bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil health indicators reveal that past dairy manure applications create a legacy effect
Authors: Tarkalson David D. , Rogers Christopher W. , Bjorneberg David L. , Dungan Robert S.
Published: April 2024

Understanding the long‐term effects of manure applications on the soil microbial component in semiarid climates will be key to sustain essential processes that affect their productivity and soil health. In this paper, soil health indicators encompassed both selected chemical and biological indicators. From 2004 to 2009, solid dairy manure treatments were applied to plots at cumulative rates of 0, 134, and 237 dry Mg ha−1 (34–56 dry Mg ha−1 year−1) in a randomized complete block with three replicates. Soil samples were taken from each manure rate in the spring of 2020 at 0–15 and 15–30 cm. Eleven years after manure applications ceased, many of the soil chemical and biological indicators were different between the manure and control treatments. In general, soil organic carbon and biological indicators were significantly greater in the 134 and 237 Mg ha−1 treatments as compared to the 0 Mg ha−1 treatment.
Trends in gynecological cancer incidence, mortality, and survival among elderly women: A SEER study
Authors: Priyadarshini Subhadra , Swain Prafulla Kumar , Agarwal Khushi , Jena Diptismita , Padhee Sourav
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This paper aims to comprehensively analyze trends in gynecological cancers among elderly women in the United States from 1975 to 2020.

Methods

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) population data were utilized for the analysis. Annual Percentage Change (APC) and Average APC were estimated using join‐point regression to assess trends in mortality rates.

Results

The study reveals an increasing pattern of incidence and mortality in all gynaecological cancer sites except cervical cancer among elderly. The incidence of cervical cancer decreased from 1975 to 2007 and then increased, whereas cancer‐specific mortality decreased from 1977 to 2020, indicating positive advancements in detection and treatment.

Conclusions

Despite progress in managing certain gynecological cancers, challenges persist, particularly evidenced by increasing mortality rates for cancers in other female genital organs. This underscores the necessity for sustained research efforts and targeted interventions to address these ongoing challenges effectively.
Strategies to Enhance the Electrochromic Properties of Conjugated Polymers Bearing Pyromellitic Diimide Acceptors
Authors: Hui Bryan Yat Kit , Chin Kang Le Osmund , Lim Jovan Jun Long , Soo Xiang Yun Debbie , Lu Xuehong , Zhu Qiang , Liu Xiaogang , Xu Jianwei , Chua Ming Hui
Published: April 2024

A series of conjugated polymers bearing thiophene‐based donors and pyromellitic diimide (PMDI) acceptor were prepared, and their electrochromic (EC) properties were studied via using fabricated thin‐film EC devices. It was observed that structurally regular alternating polymers with fewer (1 and 2) thiophene donors do not exhibit any EC properties while increasing the number of donors eventually led to the emergence of orange‐red‐to‐green colour switching. On this basis, two more random co‐polymers containing higher donor‐to‐acceptor ratios were synthesized to further improve EC switching properties. The two polymers, which bear a PMDI‐to‐thiophene ratio of ca. 1 : 7 and 1 : 8, revealed orange red‐to‐blue colour switching and generally improved optical contrasts and switching speeds in both the visible and near infra‐red (NIR) region. In addition, the subtle modulation of polymer colour and hue via variation of the number of thiophene donors was evident through colorimetric study. This work therefore demonstrates the potential and possibility of using the PMDI acceptor unit to construct EC‐active conjugated polymers, and considerations for future tuning of colour and switching performances.
Sulfide‐Induced Dimerization Versus Demetallation of Tricopper(I) Clusters Protected by Tris‐Thiolato Metalloligands
Authors: Goo Zi Lang , Yoshinari Nobuto , Yasukawa Yuhei , Minami Katsue , Konno Takumi
Published: April 2024

Here, we report the reactivity of copper(I) clusters toward sulfide ions; these sulfide copper(I) clusters have attracted much attention due to their relevance to biologically active centers and their fascinating structural and photophysical properties. Treatment of the CuI3RhIII2 pentanuclear complex, [Cu3{Rh(aet)3}2]3+ (aet=2‐aminoethanethiolate), in which a {CuI3}3+ cluster moiety is bound by two fac‐[Rh(aet)3] metalloligands, with NaSH in water produced the CuI6RhIII4 decanuclear complex, [Cu6S{Rh(aet)3}4]4+, accompanied by the dimerization of [Cu3{Rh(aet)3}2]3+ and the incorporation of a sulfide ion at the center. While similar treatment using the analogous CuI3IrIII2 complex with fac‐[Ir(aet)3] metalloligands, [Cu3{Ir(aet)3}2]3+, produced the isostructural CuI6IrIII4 decanuclear complex, [Cu6S{Ir(aet)3}4]4+, the use of the CuI3RhIII2 complex with fac‐[Rh(apt)3] metalloligands, [Cu3{Rh(apt)3}2]3+ (apt=3‐aminopropanethiolate), resulted in the removal of one of the three CuI atoms from {CuI3}3+ to afford the CuI2RhIII2 tetranuclear complex, [Cu2{Rh(apt)3}2]2+.
Investigation of the effects of thiazole compounds on thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1), glutathione S‐transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) targeted human brain glioblastoma cancer (U‐87 MG)
Authors: Korkmaz Işıl Nihan
Published: April 2024

Cancer is a fatal disease that kills thousands of people worldwide. Despite the information produced by research on cancer treatment, applications in cancer treatment are limited. Therefore, scientists’ efforts to develop more effective treatment approaches continue. In the study, we aimed to determine the anticancer potential of amino thiazole compounds on human glioblastoma (U‐87 MG) and human dermal fibroblast (HDFa) cells and their inhibition effects on enzymes that cause multidrug resistance in cancer cells. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide cell viability test was performed to understand the cytotoxic properties of thiazole derivatives. The cellular death mechanisms behind thiazole application were investigated using flow cytometry analysis. According to cell viability analysis, thiazole derivatives exhibited a greater effect on U‐87 MG than the HDFa cell line in terms of cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry showed higher apoptotic cell death in U‐87 MG cells than in the HDFa cell line. It can be concluded that thiazole compounds exert anticancer effects on U‐87 MG and HDFa as well as show apoptotic properties. Their effects on thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1), glutathione S‐transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities, which are important in the development of chemotherapeutic methods, were also examined. From the results obtained, it was determined that the 2‐amino‐4‐(p‐tolyl)thiazole (T7) compound significantly suppressed both TrxR1 and GST activities, and the 2‐amino‐6‐methylbenzothiazole (T8) compound significantly suppressed both TrxR1 and GST activities. Compound T7 was determined to be a selective inhibitor for TrxR1 and GST targeting, and compound T8 was determined to be a selective inhibitor for TrxR1 and GR targeting glioblastoma treatment.
Hotspot Wizard‐informed engineering of a hyperthermophilic β‐glucosidase for enhanced enzyme activity at low temperatures
Authors: Erkanli Mehmet Emre , El‐Halabi Khalid , Kang Ted Keunsil , Kim Jin Ryoun
Published: April 2024

Hyperthermophilic enzymes serve as an important source of industrial enzymes due to their high thermostability. Unfortunately, most hyperthermophilic enzymes suffer from reduced activity at low temperatures (e.g., ambient temperature), limiting their applicability. In addition, evolving hyperthermophilic enzymes to increase low temperature activity without compromising other desired properties is generally difficult. In the current study, a variant of β‐glucosidase from Pyrococcus furiosus (PfBGL) was engineered to enhance enzyme activity at low temperatures through the construction of a saturation mutagenesis library guided by the HotSpot Wizard analysis, followed by its screening for activity and thermostability. From this library construction and screening, one PfBGL mutant, PfBGL‐A4 containing Q214S/A264S/F344I mutations, showed an over twofold increase in β‐glucosidase activity at 25 and 50°C compared to the wild type, without compromising high‐temperature activity, thermostability and substrate specificity. Our experimental and computational characterizations suggest that the findings with PfBGL‐A4 may be due to the elevation of local conformational flexibility around the active site, while slightly compacting the global protein structure. This study showcases the potential of HotSpot Wizard‐informed engineering of hyperthermophilic enzymes and underscores the interplays among temperature, enzyme activity, and conformational flexibility in these enzymes.
Total intracranial hemorrhage volume measurement summating all compartments best in traumatic and nontraumatic intracranial bleeding
Authors: Horn MacKenzie , Banerjee Ankur , Kasickova Linda , Volny Ondrej , Choi Hyun Seok , Letteri Federica , Ohara Tomoyuki , Tanaka Koji , Connolly Stuart , Ladenvall Per , Crowther Mark , Beyer‐Westendorf Jan , Shoamanesh Ashkan , Demchuk Andrew M. , Al Sultan Abdulaziz S. ,   for the ANNEXa‐4 Investigators
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

The ANNEXA‐4 trial measured hemostatic efficacy of andexanet alfa in patients with major bleeding taking factor Xa inhibitors. A proportion of this was traumatic and nontraumatic intracranial bleeding. Different measurements were applied in the trial including volumetrics to assess for intracranial bleeding depending on the compartment involved. We aimed to determine the most reliable way to measure intracranial hemorrhage (ICrH) volume by comparing individual brain compartment and total ICrH volume.

Methods

Thirty patients were randomly selected from the ANNEXA‐4 database to assess measurement of ICrH volume by compartment and in total. Total and compartmental hemorrhage volumes were measured by five readers using Quantomo software. Each reader measured baseline hemorrhage volumes twice separated by 1 week. Twenty‐eight different ANNEXA‐4 subjects were also randomly selected to assess intra‐rater reliability of total ICrH volume measurement change at baseline and 12‐h follow up, performed by three readers twice to assess hemostatic efficacy categories used in ANNEXA‐4.

Results

Compartmental minimal detectable change percentages (MDC%) ranged between 9.72 and 224.13, with the greatest measurement error occurring in patients with a subdural hemorrhage. Total ICrH volume measurements had the lowest MDC%, which ranged between 6.57 and 33.52 depending on the reader.

Conclusion

Measurement of total ICrH volumes is more accurate than volume by compartment with less measurement error. Determination of hemostatic efficacy was consistent across readers, and within the same reader, as well as when compared to consensus read. Volumetric analysis of intracranial hemostatic efficacy is feasible and reliable when using total ICrH volumes.
Methyl jasmonate ameliorates pain‐induced learning and memory impairments through regulating the expression of genes involved in neuroinflammation
Authors: Mohammadinia Fatemeh , Esmaeili‐Mahani Saeed , Abbasnejad Mehdi , Dogani Manijeh , Poorrahimi Ali Mohammad
Published: April 2024

Objective

Orofacial pain with high prevalence is one of the substantial human health issues. The importance of this matter became more apparent when it was revealed that orofacial pain, directly and indirectly, affects cognition performances. Currently, researchers have focused on investigating pharmaceutics to alleviate pain and ameliorate its subsequent cognitive impairments.

Design

In this study, the rats were first treated with the central administration of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), which is an antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory bio‐compound. After 20 min, orofacial pain was induced in the rats by the injection of capsaicin in their dental pulp. Subsequently, the animals’ pain behaviors were analyzed, and the effects of pain and MeJA treatments on rats learning and memory were evaluated/compared using the Morris water maze (MWM) test. In addition, the expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IL‐1β, BDNF, and COX‐2 genes in the rats’ hippocampus was evaluated using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Experiencing orofacial pain resulted in a significant decline in the rats learning and memory. However, the central administration of 20 μg/rat of MeJA effectively mitigated these impairments. In the MWM, the performance of the MeJA‐treated rats showed a two‐ to threefold improvement compared to the nontreated ones. Moreover, in the hippocampus of pain‐induced rats, the expression of pro‐inflammatory factors TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and COX‐2 significantly increased, whereas the BDNF expression decreased. In contrast, MeJA downregulated the pro‐inflammatory factors and upregulated the BDNF by more than 50%.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the notable antinociceptive potential of MeJA and its ability to inhibit pain‐induced learning and memory dysfunction through its anti‐inflammatory effect.
Do the firm characteristics moderate the nexus between the firm's sustainable practices and financial performance?
Authors: Gartia Umakanta , Panda Ajaya Kumar
Published: April 2024

The paper explores the partial and integrated influence of corporate sustainability practices on the financial execution of Indian‐listed firms. The study considered a sample of 569 listed firms, and the study period spans from 2010 to 2022. Using estimates of feasible generalized least square and quintile regression, the study finds a positive association between the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) score and the financial performance of firms. All the individual dimensions of the ESG score positively affect the firm's internal and external values. Environmental practices have the highest impact on improving balance sheet values through return on asset (ROA). In contrast, social practices have the highest impact on creating market value through Tobin's Q (TQ) compared with other dimensions. However, for large firms, excess investment in ESG may not support their balance sheet through ROA but generates market value through TQ. ESG disclosers negatively impact the internal earnings of firms that are financially inflexible but, in the aggregate, support the firm's market value. In addition, the study finds a significant moderating effect of size, earnings, value, and financial flexibility on the association between ESG scores and the financial performance of the firms.
Surface plasmon resonance aptasensing and computational analysis of Staphylococcus aureusIsdA surface protein
Authors: Bruce‐Tagoe Tracy Ann , Harnish Michael T. , Soleimani Shokoufeh , Ullah Najeeb , Shen Tongye , Danquah Michael K.
Published: April 2024

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a common foodborne pathogen, poses significant public health challenges due to its association with various infectious diseases. A key player in its pathogenicity, which is the IsdA protein, is an essential virulence factor in S. aureus infections. In this work, we present an integrated in‐silico and experimental approach using MD simulations and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)‐based aptasensing measurements to investigate S. aureus biorecognition via IsdA surface protein binding. SPR, a powerful real‐time and label‐free technique, was utilized to characterize interaction dynamics between the aptamer and IsdA protein, and MD simulations was used to characterize the stable and dynamic binding regions. By characterizing and optimizing pivotal parameters such as aptamer concentration and buffer conditions, we determined the aptamer's binding performance. Under optimal conditions of pH 7.4 and 150 mM NaCl concentration, the kinetic parameters were determined; ka = 3.789 × 104/Ms, kd = 1.798 × 103/s, and KD = 4.745 × 10−8 M. The simulations revealed regions of interest in the IsdA‐aptamer complex. Region I, which includes interactions between amino acid residues H106 and R107 and nucleotide residues 9G, 10U, 11G and 12U of the aptamer, had the strongest interaction, based on ΔG and B‐factor values, and hence contributed the most to the stability of the interaction. Region II, which covers residue 37A reflects the dynamic nature of the interaction due to frequent contacts. The approach presents a rigorous characterization of aptamer‐IsdA binding behavior, supporting the potential application of the IsdA‐binding aptamer system for S. aureus biosensing.
Benefits and risks of clofarabine in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia investigated in depth by multi‐state modeling
Authors: Hermans Sjoerd J. F. , van Norden Yvette , Versluis Jurjen , Rijneveld Anita W. , van der Holt Bronno , de Weerdt Okke , Biemond Bart J. , van de Loosdrecht Arjan A. , van der Wagen Lotte E. , Bellido Mar , van Gelder Michel , van der Velden Walter J. F. M. , Selleslag Dominik , van Lammeren‐Venema Daniëlle , van der Velden Vincent H. J. , de Wreede Liesbeth C. , Postmus Douwe , Pignatti Francesco , Cornelissen Jan J.
Published: April 2024

Background

We recently reported results of the prospective, open‐label HOVON‐100 trial in 334 adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) randomized to first‐line treatment with or without clofarabine (CLO). No improvement of event‐free survival (EFS) was observed, while a higher proportion of patients receiving CLO obtained minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity.

Aim

In order to investigate the effects of CLO in more depth, two multi‐state models were developed to identify why CLO did not show a long‐term survival benefit despite more MRD‐negativity.

Methods

The first model evaluated the effect of CLO on going off‐protocol (not due to refractory disease/relapse, completion or death) as a proxy of severe treatment‐related toxicity, while the second model evaluated the effect of CLO on obtaining MRD negativity. The subsequent impact of these intermediate events on death or relapsed/refractory disease was assessed in both models.

Results

Overall, patients receiving CLO went off‐protocol more frequently than control patients (35/168 [21%] vs. 18/166 [11%], p = 0.019; HR 2.00 [1.13–3.52], p = 0.02), especially during maintenance (13/44 [30%] vs. 6/56 [11%]; HR 2.85 [95%CI 1.08–7.50], p = 0.035). Going off‐protocol was, however, not associated with more relapse or death. Patients in the CLO arm showed a trend towards an increased rate of MRD‐negativity compared with control patients (HR MRD‐negativity: 1.35 [0.95–1.91], p = 0.10), which did not translate into a significant survival benefit.

Conclusion

We conclude that the intermediate states, i.e., going off‐protocol and MRD‐negativity, were affected by adding CLO, but these transitions were not associated with subsequent survival estimates, suggesting relatively modest antileukemic activity in ALL.
Synthesis, Characterization and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Herbicidal Activities of Some Transition Metal Ions Complexes with the Tranexamic Acid
Authors: Mohamed Amira A. , Sadeek Sadeek A. , Rashid Nihad G. , Elshafie Hazem S. , Camele Ippolito
Published: April 2024

New tranexamic acid (TXA) complexes of ferric(III), cobalt(II), nickel(II), copper(II) and zirconium(IV) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis (CHN), conductimetric (Λ), magnetic susceptibility investigations (μeff), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), ultraviolet visible (UV‐vis.), optical band gap energy (Eg) and thermal studies (TG/DTG and DTA). TXA complexes were established in 1 : 2 (metal: ligand) stoichiometric ratio according to CHN data. Based on FT‐IR and 1H‐NMR data the disappeared of the carboxylic proton supported the deprotonating of TXA and linked to metal ions via the carboxylate group‘s oxygen atom as a bidentate ligand. UV‐visible spectra and magnetic moment demonstrated that all chelates have geometric octahedral structures. Eg values indicated that our complexes are more electro conductive. DTA revealed presence of water molecules in inner and outer spheres of the complexes. DTA results showed that endothermic and exothermic peaks were identified in the degradation mechanisms. The ligand and metal complexes were investigated for their antimicrobial and herbicidal efficacy. The Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes showed antimicrobial activity against some tested species. The obtained results showed a promising herbicidal effect of TXA ligand and its metal complexes particularly copper and zirconium against the three tested plants.
Binding and Stabilization of a Semiquinone Radical by an Artificial Metalloenzyme Containing a Binuclear Copper (II) Cofactor
Authors: Gay Rémy , Masson Yannick , Ghattas Wadih , Udry Guillermo A. Oliveira , Herrero Christian , Urvoas Agathe , Mahy Jean‐Pierre , Ricoux Rémy
Published: April 2024

A binuclear Cu(II) cofactor was covalently bound to a lauric acid anchor. The resulting conjugate was characterized then combined with beta‐lactoglobulin (βLG) to generate a new biohybrid following the so‐called “Trojan horse” strategy. This biohybrid was examined for its effectiveness in the oxidation of a catechol derivative to the corresponding quinone. The resulting biohybrid did not exhibit the sought after catecholase activity, likely due to its ability to bind and stabilize the semiquinone radical intermediate DTB‐SQ. This semi‐quinone radical was stabilized only in the presence of the protein and was characterized using optical and magnetic spectroscopic techniques, demonstrating stability for over 16 hours. Molecular docking studies revealed that this stabilization could occur owing to interactions of the semi‐quinone with hydrophobic amino acid residues of βLG.
Mitochondrial administration alleviates lead‐ and cadmium‐induced toxicity in rat renal cells
Authors: Seydi Enayatollah , Nambani Alireza Kanani , Khorasani Ali , Kamranfar Farzaneh , Arjmand Abdollah , Pourahmad Jalal
Published: April 2024

The role of heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in the etiology of many diseases has been proven. Also, these heavy metals can affect the normal mitochondrial function. Mitochondrial administration therapy is one of the methods used by researchers to help improve mitochondrial defects and diseases. The use of isolated mitochondria as a therapeutic approach has been investigated in in vivo and in vitro studies. Accordingly, in this study, the effects of mitochondrial administration on the improvement of toxicity caused by Pb and Cd in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTC) have been investigated. The results showed that treatment to Pb and Cd caused an increase in the level of free radicals, lipid peroxidation (LPO) content, mitochondrial and lysosomal membrane damage, and also a decrease in the reduced glutathione content in RPTC. In addition, reports have shown an increase in oxidized glutathione content and changes in energy (ATP) levels. Following, the results have shown the protective role of mitochondrial administration in improving the toxicity caused by Pb and Cd in RPTC. Furthermore, the mitochondrial internalization into RPT cells is mediated through actin‐dependent endocytosis. So, it could be suggested that the treatment of Pb‐ and Cd‐induced cytotoxicity in RPTC could be carried out through mitochondria administration.
Synthesis of 1,3‐Dibromopyrene as Precursor of 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, and 8‐Substituted Long‐Axially Symmetric Pyrene Derivatives
Authors: Ruto Asuka , Seki Hitomi , Osaki Katsuki , Kaneno Daisuke , Hadano Shingo , Watanabe Shigeru , Niko Yosuke
Published: April 2024

Pyrene derivatives bearing substituents at positions 1, 3, 6, and 8 find numerous applications, as exemplified by their use in lasers, sensors, and bioimaging probes. However, these derivatives typically have point‐symmetric or short‐axially symmetric structures, whereas long‐axially symmetric derivatives remain underexplored because of the difficulty in obtaining their precursor, 1,3‐dibromopyrene. To address this problem, we herein synthesized 1,3‐dibromopyrene from 1‐methoxypyrene in an overall yield (71 % over four steps) considerably exceeding those of existing methods. 1,3‐Dibromopyrene was converted into 13OPA, a long‐axially symmetric pyrene dye with electron‐donor (alkoxy) groups at positions 1 and 3 and electron‐acceptor (formyl) groups at positions 6 and 8. 13OPA exhibited photophysical properties distinct from those of its point‐symmetric and short‐axially symmetric isomers, featuring a broad and strongly redshifted absorption, strong fluorescence with reduced sensitivity to protic solvents, and small dipole moment change upon photoexcitation. The derivatization of 13OPA into a Schiff base and its functionalization via Lewis acid‐base pairing were also demonstrated. Thus, our work expands the design scope of pyrene‐based molecules, particularly those used as emitters.
Improving therapeutic outcomes in heart failure with reduced nonvalvular ejection fraction: A clinical study of heart failure education intervention
Authors: Tian Xueli , Li Xiaozeng , Zhang Qingqing , Qiao Xiangling , Li Xin , Zhang Zijian
Published: April 2024

Objective

The current study delves into the impact of heart failure education intervention on improving therapeutic outcomes for heart failure (HF) patients with reduced nonvalvular ejection fraction.

Methods

There involved a total of 60 HF patients with non‐valvular ejection fraction reduction who met the inclusion requirements. Patients enrolled were randomly distributed into an observation group and a control group. The observation group received heart failure education intervention, while the control group received conventional intervention. The therapeutic effect, changes in physical indicators, cardiac function indicators, coagulation function, self‐management scale scores, and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events were meticulously evaluated.

Results

The total effective proportion in the observation group was 96.67%, which was significantly higher than the control group's proportion of 76.67% (p < .05). After treatment, several parameters in the observation group showed significant improvements compared to the control group: hs‐CRP, IL‐6, LVEDV value, LVESV value, PT value, APTT value, and TT value were all evidently lower in the observation group. Additionally, the cardiac index, LVEF value, and heart failure self‐management scale fraction were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (p < .05). Furthermore, the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events in the observation group was only 6.67%, which was significantly lower than the control group's incidence of 20.00% (p < .05).

Conclusion

Heart failure education intervention demonstrates effectiveness in improving the therapeutic outcomes for HF patients and reduced nonvalvular ejection fraction. Additionally, it enhances patients' self‐management abilities. Given these positive results, it is highly recommended to promote and implement HF education intervention in clinical practice.
Contributions of the individual domains of αIIbβ3 integrin to its extension: Insights from multiscale modeling
Authors: Joshi Onkar , Skóra Tomasz , Yarema Anna , Rabbitt Richard D. , Bidone Tamara C.
Published: April 2024

The platelet integrin αIIbβ3 undergoes long‐range conformational transitions between bent and extended conformations to regulate platelet aggregation during hemostasis and thrombosis. However, how exactly αIIbβ3 transitions between conformations remains largely elusive. Here, we studied how transitions across bent and extended‐closed conformations of αIIbβ3 integrin are regulated by effective interactions between its functional domains. We first carried out μs‐long equilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of full‐length αIIbβ3 integrins in bent and intermediate conformations, the latter characterized by an extended headpiece and closed legs. Then, we built heterogeneous elastic network models, perturbed inter‐domain interactions, and evaluated their relative contributions to the energy barriers between conformations. Results showed that integrin extension emerges from: (i) changes in interfaces between functional domains; (ii) allosteric coupling of the head and upper leg domains with flexible lower leg domains. Collectively, these results provide new insights into integrin conformational activation based on short‐ and long‐range interactions between its functional domains and highlight the importance of the lower legs in the regulation of integrin allostery.
Cations‐Pillared and Polyaniline‐Encapsulated Vanadate Cathode for High‐Performance Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ni Mengmeng , Qin Mulan , Chang Hong , Shi Xueru , Pei Bingying , Liang Shuquan , Cao Xinxin
Published: April 2024

Layered vanadium‐based oxides have emerged as highly promising candidates for aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) due to their open‐framework layer structure and high theoretical capacity among the diverse cathode materials investigated. However, the susceptibility to structural collapse during charge‐discharge cycling severely hampers their advancement. Herein, we propose an effective strategy to enhance the cycling stability of vanadium oxides. Initially, the structural integrity of the host material is significantly reinforced by incorporating bi‐cations Na+ and NH4+ as “pillars” between the V2O5 layers (NaNVO). Subsequently, surface coating with polyaniline (PA) is employed to further improve the conductivity of the active material. As anticipated, the assembled Zn//NaNVO@PA cell exhibits a remarkable discharge capacity of 492 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and exceptional capacity retention up to 89.2 % after 1000 cycles at a current density of 5 A g−1. Moreover, a series of in‐situ and ex‐situ characterization techniques were utilized to investigate both Zn ions insertion/extraction storage mechanism and the contribution of polyaniline protonation process towards enhancing capacity.
Differential sex‐related effect of left ventricular ejection fraction trajectory on the risk of mortality and heart failure readmission following hospitalization for acute heart failure: A longitudinal study
Authors: Núñez Eduardo , Santas Enrique , Merenciano Hector , Lorenzo‐Hernández Miguel , Mollar Anna , Miñana Gema , Palau Patricia , Fuertes Laura , Valero Ernesto , de la Espriella Rafael , Bodí Vicent , Sanchis Juan , Bayés‐Genís Antoni , Núñez Julio
Published: April 2024

Aims

There is limited information on the sex‐specific longitudinal changes of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after an acute heart failure (AHF) hospitalization. We aimed to investigate whether LVEF trajectories over time and their impact on mortality and AHF readmission rates differ between men and women.

Methods and results

We conducted a retrospective sex‐specific analysis of longitudinal LVEF measurements (n = 9581) in 3383 patients with an index hospitalization for AHF in a single tertiary‐level hospital. Statistical techniques suited for longitudinal data analysis were used. The mean age of the sample was 73.8 ± 11.2 years, and 47.9% were women. The mean LVEF was 49.4 ± 15.3%. At a median follow‐up of 2.58 years (interquartile range 0.77–5.62), we registered 2197 deaths (64.9%) and 2597 AHF readmissions in 1302 (38.5%) patients. The longitudinal analysis showed that women had consistently higher LVEF values throughout the follow‐up with both trajectories characterized by an early peak—approximately at 1 year—followed by decreasing values in men but a plateau in women. Multivariate between‐sex comparisons across LVEF categories revealed that women had lower rates of AHF readmissions when LVEF ≤40%. On the contrary, women displayed an excess risk of AHF readmissions when LVEF >60%. A trend in the same direction was found for cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality.

Conclusion

Sex was a significant factor in determining the follow‐up trajectory of LVEF and predicting differences in outcomes after an AHF admission. The findings suggest that women have a higher risk of AHF readmissions at higher LVEF values, while men have a higher risk at lower LVEF values. For all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality, the same direction of the association was inferred but they were not significant.
Efficacy and safety of endoxifen in bipolar disorder: A systematic review
Authors: Joseph Jithin Thekkelkuthiyathottil , Vishwanath Rashmi , Praharaj Samir Kumar
Published: April 2024

Background

Endoxifen, a protein kinase C inhibitor and selective estrogen receptor modulator, primarily used in breast cancer treatment, has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic option for managing manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder (BD). This review aims to assess the existing evidence base for endoxifen in BD treatment and evaluate the strengths and limitations of current research findings.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. We included studies published in English that used endoxifen in BD, alongside any relevant studies identified through manual searching and conference papers with full‐text availability. Information pertaining to dose, duration, clinical effects, and safety profiles was extracted from the included studies. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias in clinical trials.

Results

The final review included seven case reports (including two conference presentations), two clinical trials, and one prospective study. Most studies administered endoxifen 8 mg and reported an improvement in manic symptoms. Several case reports included patients with comorbid substance use, and most patients received mood stabilizers concurrently. Few reports lacked any structured outcome measures. The clinical trials used divalproex 1000 mg as an active comparator, which was deemed sub‐therapeutic. Despite being multicentric, the first trial lacked data on center‐wise recruitment, and certain methodological concerns were observed across the included trials. There were no serious adverse effects noted, except for a significant elevation in lipid profile within a 3‐week period. Limited data were available regarding endoxifen efficacy and safety in mixed episodes, depressive episodes, and maintenance treatment.

Conclusion

There is a paucity of research on the efficacy and safety of endoxifen in BD. While existing evidence suggests short‐term efficacy in manic episodes, significant limitations were identified in most of the included studies. Further research is imperative to establish the efficacy and safety of endoxifen in BD before considering its recommendation as a viable treatment option.
Methylation markers for anal cancer screening: A repeated cross‐sectional analysis of people living with HIV, 2015–2016
Authors: Vasavada Anjali , Stankiewicz Karita Helen C. , Lin John , Schouten Jeffrey , Hawes Stephen E. , Barnabas Ruanne V. , Wasserheit Judith , Feng Qinghua , Winer Rachel L.
Published: April 2024

People living with HIV (PLWH) are at highest risk of anal cancer and will benefit from optimized screening for early disease detection. We compared host DNA methylation markers in high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) versus samples negative for intraepithelial lesions (NILM) or low‐grade intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) in PLWH. We recruited PLWH identifying as male aged ≥18 years undergoing high‐resolution anoscopy (HRA) in Seattle, Washington, 2015–2016. Anal brush samples were collected for HPV detection, genotyping, and pyrosequencing methylation (host genes ASCL1, PAX1, FMN2, and ATP10A); clinical data were abstracted from medical records. We assessed associations between methylation and presence and extent of HSIL using generalized estimating equation logistic regression, adjusting for age, CD4 count and HIV viral load. Marker panels using HPV DNA and methylation were also evaluated to predict prevalent HSIL. We analyzed 125 samples from 85 participants (mean age 50.1; standard deviation 11.0 years). ASCL1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per 1 unit increase mean percent methylation: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01–1.13) and FMN2 (aOR per 1 unit increase mean percent methylation: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08–1.20) methylation were significantly associated with HSIL versus NILM/LSIL. ASCL1 (aOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.11) and FMN2 (aOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08–1.17) methylation were positively associated with increasing HSIL extent. A panel combining methylation (ASCL1 and FMN2) and HPV DNA (HPV16, HPV18, and HPV31) demonstrated best balance of sensitivity (78.2%) and specificity (73.9%) for HSIL detection compared with methylation or HPV alone. Increasing levels of DNA methylation of ASCL1 and FMN2 were positively associated with HSIL detection in PLWH. Host gene methylation testing shows promise for HSIL screening and triage.
Transgenderism in Cabaret and Culture: From Bangkok to Las Vegas
Authors: Duff Robert W. , Hong Lawrence K.
Published: April 2024

Representations of transgenderism in popular culture reflect our deeply held beliefs on the nature of sexuality and gender. This paper compares representations of transgenderism in the U.S. and Thailand, societies with very different views on sexuality and gender. Cabaret shows featuring cross‐dressed performers in Bangkok and Las Vegas are compared. Differences in the topics treated, styles and attitudes of the performers, and audience/performer interactions are examined. Our observation is that the cabaret performances reveal the different underlying cultural understandings of sexuality, gender, and the phenomenon of transgenderism in the two societies.
Spectres of Fear: Jihadism as the Global Bogeyman
Authors: Saniotis Arthur
Published: April 2024

This article examines jihadists, who are presently engaged in a “war of terror” against the West and the Muslim world. Using Marina Warner's idea of the “bogeyman,” I contend that jihadists are constructed by global audiences as phantasmagoric entities— ambiguous, hyperbolic, and monstrous. Jihadists evoke the indeterminacy of modernity which has shattered the modernist belief of the “existential safety of larger totalities” (Bauman 1999:39) assured by western governments.

I examine some of the historical influences which inform and contour present day jihadists' liminal features. I then explore aspects of Australian social imaginary post‐September 11, 2001, which has manifested fear of the Muslim Other via increasingly nationalist discourses over the potential violation of national space by “undesirable persons ” who are imagined to embody a counter will.
Recreating Macau in the Image of Las Vegas: Will Cultural Globalization Come Home to Roost?
Authors: Duff Robert W. , Hong Lawrence K.
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Casino gambling has become an important part of American popular culture. It has also become a cultural commodity that can be exported. This paper examines the frenzied development currently underway in the city of Macau, the former Portuguese colony that was returned to China in 1999. The small territory of Macau has long been known as a center for casino gambling in Asia. But since 2002, American investment has entered the scene in an effort to recreate the city in the image of Las Vegas. We consider what is happening in Macau as an example of cultural globalization, a concept that refers to cultural hegemony by powerful nations over weaker ones, leading to the homogenization of cultures in the likeness of the powerful nations. We discuss the history of Macau, the development it is now undergoing, the potential for Macau to surpass Las Vegas as the world's most profitable center for gambling revenue, and implications of Macau's growth for the concept of cultural globalization. We suggest that cultural globalization may be a two‐way process and that the success of Macau may force Las Vegas to change in order to remain competitive for Asian gamblers.
Flying and Smoking: Sensory Bodies, Identity and Circus Cigarette Advertisements
Authors: Tait Peta
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This article analyses three examples of cigarette advertisements for the Camel brand published in the annual programs of the Ringling Bros, and Barnum & Bailey Circus: The Greatest Show on Earth® with aerialists Rose Gould in 1948, Antoinette Concello in 1950, and Norma Fox in 1951. It describes the acts of the three aerialists and considers the ways in which these particular program advertisements engage circus spectators with images of female aerialists doing extreme feats on the flying trapeze and then smoking after the act. If athletic circus performers could make smoking seem alluring, as both physically daring and socially adventurous, these advertisements reiterate how the act of smoking signals female emancipation and potentially also sexual availability (Tinkler 2006). This article explores the co‐option of images of health and glamour—the body's social surface. Simone Dennis (2006) argues that the action of smoking is a bodily experienced phenomenon, and these Camel cigarette advertisements can be said to surreptitiously align smoking with the felt bodily thrills of viewing the circus. The larger point is that responses to popular entertainment are not only about the targeted appeal of words and images but also a conjunction of these with a sensory body phenomenology. Three images courtesy of Circus World Museum, Baraboo, Wisconsin with permission from Ringling Bros, and Barnum & Bailey®.
“‘Woman Inherits the Earth‘”: Deconstructing Jurassic Park as an Early Text in Third‐Wave Feminism
Authors: Wilson Graeme
Published: April 2024

Jurassic Park is popularly cited as one of the greatest science fiction films ever produced. An instant pop culture phenomenon, the film takes place in the eponymous theme park, which features genetically recreated dinosaurs as the main attractions. Although Jurassic Park's overarching theme is man's interference with nature, this essay argues that Jurassic Park also functions as an early text in third‐wave feminism, which originated in the early 1990s. As its administration is entirely male, Jurassic Park can be viewed as a patriarchal society, with its captive dinosaurs – who are all engineered to be female –serving as second‐class citizens, thus functioning as an inclusive metaphor for femininity. To support this thesis, this interpretive research essay employs a critical textual analysis of Jurassic Park, coding for specific dialogue and scenes that support a feminist interpretation of the film. This textual analysis is contrasted with a literature review consisting of relevant texts concerning the ideologies of third‐wave feminism. The ultimate goal of this essay is to assist in the normalization and promotion of feminism in popular media, especially through reexamining such a culturally enduring media text as Jurassic Park.
Dynamic International Networks of Print Culture: Multi‐Disciplinary Scholarship on Fiction and Empire
Authors: Lusty Heather
Published: April 2024

In this review, the author explores a new text that investigates and connects multi‐dimensional aspects of print culture on the cusp of the technological age. Strengths of the text, namely meticulous research, copious primary sources and images, and compelling arguments regarding the interconnectivity of print media, leisure publishing, politics, journalism, technology, and imperial expansion, are supported with engaging visuals and rigorous scholarship in multiple disciplines. The author notes the increasing value of broad, multi‐field studies like this, particularly in the current era of multi‐media news platforms, to enhance our understanding of the myriad influences daily political and cultural life exerts on our literary consumption.
Candyman and the Afterlives of Slavery
Authors: Mollenthiel Julia
Published: April 2024

The near absence of the horror genre in Black Studies scholarship about the afterlives of slavery can be attributed to the fact that scholars are discussing the “afterlives” of slavery in a non‐mystical way while the horror genre traditionally presents “afterlives” in supernatural forms. While these connotations of afterlives certainly mean different things, they converge in Candyman demonstrating the potential harmony between the two uses of the term. In this paper, I place both versions of Candyman in conversation with recent Black Studies scholarship as well as national discourses about racial inequality and white violence in order to argue for Candyman's relevance to contemporary debates about slavery and its afterlives as a conceptual framework. In addition, I zero in on the 2021 remake to demonstrate how Nia DaCosta's Candyman (2021) clarifies the legend's relationship to the afterlives of slavery and operates as a corrective to Bernard Rose's 1992 film. The intersection of the supernatural afterlife and the afterlives of slavery as understood by Black Studies scholars comes forth in DaCosta's sequel that centralizes the operations of white supremacy and resulting Black trauma.
Epstein‐Barr virus‐driven metabolic alterations contribute to the viral lytic reactivation and tumor progression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Shi Feng , Shang Li , Zhou Min , Lv Cong , Li Yueshuo , Luo Cheng , Liu Na , Lu Jingchen , Tang Min , Luo Xiangjian , Xu Jing , Fan Jia , Zhou Jian , Gao Qiang , Wu Weizhong , Jia Weihua , Wang Hailin , Cao Ya
Published: April 2024

Metabolic reprogramming induced by Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) often mirrors metabolic changes observed in cancer cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that lytic reactivation is crucial in EBV‐associated oncogenesis. The aim of this study was to explore the role of metabolite changes in EBV‐associated malignancies and viral life cycle control. We first revealed that EBV (LMP1) accelerates the secretion of the oncometabolite D‐2HG, and serum D‐2HG level is a potential diagnostic biomarker for NPC. EBV (LMP1)‐driven metabolite changes disrupts the homeostasis of global DNA methylation and demethylation, which have a significantly inhibitory effect on active DNA demethylation and 5hmC content. We found that loss of 5hmC indicates a poor prognosis for NPC patients, and that 5hmC modification is a restriction factor of EBV reactivation. We confirmed a novel EBV reactivation inhibitor, α‐KG, which inhibits the expression of EBV lytic genes with CpG‐containing ZREs and the latent‐lytic switch by enhancing 5hmC modification. Our results demonstrate a novel mechanism of which metabolite abnormality driven by EBV controls the viral lytic reactivation through epigenetic modification. This study presents a potential strategy for blocking EBV reactivation, and provides potential targets for the diagnosis and therapy of NPC.