bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MDR1 DNA glycosylase regulates the expression of genomically imprinted genes and helitrons
Authors: Higgins Kaitlin M , Gent Jonathan , Anderson Sarah N
Published: August 2024

Targeted demethylation by DNA glycosylases (DNGs) results in differential methylation between parental alleles in the endosperm, which drives imprinted expression. Here, we performed RNA sequencing on endosperm derived from DNG mutantmdr1and wild-type endosperm. Consistent with the role of DNA methylation in gene silencing, we find 96 gene and 86 TE differentially expressed (DE) transcripts that lost expression in the hypermethylatedmdr1mutant. Compared with other endosperm transcripts, themdr1targets are enriched for TEs (particularly Helitrons), and DE genes are depleted for both core genes and GO term assignments, suggesting that the majority of DE transcripts are TEs and pseudo-genes. By comparing DE genes to imprinting calls from prior studies, we find that the majority of DE genes have maternally biased expression, and approximately half of all maternally expressed genes (MEGs) are DE in this study. In contrast, no paternally expressed genes (PEGs) are DE. DNG-dependent imprinted genes are distinguished by maternal demethylation and expression primarily in the endosperm, so we also performed EM-seq on hybrids to identify maternal demethylation and utilized a W22 gene expression atlas to identify genes expressed primarily in the endosperm. Overall, approximately ⅔ of all MEGs show evidence of regulation by DNA glycosylases. Taken together, this study solidifies the role of MDR1 in the regulation of maternally expressed, imprinted genes and TEs and identifies subsets of genes with DNG-independent imprinting regulation.

Significance Statement

This work investigates the transcriptome changes resulting from the loss of function of DNA glycosylase MDR1, revealing that, in wild-type endosperm, targets of MDR1 are expressed predominantly from the maternal allele and this expression is suppressed in mutants. Furthermore, by combining expression data, DNA methylation data, and developmental expression data, we are able to categorize all maternally expressed, imprinted genes based on DNA glycosylase dependent or independent regulatory methods.
Comprehensive Assessment of Initial Adaptation of ESBL Positive ST131Escherichia colito Carbapenem Exposure
Authors: Shropshire William C. , Song Xinhao , Bremer Jordan , Seo Seokju , Rodriguez Susana , Anand Selvalakshmi Selvaraj , Dinh An Q. , Bhatti Micah M. , Konovalova Anna , Arias Cesar A. , Kalia Awdhesh , Shamoo Yousif , Shelburne Samuel A.
Published: August 2024

Background

It remains unclear how high-riskEscherichia colilineages, like sequence type (ST) 131, initially adapt to carbapenem exposure in their progression to becoming carbapenem resistant.

Methods

Carbapenem mutation frequency was measured in multiple subclades of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) positive ST131 clinical isolates using a fluctuation assay followed by whole genome sequencing (WGS) characterization. Genomic, transcriptomic, and porin analyses of ST131 C2/H30Rx isolate, MB1860, under prolonged, increasing carbapenem exposure was performed using two distinct experimental evolutionary platforms to measure fast vs. slow adaptation.

Results

All thirteen ESBL positive ST131 strains selected from a diverse (n=184) ST131 bacteremia cohort had detectable ertapenem (ETP) mutational frequencies with a statistically positive correlation between initial ESBL gene copy number and mutation frequency (r = 0.87,P-value <1e-5). WGS analysis of mutants showed initial response to ETP exposure resulted in significant increases in ESBL gene copy numbers or mutations in outer membrane porin (Omp) encoding genes in the absence of ESBL gene amplification with subclade specific associations. In both experimental evolutionary platforms, MB1860 responded to initial ETP exposure by increasingblaCTX-M-15copy numbers via modular, insertion sequence26(IS26) mediated pseudocompound transposons (PCTns). Transposase activity driven by PCTn upregulation was a conserved expression signal in both experimental evolutionary platforms. Stable mutations in Omp encoding genes were detected only after prolonged increasing carbapenem exposure consistent with clinical observations.

Conclusions

ESBL gene amplification is a conserved response to initial carbapenem exposure, especially within the high-risk ST131 C2/H30Rx subclade. Targeting such amplification could assist with mitigating carbapenem resistance development.
A simplein vitrofermentation model to detect alterations in gut microbiota-dependent bile acid profiles
Authors: Zheng Weijia , Bakker Wouter , Baccaro Marta , Jin Maojun , Wang Jing , Rietjens Ivonne M.C.M.
Published: August 2024

A previousin vivostudy showed that lincosamide antibiotics (lincomycin and clindamycin) could induce changes in the gut bacterial community, leading to significant changes in fecal bile acid profiles. Herein, our aim is to develop an animal alternativein vitromodel for studying gut microbiota-dependent bile acid profiles induced by xenobiotics. The effects of lincosamides were evaluated using this model, and results obtained were verified by comparing with those of the previousin vivostudy. Fecal sample processing and bile acid incubation conditions were developed and optimized using feces collected from Wistar rats, and prepared samples were incubated for 24 h with or without lincosamides. Upon treatment of the fecal gut microbiota with lincosamides primary and secondary bile acids showed obviously increased and decreased levels respectively. Moreover, the changes in bile acid profile could be linked to a reduced richness of familyErysipelotrichaceae,BacteroidaceaandLactobacillaceaeorPrevotellaceae. The consistent consequences ofin vivoandin vitroprovides a proof of principle for further application on elucidating effects of other xenobiotics on the gut bacterial community and related bile acid metabolism, thereby contributing to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement) in animal testing.
CRISPR-Cas12a bends DNA to destabilize base pairs during target interrogation
Authors: Soczek Katarzyna M. , Cofsky Joshua C. , Tuck Owen T. , Shi Honglue , Doudna Jennifer A.
Published: August 2024

RNA-guided endonucleases are involved in processes ranging from adaptive immunity to site-specific transposition and have revolutionized genome editing. CRISPR-Cas9, -Cas12 and related proteins use guide RNAs to recognize ∼20-nucleotide target sites within genomic DNA by mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. We used structural and biochemical methods to assess early steps in DNA recognition by Cas12a protein-guide RNA complexes. We show here that Cas12a initiates DNA target recognition by bending DNA to induce transient nucleotide flipping that exposes nucleobases for DNA-RNA hybridization. Cryo-EM structural analysis of a trapped Cas12a-RNA-DNA surveillance complex and fluorescence-based conformational probing show that Cas12a-induced DNA helix destabilization enables target discovery and engagement. This mechanism of initial DNA interrogation resembles that of CRISPR-Cas9 despite distinct evolutionary origins and different RNA-DNA hybridization directionality of these enzyme families. Our findings support a model in which RNA-mediated DNA engineering begins with local helix distortion by transient CRISPR-Cas protein binding.
Orders of Magnitude Improved Cyclotron-Mode Cooling for Nondestructive Spin Quantum Transition Spectroscopy with Single Trapped Antiprotons
Authors: Latacz B. M. , Fleck M. , Jäger J. I. , Umbrazunas G. , Arndt B. P. , Erlewein S. R. , Wursten E. J. , Devlin J. A. , Micke P. , Abbass F. , Schweitzer D. , Wiesinger M. , Will C. , Yildiz H. , Blaum K. , Matsuda Y. , Mooser A. , Ospelkaus C. , Smorra C. , Soter A. , Quint W. , Walz J. , Yamazaki Y. , Ulmer S. ,   BASE Collaboration
Published: August 2024

We demonstrate efficient subthermal cooling of the modified cyclotron mode of a single trapped antiproton and reach particle temperatures T+=E+/kB below 200 mK in preparation times shorter than 500 s. This corresponds to the fastest resistive single-particle cyclotron cooling to subthermal temperatures ever demonstrated. By cooling trapped particles to such low energies, we demonstrate the detection of antiproton spin transitions with an error rate <0.000 023, more than 3 orders of magnitude better than in previous best experiments. This method has enormous impact on multi-Penning-trap experiments that measure magnetic moments with single nuclear spins for tests of matter and antimatter symmetry, high-precision mass spectrometry, and measurements of electron g factors bound to highly charged ions that test quantum electrodynamics and establish standards for magnetometry.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dissipative frequency converter: From Lindblad dynamics to non-Hermitian topology
Authors: Koch Florian , Budich Jan Carl
Published: August 2024

A topological frequency converter represents a dynamical counterpart of the integer quantum Hall effect, where a two-level system enacts a quantized time-averaged power transfer between two driving modes of incommensurate frequency. Here, we investigate as to what extent temporal coherence in the quantum dynamics of the two-level system is important for the topological quantization of the converter. To this end, we consider dissipative channels corresponding to spontaneous decay and dephasing in the instantaneous eigenbasis of the Hamiltonian as well as spontaneous decay in a fixed basis. The dissipation is modelled using both a full Lindblad and an effective non-Hermitian (NH) Hamiltonian description. For all three dissipation channels, we find a transition from the unperturbed dynamics to a quantum watchdog effect, which destroys any power transfer in the strong coupling limit. This is striking because the watchdog effect leads to perfectly adiabatic dynamics in the instantaneous eigenbasis, at first glance similar to the unperturbed case. Furthermore, it is found that dephasing immediately leads to an exponential decay of the power transfer in time due to loss of polarization in the mixed quantum state. Finally, we discuss the appearance in the effective NH trajectory description of nonadiabatic processes, which are suppressed in the full Lindblad dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Does corporate environmental disclosure affect earnings management? The moderating effect of female board representation
Authors: Ardhaoui Roua , Ben Amar Anis , Fakhfakh Ines
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of corporate environmental disclosure on earnings management and to further examine whether this relationship is moderated by female board.

Design/methodology/approach

Our sample includes 264 European companies listed on the STOXX eUROPE 600 for the period 2010 to 2022. We excluded financial companies (banks and insurance companies) due to their specific capital structure and regulatory requirements, and companies with missing data. Feasible Generalized Least Square (FGLS) regression method is used to estimate the econometric models. For robustness analyses, the authors included the alternative measure of the dependent variable, and they applied the simultaneous equation model for the endogeneity test.

Findings

Using discretionary accruals as a proxy for earnings management, the results obtained indicated a negative effect of corporate environmental disclosure on earnings management. The results suggest also that women on boards are effective in their monitoring role. Indeed, findings show that the effect of corporate environmental disclosure on earnings management is particularly stronger with the presence of women directors on the companies’ boards.

Research limitations/implications

This study has two limitations. Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of our findings. Secondly, our earnings management indicator, based on estimates of accruals, may not perfectly reflect all streams of earnings management. Therefore, to reduce potential bias in these estimates, it would be useful to use other indicators, such as real earnings management.

Practical implications

The findings have several implications for regulatory, investors and academic researchers. For regulators, it is appropriate to promote several standards related to corporate environmental disclosure and earnings management. The results advise also the worldwide policy maker to give the importance of female roles to improve engagement firms in corporate environmental disclosure, so to be more transparent in their accounting practices to ensure that they are not engaging in unethical or fraudulent behavior. For investors, the results show that the existence of female directors on the board reduces earnings management. For academic researchers, it is interesting to explore the relationship between corporate environmental disclosure, women on the board, and earnings management.

Originality/value

This paper extends the existing literature by examining the moderating effect of women directors on the relationship between corporate environmental disclosure and earnings management in the European context.
Mapping the literature on augmented reality-based gaming: a text mining approach
Authors: Borgohain Dhruba Jyoti , Verma Manoj Kumar
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to focus on carrying out a quantitative analysis of publications related to augmented reality (AR)-based gaming. AR combines the real world with the digital world and is a large basis of data in an ICT-based digital society. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive bibliometric review of research papers on AR-based gaming to identify the potential for the advancement of knowledge in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

In the experimental part, reference data from Scopus was extracted according to a search string formulated with great care. The retrieved data were then analyzed through open-source, sophisticated bibliometric tools, VOSviewer, along with Biblioshiny-R.

Findings

After running the analysis, it turns out that the years with the biggest number of publications were in 2010 and 2012. The focus areas of study include mixed reality, surveys and helmet-mounted displays. The USA was the most connected country in the research collaboration network; it has strong links with other nations including the UK, Canada and Greece, which cluster around it in the map. This trend of monetarily increasing number of papers depicts the growing interest and sustainable productivity in this research domain.

Originality/value

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel perspective on AR-based gaming, which has not been so far examined by bibliometric analysis. The results provide important information for researchers and stakeholders. In addition to filling a void in the literature, this study is an important reference for those researchers who are interested in exploring evolution and trends in AR-based gaming research.
Construction economics at early stage: order of cost estimating, life cycle costing and development appraisal of a proposed office complex
Authors: Amadi Alolote I.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study is carried out to demonstrate the computational practicalities of environmental construction economics necessary to offer early-stage cost advice. A case study of a private sector client’s development proposal is used. This is for the acquisition of a vacant freehold land of 1.2 acres brownfield site to develop a Grade A office complex with plans to achieve the BREEAM Excellent rating green building certification.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage methodology was deployed: Order of cost estimating, before life cycle costing and then development appraisal. The Order of Cost Estimate is generated using the BCIS online database, following the procedural guideline of the New Rules Measurement (NRM). The life cycle costing was carried out from an environmental perspective to explore two design options – Design A and Design B, in terms of which would offer the best value for money whilst reducing carbon emissions.

Findings

Based on the outcome of the life cycle costing computations, Design B was chosen as the advised development due to minimal differences in net present values and annual equivalents. Further evaluation of Design B, using the residual method of developmental appraisal was carried out, with all necessary assumptions made. From the extensive computations carried out, the project is considered unviable, as it reports a loss. Alternative use of the site or an alternative site is thus recommended to check if a greater return on investment is tenable.

Originality/value

The study narratively interweaves the application of three computational techniques that are core to offering early-stage cost advice.
Innovative, smart, green and halal: a recipe for marketing Muslim destination
Authors: Suhartanto Dwi , Amalia Fatya Alty , Sugiama Aceng Gima , Choirisa Septi Fahmi , Nova Muhamad
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study explores tourist loyalty as a key for marketing Muslim destinations by integrating experience quality, innovation, smart technology and environmental concerns as determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was applied by gathering data from 442 inbound Muslim tourists who visited various tourist destinations in Indonesia. PLS-SEM was utilized to examine the hypothesized association between the construct variables.

Findings

The data analysis reveals that the inclusion of smart technology and environmental concerns strengthens the innovation-quality-loyalty model. Specifically, this study highlights that smart tourism technology, and environmental concerns are essential to drive the quality of destination innovation and tourist holistic experience, which subsequently impact tourist loyalty.

Practical implications

This study provides hints to the marketing managers of Muslim tourist destinations to make their destination sustainable by creating loyalty among their Muslim visitors. In order to achieve this target, Muslim destinations are suggested to utilize smart technology and create environmentally friendly destinations to push innovation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first examination of the amalgamating innovation-quality-loyalty model with smart tourism technology and environmental concerns in the context of halal tourism.
Preschool teachers’ perspectives about diversity in nation-state country: a glimpse from Türkiye
Authors: Yigit Gencten Vahide , Gultekin Mehmet
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate preschool teachers' perspectives on diversity in the unique educational context of Türkiye, a nation-state often underrepresented in the predominantly Western-centric diversity literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Recognizing teachers as critical content integrators, the study involved semi-structured interviews to explore their views on diversity within early childhood education.

Findings

Analysis of the interviews revealed two key themes: first, the challenge of maintaining nation-state ideology, where teachers balance fostering a national identity with acknowledging diverse cultural backgrounds; and second, a willingness among educators to embrace diversity, highlighting their efforts to create inclusive, multicultural classrooms.

Practical implications

The authors call for developing context-specific teacher education programs addressing diversity in depth, equipping teachers to effectively promote context-specific multicultural education that would be different from Western countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is original in researching preschool teachers’ understandings of multicultural education in a nation-state country.
Effects of interactive-mobile learning modules in students’ engagement and understanding in genetics
Authors: Errabo Denis Dyvee , Ongoco Areeya Amor
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The principal aim of the research was to develop Interactive Mobile Learning Modules (IMLM) as an approach to innovative teaching practices in online distance education.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed educational action research, using a quasi-experimental design catering to ninth-grade students (N = 104) attending a public high school in Manila.

Findings

Our research indicates that IMLM has a positive effect on student engagement. It provides students with a convenient, easily accessible, and engaging means of understanding Genetics concepts. The execution of this initiative has facilitated the emergence of novel ideas, heightened the ease of use, and advanced more equitable opportunities within the education domain. Thus, IMLM’s utilization has resulted in a favorable shift in conceptual understanding. It has been found to support learners' concept test performance, as evidenced by score gains and statistically significant improvement in understanding.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited with the development and utilization of mlearning strategy to accommodate learners in the public school system in a developing country.

Practical implications

The study addresses ongoing strategy and discussion to enrich online learning through the mlearning strategy.

Social implications

The study accommodates inclusivity and equitable learning through personalize mlearning strategy.

Originality/value

The study is novel because it utilize mlearning as innovative approach to teaching genetics.
Ethics education in management in academia and HRD: an identity control theory-based model
Authors: Eyal Ori , Berkovich Izhak
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The current body of research has separately examined ethics education design and evaluation, as well as the development of ethical identity in managers. However, a notable deficiency in the literature lies in the absence of a comprehensive investigation into the interconnections between these two areas. This conceptual paper aims to address this lacuna.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the theoretical foundations of identity control theory, this paper presents a conceptual model that outlines the dynamics of ethics education for managers, whether outside the organization or as a human resource development (HRD) initiative. Drawing upon a diverse range of literature sources, the model places significant emphasis on the interactive nature of identity formation, taking into account both individual agency and the educational context.

Findings

The conceptual model developed based on identity control theory illuminates the functioning of ethics education and its impact. The model illustrates the multifaceted nature of the relationship between ethics education and the development and sustenance of ethical identity in managers. It underscores the iterative process of identity control, wherein managers continuously navigate their ethical identities in response to internal and external influences.

Originality/value

While ethics education in management and HRD studies is widely acknowledged, there is a significant gap in understanding the psychological mechanisms that explain the maintenance of self-identity and the dynamic interplay between individuals and their social environment. This gap is particularly relevant to educational programs, which not only shape the social environment for trainees but also aim to foster the development and preservation of their individual identities.
Shared use of a mass‐flowering crop drives dietary niche overlap between managed honeybees and bumblebees
Authors: Bernhardsson Olivia , Kendall Liam , Olsson Ola , Olsson Peter , Smith Henrik G.
Published: August 2024

Resource competition between wild pollinators and managed honeybees (Apis mellifera) has the potential to detrimentally impact insect biodiversity as well as wild plant and crop pollination. As honeybees are central place foragers, their competitive impact on wild bees is expected to be structured by hive proximity, in conjunction with foraging decisions related to landscape‐level resource availability. Yet, how these factors structure dietary niche overlap between wild bees and managed honeybees remains unclear.

We conducted a field experiment in seminatural grasslands, where honeybee foraging densities and niche overlap with buff‐tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) were measured at four distances (<100, 500, 1000 and 2000 m) from experimentally placed apiaries, during and after the blooming period of mass‐flowering oilseed rape (Brassica napus). We measured honeybee foraging densities using standardized transect surveys, and quantified species diet composition and dietary niche overlap from pollen samples collected from both bee species.

Honeybee foraging densities were highest near apiaries and declined sharply beyond 500 m from the apiaries. However, niche overlap was unrelated to hive proximity but positively related to the availability of oilseed rape. Furthermore, there were significant inter‐ and intraspecific differences in pollen diet composition and breadth throughout the season.

Synthesis and applications: Niche overlap between honeybees and bumblebees in agricultural environments was due to resource sharing of mass‐flowering oilseed rape. When both honeybees and bumblebees predominantly forage on wild plants, they maintain distinct pollen diets, suggesting there is a low risk of resource competition between these generalist taxa. Conservation actions that promote floral resource availability and diversity in agricultural landscapes are crucial to maintain niche differentiation between managed honeybees and wild bees.
Fumonisin B1 induces endoplasmic reticulum damage and inflammation by activating the NXR response and disrupting the normal CYP450 system, leading to liver damage in juvenile quail
Authors: Zhu Lingxin , Li Jinhong , Yang Shuang , Deng Xiaoqi , Wang Zhenchao , Cao Changyu
Published: August 2024

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin affecting animal health through the food chain and has been closely associated with several diseases such as pulmonary edema in pigs and diarrhea in poultry. FB1 is mainly metabolized in the liver. Although a few studies have shown that FB1 causes liver damage, the molecular mechanism of liver damage is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the role of liver damage, nuclear xenobiotic receptor (NXR) response and cytochrome P450 (CYP450)‐mediated defense response during FB1 exposure. A total of 120 young quails were equally divided into two groups (control and FB1 groups). The quails in the control group were fed on a normal diet, while those in the FB1 group were fed on a quail diet containing 30 mg/kg for 42 days. Histopathological and ultrastructural changes in the liver, biochemical parameters, inflammatory factors, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) factors, NXR response and CYP450 cluster system and other related genes were examined at 14 days, 28 days and 42 days. The results showed that FB1 exposure impaired the metabolic function and caused liver injury. FB1 caused ER stress and decreased adenosine triphosphatease activity, induced the expression of inflammation‐related genes such as interleukin 6 and nuclear factor kappa‐B, and promoted inflammation. In addition, FB1 disrupted the expression of multiple CYP450 isoforms by activating nuclear xenobiotic receptors (NXRs). The present study confirms that FB1 exposure disturbs the homeostasis of cytochrome P450 systems (CYP450s) in quail liver by activating NXR responses and thereby causing liver damage. This study's findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of FB1‐induced hepatotoxicity.
Sensory optimization of gluten‐free hazelnut omelette and sugar‐modified chestnut pudding: A free choice profiling approach for enhanced traditional recipe formulations
Authors: Ortiz‐Solà J. , Almeida D. , López‐Mas L. , Kallas Z. , Abadias M. , Barros L. , Martín‐Gómez H. , Aguiló‐Aguayo I.
Published: August 2024

The Mediterranean region is distinguished by its gastronomic diversity and a wide variety of indigenous nut crops. In line with changing global food consumers’ preferences, a noteworthy aspect is the increasing demand to the use of local varieties in recipe formulation. The aim of the present study was to incorporate the Terra Fria chestnut (Portugal) and Negreta hazelnut from Reus (Spain) in traditional Mediterranean recipes. The sensory, technofunctional, nutritional, and shelf‐life characterization were investigated in hazelnut omelette (gluten and gluten‐free) and chestnut pudding (sugar and sugar‐free) formulations. Results conducted by trained assessors using the free choice profiling (FCP) showed that hazelnut omelette samples were described as “creamy,” “smooth,” and “handmade.” In addition, the texture obtained with the hazelnut omelette gluten‐free version showed the softest textural profile analysis attributes, with lower values for hardness (2.43 ± 0.36 N), adhesiveness (−0.38 ± 0.00 g s) and gumminess (2.12 ± 0.14). Furthermore, the shelf‐life studies revealed a more golden color (>14.43 of a* CIELAB coordinate) and a lower moisture content (25.36%–43.59%) in the hazelnut flour formulation, in addition to the enrichment in terms of protein (8.36 g/100 g), fiber, and healthy fats. In the case of chestnut pudding, it was observed that the study parameters did not differ significantly from its sweetened analogue with positive attributes in FCP (“toasted,” “fluffy,” and “sweet”), positioning it as a viable alternative to sugar in this application. Therefore, both hazelnut flour in hazelnut omelette and oligofructose in chestnut pudding proved to be promising ingredients in the formulation of gluten‐free and sugar‐free developed products, offering attractive organoleptic and textural characteristics.
Characterization, stability, and curcumin bioaccessibility of buckwheat flower polysaccharide conjugate emulsion
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xu Yanghui , Fang Tianqi , Qiu Qing , Chen Maobin
Published: August 2024

In this study, buckwheat flower polysaccharide conjugates (BFPCs) were synthesized and evaluated for their emulsification properties. The stability of BFPC‐stabilized emulsions was assessed through particle size analysis, zeta potential measurements, microscopic observations, and rheological tests. Gum Arabic served as a control to compare BFPC's emulsifying efficacy across varying storage conditions, including exposure to metal ions, pH variations, and different heat treatment temperatures. Results showed that BFPC significantly lowered interfacial tension (16.2 mN/m) and effectively stabilized emulsions containing 60 wt% medium‐chain triglycerides at a concentration of 1.0 wt%. Over a 20‐day storage period, BFPC emulsions demonstrated robust resistance to heat (60–90°C), acidic conditions (pH 2.0–9.0), and ion concentrations (Na+, Ca2+). Moreover, in a high oil phase emulsion, BFPC enhanced the bioavailability of curcumin to 27.05%, markedly higher than the 7.10% observed without emulsification, underscoring its potential in nutrient delivery applications.

Practical Application

Due to its excellent resistance, long‐time emulsifying stability under different conditions, and its good effect in curcumin embedding, BFPC has a broad prospect and can be widely used under various conditions in food industry.
Enhancing metabarcoding efficiency and ecological insights through integrated taxonomy and DNA reference barcoding: A case study on beach meiofauna
Authors: Macher Jan‐Niklas , Martínez Alejandro , Çakir Sude , Cholley Pierre‐Etienne , Christoforou Eleni , Curini Galletti Marco , van Galen Lotte , García‐Cobo Marta , Jondelius Ulf , de Jong Daphne , Leasi Francesca , Lemke Michael , Rubio Lopez Iñigo , Sánchez Nuria , Sørensen Martin Vinther , Todaro M. Antonio , Renema Willem , Fontaneto Diego
Published: August 2024

Molecular techniques like metabarcoding, while promising for exploring diversity of communities, are often impeded by the lack of reference DNA sequences available for taxonomic annotation. Our study explores the benefits of combining targeted DNA barcoding and morphological taxonomy to improve metabarcoding efficiency, using beach meiofauna as a case study. Beaches are globally important ecosystems and are inhabited by meiofauna, microscopic animals living in the interstitial space between the sand grains, which play a key role in coastal biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics. However, research on meiofauna faces challenges due to limited taxonomic expertise and sparse sampling. We generated 775 new cytochrome c oxidase I DNA barcodes from meiofauna specimens collected along the Netherlands' west coast and combined them with the NCBI GenBank database. We analysed alpha and beta diversity in 561 metabarcoding samples from 24 North Sea beaches, a region extensively studied for meiofauna, using both the enriched reference database and the NCBI database without the additional reference barcodes. Our results show a 2.5‐fold increase in sequence annotation and a doubling of species‐level Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) identification when annotating the metabarcoding data with the enhanced database. Additionally, our analyses revealed a bell‐shaped curve of OTU richness across the intertidal zone, aligning more closely with morphological analysis patterns, and more defined community dissimilarity patterns between supralittoral and intertidal sites. Our research highlights the importance of expanding molecular reference databases and combining morphological taxonomy with molecular techniques for biodiversity assessments, ultimately improving our understanding of coastal ecosystems.
Failure of isoxsuprine HCl to increase sheep fertility after cervical versus laparoscopic AI using chilled semen at different durations
Authors: Bülbül Bülent , Dayanıklı Cemal , Şengül Ebru , Turan Aydın , Aksoy Muhammet , Nur Zekariya
Published: August 2024

To improve the fertility of cervical artificial insemination (AI) in sheep, we investigated isoxsuprine HCl usage on the cervical passage during cervical AI. We also compared cervical and laparoscopic AI fertility results of using chilled semen at different durations. Semen was collected from rams and diluted as 20 × 106 or 400 × 106 spermatozoa/straw for laparoscopic and cervical AI, respectively, and chilled to 4°C within 2 h. Sheep were inseminated with chilled semen for 8 or 24 h via the laparoscopic or cervical AI method. Moreover, some of the cervical inseminated sheep were injected intramuscularly with 0.5 mg/kg of isoxsuprine HCl 15 min before AI. As a result, the use of isoxsuprine HCl did not affect cervical transit and fertility. In addition, fertility was affected by the storage duration of the semen; laparoscopic AI was more successful than cervical AI in terms of fertility; if cervical AI is performed, the duration between semen collection and AI should be less than 8 h after chilling the semen at 4°C, and if laparoscopic AI is performed, the time between semen collection and insemination can be up to 24 h after chilling the semen at 4°C. Longer storage periods should be studied.
Nurses' responses to patients' medication self‐management problems in hospital and the use of recommendations
Authors: Mortelmans Laura , Goossens Eva , De Cock Anne‐Marie , van den Bemt Patricia , Dilles Tinne
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to describe the use of recommendations as a guide for healthcare providers to support patients experiencing medication self‐management problems and to evaluate their feasibility, user‐friendliness and usefulness. Between March and August 2023, 58 hospitalized patients completed a self‐assessment on medication self‐management problems. The problems addressed in this self‐assessment were based on a list of frequently encountered medication self‐management problems from previous research. Consequently, 18 nurses responded to the reported problems using the recommendations. Nurses evaluated the feasibility, user‐friendliness and usefulness of these recommendations through a survey. A total of 217 medication self‐management problems were reported by 58 patients. Nurses intervened in 52% of the problems using the recommendations. According to nurses, the recommendations were user‐friendly and feasible but required a substantial time investment. Considering these pilot‐based results, the recommendations have the potential to be a valuable resource for nurses in practice, though this potential requires further exploration.
Targeting the redox vulnerability of acute myeloid leukaemia cells with a combination of auranofin and vitamin C
Authors: Hei Zhiliang , Yang Shujun , Ouyang Guifang , Hanna Jolimar , Lepoivre Michel , Huynh Tony , Aguinaga Lorea , Cassinat Bruno , Maslah Nabih , Bourge Mickaël , Golinelli‐Cohen Marie‐Pierre , Guittet Olivier , Vallières Cindy , Vernis Laurence , Fenaux Pierre , Huang Meng‐Er
Published: August 2024

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by complex molecular and cytogenetic abnormalities. Pro‐oxidant cellular redox status is a common hallmark of AML cells, providing a rationale for redox‐based anticancer strategy. We previously discovered that auranofin (AUF), initially used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and repositioned for its anticancer activity, can synergize with a pharmacological concentration of vitamin C (VC) against breast cancer cell line models. In this study, we observed that this drug combination synergistically and efficiently killed cells of leukaemic cell lines established from different myeloid subtypes. In addition to an induced elevation of reactive oxygen species and ATP depletion, a rapid dephosphorylation of 4E‐BP1 and p70S6K, together with a strong inhibition of protein synthesis were early events in response to AUF/VC treatment, suggesting their implication in AUF/VC‐induced cytotoxicity. Importantly, a study on 22 primary AML specimens from various AML subtypes showed that AUF/VC combinations at pharmacologically achievable concentrations were effective to eradicate primary leukaemic CD34+ cells from the majority of these samples, while being less toxic to normal cord blood CD34+ cells. Our findings indicate that targeting the redox vulnerability of AML with AUF/VC combinations could present a potential anti‐AML therapeutic approach.
Comprehensive macro and micro views on immune cells in ischemic heart disease
Authors: Zhao Yongjian , Tan Mingyue , Yin Yunfei , Zhang Jun , Song Yiyi , Li Hang , Yan Lin , Jin Yifeng , Wu Ziyue , Yang Tianke , Jiang Tingbo , Li Hongxia
Published: August 2024

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition that remains the primary cause of death due to its adverse ventricular remodelling and pathological changes in end‐stage heart failure. As a complex pathologic condition, it involves intricate regulatory processes at the cellular and molecular levels. The immune system and cardiovascular system are closely interconnected, with immune cells playing a crucial role in maintaining cardiac health and influencing disease progression. Consequently, alterations in the cardiac microenvironment are influenced and controlled by various immune cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, eosinophils, and T‐lymphocytes, along with the cytokines they produce. Furthermore, studies have revealed that Gata6+ pericardial cavity macrophages play a key role in regulating immune cell migration and subsequent myocardial tissue repair post IHD onset. This review outlines the role of immune cells in orchestrating inflammatory responses and facilitating myocardial repair following IHD, considering both macro and micro views. It also discusses innovative immune cell‐based therapeutic strategies, offering new insights for further research on the pathophysiology of ischemic heart disease and immune cell‐targeted therapy for IHD.
LCP‐Tacrolimus Extended‐Release (Envarsus XR) Use in Adolescent and Young Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bae Esther K. , Chandran Mary Moss , Everitt Melanie D. , Benz Eric , Bock Margret
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Limited published experience describes once daily, extended‐release tacrolimus (LCP‐Tac) use in pediatric solid organ transplantation (SOT), particularly nonrenal SOT. LCP‐Tac can simplify immunosuppression (IS) regimens, minimize immediate release‐tacrolimus (IR‐Tac)‐associated adverse effects, and promote adherence. This study describes the successful use of LCP‐Tac in adolescent and young adult (AYA) SOT populations.

Methods

A single‐center, retrospective chart review of AYA SOT recipients (age < 25 years) converted from IR‐Tac to LCP‐Tac. Graft survival, biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR), infection rates, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and pill burden were assessed at five time points postconversion (1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months). Intrapatient variability of tacrolimus, as assessed by coefficient of variability (CV%), was also analyzed.

Results

Twenty‐nine AYA SOT recipients (19 heart, 6 kidney, and 4 liver) were converted to LCP‐Tac, with a median age of 17.4 years at conversion. Conversion, mainly due to perceived or identified medication nonadherence, occurred at a median of 5.4 years posttransplant. No graft loss occurred within 24 months of conversion, and BPAR incidence rate was consistent with previous reports for these populations. Only one patient experienced CMV infection. Renal function remained stable postconversion.

Conclusion

Successful conversion from IR‐Tac to LCP‐Tac was demonstrated in AYA heart, kidney, and liver transplant recipients. These AYA SOT recipients experienced reduced pill burden and improved tacrolimus trough concentration variability. However, the impact on medication adherence warrants further investigation. Future research should explore the targeted use of LCP‐Tac to enhance IS tolerability and medication adherence in young SOT populations.
Comparison of R‐CHOP‐14 and R‐mini‐CHOP in older adults with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma—A retrospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Dilbaz Zelal Guel , Denker Sophy , Ankermann Carla , Bittenbring Joerg‐Thomas , Kaddu‐Mulindwa Dominic , Kunte Ameya S. , Hünecke Sascha , Poeschel Viola , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Thurner Lorenz , Na Il‐Kang , Bewarder Moritz , Christofyllakis Konstantinos
Published: August 2024

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma entity, and its incidence increases with age. There is a paucity of data regarding use of biweekly R‐CHOP (R‐CHOP‐14) in patients ≥80 years of age. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with DLBCL aged ≥80 years treated with R‐CHOP‐14 and R‐miniCHOP in two academic tertiary centers in Germany between 01/01/2005 and 12/30/2019. Overall, 79 patients were included. Median age was 84 years (range 80–91). Despite higher CR rates with R‐CHOP‐14 (71.4% vs. 52.4%), no statistically significant difference could be found between patients treated with R‐CHOP‐14 and R‐miniCHOP regarding overall survival (OS) (p = .88, HR 0.94, 95% CI = 0.47–1.90) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (p = .26, HR 0.66, 95% CI = 0.32–1.36). At a median follow‐up of 40 months, the 2‐year OS rates were 56% with R‐CHOP‐14 and 53% with R‐miniCHOP. Two‐year PFS rates were 46% for R‐CHOP‐14 and 50% for R‐mini‐CHOP. Relative dose intensity of chemotherapy did not correlate with OS (p = .72). With the caveat of a retrospective cohort study, we conclude that lacking a difference in OS, R‐miniCHOP should be preferred for most patients with untreated DLBCL aged ≥80 years.
Heterogeneous spatial tuning in the auditory pathway of the Mongolian Gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)
Authors: van den Wildenberg Maury F. , Bremen Peter
Published: August 2024

Sound‐source localization is based on spatial cues arising due to interactions of sound waves with the torso, head and ears. Here, we evaluated neural responses to free‐field sound sources in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CIC), the medial geniculate body (MGB) and the primary auditory cortex (A1) of Mongolian gerbils.

Using silicon probes we recorded from anaesthetized gerbils positioned in the centre of a sound‐attenuating, anechoic chamber. We measured rate‐azimuth functions (RAFs) with broad‐band noise of varying levels presented from loudspeakers spanning 210° in azimuth and characterized RAFs by calculating spatial centroids, Equivalent Rectangular Receptive Fields (ERRFs), steepest slope locations and spatial‐separation thresholds. To compare neuronal responses with behavioural discrimination thresholds from the literature we performed a neurometric analysis based on signal‐detection theory.

All structures demonstrated heterogeneous spatial tuning with a clear dominance of contralateral tuning. However, the relative amount of contralateral tuning decreased from the CIC to A1. In all three structures spatial tuning broadened with increasing sound‐level. This effect was strongest in CIC and weakest in A1. Neurometric spatial‐separation thresholds compared well with behavioural discrimination thresholds for locations directly in front of the animal.

Our findings contrast with those reported for another rodent, the rat, which exhibits homogenous and sharply delimited contralateral spatial tuning. Spatial tuning in gerbils resembles more closely the tuning reported in A1 of cats, ferrets and non‐human primates. Interestingly, gerbils, in contrast to rats, share good low‐frequency hearing with carnivores and non‐human primates, which may account for the observed spatial tuning properties.
Analysis of individual alpha frequency in a large cohort from a tertiary memory center
Authors: Cecchetti Giordano , Agosta Federica , Canu Elisa , Basaia Silvia , Rugarli Giulia , Curti Davide G. , Coraglia Federico , Cursi Marco , Spinelli Edoardo G. , Santangelo Roberto , Caso Francesca , Fanelli Giovanna Franca , Magnani Giuseppe , Filippi Massimo
Published: August 2024

Background and Purpose

Precise and timely diagnosis is crucial for the optimal use of emerging disease‐modifying treatments for Alzheimer disease (AD). Electroencephalography (EEG), which is noninvasive and cost‐effective, can capture neural abnormalities linked to various dementias. This study explores the use of individual alpha frequency (IAF) derived from EEG as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in cognitively impaired patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 375 patients from the tertiary Memory Clinic of IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy. Participants underwent clinical and neuropsychological assessments, brain imaging, cerebrospinal fluid biomarker analysis, and resting‐state EEG. Patients were categorized by amyloid status, the AT(N) classification system, clinical diagnosis, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) progression to AD dementia. IAF was calculated and compared among study groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to calculate its discriminative performance.

Results

IAF was higher in amyloid‐negative subjects and varied significantly across AT(N) groups. ROC analysis confirmed IAF's ability to distinguish A–T–N– from the A+T+N+ and A+T–N+ groups. IAF was lower in AD and Lewy body dementia patients compared to MCI and other dementia types, with moderate discriminatory capability. Among A+ MCI patients, IAF was significantly lower in those who converted to AD within 2 years compared to stable MCI patients and predicted time to conversion (p < 0.001, R = 0.38).

Conclusions

IAF is a valuable tool for dementia diagnosis and prognosis, correlating with amyloid status and neurodegeneration. It effectively predicts MCI progression to AD, supporting its use in early, targeted interventions in the context of disease‐modifying treatments.