bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limited population and community effects of hatching asynchrony in a pond‐breeding salamander
Authors: Anderson Thomas L. , Burkhart Jacob J. , Cianci‐Gaskill Jacob A. , Davenport Jon M.
Published: February 2023

Understanding attributes of phenology beyond the mean date of a life history event, such as variability among individuals within a population, is critical to predict how climate‐induced phenological shifts may alter population dynamics. Identifying how phenological variability impacts organisms is especially needed to better understand how phenological shifts affect trophic dynamics (e.g., shifts in variability of top predators affecting primary production). To better understand the effects of phenological variability on both populations and communities, we examined how variation in egg hatching synchrony of predatory marbled salamanders (Ambystoma opacum) impacted intraspecific interactions at the larval stage, ultimately affecting demographic traits and survival through metamorphosis. We also examined how hatching synchrony affected overall trophic dynamics (e.g., primary consumers and producers) in pond food webs. We experimentally manipulated the degree of hatching synchrony of embryonic A. opacum and subsequently reared larvae in outdoor mesocosms. We monitored demographic traits such as larval growth, size at and time to metamorphosis, and survival. To assess trophic dynamics, we monitored zooplankton abundance and phytoplankton biomass during the experiment. Larvae exhibited greater variability in body size in medium and low hatching synchrony treatments compared to high synchrony treatments. Larval body size variation diminished over time to ultimately result in no differences in most life history traits at metamorphosis or survival among hatching synchrony treatments. We also found no differences among treatments in zooplankton abundance or phytoplankton biomass, likely because of minimal variation in A. opacum survival among treatments that would induce top‐down changes. Overall, we found that phenological variation may be context dependent in its influence on demography and overall community structure. Because of concerns for how phenological shifts will affect species interactions, greater scrutiny into conditions that would promote changes in population and community dynamics is needed.
Between two trees: Environmental effects of I. micheliana and A. latifolia on leaf litter ants in a coffee agroecosystem
Authors: Aponte Rolón Bolívar , Perfecto Ivette
Published: February 2023

Shade trees provide important ecological services that support productivity in coffee agroforestry systems. Processes such as biological nitrogen fixation play a key role in this. Less is known, however, about potential indirect mechanisms by which nitrogen fixation supports coffee productivity. One potential route for this to occur is by providing ecological benefits to other above‐ and belowground organisms that enrich the overall function of agroecosystems. A useful lens with which to evaluate the ecological benefits to these communities under shade trees is to assess how ground‐dwelling ant communities respond to the quality of leaf litter from established nitrogen (N)‐fixing tree species. Here, we use two trees commonly planted in coffee agroecosystems: Inga micheliana, an N‐fixing species, and Alchornea latifolia, a non‐N‐fixing species. In this study, we set out to answer the following questions: (1) How does the leaf litter environment differ between I. micheliana and A. latifolia? (2) Do differences in environmental factors between I. micheliana and A. latifolia correlate with differences in ant abundance and species richness? and (3) Do differences in environmental factors between I. micheliana and A. latifolia correlate with differences in ant community composition? Twenty‐eight randomly selected sites (14 I. micheliana and 14 A. latifolia) were established within a 45‐ha plot in a shaded organic coffee farm in Chiapas, Mexico. Three 1‐m2 quadrats within a 5‐m radius from the base of the selected trees were established, and the leaf litter within the quadrats was removed and sieved. Ant specimens were extracted from leaf litter collected from quadrats using the mini‐Winkler method and identified to genus and species, or morphospecies, level. Results indicate that I. micheliana, the N‐fixing species, has a lower C:N ratio than A. latifolia. Differences in C:N ratios are correlated with ant abundance but not with ant species richness. Distance to edge (in meters) has significant effects on leaf litter ant abundance, richness, and species composition. Results suggest that there may be unaccounted feedbacks from N‐ and non‐N‐fixing vegetation to brown food webs enabling them to sustain similar ground‐dwelling ant communities.
Isolated functional tricuspid regurgitation: how to define patients at risk for event?
Authors: L'Official Guillaume , Vely Mathilde , Kosmala Wojciech , Galli Elena , Guerin Anne , Chen Elisabeth , Sportouch Catherine , Dreyfus Julien , Oger Emmanuel , Donal Erwan
Published: February 2023

Aims

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a turning point in cardiac diseases. Symptoms typically appear late. The optimal timing for proposing a valve repair remains a challenge. We sought to analyse the characteristics of right heart remodelling in patients with significant functional TR to identify the parameters that could be used in a simple prognostic model predicting clinical events.

Methods and results

We designed a prospective observational French multicentre study including 160 patients with significant functional TR (effective regurgitant orifice area > 30 mm2) and left ventricular ejection fraction > 40%. Clinical, echocardiographic, and electrocardiogram data were collected at baseline and at the 1 and 2 year follow‐up. The primary outcome was all‐cause death or hospitalization for heart failure. At 2 years, 56 patients (35%) achieved the primary outcome. The subset with events showed more advanced right heart remodelling at baseline, but similar TR severity. Right atrial volume index (RAVI) and the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) ratio, reflecting right ventricular–pulmonary arterial coupling, were 73 mL/m2 and 0.40 vs. 64.7 mL/m2 and 0.50 in the event vs. event‐free groups, respectively (both P < 0.05). None among all the clinical and imaging parameters tested had a significant group × time interaction. The multivariable analysis leads to a model including TAPSE/sPAP ratio > 0.4 (odds ratio = 0.41, 95% confidence limit 0.2 to 0.82) and RAVI > 60 mL/m2 (odds ratio = 2.13, 95% confidence limit 0.96 to 4.75), providing a clinically valid prognostic evaluation.

Conclusions

RAVI and TAPSE/sPAP are relevant for predicting the risk for event at 2 year follow‐up in patients with an isolated functional TR.
Memory B‐cell diversity: From early generation to tissue residency and reactivation
Authors: Reusch Laura , Angeletti Davide
Published: February 2023

Memory B cells (MBCs) have a crucial function in providing an enhanced response to repeated infections. Upon antigen encounter, MBC can either rapidly differentiate to antibody secreting cells or enter germinal centers (GC) to further diversify and affinity mature. Understanding how and when MBC are formed, where they reside and how they select their fate upon reactivation has profound implications for designing strategies to improve targeted, next‐generation vaccines. Recent studies have crystallized much of our knowledge on MBC but also reported several surprising discoveries and gaps in our current understanding. Here, we review the latest advancements in the field and highlight current unknowns. In particular, we focus on timing and cues leading to MBC generation before and during the GC reaction, discuss how MBC become resident in mucosal tissues, and finally, provide an overview of factors shaping MBC fate‐decision upon reactivation in mucosal and lymphoid tissues.
Development of Macrocyclic Mn(II)−Bispyridine Complexes as pH‐Responsive Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Agents
Authors: Shen Xiaojuan , Pan Yan , Liang Guohai
Published: February 2023

In this study, macrocyclic complexes of Mn (II) with pH‐responsive relaxivities were developed. The ligands were based on the rigid MPi platform, which was composed of a triazacyclononane (TACN) macrocycle and two picolyl pendant arms. An aryl sulfonamide moiety introduced in the skeleton of MPi endowed the final Mn complex (Mn−MPA) with pH‐sensitive relaxivities. Mn−MPA showed a ∼3‐fold increase in longitudinal relaxivity associated with the protonation and decoordination of the sulfonamide group in an acidic environment. We found that it was feasible to tune the pH window of the complexes by choosing proper substituents on the aromatic ring or modifying on the picolyl pendants. Considering the good kinetic inertness, rapid and efficient response to pH stimuli, and easy modulation characteristics, Mn−MPAs can be considered ideal candidates for use as acidic microenvironment‐specific MRI contrast agents.
Effect of a symmetric V‐shaped canyon on the seismic response of an adjacent building under oblique incident SH waves
Authors: Zhang Ning , Lu Haijun , Gao Yufeng , Dai Denghui , Zhang Yu , Pak Ronald Y.S.
Published: February 2023

To elucidate whether an irregular topography affects the seismic response of nearby structures, an analytical solution to the dynamic interaction between a symmetric V‐shaped canyon and an adjacent building under the incidence of SH waves is proposed by using the wave function expansion method. The dynamic canyon‐soil‐structure interaction is decomposed into two problems of scattering and radiation. The building is idealized as a shear wall supported by a semicircular rigid foundation. The analytical solution can be degenerated theoretically to the canonical model of a shear wall embedded in a half‐space for either a zero depth‐to‐width ratio of the canyon or an infinite canyon‐building distance. Through a numerical comparison with two past exact solutions to the sole shear wall model as well as the sole V‐shaped canyon model, the correctness of the method in this paper is verified. A systematic parametrical analysis in both frequency and time domains is performed. It is found that the seismic response of the building may be amplified when it is on the wave‐facing side of the canyon. The degree of amplification is closely related to the size and depth‐to‐width ratio of canyon, the wave velocity of half‐space, and the incident angle and frequency content of seismic waves. The potential adverse effects of the V‐shaped canyon on the ground motion input of adjacent buildings should be considered in the seismic design.
Preparation of milk‐based probiotic lactic acid bacteria biofilms: A new generation of probiotics
Authors: Rezaei Zeinab , Salari Amir , Khanzadi Saeid , Rhim Jong‐Whan , Shamloo Ehsan
Published: February 2023

Biofilm is considered as a community of microorganisms in which cells adhere to each other on surfaces in a self‐produced matrix of extracellular polymer compounds. In recent years, efforts to use the beneficial aspects of biofilm in probiotic research have intensified. In this study, probiotic biofilms of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus were manufactured using milk and transferred to yogurt in whole and pulverized forms to test in real food conditions. Survival was assessed during 21 days of storage time as well as gastrointestinal conditions. The results indicated that Lp. plantarum and Lc. rhamnosus can form a very desirable and strong biofilm that can have a good protective effect on the survival of these bacteria in probiotic yogurt during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal conditions, in a way that, after 120 min of treatment in high acidic gastrointestinal conditions (pH 2.0), the survival rate decreased by only 0.5 and 1.1 log CFU/ml. Probiotic biofilm can be used as a natural way of utilizing bacteria in biotechnology and fermentation, which is an excellent way to increase the utility of probiotics.
Neurotoxicity of ischemic astrocytes involves STAT3‐mediated metabolic switching and depends on glycogen usage
Authors: Borbor Mina , Yin Dongpei , Brockmeier Ulf , Wang Chen , Doeckel Marius , Pillath‐Eilers Matthias , Kaltwasser Britta , Hermann Dirk M. , Dzyubenko Egor
Published: February 2023

Astrocytic responses are critical for the maintenance of neuronal networks in health and disease. In stroke, reactive astrocytes undergo functional changes potentially contributing to secondary neurodegeneration, but the mechanisms of astrocyte‐mediated neurotoxicity remain elusive. Here, we investigated metabolic reprogramming in astrocytes following ischemia–reperfusion in vitro, explored their role in synaptic degeneration, and verified the key findings in a mouse model of stroke. Using indirect cocultures of primary mouse astrocytes and neurons, we demonstrate that transcription factor STAT3 controls metabolic switching in ischemic astrocytes promoting lactate‐directed glycolysis and hindering mitochondrial function. Upregulation of astrocytic STAT3 signaling associated with nuclear translocation of pyruvate kinase isoform M2 and hypoxia response element activation. Reprogrammed thereby, the ischemic astrocytes induced mitochondrial respiration failure in neurons and triggered glutamatergic synapse loss, which was prevented by inhibiting astrocytic STAT3 signaling with Stattic. The rescuing effect of Stattic relied on the ability of astrocytes to utilize glycogen bodies as an alternative metabolic source supporting mitochondrial function. After focal cerebral ischemia in mice, astrocytic STAT3 activation was associated with secondary synaptic degeneration in the perilesional cortex. Inflammatory preconditioning with LPS increased astrocytic glycogen content, reduced synaptic degeneration, and promoted neuroprotection post stroke. Our data indicate the central role of STAT3 signaling and glycogen usage in reactive astrogliosis and suggest novel targets for restorative stroke therapy.
Chemoprevention of oral cancer: A review and future perspectives
Authors: Liao Yu‐Hao , Chou Wei‐Yi , Chang Chun‐Wei , Lin Mei‐Chun , Wang Cheng‐Ping , Lou Pei‐Jen , Chen Tseng‐Cheng
Published: February 2023

Background

Oral cancer causes significant morbidity and mortality. Chemoprevention utilizes medication or natural compounds to reverse oral premalignant lesions and to prevent second primary tumors.

Methods

A comprehensive PubMed database and Cochrane Library search from 1980 to 2021 was performed using the keywords “leukoplakia,” “oral premalignant lesion,” and “chemoprevention.”

Results

Chemopreventive agents included retinoids, carotenoids, cyclooxygenase inhibitor, herbal extracts, bleomycin, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, metformin, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although some agents demonstrated effect in reducing premalignant lesions and preventing second primary tumors, the results among different studies were highly variable.

Conclusions

The results of different trials, albeit inconsistent, provided substantial information for future studies. In the era of personalized medicine, future studies will focus on identifying specific biomarkers and molecular profile to monitor and to prevent malignant transformation. Larger trials are warranted to validate the effect of chemopreventive agents.
The association of patient‐reported social determinants of health and hospitalization rate: A scoping review
Authors: Ardekani Ali , Fereidooni Reza , Heydari Seyed Taghi , Ghahramani Sulmaz , Shahabi Saeed , Bagheri Lankarani Kamran
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The interplay between social determinants of health (SDOH) and hospitalization is significant as targeted interventions can improve the social status of the individuals. This interrelation has been historically overlooked in health care. In the present study, we reviewed studies in which the association between patient‐reported social risks and hospitalization rate was assessed.

Method

We performed a scoping literature review of articles published until September 1, 2022 without time limit. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to find relevant studies using terms representing “social determinants of health” and “hospitalization.” Forward and backward reference checking was done for the included studies. All studies that used patient‐reported data as a proxy of social risks to determine the association between social risks and hospitalization rates were included. The screening and data extraction processes were done independently by two authors. In case of disagreement, senior authors were consulted.

Results

Our search process retrieved a total of 14,852 records. After the duplicate removal and screening process, eight studies met the eligibility criteria, all of which were published from 2020 to 2022. The sample size of the studies ranged from 226 to 56,155 participants. All eight studies investigated the impact of food security on hospitalization, and six investigated economic status. In three studies, latent class analysis was applied to divide participants based on their social risks. Seven studies found a statistically significant association between social risks and hospitalization rates.

Conclusion

Individuals with social risk factors are more susceptible to hospitalization. There is a need for a paradigm shift to meet these needs and reduce the number of preventable hospitalizations.
HPV‐induced host epigenetic reprogramming is lost upon progression to high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Herzog Chiara , Vavourakis Charlotte D. , Barrett James E. , Karbon Gerlinde , Villunger Andreas , Wang Jiangrong , Sundström Karin , Dillner Joakim , Widschwendter Martin
Published: February 2023

The impact of a pathogen on host disease can only be studied in samples covering the entire spectrum of pathogenesis. Persistent oncogenic human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is the most common cause for cervical cancer. Here, we investigate HPV‐induced host epigenome‐wide changes prior to development of cytological abnormalities. Using cervical sample methylation array data from disease‐free women with or without an oncogenic HPV infection, we develop the WID (Women's cancer risk identification)‐HPV, a signature reflective of changes in the healthy host epigenome related to high‐risk HPV strains (AUC = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.72‐0.85, in nondiseased women). Looking at HPV‐associated changes across disease development, HPV‐infected women with minor cytological alterations (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1/2, CIN1/2), but surprisingly not those with precancerous changes or invasive cervical cancer (CIN3+), show an increased WID‐HPV index, indicating the WID‐HPV may reflect a successful viral clearance response absent in progression to cancer. Further investigation revealed the WID‐HPV is positively associated with apoptosis (ρ = 0.48;P < .001) and negatively associated with epigenetic replicative age (ρ = −0.43;P < .001). Taken together, our data suggest the WID‐HPV captures a clearance response associated with apoptosis of HPV‐infected cells. This response may be dampened or lost with increased underlying replicative age of infected cells, resulting in progression to cancer.
Benjamin F. Cravatt III – Chemical Proteomics Trailblazer
Authors: Hang Howard C.
Published: February 2023

The advances in large‐scale bioanalytical methods and computational approaches have afforded tremendous insight into fundamental mechanisms of health and disease as well as provided new opportunities for therapeutic development. However, the majority of proteins in humans remain undrugged or lack chemical probes to explore their functions in vivo. The pioneering studies on activity‐based protein profiling (ABPP) by Ben Cravatt and his lab members have provided a systematic and generalizable approach to address this major challenge in chemical biology and drug discovery. Notably, the Cravatt laboratory paved the way for employing activity‐ and reactivity‐based chemical probes with quantitative proteomics to identify small molecule protein targets and discover unpredicted protein hot spots for native and synthetic ligands. Importantly, these chemical proteomic methods have revealed new protein targets and mechanisms of action for drug discovery and have been widely adopted by many other laboratories around the world to discover new biology and pharmacology. The recognition of Ben Cravatt as a co‐recipient of the 2022 Wolf Prize in Chemistry for this trailblazing work in chemical proteomics is most well‐deserved.
Centering on economic construction to stabilize general socioeconomic conditions while fully promoting economic recovery: Outlook, policy simulations, and reform implementation—A summary of the annual SUFE macroeconomic report (2022–2023)
Authors: Huang Kevin X. D. , Tian Guoqiang , Wang Xiaowen
Published: February 2023

The Chinese economy upheld a frail recovery in 2022 under the triple superposition of contraction of demand, disruption in supply, and weakening expectations, aggravated by unanticipated adverse shocks in the midst of global turmoil. Over the year, rising income uncertainty set off by the pandemic shock continued depressing household consumption and housing demand. Trade also saw slowing growth, along with consumption and investment, with sluggish residential investment awaiting policy stimulus to take force. Unemployment rate remained high, and was much higher for youth engendered by severe structural imbalances in the labor market. Local government debt burden worsened while revenue shrinking, only to exacerbate the local fiscal financial risk. It fared better on the price side. While growth in producer price index kept falling, consumer price index maintained steady growth. Renminbi depreciated against USD through fluctuations with larger swings, but the exchange rate remained in a manageable band. The Institute for Advanced Research‐China Macroeconomic Model projects the baseline growth rate in real gross domestic product to be 5.4% in 2023. We have also used the model to conduct alternative scenario analyses and policy simulations to assess the impacts of potential downside risks or favorable situations. Our findings call for a focus on economic construction with deepening reform and opening up more comprehensively and initiatively. Only by doing so can China spur market vitality, strengthen business confidence, and forge competitive advantages.
The effect of an Internet‐based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention on social support in disaster evacuees
Authors: Frenette Émilie , Ouellet Marie‐Christine , Guay Stéphane , Lebel Jessica , Békés Vera , Belleville Geneviève
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Both exposure to a natural disaster and psychological symptoms may lead to decreases in social support. Few studies have examined ways to improve social support among victims of natural disasters.

Aims

The objective of the study was to assess emotional and tangible support following a 12‐session Internet‐based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) targeting posttraumatic stress (PTS), insomnia, and depression symptoms and to examine the association between posttreatment symptoms and emotional and tangible support.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and seventy‐eight wildfire evacuees with significant PTS, depression and/or insomnia symptoms were given access to the ICBT. They completed questionnaires at pre‐ and posttreatment to measure social support and symptom severity.

Results

Results show that completion of the treatment led to an improvement in emotional support. Lower posttreatment PTS and insomnia symptoms were associated with higher posttreatment emotional support.

Conclusion

ICBT may contribute to enhance emotional support through symptom improvement and probably more so when social support is address directly in treatment.
Cellular interplay in skeletal muscle regeneration and wasting: insights from animal models
Authors: Henrot Pauline , Blervaque Léo , Dupin Isabelle , Zysman Maéva , Esteves Pauline , Gouzi Fares , Hayot Maurice , Pomiès Pascal , Berger Patrick
Published: February 2023

Skeletal muscle wasting, whether related to physiological ageing, muscle disuse or to an underlying chronic disease, is a key determinant to quality of life and mortality. However, cellular basis responsible for increased catabolism in myocytes often remains unclear. Although myocytes represent the vast majority of skeletal muscle cellular population, they are surrounded by numerous cells with various functions. Animal models, mostly rodents, can help to decipher the mechanisms behind this highly dynamic process, by allowing access to every muscle as well as time‐course studies. Satellite cells (SCs) play a crucial role in muscle regeneration, within a niche also composed of fibroblasts and vascular and immune cells. Their proliferation and differentiation is altered in several models of muscle wasting such as cancer, chronic kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fibro‐adipogenic progenitor cells are also responsible for functional muscle growth and repair and are associated in disease to muscle fibrosis such as in chronic kidney disease. Other cells have recently proven to have direct myogenic potential, such as pericytes. Outside their role in angiogenesis, endothelial cells and pericytes also participate to healthy muscle homoeostasis by promoting SC pool maintenance (so‐called myogenesis–angiogenesis coupling). Their role in chronic diseases muscle wasting has been less studied. Immune cells are pivotal for muscle repair after injury: Macrophages undergo a transition from the M1 to the M2 state along with the transition between the inflammatory and resolutive phase of muscle repair. T regulatory lymphocytes promote and regulate this transition and are also able to activate SC proliferation and differentiation. Neural cells such as terminal Schwann cells, motor neurons and kranocytes are notably implicated in age‐related sarcopenia. Last, newly identified cells in skeletal muscle, such as telocytes or interstitial tenocytes could play a role in tissular homoeostasis. We also put a special focus on cellular alterations occurring in COPD, a chronic and highly prevalent respiratory disease mainly linked to tobacco smoke exposure, where muscle wasting is strongly associated with increased mortality, and discuss the pros and cons of animal models versus human studies in this context. Finally, we discuss resident cells metabolism and present future promising leads for research, including the use of muscle organoids.
Contribution of parvovirus B19 in suspected cases of measles/rubella in Osaka, Japan, between 2011 and 2021
Authors: Kaida Yuko , Kanbayashi Daiki , Kurata Takako , Mori Haruyo
Published: February 2023

Erythema infectiosum, caused by human parvovirus B19 (B19V), is difficult to diagnose by its clinical symptoms and is often misdiagnosed as measles or rubella. Timely confirmation of measles/rubella or other viral etiologies via laboratory tests can provide an accurate picture of the infection status, which can appropriate response. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of B19V as an etiological agent for fever‐rash in suspected cases of measles and rubella in Osaka Prefecture between 2011 and 2021. Of 1356 suspected cases, 167 were confirmed with measles and 166 with rubella using nucleic acid testing (NAT). Of the remaining 1023 cases, 970 from which blood specimens could be obtained were screened by real‐time polymerase chain reaction for B19V, from which 136 (14%) tested positive. Of the positives cases, 21% were young children (9 years and younger), while 64% were adults (20 years and older). Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that 93 samples belonged to genotype 1a. The importance of B19V in the etiology of fever‐rash illness was revealed in this study. The importance of laboratory diagnosis by NAT in maintaining the status of measles elimination and to eliminate rubella was reaffirmed.
Impact of biochar on the yield and nutritional quality of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) under drought stress
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Ahmad Noman , Raza Waleed , Zhao Zhenhua , Abubakar Maria , Rehman Sami Ur , Ikram Sufian , Tariq Humna
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Undeviating climatic instabilities have increased the incidents of drought. Crop performance and yield attributes of tomatoes are negatively affected by drought stress. Biochar is an organic amendment that can increase crop yield and nutritional value under water‐deficient conditions by retaining water and providing nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other trace elements).

RESULTS

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of biochar on tomato plant physiology, yield, and nutritional quality under deficit moisture regimes. Plants were subjected to two biochar levels (0.1% and 0.2%) and four moisture levels [100%, 70%, 60%, and 50% field capacities (FCs)]. Drought stress, especially 50D (50% FC), severely affected the plant morphology, physiology, yield, and fruit quality attributes. However, plants grown in biochar‐amended soil showed significant increase in the studied attributes. Plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight of root, the number of fruits per plant, fruit fresh and dry weight, ash percent, crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein, and lycopene contents were increased in plants grown in biochar‐amended soil under control and drought stress.

CONCLUSION

Biochar at 0.2% application rate depicted a more pronounced increment in the studied parameters than 0.1% and can save 30% water without compromising tomato crop yield and nutritional value. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Osthole regulates N6‐methyladenosine‐modified TGM2 to inhibit the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Lin Xian , Chen Jian , Tao Cheng , Luo Lianxiang , He Juan , Wang Qingwen
Published: February 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, and RA interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a severe complication of RA. This investigation aims to determine the effect and underlying mechanism of osthole (OS), which could be extracted from Cnidium, Angelica, and Citrus plants and evaluate the role of transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) in RA and RA‐ILD. In this work, OS downregulated TGM2 to exert its additive effect with methotrexate and suppress the proliferation, migration, and invasion of RA‐fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) by attenuating NF‐κB signaling, resulting in the suppression of RA progression. Interestingly, WTAP‐mediated N6‐methyladenosine modification of TGM2 and Myc‐mediated WTAP transcription cooperatively contributed to the formation of a TGM2/Myc/WTAP‐positive feedback loop through upregulating NF‐κB signaling. Moreover, OS could downregulate the activation of the TGM2/Myc/WTAP‐positive feedback circuit. Furthermore, OS restrained the proliferation and polarization of M2 macrophages to inhibit the aggregation of lung interstitial CD11b+ macrophages, and the effectiveness and non‐toxicity of OS in suppressing RA and RA‐ILD progression were verified in vivo. Finally, bioinformatics analyses validated the importance and the clinical significance of the OS‐regulated molecular network. Taken together, our work emphasized OS as an effective drug candidate and TGM2 as a promising target for RA and RA‐ILD treatment.
Peripheral Inflammation Links with the Severity of Clinical Phenotype in Spinocerebellar Ataxia 2
Authors: Vázquez‐Mojena Yaimeé , Rodríguez‐Córdova Yanetsy , Dominguez‐Barrios Yennis , León‐Arcia Karen , Miranda‐Becerra David , Gonzalez‐Zaldivar Yanetza , Guerra‐Bustillos Guillermo , Ziemann Ulf , Auburger Georg , Rodríguez‐Labrada Roberto , Robinson‐Agramonte María de los Ángeles , Velázquez‐Pérez Luis
Published: February 2023

Background

The role of peripheral inflammation in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is unknown.

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify peripheral inflammation biomarkers and their relationship with the clinical and molecular features.

Methods

Blood cell count–derived inflammatory indices were measured in 39 SCA2 subjects and their matched controls. Clinical scores of ataxia, nonataxia, and cognitive dysfunction were assessed.

Results

The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the Systemic Inflammation Index (SII), and the Aggregate Index of Systemic Inflammation (AISI) were significantly increased in SCA2 subjects compared with controls. The increases in PLR, SII, and AISI were even observed in preclinical carriers. NLR, PLR, and SII were correlated with the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia speech item score rather than with the total score. The NLR and SII were correlated with the nonataxia and the cognitive scores.

Conclusions

Peripheral inflammatory indices are biomarkers in SCA2, which may help to design future immunomodulatory trials and advance our understanding of the disease. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Exploiting moderate hypoxia to benefit patients with brain disease: Molecular mechanisms and translational research in progress
Authors: Ehrenreich Hannelore , Gassmann Max , Poustka Luise , Burtscher Martin , Hammermann Peter , Sirén Anna‐Leena , Nave Klaus‐Armin , Miskowiak Kamilla
Published: February 2023

Hypoxia is increasingly recognized as an important physiological driving force. A specific transcriptional program, induced by a decrease in oxygen (O2) availability, for example, inspiratory hypoxia at high altitude, allows cells to adapt to lower O2 and limited energy metabolism. This transcriptional program is partly controlled by and partly independent of hypoxia‐inducible factors. Remarkably, this same transcriptional program is stimulated in the brain by extensive motor‐cognitive exercise, leading to a relative decrease in O2 supply, compared to the acutely augmented O2 requirement. We have coined the term “functional hypoxia” for this important demand‐responsive, relative reduction in O2 availability. Functional hypoxia seems to be critical for enduring adaptation to higher physiological challenge that includes substantial “brain hardware upgrade,” underlying advanced performance. Hypoxia‐induced erythropoietin expression in the brain likely plays a decisive role in these processes, which can be imitated by recombinant human erythropoietin treatment. This article review presents hints of how inspiratory O2 manipulations can potentially contribute to enhanced brain function. It thereby provides the ground for exploiting moderate inspiratory plus functional hypoxia to treat individuals with brain disease. Finally, it sketches a planned multistep pilot study in healthy volunteers and first patients, about to start, aiming at improved performance upon motor‐cognitive training under inspiratory hypoxia.
High‐fat diet‐induced elevation of body weight set point in male mice
Authors: Fang Lisa Z. , Lily Vidal Josué A. , Hawlader Oishi , Hirasawa Michiru
Published: February 2023

Objective

High‐fat diets (HFD) are thought to disrupt energy homeostasis to drive overeating and obesity. However, weight loss resistance in individuals with obesity suggests that homeostasis is intact. This study aimed to reconcile this difference by systematically assessing body weight (BW) regulation under HFD.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 N mice were fed diets with varying fat and sugar in different durations and patterns. BW and food intake were monitored.

Results

BW gain was transiently accelerated by HFD (≥40%) prior to plateauing. The plateau was consistent regardless of starting age, HFD duration, or fat/sugar content. Reverting to a low‐fat diet (LFD) caused transiently accelerated weight loss, which correlated with how heavy mice were before the diet relative to LFD‐only controls. Chronic HFD attenuated the efficacy of single or repetitive dieting, revealing a defended BW higher than that of LFD‐only controls.

Conclusions

This study suggests that dietary fat modulates the BW set point immediately upon switching from LFD to HFD. Mice defend a new elevated set point by increasing caloric intake and efficiency. This response is consistent and controlled, suggesting that hedonic mechanisms contribute to rather than disrupt energy homeostasis. An elevated floor of the BW set point after chronic HFD could explain weight loss resistance in individuals with obesity.

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Relationship between maximum principle and dynamic programming principle for stochastic recursive optimal control problem under volatility uncertainty
Authors: Li Xiaojuan
Published: February 2023

In this article, we study the relationship between maximum principle (MP) and dynamic programming principle (DPP) for stochastic recursive optimal control problem driven by ‐Brownian motion. Under the smooth assumption for the value function, we obtain the connection between MP and DPP under a reference probability . Within the framework of viscosity solution, we establish the relation between the first‐order super‐jet, sub‐jet of the value function and the solution to the adjoint equation respectively.
RSV through the COVID‐19 pandemic: Burden, shifting epidemiology, and implications for the future
Authors: Stein Renato T. , Zar Heather J.
Published: February 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents a major global healthcare burden, particularly in those under 5 years of age. There is no available vaccine, with treatment limited to supportive care or palivizumab for high‐risk children. Additionally, although a causal relationship has not been established, RSV has been associated with the development of asthma or wheezing in some children. The COVID‐19 pandemic and the introduction of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have caused substantial changes to RSV seasonality and epidemiology. Many countries have experienced an absence of RSV during the time of a typical season, followed by an out‐of‐season surge upon relaxation of NPI use. These dynamics have disrupted traditional RSV disease patterns and assumptions, but also provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the transmission of RSV and other respiratory viruses, as well as inform future approaches to RSV preventive strategies. Here, we review the RSV burden and epidemiology through the COVID‐19 pandemic and discuss how new data may affect future decisions regarding RSV prevention.
Low‐risk prostate lesions: An evidence review to inform discussion on losing the “cancer” label
Authors: Semsarian Caitlin R. , Ma Tara , Nickel Brooke , Barratt Alexandra , Varma Murali , Delahunt Brett , Millar Jeremy , Parker Lisa , Glasziou Paul , Bell Katy J. L.
Published: February 2023

Background

Active surveillance (AS) mitigates harms from overtreatment of low‐risk prostate lesions. Recalibration of diagnostic thresholds to redefine which prostate lesions are considered “cancer” and/or adopting alternative diagnostic labels could increase AS uptake and continuation.

Methods

We searched PubMed and EMBASE to October 2021 for evidence on: (1) clinical outcomes of AS, (2) subclinical prostate cancer at autopsy, (3) reproducibility of histopathological diagnosis, and (4) diagnostic drift. Evidence is presented via narrative synthesis.

Results

AS: one systematic review (13 studies) of men undergoing AS found that prostate cancer‐specific mortality was 0%−6% at 15 years. There was eventual termination of AS and conversion to treatment in 45%−66% of men. Four additional cohort studies reported very low rates of metastasis (0%−2.1%) and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (0%−0.1%) over follow‐up to 15 years. Overall, AS was terminated without medical indication in 1%−9% of men. Subclinical reservoir: 1 systematic review (29 studies) estimated that the subclinical cancer prevalence was 5% at <30 years, and increased nonlinearly to 59% by >79 years. Four additional autopsy studies (mean age: 54−72 years) reported prevalences of 12%−43%. Reproducibility: 1 recent well‐conducted study found high reproducibility for low‐risk prostate cancer diagnosis, but this was more variable in 7 other studies. Diagnostic drift: 4 studies provided consistent evidence of diagnostic drift, with the most recent (published 2020) reporting that 66% of cases were upgraded and 3% were downgraded when using contemporary diagnostic criteria compared to original diagnoses (1985−1995).

Conclusions

Evidence collated may inform discussion of diagnostic changes for low‐risk prostate lesions.
Encapsulation of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil and of its main components in cyclodextrin: application to the control of the date moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Pyralidae)
Authors: Ben Abada Maha , Soltani Abir , Tahri Maroua , Haoual Hamdi Soumaya , Boushih Emna , Fourmentin Sophie , Greige‐Gerges Hélène , Mediouni Ben Jemâa Jouda
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Synthetic insecticides are the most useful tools for preventing losses caused by insect pest's infestation during storage. However, the use of pesticides should be limited because of the development of insect resistance and their adverse effects on human health and environment. In the last decades, natural insecticidal products, principally essential oils (EOs) and their active components, exhibited potential alternatives for pest control. Nevertheless, due to their volatile nature, encapsulation could be considered as the most appropriate solution. Therefore, this work aims to investigate the fumigant ability of inclusion complexes of Rosmarinus officinalis EO and its major constituents (1,8‐cineole, α‐pinene and camphor) with 2‐hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) against Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Pyralidae) larvae.

RESULTS

The encapsulation within HP‐β‐CD reduced greatly the release rate of the encapsulated molecules. Therefore, free compounds were more toxic than those encapsulated. Moreover, results revealed that encapsulated volatiles exhibited interesting insecticidal toxicity towards E. ceratoniae larvae. In fact, after 30 days mortality rates were 53.85, 94.23, 3.85 and 42.31% for α‐pinene, 1,8‐cineole, camphor and EO, respectively, encapsulated within HP‐β‐CD. In addition, results showed also that 1,8‐cineole free and encapsulated was more effective toward E. ceratoniae larvae than the other tested volatiles. Additionally, the HP‐β‐CD/volatiles complexes exhibited best persistence compared to the volatiles components. The half‐life of the encapsulated α‐pinene, 1,8‐cineole, camphor and EO (7.83, 8.75, 6.87 and 11.20 days) was significantly longer than that of the free ones (3.46, 5.02, 3.38 and 5.58 days).

CONCLUSION

These results sustain the utility of R. officinalis EO and its main components encapsulated in CDs as treatment to stored‐date commodities. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Antifungal effects of amaryllidaceous alkaloids from bulbs of Lycoris spp. against Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Qiao Siwei , Yao Jingyuan , Wang Qizhi , Li Linwei , Wang Bi , Feng Xu , Wang Zhong , Yin Min , Chen Yu , Xu Shu
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most devastating diseases of rice, and novel fungicides for controlling rice blast are needed owing to the problem of resistance to commonly used control agents. We previously found that methanol extract of Lycoris radiata (L'Her.) Herb. showed an excellent inhibitory effect on mycelial growth of M. oryzae, indicating its potential for developing control agents against M. oryzae. In this study, we aim to investigate the antifungal effects of different Lycoris spp. against M. oryzae, and clarify the main active components.

RESULTS

Extracts from bulbs of seven Lycoris spp. showed excellent inhibitory effects on mycelial growth and spore germination of M. oryzae at 400 mg L−1. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was employed to analyze the components of the extracts, and heatmap clustering analysis with Mass Profiler Professional software revealed that lycorine and narciclasine may be the main active components. Lycorine and narciclasine, together with three other amaryllidaceous alkaloids (AAs), were then isolated from bulbs of Lycoris spp. Antifungal assays showed that lycorine and narciclasine had good inhibitory activities against M. oryzae in vitro, but the other three AAs showed no antifungal activities under test concentrations. In addition, lycorine and the ethyl acetate part of L. radiata showed good antifungal effects against M. oryzae in vivo, but narciclasine showed phototoxicity on rice when used alone.

CONCLUSION

Extracts of test Lycoris spp. and the main active component lycorine have excellent antifungal activities against M. oryzae, and are good candidates for developing control agents against M. oryzae. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Avian regulation of crop and forest pests, a meta‐analysis
Authors: Monteagudo Navila , Benayas José María Rey , Andivia Enrique , Rebollo Salvador
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Birds have been shown to reduce pest effects on various ecosystem types. This study aimed to synthesize the effect of birds on pest abundance, product damage and yield in agricultural and forest systems in different environments. Our hypothesis is that birds are effective pest regulators that contribute to a reduction in pest abundance, enhancement of yield quality and quantity and economic profit, and that pest regulation may depend on moderators such as the type of ecosystem, climate, pest, and indicator (ecological or economic).

RESULTS

We performed a systematic literature review of experimental and observational studies related to biological control in the presence and absence of regulatory birds. We retained 449 observations from 104 primary studies that were evaluated through qualitative and quantitative analyses. Of the 79 studies with known effects of birds on pest regulation, nearly half of the 334 observations showed positive effects (49%), 46% showed neutral effects, and very few (5%) showed negative effects. Overall effect sizes were positive (mean Hedges’ d = 0.38 ± 0.06). A multiple model selection retained only ecosystem and indicator types as significant moderators.

CONCLUSION

Our results support our hypothesis that there is a positive effect of avian control of pests for each analyzed moderator and this effect was significant for both ecological and economic indicators. Avian regulation of pests is a potential effective approach for environmentally friendly pest management that can reduce pesticide use regardless of the context of implementation. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Implementing wood ants in biocontrol: Suppression of apple scab and reduced aphid tending
Authors: Jensen Ida Cecilie , Hansen Rikke Reisner , Damgaard Christian , Offenberg Joachim
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Ants can become efficient biocontrol agents in plantation crops as they prey on pest insects and may inhibit plant pathogens by excreting broad‐spectrum antibiotics. However, ants also provide a disservice by augmenting attended honeydew producing homopterans. This disservice may be avoided by offering ants artificial sugar as an alternative to honeydew. Here we tested the effect of artificial sugar feeding on aphid abundance in an apple plot with wood ants (Formica polyctena, Förster), and tested the effect of ant presence on apple scab (Venturia inaequalis, Cooke) disease incidence.

RESULTS

Over a 2‐year period, sugar feeding eliminated ant‐attended aphid populations on the apple trees. Furthermore, scab symptoms on both leaves and apples were reduced considerably on ant trees compared to control trees without ants. The presence of ants on the trees reduced leaf scab infections by 34%, whereas spot numbers on fruits were reduced by between 53 and 81%, depending on apple variety. In addition, the spots were 56% smaller.

CONCLUSION

This shows that problems with wood ant‐attended homopterans can be solved and that ants can control both insect pests and plant pathogens. We therefore propose wood ants as a new effective biocontrol agent suitable for implementation in apple orchards and possibly other plantation crops. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.