bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synergy of soft and hard regulations in climate governance: The impact of state policies on local climate mitigation actions
Authors: Liao Lu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSoft regulations refer to a wide range of quasi‐legal instruments enforced through non‐binding and less coercive mechanisms. They are becoming increasingly vital in environmental governance for addressing complex issues across multilevel government authorities. However, the impact of sub‐national state soft regulations on local governments has not received adequate scholarly attention. In this study, we compile a novel dataset of U.S. local government climate mitigation actions and state‐level climate policies from various sources. We test how state climate action plans—primary examples of soft regulation—along with four other state‐level hard regulations, influence local governments' climate mitigation actions. Our findings reveal that, while state climate action plans do not directly drive local governments' specific climate mitigation actions, they play significant roles in motivating local goal setting. In contrast, hard regulations, such as state policies that directly target CO₂ emissions, not only stimulate local goal setting on climate change but also promote direct climate mitigation actions. Moreover, our results demonstrate the interactive effect of soft and hard regulations in fostering intergovernmental collaboration on climate change.
Exploring the Bioactive Potential of Pinus mugo Turra Essential Oil: Volatile Composition, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm and Insecticidal Activities
Authors: Kačániová Miroslava , Vukic Milena , Čmiková Natália , Bianchi Alessandro , Garzoli Stefania , Saad Rania Ben , Hsouna Anis Ben , Kluz Maciej Ireneusz , Waszkiewicz‐Robak Bożena , Branković Jovica , Vukovic Nenad 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTPinus represents a potential source of valuable bioactive substances. In this study, the chemical composition and biological activity of essential oils extracted from Pinus mugo Turra needles (PMEO) were investigated. GC/MS analyses were used to assess the volatile elements found in the PMEO sample. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS techniques. Antimicrobial properties were evaluated against yeasts and bacteria (both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative) using the disc diffusion method, minimal inhibition concentration and vapour phase on fruit and vegetable models. Mass spectrometry and the crystal violet technique were used to measure the antibiofilm activity. The contact application method was used to assess the insecticidal activity of different concentration of PMEO against Harmonia axyridis. The GC/MS analysis identified β‐phellandrene (20.5%), α‐pinene (19.4%), δ‐3‐carene (16.7%), β‐pinene (11.1%) and β‐myrcene (9.4%) as main constituents. PMEO exhibited antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS radical species, with IC50 values of 1.92 and 1.14 mg/mL, respectively. PMEO showed an inhibitory effect against microbial strains ranging from 6.67 to 13.33 mm. By employing the microdilution method, PMEO showed antimicrobial activity with MIC50 values ranging from 2.52 to 7.41 mg/mL and MIC90 values ranging from 2.72 to 7.7 mg/mL. The in situ antimicrobial investigations revealed that PMEO exerts the highest activity against E. aerogenes and P. putida on apple and beetroot models. Furthermore, PMEO exhibited noteworthy potential against biofilm‐forming S. enterica growing on plastic and glass surfaces. Additionally, an evaluation of the PMEO insecticidal potential was performed using H. axyridis. Insecticidal properties against H. axyridis were observed at concentrations of 50% and 100%. PMEO displayed good antioxidant, antibacterial and insecticidal properties, significant antibiofilm features and excellent preservative properties for extending the shelf life of foods.
Exosomal miR‐20b‐5p Induces EMT and Enhances Progression in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer Via TGFBR2 Downregulation
Authors: Ma Hui , Jiang Bo , Ren Qiu , Sun Yajiao , Wang Mengyao , Xia Siyu , Wang Dong , Zhang Wei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe mechanism by which specific miRNAs in NSCLC exosomes regulate NSCLC progression remains unclear. First, exosomes were isolated and identified. Exosomes were labeled with PKH26 for cell tracking studies. Subsequently, BEAS‐2B cells and BEAS‐2B cell exosomes were transfected with miR‐20b‐5p mimics or miR‐20b‐5p inhibitors, and cell proliferation was measured by EdU and CCK‐8. cell migration and invasion were detected by wound healing tests and Transwell. The potential target of miR‐20b‐5p was predicted and verified by luciferase assay. Relative expression levels of miR‐20b‐5p and TGFBR2 were detected by qRT‐PCR. Protein expression level was detected by Western blot. In addition, A549 cell exosomes were injected into mice through the tail vein and the pathological changes of lung tissue were detected by HE staining. Expression levels of E‐cadherin and Vimentin in lung tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Our results also showed that high levels of miR‐20b‐5p in exosomes generated from NSCLC cells conceivably enter the cytoplasm of their own cells and by downregulating TGFBR2, accelerate NSCLC invasion, migration and EMT while promoting NSCLC cell proliferation. Exosome analysis using clinical plasma specimens revealed that miR‐20b‐5p expression was considerably improved in exosomes from NSCLC patients compared with those from healthy controls. In vitro and in vivo, exosomes with high levels of miR‐20b‐5p were linked to the progression of NSCLC. Our data suggest that exosomes with high levels of miR‐20b‐5p can increase development and metastasis of NSCLC cells by downregulating TGFBR2, which would serve as a predictive and diagnostic marker for NSCLC.
Oxidative stress and apoptosis of the spinal cord in a rat model of retinoic acid‐induced neural tube defects
Authors: Wu Peng , Shen Nan , Feng Shaoguang , Liu Weiguang , Wang Jun , Wang Chen 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNeural tube defects (NTDs) are severe congenital anomalies that significantly impact the central nervous system, arising from the neural tube's failure to close during early embryogenesis. In this study, we investigated NTDs and associated pathophysiological mechanisms in foetal rats following exposure to all‐trans retinoic acid (atRA). Out of 168 embryos from 15 pregnant rats in the experimental group, 78% displayed NTDs with notable spinal deformities, primarily in the lumbar‐sacral region, similar to human cases. Body weight and crown‐rump length (CRL) measurements indicated significant growth impairment in the NTD group compared to controls, while the atRA‐treated group without NTDs showed no notable differences in growth. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results demonstrated decreased NeuN and PCNA expression in the NTD group's spinal cord. Oxidative stress markers showed markedly reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐px) activity, alongside increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the NTD group, indicating heightened oxidative stress. Analysis of apoptosis‐related proteins revealed elevated Bax and caspase‐3 levels, reduced Bcl‐2 and lower poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) in the NTD group, suggesting a pronounced shift towards proapoptotic pathways, potentially contributing to NTD progression. Our findings indicate that oxidative stress and apoptosis play significant roles in the development of NTDs. Future investigations should aim to pinpoint critical regulatory genes or proteins that might be targeted for therapeutic interventions to alleviate oxidative stress and apoptosis in NTD development.
Hybrid Versus Conventional Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Laterally Spreading Tumors (LSTs): A Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Li Hongxia , Hong Yiping , Yao Linhua , Ji Xia , Chen Dan , Tao Maogen , Yan Huihui , Chen Jiamin , Wang Lingling , Xu Liyi , Wang Leilei , Luo Erfei , Cai Jianting , Wei Wei 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and AimsEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an established treatment for laterally spreading tumors (LSTs). Hybrid ESD, a novel technique, is gaining popularity for colorectal neoplasms. This study aimed to compare hybrid ESD with conventional ESD for treating LSTs.MethodsData from patients with colorectal LSTs ≥ 10 mm who underwent ESD at six centers from May 2020 to April 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. The study assessed baseline characteristics, hospitalization costs, and outcomes (operative time, R0 resection rate, complications).Results890 patients were included: 490 underwent conventional ESD and 400 hybrid ESD. Hybrid ESD showed significantly shorter procedure times and lower hospitalization costs compared to conventional ESD. However, the R0 resection rate and lifting sign positivity were lower with hybrid ESD. Subgroup analysis indicated potential cost savings and shorter operative times for lesions 10–30 mm with hybrid ESD, without compromising R0 resection rates. For lesions ≥ 30 mm, hybrid ESD had lower R0 resection rates despite cost savings.ConclusionHybrid ESD offers a viable alternative to conventional ESD for LSTs sized 10–30 mm, reducing procedure duration and costs while ensuring R0 resection.
Novel anticoagulation therapy using apple watch after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation—Up to AF trial: Design and rationale
Authors: Sunaga Akihiro , Tanaka Nobuaki , Egami Yasuyuki , Minamiguchi Hitoshi , Oka Takafumi , Kawasaki Masato , Inoue Koichi , Masuda Masaharu , Miyoshi Miwa , Makino Nobuhiko , Watanabe Tetsuya , Nakatani Daisaku , Okada Katsuki , Kida Hirota , Matsuoka Yuki , Sakamoto Daisuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Yamada Tomomi , Sotomi Yohei , Sakata Yasushi ,   the OCVC‐Arrhythmia Investigators
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundContinuous anticoagulation based on the CHA2DS2‐VASc score is recommended to prevent embolism caused by atrial fibrillation (AF), but it does not consider AF episodes. The Apple Watch's continuous heart rhythm monitoring and fast‐acting direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) could enable precise, episode‐tailored anticoagulation, reducing bleeding risks while preventing stroke. This study evaluates Apple Watch‐guided personalized anticoagulation therapy, adjusting DOAC usage based on real‐time AF detection.MethodsThis multicenter prospective single‐arm study will enroll patients who have maintained sinus rhythm post‐ablation and are on DOACs. The target enrollment is 50 patients free of AF for at least 30 days following the initiation of Apple Watch monitoring. If no AF occurs for the first 30 days of monitoring, anticoagulants will be discontinued on day 31. If AF is confirmed after day 31, DOAC administration will be resumed and continued until the end of the observation period. The primary endpoint is the reduction in the total number of days with DOACs from day 31 to day 360 compared to the conventional method of continuing anticoagulation. Secondary endpoints include all‐cause mortality, stroke, systemic thromboembolism, bleeding events, and Apple Watch malfunctions.ResultsEnrollment of a total of 50 patients was completed in April 2024. Follow‐up of the last enrolled patient will be completed in April 2025 and primary results are expected to be available in late 2025.ConclusionsThe Up to AF trial is the first trial to evaluate Apple Watch‐guided personalized anticoagulation therapy. This trial represents a potential advancement in personalized medicine for AF management.
Early‐Stage Extratropical Cyclones' Mechanisms Over South America: RCM Added Value and Future Changes in a Warmer Planet
Authors: Gramcianinov Carolina B. , Cardoso Andressa A. , da Silva Natália P. , Luna‐Niño Rosa , Castillo Natalia , Cavazos Tereza , da Rocha Rosmeri P. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTRegional climate models (RCMs) from the CORDEX enable further investigations of the regional aspects of climate change impacts in South America. Here, we assess the CORDEX‐RCMs' present and future projections of extratropical cyclones, focusing on their frequency, early‐stage synoptic features, and added value relative to the global climate models (GCMs). Cyclones were tracked using a common algorithm in the present (1985–2005) and future RCP8.5 scenarios (2080–2099). ERA5 reanalysis was used as reference data in the present climate. Both GCMs and RCMs can identify the three major cyclone hot spots in South America: Argentina (ARG), La Plata Basin (LPB), and the south‐southeast Brazilian coast (SBR). RCMs improve GCMs' representation of the cyclogenesis frequency, adding value by decreasing the biases (~10%). Early‐stage cyclone synoptic structure also indicates RCMs' improvement of the low‐level fields by presenting mesoscale structures of warm/cold advection and moisture flux convergence/divergence in greater agreement with ERA5 (except for moisture flux divergence for LPB). RCMs and GCMs project a general decrease in cyclogenesis for the end of the century. For the cyclogenesis cores, GCMs' and RCMs' projections agree on the trend signals in SBR, LPB, and ARG in austral winter and disagree in ARG in austral summer. For LPB and SBR cyclogenesis, the RCMs and GCMs suggest a future increase in moisture flux convergence and warm advection at low levels, while a decrease in upper level divergence is projected. This indicates a reinforcement of cyclogenesis (negative sea‐level pressure trend) in the future due to the low‐level features and associated diabatic processes. For ARG, the future trends in the mean structure of cyclogenesis are relatively weak. Following other studies, cyclogenesis frequency may decrease; however, changes could occur in some important physical processes, such as low‐level moisture flux convergence and warm advection, suggesting more intense events in the future.
Sub‐centennial upper water column structure variability of the tropical Indian Ocean since the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Rai Soni , Singh D. P. , Saraswat R. , Maurya A. S. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe upper water column (UWC) is involved in the worldwide distribution of heat and nutrients. However, global warming is expected to alter the UWC structure due to temperature‐ and precipitation‐induced stratification. This impact of global warming is comparatively more pronounced in the Indian Ocean. Therefore, to understand the fate of the UWC structure in the future, it is important to comprehend its past variability in the Indian Ocean. To achieve this, we have reconstructed sub‐centennial scale variations in the UWC structure of the tropical central Indian Ocean by using the isotopic composition (δ18O and δ13C) of surface‐dwelling planktic foraminifera Globigerinoides ruber and subsurface‐dwelling Neogloboquadrina dutertrei. The difference in the isotopic composition of the surface‐ and subsurface‐dwelling species (Δδ18Or‐d and Δδ13Cr‐d) was used to understand the UWC structure variability in the tropical central Indian Ocean. We report a deeper mixed layer and thermocline during the last glacial period, followed by a shoaling of the thermocline during the glacial–interglacial transition. The thermocline also deepened during intense boreal summer monsoon events such as in the Bølling–Allerød and early Holocene. Our findings suggest that the tropical Indian Ocean UWC is influenced primarily by the intensity of the monsoon winds. From the comparison of our record with those of the eastern and western Indian Ocean, it is evident that a similar climatic forcing governed the central and eastern regions during the last glacial–interglacial period.
Study of worm‐like micelles of alcohol propoxylated sulfate/alcohol ethoxylated surfactants mixtures for crude oil recovery
Authors: Guevara Mairis , Cárdenas Antonio Luis , Forgiarini Ana 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSystems with elongated cylindrical micelles, also known as worm‐like micelles (WM) or viscoelastic surfactants (VES), have high surface activity and high viscosity, which makes them attractive in different applications such as improved oil recovery, friction reducing agents in heating and cooling fluids, household and personal care products. This study examines the carbon's chain length of alkyl propoxylated sodium sulfate anionic surfactants (C16O(PO)15S, C14O(PO)15S, and C12O(PO)15S) mixed with a nonionic ethoxylated surfactant on viscoelastic properties and interfacial tension. Results show that the larger the surfactant's carbon chain, the greater the possibility of forming WM. Furthermore, the propylene oxides' (PO) number and the nonionic surfactant's type of tail (linear or branched) is studied, not only on WM formation but also on WM/crude interfacial tension values. It is observed that the surfactant's molecular structure plays an important role in WM formation. By increasing the anionic surfactant's PO from 15 to 20 units, the maximum value of zero viscosity goes from 4.507 to 0.092 Pa.s and by changing the structure of the nonionic surfactant from linear (C12‐13EO8) to branched (C12‐14EO9) keeping the PO number of the extended surfactant constant, the zero viscosity value goes from 4.507 to 0.28 Pa.s. Likewise, the WM/crude interfacial tension reached values of the order of 10−3 mN/m in the salinity range studied, which makes these systems very interesting for polymer substitution in enhanced crude oil recovery (EOR).
Synthesis, characterization, biodegradation, and evaluation of the surface‐active properties of non‐ionic gemini surfactants derived from lauryl diethanolamide
Authors: Tognotti Gerónimo , Gutierrez Carolina Guadalupe , Murguía Marcelo César 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe surface activities and application properties of aqueous solution surfactants are greatly influenced by their structure, especially the spacer group that connects the polar head groups. Herein, four new non‐ionic Gemini surfactants with different spacers were designed and synthesized, and their surfactant properties and biodegradability were studied. The synthesis of these compounds involves a two‐step procedure. The first step is the formation of an amide from lauric acid and diethanolamine. The second step is the reaction of lauryl diethanolamide with four different spacers, the latter being flexible‐hydrophilic, and rigid‐hydrophobic in structure, respectively. Their structures were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT‐IR, and ESI‐MS. The critical micelle concentration (CMC), the surface tension at CMC (γCMC), the efficiency of these compounds to reduce the surface tension by 20 mN/m (C20 and pC20), the effectiveness (πCMC), the maximum surface excess (Γmax), and the minimum surface area (Amin) were measured at 20, 40, and 50°C. The molecular architecture of the spacers in these compounds strongly influences the thermodynamic parameters, such as the standard change for Gibbs free energy of adsorption (ΔG°ads) and the standard change for Gibbs free energy of micellization (ΔG°mic). The ability of these surfactants to reduce surface tension is particularly good, but their distinguishing characteristic is their high relative propensity to form micellar aggregates. This aggregation ability improves as the hydrophilicity and flexibility of the spacer increase. Finally, in less than 30 days, all non‐ionic Gemini surfactants were determined to be 99% biodegradable in river water.
Tracheoesophageal puncture and quality of life after total laryngectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bourmand Raika , Olsson Sofia E. , Fijany Arman 
Published: December 2024

AbstractObjectiveTotal laryngectomy (TL) is a standard induction treatment for laryngeal cancer. Patients have shown decreased quality of life (QOL) following laryngectomy potentially due to its impact on communication. This study is a systematic review of the effects of TEP on QOL in TL patients.MethodsData was extracted from PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Web of Science. A systematic review of literature assessing QOL after TEP within the last decade was conducted using PRISMA methodology. The initial search yielded 71 publications filtered to 15 after removing duplicates, non‐English publications, and title screening. Two researchers independently reviewed abstracts, and 11 articles were retained. After a full article review, 6 examined QOL in TEP patients.ResultsThe studies concluded that post‐TL, patients with TEP experienced improved QOL than before the procedure or non‐TEP alternatives for speech. The collective sample size yielded 253 patients. Meta‐analysis demonstrated significant improvement in QOL described by the University of Washington—Quality of Life Index (p < .0001) and insignificant improvement defined by the Voice Handicap Index (p = .07). Several additional indices were included in the articles, all of which indicated improved QOL in TL patients post‐TEP. These scales could not undergo meta‐analysis due to their presence in only 1 study each.ConclusionTEP is a valuable intervention in improving patient QOL and satisfaction following TL. There is no standardized tool for describing QOL in TL patients, so the authors recommend tools be chosen based on the specific aspects of QOL they represent.Level of evidence2a.
Coupling of dimethylsulfoniopropionate production and carbon fixation in four temperate phytoplankton species excludes active short‐term regulation of dimethylsulfoniopropionate synthesis under increased light‐stress
Authors: Bach Mareike G. , Gademann Tamara , van Leeuwe Maria A. , Elzenga J. Theo M. , Stefels Jacqueline 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe production of the secondary metabolite dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) by marine microalgae has a strong impact on the global sulfur cycle, as DMSP is the precursor of the climate active gas dimethylsulfide. Quantifying the impact of abiotic parameters on DMSP production is needed to accurately depict DMSP production in ecosystem models. In this study, we investigated if de novo production of DMSP was upregulated under short‐term elevated irradiance and ultraviolet A radiation (UVA‐R). We exposed high‐light and low‐light acclimated cultures of Emiliania huxleyi, Tetraselmis sp., Thalassiosira oceanica, and Phaeodactylum tricornutum to high irradiance and UVA‐R treatments and followed de novo DMSP production and carbon fixation. We show that combined photosynthetically active radiation and UVA‐R resulted in increased net photoinhibition rates, but decreased specific DMSP production and growth compared to non‐UVA‐R treatments for all species. Photoacclimation to high photosynthetically active radiation resulted in a decreased UVA‐R sensitivity and positively affected the DMSP‐to‐carbon concentration ratios within the cultures. We conclude that there is no active short‐term upregulation of DMSP production under elevated photosynthetically active radiation and UVA‐R. Instead, the production of DMSP in response to light‐stress is closely coupled to particulate organic carbon production in all cases. While the relatively high cellular concentrations of DMSP do not exclude a de facto antioxidant function, its production is likely regulated by other cellular processes, for example, an overflow mechanism. The data of this study aim to improve the mechanistic understanding of DMSP synthesis, as well as to quantify DMSP production rates in different marine phytoplankton species.