bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying effects of changes in forest age distribution on the landslide frequency in Japan
Authors: Lusiana Novia , Shinohara Yoshinori , Imaizumi Fumitoshi
Published: April 2024

Landslides are destructive natural disasters that cause human and economic losses. Although many studies report the effects of forest age on landslide susceptibility, especially for shallow landslides, no studies have examined the effects at a national scale. We assumed that temporal variations in the annual number of rainfall-triggered landslides in Japan were determined by variations in rainfall and forest age distribution. By this assumption, this study aimed to quantify the decrease in the frequency of rainfall-induced landslides owing to the increasing maturity of forests in Japan. Data were collated from 21 studies covering 11 sites in three countries that reported a landslide susceptibility index (i.e., frequency ratio or landslide density) and the relation between forest age and the normalized landslide susceptibility index (NLSI) was modeled. Using this relation and the area for each forest age class, the change in landslide susceptibility at a national scale (NLSIJpn) was quantified during 1966–2017. The authors developed generalized linear models (GLMs) using the annual number of landslides as the response variable and the NLSIJpn and a rainfall index for each year as the explanatory variables. The number of rainfall-induced landslides was simulated in the GLMs in 15 scenarios with different forest age distributions and rainfall amounts. The number of landslides in young-age-dominated and middle-age-dominated forests was estimated to be 2.4 and 1.1 times, respectively, that in mature-age-dominated forests. The change in the number of landslides from young-age-dominated to mature-age-dominated forests was larger than that from an increase in the rainfall amount of 20%. We conclude that increasing the maturity of forests greatly reduces landslide frequency in Japan. In a changing climate with potentially threatening increases in rainfall, preserving mature forests is important to avoid amplifying landslide susceptibility on a national scale.
Intergovernmental alignment and the electoral value of mayors: reverse coattails in an unexpected technocracy
Authors: Savu Alexandru
Published: April 2024

Although parties are documented to invest significant amounts of resources towards strengthening their hold on local governments, whether mayors benefit their parties in national elections remains an open question. More specifically, it is unclear if mayors are electorally valuable in periods when party-affiliated central governments do not support them via politically discriminatory policies. We address this gap by studying “reverse coattails” in a unique setting: under a technocratic central government instituted following an unexpected, exogenous tragic event that forced the previous government’s resignation. Investigating close mayoral races in Romania in a regression discontinuity analysis, we find that local incumbency generated meaningful vote share premiums in the 2016 parliamentary elections. Exploring the underlying mechanism, we retrieve evidence for prospective voting, suggesting that the reverse coattails we document are partially driven by voters’ expectations of future preferential resource allocations by the central government. We show that preferential central policies were implemented after, but not before the national elections, and find that reverse coattails were stronger in constituencies where funds received from the center are an important component of local revenues.
FODMAP Content Like-by-like Comparison in Spanish Gluten-free and Gluten-containing Cereal-based Products
Authors: Matias Silvia , Perez-Junkera Gesala , Martínez Olaia , Miranda Jonatan , Larretxi Idoia , Peña Lidia , Bustamante María Ángeles , Churruca Itziar , Simón Edurne
Published: April 2024

Gluten-free foods (GF) availability on supermarket shelves is growing and it is expected to continue expanding in the years ahead. These foods have been linked to a lower content of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs), molecules that trigger gastrointestinal symptoms in sensitive persons. In this study, the FODMAP content of 25 cereal-based GF foods in Spain (breakfast cereals, pasta, bread, biscuits, bakery products, and dough and puff pastry) and 25 gluten-containing equivalents (GC) available in the same supermarket were analysed and compared. Lactose, fructose, glucose, sorbitol, mannitol, raffinose, stachyose and fructans were quantified. In a like-by-like analysis, GF foods were found to generally contain fewer FODMAPs than their GC counterparts. The ingredients used in the manufacture of GF cereal-based foods may contribute to this fact. When the individually wrapped size was considered, the proportion of samples classified as high-FODMAPs in GC and GF foods showed a trend towards fewer samples in the GF. However, not all the GF samples were low-FODMAP. Altogether, our findings provide essential information for FODMAP content databases of GF products in Spain.
Tackling Cyclicity in Causal Models with Cross-Sectional Data Using a Partial Least Squares Approach: Implications for the Sequential Model of Internet Appropriation
Authors: Lamberti Giuseppe , Lopez-Sintas Jordi , Pandolfo Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

Working with SEM and cross-sectional data, and depending on the studied phenomenon, assuming an acyclic model may mean that we obtain only a partial view of the mechanisms that explain causal relationships between a set of theoretical constructs, given that variables are treated as antecedents and consequences. Our two-step approach allows researchers to identify and measure cyclic effects when working with cross-sectional data and a PLS modelling algorithm. Using the resources and appropriation theory and the sequential model of internet appropriation, we demonstrate the importance of considering cyclic effects. Our results show that opportunities for physical access followed by digital skills acquisition enhance internet usage (acyclic effects), but also that internet usage intensity, in reverse, reinforces both digital skills and physical access (cyclic effects), supporting Norris (Digital divide: civic engagement, information poverty, and the internet worldwide. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2001) social stratification hypothesis regarding future evolution of the digital divide.
The Immunology of Psoriasis—Current Concepts in Pathogenesis
Authors: Sieminska Izabela , Pieniawska Monika , Grzywa Tomasz M.
Published: April 2024

Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases with a chronic, relapsing-remitting course. The last decades of intense research uncovered a pathological network of interactions between immune cells and other types of cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Emerging evidence indicates that dendritic cells, TH17 cells, and keratinocytes constitute a pathogenic triad in psoriasis. Dendritic cells produce TNF-α and IL-23 to promote T cell differentiation toward TH17 cells that produce key psoriatic cytokines IL-17, IFN-γ, and IL-22. Their activity results in skin inflammation and activation and hyperproliferation of keratinocytes. In addition, other cells and signaling pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, including TH9 cells, TH22 cells, CD8+ cytotoxic cells, neutrophils, γδ T cells, and cytokines and chemokines secreted by them. New insights from high-throughput analysis of lesional skin identified novel signaling pathways and cell populations involved in the pathogenesis. These studies not only expanded our knowledge about the mechanisms of immune response and the pathogenesis of psoriasis but also resulted in a revolution in the clinical management of patients with psoriasis. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of immune response in psoriatic inflammation is crucial for further studies, the development of novel therapeutic strategies, and the clinical management of psoriasis patients. The aim of the review was to comprehensively present the dysregulation of immune response in psoriasis with an emphasis on recent findings. Here, we described the role of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, monocytes, mast cells, and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), as well as non-immune cells, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and platelets in the initiation, development, and progression of psoriasis.
Systemic Outcomes in Adults Undergoing Emergent Repair of Orbital Blowout Fractures
Authors: Aftab Owais M. , Randhawa Avneet , Randhawa Karandeep S. , Khawaja Imran M. , Kumar Keshav , Langer Paul D. , Eloy Jean Anderson , Fang Christina H.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To analyze the association between emergent surgery status and systemic adverse outcomes in patients undergoing open orbital floor blowout fracture repair.

Methods

This retrospective cohort analysis utilized the 2005–2018 National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify cases with open treatment of orbital floor blowout fractures (21385, 21386, 21387, 21390, 21395). Demographics, comorbidities, and complication incidences were compared between patients undergoing emergent surgery and those undergoing non-emergent orbital blowout fracture repair using chi-square analyses. The independent effect of preoperative emergent status on adverse outcomes was analyzed using binary logistic regression.

Results

1,146 (96.0%) non-emergent and 48 (4.0%) emergent orbital blowout fracture repairs were identified from 2005 to 2018. Chi-square analysis indicated patients undergoing emergent repairs had higher incidences of preoperative wound infection (8.3% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.029) and systemic sepsis (8.3% vs. 0.6%; p = 0.001). The emergent cohort had a higher proportion of patients with Hispanic ethnicity (p = 0.011). Unadjusted chi-square analysis indicated the emergent cohort had a higher incidence of prolonged length of stay (50.1% vs. 10.1%; p < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, logistic regression analysis indicated emergent status was an independent risk factor for prolonged length of stay (OR 13.05; 95% CI 5.26–32.37; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Emergent surgery status is an important factor associated with increased odds of prolonged length of stay in patients undergoing open orbital blowout fracture repair.
Real-world progression-free survival and overall survival of palbociclib plus endocrine therapy (ET) in Japanese patients with hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced breast cancer in the first-line or second-line setting: an observational study
Authors: Yoshinami Tetsuhiro , Nagai Shigenori E. , Hattori Masaya , Okamura Takuho , Watanabe Kenichi , Nakayama Takahiro , Masuda Hiroko , Tsuneizumi Michiko , Takabatake Daisuke , Harao Michiko , Yoshino Hiroshi , Mori Natsuko , Yasojima Hiroyuki , Oshiro Chiya , Iwase Madoka , Yamaguchi Miki , Sangai Takafumi , Kosaka Nobuyoshi , Tajima Kentaro , Masuda Norikazu
Published: April 2024

Background

A recent large real-world study conducted in the United States reported the effectiveness of palbociclib plus aromatase inhibitor in HR+/HER2− advanced breast cancer (ABC). However, local clinical practice and available medical treatment can vary between Japan and Western countries. Thus, it is important to investigate Japanese real-world data. This observational, multicenter study (NCT05399329) reports the interim analysis of effectiveness of palbociclib plus ET as first-line or second-line treatment for HR+/HER2− ABC by estimating real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS) and overall survival (OS) in Japanese routine clinical practice.

Methods

Real-world clinical outcomes and treatment patterns of palbociclib plus ET were captured using a medical record review of patients diagnosed with HR+/HER2− ABC who had received palbociclib plus ET in the first-line or second-line treatment across 20 sites in Japan. The primary endpoint was rwPFS; secondary endpoints were OS, real-world overall response rate, real-world clinical benefit rate, and chemotherapy-free survival.

Results

Of the 677 eligible patients, 420 and 257 patients, respectively, had received palbociclib with ET as first-line and second-line treatments. Median rwPFS (95% confidence interval) was 24.5 months (19.9–29.4) for first-line and 14.5 months (10.2–19.0) for second-line treatment groups. Median OS was not reached in the first-line group and was 46.7 months (38.8-not estimated) for the second-line group. The 36-month OS rates for de novo metastasis, treatment-free interval (TFI) ≥ 12 months, and TFI < 12 months were 80.2% (69.1–87.7), 82.0% (70.7–89.3), and 66.0% (57.9–72.9), respectively.

Conclusion

The addition of palbociclib to ET was effective for treating HR+/HER2− ABC in Japanese routine clinical practice.
Comparing survival outcomes between neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy within T2N1M0 stage hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer: a retrospective cohort study based on SEER database
Authors: Shang Yuhang , Wang Xuelian , Liu Yansong , Cheng Weilun , Duan Yunqiang , Fang Zhengbo , Liu Jiangwei , Kong Fanjing , Wang Ting , Yu Tianshui , Hu Anbang , Zhang Jiarui , Zhang Hanyu , Li Mingcui , Rong Zhiyuan , Li Yanling , Shakila Suborna S. , Li Xinxin , Feng Jianyuan , Ma Fei , Guo Baoliang
Published: April 2024

Background

Guideline recommendations for the application of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in T2N1M0 stage hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative (HR + /HER2-) breast cancer are ambiguous. The debate continues regarding whether NACT or adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) offers superior survival outcomes for these patients.

Materials and Methods

Female patients diagnosed with HR + /HER2- breast cancer at T2N1M0 stage between 2010 and 2020, were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and divided into two groups, the NACT group and the ACT group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to establish balanced cohorts between groups, considering baseline features. Kaplan–Meier (K-M) analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model were executed to assess the efficacy of both NACT and ACT in terms of overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS). A logistic regression model was employed to examine the association between predictive variables and response to NACT.

Results

After PSM, 4,682 patients were finally included. K-M curves showed that patients receiving NACT exhibited significantly worse OS and BCSS when compared with patients undergoing ACT. Multivariable Cox analysis indicated that not achieving pathologic complete response (non-pCR) after NACT (versus ACT), was identified as an adverse prognostic factor for OS (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.36–1.83) and BCSS (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.44–2. 02). The logistic regression model revealed that low tumor grade independently predicted non-pCR.

Conclusion

Among T2N1M0 stage HR + /HER2- patients, OS and BCSS of NACT were inferior to ACT. Patients who attained non-pCR after NACT demonstrated significantly worse survival outcomes compared with those who received ACT.
Bioaccessibility Characterization of Organic Matter, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus from Microalgae-Bacteria Aggregates
Authors: Romero-Frasca Enrique , Galea-Outón Sandra , Coronado-Apodaca Karina G. , Milferstedt Kim , Jimenez Julie , Hamelin Jérôme , Buitrón Germán
Published: April 2024

The quality of microalgae-bacteria biomass as an organic soil fertilizer may depend on the biomass’s microbial composition, morphology, and growth history. This study aims to characterize the molecular complexity and bioaccessibility of organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus from microalgae-bacteria aggregates with different morphologies (flocs and granules) grown under nutrient-abundant and starvation conditions. A biochemical fractionation method was used based on sequential chemical extraction and fluorescence spectroscopy. Microalgae-bacteria aggregates were cultured and collected from photobioreactors using contrasting growth conditions to generate (i) loose flocs, (ii) consolidated flocs, (iii) smooth granules, and (iv) filamentous granules. The organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus from consolidated flocs were mostly extractable, accounting for up to 94% of their total content. In contrast, the organic matter from loose flocs was up to 50% non-extractable. The extractability of loose flocs was improved under starvation conditions. All microalgae-bacteria aggregates showed a low structural complexity, corresponding to an abundance of simple microbial-related constituents like tyrosine and tryptophane. Differences between the gradients of bioaccessibility for each microalgae-bacteria structure were related to the abundance of microorganisms and their metabolic products. The findings of this study have implications for the development of sustainable and environment-friendly organic fertilizers.

Graphical Abstract
Initial experience with a novel stent-based mechanical thrombectomy device for management of acute myocardial infarction cases with large thrombus burden
Authors: Zhi Yuan , Madanchi Mehdi , Cioffi Giacomo Maria , Brunner Julian , Stutz Leah , Gnan Eleonora , Gjergjizi Varis , Attinger-Toller Adrian , Cuculi Florim , Bossard Matthias
Published: April 2024

Background

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and large thrombus burden (LTB) still represent a challenge. Afflicted patients have a high morbidity and mortality. Aspiration thrombectomy is often ineffective in those cases. Mechanical thrombectomy devices (MTDs), which are effective for management of ischemic strokes, were recently CE-approved for treatment of thrombotic coronary lesions. Real-world data about their performance in AMI cases with LTB are scarce. This study sought to summarize our early experience with a novel MTD device in this context.

Methods

We analyzed consecutive patients from the prospective OPTIMISER registry (NCT04988672), who have been managed with the NeVa™ MTD (Vesalio, USA) for AMI with LTB at a tertiary cardiology facility. Outcomes of interest included, among others, periprocedural complications, target lesion failure (TLF), target lesion revascularization (TLR) and target vessel myocardial infarction (TV-MI).

Results

Overall, 15 patients underwent thrombectomy with the NeVa™ device. Thrombectomy was successfully performed in 14 (93%) patients. Final TIMI 3 flow was achieved in 13 (87%) patients, while 2 (13%) patients had TIMI 2 flow. We encountered no relevant periprocedural complications, especially no stroke, stent thrombosis or vessel closure. After a mean follow-up time of 26 ± 2.9 months, 1 (7%) patient presented with TLR due to stent thrombosis (10 months after treatment with the MTD and stenting).

Conclusions

In AMI patients with LTB, the deployment of the novel NeVa™ MTD seems efficient and safe. Further randomized trials are warranted to assess whether the use of the NeVa™ device in cases with LTB improves procedural and clinical outcomes.

Graphical abstract
Heat convections in the horizontal layer with non-uniform heat supply
Authors: Fujiwara Hiroshi , Nishida Takaaki
Published: April 2024

A thermal convection in horizontal fluid layer under gravity is considered. The fluid is heated from above non-uniformly. An existence theorem of stationary solutions is proved and some flow patterns are shown by numerical computations.
Forging just ecologies: 25 years of urban long-term ecological research collaboration
Authors: Grove Morgan , Pickett Steward , Boone Christopher G. , Buckley Geoffrey L. , Anderson Pippin , Hoover Fushcia-Ann , Lugo Ariel E. , Meléndez-Ackerman Elvia , Muñoz-Erickson Tischa A. , Nagendra Harini , Selles L. Kidany
Published: April 2024

We ask how environmental justice and urban ecology have influenced one another over the past 25 years in the context of the US Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) program and Baltimore Ecosystem Study (BES) project. BES began after environmental justice emerged through activism and scholarship in the 1980s but spans a period of increasing awareness among ecologists and environmental practitioners. The work in Baltimore provides a detailed example of how ecological research has been affected by a growing understanding of environmental justice. The shift shows how unjust environmental outcomes emerge and are reinforced over time by systemic discrimination and exclusion. We do not comprehensively review the literature on environmental justice in urban ecology but do present four brief cases from the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia, to illustrate the global relevance of the topic. The example cases demonstrate the necessity for continuous engagement with communities in addressing environmental problem solving.
From urban ecology to urban enquiry: How to build cumulative and context-sensitive understandings
Authors: Andersson Erik , McPhearson Timon , Pickett Steward T. A.
Published: April 2024

This paper positions urban ecology as increasingly conversant with multiple perspectives and methods for understanding the functions and qualities of diverse cities and urban situations. Despite progress in the field, we need clear pathways for positioning, connecting and synthesising specific knowledge and to make it speak to more systemic questions about cities and the life within them. These pathways need to be able to make use of diverse sources of information to better account for the diverse relations between people, other species and the ecological, social, cultural, economic, technical and increasingly digital structures that they are embedded in. Grounded in a description of the systemic knowledge needed, we propose five complementary and often connected approaches for building cumulative systemic understandings, and a framework for connecting and combining different methods and evidence. The approaches and the framework help position urban ecology and other fields of study as entry points to further advance interdisciplinary synthesis and open up new fields of research.
A transformative shift in urban ecology toward a more active and relevant future for the field and for cities
Authors: Frantzeskaki Niki , Childers Daniel L. , Pickett Steward , Hoover Fushcia-Ann , Anderson Pippin , Barau Aliyu , Ginsberg Joshua , Grove Morgan , Lodder Marleen , Lugo Ariel E. , McPhearson Timon , Muñoz-Erickson Tischa A. , Quartier Mien , Schepers Selina , Sharifi Ayyoob , van de Sijpe Katrien
Published: April 2024

This paper builds on the expansion of urban ecology from a biologically based discipline—ecology in the city—to an increasingly interdisciplinary field—ecology of the city—to a transdisciplinary, knowledge to action endeavor—an ecology for and with the city. We build on this “prepositional journey” by proposing a transformative shift in urban ecology, and we present a framework for how the field may continue this shift. We conceptualize that urban ecology is in a state of flux, and that this shift is needed to transform urban ecology into a more engaged and action based field, and one that includes a diversity of actors willing to participate in the future of their cities. In this transformative shift, these actors will engage, collaborate, and participate in a continuous spiral of knowledge → action → knowledge spiral and back to knowledge loop, with the goal of co producing sustainable and resilient solutions to myriad urban challenges. Our framework for this transformative shift includes three pathways: (1) a repeating knowledge → action → knowledge spiral of ideas, information, and solutions produced by a diverse community of agents of urban change working together in an “urban sandbox”; (2) incorporation of a social–ecological–technological systems framework in this spiral and expanding the spiral temporally to include the “deep future,” where future scenarios are based on a visioning of seemingly unimaginable or plausible future states of cities that are sustainable and resilient; and (3) the expansion of the spiral in space, to include rural areas and places that are not yet cities. The three interrelated pathways that define the transformative shift demonstrate the power of an urban ecology that has moved beyond urban systems science and into a realm where collaborations among diverse knowledges and voices are working together to understand cities and what is urban while producing sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges and envisioning futures of socially, ecologically, and technologically resilient cities. We present case study examples of each of the three pathways that make up this transformative shift in urban ecology and discuss both limitations and opportunities for future research and action with this transdisciplinary broadening of the field.
The relational shift in urban ecology: From place and structures to multiple modes of coproduction for positive urban futures
Authors: Pickett Steward T. A. , Simone AbdouMaliq T. , Anderson Pippin , Sharifi Ayyoob , Barau Aliyu , Hoover Fushcia-Ann , Childers Daniel L. , McPhearson Timon , Muñoz-Erickson Tischa A. , Pacteau Chantal , Grove Morgan , Frantzeskaki Niki , Nagendra Harini , Ginsberg Joshua
Published: April 2024

This perspective emerged from ongoing dialogue among ecologists initiated by a virtual workshop in 2021. A transdisciplinary group of researchers and practitioners conclude that urban ecology as a science can better contribute to positive futures by focusing on relationships, rather than prioritizing urban structures. Insights from other relational disciplines, such as political ecology, governance, urban design, and conservation also contribute. Relationality is especially powerful given the need to rapidly adapt to the changing social and biophysical drivers of global urban systems. These unprecedented dynamics are better understood through a relational lens than traditional structural questions. We use three kinds of coproduction—of the social-ecological world, of science, and of actionable knowledge—to identify key processes of coproduction within urban places. Connectivity is crucial to relational urban ecology. Eight themes emerge from the joint explorations of the paper and point toward social action for improving life and environment in urban futures.
Shifting forward: Urban ecology in perspective
Authors: Pickett Steward T. A. , Frantzeskaki Niki , Andersson Erik , Barau Aliyu Salisu , Childers Daniel L. , Hoover Fushcia-Ann , Lugo Ariel E. , McPhearson Timon , Nagendra Harini , Schepers Selina , Sharifi Ayyoob
Published: April 2024

The world has become urban; cities increasingly shape our worldviews, relation to other species, and the large-scale, long-term decisions we make. Cities are nature, but they need to align better with other ecosystems to avoid accelerating climate change and loss of biodiversity. We need a science to guide urban development across the diverse realities of global cities. This need can be met, in part, by shifts in urban ecology and its linkages to related sciences. This perspective is a “synthesis of syntheses”, consolidating ideas from the other articles in the Special Section. It re-examines the role of urban ecology, and explores its integration with other disciplines that study cities. We conclude by summarizing the next steps in the ongoing shift in urban ecology, which is fast becoming an integral part of urban studies.
Bias Correction and Trend Analysis of Temperature and Rainfall in Eastern India
Authors: Srivastava Rajiv Kumar , Sadhukhan Biplab , Chakraborty Arun , Panda Rabindra Kumar
Published: April 2024

In this study trend analysis and bias correction have been done for dry (January–May) and wet (June–September) seasons under two future climate period 2021–2050 and 2051–2080 with respect to the current climate period 1980–2012 in Eastern India. The different representative concentration pathways (RCPs) of 2.6, 4.5, 6.0, and 8.5 were used to assess the future trend of the study area. Results indicate that the increasing RCP increases temperature (maximum and minimum) in all regions due to higher radiative forces (4–8.5 W/m2) with respect to the baseline temperature during the period 2051–2080. Further, the bias-corrected rainfall has a declined trend with respect to baseline, and RCP’s values for both the time slices (2021–2050 and 2051–2080) showed less scattering in the amount of rainfall for the wet season in comparison to the dry season.
A Decision Support Model for Barriers and Optimal Strategy Design in Sustainable Humanitarian Supply Chain Management
Authors: Chowdhury Md Maruf Hossan , Paul Sanjoy Kumar , Khan Eijaz Ahmed , Shakil Mahmud A. K. M.
Published: April 2024

Sustainable humanitarian supply chain (SHSC) management enables effective and efficient responses to natural and human-made disasters. Existing literature falls short of offering decision support (DS) models to address the barriers and strategies to designing SHSC. To this end, this study develops a DS model that identifies and prioritizes the barriers to SHSC and determines optimal strategies for mitigating those barriers. This study adopted both qualitative and quantitative approaches. As part of the qualitative approach, a field study was applied using in-depth interviews to determine the barriers and corresponding strategies, while under the quantitative approach, a quality function deployment (QFD) integrated optimization technique was used to prioritize barriers and determine optimal strategies to mitigate the SHSC barriers. The study found that a lack of contingency planning, the prevalence of corruption and political interference, and a lack of social and environmental awareness are the most important barriers, while logistics outsourcing, supply chain (SC) performance management, and SC flexibility are the most essential strategies. We also found that our DS model is highly flexible and can be adapted under different scenarios, which makes the model applicable to different contexts. This study has a significant contribution to literature and practice. We developed a novel decision model that captured cost savings and leveraged both cost and time savings from interrelated strategies to determine the best optimal strategy while applying QFD-integrated optimization modeling. The paper’s findings will assist humanitarian SC managers in designing an effective, efficient, and sustainable humanitarian SC.
Efficacy of topical minoxidil in enhancing beard growth in a group of transgender assigned female at birth individuals on gender affirming hormone therapy
Authors: Marinelli L. , Bichiri A. , Cagnina S. , Castella L. , Ghigo E. , Motta G.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Testosterone therapy represents the cornerstone of gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) among t-AFAB (transgender Assigned Female At Birth) people. Minoxidil is a vasodilator drug approved for topical use for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical minoxidil in enhancing beard growth in a group of t-AFAB people on GAHT.

Methods

Sixteen t-AFAB individuals with an incomplete beard development, on GAHT for at least 6 months, were enrolled. Topical minoxidil was applied to the interested facial areas. Before starting (T0), after 3 (T3) and 6 (T6) months, we evaluated facial hair growth using the Ferriman-Gallwey modified score (FGm).

Results

Subjects were 26 (2.7) years old and on GAHT for 18.5 [15–54] months; using a paired match evaluation, a statistically significant facial hair growth was observed over time, in particular at T6 (median upper lip FGm 3.5 [3–4] vs 2 [1–2] at T0 and chin FGm 4 [3.25–4] vs 1 [1–2] at T0; p ≤ 0.002). Comparing the minoxidil group with a control group (n = 16) matched for age and BMI who developed a full-grown beard only with GAHT, a logistic multivariable analysis identified hirsutism before GAHT was independently positively associated with the development of a full beard [OR 15.22 (95% CI 1.46–158.82); p = 0.023].

Conclusions

This is the first study demonstrating the efficacy of topical minoxidil in enhancing facial hair growth among t-AFAB people on GAHT. Further studies will be necessary to assess whether the obtained improvements will persist after discontinuing the medication.
Sarcopenic obesity and reduced BMD in young men living with HIV: body composition and sex steroids interplay
Authors: De Vincentis S. , Greco C. , Fanelli F. , Decaroli M. C. , Diazzi C. , Mezzullo M. , Milic J. , De Santis M. C. , Roli L. , Pagotto U. , Guaraldi G. , Rochira V.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Sex steroids play a key role on male bone homeostasis and body composition (BC), their role in men living with HIV (MLWH) is less recognized. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence of low BMD, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity (SO) and their relationship with sex steroids in MLWH aged < 50.

Methods

Prospective, cross-sectional, observational study on MLWH younger than 50 (median age 47.0 years). BC and BMD were evaluated with DXA. Two different definitions of sarcopenia were applied: appendicular lean mass/height2 (ALMI) < 7.26 kg/m2 or appendicular lean mass/body weight (ALM/W) < 28.27%. Low BMD was defined for Z-score < −2.0. Sarcopenia coupled with obesity identified SO. Serum total testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) were measured by LC–MS/MS; free testosterone (cFT) was calculated by Vermeulen equation.

Results

Sarcopenia was detected in 107 (34.9%) and 44 (14.3%) out of 307 MLWH according to ALMI and ALM/W, respectively. The prevalence of SO was similar by using both ALMI (11.4%) and ALM/W (12.4%). Sarcopenic and SO MLWH had lower total T and cFT in both the definition for sarcopenia. BMD was reduced in 43/307 (14.0%). Serum E2 < 18 pg/mL was an independent contributing factor for sarcopenia, SO, and low BMD.

Conclusions

T and E2 are important determinants of BC even in MLWH. This is among the first studies investigating the distribution of obesity phenotypes and the prevalence of SO among MLWH showing that SO is present in 11–12% of enrolled MLWH regardless of the definition used. However, deep differences emerged using two different diagnostic definitions.
Exploring the Clinical Usefulness of Undergraduate Medical Research: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Burke Emma , Savage Colm , Begley John , Sioufi Stephanie , Smith Simon , Stoyanov Slavi , O’Tuathaigh Colm
Published: April 2024

A significant amount of published clinical research has no measurable impact on health and disease outcomes, and research in undergraduate medical education is viewed as especially susceptible. The aims of this mixed methods study were to (a) to use group concept mapping (GCM) to explore key features identified by hospital physicians, medical educators, and medical students as central to clinical usefulness in an undergraduate medical research context, and (b) review a sample of undergraduate medical research projects based on usefulness criteria described by Ioannidis (2016). In the GCM procedure, 54 respondents (39 students, 15 physicians) from an Irish medical school participated across each of three phases: brainstorming, sorting, and rating. Data was analysed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering. A retrospective analysis of 252 student projects was also completed using a rubric based on Ioannidis’s (2016) six domains of “clinical usefulness”: problem base, context placement and information gain, pragmatism, patient-centredness, feasibility, and transparency. Projects were scored for each domain by three assessors. Results were analysed and presented using descriptive analysis.GCM analysis revealed the following “clinically useful” research characteristics: optimal design and methodology, practicality, research skills development, translational impact, patient-centredness, and asking a clinical question. Following a rubric-based analysis of projects, the highest scoring categories (mean rating; range of 1–4) were feasibility (3.57), transparency (3.32), and problem base (3.05). The lowest scoring areas were context placement and information gain (2.73), pragmatism (2.68), and patient-centredness (212). We identified considerable conceptual overlap between stakeholder consensus views on “clinical usefulness” as applied to undergraduate research and Ioannidis’s criteria. Patient-centredness was identified as a domain requiring greater emphasis during the design of undergraduate medical research.
The Turán and Laguerre inequalities for quasi-polynomial-like functions
Authors: Gajdzica Krystian
Published: April 2024

This paper deals with both the higher order Turán inequalities and the Laguerre inequalities for quasi-polynomial-like functions that are expressions of the form $$f(n)=c_l(n)n^l+\cdots +c_d(n)n^d+o(n^d)$$

f

(
n
)

=

c
l

(
n
)

n
l

+
⋯
+

c
d

(
n
)

n
d

+
o

(

n
d

)

, where $$d,l\in \mathbb {N}$$

d
,
l
∈
N

and $$d\leqslant l$$

d
⩽
l

. A natural example of such a function is the A-partition function $$p_{A}(n)$$

p
A

(
n
)

, which enumerates the number of partitions of n with parts in the fixed finite multiset $$A=\{a_1,a_2,\ldots ,a_k\}$$

A
=
{

a
1

,

a
2

,
…
,

a
k

}

of positive integers. For an arbitrary positive integer d, we present efficient criteria for both the order d Turán inequality and the dth Laguarre inequality for quasi-polynomial-like functions. In particular, we apply these results to deduce non-trivial analogues for $$p_A(n)$$

p
A

(
n
)

.
International mobility between the UK and Europe around Brexit: a data-driven study
Authors: Sîrbu Alina , Goglia Diletta , Kim Jisu , Magos Paul Maximilian , Pollacci Laura , Spyratos Spyridon , Rossetti Giulio , Iacus Stefano Maria
Published: April 2024

Among the multiple effects of Brexit, changes in migration and mobility across Europe were expected. Several studies have analysed these aspects, mostly from the point of view of perceptions, motivations, economic effects, scenarios, and changes in migration from Central and Eastern European countries. In this study we propose an analysis of migration and cross-border mobility using an integrated data-driven approach. We investigate official statistics from Eurostat, together with non-traditional data, to give a more complete view of the changes after Brexit, at EU and regional level. Specifically, we employ scientific publication and Crunchbase data to study highly-skilled migration, Twitter and Air Passenger data to investigate monthly trends. While main trends are preserved across datasets, with a general decrease in migration towards the UK immediately after the referendum approval, we are able to also observe more fine grained trends specific to some data or regions. Furthermore, we relate the changes in mobility observed from Air Passenger data with attention to Brexit from Google Trends data.
Development of dye-sensitized solar cells using pigment extracts produced by Talaromyces atroroseus GH2
Authors: Tropea Alessia , Spadaro Donatella , Trocino Stefano , Giuffrida Daniele , Salerno Tania Maria Grazia , Ruiz-Sanchez Juan Pablo , Montañez Julio , Morales-Oyervides Lourdes , Dufossé Laurent , Mondello Luigi , Calogero Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

The identification of more efficient, clean, secure, and competitive energy supply is necessary to align with the needs of sustainable devices. For this reason, a study for developing innovative dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on microbial pigments is reported starting from Talaromyces atroroseus GH2. The fungus was cultivated by fermentation and the extracellular pigment extract was characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analyses. The most abundant compound among the 22 azaphilone-type pigments identified was represented by PP-O. The device’s behavior was investigated in relation to electrolyte and pH for verifying the stability on time and the photovoltaic performance. Devices obtained were characterized by UV–vis measurements to verify the absorbance intensity and transmittance percentage. Moreover, photovoltaic parameters through photo-electrochemical measurements (I–V curves) and impedance characteristics by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were determined. The best microbial device showed a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 0.69 mA/cm2, an open-circuit photo-voltage (Voc) of 0.27 V and a Fill Factor (FF) of 0.60. Furthermore, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device was 0.11%. Thus, the present study demonstrated the potential of microbial origin pigments for developing DSSCs.

Graphical abstract
8-Cl-Ado and 8-NH2-Ado synergize with venetoclax to target the methionine-MAT2A-SAM axis in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Guo Jiamin , Buettner Ralf , Du Li , Li Zhenlong , Liu Wei , Su Rui , Chen Zhenhua , Che Yuan , Zhang Yi , Ma Rui , Nguyen Le Xuan Truong , Moore Roger E. , Khyatiben Pathak , Chen Min-Hsuan , Patrick Pirrotte , Wu Xiwei , Marcucci Guido , Wang Lili , Horne David , Chen Jianjun , Yang Yanzhong , Rosen Steven T.
Published: April 2024

Targeting the metabolic dependencies of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells is a promising therapeutical strategy. In particular, the cysteine and methionine metabolism pathway (C/M) is significantly altered in AML cells compared to healthy blood cells. Moreover, methionine has been identified as one of the dominant amino acid dependencies of AML cells. Through RNA-seq, we found that the two nucleoside analogs 8-chloro-adenosine (8CA) and 8-amino-adenosine (8AA) significantly suppress the C/M pathway in AML cells, and methionine-adenosyltransferase-2A (MAT2A) is one of most significantly downregulated genes. Additionally, mass spectrometry analysis revealed that Venetoclax (VEN), a BCL-2 inhibitor recently approved by the FDA for AML treatment, significantly decreases the intracellular level of methionine in AML cells. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that combining 8CA or 8AA with VEN can efficiently target the Methionine-MAT2A-S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM) axis in AML. Our results demonstrate that VEN and 8CA/8AA synergistically decrease the SAM biosynthesis and effectively target AML cells both in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest the promising potential of combining 8CA/8AA and VEN for AML treatment by inhibiting Methionine-MAT2A-SAM axis and provide a strong rationale for our recently activated clinical trial.
PBX/Knotted 1 homeobox-2 (PKNOX2) is a novel regulator of myocardial fibrosis
Authors: Chen Liang , Li Haotong , Liu Xiaorui , Zhang Ningning , Wang Kui , Shi Anteng , Gao Hang , Akdis Deniz , Saguner Ardan M. , Xu Xinjie , Osto Elena , Van de Veen Willem , Li Guangyu , Bayés-Genís Antoni , Duru Firat , Song Jiangping , Li Xiangjie , Hu Shengshou
Published: April 2024

Much effort has been made to uncover the cellular heterogeneities of human hearts by single-nucleus RNA sequencing. However, the cardiac transcriptional regulation networks have not been systematically described because of the limitations in detecting transcription factors. In this study, we optimized a pipeline for isolating nuclei and conducting single-nucleus RNA sequencing targeted to detect a higher number of cell signal genes and an optimal number of transcription factors. With this unbiased protocol, we characterized the cellular composition of healthy human hearts and investigated the transcriptional regulation networks involved in determining the cellular identities and functions of the main cardiac cell subtypes. Particularly in fibroblasts, a novel regulator, PKNOX2, was identified as being associated with physiological fibroblast activation in healthy hearts. To validate the roles of these transcription factors in maintaining homeostasis, we used single-nucleus RNA-sequencing analysis of transplanted failing hearts focusing on fibroblast remodelling. The trajectory analysis suggested that PKNOX2 was abnormally decreased from fibroblast activation to pathological myofibroblast formation. Both gain- and loss-of-function in vitro experiments demonstrated the inhibitory role of PKNOX2 in pathological fibrosis remodelling. Moreover, fibroblast-specific overexpression and knockout of PKNOX2 in a heart failure mouse model induced by transverse aortic constriction surgery significantly improved and aggravated myocardial fibrosis, respectively. In summary, this study established a high-quality pipeline for single-nucleus RNA-sequencing analysis of heart muscle. With this optimized protocol, we described the transcriptional regulation networks of the main cardiac cell subtypes and identified PKNOX2 as a novel regulator in suppressing fibrosis and a potential therapeutic target for future translational studies.
N4BP1 functions as a dimerization-dependent linear ubiquitin reader which regulates TNF signalling
Authors: Kliza Katarzyna W. , Song Wei , Pinzuti Irene , Schaubeck Simone , Kunzelmann Simone , Kuntin David , Fornili Arianna , Pandini Alessandro , Hofmann Kay , Garnett James A. , Stieglitz Benjamin , Husnjak Koraljka
Published: April 2024

Signalling through TNFR1 modulates proinflammatory gene transcription and programmed cell death, and its impairment causes autoimmune diseases and cancer. NEDD4-binding protein 1 (N4BP1) is a critical suppressor of proinflammatory cytokine production that acts as a regulator of innate immune signalling and inflammation. However, our current understanding about the molecular properties that enable N4BP1 to exert its suppressive potential remain limited. Here, we show that N4BP1 is a novel linear ubiquitin reader that negatively regulates NFκB signalling by its unique dimerization-dependent ubiquitin-binding module that we named LUBIN. Dimeric N4BP1 strategically positions two non-selective ubiquitin-binding domains to ensure preferential recognition of linear ubiquitin. Under proinflammatory conditions, N4BP1 is recruited to the nascent TNFR1 signalling complex, where it regulates duration of proinflammatory signalling in LUBIN-dependent manner. N4BP1 deficiency accelerates TNFα-induced cell death by increasing complex II assembly. Under proapoptotic conditions, caspase-8 mediates proteolytic processing of N4BP1, resulting in rapid degradation of N4BP1 by the 26 S proteasome, and acceleration of apoptosis. In summary, our findings demonstrate that N4BP1 dimerization creates a novel type of ubiquitin reader that selectively recognises linear ubiquitin which enables the timely and coordinated regulation of TNFR1-mediated inflammation and cell death.