2 h. Ototoxicity was not detected in guinea pigs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The product may be an option in supportive care of COE because of antimicrobial effects and lack of ototoxic properties in a guinea pig model.
Alopecia X in a cloned Pomeranian dog
Authors: Deleporte Sébastien , Prelaud Pascal , Laffort Catherine
Published: January 2024

A two‐year‐old Pomeranian dog with Alopecia X was cloned after accidental death. Despite earlier castration, the cloned animal developed the same lesions of Alopecia X at the same age. This observation suggests that the disease is due to genetically programmed hair cycle arrest without strong environmental influences.
Discrepancy of arithmetic progressions in grids
Authors: Fox Jacob , Xu Max Wenqiang , Zhou Yunkun
Published: January 2024

We prove that the discrepancy of arithmetic progressions in the d‐dimensional grid is within a constant factor depending only on d of . This extends the case , which is a celebrated result of Roth and of Matoušek and Spencer, and removes the polylogarithmic factor from the previous upper bound of Valkó from about two decades ago. We further prove similarly tight bounds for grids of differing side lengths in many cases.
Correlates of Active School Transportation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Canadian 7- to 12-Year-Olds: A National Study
Authors: Larouche Richard , Bélanger Mathieu , Brussoni Mariana , Faulkner Guy , Gunnell Katie , Tremblay Mark S.
Published: January 2024

Background: Active school transportation (AST) is an important source of physical activity for children and a potentially important climate change mitigation strategy. However, few studies have examined factors associated with AST in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used baseline data from a longitudinal survey to investigate correlates of AST during the second wave of COVID-19 (December 2020). We collected survey data from 2291 parents of 7- to 12-year-olds across Canada and linked this information with data on neighborhood walkability and weather from national databases. We assessed potential correlates representing multiple levels of influence of the social–ecological model. We used gender-stratified binary logistic regression models to determine the correlates of children’s travel mode to/from school (dichotomized as active vs motorized), while controlling for household income. We examined the correlates of travel mode for both the morning and afternoon trips. Results: Consistent correlates of AST among Canadian children during the COVID-19 pandemic included greater independent mobility, warmer outdoor temperature, having a parent who actively commuted to work or school, living in a household owning fewer vehicles, and living in a more walkable neighborhood. These findings were largely consistent between boys and girls and between morning and afternoon school trips. Conclusions: Policymakers, urban planners, and public health workers aiming to promote AST should focus on these correlates while ensuring that neighborhoods are safe for children. Future research should monitor the prevalence and correlates of AST as COVID-19 restrictions are removed.
Children With Cardiac Disease and Heat Exposure: Catastrophic Converging Consequences?
Authors: Souilla Luc , Amedro Pascal , Morrison Shawnda A.
Published: January 2024

The detrimental impact of extreme heat exposure on the health and well-being of children is widely acknowledged. The direct and indirect effects of climate change have led to an increased risk of certain cardiovascular events which may be particularly harmful to children who are born with, or develop, heart disease. Purpose: To highlight the worrying paucity of investigative research aimed at differentiating how higher ambient temperatures further tax an already compromised cardiovascular system in children. Methods: This commentary describes basic thermoregulatory concepts relevant to the healthy pediatric population and summarizes common heart diseases observed in this population. Results: We describe how heat stress and exercise are important factors clinicians should more readily consider when treating children with heart disease. Countermeasures to physical inactivity are suggested for children, parents, clinicians, and policymakers to consider. Conclusions: As sudden, excessive heat exposures continue to impact our rapidly warming world, vulnerable populations like children with underlying heart conditions are at greater heat health risk, especially when coupled with the negative physical activity and fitness trends observed worldwide.
Quick, Effective Screening Tasks Identify Children With Medical Conditions or Disabilities Needing Physical Literacy Support
Authors: Longmuir Patricia E. , Chubbs Payne Adam , Beshara Natalie , Brandão Leonardo R. , Wright F. Virginia , Pohl Daniela , Katz Sherri Lynne , McCormick Anna , De Laat Denise , Klaassen Robert J. , Johnston Donna L. , Lougheed Jane , Roth Johannes , McMillan Hugh J. , Venkateswaran Sunita , Sell Erick , Doja Asif , Boafo Addo , Macartney Gail , Matheson Katherine , Feldman Brian M.
Published: January 2024

Purpose: This study evaluated screening tasks able to identify children with medical conditions or disabilities who may benefit from physical literacy. Method: Children completed ≤20 screening tasks during their clinic visit and then the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (2nd edition) at a separate visit. Total Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy scores <30th percentile were categorized as potentially needing physical literacy support. Receiver operator characteristic curves identified assessment cut points with 80% sensitivity and 40% specificity relative to total physical literacy scores. Results: 223 children (97 girls; 10.1 [2.6] y) participated. Physical activity adequacy, predilection, and physical competence achieved ≥80% sensitivity and ≥40% specificity in both data sets. Adequacy ≤ 6.5 had 86% to 100% sensitivity and 48% to 49% specificity. Daily screen time >4.9 hours combined with Adequacy ≤6.15 had 88% to 10% sensitivity and 53% to 56% specificity. Conclusions: Activity adequacy, alone or with screen time, most effectively identified children likely to benefit from physical literacy support. Adequacy and screen time questionnaires are suitable for clinical use. Similar results regardless of diagnosis suggest physical competence deficits are not primary determinants of active lifestyles. Research to enhance screening specificity is required.
Reproducible growth ofBrachypodiumin EcoFAB 2.0 reveals that nitrogen form and starvation modulate root exudation
Authors: Novak Vlastimil , Andeer Peter F. , Bowen Benjamin P. , Ding Yezhang , Zhalnina Kateryna , Hofmockel Kirsten S. , Tomaka Connor , Harwood Thomas V. , van Winden Michelle C. M. , Golini Amber N. , Kosina Suzanne M. , Northen Trent R.
Published: January 2024

Understanding plant-microbe interactions requires examination of root exudation under nutrient stress using standardized and reproducible experimental systems. We grewBrachypodium distachyonhydroponically in fabricated ecosystem devices (EcoFAB 2.0) under three inorganic nitrogen forms (nitrate, ammonium, and ammonium nitrate), followed by nitrogen starvation. Analyses of exudates with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, biomass, medium pH, and nitrogen uptake showed EcoFAB 2.0’s low intratreatment data variability. Furthermore, the three inorganic nitrogen forms caused differential exudation, generalized by abundant amino acids–peptides and alkaloids. Comparatively, nitrogen deficiency decreased nitrogen-containing compounds but increased shikimates-phenylpropanoids. Subsequent bioassays with two shikimates-phenylpropanoids (shikimic andp-coumaric acids) on soil bacteria orBrachypodiumseedlings revealed their distinct capacity to regulate both bacterial and plant growth. Our results suggest that (i)Brachypodiumalters exudation in response to nitrogen status, which can affect rhizobacterial growth, and (ii) EcoFAB 2.0 is a valuable standardized plant research tool.
TBscreen: A passive cough classifier for tuberculosis screening with a controlled dataset
Authors: Sharma Manuja , Nduba Videlis , Njagi Lilian N. , Murithi Wilfred , Mwongera Zipporah , Hawn Thomas R. , Patel Shwetak N. , Horne David J.
Published: January 2024

Recent respiratory disease screening studies suggest promising performance of cough classifiers, but potential biases in model training and dataset quality preclude robust conclusions. To examine tuberculosis (TB) cough diagnostic features, we enrolled subjects with pulmonary TB (N= 149) and controls with other respiratory illnesses (N= 46) in Nairobi. We collected a dataset with 33,000 passive coughs and 1600 forced coughs in a controlled setting with similar demographics. We trained a ResNet18-based cough classifier using images of passive cough scalogram as input and obtained a fivefold cross-validation sensitivity of 0.70 (±0.11 SD). The smartphone-based model had better performance in subjects with higher bacterial load {receiver operating characteristic–area under the curve (ROC-AUC): 0.87 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87 to 0.88],P< 0.001} or lung cavities [ROC-AUC: 0.89 (95% CI: 0.88 to 0.89),P< 0.001]. Overall, our data suggest that passive cough features distinguish TB from non-TB subjects and are associated with bacterial burden and disease severity.