bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous determination of four fungicide residues in figs using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lan Feng , Wang Xinyu , Wang Xuejing , Ruan Yinwei , Ding Li , Liu Daliang , Zhang Tongliang , Wang Jianping
Published: June 2024

Dissipative behavior and final residue levels of difenoconazole, prochloraz, propiconazole, and pyraclostrobin in figs were investigated using field trials and laboratory assays. A three‐factor, three‐level orthogonal test was designed to optimize the pretreatment conditions of the method. A method was established using high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of difenoconazole, prochloraz, propiconazole, and pyraclostrobin residues in figs. The limit of quantification for all four targets in figs was 0.002 mg/kg. Difenoconazole, prochloraz, propiconazole, and pyraclostrobin are readily digestible pesticides in figs with half‐lives of 6.4, 6.2, 4.8, and 7.9 days, respectively. Residues of difenoconazole, prochloraz, propiconazole, and pyraclostrobin in figs were below the European Union established residue levels of 0.1, 0.03, 0.01, and 0.02 mg/kg, respectively, at day 7 after application. Pyraclostrobin, propiconazole, difenoconazole, and prochloraz were applied twice at doses of 75, 125, 150, and 200 mg a.i./kg at 7‐day intervals, and the residues of the four fungicides in figs were acceptable 7 days after the last application. Therefore, the safety interval can be set at 7 days for 70% difenoconazole‐prochloraz wettable powder and 40% pyraclostrobin‐propiconazole aqueous emulsion according to the protocol.
A new fossil species of the extant genus Vicelva from mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Authors: Li Yan‐Da , Newton Alfred F. , Huang Di‐Ying , Cai Chen‐Yang
Published: June 2024

A new species of the extant staphylinid genus Vicelva Moore & Legner, V. rasilis sp. nov., is reported from mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber of northern Myanmar. Vicelva rasilis is distinguishable from extant members of Vicelva by the smoother dorsal surface of head, pronotum and elytra, less prominent median projection of clypeus, unnotched mesal edge of mandibles, semiglabrous antennomere 6, and longer tarsomere 1. The pollen‐containing coprolite attached to the beetle and the crystals within the beetle body provide valuable information about the biology and taphonomy of the fossil.
3D documentation and classification of incense tree Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng. wounds by photogrammetry and its potential conservation applications
Authors: Wang Ho Lam , Wong Tin Hang , Liu Ka Yip Eric , Tsang Ho Leung Ryan , Lau David Tai Wai
Published: June 2024

In recent years, illegal felling of and damage to the incense tree Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Spreng. have been reported in Hong Kong. Their native populations are under increasingly severe threat. Therefore, the development of a standard and efficient method to classify and document wounds on vulnerable trees is urgently needed for conservation purposes. In this study, photogrammetry was used to document wounds in A. sinensis through 3D modeling. A total of 752 wound records from 484 individual A. sinensis trees from Hong Kong were included to establish a new wound classification system. Our major findings include a novel standardized procedure for photogrammetric documentation and a wound classification system. The results of this study will facilitate A. sinensis conservation, by enhancing wound documentation and information transfer to law enforcement and education.
The devil is in the detail: Environmental variables frequently used for habitat suitability modeling lack information for forest‐dwelling bats in Germany
Authors: Bald Lisa , Gottwald Jannis , Hillen Jessica , Adorf Frank , Zeuss Dirk
Published: June 2024

In response to the pressing challenges of the ongoing biodiversity crisis, the protection of endangered species and their habitats, as well as the monitoring of invasive species are crucial. Habitat suitability modeling (HSM) is often treated as the silver bullet to address these challenges, commonly relying on generic variables sourced from widely available datasets. However, for species with high habitat requirements, or for modeling the suitability of habitats within the geographic range of a species, variables at a coarse level of detail may fall short. Consequently, there is potential value in considering the incorporation of more targeted data, which may extend beyond readily available land cover and climate datasets. In this study, we investigate the impact of incorporating targeted land cover variables (specifically tree species composition) and vertical structure information (derived from LiDAR data) on HSM outcomes for three forest specialist bat species (Barbastella barbastellus, Myotis bechsteinii, and Plecotus auritus) in Rhineland‐Palatinate, Germany, compared to commonly utilized environmental variables, such as generic land‐cover classifications (e.g., Corine Land Cover) and climate variables (e.g., Bioclim). The integration of targeted variables enhanced the performance of habitat suitability models for all three bat species. Furthermore, our results showed a high difference in the distribution maps that resulted from using different levels of detail in environmental variables. This underscores the importance of making the effort to generate the appropriate variables, rather than simply relying on commonly used ones, and the necessity of exercising caution when using habitat models as a tool to inform conservation strategies and spatial planning efforts.
Potential impact of climate change on the distribution of Capricornis milneedwardsii, a vulnerable mammal in China
Authors: Zhao Jiale , Shao Weiwei , Li Yalei , Chen Haozhan , Lin Zhihua , Wei Li
Published: June 2024

Climate change significantly impacted on the survival, development, distribution, and abundance of living organisms. The Chinese serow Capricornis milneedwardsii, known as the “four unlike,” is a Class II nationally protected species in China. In this study, we predicted the geographical suitability of C. milneedwardsii under current and future climatic conditions using MaxEnt. The model simulations resulted in area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values above 0.9 for both current and future climate scenarios, indicating the excellent performance, high accuracy, and credibility of the MaxEnt model. The results also showed that annual precipitation (Bio12), slope, elevation, and mean temperature of wettest quarter (Bio8) were the key environmental variables affecting the distribution of C. milneedwardsii, with contributions of 31.2%, 26.4%, 11%, and 10.3%, respectively. The moderately and highly suitable habitats were mainly located in the moist area of China, with a total area of 34.56 × 104 and 16.61 × 104 km2, respectively. Under future climate change scenarios, the areas of suitability of C. milneedwardsii showed an increasing trend. The geometric center of the total suitable habitats of C. milneedwardsii would show the trend of northwest expansion and southeast contraction. These findings could provide a theoretical reference for the protection of C. milneedwardsii in the future.
A pH responsive nanocomposite for combination sonodynamic‐immunotherapy with ferroptosis and calcium ion overload via SLC7A11/ACSL4/LPCAT3 pathway
Authors: Bai Xue , Kang Jun , Wei Silong , Wang Yun , Liu Yangsui , Yuan Bo , Lu Qian , Li Huansong , Yan Jun , Yang Xi , Chang Jin
Published: June 2024

Sonodynamic therapy offers a non‐invasive approach to induce the death of tumor cells. By harnessing ultrasound waves in tandem with sonosensitizers, this method produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) that inflict oxidative damage upon tumor cells, subsequently causing their demise. Ferroptosis is a regulatory form of cell death that differs from other forms, characterized by iron accumulation, ROS accumulation, and lipid peroxidation. In the presented research, a nanoparticle formulation, parthenolide/ICG‐CaCO3@lipid (PTL/ICG‐CaCO3@Lip), has been engineered to amplify ferroptosis in tumor cells, positioning it as a potent agent for sonodynamic cancer immunotherapy. This nanoparticle significantly augments ROS levels within tumor cells, inducing oxidative stress that leads to cell death. The therapeutic potential of PTL/ICG‐CaCO3@Lip, both in vivo and in vitro, has been convincingly demonstrated. Furthermore, RNA‐seq analysis insights revealed that PTL/ICG‐CaCO3@Lip facilitates tumor cell ferroptosis by regulating P53 to downregulate SLC7A11 protein expression, thereby inhibiting the glutamate‐cystine antiporter system Xc− and stimulating ACSL4/LPCAT3 pathways. This pioneering work uncovers an innovative strategy for combatting tumors, leveraging enhanced oxidative stress to promote cell ferroptosis, and paves the way for groundbreaking cancer immunotherapeutic interventions.
A novel multiple plant‐based milk alternative containing various preprocessed grains achieves better performance in protein digestibility and free amino acid profile via in vitro gastrointestinal digestion analysis
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhang Lu , Wang Mohan , Ma Hongjiang , Liu Shiwei , Wang Meng , Yu Youqiang , Liu Guoyu , Cao Qiuge , Wang Xi , Ma Xishan , Yuan Peng , Liu Jia , Zhang Yongjiu , Duan Shenglin
Published: June 2024

Plant‐based milk alternatives are sustainable, hypoallergenic, and nutrient‐rich, but challenges related to their lower bioavailability compared with animal‐based milk still exist. In this study, we developed a multiple plant‐based milk alternative using germinated soybeans and fermented cereals, and compared the protein digestible behaviors with commercial soy and bovine milk via in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The multiple plant‐based milk alternative possessed a higher level of essential amino acids and amino acid scores than the soy milk and a smaller percentage of low‐molecular‐weight peptides than the bovine milk. It displayed better protein‐digestible responses with no apparent gastric coagulation. Moreover, the relatively larger particles in the multiple plant‐based milk alternative had few effects on protein digestibility, with the highest proteolytic degree and a better free amino acid profile. The findings suggest that the multiple plant‐based milk alternative presents higher protein digestibility behavior, and it could be a promising industrial plant‐based product.
Surface‐based morphometry of the corpus callosum in young children of ages 1–5
Authors: Gajawelli Niharika , Paulli Athelia , Deoni Sean , Paquette Natacha , Darakjian Danielle , Salazar Carlos , Dean Douglas , O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Nelson Marvin D. , Wang Yalin , Lepore Natasha
Published: June 2024

The corpus callosum (CC) is a large white matter fiber bundle in the brain and is involved in various cognitive, sensory, and motor processes. While implicated in various developmental and psychiatric disorders, much is yet to be uncovered about the normal development of this structure, especially in young children. Additionally, while sexual dimorphism has been reported in prior literature, observations have not necessarily been consistent. In this study, we use morphometric measures including surface tensor‐based morphometry (TBM) to investigate local changes in the shape of the CC in children between the ages of 12 and 60 months, in intervals of 12 months. We also analyze sex differences in each of these age groups. We observed larger significant clusters in the earlier ages between 12 v 24 m and between 48 v 60 m and localized differences in the anterior region of the body of the CC. Sex differences were most pronounced in the 12 m group. This study adds to the growing literature of work aiming to understand the developing brain and emphasizes the utility of surface TBM as a useful tool for analyzing regional differences in neuroanatomical morphometry.
Unveiling the axonal connectivity between the precuneus and temporal pole: Structural evidence from the cingulum pathways
Authors: Skandalakis Georgios P. , Linn Wen‐Jieh , Yeh Fang‐Cheng , Kazim Syed Faraz , Komaitis Spyridon , Neromyliotis Eleftherios , Dimopoulos Dimitrios , Drosos Evangelos , Hadjipanayis Constantinos G. , Kongkham Paul N. , Zadeh Gelareh , Stranjalis George , Koutsarnakis Christos , Kogan Michael , Evans Linton T. , Kalyvas Aristotelis
Published: June 2024

Neuroimaging studies have consistently demonstrated concurrent activation of the human precuneus and temporal pole (TP), both during resting‐state conditions and various higher‐order cognitive functions. However, the precise underlying structural connectivity between these brain regions remains uncertain despite significant advancements in neuroscience research. In this study, we investigated the connectivity of the precuneus and TP by employing parcellation‐based fiber micro‐dissections in human brains and fiber tractography techniques in a sample of 1065 human subjects and a sample of 41 rhesus macaques. Our results demonstrate the connectivity between the posterior precuneus area POS2 and the areas 35, 36, and TG of the TP via the fifth subcomponent of the cingulum (CB‐V) also known as parahippocampal cingulum. This finding contributes to our understanding of the connections within the posteromedial cortices, facilitating a more comprehensive integration of anatomy and function in both normal and pathological brain processes.

Practitioner Points

Our investigation delves into the intricate architecture and connectivity patterns of subregions within the precuneus and temporal pole, filling a crucial gap in our knowledge.

We revealed a direct axonal connection between the posterior precuneus (POS2) and specific areas (35, 35, and TG) of the temporal pole.

The direct connections are part of the CB‐V pathway and exhibit a significant association with the cingulum, SRF, forceps major, and ILF.

Population‐based human tractography and rhesus macaque fiber tractography showed consistent results that support micro‐dissection outcomes.
Who's most at risk? A person‐centered approach to understanding the long‐term relationship between early social media use and later depression across adolescence
Authors: Dyer W. Justin , Coyne Sarah M. , Gale Megan , Sheppard J. Andan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Person‐centered analyses examined the relationship between social media use and depression over an 8‐year period. The purpose was to examine the varying ways early social media use was associated with the development of depressive symptoms with a hypothesis that social media would not have a uniform association with depressive symptoms across adolescents.

Methods

Participants included 488 adolescents (52% female), living in the United States, who were surveyed once a year for 8 years (beginning in 2010 when the average age for participants was 13.33 years old).

Results

Longitudinal mixture regression was used to identify classes of adolescents representing unique ways their early social media use was related to the development of depressive symptoms over an 8‐year period. Five classes were found representing unique ways social media use was related to depression. Findings suggest social media use does not impact all adolescents in the same way. Social media use was related to increased depression for adolescents with greater parental hostility, peer bullying, anxiety, reactivity to stressors, and lower parental media monitoring. In other instances, social media use was related to less depression or was unrelated to depression.

Conclusions

By identifying which adolescents may be most at risk from social media use, health providers, schools, and caregivers can tailor interventions to fit the needs of each adolescent.
Family factors related to adolescent screen media use and mental health outcomes: A systematic review and recommendation for practices
Authors: Liu Xiaoxuan , Liu Jianghong , Flores Dalmacio D. , McDonald Catherine C.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Screen media serves an essential role in adolescents' lives, posing growth opportunities and mental health challenges. Family plays a crucial role in mitigating these challenges. This systematic review offers a comprehensive analysis of the family factors related to adolescent screen media use and mental health.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Embase, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines using the following inclusion criteria: English, peer‐reviewed, observational design, and published since 2013; adolescent samples aged 10–17 years; and examining screen media use, family factors, and internalizing problems. The role of family factors as predictors, moderators, and mediators was also examined.

Results

Of the 3587 records, 32 met the inclusion criteria. These studies, primarily cross‐sectional, presented a global perspective of 14 countries. A heterogeneous range of family factors, screen media use, and mental health outcomes were examined, revealing significant associations between elevated screen media use and internalizing problems. Positive family processes and democratic media‐specific parenting mitigate such association. A few studies underscored family socioeconomic status (SES), noting elevated screen media use and mental health risks among adolescents in families of low SES.

Conclusions

Accumulating evidence supports the important role of positive family contexts in fostering balanced screen media use and mental health in adolescents, accentuating the need for professional screening and education to promote positive screen media use among adolescents and families. Further research requires refinement in measurement and methodology to better capture the intricate relationship between family dynamics, screen media use, and adolescent mental health.
Measurement of protein concentration in bacteria and small organelles under a light transmission microscope
Authors: Model M. A. , Guo R. , Fasina K. , Jin R. , Clements R. J. , Leff L. G.
Published: June 2024

Protein concentration (PC) is an essential characteristic of cells and organelles; it determines the extent of macromolecular crowding effects and serves as a sensitive indicator of cellular health. A simple and direct way to quantify PC is provided by brightfield‐based transport‐of‐intensity equation (TIE) imaging combined with volume measurements. However, since TIE is based on geometric optics, its applicability to micrometer‐sized particles is not clear. Here, we show that TIE can be used on particles with sizes comparable to the wavelength. At the same time, we introduce a new ImageJ plugin that allows TIE image processing without resorting to advanced mathematical programs. To convert TIE data to PC, knowledge of particle volumes is essential. The volumes of bacteria or other isolated particles can be measured by displacement of an external absorbing dye (“transmission‐through‐dye” or TTD microscopy), and for spherical intracellular particles, volumes can be estimated from their diameters. We illustrate the use of TIE on Escherichia coli, mammalian nucleoli, and nucleolar fibrillar centers. The method is easy to use and achieves high spatial resolution.
Role of cspA on the Preparation of Escherichia coli Competent Cells by Calcium Chloride Method
Authors: Chen Xiaona , Zhu Ning , Yang Guangrui , Guo Xiaopeng , Sun Shangchen , Leng Feifan , Wang Yonggang
Published: June 2024

One of the fundamental techniques in genetic engineering is the creation of Escherichia coli competent cells using the CaCl2 method. However, little is known about the mechanism of E. coli competence formation. We have previously found that the cspA gene may play an indispensable role in the preparation of E. coli DH5α competent cells through multiomics analysis. In the present study, the cellular localization, physicochemical properties, and function of the protein expressed by the cspA gene were analyzed. To investigate the role of the cspA gene in E. coli transformation, cspA‐deficient mutant was constructed by red homologous recombination. The growth, transformation efficiency, and cell morphology of the cspA‐deficient strain and E. coli were compared. It was found that there were no noticeable differences in growth and morphology between E. coli and the cspA‐deficient strain cultured at 37°C, but the mutant exhibited increased transformation efficiencies compared to E. coli DH5α for plasmids pUC19, pET‐32a, and p1304, with enhancements of 2.23, 2.24, and 3.46 times, respectively. It was proved that cspA gene is an important negative regulatory gene in the CaCl2 preparation of competent cells.
New perspectives on South Atlantic storm track through an automatic method for detecting extratropical cyclones' lifecycle
Authors: Couto de Souza Danilo , da Silva Dias Pedro Leite , Gramcianinov Carolina Barnez , da Silva Matheus Bonjour Laviola , de Camargo Ricardo
Published: June 2024

This study introduces new insights into the climatology of South Atlantic (SAt) cyclones by employing a novel cyclone life cycle detection method, the CycloPhaser. Utilizing the minimum relative vorticity series and its derivative at the cyclone centre, the program effectively identifies distinct phases in the cyclone life cycle. Cyclone tracks are obtained through the analysis of relative vorticity at 850 hPa, using the ERA5 dataset. The study identified six main cyclone life cycle patterns from the analysis of 28,458 systems. The predominant cyclone type, accounting for approximately 60% of the analysed systems, exhibited a four‐phase configuration: incipient, intensification, mature and decay. Detailed statistics for each developmental phase and the overall life cycle are presented, offering valuable comparisons and new insights while corroborating previous research findings. Key genesis regions in the SAt are identified, along with track density maps that reveal distinct preferences in cyclone developmental cycle. The main outcome of this study is the demonstration that the automated classification procedure enables the analysis of cyclones' life cycles to be conducted promptly and with low computing costs, facilitating the comprehensive study of cyclone behaviour with high efficiency.
Impact of decreasing land–sea horizontal pressure gradient on the lightning activity over western India
Authors: Gangane Abhijeet , Priyadarshini Prajna , Pawar Sunil D. , Gopalakrishnan Venkatachalam , Syed Hamid Ali , Dhangar Jayesh
Published: June 2024

With future global warming projections, how lightning activity changes in the warmer world is still a debated and challenging question. During the Indian pre‐monsoon season (March–May), land surface heating and moisture availability due to prevailing winds from the neighbouring oceans provide favourable conditions for thunderstorm formation. Based on 24 years of lightning data from 2000 to 2023 detected by Lightning Imaging Sensor/Optical Transient Detector (LIS/OTD) and Indian Lightning Location Network (ILLN), the trend of lightning flashes over western India (15°–22°N, 72.5°–81°E) has been investigated. Our results demonstrate a steady decline in lightning activity during the pre‐monsoon season over western India, which contradicts the previous studies suggesting an increasing lightning trend over the Indian Subcontinent and other parts of the world. Our analysis has shown a falling trend of lightning activity at a rate of −0.066 flashes·km−2 year−1 from 2000 to 2013 (LIS/OTD) and −0.14 M flashes·year−1 from 2014 to 2023 (ILLN). Our observation and previous research strongly suggested that the pressure difference between the land and the neighbouring oceans during pre‐monsoon and monsoon has been weakening for a long time over the Indian region, and we have found a consistent reduction in wind speed over the study region. Here, we propose that the enhanced Indian Ocean warming potentially weakens the land–sea thermal contrast and, thereby, reduces the horizontal pressure gradient. Further, the decreasing trend in the land–sea horizontal pressure gradient resulted in a declining rate of wind speed over western India, affecting moisture transport over land. Thus, the study emphasizes the impact of the decreased land–sea horizontal pressure gradient on declining lighting activity in western India.
Kinetics and equilibrium studies on the adsorptive removal of Nile red dye from aqueous solution using serpentine clay
Authors: Bharali Panchali
Published: June 2024

The current research highlighted the usage of serpentine clay to remove Nile red dye from an aqueous solution. At first serpentine clay minerals were analyzed by various analytical techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis. From the characterization results it was found that the clay was determined to be a separate group. Sorption studies investigated the impacts of adsorbent dosage, initial pH, initial dye concentration, and temperature on Nile red color elimination. From the test results it was found that the capacity of adsorption was seen to increase from 32.4 mg/g to a high value of 43.8 mg/g by raising the pH value from 2 to 6. Adsorption on serpentine clay decreased from 234.7 to 33.2 mg/g due to an increase in the adsorbent dosage. The removal capacity of Nile red dye increased from 12.2% to 88.5% with the rise in the adsorbent dosage. This rise in the Nile red dye removal may be observed due to the increase in the area as well as the pore volume of the surface. Experimental study was carried out to study the effect of initial concentration of adsorbate on adsorption at a pH of 6, adsorbent dosage of 3 g/L, and at a temperature of 28°C. The removal efficiency of the Nile red dye was reduced from 96.7% to 42.6%. To determine the temperature effect on the removal of Nile red dye by the clay, the initial pH value was set to 6, and the temperature was set at 28, 38, 48, and 58°C. Without reaching the equilibrium conditions, at a time of 30 min, the removal efficiency of dye rises from 60% to 81% due to the temperature rise. The experimental findings indicated that the adsorption of the dye on the clay followed the “Langmuir adsorption” isotherm rather than the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. Adsorption on clay minerals follows the pseudo‐second‐order adsorption kinetics compared to pseudo‐first‐order adsorption kinetics.
Clinical Utility of Remote Camera Video Head Impulse Testing Children Less Than 3 Years
Authors: Janky Kristen L. , Patterson Jessie , Kelly Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this case report is to highlight both the feasibility and clinical utility of remote camera video head impulse testing (vHIT) in children <3 years. Five cases are described where remote camera vHIT was used to quantify ear specific semicircular function in children at risk for vestibular dysfunction. Remote camera vHIT is a helpful clinical tool for quantifying ear specific semicircular function in children between 6 and 31 months. Remote camera vHIT is feasible and provides ear specific information regarding semicircular canal function, which can be used to augment or validate the presence of vestibular dysfunction in children <3 years. Laryngoscope, 134:5201–5206, 2024
Dynamic modeling of the glucose–insulin system with inhibitors impulsive control
Authors: Li Changtong , Liu Yuntao , Wang Yuzhen , Feng Xiaozhou
Published: June 2024

Pulse injection of insulin analogues is an important strategy to control glucose concentrations and can be combined with
‐glucosidase inhibitors to reduce adverse effects to improve glucose control. To elucidate this combination therapy strategy, we assumed dietary intake in the form of pulse glucose injection and proposed a novel mathematical model incorporating pulse injection insulin and
‐glucosidase inhibitors. In type 1 diabetes, the existence and uniqueness of the positive periodic solution is confirmed utilizing the Lambert W function. The global asymptotic stability of the positive periodic solution is achieved through the application of Floquet multiplier theory and the comparison principle. Furthermore, in type 2 diabetes, the permanence of the system is also confirmed through the comparison theorem. Numerical analysis validated the theoretical calculations, highlighting the significance of insulin injection dosage and frequency, as well as
‐glucosidase inhibitor therapy. Additionally, we systematically assessed a rational approach for diabetes treatment combined with
‐glucosidase inhibitors, providing more practical clinical strategies. This facilitates the extension of our model to encompass other drugs that may be utilized in future clinical interventions.
Algorithmic solutions for maximizing shareable costs
Authors: Zou Rong , Lin Boyue , Uetz Marc , Walter Matthias
Published: June 2024

This article addresses the linear optimization problem to maximize the total costs that can be shared among a group of agents, while maintaining stability in the sense of the core constraints of a cooperative transferable utility game, or TU game. When maximizing total shareable costs, the cost shares must satisfy all constraints that define the core of a TU game, except for being budget balanced. The article first gives a fairly complete picture of the computational complexity of this optimization problem, its relation to optimization over the core itself, and its equivalence to other, minimal core relaxations that have been proposed earlier. We then address minimum cost spanning tree (MST) games as an example for a class of cost sharing games with non‐empty core. While submodular cost functions yield efficient algorithms to maximize shareable costs, MST games have cost functions that are subadditive, but generally not submodular. Nevertheless, it is well known that cost shares in the core of MST games can be found efficiently. In contrast, we show that the maximization of shareable costs is ‐hard for MST games and derive a 2‐approximation algorithm. Our work opens several directions for future research.
Chemically Peptide Synthesis and Role of Arginine and Lysine in the Antimicrobial and Antiviral Activity of Synthetic Peptides: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sunar Selin Zeynep , Acar Tayfun , Sahin Fikrettin
Published: June 2024

This review examines the potential applications of peptides in biotechnology, medicine, and pharmacy, while highlighting the important antibacterial and antiviral properties of peptides. Peptides and chemical peptide synthesis have become a field of study that is gaining great momentum today. Some of the main reasons for this are high specificity, biodegradability and versatility of peptides. Peptides also have some specific properties that make them attractive for pharmaceutical development. As a case study, it can be used to create peptides that can be used to replace or fix damaged proteins in the body by mimicking the action of naturally occurring proteins. Delivering drugs or other therapeutic agents to specific cells or tissues is another method that can help increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce unwanted effects. Various types of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as defensins and cathelicidins, and their anti‐infective properties are also discussed. Finally, peptides (melittin, lactoferricin, etc.) can be used to trigger an immune response against certain infections, such as COVID‐19 and Zika virus, by acting as vaccines. In our study, a comprehensive review was made on antiviral and AMPs, and especially peptides containing arginine and lysine were mentioned. The properties of these peptides, examples of these peptides and their developments in the pharmaceutical field are emphasized.
Theory versus practice: are insecticide mixtures in Arizona cotton used for resistance management?†
Authors: Ellsworth Peter C , Fournier Alfred
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Resistance management in pesticide use is critical, yet grower practices, especially pesticide mixing motivations, diverge from theoretical frameworks. This study analyzes 30 years of Arizona cotton growers’ practices and pest manager insights to understand mixing trends.

RESULTS

Growers predominantly mix pesticides for spectrum or efficacy, not resistance management. This highlights a gap between theory and practice, emphasizing the complexity of real‐world dynamics. A shift over time towards selective insecticides and integrated pest management (IPM), supported by extension education, has reduced reliance on broad‐spectrum insecticides and increased opportunities to conserve the natural enemies of key pests. This reduced the frequency of insecticide use, a mutual goal of both IPM and resistance management. The availability and adoption of selective products with diverse modes of action, along with the resulting increases in biological control and refuges, likely has delayed or prevented resistances without emphasis on using mixtures specifically for resistance management. In a disrupted system exclusively dependent on broad‐spectrum insecticides (1991–1995), 75% ± 5% of cotton area was sprayed with mixtures of these materials. With the availability of selective insecticides, few broad‐spectrum products are used today and mixtures of insecticides are sprayed on only 36% ± 3% of the cotton area (2015–2020).

CONCLUSION

Although mixing has theoretical relevance, it is diminishing in stable systems with diverse modes of action and adherence to moderation principles. Arizona cotton guidance prioritizes multi‐crop refuges over mixtures for resistance management. Integrated research and education, targeting professional pest managers, are pivotal in advancing resistance management without mixtures specifically designed to prevent or mitigate resistance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pulmonary vascular disease, environmental pollution, and climate change
Authors: Lichtblau Mona , Reimann Lena , Piccari Lucilla
Published: June 2024

Pollution and climate change constitute a combined, grave and pervasive threat to humans and to the life‐support systems on which they depend. Evidence shows a strong association between pollution and climate change on cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) is no exception. An increasing number of studies has documented the impact of environmental pollution and extreme temperatures on pulmonary circulation and the right heart, on the severity and outcomes of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (PH), on the incidence of pulmonary embolism, and the prevalence and severity of diseases associated with PH. Furthermore, the downstream consequences of climate change impair health care systems' accessibility, which could pose unique obstacles in the case of PVD patients, who require a complex and sophisticated network of health interventions. Patients, caretakers and health care professionals should thus be included in the design of policies aimed at adaptation to and mitigation of current challenges, and prevention of further climate change. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available evidence concerning the impact of environmental pollution and climate change on the pulmonary circulation, and to propose measures at the individual, healthcare and community levels directed at protecting patients with PVD.
Mehrfachgründung im Spagat zwischen Kultur und Innovation
Authors: Voß Julia , Meyer zu Altenschildesche Clara , Ettl Kerstin
Published: June 2024

Diese Fallstudie beleuchtet die Reise von Aylin Kaya, einer talentierten Mehrfachgründerin mit türkischen Wurzeln. Zwischen den Herausforderungen traditioneller Erwartungen und kultureller Einflüsse strebt Aylin danach, zwei Unternehmen ins Leben zu rufen. Zunächst gründet sie nach ihrer Zulassung zur Rechtsanwaltschaft eine Anwaltskanzlei. Anschließend ruft sie mit einem weiteren Gründer ein Start-Up ins Leben, das im Bereich Legal Tech anzusiedeln ist. Der Fall verdeutlicht eindrucksvoll, wie das Umfeld und die persönliche (Karriere-)Entwicklung in Wechselwirkung stehen und welche Rolle kulturelle Erwartungen, berufliche Netzwerke und persönliche Kompetenzen in diesem Prozess spielen können.
Die (un-)sichtbare Gestalterin sozialer Innovationen
Authors: Voß Julia , Meyer zu Altenschildesche Clara , Ettl Kerstin
Published: June 2024

Diese Fallstudie porträtiert Isabella Santos, die gemeinsam mit ihrem Lebensgefährten eine sozial-nachhaltige Innovation in Berlin initiierte, dabei selbst jedoch gerne im Hintergrund agierte. Als ihr Partner sie und zugleich auch ihr gemeinsames Vorhaben verlässt, steht sie vor der Herausforderung, stärker sichtbar werden zu müssen, um ihr soziales Unternehmen weiterzuentwickeln. Der Fall zeichnet Isabellas Transformation von einer zurückhaltenden, im Verborgenen agierenden Gestalterin hin zu einem sichtbaren „Role Model“ nach und zeigt anschaulich die Hürden auf, mit denen Gründer:innen bzw. Unternehmer:innen im Bereich sozialer Innovationen zu kämpfen haben.
Postbiotic-based recombinant receptor activator of NF-κB ligand enhanced oral vaccine efficiency in chicken
Authors: Xuan Biao , Park Jongbin , Choi Seojin , Kim Eun Bae
Published: June 2024

Functional M cells are differentiated by receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and capture of luminal antigens to initiate immune responses. We aimed to use postbiotic-based recombinant chicken RANKL (cRANKL) to promote M cell differentiation and test the efficacy of oral vaccines. Chicks were divided into three groups that were administered phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), cell extracts of wild-type Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IL1403 (WT_CE), or cell extracts of recombinant L. lactis expressing cRANKL (cRANKL_CE). The expression of the M cell marker was measured, and the gut microbiome was profiled. The efficiency of the infectious bursal disease (IBD) vaccine was tested after 12 consecutive days of administering cRANKL_CE. The chickens that were administered cRANKL_CE (p = 0.038) had significantly higher Annexin A5 (ANXA5) mRNA expression levels than those in the PBS group (PBS vs. WT_CE, p = 0.657). In the gut microbiome analysis, no significant changes were observed. However, the relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella was negatively correlated (r =  − 0.43, p = 0.019) with ANXA5 mRNA expression in Peyer’s patches. cRANKL_CE/IBD (p = 0.018) had significantly higher IBD-specific faecal IgA levels than PBS/IBD (PBS/IBD vs. WT_CE/IBD, p = 0.217). Postbiotic-based recombinant cRANKL effectively improved the expression of M cell markers and the efficiency of oral vaccines. No significant changes were observed in the gut microbiome after administration of postbiotic-based recombinant cRANKL. This strategy can be used for the development of feed additives and adjuvants.

Key points

• Postbiotic-based recombinant cRANKL enhanced the expression of ANXA5 in chicken.

• The relative abundance of Escherichia-Shigella was negatively correlated with ANXA5 expression.

• Postbiotic-based recombinant cRANKL effectively improved the efficiency of oral vaccine.
Mixed adenoma-neuroendocrine tumor of the stomach: analysis of nine cases with literature review
Authors: Rokutan Hirofumi , Fukasawa-Hokazono Miyako , Hokazono Yukio , Ushiku Tetsuo
Published: June 2024

Mixed adenoma-neuroendocrine tumor (MANET) comprises adenoma and well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET) components. Given the limited information on this due to its rarity, we aimed to clarify the clinicopathologic features and optimal management of gastric MANETs in a case series and literature review. Nine patients with gastric MANETs, including eight male and one female patient (mean age, 72 years), were identified from the institutional pathology archive. Endoscopically, the tumors appeared as flat elevated lesions with sizes ranging from 0.8 to 4.4 cm. One patient had familial adenomatous polyposis, and no patient had autoimmune gastritis. All MANETs developed in the gastric body mucosa exhibiting chronic metaplastic atrophic gastritis. The glandular components were intestinal-type low-grade adenoma, and focal high-grade dysplasia was also recognized in three cases. The NET component was in middle/deep lamina propria in six cases and confined to deep lamina propria in the remaining three cases. Minimal cytologic atypia was found in the NET component, with no recognizable mitosis and a Ki-67 labeling index of < 2%. The NET component mostly showed diffuse positivity for serotonin and CDX2, suggesting that it consists of enterochromaffin cells. Diffuse p53 immunostaining was observed only in the high-grade adenomatous component of one case. No recurrence was observed during the follow-up period of 2–94 months. Correct distinction between the NET and poorly differentiated carcinoma components is crucial to prevent overtreatment of gastric MANETs. Considering its indolent nature, endoscopic resection is the primary recommendation for gastric MANETs as well as for pure adenomas.
A two-tiered high-flow nasal cannula approach does not increase intensive care utilization and hospital length of stay in bronchiolitis
Authors: Tirelli Francesca , Todeschini Premuda Marco , Francaviglia Giulia , Frigo Anna Chiara , Baraldi Eugenio , Da Dalt Liviana , Bressan Silvia
Published: June 2024

While concerns about high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) overuse and associated increased use of hospital resources are rapidly spreading, a two-tiered approach in its use is recommended by recent bronchiolitis guidelines. However, data on its effects in practice have not been reported. We aimed to analyze the trends in use of HFNC, hospitalizations, length of stay (LOS), and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions for bronchiolitis in a tertiary care center using a two-tiered HFNC approach since its introduction in practice. We retrospectively included data of children < 12 months of age who presented to the Paediatric Emergency Department (PED) and were hospitalized for bronchiolitis at our institution in the epidemic season between October 1st and April 30th during the years 2012–2023 and compared the clinical data across the years. Of the 687 hospitalized children included, 79.9% required oxygen supplementation. Use of HFNC significantly increased since its implementation (from 25% in 2012–2013 to over 60% since 2019–2020, p < 0.0001) and was most frequently administered as rescue treatment (in 57.5% of patients). There was no increased trend in ICU admissions (between 1.5% and 10.0% of hospitalizations across seasons, p = 0.40), while LOS, after increasing between 2013 and 2016 (medians between 4.0 and 5.4 days), remained stable thereafter (medians between 3.8 and 4.3 days).

Conclusions: The use of HFNC according to a two-tiered approach does not appear to be associated with an increase in ICU utilization or LOS.

What is Known:• Bronchiolitis is one of the most common reasons for hospitalization in infants.• Use high-flow nasal canulae oxygen (HFNC) has rapidly spread outside the intensive care unit (ICU) to treat infants with bronchiolitis, although increasing evidence has dampened the initial enthusiasm about their effectiveness.• Concerns nowadays are rising about HFNC overuse and associated increased use of hospital resources, including escalation of care to ICU.

What is New:• A more selective use of HFNC according to a “two-tiered approach”, intended as a second-line rescue treatment in non-severely ill children who fail standard oxygen therapy, is not associated with increased ICU and length of hospital stay.
Optical coherence tomography angiography as a potential tool in differential diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and rheumatic disorders with central nervous system involvement
Authors: Fernandes Ewa Abecasis , Wildner Paula , Oset Magdalena , Siger Małgorzata , Stasiołek Mariusz , Matysiak Mariola , Wilczyński Michał
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to analyse whether optical coherence tomography angiography (angio-OCT, OCTA) measurements can be a useful tool to differentiate central nervous system (CNS) involvement in rheumatic disorders (RD) from multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

A total of 85 patients- 41 with MS, 21 with RD with CNS involvement and 23 healthy controls were included in the study. All individuals underwent OCTA and the following parameters were measured in each eye separately: average foveal and parafoveal vessel density (VD), average foveal and parafoveal vessel length (VL) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), as well as area, perimeter, and circularity of the foveal avascular zone.

Results

OCTA showed a VD reduction in the foveal region of the SCP in eyes of RD patients when compared to MS patients (21.96 ± 3.39 vs.23.88 ± 3.05 (p = 0.003)).

There have been no significant differences in any of the assessed parameters that is average VD and total average VL in the foveal area of the SCP as well as of the DCP in the general population comprising healthy controls, MS and RD groups (p > 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that an OCTA finding of decreased VD in the foveal region of the SCP may be considered as a potentially useful biomarker of RD in comparison with MS patients.
Cystein-Cathepsine: Biochemie trifft Krebsmedizin
Authors: Parigiani Maria Alejandra , Reinheckel Thomas
Published: June 2024

Cysteine-Cathepsins are potent lysosomal proteases with many functions in cell physiology. Their dysregulated activity is now a widely accepted hallmark for several diseases, including cancer. This review explores the cathepsin structure, biogenesis, activity regulation, and localization, alongside recent research focusing on cancer. It emphasizes the potential for theranostic strategies utilizing these proteases.
Erlernen der regulatorischen Grammatik von Pflanzen
Authors: Jores Tobias
Published: June 2024

Faced with accelerating climate change and rapid population growth, we need crops with higher yields and greater resilience to ensure food security. Crop genome engineering will likely play a major role in meeting future food needs. However, we do not understand plant gene regulation well enough to target engineering and achieve predictable outcomes. Therefore, we study regulatory DNA and its interactions–the regulatory grammar – in plants using high-throughput assays and computational approaches.
Regulation physiologischer Zellreaktionen durch Rezeptor-Clustering
Authors: Sánchez Maria Florencia
Published: June 2024

Cells sense their environment, receive, and process a diverse set of chemical and mechanical signals through transmembrane receptors. How receptors sense and integrate these signals to orchestrate a wide variety of physiological outcomes remains one of the biggest questions in biology. Here, I discuss crucial aspects of receptor assembly highlighting the recent tools and their limitations.
Mitochondriale ROS-Produktion bestimmt ACSL4/LPCAT2-gesteuerte Ferroptose
Authors: Merkel Melanie , Culmsee Carsten
Published: June 2024

Ferroptosis is a form of iron-dependent regulated cell death, which has been linked to various neurodegenerative diseases. The overexpression of the two enzymes ACSL4 and LPCAT2, which play a key role in lipid peroxidation, increases the susceptibility of the cells towards ferroptosis. Different mitochondria-targeted inhibitors were tested to determine the influence of mitochondria in this model system of ferroptosis.