bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Biofouling on the Sorption of Organic Contaminants by Microplastics
Authors: Bhagat Kartik , Doussiemo Dimitri Ruud Brelon , Mushro Noelle , Rajwade Kimya , Kumar Abhishek , Apul Onur , Perreault François
Published: June 2024

Microplastics in the aquatic environment are susceptible to colonization by surrounding microorganisms, which form biofilms over the microplastic's surface. These biofilm-laden microplastics can then interact with a diverse array of contaminants. In the present study, biofilms were grown on microplastics in a laboratory setting using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a model biofilm-forming bacterium for periods of 5 to 15 days. The sorption of three organic compounds representing different levels of hydrophobicity, namely methylene blue (MB), phenanthrol, and phenanthrene, was used to evaluate the effect of biofilm biomass on the adsorption of organic contaminants to microplastics. The sorption of MB and phenanthrol was found to increase with biofouling time, indicating affinity between these contaminants and the biofilm biomass on the particle. However, the presence of a biofilm did not influence the sorption of phenanthrene on the microplastics. These results suggest that the hydrophobicity of organic contaminants plays a major role in how biofouling of microplastics will influence contaminant sorption by microplastics. For some contaminants, biofilm can enhance the role of microplastics as contaminant vectors. These findings emphasize the need to understand the biomass load on environmental microplastics and the contaminants that associate with it for an accurate representation of the risk associated with microplastics in the environment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1973–1981. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Far from Their Origins: A Transcriptomic Investigation on How 2,4-Di-tert-butyl-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl) Phenol Affects Rainbow Trout Alevins
Authors: Eriksson Andreas N. M. , Dubiel Justin , Alcaraz Alper James , Doering Jon A. , Wiseman Steve
Published: June 2024

Benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) are a group of widely used chemicals added to a variety of consumer (e.g., plastics) and industrial (e.g., metal coating) goods. Although detected globally as an environmentally persistent pollutant, BUVSs have received relatively little toxicological attention and only recently have been acknowledged to affect development and the endocrine system in vivo. In our previous study, altered behavior, indicative of potential neurotoxicity, was observed among rainbow trout alevins (day 14 posthatching) that were microinjected as embryos with a single environmentally relevant dose of 2,4-di-tert-butyl–6-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl) phenol (UV-327). In the present follow-up study, we performed whole-transcriptome profiling (RNA sequencing) of newly hatched alevins from the same batch. The primary aim was to identify biomarkers related to behavior and neurology. Dose-specifically, 1 to 176 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. In the group presenting altered behavior (273.4 ng g−1), 176 DEGs were identified, yet only a fraction was related to neurological functions, including water, calcium, and potassium homeostasis; acetylcholine transmission and signaling; as well insulin and energy metabolism. The second objective was to estimate the transcriptomic point of departure (tPOD) and assess if point estimate(s) are protective of altered behavior. A tPOD was established at 35 to 94 ng UV-327 g−1 egg, making this tPOD protective of behavioral alterations. Holistically, these transcriptomic alterations provide a foundation for future research on how BUVSs can influence rainbow trout alevin development, while providing support to the hypothesis that UV-327 can influence neurogenesis and subsequent behavioral endpoints. The exact structural and functional changes caused by embryonic exposure to UV-327 remain enigmatic and will require extensive investigation before being deciphered and understood toxicologically. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2026–2038. © 2024 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Environmental fate of monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA)—Part 1: Conceptual model
Authors: Eldan Michal , Masue-Slowey Yoko
Published: June 2024

Monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA), the sodium salt of monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), is used as a selective, broad-spectrum contact herbicide to control weeds in cotton and a variety of turf. In water, MSMA dissociates into ions of sodium (Na+) and of MMA−, which is the herbicide's active component. Certain soil microorganisms can methylate MMA to dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) other microorganisms can demethylate MMA to inorganic arsenic (iAs). To predict the groundwater concentration of iAs that may result from MSMA application, the processes affecting the environmental behavior of MSMA must be quantified and modeled. There is an extensive body of literature regarding the environmental behavior of MSMA. There is a consensus among scientists that the fate of MMA in soil is controlled by microbial activity and sorption to solid surfaces and that iAs sorption is even more extensive than that of MMA. The sorption and transformation of MMA and its metabolites are affected by several factors including aeration condition, temperature, pH, and the availability of nutrients. The precise nature and extent of each of these processes vary depending on site-specific conditions; however, such variability is constrained in typical MSMA use areas that are highly managed. Monomethylarsonic acid is strongly sorbed on mineral surfaces and becomes sequestered into the soil matrix. Over time, a greater portion of MMA and iAs becomes immobile and unavailable to soil microorganisms and to leaching. This review synthesizes the results of studies that are relevant for the behavior of MSMA used as a herbicide to reliably predict the fate of MSMA in its use conditions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1859–1875. © 2024 The Author(s). Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Key Points

The environmental fate of monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA) used as a herbicide should be evaluated based on studies conducted with experimental conditions and setup that are relevant to MSMA use. The environmental fate of MSMA in soil is controlled by sorption and sequestration to soil minerals and by microbial activity. The rate and extent of sorption and sequestration of MSMA vary depending on site-specific conditions; however, such variability is constrained in typical MSMA use areas. With time, the majority of MSMA and its metabolites become immobile and unavailable to soil microorganisms and transport in the environment.
A Deep Learning Method Enables Quantitative and Automatic Measurement of Rat Liver Histology in NAFLD
Authors: Fu Yuqiu , Zang Deyue , Lin Baiyou , He Qiming , Xie Yujie , Zhang Baoliang , Liu Yao , Jin Yi , He Yonghong , Guan Tian
Published: June 2024

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent liver disorder affecting approximately 25.2% of the global population, posing risks of liver fibrosis, cancer, and metabolic disturbances. Despite its increasing prevalence, many facets of NAFLD's pathogenesis remain elusive, and there are currently no approved therapeutic drugs, underscoring the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of its pathophysiology to enable early diagnosis and intervention. Experimental animal studies play a pivotal role in elucidating the mechanisms underlying NAFLD and in the exploration of novel pharmacotherapies. Despite the widespread integration of deep learning techniques in human histopathology, their application to scrutinize histological features in animal models warrants exploration. This study presents a pioneering NAFLD assessment system leveraging IFNet and ResNet34 architectures. This automated system adeptly identifies inflammatory cell foci and hepatic steatosis in histopathology sections of rat livers. Remarkably, our approach achieved an impressive 95.6% accuracy in the assessment of hepatic steatosis and 77.7% in the evaluation of inflammation cell foci. By introducing a novel histopathology scoring system, our methodology mitigated subjective variations inherent in traditional pathologist evaluations, concurrently streamlining time and labor costs. This system ensured a standardized and precise assessment of rat liver histology in NAFLD and represented a significant stride toward enhancing the efficiency and objectivity of experimental outcomes.
Queerying the Queensland senior English prescribed text list
Authors: McGraw Kelli , van Leent Lisa
Published: June 2024

This paper presents an analysis of the prescribed text list for senior school English (including English as an Additional Language or Dialect, EAL/D) in Queensland, Australia. Queer understandings about the normalization of cisgender and heterosexuality provide a framework to analyze prescribed texts for adolescent learners. Hetero‐cisgender norms are perpetuated through overrepresentation in endorsed texts. Representations of queer subjectivities or themes in the most highly promoted texts, those appearing on the examination list, are infrequent and minor. Reflexive justice thinking acknowledges the critique of merely identifying “who is missing” in the literature and extends the discussion to consider the complexities of the social, cultural, and political contexts that influence who gets to decide.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Pharmacokinetics of Nicardipine Following Intrathecal Administration in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients
Authors: Sadan Ofer , Jeong Yoo‐Seong , Cohen‐Sadan Shany , Sathialingam Eashani , Buckley Erin M. , Kandiah Prem A. , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Asbury William , Jusko William J , Samuels Owen B.
Published: June 2024

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a devastating type of stroke, leading to high mortality and morbidity rates. Cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) are common complications following SAH that contribute significantly to the poor outcomes observed in these patients. Intrathecal (IT) nicardipine delivered via an existing external ventricular drain is an off‐label intervention that has been shown to be correlated with reduced DCI and improved patient outcomes. The current study aims to characterize the population pharmacokinetic (popPK) properties of intermittent IT nicardipine. Following informed consent, serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were obtained from 16 SAH patients (50.4 ± 9.3 years old; 13 females) treated with IT nicardipine every 6 h (q6h, n = 8) or every 8 h (q8h, n = 8) for an average of 72 ± 21 doses. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify CSF concentration from each sample. Our popPK analysis showed that the CSF pharmacokinetics of IT nicardipine in the cohort was adequately described by a two‐compartment model with a lag time. Model parameter estimates were reliable (relative standard error <50%). Intracranial pressure influenced both the total clearance and the central volume of nicardipine (i.e., negative correlation, P <−.001). Calculated PK parameters were similar between q6h and q8h dosing regimens. Despite a small cohort of SAH patients, we successfully developed a popPK model to describe the nicardipine disposition kinetics in the CSF following IT administration. These findings may help inform future clinical trials designed to examine the optimal dosing of IT nicardipine.
CircNUP98 promotes the malignant behavior of glioma cells through the miR‐520f‐3p/ELK4 axis
Authors: Nie Liangqin , Jiang Tianyu
Published: June 2024

Glioma, a formidable form of brain cancer, poses significant challenges in terms of treatment and prognosis. Circular RNA nucleoporin 98 (circNUP98) has emerged as a potential regulator in various cancers, yet its role in glioma remains unclear. Here, we elucidate the functional role of circNUP98 in glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, shedding light on its therapeutic implications. Glioma cells were subjected to si‐NUP98 transfection, followed by assessments of cell viability, proliferation, invasion, and migration. Subcellular localization of circNUP98 was determined, and its downstream targets were identified. We delineated the binding relationships between circNUP98 and microRNA (miR)‐520f‐3p, as well as between miR‐520f‐3p and ETS transcription factor ELK4 (ELK4). The expression levels of circNUP98/miR‐520f‐3p/ELK4 were quantified. Our findings demonstrated that circNUP98 was upregulated in glioma cells, and its inhibition significantly attenuated glioma cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mechanistically, circNUP98 functioned as a sponge for miR‐520f‐3p, thereby relieving the inhibitory effect of miR‐520f‐3p on ELK4. Moreover, inhibition of miR‐520f‐3p or overexpression of ELK4 partially rescued the suppressive effect of circNUP98 knockdown on glioma cell behaviors. In summary, our study unveils that circNUP98 promotes glioma cell progression via the miR‐520f‐3p/ELK4 axis, offering novel insights into the therapeutic targeting of circNUP98 in glioma treatment.
Bridging the buzz: In vivo EPR imaging unlocking the secrets of honey bee health
Authors: Nakarada Đura , Glavinić Uroš , Ristanić Marko , Popović Milan , Stevanović Jevrosima , Stanimirović Zoran , Mojović Miloš
Published: June 2024

Honey bees play a pivotal role in shaping ecosystems and sustaining human health as both pollinators and producers of health‐promoting products. However, honey bee colony mortality is on the rise globally, driven by various factors, including parasites, pesticides, habitat loss, poor nutrition, and climate change. This has far‐reaching consequences for the environment, economy, and human welfare. While efforts to address these issues are underway, the current progress in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) instrumentation affords using the immense potential of this magnetic resonance technique to study small samples such as honey bees. This paper presents the pioneering 2D in vivo EPR imaging experiment on a honey bee, revealing the ongoing redox‐status of bees’ intestines. This way, by monitoring the spatio‐temporal changes of the redox‐active spin‐probes’ EPR signal, it is possible to gain access to valuable information on the course of ongoing bees’ pathologies and the prospect of following‐up on the efficiency of applied therapies. Employing a selection of diverse spin‐probes could further reveal pH levels and oxygen concentrations in bee tissues, allowing a noninvasive assessment of bee physiology. This approach offers promising strategies for safeguarding pollinators and understanding their biology, fostering their well‐being and ecological harmony.
Endoscopic characteristics and performance of WASP classification in the diagnosis of colorectal sessile‐serrated lesions in Vietnamese patients
Authors: Vu Nhu Thi Hanh , Le Huy Minh , Vo Diem Thi‐Ngoc , Le Nhan Quang , Ho Dung Dang Quy , Quach Duc Trong
Published: June 2024

Background/Aims

Sessile‐serrated lesions (SSLs) are challenging to detect due to their typically subtle appearance. The Workgroup serrAted polypS and Polyposis (WASP) classification was developed to diagnose SSLs endoscopically. This study aimed to evaluate the endoscopic characteristics of SSLs and the performance of the WASP classification in the Vietnamese population.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was carried out on patients with lower gastrointestinal symptoms who underwent colonoscopy at a Vietnamese tertiary hospital. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify endoscopic features associated with SSLs. The performance of the WASP classification for diagnosing SSLs was assessed, and SSLs were diagnosed according to the 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria.

Results

There were 2489 patients, with a mean age of 52.1 ± 13.1 years and a female‐to‐male ratio of 1:1.1. A total of 121 specimens from 105 patients were diagnosed with SSLs. According to multivariate analysis, the endoscopic features significantly associated with SSLs were proximal location (odds ratio [OR]: 2.351; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.475–3.746), size >5 mm (OR: 2.447; 95% CI: 1.551–3.862), flat morphology (OR: 2.781; 95% CI: 1.533–5.044), irregular shape (OR: 4.516; 95% CI: 2.173–9.388), varicose microvascular vessels (OR: 5.030; 95% CI: 2.657–9.522), and dark spots inside the crypts (OR: 5.955; 95% CI: 3.291–10.776). The accuracy of the WASP classification for diagnosing SSLs was 94.0% (95% CI: 92.8%–95.0%).

Conclusion

Proximal location, size >5 mm, flat morphology, irregular shape, varicose microvascular vessels, and dark spots inside the crypts were significantly associated with SSLs. The WASP classification had high accuracy in the diagnosis of SSLs.
Extramedullary chronic phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) involving the central nervous system: A case report
Authors: Deshpande Akshay , Osman Dina , Murthy Vidhya , Hussein Hayder
Published: June 2024

Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) has been classically described as a disease restricted to the bone marrow with very few reports of extramedullary involvement. CNS involvement with CML has been described in the literature as an aggressive disease in the leukaemic phase either preceding or coexisting with medullary blast crisis or seen in patients with long‐term Imatinib therapy. No treatment consensus exists for this patient group and outcomes remain poor. We hereby present a very rare report of CNS involvement with chronic phase CML at diagnosis in a patient who presented with raised intracranial pressure and cranial nerve palsies.
Tobacco smoking, smoking cessation and life expectancy among people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in South Africa: a simulation modelling study
Authors: Thielking Acadia M. , Fitzmaurice Kieran P. , Sewpaul Ronel , Chrysanthopoulou Stavroula A. , Dike Lotanna , Levy Douglas E. , Rigotti Nancy A. , Siedner Mark J. , Wood Robin , Paltiel A. David , Freedberg Kenneth A. , Hyle Emily P. , Reddy Krishna P.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

As access to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved globally, tobacco‐related illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic respiratory conditions, account for a growing proportion of deaths among people with HIV (PWH). We estimated the impact of tobacco smoking and smoking cessation on life expectancy among PWH in South Africa.

Methods

In a microsimulation model, we simulated 18 cohorts of PWH with virologic suppression, each homogenous by sex, initial age (35y/45y/55y) and smoking status (current/former/never). Input parameters were from data sources published between 2008 and 2022. We used South African data to estimate age‐stratified mortality hazard ratios: 1.2−2.3 (females)/1.1−1.9 (males) for people with current versus never smoking status; and 1.0−1.3 (females)/1.0−1.5 (males) for people with former versus never smoking status, depending on age at cessation. We assumed smoking status remains unchanged during the simulation; people who formerly smoked quit at model start. Simulated PWH face a monthly probability of disengagement from care and virologic non‐suppression. In sensitivity analysis, we varied smoking‐associated and HIV‐associated mortality risks. Additionally, we estimated the total life‐years gained if a proportion of all virologically suppressed PWH stopped smoking.

Results

Forty‐five‐year‐old females/males with HIV with virologic suppression who smoke lose 5.3/3.7 life‐years compared to PWH who never smoke. Smoking cessation at age 45y adds 3.4/2.4 life‐years. Simulated PWH who continue smoking lose more life‐years from smoking than from HIV (females, 5.3 vs. 3.0 life‐years; males, 3.7 vs. 2.6 life‐years). The impact of smoking and smoking cessation increase as smoking‐associated mortality risks increase and HIV‐associated mortality risks, including disengagement from care, decrease. Model results are most sensitive to the smoking‐associated mortality hazard ratio; varying this parameter results in 1.0−5.1 life‐years gained from cessation at age 45y. If 10−25% of virologically suppressed PWH aged 30−59y in South Africa stopped smoking now, 190,000−460,000 life‐years would be gained.

Conclusions

Among virologically suppressed PWH in South Africa, tobacco smoking decreases life expectancy more than HIV. Integrating tobacco cessation interventions into HIV care, as endorsed by the World Health Organization, could substantially improve life expectancy.
Optimizing Inspire Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulator Settings in Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Marcus Kathryn S. , Larrow Danielle R. , Gipson Kevin S. , Hartnick Christopher J.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) is an effective therapy for carefully selected pediatric patients with Down syndrome (DS) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but optimization of device settings has been focused on stimulation settings. The potential benefits of sensing lead setting optimization have not been investigated. We describe a series of three cases of HGNS in children with DS where optimization of both the stimulation lead and sensing lead settings, as well as utilization of drug‐induced sleep endoscopy (DISE), when indicated, was more effective than stimulation lead optimization alone.

Methods

Using our novel titration algorithm, among the three identified pediatric patients with DS in whom HGNS initially failed to reduce the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), two patients in whom sleep studies were characterized as hypopnea‐dominant were assigned to advanced titration (optimization of stimulation settings and sensing lead settings). The third patient, with an obstructive apnea‐dominant sleep study, was referred for interrogated DISE. Advanced titration included adjustment of both stimulation settings and sensing lead settings.

Results

Application of the advanced titration algorithm, tailored to obstructive apnea‐ versus hypopnea‐dominant sleep patterns, resulted in approximately 50% or greater reduction in AHI in all three patients. “Normal to mild OSA” AHI (AHI <5) was achieved in two patients.

Conclusions

A novel diagnostic and therapeutic titration algorithm for the Inspire HGNS system significantly reduced AHI in three pediatric patients with DS and OSA who had failed to respond to the standard device titration that focused solely on stimulation settings.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:5164–5169, 2024
Bilateral Otic Manifestation of Pseudogout: A Unique Case Report of Conductive Hearing Loss
Authors: Svejdova Anna , Homolac Michal , Krtickova Jana , Laco Jan , Mejzlik Jan , Dedkova Jana , Drsata Jakub , Skoloudik Lukas , Bradna Petr , Chrobok Viktor
Published: June 2024

Pseudogout is characterized by the deposition of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals (CPPD), primarily affecting large joints. Extra‐articular manifestations, particularly in the head and neck region, are exceedingly rare. We report a unique case of bilateral isolated pseudogout of the middle ear manifesting with progressive conductive hearing loss as the first and only symptom of pseudogout. Otoscopy and CT scan often yield a differential diagnosis that includes tumors or cholesteatoma, necessitating surgery with histopathological examination. The definitive diagnosis is confirmed upon identification of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. In most cases, removal of the crystals results in resolution of conductive hearing loss. Laryngoscope, 134:5131–5134, 2024
Soil microbial community dynamics in response to Tamarix ramosissima afforestation in desert lands: Metagenomic insights
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Cong Mengfei , Zhao Guangxing , Song Jiaoyang , Du Yi , Zhang Yulin , Dong Xinping , Tariq Akash , Wang Weiqi , Zeng Fanjiang
Published: June 2024

Understanding the influence of afforestation on soil microorganisms, the major drivers of soil processes, is essential for maintaining soil health and sustainability. However, in a desert‐oasis ecotone, variations in the microbial community along shrub afforestation years remain unclear. We conducted a metagenomic analysis to study the temporal changes in microbial community structure in 0–100 cm soil following 3‐, 7‐, and 10‐year afforestation of Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb. on the southern edge of the Taklimakan Desert. Compared to the unreclaimed desert land, in 3‐year or 7‐year stands, soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium (AK) contents significantly increased on average by 60%, 852%, 72%, and 299%, respectively. Soil archaeal and bacterial community composition were significantly affected by afforestation; their α‐diversity increased on average by 5.9% and 11.1%, respectively, after afforestation, showing a unimodal pattern along afforestation years. In contrast, fungal α‐diversity and community composition did not show significant variation over the afforestation period. The influence of AK outweighed that of SOC and other nutrients on soil microbial community composition. These findings suggest that T. ramosissima afforestation in the desert‐oasis ecotone has significant impacts on the community composition and α‐diversity of archaea and bacteria, but not fungi, by modifying soil physicochemical properties. This research provides valuable implications for soil management and microbial processes related to the afforestation of salt‐secreting shrubs.
Quantifying spatial complexity in submerged aquatic vegetation landscapes using remote sensing: Lessons from simulated and real landscapes
Authors: de Grandpré Arthur , Kinnard Christophe , Bertolo Andrea
Published: June 2024

The spatial organization of vegetation has been shown to be a strong indicator of ecological state in multiple ecosystems. In this study, we analyze the relationships between spatial complexity metrics in submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) landscapes, and we explore the potential of satellite remote sensing to quantify these metrics in submerged environments. To do so, we estimated an array of complexity metrics over both simulated and real SAV landscapes of contrasted spatial organization. All these landscapes were artificially manipulated to (i) simulate remote sensing noise associated with the low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of aquatic environments and environmental noise generated by wind and waves, and (ii) reduce their spatial resolution from very high (2 m) to medium (30 m). Among these treatments, spatial resolution and low SNR (represented by sensor noise) had the strongest impacts on the perceived spatial complexity of the landscapes, while the impact of environmental noise was highly dependent on resolution. Although single metrics were deemed insufficient to characterize the spatial complexity of a landscape, a combination of informational complexity metrics such as the clumpy index, mean information gain, landscape shape index, and edge density provided a robust explanation of variation in the real and simulated datasets. These findings suggest that remote sensing has a strong potential for the ecological monitoring of SAV by contributing to establishing the link between SAV spatial structure and ecological status.
Strong marine heatwaves trigger flowering in seagrass
Authors: García‐Escudero Catalina A. , Litsi‐Mizan Victoria , Efthymiadis Pavlos T. , Gerakaris Vasilis , Serrano Oscar , Apostolaki Eugenia T.
Published: June 2024

In recent decades, the global intensification of marine heatwaves has impacted several ecosystems and species, including the endemic Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica. However, the scarcity of research in Eastern Mediterranean meadows, where historical and present thermal conditions differ from those of the Western Mediterranean, hampers our ability to draw comprehensive conclusions regarding the species' response to elevated sea temperatures. Here, we studied flowering patterns of P. oceanica meadows (3–15 m depth) of the Greek seas and assessed their potential association with marine heatwaves, while also examining the effects on plant growth associated with the transition from vegetative to sexual reproduction. To do so, we reconstructed flowering patterns from 2007 to 2021 across 58 meadows using lepidochronology and estimated summer marine heatwave metrics and categories using satellite sea surface temperature. The results revealed that flowering, while sporadic in most meadows (mean flowering frequency: 0.15), it was triggered by strong (Category II) summer marine heatwaves and a cumulative intensity exceeding 30°C days. Nevertheless, flowering density was low (mean flowering density: 11 inflorescences m−2) and not fuelled by frequency, intensity, or duration of marine heatwaves. Despite the potential long‐term benefits of sexual reproduction, annual rhizome production of flowering shoots decreased 1.5‐fold for at least 2 yr postflowering. This study uncovers the susceptibility of Eastern Mediterranean P. oceanica meadows, akin to their western counterparts, to marine heatwaves induced stress and its effects on reproductive strategies, raising concerns about the prospective plant growth and reproductive fitness to the escalating trend in marine heatwaves.
Spectrophotometrically derived seawater CO2‐system assessments: Parameter calculations using pH do not require measurements at standard temperatures
Authors: Schockman Katelyn M. , Byrne Robert H. , Carter Brendan R. , Feely Richard A.
Published: June 2024

The temperature range of Earth's open‐ocean waters is roughly 0–30°C, yet our understanding of the seawater carbon dioxide (CO2) system is largely derived from analyses conducted within a narrow temperature range (e.g., laboratory temperature of 20°C or 25°C). Herein, we address two aspects of open‐ocean CO2‐system measurements and modeling: (1) a highly precise spectrophotometric technique is used to determine bicarbonate dissociation constants (K2) in seawater at temperatures as low as 3°C and (2) a cruise dataset uniquely including total scale pH measurements at two temperatures is used for CO2‐system internal consistency comparisons at 12°C and 25°C. Our pK2 parameterization (where pK = −log K) is applicable for broad ranges of salinity (20 ≤ SP ≤ 40) and temperature (3°C ≤ t ≤ 35°C). Our CO2‐system internal consistency evaluation (comparison of measured and calculated CO2‐system parameters) utilized data obtained during NOAA's 2021 West Coast Ocean Acidification Cruise: total alkalinity (TA), total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), pH measured at 25°C, and pH measured at 12°C (n = 265). Results demonstrate that, relative to calculations utilizing the TA, DIC pair, agreement between measured and calculated parameters is improved when either TA or DIC is paired with pH measurements at either temperature. Calculations of CO2 fugacity (fCO2) and aragonite saturation state (Ωar) using pH measurements made at 25°C or 12°C (paired with either TA or DIC) are statistically indistinguishable. Results also suggest that the temperature dependence of current CO2‐system dissociation constants need further refinement.
Piperazinium Poly(Ionic Liquid)s as Solid Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Gallastegui Antonela , Lingua Gabriele , Lopez‐Larrea Naroa , Carfora Raffaele , Pasini Dario , Mantione Daniele , Mecerreyes David
Published: June 2024

Poly(ionic liquid)s combine the unique properties of ionic liquids (ILs) within ionic polymers holding significant promise for energy storage applications. It is reported here the synthesis and characterization of a new family of poly(ionic liquid)s synthesized from cationic piperazinium ionic liquid monomers. The cationic poly(acrylamide piperazinium) in combination with sulfonamide anions like bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (TFSI) and bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide (FSI) are characterized as solid polymer electrolytes. The polymer electrolytes in combination with pyrrolidonium ILs and LiFSI show high ionic conductivity, 5×10−3 S cm−1 at 100 °C. Piperazinium polymer electrolytes show excellent compatibility with lithium metal reversible plating and stripping at high current density and low temperature 40 °C.
Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for 2021–2022
Authors: Harvey David J.
Published: June 2024

The use of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry for the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates is a well‐established technique and this review is the 12th update of the original article published in 1999 and brings coverage of the literature to the end of 2022. As with previous review, this review also includes a few papers that describe methods appropriate to analysis by MALDI, such as sample preparation, even though the ionization method is not MALDI. The review follows the same format as previous reviews. It is divided into three sections: (1) general aspects such as theory of the MALDI process, matrices, derivatization, MALDI imaging, fragmentation, quantification and the use of computer software for structural identification. (2) Applications to various structural types such as oligo‐ and polysaccharides, glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycosides and biopharmaceuticals, and (3) other general areas such as medicine, industrial processes, natural products and glycan synthesis where MALDI is extensively used. Much of the material relating to applications is presented in tabular form. MALDI is still an ideal technique for carbohydrate analysis, particularly in its ability to produce single ions from each analyte and advancements in the technique and range of applications show little sign of diminishing.
UV radiation‐induced peptides in frog skin confer protection against cutaneous photodamage through suppressing MAPK signaling
Authors: Yang Tingyi , Geng Fenghao , Tang Xiaoyou , Yu Zuxiang , Liu Yulan , Song Bin , Tang Zhihui , Wang Baoning , Ye Bengui , Yu Daojiang , Zhang Shuyu
Published: June 2024

Overexposure to ultraviolet light (UV) has become a major dermatological problem since the intensity of ultraviolet radiation is increasing. As an adaption to outside environments, amphibians gained an excellent peptide‐based defense system in their naked skin from secular evolution. Here, we first determined the adaptation and resistance of the dark‐spotted frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) to constant ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure. Subsequently, peptidomics of frog skin identified a series of novel peptides in response to UVB. These UV‐induced frog skin peptides (UIFSPs) conferred significant protection against UVB‐induced death and senescence in skin cells. Moreover, the protective effects of UIFSPs were boosted by coupling with the transcription trans‐activating (TAT) protein transduction domain. In vivo, TAT‐conjugated UIFSPs mitigated skin photodamage and accelerated wound healing. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that multiple pathways were modulated by TAT‐conjugated UIFSPs, including small GTPase/Ras signaling and MAPK signaling. Importantly, pharmacological activation of MAPK kinases counteracted UIFSP‐induced decrease in cell death after UVB exposure. Taken together, our findings provide evidence for the potential preventive and therapeutic significance of UIFSPs in UV‐induced skin damage by antagonizing MAPK signaling pathways. In addition, these results suggest a practicable alternative in which potential therapeutic agents can be mined from organisms with a fascinating ability to adapt.
Effect of digital finance on inclusive green growth: Evidence from China's urban agglomerations
Authors: Sun Jiasen , Liu Tong , Zhao Ruizeng
Published: June 2024

This study uses a data envelopment analysis model to assess the inclusive green growth (IGG) level for five major urban agglomerations in China from 2013 to 2020. In addition, it analyzes the potential digital finance (DIF) mechanism affecting IGG. Several conclusions are obtained. First, the IGG levels of the five major urban agglomerations in China increase yearly, narrowing their gaps. Second, DIF can significantly promote IGG. Third, heterogeneity exists in the impact of DIF on IGG owing to the differences in city tiers and sizes. Meanwhile, the coverage and digitization level of DIF significantly and positively promote IGG. Fourth, financial supervision intensity and human capital level play a single‐threshold effect in the relationship between DIF and IGG. The contribution of DIF to IGG is further enhanced when financial regulation intensity and human capital level exceed the thresholds 0.0013 and 1.5084, respectively. Lastly, green technology innovation, regional entrepreneurship, and industrial structure upgrading have intermediary roles in the baseline path of DIF impacting IGG.
Finite‐time attractivity analysis for nonautonomous dynamical systems with uncertainty
Authors: Lu Ziqiang , Chen Xin
Published: June 2024

Uncertain dynamical system driven by Liu process is of importance to depict the operation laws of real systems disturbed by human epistemic uncertainty. This paper mainly investigates the finite‐time attractivity of uncertain dynamical systems. New concepts of the finite‐time attractivity are first introduced for uncertain dynamical systems from different perspectives, and the relationships among these types of concepts are revealed based on uncertainty theory. The judgement theorems for ensuring the finite‐time exponential attractivity of two classes of uncertain dynamical systems are proposed, respectively. Several examples are provided to illustrate the main concepts and results derived. Finally, the uncertain mean‐reverting process with time‐varying parameters is considered as an application.
The effects of omega‐3, DHA, EPA, Souvenaid® in Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Calderon Martinez Ernesto , Zachariah Saji Stephin , Salazar Ore Jonathan Victor , Borges‐Sosa Omar A. , Srinivas Samyuktha , Mareddy Naga Sai Rasagna , Manzoor Tanseem , Di Vanna Mariela , Al Shanableh Yasemin , Taneja Rishabh , Arruarana Victor Sebastian
Published: June 2024

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide. Omega‐3 fatty acids (n‐3‐PUFA) are essential to normal neural development and function. Souvenaid®, a medical supplement that contains n‐3‐PUFA's: eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has emerged as an alternative, slowing cognitive decline in AD patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with n‐3‐PUFA, EPA, DHA, and Souvenaid® in AD patients.

Aim

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aim to establish the relationship between n‐3‐PUFA, EPA, DHA, and Souvenaid® with cognitive effects, ventricular volume and adverse events in AD patients.

Methods

A systematic search of randomized control trials (RCT), cohorts, and case–control studies was done in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase for AD adult patients with dietary supplementation with n‐3‐PUFA, EPA, DHA, or Souvenaid® between 2003 and 2024.

Results

We identified 14 studies with 2766 subjects aligned with our criteria. Most publications described positive cognitive outcomes from supplements (58%). The most common adverse events reported were gastrointestinal symptoms. CDR scale showed reduced progression of cognitive decline (SMD = −0.4127, 95% CI: [−0.5926; −0.2327]), without subgroup differences between different dietary supplement interventions. ADCS‐ADL, MMSE, ADAS‐cog, adverse events, and ventricular volume did not demonstrate significant differences. However, Souvenaid® showed a significant negative effect (SMD = −0.3593, 95% CI: −0.5834 to −0.1352) in ventricular volumes.

Conclusions

The CDR scale showed reduced progression of cognitive decline among patients with n‐3‐PUFA supplemental interventions, with no differences between different n‐3‐PUFA supplements.
Major depressive disorder after heart transplantation with partial response to antidepressant therapy and remission with aripiprazole augmentation: A case report
Authors: Nakamura Toshinori , Kuraishi Yuta , Ohya Dai , Kimura Kazuhiro , Sasayama Daimei , Washizuka Shinsuke
Published: June 2024

The incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) after heart transplantation is high; however, there are no reports on treatment options when antidepressant therapy fails to improve the condition. We herein report on the case of a woman with MDD after heart transplantation who partially improved with antidepressant treatment but continued to have a loss of appetite. Augmentation treatment with aripiprazole improved her appetite, and her MDD went into remission. When antidepressant treatment is not sufficiently effective for MDD after heart transplantation, augmentation treatment with antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole, should be considered.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIP12 is required for pancreatic acinar cell plasticity and pancreatic carcinogenesis
Authors: Brunet Manon , Vargas Claire , Fanjul Marjorie , Varry Damien , Hanoun Naïma , Larrieu Dorian , Pieruccioni Laetitia , Labrousse Guillaume , Lulka Hubert , Capilla Florence , Ricard Alban , Selves Janick , Couvelard Anne , Gigoux Véronique , Cordelier Pierre , Guillermet‐Guibert Julie , Dufresne Marlène , Torrisani Jérôme
Published: June 2024

The E3 ubiquitin ligase thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein 12 (TRIP12) has been implicated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) through its role in mediating the degradation of pancreas transcription factor 1a (PTF1a). PTF1a is a transcription factor essential for the acinar differentiation state that is notably diminished during the early steps of pancreatic carcinogenesis. Despite these findings, the direct involvement of TRIP12 in the onset of pancreatic cancer has yet to be established. In this study, we demonstrated that TRIP12 protein was significantly upregulated in human pancreatic preneoplastic lesions. Furthermore, we observed that TRIP12 overexpression varied within PDAC samples and PDAC‐derived cell lines. We further demonstrated that TRIP12 was required for PDAC‐derived cell growth and for the expression of E2F‐targeted genes. Acinar‐to‐ductal cell metaplasia (ADM) is a reversible process that reflects the high plasticity of acinar cells. ADM becomes irreversible in the presence of oncogenic Kras mutations and leads to the formation of preneoplastic lesions. Using two genetically modified mouse models, we showed that a loss of TRIP12 prevented acini from developing ADM in response to pancreatic injury. With two additional mouse models, we further discovered that a depletion of TRIP12 prevented the formation of KrasG12D‐induced preneoplastic lesions and impaired metastasis formation in the presence of mutated KrasG12D and Trp53R172H genes. In summary our study identified an overexpression of TRIP12 from the early stages of pancreatic carcinogenesis and proposed this E3 ubiquitin ligase as a novel regulator of acinar plasticity with an important dual role in initiation and metastatic steps of PDAC. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Application of molecular networking to improve the compound annotation in liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry–based metabolomics analysis: A case study of Bupleuri radix
Authors: Qin Weibo , Wu Yi , Gao Wenyi , Wang Yang
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Compound annotation is always a challenging step in metabolomics studies. The molecular networking strategy has been developed recently to organize the relationship between compounds as a network based on their tandem mass (MS2) spectra similarity, which can be used to improve compound annotation in metabolomics analysis.

Objective

This study used Bupleuri Radix from different geographic areas to evaluate the performance of molecular networking strategy for compound annotation in liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS)–based metabolomics.

Methodology

The Bupleuri Radix extract was analyzed by LC‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight MS under MSe acquisition mode. After raw data preprocessing, the resulting dataset was used for statistical analysis, including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). The chemical makers related to the sample growth place were selected using variable importance in projection (VIP) > 2, fold change (FC) > 2, and p < 0.05. The molecular networking analysis was applied to conduct the compound annotation.

Results

The score plots of PCA showed that the samples were classified into two clusters depending on their growth place. Then, the PLS‐DA model was constructed to explore the chemical changes of the samples further. Sixteen compounds were selected as chemical makers and tentatively annotated by the feature‐based molecular networking (FBMN) analysis.

Conclusion

The results showed that the molecular networking method fully exploits the MS information and is a promising tool for facilitating compound annotation in metabolomics studies. However, the software used for feature extraction influenced the results of library searching and molecular network construction, which need to be taken into account in future studies.
Doses for X‐ray and electron diffraction: New features in RADDOSE‐3D including intensity decay models
Authors: Dickerson Joshua L. , McCubbin Patrick T. N. , Brooks‐Bartlett Jonathan C. , Garman Elspeth F.
Published: June 2024

New features in the dose estimation program RADDOSE‐3D are summarised. They include the facility to enter a diffraction intensity decay model which modifies the “Diffraction Weighted Dose” output from a “Fluence Weighted Dose” to a “Diffraction‐Decay Weighted Dose”, a description of RADDOSE‐ED for use in electron diffraction experiments, where dose is historically quoted in electrons/Å2 rather than in gray (Gy), and finally the development of a RADDOSE‐3D GUI, enabling easy access to all the options available in the program.
Molecular Basis of MC1R Activation: Mutation‐Induced Alterations in Structural Dynamics
Authors: Cavatão Fernando Guimarães , Pinto Éderson Sales Moreira , Krause Mathias J. , Alho Clarice Sampaio , Dorn Marcio
Published: June 2024

The MC1R protein is a receptor found in melanocytes that plays a role in melanin synthesis. Mutations in this protein can impact hair color, skin tone, tanning ability, and increase the risk of skin cancer. The MC1R protein is activated by the alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH). Previous studies have shown that mutations affect the interaction between MC1R and α‐MSH; however, the mechanism behind this process is poorly understood. Our study aims to shed light on this mechanism using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to analyze the Asp84Glu and Asp294His variants. We simulated both the wild‐type (WT) protein and the mutants with and without ligand. Our results reveal that mutations induce unique conformations during state transitions, hindering the switch between active and inactive states and decreasing cellular levels of cAMP. Interestingly, Asp294His showed increased ligand affinity but decreased protein activity, highlighting that tighter binding does not always lead to increased activation. Our study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of MC1R mutations on protein activity.