bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mowing increased community stability in semiarid grasslands more than either fencing or grazing
Authors: Zhao Tianqi , Suo Rongzhen , Alemu Aklilu W. , Zheng Jiahua , Zhang Feng , Iwaasa Alan D. , Guo Jianying , Zhao Mengli , Zhang Bin
Published: May 2024

A substantial body of empirical evidence suggests that anthropogenic disturbance can affect the structure and function of grassland ecosystems. Despite this, few studies have elucidated the mechanisms through which grazing and mowing, the two most widespread land management practices, affect the stability of natural grassland communities. In this study, we draw upon 9 years of field data from natural grasslands in northern China to investigate the effects of gazing and mowing on community stability, specifically focusing on community aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and dominance, which are two major biodiversity mechanisms known to characterize community fluctuations. We found that both grazing and mowing reduced ANPP in comparison to areas enclosed by fencing. Grazing reduced community stability by increasing the likelihood of single‐species dominance and decreasing the relative proportion of nondominant species. In contrast, mowing reduced the productivity of the dominant species but increased the productivity of nondominant species. As a consequence, mowing improved the overall community stability by increasing the stability of nondominant species. Our study provides novel insight into understanding of the relationship between community species fluctuation‐stability, with implications for ecological research and ecosystem management in natural grasslands.
Unprecedented genetic variability of PFam54 paralogs among Eurasian Lyme borreliosis‐causing spirochetes
Authors: Wülbern Janna , Windorfer Laura , Sato Kozue , Nakao Minoru , Hepner Sabrina , Margos Gabriele , Fingerle Volker , Kawabata Hiroki , Becker Noémie S. , Kraiczy Peter , Rollins Robert E.
Published: May 2024

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is the most common vector‐borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere caused by spirochetes belonging to the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) complex. Borrelia spirochetes circulate in obligatory transmission cycles between tick vectors and different vertebrate hosts. To successfully complete this complex transmission cycle, Bbsl encodes for an arsenal of proteins including the PFam54 protein family with known, or proposed, influences to reservoir host and/or vector adaptation. Even so, only fragmentary information is available regarding the naturally occurring level of variation in the PFam54 gene array especially in relation to Eurasian‐distributed species. Utilizing whole genome data from isolates (n = 141) originated from three major LB‐causing Borrelia species across Eurasia (B. afzelii, B. bavariensis, and B. garinii), we aimed to characterize the diversity of the PFam54 gene array in these isolates to facilitate understanding the evolution of PFam54 paralogs on an intra‐ and interspecies level. We found an extraordinarily high level of variation in the PFam54 gene array with 39 PFam54 paralogs belonging to 23 orthologous groups including five novel paralogs. Even so, the gene array appears to have remained fairly stable over the evolutionary history of the studied Borrelia species. Interestingly, genes outside Clade IV, which contains genes encoding for proteins associated with Borrelia pathogenesis, more frequently displayed signatures of diversifying selection between clades that differ in hypothesized vector or host species. This could suggest that non‐Clade IV paralogs play a more important role in host and/or vector adaptation than previously expected, which would require future lab‐based studies to validate.
Taxonomic identification and life cycle comparison of two populations of the monostromatic green algae Monostroma nitidum
Authors: Liao Jiawei , Wang Sipan , Lin Kun , Huang Yongjian , Chen Xinyi , Xin Rong , Guo Youyou , Xie Enyi
Published: May 2024

Monostroma nitidum, a monostromatic green algae (MGA) with high economic value, is distributed worldwide. Life cycle often serves as a fundamental criterion for taxonomic classification. Most researchers consider the life cycle of M. nitidum to involve dimorphic alternation of generations, although the possibility of a monomorphic asexual life cycle remains unclear. In this study, tufA and 18S rDNA sequences were employed as molecular markers, complemented by morphological analysis, to classify and identify MGA in two distinct habitats: Hailing Island reefs (YJ) and Naozhou Island reefs (ZJ). The results of tufA and 18S rDNA sequence analysis revealed that all samples from YJ and ZJ clustered to the same branch (M. nitidum clade) with high bootstrap support and genetic distances of less than 0.000 and 0.005, respectively. However, morphological observations indicated significant differences in the external morphology of the YJ and ZJ samples, although both initially exhibited a filament‐blade form during early development. The life cycle of the ZJ samples exhibited typical dimorphic alternation of generations, whereas the YJ samples only produced biflagellate asexual gametes with negative phototaxis. Gametes of the YJ samples directly developed into new gametophytes without undergoing the sporophyte stage. Consequently, the YJ and ZJ samples were classified as monomorphic asexual and dimorphic sexual M. nitidum, respectively. These findings provide evidence supporting the monomorphic asexual life cycle of M. nitidum for the classification of MGA.
Advancements and trends in ecological models for lake ecosystems: A bibliometric analysis (2002–2022)
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Jianjian , Chen Cheng , Xia Jiang , Niu Yong , Yu Zhiguo , Qu Shan , Jia Junjie
Published: May 2024

Ecological models hold significant potential for advancing lake research. In this study, we employed CiteSpace, a bibliometric analysis tool, and VOSviewer, a visualisation software, to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of recent advancements in ecological modelling within the context of lake research. The objective was to furnish valuable references in support of the widespread application of ecological models in aquatic environments. Using the 4688 articles collected in the Web of Science (WoS) core database as the sample data source, conducting corresponding data mining and quantitative analysis through visualisation analysis software such as CiteSpace and VOSviewer. From the perspectives of literature output patterns, keyword co‐occurrence networks and future research directions, in‐depth quantitative and visual analysis is carried out on the current status of research on lake ecological models, research institutions, journal publication situations, prolific authors and research hot topics. Through meticulous examination of literature and organisational categorisation techniques, we systematically scrutinised and synthesised the present state, limitations and noteworthy considerations associated with models such as EFDC, CE‐QUAL‐W2, DYRESM‐CAEDYM, AQUATOX, Vollenweider, PCLake, MIKE, WASP and Deflt3D in the context of lake research. Our findings reveal that research focal points from 2002 to 2022 encompass climate change, the ramifications of eutrophication on aquatic ecosystems and the effects of phytoplankton and resuspended sediments on lake management.
Impacts of two high‐head dams on macroinvertebrate communities in the regulated river reaches of Wujiang River, China
Authors: Chi Shiyun , Hu Juxiang , Zhao Xianfu , Hu Jun , Li Sixin , Wang Hongjun , Zhou Lianfeng , Li Dewang
Published: May 2024

The impact of two high‐head dams on macroinvertebrate communities within the regulated reaches of the Wujiang River in China was explored, using longitudinal monitoring data spanning from 2006 to 2016. In this study, we set up 10 sampling sites categorized into four areas based on different stressors and defined three stages based on the timeline of dam construction. Our findings revealed significant changes in community composition before and after dam impoundment. While certain original dominant taxa, such as Rivularia globosa and Lithoglyphopsis ovatus, remained dominant throughout the stages, mayflies and caddisflies nearly vanished in the downstream reaches of the dams. This trend was accompanied by the disappearance of taxa with low adaptability and the emergence of tolerant taxa downstream of the dams. Additionally, typical limnological taxa colonized the inundated reaches. Dam impoundment affected not only macroinvertebrate community composition but also diversity. In this study, the recovery effect of communities downstream of dams was not observed due to the limited distance, but the presence of Wujiangdu Dam upstream of the two dams for over 20 years makes us believe that in a large river system, macroinvertebrate communities downstream of high‐head dams may fully recover if the distance from the dams is long enough. The original and vulnerable species R. globosa, which demonstrated remarkable adaptability and thrived downstream of dams, should be further studied in the future.
Biodiversity of macroalgae does not differentially suppress coral performance: The other side of a biodiversity issue
Authors: Clements Cody S. , Pratte Zoe A. , Stewart Frank J. , Hay Mark E.
Published: May 2024

Hundreds of studies now document positive relationships between biodiversity and critical ecosystem processes, but as ecological communities worldwide shift toward new species configurations, less is known regarding how the biodiversity of undesirable species will shape the functioning of ecosystems or foundation species. We manipulated macroalgal species richness in experimental field plots to test whether and how the identity and diversity of competing macroalgae affected the growth, survival, and microbiome of a common coral in Mo'orea, French Polynesia. Compared to controls without algal competitors, coral growth was significantly suppressed across three macroalgal monocultures, a polyculture of the same three macroalgae, and plots containing inert seaweed mimics; coral mortality was limited and did not differ significantly among treatments. One macroalga suppressed coral growth significantly less than the other two, but none differed from the inert mimic in terms of coral suppression. The composition, dispersion, and diversity of coral microbiomes in treatments with live macroalgae or inert plastic mimics did not differ from controls experiencing no competition. Microbiome composition differed between two macroalgal monocultures and a monoculture versus plastic mimics, but no other microbiome differences were observed among macroalgal or mimic treatments. Together, these findings suggest that algal diversity does not alter harmful impacts of macroalgae on coral performance, which could be accounted for by physical structure alone in these field experiments. While enhancing biodiversity is a recognized strategy for promoting desirable species, it would be worrisome if biodiversity also enhanced the negative impacts of undesirable species. We documented no such effects in this investigation.
Copper‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of 1,3,4‐Oxadiazol‐2(3H)‐ones using DMF as the Carbonyl Source
Authors: Jiang Ping , Su Qin , Ablajan Keyume , Khan Shahid Ali
Published: May 2024

A series of 1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2(3H)‐ones were prepared by an efficient copper‐catalyzed one‐pot reaction of arylhydrazides, arylboronic acids and DMF. Moderate to good yield of 1,3,4‐oxadiazol‐2(3H)‐ones were obtained using DMF as the carbonyl source and arylboronic as the aryl source. This reaction involved ligand exchange and transmetalation of copper catalysts with arylhydrazides and arylboric acids. Compared to the previous work, this work employs the stable and readily available aryl hydrazide and arylboronic substrates that enhance the practicality of this strategy, and this strategy features a short reaction time, relatively low heating temperature, convenient and more secure. Further, this protocol has the features of high functional group tolerance and reaction scalability.
Modeling and forecasting stock return volatility using the HARGARCH model with VIX information
Authors: Pan Zhiyuan , Zhang Jun , Wang Yudong , Huang Juan
Published: May 2024

This study develops a novel approach for improving stock return volatility forecasts using volatility index information with the entropic tilting technique. Unlike traditional linear heteroskedasticity autoregressive methods with option‐implied information, we first derive predictive densities from traditional models, and then tilt using both the first and second moments of the risk‐neutral distribution, which enables us to capture the nonlinear effect in our specification. The empirical findings demonstrate a substantial enhancement in the forecasting accuracy of all models once the first‐ and second‐moment information is considered, where the improvement is both statistically and economically significant. These results have important implications for risk management in well‐established derivatives markets.
Motivational strivings, human resource management practices, and job performance: An advancement of the theory of purposeful work behavior
Authors: Yim Junhyok , Call Matthew L. , Sullivan David W. , Kim Youngshin , Sha Yujun
Published: May 2024

Understanding how employees respond to HR systems is a critical question in the strategic HR literature and the need for more nuanced theoretical frameworks explaining who responds differentially to HR systems persists. Drawing on a contingency perspective and the theory of purposeful work behavior, we present a theoretical framework that suggests that employee motivational goal strivings interact with commensurate HR bundles (communion‐enhancing HR bundles, status‐enhancing HR bundles, and achievement‐enhancing HR bundles) to predict employee job performance. Based on survey data collected from 362 employees in 84 service units, our findings reveal that the effects of communion and status strivings on job performance are more positive and stronger for employees in units with higher levels of communion‐enhancing HR bundles and status‐enhancing HR bundles, respectively. In contrast, the effect of achievement goal strivings on job performance is weaker in units with higher levels of achievement‐enhancing HR bundles. These findings have significant implications for both theoretical and practical perspectives, shedding light on the role of employee motivations in shaping the effectiveness of HR bundles on employee performance.
The influence of sociodemographic factors on parental health‐seeking behavior for illnesses among the pediatric age group in Karachi: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tarar Hamna Mukhtar , Azhar Ayesha , Ismail Kiran , Oduoye Malik Olatunde , Asim Omama , Omer Rida
Published: May 2024

Background

Health‐seeking behavior (HSB) is an individual's reaction to sickness, for which they seek medical attention, regardless of the form such care may take. Poor HSB is frequently associated with lower health outcomes and greater mortality and disease rates in a nation. Sociodemographic factors, including age, gender, family structure, occupation, ethnicity, and rates of literacy and poverty, can influence a person's HSB. This study would benefit Pakistani parents of the paediatric population to make more informed health choices for their children.

Aim

This study aims to determine the influence of sociodemographic factors on parental HSB for illnesses among the pediatric age group in Karachi.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in which 214 parents were interviewed about their choices for health‐seeking healthcare for their pediatric children of the pediatric age group (birth–18 years), who were attending the pediatric OPD and wards at Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi in May 2023. Only parents or guardians with sick children were included. Their sociodemographic characteristics and health‐seeking choices were asked. Informed consent was obtained, and all data were recorded. SPSS version 25 was used for analysis.

Results

For the first choice, the majority of parents (82.7%) preferred to seek healthcare for their children from medical doctors, followed by spiritual healers (10.7%), traditional healers (5.6%), and homoeopathic doctors (0.9%). For the second choice, the highest percentage was for a doctor (76.2%), followed by a spiritual healer (18.7%), a homoeopathic doctor (3.3%), and a traditional healer (1.9%). A significant correlation was found between the first visit and the decision makers (p = 0.019), the father's education level of the father (p = 0.001), the mother's occupation of the mother (p = 0.019), and the mother's education level of the mother (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Sociodemographic characteristics greatly influence parents' HSBs of parents for their children. Despite having low‐paying jobs and being uneducated, most people choose to refer to a doctor for their child due to awareness.
Level of and factors associated with foot self‐care among people with diabetes in Idlib Province of Northwest Syria: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Al‐Ashkar Tareq , Alhussein Thaer , Eido Mohammad S. , Al‐Hassan Shaimaa , Alam Ali , Fathallah Maryam , Al‐Abdullah Muhammad , Alhiraki Omar , Al‐Busaidi Ibrahim S.
Published: May 2024

Background and aims

Diabetic foot and lower limb problems are among the most neglected complications during the Syrian armed conflict due to the absence of a functioning health infrastructure, including early detection and timely management of limb‐threatening wounds. This study aimed to determine self‐reported diabetes‐related foot disease (DRFD), adherence to recommended foot self‐care (FSC) practices, and associated factors among people with diabetes in war‐torn Northwest Syria (NWS).

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study conducted at six primary care clinics in Idlib, NWS, between March 27 and April 17, 2022, utilizing the validated interviewer‐administered Diabetes Foot Disease and Foot Care Questionnaire. Data on demographic characteristics, DRFD, and FSC practices were collected. FSC score was determined by adding the points from all 12 FSC items, with a maximum score of 48, and were categorized into very poor (≤12), poor (13–24), moderate (25–36), and good (37–48). A convenience sample of 331 consecutive Syrians, aged ≥18 years, with diabetes, were invited. Multiple linear regression was used to identify variables associated with FSC practices.

Results

A total of 328 patients completed the questionnaire (response rate: 99.1%). The overall FSC score was average (mean total score 27.24, SD 7.03). Over one‐third (37.8%) had a very poor/poor score, 50.3% had an average score, and 11.9% had a good score. Household income/month of ≥51 USD (β = 2.6, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]:1.06–4.1, p = 0.001) and diabetes duration of ≥10 years (β = 1.8, 95% Cl: 0.2–3.4, p = 0.027) significantly predicted better FSC practice.

Conclusion

A significant proportion of participants had inadequate adoption FSC behaviors. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with better FSC practices. Future research should evaluate diabetic foot education and professional foot care in this population.
The importance of blood‐count‐derived inflammatory markers in predicting methotrexate success in patients with tubal ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Dereli Murat Levent , Savran Üçok Belgin , Özkan Sadullah , Sucu Sadun , Topkara Serap , Fıratlıgil Fahri Burçin , Ercan Emel Ebru , Uğur Merve , Akdaş Reis Yıldız , Engin Üstün Yaprak
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting a successful methotrexate response in tubal ectopic pregnancy (TEP).

Methods

Women treated for TEP at a tertiary hospital between 2017 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 502 (100%) eligible patients who received methotrexate were included and divided into two groups based on whether or not they were successfully treated with methotrexate alone. Inflammatory parameters derived from the patients' hemograms at hospital admission were compared.

Results

In total, 434 (86.4%) patients were successfully treated with methotrexate alone (Group 1), while 68 (13.6%) patients underwent surgery after methotrexate failure (Group 2). Median neutrophil count, NLR, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, monocyte‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, SII, largest ectopic mass diameter, and β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) were significantly lower, whereas median lymphocyte and platelet counts were significantly higher in Group 1. According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis performed for the discriminatory power of NLR, β‐hCG, and SII for methotrexate response, the area under the curve values were 0.742, 0.730, and 0.699, respectively.

Conclusion

Low NLR and SII are associated with methotrexate success and could be used to refine decision making regarding β‐hCG for predicting successful response to methotrexate in patients with TEP.
Expecting the unexpected: Stressed scenarios for economic growth
Authors: González‐Rivera Gloria , Rodríguez‐Caballero C. Vladimir , Ruiz Esther
Published: May 2024

We propose the construction of conditional growth densities under stressed factor scenarios to assess the level of exposure of an economy to small probability but potentially catastrophic economic and/or financial scenarios, which can be either domestic or international. The choice of severe yet plausible stress scenarios is based on the joint probability distribution of the underlying factors driving growth, which are extracted with a multilevel dynamic factor model (DFM) from a wide set of domestic/worldwide and/or macroeconomic/financial variables. All together, we provide a risk management tool that allows for a complete visualization of the dynamics of the growth densities under average scenarios and extreme scenarios. We calculate growth‐in‐stress (GiS) measures, defined as the 5% quantile of the stressed growth densities, and show that GiS is a useful and complementary tool to growth‐at‐risk (GaR) when policymakers wish to carry out a multidimensional scenario analysis. The unprecedented economic shock brought by the COVID‐19 pandemic provides a natural environment to assess the vulnerability of US growth with the proposed methodology.
Ethnicity‐related differences in mitochondrial regulation by insulin stimulation in diabetes
Authors: Neikirk Kit , Kabugi Kinuthia , Mungai Margaret , Kula Bartosz , Smith Nathan , Hinton Antentor O.
Published: May 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction has long been implicated in the development of insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. However, recent studies reveal ethnicity‐related differences in mitochondrial processes, underscoring the need for nuance in studying mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, the higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes among African Americans and individuals of African descent has brought attention to the role of ethnicity in disease susceptibility. In this review, which covers existing literature, genetic studies, and clinical data, we aim to elucidate the complex relationship between mitochondrial alterations and insulin stimulation by considering how mitochondrial dynamics, contact sites, pathways, and metabolomics may be differentially regulated across ethnicities, through mechanisms such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In addition to achieving a better understanding of insulin stimulation, future studies identifying novel regulators of mitochondrial structure and function could provide valuable insights into ethnicity‐dependent insulin signaling and personalized care.
Expectancy from, and acceptance of augmented reality in dental education programs: A structural equation model
Authors: Toker Sacip , Akay Canan , Basmaci Fulya , Kilicarslan Mehmet Ali , Mumcu Emre , Cagiltay Nergiz Ercil
Published: May 2024

Objective

Dental schools need hands‐on training and feedback. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies enable remote work and training. Education programs only partially integrated these technologies. For better technology integration, infrastructure readiness, prior‐knowledge readiness, expectations, and learner attitudes toward AR and VR technologies must be understood together. Thus, this study creates a structural equation model to understand how these factors affect dental students' technology use.

Methods

A correlational survey was done. Four questionnaires were sent to 755 dental students from three schools. These participants were convenience‐sampled. Surveys were developed using validity tests like explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses, Cronbach's ɑ, and composite reliability. Ten primary research hypotheses are tested with path analysis.

Results

A total of 81.22% responded to the survey (755 out of 930). Positive AR attitude, expectancy, and acceptance were endogenous variables. Positive attitudes toward AR were significantly influenced by two exogenous variables: infrastructure readiness (B = 0.359, β = 0.386, L = 0.305, U = 0.457, p = 0.002) and prior‐knowledge readiness (B = −0.056, β = 0.306, L = 0.305, U = 0.457, p = 0.002). Expectancy from AR was affected by infrastructure, prior knowledge, and positive and negative AR attitudes. Infrastructure, prior‐knowledge readiness, and positive attitude toward AR had positive effects on expectancy from AR (B = 0.201, β = 0.204, L = 0.140, U = 0.267, p = 0.002). Negative attitude had a negative impact (B = −0.056, β = −0.054, L = 0.091, U = 0.182, p = 0.002). Another exogenous variable was AR acceptance, which was affected by infrastructure, prior‐knowledge preparation, positive attitudes, and expectancy. Significant differences were found in infrastructure, prior‐knowledge readiness, positive attitude toward AR, and expectancy from AR (B = 0.041, β = 0.046, L = 0.026, U = 0.086, p = 0.054).

Conclusion

Infrastructure and prior‐knowledge readiness for AR significantly affect positive AR attitudes. Together, these three criteria boost AR's potential. Infrastructure readiness, prior‐knowledge readiness, positive attitudes toward AR, and AR expectations all increase AR adoption. The study provides insights that can help instructional system designers, developers, dental education institutions, and program developers better integrate these technologies into dental education programs. Integration can improve dental students' hands‐on experience and program performance by providing training options anywhere and anytime.
Passing the Baton: Generative Approaches to Leadership Education, Systems Thinking, and Change
Authors: Taylor Joshua K. , Manning‐Ouellette Amber
Published: May 2024

The leadership baton that students and educators will pass to the next generation is that of systems. Fostering systems thinking among student leaders could create significant transformations in their university leadership experiences. However, a notable gap in leadership education praxis exists concerning how student leaders interact with systems thinking in their leadership roles. The current article highlights examples of systems thinking in college student leadership and methods for teaching systems thinking as a crucial leadership skill.
Nanomechanical collective vibration of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike proteins
Authors: Cao Changfeng , Zhang Guangxu , Li Xueling , Wang Yadi , Lü Junhong
Published: May 2024

The development of effective therapeutics against COVID‐19 requires a thorough understanding of the receptor recognition mechanism of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) protein. Here the multidomain collective dynamics on the trimer of the spike protein has been analyzed using normal mode analysis (NMA). A common nanomechanical profile was identified in the spike proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants. The profile involves collective vibrations of the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) and the N‐terminal domain (NTD), which may mediate the physical interaction process. Quantitative analysis of the collective modes suggests a nanomechanical property involving large‐scale conformational changes, which explains the difference in receptor binding affinity among different variants. These results support the use of intrinsic global dynamics as a valuable perspective for studying the allosteric and functional mechanisms of the S protein. This approach also provides a low‐cost theoretical toolkit for screening potential pathogenic mutations and drug targets.
Discovery and mechanistic study of Imperatorin that inhibits HBsAg expression and cccDNA transcription
Authors: Ren Fang , Zhao Shiqiao , He Xin , Lo Hanghong , Wong Vincent Kam Wai , Law Betty Yuen Kwan , Wu Anguo , Zhang Juan
Published: May 2024

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health challenge due to its link to severe conditions like HBV‐related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although current treatments effectively reduce viral levels, they have limited impact on certain HBV elements, namely hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). This highlights the urgent need for innovative pharmaceutical and biological interventions that can disrupt HBsAg production originating from cccDNA. In this study, we identified a natural furanocoumarin compound, Imperatorin, which markedly inhibited the expression of HBsAg from cccDNA, by screening a library of natural compounds derived from Chinese herbal medicines using ELISA assay and qRT‐PCR. The pharmacodynamics study of Imperatorin was explored on HBV infected HepG2‐NTCP/PHHs and HBV‐infected humanized mouse model. Proteome analysis was performed on HBV infected HepG2‐NTCP cells following Imperatorin treatment. Molecular docking and bio‐layer interferometry (BLI) were used for finding the target of Imperatorin. Our findings demonstrated Imperatorin remarkably reduced the level of HBsAg, HBV RNAs, HBV DNA and transcriptional activity of cccDNA both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, Imperatorin effectively restrained the actions of HBV promoters responsible for cccDNA transcription. Mechanistic study revealed that Imperatorin directly binds to ERK and subsequently interfering with the activation of CAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB), a crucial transcriptional factor for HBV and has been demonstrated to bind to the PreS2/S and X promoter regions of HBV. Importantly, the absence of ERK could nullify the antiviral impact triggered by Imperatorin. Collectively, the natural compound Imperatorin may be an effective candidate agent for inhibiting HBsAg production and cccDNA transcription by impeding the activities of HBV promoters through ERK‐CREB axis.
The interplay between glucose and ketone bodies in neural stem cell metabolism
Authors: Molloy Joseph W. , Barry Denis
Published: May 2024

Glucose is the primary energy source for neural stem cells (NSCs), supporting their proliferation, differentiation, and quiescence. However, the high demand for glucose during brain development often exceeds its supply, leading to the utilization of alternative energy sources including ketone bodies. Ketone bodies, including β‐hydroxybutyrate, are short‐chain fatty acids produced through hepatic ketogenesis and play a crucial role in providing energy and the biosynthetic components for NSCs when required. The interplay between glucose and ketone metabolism influences NSC behavior and fate decisions, and disruptions in these metabolic pathways have been linked to neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, ketone bodies exert neuroprotective effects on NSCs and modulate cellular responses to oxidative stress, energy maintenance, deacetylation, and inflammation. As such, understanding the interdependence of glucose and ketone metabolism in NSCs is crucial to understanding their roles in NSC function and their implications for neurological conditions. This article reviews the mechanisms of glucose and ketone utilization in NSCs, their impact on NSC function, and the therapeutic potential of targeting these metabolic pathways in neurological disorders.
Unearthing the therapeutic benefits of culinary‐medicinal mushrooms for humans: Emerging sustainable bioresources of 21st century
Authors: Thomas Lebin , Mago Payal
Published: May 2024

Global interest in mushroom farming techniques has grown in the last few years. Despite not making up a large amount of the human diet at the moment, the nutritional worth of mushrooms has prompted their usage. The three main segments of the global mushroom industry are wild, culinary (edible), and medicinal mushrooms. The quality food that mushrooms provide can be utilized to build agricultural ecosystems that are more sustainable for increasing productivity and enhancing the effectiveness of resource usage. This is mostly because mushrooms can be utilized for the recycling of biomass and remains from crop production. Culinary‐medicinal mushrooms are becoming more and more important because of their nutrient density, dietary value, and health advantages. Given its many bioactive components, which include polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, and secondary metabolites, mushrooms have been utilized extensively as health foods. These mushrooms exhibit pharmacological activities and possess prebiotic and antibacterial capabilities. This review provides information on the latest advancements in the sustainable cultivation of mushrooms, particularly with nontraditional substrates, and their potential therapeutic uses. Furthermore, some of the newest developments and difficulties in the production of mushrooms are explored.
Bayesian pairwise meta‐analysis of time‐to‐event outcomes in the presence of non‐proportional hazards: A simulation study of flexible parametric, piecewise exponential and fractional polynomial models
Authors: Freeman Suzanne C. , Sutton Alex J. , Cooper Nicola J. , Gasparini Alessandro , Crowther Michael J. , Hawkins Neil
Published: May 2024

Background

Traditionally, meta‐analysis of time‐to‐event outcomes reports a single pooled hazard ratio assuming proportional hazards (PH). For health technology assessment evaluations, hazard ratios are frequently extrapolated across a lifetime horizon. However, when treatment effects vary over time, an assumption of PH is not always valid. The Royston‐Parmar (RP), piecewise exponential (PE), and fractional polynomial (FP) models can accommodate non‐PH and provide plausible extrapolations of survival curves beyond observed data.

Methods

Simulation study to assess and compare the performance of RP, PE, and FP models in a Bayesian framework estimating restricted mean survival time difference (RMSTD) at 50 years from a pairwise meta‐analysis with evidence of non‐PH. Individual patient data were generated from a mixture Weibull distribution. Twelve scenarios were considered varying the amount of follow‐up data, number of trials in a meta‐analysis, non‐PH interaction coefficient, and prior distributions. Performance was assessed through bias and mean squared error. Models were applied to a metastatic breast cancer example.

Results

FP models performed best when the non‐PH interaction coefficient was 0.2. RP models performed best in scenarios with complete follow‐up data. PE models performed well on average across all scenarios. In the metastatic breast cancer example, RMSTD at 50‐years ranged from −14.6 to 8.48 months.

Conclusions

Synthesis of time‐to‐event outcomes and estimation of RMSTD in the presence of non‐PH can be challenging and computationally intensive. Different approaches make different assumptions regarding extrapolation and sensitivity analyses varying key assumptions are essential to check the robustness of conclusions to different assumptions for the underlying survival function.
Preparation, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of microemulsion based cream formulations for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris
Authors: Çağlar Emre Şefik , Reis Rengin , Karadağ Ayşe Esra , Demirci Fatih , Sipahi Hande , Aydın Ahmet , Üstündağ Okur Neslihan
Published: May 2024

By lowering the significant adverse effects of traditional medications, this study intends to create cream formulations based on microemulsions that contain extract from Allium sativum L. for the treatment of acne vulgaris. Characterization experiments were carried out on the developed cream formulations based on microemulsions. Textural profile analysis and spreadability tests were conducted. Furthermore, cell culture studies and toxicity analysis were performed. As a result, the pH and viscosity values of the developed formulations were found between 6.43 ± 0.00 and 6.66 ± 0.01, and between 13.90 ± 0.080 and 137.20 ± 8.02 P, respectively. The highest‐performing empty and loaded cream formulations in terms of spreadability and textural profile analysis were those with the highest beeswax content. The highest‐performing empty and loaded cream formulations in terms of spreadability and textural profile analysis were those with the highest beeswax content. According to the visual physical evaluation of the formulations, it was observed that the developed formulations were neat, smooth, and homogeneous. The optimum formulation developed was non‐cytotoxic, which maintained cell viability by over 90%. Additionally, the skin irritation experiment was also non‐irritant with a relative cell viability of 92.6%. In conclusion, the developed A. sativum extract‐loaded microemulsion‐based cream formulations appear to be promising formulations for the acne vulgaris treatment, without malodors.
Flavonoids with lipase inhibitory activity from lemon squeezing waste: isolation, multispectroscopic and in silico studies
Authors: Cardullo Nunzio , Calcagno Damiano , Pulvirenti Luana , Sciacca Claudia , Pittalà Maria Gaetana Giovanna , Maccarronello Anna Elisabetta , Thevenard Fernanda , Muccilli Vera
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Obesity is recognized as a lifestyle‐related disease and the main risk factor for a series of pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Citrus limon is an important medicinal plant, and its fruits are rich in flavonoids investigated for their potential in managing obesity. In the present work, a green extraction applied to lemon squeezing waste (LSW) was optimized to recover pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitors.

RESULTS

The microwave‐assisted procedure yielded an extract with higher lipase inhibitory activity than those obtained by maceration and ultrasound. The main compounds present in the extract were identified by high‐performance liquid chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis, and hesperidin, eriocitrin and 4′‐methyllucenin II were isolated. The three compounds were evaluated for in vitro PL inhibitory activity, and 4′‐methyllucenin II resulted in the most promising inhibitor (IC50 = 12.1 μmol L−1; Ki = 62.2 μmol L−1). Multispectroscopic approaches suggested the three flavonoids act as competitive inhibitors and the binding studies indicated a greater interaction between PL and 4′‐methyllucenin II. Docking analysis indicated the significant interactions of the three flavonoids with the PL catalytic site.

CONCLUSION

The present work highlights flavonoid glycosides as promising PL inhibitors and proposes LSW as a safe ingredient for the preparation of food supplements for managing obesity. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pembrolizumab‐induced acquired perforating dermatosis
Authors: Gu Yaron , de Silva Dinuke , Henderson Christopher J. A. , Sebaratnam Deshan F.
Published: May 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors such as the programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) inhibitors, pembrolizumab and nivolumab, are frontline treatments for several types of solid‐organ malignancies. However, cutaneous adverse effects with PD‐1 inhibitor therapy are common and include lichenoid reactions, eczema, vitiligo and bullous dermatoses. Perforating dermatosis is a rare condition characterised by the extrusion of degenerate materials from the upper dermis through the epidermis and has rarely been reported in association with PD‐1 inhibitor therapy. Herein, we report the first case to our knowledge of acquired perforating dermatosis following treatment with pembrolizumab.
The tip of the tongue: Language‐based chronic social exclusion and tipping as a refocusing strategy
Authors: Malik Aaminah Zaman , Guzmán Francisco , Vo Khue (Kylie)
Published: May 2024

Language is crucial for successful service exchange, yet it can also become a source of chronic social exclusion for nonnative speakers in the host country. This research examines how language‐based chronic social exclusion affects nonnative consumers' experiences and consequently, their tipping behavior. The results from a survey with 355 nonnative speakers in the USA and 355 nonnative speakers in the UK, along with a field study, reveal that these customers feel threatened in terms of their relational and efficacy needs, influencing their desire to restore their self‐image. This, in turn, positively influences their tipping behavior. This study is the first to empirically explore language‐based chronic social exclusion and its psychological and behavioral effects from the speakers' (nonnative customers') perspective in a service exchange setting. It highlights the importance of inclusive practices and policies to support socially excluded customers based on their language.
Mechanochromic Polymer Film with High Sensitivity toward Tensile Strain by the Post‐Curing Ring‐Closure Induced Pre‐Stretching
Authors: He Peiyu , Wei Cheng , Wang Qin , Liu Fengrui , Liang Shuen , Xu Yewei , Kang Biao
Published: May 2024

Mechanochromic materials have received broad research interests recently, owing to its ability to monitor the in situ stress/strain in polymer materials in a straightforward way. However, one major setback that hinders the practical application of these materials is their low sensitivity toward tensile strain. Here a new strategy for pre‐stretching of the mechanochromic agent in a polymer film on the molecular scale, which can effectively enhance the mechanochromic sensitivity of a polymer film toward tensile strain, is shown. In situ fluorescent measurement during tensile test shows an early activation of the mechanochromic agent at tensile strain as low as 50%. The pre‐stretching effect is realized by first inducing ring‐opening of the mechanochromic agent by molecular functionalization, and then compelling the ring‐closure process in the cured film by elevated temperature. This post‐curing ring‐closure process will result in pre‐stretched mechanochromic agent in a crosslinked network. The mechanism for mechanochromic activation of polymer films with different composition is elaborated by visco‐elastic measurements, and the effect of pre‐stretching is further confirmed by films with other compositions. Combined with the simplicity of the method developed, this work could offer an alternative strategy to enhance the sensitivity of different mechanochromic agents toward tensile strain.
On the geometry dependence of the nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shift of mercury in thiolate complexes: A relativistic density functional theory study
Authors: Wu Haide , Hemmingsen Lars , Sauer Stephan P. A.
Published: May 2024

Thiolate containing mercury(II) complexes of the general formula [Hg(SR)
]
have been of great interest since the toxicity of mercury was recognized. 199Hg nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is a powerful tool for characterization of mercury complexes. In this work, the Hg shielding constants in a series of [Hg(SR)
]
complexes are therefore investigated computationally with particular emphasis on their geometry dependence. Geometry optimizations and NMR chemical shift calculations are performed at the density functional theory (DFT) level with both the zeroth‐order regular approximation (ZORA) and four‐component relativistic methods. The four exchange‐correlation (XC) functionals PBE0, PBE, B3LYP, and BLYP are used in combination with either Dyall's Gaussian‐type (GTO) or Slater‐type orbitals (STOs) basis sets. Comparing ZORA and four‐component calculations, one observes that the calculated shielding constants for a given molecular geometry have a constant difference of
1070 ppm. This confirms that ZORA is an acceptable relativistic method to compute NMR chemical shifts. The combinations of four‐component/PBE0/v3z and ZORA/PBE0/QZ4P are applied to explore the geometry dependence of the isotropic shielding. For a given coordination number, the distance between mercury and sulfur is the key factor affecting the shielding constant, while changes in bond and dihedral angles and even different side groups have relatively little impact.
The female urethral closure mechanism during physical stress
Authors: Venema Pieter L. , Heesakkers John PFA. , de Vries Allert M. , van Koeveringe Gommert A.
Published: May 2024

The closure of the urethra under the condition of stress is the result of a reflex contraction of the urethral rhabdosphincter and pelvic floor muscles. This is likely induced by activity of the abdominal muscles due to a sudden increase in abdominal pressure. This reflex contraction with an increase of urethral pressure occurs a few milliseconds before an increase in intraabdominal pressure. The urethral pressure increase during stress is only possible with fixation of the urethra by the pubourethral ligaments (PUL), facilitating urethral kinking. The highest and most important increase in pressure and resistance occurs in the distal urethra due to this kinking of the urethra.
Nonmetric population‐specific sex estimation based on the skull using logistic regression for Flemish samples
Authors: Wongsantativanich Maggie , De Groote Isabelle
Published: May 2024

There are very few sex estimation methods specifically designed for or tested on Belgian skulls. The currently used methods for European populations have been developed using North American collections where individuals are categorized as White and/or having European ancestry. These frequently show discordance between the pelvic sex and cranial sex estimations highlighting the need for population specific methods. To fill this gap in our knowledge, several sex estimation methods, using 15 qualitative skull features, were tested on two Flemish (northern Belgium) skeletal collections; one archaeological (15th–17th century) and one forensic (20th century). The features were tested by themselves as well as in different combinations using logistic regression. The glabella is considered the best lone feature with a minimal accuracy of 78.4% and a sex bias of −5.2%. Furthermore, four sex estimation equations were developed for the skull, the cranium, the mandible, and the frontal bone separately. The skull has an accuracy of 89.3% and a bias of 0.8%. For the cranium, this is 87.5% and −0.3%, respectively, for the mandible 85.1% and −0.1%, and for the frontal bone it is 80.4% and −4.6%. The various tests confirm that many skull features can be used for sex estimation and can generate high sex estimation accuracy.