bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of nitrogen addition on species composition and diversity of early spring herbs in a Korean pine plantation
Authors: Yang Guanghui , Zhang Mengmeng , Jin Guangze
Published: September 2023

Under the background of global nitrogen deposition, temperate forest ecosystems are suffering increasing threats, and species diversity is gradually decreasing. In this study, nitrogen addition experiments were conducted on Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) plantations in Northeast China to explore the effect of long‐term nitrogen addition on herb species diversity to test the following hypothesis: long‐term nitrogen addition further reduced plant species diversity by affecting plant growth, which may be due to soil acidification caused by excessive nitrogen addition. Experimental nitrogen addition was conducted from 2014 to 2021, and the nitrogen treatment levels were as follows: N0 (control treatment, 0/(kg N ha−1 year−1)), N20 (low nitrogen treatment, 20/(kg N ha−1 year−1)), N40 (medium nitrogen treatment, 40/(kg N ha−1 year−1)) and N80 (high nitrogen treatment, 80/(kg N ha−1 year−1)). A herb community survey was conducted in the region from 2015 to 2021. The results showed that long‐term nitrogen addition decreased soil pH, changed the species and composition of herbaceous plants, and decreased the species diversity of understory herbaceous plants. With the increase in nitrogen application years, middle‐ and high‐nitrogen treatments significantly reduced the diversity of early‐spring flowering herbs and early‐spring foliating herbs, and their diversity decreased with the decrease in soil pH, indicating that soil acidification caused by long‐term nitrogen addition may lead to the decrease of plant diversity. However, for early‐spring growing herbs, adequate nitrogen addition may promote their growth. Our results show that plants have evolved different life‐history strategies based on their adaptation mechanisms to the environment, and different life‐history strategies have different responses to long‐term nitrogen addition. However, for most plants, long‐term nitrogen application will have a negative impact on the growth and diversity of herbs in temperate forests.
Resource co‐limitation of community biomass but not structure of an alpine grassland
Authors: Zhu Juntao , Zong Ning , Shi Peili , He Yunlong , Yang Xian , Zhang Yangjian , Jiang Lin
Published: September 2023

Anthropogenic environmental changes are influencing the structure and function of many ecological communities, but their underlying mechanisms are often poorly understood. We conducted a 7‐year field experiment to explore the ecological consequences of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) enrichment in a high‐altitude Tibetan alpine grassland. We found that the enrichment of both N and P, but not either alone, increased plant above‐ and belowground biomass. In contrast, N, but not P, enrichment reduced species richness and altered plant phylogenetic diversity and structure. Whereas plant species loss and changes in phylogenetic structure were mainly driven by higher soil manganese levels under N addition, they were mainly driven by increased plant belowground biomass under the addition of both N and P. Our study highlights the resource co‐limitation of community biomass but not the structure of the study grassland, while also identifying soil metal toxicity and belowground competition as important mechanisms driving community changes following nutrient amendment.
Adoption of environmental DNA in public agency practice
Authors: Lee Kai N. , Kelly Ryan P. , Demir‐Hilton Elif , Laschever Eric , Allan Elizabeth Andruszkiewicz
Published: September 2023

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has matured to the point that it is ready for deployment in many applications, particularly in aquatic environments. But public agencies have yet to adopt eDNA methods into their environmental decision making routines at scale, even when eDNA offers clear advantages to those now in use. This article provides a perspective on this gap by considering adoption of a new technology as a path‐dependent, social process in which some paths lead to outcomes that provide far greater benefits than others. We use the diffusion of innovations to investigate eDNA adoption by government agencies, in an effort to (1) identify likely paths toward institutionalized uptake, and (2) suggest ways of avoiding societally inefficient adoption outcomes. Because—as in any scientific endeavor—the best eDNA practices will continue to change, public agencies must remain open to improvements while building a useful and validated array of methods for routine eDNA application. Here we suggest one mechanism for doing so, which we call collaborative governance.
SIRPα: A key player in innate immunity
Authors: Feng Yongyi , Huang Chunliu , Wang Yingzhao , Chen Jun
Published: September 2023

Signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) is a crucial inhibitory regulator expressed on the surface of myeloid cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and microglia. SIRPα plays an indispensable role in innate immune and adoptive immune responses in cancer immunology, tissue homeostasis, and other physiological or phycological conditions. This review provides an overview of the research history, ligands, signal transduction pathways, and functional mechanisms associated with SIRPα. Additionally, we summarize the therapeutic implications of targeting SIRPα as a promising novel strategy in immuno‐oncology.
Metal‐Free Photoinduced Defluorinative Carboxylation of Trifluoromethylalkenes with Formate
Authors: Du Fang‐Ming , Yan Lu‐Yu , Fu Ming‐Chen
Published: September 2023

Herein, we report an efficient protocol in which formate is used as a precursor of the CO2 radical anion for the photoinduced defluorocarboxylation of α‐trifluoromethylstyrene. A wide range of gem‐difluorovinylacetic acids bearing a variety of functional groups were successfully obtained in the absence of metal catalysts. The synthetic value of this protocol was highlighted by successful gram‐scale synthesis and late‐stage modification for complex biologically active molecules. This protocol provides a complementary method that extends the range of currently available methodologies for accessing the structurally versatile gem‐difluoroalkenes.
Frequency of genetic alterations differs in advanced breast cancer between metastatic sites
Authors: Grote Isabel , Poppe Alexandra , Lehmann Ulrich , Christgen Matthias , Kreipe Hans , Bartels Stephan
Published: September 2023

About 20%–30% of breast cancer (BC) patients will develop distant metastases, preferentially in bones, liver, lung, and brain. BCs with different intrinsic subtypes prefer different sites for metastasis. These subtypes vary in the abundance of genetic alterations which may influence the localization of metastases. Currently, information about the relation between metastatic site and mutational profile of BC is limited. In this study, n = 521 BC metastases of the most frequently affected sites (bone, brain, liver, and lung) were investigated for the frequency of AKT1, ERBB2, ESR1, PIK3CA, and TP53 mutations via NGS and pyrosequencing. Somatic mutations were present in 64% cases. PIK3CA and TP53 were the most frequently mutated genes under study. We provide an analysis of the mutational profile of BCs and the affected metastatic site. Genetic alterations differed significantly depending on the organ site affected by metastases. TP53 mutations were mostly observed in brain metastases (51.0%), metastases outside of the brain revealed a much lower proportion of TP53 mutated samples. PIK3CA mutations are frequent in liver (40.6%), lung (36.8%), and bone metastases (35.7%), whereas less common in brain metastases (18.4%). The highest percentage of ESR1 mutations was observed in liver and lung metastases (about 30% each), whereas metastatic lesions in the brain showed significantly less ESR1 mutations, only in 2.0% of the cases. In summary, we found significant differences of mutational status in mBC depending on the affected organ and intrinsic subtype. Organotropism of metastatic cancer spread may be influenced by the mutational profile of individual BCs.
A hard pill to swallow? Parental health shocks and children's mental health
Authors: Glaser Felix , Pruckner Gerald J.
Published: September 2023

Based on comprehensive administrative health record data from Austria, this study examines how children's mental health responds to a severe parental health shock. To account for the endogeneity of a serious parental illness, our sample is restricted to children who experience the health shock of a parent at some point in time and we exploit the timing of shocks in a dynamic DID setting. We find a positive causal effect of parental health shocks on children's mental health care utilization. Affected children have higher medical attendance for the treatment of mental illnesses, consume more psychotropic drugs, and are more likely to be hospitalized with mental and behavioral disorders. A significant increase in the utilization of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and sedatives can be observed for older children, girls and children with a white‐collar family background. Our findings have important policy implications for children's access to psychotherapies and mental health care after experiencing a traumatic household event.
The effect of untargeted naloxone distribution on opioid overdose outcomes
Authors: Dowd William N.
Published: September 2023

Opioid overdose has claimed the lives of over 340,000 Americans in the last decade. Over that same period, policymakers have taken steps to increase the availability of naloxone—an opioid antagonist used to rescue overdose victims—to people in the community. Previous studies, most of which have examined the effects of state laws designed to facilitate access to naloxone, have reached mixed conclusions about the effects of naloxone access on fatal and non‐fatal overdoses. This paper exploits a unique policy experiment provided by two naloxone giveaways intended to increase naloxone possession among the general public in Pennsylvania to estimate the causal impact of naloxone distribution on fatal overdoses and opioid‐related emergency department (ED) visits. Using a difference‐in‐differences design, I find evidence that opioid overdose deaths fell immediately following the first giveaway but increased following the second giveaway and discuss these apparently contradictory findings in the context of the changing composition of the opioid supply. I also find some evidence of a decline in opioid overdose‐related ED visits following the giveaways. This study is the first to examine the effects of untargeted naloxone distribution and has implications for other novel, naloxone distribution efforts currently underway.
Protocolized awake secondary tracheoesophageal puncture with immediate voicing
Authors: Jabbour Nicolette , Rodriggs Timothy , O'Dea Meredith , Mur Taha , Vitale Kailey , L. Faden Daniel
Published: September 2023

Tracheoesophageal (TE) puncture with voice prosthesis placement is a common method for vocal rehabilitation in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. Tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis (TEP) placement after laryngectomy, known as secondary TE puncture, is traditionally done in the operating room, using rigid esophagoscopy. Traditional secondary TEP placement carries a number of downsides including risks associated with general anesthesia, high cost, and technical challenges associated with anatomical variables. As a result, in‐office secondary TE puncture has become an increasingly utilized procedure with many advantages but currently lacks standardization. Here, we describe a kit‐based, awake, in‐office secondary TE puncture with primary TEP placement technique. This technique calls for an endoscopic snare in the event there is difficulty passing the guidewire in the cranial trajectory. No surgical technique videos demonstrating in‐office secondary TE puncture currently exist. Here, we present a video tutorial of our technique, breaking down the procedure into 10 steps from analgesia to voicing.
Successful surgery with preservation of laryngeal function in a patient with collision primary squamous cell carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma in the hypopharynx and synchronous esophageal carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Fu Ziming , Xu Xiaolong , Bao Yangyang , Chen Zhe , Zhong Jiangtao , Zhou Shuihong
Published: September 2023

Background

The definition of “collision tumor” is the coexistence of two histologically and morphologically distinct tumors within the same anatomical area without histological admixture. Collision tumors featuring primary squamous cell and adenoid cystic carcinomas of the hypopharynx, combined with synchronous esophageal carcinoma, are very rare.

Methods

We describe a patient with a collision tumor of the hypopharynx and synchronous esophageal carcinoma who underwent partial laryngectomy, with preservation of laryngeal function, and radical esophageal resection featuring esophageal reconstruction using a gastric tube. Surgery was successful.

Results

Postoperative radiotherapy was recommended after surgery; the patient exhibited no recurrence or distant metastasis to the 17‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of collision of primary squamous cell carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma in the hypopharynx and synchronous esophageal carcinoma. We performed appropriate surgery and prescribed postoperative radiotherapy. This preserved laryngeal function.
Predictive value of serum βHCG level in ectopic pregnancy: A cross sectional study
Authors: Ghanaie Mandana Mansour , Hoshyarmanesh Sanaz , Asgari Seyedeh Maryam , Galebin Seyed Mohammad Asgari , Fakor Fereshteh
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Ectopic pregnancy (EP) is a potentially life‐threatening emergency. We investigate the predictive value of serum βHCG level and it's changes from the baseline to the 4th and 7th days after single dose (SD) methotrexate (MTX) treatment in successful treatment of tubal EP. It is important for early diagnosis of EP.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 690 women with tubal EP and under treatment with SD MTX were evaluated. Successful and failed groups were analyzed on the baseline, 4th and 7th days of MTX treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS22 software. All p values of less than 0/05 were considered satistically significant.

Results

SD MTX treatment was successful in 584 (84.7%) patients. The mean baseline ßHCG value was 882.35 ± 430.76 in the successful group and 1083.99 ± 1080.25 in the failed group. There was a 19.53% decrease in ßHCG values between the baseline and 4th days in the successful group and a 12.94% increase in the failed group (p < 0.001). On days baseline, 4 and 7; receiver operating characteristic curve analysis's value was 504.5, 429, 279 for cut off; 58%, 73%, 81% for sensitivity and 51%, 52%, 55% for specificity, respectively.

Conclusion

A decrease in the ßHCG value and/or a cut‐off decrease of 59.9% on the baseline, 4th day and 81.6% between the baseline and 7th days, can predict the successful treatment of tubal EP with SD MTX.
Pre‐insolvency frameworks: Developments in the European Union
Authors: Bork Reinhard
Published: September 2023

This article deals with the European Union's efforts to harmonise the insolvency laws of its Member States. In particular, it explains the Directive on restructuring and insolvency, its key features and disparities and its transformation in national laws. Further, the European Commission's proposal for a Directive on harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law is introduced.
Association between serum urea concentrations and the risk of colorectal cancer, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A cohort study
Authors: Gao Peipei , Mei Zhendong , Liu Zhenqiu , Zhu Dongliang , Yuan Huangbo , Zhao Renjia , Xu Kelin , Zhang Tiejun , Jiang Yanfeng , Suo Chen , Chen Xingdong
Published: September 2023

Dysregulation of the urea cycle (UC) has been detected in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the impact of the UC's end product, urea, on CRC development remains unclear. We investigated the association between serum urea and CRC risk based on the data of 348 872 participants cancer‐free at recruitment from the UK Biobank. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to conduct risk estimates. Stratification analyses based on sex, diet pattern, metabolic factors (including body mass index [BMI], the estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] and type 2 diabetes [T2D]) and genetic profiles (the polygenic risk score [PRS] of CRC) were conducted to find potential modifiers. During an average of 9.0 years of follow‐up, we identified 3408 (1.0%) CRC incident cases. Serum urea showed a nonlinear relationship with CRC risk (P‐nonlinear: .035). Lower serum urea levels were associated with a higher CRC risk, with a fully‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13‐1.41) in the first quartile (Q1) of urea, compared to the Q4. This association was largely consistent across subgroups of sex, protein diet, BMI, eGFR and CRC‐PRSs (P‐interaction >.05); however, it was stronger in the T2D, with an interaction between urea and T2D on both additive (synergy index: 3.32, [95% CI: 1.24‐8.88]) and multiplicative scales (P‐interaction: .019). Lower serum urea concentrations were associated with an increased risk of CRC, with a more pronounced effect observed in individuals with T2D. Maintaining stable levels of serum urea has important implications for CRC prevention, particularly in individuals with T2D.
Complete response of metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus to nivolumab plus cabozantinib
Authors: Hayashida Michikata , Miura Yuji , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Tanaka Makoto , Yamanaka Taro , Takemura Kohji , Oka Suguru , Sakaguchi Kazushige , Ito Shinji , Urakami Shinji
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The effectiveness of nivolumab plus cabozantinib for metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus remains unclear.

Case presentation

A 77‐year‐old male was diagnosed with right papillary renal cell carcinoma with a metastatic lesion on Gerota's fascia, lymph node metastasis, and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. He was treated with nivolumab plus cabozantinib. As all lesions regressed enough to permit complete resection, radical nephrectomy, thrombectomy, and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection were performed. No viable malignant cells were identified histopathologically. Despite the discontinuation of nivolumab plus cabozantinib, there has been no recurrence for 9 months.

Conclusion

Nivolumab plus cabozantinib has effectiveness for metastatic papillary renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus.
Origins of three‐dimensional charge and two‐dimensional phonon transports in Pnma phase PbSnSe2 thermoelectric crystal
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Duan Xinlei , Zhang Hao , Ma Jinlong , Zhu Hangtian , Qian Xin , Yang Jia‐Yue , Liu Te‐Huan , Yang Ronggui
Published: September 2023

Recently, PbSnSe2 alloy was found to exhibit a large hysteresis effect on transport properties, demonstrating its significant potential for thermoelectric applications. Using ab initio approaches, we studied the carrier transport properties of PbSnSe2 crystal, which is a special case of the alloy with the shortest‐range order. A peak power factor of 134.2 μW cm−1 K−2 was found along the cross‐plane direction in the n‐type PbSnSe2 at a doping concentration of 7 × 1020 cm−3 at 700 K. This high power factor originates from delocalized p electrons between intra‐plane Pb–Se pairs and between cross‐plane Sn–Se pairs that can build up transport channels for conducting electrons, leading to a high electrical conductivity of 5.9 × 105 S m−1. Introducing Pb atoms into Pnma phase SnSe can decrease the phonon group velocities and enhance the phonon–phonon scatterings, leading to a low thermal conductivity of 0.53 W m−1 K−1 at 700 K along the cross‐plane direction. The calculated peak ZT of ~3 along the cross‐plane direction at an n‐type doping concentration of around 5 × 1019 cm−3, which represents a theoretical upper limit for an idealized PbSnSe2 crystal. This work interprets the origins of three‐dimensional charge and two‐dimensional phonon transport behavior in PbSnSe2 and demonstrates that such crystals are promising high‐performance thermoelectric semiconductors.
Enhanced sensing performance of tapered profile in the apodized fiber Bragg grating for detection of cancerous cells utilizing their refractive index
Authors: Maiti Souryadipta , Prakash Suraj , Singh Vivek
Published: September 2023

Tapered profiles are introduced in Bessel and Blackman apodized fiber Bragg grating, and their sensing performance is theoretically estimated. Reflectivity equation of proposed apodized tapered profiles is obtained using transfer matrix method and coupled mode theory. Since the effective refractive index (RI) of proposed waveguides varies with core radius therefore amplitude distribution and penetration depth of light in surroundings are modified. It is found that the exponential tapered profile with Bessel apodization shows a higher sensitivity of 682.5 nm/RIU, detection accuracy of 3858.45, and quality parameter 1718.02/RIU with minimum full width at half maxima (FWHM) 0.3972 nm of the reflection spectra. The spectral response of the tapered fiber Bragg grating is also analyzed through a group delay study. Again, exponential profile was found to be particularly effective, producing less group delay ripples 2.98 ps and is maximum slope of 42.43°. Hence, exponential tapered profile is demonstrated for detection of cancer cells lies between the refractive index of 1.3333–1.4412.
Assessment of the bidirectional causal association between frailty and depression: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhu Jiahao , Zhou Dan , Nie Yaoyao , Wang Jing , Yang Ye , Chen Dingwan , Yu Min , Li Yingjun
Published: September 2023

Background

Observational studies have demonstrated a strong bidirectional association between frailty and depression, but it remains unclear whether this association reflects causality. This study aimed to examine the bidirectional causal relationship between frailty and depression.

Methods

Using genome‐wide association study summary data, two‐sample Mendelian randomization was performed to test for the potential bidirectional causality between frailty, as defined by both the frailty index and the frailty phenotype, and depression. Several frailty‐related traits were additionally investigated, including weaker hand grip strength, slower walking pace and physical inactivity. Findings were replicated using an independent depression data source and verified using multiple sensitivity analyses.

Results

Genetically predicted higher frailty index (odds ratio [OR], 1.86; P < 0.001), higher frailty phenotype score (OR, 2.79; P < 0.001), lower grip strength (OR, 1.23; P = 0.003), slower walking pace (OR, 1.55; P = 0.027) and physical inactivity (OR, 1.44; P = 0.003) all were associated with a higher risk of depression. As for the reverse direction, genetic liability to depression showed consistent associations with a higher frailty index (beta, 0.167; P < 0.001) and a higher frailty phenotype score (beta, 0.067; P = 0.001), but not with other frailty‐related traits that were investigated. The results were stable across sensitivity analyses and across depression datasets.

Conclusions

Our findings add novel evidence supporting the bidirectional causal association between frailty and depression. Improving balance and muscle strength and increasing physical activity may be beneficial in both depression and frailty.
Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for the treatment of immunocompromised adult patients with early‐stage symptomatic COVID‐19: A real‐life experience
Authors: Caso José María , Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , López‐Medrano Francisco , Caro‐Teller José Manuel , Lizasoain Manuel , San‐Juan Rafael , Fayos Pérez Marina , Rodríguez‐Goncer Isabel , Silva Jose Tiago , Aguado José María
Published: September 2023

Regardless of vaccination status, progression to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is still a relevant cause of morbidity among immunocompromised patients. Despite the proven efficacy of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NMV/r), concerns remain regarding the potential for drug‐to‐drug interactions (DDIs) and the safety in this at‐risk population. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of immunocompromised patients treated with NMV/r, as well as the occurrence of DDIs and treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs). This retrospective observational study included all the patients with some form of immunosuppression and laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 that received NMV/r at our center from April to August 2022. The main outcome was worsening of the clinical status (increase of ≥1 point from baseline in a validated clinical progression scale) by Days +7 and +28 after the initiation of therapy. Safety outcomes included the rates of any TEAE and potentially severe DDIs. We included 110 patients. Main causes of immunosuppression were hematological malignancy (58.2%) (mainly multiple myeloma [22.7%] and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma [13.6%]), active chemotherapy (30.0%) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (14.5%). Clinical worsening by Days +7 and +28 was observed in four (3.6%) and five patients (4.5%), respectively. Only one patient had a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 polymerase chain reaction test at Day +28. At least one potentially severe DDI was observed in 56.4% of the patients. The rate of attributable TEAEs was 10.9%, although only two patients (1.8%) required premature discontinuation of NMV/r. Early initiation of NMV/r therapy should be considered in immunocompromised patients with COVID‐19, with particular attention to interacting medications.
Evolutionary analysis and quality assessment of ζ‐carbonic anhydrase sequences from environmental microbiome
Authors: Shalileh Farzaneh , Gheibzadeh Mohammad S. , Lloyd James R. , Fietz Susanne , Shahbani Zahiri Hossein , Zolfaghari Emameh Reza
Published: September 2023

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is one of the most vital enzymes in living cells. This study has been performed due to the significance of this metalloenzyme for life and the novelty of some CA families like ζ‐CA to evaluate evolutionary processes and quality check their sequences. In this study, bioinformatics methods revealed the presence of ζ‐CA in some eukaryotic and prokaryotic microorganisms. Notably, it has not been previously reported in prokaryotes. The coexistence of β‐ and ζ‐CAs in some microorganisms is also a novel finding as well. Also, our analysis identified several CA proteins with 6–14 amino acid intervals between histidine and cysteine in the second highly conserved motif, which can be classified as the novel ζ‐CA subfamily members that emerged under the Zn deficiency of aquatic ecosystems and selection pressure in these environments. There is also a possibility that the achieved results are rooted in the contamination of samples from the environmental microbiome genome with genomes of diatom species and the occurrence of errors was observed in the DNA sequencing outcomes. Combining of all results from evolutionary analysis to quality control of ζ‐CA DNA sequences is the incentive motivation to explore more the hidden aspects of ζ‐CAs.
Interpolating climate variables by using INLA and the SPDE approach
Authors: Fioravanti Guido , Martino Sara , Cameletti Michela , Toreti Andrea
Published: September 2023

Gridded observational products of the main climate parameters are essential in climate science. Current interpolation approaches, implemented to derive such products, often lack of a proper uncertainty propagation and representation. In this study, we introduce a Bayesian spatiotemporal approach based on the integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) and the stochastic partial differential equation (SPDE). The method is described and discussed by using a real case study based on high‐resolution monthly 2‐m maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) air temperature over Italy in 1961–2020. The INLA‐SPDE based approach is able to properly take into account uncertainties in the final gridded products and offers interesting promising advantages to deal with nonstationary and non‐Gaussian multisource data.
Bioactive polysaccharides in different plant parts of Aconitum carmichaelii
Authors: Fu Yu‐Ping , Li Cen‐Yu , Zou Yuan‐Feng , Peng Xi , Paulsen Berit Smestad , Wangensteen Helle , Inngjerdingen Kari Tvete
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Aconitum carmichaelii is an industrially cultivated medicinal plant in China and its lateral and mother roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine due to the presence of alkaloids. However, the rootlets and aerial parts are discarded after collection of the roots, and the non‐toxic polysaccharides in this plant have attracted less attention than the alkaloids and poisonous features. In this study, five neutral and 14 acidic polysaccharide fractions were isolated systematically from different plant parts of A. carmichaelii, and their structural features and bioactivity were studied and compared.

RESULTS

The neutral fraction isolated from the rootlets differed from those isolated from the lateral and mother roots. It consisted of less starch and more possible mannans, galactans, and/or xyloglucans, being similar to those of the aerial parts. Pectic polysaccharides containing homogalacturonan and branched type‐I rhamnogalacturonan (RG‐I) were present in all plant parts of A. carmichaelii. However, more arabinogalactan (AG)‐II side chains in the RG‐I backbone were present in the aerial parts of the plants, while more amounts of arabinans were found in the roots. Various immunomodulatory effects were observed, determined by complement fixation activity and anti‐inflammatory effects on the intestinal epithelial cells of all polysaccharide fractions.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the diversity of polysaccharides present in A. carmichaelii, especially in the unutilized plant parts, and showed their potential medicinal value. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Clinical study on the comparison of dermoscopic images using two wavelengths of near‐ultraviolet‐visible light
Authors: Togawa Yaei , Yamamoto Yosuke , Matsue Hiroyuki
Published: September 2023

Background

Light absorption by melanin is greater in the ultraviolet spectrum than in the visible light spectrum. Purple light in the near‐ultraviolet–visible region (380–430 nm) also corresponds to a highly absorptive wavelength of melanin. Therefore, images captured under purple light are remarkably suited to detect subtle alterations in skin pigment contents.

Objectives

We compared two prototype dermoscopy cameras (DZ‐D100; Casio Computer Co., Ltd.): one with a 385 nm light (P385) and the other with a 405 nm light (P405), to clarify which wavelength could more clearly show dermoscopic structures.

Methods

Sixteen Japanese patients with 19 lesions, who visited our department were photographed with the P385 and P405 cameras under the same conditions. We evaluated the visual perception of lines, dots/clods, lesion borders and background around the lesion, as well as exposure, including appropriate brightness and underexposure, using the scores.

Results

Underexposure was significantly less in the P385 image than in the P405 image (p < 0.0001), while lines (p < 0.01) and lesion borders (p < 0.05) were significantly more distinct. Furthermore, visual perception of lines (p < 0.01) and lesion borders (p < 0.05) were significantly better in the P385 images. However, other visual perception items showed no significant differences between the two images. One exception was with the dermoscopy of melanocytic naevus in a patient with albinism, where the lines and dots/clods were clear in the P405 image but blurred in the P385 image.

Conclusions

When used as a complement to conventional dermoscopy images, the P385 images are thought to be less underexposed and easier to use in diagnosing lesions in slightly pigmented skin types, including in the Japanese who were the participants of this study. Meanwhile, the P405 images are potentially useful in the evaluation of light skin‐type lesions.
Chronic cough, itch, skin pain and other unpleasant skin sensations are frequently associated: Results from survey on 8077 individuals
Authors: Ficheux Anne‐Sophie , Brenaut Emilie , Taieb Charles , Misery Laurent
Published: September 2023

Background

Neuronal sensitisation frequently occurs in patients with pain, itch and cough.

Objectives

To study the association of chronic pruritus, as well as other unpleasant skin sensations (especially skin pain), and chronic cough.

Methods

An online questionnaire survey was conducted on a representative sample of 8077 individuals aged 18–75 years from four European countries.

Results

The frequency of chronic unpleasant symptoms was estimated regardless of the severity: tingling (20.7%), stinging (17.6%), cough (14.2%), pruritus (13.5%), burning (11.4%) and skin pain (10.7%). A significant decrease was observed with age. The presence of chronic cough was impressively associated with the presence of unpleasant skin sensations, with a specific highlight on pruritus [odds ratio (OR) = 8.20] and skin pain (OR = 6.18). After removing subjects who reported asthma and/or pruriginous skin diseases, the same trend was observed among people without asthma and/or pruriginous skin diseases.

Conclusions

This study shows that chronic cough, pruritus and other skin sensory disorders are very frequent, with a decrease with age, and were commonly associated together. These results were observed in the absence or presence of an allergic, atopic or immune context, suggesting that sensitisation to one symptom could favour sensitisation to others.
Kill rates on native ungulates by Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and New Mexico
Authors: Smith Julia B. , Greenleaf Allison R. , Oakleaf John K.
Published: September 2023

Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) reintroduction began in 1998 in Arizona, USA, with 11 individuals initially; wolves from this population dispersed into New Mexico, USA, the following year. Numbers of wolves have steadily increased (≥241 individuals in Dec 2022) and the size of the recovery area has expanded in both states. Understanding kill rates is fundamental to the recovery and management of Mexican wolves to properly maintain a healthy and sustainable population of wolves and their prey species. We used global positioning system (GPS) cluster analysis to locate kill sites and estimate kill rates on native ungulate prey taken in the recovery area by 10 Mexican wolf groups during winter (15 Feb–15 Mar) and 8 wolf groups during summer (15 Jun–15 Jul) in 2015–2017. Elk (Cervus canadensis) composed 94% of the native ungulates documented at Mexican wolf kill sites (n = 139); the remaining 6% were mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus; n = 9). Two‐thirds of all wolf‐killed native ungulates were elk calves. We estimated kill rates as ungulate biomass killed/wolf/day. From combined results for all years, we estimated that each Mexican wolf killed on average 9.0 ± 5.4 kg (±95% CI) of ungulate biomass per day during winter and 7.8 ± 6.2 kg during the summer. Our estimates of kill rates could be overestimated if Mexican wolves obtained a substantial amount of their biomass from scavenging, particularly during 4 months of hunting seasons (Sep–Dec) not captured in winter and summer. Using data from the first 2 years of the study (2015, 2016), we developed a logistic regression model to predict probability of an elk kill occurring at a GPS cluster as a function of hours spent by a collared wolf at that GPS cluster and size of the wolf group. Applying this model to the final year of the study (2017) resulted in similar numbers of predicted (n = 16.1 and 27.2 in winter and summer, respectively) and observed numbers (n = 15 and 26) of elk kills. Additionally, the demographic composition of the 2017 elk kills closely matched that of the previous 2 years. The results of this study indicate similar predation patterns of Mexican wolves to those of wolves in northern locations and can help wildlife managers plan for potential effects from a larger population of wolves across a broad area in Arizona and New Mexico.
Amelioration of a saline‐alkaline soil using biochar and compost: Impacts on plant growth, soil biological and chemical characteristics
Authors: Howell Cassandra R. , Jenkins Sasha N. , Abbott Lynette K. , Mickan Bede S.
Published: September 2023

Land degradation reduces productivity and biodiversity, and requires restoration of both soil condition and vegetation to re‐establish ecosystem services. Organic amendments can improve soil biological and chemical properties, thereby enhancing revegetation success in severely degraded soil. This study investigated the use of compost and biochar to support revegetation and soil restoration. Soil was collected from a severely degraded creek bed in an agricultural farm in south‐western Australia (UWA Farm Ridgefield) and amended with compost (2.5% and 5%) and biochar (5% and 10%), both alone and in all pairwise combinations. Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) seedlings were grown for 10 weeks in glasshouse conditions. Following harvest, plant growth and soil chemical properties were analysed. DNA was extracted from rhizosphere soil for bacterial diversity profiling with subsequent putative functional genes relating to carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling using an in‐silico approach. Compost improved growth of root and shoot biomass. Both compost and biochar improved the alkaline soil by reducing pH and increasing nitrate, phosphorus and potassium levels. Compost addition also had a significant effect on rhizosphere bacterial community structure, decreasing alpha diversity and altering beta diversity indices. Amendment of soil also changed the relative abundance of putative nutrient cycling genes, with an increase in the potential for denitrification, carbon and phosphorus cycling and a decrease in ammonification potential. Application of this compost‐biochar combination improved plant growth and soil condition by altering both chemical and biological characteristics of the soil, and therefore may provide an effective management strategy for supporting restoration in a degraded landscape.
Predictors and Pathophysiology of Axial Postural Abnormalities in Parkinsonism: A Scoping Review
Authors: Artusi Carlo Alberto , Geroin Christian , Nonnekes Jorik , Aquino Camila , Garg Divyani , Dale Marian L. , Schlosser Darbe , Lai Yijie , Al‐Wardat Mohammad , Salari Mehri , Wolke Robin , Labou Valery Tsinda , Imbalzano Gabriele , Camozzi Serena , Merello Marcelo , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Capato Tamine , Djaldetti Ruth , Doherty Karen , Fasano Alfonso , Tibar Houyam , Lopiano Leonardo , Margraf Nils G. , Moreau Caroline , Ugawa Yoshikazu , Bhidayasiri Roongroj , Tinazzi Michele ,   the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society Task Force on Postural Abnormalities
Published: September 2023

Background

Postural abnormalities involving the trunk are referred to as axial postural abnormalities and can be observed in over 20% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and in atypical parkinsonism. These symptoms are highly disabling and frequently associated with back pain and a worse quality of life in PD. Despite their frequency, little is known about the pathophysiology of these symptoms and scant data are reported about their clinical predictors, making it difficult to prompt prevention strategies.

Objectives

We conducted a scoping literature review of clinical predictors and pathophysiology of axial postural abnormalities in patients with parkinsonism to identify key concepts, theories and evidence on this topic.

Methods

We applied a systematic approach to identify studies, appraise quality of evidence, summarize main findings, and highlight knowledge gaps.

Results

Ninety‐two articles were reviewed: 25% reported on clinical predictors and 75% on pathophysiology. Most studies identified advanced disease stage and greater motor symptoms severity as independent clinical predictors in both PD and multiple system atrophy. Discrepant pathophysiology data suggested different potential central and peripheral pathogenic mechanisms.

Conclusions

The recognition of clinical predictors and pathophysiology of axial postural abnormalities in parkinsonism is far from being elucidated due to literature bias, encompassing different inclusion criteria and measurement tools and heterogeneity of patient samples. Most studies identified advanced disease stage and higher burden of motor symptoms as possible clinical predictors. Pathophysiology data point toward many different (possibly non‐mutually exclusive) mechanisms, including dystonia, rigidity, proprioceptive and vestibular impairment, and higher cognitive deficits.
Cross‐Talk between miRNAs from the Dlk1‐Dio3 Locus and Histone Methylation to Protect Male Cerebellum from Methyl Donor Deficiency
Authors: Willekens Jeremy , Mosca Pauline , Burt‐Oberecken Nathan , Laugeais Edgar , Kaoma Tony , Bernardin François , Vallar Laurent , Dimofski Pauline , Renaud Mathilde , Lambert Laetitia , Leheup Bruno , Guéant Jean‐Louis , Leininger‐Muller Brigitte , Dreumont Natacha
Published: September 2023

Scope

Disruption of the one carbon metabolism during development, i.e., following a gestational vitamin B9 and B12 deficiencies, is involved in birth defects and brain development delay. Using a rat nutritional model, consisting of pups born to dams fed a vitamin B9 and B12 deficient diet (MDD), the study previously reports molecular and cellular alterations in the brain, in a sex dependent manner, with females being more affected than males. The study hypothesizes that epigenetic modifications could participate in the sex differences is observed.

Methods and results

The study investigates lysine methylation of histones and expression of microRNAs in the cerebellum of MDD male and female pups. The study reports a differential regulation of H3K36Me2 and H4K20Me3 between males and females, in response to MDD. Moreover, distinct regulation of Kmt5b and Kdm2a expression by miR‐134‐5p and miR‐369‐5p from the Dlk1‐Dio3 locus, contributes to the maintenance of expression of genes involved in synaptic plasticity.

Conclusion

These results could explain the neuroprotection to MDD that male pups display. The work will contribute to the understanding of the consequences of vitamin starvation on brain development, as well as how the epigenome is affected by one carbon metabolism disruption.
Contour attention network for cerebrovascular segmentation from TOF‐MRA volumetric images
Authors: Yang Chaozhi , Zhang Haiyan , Chi Dianwei , Li Yachuan , Xiao Qian , Bai Yun , Li Zongmin , Li Hongyi , Li Hua
Published: September 2023

Background

Cerebrovascular segmentation is a crucial step in the computer‐assisted diagnosis of cerebrovascular pathologies. However, accurate extraction of cerebral vessels from time‐of‐flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF‐MRA) data is still challenging due to the complex topology and slender shape.

Purpose

The existing deep learning‐based approaches pay more attention to the skeleton and ignore the contour, which limits the segmentation performance of the cerebrovascular structure. We aim to weight the contour of brain vessels in shallow features when concatenating with deep features. It helps to obtain more accurate cerebrovascular details and narrows the semantic gap between multilevel features.

Methods

This work proposes a novel framework for priority extraction of contours in cerebrovascular structures. We first design a neighborhood‐based algorithm to generate the ground truth of the cerebrovascular contour from original annotations, which can introduce useful shape information for the segmentation network. Moreover, We propose an encoder‐dual decoder‐based contour attention network (CA‐Net), which consists of the dilated asymmetry convolution block (DACB) and the Contour Attention Module (CAM). The ancillary decoder uses the DACB to obtain cerebrovascular contour features under the supervision of contour annotations. The CAM transforms these features into a spatial attention map to increase the weight of the contour voxels in main decoder to better restored the vessel contour details.

Results

The CA‐Net is thoroughly validated using two publicly available datasets, and the experimental results demonstrate that our network outperforms the competitors for cerebrovascular segmentation. We achieved the average dice similarity coefficient () of 68.15 and 99.92% in natural and synthetic datasets. Our method segments cerebrovascular structures with better completeness.

Conclusions

We propose a new framework containing contour annotation generation and cerebrovascular segmentation network that better captures the tiny vessels and improve vessel connectivity.
The tissue‐specific metabolic effects of the PPARα agonist ciprofibrate in insulin‐resistant male individuals: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled crossover study
Authors: de Wit‐Verheggen Vera H. W. , Vanweert Froukje , Raiko Juho , Liénard Viktor , Schaart Gert , Gemmink Anne , Nascimento Emmani B. M. , Hesselink Matthijs K. C. , Wildberger Joachim E. , Wierts Roel , Joris Peter J. , Haas Joel , Montaigne David , Staels Bart , Phielix Esther , Schrauwen Patrick , Schrauwen‐Hinderling Vera B. , van de Weijer Tineke
Published: September 2023

Objective

Insulin resistance is characterized by ectopic fat accumulation leading to cardiac diastolic dysfunction and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether treatment with the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPARα) agonist ciprofibrate has direct effects on cardiac and hepatic metabolism and can improve insulin sensitivity and cardiac function in insulin‐resistant volunteers.

Methods

Ten insulin‐resistant male volunteers received 100 mg/d of ciprofibrate and placebo for 5 weeks in a randomized double‐blind crossover study. Insulin‐stimulated metabolic rate of glucose (MRgluc) was measured using dynamic 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG‐PET). Additionally, cardiac function, whole‐body insulin sensitivity, intrahepatic lipid content, skeletal muscle gene expression, 24‐hour blood pressure, and substrate metabolism were measured.

Results

Whole‐body insulin sensitivity, energy metabolism, and body composition were unchanged after ciprofibrate treatment. Ciprofibrate treatment decreased insulin‐stimulated hepatic MRgluc and increased hepatic lipid content. Myocardial net MRgluc tended to decrease after ciprofibrate treatment, but ciprofibrate treatment had no effect on cardiac function and cardiac energy status. In addition, no changes in PPAR‐related gene expression in muscle were found.

Conclusions

Ciprofibrate treatment increased hepatic lipid accumulation and lowered MRgluc, without affecting whole‐body insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, parameters of cardiac function or cardiac energy status were not altered upon ciprofibrate treatment.