bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MET receptor activation by stromal cells serves as promising target in melanoma brain metastases
Authors: Redmer Torben , Schumann Elisa , Peters Kristin , Weidemeier Martin E. , Nowak Stephan , Schroeder Henry W.S. , Vidal Anna , Radbruch Helena , Lehmann Annika , Kreuzer-Redmer Susanne , Jürchott Karsten , Radke Josefine
Published: October 2023

The development of brain metastases hallmarks disease progression in 20-40% of melanoma patients and is a serious obstacle to therapy. Understanding the processes involved in the development and maintenance of melanoma brain metastases (MBM) is critical for the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies. Here, we generated transcriptome and methylome profiles of MBM showing high or low abundance of infiltrated Iba1hightumor-associated microglia and macrophages (TAMs). Our survey identified potential prognostic markers of favorable disease course and response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICi) therapy, among themAPBB1IPand the interferon-responsive geneITGB7. In MBM with high ITGB7/APBB1IP levels, the accumulation of TAMs correlated significantly with the immune score. Signature-based deconvolution of MBM via single sample GSEA revealed enrichment of interferon-response and immune signatures and revealed inflammation, stress and MET receptor signaling. MET receptor phosphorylation/activation maybe elicited by inflammatory processes in brain metastatic melanoma cells via stroma cell-released HGF. We observed phospho-METY1234/1235in a subset of MBM and observed marked response of brain metastasis-derived cell lines (BMCs) that lacked druggable BRAF mutations or developed resistance to BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi)in vivoto MET inhibitors PHA-665752 and ARQ197 (tivantinib). In summary, the activation of MET receptor in brain colonizing melanoma cells by stromal cell-released HGF may promote tumor cells self-maintenance and expansion might counteract ICi therapy. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of MET possibly serves as promising strategy to control intracranial progressive disease and improve patient survival.
Photodynamic therapy is a safe and feasible adjunct to percutaneous drainage of deep tissue abscesses: Results of a first in humans Phase 1 clinical trial
Authors: Baran Timothy M. , Bass David A. , Christensen Laurie , Longbine Erica , Favella Maria D. , Foster Thomas H. , Sharma Ashwani K.
Published: October 2023

Background

Standard of care for abscess management includes image-guided percutaneous drainage and antibiotics. However, cure rates vary between patients and there is growing concern for antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which utilizes light-activated dyes to generate cytotoxic reactive species, could complement the standard of care by sterilizing the abscess at time of drainage.

Purpose

The goal of this study was to perform a first in humans Phase 1 clinical study evaluating safety and feasibility of PDT with methylene blue (MB) at the time of percutaneous abscess drainage. This was accomplished through an open-label dose escalation study, with duration of light delivery escalated from 5-30 minutes.

Materials and Methods

We performed MB-PDT in 18 subjects undergoing percutaneous abscess drainage. Following standard of care drainage, 1 mg/mL MB was delivered for 10 minutes. MB was aspirated, and 1% lipid emulsion infused to homogenize light dose at the cavity wall. An optical fiber was advanced to the approximate center of the abscess for 665 nm laser illumination at 20 mW/cm2.

Results

MB-PDT at the time of abscess drainage was safe and feasible in all cases, with no evidence of fat embolism due to lipid emulsion or adverse reaction to MB observed. No study-related adverse or serious adverse events were encountered, and the procedure was well tolerated by all subjects. While the study was not designed or powered to determine efficacy, time to resolution of clinical symptoms was significantly decreased in subjects receiving higher fluences (p=0.028). Additionally, drainage catheter output post-procedure was decreased in subjects receiving higher fluences (ρ=-0.18), although this difference was not significant (p=0.43).

Conclusion

MB-PDT is a safe and feasible adjunct to image-guided percutaneous abscess drainage. Clinical measures indicate a dose-dependent response to PDT, motivating future Phase 2 studies evaluating the efficacy of MB-PDT in this patient population.
First in human measurements of abscess cavity optical properties and methylene blue uptake prior to photodynamic therapy byin vivodiffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Hannan Md Nafiz , Sharma Ashwani K. , Baran Timothy M.
Published: October 2023

Significance

Efficacious photodynamic therapy (PDT) of abscess cavities requires personalized treatment planning. This relies on knowledge of abscess wall optical properties, which we report for the first time in human subjects.

Aim

The objective was to extract optical properties and photosensitizer concentration from spatially-resolved diffuse reflectance measurements of abscess cavities prior to methylene blue (MB) PDT, as part of a Phase 1 clinical trial.

Approach

Diffuse reflectance spectra were collected at the abscess wall of 13 human subjects using a custom fiber-optic probe and optical spectroscopy system, before and after MB administration. A Monte Carlo lookup table was used to extract optical properties.

Results

Pre-MB abscess wall absorption coefficients at 665 nm were 0.15±0.1 cm−1(0.03-0.36 cm−1) and 10.74±15.81 cm−1(0.08-49.3 cm−1) post-MB. Reduced scattering coefficients at 665 nm were 8.45±2.37 cm−1(4.8-13.2 cm−1) and 5.6±2.26 cm−1(1.6-9.9 cm−1) for pre-MB and post-MB, respectively. Oxygen saturations were found to be 58.83±35.78% (5.6-100%) pre-MB and 36.29±25.1% (0.0001-76.4%) post-MB. Determined MB concentrations were 71.83±108.22 µM (0-311 µM).

Conclusions

We observed substantial inter-subject variation in both native wall optical properties and methylene blue uptake. This underscores the importance of making these measurements for patient-specific treatment planning.
ABI3 regulates ABI1 function to control cell length in primary root elongation zone
Authors: Datta Saptarshi , Mandal Drishti , Mitra Sicon , Nag Chaudhuri Ronita
Published: October 2023

Post-embryonic primary root growth is effectively an interplay of several hormone signalling pathways. Here, we show that the ABA-responsive transcription factor ABI3, controls primary root growth through regulation of JA signalling moleculeJAZ1along with ABA responsive factor ABI1. In absence of ABI3, primary root elongation zone is shortened with significantly reduced cell length. Expression analyses and ChIP based assays indicate that ABI3 negatively regulatesJAZ1expression by occupying its upstream regulatory sequence and enriching repressive histone modification mark H3K27 trimethylation, thereby occluding RNAPII occupancy. Previous studies have shown that JAZ1 interacts with ABI1, the protein phosphatase 2C, that works during ABA signalling. Our results indicate that in absence of ABI3, whenJAZ1expression levels are high, ABI1 protein shows increased stability, compared to when JAZ1 is absent, or ABI3 is overexpressed. Consequently, inabi3mutant, due to higher stability of ABI1, reduced phosphorylation of plasma membrane H+ATPase (AHA2) occurs. HPTS staining further indicated that,abi3root cell apoplasts show reduced protonation, compared to wild type and ABI3 overexpressing seedlings. Such impeded proton extrusion, negatively affects cell length in primary root elongation zone. ABI3 therefore controls cell elongation in primary root by affecting ABI1-dependent protonation of root cell apoplasts. In summary, ABI3 controls expression of JAZ1 and in turn modulates function of ABI1 to regulate cell length in the elongation zone during primary root growth.
Trifunctional sphinganine: a new tool to dissect sphingolipid function
Authors: Farley Scotland , Stein Frank , Haberkant Per , Tafesse Fikadu G. , Schultz Carsten
Published: October 2023

Functions of the sphingolipids sphingosine and sphinganine in cells are not well established. While some signaling roles for sphingosine have been elucidated, the closely related sphinganine has been described only insofar as it does not elicit many of the same signaling responses. The underlying mechanisms behind the cell biological differences between these lipids are not well understood. Here, we prepared multifunctionalized derivatives of the two lipid species that only differ in a single double bond of the carbon backbone. Using these novel probes, we were able to define their spatiotemporal distribution within cells. Furthermore, we used these tools to systematically map the protein interactomes of both lipids. The lipid-protein conjugates, prepared through photo-crosslinking in live cells and extraction via click chemistry to azide beads, revealed significant differences in the captured proteins, highlighting their distinct roles in various cellular processes. This work elucidates mechanistic differences between these critical lipids and sets the foundation for further studies on the functions of sphingosine and sphinganine.
A Fluorescence-Based, T5 Exonuclease-Amplified DNA Cleavage Assay for Discovering Bacterial DNA Gyrase Poisons
Authors: Dias Matthew , Chapagain Trisha , Leng Fenfei
Published: October 2023

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are potent antibiotics of clinical significance, known for their unique mechanism of action as gyrase poisons, which stabilize gyrase-DNA cleavage complexes and convert gyrase into a DNA-damaging machinery. Unfortunately, FQ resistance has emerged, and these antibiotics can cause severe side effects. Therefore, discovering novel gyrase poisons with different chemical scaffolds is essential. The challenge lies in efficiently identifying them from compound libraries containing thousands or millions of drug-like compounds, as high-throughput screening (HTS) assays are currently unavailable. Here we report a novel fluorescence-based, T5 exonuclease-amplified DNA cleavage assay for gyrase poison discovery. This assay capitalizes on recent findings showing that multiple gyrase molecules can simultaneously bind to a plasmid DNA molecule, forming multiple gyrase-DNA cleavage complexes on the same plasmid. These gyrase-DNA cleavage complexes, stabilized by a gyrase poison, can be captured using sarkosyl. Proteinase K digestion results in producing small DNA fragments. T5 exonuclease, selectively digesting linear and nicked DNA, can fully digest the fragmented linear DNA molecules and, thus, “amplify” the decrease in fluorescence signal of the DNA cleavage products after SYBR Green staining. This fluorescence-based, T5 exonuclease-amplified DNA cleavage HTS assay is validated using a 50-compound library, making it suitable for screening large compound libraries.
X-Ray Structure and enzymatic study of a Bacterial NADPH oxidase highlight the activation mechanism of eukaryotic NOX
Authors: Petit-Härtlein Isabelle , Vermot Annelise , Thépaut Michel , Humm Anne Sophie , Dupeux Florine , Dupuy Jérôme , Chaptal Vincent , Marquez José A. , Smith Susan M.E. , Fieschi Franck
Published: October 2023

NADPH oxidases (NOX) are transmembrane proteins that professionally produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are distributed widely in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Eukaryotes use the ROS products for innate immune defense and signaling; the seven human isoforms of NOX participate in critical physiological and pathophysiological processes. Recently solved structures of two human NOX isoforms provide much new information, but do not fully elucidate controls on the electron transfer pathway from NAD(P)H substrate through FAD and heme cofactors to the final ROS product. SpNOX, a bacterial NOX homolog fromStreptococcus pneumoniae, shows robust constitutive activity in detergent solution, making it a good prototype for exploring electron transfer in the NOX family. Here we present crystal structures of wildtype and mutant full-length and dehydrogenase (DH) domain-only constructs of SpNOX. The isolated DH domain acts as a flavin reductase, and both DH and full-length constructs use either NADPH or NADH as substrate. Our data supports hydride transfer from NAD(P)H to FAD as the rate limiting step in electron transfer. Using the DH domain, we demonstrate the role of F397 in allowing access of nicotinamide to the flavin isoalloxazine, while in the full-length construct, we used mutants and flavin analogs to confirm the contribution of both domains to flavin binding observed in the structure. Comparison with homologous enzymes suggests distal heme access may influence the final electron acceptor, while the relative position of DH and TM does not necessarily correlate with activity of a given NOX family member. Based on this comparison, SpNOX appears to be a good model of active NOX2, which allows us to propose an explanation for NOX2’s requirement for activation.
Deep molecular tracking over the 12-yr development of endometrial cancer from hyperplasia in a single patient
Authors: Reid Katherine , Camacho-Vanegas Olga , Pandya Deep , Camacho Sandra Catalina , Qiao Rui Fang , Kalir Tamara , Padron-Rhenals Maria M. , Beddoe Ann-Marie , Dottino Peter , Martignetti John A.
Published: October 2023

Although the progressive histologic steps leading to endometrial cancer (EndoCA), the most common female reproductive tract malignancy, from endometrial hyperplasia are well-established, the molecular changes accompanying this malignant transformation in a single patient have never been described. We had the unique opportunity to investigate the paired histologic and molecular features associated with the 12-yr development of EndoCA in a postmenopausal female who could not undergo hysterectomy and instead underwent progesterone treatment. Using a specially designed 58-gene next-generation sequencing panel, we analyzed a total of 10 sequential biopsy samples collected over this time frame. A total of eight pathogenic/likely pathogenic mutations in seven genes,APC,ARID1A,CTNNB1,CDKN2A,KRAS,PTEN, andTP53, were identified. APTENnonsense mutation p.W111* was present in all samples analyzed except histologically normal endometrium. Apart from thisPTENmutation, the only other recurrent mutation wasKRASG12D, which was present in six biopsy samplings, including histologically normal tissue obtained at the patient's first visit but not detectable in the cancer. ThePTENp.W111* mutant allele fractions were lowest in benign, inactive endometrial glands (0.7%), highest in adenocarcinoma (36.9%), and, notably, were always markedly reduced following progesterone treatment. To our knowledge, this report provides the first molecular characterization of EndoCA development in a single patient. A singlePTENmutation was present throughout the 12 years of cancer development. Importantly, and with potential significance toward medical and nonsurgical management of EndoCA, progesterone treatments were consistently noted to markedly decreasePTENmutant allele fractions to precancerous levels.
A drug–drug cocrystal and a co-amorphous form, prepared from honokiol and ligustrazine, inspired by Chinese patent medicine
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Liu Hui , Chen Zongxin , Meng Jialei , Li Yunfeng , Qi Luyao , Zhang Suiliang , Chen Xiaofeng , Lei Ming
Published: October 2023

A drug–drug cocrystal created with two antithrombotic-active ingredients from herbs, honokiol (HON) and ligustrazine (TMP, 1:1), was synthesized and characterized. The structure of HON–TMP (1:1) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Then co-amorphous HON–TMP was prepared by honey-assisted grinding, which was inspired by a grinding process for a Chinese patent medicine-Shijunzi honey pill. This co-amorphous drug–drug cocrystal (20% honey) exhibits improved solubility over HON and a significantly reduced sublimation tendency than TMP.
Consumers' views on egg quality and preferences for responsible production – results from nine European countries
Authors: Harju Charlotta , Lähtinen Katja , Heinola Katriina , Väre Minna , Bonnefous Claire , Collin Anne , Cozma Vasile , Kliphuis Saskia , Parrott Patricia Ann , Rodenburg T. Bas , Spinu Marina , Niemi Jarkko
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide information on how citizens in nine countries across Europe perceive egg product quality and the importance of a product's sustainability attributes (animal welfare, country of origin and production method) in egg purchases.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered in 2021 via an online survey in nine European countries (Finland, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania and Denmark). A total of 3,601 responses were collected. As methods of analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), independent samples t-test, paired samples t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted when investigating the quality dimensions of egg products and the differences amongst the sociodemographic groups.

Findings

Citizens in European countries considered animal welfare aspects, production method and country of origin important when purchasing egg products. Citizens' perceived quality of egg products was related to two dimensions (i.e. product properties and responsible production), and there were differences in perceptions by sociodemographic groups (i.e. age, gender, education and country of residence). Responsible production was most valued by younger women with higher education. Also in the Netherlands and Romania, citizens had stronger preferences for product properties compared to responsible production, whilst in Germany, responsible production was appreciated more than product properties.

Originality/value

The study provides new information on citizens' perceived egg product quality and the role of a product's sustainability attributes in egg purchases. Furthermore, the results bring novel insights on the differences in perceptions amongst citizens living in nine European countries.
Islamic crypto assets and regulatory framework: evidence from Indonesia and global approaches
Authors: Wiwoho Jamal , Trinugroho Irwan , Kharisma Dona Budi , Suwadi Pujiyono
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to formulate a governance and regulatory framework for Islamic crypto assets (ICAs). A balanced regulatory framework is required to protect consumers and to encourage digital Islamic finance innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on Indonesia and compares it to other countries, specifically Malaysia and the UK, using statutory, comparative and conceptual research approaches.

Findings

The ICAs are permissible (halal) commodities/assets to be traded if they fulfil the standards as goods or commodities that can be traded with a sale and purchase contract (sil’ah) and have an underlying asset (backed by tangible assets such as gold). Islamic social finance activities such as zakat and Islamic microfinance activities such as halal industry are backed by ICAs. The regulatory framework needed to support ICAs includes the Islamic Financial Services Act, shariah supervisory boards, shariah governance standards and ICA exchanges.

Research limitations/implications

This study only examined crypto assets (tokens as securities) and not cryptocurrencies. It used regulations in several countries with potential in Islamic finance development, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and the UK.

Practical implications

The ICA regulatory framework is helpful as an element of a comprehensive strategy to develop a lasting Islamic social finance ecosystem.

Social implications

The development of crypto assets must be supported by a regulatory framework to protect consumers and encourage innovation in Islamic digital finance.

Originality/value

ICA has growth prospects; however, weak regulatory support and minimal oversight indicate weak legal protection for consumers and investors. Regulating ICA, optimising supervision, implementing shariah governance standards and having ICA exchanges can strengthen the Islamic economic ecosystem.
Social media investors' sentiment as stock market performance predictor
Authors: Ben Cheikh Sana , Amiri Hanen , Loukil Nadia
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of social media investor sentiment on the stock market performance through qualitative and quantitative proxies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a sample of daily stock performance related to S&P 500 Index for the period from December 18, 2017, to December 18, 2018. The social media investor sentiment was assessed through qualitative and quantitative proxies. For qualitative proxies, the study relies on three social media resources”: Twitter, Trump Twitter account and StockTwits. The authors proposed 3 methods to reflect investor sentiment. For quantitative proxies, the number of daily messages published from Trump Twitter account and StockTwits is considered as a signal of investor sentiment. For regression model, the study adopts the autoregressive distributed lagged to determine the relationships between the nonstationary series.

Findings:

Empirical findings provide evidence that quantitative measures of investor sentiment have significant effects on S&P’500 performances. The authors find that Trump's tweets should be interpreted with caution. The results also show that the number of Trump's tweets on t−1 day have a positive effect on performance on day t.

Practical implications

Social media sentiment contains information for predicting stock returns and transaction activity. Since, the arrival of new information in capital markets triggers investor sentiment on social media.

Originality/value

This study investigates the investors’ sentiment through social media and explores quantitative and qualitative measures. The amount of information on social media reflects more the investor sentiment than content analysis measures.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2022-0818
Lights and shadows in the operationalization of sustainability through the 2030 Agenda in Spanish universities
Authors: Diaz-Sarachaga Jose Manuel , Longo Sarachaga Joana
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how sustainability was operationalized in the Spanish universities through plans and actions that contribute actively to the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search and content analysis served to examine information available on websites belonging to the 76 universities listed in the Conference of Rectors of the Spanish Universities (CRUE).

Findings

The participation of Spanish universities on initiatives focused on sustainability is very limited, highlighting the negligible role of private institutions in which topics like sustainability and the 2030 Agenda/SDGs were scarcely addressed.

Originality/value

The study outlines the actual extent of the inclusion of sustainability in particular co-curricular actions toward the SDGs in the CRUE. The findings enable to define a long-term sustainability road map for the Spanish university system.
Government-public relationships in the context of mega sport events: conceptualisation and scale development
Authors: Kim Sungkyung , Manoli Argyro Elisavet , Pyun Do Young , Kenyon James Andrew
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Enthusiasm for hosting mega sport events has been dampened mainly due to the opposition of local communities. Although the use of public relations that aims for two-way communication to build mutual understanding and the long-term relationship could be an effective tool in diminishing the opposition, little research exists that interprets the social concern with public relations theoretical lens. In this light, the primary purpose of the present study was to conceptualise government-public relationships in the context of mega sport events and to develop a valid and psychometrically sound scale to measure the relationship quality between two entities.

Design/methodology/approach

An initial pool of 23 potential government-public relationship items was drawn through item generation processes, including research synthesis and content validity. Then, this study collected 254 respondents via online surveys and split the total sample into two sets for exploratory factor analysis and (n = 127) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 127).

Findings

As a result, the scale of the government-public relationships consists of 17 items representing three dimensions: control mutuality, trust and satisfaction.

Originality/value

The developed government-public relationship scale furnishes event marketers and researchers with a solid framework and a measurement tool for empirical examinations. The current research reveals that the dimensionality, reliability and validity of the three latent government-public relationships dimensions are satisfactory while failing to meet the general consensus that commitment is an important dimension of the existing organisation-public relationships scale.
Does the Directive of the European Union on disclosure of non-financial and diversity information improve reporting?
Authors: Traxler Albert Anton , Greiling Dorothea , Freinbichler Margit , Mayerhofer Petra
Published: October 2023

Purpose

While in the past companies have voluntarily disclosed information beyond the financial bottom line, there is now a trend toward mandatory reporting in many countries. With the adoption of Directive 2014/95/EU, the European Union has taken a decisive step in this direction. However, research on the effects of these obligations is still at an early stage, particularly regarding Directive 2014/95/EU. Therefore, this paper aims to pursue the question of whether the directive has led to an improvement in reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed the reporting of the EURO STOXX 50 companies before and after the directive entered into force. To evaluate the improvement, the authors assigned the individual Global Reporting Initiative indicators to the different information requirements of the directive.

Findings

Overall, the authors’ study revealed an improvement in reporting. However, this does not apply to all information categories. A significant improvement can be seen regarding the information on policies and due diligence, principal risk and non-financial key performance indicators. Institutional theory suggests that the observed improvements among these reporting-experienced companies can be understood as the result of coercive pressure triggered by the directive’s requirements.

Originality/value

The authors’ study contributes to the debate on the impact of non-financial reporting obligations by providing empirical insights into the effects of Directive 2014/95/EU. These insights can inform political and managerial decision-making, particularly in view of increasing reporting obligations.
Overcoming barriers of employee ownership in France, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US
Authors: Mygind Niels
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give an updated overview over the development of employee-ownership in Italy, France, Spain including Mondragon, the UK and the US with relatively many employee-owned firms. How have the barriers for employee-ownership been overcome in these countries?

Design/methodology/approach

The overview is based on updated descriptions of the development of employee-ownership included in this special issue. The analysis follows the structure of overcoming five barriers: the organization problem; the problem of entry and exit of employee-owners; the startup and takeover problem; the capital- and the risk problem.

Findings

Italy, France and Spain have overcome the barriers by specific legislation for worker cooperatives, this includes rules for entry and exit of employee members. Cooperative support organizations play an important role for monitoring and managing the startup problem and for access to capital. The Mondragon model includes individual ownership elements and a group structure of cooperatives. The EOT and ESOP models are well suited for employee takeovers, financing are eased by tax advantages and they are all-employee schemes. While the EOT has no individual risks, the ESOP model has the possibility for capital gains for employees but also the risk of losing these gains.

Originality/value

Comprehensive and updated overview of the development in employee-ownership in the five countries to identify successful formats of employee-ownership for implementation in countries with few employee-owned firms.
Fire‐regime variability and ecosystem resilience over four millennia in a Rocky Mountain subalpine watershed
Authors: Clark‐Wolf Kyra D. , Higuera Philip E. , McLauchlan Kendra K. , Shuman Bryan N. , Parish Meredith C.
Published: October 2023

Wildfires strongly influence forest ecosystem processes, including carbon and nutrient cycling, and vegetation dynamics. As fire activity increases under changing climate conditions, the ecological and biogeochemical resilience of many forest ecosystems remains unknown.

To investigate the resilience of forest ecosystems to changing climate and wildfire activity over decades to millennia, we developed a 4800‐year high‐resolution lake‐sediment record from Silver Lake, Montana, USA (47.360° N, 115.566° W). Charcoal particles, pollen grains, element concentrations and stable isotopes of C and N serve as proxies of past changes in fire, vegetation and ecosystem processes such as nitrogen cycling and soil erosion, within a small subalpine forest watershed. A published lake‐level history from Silver Lake provides a local record of palaeohydrology.

A trend towards increased effective moisture over the late Holocene coincided with a distinct shift in the pollen assemblage c. 1900 yr BP, resulting from increased subalpine conifer abundance. Fire activity, inferred from peaks in macroscopic charcoal, decreased significantly after 1900 yr BP, from one fire event every 126 yr (83–184 yr, 95% CI) from 4800 to 1900 yr BP, to one event every 223 yr (175–280 yr) from 1900 yr BP to present.

Across the record, individual fire events were followed by two distinct decadal‐scale biogeochemical responses, reflecting differences in ecosystem impacts of fires on watershed processes. These distinct biogeochemical responses were interpreted as reflecting fire severity, highlighting (i) erosion, likely from large or high‐severity fires, and (ii) nutrient transfers and enhanced within‐lake productivity, likely from lower severity or patchier fires. Biogeochemical and vegetation proxies returned to pre‐fire values within decades regardless of the nature of fire effects.

Synthesis. Palaeorecords of fire and ecosystem responses provide a novel view revealing past variability in fire effects, analogous to spatial variability in fire severity observed within contemporary wildfires. Overall, the palaeorecord highlights ecosystem resilience to fire across long‐term variability in climate and fire activity. Higher fire frequencies in past millennia relative to the 20th and 21st century suggest that northern Rocky Mountain subalpine ecosystems could remain resilient to future increases in fire activity, provided continued ecosystem recovery within decades.
Organizational and community resilience for COVID‐19 and beyond: Leveraging a system for health and social services integration
Authors: Fleming Mark D. , Safaeinili Nadia , Knox Margae , Brewster Amanda L.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To examine how a preexisting initiative to align health care, public health, and social services influenced COVID‐19 pandemic response.

Data Sources and Study Setting

In‐depth interviews with administrators and frontline staff in health care, public health, and social services in Contra Costa County, California from October, 2020, to May, 2021.

Study Design

Qualitative, semi‐structured interviews examined how COVID‐19 response used resources developed for system alignment prior to the pandemic.

Data Collection

We interviewed 31 informants including 14 managers in public health, health care, or social services and 17 social needs case managers who coordinated services across these sectors on behalf of patients. An inductive‐deductive qualitative coding approach was used to systematically identify recurrent themes.

Principal Findings

We identified four distinct components of the county's system alignment capabilities that supported COVID‐19 response, including (1) an organizational culture of adaptability fostered through earlier system alignment efforts, which included the ability and willingness to rapidly implement new organizational processes, (2) trusting relationships among organizations based on prior, positive experiences of cross‐sector collaboration, (3) capacity to monitor population health of historically marginalized community members, including information infrastructures, data analytics, and population monitoring and outreach, and (4) frontline staff with flexible skills to support health and social care who had built relationships with the highest risk community members.

Conclusions

Prior investments in aligning systems provided unanticipated benefits for organizational and community resilience during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our results illustrate a pathway for investment in system alignment efforts that build capacity within organizations and relationships between organizations to enhance resilience to crisis. Our findings suggest the usefulness of an integrated concept of organizational and community resilience that understands the resilience of systems of care as a vital resource for community resilience during crisis.
A case study on variations in network structure and cross‐sector alignment in two local systems serving pregnant and parenting women in recovery
Authors: Creel Liza M. , Feygin Yana B. , Shipley Madeline , Davis Deborah W. , Cole Hall Tiffany , Downs Chaly , Hoskins Stephanie , Pasquenza Natalie , Duncan Scott D.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To describe network structure and alignment across organizations in healthcare, public health, and social services sectors that serve pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorder (SUD) in an urban and a rural community.

Data Sources and Study Settings

Two community networks, one urban and one rural with each including a residential substance use treatment program, in Kentucky during 2021.

Study Design

Social network analysis measured system collaboration and cross‐sector alignment between healthcare, public health, and social services organizations, applying the Framework for Aligning Sectors. To understand the alignment and structure of each network, we measured network density overall and between sectors, network centralization, and each organization's degree centrality and effective size.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Computer‐assisted telephone interviews were conducted to document alignment around shared purpose, data, financing, and governance.

Principal Findings

On average, overall and cross‐sector network densities in both communities were similar. However, alignment was highest for data sharing and financing in the urban community and for shared purpose and governance in the rural community. Cross‐sector partnerships involving healthcare organizations were more prevalent in the rural county (44% vs. 38% for healthcare/public health, 44% vs. 29% for healthcare/social services), but more prevalent for those involving public health/social services organizations in the urban county (42% vs. 24%). A single healthcare organization had the highest degree centrality (Mdn [IQR] = 26 [26–9.5]) and effective size (Mdn [IQR] = 15.9 [20.6–8.7]) within the rural county. Social services organizations held more central positions in the urban county (degree centrality Mdn [IQR] = 13 [14.8–9.5]; effective size Mdn [IQR] = 10.4 [11.4–7.9]).

Conclusions

Cross‐sector alignment may strengthen local capacity for comprehensive SUD care for pregnant and parenting women. Healthcare organizations are key players in cross‐sector partnerships in the rural community, where one healthcare facility holds the central brokerage role. In contrast, public health agencies are key to cross‐sector collaboration with social services in the urban community.
Risk assessment, fitness cost, cross‐resistance, and mechanism of tetraniliprole resistance in the rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis
Authors: Sun Hao , Wang Shuai , Liu Chong , Hu Wen‐Kai , Liu Jin‐Wei , Zheng Ling‐Jun , Gao Meng‐Yue , Guo Fang‐Rui , Qiao Song‐Tao , Liu Jun‐Li , Sun Bo , Gao Cong‐Fen , Wu Shun‐Fan
Published: October 2023

The rice stem borer (RSB), Chilo suppressalis, a notorious rice pest in China, has evolved a high resistance level to commonly used insecticides. Tetraniliprole, a new anthranilic diamide insecticide, effectively controls multiple pests, including RSB. However, the potential resistance risk of RSB to tetraniliprole is still unknown. In this study, the tetraniliprole‐selection (Tet‐R) strain was obtained through 10 continuous generations of selection with tetraniliprole 30% lethal concentration (LC30). The realized heritability (h2) of the Tet‐R strain was 0.387, indicating that resistance of RSB to tetraniliprole developed rapidly under the continuous selection of tetraniliprole. The Tet‐R strain had a high fitness cost (relative fitness = 0.53). We established the susceptibility baseline of RSB to tetraniliprole (lethal concentration at LC50 = 0.727 mg/L) and investigated the resistance level of 6 field populations to tetraniliprole. All tested strains that had resistance to chlorantraniliprole exhibited moderate‐ to high‐level resistance to tetraniliprole (resistance ratio = 27.7−806.8). Detection of ryanodine receptor (RyR) mutations showed that the Y4667C, Y4667D, I4758M, and Y4891F mutations were present in tested RSB field populations. RyR mutations were responsible for the cross‐resistance between tetraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole. Further, the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR‐associated protein 9‐mediated genome‐modified flies were used to study the contribution of RyR mutations to tetraniliprole resistance. The order of contribution of a single RyR mutation to tetraniliprole resistance was Y4667D > G4915E > Y4667C ≈ I4758M > Y4891F. In addition, the I4758M and Y4667C double mutations conferred higher tetraniliprole resistance than single Y4667C mutations. These results can guide resistance management practices for diamides in RSB and other arthropods.
Accuracy assessment of post‐processing kinematic georeferencing based on uncrewed aerial vehicle‐based structures from motion multi‐view stereo photogrammetry
Authors: Hayamizu Masato , Nakata Yasutaka
Published: October 2023

We verified a method of acquiring digital surface models of steep, forested, small watershed topography, where real‐time kinematic processing is difficult because of the presence of interfering objects. Our approach involved using an uncrewed aerial vehicle with a built‐in global navigation satellite system, which reduces time and labour costs. We tested the applicability of structure‐from‐motion multi‐view stereo processing, and post‐processing motion corrections of positional coordinate data were also tested. Nine verification points were established in a small 0.5 km2 watershed, with check dams established in the headwaters of the forested area. The position accuracy and overall working time of verification points extracted by the method were compared with the position accuracy and work time obtained by a field survey using a conventional total station. The results show that the vertical error between the total station and each verification point at an altitude of 150 m ranged from 0.006 to 0.181 m. The working time of the survey was 13% of that of the total station survey. The proposed workflow shows that safe and non‐destructive topographic surveying, including fluvial geomorphological mapping, is possible with a vertical error of ±0.103 m in small watersheds. This method will be useful for rapid topographic surveying in inaccessible areas during disasters, namely, debris flow monitoring at check dam sites and efficient topographic mapping of steep valleys in forested areas where positioning ground control points is laborious. It should also be of widespread interest to geographers working with spatial challenges related to land management.
Digital preconception interventions targeting weight, diet and physical activity: A systematic review
Authors: O'Connor Hannah , Willcox Jane C. , de Jersey Susan , Wright Charlotte , Wilkinson Shelley A.
Published: October 2023

Aim

Optimising preconception health increases the likelihood of conception, positively influences short‐ and long‐term pregnancy outcomes and reduces intergenerational chronic disease risk. Our aim was to synthesise study characteristics and maternal outcomes of digital or blended (combining face to face and digital modalities) interventions in the preconception period.

Methods

We searched six databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, CINHAL and PsycINFO) from 1990 to November 2022 according to the PRISMA guidelines for randomised control trials, quasi‐experimental trials, observation studies with historical control group. Studies were included if they targeted women of childbearing age, older than 18 years, who were not currently pregnant and were between pregnancies or/and actively trying to conceive. Interventions had to be delivered digitally or via digital health in combination with face‐to‐face delivery and aimed to improve modifiable behaviours, including dietary intake, physical activity, weight and supplementation. Studies that included women diagnosed with type 1 or 2 diabetes were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics quality criteria checklist. Study characteristics, intervention characteristics and outcome data were extracted.

Results

Ten studies (total participants n=4,461) were included, consisting of nine randomised control trials and one pre–post cohort study. Seven studies received a low risk of bias and two received a neutral risk of bias. Four were digitally delivered and six were delivered using blended modalities. A wide range of digital delivery modalities were employed, with the most common being email and text messaging. Other digital delivery methods included web‐based educational materials, social media, phone applications, online forums and online conversational agents. Studies with longer engagement that utilised blended delivery showed greater weight loss.

Conclusion

More effective interventions appear to combine both traditional and digital delivery methods. More research is needed to adequately test effective delivery modalities across a diverse range of digital delivery methods, as high heterogeneity was observed across the small number of included studies.
Washed microbiota transplantation reduces glycemic variability in unstable diabetes
Authors: Li Yangyang , Liu Qing , Zhang Lingyu , Zou Jing , He Rongbo , Zhou Ying , Qian Chen , Zhu Yuxiao , Chen Rourou , Zhang Ying , Cai Pengpeng , Wang Miao , Shao Wei , Ji Minjun , Wu Hao , Zhang Faming , Liu Zejian , Liu Yu
Published: October 2023

Background

Dysbiosis of gut microbiota is causally linked to impaired host glucose metabolism. We aimed to study effects of the new method of fecal microbiota transplantation, washed microbiota transplantation (WMT), on reducing glycemic variability (GV) in unstable diabetes.

Methods

Fourteen eligible patients received three allogenic WMTs and were followed up at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Primary outcomes were daily insulin dose, glucose excursions during meal tests, and GV indices calculated from continuous monitoring or self‐monitoring glucose values. Secondary outcomes were multiomics data, including 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomics, and metabolomics to explore underlying mechanisms.

Results

Daily insulin dose and glucose excursions markedly dropped, whereas GV indices significantly improved up to 1 month. WMT increased gut microbial alpha diversity, beta diversity, and network complexity. Taxonomic changes featured lower abundance of genera Bacteroides and Escherichia‐Shigella, and higher abundance of genus Prevotella. Metagenomics functional annotations revealed enrichment of distinct microbial metabolic pathways, including methane biosynthesis, citrate cycle, amino acid degradation, and butyrate production. Derived metabolites correlated significantly with improved GV indices. WMT did not change circulating inflammatory cytokines, enteroendocrine hormones, or C‐peptide.

Conclusions

WMT showed strong ameliorating effect on GV, raising the possibility of targeting gut microbiota as an effective regimen to reduce GV in diabetes.
Opioid‐related overdose deaths among people experiencing homelessness, 2017 to 2021: A population‐based analysis using coroner and health administrative data from Ontario, Canada
Authors: Booth Richard G. , Shariff Salimah Z. , Carter Brooke , Hwang Stephen W. , Orkin Aaron M. , Forchuk Cheryl , Gomes Tara
Published: October 2023

Aims

To measure the change in proportion of opioid‐related overdose deaths attributed to people experiencing homelessness and to compare the opioid‐related fatalities between individuals experiencing homelessness and not experiencing homelessness at time of death.

Design, setting and participants

Population‐based, time‐trend analysis using coroner and health administrative databases from Ontario, Canada from 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2021.

Measurements

Quarterly proportion of opioid‐related overdose deaths attributed to people experiencing homelessness. We also obtained socio‐demographic and health characteristics of decedents, health‐care encounters preceding death, substances directly contributing to death and circumstances surrounding deaths.

Findings

A total of 6644 individuals (median age = 40 years, interquartile range = 31–51; 74.1% male) experienced an accidental opioid‐related overdose death, among whom 884 (13.3%) were identified as experiencing homelessness at the time of death. The quarterly proportion of opioid‐related overdose deaths attributed to people experiencing homelessness increased from 7.2% (26/359) in July–September 2017 to 16.8% (97/578) by April–June 2021 (trend test P < 0.01). Compared with housed decedents, those experiencing homelessness were younger (61.3 versus 53.1% aged 25–44), had higher prevalence of mental health or substance use disorders (77.1 versus 67.1%) and more often visited hospitals (32.1 versus 24.5%) and emergency departments (82.6 versus 68.5%) in the year prior to death. Fentanyl and its analogues more often directly contributed to death among people experiencing homelessness (94.0 versus 81.4%), as did stimulants (67.4 versus 51.6%); in contrast, methadone was less often present (7.8 versus 12.4%). Individuals experiencing homelessness were more often in the presence of a bystander during the acute toxicity event that led to death (55.8 versus 49.7%); and where another individual was present, more often had a resuscitation attempted (61.7 versus 55.1%) or naloxone administered (41.2 versus 28.9%).

Conclusions

People experiencing homelessness account for an increasing proportion of fatal opioid‐related overdoses in Ontario, Canada, reaching nearly one in six such deaths in 2021.