bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bispecific T cell-engager targeting oncofetal chondroitin sulfate induces complete tumor regression and protective immune memory in mice
Authors: Skeltved Nanna , Nordmaj Mie A. , Berendtsen Nicolai T. , Dagil Robert , Stormer Emilie M. R. , Al-Nakouzi Nader , Jiang Ke , Aicher Alexandra , Heeschen Christopher , Gustavsson Tobias , Choudhary Swati , Gögenur Ismail , Christensen Jan P. , Theander Thor G. , Daugaard Mads , Salanti Ali , Nielsen Morten A.
Published: April 2023

Background

The malaria protein VAR2CSA binds oncofetal chondroitin sulfate (ofCS), a unique chondroitin sulfate, expressed on almost all mammalian cancer cells. Previously, we produced a bispecific construct targeting ofCS and human T cells based on VAR2CSA and anti-CD3 (V-aCD3Hu). V-aCD3Hu showed efficacy against xenografted tumors in immunocompromised mice injected with human immune cells at the tumor site. However, the complex effects potentially exerted by the immune system as a result of the treatment cannot occur in mice without an immune system. Here we investigate the efficacy of V-aCD3Mu as a monotherapy and combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in mice with a fully functional immune system.

Methods

We produced a bispecific construct consisting of a recombinant version of VAR2CSA coupled to an anti-murine CD3 single-chain variable fragment. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to check cell binding capabilities and the therapeutic effect was evaluated in vitro in a killing assay. The in vivo efficacy of V-aCD3Mu was then investigated in mice with a functional immune system and established or primary syngeneic tumors in the immunologically “cold” 4T1 mammary carcinoma, B16-F10 malignant melanoma, the pancreatic KPC mouse model, and in the immunologically “hot” CT26 colon carcinoma model.

Results

V-aCD3Mu had efficacy as a monotherapy, and the combined treatment of V-aCD3Mu and an immune checkpoint inhibitor showed enhanced effects resulting in the complete elimination of solid tumors in the 4T1, B16-F10, and CT26 models. This anti-tumor effect was abscopal and accompanied by a systemic increase in memory and activated cytotoxic and helper T cells. The combined treatment also led to a higher percentage of memory T cells in the tumor without an increase in regulatory T cells. In addition, we observed partial protection against re-challenge in a melanoma model and full protection in a breast cancer model.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that V-aCD3Mu combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor renders immunologically “cold” tumors “hot” and results in tumor elimination. Taken together, these data provide proof of concept for the further clinical development of V-aCD3 as a broad cancer therapy in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor.
Genome-wide analysis reveals Hsf1 maintains high transcript abundance of target genes controlled by strong constitutive promoter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Cui Danyao , Liu Ling , Sun Lijing , Lin Xue , Lin Liangcai , Zhang Cuiying
Published: April 2023

Background

In synthetic biology, the strength of promoter elements is the basis for precise regulation of target gene transcription levels, which in turn increases the yield of the target product. However, the results of many researches proved that excessive transcription levels of target genes actually reduced the yield of the target product. This phenomenon has been found in studies using different microorganisms as chassis cells, thus, it becomes a bottleneck problem to improve the yield of the target product.

Results

In this study, promotersPGK1pandTDH3pwith different strengths were used to regulate the transcription level of alcohol acetyl transferase encoding geneATF1. The results demonstrated that the strong promoterTDH3pdecreased the production of ethyl acetate. The results of Real-time PCR proved that the transcription level ofATF1decreased rapidly under the control ofTDH3p, and the unfolded protein reaction was activated, which may be the reason for the abnormal production caused by the strong promoter. RNA-sequencing analysis showed that the overexpression of differential geneHSP30increased the transcriptional abundance ofATF1gene and production of ethyl acetate. Interestingly, deletion of the heat shock protein family (e.g., Hsp26, Hsp78, Hsp82) decreased the production of ethyl acetate, suggesting that the Hsp family was also involved in the regulation ofATF1gene transcription. Furthermore, the results proved that the Hsf1, an upstream transcription factor of Hsps, had a positive effect on alleviating the unfolded protein response and that overexpression of Hsf1 reprogramed the pattern ofATF1gene transcript levels. The combined overexpression of Hsf1 and Hsps further increased the production of ethyl acetate. In addition, kinase Rim15 may be involved in this regulatory pathway. Finally, the regulation effect of Hsf1 on recombinant strains constructed by other promoters was verified, which confirmed the universality of the strategy.

Conclusions

Our results elucidated the mechanism by which Rim15–Hsf1–Hsps pathway reconstructed the repression of high transcription level stress and increased the production of target products, thereby providing new insights and application strategies for the construction of recombinant strains in synthetic biology.
Mechanism of Zn2+ regulation of cellulase production in Trichoderma reesei Rut-C30
Authors: Li Ni , Li Jing , Chen Yumeng , Shen Yaling , Wei Dongzhi , Wang Wei
Published: April 2023

Background

Trichoderma reesei Rut-C30 is a hypercellulolytic mutant strain that degrades abundant sources of lignocellulosic plant biomass, yielding renewable biofuels. Although Zn2+ is an activator of enzymes in almost all organisms, its effects on cellulase activity in T. reesei have yet to be reported.

Results

Although high concentrations of Zn2+ severely suppressed the extension of T. reesei mycelia, the application of 1–4 mM Zn2+ enhanced cellulase and xylanase production in the high-yielding cellulase-producing Rut-C30 strain of T. reesei. Expression of the major cellulase, xylanase, and two essential transcription activator genes (xyr1 and ace3) increased in response to Zn2+ stimulation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the mRNA levels of plc-e encoding phospholipase C, which is involved in the calcium signaling pathway, were enhanced by Zn2+ application. The disruption of plc-e abolished the cellulase-positive influence of Zn2+ in the early phase of induction, indicating that plc-e is involved in Zn2+-induced cellulase production. Furthermore, treatment with LaCl3 (a plasma membrane Ca2+ channel blocker) and deletion of crz1 (calcineurin-responsive zinc finger transcription factor 1) indicated that calcium signaling is partially involved in this process. Moreover, we identified the zinc-responsive transcription factor zafA, the transcriptional levels of which declined in response to Zn2+ stress. Deletion of zafA indicates that this factor plays a prominent role in mediating the Zn2+-induced excessive production of cellulase.

Conclusions

For the first time, we have demonstrated that Zn2+ is toxic to T. reesei, although promotes a marked increase in cellulase production. This positive influence of Zn2+ is facilitated by the plc-e gene and zafA transcription factor. These findings provide insights into the role of Zn2+ in T. reesei and the mechanisms underlying signal transduction in cellulase synthesis.
The influence of weather on the population dynamics of common mosquito vector species in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Baril Cole , Pilling Ben G. , Mikkelsen Milah J. , Sparrow Jessica M. , Duncan Carlyn A. M. , Koloski Cody W. , LaZerte Stefanie E. , Cassone Bryan J.
Published: April 2023

Background

Mosquito seasonal activity is largely driven by weather conditions, most notably temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity. The extent by which these weather variables influence activity is intertwined with the animal’s biology and may differ by species. For mosquito vectors, changes in weather can also alter host–pathogen interactions thereby increasing or decreasing the burden of disease.

Methods

In this study, we performed weekly mosquito surveillance throughout the active season over a 2-year period in Manitoba, Canada. We then used Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) to explore the relationships between weather variables over the preceding 2 weeks and mosquito trap counts for four of the most prevalent vector species in this region:Oc. dorsalis,Ae. vexans,Cx. tarsalis, andCq. perturbans.

Results

More than 265,000 mosquitoes were collected from 17 sampling sites throughout Manitoba in 2020 and 2021, withAe. vexansthe most commonly collected species followed byCx. tarsalis.Aedes vexansfavored high humidity, intermediate degree days, and low precipitation.Coquillettidia perturbansandOc. dorsalisactivity increased with high humidity and high rainfall, respectively.Culex tarsalisfavored high degree days, with the relationship between number of mosquitoes captured and precipitation showing contrasting patterns between years. Minimum trapping temperature only impactedAe. vexansandCq. perturbanstrap counts.

Conclusions

The activity of all four mosquito vectors was affected by weather conditions recorded in the 2 weeks prior to trapping, with each species favoring different conditions. Although some research has been done to explore the relationships between temperature/precipitation andCx. tarsalisin the Canadian Prairies, to our knowledge this is the first study to investigate other commonly found vector species in this region. Overall, this study highlights how varying weather conditions can impact mosquito activity and in turn species-specific vector potential.

Graphical Abstract
PDGFBB improved the biological function of menstrual blood-derived stromal cells and the anti-fibrotic properties of exosomes
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Zhang Siwen , Qi Jiarui , Zhao Fujie , Lu Yimeng , Li Shuyu , Wu Shanshan , Li Pingping , Tan Jichun
Published: April 2023

Background

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a reproductive dysfunction disease characterized by endometrial fibrosis, with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. Our previous studies confirmed that menstrual blood-derived stromal cells (MenSCs) effectively attenuated endometrial fibrosis in an animal model of IUA mainly through exosomes. This therapeutic effect can be enhanced by platelet-rich plasma (PRP), in which PDGFBB is an abundant growth factor. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of PRP and PDGFBB on the biological activities of MenSCs in vitro, and to further investigate the molecular mechanism of MenSCs-derived exosomes in alleviating endometrial fibrosis.

Methods

MenSCs were isolated for in vitro functional assays to examine the viability, migration, and stemness of MenSCs. Endometrial stromal cells (EndoSCs) were treated with 50 ug/ml of MenSCs-derived exosomes, obtained by differential ultracentrifugation extraction. The molecular mechanisms by which PDGFBB improves MenSCs and exosomes alleviate EndoSCs fibrosis were then explored using immunofluorescence, western blot, and co-immunoprecipitation.

Results

Both 100 ng/ml PDGFBB and 10% activated PRP promoted the proliferation, increased the S phase of cell cycle, and inhibited apoptosis of MenSCs in vitro. Compared with PRP, PDGFBB significantly promoted MenSCs migration. All of these effects were inhibited by sorafenib, a PDGFR-β inhibitor. PRP and PDGFBB activated AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in MenSCs and increased the expression of P65 and OCT4. Moreover, pretreatment of PDGFBB did not increase the secretion of MenSCs but significantly increased the anti-fibrosis effects of MenSCs-derived exosomes on IUA-EndoSCs. MenSCs-derived exosomes attenuated SMAD3 phosphorylation and increased YAP ubiquitination, which reduced the binding of YAP/SMAD3. Pretreatment with PDGFBB amplified this effect.

Conclusions

In summary, PDGFBB could improve the biological functions of MenSCs via AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway, including viability, migration, and stemness. Our results indicated that PDGFBB amplified MenSCs-derived exosomes to attenuate endometrial fibrosis by inhibiting YAP activity, revealing a novel mechanism by which PRP enhanced the ability of MenSCs to repair tissue injury and providing a potential option for improving stem cell efficacy in IUA.
The interplay of cells, polymers, and vascularization in three-dimensional lung models and their applications in COVID-19 research and therapy
Authors: Ahmed Toka A. , Eldaly Bassant , Eldosuky Shadwa , Elkhenany Hoda , El-Derby Azza M. , Elshazly Muhamed F. , El-Badri Nagwa
Published: April 2023

Millions of people have been affected ever since the emergence of the corona virus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, leading to an urgent need for antiviral drug and vaccine development. Current experimentation on traditional two-dimensional culture (2D) fails to accurately mimic the in vivo microenvironment for the disease, while in vivo animal model testing does not faithfully replicate human COVID-19 infection. Human-based three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models such as spheroids, organoids, and organ-on-a-chip present a promising solution to these challenges. In this report, we review the recent 3D in vitro lung models used in COVID-19 infection and drug screening studies and highlight the most common types of natural and synthetic polymers used to generate 3D lung models.
Necrotizing soft tissue infections in critically ill neutropenic patients: a French multicentre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Arrestier Romain , Chaba Anis , Mabrouki Asma , Saccheri Clément , Canet Emmanuel , Pineton de Chambrun Marc , Stoclin Annabelle , Picard Muriel , Wallet Florent , Perier François , Turpin Matthieu , Argaud Laurent , Decavèle Maxens , Issa Nahéma , Cadoz Cyril , Klouche Kada , Cohen Johana , Mokart Djamel , Grouille Julien , Urbina Tomas , Hua Camille , Chosidow Olivier , Mekontso-Dessap Armand , Azoulay Elie , de Prost Nicolas
Published: April 2023

Background

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are rare life-threatening bacterial infections. Few data are available regarding neutropenic patients with NSTIs. Our objectives were to describe the characteristics and management of neutropenic patients with NSTIs in intensive care units (ICUs). We conducted a retrospective multicentre cohort study in 18 ICUs between 2011 and 2021. Patients admitted with NSTIs and concomitant neutropenia at diagnosis were included and compared to non-neutropenic patients with NSTIs. The relationship between therapeutic interventions and outcomes was assessed using Cox regression and propensity score matching.

Results

76 neutropenic patients were included and compared to 165 non-neutropenic patients. Neutropenic patients were younger (54 ± 14 vs 60 ± 13 years, p = 0.002) and had less lower limb (44.7% vs 70.9%, p < 0.001) and more abdomino-perineal NSTIs (43.4% vs 18.8%, p < 0.001). Enterobacterales and non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria were the most frequently isolated microorganisms in neutropenic patients. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in neutropenic than in non-neutropenic patients (57.9% vs 28.5%, p < 0.001). Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) administration was associated with a lower risk of in-hospital mortality in univariable Cox (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.43 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.23–0.82], p = 0.010) and multivariable Cox (adjusted HR = 0.46 95% CI [0.22–0.94], p = 0.033) analyses and after overlap propensity score weighting (odds ratio = 0.25 95% CI [0.09; 0.68], p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Critically ill neutropenic patients with NSTIs present different clinical and microbiological characteristics and are associated with a higher hospital mortality than non-neutropenic patients. G-CSF administration was associated with hospital survival.
Augmenting project ECHO for opioid use disorder with data-informed quality improvement
Authors: Murray Owen B. , Doyle Marcy , McLeman Bethany M. , Marsch Lisa A. , Saunders Elizabeth C. , Cox Katherine M. , Watts Delitha , Ryer Jeanne
Published: April 2023

Background

National opioid-related overdose fatalities totaled 650,000 from 1999 to 2021. Some of the highest rates occurred in New Hampshire, where 40% of the population lives rurally. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD; methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone) have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing opioid overdose and mortality. Methadone access barriers disproportionally impact rural areas and naltrexone uptake has been limited. Buprenorphine availability has increased and relaxed regulations reduces barriers in general medical settings common in rural areas. Barriers to prescribing buprenorphine include lack of confidence, inadequate training, and lack of access to experts. To address these barriers, learning collaboratives have trained clinics on best-practice performance data collection to inform quality improvement (QI). This project sought to explore the feasibility of training clinics to collect performance data and initiate QI alongside clinics’ participation in a Project ECHO virtual collaborative for buprenorphine providers.

Methods

Eighteen New Hampshire clinics participating in a Project ECHO were offered a supplemental project exploring the feasibility of performance data collection to inform QI targeting increased alignment with best practice. Feasibility was assessed descriptively, through each clinic’s participation in training sessions, data collection, and QI initiatives. An end-of-project survey was conducted to understand clinic staff perceptions of how useful and acceptable they found the program.

Results

Five of the eighteen health care clinics that participated in the Project ECHO joined the training project, four of which served rural communities in New Hampshire. All five clinics met the criteria for engagement, as each clinic attended at least one training session, submitted at least one month of performance data, and completed at least one QI initiative. Survey results showed that while clinic staff perceived the training and data collection to be useful, there were several barriers to collecting the data, including lack of staff time, and difficulty standardizing documentation within the clinic electronic health record.

Conclusions

Results suggest that training clinics to monitor their performance and base QI initiatives on data has potential to impact clinical best practice. While data collection was inconsistent, clinics completed several data-informed QI initiatives, indicating that smaller scale data collection might be more attainable.
Th17 cells sense microbiome to promote depressive-like behaviors
Authors: Medina-Rodriguez Eva M. , Watson Jowan , Reyes Juliana , Trivedi Madhukar , Beurel Eléonore
Published: April 2023

Background

Microbiome alterations have been associated with depression, and fecal transfer of depressed patients’ microbiomes is sufficient to enhance despair behaviors in rodents. Yet little is known about the potential mechanisms, whereby microbes modulate depressive-like behaviors.

Results

In this study, we showed that certain bacteria known to induce Th17 cells are increased in depressed patients and mice exhibiting learned helplessness. Fecal transfers of human depressed patients’ microbiomes into germ-free-like mice were sufficient to decrease sociability and increased susceptibility to the learned helplessness paradigm, confirming that the microbiome is sufficient to confer depressive-like behaviors. This microbial effect was dependent on the presence of Th17 cells in the recipient, as germ-free-like recipient mice deficient in Th17 cells were resistant to the behavioral changes induced by the microbiome of depressed patients.

Conclusion

Altogether, these findings suggest a crucial role of the microbiome/Th17 cell axis in regulating depressive-like behaviors.
Planetary-scale MLT waves diagnosed through multi-station methods: a review
Authors: He Maosheng
Published: April 2023

Most experimental investigations on planetary-scale waves in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) region are based on single-station or -satellite spectral analysis methods, which suffer from intrinsic spectral aliasing/ambiguity. To overcome the aliasing, the author has developed and utilized dual- and multi-station spectral methods in a series of recent works. These methods were implemented on meteor radar observations and surface magnetometer observations. In the implements, a variety of waves were discovered or investigated in terms of seasonal variations and responses to sudden stratospheric warming events, such as lunar and solar tides (migrating and non-migrating), Rossby wave normal modes, ultra-fast Kelvin waves, and secondary waves of wave–wave nonlinear interactions between the previous waves. The current paper illustrates these methods using synthetic data, comparatively reviews the methods and results in plain language, and proposes a new representation, termed the adjusted Feynman diagram, to summarize the nonlinear interactions and explain their implications.

Graphical Abstract
A three-dimensional stochastic structure model derived from high-resolution isolated equatorial plasma bubble simulations
Authors: Rino Charles , Yokoyama Tatsuhiro , Carrano Charles
Published: April 2023

Ionospheric structure is characterized by the space–time variation of electron density. However, our understanding of the physical processes that initiate and sustain intermediate-scale structure development does not relate directly to statistical measures that characterize the structure. Consequently, high-resolution physics-based equatorial plasma bubble simulations are essential for identifying systematic relations between statistical structure measures and the underlying physics that initiates and sustains the structure evolution. An earlier paper summarized the analysis of simulated equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) structure initiated with a quasi-periodic bottom-side perturbation that generated five plasma bubbles. The results are representative of real environments. However, the association of the structure development with individual EPBs was difficult to ascertain. This paper summarizes the analysis of new results from single isolated EPB realizations with varying parameters that affect the structure development. The evolution of the single isolated EPB realizations reveal what we have identified as a canonical structure evolution pattern manifest in the space–time development of four quantitative spectral parameters. The onset of structure occurs when the plasma bubble penetrates the F-region peak. The parameter evolution from the initiation point have a fish-like appearance. The three-dimensional structure model can be used to interpret in situ and remote diagnostic measurements as well as predicting the deleterious effects of propagation disturbances on satellite communication, navigation, and surveillance systems.

Graphical Abstract
Patient-centric soulbound NFT framework for electronic health record (EHR)
Authors: Tanwar Namrta , Thakur Jawahar
Published: April 2023

Interest in leveraging blockchain technology to boost healthcare and e-health solutions has lately increased. Blockchain has proven to have enormous promise in a range of e-health industries because of its decentralized and reliable nature, including the secure exchange of electronic health records (EHRs) and database access management among numerous medical entities. A unique paradigm known as the “patient-centric approach” places the patient at the center of the healthcare system and gives them complete control over who has access to and can share their personal health information. Strong confidentiality and safety requirements are necessary for health information. Additionally, other concerns must be resolved, such as secrecy, interoperability, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and timeliness. This paper offers a patient-centric privacy-preserving framework for an efficient and safe medical record to address these problems. Based on three parameters transaction cost, execution time, and gas cost. Three blockchain platforms are compared by using the smart contract to find out the suitable platform for the implementation of this framework. Blockchain platforms served as a benchmark for the performance assessment of a designed framework. Although blockchain will not fix every issue in healthcare organizations, it will undoubtedly assist in dramatically reducing some of the most critical ones.
Risk Factors of Hyperglycemia After Treatment With the AKT Inhibitor Ipatasertib in the Prostate Cancer Setting: A Machine Learning–Based Investigation
Authors: Harun Rashed , Sane Rucha , Yoshida Kenta , Sutaria Dhruvitkumar S. , Jin Jin Y. , Lu James
Published: April 2023

PURPOSE

Hyperglycemia is a major adverse event of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT inhibitor class of cancer therapeutics. Machine learning (ML) methodologies can identify and highlight how explanatory variables affect hyperglycemia risk.

METHODS

Using data from clinical trials of the AKT inhibitor ipatasertib (IPAT) in the metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer setting, we trained an XGBoost ML model to predict the incidence of grade ≥2 hyperglycemia (HGLY ≥ 2). Of the 1,364 patients included in our analysis, 19.4% (n = 265) of patients had HGLY ≥2 events with a median time of first onset of 28 days (range, 0-753 days), and 30.0% (n = 221) of patients on an IPAT regimen had at least one HGLY ≥2 event compared with 7.0% (n = 44) of patients on placebo.

RESULTS

An 11-variable XGBoost model predicted HGLY ≥2 events well with an AUROC of 0.83 ± 0.02 (mean ± standard deviation). Using SHapley Additive exPlanations analysis, we found IPAT exposure and baseline HbA1c levels to be the strongest predictors of HGLY ≥2, with additional predictivity of baseline measurements of fasting glucose, magnesium, and high-density lipoproteins.

CONCLUSION

The findings support using patients' prediabetic status as a key factor for hyperglycemia monitoring and/or trial exclusion criteria. Additionally, the model and relationships between explanatory variables and HGLY ≥2 described herein can help identify patients at high risk for hyperglycemia and develop rational risk mitigation strategies.
Considering Epidemiology’s Need for Literary History
Authors: Bezio Kelly L.
Published: April 2023

This essay explores the potential for literary history to be useful as a part of epidemiological sleuthing. It considers how an imperative to employ social determinants of health frameworks incites movement away from epidemiological plots, particularly the forward trajectory of the outbreak narrative and its privileging of containment as the solution to emerging infections. Instead, opportunities arise to explore how data about the history of present-day structural inequities offer better ways to combat the deleterious effects of outbreaks. Through an analysis of Harriet Wilson’s novel Our Nig, this essay lays out provisional ways in which literary history and those with expertise in it may prove an untapped resource for increasing our knowledge of how to prevent disproportionate risk of disease, debility, and death for people of color.
Climate Change and Labor Reallocation: Evidence from Six Decades of the Indian Census
Authors: Liu Maggie , Shamdasani Yogita , Taraz Vis
Published: April 2023

How do rising temperatures affect long-term labor reallocation in developing economies? In this paper we examine how increases in temperature impact structural transformation and urbanization within Indian districts between 1951 and 2011. We find that rising temperatures are associated with lower shares of workers in nonagricultural sectors, with effects intensifying over a longer time frame. Supporting evidence suggests that local demand effects play an important role: declining agricultural productivity under higher temperatures reduces the demand for nonagricultural goods and services, which subsequently lowers nonagricultural labor demand. Our results illustrate that rising temperatures limit sectoral and rural-urban mobility for isolated households. (JEL J61, N35, O13, O15, O18, Q54, R23)
Borrowing Costs after Sovereign Debt Relief
Authors: Lang Valentin , Mihalyi David , Presbitero Andrea F.
Published: April 2023

Can debt moratoria help countries weather negative shocks? We exploit the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) to study the bond market effects of deferring official debt repayments. Using daily data on sovereign bond spreads and synthetic control methods, we show that countries eligible for official debt relief experience a larger decline in borrowing costs compared to similar, ineligible countries. This decline is stronger for countries that receive a larger relief, suggesting that the effect works through liquidity provision. By contrast, the results do not support the concern that official debt relief could generate stigma on financial markets. (JEL F34, G12, H63, O16)
Curating and extending data for language comparison in Concepticon and NoRaRe
Authors: Tjuka Annika , Forkel Robert , List Johann-Mattis
Published: April 2023

Language comparison requires user-friendly tools that facilitate the standardization of linguistic data. We present two resources built on the basis of a standardized cross-linguistic format and show how the data is curated and extended. The first resource, the Concepticon, is a reference catalog for standardized concepts from linguistic research. While curating the Concepticon, we found that a variety of studies in distinct research fields collected information on word properties. However, until recently, no resource existed that contained these data to enable the comparison of the different word properties across languages. This gap was filled by the Database of Norms, Ratings, and Relations (NoRaRe), which is an extension of the Concepticon. Here, we present the major release of both resources - Concepticon Version 3.0 and NoRaRe Version 1.0 - which represents an important step in our data development. We show that extending and adapting the data curation workflow in Concepticon to NoRaRe is useful for the standardization of cross-linguistic datasets. In addition, combining datasets from different research fields enables studies grounded in language comparison. Concepticon and NoRaRe include lexical data for various languages, tools for test-driven data curation, and the possibility for data reuse. The first major release of NoRaRe is also accompanied by a new web application that allows convenient access to the data.
Social responsibility in research and innovation practice and policy across global regions, institutional types, and fields: Interview data and qualitative content analysis outputs revealing the perspectives and experiences of professionals
Authors: Foulds Chris , Khalid Rihab , Jensen Eric A. , Sule Obehi , Lorenz Lars
Published: April 2023

The European Commission-funded RRING (Responsible Research and Innovation Networked Globally) Horizon 2020 project aimed to deliver activities that promoted a global understanding of Socially Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). A necessary first step in this process was to understand how researchers (working across Global North and Global South contexts) implicitly understand and operationalise ideas relating to social responsibility within their day-to-day work. Here, we describe an empirical dataset that was gathered as part of the RRING project to investigate this topic. This Data Note explains the design and implementation of 113 structured qualitative interviews with a geographically diverse set of researchers (across 17 countries) focusing on their perspectives and experiences. Sample selection was aimed at maximising diversity. As well as spanning all five UNESCO world regions, these interview participants were drawn from a range of research fields (including energy; waste management; ICT/digital; bioeconomy) and institutional contexts (including research performing organisations; research funding organisations; industry and business; civil society organisations; policy bodies). This Data Note also indicates how and why a qualitative content analysis was implemented with this interview dataset, resulting in category counts available with the anonymised interview transcripts for public access.
Knowledge about ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and attitudes and behaviour regarding gel manicure according to the age of women
Authors: Malinowska-Borowska Jolanta , Buczkowska Marta
Published: April 2023

Introduction and purpose. Nowadays, artificial gel nails, which require Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) for polymerization, steadily gain popularity. Gel manicure dried with UV lamps has become a regular part of many women's beauty routines. However, its safety remains controversial. The aim of the study was to assess the women’s knowledge of UVR and  their attitudes towards UV nail exposure and its impact on human health.

Material and methods. The study was carried out from January to March 2020 with the use of PAPI and CAWI method. The study population consisted of 188 women living in the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. The mean age was 31.7 ±12.4. The majority of women were familiar with UV nail polish drying devices (74%). Most of the respondents were regularly using UV lamps (51.1%).

Results. 62% of women aged 18-25 regularly got UV manicure, whereas only 29% of women older than 40 years (p<0.001). Most of the respondents got UV manicure at beauty salon. However, 37% of women got it also at home. Self-manicure was mostly popular among women at age 18-25 (p<0.001). Only 18.7% put sunscreen on hands and 10.8 % wore fingerless gloves. Simultaneous antibiotic therapy or artificial sunbathing was not a contraindication for 15% and  8% of women, respectively.  The knowledge of respondents about UV radiation was poor. The rate of correct responses was 54.7%.  

Conclusions. While existing research suggests a low risk of carcinogenesis resulting from UV nail lamp use, ways to minimize any risk should be kept in mind. Dermatologists should educate patients, especially those with photosensitivity disorders, tanning bed history or with family history of skin cancer and raise their awareness about the potential health risk of UV manicure. Photoprotection and fingerless gloves should be accessible in beauty salons and recommended to use during UV manicure. Safety regulations concerning UV lamps are needed because they are very often self-operated by many women at home.
Zdecydowana powściągliwość. Komunikacja polityczna UE
Authors: Kozłowski Maciej
Published: April 2023

This chapter is focused on the communication of the main EU bodies in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The author focuses on communication through the social media service Twitter. The introduction describes both the specifics of EU political communication and the challenges as well as the threats it faces. The studied Twitter profiles are also described. In the main part, the author describes EU communication by means of examples, pointing out the changing priorities and the most relevant goals that EU messages were supposed to achieve. This allows conclusions to be drawn concerning the Union’s international policy, the future of its political communication and the development of the way it responds to crises around the world.
Improving Mathematical Exposition of an Industrial-Scale Linear Program
Authors: Greivel Gus , Newman Alexandra , Brown Maxwell , Eurek Kelly
Published: April 2023

Industrial-scale models require considerable setup time; hence, once built, they are used in myriad ways to consider closely related cases. In practice, the code for these models frequently evolves without appropriate notational choices, largely as a result of the lengthy development time of, and the number of individuals contributing to, their formulation. This leads to inefficiencies and obfuscates model structures that might be leveraged to expedite solutions. In this paper, we advocate for an emerging literature on model formulation “best practices” and present the reformulation of a widely used industrial-scale linear program. The efficient mathematical expression of this linear program, used to plan capacity expansion in the energy sector, allows for greater transparency of model structures and enhanced ability to identify computational performance improvements, as well as a lucid interpretation of its solutions. This type of formulation is employed in several mathematical programming courses at our university as an example of the advantages of best practices; the model more broadly is used widely to inform policy in the U.S. energy sector.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Laboratory Directed Research and Development program).
Sharing Sequentially Triggered Losses: Automated Conflict Resolution Through Smart Contracts
Authors: Gudmundsson Jens , Hougaard Jens Leth , Ko Chiu Yu
Published: April 2023

When actions by one agent force another to deviate from their agreements with a third, “victim” turns into “injurer” in the chain’s subsequent steps. Should the chain’s initiator be responsible only for the direct harm they cause or also bear some of the indirect losses they trigger? Through an axiomatic approach, we characterize the class of fixed-fraction rules, which strike a balance between incentives for accident prevention on the one hand and fairness in terms of how liabilities are assigned on the other. Their simple design make the rules ideal for practical implementation through smart contracts, enabling automated conflict resolution.

This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: J. Gudmundsson and J. L. Hougaard gratefully acknowledge financial support from the Carlsberg Foundation [Grant CF18-1112].
Study on Tea Consumption Behavior During the Covid-19 Pandemic and the Analysis of the Antioxidant Activity and Bioactive Compounds of Flavoring Ingredients of Tea
Authors: Hossain Md. Zakir , Easmin Farhana , Bhuiyan Sakirul Islam , Alim Md. Abdul , Akter Shamoli , Alam Md. Jahangir , Rahman Md. Nannur , Haque Md. Azizul
Published: April 2023

Tea is one of the most popular and oldest beverages available in many varieties and the use of different flavoring ingredients is becoming more common. The present study aimed to examine tea consumption behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and analyzed the bioactive compounds of tea flavoring ingredients. At first, a cross-sectional study was carried out with 140 randomly selected participants to determine tea consumption patterns and data was collected through face-to-face interviews. Then 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test, the Folin-Ciocalteu technique, and the quercetin method were used to assess antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of tea flavoring ingredients. The study found that 57.86% of the participants increased their tea consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas 22.80% increased their tea consumption by at least one more cup per day. It was also found that ginger was the most popular (29.5%) among fifteen tea flavoring agents. By analyzing tea flavoring ingredients, the maximum antioxidant activity found in cinnamon was 87%, and lemon leaves had the lowest, which was 60%. On a dry weight basis, the TPC of the tea flavoring components ranged from 36.52 mg GAE/g for cloves to 9.62 mg GAE/g for ginger. The maximum TFC was also found in clove with 13.68 mg QE/g, and moringa was the second highest with 12.26 mg GAE/g. The antioxidant activity of flavoring compounds has a significant correlation (p<0.05) with TPC and TFC. Overall, tea consumption behavior with tea flavoring ingredients increased during the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Tea with flavoring ingredients may be one of the best dietary sources of antioxidants, TPC, and TFC which are important for strengthening the immune system and controlling different physiological and metabolic disorders.
Short Communication: Differences in phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity of Portulaca oleracea and Portulaca grandiflora
Authors: AISYAH SYARIFAH IIS , OKTAVIA ALDILA WIDYA PUTRI , AYUNINGTYAS AULIA ARDHIAN , PUTRA RAIHAN PERMANA , PRASSISKA SELNIS , JAMILAH SITI , NURCHOLIS WARAS
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Aisyah SI, Oktavia AWP, Ayuningtyas AA, Putra RP, Prassiska S, Jamilah S, Nurcholis W. 2023. Short Communication: Differences in phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity of Portulaca oleracea and Portulaca grandiflora. Biodiversitas 24: 1385-1390. Portulaca oleracea and Portulaca grandiflora are medicinal ornamental plants used in traditional and modern medicine. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity in two purslane plants, P. oleracea,and P. grandiflora. The purslane ethanol extract was obtained by sonication and maceration methods. The phytochemical screening included the examination of secondary plant metabolites, while antioxidant activity was analyzed using the 2,2-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) methods. The results showed that both extract samples contain alkaloids, phenol hydroquinones, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, and steroids. The highest ABTS antioxidant activity was found in P. grandiflora extract at 26.93 µmol TE/g FW compared to P. oleracea extract at 15.98 µmol TE/g FW. The highest CUPRAC antioxidant activity was found in the P. oleracea extract at 33.22 µmol TE/g FW, while in the P. grandiflora extract, it was 18.55 µmol TE/g FW. Based on the results, it was concluded that the chemical complexity of various purslane plants causes differences in the antioxidant capacity.
Analysis of performance and gene OsFER1 expression of six rice varieties with FeSO4 stress treatment
Authors: KHAIRATUNNISA FAUZIAH , SALAMAH ANDI , MARYANTO ANDI EKO
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Khairatunnisa F, Salamah A, Maryanto AE. 2023. Analysis of performance and gene OsFER1 expression of six rice varieties with FeSO4 stress treatment. Biodiversitas 24: 1391-1399. Efforts to meet rice needs in Indonesia can be made through an extensification program. New paddy fields generally have a high FeSO4 content, so rice varieties resistant to these conditions are needed. This study aims to evaluate the growth of lowland rice varieties under FeSO4 stress and to analyze the expression of a gene that plays a role in iron storage, namely the OsFER1. Six lowland rice varieties, namely Ciherang, Inpari 42, Inpari 30, Sunggal, Logawa, and Cibogo were grown on media with 0 and 400 ppm FeSO4 applications. The plant height, leaf bronzing score, and the number of filled grains produced were observed to determine the effect of FeSO4 administration on the agronomic performance of rice. The OsFER1 gene expression ratio was analyzed using real-time PCR. The best plant height at 400 ppm FeSO4 was found in the Inpari 30 variety (40.3 ± 0.49 cm), with a leaf bronzing score was 1. The Inpari 30 also produced grain at 400 ppm FeSO4. Molecular analysis showed that the highest OsFER1 expression was found in the Inpari 30 grown at 400 ppm FeSO4. Based on morphological and molecular observations, Inpari 30 is tolerant to FeSO4 stress.
Flowering type and morphological diversity of Bido coconut from Morotai Island District, Indonesia
Authors: MAWARDI SUKMAWATI , ROMADHON MUHAMMAD ROIYAN , RAHMA RAHMA , MASKROMO ISMAIL , DINARTI DINY , SUDARSONO SUDARSONO
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Mawardi S, Romadhon MR, Rahma, Maskromo I, Dinarti D, Sudarsono. 2023. Flowering type and morphological diversity of Bido coconut from Morotai Island District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1473-1481. In general, coconuts are divided into Tall and Dwarf types. Dwarf coconut is early bearing and has a short trunk, while Tall coconut yields high-quality copra and has a large fruit size. Furthermore, Bido-Tall coconut is an early bearing with a short trunk, medium size fruit, and high-quality copra. This research aims to evaluate Bido coconut population variations and study the flowering types of Bido and other coconut types in the research locations. Morphological and flowering type observation was conducted for Bido Tall, Local Tall, Local Dwarf, and Bido Tall outcrossing progenies at Bido Village, North Maluku, Indonesia. Flowering-type observations were carried out on three successive inflorescences. The Bido Tall, Dwarf, and the Bido Tall outcrossing progenies exhibited natural autogamy pollination, while the Local Tall coconut was semi-autogamy. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results indicated that the stem girth at 20 cm and 150 cm above ground, the internode length, the leaf numbers, the fruit color, and the fruit numbers cumulatively contributed to 68.80% of the observed coconut variabilities. Most Bido Tall coconut individuals were clustered separately from the existing local Tall and Dwarf coconuts. However, the clustering analysis showed average similarity among Bido Tall, the Local Tall, and Dwarf coconuts are still above 70%. The similarity coefficient among the Bido Tall coconut, the Bido Tall outcrossing progenies (natural hybrids), and the Local Tall was higher than among Bido Tall to the Local Dwarf coconuts.
The allometric equations for estimating above-ground biomass in a 50 years-old secondary forest in East Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: KARYATI KARYATI , KARMINI KARMINI , WIDIATI KUSNO YULI
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Karyati, Karmini, Widiati KY. 2023. The allometric equations for estimating above-ground biomass in a 50 years-old secondary forest in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1482-1492. Secondary forests, formed through several disturbances over the decades, have important roles in ecological and economic aspects. One of their roles in ecological aspects is the potential to store carbon. Therefore, this study aimed to develop allometric equations for estimating above-ground biomass and carbon stock in a 50 years-old secondary forest. In this field, 30 trees representing the dominant species and diameter class distribution were selected and cut down. The dry biomass of the tree's parts, including leaves, branches, and trunks, was assessed using the destructive method. The relation between trunk dry biomass and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) showed moderate adjusted R2 value ??(0.641). Moreover, moderately strong relationships were shown by above-ground biomass with DBH (adjusted R2 of 0.516). The allometric equation to estimate above-ground biomass in 50 years-old secondary forest is useful for estimating the carbon potential in other areas of the same age, especially with a similar land use history. Information regarding biomass and carbon stock is important for forest management in general. It can assess carbon stocks, sequestration rates, and potential emissions from forests subjected to a succession process.