bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
99mTcPSMA‐radioguided surgery in oligorecurrent prostate cancer: the randomised TRACE‐II trial
Authors: Zuur Lotte G. , de Barros Hilda A. , van Oosterom Matthias N. , Berrens Anne‐Claire , Donswijk Maarten L. , Hendrikx Jeroen J.M.A. , Bekers Elise M. , Vis André N. , Wit Esther M. , van Leeuwen Fijs B. , van der Poel Henk G. , van Leeuwen Pim J.
Published: February 2024

Objective

To investigate whether combination treatment of prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA)‐based radioguided surgery (RGS) with short‐term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) improves oncological outcomes in men with oligorecurrent prostate cancer (PCa) as compared to treatment with short‐term ADT only.

Methods

The TRACE‐II study is an investigator‐initiated, prospective, randomised controlled clinical trial. Patients (aged >18 years) with hormone‐sensitive recurrent PCa after radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy (brachytherapy or external beam radiotherapy), with involvement of ≤2 lymph nodes or local oligorecurrent disease within the pelvis as determined by PSMA positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio between 6‐month ADT (Arm A) or 6‐month ADT plus RGS (Arm B). The primary objective is to determine clinical progression‐free survival (CPFS) at 24 months. After PSMA‐RGS, CPFS is defined as the time between the start of treatment and the appearance of a re‐recurrence (any N1 or M1) as suggested by PSMA‐PET/CT or symptoms related to progressive PCa, or death from any cause. The secondary objectives include metastasis‐free survival at 2, 5 and 10 years, biochemical progression‐free survival at 2 years, and patient‐reported quality of life at 2, 5 and 10 years. A total of 60 patients, 30 per arm, will be included. The trial is powered (80%) to detect at least a 30% absolute difference in CPFS between the two study arms in the period 2 years after randomisation. We expect to enrol the required participants in 3 years. The study has an expected duration of 5 years in total.

Conclusions

Combining RGS with short‐term ADT might be oncologically beneficial for patients with oligorecurrent PCa. In this first randomised controlled trial, we are investigating the potential oncological benefits of this combined treatment, while also focusing on maintaining quality of life.
Grand and beautiful, Barbara's buttons by any other epithet would be as gorgeous: Marshallia pulchra W. Knapp, D.B. Poind. & Weakley, a note on the correct name for Curtis's Botanical Magazine t. 343 (1998)
Authors: Grund Steven P.
Published: February 2024

When Marshallia grandiflora Beadle & F.E. Boynton was featured in this magazine with illustrations by Christabel King (Smith & Shine, 1998), they wonderfully represented the application of the binomial as understood at that time, but we now know the plant illustrated to be Marshallia pulchra W. Knapp, D.B. Poind. & Weakley, described in 2020. Photographs of the habitat of Marshallia pulchra and an account of its ecology are given.
Elevational patterns of fish functional and phylogenetic community structure in a monsoon climate river basin
Authors: Xia Zhijun , Yu Fandong , Xu Chunsen , Lin Pengcheng , He Yongfeng , Liu Fei , Wang Jianwei
Published: February 2024

Aim

Understanding the patterns and drivers of biodiversity across space and time is commonly based on species diversity, which may ignore species' functional role and evolutionary history and result in an incomplete understanding of community assembly. It is suggested that integrating species, functional, and phylogenetic diversity could provide a more holistic assessment of community assembly in natural ecosystems. This study aimed to explore the elevational patterns and environmental drivers of multiple facets of fish diversity and community structure in a subtropical river during the wet and dry seasons.

Location

The Chishui River basin, China.

Methods

We investigated the responses of fish species richness, functional richness, and phylogenetic diversity to elevation in different seasons. Moreover, we compared functional dispersion and mean pairwise distance with those obtained from null models to infer assembly mechanisms shaping community structure. Additionally, we examined the environmental drivers (e.g. water chemistry, temperature, and river size) of fish diversity and community structure.

Results

Fish species richness, functional richness, and phylogenetic diversity showed a negative relationship with elevation in the Chishui River basin. Fish communities tended to be on average functionally random but phylogenetically clustered. Furthermore, phylogenetic structure exhibited a decreasing pattern along the elevational gradient. Despite no significant seasonal changes for fish diversity (except for phylogenetic diversity), fish communities became more phylogenetically overdispersed and clustered at low and high elevations in the dry season. Additionally, the responses of fish diversity and community structure to environmental variables were not synchronous.

Conclusions

At the basin scale, environmental filtering was prevalent in shaping fish phylogenetic structure, whereas stochasticity was likely more important for functional structure. Moreover, the ecological mechanisms shaping individual fish communities switched from limiting similarity to environmental filtering as elevation increased, and the underlying forces at two ends of the elevational gradient became more prominent in the dry season.
Outward foreign direct investment productivity along the belt and road
Authors: Zhang Yongmin , Chen Yong , Zhang Renyi , Tu Wenjun , Zhao Yingxue
Published: February 2024

The extant research provides inconsistent results regarding the effect of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on firm productivity. There is no research on the effect of OFDI in belt and road (B&R) countries on Chinese firm productivity. In this paper, the impact of B&R OFDI on Chinese firm productivity and its influencing mechanisms are investigated. The main findings of this research are as follows. First, B&R OFDI positively influences productivity by alleviating firms' financial constraints. Second, the presence of market‐driven and production‐driven subsidiaries in B&R countries exerts a favorable moderating impact on firm productivity. Finally, the productive influence of B&R OFDI is more pronounced for firms in eastern China and for those in the energy and transportation sectors, and it is particularly significant for nonstate‐owned enterprises. These findings have practical implications for governments engaged in the design of effective policies for the promotion of B&R OFDIs and for firms developing robust OFDI strategies along the Belt and Road to improve their levels of productivity.
Heatwaves increase larval mortality and delay development of a solitary bee
Authors: Melone Grace G. , Stuligross Clara , Williams Neal M.
Published: February 2024

Heatwaves are expected to increase in frequency, intensity and duration due to climate change. For organisms like insects with discrete development, sensitivity may differ among life stages. Thermal sensitivity is of particular concern for species like bees that provide critical ecosystem services. Although social bees moderate nest temperatures through worker behaviour, solitary bees do not thermoregulate their nests, making immobile developing offspring especially vulnerable to such extreme events.

We studied the effects of heatwaves on larval development in the solitary bee,Osmia lignaria, an important orchard pollinator and model species for solitary bee biology. We used a factorial design to assess the impacts of heatwave temperature and duration on larval mortality and development rate. Larvae were exposed to heatwaves under realistic diel temperature regimes, with daytime maxima of 31 or 37°C for 4 or 7 days at the beginning of development.

Heatwave temperature strongly affected larval mortality. Exposure to 37°C heatwaves increased larval mortality by 130%, but the cooler 31°C heatwaves did not significantly impact mortality. Heatwave duration did not impact larval mortality.

Larval development time also was affected by heatwave exposure. Compared with the no‐heatwave‐control, bees in the 31°C heatwave developed faster, and bees in the 37°C heatwave developed slower.

Our study reveals the importance of stage‐specific effects of extreme events and suggests that the timing and maximum temperature of projected heatwaves may be more detrimental to populations than heatwave duration.
Duration and variability of spring green‐up mediate population consequences of climate change
Authors: Briedis Martins , Hahn Steffen , Bauer Silke
Published: February 2024

Single phenological measures, like the average rate of phenological advancement, may be insufficient to explain how climate change is driving trends in animal populations. Here, we develop a multifactorial concept of spring phenology—including the onset of spring, spring duration, interannual variability, and their temporal changes—as a driver for population dynamics of migratory terrestrial species in seasonal environments. Using this conceptual model, we found that effects of advancing spring phenology on animal populations may be buffered or amplified depending on the duration and interannual variability of spring green‐up, and those effects are modified by evolutionary and plastic adaptations of species. Furthermore, we compared our modelling results with empirical data on normalized difference vegetation index‐based spring green‐up phenology and population trends of 106 European landbird finding similar associations. We conclude how phenological changes are expected to affect migratory bird populations across Europe and identify regions that are particularly prone to suffer population declines.
Long‐term headache after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Gurol Ugur , Scopelliti Giuseppe , Cordonnier Charlotte , Puy Laurent
Published: February 2024

Background

Though headache is commonly observed after stroke and may affect survivors' quality of life, it has rarely been studied after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). In a cohort of ICH survivors, we assessed the long‐term prevalence and determinants of headache.

Methods

We screened consecutive ICH survivors enrolled in the prospective, single‐centre Prognosis of Intracerebral Haemorrhage study for headache 1, 3, and 6 years after ICH, according to the International Headache Society's criteria. Depressive and anxiety symptoms severity was measured at 1‐year follow‐up. Variables associated with the presence of headache 1 year after ICH were analyzed using univariate and multivariable models.

Results

Among the 146 patients included in this study, 31 (21%), 25 (19%), and 14 (20%) patients reported headache at 1‐, 3‐, and 6‐year follow‐up, respectively. In an age‐adjusted model, patients with headache at ICH onset (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.75; 95% CI 1.02–7.42) and previous history of headache (aOR 4.60; 95% CI 1.74–12.1) were associated with headache at 1‐year follow‐up. Patients with headache were more likely to report depressive and anxiety symptoms at 1‐year follow‐up (both p < 0.02).

Conclusions

One in five ICH survivors suffered from headache and patients who reported headache at ICH onset were especially at risk.
Plant community diversity alters the response of ecosystem multifunctionality to multiple global change factors
Authors: Xu Zhenwei , Guo Xiao , Allen Warwick J. , Yu Xiaona , Hu Yi , Wang Jingfeng , Li Mingyan , Guo Weihua
Published: February 2024

Biodiversity is considered important to the mitigation of global change impacts on ecosystem multifunctionality in terrestrial ecosystems. However, potential mechanisms through which biodiversity maintains ecosystem multifunctionality under global change remain unclear. We grew 132 plant communities with two levels of plant diversity, crossed with treatments based on 10 global change factors (nitrogen deposition, soil salinity, drought, plant invasion, simulated grazing, oil pollution, plastics pollution, antibiotics pollution, heavy metal pollution, and pesticide pollution). All global change factors negatively impacted ecosystem multifunctionality, but negative impacts were stronger in high compared with low diversity plant communities. We explored potential mechanisms for this unexpected result, finding that the inhibition of selection effects (i.e., selection for plant species associated with high ecosystem functioning) contributed to sensitivity of ecosystem multifunctionality to global change. Specifically, global change factors decreased the abundance of novel functional plants (i.e., legumes) in high but not low diversity plant communities. The negative impacts of global change on ecosystem multifunctionality were also mediated by increased relative abundance of fungal plant pathogens (identified from metabarcoding of soil samples) and their negative relationship with the abundance of novel functional plants. Taken together, our experiment highlights the importance of protecting high diversity plant communities and legumes, and managing fungal pathogens, to the maintenance of ecosystem multifunctionality in the face of complex global change.
Evaluation of functional quality of water kefir with Haematococcus pluvialis biomass and colour pigment astaxanthin
Authors: Yıldız Sümeyye , Reisoglu Şuheda , Aydin Sevcan
Published: February 2024

This research was the first to investigate the effects of Haematococcus pluvialis microalgal biomass and colour pigment astaxanthin for the enhancement of the functional characteristics of water kefir. Kefir was evaluated for physicochemical, biochemical, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) content after fermentation using biomass (0.25%; 0.50% with and without sugar) and astaxanthin (0.50%, no sugar) for 30 h. The addition of 0.25% biomass (W1) and astaxanthin (W4) to water kefir increased the C16:0 content almost three times and the protein content increased by 58% in W2 sample. Nanopore sequencing provided thorough insights into LAB content, revealing that in kefir containing 0.50% biomass replacing sugar (W3), Liquorilactobacillus nagelii proliferated from 8.05% to 46.57% and Lactobacillus hordei increased 15 times, while 0.25% biomass addition (W2) increased Lactococcus lactis abundance 13 times. H. pluvialis biomass was found to be an alternative prebiotic source, and it increased LAB content of water kefir.
Recent trends in food and dietary applications of flaxseed mucilage: a mini review
Authors: Lorenc František , Jarošová Markéta , Bedrníček Jan , Smetana Pavel , Bárta Jan
Published: February 2024

Flaxseed mucilage (FM) is a hydrocolloid heteropolysaccharide comprised of a variable ratio of neutral and acidic monosaccharides. It possesses emulsifying, thickening, gelling and water−/oil‐binding properties. Due to these properties, it is highly applicable in foods as a functional agent to improve their physical and sensory parameters, thus representing an alternative to common plant gums. The most recent research is focused on the potential of FM for food treatments as a functional component. FM is usable in coatings and films. Combining with chitosan, bioactive proteins and peptides, or other compounds improves the quality of food products. FM may serve as a structural agent of novel gel materials, like oleogels, cryogels and aerogels. It can also be utilised within dietary applications to encapsulate living probiotics or bioactive compounds or serve as a prebiotic agent. Complexing of FM with proteins can lead to the improvement of their functional properties. The versatility of FM and unique properties, on the other hand, reveal its potential for further study and predetermine its use in a broad range of food and related applications in the future.
A role for DNA methylation in bumblebee morphogenesis hints at female‐specific developmental erasure
Authors: Hunt Ben J. , Pegoraro Mirko , Marshall Hollie , Mallon Eamonn B.
Published: February 2024

Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, are crucial factors in animal development. In some mammals, almost all DNA methylation is erased during embryo development and re‐established in a sex‐ and cell‐specific manner. This erasure and re‐establishment is thought to primarily be a vertebrate‐specific trait. Insects are particularly interesting in terms of development as many species often undergo remarkable morphological changes en route to maturity, that is, morphogenesis. However, little is known about the role of epigenetic mechanisms in this process across species. We have used whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing to track genome‐wide DNA methylation changes through the development of an economically and environmentally important pollinator species, the bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera:Apidae Linnaeus). We find overall levels of DNA methylation vary throughout development, and we find developmentally relevant differentially methylated genes throughout. Intriguingly, we have identified a depletion of DNA methylation in ovaries/eggs and an enrichment of highly methylated genes in sperm. We suggest this could represent a sex‐specific DNA methylation erasure event. To our knowledge, this is the first suggestion of possible developmental DNA methylation erasure in an insect species. This study lays the required groundwork for functional experimental work to determine if there is a causal nature to the DNA methylation differences identified. Additionally, the application of single‐cell methylation sequencing to this system will enable more accurate identification of if or when DNA methylation is erased during development.
Next‐generation species delimitation and taxonomy: Implications for biogeography
Authors: Vences Miguel , Miralles Aurélien , Dufresnes Christophe
Published: February 2024

An accurate species‐level taxonomy is paramount for biogeographical research, and conversely, biogeographical data are of importance for species delimitation. We here review recent developments and future perspectives of taxonomy of direct relevance for biogeographers. The understanding that species are independently evolving segments of population‐level lineages, the rise of integrative approaches to delimit such lineages, and the advent of high‐throughput sequencing have considerably renewed the discipline of taxonomy. Using genome‐scale molecular datasets, the extent of admixture across hybrid zones can now be effectively assessed and the evolutionary independence of lineages inferred, leading to more reliable and comparable species delimitation criteria. Substantially divergent but admixing phylogeographical lineages can conveniently be named as subspecies, thus avoiding taxonomic oversplitting and taxonomic inflation. At the same time, comprehensive DNA barcoding and DNA metabarcoding efforts are uncovering an enormous proportion of undiscovered biotic diversity, and we encourage the development of bioinformatic pipelines that combine high‐throughput species discovery and delimitation with diagnosis and scientific naming, to approach a biotic inventory of the globe without abandoning the established Linnaean system.
Centennial of the original description of Mobitz type II second‐degree atrioventricular block
Authors: Barold S. Serge , Herweg Bengt
Published: February 2024

The year 2024 marks the centenary of Mobitz's description of type II second‐degree atrioventricular block. Its definition remains valid to this day with only minor modification for the diagnosis of infranodal conduction block. Mobitz a century ago indicated that his type II atrioventricular block was associated with Stock‐Adams attacks and a prolonged duration of the QRS complex before the eventual description of bundle branch block.
Computational analysis of curcumin‐mediated alleviation of inflammation in periodontitis patients with experimental validation in mice
Authors: Shen Danfeng , Tuerhong Kamoran , Huang Qi , Liu Kehao , Li Yuzhou , Yang Sheng
Published: February 2024

Aim

Using network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of curcumin (Cur) in periodontitis treatment.

Materials and Methods

Network pharmacology was utilized to predict target gene interactions of Cur‐Periodontitis. Molecular docking was used to investigate the binding affinity of Cur for the predicted targets. A mouse model with ligature‐induced periodontitis (LIP) was used to verify the therapeutic effect of Cur. Microcomputed tomography (micro‐CT) was used to evaluate alveolar bone resorption, while western blotting, haematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were used to analyse the change in immunopathology. SYTOX Green staining was used to assess the in vitro effect of Cur in a mouse bone marrow‐isolated neutrophil model exposed to lipopolysaccharide.

Results

Network pharmacology identified 114 potential target genes. Enrichment analysis showed that Cur can modulate the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Molecular docking experiments suggested that Cur effectively binds to neutrophil elastase (ELANE), peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) and cathepsin G, three enzymes involved in NETs. In LIP mice, Cur alleviated alveolar bone resorption and reduced the expression of ELANE and PAD4 in a time‐dependent but dose‐independent manner. Cur can directly inhibit NET formation in the cell model.

Conclusions

Our research suggested that Cur may alleviate experimental periodontitis by inhibiting NET formation.
Laboratory scale Clean‐in‐Place studies on the effectiveness of caustic and electrolysed water on the removal of dairy soils
Authors: Saxena Juhi
Published: February 2024

The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of electrochemically generated, ready‐to‐use dilute solution of sodium hydroxide (0.04%) (eNaOH) against dairy soils in a Clean‐in‐Place (CIP) process of a model ultra‐high temperature (UHT) system. The UHT system was fabricated using 306 stainless steel material and comprised of a collection tank, processing tank with an oil bath, chiller bath, centrifugal pump, and the control panel. Milk deposition was obtained by repeatedly re‐circulating milk through the system and thereafter cleaning it using different solutions. Different physico‐chemical parameters were investigated. The pH of the exiting solution remained within the range of 6–8.5 for eNaOH solution relative to 9–13 for 1% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. The turbidity of the exit wash declined only slightly when using eNaOH as opposed to logarithmic decline when using 1% NaOH. Inductively Coupled Plasma analysis showed an increased affinity of Ca (45%–51%) and Mg (81%–96%) toward eNaOH solution relative to 1% NaOH. Overall, the findings of this study suggest eNaOH as a possible alternative to increased longevity of food processing equipment and reduced occurrence of scaling.

Practical applications

The current study provides an alternative cleaning solution to the dairy industry with better cleaning efficiency at 1/25th concentration of the current cleaning process. Electrolytically generated sodium hydroxide solution (eNaOH) at 0.04% is a non‐toxic, non‐corrosive, environmentally friendly solution that has shown to give promising results at 60°C as compared to 1% NaOH at 70°C. Inductively Coupled Plasma analysis showed an increased affinity of Ca (45%–51%) and Mg (81%–96%) toward eNaOH solution relative to 1% NaOH. Overall, the findings of this study suggest a possible alternative to increased longevity of food processing equipment and reduced occurrence of scaling.
FD/FR family: Functional disconnection and reconnection in public safety personnel families
Authors: Duffy Hanna , McElheran Megan , Stelnicki Andrea , Schwartz Kelly Dean
Published: February 2024

This paper addresses the growing recognition of occupational stressors impacting the mental health of public safety personnel (PSP) and their families. While numerous programs support PSP well‐being, limited attention is given to family members, who navigate increased worry, social isolation, and the challenge of supporting a psychologically injured spouse. Drawing from the functional disconnection/functional reconnection (FD/FR) framework, this paper introduces FD/FR family—a proactive model tailored to PSP families. Rooted in Stoicism, this innovative adaptation extends the application of FD/FR concepts to benefit not only PSP members but also their families. FD/FR family advocates temporarily setting aside personal reactions and improving emotional processing to enhance communication, flexibility, and mitigate vicarious trauma and mental health deterioration. This paper offers PSP family‐specific examples and urges future research to identify essential FD/FR components accepted by both PSP and their families.
Safety of subcutaneous versus intravenous ceftriaxone administration in older patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Pardo Inès , Pierre‐Jean Morgane , Bouzillé Guillaume , Fauchon Heloïse , Corvol Aline , Prud'homm Joaquim , Somme Dominique
Published: February 2024

Background

Antibiotics play a central role in infection management. In older patients, antibiotics are frequently administered subcutaneously. Ceftriaxone pharmacokinetics after subcutaneous administration is well documented, but little data are available on its safety.

Methods

We compared the occurrence of adverse events associated with ceftriaxone administered subcutaneously versus intravenously in ≥75‐year‐old patients. We used data from a single‐center, retrospective, clinical‐administrative database to compare the occurrence of adverse events at day 14 and outcome at day 21 in older patients who received ceftriaxone via the subcutaneous route or the intravenous route at Rennes University Hospital, France, from May 2020 to February 2023.

Results

The subcutaneous and intravenous groups included 402 and 3387 patients, respectively. Patients in the subcutaneous group were older and more likely to receive palliative care. At least one adverse event was reported for 18% and 40% of patients in the subcutaneous and intravenous group, respectively (RR = 2.21). Mortality at day 21 was higher in the subcutaneous route group, which could be linked to between‐group differences in clinical and demographic features.

Conclusions

In ≥75‐year‐old patients, ceftriaxone administered by the subcutaneous route is associated with less‐adverse events than by the intravenous route. The subcutaneous route, which is easier to use, has a place in infection management in geriatric settings.
Bioinformatics analysis identifies potential autophagy key genes and immune infiltration in preeclampsia
Authors: Sun Lu , He Yanhong , Chen Jie , Yang Xiaofeng , Ding Yuzhen , Shi Meiting , He Andong , Zhang Ping , Huang Zhengrui , Li Ruiman
Published: February 2024

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is a disease that seriously threatens maternal and fetal health. Appropriate autophagy can shield the placenta from oxidative stress, but its role in PE is unclear.

Objective

To identify potential autophagy‐related genes in PE.

Methods

Microarray datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, compassing the test dataset GSE10588, along with validation datasets GSE4707 and GSE60438 GPL10558, were utilized. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma R package, intersected with autophagy‐related genes. Hub genes were obtained using the Cytoscape software and analyzed via gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The diagnostic capability of hub genes was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Analysis of immune cell infiltration was conducted using single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and CIBERSORT methods. Placental tissues were collected from 10 normal pregnant women and 10 preeclamptic pregnant women, and the expression of hub genes was validated through immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis.

Results

Analysis of the microarray data identified 2224 DEGs, among which 26 were autophagy‐related DEGs identified through intersection with autophagy genes. Ten hub genes were identified. Immune cell infiltration analysis suggested the potential involvement of T regulatory cells (Tregs), natural killer cells, neutrophils, and T follicular helper cells in the pathogenesis of PE. ROC curve analysis indicated promising diagnostic capabilities for EGFR and TP53. Additionally, levels of EGFR and TP53 were significantly higher in placental tissue from PE pregnancies compared to normal pregnancies.

Conclusion

EGFR and TP53 may play a role in PE by influencing autophagy.
Melatonin is a potential novel analgesic agent for osteoarthritis: Evidence from cohort studies in humans and preclinical research in rats
Authors: Li Hui , Zhou Bin , Wu Jing , Zhang Yuqing , Zhang Weiya , Doherty Michael , Deng Xinjia , Wang Ning , Xie Dongxing , Wang Yilun , Xie Hui , Li Changjun , Wei Jie , Lei Guanghua , Zeng Chao
Published: February 2024

Melatonin exhibits potential for pain relief and long‐term safety profile. We examined the analgesic effects of oral melatonin on osteoarthritis (OA) and investigated the underlying mechanism. Using data from a UK primary care database, we conducted a cohort study in individuals with OA to compare the number of oral analgesic prescriptions and the risk of knee/hip replacement between melatonin initiators and hypnotic benzodiazepines (i.e., active comparator) initiators using quantile regression models and Cox‐proportional hazard models, respectively. To elucidate causation, we examined the effects of melatonin on pain behaviors and explored several metabolites that may serve as potential regulatory agents of melatonin in the monoiodoacetate rat model of OA. Using data from another community‐based cohort study, that is, the Xiangya OA Study, we verified the association between the key serum metabolite and incident symptomatic knee OA. Compared with the hypnotic benzodiazepines cohort (n = 8135), the melatonin cohort (n = 813) had significantly fewer subsequent prescriptions of oral analgesics (50th percentile: 5 vs. 7, 75th percentile: 19 vs. 29, and 99th percentile: 140 vs. 162) and experienced a lower risk of knee/hip replacement (hazard ratio = 0.47, 95% Cl: 0.30–0.73) during the follow‐up period. In rats, oral melatonin alleviated pain behaviors and increased serum levels of glycine. There was an inverse association between baseline serum glycine levels and the risk of incident symptomatic knee OA in humans (n = 760). In conclusion, our findings indicate that oral melatonin shows significant potential to be a novel treatment for OA pain. The potential role of glycine in its analgesic mechanism warrants further investigation.
Detection of nephrocalcinosis using ultrasonography, micro‐computed tomography, and histopathology in cats
Authors: Tang Pak‐Kan , Geddes Rebecca F. , Chang Yu‐Mei , Jepson Rosanne E. , van den Broek Dirk Hendrik Nicolaas , Lötter Nicola , Elliott Jonathan
Published: February 2024

Background

Identification of nephrocalcinosis in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is of clinical interest but the ability of ultrasonography to detect nephrocalcinosis is uncertain.

Objectives

To compare ultrasonography, micro‐computed tomography (μCT) and histopathology for identification of nephrocalcinosis.

Animals

Twelve kidneys from 7 euthyroid client‐owned cats with CKD.

Methods

Descriptive study. Renal ultrasonography was performed ante‐mortem for nephrocalcinosis detection. Kidneys were grouped based on nephrocalcinosis: present, suspected, or absent. When cats died, necropsy was performed. Renal tissue was evaluated using μCT for macroscopic nephrocalcinosis, and nephrocalcinosis volume‐to‐kidney tissue ratio (macro‐VN:KT) and sagittal nephrocalcinosis area‐to‐kidney tissue ratio (macro‐AN:KT) were calculated. Each kidney subsequently was bisected longitudinally, formalin‐fixed, and paraffin‐embedded for microscopic nephrocalcinosis assessment using von Kossa and Alizarin red staining with AN:KT (VK‐micro‐AN:KT and AR‐micro‐AN:KT) quantified using ImageJ. Data are presented as median (range). Relationships between macroscopic and microscopic AN:KT were assessed using Spearman's correlation.

Results

Nephrocalcinosis by ultrasonography was considered to be absent in 3, suspected in 3, and present in 5 kidneys; 1 kidney had nephrolithiasis with nephrocalcinosis. The macro‐VN:KT was 0.001%, 0.001%, and 0.019%, and the macro‐AN:KT was 0.08%, 0.30%, and 1.47%, respectively. Histologically, VK‐micro‐AN:KT was 0.21%, 2.85%, and 4.56%, and AR‐micro‐AN:KT was 1.73%, 5.82%, and 8.90% for kidneys where ultrasonographic macro‐nephrocalcinosis was absent, suspected, or present, respectively. A strong correlation was identified between macroscopic (macro‐AN:KT) and microscopic (VK‐micro‐AN:KT) nephrocalcinosis (rs = 0.76; P = .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Ultrasonographically diagnosed nephrocalcinosis correlates well with macroscopic and microscopic nephrocalcinosis at necropsy despite their separation in time.
GhRCD1 promotes cotton tolerance to cadmium by regulating the GhbHLH12–GhMYB44–GhHMA1 transcriptional cascade
Authors: Wei Xi , Geng Menghan , Yuan Jiachen , Zhan Jingjing , Liu Lisen , Chen Yanli , Wang Ye , Qin Wenqiang , Duan Hongying , Zhao Hang , Li Fuguang , Ge Xiaoyang
Published: February 2024

Heavy metal pollution poses a significant risk to human health and wreaks havoc on agricultural productivity. Phytoremediation, a plant‐based, environmentally benign, and cost‐effective method, is employed to remove heavy metals from contaminated soil, particularly in agricultural or heavy metal‐sensitive lands. However, the phytoremediation capacity of various plant species and germplasm resources display significant genetic diversity, and the mechanisms underlying these differences remain hitherto obscure. Given its potential benefits, genetic improvement of plants is essential for enhancing their uptake of heavy metals, tolerance to harmful levels, as well as overall growth and development in contaminated soil. In this study, we uncover a molecular cascade that regulates cadmium (Cd2+) tolerance in cotton, involving GhRCD1, GhbHLH12, GhMYB44, and GhHMA1. We identified a Cd2+‐sensitive cotton T‐DNA insertion mutant with disrupted GhRCD1 expression. Genetic knockout of GhRCD1 by CRISPR/Cas9 technology resulted in reduced Cd2+ tolerance in cotton seedlings, while GhRCD1 overexpression enhanced Cd2+ tolerance. Through molecular interaction studies, we demonstrated that, in response to Cd2+ presence, GhRCD1 directly interacts with GhbHLH12. This interaction activates GhMYB44, which subsequently activates a heavy metal transporter, GhHMA1, by directly binding to a G‐box cis‐element in its promoter. These findings provide critical insights into a novel GhRCD1–GhbHLH12–GhMYB44–GhHMA1 regulatory module responsible for Cd2+ tolerance in cotton. Furthermore, our study paves the way for the development of elite Cd2+‐tolerant cultivars by elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing the genetic control of Cd2+ tolerance in cotton.
Integrating climate change into legislative drafting: An analysis of regulatory impact assessment obligations and practices in the EU and Finland
Authors: Leskinen Paula , Belinskij Antti , Saarela Sanna‐Riikka
Published: February 2024

Diverse aspects of climate change must be considered when drafting legislation to successfully address mitigation and adaptation objectives. In this article, we examine the legal requirements to conduct regulatory climate impact assessment (climate RIA) and analyse to what extent these have been implemented in the European Union (EU) and Finland. Our particular interest is Article 6(4) of the European Climate Law, a provision obligating the European Commission to assess the consistency of draft measures or proposals with the Union's climate objectives. Our results demonstrate that climate RIA has not been applied methodically in the EU or Finland and that where it has been conducted, it has mainly addressed impacts of the legislative proposals on greenhouse gas emissions and neglected impacts on climate change adaptation and carbon sinks. These results indicate that the obligations have been inadequately implemented. While an explicit requirement to conduct climate RIA heightens acknowledgement of climate impacts in legislative drafting, guidance in fulfilling the requirement in practice is equally essential.
Testing and Expanding the Concept of Traditional and Contemporary Localism in Rural Local Food Systems with Ozark Wild Harvesters☆
Authors: Massengale Sarah Hultine , Hendrickson Mary
Published: February 2024

While research shows the potential benefits of local food systems to improve community economy and quality of life, there is a critique that these studies overlook how informal, non‐market food access practices contribute to local food systems, especially in rural places. McEntee promoted the concepts of traditional and contemporary localism in his work with rural food systems, arguing that the motivations of participants define the categories. Using narrative research with wild harvesters in the Ozark Highlands, we propose that while McEntee's definitions are useful for expanding the conversation about why people may choose local food or not, more efforts should focus on valuing and welcoming the broader intersection of priorities and strategies that people use to engage in local food systems in their communities. Promoting a wider portfolio of local food access strategies is important to communicate that there are a variety of ways to participate in localized food systems, some in regular market transactions and some in informal non‐market ways, and that all are potentially valuable in building sustainable food systems in rural areas.
Breaking self‐focused orientation in people who perceive economic scarcity: The influence of transcendent motivation to promote an abstract mindset and prosocial behavioral intentions
Authors: Laforet Bronwyn , Carrera Pilar , Caballero Amparo
Published: February 2024

Previous research shows that being in a situation of economic scarcity promotes a more concrete mindset that motivates behavioral decisions based on action difficulty and their short‐term outcomes, which frequently entails negative consequences. However, a concrete mindset can be counteracted by inducing an abstract mindset to help people focus on final broad goals. We explored how focusing on transcendent motives (vs. self‐oriented) promotes a more abstract mindset facilitating prosocial behavioral intentions. Study 1 (pre‐post design) explored whether focusing on transcendent motives for engaging in activities promoted a more abstract mindset compared to focusing on self‐oriented motives. Using a 2 × 2 design with two consecutive opposing primes, Study 2 tested how inducing a transcendent orientation could reverse the effect caused by perceiving economic scarcity, promoting greater orientation toward others and prosocial behavioral intentions. In Study 1 participants who generated transcendent motives for behaviors presented a greater increase in the abstraction of construal level, compared to those who only generated self‐oriented motives for the same behaviors. Study 2 demonstrated that, when participants who perceived economic scarcity were focused on transcendent motives (vs. self‐oriented) to promote a more abstract mindset, their orientation toward others increased. Interestingly, for people perceiving economic scarcity, whose own difficulties could reduce prosocial behaviors, the greater orientation toward others promoted a greater intention to engage in demanding prosocial behaviors. We provide evidence of new strategies to promote abstraction in individuals and increase their involvement in prosocial behavioral intentions, especially for those perceiving economic scarcity.
Effect of optimal nitrogen application and mid‐season drainage on rice root activity and reductive substances in straw‐incorporated paddy
Authors: Li Wangmei , Zhang Donghui , He Wenhai , Fan Mingsheng , Chen Haiqing
Published: February 2024

The straw incorporation in paddy fields exacerbates the reductive toxicity caused by flooding during the rice tillering stage in cold regions. Mid‐drainage can alleviate reductive toxicity, while nitrogen fertilizer (NF) application can enhance the drought resistance of rice. However, there is still a lack of convincing evidence about the types of reductive toxicity and appropriate draining thresholds with straw incorporation. A field experiment was conducted in northeast China to investigate the reductive toxicity of paddy fields caused by flooding and straw incorporation. Primarily, the study aimed to investigate the reduction of toxicity caused by straw incorporation. Additionally, the investigation verified the role of varying NF (0, 50, 100, 150 kg N ha−1) in conjunction with mid‐season drainage (−15 cm) to mitigate soil reductive toxicity while preserving root activity. Before mid‐season drainage, the contents of soil total amount of reductive matter, active reductive matter, Fe2+, and Mn2+ were 5.1–5.9 cmol kg−1, 3.2–3.9 cmol kg−1, 399.4–410.1 mg kg−1 and 290.3–340.1 mg kg−1, respectively. Mid‐season drainage of 15 cm depth decreased the total amount of reductive matter, active reductive matter and Fe2+ content by 51.8%, 56.0% and 29.6%, respectively. However, upon rewetting, the content of reductive substances reverted to pre‐drainage levels. Drainage led to a reduction in soil organic acid content by 56.6–78.8% and an increase in rice root activity by 160–290%. While increased NF application correlated with higher rice root activity, a significant yield increase was only observed within the range of 0–100 kg ha−1. In summary, an alternate wetting and drying threshold of −15 cm in combination with 100 kg ha−1 of NF rate significantly increased root activity and reduced reductive toxicity of the tillage layer without decreased rice yield. The reductive substance content rebounded to the pre‐drainage level after reflooding in the subsequent growth stage. Therefore, to minimize the reductive toxicity and methane emission caused by straw incorporation, rice fields can be drained to a depth of 15 cm during mid‐season drainage. Additionally, the fields should be drained several times in the following growth stage.
Sensing and regulation of C and N metabolism – novel features and mechanisms of the TOR and SnRK1 signaling pathways
Authors: Artins Anthony , Martins Marina C. M. , Meyer Christian , Fernie Alisdair R. , Caldana Camila
Published: February 2024

Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) metabolisms are tightly integrated to allow proper plant growth and development. Photosynthesis is dependent on N invested in chlorophylls, enzymes, and structural components of the photosynthetic machinery, while N uptake and assimilation rely on ATP, reducing equivalents, and C‐skeletons provided by photosynthesis. The direct connection between N availability and photosynthetic efficiency allows the synthesis of precursors for all metabolites and building blocks in plants. Thus, the capacity to sense and respond to sudden changes in C and N availability is crucial for plant survival and is mediated by complex yet efficient signaling pathways such as TARGET OF RAPAMYCIN (TOR) and SUCROSE‐NON‐FERMENTING‐1‐RELATED PROTEIN KINASE 1 (SnRK1). In this review, we present recent advances in mechanisms involved in sensing C and N status as well as identifying current gaps in our understanding. We finally attempt to provide new perspectives and hypotheses on the interconnection of diverse signaling pathways that will allow us to understand the integration and orchestration of the major players governing the regulation of the CN balance.
Computed tomography of a canine omental torsion secondary to a chronic abdominal gossypiboma and concurrent incidental broad ligament torsion
Authors: Ball Emily , Larkin Amy , Hung Germaine
Published: February 2024

A 5‐year‐old female spayed Dogue de Bordeaux was referred for concerns of an abdominal mass and peritoneal effusion. Abdominal radiographs identified a mid‐ventral abdominal soft tissue opaque mass containing a radiopaque marker consistent with a gossypiboma. Contrast‐enhanced abdominal CT identified two whirl signs associated with the abdominal gossypiboma. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed an omental torsion with encapsulated gossypiboma and concurrent incidental torsion of the remnant of the right broad ligament. Based on a literature review, omental torsions are an unreported complication of gossypibomas in canids.
Índice de multifuncionalidad de la agricultura y racionalidad económica de sistemas de producción tradicionales
Authors: Barrera Betancourth Mateo , Muriel Ruiz Sandra Bibiana , Vélez Vargas León Darío
Published: February 2024

La multifuncionalidad de la agricultura se define como los flujos producto de dinámicas específicas de los subsistemas en el ámbito predial, condición que, a su vez, no suele ser explicada en contextos biofísico, social y económico referentes. El objetivo de esta investigación fue diseñar un indicador que permita identificar, hacer mediciones de las magnitudes y evaluar la multifuncionalidad de los sistemas de producción tradicionales SPT, en el ámbito predial; en este caso, se evalúa en los sistemas tradicionales del occidente cercano de Antioquia, bajo los contextos referidos. Para esto, se propuso el índice de diversidad de usos y propósitos de usos (IDUP), el que fue adecuado para identificar y evaluar la multifuncionalidad de la agricultura (MFA) en el ámbito predial. Se encontró que los SPT cumplen funciones importantes ambientales, socioeconómicas y culturales para la región de estudio. Los predios evaluados presentan valores de IDUP mayor a uno, lo que indica una alta MFA, pero cada uno de ellos en diferentes magnitudes, lo cual obedece a características propias de cada predio. Se puede concluir que la evaluación de la MFA se convierte en una forma de reconocer la importancia de predios tradicionales, frente a la ineficiencia económica que aparentemente reflejan, cuando son evaluados desde un modelo económico convencional, que no obedece a su lógica. El enfoque de la multifuncionalidad explica, al mismo tiempo, la permanencia de estos predios mediante estrategias de diversificación de flujos.
A generalized cumulative noise exposure metric for community response analysis
Authors: Vaughn Aaron B. , Christian Andrew W.
Published: February 2024

In community noise studies, there is often a desire to understand how the annoyance response to multiple noise events aggregates over a long period of time. Many cumulative response metrics, such as day-night level (DNL), are based on the idea that humans respond, on average, to the sum of frequency-weighted acoustic energy over time. This paper introduces a generalization of DNL that includes a parameter, b, that ranges between zero and one. When b equals zero, the metric returns the maximum level of the events. When b equals 0.5, the metric reproduces the equal-energy-based output of DNL. When b = 0, 0.5, and 1, the metric returns a value that more harshly penalizes the number of events. In this way, these common possible hypotheses are organized onto a single scale, one that may be used to craft effective noise mitigation techniques or implement regulations. The analysis is demonstrated in two ways: first, on synthetic datasets to show the utility and consistency of the metric, and second, on limited quiet-supersonic response data gathered during the Quiet Supersonic Flights 2018 community study.