bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of democracy on liquidity and information asymmetry for NYSE cross‐listed stocks
Authors: Kim Jang‐Chul , Su Qing , Elliott Teressa
Published: August 2024

We investigate the empirical relationship between a country's democracy level, measured using the Democracy Index's five categories (electoral process and pluralism, the functioning of government, political participation, political culture, and civil liberties), and market liquidity for non‐US stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) from 2014 to 2019. Our analysis shows that non‐US stocks from countries with stronger democratic institutions have narrower spreads, a higher market quality index, smaller price impacts of trades, and lower probabilities of information‐based trading. We also find a significant correlation between changes in our liquidity measures and variations in a country's overall democracy level over time. Our results suggest that improving a country's level of democracy can enhance the market liquidity and quality of non‐US stocks, thus benefiting investors and promoting the overall stability and efficiency of financial markets.
Induction of ventricular fibrillation during programmed ventricular stimulation in a patient with CASQ2 heterozygous mutation
Authors: Frontera Antonio , Mazzanti Andrea , Belhassen Bernard , Priori Silvia
Published: August 2024

Introduction

We report the case of a 37‐year‐old male athlete, who developed during exercise atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. No structural heart disease.

Results

Invasive programmed ventricular stimulation induced ventricular fibrillation. A heterozygous mutation in the CASQ2 gene (c.775G>T, p.E259X) was found.

Conclusions

The findings in our patient may suggest some increased ventricular excitability using programmed ventricular stimulation in CASQ2 polymorphic ventricular tachycardia patients.
Distribution of antral lesions with the novel size‐adjustable cryoballoon for pulmonary vein isolation and the differences based on left atrial remodeling
Authors: Goto Kentaro , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Negishi Miho , Ikenouchi Takashi , Yamamoto Tasuku , Kawamura Iwanari , Nishimura Takuro , Takamiya Tomomasa , Tao Susumu , Takigawa Masateru , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The novel cryoballoon with 28 mm or 31 mm adjustable diameters, aims to achieve a wide antral pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). However, the distribution of antral lesions and their variations based on left atrial (LA) remodeling require further clarification.

Methods

We evaluated 22 patients (67 [59.5–74.8] years, 19 males) who underwent PVI of atrial fibrillation (AF) (13 paroxysmal AF [PAF] and 9 non‐PAF) using size‐adjustable cryoballoons. LA electro‐anatomical mapping was performed post‐PVI with three‐dimensional mapping systems. We assessed the shapes of the LA and pulmonary veins (PVs) and the distribution of isolated areas (IAs), comparing the results between PAF and non‐PAF patients.

Results

In the left PVs (LPVs), the distance between the PV orifice and IA edge (PVos‐IA) was larger on the roof and posterior segments (~15 mm) but relatively smaller on the anterior segment near the PV ridge (<10 mm). For the right PVs (RPVs), it was more extensive in the posterior segment (10–15 mm). Comparing PAF and non‐PAF, there were no significant differences in the PVos‐IA except for the right posterior‐carina segment, antrum IA (LPVs: 5.9 ± 1.6 vs. 5.8 ± 0.8 cm², p = .81; RPVs: 4.8 ± 2.3 vs. 4.8 ± 1.2 cm², p = .81), distances between the right and left IAs on the LA posterior wall (LAPW), and un‐isolated LAPW area (9.0 ± 4.9 vs. 9.9 ± 2.5 cm², p = .62). No individual PVIs were observed in either group. Two patients exhibited overlapping IAs on the roof, and one patient who underwent 31 mm balloon applications for all PVs exhibited an LAPW isolation.

Conclusion

The size‐adjustable cryoballoon achieved a wide antral PVI even in non‐PAF patients.
PIONEER REAL Japan: Primary results from a multicenter, prospective, real‐world study of oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes in Japanese clinical practice
Authors: Yabe Daisuke , Hamamoto Yoshiyuki , Kawanami Daiji , Nishimura Rimei , Terauchi Yasuo , Amadid Hanan , Braae Uffe Christian , Major‐Pedersen Atheline , Suzuki Ryo
Published: August 2024

Aims/Introduction

PIONEER REAL Japan was a non‐interventional prospective study of oral semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes in Japanese clinical practice.

Materials and Methods

Adults naïve to injectable glucose‐lowering therapies initiated oral semaglutide in routine clinical practice and were followed for 34–44 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline to end of study; the co‐primary endpoint was number of adverse events (AEs). Secondary endpoints included change in bodyweight from baseline to end of study. Analyses were also carried out for subgroups aged <75 and ≥75 years.

Results

A total of 624 participants initiated oral semaglutide; 578 completed the study. Mean baseline HbA1c and bodyweight were 7.7% and 72.4 kg, respectively. At end of study, estimated change (95% confidence interval [CI]) in HbA1c from baseline was −0.7 percentage points (−0.77, −0.61) overall, −0.8 percentage points (−0.86, −0.67) in the <75 years subgroup and −0.5 percentage points (−0.68, −0.41) in the ≥75 years subgroup (all P < 0.0001). Estimated change (95% CI) in bodyweight was −2.8 (−3.19, −2.50) kg overall, −2.9 (−3.38, −2.49) kg in the <75 years subgroup and − 2.7 (−3.18, −2.14) kg in the ≥75 years subgroup (all P < 0.0001). AEs occurred in 161 (25.8%) participants: 99 of 423 (23.4%) and 62 of 201 (30.8%) participants in the <75 and ≥75 years subgroups, respectively. Gastrointestinal AEs were the AEs most frequently leading to oral semaglutide discontinuation.

Conclusions

In routine clinical practice, HbA1c and bodyweight were significantly reduced from baseline in adults initiating oral semaglutide, including those aged ≥75 years, with no new safety concerns.
Calpeptin improves the cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease‐like complications of diabetes mellitus rats by regulating TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Qiao Luyao , Yi Shouqin , Li Tianpei , Pan Xin , Wang Gege , Liu Xu , Li Min , Min Jun , Le Huahui , Tang Zhenyu
Published: August 2024

Aims

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is closely associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and is considered an accelerator of AD. Our previous study has confirmed that the Calpain inhibitor Calpeptin may alleviate AD‐like complications of diabetes mellitus. This work further investigated its underlying mechanism.

Materials and Methods

Diabetes mellitus rat model was constructed by a high‐fat and high‐sugar diet combined with streptozotocin, followed by the administration of Calpeptin. Moreover, rats were micro‐injected with LV‐TXNIP‐OE/vector into the CA1 region of the hippocampus one day before streptozotocin injection. The Morris water maze test assessed the spatial learning and memory ability of rats. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting detected the expression of the pericyte marker PDGFRβ, tight junction proteins occludin and ZO‐1, calpain‐1, calpain‐2, APP, Aβ, Aβ‐related, and TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome‐related proteins. Immunofluorescence staining examined the blood vessel density and neurons in the hippocampus. Evans blue extravasation and fluorescence detected the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in rats. Additionally, the oxidative stress markers and inflammatory‐related factors were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Calpeptin effectively reduced the expression of Calpain‐2 and TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome‐related proteins, improved the decreased pericyte marker (PDGFR‐β) and cognitive impairment in hippocampus of DM rats. The neuronal loss, microvessel density, permeability of BBB, Aβ accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative stress injury in the hippocampus of DM rats were also partly rescued by calpeptin treatment. The influence conferred by calpeptin treatment was reversed by TXNIP overexpression.

Conclusions

These data demonstrated that calpeptin treatment alleviated AD‐like symptoms in DM rats through regulating TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome. Thus, calpeptin may be a potential drug to treat AD‐like complications of diabetes mellitus.
Development and performance evaluation of a portable solar‐assisted evaporative cool chamber for preservation of perishables
Authors: Patel Deep P. , Jain S. K.
Published: August 2024

Horticulture plays a pivotal role in providing livelihoods, nutrition, and economic growth. However, post‐harvest losses due to inadequate storage facilities and practices remain a significant issue. The storage of horticultural produce involves developing and adopting sustainable, cost‐effective solutions tailored to the unique challenges of resource‐constrained environments. Despite the availability of refrigeration and cold storage facilities, their energy‐intensive and expensive nature renders them inaccessible to many. To tackle this problem, a solar‐assisted evaporative cool chamber (ECC) with a storage capacity of 250 kg was designed. It is powered by a 200 W solar panel, a 150 Ah battery with a charge controller, a 9 W water pump, and two 7.4 W exhaust fans. Extensive performance evaluation optimized water flow rates, air velocities, and pad materials, leading to a significant temperature drop of 14.9°C and a 64.3% humidity increase with 98.48% saturation efficiency, achieved with a water flow rate (6 L/min), air velocity (4 m/s), and honeycomb pad material. The inclusion of a thermoelectric Peltier module further lowered the temperature to 17.0°C and raised humidity to 70.1% within the ECC. Storage studies with four fruits (bananas, apples, papayas, and oranges) and four vegetables (tomatoes, okras, brinjals, and cucumbers) demonstrated that products stored inside the ECC remained marketable for an additional 4–15 days, nearly doubling their shelf life compared with ambient conditions. An economically viable ECC solution effectively addresses the needs of hot climate regions, providing a valuable solution for post‐harvest preservation.

Practical applications

Horticulture is crucial for livelihoods, nutrition, and economic growth that face challenges in post‐harvest losses due to inadequate storage facilities. Traditional refrigeration solutions are often inaccessible in resource‐constrained environments. To address this, a solar‐assisted evaporative cool chamber (ECC) with a 250 kg storage capacity was designed and evaluated for performance. The solar‐assisted ECC presents a practical and cost‐effective technology with the potential to significantly improve post‐harvest management, empower small‐scale farmers, and promote sustainable food systems, particularly in resource‐constrained environments.
It got me thinking: The impact of participating in a divorce decision‐making interview
Authors: Fenske Shauna R. , Harris Steven M. , LaPlant‐Braughton Jacqueline , Allen Sarah , Roberts Kelly , Anderson Grace
Published: August 2024

Although there is literature documenting the reasons for and outcomes of divorce, there is limited research about the divorce decision‐making process. Researchers with the National Divorce Decision‐Making Project interviewed (n = 30) people in the process of making a divorce decision. One year later they conducted a second interview (n = 22) with the same sample to track any changes in participants' divorce ideation. The current study reports on the results of a thematic analysis of participants' responses to the final question, “How did the initial interview impact your thinking about the future of your marriage?” Three salient themes emerged from the data: (1) talking got me thinking, (2) thinking got me acting, and (3) the conversation was (surprisingly) therapeutic. The authors highlight possible clinical implications and directions for future research.
Novel injectable polypeptide nanoparticle encapsulated siRNA targeting TGF‐β1 and COX‐2 for localized fat reduction I: Preclinical in vitro and animal models
Authors: Nestor Mark S. , Hetzel John , Awad Nardin , Bhupalam Vishnu , Lu Patrick , Molyneaux Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

Obesity and localized fat accumulation continue to drive the demand for minimally invasive body contouring technologies including injectable compounds for local fat reduction. siRNA offers a potential for an injectable to specifically target and silence genes involved in adipogenesis with minimal inflammatory side effects.

Aims

This study evaluates the efficacy of STP705, an injectable containing siRNA encapsulated within histidine‐lysine polypeptide (HKP) nanoparticles targeting transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), crucial mediators in adipocyte differentiation and fat retention, using in vitro, porcine, and murine models.

Methods

In vitro experiments on mouse preadipocytes and in vivo trials using Diet Induced Obese (DIO) mice and Yucatan minipigs were conducted to assess the gene silencing efficiency, tissue localization, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile of STP705.

Results

STP705 effectively reduced the expression of TGF‐β1 and COX‐2, with a notable decrease in adipocyte volume and lipid content without adverse systemic effects. In DIO mice, the HKP‐siRNA complex demonstrated precise localization to injected adipose tissue, maintaining significant gene silencing, and detectable levels of siRNA for up to 14 days post‐administration. Similar results in minipigs showed a significant reduction in subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness.

Conclusion

The results of these studies support the use of targeted siRNA therapy specifically targeting TGF‐β1 and COX‐2, for localized fat reduction, offering a potential minimally invasive alternative to current fat reduction methods.
Comparative Bibliometric Analysis of Established and Emerging Databases on Salivary Biomarkers for Early Oral Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Pradhan Pragya , Saxena Vrinda , Haider Aiman
Published: August 2024

Background

Salivary biomarkers play an important role in the preventive strategy for oral cancer detection at an early stage. The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative quantitative analysis of the research material on the topic in one established database, Scopus and another emerging database, Dimensions.

Method

An electronic search was performed in Scopus and Dimensions in April 2024 with the search subjects “Saliva,” “Biomarkers,” “Diagnosis,” and “Oral Cancer.” The retrieved data were analyzed using Biblioshiny for RStudio and MS Excel.

Result

The search yielded 229 and 158 documents in Scopus and Dimensions, respectively. The data were studied to understand the coverage, concentration, and diversion of research articles. The analysis revealed high singularity index for Scopus and low overlap percentage between the two databases. Scopus was found to have higher citation count per article, however, the citation correlation between Scopus and Dimensions was found to be strong. Author productivity was found to be low in both the databases.

Conclusion

Scopus and Dimensions vary in their scope, volume of data, and coverage policies. Both the databases have complimentary coverage on salivary biomarkers for oral cancer diagnosis. However, Scopus has a greater number of articles, sources, and citations resulting in better coverage of the topic.
We're not in dreamland anymore: The consequences of community opioid use on local industrial composition
Authors: Langford W. Scott , Feldman Maryann P.
Published: August 2024

We estimate the effect of opioid use rates on local economic resilience through changes in industrial composition. We find regional opioid use rates adversely affect firm growth in general, with the greatest impact on small firms. Our results are robust to several identification strategies (Difference in Differences, Propensity Score Matching, and Instrumental Variables) and alternative empirical specifications. Our findings establish that local industrial composition and long‐term resilience are each adversely affected by the opioid public health crisis.
Covid‐19 and its effect on formal employment in Mexico: Are there signs of recovery?
Authors: Martínez‐Martínez Oscar A. , Reyes‐Martínez Javier
Published: August 2024

The conditions of the Mexican labor market during the Covid‐19 pandemic went through different stages. The government first declared a quarantine that lasted for several months, the effects of which continue to be quantified. In that sense, this article answers two questions, (1) what are the changes in labor formality rates before and 2 years after the Covid‐19 pandemic began in Mexico?; and (2) are there differences in economic sectors and between genders? We use the methodology proposed by Chacaltana and McMillan to measure the variation in the labor formality rate in its two components, (1) intrasectoral; and (2) intersectoral, through 9 quarterly editions of the National Occupation and Employment Survey. The results show that in the first 2 years of the pandemic and especially during the time of confinement, labor informality was not a means to maintain household income, as had happened in other economic crises. Likewise, important sectoral effects were found, with the most affected industries being nonessential ones. Finally, gender gaps widened, with women being the most affected in the formal and informal labor market due to pre‐existing conditions that were aggravated by the pandemic.
Effect of growth trajectories in communication skills on juvenile recidivism
Authors: Liu Lin
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Increasing numbers of children with behaviour problems in school are recognized as having language and communication difficulties. However, communication limitations have not been assessed adequately as a risk factor for juvenile recidivism. The aim of this study was to examine how changes in communication skills impacted subsequent engagement in crime among youth.

Methods

Four waves of longitudinal data of youth who were placed in juvenile justice residential facilities were used for the study. Group‐based trajectory and multivariate regression analyses were used to investigate how the growth trajectories of communication skills impacted recidivism.

Results

Group‐based trajectory analysis revealed heterogeneous growth in communication skills among residential youth. More interestingly, the scale of growth predicted recidivism.

Conclusions

This study extends an understanding of juvenile aggression and criminal offences by underlining communication limitation issues as a focal predictor of recidivism. Sufficient resources are needed for the development, evaluation and implementation of intervention programmes to help youth overcome limitations in communication.
Different Measures of Hyperglycemia Are Negatively Associated With Skin Microvascular Flowmotion: The Maastricht Study
Authors: Zhao X. , Schalkwijk C. , Kroon A. , Schram M. T. , Stehouwer C. , Houben A.
Published: August 2024

Objective

Diabetes can lead to microvascular complications such as diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. Hyperglycemia may initiate microvascular function impairment early in the course of diabetes, even prior to its clinical establishment during the pre‐diabetes stage. Microvascular vasomotion, that is, the rhythmic arteriolar constriction and dilation, is an important function that regulates oxygen and nutrient delivery within the tissue and regulates peripheral resistance. Using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), vasomotion in skin microcirculation can be measured as flowmotion. Changes in flowmotion have been shown in individuals with obesity, and type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, no data are available on associations between hyperglycemia and flowmotion in the general population. Our aim was to study whether measures of hyperglycemia were associated with different components of skin microvascular flowmotion (SMF) in a population‐based cohort (The Maastricht Study).

Methods

Data from 7293 participants of The Maastricht Study were used. SMF was measured using LDF. Endothelial, neurogenic and myogenic component SMF power were used as dependent variables. We investigated the associations of glucose metabolism status (normal glucose metabolism, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes mellitus), measures of hyperglycemia (fasting plasma glucose [FPG], 2‐h post‐load glucose [2 h‐PG], HbA1c, advanced glycation end‐products [AGEs] assessed as skin autofluorescence [SAF]), and indices of glucose variability (incremental glucose peak [IGP] and continuous glucose monitoring [CGM] ‐assessed as standard deviation [SD]) with each component of SMF power. We used linear regression analyses with adjustments for confounders, and trend analyses.

Results

We observed consistent negative associations between HbA1c levels and all three (endothelial, neurogenic, and myogenic) skin microvascular flowmotion (SMF) powers in the additionally adjusted model. Similarly, in the conservative model, we found that multiple hyperglycemia metrics such as GMS trend, PreD, T2DM, FPG, 2 h‐PG, and HbA1c were consistently negatively associated with all three SMF powers.

Conclusions

We showed that skin microvascular flowmotion is reduced in individuals with (pre)diabetes. In addition, different measures of hyperglycemia are negatively associated with skin microvascular flowmotion.
The taxonomic history of Pilosella floribunda (Asteraceae), a common hybridogenous aggregate of central, northern and eastern Europe
Authors: Sennikov Alexander N.
Published: August 2024

The taxonomic history, nomenclature and application of one of the oldest species names in Pilosella are reviewed. Hieracium floribundum originally included a hybrid swarm with the participation of Pilosella lactucella, P. caespitosa, P. praealta and partly P. officinarum, and was interpreted either as a binary (P. lactucella × P. caespitosa) or triple (P. lactucella × P. caespitosa × P. praealta) hybrid. The original material of H. floribundum from Silesia, Poland includes plants of the triple hybrid which are designated as its lectotype in conformity with the usage of the species name that has been predominant during its history. The lectotype belongs to a morphotype in which the diagnostic characters of P. lactucella are dominant, and which is not typical of northern and eastern Europe. A further lectotype from the same hybrid complex is designated for H. floribundum var. subcymosum.
Providing biological context for GWAS results using eQTL regulatory and co‐expression networks in Populus
Authors: Shu Mengjun , Yates Timothy B. , John Cai , Harman‐Ware Anne E. , Happs Renee M. , Bryant Nathan , Jawdy Sara S. , Ragauskas Arthur J. , Tuskan Gerald A. , Muchero Wellington , Chen Jin‐Gui
Published: August 2024

Our study utilized genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to link nucleotide variants to traits in Populus trichocarpa, a species with rapid linkage disequilibrium decay. The aim was to overcome the challenge of interpreting statistical associations at individual loci without sufficient biological context, which often leads to reliance solely on gene annotations from unrelated model organisms.

We employed an integrative approach that included GWAS targeting multiple traits using three individual techniques for lignocellulose phenotyping, expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis to construct transcriptional regulatory networks around each candidate locus and co‐expression analysis to provide biological context for these networks, using lignocellulose biosynthesis in Populus trichocarpa as a case study.

The research identified three candidate genes potentially involved in lignocellulose formation, including one previously recognized gene (Potri.005G116800/VND1, a critical regulator of secondary cell wall formation) and two genes (Potri.012G130000/AtSAP9 and Potri.004G202900/BIC1) with newly identified putative roles in lignocellulose biosynthesis.

Our integrative approach offers a framework for providing biological context to loci associated with trait variation, facilitating the discovery of new genes and regulatory networks.
Reframing covenant for nursing: From individual commitments to covenant with society
Authors: Wolfs Dorolen , Jantzen Darlaine , Fowler Marsha , Musto Lynn C. , Reimer‐Kirkham Sheryl
Published: August 2024

Today's constrained healthcare environment can make it very difficult for nurses to provide compassionate, competent, and ethical care, and yet their continued commitment to care is viewed as requisite. Nurses' commitment to care of patients, enmeshed with professional identity, may be understood as heroic. A few nursing scholars have advanced the concept of a nurse‐patient covenant to explain or inspire nurses' commitment to care. Covenant describes an enduring relationship characterised by mutual promises and generous responsiveness. However, recent critique has revealed a general misunderstanding and misuse of the term covenant in much of the nursing literature whereby individual nurses are improperly and impossibly idealised as holding sole responsibility in the commitment to care. Such an interpretation obscures society's responsibilities in caring for both patients and nurses and contributes to the idealisation of nurses' commitment to extend themselves to fill in healthcare system gaps. Yet, the concept of a covenant relationship, when reframed as occurring between society and the profession of nursing, may lead us toward solutions to the very problems the originally misused concept sustained. Evidence within healthcare systems globally suggests that nurses' commitments are fragile or fragmented under duress due to increasing pressure, demands, and even risks. A reframing of covenant has the common good for society and nursing at its core and, we argue, may lead to a more sustainable nursing identity. We present the results of an exploratory project, undertaken to examine the utility and suitability of covenant as a relational framework for nursing. We explore a reframing of a covenant of care as a relationship between nursing and society, which may provide a fruitful path toward a sustainable, shared commitment for healthcare. This covenant of care re‐centres shared work—a joint responsibility between society and nursing—as necessary for the common good.
Reimagining a nursing ecosystem in an uncertain world
Authors: Krol Pawel , Einboden Rochelle , Wong Horas , Geia Lynore , Tembo Agness
Published: August 2024

The discussion paper synthesises the insights shared during a keynote panel at the 26th International Philosophy of Nursing Conference, themed “Reimagining a nursing ecosystem in an uncertain world.” It delves into the substantial impact uncertainty has on nursing, offering innovative strategies for reconceptualization. Through a critical examination of evidence‐based practice, the tendency to homogenise nursing is discussed, prompting advocacy for a Nietzschean political framework as a form of resistance and emancipation. Drawing inspiration from Donna Haraway, a transition from individualistic to relational approaches is needed, especially amidst social and economic instability. Furthermore, the integration of caritas and Indigenous epistemologies underscore the significance of cultural sensitivity in nursing. Meanwhile, Ubuntu philosophy champions empathy and collective values, while a convergence of Eastern and Western philosophical traditions promises to enrich nursing practice. Ultimately, the panellists advocate for overcoming rigid ideologies in favour of a pluralistic approaches, ontologies, epistemologies and ethics to address contemporary challenges, and signal for a philosophical reorientation to engage uncertainty and reshape nursing roles in an ever‐evolving and world.
Expert Consensus on an Open‐Access UNIMMAP MMS Product Specification: 2024 revision
Authors: Ajello Clayton A. , Atwater John , de Lange Jarno
Published: August 2024

The United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation (UNIMMAP) of a multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) for pregnant women is a proven evidence‐based nutrition intervention and is listed on the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines. The 2024 revision of the Expert Consensus on an Open‐Access UNIMMAP MMS Product Specification provides both purchasers and manufacturers with unified guidance on the production of UNIMMAP MMS. More specifically, it outlines the minimum requirements for the manufacture of UNIMMAP MMS and provides guidance on quality and regulatory standards based on whether the product is manufactured as a medicinal product or a dietary supplement. The product specification includes ingredients, excipients/food additives, and processing aids used in manufacturing UNIMMAP MMS; stability testing for different climatic zones; packaging and labeling considerations; pharmacopeial standards, manufacturing practices, certificates of analysis, change control, and quality agreement; finished product test specifications, including tablet characterization and purity/strength assay; analytical test methods; and storage and transportation requirements.
Development and application of a dCAPS marker for the white immature fruit rind colour gene w in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Yang Yuqing , Zhou Yuan , Xiang Yachen , Zhou Yuqing , Cui Haibing , Liu Hanqiang , Pan Yupeng
Published: August 2024

Immature fruit rind colour, a key factor influencing consumer choice, is an important external quality trait in cucumbers. The application of molecular marker‐assisted selection (MAS) can significantly improve the efficiency of the cucumber breeding process that focuses on fruit rind colours. In this study, we developed a dCAPS marker Csw_dCAPS co‐segregated with cucumber white immature fruit rind regulating gene w (Csaprr2) based on its 1‐bp ‘G/‐’ sequence insertion. Both validations of marker Csw_dCAPS among 59 cucumber commercial cultivars and 41 inbred lines showed that the Csw_dCAPS marker has 100% accuracy rates in identifying the green and white coloured immature fruit rinds controlling by alleles W and w. Application of Csw_dCAPS marker in cucumber lines XNS023‐1 and XNS023‐2 revealed that the white immature fruit rind in XNS023‐1 is also caused by the 1‐bp ‘G/‐’ insertion of gene w. We discussed the derivation of gene w in cucumber XNS023‐1 according to the genetic background differences between XNS023‐1 and XNS023‐2. Besides, this newly developed marker was also compared with the previously reported linkage marker SSR06791 to underscore the precision and reliability of Csw_dCAPS. Herein, we first reported and verified a dCAPS marker Csw_dCAPS that completely co‐segregated with the white immature fruit rind regulating gene w. We concluded that this high‐accuracy dCAPS marker can effectively facilitate the MAS breeding process of new cucumber cultivars characterized by white‐coloured immature fruits.
Liana attachment to supports leads to profound changes in xylem anatomy and transcriptional profile of cambium and differentiating xylem
Authors: Lima André Carvalho , da Silva Andrade Sónia Cristina , Gerolamo Caian Souza , de Souza Diego Trindade , Coutinho Luiz Lehmann , Rossi Magdalena , Angyalossy Veronica
Published: August 2024

Wood serves crucial functions in plants, yet our understanding of the mechanisms governing the composition, arrangement, and dimensions of its cells remains limited. The abrupt transition from nonlianescent to lianescent xylem in lianas represents an excellent model to address the underlying mechanisms, although consistent triggering factors for this process remain uncertain. In this study we examined how physical support attachment impacts the development of lianescent xylem in Bignonia magnifica (Bignoniaceae), employing a comprehensive approach integrating detailed anatomical analysis with gene expression profiling of cambium and differentiating xylem. Our findings demonstrate that attachment to physical supports triggers the formation of lianescent xylem, leading to increased vessel size, broader vessel distribution, reduced fibre content, and higher potential specific water conductivity than nonlianescent xylem. These shifts in wood anatomy coincide with the downregulation of genes associated with cell division and cell wall biosynthesis, and the upregulation of transcription factors, defense/cell death, and hormone‐responsive genes in the lianescent xylem. Our findings provide insights into the regulation of xylem differentiation, driven by response to environmental stimuli. Additionally, they shed light on the mechanisms underlying the adaptation of lianas to climbing.
MAPKKK28 functions upstream of the MKK1‐MPK1 cascade to regulate abscisic acid responses in rice
Authors: Ren Ning , Zhang Gang , Yang Xiaokun , Chen Jing , Ni Lan , Jiang Mingyi
Published: August 2024

The mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade (MAPKKK‐MAPKK‐MAPK) plays a critical role in biotic and abiotic stress responses and abscisic acid (ABA) signalling. A previous study has shown that the ABA‐activated MKK1‐MPK1 cascade is essential in regulating ABA response and stress tolerance in rice. However, the specific MAPKKK upstream of the MKK1‐MPK1 cascade in ABA signalling remains unknown. Here, we identified that MAPKKK28, a previously uncharacterized member of the rice MEKK family, is involved in regulating ABA responses, including seed germination, root growth, stomatal closure, and the tolerance to oxidative stress and osmotic stress. We found that MAPKKK28 directly interacts with and phosphorylates MKK1. Further analysis indicated that the activation of both MKK1 and MPK1 depends on MAPKKK28 in ABA signalling. Genetic analysis revealed that MAPKKK28 functions upstream of the MKK1‐MPK1 cascade to positively regulate ABA responses and enhance tolerance to oxidative and osmotic stress. These results not only reveal a new complete MAPK cascade in plants but also uncover its importance in ABA signalling.
Photobiomodulation Using 830 nm Lighting‐Emitting Diode Inhibits Melanogenesis via FOXO3a in Human Melanocyte
Authors: Dan Yanjun , Chen Li , Jin Shanglin , Xing Xiaoxue , Zhu Yijian , Jiang Min , Zhang Chengfeng , Xiang Leihong Flora
Published: August 2024

Photobiomodulation (PBM) using 830 nm light‐emitting diode (LED) benefits tissue regeneration, wound healing and neural stimulation. However, there is not much exploration of its effect on melanocytes and ex vivo skin model. This study aims to investigate the mechanism behind the anti‐melanogenic activity of 830 nm LED and provides evidence for its activity in human ex vivo skin model. Our results showed that 830 nm LED at fluences ranging from 5 to 20 J/cm2 inhibited melanosome maturation and reduced melanin content, tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis‐related proteins. 830 nm LED inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and its downstream FOXO3a, leading to nuclear translocation of FOXO3a. Furthermore, FOXO3a knockdown and AKT activator like SC79 could reverse the melanogenesis inhibition phenotype induced by 830 nm LED. In human ex vivo skin model, Fontana–Masson staining revealed a decrease in epidermal basal pigmentation after 830 nm LED irradiation. Taken together, 830 nm LED demonstrated the anti‐melanogenic activity via FOXO3a.
Standardization of CD30 immunohistochemistry staining among three automated immunostaining platforms
Authors: Seki Masafumi , Satou Akira , Funato Renji , Tamaki Tomoko , Wada Naoki , Nakada Norihiro , Matsumoto Hirofumi , Nakazato Iwao , Wada Eriko , Sakurai Kaneko , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Karube Kennosuke
Published: August 2024

The identification of CD30 expression by immunohistochemistry is essential for the treatment of lymphomas using an antibody‐drug conjugate targeting CD30. However, no standardized protocol for CD30 staining has been available. In this study, we compared three common automated immunostaining platforms {Bond III (B III), Dako Omnis (DO) and Ventana BenchMark ULTRA (VBMU)}. A primary antibody for CD30, the Ber‐H2 clone, was diluted 50‐ to 400‐fold for B III and DO, and ready‐to‐use antibody was used for VBMU. An enhancement step using a linker was introduced in all protocols. First, several candidate dilutions were selected for each platform by staining six cases. These candidate conditions were then confirmed with 60 cases of various types of peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCLs). The concordance rates of CD30 expression among platforms differed depending on cutoff values and antibody dilutions, except for anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The concordance rates among three platforms in the evaluation of “positive” or “negative” were 100% and 97% when the cutoff values were 1% and 10% respectively, if using 400‐diluted antibody in B III and 100‐diluted antibody in DO. This study demonstrated the feasibility of equalizing CD30 staining of PTCLs among different platforms by adjusting protocols.
Leaf drought adaptive response in winter oilseed rape is altered at the onset of senescence: a study combining NMR relaxometry, multi‐omics and microscopy
Authors: Boulc'h Pierre‐Nicolas , Clouet Vanessa , Niogret Marie‐Françoise , Avice Jean‐Christophe , Musse Maja , Leport Laurent
Published: August 2024

Climate change is bringing more frequent and intense droughts, reducing overall water availability and adversely affecting crops. There is a need to improve our understanding of the tissular and cellular adaptation mechanisms that are critical for plant water conservation strategies. Here, we have used NMR relaxometry in combination with microscopy and multi‐omic analysis to study the effects of progressive soil drought on winter oilseed rape (WOSR, Brassica napus L., cv. Aviso) leaves. This study reveals the structural and metabolic adjustments these leaves operate to maintain cell homeostasis. Our results are original in showing that the adaptive responses are altered in leaves at the onset of senescence, associated with changes in metabolic plasticity and mesophyll structures. Thus, long‐term responses in young leaves involving osmotic adjustment were combined with the maintenance of tissue hydration and cell growth, contributing to high survival and recovery capacity. For the first time, short‐term responses observed in early senescent‐old leaves were associated with early drought‐induced dehydration of the spongy layer. However, this dehydration was not followed by osmotic adjustment and did not allow maintenance of leaf tissue turgor. These findings open further studies on the genetic variability of drought responses related to identified short‐ and long‐term structural and metabolic plasticity traits in Brassica species.
Early asymptomatic prediction of potato soft rot disease using phytohormone‐induced volatile biomarkers
Authors: Ray Rittika , Singh Shiv Shakti , Sircar Debabrata
Published: August 2024

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are one of the world's major staple crops. In stored potatoes, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp carotovorum causes soft rot. As a result of the rapid spread of the disease during post‐harvest storage, potato production suffers huge losses. By detecting disease early and controlling it promptly, losses can be minimized. The profile of volatiles of plants can be altered by phytopathogens. Identifying unique volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as biomarkers for early disease detection has attracted considerable research attention. This study compared the VOC profiles of healthy and soft rot inoculated potatoes (cv. “Kufri Pukhraj”) over a time course using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). It was found that there was a differential emission of 27 VOCs between healthy non‐inoculated potatoes and soft rot inoculated potatoes. Among 27 VOCs, only five (1‐octen‐3‐ol, 2‐methylisoborneol, 3‐octanone, 1,4‐dimethyladamantane, and 2‐methyl‐2‐bornene) were found exclusively in soft rot inoculated potatoes, suggesting them potential biomarker for non‐destructive prediction of soft rot disease in potatoes. Reactive oxygen species (H2O2) and phytohormone methyl‐jasmonate (MeJa) levels increased transiently on infection with soft rot. The analysis of the primary metabolism of soft rot infected tubers at three different stages suggests metabolic reprogramming that occurs at the early stage of infection, possibly leading to biomarker volatile emission. Based on these results, it appears that the initial potato‐soft rot bacteria interaction initiates metabolic reprogramming mainly through H2O2 and the MeJa signalling pathway. In asymptomatic potatoes, these biomarkers may be promising candidates for non‐destructive detection of soft rot at an early stage. These biomarkers can be used to develop an e‐nose sensor to predict soft rot in the future.
HFR1 antagonizes ABI4 to coordinate cytosolic redox status for seed germination under high‐temperature stress
Authors: Wang Zhangcheng , Mao Yan , Liang Lei , Pedro García‐Caparrós , Zhi Lulu , Li Ping , Hu Xiangyang
Published: August 2024

Seed germination and dormancy represent critical phases in the life cycle of plants, tightly regulated by endogenous phytochrome levels and environment signals. High temperatures (HT) induce the overaccumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase abscisic acid (ABA), thereby inhibiting seed germination. Our previous findings showed that HT induced the burst of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), increasing the S‐nitrosylation modification of HFR1, which effectively blocks seed germination. Importantly, stabilizing HFR1 has been shown to significantly mitigate the inhibitory effect of HT on seed germination. In this study, we reported that HT increased the protein abundance of ABI4, a crucial component in ABA signaling, which in turn activates the expression of RbohD while suppressing the expression of VTC2. This leads to the rapid generation of ROS, thereby inhibiting seed germination. Consistently, the seed germination of abi4 mutant showed insensitivity to HT with lower ROS level during seed germination, whereas transgenic lines overexpressing ABI4 showed reduced germination rates accompanied by elevated ROS levels. Furthermore, we noted that HFR1 interacts with ABI4 to sequester its activity under normal conditions. However, HT‐induced ROS triggered the degradation of HFR1, consequently releasing ABI4 activity. This activation of ABI4 promotes RbohD expression, culminating in a ROS burst that suppresses seed germination. Thus, our study unveils a novel function for ABI4 in regulating ROS level and seed germination under HT stress. Throughout this process, HFR1 plays a critical role in restraining ABI4 activity to maintain an optimal endogenous ROS level, thereby ensuring seed germination under favorable environmental conditions.
Stability of fronts in the diffusive Rosenzweig–MacArthur model
Authors: Ghazaryan Anna , Lafortune Stéphane , Latushkin Yuri , Manukian Vahagn
Published: August 2024

We consider a diffusive Rosenzweig–MacArthur predator–prey model in the situation when the prey diffuses at a rate much smaller than that of the predator. In a certain parameter regime, the existence of fronts in the system is known: the underlying dynamical system in a singular limit is reduced to a scalar Fisher–KPP (Kolmogorov–Petrovski–Piskunov) equation and the fronts supported by the full system are small perturbations of the Fisher–KPP fronts. The existence proof is based on the application of the Geometric Singular Perturbation Theory with respect to two small parameters. This paper is focused on the stability of the fronts. We show that, for some parameter regime, the fronts are spectrally and asymptotically stable using energy estimates, exponential dichotomies, the Evans function calculation, and a technique that involves constructing unstable augmented bundles. The energy estimates provide bounds on the unstable spectrum which depend on the small parameters of the system; the bounds are inversely proportional to these parameters. We further improve these estimates by showing that the eigenvalue problem is a small perturbation of some limiting (as the modulus of the eigenvalue parameter goes to infinity) system and that the limiting system has exponential dichotomies. Persistence of the exponential dichotomies then leads to bounds uniform in the small parameters. The main novelty of this approach is related to the fact that the limit of the eigenvalue problem is not autonomous. We then use the concept of the unstable augmented bundles and by treating these as multiscale topological structures with respect to the same two small parameters consequently as in the existence proof, we show that the stability of the fronts is also governed by the scalar Fisher–KPP equation. Furthermore, we perform numerical computations of the Evans function to explicitly identify regions in the parameter space where the fronts are spectrally stable.
Work inclusion of marginalised groups in a troubled city district—How can active labour market policies improve?
Authors: Frøyland Kjetil , Bull Helen , Skarpaas Lisebet Skeie , Berget Gerd , Spjelkavik Øystein , Lystad June Ullevoldsæter
Published: August 2024

Active labour market policies (ALMP) have faced challenges in integrating marginalised groups into the workforce. This study explores perceptions among managers and frontline workers on enhancing work inclusion for neurodiverse citizens, marginalised youth, and individuals suffering from mental health or substance use disorders in a troubled city district. An examination of dialogue conferences and group interviews uncovers problems with current practises, attitudes, and service organisation. The proposed local solutions primarily include improved coordination of support and services, as well as enhanced competence within these services. Our results indicate that co‐creation at the system, organisation, and individual levels, coupled with expanded knowledge translation, can mobilise local actors to create new or adopt existing knowledge‐based strategies. Therefore, local co‐creation presents a potential for developing local inclusion strategies.
Impotence Through Relevance? Faustian Bargains, Beyond Impact and the Future of Political Science
Authors: Flinders Matthew
Published: August 2024

The relationship between academe and society is shifting. Academics are increasingly expected to work through forms of co‐design and co‐production with potential research‐users to address state‐selected societal challenges and produce evidence of “impact”. The risk, however, is that this shift incentivises a form of Faustian bargain whereby scholars trade‐down their traditional criticality and independence as the price they pay for access to large funding streams and to be demonstrably “impactful”. The “impotence through relevance” thesis seeks to capture this paradoxical possibility: those scholars hailed as most relevant – the “high‐impact” academic superheroes – may in fact be almost completely irrelevant; while the most relevant scholars in terms of truly transformative socio‐political potential are dismissed and set aside as unproductive and therefore of little value. The “impotence through relevance” argument raises distinctive questions about co‐option and control, democracy and decline. These are particularly significant for political science.
The Political Scientist as a Critical Friend: A Comment on Flinders
Authors: Bovens Mark
Published: August 2024

In liberal democracies, the very essence of political science is to be a critical friend. It is both legitimate and rewarding to engage in policy relevant studies. It is not banal, technocratic, or oppressive to do research into pressing social issues and to provide advice on the effectiveness or desirability of policy interventions, or to evaluate existing policy programmes. And is not a Faustian bargain to train thousands of students each year to become professional policy advisors, civil servants, and politicians. On the contrary, well‐trained civil servants and policy staff are crucial for the vitality and survival of liberal democracies. What matters, both for the individual scholar and at the disciplinary level, is the right balance between hands‐on practical impact and critical distance.