bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N, F Co‐Doped Carbon Derived from Spent Bleaching Earth Waste as Oxygen Electrocatalyst Support
Authors: Aghabarari Behzad , Ebadati Esmat , Cebollada Jesús , Fernández‐Inchusta David , Victoria Martínez‐Huerta María
Published: August 2024

Affordable nitrogen and fluorine co‐doped carbon nanostructure was prepared from the hazardous industrial waste of edible oil refinery, spent bleaching earth (SBE), and used as raw material for obtaining high‐performance non‐noble metal bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts. Waste SBE contains 35 % residue non‐saturated oil as a carbon source and the assistance of montmorillonite (MMT) as the template. This study converts waste SBE into a fluorine‐doped carbon nanostructure through a pyrolysis process followed by removing the aluminosilicate layers of the MMT by HF etching. Furthermore, the impregnation of the support with Co and Fe nitrates readily gives rise to N, F co‐doped carbon (NFC) electrocatalysts, as confirmed by XPS analysis. Electrochemical results evidenced that the Co‐NFC catalyst proved to be a valuable bifunctional competitor for oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline media, showing activity in both reactions and superior stability compared with the Fe‐NFC catalyst in accelerated tests. This work offers a straightforward, economical, and eco‐friendly strategy for designing N, F co‐doped carbon‐based electrocatalysts for oxygen reactions in electrochemical devices.
New Biomarkers for Renal Transporter‐Mediated Drug–Drug Interactions: Metabolomic Effects of Cimetidine, Probenecid, Verapamil, and Rifampin in Humans
Authors: Gessner Arne , König Jörg , Wenisch Pia , Heinrich Markus R. , Stopfer Peter , Fromm Martin F. , Müller Fabian
Published: August 2024

The inhibition of renal transport proteins organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2), multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins (MATE1, MATE2‐K), and organic anion transporters (OAT1, OAT3) causes clinically relevant drug–drug interactions (DDI). Endogenous biomarkers could be used to improve risk prediction of such renal DDIs. While a number of biomarkers for renal DDIs have been described so far, multiple criteria for valid biomarkers have frequently not been investigated, for example, specificity, metabolism, or food effects. Therefore, there is a need for novel biomarkers of renal DDIs. Here, we investigated the global metabolomic effects following the administration of two classical inhibitors of renal transport proteins [cimetidine (OCT2/MATEs), probenecid (OATs)] in human plasma and urine of healthy volunteers. Additionally, we investigated metabolomic effects of two inhibitors of other transporters [verapamil (P‐glycoprotein), rifampin (organic anion transporting polypeptides)] as controls. This analysis shows that both cimetidine and probenecid affect compounds involved in caffeine metabolism, carnitines, and sulfates. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the effects of all four inhibitors on endogenous compounds identified multiple promising new sensitive and specific biomarker candidates for OCT2/MATE‐ or OAT‐mediated DDIs. For OCT2/MATEs, 5‐amino valeric acid betaine (median log2‐fold change of estimated renal elimination: −3.62) presented itself as a promising candidate. For OATs, estimated renal elimination of 7‐methyluric acid and cinnamoylglycine (median log2‐fold changes −3.10 and −1.92, respectively) was both sensitive and specific. This study provides comprehensive information on metabolomic effects of transport protein inhibition in humans and identifies putative new sensitive and specific biomarkers for renal transporter‐mediated DDIs.
Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan on Survival in Patients with Heart Failure and Significant Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: Lin Donna Shu‐Han , Chao Ying‐Ting , Chuang Shu‐Lin , Lee Jen‐Kuang , Lin Ting‐Tse , Lin Lung‐Chun , Huang Kuan‐Chih , Hwang Juey‐Jen
Published: August 2024

Although the benefits of sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are well established, patients with hemodynamically significant mitral regurgitation (MR) were excluded from pivotal trials. We aimed to assess the effects of sacubitril/valsartan on survival in patients with HFrEF and concomitant significant MR. All patients from a single center who underwent echocardiography between June 2008 and December 2020, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 40% and hemodynamically significant MR were recruited. Patients were categorized according to drug use and year of the index echocardiogram into the angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), non‐ARNI before 2017, and non‐ARNI after 2017 groups. Patients in the ARNI and non‐ARNI after 2017 groups were compared directly, whereas patients in the non‐ARNI before 2017 group were matched to the ARNI group in a 3:1 ratio. The outcome of interest was all‐cause mortality. Death was compared between the groups using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models. After exclusion by criteria and matching, there remained 610 patients in the ARNI group, 434 in the non‐ARNI after 2017 group, and 1,722 in the non‐ARNI before 2017 group. During follow‐up, all‐cause mortality was significantly lower in the ARNI group compared with both non‐ARNI after 2017 and non‐ARNI before 2017 groups. Multivariate analysis of both pairs of comparison between groups found the use of ARNI to be significantly associated with increased survival. In patients with HFrEF and concomitant significant MR, treatment with sacubitril/valsartan was associated with lower risks of all‐cause death.
Spectroscopic Investigation of the Quadruplex DNA‐Binding Properties of 9‐Aryl‐Substituted Isoquinolinium Derivatives
Authors: Groß Philipp , Druzhinin Sergey I. , Schönherr Holger , Ihmels Heiko
Published: August 2024

The spectroscopic investigation of the binding properties of berberine‐type 9‐aryl‐substituted isoquinolinium derivatives with G‐quadruplex DNA (G4‐DNA) are presented. Photometric titrations show that these ligands bind with high affinity to the telomeric G4‐DNA form 22AG (K=1.0–44×105 M−2). Furthermore, fluorimetric analysis of thermal DNA denaturation (FRET melting) reveals a significant thermal stabilization of G4‐DNA 22AG upon association with the methoxy‐substituted derivatives. As an analytically useful property, the derivatives with a phenyl substituent or with additional electron‐donating groups show a very weak fluorescence intensity, which increased significantly upon G4‐DNA complexation (fluorescence light‐up effect). Additional time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy indicated increased fluorescence lifetimes of the DNA‐bound 9‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐substituted derivative, when interacting with the quadruplex‐forming strand 22AG. Notably, the changes of the steady‐state and time‐resolved emission properties of the ligand are more pronounced with G4‐DNA than with duplex DNA so that the combination of these complementary methods may be used for the selective G4‐DNA detection.
Visitation patterns of endangered grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) in a forest clearing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Fastré C. , Igwili B. , Van de Perre F. , van der Hoek Y.
Published: August 2024

The grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus), once abundant, has become increasingly threatened due to the combined effects of capture for the global pet trade and habitat loss. Although grey parrots are well studied in captivity, effective conservation efforts require a better understanding of their ecological requirements in the wild. The aim of this paper is to quantify grey parrot behaviours across the annual cycle. To do that, we studied groups of grey parrots gathering in a natural forest clearing in the Nkuba Conservation Area, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Using parrot counts and focal sampling, combined with descriptive statistics, we found that an average of 40 grey parrots visited the clearing each day, following a regular pattern in which they first perched in the trees surrounding the clearing, vocalizing loudly, until the group landed in the clearing to feed, drink and interact with each other. Generalized linear models (GLMs) and generalized additive models (GAMs) showed that the time at which parrots arrived, landed at, and left clearings was influenced by the weather, seasonality and the month of the year. We also found that parrots shortened their visits when disturbed by predators or the presence of humans. Although the underlying mechanisms for grey parrot visits to forest clearings remains unclear, the consistency of this behaviour observed elsewhere in Africa and the feeding observed in the clearing in this study suggest that these area support important foraging habitat for the wild grey parrots. Therefore, ensuring the availability of such clearings is paramount to the long‐term survival of the species. We suggest that future efforts to protect grey parrots in their native habitats focus on identifying clearings visited by parrots, monitoring these clearings and allowing parrots to visit them without disturbance or risk of capture.
Eco‐evolutionary origins and diversification in a megadiverse hotspot: Arthropods in the Greater Cape Floristic Region
Authors: Samways Michael J. , Pryke James S. , Gaigher René , Deacon Charl
Published: August 2024

The Greater Cape Floristic Region at the southern tip of Africa is a global megadiversity hotspot. The region's biodiversity has been driven by a long history of topographic, climatic, and sea level change coupled with geological uplift, and without being exposed to any major climate events such as glaciations since the breakup of Gondwana. Among arthropods, this long history has led to the survival of many ancient lineages, manifested by much disparity followed by considerable speciation in more recent times, with the emergence of many cryptic species flocks. There is much convergence among the various taxa and functional groups in how they have responded to the various environmental filters of the past. There has also been the development of a great many morphological, behavioral, and microhabitat specialisms, associated with both topography and particular habitats, as well as interactions with other organisms. Morphological and molecular advances are elucidating how this megadiversity came about. There are indications that among the arthropod fauna, especially species that are small‐sized and have cryptic lifestyles, many more taxa remain to be discovered. Here, we review the eco‐evolutionary trends that have occurred in this region and that have resulted in such remarkable arthropod diversity. Conservation of the arthropod fauna requires recognition of this historical biogeography and ecology. Instigation of approaches over wide areas is required so as to encompass all this diversity.
Performance of unmarked abundance models with data from machine‐learning classification of passive acoustic recordings
Authors: Fiss Cameron J. , Lapp Samuel , Cohen Jonathan B. , Parker Halie A. , Larkin Jeffery T. , Larkin Jeffery L. , Kitzes Justin
Published: August 2024

The ability to conduct cost‐effective wildlife monitoring at scale is rapidly increasing due to the availability of inexpensive autonomous recording units (ARUs) and automated species recognition, presenting a variety of advantages over human‐based surveys. However, estimating abundance with such data collection techniques remains challenging because most abundance models require data that are difficult for low‐cost monoaural ARUs to gather (e.g., counts of individuals, distance to individuals), especially when using the output of automated species recognition. Statistical models that do not require counting or measuring distances to target individuals in combination with low‐cost ARUs provide a promising way of obtaining abundance estimates for large‐scale wildlife monitoring projects but remain untested. We present a case study using avian field data collected in the forests of Pennsylvania during the spring of 2020 and 2021 using both traditional point counts and passive acoustic monitoring at the same locations. We tested the ability of the Royle–Nichols and time‐to‐detection models to estimate the abundance of two species from detection histories generated by applying a machine‐learning classifier to ARU‐gathered data. We compared abundance estimates from these models with estimates from the same models fit using point‐count data and to two additional models appropriate for point counts, the N‐mixture model and distance models. We found that the Royle–Nichols and time‐to‐detection models can be used with ARU data to produce abundance estimates similar to those generated by a point‐count‐based study but with greater precision. ARU‐based models produced confidence or credible intervals that were on average 31.9% (±11.9 SE) smaller than their point‐count counterpart. Our findings were consistent across two species with differing relative abundance and habitat use patterns. The higher precision of models fit using ARU data is likely due to higher cumulative detection probability, which itself may be the result of greater survey effort using ARUs and machine‐learning classifiers to sample significantly more time for focal species at any given point. Our results provide preliminary support for the use of ARUs in abundance‐based study applications, and thus may afford researchers a better understanding of habitat quality and population trends, while allowing them to make more informed conservation recommendations and actions.
Quantifying the effects of nest management and environmental change on demography of an endangered sea turtle
Authors: Ross Beth E. , Boggie Matthew A. , Anders Angela , Shaver Donna
Published: August 2024

Understanding the demographic drivers of reintroduced and translocated populations is critical for species establishment and persistence. Given the large number of resources required to conduct ongoing reintroduction and reinforcement programs, additional information on population responses to management practices could help identify key actions that best benefit a species while ensuring economic feasibility. An integrated population model (IPM) can be used to assess and forecast the demographic consequences of different management practices and the interrelationship between management effects, population dynamics, and environmental change. We used an IPM to inform the potential impacts of nest management practices and global climate change on the vital rates of the Texas nesting colony of the endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtle. We used the IPM to estimate population parameters including adult survival, population growth rate, and abundance of nesting females in Texas. Additionally, given potential future scenarios for management and environmental change, we used the IPM to forecast population change and estimate the probability of persistence of the Texas population under future environmental and management scenarios. Future scenarios for nest management that had some level of management (i.e., not all nests were left in situ) resulted in population growth rates that were likely stable or increasing. Scenarios in which all nests were left in situ resulted in stable or decreasing population growth rates as well as a probability of extirpation from Texas >1 (p(N = 0 in 2100) = 0.25–0.72). Despite uncertainty in forecasted abundance and population growth rates under all scenarios, our model still predicted stable or increasing population growth rates with a continuation of current nest management practices. In contrast, we found that reduced population growth was expected with reduced nest management effort, and population decline and extirpation was expected with no management. Our IPM framework provides an example of how future management scenarios can be evaluated critically to determine population changes through time under future environmental uncertainty.
Phosphoantigen recognition by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells
Authors: Herrmann Thomas , Karunakaran Mohindar Murugesh
Published: August 2024

Vγ9Vδ2 T cells comprise 1–10% of human peripheral blood T cells. As multifunctional T cells with a strong antimicrobial and antitumor potential, they are of strong interest for immunotherapeutic development. Their hallmark is the eponymous Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell antigen receptor (TCR), which mediates activation by so‐called “phosphoantigens” (PAg). PAg are small pyrophosphorylated intermediates of isoprenoid synthesis of microbial or host origin, with the latter elevated in some tumors and after administration of aminobisphosphonates. This review summarizes the progress in understanding PAg‐recognition, with emphasis on the interaction between butyrophilins (BTN) and PAg and insights gained by phylogenetic studies on BTNs and Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, especially the comparison of human and alpaca. It proposes a composite ligand model in which BTN3A1‐A2/A3‐heteromers and BTN2A1 homodimers form a Vγ9Vδ2 TCR activating complex. An initiating step is the binding of PAg to the intracellular BTN3A1‐B30.2 domain and formation of a complex with the B30.2 domains of BTN2A1. On the extracellular surface this results in BTN2A1‐IgV binding to Vγ9‐TCR framework determinants and BTN3A‐IgV to additional complementarity determining regions of both TCR chains. Unresolved questions of this model are discussed, as well as questions on the structural basis and the physiological consequences of PAg‐recognition.
Modulation of the K/BxN arthritis mouse model and the effector functions of human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes by liver X receptors
Authors: Domínguez‐Luis María Jesús , Castro‐Hernández Javier , Santos‐Concepción Sergio , Díaz‐Martín Ana , Arce‐Franco Mayte , Pérez‐González Natán , Díaz Mercedes , Castrillo Antonio , Salido Eduardo , Machado José David , Gumá Mónica , Corr Maripat , Díaz‐González Federico
Published: August 2024

The role of liver X receptors (LXR) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains controversial. We studied the effect of LXR agonists on fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) from RA patients and the K/BxN arthritis model in LXRα and β double‐deficient (Nr1h2/3−/−) mice. Two synthetic LXR agonists, GW3965 and T0901317, were used to activate LXRs and investigate their effects on cell growth, proliferation and matrix metalloproteinases, and chemokine production in cultured FLS from RA patients. The murine model K/BxN serum transfer of inflammatory arthritis in Nr1h2/3−/− animals was used to investigate the role of LXRs on joint inflammation in vivo. LXR agonists inhibited the FLS proliferative capacity in response to TNF, the chemokine‐induced migration, the collagenase activity in FLS supernatant and FLS CXCL12 production. In the K/BxN mouse model, Nr1h2/3−/− animals showed aggravated arthritis, histological inflammation, and joint destruction, as well as an increase in synovial metalloproteases and expression of proinflammatory mediators such as IL‐1β and CCL2 in joints compared with wild type animals. Taken together, these data underscore the importance of LXRs in modulating the joint inflammatory response and highlight them as potential therapeutic targets in RA.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes RuII(Arene) and their Application as ROMP Catalysts, Antioxidant and Anticancer Agents
Authors: Troiano Rubina , Iacopetta Domenico , D'Amato Assunta , Mariconda Annaluisa , Ceramella Jessica , Catalano Alessia , Stefania Sinicropi Maria , Longo Pasquale
Published: August 2024

N‐Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) play an important role in metal complex catalysis and stabilisation, providing stability under non‐inert conditions and a high σ‐donor capacity. They are crucial ligands for the synthesis of organometallic compounds like RuII‐complexes, which can operate as very active catalysts for a variety of chemical transformations and functionalizations. RA(Ruthenium‐arene)NHC complexes, known for their piano‐stool structure, stabilise Ru(II) oxidation state by occupying three ruthenium coordination sites with a η6‐coordinated arene ligand. The development of dual‐acting RuII‐arene complexes has sparked increased interest in their catalytic and biological properties. Because of their broad spectrum, metal complexes can give distinct mechanisms of pharmacological action from organic drugs. This study aimed to explore the impact of ligand amphiphilicity and counterion on bioactivity, designing a family of compounds with the NHC ligand bearing an ester moiety and switching the wingtip substituent from methyl to benzyl units. All synthesized compounds were tested in norbornene ROMP, a benchmark reaction for RuII potential catalysts and as anticancer and antioxidant compounds.
Vicarious facilitation of facial responses to pain: Does the others' expression need to be painful?
Authors: Göller Peter J. , Reicherts Philipp , Lautenbacher Stefan , Kunz Miriam
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Prior exposure to others' facial expressions of pain can lead to a facilitation of pain responses, including its corresponding response channel, namely facial responses to pain. It has been questioned, however, whether this vicarious pain facilitation occurs only when observing others' pain or whether the observation of other negative expressions can trigger similar facilitation of facial responses to pain. The study aimed to test this, by comparing the impact of viewing others' facial expressions of pain versus another negative expression (sadness) and two control expressions (neutral, happiness) on facial responses to pain.

Method

Participants (N = 56; 31 females), watched short video clips of computer‐generated facial expressions (pain, sadness, neutral & happiness) before they received painful and non‐painful heat stimuli. Facial responses were analysed using the Facial Action Coding System. In addition, subjective and autonomic responses were assessed.

Results

The prior exposure to others' expressions of pain and sadness versus neutral did not lead to significantly increased facial responses to pain. Likewise, subjective and autonomic pain responses were not facilitated. However, viewing others' expressions of happiness, consistently reduced facial as well as subjective and autonomic responses to pain compared to others' negative or neutral expressions. This dampening effect was not observed for non‐painful heat.

Discussion

Facial and other pain responses were most strongly affected by prior exposure to others' facial expressions of happiness, which led to a pain‐dampening effect. In contrast, the evidence for vicarious facilitation of pain was rather weak in the present study, with no evidence of pain‐specificity.

Significance Statement

Facial responses to pain – along with subjective and autonomic responses – are reduced when observing others' expressions of happiness, demonstrating pain modulation by positive affective social signals, which may also transfer to clinical contexts.
Geometry and thermal regime of the southern outlet glaciers of Qaanaaq Ice Cap, NW Greenland
Authors: Lamsters Kristaps , Karušs Jānis , Ješkins Jurijs , Džeriņš Pēteris , Ukai Shinta , Sugiyama Shin
Published: August 2024

Glaciers and ice caps surrounding the Greenland Ice Sheet are found to be sensitive to warming climate thus the knowledge of their thickness and internal structure is substantial to determine their future impact on sea level and local environment. Still, in situ glaciological measurements of such glaciers are very scarce. Here, we present the results of ground penetrating radar (GPR) and uncrewed aerial vehicle surveys conducted on the two southern outlet glaciers of Qaanaaq Ice Cap in NW Greenland. GPR measurements reveal up to 170 m thick ice and the lack of englacial hyperbolae indicating no developed en/subglacial drainage system. The glaciers consist mainly of radar transparent facies characteristic for cold ice, while limited scattering facies appear closer to the glacier's terminus beneath the thinnest ice and are attributed to debris inside the ice. Results show that the glaciers flow into narrow V‐shaped valleys suggesting spatio‐temporally limited subglacial erosion and restricted possible distribution of temperate ice in the past. The comparison of the ice thickness measurement data with global ice thickness model estimates shows considerable discrepancies emphasising the need of modelling improvements in the case of narrow valley and outlet glaciers.
The role of tryptophan metabolism and tolerogenic dendritic cells in maintaining immune tolerance: Insights into celiac disease pathogenesis
Authors: Asgari Fatemeh , Khodadoust Mahdi , Nikzamir Abdolrahim , Jahani‐Sherafat Somayeh , Rezaei Tavirani Mostafa , Rostami‐Nejad Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Background

In mammals, amino acid metabolism has evolved to control immune responses. Tryptophan (Trp) is the rarest essential amino acid found in food and its metabolism has evolved to be a primary regulatory node in the control of immune responses. Celiac disease (CeD) is a developed immunological condition caused by gluten intolerance and is linked to chronic small intestine enteropathy in genetically predisposed individuals. Dendritic cells (DCs), serving as the bridge between innate and adaptive immunities, can influence immunological responses in CeD through phenotypic alterations.

Objective

This review aims to highlight the connection between Trp metabolism and tolerogenic DCs, and the significance of this interaction in the pathogenesis of CeD.

Results

It is been recognized that various DC subtypes contribute to the pathogenesis of CeD. Tolerogenic DCs, in particular, are instrumental in inducing immune tolerance, leading to T‐reg differentiation that helps maintain intestinal immune tolerance against inflammatory responses in CeD patients and those with other autoimmune disorders. T‐regs, a subset of T‐cells, play a crucial role in maintaining intestinal immunological homeostasis by regulating the activities of other immune cells. Notably, Trp metabolism, essential for T‐reg function, facilitates T‐reg differentiation through microbiota‐mediated degradation and the kynurenine pathway.

Conclusion

Therefore, alterations in Trp metabolism could potentially influence the immune response in CeD, affecting both the development of the disease and the persistence of symptoms despite adherence to a gluten‐free diet.
Exploring computational approaches to design mRNA Vaccine against vaccinia and Mpox viruses
Authors: Oladipo Elijah K. , Oyelakin Olanrewaju D. , Aiyelabegan Abdulsamad O. , Olajide Elizabeth O. , Olatayo Victoria O. , Owolabi Kaothar P. , Shittu Yewande B. , Olugbodi Rhoda O. , Ajala Hezekiah A. , Rukayat Raji A. , Olayiwola Deborah O. , Irewolede Boluwatife A. , Jimah Esther M. , Oloke Julius K. , Ojo Taiwo O. , Ajani Olumide F. , Iwalokun Bamidele A. , Kolawole Olatunji M. , Ariyo Olumuyiwa E. , Adediran Daniel A. , Olufemi Seun E. , Onyeaka Helen
Published: August 2024

Background

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against infections. Unlike traditional vaccines, this unique type of vaccine elicits robust and persistent innate and humoral immune response with a unique host cell‐mediated pathogen gene expression and antigen presentation.

Methods

This offers a novel approach to combat poxviridae infections. From the genome of vaccinia and Mpox viruses, three key genes (E8L, E7R, and H3L) responsible for virus attachment and virulence were selected and employed for designing the candidate mRNA vaccine against vaccinia and Mpox viral infection. Various bioinformatics tools were employed to generate (B cell, CTL, and HTL) epitopes, of which 28 antigenic and immunogenic epitopes were selected and are linked to form the mRNA vaccine construct. Additional components, including a 5′ cap, 5′ UTR, adjuvant, 3′ UTR, and poly(A) tail, were incorporated to enhance stability and effectiveness. Safety measures such as testing for human homology and in silico immune simulations were implemented to avoid autoimmunity and to mimics the immune response of human host to the designed mRNA vaccine, respectively. The mRNA vaccine's binding affinity was evaluated by docking it with TLR‐2, TLR‐3, TLR‐4, and TLR‐9 receptors which are subsequently followed by molecular dynamics simulations for the highest binding one to predict the stability of the binding complex.

Results

With a 73% population coverage, the mRNA vaccine looks promising, boasting a molecular weight of 198 kDa and a molecular formula of C8901H13609N2431O2611S48 and it is said to be antigenic, nontoxic and nonallergic, making it safe and effective in preventing infections with Mpox and vaccinia viruses, in comparison with other insilico‐designed vaccine for vaccinia and Mpox viruses.

Conclusions

However, further validation through in vivo and in vitro techniques is underway to fully assess its potential.
Distinct clinical characteristics of bocavirus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children plastic bronchitis
Authors: Liu Mengqi , Wei Diwei , Zhang Tongqiang , Xu Yongsheng , Guo Wei
Published: August 2024

Background

This study investigated clinical and laboratory characteristics of human bocavirus type 1 (HBoV1)‐plastic bronchiolitis (PB), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP)‐associated plastic bronchitis (PB) and MP‐NPB in children, highlighting inflammation, coagulation, and bronchoscopic needs.

Methods

Data on preschool children with PB during HBoV1 or MP infection were collected, comparing MP‐PB to severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia.

Result

Compared with the MP‐PB group, the HBoV1‐PB group, with younger children, had significantly milder clinical symptoms but higher WBC counts (p = .028). The MP‐PB group exhibited notably elevated Fibrinogen (p = .045) and d‐dimer levels (p < .001). When contrasting the MP‐PB with the MP‐NPB group, children in MP‐PB group still had higher levels of d‐dimer and increased inflammatory indicators such as C‐reactive protein, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase, and interleukin‐6, which were significantly elevated compared with the MP‐NPB group. MP‐PB showed a higher prevalence of plastic bronchial casts in lower lobes (p = .016) and a dominance of neutrophils in BALF cytology. Additionally, children in the MP‐PB group tended to undergo a greater number of bronchoscopies.

Conclusion

This study identifies key differences in plastic bronchitis in children due to HBoV1 and MP, highlighting HBoV1's milder inflammation in younger kids and MP's link to severe inflammatory and coagulation responses, guiding clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Intestinal mucositis, systemic inflammation and bloodstream infections following high‐dose methotrexate treatment in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: Comparison between the NOPHO ALL 2008 protocol and the ALLTogether1 protocol
Authors: Weischendorff Sarah , de Pietri Silvia , Rathe Mathias , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Frandsen Thomas Leth , Petersen Malene Johanne , Weimann Allan , Nielsen Claus Henrik , Enevold Christian , Kocadag Helin Berna , Moser Claus , Müller Klaus
Published: August 2024

Severe intestinal mucositis (IM) increases the risk of bloodstream infections (BSI) and inflammatory toxicity during acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) induction treatment. However, the implications of IM in subsequent ALL therapy phases after achieving remission remain unknown. This study investigated the relationship between IM (measured by plasma citrulline and the chemokine CCL20) and the development of BSI and systemic inflammation (reflected by C‐reactive protein, CRP) in children with ALL during high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX) treatment, an important part of ALL consolidation therapy. The study compared patients treated according to the NOPHO ALL 2008 protocol (n = 52) and the ALLTogether1 protocol (n = 42), both with identical HDMTX procedures but different scheduling. One week post‐HDMTX, citrulline dropped to median levels of 14.5 and 16.9 μM for patients treated according to the NOPHO ALL 2008 and ALLTogether1 protocols, respectively (p = 0.11). In a protocol and neutrophil count‐adjusted analysis, hypocitrullinaemia (<10 μmol/L) was associated with increased odds of BSI within 3 weeks from HDMTX (OR = 26.2, p = 0.0074). Patients treated according to the NOPHO ALL 2008 protocol exhibited increased mucosal‐ and systemic inflammation post‐HDMTX compared to patients treated according to ALLTogether1, with increased CCL20 (14.6 vs. 3.7 pg/mL, p < 0.0001) and CRP levels (10.0 vs. 1.0 mg/L, p < 0.0001). Both citrulline and CCL20 correlated with CRP for these patients (rs = −0.44, p = 0.0016 and rs = 0.35, p = 0.016, respectively). These results suggest that hypocitrullinaemia following HDMTX increases the risk of BSI, confirming previous observations from more intensive treatments. Moreover, these data indicate that the patients' vulnerability to mucositis and inflammatory toxicity after chemotherapy varies with treatment protocol.
Die Lebermoosgattung Cheilolejeunea fossil in Mitteleuropa
Authors: Grolle Riclef
Published: August 2024

Lejeunca latiloba Caspary (= L. pinnata Caspary, syn. nov.), die bislang nur steril von eozänem Bernstein aus dem Samland (UdSSR) bekannt war, wird in miozänem Bernstein aus Bitterfeld (DDR) und mit unbefruchteten Gynözien nachgewiesen. Die gynöziale Innovation vom Pycnolejeunca‐Typ und die Nische distal vom Eckzahn des Lobulus erfordern die Versetzung zu Cheilolejeunea (Spruce) Schiffn.: C. latiloba (Caspary) Grolle c. n. Diese wird detailliert beschrieben und abgebildet. Sie ist der einzige bekannte fossile Vertreter der rezent äußerst artenreichen Lejeuneoideae. Die eozänen und miozänen Funde von C. latiloba füllen paläontologisch die europäische Lücke im Areal von Cheilolejeunea, die rezent in den feuchteren temporaten bis tropischen Gebieten mit Ausnahme von Europa weltweit verbreitet ist.
Phytosociological studies of epiphytic flora of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in Benin City. Nigeria
Authors: Gill L. S. , Onyibe H. I.
Published: August 2024

Phytosociological studies of epiphytic flora of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) has been carried out in two commercial plantations near Benin City. Twenty‐five epiphytic species have been reported (3 Myxomycetes, 2 Mosses, 7 Ferns, 4 Monocots and 9 Dicots). Values for the phytosociological characteristics like Constance, cover, density, frequency, importance value, occurrence, sociability and stratification have been determined for each epiphytic species.
Studies on the ecology of the western provinces of Saudi Arabia I. Vegetation and soil of the Jeddah‐Tuwal area
Authors: El‐Shourbagy M. N. , Baeshin N. A. , El‐Sahhar K. F.
Published: August 2024

The purpose of the study is to describe plant communities and habitats characterizing Jeddah‐Tuwal area in the Red Sea coastal plain of Saudi Arabia. Thirty stands were classified on the basis of covor‐abundance seals and sociability values into five community types. Each of these types represents a sociologically distinct entity. The relationships between each community type and several edaphic variables were recognized. Differences were found among communities with respect to soil texture, total nitrogen, organic carbon, and some mineral elements.
The taxonomic position ofTalinellaBaillon(Portulacaceae)
Authors: Nyananyo Bio Louis
Published: August 2024

The taxonomic position of the endemic Madagascan genusTalinellaBaillonis discussed. Evidence is presented which indicates that it is no longer appropriate to place it between the Basellaceae and Portulacaceae or to describe the genus as being of very uncertain position taxonomically. It is suggested that this genus is better placed in the Portulacaceae.
Vascularisation de la fleur pistillée d’Anchomanes difformis Engl.
Authors: Barabé Denis , Chrétien Louise , Forget Suzanne
Published: August 2024

Les fleurs d’Anchomanes ne possèdent pas de périanthe. L’ovaire est. uniloculaire, uniovulé. L’étude de l’organisation vasculaire que le gynécée est pseudomonomère. Il est. composé de deux carpelles dont l’un est vertigial. Il n’y a qu’une loge carpellaire qui se développe. La vascularisation du gynécée d’Anchomanes. difformis se rapproche de celle de Lysichitum et Symplocarpus, deux genres qui appartiennent à la sous‐famille des Calloideae.
Romuleas on the Canaries
Authors: Abraham Arnfried
Published: August 2024

Presented are theses about the native taxa of Romulea Maratti at the Canary Islands, culminating in the postulation of a new nomenclature of species rank: Romulea tactea.
The biology of the Asystasia gangetica complex (Acanthaceae) in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Ugborogho R. E. , Adetula O. A.
Published: August 2024

Live plants and seeds of Asystasia gangetica collected during field trips in Lagos state were cultivated in the Biological Garden and in the Laboratory using loamy soil and only tap water respectively.

The study of the cco‐geographical distribution of the species showed that the purple variety is more viable and widely distributed than the pink and white varieties.

Cytological investigation revealed that the three varieties possessed the same somatic chromosome number of 26. The differences in vegetative and floral morphology were used in delimiting the complex species into varieties.

All the three varieties arc usually self compatible and reproduce by both vegetative and sexual means.
Dormancy and germination behaviour of Polygala chinensis L., a medicinal plant
Authors: Merlee Teresa M. V. , Avita S.
Published: August 2024

Polygala chinensis L. (Indian senega) is a medicinal plant which completes its life cycle within 4 to 5 months. Plants produce a large number of seeds. All seeds produced do not germinate. Many seeds do not get suitable conditions and many others are incapable of germination for some reasons or other. Such seeds are said to be dormant.
Distinction entre savanes primaires et secondaires au Mali central
Authors: Aberlin J. P.
Published: August 2024

Après une brève discussion destinée á expliquer le vocabulaire utilisé, l'auteur propose l'emploi de trois crilères, dont certains n'ont pas qu'une utilisation locale, permettant de discriminer entre les savanes primaires el les savanes sccondaires d'une région du Mali central.
Benefits of an online group dance program for adolescents' social bonding and wellbeing
Authors: Tunçgenç Bahar , Greig Emma‐Jane , Cohen Emma
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The Covid‐19 pandemic and its ensuing effects on mental health made it clearer than ever that social bonds are critical for survival, flourishing, and mental wellbeing. Experimental laboratory‐based research with children and adults shows that activities involving movement alignment and joint action, such as dance, can facilitate social bonds.

Methods

This study examined whether an online group dance intervention positively affects social bonding and wellbeing using a randomized control design. Participants were 58 UK adolescents aged 11–16 years (N = 52 girls, 75% White, 7% Asian/Asian British, 18% Mixed‐Other), randomly assigned to an online intervention or waitlist control group. Participants in the intervention group completed an online 5‐week hip‐hop dance program during the Covid‐19 pandemic in January to February 2021. Measures of social bonding, wellbeing, and future orientation were taken at the beginning and end of the program.

Results

Linear mixed model analyses examining group × timepoint interaction showed greater increase in social bonding (p < .0001), and wellbeing (p < .0001) in the intervention vs control group. Moreover, increases in bonding significantly predicted increases in wellbeing (p < .0001), and increases in bonding (p = .03) and wellbeing (p = .0002) significantly predicted increases in the adolescents' hope for the future.

Conclusions

These data, collected at a time of mass social isolation, show that a 5‐week‐long online dance activity can help adolescents forge stronger social bonds, and improve their wellbeing and future orientation. Our findings suggest that the wellbeing and future orientation benefits of group dance may stem from having stronger social connectedness, opening up avenues for future research and interventions.
Metabolomics and cellular altered pathways in cancer biology: A review
Authors: Bhardwaj Jitender Kumar , Siwach Anshu , Sachdeva Som Nath
Published: August 2024

Cancer is a deadly disease that affects a cell's metabolism and surrounding tissues. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of metabolic alterations in cancer cells would assist in developing cancer treatment targets and approaches. From this perspective, metabolomics is a great analytical tool to clarify the mechanisms of cancer therapy as well as a useful tool to investigate cancer from a distinct viewpoint. It is a powerful emerging technology that detects up to thousands of molecules in tissues and biofluids. Like other “‐omics” technologies, metabolomics involves the comprehensive investigation of micromolecule metabolites and can reveal important details about the cancer state that is otherwise not apparent. Recent developments in metabolomics technologies have made it possible to investigate cancer metabolism in greater depth and comprehend how cancer cells utilize metabolic pathways to make the amino acids, nucleotides, and lipids required for tumorigenesis. These new technologies have made it possible to learn more about cancer metabolism. Here, we review the cellular and systemic effects of cancer and cancer treatments on metabolism. The current study provides an overview of metabolomics, emphasizing the current technologies and their use in clinical and translational research settings.
Conditioned Medium From Reactive Astrocytes Inhibits Proliferation, Resistance, and Migration of p53‐Mutant Glioblastoma Spheroid Through GLI‐1 Downregulation
Authors: Ribeiro Jessica Honorato , Villarinho Nícolas Jones , Fernandes Priscila Valverde , Spohr Tania Cristina Leite de Sampaio e , Lopes Giselle Pinto de Faria
Published: August 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) aggressiveness is partly driven by the reactivation of signaling pathways such as Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and the interaction with its microenvironment. SHH pathway activation is one of the phenomena behind the glial transformation in response to tumor growth. The reactivation of the SHH signaling cascade during GBM–astrocyte interaction is highly relevant to understanding the mechanisms used by the tumor to modulate the adjacent stroma. The role of reactive astrocytes considering SHH signaling during GBM progression is investigated using a 3D in vitro model. T98G GBM spheroids displayed significant downregulation of SHH (61.4 ± 9.3%), GLI‐1 (6.5 ± 3.7%), Ki‐67 (33.7 ± 8.1%), and mutant MTp53 (21.3 ± 10.6%) compared to the CONTROL group when incubated with conditioned medium of reactive astrocytes (CM‐AST). The SHH pathway inhibitor, GANT‐61, significantly reduced previous markers (SHH = 43.0 ± 12.1%; GLI‐1 = 9.5 ± 3.4%; Ki‐67 = 31.9 ± 4.6%; MTp53 = 6.5 ± 7.5%) compared to the CONTROL, and a synergistic effect could be observed between GANT‐61 and CM‐AST. The volume (2.0 ± 0.2 × 107 µm³), cell viability (80.4 ± 3.2%), and migration (41 ± 10%) of GBM spheroids were significantly reduced in the presence of GANT‐61 and CM‐AST when compared to CM‐AST after 72 h (volume = 2.3 ± 0.4 × 107 µm³; viability = 92.2 ± 6.5%; migration = 102.5 ± 14.6%). Results demonstrated that factors released by reactive astrocytes promoted a neuroprotective effect preventing GBM progression using a 3D in vitro model potentiated by SHH pathway inhibition.
Population Pharmacokinetics (PopPK) Support for Pediatric Dosing of Biological Products
Authors: Eales Brianna , Helal Nada A. , Vattelana Olivia , Kronfol Mohamad M. , Fletcher Elimika Pfuma , Wang Yow‐Ming , Burckart Gilbert J. , Vaidyanathan Jayabharathi , Seo Shirley K. , Nounou Mohamed Ismail
Published: August 2024

This study assesses the use of population pharmacokinetics (PopPK) in supporting pediatric dosing of novel biological drug products. The labeling for biologic drug products approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2002 until 2021 was reviewed to identify those with a pediatric indication. For the drugs with a pediatric indication, the dosing regimen(s) based on age groups, dosing strategy, the use of PopPK to support the dose, and the types of pediatric clinical trials were reviewed. Data were collected from FDA's review documents and product labels on the Drugs@FDA website, and as needed, more clinical trial details were collected from PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov. The role of PopPK analyses in dosing was captured when mentioned in the label or review as playing a role in selecting the approved pediatric dose and/or in verifying the adequacy of the studied dose to support labeling. Between 2002 and 2021, FDA approved 169 biological products, and 78 of 169 (46%) products have an approved indication for which the label contains dosing recommendations for pediatric use. For the 78 products approved in pediatrics, there was a total of 180 clinical trials that included pediatric patients. Phase 3 pediatric trials commonly supported pediatric approval and dosing for the reviewed products (64%, 50/78 products; 56.1%, 101/180 trials). PopPK analyses were reported to play a critical role in dose selection, prediction, and verification for 40 of the 78 products (51%), including informing pediatric dosing in the absence of pediatric data (e.g., drugs approved under animal rule), comparing exposures to the exposure range observed in adults, and informing alternative dosing strategies in certain age or body weight groups. PopPK analyses have been applied in a variety of ways to inform pediatric dosing and support extrapolation from adult data or other pediatric age groups for biologics. Understanding and learning from these past cases on the use of pharmacometrics tools to support pediatric dosing of biological products can inform future pediatric development programs.
A spontaneously healed distal femoral fracture in an infant born preterm: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Yeung Telford , Agrawal Roli , Seesahai Judy , Warkentin Tammy
Published: August 2024

Distal femoral fractures are uncommon in the newborn period, and conventional radiographs can miss the diagnosis in infants born prematurely due to delayed ossification. Hence, modalities like ultrasound may have a role in diagnosis. Herein, we report a male infant born preterm with a swollen knee due to a distal femoral fracture after a non‐traumatic Caesarean section. The fracture was not present on the conventional radiograph. Instead, it was detected on a repeat sonogram and healed spontaneously with no complications. This case describes the importance of musculoskeletal radiographic expertise for diagnosis of this uncommon newborn fracture.