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19 pages, 3664 KiB  
Article
Feasibility of Manufacturing and Antitumor Activity of TIL for Advanced Endometrial Cancers
by Yongliang Zhang, Kathleen N. Moore, Amir A. Jazaeri, Judy Fang, Ilabahen Patel, Andrew Yuhas, Patrick Innamarato, Nathan Gilbert, Joseph W. Dean, Behzad Damirchi, Joe Yglesias, Rongsu Qi, Michelle R. Simpson-Abelson, Erwin Cammaart, Sean R. R. Hall and Hequn Yin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157151 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 659
Abstract
Lifileucel, a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy approved for advanced melanoma, demonstrates promise for treating other solid tumors, including endometrial cancer (EC). The current study evaluates the feasibility of manufacturing TILs from EC tumors using Iovance’s proprietary 22-day Gen2 manufacturing process. Key parameters, [...] Read more.
Lifileucel, a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy approved for advanced melanoma, demonstrates promise for treating other solid tumors, including endometrial cancer (EC). The current study evaluates the feasibility of manufacturing TILs from EC tumors using Iovance’s proprietary 22-day Gen2 manufacturing process. Key parameters, including TIL yield, viability, immune phenotype, T-cell receptor clonality, and cytotoxic activity, were assessed. Of the 11 EC tumor samples processed at research scale, 10 (91%) successfully generated >1 × 109 viable TIL cells, with a median yield of 1.1 × 1010 cells and a median viability of 82.8%. Of the four EC tumor samples processed at full scale, all achieved the pre-specified TVC and viability targets. Putative tumor-reactive T-cell clones were maintained throughout the manufacturing process. Functional reactivity was evidenced by the upregulation of 4-1BB in CD8+ T cells, OX40 in CD4+ T cells, and increased production of IFN-γ and TNF-α upon autologous tumor stimulation. Furthermore, antitumor activity was confirmed using an in vitro autologous tumor organoid killing assay. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of ex vivo TIL expansion from EC tumors. This study provides a rationale for the initiation of the phase II clinical trial IOV-END-201 (NCT06481592) to evaluate lifileucel in patients with advanced EC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Endometrial Cancer: From Basic Science to Novel Therapeutics)
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18 pages, 13833 KiB  
Article
Host Serine Proteases and Antiviral Innate Immunity as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Influenza A Virus Infection-Induced COPD Exacerbations
by Haiqing Bai, Melissa Rodas, Longlong Si, Yuncheng Man, Jie Ji, Roberto Plebani, Johnathan D. Mercer, Rani K. Powers, Chaitra Belgur, Amanda Jiang, Sean R. R. Hall, Rachelle Prantil-Baun and Donald E. Ingber
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(6), 2549; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26062549 - 12 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1302
Abstract
Lung manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are often exacerbated by influenza A virus infections; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown, and hence therapeutic options are limited. Using a physiologically relevant human lung airway-on-a-chip (Airway Chip) microfluidic culture model lined with [...] Read more.
Lung manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are often exacerbated by influenza A virus infections; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown, and hence therapeutic options are limited. Using a physiologically relevant human lung airway-on-a-chip (Airway Chip) microfluidic culture model lined with human airway epithelium from COPD or healthy donors interfaced with pulmonary microvascular endothelium, we observed that Airway Chips lined with COPD epithelium exhibit an increased sensitivity to influenza virus infection, as is observed clinically in COPD patients. Differentiated COPD airway epithelial cells display increased inflammatory cytokine production, barrier function loss, and mucus accumulation upon virus infection. Transcriptomic analysis revealed gene expression profiles characterized by upregulation of serine proteases that may facilitate viral entry and downregulation of interferon-related genes associated with antiviral immune responses. Importantly, treatment of influenza virus-infected COPD epithelium with a protease inhibitor, nafamostat, ameliorated the disease phenotype, as evidenced by dampened viral replication, reduced mucus accumulation, and improved tissue barrier integrity. These findings suggest that targeting host serine proteases may represent a promising therapeutic avenue against influenza-afflicted COPD exacerbations. Full article
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10 pages, 2004 KiB  
Article
Proton Pencil Beam Scanning Facilitates the Safe Treatment of Extended Radiation Targets for Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Report from the Proton Collaborative Group Registry
by Maryam Ebadi, Mark Pankuch, Sean Boyer, John Chang, Craig Stevens, Matthew D. Hall, Shaakir Hasan, James E. Bates, Stella Flampouri, Adam J. Kole, Pranshu Mohindra, Carl Rossi, Parag Sanghvi, Lisa McGee, Zaker Rana and Yolanda D. Tseng
Cancers 2024, 16(15), 2736; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16152736 - 1 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1626
Abstract
Because proton beam therapy (PBT) can lower the dose of radiation to the heart, lungs, and breast, it is an established radiation modality for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Pencil beam scanning (PBS) PBT facilitates the treatment of more extensive targets. This may [...] Read more.
Because proton beam therapy (PBT) can lower the dose of radiation to the heart, lungs, and breast, it is an established radiation modality for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Pencil beam scanning (PBS) PBT facilitates the treatment of more extensive targets. This may be especially of value for lymphoma patients who require RT to both mediastinal and axillary targets, defined here as extended target RT (ETRT), given the target distribution and need to minimize the lung, heart, and breast dose. Using the Proton Collaborative Group registry, we identified patients with HL treated with PBT to both their mediastinum and axilla, for which DICOM-RT was available. All patients were treated with PBS. To evaluate the dosimetric impact of PBS, we compared delivered PBS plans with VMAT butterfly photon plans optimized to have the same target volume coverage, when feasible. Between 2016 and 2021, twelve patients (median 26 years) received PBS ETRT (median 30.6 Gy (RBE)). Despite the large superior/inferior (SI, median 22.2 cm) and left/right (LR, median 22.8 cm) extent of the ETRT targets, all patients were treated with one isocenter except for two patients (both with SI and LR > 30 cm). Most commonly, anterior beams, with or without posterior beams, were used. Compared to photons, PBS had greater target coverage, better conformity, and lower dose heterogeneity while achieving lower doses to the lungs and heart, but not to the breast. No acute grade 3+ toxicities were reported, including pneumonitis. Proton ETRT in this small cohort was safely delivered with PBS and was associated with an improved sparing of the heart and lungs compared to VMAT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Proton Pencil Beam Scanning Therapy)
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15 pages, 1206 KiB  
Review
Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol
by Jeremy D. Henson, Luis Vitetta, Michelle Quezada and Sean Hall
J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(24), 5852; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245852 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 12157
Abstract
The stress response is a well-defined physiological function activated frequently by life events. However, sometimes the stress response can be inappropriate, excessive, or prolonged; in which case, it can hinder rather than help in coping with the stressor, impair normal functioning, and increase [...] Read more.
The stress response is a well-defined physiological function activated frequently by life events. However, sometimes the stress response can be inappropriate, excessive, or prolonged; in which case, it can hinder rather than help in coping with the stressor, impair normal functioning, and increase the risk of somatic and mental health disorders. There is a need for a more effective and safe pharmacological treatment that can dampen maladaptive stress responses. The endocannabinoid system is one of the main regulators of the stress response. A basal endocannabinoid tone inhibits the stress response, modulation of this tone permits/curtails an active stress response, and chronic deficiency in the endocannabinoid tone is associated with the pathological complications of chronic stress. Cannabidiol is a safe exogenous cannabinoid enhancer of the endocannabinoid system that could be a useful treatment for stress. There have been seven double-blind placebo controlled clinical trials of CBD for stress on a combined total of 232 participants and one partially controlled study on 120 participants. All showed that CBD was effective in significantly reducing the stress response and was non-inferior to pharmaceutical comparators, when included. The clinical trial results are supported by the established mechanisms of action of CBD (including increased N-arachidonylethanolamine levels) and extensive real-world and preclinical evidence of the effectiveness of CBD for treating stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Mental Health)
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14 pages, 553 KiB  
Review
Creatine Supplementation for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Scientific Rationale for a Clinical Trial
by Theo Wallimann, Caroline H. T. Hall, Sean P. Colgan and Louise E. Glover
Nutrients 2021, 13(5), 1429; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051429 - 23 Apr 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 13572
Abstract
Based on theoretical considerations, experimental data with cells in vitro, animal studies in vivo, as well as a single case pilot study with one colitis patient, a consolidated hypothesis can be put forward, stating that “oral supplementation with creatine monohydrate (Cr), a pleiotropic [...] Read more.
Based on theoretical considerations, experimental data with cells in vitro, animal studies in vivo, as well as a single case pilot study with one colitis patient, a consolidated hypothesis can be put forward, stating that “oral supplementation with creatine monohydrate (Cr), a pleiotropic cellular energy precursor, is likely to be effective in inducing a favorable response and/or remission in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), like ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn’s disease”. A current pilot clinical trial that incorporates the use of oral Cr at a dose of 2 × 7 g per day, over an initial period of 2 months in conjunction with ongoing therapies (NCT02463305) will be informative for the proposed larger, more long-term Cr supplementation study of 2 × 3–5 g of Cr per day for a time of 3–6 months. This strategy should be insightful to the potential for Cr in reducing or alleviating the symptoms of IBD. Supplementation with chemically pure Cr, a natural nutritional supplement, is well tolerated not only by healthy subjects, but also by patients with diverse neuromuscular diseases. If the outcome of such a clinical pilot study with Cr as monotherapy or in conjunction with metformin were positive, oral Cr supplementation could then be used in the future as potentially useful adjuvant therapeutic intervention for patients with IBD, preferably together with standard medication used for treating patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and/or Crohn’s disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Creatine Supplementation for Health and Clinical Diseases)
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20 pages, 12362 KiB  
Article
Photothermal Optical Beam Steering Using Large Deformation Multi-Layer Thin Film Structures
by Harris J. Hall, Sean McDaniel, Piyush Shah, David Torres, Jose Figueroa and LaVern Starman
Micromachines 2021, 12(4), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi12040428 - 14 Apr 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2278
Abstract
Photothermal actuation of microstructures remains an active area of research for microsystems that demand electrically isolated, remote, on-chip manipulation. In this study, large-deformation structures constructed from thin films traditional to microsystems were explored through both simulation and experiment as a rudimentary means to [...] Read more.
Photothermal actuation of microstructures remains an active area of research for microsystems that demand electrically isolated, remote, on-chip manipulation. In this study, large-deformation structures constructed from thin films traditional to microsystems were explored through both simulation and experiment as a rudimentary means to both steer and shape an incident light beam through photothermal actuation. A series of unit step infrared laser exposures were applied at increasing power levels to both uniformly symmetric and deliberately asymmetric absorptive structures with the intent of characterizing the photothermal tilt response. The results indicate that a small angle (<4° at ~74 W/cm2) mechanical tilt can be instantiated through central placement of an infrared beam, although directional control appears highly sensitive to initial beam placement. Greater responsivity (up to ~9° mechanical tilt at ~54 W/cm2) and gross directional control was demonstrated with an asymmetrical absorptive design, although this response was accompanied by a large amount (~5–10°) of mechanical tilt burn-in and drift. Rigorous device cycling remains to be explored, but the results suggest that these structures, and those similar in construction, can be further matured to achieve controllable photoactuation suitable for optical beam control or other applications. Full article
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23 pages, 3473 KiB  
Article
NF2 and Canonical Hippo-YAP Pathway Define Distinct Tumor Subsets Characterized by Different Immune Deficiency and Treatment Implications in Human Pleural Mesothelioma
by Haitang Yang, Sean R. R. Hall, Beibei Sun, Liang Zhao, Yanyun Gao, Ralph A. Schmid, Swee T. Tan, Ren-Wang Peng and Feng Yao
Cancers 2021, 13(7), 1561; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13071561 - 29 Mar 2021
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6376
Abstract
(1) Inactivation of the tumor suppressor NF2 is believed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) by deregulating the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. However, NF2 has functions beyond regulation of the Hippo pathway, raising the possibility that NF2 [...] Read more.
(1) Inactivation of the tumor suppressor NF2 is believed to play a major role in the pathogenesis of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) by deregulating the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway. However, NF2 has functions beyond regulation of the Hippo pathway, raising the possibility that NF2 contributes to MPM via Hippo-independent mechanisms. (2) We performed weighted gene co-expression analysis (WGCNA) in transcriptomic and proteomic datasets obtained from The Cancer Gene Atlas (TCGA) MPM cohort to identify clusters of co-expressed genes highly correlated with NF2 and phospho (p)-YAP protein, surrogate markers of active Hippo signaling and YAP inactivation. The potential targets are experimentally validated using a cell viability assay. (3) MPM tumors with NF2 loss-of-function are not associated with changes in p-YAP level nor YAP/TAZ activity score, but are characterized by a deficient B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling pathway. Conversely, MPM tumors with YAP activation display exhausted CD8 T-cell-mediated immunity together with significantly upregulated PD-L1, which is validated in an independent MPM cohort, suggesting a potential benefit of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in this patient subset. In support of this, mutations in core Hippo signaling components including LATS2, but not NF2, are independently associated with better overall survival in response to ICI in patients. Additionally, based on cancer cell line models, we show that MPM cells with a high Hippo-YAP activity are particularly sensitive to inhibitors of BCR-ABL/SRC, stratifying a unique MPM patient subset that may benefit from BCR-ABL/SRC therapies. Furthermore, we observe that NF2 physically interacts with a considerable number of proteins that are not involved in the canonical Hippo-YAP pathway, providing a possible explanation for its Hippo-independent role in MPM. Finally, survival analyses show that YAP/TAZ scores together with p-YAP protein level, but not NF2, predict the prognosis of MPM patients. (4) NF2 loss-of-function and dysregulated Hippo-YAP pathway define distinct MPM subsets that differ in their molecular features and prognosis, which has important clinical implications for precision oncology in MPM patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM))
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24 pages, 469 KiB  
Review
A Workshop on Cognitive Aging and Impairment in the 9/11-Exposed Population
by Robert D. Daniels, Sean A. P. Clouston, Charles B. Hall, Kristi R. Anderson, David A. Bennett, Evelyn J. Bromet, Geoffrey M. Calvert, Tania Carreón, Steven T. DeKosky, Erica D. Diminich, Caleb E. Finch, Sam Gandy, William C. Kreisl, Minos Kritikos, Travis L. Kubale, Michelle M. Mielke, Elaine R. Peskind, Murray A. Raskind, Marcus Richards, Mary Sano, Albeliz Santiago-Colón, Richard P. Sloan, Avron Spiro, Neil Vasdev, Benjamin J. Luft and Dori B. Reissmanadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 681; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020681 - 14 Jan 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6522
Abstract
The terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 potentially exposed more than 400,000 responders, workers, and residents to psychological and physical stressors, and numerous hazardous pollutants. In 2011, the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) was mandated to monitor and treat persons with 9/11-related [...] Read more.
The terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 potentially exposed more than 400,000 responders, workers, and residents to psychological and physical stressors, and numerous hazardous pollutants. In 2011, the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) was mandated to monitor and treat persons with 9/11-related adverse health conditions and conduct research on physical and mental health conditions related to the attacks. Emerging evidence suggests that persons exposed to 9/11 may be at increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment. To investigate further, the WTCHP convened a scientific workshop that examined the natural history of cognitive aging and impairment, biomarkers in the pathway of neurodegenerative diseases, the neuropathological changes associated with hazardous exposures, and the evidence of cognitive decline and impairment in the 9/11-exposed population. Invited participants included scientists actively involved in health-effects research of 9/11-exposed persons and other at-risk populations. Attendees shared relevant research results from their respective programs and discussed several options for enhancements to research and surveillance activities, including the development of a multi-institutional collaborative research network. The goal of this report is to outline the meeting’s agenda and provide an overview of the presentation materials and group discussion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 9/11 Health Update)
27 pages, 3487 KiB  
Review
CD73, Tumor Plasticity and Immune Evasion in Solid Cancers
by Haitang Yang, Feng Yao, Paul F. Davis, Swee T. Tan and Sean R. R. Hall
Cancers 2021, 13(2), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13020177 - 7 Jan 2021
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 7432
Abstract
Regulatory networks controlling cellular plasticity, important during early development, can re-emerge after tissue injury and premalignant transformation. One such regulatory molecule is the cell surface ectoenzyme ecto-5′-nucleotidase that hydrolyzes the conversion of extracellular adenosine monophosphate to adenosine (eADO). Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (NT5E) or cluster of [...] Read more.
Regulatory networks controlling cellular plasticity, important during early development, can re-emerge after tissue injury and premalignant transformation. One such regulatory molecule is the cell surface ectoenzyme ecto-5′-nucleotidase that hydrolyzes the conversion of extracellular adenosine monophosphate to adenosine (eADO). Ecto-5′-nucleotidase (NT5E) or cluster of differentiation 73 (CD73), is an enzyme that is encoded by NT5E in humans. In normal tissue, CD73-mediated generation of eADO has important pleiotropic functions ranging from the promotion of cell growth and survival, to potent immunosuppression mediated through purinergic G protein-coupled adenosine receptors. Importantly, tumors also utilize several mechanisms mediated by CD73 to resist therapeutics and in particular, evade the host immune system, leading to undesired resistance to targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Tumor cell CD73 upregulation is associated with worse clinical outcomes in a variety of cancers. Emerging evidence indicates a link between tumor cell stemness with a limited host anti-tumor immune response. In this review, we provide an overview of a growing body of evidence supporting the pro-tumorigenic role of CD73 and adenosine signaling. We also discuss data that support a link between CD73 expression and tumor plasticity, contributing to dissemination as well as treatment resistance. Collectively, targeting CD73 may represent a novel treatment approach for solid cancers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stemness and Differentiation in Cancer)
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16 pages, 1728 KiB  
Article
A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study Assessing the Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of a Herbal Medicine Containing Pycnogenol Combined with Papain and Aloe vera in the Prevention and Management of Pre-Diabetes
by Luis Vitetta, Belinda Butcher, Serena Dal Forno, Gemma Vitetta, Tessa Nikov, Sean Hall and Elizabeth Steels
Medicines 2020, 7(4), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7040022 - 22 Apr 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5301
Abstract
Background: Herbal medicines present attractive options to patients with chronic diseases. Undertaking clinical studies with patients presenting with symptomless pre-T2D can lead to significant limitations. Methods: A 12-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted that investigated the safety and efficacy of an [...] Read more.
Background: Herbal medicines present attractive options to patients with chronic diseases. Undertaking clinical studies with patients presenting with symptomless pre-T2D can lead to significant limitations. Methods: A 12-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study was conducted that investigated the safety and efficacy of an herbal formulation administered orally for the treatment of pre-type 2 diabetes (pre-T2D). Results: A numerically greater proportion of subjects in the interventional arm had impaired fasting glucose (IFG) at week 12 compared to the control arm (71.0% vs. 69.0%, p = 0.75). Fewer participants had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) at 12 weeks in the intervention arm compared to the control arm (unadjusted 58.3% vs. 66.7%, p = 0.65; adjusting for baseline IGT, p = 0.266). In a subgroup analysis, subjects with a baseline fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level in the range of 6.1–6.9 mmol/L demonstrated a non-significant lower proportion of IFG at week 12 in the intervention arm compared to the control arm (60.0% vs. 41.7% p = 0.343). Total blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels remained unchanged from baseline to week 12 in both treatment groups. Conclusions: This study suggests that a polyherbal medicine was not effective for reducing the metabolic markers associated with pre-T2D over a 12-week period. Therefore, larger studies with well-defined endpoints and of longer duration are warranted. Full article
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19 pages, 5081 KiB  
Article
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
by Duo Xu, Haitang Yang, Zhang Yang, Sabina Berezowska, Yanyun Gao, Shun-Qing Liang, Thomas M. Marti, Sean R. R. Hall, Patrick Dorn, Gregor J. Kocher, Ralph A. Schmid and Ren-Wang Peng
Cancers 2019, 11(10), 1502; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers11101502 - 8 Oct 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5190
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a lethal cancer with limited treatment options. No targeted therapy has emerged yet. Here, we performed an integrated molecular characterization of patient tumors in the TCGA dataset, and discovered that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the adaptive unfolded [...] Read more.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a lethal cancer with limited treatment options. No targeted therapy has emerged yet. Here, we performed an integrated molecular characterization of patient tumors in the TCGA dataset, and discovered that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the adaptive unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling are characteristically deregulated in MPM. Consequently, pharmacological perturbation of ER stress/UPR axis by HA15, an agent that induces persistent proteotoxic stress in the ER, selectively suppresses the viability of MPM cells including those refractory to standard chemotherapy. Mechanically, HA15 augments the already high basal level of ER stress in MPM cells, embarks pro-apoptotic malfunctional UPR and autophagy, which eventually induces cell death in MPM. Importantly, HA15 exerts anti-MPM effectiveness in a mouse model of patient-derived xenografts (PDX) without eliciting overt toxicity when compared to chemotherapy. Our results revealed that programs orchestrating ER stress/UPR signaling represent therapeutic vulnerabilities in MPM and validate HA15 as a promising agent to treat patients with MPM, naïve or resistant to chemotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Drug Resistance and Novel Therapies in Cancers)
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20 pages, 694 KiB  
Article
Is Agricultural Emissions Mitigation on the Menu for Tea Drinkers?
by Rebecca Boehm, Hannah Kitchel, Selena Ahmed, Anaya Hall, Colin M. Orians, John Richard Stepp, Al Robbat, Jr., Timothy S. Griffin and Sean B. Cash
Sustainability 2019, 11(18), 4883; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11184883 - 6 Sep 2019
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4378
Abstract
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impacts of their purchases. Prior research has assessed willingness to pay (WTP) for environmental and ethical attributes on foods and beverages such as locally grown, fairly traded, and organically produced. However, few studies have [...] Read more.
Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impacts of their purchases. Prior research has assessed willingness to pay (WTP) for environmental and ethical attributes on foods and beverages such as locally grown, fairly traded, and organically produced. However, few studies have examined WTP for agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, especially in the U.S. and to date, no prior study has examined how knowledge or concerns about climate change motivate WTP for climate-friendly products. The objective of this study was to estimate WTP for agricultural GHG mitigation and examine variability in WTP across consumer characteristics, climate change knowledge and risk perception. A sensory-grounded choice experiment and survey assessing climate change knowledge and risk perception was administrated to specialty food and beverage shoppers in the Midwest and Northeastern U.S. Male and lower-income participants, as well as those at the Midwestern study site were willing to pay a higher premium for agricultural GHG mitigation, relative to females, higher income participants, and those in the Northeastern U.S. Knowledge of climate change and level of concerns for the risks it poses were not significantly associated with increased WTP for agricultural GHG mitigation. This suggests that if consumer demand is going to play a role in driving agricultural GHG mitigation, motivations for such purchasing behavior must be more fully understood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marketing of Sustainable Food and Drink)
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19 pages, 4876 KiB  
Article
Giving Ecological Meaning to Satellite-Derived Fire Severity Metrics across North American Forests
by Sean A. Parks, Lisa M. Holsinger, Michael J. Koontz, Luke Collins, Ellen Whitman, Marc-André Parisien, Rachel A. Loehman, Jennifer L. Barnes, Jean-François Bourdon, Jonathan Boucher, Yan Boucher, Anthony C. Caprio, Adam Collingwood, Ron J. Hall, Jane Park, Lisa B. Saperstein, Charlotte Smetanka, Rebecca J. Smith and Nick Soverel
Remote Sens. 2019, 11(14), 1735; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11141735 - 23 Jul 2019
Cited by 84 | Viewed by 13898
Abstract
Satellite-derived spectral indices such as the relativized burn ratio (RBR) allow fire severity maps to be produced in a relatively straightforward manner across multiple fires and broad spatial extents. These indices often have strong relationships with field-based measurements of fire severity, thereby justifying [...] Read more.
Satellite-derived spectral indices such as the relativized burn ratio (RBR) allow fire severity maps to be produced in a relatively straightforward manner across multiple fires and broad spatial extents. These indices often have strong relationships with field-based measurements of fire severity, thereby justifying their widespread use in management and science. However, satellite-derived spectral indices have been criticized because their non-standardized units render them difficult to interpret relative to on-the-ground fire effects. In this study, we built a Random Forest model describing a field-based measure of fire severity, the composite burn index (CBI), as a function of multiple spectral indices, a variable representing spatial variability in climate, and latitude. CBI data primarily representing forested vegetation from 263 fires (8075 plots) across the United States and Canada were used to build the model. Overall, the model performed well, with a cross-validated R2 of 0.72, though there was spatial variability in model performance. The model we produced allows for the direct mapping of CBI, which is more interpretable compared to spectral indices. Moreover, because the model and all spectral explanatory variables were produced in Google Earth Engine, predicting and mapping of CBI can realistically be undertaken on hundreds to thousands of fires. We provide all necessary code to execute the model and produce maps of CBI in Earth Engine. This study and its products will be extremely useful to managers and scientists in North America who wish to map fire effects over large landscapes or regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Forest Remote Sensing)
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8 pages, 606 KiB  
Article
The Plasma Bioavailability of Coenzyme Q10 Absorbed from the Gut and the Oral Mucosa
by Luis Vitetta, Andrea Leong, Joyce Zhou, Serena Dal Forno, Sean Hall and David Rutolo
J. Funct. Biomater. 2018, 9(4), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb9040073 - 15 Dec 2018
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 11785
Abstract
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has a central role in the generation of cellular bioenergy and its regulation. The hydrophobicity exhibited by the CoQ10 molecule leads to reports of poor absorption profiles, therefore, the optimization of formulations and modes of delivery [...] Read more.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) has a central role in the generation of cellular bioenergy and its regulation. The hydrophobicity exhibited by the CoQ10 molecule leads to reports of poor absorption profiles, therefore, the optimization of formulations and modes of delivery is an ever-evolving therapeutic goal. The aim of this study was to investigate different CoQ10 formulations. The article summarizes the findings from an Australian comparative study involving adults administered CoQ10 through different oral delivery platforms. A total of 11 participants (six males and five females) voluntarily participated in a comparative clinical study of three different CoQ10 formulations across a six-week period, completing 198 person-hours of cumulative contribution equivalent to n = 33 participation. All of the eligible participants (n = 11) administered the three formulations blinded from who the commercial supplier of the formulation was and from what the chemical form of the CoQ10 was that was being administered. The dosing between the CoQ10 preparations were dispensed sequentially and were administered following three-week washouts. Three commercial preparations were tested, which included the following: formulations with capsules each containing ubiquinol and ubiquinone (150 mg/capsule), and a liposome ubiquinone formulation (40 mg/mL at 2 actuations of the pump). A significant inter-subject variation in the plasma level of CoQ10 at baseline that was observed to increase with an increase in age. This trend persisted in the post administration of the different formulations. Furthermore, it was observed that the intestinal absorption and bioavailability of CoQ10 varied significantly in the plasma between subjects, irrespective of whether the ubiquinol or ubiquinone forms were administered. The administration of CoQ10 as a liposome for preparation showed the poorest response in bioavailability. Although the ubiquinol capsule form of CoQ10 was observed to have increased in the plasma versus the ubiquinone capsules and the ubiquinol liposome at the two-hour interval, the inter-subject variation was such that the difference was not significant (p > 0.05). All of the CoQ10 formulations showed no further increases in their plasma levels over the remaining study period (i.e., four hours). This study further concluded that the intestinal absorption of CoQ10 is highly variable and is independent of the molecular form administered. Furthermore, it also concludes that liposomes are not an effective vehicle for the oral administration of CoQ10, and as such, did not improve the oral mucosal/sublingual absorption and bioavailability of the molecule. Of interest was the observation that with the increasing subject age, there was an observed increase in the baseline plasma CoQ10 levels in the participants prior to dosing. It was posited that the increase in the baseline plasma levels of CoQ10 with an increase in age could be due to the loss of skeletal muscle mass, a result that still needs to be verified. Full article
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1 pages, 157 KiB  
Correction
Correction: Vitetta, L.; et al. Adjuvant Probiotics and the Intestinal Microbiome: Enhancing Vaccines and Immunotherapy Outcomes. Vaccines 2017, 5, 50
by Luis Vitetta, Emma Tali Saltzman, Michael Thomsen, Tessa Nikov and Sean Hall
Vaccines 2018, 6(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines6020026 - 15 May 2018
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3120
Abstract
The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper due to a typesetting error in the conclusion of this article which was recently published in Vaccines[...] Full article
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