bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colecciones universitarias: ¿podrían constituirse en museo?
Authors: Morón de Castro María Fernanda
Published: August 2024

Las universidades en el siglo XVIII fueron el origen y la sede de los primeros museos públicos. Estas instituciones estaban dedicadas a la formación a través, en gran medida, del estudio y exhibición de sus colecciones científicas y humanísticas. Con el paso del tiempo el concepto de museo ha cambiado ¿sería posible que las universidades españolas adaptaran su realidad a las directrices dadas por el Consejo Internacional de Museos (ICOM) sobre lo que debe ser una institución de esta naturaleza?
Approaches to conducting a physiologically relevant test (PRT) in the study of medicines containing substance IIc of the BCS subclass using sorafenib as an example
Authors: Suvorova A. V. , Medvedev Yu. V. , Losenkova P. A. , Kramarenko O. S. , Malashenko E. A. , Poluyanov A. M. , Shohin I. E.
Published: August 2024

Introduction. Sorafenib is an antineoplastic drug belonging to class IIc according to the biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) due to the presence of both acidic and basic properties. In addition to low solubility, sorafenib is characterized by high variability during clinical trials, in particular bioequivalence studies (BE). To selecting batches that can be recommended for BE studies, the dissolution kinetics test is currently widely used, however, the results of this test are not always sufficient and additional tests, for example, a physiologically relevant test, are advisable. To minimize the risks of obtaining nonequivalent results during the BE study, a physiologically relevant test (PRT) was carried out with further data processing and interpretation of the results of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling (PBPK).

Aim. The aim of the study is to conduct a physiologically relevant test (PRT) for the purpose of selecting a candidate batch for subsequent BE study of sorafenib drugs using the physiologically based pharmacokinetic model (PBPK).

Materials and methods. The objects of the study are Nexavar®, film-coated tablets, 200 mg (Bayer AG, Germany) (one batch) and Sorafenib, film-coated tablets, 200 mg (two batches) (Russia). The physiologically relevant test was performed on the SC PRT-6 device (LLC "Scientific Compliance", Russia). Quantitative analysis was performed by HPLC-UV on the Chromatec-Crystal HPLC 2014 device (CJSC "Chromatec", Russia). The plasma concentration profiles were simulated using PK-Sim® software (Systems Biology Software Suite 11.2, Bayer Technology Services GmbH, Germany).

Results and discussion. As part of the study, a method for the quantitative determination of sorafenib was developed and validated, a method for sample preparation was developed, and a method for conducting the PRT for sorafenib, as a representative of the IIc subclass of BCS, was developed. Based on the study results, release profiles were obtained that were used to select a candidate series for the BE study. The series were selected based on the PBPK analysis on a virtual population consisting of 36 healthy volunteers with activated enteropathic circulation, characteristic of sorafenib.

Conclusion. The PRT was carried out for the drug sorafenib. Quantitative determination was carried out by HPLC-UV according to the developed and validated method. The test resulted in obtaining data that were subjected to PBPK analysis. It was shown that the studied batches have high risks of non-equivalence during the bioequivalence study.
Subprime Crisis Revisited: Effect of Payment Shock on Foreclosure Rates
Authors: Kelly Lynne , Lindsey-Taliefero Debby
Published: August 2024

This study investigates how payment shock from interest rate resets affects subprime mortgage foreclosure rates. Using robust econometric techniques (OLS, 2SLS, GMM), it isolates the causal effect of payment shock while accounting for house prices and borrowers’ ability to pay. Our findings show a significant positive link (27%) between payment shock and foreclosure rates. It highlights economic stability’s importance, showing negative correlations between foreclosure rates and ability to pay, as well as foreclosure rates and house prices. Lagged foreclosure rates show a persistent effect. The GMM model provides the most reliable estimates by addressing endogeneity, heteroscedasticity, and serial correlation.
The Use of Religious, Management, and Restorative Justice Models to Address Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Authors: Gross Schaefer Arthur , Gala Sona , Martinez Patricia , Mehta Esha , Bajania Nisha , Ahn Jonathan
Published: August 2024

Sexual harassment in the workplace continues to produce organizational, financial, and human costs. For survivors, the investigative process may be adversarial, often leaving the individual without a full sense of recovery. Organizations may not provide survivors with the ability to verbalize their feelings or seek closure by directly addressing the offender. In addition, the perpetrator may not have the opportunity to listen to the survivor or share their remorse for their actions. What if after the organization’s investigation and the legal process were completed, both the survivor and the perpetrator engaged in a process that may lead to some healing and rehabilitation for the offender? This paper explores concepts found in various religious traditions, management concepts and restorative justice to offer such a process organizations may wish to consider. We propose a framework that extends beyond the tools in our human relations and legal system to offer survivors and offenders of workplace sexual harassment a possible path for healing, and perhaps, rehabilitation.
Consumer Privacy Expectations and the Impact on Buying Intentions
Authors: Linde, II Edward L. , Brown William S. , Cary John C. , Harper Pamela J.
Published: August 2024

Based on past research and attitudinal theories, this study intends to investigate the effect of attitudes about data privacy protection and disclosure and the perception of corporate data privacy performance on future purchase intention. Additionally, it seeks to understand the relationship between purchase behavior intensity, personal data privacy concerns and privacy expectations (attitude). A total of 271 usable surveys were gathered from United States consumers and analyzed by two multiple linear regression models and correlation analysis. The results show that attitude (data privacy protection and disclosure responsibility) and perceptions about corporate data privacy performance predict purchase intention. Furthermore, past purchase behavior intensity and personal data privacy concerns influence corporate data privacy responsibility attitudes. This study extends the current data privacy literature by understanding how data privacy expectations (attitude) and data privacy performance perceptions impact purchase intent and are influenced by personal data privacy concerns and purchase behavior.
Oceanic manta rays aggregating near a major population center have far higher injury rates than at an offshore protected area
Authors: Dominguez-Sanchez PS , Zavala-Jimenez A , Fonseca-Ponce I , Kumli KR , Rubin RD , Stewart JD
Published: August 2024

The oceanic manta ray Mobula birostris is an Endangered species facing numerous anthropogenic threats that have led to population declines worldwide. Although oceanic manta rays are fully protected in Mexico, this species is still threatened by bycatch and vessel collisions, which jeopardize the population’s stability and recovery. This study compares the prevalence and types of injuries observed in oceanic manta rays between the remote Revillagigedo Archipelago National Park and Bahía de Banderas, an area of high vessel traffic and small-scale fisheries in Mexico. Using visual censuses and photo-identification techniques conducted from 2014 to 2022 for Bahía de Banderas and from 1978 to 2020 for the Revillagigedo Archipelago, we found significant disparities in injury rates between the 2 regions. The overall injury rate was substantially higher in Bahía de Banderas (31.7%) than in the Revillagigedo Archipelago (5.2%), with a notable proportion of injuries attributed to anthropogenic causes, particularly vessel collisions and fishing gear entanglement. Moreover, the severity and types of injuries varied significantly, with a higher incidence of major injuries in Bahía de Banderas. These findings highlight the importance of marine protected areas for oceanic manta rays and emphasize the critical importance of implementing targeted conservation measures, especially in coastal regions with high maritime activity, to safeguard oceanic manta ray populations from further decline. We encourage the community and stakeholders to implement conservation actions urgently to preserve the vulnerable oceanic manta ray population in Bahía de Banderas and other coastal areas inhabited by this species.
Oyster reefs as habitat for aquatic macrofauna in a Gulf of Mexico estuary: biotic complexity at spatial, ecological, and demographic scales
Authors: Balboa W , McDonald D , Olsen Z , Williford D , Harper J , Anderson J
Published: August 2024

Oysters are important marine foundation species across the world, particularly in estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico. One important function of oysters in estuaries is the provision of 3-dimensional habitat that is used by a wide range of species. In this study, the biotic diversity of mid-bay intertidal oyster reefs found in a Gulf of Mexico estuary was examined at nested ecological and demographic scales. Fishery-independent data collections made in East Matagorda Bay, Texas, USA, were used to compare community structure and diversity at mid-bay reefs to undifferentiated shoreline habitats. Despite similar diversity metrics, there were differences in community structure that were driven by differences in spatial habitat use by several common species. Below the community scale, demographic differences in spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus habitat use were observed, with smaller and younger individuals found along reefs, and larger and older individuals found along shorelines. This finding was more pronounced for male spotted seatrout in the spring. The observed spatial habitat use patterns at nested ecological scales (community, inter-species, intra-species) highlight the importance of oyster reefs for maintaining diversity in Gulf of Mexico estuaries, and more broadly support the notion that heterogeneity in localized habitats drives biotic diversity at the estuary scale. Conservation of oyster reefs as critical habitat should be considered along with conservation of oysters themselves when balancing the ecological value of oysters against the commercial value of oyster fisheries.
Metabolic Pathways of Acylcarnitine Synthesis
Authors: Brejchova J , Brejchova K , Kuda O
Published: August 2024

Acylcarnitines are important markers in metabolic studies of many diseases, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurological disorders. We reviewed analytical methods for analyzing acylcarnitines with respect to the available molecular structural information, the technical limitations of legacy methods, and the potential of new mass spectrometry-based techniques to provide new information on metabolite structure. We summarized the nomenclature of acylcarnitines based on historical common names and common abbreviations, and we propose the use of systematic abbreviations derived from the shorthand notation for lipid structures. The transition to systematic nomenclature will facilitate acylcarnitine annotation, reporting, and standardization in metabolomics. We have reviewed the metabolic origins of acylcarnitines important for the biological interpretation of human metabolomic profiles. We identified neglected isomers of acylcarnitines and summarized the metabolic pathways involved in the synthesis and degradation of acylcarnitines, including branched-chain lipids and amino acids. We reviewed the primary literature, mapped the metabolic transformations of acyl-CoAs to acylcarnitines, and created a freely available WikiPathway WP5423 to help researchers navigate the acylcarnitine field. The WikiPathway was curated, metabolites and metabolic reactions were annotated, and references were included. We also provide a table for conversion between common names and abbreviations and systematic abbreviations linked to the LIPID MAPS or Human Metabolome Database.
CONSTELLATION AND VERNACULARIZATION OF JAVANESE TEXTURE OF THE QUR’AN: CHARACTERISTICS AND CULTURAL LOCALITY OF JAVANESE PONDOK PESANTREN IN TAFSIR AL-IBRĪZ LI MA’RIFAH TAFSĪR AL-QUR’AN AL-AZĪZ
Authors: Dewi Ajeng Indira
Published: August 2024

The existence of the Qur’an as a holy book that is salih li kulli zaman wa makan is relevant to the complexity of traditions and societal problems that are experiencing development and change, which more or less influence the diversity of understanding of the Qur’an. Like the spread of Islam to Indonesia, it has implications for the emergence of many products of Qur’an interpretation, and a product of interpretation cannot be separated from space and time. Like the book of Tafsir Al-Ibriz, it is a form of response and reception from Bisri Musthafa for reading the text of the Qur’an, a dialectic between text, context, and interpreter. The book of Tafsir Al-Ibriz has a strong locality. Supported by Bisri Musthafa’s excellence as the book's author, he also has his own added values, such as the ability to articulate, documentation, organizing which have implications for his product interpretations. This research is a type of library research supported by descriptive analytic interpretation. Based on the study results, it was concluded that the contents of the book Tafsir Al-Ibriz were written over four years using a textual-contextual approach (more dominant textual). This interpretation has several features, including fiqhi, sufi, and adabi ijtima’i. His interpretation is coloured by the life in which he lives, namely the pesantren environment, as well as his scientific journey for two years in Mecca, as well as a socio-religious organization in which he is active as one of the administrators and initiators of his qanun asasi, namely Nahdhatul Ulama.
DESCRIPTION OF TAFSIR SALMAN’S: A DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF THE TAFSIR OF SCIENCE
Authors: El Rahma Vicky Izza , Saniyah Hulliyatus
Published: August 2024

This paper describes the pros and cons of the interpretation of ‘ilmi Salman ITB. The debate about the interpretation of 'Salman ITB's science has never ended, especially among Qur'anic scholars, until the question arises first which scientific understanding can only be justified from the Qur'an or an understanding of the Qur'an that encourages scientific research? Then according to Gusmian the first question has been the most dominant so far. The purpose of this paper is to respond to a controversy over the interpretation of 'ilmi Salman ITB. This paper is in the form of a literature review using qualitative methods with the type of discourse analysis research according to Teun A. Van Dijk. The results of this study are. There are differences of opinion about the existence of this interpretation of 'Salman ITB's science, that is, there are groups who agree and reject and are moderate. The Qur'an and science are both continuous in which the Qur'an itself is a guide for humans which contains many things including science or science. Text analysis according to Van Dijk is a discourse that is not enough to analyze texts and understand events, but also needs to analyze how the discourse develops.
Utilisation of the site assessment energy indices for aquaculture in exposed waters: biology, technology, operations and maintenance
Authors: Heasman Kevin G. , Sclodnick Tyler , Goseberg Nils , Scott Nicholas , Chambers Michael , Dewhurst Tobias , Rickerich Samuel , Føre Heidi Moe , Buck Bela H.
Published: August 2024

When moving from a very sheltered aquaculture site to a very exposed oceanic aquaculture site, the energy increases proportionally in a continuum. Lojek et al. (in review) considered the primary influential parameters (water current, wave height, wave period, wavelength and water depth) which influence the species, structure, technology, methods, and operational aspects of any aquaculture endeavour and investigated six possible indices which cover these variables. Added to advanced computer modelling, assisted by detailed and constant environmental monitoring, it may be possible to refine site selection, structure selection and design, species selection, equipment and logistic requirements and health and safety requirements. This manuscript has selected two indicative indices: Specific Exposure Energy (SEE) index and Exposure Velocity (EV) index from the potential equations provided by Lojek et al. (in review) and compared them with known operational aquaculture sites highlighting present structural capability and limitations. The two indices are also utilized to reflect on their suitability for assessing sample sites with respect to biological, technological, operational or maintenance aspects of aquaculture activities. The indices have shown themselves to be useful tools in the general assessment of the energy that will influence the species and structure selection at potential aquaculture sites. This information can help prospective fish farmers characterize their sites concisely and accurately to consultants, regulators, equipment vendors, and insurance brokers.
Adsorptive removal of organophosphate pesticides from aqueous solution using electrospun carbon nanofibers
Authors: Adesanmi Bukola O. , Mantripragada Shobha , Ayivi Raphael D. , Tukur Panesun , Obare Sherine O. , Wei Jianjun
Published: August 2024

Organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) are widely prevalent in the environment primarily due to their low cost and extensive use in agricultural lands. However, it is estimated that only about 5% of these applied pesticides reach their intended target organisms. The remaining 95% residue linger in the environment as contaminants, posing significant ecological and health risks. This underscores the need for materials capable of effectively removing, recovering, and recycling these contaminants through adsorption processes. In this research, adsorbent materials composed of electro-spun carbon nanofibers (ECNFs) derived from polyacrylonitrile was developed. The materials were characterized through several techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, and contact angle measurements. SEM analysis revealed details of the structural properties and inter-fiber spacing variations of the carbon nanofibers. The results revealed that ECNFs possess remarkable uniformity, active surface areas, and high efficiency for adsorption processes. The adsorption studies were conducted using batch experiments with ethion pesticide in aqueous solution. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) was utilized to quantify the concentrations of the OPP. Various parameters, including adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, and initial ethion concentration, were investigated to understand their impact on the adsorption process. The adsorption isotherm was best described by the Freundlich model, while the kinetics of adsorption followed a non-integer-order kinetics model. The adsorption capacity of the ECNFs for OPP removal highlights a significant advancement in materials designed for environmental remediation applications. This study demonstrates the potential of ECNFs to serve as effective adsorbents, contributing to the mitigation of pesticide contamination in agricultural environments.
Constraints limiting the effectiveness of extension agents in disseminating climate-smart agricultural practices among rice farmers in north-Central Nigeria
Authors: Ojo Ibukun Elizabeth , Akangbe Jones Adebola , Kolawole Ebenezer Ayorinde , Owolabi Ayotunde Olayinka , Obaniyi Kayode Samuel , Ayeni Matthew Durojaiye , Adeniyi Victoria Abosede , Awe Toluwase Eniola
Published: August 2024

Climate-smart agricultural practices play a crucial role in achieving national food security and development goals, and the significance of extension agents in this endeavor is invaluable. In view of this, this study investigated the constraints limiting the effectiveness of extension agents in disseminating climate-smart agricultural practices to rice farmers in North-central, Nigeria. The study specifically examined the socioeconomic characteristics of the extension agents, the dissemination pathways employed by them, constraints limiting the extension agents from effectively disseminating climate-smart agricultural practices, and the factors that influence their constraints. Data for the study were collected using a well-structured questionnaire administered to a total of 88 respondents selected through a multistage sampling procedure. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and Pearson product–moment correlation. The result showed that the respondents had a mean age of 48 years, the majority were males (93.2%), married (95.5%), and (85.2%) had tertiary education. Dissemination pathway/ method mostly used by the extension were; farm and home visits (𝑥̅ = 1.73), result demonstration (𝑥̅ = 1.66), and methods demonstration (𝑥̅ = 1.58). The constraints impeding the extension agents in disseminating CSA practices were; insufficient number of extension workers to provide services for a large number of farmers (𝑥̅ = 1.87), lack of incentives for staff motivation (𝑥̅ = 1.83), inadequate means of transportation (𝑥̅ = 1.83), were ranked 1st,2nd, and 3rd, respectively. There was a negative significant correlation (p = 0.05) between the number of training and personal constraints, as well as institutional constraints (p = 0.017) in the dissemination of climate-smart agricultural practices. Therefore, it is recommended that extension agents receive periodic training and incentives such as awards, cash rewards, promotions, and staff recognition from government bodies to enhance their performance.
Visualization of explainable artificial intelligence for GeoAI
Authors: Roussel Cédric
Published: August 2024

Shapley additive explanations are a widely used technique for explaining machine learning models. They can be applied to basically any type of model and provide both global and local explanations. While there are different plots available to visualize Shapley values, there is a lack of suitable visualization for geospatial use cases, resulting in the loss of the geospatial context in traditional plots. This study presents a concept for visualizing Shapley values in geospatial use cases and demonstrate its feasibility through an exemplary use case—predicting bike activity in a rental bike system. The visualizations show that visualizing Shapley values on geographic maps can provide valuable insights that are not visible in traditional plots for Shapley additive explanations. Geovisualizations are recommended for explaining machine learning models in geospatial applications or for extracting knowledge about real-world applications. Suitable visualizations for the considered use case are a proportional symbol map and a mapping of computed Voronoi values to the street network.
Identification of candidate genes and chemicals associated with osteonecrosis of femoral head by multiomics studies and chemical-gene interaction analysis
Authors: Lu Xueliang , Wang Xu , Wang Pengbo , Zhu Yingkang , Liu Jun , Liu Gang , Liu Ruiyu
Published: August 2024

Objectives

In-depth understanding of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) has revealed that degeneration of the hip cartilage plays a crucial role in ONFH progression. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and susceptibility to environmental factors in hip cartilage that contribute to ONFH progression remain elusive.

Methods

We conducted a multiomics study and chemical−gene interaction analysis of hip cartilage in ONFH. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in ONFH progression were identified in paired hip cartilage samples from 36 patients by combining genome-wide DNA methylation profiling, gene expression profiling, and quantitative proteomics. Gene functional enrichment and pathway analyses were performed via Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Functional links between proteins were discovered through protein−protein interaction (PPI) networks. The ONFH-associated chemicals were identified by integrating the DEGs with the chemical−gene interaction sets in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). Finally, the DEGs, including MMP13 and CHI3L1, were validated via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT−PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

Twenty-two DEGs were identified across all three omics levels in ONFH cartilage, 16 of which were upregulated and six of which were downregulated. The collagen-containing extracellular matrix (ECM), ECM structural constituents, response to amino acids, the relaxin signaling pathway, and protein digestion and absorption were found to be primarily involved in cartilage degeneration in ONFH. Moreover, ten major ONFH-associated chemicals were identified, including, benzo(a)pyrene, valproic acid, and bisphenol A.

Conclusion

Overall, our study identified several candidate genes, pathways, and chemicals associated with cartilage degeneration in ONFH, providing novel clues into the etiology and biological processes of ONFH progression.
CPS-based power tracking control for distributed energy storage aggregator in demand-side management
Authors: Jin Xin , Pan Tingzhe , Luo Hongxuan , Zhang Yifan , Zou Hongyu , Gao Wenyu , Chen Yu
Published: August 2024

The deployment of distributed energy storage on the demand side has significantly enhanced the flexibility of power systems. However, effectively controlling these large-scale and geographically dispersed energy storage devices remains a major challenge in demand-side management. In this paper, we propose a CPS-based framework for controlling a distributed energy storage aggregator (DESA) in demand-side management. Within this framework, a distributed power tracking control algorithm is designed to ensure both power tracking and state-of-charge (SoC) balancing among the energy storage units (ESUs) within the DESA. The proposed algorithm utilizes a distributed observation-based approach that relies solely on local communication. It is demonstrated that the algorithm achieves power tracking convergence within a fixed time, while asymptotically achieving SoC balancing when assuming a connected communication network among the storage units. To validate the theoretical analysis and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, an example scenario comprising six ESUs is presented.
α2,6 sialylation distinguishes a novel active state in CD4+ and CD8+ cells during acute Toxoplasma gondii infection
Authors: Sierra-Ulloa Diego , Fernández Jacquelina , Cacelín María , González-Aguilar Gloria A. , Saavedra Rafael , Tenorio Eda P.
Published: August 2024

Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide parasitosis that is usually asymptomatic; cell-mediated immunity, particularly T cells, is a crucial mediator of the immune response against this parasite. Membrane protein expression has been studied for a long time in T lymphocytes, providing vital information to determine functional checkpoints. However, less is known about the role of post-translational modifications in T cell function. Glycosylation plays essential roles during maturation and function; particularly, sialic acid modulation is determinant for accurate T cell regulation of processes like adhesion, cell-cell communication, and apoptosis induction. Despite its importance, the role of T cell sialylation during infection remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to evaluate whether different membrane sialylation motifs are modified in T cells during acute Toxoplasma gondii infection using different lectins. To this end, BALB/c Foxp3EGFP mice were infected with T. gondii, and on days 3, 7, and 10 post-infection, splenocytes were obtained to analyze conventional (Foxp3-) CD4+ and CD8+ populations by flow cytometry. Among the different lectins used for analysis, only Sambucus nigra lectin, which detects sialic acid α2,6 linkages, revealed two distinctive populations (SNBright and SN-/Dim) after infection. Further characterization of CD4+ and CD8+ SN-/Dim lymphocytes showed that these are highly activated cells, with a TEf/EM or TCM phenotype that produce high IFN-γ levels, a previously undescribed cell state. This work demonstrates that glycan membrane analysis in T cells reveals previously overlooked functional states by evaluating only protein expression.
Unraveling the obesity paradox in small cell lung cancer immunotherapy: unveiling prognostic insights through body composition analysis
Authors: Fang Ruoxin , Yan Ling , Xu Sha , Xu Yuchen , Gan Tian , Gong Jun , Zhang Junhong , Xie Conghua , Liao Zhengkai
Published: August 2024

Background

The advent of immunotherapy has changed the landscape of SCLC treatment, although the identification of reliable prognostic biomarkers remains a formidable challenge. Our objective was to investigate the prognostic implications of obesity and body composition in SCLC immunotherapy while seeking a straightforward anthropometric measure.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed data from patients with SCLC who underwent immunotherapy between 2019 and 2023. Body composition and waist circumference (WC) were analyzed using 3D slicer software on baseline CT images. Quantitative measures, including skeletal muscle index (SMI), total adipose tissue index (TATI), and other indicators at the L3 level, along with body shape index (BSI) and additional indicators based on WC, were obtained. The relationships between these indicators, response, PFS, OS, and their interconnections were examined.

Results

A total of 145 SCLC patients who received immunotherapy were identified, of whom 133 met the inclusion criteria. In univariate analysis, a BMI≥28 kg/m2 was associated with a PFS advantage (HR 0.42, p=0.04), but this trend vanished in multivariate analysis. Body measurements exhibited stronger correlations with adipose tissue content, with BSI showing the highest correlation with muscle. In multivariate analysis, lower BSI was associated with poorer OS (HR 1.79, p=0.02). The association between muscle composition and prognosis was robust in univariate analysis but dissipated in multivariate analysis. However, accounting for a high TATI background significantly heightened the adverse effect of SMI on prognosis in the multivariate model.

Conclusion

No clear association between BMI and SCLC immunotherapy prognosis was observed. However, high adiposity exacerbated the adverse effects of sarcopenia in SCLC immunotherapy, and BSI demonstrated potential as a straightforward prognostic measure.
Role of gasdermin D in inflammatory diseases: from mechanism to therapeutics
Authors: Cheng Chak Kwong , Yi Min , Wang Li , Huang Yu
Published: August 2024

Inflammatory diseases compromise a clinically common and diverse group of conditions, causing detrimental effects on body functions. Gasdermins (GSDM) are pore-forming proteins, playing pivotal roles in modulating inflammation. Belonging to the GSDM family, gasdermin D (GSDMD) actively mediates the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases by mechanistically regulating different forms of cell death, particularly pyroptosis, and cytokine release, in an inflammasome-dependent manner. Aberrant activation of GSDMD in different types of cells, such as immune cells, cardiovascular cells, pancreatic cells and hepatocytes, critically contributes to the persistent inflammation in different tissues and organs. The contributory role of GSDMD has been implicated in diabetes mellitus, liver diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinically, alterations in GSDMD levels are potentially indicative to the occurrence and severity of diseases. GSDMD inhibition might represent an attractive therapeutic direction to counteract the progression of inflammatory diseases, whereas a number of GSDMD inhibitors have been shown to restrain GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis through different mechanisms. This review discusses the current understanding and future perspectives on the role of GSDMD in the development of inflammatory diseases, as well as the clinical insights of GSDMD alterations, and therapeutic potential of GSDMD inhibitors against inflammatory diseases. Further investigation on the comprehensive role of GSDM shall deepen our understanding towards inflammation, opening up more diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities against inflammatory diseases.
Dispersal limitation determines the ecological processes that regulate the seasonal assembly of bacterial communities in a subtropical river
Authors: Zhu Aiping , Liang Zuobing , Gao Lei , Xie Zhenglan
Published: August 2024

Bacteria play a crucial role in pollutant degradation, biogeochemical cycling, and energy flow within river ecosystems. However, the underlying mechanisms governing bacterial community assembly and their response to environmental factors at seasonal scales in subtropical rivers remain poorly understood. In this study, we conducted 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing on water samples from the Liuxi River to investigate the composition, assembly processes, and co-occurrence relationships of bacterial communities during the wet season and dry season. The results demonstrated that seasonal differences in hydrochemistry significantly influenced the composition of bacterial communities. A more heterogeneous community structure and increased alpha diversity were observed during the dry season. Water temperature emerged as the primary driver for seasonal changes in bacterial communities. Dispersal limitation predominantly governed community assembly, however, during the dry season, its contribution increased due to decreased immigration rates. Co-occurrence network analysis reveals that mutualism played a prevailing role in shaping bacterial community structure. Compared to the wet season, the network of bacterial communities exhibited higher modularity, competition, and keystone species during the dry season, resulting in a more stable community structure. Although keystone species displayed distinct seasonal variations, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were consistently abundant keystone species maintaining network structure in both seasons. Our findings provide insights into how bacterial communities respond to seasonal environmental changes, uncovering underlying mechanisms governing community assembly in subtropical rivers, which are crucial for the effective management and conservation of riverine ecosystems.
Targeted anti-angiogenesis therapy for advanced osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Xia Yuxuan , Wang LiYuan , Wang Yang , Bao Yixi , Zhao Guo-sheng
Published: August 2024

To date, despite extensive research, the prognosis of advanced osteosarcoma has not improved significantly. Thus, patients experience a reduced survival rate, suggesting that a reevaluation of current treatment strategies is required. Recently, in addition to routine surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, researchers have explored more effective and safer treatments, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, anti-angiogenesis therapy, metabolic targets therapy, and nanomedicine therapy. The tumorigenesis and development of osteosarcoma is closely related to angiogenesis. Thus, anti-angiogenesis therapy is crucial to treat osteosarcoma; however, recent clinical trials found that it has insufficient efficacy. To solve this problem, the causes of treatment failure and improve treatment strategies should be investigated. This review focuses on summarizing the pathophysiological mechanisms of angiogenesis in osteosarcoma and recent advances in anti-angiogenesis treatment of osteosarcoma. We also discuss some clinical studies, with the aim of providing new ideas to improve treatment strategies for osteosarcoma and the prognosis of patients.
Preventing social defeat stress-induced behavioural and neurochemical alterations by repeated treatment with a mix of Centella asiatica, Echinacea purpurea and Zingiber officinale standardized extracts
Authors: Costa Alessia , Micheli Laura , Sordi Virginia , Ciampi Clara , Lucci Jacopo , Passani Maria Beatrice , Provensi Gustavo
Published: August 2024

Background: Prolonged exposure to stress is a risk factor for the onset of several disorders. Modern life is burdened by a pervasive prevalence of stress, which represents a major societal challenge requiring new therapeutic strategies. In this context, botanical drug-based therapies can have a paramount importance.

Methods: Here we studied the preventive effects of a repeated treatment (p.o. daily, 3 weeks) with a combination of Centella asiatica (200 mg/kg), Echinacea purpurea (20 mg/kg) and Zingiber officinale (150 mg/kg) standardized extracts, on the chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) deleterious outcomes. After 10 days of CSDS exposure, male mice’ performances were evaluated in paradigms relevant for social (social interaction test), emotional (tail suspension test), cognitive (novel object recognition) domains as well as for pain perception (cold plate and von Frey tests) and motor skills (rotarod). Mice were then sacrificed, the spinal cords, hippocampi and frontal cortices dissected and processed for RT-PCR analysis.

Results: Extracts mix treatment prevented stress-induced social aversion, memory impairment, mechanical and thermal allodynia and reduced behavioural despair independently of stress exposure. The treatment stimulated hippocampal and cortical BDNF and TrkB mRNA levels and counteracted stress-induced alterations in pro- (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL4, IL10) cytokines expression in the same areas. It also modulated expression of pain related genes (GFAP and Slc1a3) in the spinal cord.

Conclusion: The treatment with the extracts mix obtained from C. asiatica, E. purpurea and Z. officinale may represent a promising strategy to promote resilience and prevent the deleterious effects induced by extended exposure to psychosocial stress.
Root symbiotic fungi improve nitrogen transfer and morpho-physiological performance in Chenopodium quinoa
Authors: Alquichire-Rojas Shirley , Escobar Elizabeth , Bascuñán-Godoy Luisa , González-Teuber Marcia
Published: August 2024

Root-associated fungal endophytes may facilitate nitrogen (N) absorption in plants, leading to benefits in photosynthesis and growth. Here, we investigated whether endophytic insect pathogenic fungi (EIPF) are capable of transferring soil N to the crop species Chenopodium quinoa. We evaluated nutrient uptake, carbon allocation, and morpho-physiological performance in C. quinoa in symbiosis with two different EIPF (Beauveria and Metarhizium) under contrasting soil N supply. A controlled experiment was conducted using two plant groups: (1) plants subjected to low N level (5 mM urea) and (2) plants subjected to high N level (15 mM urea). Plants from each group were then inoculated with different EIPF strains, either Beauveria (EIPF1+), Metarhizium (EIPF2+) or without fungus (EIPF-). Differences in N and C content, amino acids, proteins, soluble sugars, starch, glutamine synthetase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and physiological (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration), and morphological performance between plant groups under each treatment were examined. We found that both Beauveria and Metarhizium translocated N from the soil to the roots of C. quinoa, with positive effects on photosynthesis and plant growth. These effects, however, were differentially affected by fungal strain as well as by N level. Additionally, an improvement in root C and sugar content was observed in presence of EIPF, suggesting translocation of carbohydrates from leaves to roots. Whereas both strains were equally effective in N transfer to roots, Beauveria seemed to exert less demand in C. quinoa for photosynthesis-derived carbohydrates compared to Metarhizium. Our study revealed positive effects of EIPF on N transfer and morpho-physiological performance in crops, highlighting the potential of these fungi as an alternative to chemical fertilizers in agriculture systems.
The impact of place attachment on the environmentally responsible behavior of residents in National Park gateway communities and the mediating effect of environmental commitment: a case of China National Park
Authors: Xie Xiangxiang , Wang Zenong
Published: August 2024

As a member of the national park, the environmentally responsible behavior of the entrance community residents has an important impact on the ecological protection of the national park. However, there are still insufficient studies on the mechanism of influence of community residents’ place attachment on environmentally responsible behavior and the role of environmental commitment. Based on the theory of interdependence, this study explored the impact of residents’ place attachment in a national park gateway community on environmentally responsible behavior, and examined the mediating role of environmental commitment. We conducted empirical research on Shuiman gateway community of the Hainan Tropical Rainforest China National Park. Through structural equation modeling, the survey of 375 residents yielded the following conclusions: (1) place dependence indirectly affect environmentally responsible behavior via the mediating effect of place identity; (2) both place dependence and place identity have a positive and significant impact on environmental commitment; (3) environmental commitment has a positive and significant impact on environmentally responsible behavior; (4) the mediating effect of environmental commitment on the impact of place dependence on environmentally responsible behavior is significant and “place identity–environmental commitment” also has a significant mediating effect. Finally, three managerial insights were discussed. This study enriches the connotation and application scope of interdependence theory, explains the different roles of place dependence, place identity, and environmental commitment in the study of environmentally responsible behavior, and provides some inspiration for future research and practice of environmentally responsible behavior. It is helpful for community residents to participate in the ecological environment governance of national parks and achieve sustainable development.
Social network, fair payment, subjective well-being, and general health: a moderation mediation analysis
Authors: Güler Abdurrahim , Yıldırım Murat , Gómez-Salgado Juan
Published: August 2024

Objective

This research aimed to investigate whether subjective general health mediated the relationship between social networks and subjective well-being and whether the perception of fair payment moderated the mediating effect of subjective general health on subjective well-being.

Methods

Data were drawn from round 9 of the European Social Survey (ESS), involving 3,843 respondents from 19 countries, with ages ranging from 65 to 90 years (Meanage = 73.88 ± 6.61 years). The participants completed self-reported measures assessing subjective well-being, social networks, subjective general health, and perception of fair payment.

Results

Subjective general health played a mediating role in the relationship between social networks and subjective well-being. The perception of fair payment emerged as a moderator in the mediating effect of subjective general health on the association between social networks and subjective well-being.

Conclusion

This study suggests that the impact of social networks on both subjective general health and subjective well-being is contingent upon individuals’ perceptions of fair payment. These results highlight the significance of social networks in fostering social connections and promoting overall subjective well-being.
Feasibility of satellite vicarious calibration using HYPERNETS surface reflectances from Gobabeb and Princess Elisabeth Antarctica sites
Authors: De Vis Pieter , Howes Adam , Vanhellemont Quinten , Bialek Agnieszka , Morris Harry , Sinclair Morven , Ruddick Kevin
Published: August 2024

The HYPERNETS project developed a new hyperspectral radiometer (HYPSTAR®) integrated in automated networks of water (WATERHYPERNET) and land (LANDHYPERNET) bidirectional reflectance measurements for satellite validation. In this paper, the feasibility of using LANDHYPERNET surface reflectance data for vicarious calibration of multispectral (Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8/9) and hyperspectral (PRISMA) satellites is studied. The pipeline to process bottom of atmosphere (BOA) surface reflectance HYPERNETS data to band-integrated top of atmosphere (TOA) reflectances and compare them to satellite observations is detailed. Two LANDHYPERNET sites are considered in this study: the Gobabeb HYPERNETS site in Namibia (GHNA) and Princess Elizabeth Base in Antarctica (PEAN). 36 near-simultaneous match-ups within 1 h are found where HYPERNETS and satellite data pass all quality checks. For the Gobabeb HYPERNETS site, agreement to within 5% is found with Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8/9. The differences with PRISMA are smaller than 10%. For the HYPERNETS Antarctica site, there are also a number of match-ups with good agreement to within 5% for Landsat 8/9. The majority show notable disagreement, i.e., HYPERNETS being over 10% different compared to satellite. This is due to small-scale irregularities in the wind-blown snow surface, and their shadows cast by the low Sun. A study comparing the HYPERNETS measurements against a bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) model is recommended. Overall, we confirm data from radiometrically stable HYPERNETS sites with sufficient spatial and angular homogeneity can successfully be used for vicarious calibration purposes.
Star Bicolouring of Bipartite Graphs
Authors: Gaur Daya , Hossain Shahadat , Singh Rishi Ranjan
Published: August 2024

We give an integer linear program formulation for the star bicolouring of bipartite graphs. We develop a column generation method to solve the linear programming relaxation to obtain a lower bound for the minimum number of colours needed. We determine the star bicolouring using the iterative rounding method. We give computational results on arrowhead matrices, sparse random matrices, complete bipartite graphs, and matrices from the Harwell–Boeing collection. The findings demonstrate that the proposed method effectively establishes lower and upper bounds for the minimum number of colours needed for a star bicolouring of bipartite graphs, particularly for sparse bipartite graphs.