bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable strategic plan: Advancing comprehensive biomarker testing in non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Fox Adam H. , Osarogiagbon Raymond U. , Farjah Farhood , Jett James R. , Johnson Bruce E. , Rivera M. Patricia , Smith Robert A. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Silvestri Gerard A.
Published: September 2024

Comprehensive biomarker testing is a crucial requirement for the optimal treatment of advanced‐stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with emerging relevance in the adjuvant treatment setting. To advance its goal of ensuring optimal therapy for persons diagnosed with lung cancer, the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable (ACS NLCRT) held The Summit on Optimizing Lung Cancer Biomarkers in Practice in September 2020 to align its partners toward the goal of ensuring comprehensive biomarker testing for all eligible patients with NSCLC. The ACS NLCRT's Strategic Plan for Advancing Comprehensive Biomarker Testing in NSCLC, a product of the summit, comprises actions to promote comprehensive biomarker testing for all eligible patients. The approach is multifaceted, including policy‐level advocacy and the development and dissemination of targeted educational materials, clinical decision tools, and guides to patients, physicians, and payers aimed at ameliorating barriers to testing experienced by each of these groups.

Plain language summary

The ACS NLCRT works to improve care for patients with lung cancer.

The ACS NLCRT supports comprehensive biomarker testing as essential to determine treatment options for all eligible patients with non–small cell lung cancer.

Many factors lead to some patients not receiving optimal biomarker testing.

The ACS NLCRT held a collaborative summit and developed a strategic plan to achieve and promote comprehensive biomarker testing for all patients.

These plans include developing educational materials and physician tools and advocating for national policies in support of biomarker testing.
The American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable strategic plan: Optimizing strategies for lung nodule evaluation and management
Authors: Barta Julie A. , Farjah Farhood , Thomson Carey Conley , Dyer Debra S. , Wiener Renda Soylemez , Slatore Christopher G. , Smith‐Bindman Rebecca , Rosenthal Lauren S. , Silvestri Gerard A. , Smith Robert A. , Gould Michael K.
Published: September 2024

Lung nodules are frequently detected on low‐dose computed tomography scans performed for lung cancer screening and incidentally detected on imaging performed for other reasons. There is wide variability in how lung nodules are managed by general practitioners and subspecialists, with high rates of guideline‐discordant care. This may be due in part to the level of evidence underlying current practice guideline recommendations (primarily based on findings from uncontrolled studies of diagnostic accuracy). The primary aims of lung nodule management are to minimize harms of diagnostic evaluations while expediting the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. Potentially useful tools such as lung cancer probability calculators, automated methods to identify patients with nodules in the electronic health record, and multidisciplinary team evaluation are often underused due to limited availability, accessibility, and/or provider knowledge. Finally, relatively little attention has been paid to identifying and reducing disparities among individuals with screening‐detected or incidentally detected lung nodules. This contribution to the American Cancer Society National Lung Cancer Roundtable Strategic Plan aims to identify and describe these knowledge gaps in lung nodule management and propose recommendations to advance clinical practice and research. Major themes that are addressed include improving the quality of evidence supporting lung nodule evaluation guidelines, strategically leveraging information technology, and placing emphasis on equitable approaches to nodule management. The recommendations outlined in this strategic plan, when carried out through interdisciplinary efforts with a focus on health equity, ultimately aim to improve early detection and reduce the morbidity and mortality of lung cancer.

Plain Language Summary

Lung nodules may be identified on chest scans of individuals who undergo lung cancer screening (screening‐detected nodules) or among patients for whom a scan was performed for another reason (incidental nodules).

Although the vast majority of lung nodules are not lung cancer, it is important to have evidence‐based, standardized approaches to the evaluation and management of a lung nodule.

The primary aims of lung nodule management are to diagnose lung cancer while it is still in an early stage and to avoid unnecessary procedures and other harms.
Nanoparticle Formulations for the Improvement of Symptomatic Treatments of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Boyton India , Rennie Claire , Collins‐Praino Lyndsey E. , Care Andrew
Published: September 2024

Neuronanomedicine merges nanotechnology and neuroscience in the pursuit of engineering therapeutic interventions for neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). While no nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) are yet approved for use for targeting the central nervous system, this review critically analyses the development of NDDSs for the improvement of currently approved therapeutics for the symptomatic treatment of AD and PD. It showcases how NDDSs can help therapeutic payloads overcome existing limitations, such as insufficient drug accumulation in the brain and limited effectiveness, by enhancing their pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, brain penetration and accumulation, and overall therapeutic efficacy through drug encapsulation, manipulation of nanoparticle properties, and nanoparticle surface functionalisation. However, we also draw attention to widespread issues in the field that impede progress, including the poor selection of in vitro models and the inadequate design of pre‐clinical in vivo studies. We further advocate for greater standardisation of study design and reporting requirements in the future, which would likely enhance outcomes and expedite the translation of neuronanomedicines.
Influence of the Fe(II) Spin State on Iron‐Ligand Bonds in Heme Model Iron‐Porphyrin Complexes with 4, 5 and 6 Ligands
Authors: Shitov Daniil A. , Kaplanskiy Mark V. , Tupikina Elena Yu.
Published: September 2024

In this work heme models with four [Fe(II)(P)], five [Fe(II)(P)Im], [Fe(II)(P)O2] and six ligands [Fe(II)(P)(Im)O2], where P=porphyrin, with different spin states (ms=5, 3 and 1) of the iron atom were investigated using relativistic‐corrected quantum chemistry methods (PW6B95‐D3‐DKH/jorge‐TZP‐DKH). Dependence of the iron‐ligand bond properties on (i) spin state and (ii) number of ligands were analyzed using natural bond orbital analysis, electron density topology, electrostatic potential and electron localization function. It is shown that reversible binding of O2 is possible in case of formation of semicoordination bond between Fe(II) and imidazole. Binding of the fifth and sixth ligand from the energetic and orbital points of view is more favorable for the triplet Fe(II) state. At the same time for the six‐coordinated complex [Fe(II)(P)(Im)O2] interconversion of Fe(II) electrons of valent 3d orbital from quintet to triplet and vice versa is possible under thermal fluctuations (energy barriers less than 2 kcal/mol).
Effect of Interfacial Electric Field on 2D Metal/Graphene Electrocatalysts for CO2 Reduction Reaction
Authors: Cho Jinwon , Alamgir Faisal M. , Jang Seung Soon
Published: September 2024

Understanding the influence of local electric fields on electrochemical reactions is crucial for designing highly selective electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction reactions (CO2RR). In this study, we provide a theoretical investigation of the effect of the local electric field induced by the negative‐biased electrode and cations in the electrolyte on the energetics and reaction kinetics of CO2RR on 2D hybrid metal/graphene electrocatalysts. Our findings reveal that the electronic structures of the CO2 molecule undergo substantial modification, resulting in the increased adsorption energy of CO2 on metal/graphene structures, thus reducing the initial barrier of the CO2RR mechanism. This field‐assisted CO2RR mechanism promotes CO production while suppressing HCOOH production. Our findings highlight the potential of manipulating electric fields to tailor the pathways of CO2RR, providing new avenues designing selective electrocatalysts.
Patterns of early embryogenesis and growth in the olfactory system of chick (Gallus gallus domesticus) based on iodine‐enhanced micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Hogan Aneila V. C. , Cerio Donald G. , Bever Gabriel S.
Published: September 2024

Background

The vertebrate olfactory system entails a complex set of neural/support structures that bridge morphogenetic regions. The developmental mechanisms coordinating this bridge remain unclear, even for model organisms such as chick, Gallus gallus. Here, we combine previous growth data on the chick olfactory apparatus with new samples targeting its early embryogenesis. The purpose is to illuminate how early developmental dynamics integrate with scaling relationships to produce adult form and, potentially, evolutionary patterns. Olfactory structures, including epithelium, turbinate, nerve, and olfactory bulb, are considered in the context of neighboring nasal and brain structures.

Results

Axonal outgrowth from the olfactory epithelium, which eventually connects receptor neurons with the brain, begins earlier than previously established. This dynamic marks the beginning of a complex pattern of early differential growth wherein the olfactory bulbs scale with positive allometry relative to both brain volume and turbinate area, which in turn scale isometrically with one another.

Conclusions

The mechanisms driving observed patterns of organogenesis and growth remain unclear awaiting experimental evidence. We discuss competing hypotheses, including the possibility that broad‐based isometry of olfactory components reflects constraints imposed by high levels of functional/structural integration. Such integration would include the frontonasal prominence having a strong influence on telencephalic patterning.
Herbivore regulation of savanna vegetation: Structural complexity, diversity, and the complexity–diversity relationship
Authors: Coverdale Tyler C. , Boucher Peter B. , Singh Jenia , Palmer Todd M. , Goheen Jacob R. , Pringle Robert M. , Davies Andrew B.
Published: September 2024

Large mammalian herbivores exert strong top‐down control on plants, which in turn influence most ecological processes. Accordingly, the decline, displacement, or extinction of wild large herbivores in African savannas is expected to alter the physical structure of vegetation, the diversity of plant communities, and downstream ecosystem functions. However, herbivore impacts on vegetation comprise both direct and indirect effects and often depend on herbivore body size and plant type. Understanding how herbivores affect savanna vegetation requires disaggregating the effects of different herbivores and the responses of different plants, as well as accounting for both the structural complexity and composition of plant assemblages. We combined high‐resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) with field measurements from size‐selective herbivore exclosures in Kenya to determine how herbivores affect the diversity and physical structure of vegetation, how these impacts vary with body size and plant type, and whether there are predictable associations between plant diversity and structural complexity. Herbivores generally reduced the diversity and abundance of both overstory and understory plants, though the magnitude of these impacts varied substantially as a function of body size and plant type: only megaherbivores (elephants and giraffes) affected tree cover, whereas medium‐ and small‐bodied herbivores had stronger effects on herbaceous diversity and abundance. We also found evidence that herbivores altered the strength and direction of interactions between trees and herbaceous plants, with signatures of facilitation in the presence of herbivores and of competition in their absence. While megaherbivores uniquely affected tree structure, medium‐ and small‐bodied species had stronger (and complementary) effects on metrics of herbaceous vegetation structure. Plant structural responses to herbivore exclusion were species‐specific: of five dominant tree species, just three exhibited significant individual morphological variation across exclosure treatments, and the size class of herbivores responsible for these effects varied across species. Irrespective of exclosure treatment, more species‐rich plant communities were more structurally complex. We conclude that the diversity and architecture of savanna vegetation depend on consumptive and nonconsumptive plant–herbivore interactions; the roles of herbivore diversity, body size, and plant traits in mediating those interactions; and a positive feedback between plant diversity and structural complexity.
Germination responses to changing rainfall timing reveal potential climate vulnerability in a clade of wildflowers
Authors: Worthy Samantha J. , Miller Arquel , Ashlock Sarah R. , Ceviker Eda , Maloof Julin N. , Strauss Sharon Y. , Schmitt Johanna , Gremer Jennifer R.
Published: September 2024

The seasonal timing of life history transitions is often critical to fitness, and many organisms rely upon environmental cues to match life cycle events with favorable conditions. In plants, the timing of seed germination is mediated by seasonal cues such as rainfall and temperature. Variation in cue responses among species can reflect evolutionary processes and adaptation to local climate and can affect vulnerability to changing conditions. Indeed, climate change is altering the timing of precipitation, and germination responses to such change can have consequences for individual fitness, population dynamics, and species distributions. Here, we assessed responses to the seasonal timing of germination‐triggering rains for eleven species spanning the Streptanthus/Caulanthus clade (Brassicaceae). To do so, we experimentally manipulated the onset date of rainfall events, measured effects on germination fraction, and evaluated whether responses were constrained by evolutionary relationships across the phylogeny. We then explored the possible consequences of these responses to contemporary shifts in precipitation timing. Germination fractions decreased with later onset of rains and cooler temperatures for all but three Caulanthus species. Species' germination responses to the timing of rainfall and seasonal temperatures were phylogenetically constrained, with Caulanthus species appearing less responsive. Further, four species are likely already experiencing significant decreases in germination fractions with observed climate change, which has shifted the timing of rainfall towards the cooler, winter months in California. Overall, our findings emphasize the sensitivity of germination to seasonal conditions, underscore the importance of interacting environmental cues, and highlight vulnerability to shifting precipitation patterns with climate change, particularly in more northern, mesic species.
Women Suffered More Than Men Both During and After the COVID‐19 Pandemic—A Cross‐Sectional Study Among 29,079 Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ueland Grethe Åstrøm , Ernes Tony , Madsen Tone Vonheim , Sandberg Sverre , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Løvaas Karianne Fjeld , Cooper John Graham
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate the gender differences and the disparities between infected and noninfected patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) regarding patient‐reported experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Norway.

Method

Register study using questionnaires sent electronically to patients with T2D, June 2022. The questionnaire included 82 questions covering COVID‐19 disease, symptoms, medications, comorbidities, hospital care, possibility of working from home and information received from health authorities. Clinical and demographic data were collected from the Norwegian diabetes registry for adults.

Results

A total of 29,079 T2D patients participated, of whom 38.1% were women. Patients infected with COVID‐19 were younger, had shorter diabetes duration and less comorbidities than noninfected (p < 0.01). Women reported significantly more anxiety, depression and fear of not getting their diabetes medication than men did. Most patients were vaccinated against COVID‐19 (98.3%), whereas approximately 60% had received seasonal flu vaccine, and only 27.2% the pneumococcal vaccine. Women described more vaccine adverse effects and long Covid symptoms. Overall, 14% experienced vaccine complications and 27.3% of infected individuals reported long Covid symptoms. 2.4% of the infected patients needed hospital admission. Patients were satisfied with the follow‐up of their diabetes, and with information from the government during the pandemic.

Conclusion

Female patients were more likely to experience a prolonged Covid course, and higher degree of adverse effects from the COVID‐19 vaccine than male patients. Also, long Covid symptoms were significantly more often reported among female patients, while men were more prone to be hospitalised when infected. Hospitalised patients, both men and women, had significantly higher HbA1C than those who were not hospitalised. T2D patients had a surprisingly low pneumococcal vaccination coverage, despite recommendations in national guidelines.
Association between appendicular skeletal muscle mass and myocardial glucose uptake measured by 18F‐FDG PET
Authors: Kim Young‐eun , Kim Dongwoo , Kim Jiwon , Yun Mijin , Kang Eun Seok
Published: September 2024

Background

Low muscle mass is associated with high insulin resistance and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This study aims to determine whether low muscle mass affects the alterations in myocardial substrate metabolism that are associated with the development of cardiovascular disease.

Method

The study included 299 individuals (182 men and 117 women) who underwent examination at the Severance Health Check‐up Center between January 2018 and February 2019. Myocardial glucose uptake was assessed using [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) scanning. Direct segmental bioimpedance analysis was used to measure appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM).

Results

We analysed men and women separately owing to sex‐related body composition differences. ASM/Ht2 was significantly positively correlated with myocardial glucose uptake measured by 18F‐FDG PET/CT [ln (SUVheart/liver)] only in men (r = 0.154, P = 0.038 in men; r = −0.042, P = 0.652 in women, respectively). In men, myocardial glucose uptake was significantly associated with ASM/Ht2 even after adjusting for multiple confounders in a multivariable linear regression model (standardized β = 0.397, P = 0.004, in men; β = − 0.051, P = 0.698, in women). In women, age (β = −0.424 P = 0.029) was independent determinants of myocardial glucose uptake.

Conclusions

In men, ASM was strongly associated with myocardial glucose uptake as measured by 18F‐FDG PET/CT. In women, age was significantly correlated with myocardial substrate utilization, but not with ASM.
Efficient Hydroboration of Ketones and Imines Using Amidophosphine‐Borane Under Catalyst‐Free Conditions
Authors: Meher Rohan Kumar , Kumar Ravi , Sau Abhijit , Panda Tarun K.
Published: September 2024

We report here the use of amidophosphine borane {(BH₃)₂(PPh)₂N(CH₂)C₆H₅} as a competent reducing agent for the hydroboration of ketones and imines under mild and catalyst‐free reaction conditions yielding the corresponding secondary alcohols and secondary amines after aqueous work. Solid amidophosphine boranes, which are easy to synthesize, and easy to handle demonstrated excellent reactivity and functional group tolerance toward a wide variety of ketones and imines, including aromatic, heteroaromatic, and aliphatic derivatives with electron‐withdrawing and electron‐donating substitutions, thus showing excellent chemoselectivity.
A pore network modeling approach to bridge void ratio‐dependent soil water retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity curves
Authors: Mirghafari Rasoul , Sajjadian Seyed Sajjad , Nikooee Ehsan , Habibagahi Ghassem , Raoof Amir
Published: September 2024

In geotechnical engineering, understanding the relationship between soil permeability and deformation is essential, particularly for applications like earth dams, where compaction‐induced permeability reduction is crucial for performance optimization. In unsaturated soils, soil moisture content significantly impacts hydraulic conductivity. Traditionally, changes in unsaturated hydraulic conductivity have been linked to soil void ratios. However, a pore network modeling perspective reveals the significance of structural parameters, such as pore and throat size distribution and pore coordination number. This study introduces a pore network model to estimate unsaturated hydraulic conductivity based on void ratio‐dependent soil‐water retention curves. It examines how soil deformation at varying stress levels affects structural parameters and the water phase continuity. The model shows strong potential in predicting unsaturated hydraulic conductivity across different stress levels, aligning well with experimental data and established equations. Notably, the aspect ratio and coordination number parameters are most affected by stress levels. The study also presents relationships to describe changes in pore network structural parameters with soil void ratio, which can be used to predict soil‐water retention curves and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity at various stress levels.
Comparative Experimental Study on Monofacial and Bifacial Photovoltaic Noise Barriers
Authors: Li Chunying , Xie Jixing , Wang Xiaodong , Zeng Fanbo , Yang Yinan , Tang Haida
Published: September 2024

Solar energy utilization in the transportation sector is important for reducing fossil fuel consumption and achieving the grant goal of carbon neutrality. The photovoltaic noise barriers (PVNB) are recognized as a potential alternative for electric vehicle charging. This study aims to evaluate the power generation capabilities of both monofacial photovoltaic noise barriers (mono‐PVNB) and bifacial photovoltaic noise barriers (bi‐PVNB) when applied along roads with different directions and shading conditions. Results show that the daily yields of bi‐PVNB facing west, southwest, south, and southeast are 754, 819, 1101, and 894 Wh, respectively. In contrast, the daily yields of mono‐PVNB are 459, 711, 968, and 764 Wh. The bifacial gains are, respectively, 64, 15, 14, and 17%. The influence of partial shading on PV power generation is tested, and sharp decrease is observed when horizontal shading reaches 20% and vertical shading reaches 40%. In summary, the bi‐PVNB shows satisfactory power generation ability with different orientation and shading conditions. Under Shenzhen climate, the annual power generation of bi‐PVNB along east–west, north–south, southeast–northwest, and southwest–northeast direction roads are predicted to be 304, 325, 342, and 335 MWh per kilometer.
Cellulose‐Based Hydrogel Polymer Electrolyte Derived from Coir Fiber for High‐Performance Lead‐Acid Batteries
Authors: Sari Nur Shiyama Purnama , Nurtono Tantular , Widiyastuti Widiyastuti , Setyawan Heru
Published: September 2024

The common method to improve battery performance and safety issues related to electrolyte leakage and evaporation in lead‐acid batteries (LABs) is by electrolyte immobilization. Herein, a hydrogel electrolyte is proposed by immobilizing sulfuric acid within a cellulose‐based hydrogel derived from coir fibers. The hydrogel is prepared using two steps: cellulose purification and hydrogel formation. In the first step, lignin and hemicellulose in coir fibers are removed using mechanical and chemical treatments to produce cellulose pulp. Then, cellulose hydrogel is prepared from the pulp using the dissolution‐coagulation route in an alkali‐urea system. The hydrogel is soaked in sulfuric acid to produce hydrogel electrolyte. The cellulose hydrogel has good mechanical strength, with a tensile strength of about 4.5 MPa and Young's modulus of about 39.02 MPa. The ionic conductivity of the hydrogel electrolyte is ≈0.183 mS cm−1, approaching that of the sulfuric acid electrolyte used in LABs. Although the discharge capacity of cell using the hydrogel electrolyte is slightly lower than that of free sulfuric acid electrolyte (1907 vs. 2051 mAh g−1), its stability is better. The study offers gel polymer electrolyte derived from agricultural waste coir fibers for use in LABs in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.
Quantification of m6A RNA modification in Caenorhabditis elegans by LC‐MS
Authors: Lin Shiye
Published: September 2024

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A), one of the most abundant RNA modifications, has been found to be present in RNA in various life forms and plays a crucial regulatory role in gene expression. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a unique model organism with abundant m6A modifications. To analyze and understand the function of m6A in C. elegans, mass spectrometry is preferred because of its remarkable sensitivity and accuracy in detecting modified nucleosides. Here, we present a protocol for quantifying adenosine and m6A levels in C. elegans RNA. Using nucleases and phosphatases, we digested RNA into nucleosides and then quantified it using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS).
Effect of edible film prepared with plasma‐activated water and olive leaf extract (Olea europaea L.) as a potential packaging in cooked meat product
Authors: Bilecen Şen Damla , Güleç Ali
Published: September 2024

This research determined the use of edible film (EF) prepared with olive leaf extract (OLE) and plasma‐activated water (PAW) on the shelf life and quality of cooked meat (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum) product. The characterization of PAW composition and the antioxidant activity and the total phenolic content (TPC) of OLE were determined. Also, physicochemical and microbiological properties and lipid oxidation of cooked meat product coated with EF stored at +4°C for 14 d were evaluated. Cold plasma treatment increased the nitrite/nitrate concentrations and ORP value and decreased the pH value of distilled water (DW). The amount of TPC, IC50 value, and the antioxidant activity of OLE were 71.52 mg GAE/g, 0.46 mg/mL, and 77.39%, respectively. The combined use of OLE and PAW in EF during storage reduced the pH of cooked meat product. Furthermore, the addition of OLE in EF increased the b* values and reduced the a* values of cooked meat product, whereas the addition of PAW did not influence the CIE L*, a*, b* color values. The use of EF prevented lipid oxidation in cooked meat product during storage, especially the addition of OLE to the EF reduced the TBARS values. In this research, the addition of OLE to EF prepared with PAW has a promising application potential in the preservation of RTE‐cooked meat products. Also, these findings suggested that OLE, a by‐product from production of olive oil, might be applied as active packaging in biodegradable films.
RNA m6A methylation regulatory mechanism of resveratrol in premature senescence cells
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhu Chenyu , Zhang Luyun , Tan Luyi , Cheng Wenli , Li Min , Zhang Xingtan , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhang Wenji
Published: September 2024

Resveratrol, a natural compound found in various plants, is known for its anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and senescence‐delaying properties. RNA N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) methylation plays a crucial role in oxidative stress and premature cellular senescence processes and is closely associated with age‐related disorders. However, the anti‐premature senescence via RNA m6A methylation mechanism of resveratrol is still not fully understood. In this study, based on premature senescence model of human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HEFs) induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a widely accepted model of premature senescence caused by oxidative stress, we explored the anti‐aging regulatory effects of resveratrol at the RNA m6A methylation level. Our data suggested that resveratrol significantly delayed premature senescence by increasing cell viability, reducing SA‐β‐gal blue staining rate, ROS levels, and senescence‐associated secretory phenotypes (SASP) expression in HEFs. Meanwhile, resveratrol increased the whole RNA methyltransferases activity and the overall m6A level during senescence. Furthermore, three genes CCND2, E2F1, and GADD45B have been identified as the main ones regulating premature by resveratrol. Specifically, it decreased E2F1, GADD45B RNA m6A methylation level, and increased CCND2 level in premature cells. Our study provided new clues for exploring the mechanism and application of resveratrol in the field of premature aging.
Omega‐3 supplementation attenuates doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity but is not related to the ceramide pathway
Authors: Monte Marina Gaiato , Tonon Carolina Rodrigues , Fujimori Anderson Seiji , Ribeiro Ana Paula Dantas , Zanati Silmeia Garcia , Okoshi Katashi , Camacho Camila Renata Correa , Moretto Maria Regina , de Paiva Sergio Alberto Rupp , Zornoff Leonardo Antonio Mamede , Azevedo Paula Schmidt , Minicucci Marcos Ferreira , Polegato Bertha Furlan
Published: September 2024

Cardiotoxicity is the serious side effect of doxorubicin treatment. Ceramides are formed from the degradation of sphingolipids in cell membranes and play an important role in signaling and modulating biological processes. There is evidence that omega‐3 fatty acid administration can act on this pathway. To evaluate the role of the ceramide pathway in the pathophysiology of doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity and the effect of omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation in the attenuation of chronic doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (C), Doxorubicin (D), Omega‐3 fatty acids (W), and Doxorubicin + Omega‐3 fatty acids (DW). The groups received omega‐3 fatty acids (400 mg/kg/day, via gavage) or water for 6 weeks and doxorubicin (3.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) or saline once a week for 4 weeks. Doxorubicin‐treated animals showed increases in left atrium and left ventricle diameters, serum triglycerides and cholesterol, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonylation. We also observed a decrease in left ventricular shortening fraction and nSMase1 expression in the heart. Omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation attenuated the structural and functional alterations caused by doxorubicin and decreased protein carbonylation. In contrast to doxorubicin, omega‐3 fatty acids increased neutral nSMase activity in animals that both received and did not receive doxorubicin but with no effect on nSMase1 protein expression. Omega‐3 fatty acid supplementation attenuated the cardiotoxicity caused by doxorubicin. The ceramide pathway may be involved in the pathophysiology of cardiotoxicity, but it is not the mechanism by which omega‐3 fatty acids attenuated cardiac dysfunction.
Microencapsulation and characterization of pomegranate seed oil using gum Arabic and maltodextrin blends for functional food applications
Authors: Mangope Kutloano , Kaseke Tafadzwa , Fawole Olaniyi A.
Published: September 2024

Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) is highly valued in the functional food industry due to its rich fatty acid content and associated health benefits. However, its high degree of unsaturation makes it susceptible to rapid degradation when exposed to oxygen and light. This study investigates the encapsulation of PSO at 15% w/w using different blends of gum Arabic (GA) and maltodextrin (MD) (1:0, 0:1, 1:1, 3:1, and 1:3) to determine optimal formulations for enhanced stability and functional quality. Characterization of the encapsulated PSO powders showed distinct particle morphologies, including flake‐like shapes and textures ranging from smooth to wrinkled and porous. The Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectra indicated shifts in functional groups from 2973.70 to 408.84 cm−1, revealing the presence of aliphatic, amine, aromatic, carboxylic acid, and hydroxyl groups. Although no single formulation achieved all desired outcomes, the GA:MD ratios of 1:0 and 1:1 were superior in enhancing color properties (yellowness and chroma), techno‐functional attributes (bulk density and solubility), and in preserving essential fatty acids, including stearic, cis‐oleic, α‐linolenic, arachidic, γ‐linolenic, linoleic, and punicic acids. Additionally, GA:MD (3:1) powders exhibited superior ferric‐reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities (RSA). In conclusion, formulations using solely GA or GA:MD ratios of 1:1 and 3:1 effectively preserve bioactive content in PSO, enhancing its antioxidant capacity. These findings suggest promising applications for these encapsulated powders in developing functional foods that meet industry demands.
Are Biofuel Technologies a Revolution for Environmental Sustainability in the United States?
Authors: Karlilar Pata Selin , Pata Ugur Korkut
Published: September 2024

Many countries accelerate climate change by using fossil fuels like coal, gas, and petroleum to power their energy production systems and boost economic growth, which in turn releases large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG). Recently, biofuels (BIO) have gained significant global attention for their potential to decarbonize the economy and reduce dependence on petroleum by replacing fossil fuels. This study examines the effect of biofuel consumption and innovation in non‐fossil fuels on the load capacity factor (LCF) in the United States spanning from 1981 to 2020. The empirical outcomes verify the validity of the load capacity curve (LCC) theory. In addition, biofuel consumption has a favourable impact on LCF. The findings further demonstrate that innovation in non‐fossil fuel technologies has no significant impact on the LCF. Based on these outcomes, the US government should increase the share of BIO as an energy component in the energy mix to replace fossil fuels. As a result, BIO have significant potential for the United States to meet its low‐carbon goal by efficiently reducing GHG.
Relationship between advanced glycation end‐products and advanced oxidation protein products in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without albuminuria: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Larry Mehrdad , Rabizadeh Soghra , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Yadegar Amirhossein , Jalalpour Azadeh , Mirmiranpour Hossein , Farahmand Ghasem , Esteghamati Alireza , Nakhjavani Manouchehr
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Literature suggests that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the progression of diabetes. Since poor glycemic control enhances the formation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) in individuals with diabetes, exploring the association between glycation and oxidative states in diabetes could also shed light on potential consequences. This study evaluated the effects of albuminuria on AGEs and AOPP levels and measured their relationship in participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with or without albuminuria.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, matched case‐control study was designed, including 38 T2D subjects with albuminuria and 38 matched T2D subjects with normoalbuminuria. Patients were matched by their body mass index (BMI), age, and duration of diabetes. The unadjusted and adjusted correlation between AGEs and AOPP in the studied groups were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. Using ggplot2, the ties between these two biochemical factors in cases and controls were plotted.

Results

This study elucidated a significant association between AGEs and AOPP in participants with normoalbuminuria (r = 0.331, p‐value < 0.05), which continued to be significant after controlling for BMI, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (r = 0.355, p‐value < 0.05). However, there was no significant association between AGEs and AOPP in those with albuminuria in the unadjusted model (r = 0.034, p‐value = 0.841) or after controlling for BMI, age, SBP, and DBP (r = 0.076, p‐value = 0.685).

Conclusion

Oxidation and glycation molecular biomarkers were correlated in patients without albuminuria; however, this association was not observed in those with albuminuria.
Early prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus using first trimester maternal serum pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐a: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Amini Maedeh , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan , Rasekhi Aliakbar , Amirian Azam , Kariman Nourossadat
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

The oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose is commonly regarded as the gold standard (GS) for the detection of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, one limitation of this test is its administration in the late second trimester of pregnancy in some countries (e.g., Iran). This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) for predicting GDM in the early first trimester of pregnancy using a novel statistical modeling technique.

Methods

The study population consisted of 344 pregnant women who participated in the first trimester screening program for GDM. Maternal serum PAPP‐A levels were measured between 11 and 13 gestational weeks for all participants. A Bayesian latent profile model (LPM) under the skew‐t (ST) distribution was employed to estimate the diagnostic accuracy measures of PAPP‐A in the absence of GS test outcomes.

Results

The mean (standard deviation) age of the participants was 28.87 ± 5.20 years. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) PAPP‐A MoM was 0.91 (0.69‐1.34). Utilizing the LPM under the ST distribution while adjusting for covariates, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of PAPP‐A were 92% (95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.89, 0.98), 81% (95% CrI: 0.76, 0.91), and 0.91 (95% CrI: 0.83, 0.97), respectively. Notably, the pregnant women with GDM had significantly lower PAPP‐A values ( −0.52, 95% CrI [−0.61, −0.46]).

Conclusion

Generally, our findings confirmed that PAPP‐A could serve as a potential screening tool for the identification of GDM in the early stages of pregnancy.
Effects of Blood Collection Tubes on the Quantification of Catecholamines and Their O‐Methylated Metabolites by Liquid Chromatography Coupled With Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Su Rong , Wu Yanjie , Huang Qiuyi , Huang Shengchun , Li Yao , Chen Caifeng , Xie Wenchun , Li Yan
Published: September 2024

Background

Catecholamines (epinephrine; norepinephrine; and dopamine) and their O‐methylated metabolites (metanephrine; normetanephrine; and 3‐methoxytyramine) are biomarkers for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) was recommended by Endocrine Society for detecting these compounds. The influence of blood collection tubes on the analysis of the six analytes by LC‐MS/MS was not thoroughly investigated, which we want to clarify in our study.

Methods

Blood samples of healthy individuals were collected into serum, lithium heparin, and K2EDTA plasma tubes separately. Samples were subjected to solid phase extraction and then analyzed by LC‐MS/MS. The retention behavior and assay performance of the six analytes were assessed for samples from different collection containers. The impacts of potassium and sodium as the counter ions of EDTA on the retention time and matrix effect were also studied.

Results

Compared with O‐methylated metabolites, the results for catecholamines were more affected by the collection tubes, especially for norepinephrine, which displayed severely suppressed signal and very low extraction efficiency in K2EDTA plasma. Changing the counter ion of EDTA from potassium to sodium dramatically changed the retention behavior and matrix effect of norepinephrine.

Conclusions

It is necessary to evaluate blood collection tubes for catecholamines and their O‐methylated metabolites analyzed by LC‐MS/MS. In addition, attention should also be paid when the anticoagulant counter ion was changed.
Intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability of robotic arthrometer DYNEELAX®
Authors: Mihalinec Katja , Martinez‐Cepa Carmen B. , Zuil‐Escobar Juan C. , Kejžar Nataša , Vauhnik Renata
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of our study was to test the intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability of the DYNEELAX® arthrometer in healthy subjects. Since rotational laxity will be measured for the first time in humans, indications for normative values will also be presented.

Methods

Knee anterior laxity and rotational laxity using a DYNEELAX® arthrometer were assessed in 73 subjects (39 females and 34 males). An intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to evaluate the intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability of the DYNEELAX®.

Results

An intraclass correlation coefficient for intra‐rater reliability ranges from 0.631 (95% confidence interval; [CI]: 0.47–0.75) to 0.699 (95% CI: 0.56–0.80) and from 0.916 (95% CI: 0.87–0.95) to 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91–0.96) for anterior knee laxity and rotational knee laxity, respectively. An intraclass correlation coefficient for inter‐rater reliability ranges from 0.578 (95% CI: 0.40–0.71) to 0.646 (95% CI: 0.44–0.78) and from 0.822 (95% CI: 0.57–0.91) to 0.933 (95% CI: 0.89–0.96) for anterior knee laxity and rotational knee laxity, respectively.

Conclusions

The DYNEELAX® arthrometer has good to excellent intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability for rotational knee laxity and moderate intra‐rater reliability for anterior knee laxity in healthy subjects. Future studies should investigate the clinical significance of anterior and rotational laxity measured with the DYNEELAX® arthrometer in patients with knee pathology, as both laxities are critical for assessing the integrity of the intra‐articular structures of the knee in clinical practice.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Anterior bone tunnel position increases meniscus migration in medial meniscus posterior root repair: A cadaveric study of suture length changes
Authors: Nishino Kazuya , Hashimoto Yusuke , Kinoshita Takuya , Iida Ken , Tsumoto Shuko , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study investigated differences in the migration of meniscus sutured with pull‐out sutures for treating medial meniscus posterior root tears (MMPRTs) according to the bone tunnel position, using cadaveric knees.

Methods

Six knees of three donors fixed using Thiel's method were included in this study. The MMPRTs were created, and a single suture was performed at the torn meniscus using an arthroscopic procedure. The suture was pulled out through the tibial bone tunnel, and the meniscus displacement was measured as the change in length during 0–120° of knee flexion. Three types of bone tunnels (anatomical, anterior and posterior) were created for each knee, and the sutures were pulled out of each tunnel three times. After completing all measurements, the proximal tibia was extracted and micro‐computed tomography was performed to evaluate the tunnel position.

Results

A significantly smaller change in suture length was observed in the posterior group compared to the other two groups (anatomical group, 5.17 ± 1.8 mm; anterior group, 7.50 ± 3.2 mm; posterior group, 1.17 ± 1.0 mm; p > 0.01). In addition, a significant correlation between the anteroposterior tunnel position and suture length change was observed (r = −0.720; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

When pull‐out sutures were used to repair MMPRTs, the suture length change was approximately 5 mm during knee flexion and extension when the bone tunnel was located at the anatomical attachment site. This change was larger when the tunnel position was anterior, and smaller when the tunnel position was posterior.

Level of Evidence

LEVEL Ⅲ case–control study
Non‐Hamiltonian Cartesian products of two even dicycles
Authors: Noguchi Kenta , Zamfirescu Carol T.
Published: September 2024

In this note it is proven that there exist infinitely many positive integers and such that the Cartesian product of a directed cycle of length and a directed cycle of length is non‐Hamiltonian. In particular, the Cartesian product of an 880‐dicycle and a 4368‐dicycle is non‐Hamiltonian. We also prove that there is no such graph on fewer than vertices, which is rather astonishing.
Trade‐offs between labour migration and agricultural productivity: Evidence from smallholder wheat systems in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Gokul P. , Nguyen Trung Thanh , Grote Ulrike
Published: September 2024

Rural labour out‐migration has become a major contributor to off‐farm income through remittances and plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of rural households in developing economies. However, research on the simultaneous on‐farm and off‐farm impacts of labour migration is still lacking. This study assesses the impacts of household labour migration on wheat productivity, labour and total costs, profitability and off‐farm income among smallholder wheat growers in Nepal. We use endogenous switching regression and two‐stage least squares regression models to control for potential endogeneity. The findings reveal that labour migration boosts off‐farm income due to remittances but negatively affects wheat productivity and profitability due to labour shortages. In addition, heterogeneous effects are observed, with large farms, cooperative membership, use of farm mechanization and non‐marginalized castes recording positive impacts. The study suggests that social institutions, such as cooperatives, and farm mechanization can create synergies between labour migration and agricultural productivity in Nepal.
Century‐Long Variations in Surface Incident Solar Radiation Over Japan——Characterized by Observations and Reanalyses
Authors: Ma Qian , Liu Han
Published: September 2024

Surface incident solar radiation (R

s
) is of great importance in determining the energy balance in the Earth system. In this study, we use century‐long homogenized observations over Japan to constrain five 20th century reanalyses to explore their performance in reproducing R

s
variation on different time scales (high‐frequency components [HFCs], for signals with cycles less than 10 years; low‐frequency components [LFCs], for signals with cycles more than 10 years) by ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method and to quantify the impact factors on the R

s
estimations by the sum of tree (SOT) model. It is found that ERA20C, ERA20CM and CERA20C overestimated R

s
by 0.48–1.49 W/m−2, while 20CRv2c and 20CRv3 underestimated R

s
by −0.63 and −1.18 W/m−2, respectively for 1931–2010. Poor correlation coefficient (R) was found to be 0.10 for ERA20CM and 0.22 for 20CRv2c. 20CRv2c failed for 1931–1960 but improved considerably for 1961–2010. 20CRv3 uses an upgraded model and assimilates more observations compared with its predecessor 20CRv2c; however, only the original components and HFCs in R

s
were improved, with nearly no improvement in the LFCs. In general, CERA20C R

s
, with small biases and higher R of 0.73 for original signals, 0.83 for HFCs and LFCs, is superior to other reanalyses. No obvious trend in clear sky R

s
demonstrated that reanalysed R

s
are insensitive to the aerosol forcings. Therefore, cloud cover and water vapour maybe the main factors influenced reanalysed R

s
. Most of time, R

s
is more sensitive to cloud cover than vapour pressure for all reanalyses except original signals (with contribution ratio of 0.29 for cloud cover and 0.71 for vapour pressure) and LFCs (with contribution ratio of 0.41 for cloud cover and 0.59 for vapour pressure) in CERA20C, and original signals (with contribution ratio of 0.37 for cloud cover and 0.63 for vapour pressure) in ERA20C. This work pointed out that aerosol related processes such as aerosol forcings or aerosol radiative effect in reanalyses should be improved in the future, which will ultimately improve the interaction between aerosol and cloud in R

s
simulations.