bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimentation, privilege, and difference: The politics of do‐it‐yourself urbanism
Authors: Boswell Rachael , Collins Francis L , Kearns Robin
Published: June 2024

The Canterbury Earthquake Sequence of 2010–2012 was devastating for Christchurch, New Zealand, a city built on a floodplain. The sequence resulted in widespread damage across the central business district (CBD) and residential areas. Alongside, and in contrast to, orthodox planning responses by the New Zealand Government, playful, creative, and temporary projects emerged in vacant spaces. These were designed to bring back life and energy to the city centre, and such types of activity are referred to by scholars as do‐it‐yourself (DIY) urbanism. A primary critique of DIY urbanism in the literature relates to how it has the potential to contribute to gentrification, despite its amateurish appearance and mildly subversive politics. In Christchurch, a venue built from pallets—known as the Pallet Pavilion—was constructed by an organisation known as “Gap Filler” with the help of volunteers. Gap Filler emerged after the first earthquake, inserting creative projects to bring back life and energy to the damaged CBD. By examining the Pallet Pavilion, we show that, despite its potentially gentrifying effects, DIY urbanism interventions may open up a more inclusive politics of the city. Also, and paradoxically, in the case of the Pallet Pavilion, the exercise of privilege made this inclusive politics possible.
Untargeted metabolomics combined with vitro antioxidant to comprehensively evaluate the effect of sodium sulfite immersion on the holistic quality of mung bean sprouts
Authors: Li Yaxin , Zhou Zheng , Wu Qi , Chen Baoguo , Ye Shuhong , Cui Yuna , Ding Yan
Published: June 2024

Mung bean sprouts are widely consumed as a seasonal fresh vegetable, renowned for their affordability and richness in antioxidants and bioactive compounds. This study employed ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatogram‐Q‐Exactive HF mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QE‐MS) and multivariate statistical analysis to comprehensively evaluate the chemical profile of mung bean sprouts following sulfite immersion. The findings revealed a significant alteration in the overall chemical composition of mung bean sprouts following sodium sulfite immersion. Eleven components, including four sulfur‐containing compounds, were identified as characteristic markers distinguishing between non‐immersed and sodium sulfite‐immersed mung bean sprouts. Esterification and addition reactions were inferred to occur during sodium sulfite immersion, leading to the transformation of flavonoid and saponin sulfates. Commercial samples analysis indicated that sulfur‐containing compounds were detectable in 9 of 11 commercial mung bean sprouts. Meanwhile, when sodium sulfite concentration exceeded 3.00 mg/mL and immersion time exceeded 360 min, the contents of total polyphenol and flavonoid were significantly reduced and the antioxidant activity was adversely influenced.
Infusion of active compound into sliced button mushrooms through vacuum impregnation to improve functionality: Comparing response surface methodology and artificial neural network
Authors: Wagh Muktabai Dinesh , Alam Mohammed Shafiq , Roy Tapas , Gupta Satish Kumar
Published: June 2024

The present study explores the infusion of active compounds (ascorbic acid and calcium lactate) into sliced button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) to increase the nutritional value and reduce the browning effect of sliced mushrooms using the vacuum impregnation (VI) technique. The aim was to functionalize the vacuum‐infused sliced mushrooms and evaluate the physicochemical properties of button mushrooms for diversifying food use. The central composite design was implemented to determine the optimized condition for the process with four independent factors, that is, immersion time (IT) 30–90 min, solution temperature (ST) 35–55°C, solution concentration (SC) 4%–12%, and vacuum pressure (VP) 50–170 mbar. The optimum VI processes obtained were ST‐40°C, SC‐8%, VP‐140 mbar, and IT‐65 min with a desirability function of 0.77. Statistically, two models (response surface methodology [RSM] and artificial neural network [ANN]) were employed to compare the better performance for the prediction of VI operational process parameters. The RSM model showed a better prediction of VI process parameters than the ANN model, with a higher R2 value (0.9228 vs. 0.8160) and lower root mean square error value (1.4004 vs. 2.1751), χ2 (2.4491 vs. 5.2762), mean absolute error (1.1177 vs. 1.1611), and absolute average deviation (4.3532 vs. 5.6746) for water loss. A similar pattern was observed for solute gain, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity, color change, firmness, and pH. Therefore, the VI process was found to be an effective method for enhancing the nutritional properties of sliced mushrooms. These findings concluded that the RSM model is more efficient for better prediction with good accuracy of the VI process than the ANN model.
In‐package cold atmospheric plasma processing for shelf‐life extension of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fillets
Authors: Spanou Aikaterini , Tzamarias Alexios Efstathios , Ladakis Dimitrios , Koutinas Apostolis , Tsironi Theofania
Published: June 2024

In‐package cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) processing, which refers to the generation of CAP inside a sealed package, enables a local disinfecting reaction, allowing no post‐process contamination and extending the shelf‐life (SL) of perishable food products, such as fresh fish. In the present study, four in‐package CAP treatments, differing in frequency and processing time, were applied on fresh gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) fillets, prepacked in low‐permeability pouches. Fish SL was evaluated during isothermal storage at 2°C, whereas untreated packaged fillets were used as control samples. The SL assessment of the fish fillets was based on microbial enumeration of total aerobic mesophilic count (TMC), total aerobic psychrotrophic count (TPC), Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB), pH measurement, determination of color and texture parameters, lipid oxidation, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) measurement, and sensory evaluation. All CAP treatments were effective against microbial inhibition in fish fillets, especially regarding TMC, TPC, and Pseudomonas spp., resulting in maximum reduction of 1.49, 1.24, and 1.43 log CFU/g, respectively, compared to the control samples after 16 days of storage. However, minor effect was observed against Enterobacteriaceae and no effect against LAB. CAP processing did not affect the color and texture parameters of fish fillets, and TVB‐N production was slightly reduced in CAP‐treated samples; however, lipid oxidation was accelerated, especially at the more intense processing conditions, by a maximum of 75.5%. The results of the study indicated that in‐package CAP processing could be effectively applied for inhibiting spoilage during refrigerated storage and extending SL of fresh fish fillets.

Practical Application

In‐package cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) processing was tested on gilthead seabream fillets, a highly perishable product with high commercial potential if its shelf‐life can be extended through minimal processing. The food industry could benefit from in‐package CAP technology as it is a cost effective nonthermal processing method while preventing post‐processing contamination of the products. Although in‐package CAP processing has not been extensively tested on fish, this study examined the quality and shelf‐life of a highly perishable fish species, and the results could be further used as a reference for processing optimization of the CAP treatments.
Safety assessment of enzymatically converted chicken bile as a novel food material: Genotoxicity, teratogenicity, and acute and subchronic toxicity studies
Authors: Zou Zebin , Deng Yulan , Liao Jingru , Chen Weili , Lyu Chenhao , Li Pan , Du Bing , Qiu Kexian
Published: June 2024

Enzymatically converted chicken bile (CB), prepared by converting taurine deoxycholic acid (TCDCA) to taurine ursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in CB, possesses various functional activities. But their nutrient composition and safety assessment have not been fully investigated yet. CB was mainly composed of proteins and steroids. CB did not show genotoxic effects based on Ames test, mammalian erythrocyte micronucleus test, and in vitro mammalian chromosomal aberration test. There were no growth abnormalities or deaths in the acute toxicity test for mice, indicating that CB is nontoxic with an LD50 > 10 g/kg·body weight (BW). Subchronic toxicity test and genotoxicity test were performed based on intake of 0.5 g CB per person daily at expanded doses of 33.3, 100, and 300 times (278, 833, and 2500 mg/kg·BW). The result indicated that CB at 833 mg/kg·BW showed no toxicity on BW, body weight gain, food intake, hematological, serum biochemistry, absolute/relative organ weights, urinalysis, and pathological features of rats in the subchronic toxicity test, while CB at 833 mg/kg·BW induced maternal toxicity with no fetus teratogenicity or embryotoxicity in the teratogenicity test. In conclusion, CB did not show toxic effects and a long‐term daily intake of CB at 0.5 g per person is considered safe, but pregnant women should avoid it. These findings could provide a reference for the safe use of CB in functional food.
Inoculation of Zaopei with biofortification: Inducing variation in community structure and improving flavor compounds in Nongxiangxing baijiu
Authors: Wu Yijiao , Xu Pei , Qiu Xianping , Mao Yichen , Yu Jianshen , Tian Lei , Li Yanzhong , Zhang Juan , Zhu Xiangting , Liu Ying , Shang Hongguang , Guan Tongwei
Published: June 2024

The deterioration of the quality of raw liquor caused by the low content of ethyl hexanoate in Nongxiangxing baijiu has become a pervasive problem in the baijiu industry. Therefore, this study attempted to increase the synthesis of ethyl hexanoate by microorganisms with high esterase activity to increase Zaopei fermentation. The results showed that biofortification was a feasible and important way to improve the quality of the raw liquor and increase the ethyl hexanoate content. Adding Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Millerozyma farinosa for biofortified fermentation disturbed the microbial community structure of Zaopei and increased the abundance of Wickerhamomyces, Saccharomyces, and Thermoascus. The contents of ethyl hexanoate, ethyl valerate, ethyl caprylate, and ethyl heptanoate also increased noticeably in baijiu. The results of E‐nose and sensory analysis tested and verified that the baijiu in the fortified group had better flavor characteristics.
Ecological, beneficial, and pathogenic functions of the Type 9 Secretion System
Authors: Rocha Sofia T. , Shah Dhara D. , Shrivastava Abhishek
Published: June 2024

The recently discovered Type 9 Secretion System (T9SS) is present in bacteria of the Fibrobacteres–Bacteroidetes–Chlorobi superphylum, which are key constituents of diverse microbiomes. T9SS is instrumental in the extracellular secretion of over 270,000 proteins, including peptidases, sugar hydrolases, metal ion‐binding proteins, and metalloenzymes. These proteins are essential for the interaction of bacteria with their environment. This mini‐review explores the extensive array of proteins secreted by the T9SS. It highlights the diverse functions of these proteins, emphasizing their roles in pathogenesis, bacterial interactions, host colonization, and the overall health of the ecosystems inhabited by T9SS‐containing bacteria.
The relationships between biological novel biomarkers Lp‐PLA2 and CTRP‐3 and CVD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chen Yanhong , Wang Shixin , Li Jian , Fu Yu , Chen Pengsheng , Liu Xuekui , Zhang Jiao , Sun Li , Zhang Rui , Li Xiaoli , Liu Lingling
Published: June 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is recognized as a primary and severe comorbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is also identified as a leading cause of mortality within this population. Consequently, the identification of novel biomarkers for the risk stratification and progression of CVD in individuals with T2DM is of critical importance.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study encompassed 979 patients diagnosed with T2DM, of whom 116 experienced CVD events during the follow‐up period. Clinical assessments and comprehensive blood laboratory analyses were conducted. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the association between lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2), C1q/tumor necrosis factor‐related protein 3 (CTRP‐3), and the incidence of CVD in T2DM. The diagnostic performance of these biomarkers was assessed through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the computation of the area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 84 months (interquartile range: 42 [32–54] months), both novel inflammatory markers, Lp‐PLA2 and CTRP‐3, and traditional lipid indices, such as low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, exhibited aberrant expression in the CVD‐afflicted subset of the T2DM cohort. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted Cox regression analysis delineated that Lp‐PLA2 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.007 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 1.005–1.009], p < 0.001) and CTRP‐3 (HR = 0.943 [95% CI: 0.935–0.954], p < 0.001) were independently associated with the manifestation of CVD in T2DM. ROC curve analysis indicated a substantial predictive capacity for Lp‐PLA2 (AUC = 0.81 [95% CI: 0.77–0.85], p < 0.001) and CTRP‐3 (AUC = 0.91 [95% CI: 0.89–0.93], p < 0.001) in forecasting CVD occurrence in T2DM. The combined biomarker approach yielded an AUC of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.93–0.96), p < 0.001, indicating enhanced diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the biomarkers Lp‐PLA2 and CTRP‐3 are dysregulated in patients with T2DM who develop CVD and that each biomarker is independently associated with the occurrence of CVD. The combined assessment of Lp‐PLA2 and CTRP‐3 may significantly augment the diagnostic precision for CVD in the T2DM demographic.

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Archaeological excavations at Sarūq al‐Ḥadīd‐2022–2023 season: stratigraphy and new absolute chronological sequence of Area G
Authors: Alkhalid Mohammed , Alkassem Amal , D'Auria Alessia , Naime Younes , Reize Felix , Alsuwaidi Mariam , Boraik Mansour , Ali Bader A.
Published: June 2024

The 3‐month excavation conducted in Area G at Sarūq al‐Ḥadīd yielded novel insights into the historical occupation, abandonment and utilisation patterns of the site. The archaeological strata unearthed during our excavation dating span a significant timeframe, ranging from the fourth to the first millennium BC. Employing a stratigraphical approach, we systematically established a relative chronological sequence for the area supported by C14 absolute dating. This methodological framework enabled us to discern the temporal evolution of the site, unveiling pertinent information regarding the nature of occupation, the construction phase of the well and its temporal utilisation and the occurrences of natural phenomena such as climatic disruption, alluvial processes and sand accumulation.
Pricing the missing intangible capital: Evidence from the China A‐share market
Authors: Chen Jing , Jiang Tianyuan , Zhang Manling , Li Huixuan
Published: June 2024

This study develops novel proxies for firm‐level intangible capital in China's A‐share market and assesses its pricing implications. We compile intangible capital from relevant expenditure entries detailed in the notes of financial statements and assess them using perpetual inventory methods, accounting for industry‐specific variations. Our findings reveal a significant positive intangible capital premium. Additionally, the intangible capital factor substantially improves the performance of the Fama–French three‐ and five‐factor models, and other widely accepted pricing models. This research contributes to the broader understanding of modern production paradigms that increasingly rely on intangible assets and investigates their valuation implications in financial markets.
Is it just for shareholders or for all stakeholders? Evidence based on carbon emissions and cash dividends from China
Authors: Liu Desheng , Wang Yizhen , Li Mingsheng
Published: June 2024

As people become more aware of the catastrophic risk of carbon emissions, investors demand compensation for their exposure to carbon emission risk. However, it is unclear how a firm's carbon emissions affect its dividend policy to cater to shareholders and its implications for other stakeholders. Using publicly listed A‐share companies in China, we find that carbon emissions positively affect firms' cash dividends. The positive effect is more pronounced for firms with higher growth, better performance and those in heavily polluting industries. Furthermore, the cash dividends induced by carbon emissions benefit all stakeholders by reducing agency costs and promoting green innovations.
A portent of academic upheaval: The story of John McCarty, W. A. ‘Gus’ Sinclair and the Chair of Economic History at Monash University, 1967–1993
Authors: Millmow Alex
Published: June 2024

This article examines the rise and fall of the department of economic history at Monash University, between 1967 and 1993, through the prism of the careers of academics John McCarty and Angus Sinclair. The Monash staff personnel files reveal the importance of a small number of influential ‘God Professors’ in the initial appointment, and in the eventual loss of the department in the face of expanding business education.
Experience of dermatologic biologic therapy use and associated opportunistic infection management in Australia's tropical north
Authors: Adams Lucinda , Metin Cyrille , Stevenson Annabel
Published: June 2024

Background/Objectives

Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) is the sole public dermatology service in the Northern Territory (NT). Prescription of biologic therapies (BT) in the NT is uniquely challenging, with remote populations carrying a high tropical disease burden. The aim of this audit is to examine the demographics and outcomes of patients on BT for dermatologic conditions.

Methods

Retrospective case note review of patients receiving BT through the RDH Dermatology department between August 2021 and October 2023. Data analysed were demographics, location, dermatological diagnosis and serology status.

Results

In this audit, 115 patients were included. Age range of 13–91 years, mean of 51.1 years (±14.7), 52 (45.2%) patients were female and 8 (7.8%) identified as First Nations Australian. A large geographical area was serviced, with a primary address between 1 and 1496 km from RDH. Eighteen patients (15.7%) have discontinued BT completely. There was a statistically significant relationship between cessation of BT and increased distance of primary residence from RDH (p < 0.0007). Eighteen patients (15.7%) required management of infections identified in opportunistic infection screening. These infections were strongyloidiasis, tuberculosis, melioidosis and hepatitis B.

Conclusions

There is significant anxiety surrounding BT and tropical infections, including in returning travellers in southern Australian states. There has been particular interest in strongyloidiasis infection, as dupilumab acts on the Th2 immunity mechanism critical to parasitic infection response. This audit exhibits the unique experience of dermatological care in a tropical setting, demonstrating how BT can be used safely and how, when identified, these tropical infections can be successfully managed.
Social support and family resilience among Chinese people receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A polynomial regression and response surface analysis explaining psychological resilience
Authors: Xu Qiongying , Qiu Yuan , Yi Ting , Wang Yan , Dong Chaoqun
Published: June 2024

Psychological resilience plays an important role in overcoming emotional distress among people receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). This study aimed to investigate how social support and family resilience interact to influence psychological resilience among Chinese people receiving MHD. This was a prospective longitudinal study with three time points: baseline (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) later. A convenience sample of 252 participants (67.1% male; 57.6 ± 13.8 years of age) from Zhejiang Province, China, who completed baseline measures of social support, family resilience, and psychological resilience, were further assessed for psychological resilience at T2 and T3. Polynomial regression (PR) and response surface analysis (RSA) were used to analyze the data. At all time points, and in the case of agreement between social support and family resilience, the combined effect of both variables manifested as a positive linear association with psychological resilience. Instead, at baseline, and in case of disagreement, the same combined effect manifested as a negative linear relationship related to psychological resilience. The findings highlighted the importance of considering the conjoint influence of social support and family resilience when developing interventions to improve the psychological resilience of people receiving MHD.
Fully robotic side‐to‐side stapled anastomosis provides less anastomotic leakage than conventional minimally invasive approach in Ivor Lewis esophagectomy
Authors: Kanamori Jun , Watanabe Masayuki , Maruyama Suguru , Kanie Yasukazu , Kuriyama Kengo , Terayama Masayoshi , Takahashi Naoki , Tamura Masahiro , Okamura Akihiko , Imamura Yu
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This study evaluates surgical outcomes of minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (ILE) for esophageal and esophagogastric cancer, with the comparison of the robotic approach (RA) and the conventional minimally invasive approach (CA).

Methods

Selected patients who underwent minimally invasive ILE for esophageal cancer were included between January 2017 and December 2023. We retrospectively investigated the patients' background characteristics and the short‐term surgical outcomes.

Results

In this period, among a total of 840 esophagectomies, 81 patients (9.6%) underwent minimally invasive ILE, consisting of 24 cases with RA and 57 with CA. The major indications for ILE were adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus or esophagogastric junction and patients with prior head and neck cancer treatment. Among these thoracic approaches, there were no significant differences in the patients' indications and characteristics, including age, histology, tumor location, clinical TNM stage, and preoperative therapy. Compared with the CA group, no anastomotic leakage was observed in the RA group (17.5% vs. 0, p = .035). Rates of total postoperative complications and length of hospital stay also tended to be reduced in the RA group but did not reach significance.

Conclusion

In the Ivor Lewis esophagectomy with a side‐to‐side linear‐stapled anastomosis, the fully robotic approach has the potential to powerfully reduce anastomotic leakage compared to the conventional minimally invasive approach.
Agro‐industrial by‐products as ruminant feed: Nutritive value and in vitro rumen fermentation evaluation
Authors: Ahmed Eslam , Gaafar Abeer , Nishida Takehiro
Published: June 2024

In recent years, agricultural by‐products have generated increasing interest as ruminant feed. In a completely randomized design with five experimental treatments, this in vitro study investigated the nutritional value of citrus pulp and onion peel as alternative feed for ruminants and their effects on rumen fermentation, digestibility, and gas production. The first group was the control (50% grass hay/50% concentrate mixture). The other four treatments represented citrus pulp and onion peel at inclusion levels of 10 and 20%, replacing the expensive, high‐quality feed ingredients such as the concentrate mixture. The chemical composition showed that citrus pulp is an energy‐rich material that could be included up to 20% to replace part of the concentrate in a mixed diet without any adverse impacts on rumen fermentation parameters. The onion peels were rich in fiber and minerals. Their inclusion in the diet of over 10% had detrimental effects on rumen fermentation. The inclusion of either citrus pulp or onion peel in the diet did not have the potential to reduce enteric methane production. In conclusion, citrus pulp showed promising results as a new feed for ruminants. It was effective when included in up to 20% of a ruminant diet, replacing the concentrate mixture.
A novel marine‐derived mitophagy inducer ameliorates mitochondrial dysfunction and thermal hypersensitivity in paclitaxel‐induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Im Sangwoo , Jeong Dae Jin , Kim Eunmi , Choi Jae‐Hyeong , Jang Hye‐Ji , Kim Young Yeon , Um Jee‐Hyun , Lee Jihoon , Lee Yeon‐Ju , Lee Kang‐Min , Choi Dabin , Yoo Eunhee , Lee Hyi‐Seung , Yun Jeanho
Published: June 2024

Background and Purpose

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis and maintenance of chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a significant limitation of cancer chemotherapy. Recently, the stimulation of mitophagy, a pivotal process for mitochondrial homeostasis, has emerged as a promising treatment strategy for neurodegenerative diseases, but its therapeutic effect on CIPN has not been explored. Here, we assessed the mitophagy‐inducing activity of 3,5‐dibromo‐2‐(2′,4′‐dibromophenoxy)‐phenol (PDE701), a diphenyl ether derivative isolated from the marine sponge Dysidea sp., and investigated its therapeutic effect on a CIPN model.

Experimental Approach

Mitophagy activity was determined by a previously established mitophagy assay using mitochondrial Keima (mt‐Keima). Mitophagy induction was further verified by western blotting, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. Mitochondrial dysfunction was analysed by measuring mitochondrial superoxide levels in SH‐SY5Y cells and Drosophila larvae. A thermal nociception assay was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of PDE701 on the paclitaxel‐induced thermal hyperalgesia phenotype in Drosophila larvae.

Key Results

PDE701 specifically induced mitophagy but was not toxic to mitochondria. PDE701 ameliorated paclitaxel‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in both SH‐SY5Y cells and Drosophila larvae. Importantly, PDE701 also significantly ameliorated paclitaxel‐induced thermal hyperalgesia in Drosophila larvae. Knockdown of ATG5 or ATG7 abolished the effect of PDE701 on thermal hyperalgesia, suggesting that PDE701 exerts its therapeutic effect through mitophagy induction.

Conclusion and Implications

This study identified PDE701 as a novel mitophagy inducer and a potential therapeutic compound for CIPN. Our results suggest that mitophagy stimulation is a promising strategy for the treatment of CIPN and that marine organisms are a potential source of mitophagy‐inducing compounds.
Myc upregulates Ggct, γ‐glutamylcyclotransferase to promote development of p53‐deficient osteosarcoma
Authors: Ueno Tomoya , Otani Shohei , Date Yuki , Katsuma Yu , Nagayoshi Yuma , Ito Tomoko , Ii Hiromi , Kageyama Susumu , Nakata Susumu , Ito Kosei
Published: June 2024

Osteosarcoma (OS) in humans is characterized by alterations in the TP53 gene. In mice, loss of p53 triggers OS development, for which c‐Myc (Myc) oncogenicity is indispensable. However, little is known about which genes are targeted by Myc to promote tumorigenesis. Here, we examined the role of γ‐glutamylcyclotransferase (Ggct) which is a component enzyme of the γ‐glutamyl cycle essential for glutathione homeostasis, in human and mouse OS development. We found that GGCT is a poor prognostic factor for human OS, and that deletion of Ggct suppresses p53‐deficient osteosarcomagenesis in mice. Myc upregulates Ggct directly by binding to the Ggct promoter, and deletion of a Myc binding site therein by genome editing attenuated the tumorigenic potential of p53‐deficient OS cells. Taken together, these results show a rationale that GGCT is widely upregulated in cancer cells and solidify its suitability as a target for anticancer drugs.
RECK/GPR124‐driven WNT signaling in pancreatic and gastric cancer cells
Authors: Yu Hai , Kohno Susumu , Voon Dominic Chih‐Cheng , Hussein Nada Hamdy , Zhang Yuanyuan , Nakayama Joji , Takegami Yujiro , Takahashi Chiaki
Published: June 2024

RECK has been described to modulate extracellular matrix components through negative regulation of MMP activities. Recently, RECK was demonstrated to bind to an orphan G protein‐coupled receptor GPR124 to mediate WNT7 signaling in nontumor contexts. Here, we attempted to clarify the role of RECK in driving WNT signaling in cancer cells. RECK and GPR124 formed a complex in 293T cells, and when both were expressed, WNT signaling was significantly enhanced in a WNT7‐dependent manner. This cooperation was abolished when RECK mutants unable to bind to GPR124 were transduced. RECK stimulated the growth of KRAS‐mutated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells with increased sensitivity to WNT inhibitor in a GPR124‐dependent manner. A gastric cancer cell line SH10TC endogenously expresses both RECK and GPR124 under regular culture conditions. In this cell line, inhibited cell growth and WNT signaling as well as increased apoptosis in the GPR124 depletion was dominantly found over those in the RECK deletion. These findings suggest that RECK promotes tumor cell growth by positively modulating WNT signaling through GPR124. This study proposes that the RECK/GPR124 complex might be a good therapeutic target in PDAC and gastric cancer.
Children and adolescents rectify unequal allocations of leadership duties in the classroom
Authors: Killen Melanie , Burkholder Amanda R. , Brey Elizabeth , Cooper Dylan , Pauker Kristin
Published: June 2024

Little is known about how children and adolescents evaluate unequal teacher allocations of leadership duties based on ethnicity‐race and gender in the classroom. U.S. boys and girls, White (40.7%), Multiracial (18.5%), Black/African American (16.0%), Latine (14.2%), Asian (5.5%), Pacific Islander (0.4%), and other (4.7%) ethnic‐racial backgrounds, 8–14 years, N = 275, evaluated teacher allocations of high‐status leadership positions favoring specific ethnic‐racial or gender groups during 2018–2021. Adolescents, more than children, negatively evaluated unequal teacher allocations of leadership duties that resulted in group‐based inequalities, expected peers who shared the identity of a group disadvantaged by the teacher's allocation to view it more negatively than others, and rectified inequalities. Understanding perceptions of teacher‐based bias provides an opportunity for interventions designed to create fair and just classrooms that motivate all students to achieve.
BSACI guidance for the implementation of Palforzia® peanut oral immunotherapy in the United Kingdom: A Delphi consensus study
Authors: Marrs Tom , Patel Nandinee , Burrell Sarah , Rampersad Anjali , Minshall Eleanor , Leech Susan , Chandratilleke Dinusha , Dempsey Justine , Ludman Sian , Roberts Graham , Michaelis Louise Jane , Brough Helen A. , Karanam Surendra , Batt Rebecca , Moulsdale Phoebe , Steifel Gary , Tiwana Kiran , Smith Helen , Knight Katherine , Vazquez‐Ortiz Marta , Vyas Deepan , Turner Paul J. , Makwana Nick
Published: June 2024

Background

Palforzia® enables the safe and effective desensitisation of children with peanut allergy. The treatment pathway requires multiple visits for dose escalation, up‐dosing, monitoring of patients taking maintenance therapy and conversion onto daily real‐world peanut consumption. The demand for peanut immunotherapy outstrips current National Health Service (NHS) capacity and requires services to develop a national consensus on how best to offer Palforzia® in a safe and equitable manner. We undertook a Delphi consensus exercise to determine guidance statements for the implementation of Palforzia®‐based immunotherapy in the NHS.

Methods

We undertook focus groups with children and young people who had received peanut immunotherapy to assess what was important for them and their carers. Common themes from patients formed the basis of creating draft statements. A panel of 18 multi‐disciplinary professionals engaged in two rounds of anonymised voting to adapt the statements and score their importance. A final consensus workshop consolidated any variation in comments and scores to develop the final guidance statements.

Results

The panel achieved consensus on 91% (29/32) of guidance statements, demonstrating strong consensus around pragmatic principles for assuring the integrity of consent, safety and conversion from Palforzia® to real‐world peanut products. The greatest amount of feedback was generated from three broad issues; (i) whether eligibility assessment should include compulsory peanut challenges and whether these should be designed to assess the threshold at which patients react to peanut, (ii) the governance processes to best ensure that patients' interests are prioritised and (iii) how to safely transition young people to other services, or discharge them, while they are taking daily peanut.

Conclusions

This consensus highlights the urgent need for the NHS to increase capacity for undertaking diagnostic food challenges as well as developing Palforzia® immunotherapy pathways. The voting panel agreed that families of peanut allergic children should be made aware of immunotherapy, that eligibility assessment should include how co‐morbid conditions are managed and that services should monitor for adverse effects. The finalised statements are now published online for clinical practice in the UK. These guidance statements will be adapted in the coming years as more evidence is published and as the international experience of peanut immunotherapy evolves.
Trends in Childhood Anaphylaxis in Singapore: 2015–2022
Authors: Goh Si Hui , Yap Gaik Chin , Cheng Hsin Yue , Chiang Wen Chin , Soh Jian Yi , Chong Kok Wee , Goh Anne , Tham Elizabeth Huiwen , Tyebally Arif , Ganapathy Sashikumar , Ibrahim Irwani , Lee Bee Wah
Published: June 2024

Background

There has been limited data regarding the incidence of anaphylaxis in Asia. We aim to describe patterns in patient characteristics, triggers and clinical presentation of childhood anaphylaxis in Singapore.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of emergency electronic medical records of children with anaphylaxis. Patients with the allergy‐related diagnoses of anaphylaxis, angioedema, allergy and urticaria based on ICD‐9 codes were screened. Cases fulfilling the World Allergy Organization criteria for anaphylaxis were included.

Results

A total of 1188 cases of anaphylaxis were identified with a median age of 6.3 years. Extrapolating data from the study sites, from 2015 to 2022, the incidence rate of childhood anaphylaxis emergency visits in Singapore doubled from 18.9 to 38.8 per 100,000 person‐years, with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 2.06 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.70–2.49). In 2022, the incidence rate of food anaphylaxis was 30.1 per 100,000 person‐years, IRR 2.39 (95% CI 1.90–3.01) and drug anaphylaxis was 4.6 per 100,000 person‐years, IRR 1.89 (95% CI 1.11–3.25). The incidence rate in children aged 0–4 years quadrupled during the study period. Common triggers were egg (10.4%), peanut (9.3%), tree nut (8.8%), milk (8%), shellfish (7.8%) and non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (4.4%). The majority (88.6%) of patients were treated with intramuscular adrenaline. Total number of allergy‐related visits did not increase over time between 2015 and 2019. Rates of severe anaphylaxis, namely anaphylactic shock and admission to high‐dependency and intensive care, did not increase over time, with a mean incidence of 1.6, IRR 0.85 (95% CI 0.40–1.83) and 0.7, IRR 1.77 (95% CI 0.54–5.76) per 100,000 person‐years, respectively.

Conclusion

While the number of emergency visits due to childhood anaphylaxis has increased, the number of cases of allergy‐related visits, anaphylactic shock and anaphylaxis requiring high‐dependency and intensive care did not rise.
Similarity or stereotypes? An investigation of how exemplar gender guides children's math learning
Authors: Riggs Anne E. , Gonzalez Antonya Marie
Published: June 2024

How does the representation of boy and girl exemplars in curricular materials affect students’ learning? We tested two competing hypotheses about the impact of gender exemplar on learning: First, in line with Social Learning Theory, children might exhibit a same‐gender bias such that they prefer to learn from exemplars that match their gender (H1). Second, consistent with research on children's stereotypes about gender and math (e.g., associating boys with math competence), children might prefer to learn from exemplars who match their stereotypes about who is good at math (H2). We tested these hypotheses with children in middle school (N = 166), a time of development in which stereotypes are well‐engrained, but before gender differences in math achievement appear. Children viewed two distinct math strategies, each presented by a boy or girl exemplar. We then examined which strategy children employed on a subsequent math test as well as their perceived similarity to the exemplars and their awareness or endorsement of gender‐math stereotypes. Children did not preferentially learn from same‐gender exemplars. However, children with stereotypes associating boys with math were more likely to learn the more difficult strategy when it was presented by a boy exemplar than children who did not associate boys with math. The results of this study provide valuable insight into how children's stereotypes impact their real‐world learning.

Research Highlights

How does the representation of boy and girl exemplars in children's curricular materials affect their learning?

Past research demonstrates that children prefer to learn from same‐gender exemplars, but also hold a stereotype that boys are better at math.

In the current study, we test whether children preferentially adopt a math strategy presented by a boy or girl exemplar.

Children who held the belief that boys are better at math were more likely to learn a difficult strategy from boy exemplars than children who did not endorse this stereotype.
Type 2 diabetes, glycaemic traits, structural brain capacity and cognitive function: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Luo Manjun , Sun Mengting , Wang Tingting , Wei Jianhui , Ruan Xiaorui , Chen Kebin , Ou Jun , Chen Yige , Qin Jiabi
Published: June 2024

Aim

To estimate the causal associations of type 2 diabetes and glycaemic traits with cognitive function, and to determine the potential mediating role of various brain imaging‐derived phenotypes (IDPs) using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

Using publicly available summary data, we performed a series of univariable and multivariable MR analysis to infer causality. Two‐step MR analysis was then conducted in turn to evaluate the potential mediating role of each brain IDP.

Results

There was no evidence of causal associations between type 2 diabetes and cognitive function outcomes. Each 1‐SD unit higher genetically predicted fasting proinsulin was associated with worse cognitive performance, as evidenced by both univariable (beta: −0.022; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.038, −0.007) and multivariable MR analysis (beta: −0.027; 95% CI −0.048, −0.005). In addition, the univariable MR analysis identified several causal associations between fasting proinsulin and brain IDPs, and between brain IDPs and cognitive performance. The inverse association of genetically predicted fasting proinsulin with cognitive performance did not attenuate after adjusting for each of the brain IDPs in multivariable MR analysis.

Conclusions

The present MR study provided credible evidence for the causal association between genetically predicted fasting proinsulin and cognitive function, informing a potential diagnosis and intervention target for patients with cognitive impairment. No significant brain IDP included in this study was identified as lying on the causal pathway from fasting proinsulin to cognitive performance. Future research involving more specific and granular brain IDP or other brain process is warranted to explore the potential biological mechanism underlying the association.
Studying interactions among anthropogenic stressors in freshwater ecosystems: A systematic review of 2396 multiple‐stressor experiments
Authors: Orr James A. , Macaulay Samuel J. , Mordente Adriana , Burgess Benjamin , Albini Dania , Hunn Julia G. , Restrepo‐Sulez Katherin , Wilson Ramesh , Schechner Anne , Robertson Aoife M. , Lee Bethany , Stuparyk Blake R. , Singh Delezia , O'Loughlin Isobel , Piggott Jeremy J. , Zhu Jiangqiu , Dinh Khuong V. , Archer Louise C. , Penk Marcin , Vu Minh Thi Thuy , Juvigny‐Khenafou Noël P. D. , Zhang Peiyu , Sanders Philip , Schäfer Ralf B. , Vinebrooke Rolf D. , Hilt Sabine , Reed Thomas , Jackson Michelle C.
Published: June 2024

Understanding the interactions among anthropogenic stressors is critical for effective conservation and management of ecosystems. Freshwater scientists have invested considerable resources in conducting factorial experiments to disentangle stressor interactions by testing their individual and combined effects. However, the diversity of stressors and systems studied has hindered previous syntheses of this body of research. To overcome this challenge, we used a novel machine learning framework to identify relevant studies from over 235,000 publications. Our synthesis resulted in a new dataset of 2396 multiple‐stressor experiments in freshwater systems. By summarizing the methods used in these studies, quantifying trends in the popularity of the investigated stressors, and performing co‐occurrence analysis, we produce the most comprehensive overview of this diverse field of research to date. We provide both a taxonomy grouping the 909 investigated stressors into 31 classes and an open‐source and interactive version of the dataset (https://jamesaorr.shinyapps.io/freshwater‐multiple‐stressors/). Inspired by our results, we provide a framework to help clarify whether statistical interactions detected by factorial experiments align with stressor interactions of interest, and we outline general guidelines for the design of multiple‐stressor experiments relevant to any system. We conclude by highlighting the research directions required to better understand freshwater ecosystems facing multiple stressors.
Pierced, looped and framed: the (re)use of gold coins in jewellery in sixth‐ and seventh‐century England
Authors: Haworth Katie D. , Clarke‐Neish Kelly M.
Published: June 2024

The early medieval coin‐using economy is traditionally conceptualized as a masculine sphere with minimal female involvement. This article examines a corpus of 135 gold and pale gold coins of the later sixth and seventh centuries that underwent modification as coin‐pendants, a form of jewellery that belongs almost exclusively to feminine contexts. Analysis of this corpus reveals that these coins were valued as coins, with their attendant symbolic and economic significance, and that this transformation into jewellery did not irreversibly remove them from circulation, offering important evidence for female engagement in the seventh‐century coin‐based economy.
Sex‐ and age‐related shift of relapse phenotypes in a cohort of relapsing multiple sclerosis patients: Post hoc analysis from the OPERA phase 3 trials
Authors: Leon Betancourt A. , Hoepner Robert , Hammer Helly , Chan Andrew , Salmen Anke
Published: June 2024

Background and purpose

Relapse presentation in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) differs between sexes, leading to differential outcomes. An influence of age seems likely but is less well investigated separately for women and men.

Methods

Using the large well‐defined dataset of the pivotal trials of ocrelizumab in RMS, OPERA I and II, and their open‐label extension, we performed a post hoc analysis to investigate relapse phenotypes for sex‐ and age‐related differences in n = 929 relapses in 534 subjects (171 men, 363 women). Frequencies of affected functional systems were analyzed separated by sex and for three age strata (<35, 35–44, ≥45 years). Exact p‐values are given for this exploratory analysis.

Results

Frequencies of mono‐ versus polysymptomatic relapse presentations were different neither between sexes nor in different age groups. Cerebellar symptoms were more frequent in relapses in men (female [f]: 23.1%, male [m]: 33.0%, p = 0.002), and women's relapses included more sensory (f: 53.8%, m: 32.3%, p < 0.001) and fatigue symptoms (f: 22.6%, m: 14.7%, p = 0.006). Whereas the sex difference for sensory involvement was present over all age groups (<35 years: f: 58.3%, m: 30.4%, p < 0.001; 35–44 years: f: 53.7%, m: 36.0%, p = 0.003; ≥45 years: f: 47.8%, m: 28.8%, p = 0.009), the difference for cerebellar involvement diminished with age (<35 years: f: 20.1%, m: 33.3%, p = 0.009; 35–44 years: f: 22.7%, m: 34.2%, p = 0.034; ≥45 years: f: 27.8%, m: 30.3%, p = 0.750). Relapse presentation seemed to shift with age in women only.

Conclusions

We describe sex‐specific relapse presentations and an influence of age only for women. Underlying causal factors warrant further investigations.
ImageVeriBypasser: An image verification code recognition approach based on Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ji Tong , Luo Yuxin , Lin Yifeng , Yang Yuer , Zheng Qian , Lian Siwei , Li Junjie
Published: June 2024

The recent period has witnessed automated crawlers designed to automatically crack passwords, which greatly risks various aspects of our lives. To prevent passwords from being cracked, image verification codes have been implemented to accomplish the human–machine verification. It is important to note, however, that the most widely‐used image verification codes, especially the visual reasoning Completely Automated Public Turing tests to tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHAs), are still susceptible to attacks by artificial intelligence. Taking the visual reasoning CAPTCHAs representing the image verification codes, this study introduces an enhanced approach for generating image verification codes and proposes an improved Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)‐based recognition system. After we add a fully connected layer and briefly solve the edge of stability issue, the accuracy of the improved CNN model can smoothly approach 98.40% within 50 epochs on the image verification codes with four digits using a large initial learning rate of 0.01. Compared with the baseline model, it is approximately 37.82% better in accuracy without obvious curve oscillation. The improved CNN model can also smoothly reach the accuracy of 99.00% within 7500 epochs on the image verification codes with six characters, including digits, upper‐case alphabets, lower‐case alphabets, and symbols. A detailed comparison between our proposed approach and the baseline one is presented. The relationship between the time consumption and the length of the seeds is compared theoretically. Subsequently, we figure out the threat assignments on the visual reasoning CAPTCHAs with different lengths based on four machine learning models. Based on the threat assignments, the Kaplan‐Meier (KM) curves are computed.