bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On The Security Of A Novel Construction Of Certificateless Aggregate Signature Scheme For Healthcare Wireless Medical Sensor Networks
Authors: Yan Zhen , Qu Haipeng , Lin Xi-Jun
Published: June 2024

Recently, Qiao et al. proposed a novel construction of certificateless aggregate signature (CLAS) scheme to ensure the integrity and authenticity of medical data in healthcare wireless medical sensor networks (HWMSNs). They first created an underlying certificateless signature (CLS) scheme, and then proposed a CLAS scheme from the underlying CLS scheme by adding an aggregation algorithm and a verification algorithm. In this paper, we point out that their CLS scheme is insecure because the Type I adversary can forge valid signatures. That is, the unforgeability is not actually captured by their CLS scheme. Finally, we map our cryptanalysis to the practical application. That is, in the practical application of HWMSNs, the attacker can launch real attack to their CLS scheme using our cryptanalysis to forge signatures. Therefore, Qiao et al.’s CLS scheme can be totally broken.
Examining the Psychometric Properties of the Student Behavior Checklist-Brief’s Subject Scores: Tests of Measurement Invariance
Authors: Steggerda Jake C , Rueger Sandra Yu , Bridges Ana J
Published: June 2024

Authors evaluated the Student Behavior Checklist-Brief (SBC-B) to test whether teacher-reports of student learning approach (i.e., learned helplessness [LH] and mastery orientation [MO]) were invariant across academic subjects. The current sample includes ethnically diverse seventh and eighth grade students (N = 145; 53 percent male) and six teams of five teachers for the core academic subjects. Authors conducted confirmatory factor analyses and measurement invariance tests on ratings for each of the subject-specific SBC-B measures and total SBC-B ratings that were not subject-specific. Results supported full measurement invariance across academic subjects. This evidence supporting the SBC-B’s psychometric properties across subjects increases confidence in using the measure in research and clinical settings to identify youth with tendencies toward LH or MO and explore how LH/MO relate to academic functioning and experiences of internalizing symptoms.
Central memory CD4+ T cells play a protective role against immune checkpoint inhibitor–associated myocarditis
Authors: Yu Jiajun , Long Bo , Li Ziyong , Tian Xiaolong , Li Dairong , Long Jianling , Wang Yujue , Chen Yue , Zhang Fang , Liu Haixia , Qian Cheng , Shan Juanjuan
Published: June 2024

Aims

The widespread use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has demonstrated significant survival benefits for cancer patients and also carries the risk of immune-related adverse events. ICI-associated myocarditis is a rare and serious adverse event with a high mortality rate. Here, we explored the mechanism underlying ICI-associated myocarditis.

Methods and results

Using the peripheral blood of patients with ICI therapy and of ICI-treated mice with transplanted tumours, we dissect the immune cell subsets and inflammatory factors associated with myocarditis. Compared to the control group, patients with myocarditis after ICI therapy showed an increase in NK cells and myeloid cells in the peripheral blood, while T cells significantly decreased. Among T cells, there was an imbalance of CD4/CD8 ratio in the peripheral blood of myocarditis patients, with a significant decrease in central memory CD4+ T (CD4+ TCM) cells. RNA sequencing revealed that CD4+ TCM cells in myocarditis patients were immunosuppressive cell subsets, which highly express the immunosuppressive factor IL-4I1. To elucidate the potential mechanism of the decrease in CD4+ TCM cells, protein array was performed and revealed that several inflammatory factors gradually increased with the severity of myocarditis in the myocarditis group, such as IL-1B/CXCL13/CXCL9, while the myocardial protective factor IL-15 decreased. Correlation analysis indicated a positive correlation between IL-15 and CD4+ TCM cells, with high expression of IL-15 receptor IL15RA. Furthermore, in vivo studies using an anti-PDL1 antibody in a mouse tumour model indicated a reduction in CD4+ TCM cells and an increase in effector memory-expressing CD45RA CD8+ T (TEMRA) cells, alongside evidence of cardiac fibrosis. Conversely, combining anti-PDL1 antibody treatment with IL-15 led to a resurgence of CD4+ TCM cells, a reduction in CD8+ TEMRA cells, and a mitigated risk of cardiac fibrosis.

Conclusion

Our data highlight CD4+ TCM cells’ crucial role in cardiac protection during ICI therapy. IL-15, IL-4I1, and CD4+ TCM cells can serve as therapeutic targets to reduce ICI-associated myocarditis in cancer patients.
Survey of Leafminers on American Chestnut and other Castanea spp. (Fagales: Fagaceae) on Long Island, NY
Authors: Hough Karissa E , Eiseman Charles S , Perreault Stephane , McGuinness Hugh , Burke Russell L , Nieto-Fernandez Fernando E
Published: June 2024

The effect of the 20th-century functional extinction of the American Chestnut (Fagaceae: Castanea dentata (Marshall) Borkh) on associated herbivorous insects is unknown. These insects include leafminers that spend at least part of their larval phase feeding between the epidermises of leaves. We surveyed leafminers on C. dentata, nonnative Castanea spp., and hybrids on Long Island, NY. We found 10 leafminer species feeding on Castanea spp. A first New York State record was documented for Stigmella castaneaefoliella (Chambers) (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae). New host records are established for 6 lepidopterans, including a new host genus for Phyllonorycter basistrigella (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae). We found no significant differences in the mean intensity of S. castaneaefoliella leaf mines on native and nonnative Castanea spp.; however, our sample size was small. Thus, we guardedly conclude that nonnative Castanea spp. can serve as refugia for C. dentata leafminers native to North America while acknowledging that the extent to which nonnative species are utilized requires further investigation.
Establishment and validation of an extracellular volume model without blood sampling in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhang Zeqing , Du Xinjia , Liu Jiahua , Liu Zhongxiao , Chen Wensu , Che Wenliang
Published: June 2024

Aims

Recent studies have shown that extracellular volume (ECV) can also be obtained without blood sampling by the linear relationship between haematocrit (HCT) and blood pool R1 (1/T1). However, whether this relationship holds for patients with myocardial infarction is still unclear. This study established and validated an ECV model without blood sampling in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients.

Methods and results

A total of 398 STEMI patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examination with T1 mapping and venous HCT within 24 h were retrospectively analysed. All patients were randomly divided into a derivation group and a validation group. The mean CMR scan time was 3 days after primary percutaneous coronary intervention. In the derivation group, a synthetic HCT formula was obtained by the linear regression between HCT and blood pool R1 (R2 = 0.45, P < 0.001). The formula was used in the validation group; the results showed high concordance and correlation between synthetic ECV and conventional ECV in integral (bias = −0.12; R2 = 0.92, P < 0.001), myocardial infarction site (bias = −0.23; R2 = 0.93, P < 0.001), and non-myocardial infarction sites (bias = −0.09; R2 = 0.94, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In STEMI patients, synthetic ECV without blood sampling had good consistency and correlation with conventional ECV. This study might provide a convenient and accurate method to obtain the ECV from CMR to identify myocardial fibrosis.
A King Praises Himself: The Letters of Charles the Bald to Pope Hadrian II
Authors: Pecksmith Robert
Published: June 2024

In 871–2 two letters were dispatched in the name of the West Frankish king Charles the Bald to Pope Hadrian II. These letters have long been of interest to historians for their rigorous defence of royal sovereignty in the face of an increasingly intrusive papacy, and their authorship has often been ascribed to Charles’s prolific archbishop, Hincmar of Rheims. This article argues that these letters should be read from a different perspective, prioritising the tone taken by the author of the letters. By exploring the author’s ideas about honourable forms of address and the avoidance of harsh censure, I argue that these letters show the guiding hand of Charles himself, revealing a view of royal power not only as an institution, but also as a status that necessarily had to be approached with deference and praise. Close examination of Charles’s argument suggests that his identification with contemporary panegyrics, above all those by his Irish praise poet Sedulius Scottus, informed his perspective on the dignity of his royal office and led him to respond aversely to papal criticism that threatened to undermine his legitimacy as ruler. Hadrian’s transition from harsh rebuke to sycophancy across his letters suggests that Charles’s diplomatic successes with the papacy were also accompanied by papal recognition of his exalted, quasi-imperial status through laudatory address.
The Short- and Long-Run Impacts of Free Education on Schooling: Direct Effects and Intra-Household Spillovers
Authors: Guo Naijia , Wang Shuangxin , Zhang Junsen
Published: June 2024

This study estimates the direct and spillover effects of a free education programme on educational outcomes in rural China. We find that, although the programme encourages more eligible children to attend secondary school, it also leads to a decrease in high school enrolment among ineligible girls with eligible siblings, as they are more likely to choose work instead. In the long run, males exposed to free education have more years of schooling than their non-exposed counterparts. However, such effect is not found among females. This disparity suggests that a gender-neutral policy may have an asymmetric effect between males and females because of spillover effects through intra-household resource allocation.
Long-distance movement dynamics shape host microbiome richness and turnover
Authors: Pearman William S , Duffy Grant A , Gemmell Neil J , Morales Sergio E , Fraser Ceridwen I
Published: June 2024

Host-associated microbial communities are shaped by host migratory movements. These movements can have contrasting impacts on microbiota, and understanding such patterns can provide insight into the ecological processes that contribute to community diversity. Furthermore, long-distance movements to new environments are anticipated to occur with increasing frequency due to host distribution shifts resulting from climate change. Understanding how hosts transport their microbiota with them could be of importance when examining biological invasions. Although microbial community shifts are well-documented, the underlying mechanisms that lead to the restructuring of these communities remain relatively unexplored. Using literature and ecological simulations, we develop a framework to elucidate the major factors that lead to community change. We group host movements into two types—regular (repeated/cyclical migratory movements, as found in many birds and mammals) and irregular (stochastic/infrequent movements that do not occur on a cyclical basis, as found in many insects and plants). Ecological simulations and prior research suggest that movement type and frequency, alongside environmental exposure (e.g. internal/external microbiota) are key considerations for understanding movement-associated community changes. From our framework, we derive a series of testable hypotheses, and suggest means to test them, to facilitate future research into host movement and microbial community dynamics.
Methane production from the biodegradation of lignite with different sizes by mixed fungi-methanogen microflora
Authors: Gao Longzhen , Feng Xiao , Zhang Yixuan , Guo Hongguang , Mu Xiaogang , Huang Zaixing , Urynowicz Michael
Published: June 2024

Biogenic coalbed methane (CBM) is a developing clean energy source. However, it is unclear how the mechanisms of bio-methane production with different sizes of coal. In this work, pulverized coal (PC) and lump coal (LC) were used for methane production by mixed fungi-methanogen microflora. The lower methane production from LC was observed. The aromatic carbon of coal was degraded slightly by 2.17% in LC, while 11.28% in PC. It is attributed to the proportion of lignin-degrading fungi, especially Penicillium, which was reached 67.57% in PC on the 7th day, higher than that of 11.38% in LC. The results suggested that the limited interaction area in LC led to microorganisms hardly utilize aromatics. It also led the accumulation of aromatic organics in the fermentation broth in PC. Increasing the reaction area of coal and facilitating the conversion of aromatic carbon are suggested means to increase methane production in situ.
SSR marker-based individual identification system to trace illegal logging and geographic origin of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) wood in India
Authors: Balakrishnan Swathi , Unnikrishnan Remya , Ramasamy Yasodha , Dev Suma Arun
Published: June 2024

Illegal tree felling is one of the crucial problems in forestry worldwide. It is essential to develop adequate forensic techniques that can verify the origin of timber sourced at logging concessions. Teak wood—one of the most important timber species in India—is often illegally logged and also imported from other countries without certification. In our study, the best combination of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers identified was utilized for match testing the genetic profiles of seized and evidence woods. A genetic reference database was also developed to assign unknown wood samples to their source populations. Our results found a perfect match between the genetic profiles of seized wood and their respective evidence wood which ascertains the utility of genetic profiles as an efficient forensic tool. Further, efficiency of assignment tools based on different approaches such as distance-based, model-based and machine learning were tested. Mycorrhiza, a machine learning algorithm, was identified as the best assignment tool. However, only broad provenance-level assignment was possible due to the genetic admixture in a few natural teak populations. Mycorrhiza was then used to identify the origin of two plantations in India. The assignment test predicted that both the plantations had similar origin, having sourced seeds from multiple natural populations (through clonal seed orchards and seed production areas) and local populations in different ratio. The SSR markers and assignment tool from this study can be used as an effective forensic tool to curb illegal felling and to verify integrity of timber supply chains in India. Also, provenance-based assignment guarantees usage of these markers in a global scale. However, a collective global effort to develop and deposit a robust reference database in a common repository is a prerequisite to strengthen timber traceability worldwide.
Comparison of accelerated and standard infliximab induction regimens in acute severe ulcerative colitis using propensity score analysis: a retrospective multicenter study in China
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Li Hui , Tian Feng , Xie Ying , Zhang Xiaoqi , Zhi Min , Zhang Min , Song Xiaomei , Guo Hong , Li Xiaofei , Liang Jie , Shen Jun , Li Yue
Published: June 2024

Background

The optimal regimen of infliximab salvage in acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) patients remains controversial. This study aimed to compare accelerated and standard infliximab induction in Chinese ASUC patients, and to explore risk factors and concrete accelerated regimens for them.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected from steroid-refractory ASUC patients receiving infliximab as rescue therapy at seven tertiary centers across China. Outcomes including colectomy and clinical remission (Mayo score ≤ 2 and every subscore ≤ 1 at Day 14) rates were compared between patients receiving accelerated and standard infliximab induction using propensity score adjustment for potential confounders. The dose–response relationship was explored by plotting restricted cubic splines. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for adverse outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis was also performed.

Results

A total of 76 patients were analysed: 29 received standard and 47 received accelerated induction. The accelerated group had a higher 90-day colectomy rate (17.8% vs 0%, P = 0.019) and lower clinical remission rate (27.7% vs 65.5%, P = 0.001). After adjusting for propensity score and institution, there was no significant difference in colectomy or clinical remission rates (both P > 0.05). Dose–effect curves showed decreased colectomy hazard with higher cumulative infliximab dosage within 5 days, with no improvement observed for increasing cumulative infliximab dosage within 28 days. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed C-reactive protein of >10 mg/L at infliximab initiation (odds ratio = 5.00, 95% confidence interval: 1.27–24.34) as an independent risk factor for no clinical remission. Meta-analysis also revealed no significant difference in colectomy rates at 3 months (P = 0.54).

Conclusions

After adjusting for confounders, there were no significant differences in colectomy or clinical remission rates between accelerated and standard infliximab induction among ASUC patients. Early administration of an intensified dosage within 5 days may be beneficial. Elevated C-reactive protein at infliximab initiation indicated need for intensive treatment.
Pseudomonas putida Dynamics of Adaptation under Prolonged Resource Exhaustion
Authors: Gross Jonathan , Katz Sophia , Hershberg Ruth
Published: June 2024

Many nonsporulating bacterial species survive prolonged resource exhaustion, by entering a state termed long-term stationary phase. Here, we performed long-term stationary phase evolutionary experiments on the bacterium Pseudomonas putida, followed by whole-genome sequencing of evolved clones. We show that P. putida is able to persist and adapt genetically under long-term stationary phase. We observed an accumulation of mutations within the evolving P. putida populations. Within each population, independently evolving lineages are established early on and persist throughout the 4-month-long experiment. Mutations accumulate in a highly convergent manner, with similar loci being mutated across independently evolving populations. Across populations, mutators emerge, that due to mutations within mismatch repair genes developed a much higher rate of mutation than other clones with which they coexisted within their respective populations. While these general dynamics of the adaptive process are quite similar to those we previously observed in the model bacterium Escherichia coli, the specific loci that are involved in adaptation only partially overlap between P. putida and E. coli.
Ablation of the dystrophin Dp71f alternative C-terminal variant increases sarcoma tumour cell aggressiveness
Authors: Alnassar Nancy , Hajto Jacek , Rumney Robin M H , Verma Suraj , Borczyk Malgorzata , Saha Chandrika , Kanczler Janos , Butt Arthur M , Occhipinti Annalisa , Pomeroy Joanna , Angione Claudio , Korostynski Michal , Górecki Dariusz C
Published: June 2024

Alterations in Dp71 expression, the most ubiquitous dystrophin isoform, have been associated with patient survival across tumours. Intriguingly, in certain malignancies, Dp71 acts as a tumour suppressor, while manifesting oncogenic properties in others. This diversity could be explained by the expression of two Dp71 splice variants encoding proteins with distinct C-termini, each with specific properties. Expression of these variants has impeded the exploration of their unique roles. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we ablated the Dp71f variant with the alternative C-terminus in a sarcoma cell line not expressing the canonical C-terminal variant, and conducted molecular (RNAseq) and functional characterisation of the knockout cells. Dp71f ablation induced major transcriptomic alterations, particularly affecting the expression of genes involved in calcium signalling and ECM-receptor interaction pathways. The genome-scale metabolic analysis identified significant downregulation of glucose transport via membrane vesicle reaction (GLCter) and downregulated glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway. Functionally, these molecular changes corresponded with, increased calcium responses, cell adhesion, proliferation, survival under serum starvation and chemotherapeutic resistance. Knockout cells showed reduced GLUT1 protein expression, survival without attachment and their migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo were unaltered, despite increased matrix metalloproteinases release. Our findings emphasise the importance of alternative splicing of dystrophin transcripts and underscore the role of the Dp71f variant, which appears to govern distinct cellular processes frequently dysregulated in tumour cells. The loss of this regulatory mechanism promotes sarcoma cell survival and treatment resistance. Thus, Dp71f is a target for future investigations exploring the intricate functions of specific DMD transcripts in physiology and across malignancies.
Hydrodynamic Function of the Slimy and Scaly Surfaces of Teleost Fishes
Authors: Wainwright Dylan K , Lauder George V , Gemmell Bradford J
Published: June 2024

Synopsis

The scales and skin mucus of bony fishes are both proposed to have a role in beneficially modifying the hydrodynamics of water flow over the body surface. However, it has been challenging to provide direct experimental evidence that tests how mucus and fish scales change the boundary layer in part due to the difficulties in working with live animal tissue and difficulty directly imaging the boundary layer. In this manuscript, we use direct imaging and flow tracking within the boundary layer to compare boundary layer dynamics over surfaces of fish skin with mucus, without mucus, and a flat control surface. Our direct measurements of boundary layer flows for these three different conditions are repeated for two different species, bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) and blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus). Our goals are to understand if mucus and scales reduce drag, shed light on mechanisms underlying drag reduction, compare these results between species, and evaluate the relative contributions to hydrodynamic function for both mucus and scales. We use our measurements of boundary layer flow to calculate shear stress (proportional to friction drag), and we find that mucus reduces drag overall by reducing the velocity gradient near the skin surface. Both bluegill and tilapia showed similar patterns of surface velocity reduction. We also note that scales alone do not appear to reduce drag, but that mucus may reduce friction drag up to 50% compared to scaled surfaces without mucus or flat controls.
Risk of cardiovascular events following COVID-19 in people with and without pre-existing chronic respiratory disease
Authors: Whittaker Hannah , Kallis Constantinos , Bolton Thomas , Wood Angela , Walker Samantha , Sheikh Aziz , Brownrigg Alex , Akbari Ashley , Sterniczuk Kamil , Quint Jennifer K ,   CVD-COVID-UK/COVID-IMPACT Consortium
Published: June 2024

Background

COVID-19 is associated with cardiovascular outcomes in the general population, but it is unknown whether people with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) have a higher risk of cardiovascular events post-COVID-19 compared with the general population and, if so, what respiratory-related factors may modify this risk in these people.

Methods

Primary and secondary care data from the National Health Service England were used to define a population of adults in England with COVID-19 (index date) between 1 January 2020 and 30 November 2021. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression was used to quantify the association between CRD, asthma-related factors, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related factors, and risk of cardiovascular events. Asthma-specific factors included baseline asthma control, exacerbations, and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose. COPD-specific risk factors included baseline ICS and exacerbations. Secondary objectives quantified the impact of COVID-19 hospitalisation and vaccine dose on cardiovascular outcomes.

Results

Of 3 670 455 people, those with CRD had a higher risk of cardiovascular events [adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj), 1.08; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.11], heart failure (HRadj, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.12–1.22), angina (HRadj, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06–1.20) and pulmonary emboli (HRadj, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.15–1.33) compared with people without CRD. In people with asthma or COPD, baseline exacerbations were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular outcomes (HRadj, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.27–1.00 and HRadj, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.24–1.46, respectively). Regardless of CRD, the risk of cardiovascular events was lower with increasing COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Conclusions

Higher risk of cardiovascular events post-COVID-19 might be explained by the underlying severity of the CRD, and COVID-19 vaccines were beneficial to both people with and those without CRD with regards to cardiovascualr events.
Association between women's empowerment and fertility preferences in Ghana
Authors: Dadzie Louis Kobina , Yengnone Hilda , Frimpong James Boadu , Agbaglo Ebenezer , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: June 2024

As Ghana has embraced the concept of women’s empowerment as a vital tool for sustainable development, it has become crucial to evaluate the role that women’s empowerment plays in the fertility preferences of married and cohabiting women in the country. The study's objective was to examine the association between women's empowerment, the ideal number of children and women's ability to have their desired number of children. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey. Both Poisson and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. Women who had justification for wife-beating (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.98 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.96 to 0.99]) and those who were autonomous (IRR 0.94 [95% CI 0.93 to 0.95]) had lower rates of having the ideal number of children. Moreover, women who had justification for wife-beating (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.25 [95% CI 1.13 to 1.39]) and those who were involved in decision-making (aOR 1.31 [95% CI 1.19 to 1.44]) had higher odds of having the ability to have the desired number of children. However, autonomous women (aOR 0.78 [95% CI 0.71 to 0.86]) had lower odds of having the ability to have the desired number of children. Significant associations were found between women's empowerment (women's attitude towards justification for wife-beating, autonomy), an ideal number of children and the ability to have the desired number of children. These findings present target areas for policies and interventions aimed at determining Ghanaian women's fertility preferences and empowering them.
Dissemination and Implementation Gaps in Policy Efforts to Prevention and Responses to Female Statutory Rape: A Case Study Analysis of the 2006–2018 Liberian Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Referral Pathway
Authors: Hanson-DeFusco Jessi
Published: June 2024

In recent decades, development policy research has increasingly turned to the field of dissemination and implementation (D&I) science for improving policy adoption and sustainability toward health and gender equity. The Johnson Sirleaf administration prioritized reforming national rape laws and launching the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Referral Pathway to mitigate institutionalized sexual gender-based violence targeting vulnerable girls. Applying a D&I framework, this study explores key D&I issues hindering effective utilization of the Pathway to prevent and respond to female statutory rape. We present the findings from a 2018 mixed-method field study. A total of 35.1 percent of young women experienced unreported early sexual activity legally categorized as statutory rape. Most perpetrators held positions of trust, including 38 percent working in school environments. Additionally, a qualitative analysis of data from a literature synthesis and key informant interviews explores in depth the reasons behind identified D&I issues. Findings indicate that the top-down intervention was hurried in initial phases of exploration and adoption, leading to cracks in later implementation and sustainability. There was insufficient demand among county and community stakeholders to utilize the system. Additionally, governmental capacity was constrained, including dependency on external resourcing, overburdened public services, poor policy dissemination at decentralized levels, low investigation and prosecution rates, and distrust in the value and effectiveness of the formal legal process. This analysis highlights the need for global developmental policy efforts to better explore mechanisms to authentically incorporate bottom-up feedback from street-level bureaucrats and community stakeholders.
Aesthetics in Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Mikkonen Jukka , Raatikainen Kaisa J
Published: June 2024

Biodiversity loss is an immense ecological crisis of our time. But while “biodiversity” has become a buzzword in media and policy, conservationists have found it difficult to build a common understanding on the nature and severity of biodiversity loss and the means to tackle it. Perhaps surprisingly, many biologists and philosophers have proposed that biodiversity might be best defended with reference to its aesthetic value. This article explores whether aesthetic values could provide strong support for biodiversity conservation. By exploring the question from the viewpoints of species diversity, ecosystem diversity, and genetic diversity, we argue that there is a mismatch between apparent and real biodiversity and that aesthetics can, at best, give only limited support for biodiversity conservation.
Gut microbial signatures of patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome and their healthy relatives
Authors: Chen Jie , Lan Haibo , Li Chenmeng , Xie Yongli , Cheng Xianhui , Xia Rongmu , Ke Chunlin , Liang Xuyang
Published: June 2024

Aims

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder, encompassing diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). Here, we utilized 16S rDNA gene sequencing to identify potential microbial drivers of IBS-D.

Methods and Results

A total of 30 healthy relatives and 27 patients with IBS-D were recruited. Clinical data and fecal samples were collected from patients and controls. 16S rDNA gene sequencing was performed to obtain fecal bacterial data. Differences in community composition were evaluated utilizing analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) using Bray–Curtis dissimilarity. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare differences in taxa and functional pathways. Finally, the key gut microbiota was identified using the random forest algorithm. Gut microbiota diversity, estimated through the Observe, Chao1, and abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE) indices, was significantly lower in the IBS-D patients than in the healthy relatives. ANOSIM analysis further confirmed significant differences in the composition of the gut microbiota between IBS-D patients and healthy relatives, with an R value of 0.106 and a P-value of 0.005. Notably, the IBS-D patients exhibited a significant enrichment of specific bacterial genera, including Fusicatenibacter, Streptococcus, and Klebsiella, which may possess potential pathogenic properties. In particular, the bacterial genus Klebsiella demonstrated a positive correlation with irritable bowel syndrome severity scoring system scores. Conversely, healthy subjects showed enrichment of bacterial genera such as Alistipes, Akkermansia, and Dialister, which may be beneficial bacteria in IBS-D. Utilizing the random forest model, we developed a discriminative model for IBS-D based on differential bacterial genera. This model exhibited impressive performance, with an area under the curve value of 0.90. Additionally, our analysis did not reveal any gender-specific differences in the microbiota community composition among IBS-D patients.

Conclusions

Our findings offer preliminary insights into the potential relationship between intestinal microbiota and IBS-D. The identification model for IBS-D, grounded in gut microbiota, holds promising prospects for improving early diagnosis of IBS-D.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the humic acids and chitosan suppressing Alternaria solani growth
Authors: Qiu Cunpu , Bao Ying , Yan Mengyuan , Li Guilong , Liu Kai , Wu Meng , Li Zhongpei
Published: June 2024

Aims

Understanding the inhibitory effects of natural organic substances on soil-borne pathogenic fungi and the relevant molecular mechanisms are highly important for future development of green prevention and control technology against soil-borne diseases. Our study elucidates the inhibitory effect of the combined application of humic acids (HAs) and chitosan on Alternariasolani and the light on the corresponding mechanism.

Methods and Results

The effect on A. solani growth by HAs incorporated with chitosan was investigated by plate culture and the corresponding mechanism was revealed using transcriptomics. The colony growth of A. solani was suppressed with the highest inhibition rate 33.33% when swine manure HAs was compounded with chitosan at a ratio of 1:4. Chitosan changed the colony morphology from round to irregularly. RNA-seq in the HAs and chitosan (HC) treatment revealed 239 differentially expressed genes compared with the control. The unigenes associated with enzymes activities related to growth and biological processes closely related to mycelial growth and metabolism were downregulated. RNA-seq also revealed that chitosan altered the expression of genes related to secondary metabolism, fungal cell wall formation and polysaccharide synthesis, and metabolism. Meanwhile, weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed that, genes expression in the module positively correlated with mycelial growth was significantly reduced in the HC treatment; and the results were verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Conclusions

The co-inhibition effect of HAs and chitosan on A. solani is associated with downregulated genes expression correlated with mycelial growth.
Whole genome sequencing analysis of seven unknown resistance mechanisms of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains resistance to ceftazidime–avibactam
Authors: Chen Yabin , Huang Jianxin , Chen Huidan , Xiao Han , Shen Xiuqing , Chen Qingqing , Zhang Zhishan , Huang Yi , Wu Shaolian , Chen Dongjie
Published: June 2024

Aims

To investigate alternative resistance mechanisms among seven ceftazidime–avibactam (CZA)-resistant carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains lacking common antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) using whole genome sequencing.

Methods and Results

ARG and virulence factors (VFs) were screened using the ARG database CARD and the VF database, respectively, and identified using genomic annotation data with BLAST+. Six strains were ST11 sequence types (STs), and one was ST2123. ST11 strains harbored more ARGs than the ST2123 strains. All seven strains carried multiple ARGs with efflux-mediated antibiotic resistance, including oqxA, oqxB, tet (A), qacEdltal, CRP, H-NS, Kpn-E, F, G, H, acrA, LptD, acrB, acrD, cpxA, mdtB, and mdtC. These efflux-mediated ARGs were identified in most strains and even all strains. Whole genome sequencing revealed that the ST11 strain carried multiple potential prophages, genomic islands, and integrative and conjugative elements, while the ST2123 strain carried an independent potential prophages and a genomic island.

Conclusions

Whole genome sequencing analysis revealed that these seven CZA-resistant CRKP strains lacking common ARGs exhibited efflux-mediated antibiotic resistance-associated ARGs. The main mechanism by which CRKP resists CZA is antibiotic inactivation. Except for tet (A), no ARGs and validation experiments related to efflux were found. This study's results provide a new possibility for the resistance mechanism of CRKP to CZA, and we will verify this conclusion through experiments in the future.
The art of establishing mineral tolerances of dogs and cats
Authors: Fahey George C , Campion Marcie , Collings George F , Donadelli Renan , Lambrakis Leah , Panasevich Matthew R , Peters J C , Templeman James R , Hancock Leslie
Published: June 2024

For over six decades, nutritional science has provided well-developed, peer-reviewed nutrient recommendations to support the health of dogs and cats. These guidelines are updated based on new scientifically valid research and appropriate peer-review. Recent regulatory and scientific positions around health issues have resulted in strong opinions and desires for rapid regulatory action surrounding mineral nutrition, but with limited and conflicting scientific evidence.

Pet Food Institute nutrition experts have come together to jointly author an article on the complexities of establishing mineral tolerances of dogs and cats to illustrate the limitations in defining mineral tolerances. This discussion covers how mineral requirements were determined, including the opportunities and pitfalls encountered. Scientific councils must review and clarify any proposed changes in conducting mineral nutrition research that might impact complete and balanced foods and surrounding regulations. It is important to clarify the multiple issues in mineral nutrition research and the necessity for thorough evaluation of data while avoiding arbitrary and potentially harmful guidelines.
Difficulties associated with the interpretation of postmortem toxicology
Authors: Stephenson Lilli , Van Den Heuvel Corinna , Scott Timothy , Byard Roger W
Published: June 2024

While postmortem (PM) toxicology results provide valuable information towards ascertaining both the cause and manner of death in coronial cases, there are also significant difficulties associated with the interpretation of PM drug levels. Such difficulties are influenced by several pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors including PM redistribution, diffusion, site-to-site variability in drug levels, different drug properties and metabolism, bacterial activity, genetic polymorphisms, tolerance, resuscitation efforts, underlying conditions, and the toxicity profile of cases (i.e. single- or mixed-drug toxicity). A large body of research has been dedicated for better understanding and even quantifying the influence of these factors on PM drug levels. For example, several investigative matrices have been developed as potential indicators of PM redistribution, but they have limited practical value. Reference tables of clinically relevant therapeutic, toxic, and potentially fatal drug concentrations have also been compiled, but these unfortunately do not provide reliable reference values for PM toxicology. More recent research has focused on developing databases of peripheral PM drug levels for a variety of case-types to increase transferability to real-life cases and improve interpretations. Changes to drug levels after death are inevitable and unavoidable. As such, guidelines and practices will continue to evolve as we further our understanding of such phenomena.
Effects of Different Anesthesia Applications on Mood, Depression, and Anxiety Levels in Burn Patients
Authors: Dumanlı Özcan Ayça Tuba , Akaycan Betül , Can Serdar Süleyman , Karakaya Özlem , Sönmez Emine , Yastı Ahmet Çınar , Kanbak Orhan
Published: June 2024

Adequate and effective pain management and prevention of depression are essential in patients with burns. This study aims to explore the effects of ketamine sedation in patients with burns in terms of mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and suicidality during postoperative follow-up in the intensive care unit. This study targeted subjects aged 18-65 years, in the ASA I-II class, with basic communication skills, no history of diagnosed mental illness, and no history of neuropsychiatric or cognitive disorders or related treatment. The study was conducted on 67 patients. After preoxygenation, anesthesia induction was practiced with 2 mg/kg intravenous (IV) propofol and 1 mcg/kg IV fentanyl in the general anesthesia group. Anesthesia was continued with a mixture of 0.3-0.5 mcg/kg/min remifentanil, 2% sevoflurane, 50% air, and 50% oxygen. In the sedation group, 1 mcg/kg IV fentanyl and 1 mg/kg IV ketamine were administered at induction; anesthesia was maintained by adding 30-50 mg IV propofol if necessary. The Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) have been administered via way of means of a psychiatrist preoperatively and on the primary postoperative day. In intragroup evaluations, MADRS values for the sedation anesthesia group decreased statistically significantly after the anesthesia (11.63 ± 5.49) compared to the preanesthesia period (14.44 ± 7.22) (P < .001). HAM-A scores of both anesthesia groups decreased statistically significantly after anesthesia. No patient was found to have suicidal ideation in all evaluations in which BSSI was used. Patients with burns may have a high potential for depression, anxiety disorders, and suicidal tendencies due to the trauma they have experienced. In these patients, sedation anesthesia with ketamine may reduce negative mood, depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies in the postoperative period.
The ‘Living Instrument’ at the Service of Climate Action: The ECtHR Long-Standing Doctrine Confronted to the Climate Emergency
Authors: Jelić Ivana , Fritz Etienne
Published: June 2024

The evolving landscape of climate change litigation within human rights frameworks presents a complex challenge for courts worldwide. Recent landmark decisions by international court and treaty bodies have expanded the jurisdiction of human rights courts to address climate-related disputes. However, the most recent case law of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) emphasises the delicate balance between recognising the urgency of climate action and upholding the integrity of a regional human rights system. This article explores the ECtHR’s use of the living instrument doctrine in response to climate change-related legal claims. It submits that climate change cases highlight the circumscribed role of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR or the Convention) in dealing with the climate emergency and reveal the tension between addressing climate change impacts and maintaining the functioning of the European human rights system.
Temporal Trends in the Characteristics of USDA Forest Service Chiefs
Authors: Baral Nabin , Cerveny Lee K
Published: June 2024

USDA Forest Service (Forest Service) chiefs have significant influence on the agency and publics they serve, yet little scholarly attention is given to understand their characteristics. Using a quantitative biographical approach, we examine the demographics, education, career length, and leadership tenure of the chiefs and the trend in those characteristics over the century. Of the twenty Forest Service chiefs who served between 1905 and 2022, the vast majority (85%) were white and male with an average age of 52.0 years at appointment. The average career length of chiefs was 30.2 years, including 22.8 years spent with the Forest Service prior to appointment. although chiefs’ age at appointment and career length showed an increasing trend over the century, tenure length displayed a decreasing trend. Average duration of the chiefs’ tenure in office was 5.8 years and it was negatively correlated with career length, age at appointment, and year of appointment. On average, chiefs had 6 years of postsecondary education, with most earning degrees in forestry or biophysical sciences. A retrospective examination of Forest Service chiefs helps us to consider changes in this position over time.

Study Implications: The study compiles quantitative data on multiple attributes (characteristics) of all Forest Service chiefs who have served since 1905 and presents quantitative analyses of trends over time. As such, the study contributes to the compilation of biographical data related to the chiefs, consolidating the information from many sources. The findings suggest that tracking chiefs would help to understand the organizational and cultural change of the agency over time.
Effect of carvedilol on pharmacokinetics of sofosbuvir and its metabolite GS-331007: role of P-glycoprotein
Authors: Fahmy Salma N , Khedr Lobna H , Wahdan Sara A , Menze Esther T , Azab Samar S , El-Demerdash Ebtehal
Published: June 2024

Sofosbuvir (SOF) is a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrate, and carvedilol (CAR) is an inhibitor of P-gp, suggesting that it may affect the oral pharmacokinetics and safety of SOF. The current study investigated the pharmacokinetic interaction of CAR with SOF and its metabolite, GS-331007, and the possible consequent toxicities in rats. To assess the pharmacokinetics of SOF and GS-331007, rats were divided into three groups; all received a single oral dose of SOF preceded with saline (SAL), verapamil (VER) as a standard P-gp inhibitor, or CAR, respectively. The serosal, plasma, and hepatic tissue contents of SOF and GS-331007 were assessed using LC-MS/MS. Renal and hepatic toxicities were assessed using biochemical and histopathological tests. Serosal and plasma concentrations of SOF and GS-331007 were increased in the presence of CAR, suggesting a significant inhibitory effect of CAR on intestinal P-gp. Simultaneously, the pharmacokinetic profile of SOF showed a significant increase in the Cmax, AUC(0-t), AUC (0-∞), t1/2, and a reduction in its apparent oral clearance. While the pharmacokinetic profile of GS-331007 was not significantly affected. However, this notable elevation in drug oral bioavailability was corroborated by a significant alteration in renal functions. Hence, further clinical investigations are recommended to ensure the safety and dosing of CAR/SOF combination.