bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of climate‐related stressors on social group cohesion and individual sociability in fish
Authors: Tiddy Izzy C. , Munson Amelia , Cortese Daphne , Webster Michael M. , Killen Shaun S.
Published: June 2024

Group‐living in animals comes with a number of benefits associated with predator avoidance, foraging, and reproduction. A large proportion of fish species display grouping behaviour. Fish may also be particularly vulnerable to climate‐related stressors including thermal variation, hypoxia, and acidification. As climate‐related stressors are expected to increase in magnitude and frequency, any effects on fish behaviour may be increased and affect the ability of fish species to cope with changing conditions. Here we conduct a systematic review of the effects of temperature, hypoxia, and acidification on individual sociability and group cohesion in shoaling and schooling fishes. Searches of the published and grey literature were carried out, and studies were included or excluded based on selection criteria. Data from studies were then included in a meta‐analysis to examine broad patterns of effects of climate‐related stressors in the literature. Evidence was found for a reduction in group cohesion at low oxygen levels, which was stronger in smaller groups. While several studies reported effects of temperature and acidification, there was no consistent effect of either stressor on sociability or cohesion. There was some evidence that marine fishes are more strongly negatively affected by acidification compared with freshwater species, but results are similarly inconsistent and more studies are required. Additional studies of two or more stressors in combination are also needed, although one study found reduced sociability following exposure to acidification and high temperatures. Overall, there is some evidence that hypoxia, and potentially other climate‐related environmental changes, impact sociability and group cohesion in fishes. This may reduce survival and adaptability in shoaling and schooling species and have further ecological implications for aquatic systems. However, this synthesis mainly highlights the need for more empirical studies examining the effects of climate‐related factors on social behaviour in fishes.
Role of IL‐5 in asthma and airway remodelling
Authors: AbuJabal Rola , Ramakrishnan Rakhee K. , Bajbouj Khuloud , Hamid Qutayba
Published: June 2024

Asthma is a common and burdensome chronic inflammatory airway disease that affects both children and adults. One of the main concerns with asthma is the manifestation of irreversible tissue remodelling of the airways due to the chronic inflammatory environment that eventually disrupts the whole structure of the airways. Most people with troublesome asthma are treated with inhaled corticosteroids. However, the development of steroid resistance is a commonly encountered issue, necessitating other treatment options for these patients. Biological therapies are a promising therapeutic approach for people with steroid‐resistant asthma. Interleukin 5 is recently gaining a lot of attention as a biological target relevant to the tissue remodelling process. Since IL‐5‐neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mepolizumab, reslizumab and benralizumab) are currently available for clinical use, this review aims to revisit the role of IL‐5 in asthma pathogenesis at large and airway remodelling in particular, in addition to exploring its role as a target for biological treatments.
Clinical outcomes of femtosecond laser‐assisted corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segment (CAIRS) in the treatment of keratoconus
Authors: Kirgiz Ahmet , Kemer Atik Burcu , Emul Merve , Taskapili Muhittin
Published: June 2024

Background

To evaluate the results of corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segment (CAIRS) implantation in keratoconus.

Methods

The medical records of patients with keratoconus who underwent CAIRS implantation were reviewed. The CAIRS, prepared by trephination from the donor cornea, was implanted into a tunnel created using the femtosecond laser. The depth of the tunnel was 200 μ; the inner diameter of the tunnel was 4.5 mm; and the outer diameter was 7 mm. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), keratometry, minimum corneal thickness (CT), endothelial cell density (ECD), and high order aberration values were recorded preoperatively and at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months postoperatively.

Results

A total of 23 eyes of 23 patients were included in the study. Preoperative UCVA (0.08 ± 0.01) and BCVA (0.25 ± 0. 11) values improved postoperatively and reached 0.40 ± 0.05 and 0.68 ± 0.09, respectively, at the end of the 6‐month follow‐up period (p1 < 0.001, p2 = 0.016; respectively). A statistically significant flattening of all keratometric values was observed in the postoperative period compared to preoperatively (p < 0.001 for all). There were no statistical differences between CT and ECC values at the preoperative and postoperative visits (p1 = 0.654, p2 = 0.769; respectively). In addition, coma aberration values were lower than the preoperative values at all postoperative visits (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

These results suggest that CAIRS implantation is a safe treatment option with good visual and keratometric outcomes for suitable patients with keratoconus.
Diagnosis and treatment of venous leg ulcers: S2k Guideline of the German Society of Phlebology and Lymphology (DGPL) e.V.
Authors: Valesky Eva Maria , Hach‐Wunderle Viola , Protz Kerstin , Zeiner Kim Nikola , Erfurt‐Berge Cornelia , Goedecke Falk , Jäger Björn , Kahle Birgit , Kluess Holger , Knestele Michaela , Kuntz Anja , Lüdemann Claas , Meissner Markus , Mühlberg Katja , Mühlberger Dominic , Pannier Felizitas , Schmedt Claus‐Georg , Schmitz‐Rixen Thomas , Strölin Anke , Wilm Stefan , Rabe Eberhard , Stücker Markus , Dissemond Joachim
Published: June 2024

This S2k guideline on venous leg ulcers was created on the initiative and under the leadership of the German Society of Phlebology and Lymphology (DGPL). The guideline group also consisted of representatives from the German Society for Phlebology and Lymphology, German Dermatological Society, German Society for General Medicine, German Society for Angiology, German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine, German Society for Surgery, German Society for Dermatosurgery, German Society for Wound Healing and Wound Treatment, Professional Association of Phlebologists and Lymphologists and Initiative Chronische Wunden.

The aim of this guideline is to combine the different approaches and levels of knowledge of the respective professional groups on the basis of consensus, so that a basic concept for the best possible treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers can be provided. A total of 70 specific recommendations were formulated and agreed upon, divided into the subject areas of diagnostics, therapy, prevention of recurrences, and everyday challenges.

The guideline thus reflects the current state of scientific knowledge and is intended to be widely used as the best available document for the treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers in everyday clinical practice.
Muscle satellite cells and fibro‐adipogenic progenitors from muscle contractures of children with cerebral palsy have impaired regenerative capacity
Authors: Loomis Taryn , Kulkarni Vedant A. , Villalba Marie , Davids Jon R. , Leach J. Kent , Smith Lucas R.
Published: June 2024

Aim

To evaluate the mechanosensitivity of muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) and fibro‐adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) in cerebral palsy (CP) and the efficacy of the drug verteporfin in restoring cells' regenerative capacity.

Method

Muscle biopsies were collected from six children with CP and six typically developing children. MuSCs and FAPs were isolated and plated on collagen‐coated polyacrylamide gels at stiffnesses of 0.2 kPa, 8 kPa, and 25 kPa. Cells were treated with verteporfin to block mechanosensing or with dimethyl sulfoxide as a negative control. MuSC differentiation and FAP activation into myofibroblasts were measured using immunofluorescence staining.

Results

Surprisingly, MuSC differentiation was not affected by stiffness; however, stiff substrates resulted in large myonuclear clustering. Across all stiffnesses, MuSCs from children with CP had less differentiation than those of their typically developing counterparts. FAP activation into myofibroblasts was significantly higher in children with CP than their typically developing peers, but was not affected by stiffness. Verteporfin did not affect differentiation or activation in either cell population, but slightly decreased myonuclear clustering on stiff substrates.

Interpretation

Cells from children with CP were less regenerative and more fibrotic compared to those of their typically developing counterparts, with MuSCs being sensitive to increases in stiffness. Therefore, the mechanosensitivity of MuSCs and FAPs may represent a new target to improve differentiation and activation in CP muscle.
Clinical impact of multimodality assessment of myocardial viability
Authors: Canton Lisa , Suma Nicole , Amicone Sara , Impellizzeri Andrea , Bodega Francesca , Marinelli Virginia , Ciarlantini Mariachiara , Casuso Marcello , Bavuso Leonardo , Belà Rebecca , Salerno Jessica , Armillotta Matteo , Angeli Francesco , Sansonetti Angelo , Attinà Domenico , Russo Vincenzo , Lovato Luigi , Tuttolomondo Domenico , Gaibazzi Nicola , Bergamaschi Luca , Pizzi Carmine
Published: June 2024

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a prevalent cause of left ventricular dysfunction. Nevertheless, effective elective revascularization, particularly surgical revascularization, can enhance long‐term outcomes and, in selected cases, global left ventricular contractility. The assessment of myocardial viability and scars is still relevant in guiding treatment decisions and selecting patients who are likely to benefit most from blood flow restoration. Although the most recent randomized studies challenge the notion of “hibernating myocardium” and the clinical usefulness of assessing myocardial viability, the advancement of imaging techniques still renders this assessment valuable in specific situations. According to the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology, non‐invasive stress imaging may be employed to define myocardial ischemia and viability in patients with CAD and heart failure before revascularization. Currently, several non‐invasive imaging techniques are available to evaluate the presence and extent of viable myocardium. The selection of the most suitable technique should be based on the patient, clinical context, and resource availability. This narrative review evaluates the characteristics of available imaging modalities for assessing myocardial viability to determine the most appropriate therapeutic strategy.
Mediating roles of motivational beliefs and vocabulary learning strategies for the relationship between self‐regulation and vocabulary proficiency
Authors: Li Jiajing , Wang Chuang
Published: June 2024

Successful vocabulary acquisition hinges on the harmonious interplay of various factors. Despite some studies that have been conducted to examine the direct effect of self‐regulation on vocabulary learning, few of them tapped into the relationship among self‐regulation, motivational beliefs, vocabulary learning strategies and vocabulary proficiency. This study extended previous research by examining whether motivation, self‐efficacy and learning strategies mediate the relationship between self‐regulation and vocabulary proficiency and investigating whether the relationship varied by gender. Data were extracted from 399 senior secondary school students. Results from structural equation modelling revealed that motivation and self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between self‐regulated learning capacity and vocabulary learning strategies. Vocabulary learning strategies further mediated the relationships between self‐efficacy, motivation and vocabulary proficiency. Meanwhile, the relationship between self‐regulation, motivational beliefs, vocabulary learning strategies and vocabulary proficiency held equivalent across genders. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Integrating very high resolution environmental proxies in genotype–environment association studies
Authors: Guillaume Annie S. , Leempoel Kevin , Rogivue Aude , Gugerli Felix , Parisod Christian , Joost Stéphane
Published: June 2024

Landscape genomic analyses associating genetic variation with environmental variables are powerful tools for studying molecular signatures of species' local adaptation and for detecting candidate genes under selection. The development of landscape genomics over the past decade has been spurred by improvements in resolutions of genomic and environmental datasets, allegedly increasing the power to identify putative genes underlying local adaptation in non‐model organisms. Although these associations have been successfully applied to numerous species across a diverse array of taxa, the spatial scale of environmental predictor variables has been largely overlooked, potentially limiting conclusions to be reached with these methods. To address this knowledge gap, we systematically evaluated performances of genotype–environment association (GEA) models using predictor variables at multiple spatial resolutions. Specifically, we used multivariate redundancy analyses to associate whole‐genome sequence data from the plant Arabis alpina L. collected across four neighboring valleys in the western Swiss Alps, with very high‐resolution topographic variables derived from digital elevation models of grain sizes between 0.5 m and 16 m. These comparisons highlight the sensitivity of landscape genomic models to spatial resolution, where the optimal grain sizes were specific to variable type, terrain characteristics, and study extent. To assist in selecting variables at appropriate spatial resolutions, we demonstrate a practical approach to produce, select, and integrate multiscale variables into GEA models. After generalizing fine‐grained variables to multiple spatial resolutions, a forward selection procedure is applied to retain only the most relevant variables for a particular context. Depending on the spatial resolution, the relevance for topographic variables in GEA studies calls for integrating multiple spatial scales into landscape genomic models. By carefully considering spatial resolutions, candidate genes under selection by a more realistic range of pressures can be detected for downstream analyses, with important applied implications for experimental research and conservation management of natural populations.
Toward a Medication Information Literacy Indicator System for Older Adults: A Delphi Study
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyu , Yi Jia , Bai Li , Jiang Mengyao , Peng Wei , Liao Jing , Wang Hang , Hou Xiaorong
Published: June 2024

Background

The safety of medication use among older adults is a growing concern, given the aging population. Despite widespread attention, the exploration of medication literacy in older adults, particularly from the perspective of information literacy, is in its nascent stages.

Methods

This study utilized the existing literature to define medication information literacy (MIL) as a theoretical framework. A two‐round Delphi survey was conducted to identify the essential components of a MIL indicator system for older adults. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was then used to assign weights to each indicator.

Results

The study observed relatively high response rates in both rounds of the questionnaire, which, along with expert authority coefficients (Cr) of 0.86 and 0.89, underscores the credibility and expertise of the panellists. Additionally, Kendall's coefficient of concordance (Kendall's W) ranging from 0.157 to 0.33 (p < 0.05) indicates a consensus among experts on the identified indicators. Utilizing the Delphi process, a MIL indicator system for older adults was developed, comprising five primary and 23 secondary indicators. These indicators were weighted, with medication information cognition and acquisition emerging as pivotal factors in enhancing medication literacy among older adults.

Conclusions

This study developed a MIL indicator system tailored for older adults using the Delphi approach. The findings can inform healthcare professionals in providing customized medication guidance and assist policymakers in crafting policies to enhance medication safety among older adults.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patient and public engagement played a pivotal role in the development of our medication information literacy indicator system for older adults. Their involvement contributed to shaping research questions, facilitating study participation, and enriching evidence interpretation. Collaborations with experts in geriatric nursing, medicine, and public health, along with discussions with caregivers and individuals with lived experience, provided invaluable insights into medication management among older adults. Their input guided our research direction and ensured the relevance and comprehensiveness of our findings.
Comparative efficacy of modified Noel's technique and matrix phenolization on onychocryptosis: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Juan , Zhou Yuan , Liu Meng‐xi , Liu Zhen‐ru , Wang Xiao‐qing , Li Fang , Wang Da‐guang
Published: June 2024

Background

Onychocryptosis is a common pathological condition requiring clinical intervention. Selecting an appropriate and effective treatment based on individual patient circumstances is crucial.

Methods

We compared the efficacy and safety of the modified Noel's technique and matrix phenolization in 107 participants with onychocryptosis. Participants were divided into two groups: 75 nails (73 patients) were treated with the modified Noel's technique (modified Noel's group), while 42 nails (34 patients) were treated with matrix phenolization (Phenol group). Outcomes on clinical cure rates and postoperative complications from both groups were collected. Additionally, the efficacy of the modified Noel's technique was assessed in 31 nails with stage IV onychocryptosis.

Results

After 18 months, among the remaining 102 patients (110 nails), the modified Noel's group exhibited fewer complications (5.88% vs. 45.2%, P < 0.001) with similar cure rates (P = 0.62). Furthermore, there was a shorter healing time in the modified Noel's group (13.5 ± 1.4 vs. 27.6 ± 2.3 days, P < 0.001). Postoperative pain was notable in the modified Noel's group on the first postoperative day (P < 0.001), with a significant decrease in the pain score 2 weeks after surgery (P = 0.407). Postoperative nail plate narrowing was observed in the Phenol group (33%). Moreover, the modified Noel's technique achieved a 100% cure rate in stage IV patients.

Conclusions

The modified Noel's technique, offering precise excision of the proliferative nail fold and strategic suturing, is suitable for stage IV patients and for those who find significant aesthetic impact unacceptable following narrowed plate postmatrix phenolization.
Haemodynamic effect of a leg compression bandage on the distal posterior tibial artery using 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging: A quantitative study
Authors: Garrigues‐Ramón Marta , Arca‐Arias Alba , Carrasco‐Ribelles Lucía A. , Barrios Carlos
Published: June 2024

The uncertainty concerning the physiological effects of compression bandaging on the peripheral blood flow is a challenge for healthcare professionals. The main objective was to determine the haemodynamic impact on the distal posterior tibial artery after the application of a high‐compression leg multicomponent bandaging system using 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging. Leg dominance disparities of the posterior tibial artery before and after the application of the compressive bandage were also analysed. Twenty‐eight healthy female volunteers were recruited (mean: 25.71, standard deviation: 4.74 years old) through a non‐probability convenience sampling. The 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging of the distal tibial posterior artery was performed in all participants, first under standard resting conditions and after the application of a compression bandage in the leg. When the strong compressive bandage was applied, the area of the assessed artery decreased by 14.2%, whilst the average speed increased by 19.6% and the flow rate increased by 184.8%. There were differences between the haemodynamic parameters of both legs according to dominance, being statistically significantly lower in the dominant leg. The application of strong compressive bandaging significantly increases the arterial flow and mean velocity in the distal segment of the posterior tibial artery, in healthy volunteers by 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging. In this study, leg dominance influenced some of the haemodynamic parameters. According to the results, leg compression bandages cannot be contraindicated in vascular ulcers with arterial compromise.
Editorial Perspective: Extending IPDMA methodology to drive treatment personalisation in child mental health
Authors: Bertie Lizél‐Antoinette , Nauta Maaike H. , Kooiman Bas , Chen Wenting , Hudson Jennifer L.
Published: June 2024

To improve outcomes for youth who do not respond optimally to existing treatments, we need to identify robust predictors, moderators, and mediators that are ideal targets for personalisation in mental health care. We propose a solution to leverage the Individual Patient Data Meta‐analysis (IPDMA) approach to allow broader access to individual‐level data while maintaining methodological rigour. Such a resource has the potential to answer questions that are unable to be addressed by single studies, reduce researcher burden, and enable the application of newer statistical techniques, all to provide data‐driven strategies for clinical decision‐making. Using childhood anxiety as the worked example, the editorial perspective outlines the rationale for leveraging IPDMA methodology to build a data repository, the Platform for Anxiety Disorder Data in Youth. We also include recommendations to address the methods and challenges inherent in this endeavour.
Do Grateful People Protect Their Benefactors at the Expense of Other People? Implications From Loss‐Framed Welfare Tradeoff Ratios
Authors: Yamamoto Akitomo
Published: June 2024

This study examined whether grateful people are prone to sacrificing other people for the sake of their benefactors, themselves for the sake of their benefactors, and themselves for the sake of other people. Study 1 used a vignette methodology to induce participants' gratitude, and Study 2 an autobiographical recall procedure. In Study 1, the participants who received benevolent benefits in the vignette (gratitude condition) were more likely to sacrifice other people for the sake of their benefactors compared to those receiving benefits without benevolent intention (indebtedness‐baseline condition). The same method revealed a tendency for grateful people to sacrifice themselves for benefactors and others. Study 1's results could not be replicated by the preregistered analysis in Study 2. However, gratitude positively correlated with their propensity to sacrifice other people for the sake of benefactors, though it was not a preregistered analysis. The findings reveal the bright and dark sides of the consequences of gratitude.
Effects of orthognathic surgery on respiratory function during sleep: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Ahl Magnus , Marcusson Agneta , Magnusson Anders , Abtahi Jahan , Sunnergren Ola , Ulander Martin
Published: June 2024

When treating patients with orthognathic surgery, there might be a risk of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) due to soft tissue changes in the upper airways, especially in patients treated with isolated mandibular setback or mandibular setback in combination with maxillary advancement. In the present study, we assessed respiratory function during sleep with home cardiorespiratory polygraphy in 62 patients who had not been previously been diagnosed with OSA at three times: prior to orthognathic surgery for aesthetic and functional indications, and then 3 months and 1 year after surgery. We evaluated surgical displacement based on measurements in three dimensions using pre‐ and post‐operative computed tomography. There were only minor changes in the respiratory parameters such as the apnoea‐hypopnoea index (AHI), the apnoea‐hypopnoea index in the supine position (AHIsup), the oxygen saturation index (ODI) and the snore index. There was no significant correlation between surgical displacement and the AHI, AHIsup and ODI. There was a weak but significant correlation between vertical displacement of the anterior mandible and the snore index. Within the limitations of the present study, the risk for iatrogenic obstruction of the upper airways seems to be low in patients without OSA treated with orthognathic surgery.
Culture‐based stigmatizing attitudes toward condom use among Chinese older adults: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Peng Wenwen , Zhou Qidi , Goldsamt Lloyd A. , Shen Yan , Wang Run , Li Xianhong
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore their perceptions and attitudes toward condom use and the underlying reasons for the low usage frequency among Chinese older adults.

Methods

A qualitative study design utilizing interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed. Data were collected through field observation and face‐to‐face in‐depth interviews among older adults aged 50 years or above and having engaged in sexual activities within the previous year.

Results

Three main themes emerged: perceiving unnecessary due to misconceptions and low awareness, interactive stereotypes rooted in sociocultural beliefs, and stigmatized social norms including gender inequity and economic unbalance.

Conclusions

Tailored interventions focusing on addressing misconceptions, increasing awareness, and reducing culturally ingrained stereotypes and stigma surrounding condom use are essential to promote condom use among older adults in order to prevent HIV transmission in China.
Nitrogen fixation‐driven carbon sequestration: Brief communication
Authors: Felker Peter
Published: June 2024

Prior to the commercial nitrogen fertilizer production in 1919, all the world's terrestrial and aquatic carbon was supported by nitrogen fixation. Annual N deposition to semi‐arid lands and temperate forests is less than 5 kg/ha‐year and 10 kg/ha, respectively. Plant and soil C/N ratios range from 9.9 to 29.8 and 9 to 14, respectively. In an equilibrium, sustainable ecosystem where N is not removed from soil pools and is only dependent on annual N inputs, maximum C sequestration rates are approximately 3.25 kg to 46 kg/ha for arid ecosystems and 23 to 101 kg/ha for forest ecosystems. Commercial N applications range from approximately 70 to 160 kg/ha‐year. Managed nitrogen fixation rates range from approximately 50 to 130 kg N/ha‐year. For each additional kg N‐entering forests, the additional C is approximately 13 kg. N‐fixing plants range from alder and lupines in the arctic, to Prosopis and Acacias in semi‐arid lands and the large trees Inga and Pentaclethra in tropical rainforests. If N‐fixing plants achieving 50 kg N/ha‐year were planted on the equivalent of a 447 km square, on six continents, the IEA target of 1.7Gt CO2 (0.72 Gt of carbon) capture capacity by 2030 https://www.ief.org/news/whats‐the‐target‐for‐carbon‐sequestration‐and‐how‐do‐we‐get‐there could be achieved.
Assessing belowground carbon storage after converting a temperate permanent grassland into a bamboo (Phyllostachys) plantation
Authors: Kovacs Nicolas , Colinet Gilles , Longdoz Bernard , Dincher Marie , Vancampenhout Karen , Purwanto Benito Heru , Oprins Jan , Peeters Marc , Meersmans Jeroen
Published: June 2024

Bamboo (Phyllostachys sp.) is considered a sustainable resource that can replace fossil fuel‐based products. Its additional ability to sequester organic carbon in the soil (SOC) makes it a promising nature‐based solution for combating climate change. However, bamboo's soil C storage potential may vary considerably between species or growing conditions and needs to be better quantified, especially in temperate climates where data are lacking. In the present research, the SOC dynamics of plots converted from grassland to plantations of three bamboo species (i.e. Phyllostachys nigra, Phyllostachys aurea and Phyllostachys aureosulcata), planted 12 years ago on podzol (World Reference Base classification) in the Belgian Campine region, have been studied. Soil and root samples were taken until a depth of 40 cm using a 10 cm interval. Besides, the total belowground C stability (mgCO2‐C g−1 C h−1) was assessed by measuring during 3 months the carbon dioxide (CO2) efflux relative to the belowground C stock. Based on an equivalent soil mass, only P. aureosulcata, the species with the highest culm basal area, had a significant (p < .001) SOC increase of 5.0 kg C m−2 (relative increase of +94%) as compared with grassland. Considering the sum of C stocks in the soil, roots and leaf litter, all bamboo species showed significant (p < .001) C storage, i.e. +3.6 kg C m−2 (+64%), +5.3 kg C m−2 (+94%) and +8.6 kg C m−2 (+151%) for P. nigra, P. aurea and P. aureosulcata, respectively. In addition, bamboo's relative basal CO2 efflux (0.007, 0.006 and 0.008 mgCO2‐C g−1 C h−1, respectively) was remarkably lower than in the grassland (0.012 mgCO2‐C g−1 C h−1), though it was only significant for P. aurea. This study highlights that converting temperate permanent grassland into Phyllostachys bamboo plantation can result in net and rapid organic C storage by increasing the total belowground C stability and C input. Further research regarding the net CO2 balance of bamboo‐derived products is still required to fully assess its climate change mitigation potential.
Club Convergence in Productivity among European Regions: Recent Evidence and Policy Implications
Authors: Harb Georges , Bassil Charbel , Sahli Zouheir El
Published: June 2024

We use data on 155 NUTS regions, with the objective of i) generating TFP series over 1996-2018, and ii) testing for club-convergence. We also employ a logistic regression to identify the significant club-membership conditioning factors. We contribute to the literature on two main grounds. Firstly, we are the first to extract TFP series while applying a methodology that allows for heterogeneous production functions and accounts for cross-section dependence and nonstationarity. Secondly, we are the first to apply a TFP-club convergence analysis in the context of European regions over a large period of time that witnessed several shocks affecting the European integration. Our analysis reveals that: (i) most of the regions of the top TFP convergence clubs are located in the "old" EU-member states, with few regions situated in countries that joined the EU after 2004; (ii) several regions in the South are trailing with the risk of falling in a "productivity trap"; (iii) regions situated in new EU-member countries registered remarkable TFP growth rates; (iv) larger regional research and development resources, and higher employment in high-technology sectors are associated with a greater probability of being member of top-ranked TFP convergence clubs. Our findings suggest that the needs of the lagging regions should be prioritized in the agenda of the EU. In this respect, we suggest several recommendations.
¿Por qué sonríe esa abogada? Discriminación de género en la educación jurídica
Authors: Uribe Vásquez Giovanna Patricia
Published: June 2024

Desde su entrada a la profesión jurídica en el siglo XIX, la mujer ha experimentado la discriminación con base en el género. A partir de los años setenta, se presenta un aumento en el número de mujeres estudiantes en las escuelas de derecho y abogadas, por lo que se habla de una feminización de la profesión. Este fenómeno ha llevado a los investigadores a preguntarse si las mujeres han sido agentes de cambio para el derecho, su práctica y la defensa de los derechos de otras mujeres. En el presente artículo de investigación, utilizando la autoetnografía analítica hago visibles momentos de mi historia como mujer, abogada, profesora y decana, y cómo me transformó la escritura de este artículo, mientras trataba de responder esas preguntas.
Structural Assessment of Architected Material Using the Redundancy Matrix and Experimental Testing
Authors: Forster David , Paul Sagnik , Bischoff Manfred , Sychterz Ann C.
Published: June 2024

This paper presents the integration of a numerical structural model based on the redundancy matrix and experimental results of multi-layered randomized architected materials (MLRAM). It presents a combination of the relatively new field of architected materials with a load-independent performance indicator from theoretical structural mechanics. The redundancy matrix by itself provides a measure for structural assessment that is independent of a specific load case. Various layouts of the MLRAM samples and recorded testing allow the analysis of the redundancy distribution within the structure as it undergoes failure. An in-depth analysis of the tested MLRAM samples is provided, as they show a high degree of static indeterminacy and thus, multiple different load paths. A special focus lies on the change of the redundancy distribution as global progressive failure happens. Another focus is set on the investigation of the failure initiation, meaning that the redundancy distribution can help to identify critical elements. A simple introductory example shows the interdependence between the variation of the geometric location of nodes and the redundancy distribution. The study shows, that the distribution of static indeterminacy can be used as a measure to quantify vulnerability to failure and rank the individual element’s importance. Furthermore, progressive collapse is identified as a series of local effects in the highly statically indeterminate MLRAM samples, underlining the fact that the spatial distribution of static indeterminacy is of central importance for the assessment of structural safety.
A genome scale transcriptional regulatory model of the human placenta
Authors: Paquette Alison , Ahuna Kylia , Hwang Yeon Mi , Pearl Jocelynn , Liao Hanna , Shannon Paul , Kadam Leena , Lapehn Samantha , Bucher Matthew , Roper Ryan , Funk Cory , MacDonald James , Bammler Theo , Baloni Priyanka , Brockway Heather , Mason W. Alex , Bush Nicole , Lewinn Kaja Z. , Karr Catherine J. , Stamatoyannopoulos John , Muglia Louis J. , Jones Helen , Sadovsky Yoel , Myatt Leslie , Sathyanarayana Sheela , Price Nathan D.
Published: June 2024

Gene regulation is essential to placental function and fetal development. We built a genome-scale transcriptional regulatory network (TRN) of the human placenta using digital genomic footprinting and transcriptomic data. We integrated 475 transcriptomes and 12 DNase hypersensitivity datasets from placental samples to globally and quantitatively map transcription factor (TF)–target gene interactions. In an independent dataset, the TRN model predicted target gene expression with an out-of-sample
R
2
greater than 0.25 for 73% of target genes. We performed siRNA knockdowns of four TFs and achieved concordance between the predicted gene targets in our TRN and differences in expression of knockdowns with an accuracy of >0.7 for three of the four TFs. Our final model contained 113,158 interactions across 391 TFs and 7712 target genes and is publicly available. We identified 29 TFs which were significantly enriched as regulators for genes previously associated with preterm birth, and eight of these TFs were decreased in preterm placentas.
Berry curvature signatures in chiroptical excitonic transitions
Authors: Beaulieu Samuel , Dong Shuo , Christiansson Viktor , Werner Philipp , Pincelli Tommaso , Ziegler Jonas D. , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Chernikov Alexey , Wolf Martin , Rettig Laurenz , Ernstorfer Ralph , Schüler Michael
Published: June 2024

The topology of the electronic band structure of solids can be described by its Berry curvature distribution across the Brillouin zone. We theoretically introduce and experimentally demonstrate a general methodology based on the measurement of energy- and momentum-resolved optical transition rates, allowing to reveal signatures of Berry curvature texture in reciprocal space. By performing time- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of atomically thin WSe
2
using polarization-modulated excitations, we demonstrate that excitons become an asset in extracting the quantum geometrical properties of solids. We also investigate the resilience of our measurement protocol against ultrafast scattering processes following direct chiroptical transitions.
Seismically detected cratering on Mars: Enhanced recent impact flux?
Authors: Daubar Ingrid J. , Garcia Raphaël F. , Stott Alexander E. , Fernando Benjamin , Collins Gareth S. , Dundas Colin M. , Wójcicka Natalia , Zenhäusern Géraldine , McEwen Alfred S. , Stähler Simon C. , Golombek Matthew , Charalambous Constantinos , Giardini Domenico , Lognonné Philippe , Banerdt W. Bruce
Published: June 2024

Seismic observations of impacts on Mars indicate a higher impact flux than previously measured. Using six confirmed seismic impact detections near the NASA InSight lander and two distant large impacts, we calculate appropriate scalings to compare these rates with lunar-based chronology models. We also update the impact rate from orbital observations using the most recent catalog of new craters on Mars. The snapshot of the current impact rate at Mars recorded seismically is higher than that found using orbital detections alone. The measured rates differ between a factor of 2 and 10, depending on the diameter, although the sample size of seismically detected impacts is small. The close timing of the two largest new impacts found on Mars in the past few decades indicates either a heightened impact rate or a low-probability temporal coincidence, perhaps representing recent fragmentation of a parent body. We conclude that seismic methods of detecting current impacts offer a more complete dataset than orbital imaging.
Twilight length alters growth and flowering time in Arabidopsis via
LHY
/
CCA1
Authors: Mehta Devang , Scandola Sabine , Kennedy Curtis , Lummer Christina , Gallo Maria Camila Rodriguez , Grubb Lauren E. , Tan Maryalle , Scarpella Enrico , Uhrig R. Glen
Published: June 2024

Decades of research have uncovered how plants respond to two environmental variables that change across latitudes and over seasons: photoperiod and temperature. However, a third such variable, twilight length, has so far gone unstudied. Here, using controlled growth setups, we show that the duration of twilight affects growth and flowering time via the
LHY/CCA1
clock genes in the model plant Arabidopsis. Using a series of progressively truncated no-twilight photoperiods, we also found that plants are more sensitive to twilight length compared to equivalent changes in solely photoperiods. Transcriptome and proteome analyses showed that twilight length affects reactive oxygen species metabolism, photosynthesis, and carbon metabolism. Genetic analyses suggested a twilight sensing pathway from the photoreceptors
PHY E
,
PHY B
,
PHY D
, and
CRY2
through
LHY/CCA1
to flowering modulation through the
GI-FT
pathway. Overall, our findings call for more nuanced models of day-length perception in plants and posit that twilight is an important determinant of plant growth and development.
Oral microsphere formulation of M2 macrophage-mimetic Janus nanomotor for targeted therapy of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Luo Ruifeng , Liu Jinwei , Cheng Qian , Shionoya Mitsuhiko , Gao Cheng , Wang Ruibing
Published: June 2024

Oral medication for ulcerative colitis (UC) is often hindered by challenges such as inadequate accumulation, limited penetration of mucus barriers, and the intricate task of mitigating excessive ROS and inflammatory cytokines. Here, we present a strategy involving sodium alginate microspheres (SAMs) incorporating M2 macrophage membrane (M2M)–coated Janus nanomotors (denominated as Motor@M2M) for targeted treatment of UC. SAM provides a protective barrier, ensuring that Motor@M2M withstands the harsh gastric milieu and exhibits controlled release. M2M enhances the targeting precision of nanomotors to inflammatory tissues and acts as a decoy for the neutralization of inflammatory cytokines. Catalytic decomposition of H
2
O
2
by MnO
2
in the oxidative microenvironment generates O
2
bubbles, propelling Motor@M2M across the mucus barrier into inflamed colon tissues. Upon oral administration, Motor@M2M@SAM notably ameliorated UC severity, including inflammation mitigation, ROS scavenging, macrophage reprogramming, and restoration of the intestinal barrier and microbiota. Consequently, our investigation introduces a promising oral microsphere formulation of macrophage-biomimetic nanorobots, providing a promising approach for UC treatment.
Divergent synthesis of complex withanolides enabled by a scalable route and late-stage functionalization
Authors: Che Wen , Wojitas Lukasz , Shan Chuan , Lopchuk Justin M.
Published: June 2024

Withanolides are a group of naturally occurring C
28
steroids based on an ergostane skeleton. They have a high degree of polyoxygenation, and the abundance of
O
-functional groups has enabled various natural alterations to both the carbocyclic skeleton and the side chain. Consequently, these molecules have intricate structural features that lead to their highly varied display of biological activities including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulating properties. Despite being intriguing leads for further discovery research, synthetic access to the withanolides remains highly challenging—compounds for current biological research are mainly isolated from plants, often inefficiently. Here, we report the divergent synthesis of 11 withanolides in 12 to 20 steps, enabled by a gram-scale route and a series of late-stage functionalizations, most notably a bioinspired photooxygenation-allylic hydroperoxide rearrangement sequence. This approach enables further biological research disconnected from a reliance on minute quantities of the parent natural products or their simple derivatives.
Recognition of HIV-1-infected fibrocytes lacking Nef-mediated HLA-B downregulation by HIV-1-specific T cells
Authors: Kuse Nozomi , Noyori Osamu , Takahashi Naofumi , Zhang Yu , Suzu Shinya , Takiguchi Masafumi
Published: June 2024

Fibrocytes were reported to be host cells for HIV-1, but the immunological recognition of HIV-1-infected fibrocytes has not been studied. Here, we investigated the recognition of HIV-1-infected fibrocytes by HIV-1-specific CD8
+
T cells. CD8
+
T cells specific for five HIV-1 epitopes (HLA-A*24:02-restricted, HLA-B*52:01-restricted, and HLA-C*12:02-restricted epitopes) produced IFN-γ and expressed CD107a after coculture with HIV-1-infected fibrocytes. HIV-1-infected fibrocytes were effectively killed by HIV-1-specific CD8
+
T cells. Although it is well known that HIV-1 Nef-mediated downregulation of HLA-A and HLA-B critically affects the T cell recognition of HIV-1-infected CD4
+
T cells and HIV-1-infected macrophages, Nef downregulated HLA-A, but not HLA-B, in HIV-1-infected fibrocytes. These findings suggested that HIV-1-specific CD8
+
T cells could recognize HIV-1-infected fibrocytes more strongly than HIV-1-infected CD4
+
T cells or HIV-1-infected macrophages. HIV-1-infected fibrocytes were also recognized by HIV-1-specific HLA-DR-restricted T cells, indicating that HIV-1-infected fibrocytes can present HIV-1 epitopes to helper T cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that fibrocytes have an important role as antigen-presenting cells during HIV-1 infection. The present study demonstrates effective recognition of HIV-1-infected fibrocytes by HIV-1-specific T cells and suggests possible roles of fibrocytes in the induction and maintenance of HIV-1-specific T cells.

IMPORTANCE

Fibrocytes were identified as unique hematopoietic cells with the features of both macrophages and fibroblasts and were demonstrated to be host cells for HIV-1. However, T cell recognition of HIV-1-infected fibrocytes has not been studied. We investigated the recognition of HIV-1-infected fibrocytes by HIV-1-specific T cells. HIV-1-infected fibrocytes were effectively recognized and killed by CD8
+
T cells specific for HIV-1 epitopes presented by HLA-A, HLA-B, or HLA-C and were recognized by HIV-1-specific HLA-DR-restricted CD4
+
T cells. HIV-1 Nef-mediated downregulation of HLA-A and HLA-B was found in HIV-1-infected CD4
+
T cells, whereas Nef did not downregulate HLA-B in HIV-1-infected fibrocytes. These results suggest that HIV-1-specific CD8
+
T cells recognize HIV-1-infected fibrocytes more strongly than HIV-1-infected CD4
+
T cells. The present study suggests the importance of fibrocytes in the induction and maintenance of HIV-1-specific T cells.
An
ex vivo
human precision-cut lung slice platform provides insight into SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and antiviral drug efficacy
Authors: Pechous Roger D. , Malaviarachchi Priyangi A. , Banerjee Srijon K. , Byrum Stephanie D. , Alkam Duah H. , Ghaffarieh Alireza , Kurten Richard C. , Kennedy Joshua L. , Zhang Xuming
Published: June 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has claimed millions of lives since the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and lung disease appears the primary cause of death in COVID-19 patients. However, the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 pathogenesis remain elusive, and there is no existing model where human disease can be faithfully recapitulated and conditions for the infection process can be experimentally controlled. Herein we report the establishment of an
ex vivo
human precision-cut lung slice (hPCLS) platform for studying SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity and innate immune responses, and for evaluating the efficacy of antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2. We show that while SARS-CoV-2 continued to replicate during the course of infection of hPCLS, infectious virus production peaked within 2 days, and rapidly declined thereafter. Although most proinflammatory cytokines examined were induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection, the degree of induction and types of cytokines varied significantly among hPCLS from individual donors. Two cytokines in particular, IP-10 and IL-8, were highly and consistently induced, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Histopathological examination revealed focal cytopathic effects late in the infection. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identified molecular signatures and cellular pathways that are largely consistent with the progression of COVID-19 in patients. Furthermore, we show that homoharringtonine, a natural plant alkaloid derived from
Cephalotoxus fortunei
, not only inhibited virus replication but also production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and thus ameliorated the histopathological changes caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, demonstrating the usefulness of the hPCLS platform for evaluating antiviral drugs.

IMPORTANCE

Here, established an
ex vivo
human precision-cut lung slice platform for assessing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, viral replication kinetics, innate immune response, disease progression, and antiviral drugs. Using this platform, we identified early induction of specific cytokines, especially IP-10 and IL-8, as potential predictors for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and uncovered a hitherto unrecognized phenomenon that while infectious virus disappears at late times of infection, viral RNA persists and lung histopathology commences. This finding may have important clinical implications for both acute and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. This platform recapitulates some of the characteristics of lung disease observed in severe COVID-19 patients and is therefore a useful platform for understanding mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and for evaluating the efficacy of antiviral drugs.