bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A decolonial‐inspired ethnography: Centering indigeneity in culturally responsive evaluation with Latinx immigrant communities
Authors: Espinoza‐Kulick Mario Alberto Viveros
Published: June 2024

This article elaborates on the struggle to decolonize knowledge and introduces a decolonial‐inspired framework for conducting research. This is then demonstrated through the example of a project examining Latinx immigrant and Indigenous Health on California's Central Coast. In this case, a mixed‐methods ethnographic approach was used to capture the complexity of migrant experiences. Utilizing participant observation, interviews, focus groups, news data analysis, and a comprehensive survey, the study integrated community input and reflexivity. The article emphasizes linguistic and cultural factors, showcasing how structural factors of race and Indigeneity impact the dynamics of evaluation methods. The decolonial‐inspired approach also emphasizes making research useful by guiding the dissemination of findings in a way that fosters transparency and accountability. In this case, the study engages with policymakers and community leaders advocating for health equity and justice.
Crop species diversity: A key strategy for sustainable food system transformation and climate resilience
Authors: Zuza Emmanuel Junior , Lambert Kestrel , Macmillan Tom , Chiyemura Frangton , Araya Yoseph , Bowskill Vicky , Oluseye Ayomide , Ng’endo Kanui Mary , Keding Gudrun , Butler Gillian , Breman Elinor , King Israel Oliver , Matumba Limbikani , Heddenhausen Jessica , Nordin Stacia , Bhagwat Shonil
Published: June 2024

The global food system's reliance on a few species threatens food and nutritional security. Species diversification, including indigenous species, is a viable option to address this issue. Diversity enhances food systems' resilience against climatic and economic shocks. It offers resources for improved breeds and allows farmers to mitigate risks. However, successful diversification demands collaboration among farmers, researchers, academics, professionals, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. This review analyzes the role of crop species diversity in food system transformation, focusing on monoculture vulnerabilities, diversification benefits, indigenous species' role in nutrition and food security, and the importance of integrated policies and multi‐stakeholder collaborations. We advocate for interdisciplinary research, participatory approaches, and supportive policies to foster diverse, resilient food systems that ensure food security, biodiversity conservation, and enhanced social well‐being amidst global challenges. While acknowledging the importance of diversity in animal species for food security, the focus of this review is on crop species diversity and its potential to transform food systems.
Functional volatility forecasting
Authors: Tan Yingwen , Tan Zhensi , Tang Yinfen , Zhang Zhiyuan
Published: June 2024

Widely used volatility forecasting methods are usually based on low‐frequency time series models. Although some of them employ high‐frequency observations, these intraday data are often summarized into low‐frequency point statistics, for example, daily realized measures, before being incorporated into a forecasting model. This paper contributes to the volatility forecasting literature by instead predicting the next‐period intraday volatility curve via a functional time series forecasting approach. Asymptotic theory related to the estimation of latent volatility curves via functional principal analysis is formally established, laying a solid theoretical foundation of the proposed forecasting method. In contrast with nonfunctional methods, the proposed functional approach fully exploits the rich intraday information and hence leads to more accurate volatility forecasts. This is confirmed by extensive comparisons between the proposed method and those widely used nonfunctional methods in both Monte Carlo simulations and an empirical study on a number of stocks and equity indices from the Chinese market.
Structure and regulatory mechanisms of food‐derived peptides in inflammatory bowel disease: A review
Authors: Qiu Wenpei , Wang Zhicheng , Liu Qirui , Du Qiwei , Zeng Xiaoqun , Wu Zhen , Pan Daodong , Zhang Xiaohong , Tu Maolin
Published: June 2024

The number of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing worldwide. Since IBD is a chronic disease that seriously affects patients' life quality, preventing and alleviating IBD with natural and less side effect substances has become a research hotspot. Food‐derived bioactive peptides have been an attractive research focus due to their high efficiency and low toxicity. This paper comprehensively summarizes food‐derived peptides with intestinal health effects, focusing on peptide sequences with IBD‐regulatory effects and emphasizing the effects of their structure and physicochemical properties such as peptide length, amino acid composition, and net charge on their function. We also analyzed its regulatory mechanisms, mainly in 5 aspects: modulating the intestinal microbiota, decreasing intestinal epithelial permeability, increasing antioxidant ability, regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and targeting signaling pathways. This review will help establish novel, efficient screening methods for IBD‐regulatory peptides and contribute to further research and discovery of them.
Guidance on assessing the potential impacts of selenium in freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Palace Vince , Graves Stephanie , Brandt Jessica
Published: June 2024

Despite decades of fate and effects studies, environmental selenium (Se) contamination and management remain an issue for many freshwater systems in North America. Several regulatory bodies have promulgated updated targets or management levels for Se; however, additional guidance on best practices for monitoring Se to protect freshwater aquatic life is warranted. In this article, we describe current approaches to assessing the ecological risks of Se in impaired freshwater systems and outline recommended methods for collecting and analyzing biological and abiotic samples and interpreting data. Because reproductive impairment of fish populations is most commonly used to determine the potential impacts of Se, several biological factors that could affect Se toxicity are explored, including diet, trophic positions, reproductive biology, body size and maturity, migratory movements, and use of seasonal habitats. Measuring Se concentrations in mature eggs is the most reliable metric for estimating potential reproductive impairment in fish populations because the range of toxicity thresholds is relatively narrow for all but a few tolerant fish species. In situations where collecting mature eggs is not feasible, we review the use of alternative fish tissue for estimating potential effects. Factors affecting Se uptake from freshwater are also considered with guidance on collecting abiotic (e.g., water and sediment) and biotic components of aquatic food webs (e.g., macroinvertebrates, biofilm).
Exosomes from adipose‐derived stem cells regulate macrophage polarization and accelerate diabetic wound healing via the circ‐Rps5/miR‐124‐3p axis
Authors: Yin Dongjing , Shen Guoliang
Published: June 2024

Background

Adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) hold promising application prospects in the treatment of diabetic wounds, although the underlying mechanisms of repair have not been fully elucidated. This research aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which ADSCs promote wound healing.

Methods

Exosomes from ADSCs were isolated and circRps5 level was identified. To investigate the role of circRps5 in the regulation, exosomes from differently treated ADSCs were used. Different exosomes were injected into the edge of the wound in diabetic mice, and the effects on wound healing status, pathology, collagen, cytokines, and macrophage phenotype were assessed. Raw264.7 cells were co‐treated with high glucose and exosomes, and then cell phenotype and autophagy were examined in vitro, followed by the evaluation of miR‐124‐3p's impact on cell phenotype.

Results

Exosomes from ADSCs were isolated and identified using nanoparticle tracking analysis and exosome markers. Overexpression of circRps5 accelerated wound healing, reduced inflammatory response, enhanced collagen production, and promoted the M2 transformation of macrophages. In high glucose‐induced macrophages, its overexpression also inhibited excessive autophagy. When macrophages overexpressed miR‐124‐3p, the induction of the M2 phenotype was suppressed. Luciferase reporter assay proved the combination of circRps5 and miR‐124‐3p.

Conclusion

This study identifies that circRps5 carried by ADSC‐Exos promotes macrophage M2 polarization through miR‐124‐3p. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanism of ADSC‐Exos for treating refractory diabetic wounds, laying a solid theoretical groundwork for future clinical development.
Succinate coenzyme A ligase β‐like protein from Trichinella spiralis is a potential therapeutic molecule for allergic asthma
Authors: Aimulajiang Kalibixiati , Chu Wen , Liao Shuyi , Wen Zhaohai , He Rongdong , Lu Mingmin , Xu Lixin , Song Xiaokai , Li Xiangrui , Yan Ruofeng
Published: June 2024

Background

For decades, studies have demonstrated the anti‐inflammatory potential of proteins secreted by helminths in allergies and asthma. Previous studies have demonstrated the immunomodulatory capabilities of Succinate Coenzyme A ligase beta‐like protein (SUCLA‐β) derived from Trichinella spiralis, a crucial excretory product of this parasite.

Objective

To explore the therapeutic potential of SUCLA‐β in alleviating and controlling ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced allergic asthma, as well as its influence on host immune modulation.

Methods

In this research, we utilized the rTs‐SUCLA‐β protein derived from T. spiralis to investigate its potential in mitigating airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma induced by OVA sensitization/stimulation, both pre‐ and post‐challenge. The treatment's efficacy was assessed by quantifying the extent of inflammation in the lungs.

Results

Treatment with rTs‐SUCLA‐β demonstrated efficacy in ameliorating OVA‐induced airway inflammation, as evidenced by a reduction in eosinophil infiltration, levels of OVA‐specific Immunoglobulin E, interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐9, and IL‐17A, along with an elevation in IL‐10. The equilibrium between Th17 and Treg cells plays a pivotal role in modulating the abundance of inflammatory cells within the organism, thereby ameliorating inflammation and alleviating symptoms associated with allergic asthma.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Our data revealed that T. spiralis‐derived Ts‐SUCLA‐β protein may inhibit the allergic airway inflammation by regulating host immune responses.
Unveiling therapeutic potentials and exploring maternal‐fetal health benefits of metformin in pregnancy: A scoping review
Authors: Neola Daniele , Angelino Antonio , Sirico Angelo , Murolo Chiara , Bartolini Giorgia , Vigilante Luigi , Raffone Antonio , Carbone Luigi , Sarno Laura , Saccone Gabriele , Guida Maurizio , Maruotti Giuseppe Maria
Published: June 2024

This scoping review synthesizes evidence on metformin's use during pregnancy, encompassing diverse conditions like gestational diabetes, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and obesity. Metformin demonstrates comparable efficacy to insulin in gestational diabetes, positive outcomes in type 2 diabetes pregnancies, and potential benefits in reducing complications. The review highlights nuances in its effects across conditions, indicating advantages such as reduced risk of macrosomia and cesarean section in gestational diabetes. However, its prophylactic role in preventing gestational diabetes and associated complications remains inconclusive. In obese pregnant women, mixed results are observed, with potential benefits in reducing pre‐eclampsia risk. Metformin shows promise in preventing preterm birth and late miscarriage in PCOS pregnancies. Categorizing patient subgroups is crucial for identifying advantages, especially in gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Challenges arise from study heterogeneity, necessitating standardized indications for dosage, timing, and postpartum follow ups. Efforts to identify patient characteristics influencing metformin efficacy are crucial for tailored therapy. Although metformin emerges as a viable option in complicated pregnancies, comprehensive research, standardized protocols, and subgroup identification efforts will enhance clinical utility, ensuring evidence‐based therapies and optimal maternal and fetal outcomes. Bridging existing knowledge gaps remains imperative for advancing metformin's role in pregnancy management.
“Speak from a place of love”: The family dynamics surrounding Black father–daughter sexual health communication
Authors: Kachingwe Olivia N. , Reynolds Katelyn D. , Blakely Lenora , Stoebenau Kirsten , Aparicio Elizabeth M.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Parent–child sexual health communication reduces sexual risk behaviors among youth, which in turn lowers the transmission rate of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Despite being a known protective factor, gender differences persist with mothers being more likely to discuss sexual health with their children than fathers. Although individual characteristics, interpersonal familial factors and societal norms (e.g., communication self‐efficacy, parent–child closeness, and cultural and gender norms) are associated with Black parents' likelihood to communicate about sex with their children, the current study seeks to explore which of these factors found among Black mother–child or father–son dyads extend to Black father–daughter dyads and how this phenomenon (i.e., Black father–daughter sexual health communication) relates to family structure.

Methods

Seven father–daughter dyads (N = 7) and an additional five daughters (n = 5) in the United States completed individual in‐depth semi‐structured interviews. Daughters (Mage = 20.3) and fathers (Mage = 56.7) were biologically related, majority heterosexual, close, and lived together. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Analysis revealed three themes centering around the role of authoritative parenting, the tactics and skills facilitating sexual health communication, and family structure.

Conclusions

Black father–daughter sexual health communication is facilitated by close father–daughter relationships, non‐authoritative parenting styles, and open, supportive, and non‐judgmental communication. Fathers can be better supported in knowing how and when best to communicate sexual health messages, and to mitigate the possibly negative impacts on communication of divorce or having multiple children.
Is Carla grumpy? Analysis of peer evaluations to explore microaggressions and other marginalizing behaviors in engineering student teams
Authors: Dickerson Darryl A. , Masta Stephanie , Ohland Matthew W. , Pawley Alice L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Teamwork has become a central element of engineering education. However, the race‐ and gender‐based marginalization prevalent in society is also prevalent in engineering student teams. These problematic dynamics limit learning opportunities, isolate historically marginalized students, and ultimately push students away from engineering, further reinforcing the demographic imbalances in the profession.

Purpose

While there are strategies to improve the experiences of marginalized students within teams, there are few tools for detecting marginalizing behaviors as they occur. The purpose of this work is to examine how peer evaluations collected as a normal part of an engineering course can be used as a window into team dynamics to reveal marginalization as it occurs.

Method

We used a semester of peer evaluation data from a large engineering course in which a team project is the central assignment and peer evaluation occurs four times during the course. We designed an algorithm to identify teams where marginalization may be occurring. We then performed qualitative analyses using a sociolinguistic analysis.

Results

Results show that the algorithm helps identify teams where marginalization occurs. Qualitative analyses of four illustrative cases demonstrated the stealth appearance and evolution of marginalization, providing strong evidence that hidden within language of peer evaluation are indicators of marginalization. Based on the wider dataset, we present a taxonomy (eight categories) of linguistic marginalization appearing in peer comments.

Conclusion

Both peer evaluation scores and the language used in peer evaluations can reveal team inequities and may serve as a near‐real‐time mechanism to interrupt marginalization within engineering teams.
Gut‐liver axis: Potential mechanisms of action of food‐derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Zhang Sitong , Wang Qiyue , Tan Daniel En Liang , Sikka Vritika , Ng Cheng Han , Xian Yan , Li Dan , Muthiah Mark , Chew Nicholas W. S. , Storm Gert , Tong Lingjun , Wang Jiong‐Wei
Published: June 2024

Food‐derived extracellular vesicles (FEVs) are nanoscale membrane vesicles obtained from dietary materials such as breast milk, plants and probiotics. Distinct from other EVs, FEVs can survive the harsh degrading conditions in the gastrointestinal tract and reach the intestines. This unique feature allows FEVs to be promising prebiotics in health and oral nanomedicine for gut disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Interestingly, therapeutic effects of FEVs have recently also been observed in non‐gastrointestinal diseases. However, the mechanisms remain unclear or even mysterious. It is speculated that orally administered FEVs could enter the bloodstream, reach remote organs, and thus exert therapeutic effects therein. However, emerging evidence suggests that the amount of FEVs reaching organs beyond the gastrointestinal tract is marginal and may be insufficient to account for the significant therapeutic effects achieved regarding diseases involving remote organs such as the liver. Thus, we herein propose that FEVs primarily act locally in the intestine by modulating intestinal microenvironments such as barrier integrity and microbiota, thereby eliciting therapeutic impact remotely on the liver in non‐gastrointestinal diseases via the gut‐liver axis. Likewise, drugs delivered to the gastrointestinal system through FEVs may act via the gut‐liver axis. As the liver is the main metabolic hub, the intestinal microenvironment may be implicated in other metabolic diseases. In fact, many patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease suffer from a leaky gut and dysbiosis. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent progress in FEVs and discuss their biomedical applications as therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems, highlighting the pivotal role of the gut‐liver axis in the mechanisms of action of FEVs for the treatment of gut disorders and metabolic diseases.
Overcoming post‐transplant graft failure and adenovirus infection in a patient with FLT3‐TKD‐mutated mixed‐phenotype acute leukemia: A case report
Authors: Takada Yusuke , Kurosawa Shuhei , Ueki Toshimitsu , Najima Yuho , Wakita Satoshi , Yamaguchi Hiroki , Yokota Takako , Hibi Masaki , Hirahara Ayumi , Yoshida Tsutomu , Okubo So , Masuda Moe , Nakayama Hitomi , Sakurai Aki , Ito Chisako , Aisa Yoshinobu , Nakazato Tomonori
Published: June 2024

Mixed‐phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) with FLT3‐TKD mutations is a rare and challenging subtype of leukemia. Effective management strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes. A 31‐year‐old man with FLT3‐TKD‐mutated MPAL achieved hematological remission through the JALSG ALL202‐O protocol and gilteritinib, followed by cord blood transplantation (CBT). Post‐transplant complications included adenovirus‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis, managed with bladder irrigation and ribavirin, and engraftment failure, necessitating a second CBT on Day 35. Subsequent adenoviral conjunctivitis resolved with vidarabine. The patient achieved neutrophil engraftment by Day 76 and was discharged on Day 173 without relapse. This case highlights the importance of vigilant supportive care and tailored therapy in managing MPAL with FLT3 mutations, especially in the context of post‐transplant complications.
Small cell pattern of ALK‐negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma with double‐hit rearrangements of DUSP22 and TP63
Authors: Niiyama‐Uchibori Yui , Mizutani Shinsuke , Tsukamoto Taku , Okamoto Haruya , Ide Daisuke , Onishi Akio , Kato Daishi , Fujino Takahiro , Shimira Yuji , Miyagawa‐Hayashino Aya , Konishi Eiichi , Karube Kennosuke , Nannya Yasuhito , Kuroda Junya
Published: June 2024

In ALK‐negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), gene rearrangements of DUSP22 and TP63 are considered mutually exclusive. The former predicts a favorable prognosis, while the latter is generally unfavorable. We report the first case of ALK‐negative ALCL in a leukemic phase with small cell pattern transformation, harboring double‐hit rearrangements of the DUSP22 gene by inv(6)(p25q21) and TP63 gene by TBL1XR1‐TP63 inversion. Despite the resistance to chemotherapies, the patient remained in remission with allogeneic stem cell transplantation over 20 months. Recognizing this pathologically and genetically rare condition is needed for prompt diagnosis and therapeutic decision‐making in ALK‐negative ALCL.
Medicinal perspective of a promising scaffold – dihydropyrimidinones: A review
Authors: Sarvaiya Bhavesh H. , Vaja Palak I. , Paghdar Niraj A. , Ghelani Satish M.
Published: June 2024

Dihydropyrimidinones (DHMPs) are the most important pharmacophore in Medicinal Chemistry. The synthetic approach for deriving DHMPs involves the Biginelli reaction or a combination of it with other multi‐component reactions (MCRs). The scaffold has received considerable attention due to its diverse therapeutic activity. This review delves into the exploration of the biological characteristics of DHMPs, which play a pivotal role in various therapeutic areas including “anti‐inflammatory, anti‐HIV, anticancer, antitubercular, antifungal, antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, antihypertensive, anticonvulsant, antimalarial, antioxidant,” reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor, antispasmodic, calcium channel blockers, antiproliferative, urease inhibitor, cyclooxygenase (COX‐2), and β‐glucuronidase inhibitor activities. The insights provided in this review have the potential to aid researchers in the formulation of novel drugs, facilitating creation of more resilient, efficient, and safer therapeutic agents with reduced toxicity and minimized adverse effects.
Shifts in bioclimatic zones mirror climate change signals in a tropical agriculture‐dominated Bharathapuzha River basin of southern Western Ghats (India)
Authors: Nizar Sinan , Thomas Jobin , Jainet P. J. , Sebastian Dawn Emil , Surendran U. , Narasimhan Balaji , Sudheer K. P.
Published: June 2024

Assessing anthropogenic climate change in a regional context is challenging due to the spatial heterogeneity of climatic variables and is more complicated than at the global scale. Especially in the Tropics, such spatial variations are expected to increase, warranting the identification of homogeneous climatic zones for assessing regional climate change. The present study explores the ability of bioclimatic variables in defining regional climatic zones, and the detection of climate change therein. We hypothesize that the identification of homogeneous climatic zones based on bioclimatic variables could be an effective approach rather than the conventional extreme climate‐based indices to identify climate change signals. To demonstrate the hypothesis, bioclimatic variables representing the generalized climatic characteristics of a tropical river basin were derived from observed gridded datasets of rainfall and temperature. Clusters of homogeneous climatic zones were identified, and their temporal variations were analysed to examine the existence of climate change. The results indicate that despite the spatial heterogeneity in extreme climate‐based indices, the bioclimatic variables‐based approach renders a meaningful representation of the regional climatic pattern. Investigation of bioclimatic zones of the study area helped to identify a shift in its climatic zones with a slant towards drier conditions. Further, future changes in climatic zones were identified from 13 different GCMs that participated in the CMIP6, projecting drier conditions over the basin, with varying spatial extend based on future emission scenarios. The study significantly contributes towards the identification of climatologically fragile regions in changing climate, which is an essential component in developing any regional climate change adaptation and mitigation strategy.
Effects of circulating inflammatory proteins on spinal degenerative diseases: Evidence from genetic correlations and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zheng Qingcong , Lin Rongjie , Wang Du , Zheng Chunfu , Xu Weihong
Published: June 2024

Background

Numerous investigations have suggested links between circulating inflammatory proteins (CIPs) and spinal degenerative diseases (SDDs), but causality has not been proven. This study used Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal associations between 91 CIPs and cervical spondylosis (CS), prolapsed disc/slipped disc (PD/SD), spinal canal stenosis (SCS), and spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis.

Methods

Genetic variants data for CIPs and SDDs were obtained from the genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) database. We used inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the primary method, analyzing the validity and robustness of the results through pleiotropy and heterogeneity tests and performing reverse MR analysis to test for reverse causality.

Results

The IVW results with Bonferroni correction indicated that beta‐nerve growth factor (β‐NGF), C‐X‐C motif chemokine 6 (CXCL6), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) can increase the risk of CS. Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), sulfotransferase 1A1 (SULT1A1), and tumor necrosis factor‐beta (TNF‐β) can increase PD/SD risk, whereas urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (u‐PA) can decrease the risk of PD/SD. FGF19 and TNF can increase SCS risk. STAM binding protein (STAMBP) and T‐cell surface glycoprotein CD6 isoform (CD6 isoform) can increase the risk of spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis, whereas monocyte chemoattractant protein 2 (MCP2) and latency‐associated peptide transforming growth factor beta 1 (LAP‐TGF‐β1) can decrease spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis risk.

Conclusions

MR analysis indicated the causal associations between multiple genetically predicted CIPs and the risk of four SDDs (CS, PD/SD, SCS, and spondylolisthesis/spondylolysis). This study provides reliable genetic evidence for in‐depth exploration of the involvement of CIPs in the pathogenic mechanism of SDDs and provides novel potential targets for SDDs.
Divergent responses of above‐ and belowground ecosystem functioning to shrub encroachment in the Tibetan semi‐arid alpine steppes
Authors: Ji‐Shi Awei , Zhao Jingxue , Qu Guangpeng , Wu Gao‐Lin
Published: June 2024

Semi‐arid alpine ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau are experiencing rapid climate change and extensive anthropogenic activity, concomitant with the encroachment of shrubs. Shrub encroachment will lead to changes in both the ecosystem structure and functioning of the semi‐arid alpine steppes. Yet, the encroaching impacts of shrubs on the above‐ and belowground ecosystem functioning of the semi‐arid alpine steppes remain uncertain. To quantify shrub encroachment impacts on ecosystem functioning of the semi‐arid alpine steppes, two alpine steppe sites encroached by shrub species are investigated, with one site encroached by leguminous shrub species (Caragana spinifera) and another site encroached by non‐leguminous shrub species (Dasiphora fruticosa). Results shows that the individual ecosystem functions and the ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) of alpine steppes are significantly enhanced following both leguminous and non‐leguminous shrubs encroachment. We conclude that shrub encroachment tends to facilitate the belowground EMF (BEMF) but has neutral effects on the aboveground EMF (AEMF) in alpine steppes. Our findings also highlight that soil nutrients play critical roles in driving ecosystem functioning responses to shrubs encroachment. These findings further our understanding of shrub encroachment impacts on the ecosystem functioning of the semi‐arid alpine steppes.
Pedicled SCIP‐based vascularized lymphnode and lymphatic vessels transfer (VLNT and VLVT) for deep lymphatic system reconstruction and dead space obliteration after medial thigh sarcoma resection: A case report
Authors: Martini Federica , Meroni Matteo , Scaglioni Mario F.
Published: June 2024

Soft‐tissue sarcomas represent a cohort of rare and heterogeneous malignant tumors that could affect various body parts, with a higher incidence in the lower extremity. When these tumors are surgically removed, both the superficial and deep lymphatic pathways could also be damaged and might require immediate reconstruction to prevent lymphatic complications. In the present report, we describe a case of a patient affected by a high‐grade (G3) spindle cell pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the upper medial thigh. A 22 × 20 cm mass was removed with exposure of the deep femoral vessels and the great saphenous vein. After intraoperative indocyanine green lymphography, it was determined that the superficial lymphatic vessels were intact, but the deep lymphatic system was unavoidably damaged. As a reconstructive procedure, we performed a pedicled SCIP‐based vascularized lymphatic vessel transfer and vascularized lymph node transfer to restore the deep lymphatic system and dead space obliteration. The procedure was successful, and no signs of lymphatic impairment were observed during the two‐year follow‐up period. We believe that this novel approach might be helpful in cases of large and profound defects that involve the deep lymphatic system. The combination of these two techniques could help restore deep lymph drainage, minimizing the risk of superficial system overload and lymphatic dysfunction. No other cases have been described so far employing the same approach. Considering the obtained results, this procedure might be worth further investigation.
Probe capsid structure stability and dynamics of adeno‐associated virus as an important viral vector for gene therapy by hydrogen‐deuterium exchange‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Ye Xiang , Hu Yunli , Qiu Haibo , Li Ning
Published: June 2024

Adeno‐associated virus (AAV), a widely used gene therapy vector, is a small, nonenveloped virus that contains a single‐stranded DNA genome with a maximum length of 4.7 kb. Despite extensive biophysical and structural characterization, many aspects of AAV functions remain elusive. This knowledge gap is primarily due to a lack of structurally resolved dynamic information and the absence of structural coverage of functionally critical segments on the AAV capsid. Here, we developed a protocol to study AAV structural dynamics by hydrogen‐deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS), a powerful method for monitoring protein structure stability and dynamics in solution. We performed HDX‐MS measurements on AAVs without or with different DNA payloads of different sizes, and obtained detailed dynamic information on the entire AAV sequence including the two functionally important segments not previously structurally characterized. The unique N terminus of the capsid protein VP1 (VP1u) was found to adopt a highly dynamic and unstable conformation with low HDX protection across the entire region, whereas the presence of a DNA payload increased its protection. The VP1 and VP2 shared region (VP1/2) showed no measurable protection, with or without DNA. Differential HDX between empty and full capsid samples allowed us to identify potential new DNA‐capsid interaction sites located primarily around the five‐fold channel, which differ from the three‐fold pocket binding site previously identified. Our HDX‐MS method for characterizing AAV structural dynamics opens a new way for future efforts to understand AAV structure–function relationships and engineer next‐generation AAV vectors with improved gene delivery properties.
Real‐world study: Impact of multidisciplinary management of apalutamide‐associated adverse events in prostate cancer
Authors: Córdoba Sánchez Julián , Monge‐Escartín Inés , Gil Javier , Carrera Cristina , Sáez‐Peñataro Joaquín , Ferrer Laura , Aversa Caterina , Mellado Begoña , Mases Joel , Ribal Maria Jose , Alcaraz Antonio , Vilaseca Antoni
Published: June 2024

Objective

To analyse the adverse events (AEs) associated with apalutamide and the impact of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) protocol on its management at a tertiary care hospital in a real‐world setting.

Methods

This was an observational, prospective, cohort study based on real‐world evidence at the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona. Includes patients diagnosed with metastatic hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) or high‐risk nonmetastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) and who started treatment with apalutamide between May 2019 and March 2023 in a real‐world clinical setting.

Results

Of the 121 patients treated with apalutamide, 52.1% experienced an AE, 19.8% experienced temporarily interruption or a reduction in the dose of apalutamide, and 13.2% discontinued treatment due to AEs. Without MDT protocol (49 patients), 24.5% of patients had to temporarily interrupt or reduce the dose of apalutamide due to AEs, with a median time from the start of treatment of 10.1 months, and 24.5% discontinued apalutamide due to AEs, with a median time from the start of treatment of 3.1 months. Meanwhile, whit MDT protocol (72 patients), 16.7% of patients had to temporarily interrupt or reduce the dose of apalutamide due to AEs, with a median time from the start of treatment of 1.6 months, and 5.6% discontinued apalutamide due to AEs, with a median time from the start of treatment of 4 months. The risk reduction associated with treatment discontinuation was statistically significant (p‐value = 0.003).

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of MDT management of AEs associated with apalutamide to reduce treatment discontinuation.
Interplay between microbial‐derived GABA and host GABA receptor signaling collectively influence the tumorigenic function of GABA in colon cancer
Authors: Keane Jonathan M. , Fernandes Philana , Kratz Florian , O'Callaghan Grace , Gahan Cormac G. M. , Joyce Susan A. , Stanton Catherine , Hyland Niall P. , Houston Aileen
Published: June 2024

Although classically recognized as a neurotransmitter, gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) has also been identified in colonic tumors. Moreover, the gut microbiome represents another potential source of GABA. Both GABAA and GABAB receptors have been implicated in contributing to the effects of GABA in colorectal cancer, with both pro‐ and anti‐tumorigenic functions identified. However, their subunit composition is often overlooked. Studies to date have not addressed whether the GABA‐producing potential of the microbiome changes over the course of colon tumor development or whether receptor subunit expression patterns are altered in colon cancer. Therefore, we investigated the clusters of orthologous group frequencies of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) in feces from two murine models of colon cancer and found that the frequency of microbial GAD was significantly decreased early in the tumorigenic process. We also determined that microbial‐derived GABA inhibited proliferation of colon cancer cells in vitro and that this effect of GABA on SW480 cells involved both GABAA and GABAB receptors. GABA also inhibited prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)‐induced proliferation and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) expression in these cells. Gene expression correlations were assessed using the “Cancer Exploration” suite of the TIMER2.0 web tool and identified that GABA receptor subunits were differentially expressed in human colon cancer. Moreover, GABAA receptor subunits were predominantly positively associated with PGE2 synthase, cyclooxygenase‐2 and IL‐6. Collectively, these data demonstrate decreased potential of the microbiome to produce GABA during tumorigenesis, a novel anti‐tumorigenic pathway for GABA, and that GABA receptor subunit expression adds a further layer of complexity to GABAergic signaling in colon cancer.
Human immunodeficiency virus infection challenges: Current therapeutic limitations and strategies for improved management through long‐acting injectable formulation
Authors: Tanushree  , Sharma Aman , Monika  , Singh Rahul Pratap , Jhawat Vikas
Published: June 2024

HIV infection has been a severe global health burden, with millions living with the virus and continuing new infections each year. Antiretroviral therapy can effectively suppress HIV replication but requires strict lifelong adherence to daily oral medication regimens, which presents a significant challenge. Long‐acting formulations of antiretroviral drugs administered infrequently have emerged as a promising strategy to improve treatment outcomes and adherence to HIV therapy and prevention. Long‐acting injectable (LAI) formulations are designed to gradually release drugs over extended periods of weeks or months following a single injection. Critical advantages of LAIs over conventional oral dosage forms include less frequent dosing requirements, enhanced patient privacy, reduced stigma associated with daily pill regimens, and optimised pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiles. Several LAI antiretroviral products have recently gained regulatory approval, such as the integrase strand transfer inhibitor cabotegravir for HIV preexposure prophylaxis and the Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine combination for HIV treatment. A leading approach for developing long‐acting antiretroviral depots involves encapsulating drug compounds in polymeric microspheres composed of biocompatible, biodegradable materials like poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid). These injectable depot formulations enable high drug loading with customisable extended‐release kinetics controlled by the polymeric matrix. Compared to daily oral therapies, LAI antiretroviral formulations leveraging biodegradable polymeric microspheres offer notable benefits, including prolonged therapeutic effects, reduced dosing frequency for improved adherence, and the potential to kerb the initial HIV transmission event. The present manuscript aims to review the pathogenesis of the virus and its progression and propose therapeutic targets and long‐acting drug delivery strategies that hold substantial promise for enhancing outcomes in HIV treatment and prevention.
Working with wood in rivers in the Western United States
Authors: Ockelford Annie , Wohl Ellen , Ruiz‐Villanueva Virginia , Comiti Francesco , Piégay Hervé , Darby Stephen , Parsons Dan , Yochum Steven E. , Wolstenholme Josh , White Daniel , Uno Hiromi , Triantafillou Shayla , Stroth Travis , Smrdel Tom , Scott Daniel N. , Scamardo Julianne E. , Rees James , Rathburn Sara , Morrison Ryan R. , Milan David , Marshall Anna , Lininger Katherine B. , Kemper John T. , Karpack Marissa , Johaneman Taylor , Iskin Emily , Gibaja del Hoyo Javier , Hortobágyi Borbála , Hinshaw Sarah , Heath Jared , Emmanuel Tracy , Dunn Sarah , Christensen Nicholas , Beeby Johannes , Ash Julie , Ader Ethan , Aarnink Janbert
Published: June 2024

Recognition of the important physical and ecological roles played by large wood in channels and on floodplains has grown substantially during recent decades. Although large wood continues to be routinely removed from many river corridors worldwide, the practice of wood reintroduction has spread across the United States, the United Kingdom and western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The state‐of‐science regarding working with wood in rivers was discussed during a workshop held in Colorado, USA, in September 2022 with 40 participants who are scientists and practitioners from across the USA, UK, Europe, and Japan. The objectives of this paper are to present the findings from the workshop; summarize two case studies of wood in river restoration in the western United States; and provide suggestions for advancing the practice of wood in river management. We summarize the workshop results based on participant judgements and recommendations with respect to: (i) limitations and key barriers to using wood, which reflect perceptions and practicalities; (ii) gaps in the use of large wood in river management; (iii) scenarios in which wood is generally used effectively; and (iv) scenarios in which wood is generally not used effectively. The case studies illustrate the importance of the local geomorphic context, the configuration complexity of the wood, and the potential for modification of river corridor morphology to enhance desired benefits. Moving forward, we stress the importance of collaboration across disciplines and across communities of research scientists, practitioners, regulators, and potential stakeholders; accounting for stakeholder perceptions of the use of large wood; and increasing non‐scientist access to the latest state‐of‐science knowledge.
Sustainable development pathways: Exploring the impact of green finance on urban metabolic efficiency
Authors: Han Jie , Zhang Wei , Işık Cem , Zhao Wenju , Anas Muhammad , Zheng Qinglan , Xie Danxi , Bakhsh Satar
Published: June 2024

Improving urban metabolic efficiency is crucial for sustainable development. This paper examines how green finance affects urban metabolic efficiency and its underlying mechanisms using city‐level green finance data from China between 2010 and 2022. Additionally, the non‐linear impact of green finance on urban metabolic efficiency is analyzed using a PLFC model. The research findings indicate that green finance notably improves urban metabolic efficiency via its constraint effect, incentive effect, and innovation compensation effect. The conclusion remains valid after conducting robustness tests. The analysis of mechanisms indicates that the incentive effect outweighs the constraint effect. Heterogeneity analyses demonstrate that the impact of green finance on urban metabolic efficiency varies depending on regions, city sizes, and city attributes. Furthermore, further investigation demonstrates that green finance exhibits a non‐linear impact on urban metabolic efficiency, with education level and robotics application serving as significant moderating factors. This paper offers fresh insights into the correlation between green finance and urban metabolic efficiency, along with valuable references and insights for crafting more targeted policies.
Recent Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities of Conducting Polymers for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Masood Maria , Hussain Sadam , Sohail Manzar , Rehman Aamal , Uzzaman M. Akhtar , Alnaser Ibrahim A. , Karim Mohammad Rezaul , Wahab Md. Abdul
Published: June 2024

The industrial and academic sectors have been closely observing the advantages of conventional polymers, primarily due to their easy preparation and low manufacturing costs. Recently, there has been a growing interest in conducting polymers (CPs) due to their unique characteristics. These polymers offer improved environmental durability, impressive mechanical and optical potential, ease of manufacturability, and a range of electrical properties compared to conventional inorganic materials. This review focuses on the chemical structures, properties, and synthesis of the most prevalent types of CPs. Furthermore, an analysis of conducting composites is conducted to evaluate their performance in energy storage devices. The review specifically focuses on the growth of their operations in energy storage technologies such as Lithium ion batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors (SCs). It also explores the current challenges faced by CPs potential applications for advancing energy storage systems. This review aims to advance understanding of the role of CPs for energy storage applications. In summary, conductive polymers offer a wide range of applications due to their unique features and suitable production techniques for energy storage system (ESS) application. However, there is still significant work to be carried out to enhance the performance of conduction polymers for ESSs. This overview has provided an introduction to traditional conductive polymers as functional materials, including information on their polymerization processes, advantages, disadvantages and the most promising ESS applications to date, such as various batteries and supercapacitors. It is worth noting that conductive polymers hold the potential to become crucial components in future ESSs. Achieving this potential will require further advancements in synthesis techniques, integration with other materials, as well as maximization and optimization of their capabilities.
Biological Activities, DFT Calculations, and Molecular Docking Simulation of Thymol‐Based Compounds
Authors: Sahin Dicle , Kepekci Remziye Aysun , Feizi‐Dehnayebi Mehran , Akkoc Senem , Cuevas‐Vicario José Vicente , Micale Nicola
Published: June 2024

A set of thymol‐based derivatives (3 a–d) was synthesized and characterized. Quantum chemical calculations were performed to explain the nature of the transitions in the absorption spectra. These new compounds were tested as anticancer agents on human liver (HepG2), lung (A549), and colon (DLD‐1) cancer cell lines using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide method showing in some cases higher antiproliferative properties than the reference drug cisplatin. All synthesized compounds were also screened for their antimicrobial activity against a representative panel of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria plus a pathogenic yeast species (Candida albicans ATCC90028) using agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution assays. Furthermore, we determined the antioxidant activity of these compounds by the DPPH free radical scavenging test. According to the minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, and IC50 values, compound 3 c showed the highest antimicrobial activity, compound 3 d exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, while compounds 3 b and 3 c displayed higher cytotoxic activity than cisplatin against HepG2 and DLD‐1 cell lines albeit no selectivity towards healthy cells (HEK‐293T). Furthermore, docking simulations of the compounds towards two potential molecular targets, namely caspase‐3 protein (PDB ID: 3KJF) and Escherichia coli glucosamine‐6‐phosphate synthase (PDB ID: 2VF5), were performed in order to validate the anticancer and antimicrobial activities, respectively.
Targeted genotyping‐by‐sequencing of potato and data analysis with R/polyBreedR
Authors: Endelman Jeffrey B. , Kante Moctar , Lindqvist‐Kreuze Hannele , Kilian Andrzej , Shannon Laura M. , Caraza‐Harter Maria V. , Vaillancourt Brieanne , Mailloux Kathrine , Hamilton John P. , Buell C. Robin
Published: June 2024

Mid‐density targeted genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) combines trait‐specific markers with thousands of genomic markers at an attractive price for linkage mapping and genomic selection. A 2.5K targeted GBS assay for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was developed using the DArTag technology and later expanded to 4K targets. Genomic markers were selected from the potato Infinium single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to maximize genome coverage and polymorphism rates. The DArTag and SNP array platforms produced equivalent dendrograms in a test set of 298 tetraploid samples, and 83% of the common markers showed good quantitative agreement, with RMSE (root mean squared error) <0.5. DArTag is suited for genomic selection candidates in the clonal evaluation trial, coupled with imputation to a higher density platform for the training population. Using the software polyBreedR, an R package for the manipulation and analysis of polyploid marker data, the RMSE for imputation by linkage analysis was 0.15 in a small half‐diallel population (N = 85), which was significantly lower than the RMSE of 0.42 with the random forest method. Regarding high‐value traits, the DArTag markers for resistance to potato virus Y, golden cyst nematode, and potato wart appeared to track their targets successfully, as did multi‐allelic markers for maturity and tuber shape. In summary, the potato DArTag assay is a transformative and publicly available technology for potato breeding and genetics.