bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of fixed‐ratio combination insulin degludec/liraglutide in type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wang Rui , Luo Shuoming , Xiao Zilin , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: November 2023

Background

The efficacy and safety of fixed‐ratio combination insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were extensively investigated by the global DUAL trials. However, the evidence on its efficacy and safety in T2DM has not been systematically reviewed.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials published in English that compared IDegLira with placebo or GLP‐1 agonists or insulin in patients with T2DM were selected up to December 2022. Data on the study characteristics, efficacy and safety outcomes were extracted. We compared the efficacy and safety between “IDegLira versus Insulin,” “IDegLira versus GLP‐1RA,” and “IDegLira versus Placebo”. The risk of potential bias was assessed.

Results

In terms of glycaemic efficacy, IDegLira reduced levels of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c; weighted mean differences (WMDs) 0.52%, 95% CI 0.33%–0.71%); fasting blood glucose (0.32 mg/dL, 0.14–0.50 mg/dL), and the nine‐point self‐measured plasma glucose (0.25 mmol/L, 0.25–0.36 mmol/L). Furthermore, IDegLira was generally better in the attainment of HbA1c < 7.0% or ≤6.5%, HbA1c < 7.0% or ≤6.5% without weight gain and/or without severe or blood glucose‐confirmed hypoglycaemic episodes. In non‐glycaemic efficacy aspects, IDegLira decreased systolic blood pressure but elevated heart rate. In terms of safety outcomes, IDegLira did not appear to be associated with a risk of hypoglycaemia (RR 1.23, 0.85–1.78) and nocturnal hypoglycaemia (0.89, 0.52–1.52) occurring when compared with other hypoglycaemic agents or placebo.

Conclusions

IDegLira improves better glycaemic and non‐glycaemic outcomes without weight gain and/or without severe or blood glucose‐confirmed hypoglycaemic episodes in T2DM. Side effects of IDegLira are mild.
Fluctuation of ecological niches and geographic range shifts along chile pepper's domestication gradient
Authors: Martínez‐Ainsworth Natalia E. , Scheppler Hannah , Moreno‐Letelier Alejandra , Bernau Vivian , Kantar Michael B. , Mercer Kristin L. , Jardón‐Barbolla Lev
Published: November 2023

Domestication is an ongoing well‐described process. However, while many have studied the changes domestication causes in plant genetics, few have explored its impact on the portion of the geographic landscape in which the plants exist. Therefore, the goal of this study was to understand how the process of domestication changed the geographic space suitable for chile pepper (Capsicum annuum) in its center of origin (domestication). C. annuum is a major crop species globally whose center of domestication, Mexico, has been well‐studied. It provides a unique opportunity to explore the degree to which ranges of different domestication classes diverged and how these ranges might be altered by climate change. To this end, we created ecological niche models for four domestication classes (wild, semiwild, landrace, modern cultivar) based on present climate and future climate scenarios for 2050, 2070, and 2090. Considering present environment, we found substantial overlap in the geographic niches of all the domestication classes. Yet, environmental and geographic aspects of the current ranges did vary among classes. Wild and commercial varieties could grow in desert conditions, while landraces could not. With projections into the future, habitat was lost asymmetrically, with wild, semiwild, and landraces at greater risk of territorial declines than modern cultivars. Further, we identified areas where future suitability overlap between landraces and wilds is expected to be lost. While range expansion is widely associated with domestication, we found little support of a constant niche expansion (either in environmental or geographical space) throughout the domestication gradient in chile peppers in Mexico. Instead, particular domestication transitions resulted in loss, followed by capturing or recapturing environmental or geographic space. The differences in environmental characterization among domestication gradient classes and their future potential range shifts increase the need for conservation efforts to preserve landraces and semiwild genotypes.
Assessing the impacts of recreation on the spatial and temporal activity of mammals in an isolated alpine protected area
Authors: Fennell Mitchell J. E. , Ford Adam T. , Martin Tara G. , Burton A. Cole
Published: November 2023

The management objectives of many protected areas must meet the dual mandates of protecting biodiversity while providing recreational opportunities. It is difficult to balance these mandates because it takes considerable effort to monitor both the status of biodiversity and impacts of recreation. Using detections from 45 camera traps deployed between July 2019 and September 2021, we assessed the potential impacts of recreation on spatial and temporal activity for 8 medium‐ and large‐bodied terrestrial mammals in an isolated alpine protected area: Cathedral Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada. We hypothesised that some wildlife perceive a level of threat from people, such that they avoid ‘risky times’ or ‘risky places’ associated with human activity. Other species may benefit from associating with people, be it through access to anthropogenic resource subsidies or filtering of competitors/predators that are more human‐averse (i.e., human shield hypothesis). Specifically, we predicted that large carnivores would show the greatest segregation from people while mesocarnivores and ungulates would associate spatially with people. We found spatial co‐occurrence between ungulates and recreation, consistent with the human shield hypothesis, but did not see the predicted negative relationship between larger carnivores and humans, except for coyotes (Canis latrans). Temporally, all species other than cougars (Puma concolor) had diel activity patterns significantly different from that of recreationists, suggesting potential displacement in the temporal niche. Wolves (Canis lupus) and mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) showed shifts in temporal activity away from people on recreation trails relative to off‐trail areas, providing further evidence of potential displacement. Our results highlight the importance of monitoring spatial and temporal interactions between recreation activities and wildlife communities, in order to ensure the effectiveness of protected areas in an era of increasing human impacts.
Isotopic niche overlap among foraging marine turtle species in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Weber Savannah , Cullen Joshua A. , Fuentes Mariana M. P. B.
Published: November 2023

Sympatric species may overlap in their use of habitat and dietary resources, which can increase competition. Comparing the ecological niches and quantifying the degree of niche overlap among these species can provide insights into the extent of resource overlap. This information can be used to guide multispecies management approaches tailored to protect priority habitats that offer the most resources for multiple species. Stable isotope analysis is a valuable tool used to investigate spatial and trophic niches, though few studies have employed this method for comparisons among sympatric marine turtle species. For this study, stable carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur isotope values from epidermis tissue were used to quantify isotopic overlap and compare isotopic niche size in loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas), and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) turtles sampled from a shared foraging area located offshore of Crystal River, Florida, USA. Overall, the results revealed high degrees of isotopic overlap (>68%) among species, particularly between loggerhead and Kemp's ridley turtles (85 to 91%), which indicates there may be interspecific competition for resources. Samples from green turtles had the widest range of isotopic values, indicating they exhibit higher variability in diet and habitat type. Samples from loggerhead turtles had the most enriched mean δ34S, suggesting they may forage in slightly different micro‐environments compared with the other species. Finally, samples from Kemp's ridley turtles exhibited the smallest niche size, which is indicative of a narrower use of resources. This is one of the first studies to investigate resource use in a multispecies foraging aggregation of marine turtles using three isotopic tracers. These findings provide a foundation for future research into the foraging ecology of sympatric marine turtle species and can be used to inform effective multispecies management efforts.
Latitudinal trends in mating system traits in the highly self‐fertilizing Lobelia inflata revealed by community science
Authors: Coffey Matthew L. , Simons Andrew M.
Published: November 2023

Mating systems in angiosperms range from obligate outcrossing to highly self‐fertilizing. The belief that obligate selfing does not exist is contradicted by genetic evidence in several populations of L. inflata, in which selfing is enforced by the anthers enclosing the style. However, whether the mating systems of these populations are typical, or an extreme across the species range is unknown. Such trends are hypothesized to result from selection for reproductive assurance under mate limitation at range margins. Here, we use ~7500 iNaturalist community science images, in which stylar exsertion can be observed, to test this hypothesis in L. inflata and, for comparison, in four typical congeneric Lobelias that express a staminate, then a pistillate phase (protandry). Specifically, we analyzed the effects of latitude and range marginality on the frequency of stylar exsertion and number of exserted flowers. Outcrossing capacity in L. inflata increased at low latitudes and near the overall range center, supporting our hypothesis, with exsertion frequencies significantly lower than in congenerics. Interestingly, in outcrossing capable individuals, the number of style‐exserted flowers was consistent across the species range and among species, indicating outcrossing capable L. inflata individuals resemble congenerics. These findings suggest that variation in stylar exsertion is expressed among individuals rather than by all individuals within populations. However, whether this is a result of differences in exsertion allele frequencies or of differentiation in the induction of a threshold trait requires further study. Moreover, the trends in outcrossing capability revealed here imply the potential for geographic variation in L. inflata mating system.
Rapid detection of subterranean fauna from passive sampling of groundwater eDNA
Authors: van der Heyde Mieke , Alexander Jason , Nevill Paul , Austin Andy D. , Stevens Nicholas , Jones Matt , Guzik Michelle T.
Published: November 2023

Groundwater is an essential source of freshwater that supports surface ecosystems as well as organisms adapted to living underground. The impacts of anthropogenic climate change, extraction, and pollution pose major threats to groundwater ecosystem health, prompting a need for efficient and reliable means to detect and monitor subterranean faunal communities. Conventional survey of subterranean fauna relies on the collection of organisms for morphological identification, which can be biased, labor intensive, and often indeterminate at lower taxonomic levels. Environmental DNA (eDNA)‐based methods can dramatically improve on stygofaunal surveys, but currently rely on time consuming active water filtration that limits the number of samples that can be processed. Passive eDNA sampling, which involves submersion of absorbent material (e.g. filter membrane, sponge etc.) into the sampled environment for a fixed period, has shown promise as a viable alternative to active filtration in aquatic ecosystems and may be applicable to groundwater systems. Here, we compared groundwater eDNA collected from active pump filtered water samples, membranes submerged in water for 10 min and 24 h, and haul‐net samples morphologically identified from bores at two geographically distinct locations in Western Australia. Our results show that while the relative abundance of eDNA in groundwater (measured through qPCR) is 100–800 times lower in passive samples, the species richness detected is comparable between passive and active eDNA collection. Additionally, standard metabarcoding assays (18S and COI) of passive eDNA samples detected most subterranean orders identified morphologically (12/17), and this proportion may be improved with increased sampling and application of DNA extraction methods that increase DNA yield. Our findings demonstrate that passive eDNA sample collection is a non‐invasive survey method with the potential to improve the efficiency and replication level of stygofaunal surveys but will benefit from further development.
Analysis of interference of electromagnetic noise in an electric compressor for vehicle air‐conditioning systems with an integrated mechanical and electrical structure
Authors: Uda Iori , Ogasawara Satoshi , Orikawa Koji , Kobayashi Koji , Yoshida Hiroshi , Kashihara Tatsuki , Takada Kohei
Published: November 2023

Since a motor drive system contains an inverter (high‐voltage circuit) and gate drive circuits (low‐voltage circit) with a switching regulator, electromagnetic noise is generated in each of these two circuits, and noise interference between these circuits can occur. This paper discusses noise interference between the high‐ and low‐voltage circuits of an electric compressor system with an integrated mechanical and electrical structure. Analysis using LTspice shows that the experimental and analytical results are in good agreement when a very small stray capacitance occurs between the high‐ and low‐voltage circuits. An experiment using an actual compressor showed that conducted noise above 20 MHz can be reduced by up to 10 dB by reducing the effect of stray capacitance between these circuits.
Differential effect of left ventricular unloading according to the aetiology of cardiogenic shock
Authors: Kang Jeehoon , Lee Kyu‐Sun , Lee Hak Seung , Lee Huijin , Ahn Hyojeong , Han Jung‐Kyu , Yang Han‐Mo , Park Kyung Woo , Lee Hae‐Young , Kang Hyun‐Jae , Koo Bon‐Kwon , Kim Hyo‐Soo , Cho Hyun‐Jai
Published: November 2023

Aims

Evidence for the effectiveness of left ventricular (LV) unloading in patients who received venoaterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or non‐AMI induced cardiogenic shock (CS) is limited. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of LV unloading in AMI‐induced and non‐AMI‐induced CS.

Methods and results

This is a single‐centre retrospective observational study of patients with CS undergoing VA‐ECMO from January 2011 to March 2019. Patients were classified as AMI‐induced and non‐AMI‐induced CS. The association of LV unloading with 90‐day mortality in both groups was analysed using Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

Results

Of the 128 CS patients, 71 (55.5%) patients received VA‐ECMO due to AMI‐induced CS, and the remaining 57 (44.5%) received VA‐ECMO due to non‐AMI‐induced CS. The modality of LV unloading was predominantly with IABP (94.5%). In the AMI‐induced CS group, LV unloading did not reduce 90‐day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.96, 95% confidence interval 0.90–4.27, P = 0.089). However, in the non‐AMI‐induced CS group, LV unloading combined with VA‐ECMO significantly reduced 90‐day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.96, P = 0.041; P for interaction = 0.029) as compared with those who received VA‐ECMO alone.

Conclusions

LV unloading with VA‐ECMO may reduce 90‐day mortality compared with VA‐ECMO alone in patients with non‐AMI‐induced CS, but not in AMI‐induced CS.
Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure score for the prediction of mortality in valvular heart disease
Authors: Lv Junxing , Xu Haiyan , Ye Yunqing , Li Zhe , Wang Weiwei , Zhang Bin , Zhao Qinghao , Zhang Haitong , Zhao Zhenyan , Liu Qingrong , Wang Bincheng , Duan Zhenya , Yu Zikai , Guo Shuai , Zhao Yanyan , Gao Runlin , Ge Junbo , Wu Yongjian ,   CHINA‐VHD collaborators
Published: November 2023

Aims

Valvular heart disease (VHD) is one of the leading causes of heart failure. Clinically significant VHD can induce different patterns of cardiac remodelling, and risk stratification is challenging in patients with various degrees of cardiac dysfunction. The study aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) score in patients with VHD.

Methods and results

This study used data from the China Valvular Heart Disease (China‐VHD) registry, which was a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study for patients with significant (at least moderate) VHD. In total, 10 446 patients with moderate or greater VHD from the China‐VHD study were included in the present analysis. The primary outcome of interest was all‐cause mortality within 2 years. Among 10 446 patients with VHD, the mean age was 61.98 ± 13.47 years, and 5819 (55.7%) were male. During 2 years of follow‐up, 895 (8.6%) patients died. The MAGGIC score was monotonically and independently associated with mortality in both total cohort [adjusted hazard ratio: 1.095, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.084–1.107, P < 0.001] and most types of VHD (aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, tricuspid regurgitation, mixed aortic stenosis and aortic regurgitation, and multiple VHD). The score was also an independent prognostic factor in patients with or without symptoms or preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and exhibited both satisfactory discrimination and calibration properties in predicting mortality. The prognostic value of MAGGIC score was robust in most quartiles of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide level, with no significant interaction observed (Pinteraction = 0.498). Compared with the EuroSCORE II, the MAGGIC score achieved significantly better predictive performance in overall population [C index: 0.769 vs. 0.727; net reclassification improvement index (95% CI): 0.354 (0.313–0.396), P < 0.001; integrated discrimination improvement index (95% CI): 0.069 (0.052–0.085), P < 0.001] and in subgroups of patients divided by therapeutic strategy, LVEF, symptomatic status, stage of VHD, and aetiology of VHD.

Conclusions

The MAGGIC score is a reliable prognostic factor across the range of cardiac dysfunction in VHD and may assist in risk stratification and guide clinical decision‐making.
Assembly of (2×C2+C’2)×n Molecular Complexity Using a Sequence of Pt‐ and Pd‐Catalyzed Transformations with Calcium Carbide
Authors: Potorochenko Anton N. , Rodygin Konstantin S. , Ananikov Valentine P.
Published: November 2023

Constructing molecular complexity from simple precursors stands as a cornerstone in contemporary organic synthesis. Systems harnessing easily accessible starting materials, which offer control over stereochemistry and support a modular assembly approach, are particularly in demand. In this research, we utilized calcium carbide, presenting a sustainable pathway to generate acetylene gas – a fundamental C2 building block. We performed a Pt‐facilitated linkage of two C2‐units sourced from two calcium carbide molecules to craft a conjugated C4 core with exceptional stereoselectivity. As a benchmark, we selected the synthesis of (E,E)‐1,4‐diiodobuta‐1,3‐diene, executing it in a two‐chamber reactor. Compartmentalization of the reactions across these chambers resulted in the desired product in 85% yield. Furthermore, high‐energy polymeric substances were derived by marrying the molecular intricacy between (E,E)‐1,4‐diiodobuta‐1,3‐diene and calcium carbide, underpinning a unique C4+C2 assembly blueprint. The structure and morphology of the polymeric material were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Overall, two complementary 2×C2‐to‐C4 and (2×C2+C’2)×n assembly schemes were developed using Pt and Pd catalysis.
On the Carbenic Nature of Nitrile Ylides: Experimental and Computational Characterization of Hydroxy and Amino Nitrile Ylides
Authors: Nunes Cláudio M. , Lopes Jesus A. J. , Rosado Mário T. S. , Fausto Rui
Published: November 2023

Nitrile ylides are 1,3‐dipolar species with structures that are commonly described by propargylic and/or allenic resonance forms. Nevertheless, certain nitrile ylides exhibit a tendency to form dimers, suggesting the existence of structures characterized by an important carbenic contribution. To address the nitrile ylide carbenic nature, here we investigate two derivatives with OH and NH2 electron‐donating substituents. These nitrile ylides were generated in cryogenic matrices by UV‐irradiation of 3‐hydroxy‐ and 3‐amino‐isoxazole precursors and were found to photoisomerize to the corresponding oxazoles. The IR spectral characterization of the photogenerated nitrile ylides reveals the absence of the characteristic strong νas(CNC) absorption, which is associated with allenic and propargylic type structures. Computed geometries for the two experimentally investigated nitrile ylides and for analogues with different substituents at C3 and C1, together with NBO and NRT electronic structure analyses, performed at the CCSD(T) level of theory, reveal substantial carbenic character exclusively for nitrile ylides bearing OH and NH2 substituents at C3. As a whole, the results shed light on the factors determining the structural features of nitrile ylides, which play a major role in defining the reactivity of these important elusive compounds.
Grid‐tied PEMFC power conditioning system based on capacitor voltage thorough feedback procedure in a weak and harmonics‐polluted network
Authors: Hosseinpour Majid , Sabetfar Tooraj , Shahparasti Mahdi
Published: November 2023

Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) have been noticed by researchers due to their high efficiency, low pollution, and high‐power density in distributed generation systems. In this paper, an LCL‐type grid‐tied PEMFC fuel cell power conditioning system is evaluated in a harmonics‐polluted low‐voltage grid. The LCL‐filters can lead to resonance and instability despite their capability to attenuate harmonics. In this research, a transformer has been used to connect the fuel cell inverter to the grid. The grid‐side inductor of LCL‐filter is realized by the leakage inductance of the transformer. In addition, for more effective resonance damping and attenuation of current ripples caused by the grid voltage harmonics, a capacitor voltage comprehensive feedback control has been designed and investigated. The comprehensive feedback control of the capacitor voltage contains proportional, first and second‐order derivative terms. In the proposed control scheme, the capacitor‐current‐feedback is opposed by the capacitor voltage derivative term due to reverse loop gain, which leads to deleting both of these loop gains. As a result, there is no need to utilize a current sensor in this control method. Consequently, the proportional and second‐order derivative terms of the capacitor voltage attenuate the LCL‐filter resonance. A low‐pass filter is also considered in the second‐order derivative loop in the controllable frequency range to ensure system stability. The simulation results of the PEMFC power conditioning system in different conditions confirm the proper attenuation of LCL resonance of grid‐tied inverter, high‐quality current injection to the harmonics polluted grid, the suitable stability, and the appropriate dynamic response for the proposed system. Under the proposed control scheme, the fuel cell power conditioning system demonstrates satisfactory stability. Even when reducing the LCL filter values by 5%–20%, the system maintains its stability effectively. Moreover, the THD of the injected current into the grid, employing the proposed control strategy, has been successfully reduced to an impressive value of 1.97% in a weak and harmonical grid.
Teak wood derived porous carbon: An efficient cathode material for zinc‐ion hybrid supercapacitor
Authors: Chakraborty Anjan , Paul Aparna , Ghosh Anirban , Murmu Naresh Chandra , Kuila Tapas
Published: November 2023

An appealing choice for energy storage system that merges the advantages of zinc‐ion battery with supercapacitor is the zinc‐ion hybrid supercapacitor (ZHS). Carbonaceous materials have recently received significant attention as the viable cathode material for ZHS. Carbon‐based materials having large surface area and suitable pore structure exhibit fast kinetics and good charge storage behavior in ZHS. Carbonization temperature plays a vital role in optimizing surface area and developing the pore structure of the carbon. Activated carbon is successfully prepared from teak wood at different carbonization temperatures of ~600°C, 750°C, and 900°C, followed by KOH activation. The teak wood‐derived material carbonized at ~750°C (ATC2) shows the highest specific surface area of ~898.16 m2 g−1. Fabricated ZHS with ATC2 as cathode delivers the highest specific capacitance of ~116 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and exhibits outstanding capacitance retention of ~102.8% after 10 000 continuous galvanostatic charge‐discharge cycles recorded at 10 A g−1. In addition, the device shows ~42 W h kg−1 energy density at ~408 W kg−1 power density. The fabricated ZHS can power an LED and a digital clock, suggesting its potential application as energy storage device.
Cerebrospinal fluid efflux through dynamic paracellular pores on venules as a missing piece of the brain drainage system
Authors: Dong Yaqiong , Xu Ting , Yuan Lan , Wang Yahan , Yu Siwang , Wang Zhi , Chen Shizhu , Chen Chunhua , He Weijiang , Stewart Tessandra , Zhang Weiguang , Yang Xiaoda
Published: November 2023

The glymphatic system plays a key role in the clearance of waste from the parenchyma, and its dysfunction has been associated with the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, questions remain regarding its complete mechanisms. Here, we report that efflux of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/interstitial fluid (ISF) solutes occurs through a triphasic process that cannot be explained by the current model, but rather hints at the possibility of other, previously undiscovered routes from paravenous spaces to the blood. Using real‐time, in vivo observation of efflux, a novel drainage pathway was discovered, in which CSF molecules enter the bloodstream directly through dynamically assembled, trumpet‐shaped pores (basolateral ϕ<8 μm; apical ϕ < 2 μm) on the walls of brain venules. As Zn2+ could facilitate the brain clearance of macromolecular ISF solutes, Zn2+‐induced reconstruction of the tight junctions (TJs) in vascular endothelial cells may participate in pore formation. Thus, an updated model for glymphatic clearance of brain metabolites and potential regulation is postulated. In addition, deficient clearance of Aβ through these asymmetric venule pores was observed in AD model mice, supporting the notion that impaired brain drainage function contributes to Aβ accumulation and pathogenic dilation of the perivascular space in AD.
A comparative study of regional landslide susceptibility mapping with multiple machine learning models
Authors: Wang Yunhao , Wang Luqi , Liu Songlin , Liu Pengfei , Zhu Zhengwei , Zhang Wengang
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to utilize three machine learning models—random forest, logistic regression and extreme gradient boosting—to assess the landslide susceptibility of Wushan County and compare the predictive performance of each algorithm. To achieve this, the database was randomly divided into training (80%) and testing (20%) datasets. We considered the impact of soil thickness, which has rarely been explored in previous research. A spatial database of 19 conditioning factors related to the occurrence of a landslide was constructed to develop the landslide susceptibility maps. Thereafter, three models were estimated and compared using metrics such as accuracy, recall, F1 score and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The results show that the random forest model with the testing dataset has higher accuracy (0.848), F1 score (0.740) and AUC (0.904) values. Soil thickness is found to play a significant role in the occurrence of a landslide. The quantitative analysis of landslide susceptibility maps indicates the superiority of the random forest model. Finally, the outcomes of the random forest model incorporating multicollinearity analysis and factor selection were thoroughly discussed. In conclusion, the random forest is the recommended algorithm for evaluating landslide susceptibility to aid in disaster management in Wushan County.
The two synthetic cannabinoid compounds 4′‐F‐CBD and HU‐910 efficiently restrain inflammatory responses of brain microglia and astrocytes
Authors: dos Santos Pereira Maurício , Maitan Santos Bruna , Gimenez Rocio , Guimarães Francisco Silveira , Raisman‐Vozari Rita , Del Bel Elaine , Michel Patrick Pierre
Published: November 2023

To study the anti‐inflammatory potential of the two synthetic cannabinoids 4′‐F‐CBD and HU‐910, we used post‐natal brain cultures of mouse microglial cells and astrocytes activated by reference inflammogens. We found that 4′‐F‐CBD and HU‐910 efficiently curtailed the release of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β in microglia and astrocytes activated by the bacterial Toll‐Like Receptor (TLR)4 ligand LPS. Upon LPS challenge, 4′‐F‐CBD and HU‐910 also prevented the activation of phenotypic activation markers specific to microglia and astrocytes, that is, Iba‐1 and GFAP, respectively. In microglial cells, the two test compounds also efficiently restrained LPS‐stimulated release of glutamate, a non‐cytokine inflammation marker for these cells. The immunosuppressive effects of the two cannabinoid compounds were concentration‐dependent and observable between 1 and 10 μM. These effects were not dependent on cannabinoid or cannabinoid‐like receptors. Both 4′‐F‐CBD and HU‐910 were also capable of restraining the inflammogenic activity of Pam3CSK4, a lipopeptide that activates TLR2, and of BzATP, a prototypic agonist of P2X7 purinergic receptors, suggesting that these two cannabinoids could exert immunosuppressive effects against a variety of inflammatory stimuli. Using LPS‐stimulated microglia and astrocytes, we established that the immunosuppressive action of 4′‐F‐CBD and HU‐910 resulted from the inhibition of ROS produced by NADPH oxidase and subsequent repression of NF‐κB‐dependent signaling events. Our results suggest that 4′‐F‐CBD and HU‐910 may have therapeutic utility in pathological conditions where neuroinflammatory processes are prominent.
On the short‐term impact of pollution: The effect of PM 2.5 on emergency room visits
Authors: Dardati Evangelina , de Elejalde Ramiro , Giolito Eugenio
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we study the short‐term effect of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) exposure on respiratory emergency room (ER) visits in Chile, a middle‐income country with high levels of air pollution. To instrument for PM 2.5, we use wind speed at different altitudes (pressure levels). Unlike previous papers, our data allow us to study the impact of high pollution levels across all age groups. We find that a 1 μg per cubic meter (μg/m3) increase in PM 2.5 exposure for 1 day increases ER visits for respiratory illness by 0.36%. The effect is positive and significant for all age groups. Furthermore, the coefficients on government environmental alerts suggest that avoidance behavior becomes increasingly significant across all age groups as restrictions become more severe.
Protective effect of isoliquiritigenin in amiodarone‐induced damage of human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Guo Jin‐Li , Han Xiang , Yan Xian‐Yan , Wang Juan‐Juan , Chang Ya‐Qiong , Zhang Bei‐Lei , Guo Xiu‐Juan
Published: November 2023

Objective

Amiodarone (AM) is a drug commonly used in patients with ventricular arrhythmias. It can damage vascular endothelial cells and easily cause phlebitis. At present, the prevention and treatment of phlebitis induced by the use of AM is not clear due to the lack of corresponding primary research. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) has an anti‐inflammatory effect, but until now, has not been explored much in the field of research in primary care nursing. The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of action of ISL in treating phlebitis induced by AM.

Methods

In our study, we used human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) that were divided into three groups: the NC group (normal), the AM group (AM 30 μmol/L for 24 h), and the ISL pretreatment group (isoliquiritigenin 10 μmol/L after 1 h of pretreatment with amiodarone for 24 h). We used CCK‐8 to detect cell proliferation, cell scratch assay to detect the migration capability of cells, flow cytometry to measure apoptosis, angiogenesis assay to check the total length and total branches of angiogenesis, and PCR and WB to detect the expression of PCNA, casepase‐3, and VEGFA. WB was used to detect NF‐κBp65 and p‐NF‐κBp65 expression.

Results

Compared with the AM group, the ISL pretreatment promoted cell proliferation and migration, inhibited cell apoptosis, increased the total length and total branches of angiogenesis, and downregulated p‐NF‐κBp65 expression.

Conclusion

ISL shows promise in the prevention and treatment of clinical phlebitis and can be used as a potential therapeutic drug to prevent phlebitis.
Circulating levels of biomarkers and risk of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast in the UK Biobank study
Authors: Peila Rita , Rohan Thomas E.
Published: November 2023

Observational studies have shown associations between circulating levels of various biomarkers (eg, total cholesterol [TC], low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL], insulin‐like growth factor‐1 [IGF‐1], C‐reactive protein [CRP] and glycated hemoglobin‐1c [HbA1c]) and the risk of invasive breast cancer (IBC). Ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS) is a nonobligate precursor of IBC and shares several risk factors with it. However, the relationship between these biomarkers and DCIS risk remains unexplored. We studied the association between circulating levels of TC, LDL‐C, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), Lipoprotein (a) (Lp‐(a)), IGF‐1, CRP and HbA1c, with the risk of DCIS in 156801women aged 40 to 69 years and breast cancer‐free at enrolment when blood samples and information on demographic and health‐related factors were collected. Incident cases of DCIS were ascertained during the follow‐up via linkage to the UK cancer registries Multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of interest. In all, 969 DCIS incident cases were diagnosed during 11.4 years of follow‐up. Total cholesterol was inversely associated with the risk of DCIS (HRquintile(Q)5vsQ1 = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27‐0.82, Ptrend = .008). Conversely, LDL‐C was positively associated with DCIS risk (HRQ3vsQ1 = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.01‐2.04, HRQ4vsQ1 = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.04‐2.47, HRQ5vsQ1 = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.36‐3.88, Ptrend = .004). In postmenopausal women, CRP had a weak positive association with DCIS risk, while HbA1c showed a nonlinear association with the risk. These results, in conjunction with those from previous studies on IBC, provide support for the association of several biomarkers with the risk of an early stage of breast cancer.
A multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy study of the responses of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to blue light and antibiotic treatment
Authors: Zhang Chi , Zaki Farzana R. , Won Jungeun , Boppart Stephen A.
Published: November 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a multidrug‐resistant human pathogen involved in numerous infections. Understanding the response of P. aeruginosa to various treatments is critical to developing new ways for the antimicrobial susceptibly test and more effective treatment methods. Conventional antimicrobial susceptibility tests lack molecular information at the single bacterium level. In this study, we used label‐free multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy to identify an autofluorescence signal from pyoverdine, a siderophore of the bacteria, for quantification of P. aeruginosa responses to antibiotics and blue light treatment. We also discovered that the bleaching of the pyoverdine autofluorescence signals is correlated with the inactivation of P. aeruginosa and is perhaps one of the mechanisms involved in the blue light inactivation of P. aeruginosa.
Cordycepin inhibits kidney injury by regulating GSK‐3β‐mediated Nrf2 activation
Authors: Tang Zhiling , Chen Kean , Sun Chun , Ying Xiangjun , Li Ming
Published: November 2023

We explored the role and mechanism of cordycepin (COR) in inhibiting kidney injury. A mouse model of kidney injury was established using cisplatin (CDDP), and the kidney function, histopathology, and ferroptosis indices in mice were detected after intervening with COR. The targets of COR‐ferroptosis‐kidney injury were analyzed by network pharmacology, based on which the association between glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta (GSK‐3β) and COR was determined. HK‐2 cells were cultured in vitro and treated separately with ferroptosis inducers erastin and CDDP. After the COR intervention, the level of ferroptosis was monitored. In vitro experiments found that COR could inhibit ferroptosis and CDDP‐induced kidney injury. Network pharmacological analysis revealed that GSK‐3β was the target of COR. After inhibiting GSK‐3β expression, COR could not further inhibit the occurrence of ferroptosis. In vitro results also indicated that COR could inhibit ferroptosis in HK‐2 cells. According to our findings, COR can ameliorate CDDP‐induced kidney injury through GSK‐3β‐mediated ferroptosis signaling. We identify new pharmacological effect and target for COR, the major component of Cordyceps sinensis.
Pan‐cancer analysis reveals the pro‐oncogenic role of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A)‐regulated NTMT1 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Chunhong , Yu Min , Li Yujie
Published: November 2023

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) is a common and fatal tumor with a bleak prognosis, posing a significant threat to human health. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulates tumor progression by modulating gene expression post‐transcriptionally. Nevertheless, the specific function of m6A‐modified tumor drivers in HNSC remains largely uncharted. In this study, we revealed the pro‐oncogenic role of m6A‐regulated NTMT1 in HNSC through comprehensive pan‐cancer analysis and experimental validation. By scrutinizing the prognostic and expression profiles of NTMT1 across over 30 cancer types, we observed a significant association between NTMT1 and patient overall survival in ACC, HNSC, LAML, LGG, KIRC, and STAD. Moreover, we find a close correlation between NTMT1 and disease‐free survival in ACC, HNSC, LUSC, UVM, KIRC, and STAD. NTMT1 exhibited dysregulation in 15 cancers, including CESC, CHOL, COAD, DLBC, GBM, HNSC, LGG, LIHC, PAAD, READ, SKCM, THYM, UCS, LAML, and TGCT. Integrated data underscored the critical involvement of NTMT1 in HNSC. Furthermore, the expression of NTMT1 was closely associated with tumor stage and immune infiltration in HNSC. Functionally, NTMT1 deficiency was demonstrated to significantly impede cell proliferation and cell‐cycle progression in HNSC. Mechanistically, METTL3 was elucidated to mediate the epigenetic upregulation of NTMT1 in HNSC in an m6A‐dependent manner, and the overexpression of METTL3 was shown to alleviate the inhibitory impact of downregulated NTMT1 on HNSC proliferation. In conclusion, our findings enhance our understanding of NTMT1's role across various cancer types and offer a rationale for clinically targeting NTMT1 as a therapeutic approach for HNSC.
The impact of COVID‐19 on investor response to earnings and monthly sales news
Authors: Lu Hsueh‐Tien
Published: November 2023

The novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) situation provides new insights into how macroeconomic shocks affect investors’ processing of firm disclosures. This study focuses on the market reactions to mandatory firm disclosures, that is, earnings announcements and the unique practice of monthly sales disclosure in the Taiwanese stock market, and seeks to provide evidence that timely sales information attracts more incremental investor attention than earnings news after a sudden shock. This study finds decreased (increased) market reaction to earnings news (monthly sales news) during the turmoil period of the stock market than during the pre‐ and post‐turmoil periods. I further explore the effects of stock market conditions on the market reaction to the firm disclosures. I observe that a shrinking market leads to lesser (greater) investors’ attention on earnings news (monthly sales news) than a soaring market does. These results imply that the market demand on the earnings or monthly sales news depends on investors’ relative risk aversion. In addition, this study provides evidence that the trade‐off between the market reaction to earnings and monthly sales news seems to be temporary, however, the market reaction to the news had not returned to pre‐crisis levels during the sample period of this study. This paper shows that the increased decision usefulness of timely monthly sales information may supplement the decreased decision usefulness of earnings news during a negative macroeconomic event.
Ab initiostudies of counterion effects in molecular quantum‐dot cellular automata
Authors: Liza Nishattasnim , Coe Daniel J. , Lu Yuhui , Blair Enrique P.
Published: November 2023

Molecular quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA) is a low‐power computing paradigm that may offer ultra‐high device densities and THz‐speed switching at room temperature. A single mixed‐valence (MV) molecule acts as an elementary QCA device known as a cell. Cells coupled locally via the electrostatic field form logic circuits. However, previously‐synthesized ionic MV molecular cells are affected by randomly‐located, nearby neutralizing counterions that can bias device states or change device characteristics, causing incorrect computational results. Thisab initiostudy explores how non‐biasing counterions affect individual molecular cells. Additionally, we model two novel neutral, zwitterionic MV QCA molecules designed to avoid biasing and other undesirable counterionic effects. The location of the neutralizing counterion is controlled by integrating one counterion into each cell at a well‐defined, non‐biasing location. Each zwitterionic QCA candidate molecule presented here has a fixed, integrated counterion, which neutralizes the mobile charges used to encode the device state.
Negative feedback‐seeking in depression: The moderating roles of rumination and interpersonal life stress
Authors: Gallagher Anna G. , Washburn Dustin , Jacobson Jill A. , Harkness Kate L.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Swann's self‐verification theory proposes that negative feedback seeking (NFS)—the solicitation of negative feedback from others that confirms one's self‐views—works in a negative cycle to maintain and exacerbate depression in the face of interpersonal stress. We propose a cognitive‐interpersonal integration account of NFS such that this maladaptive behavior prospectively predicts depression only among those with a trait tendency to ruminate on the causes and consequences of depressed mood and stress.

Method

Participants included 91 young adults who were over‐sampled for a lifetime history of a unipolar depressive disorder (age 17–33; 69% women; 67% lifetime depressive disorder). At baseline, participants completed a structured diagnostic interview and self‐report measures of NFS, rumination, and depression symptoms. In addition, participants engaged in an interpersonal rejection task (the Yale Interpersonal Stressor) followed by a behavioral measure of NFS. At a 3‐month follow‐up, depression symptoms were again assessed by self‐report and exposure to stressful interpersonal life events in the intervening period were assessed with a rigorous contextual interview and independent rating system.

Results

Controlling for baseline depression severity, greater self‐reported, and behaviorally assessed NFS predicted greater follow‐up depression severity, but only among those with higher trait tendency to ruminate. For self‐reported NFS, this association was further moderated by level of interpersonal, but not noninterpersonal, life events experienced over follow‐up.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that rumination may represent a modifiable intervention target that could break the vicious interpersonal cycle of depression and, thus, mitigate the depressogenic effects of NFS.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Analysis of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Dual Therapy for Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Preterm Neonates at Less Than 29 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Almoslem Mohammed , Shah Sanket D. , Vozmediano Valvanera , Guzy Serge , Kim Sarah , Hudak Mark L. , Schmidt Stephan
Published: November 2023

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a blood vessel that critically supports fetal circulation. The ductus naturally closes within a few days after birth. However, it can stay open in premature neonates for an extended period of time, which is associated with increased mortality and various co‐morbidities. Ibuprofen and indomethacin are currently the only 2 drugs approved for inducing PDA closure, but both have been associated with adverse renal and bleeding events. Clinical evidence suggests that combining acetaminophen (APAP) and ibuprofen treatments can decrease the need for surgical ligation. The objective of this study was to establish a disease–drug–trial model to characterize and predict PDA closure following single and combination drug therapy with ibuprofen and/or APAP in children at less than 29 weeks of gestation. The model was informed by a comprehensive literature review. The results of our analysis suggest that ibuprofen and APAP achieve therapeutic synergy. They further suggest that the younger the preterm neonates, the higher the treatment benefit. A 5‐day oral dosing regimen consisting of ibuprofen (20 mg/kg Q24h on day 1, followed by 10 mg/kg Q24h on days 2‐5) plus APAP (15 mg/kg Q6h) was deemed appropriate to achieve at least 90% PDA in all preterm neonates evaluated within 1 month of life. The model can now be used to design prospective pediatric trials to evaluate optimal drug combinations for PDA closure in preterm neonates and to refine optimal dosing regimens in cohorts of differing gestational age.
Trying too hard or not hard enough: How effort shapes status
Authors: Warren Nathan B. , Warren Caleb
Published: November 2023

Is trying to earn status effective or self‐defeating? We show that whether effort increases or decreases admiration and respect (i.e., status) depends on how the person is trying to earn status. Groups evaluate people along multiple status dimensions (e.g., wealth, coolness). Each dimension is associated with a different ideology, or set of beliefs, that ascribe status to behaviors that contribute to the group's goals. Whether behaviors, including effort, increase status, thus, depends on the ideologies that people use to interpret if a behavior contributes to the group. Four experiments demonstrate that people earn more status when they try to become wealthy compared to when they are effortlessly wealthy, but earn less status when they try to become cool compared to when they are effortlessly cool. Effort increases status when directed at wealth but not at coolness because contemporary ideologies suggest that people who gain wealth through effort contribute more to society, whereas people who gain coolness through effort contribute less.