bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of binary land cover variables on species distribution models: A North American study on water birds
Authors: Gabor Lukas , Cohen Jeremy , Jetz Walter
Published: August 2023

Aim

Species distribution models (SDMs) are an important tool for predicting species occurrences in geographic space and for understanding the drivers of these occurrences. An effect of environmental variable selection on SDM outcomes has been noted, but how the treatment of variables influences models, including model performance and predicted range area, remains largely unclear. For example, although landcover variables included in SDMs in the form of proportions, or relative cover, recent findings suggest that for species associated with uncommon habitats the simple presence or absence of a landcover feature is most informative. Here we investigate the generality of this hypothesis and determine which representation of environmental features produces the best-performing models and how this affects range area estimates. Finally, we document how outcomes are modulated by spatial grain size, which is known to influence model performance and estimated range area.

Location

North America

Methods

We fit species distribution models (via Random Forest) for 57 water bird species using proportional and binary estimates of water cover in a grid cell using occurrence data from the eBird citizen science initiative. We evaluated four different thresholds of feature prevalence (land cover representations) within the cell (1%, 10%, 20% or 50%) and fit models across both breeding and non-breeding seasons and multiple grain sizes (1, 5, 10, and 50 km cell lengths).

Results

Model performance was not significantly affected by the type of land cover representation. However, when the models were fitted using binary variables, the model-assessed importance of water bodies significantly decreased, especially at coarse grain sizes. In this binary variable-case, models relied more on other land cover variables, and over-or under-predicted the species range by 5-30%. In some cases, differences up to 70% in predicted species ranges were observed.

Main conclusions

Methods for summarizing landcover features are often an afterthought in species distribution modelling. Inaccurate range areas resulting from treatment of landcover features as binary or proportional could lead to the prioritization of conservation efforts in areas where the species do not occur or cause the importance of crucial habitats to be missed. Importantly, our results suggest that at finer grain sizes, binary variables might be more useful for accurately measuring species distributions. For studies using relatively coarse grain sizes, we recommend fitting models with proportional land cover variables.
Restoring adiponectin via rosiglitazone ameliorates tissue wasting in mice with lung cancer
Authors: Langer Henning Tim , Ramsamooj Shakti , Dantas Ezequiel , Murthy Anirudh , Ahmed Mujmmail , Hwang Seo-Kyoung , Grover Rahul , Pozovskiy Rita , Liang Roger J. , Queiroz Andre Lima , Brown Justin C , White Eileen P. , Janowitz Tobias , Goncalves Marcus D.
Published: August 2023

The cancer associated cachexia syndrome (CACS) is a systemic metabolic disorder resulting in loss of body weight due to skeletal muscle and adipose tissues atrophy. CACS is particularly prominent in lung cancer patients, where it contributes to poor quality of life and excess mortality. Using the Kras/Lkb1 (KL) mouse model, we found that CACS is associated with white adipose tissue (WAT) dysfunction that directly affects skeletal muscle homeostasis. WAT transcriptomes showed evidence of reduced adipogenesis, and, in agreement, we found low levels of circulating adiponectin. To preserve adipogenesis and restore adiponectin levels, we treated mice with the PPAR-γ agonist, rosiglitazone. Rosiglitazone treatment increased serum adiponectin levels, delayed weight loss, and preserved skeletal muscle and adipose tissue mass, as compared to vehicle-treated mice. The preservation of muscle mass with rosiglitazone was associated with increases in AMPK and AKT activity. Similarly, activation of the adiponectin receptors in muscle cells increased AMPK activity, anabolic signaling, and protein synthesis. Our data suggest that PPAR-γ agonists may be a useful adjuvant therapy to preserve tissue mass in lung cancer.

Key points

- The PPAR-γ agonist, rosiglitazone, restores circulating adiponectin levels in mice with lung cancer.

- Rosiglitazone preserves skeletal muscle and adipose tissue mass in mice with lung cancer.

- The preservation of muscle mass with rosiglitazone is associated with increases in AMPK and AKT activity.

- Stimulation of adiponectin signaling increases AMPK activity, anabolic signaling, and protein synthesis in muscle cell culture.
Electrical Brain Activity during Human Walking with Parametric Variations in Terrain Unevenness and Walking Speed
Authors: Liu Chang , Downey Ryan J. , Salminen Jacob S. , Rojas Sofia Arvelo , Richer Natalie , Pliner Erika M. , Hwang Jungyun , Cruz-Almeida Yenisel , Manini Todd M. , Hass Chris J. , Seidler Rachael D. , Clark David J. , Ferris Daniel P.
Published: August 2023

Mobile brain imaging with high-density electroencephalography (EEG) can provide insight into the cortical processes involved in complex human walking tasks. While uneven terrain is common in the natural environment and poses challenges to human balance control, there is limited understanding of the supraspinal processes involved with traversing uneven terrain. The primary objective of this study was to quantify electrocortical activity related to parametric variations in terrain unevenness for neurotypical young adults. We used high-density EEG to measure brain activity when thirty-two young adults walked on a novel custom-made uneven terrain treadmill surface with four levels of difficulty at a walking speed tailored to each participant. We identified multiple brain regions associated with uneven terrain walking. Alpha (8 - 13 Hz) and beta (13 - 30 Hz) spectral power decreased in the sensorimotor and posterior parietal areas with increasing terrain unevenness while theta (4 - 8 Hz) power increased in the mid/posterior cingulate area with terrain unevenness. We also found that within stride spectral power fluctuations increased with terrain unevenness. Our secondary goal was to investigate the effect of parametric changes in walking speed (0.25 m/s, 0.5m/s, 0.75 m/s, 1.0 m/s) to differentiate the effects of walking speed from uneven terrain. Our results revealed that electrocortical activities only changed substantially with speed within the sensorimotor area but not in other brain areas. Together, these results indicate there are distinct cortical processes contributing to the control of walking over uneven terrain versus modulation of walking speed on smooth, flat terrain. Our findings increase our understanding of cortical involvement in an ecologically valid walking task and could serve as a benchmark for identifying deficits in cortical dynamics that occur in people with mobility deficits.
The Interferon γ Pathway Enhances Pluripotency and X-Chromosome Reactivation in iPSC reprogramming
Authors: Barrero Mercedes , López-Rubio Anna V. , Lazarenkov Aleksey , Blanco Enrique , Bauer Moritz , Palma Luis G. , Bigas Anna , Di Croce Luciano , Sardina José Luis , Payer Bernhard
Published: August 2023

Reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) requires activation of the pluripotency network and resetting of the epigenome by erasing the epigenetic memory of the somatic state. In female mouse cells, a critical epigenetic reprogramming step is the reactivation of the inactive X chromosome. Despite its importance, a systematic understanding of the regulatory networks linking pluripotency and X-reactivation is missing. Here we reveal the pathways important for iPSC reprogramming and X-reactivation using a genome-wide CRISPR screen. In particular, we discover that activation of the interferon γ (IFNγ) pathway early during reprogramming accelerates pluripotency acquisition and X-reactivation. IFNγ stimulates STAT3 signaling and the pluripotency network and leads to enhanced TET-mediated DNA demethylation, which consequently boosts X-reactivation. We therefore gain a mechanistic understanding of the role of IFNγ in reprogramming and X-reactivation and provide a comprehensive resource of the molecular networks involved in these processes.
Detection of prions from spiked and free-ranging carnivore feces
Authors: Inzalaco H. N. , Brandell E. E. , Wilson S.P. , Hunsaker M. , Stahler D. R. , Woelfel K. , Walsh D. P. , Nordeen T. , Storm D. J. , Lichtenberg S. S. , Turner W. C.
Published: August 2023

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a highly contagious, fatal neurodegenerative disease caused by infectious prions (PrPCWD) affecting wild and captive cervids. Although experimental feeding studies have demonstrated prions in feces of crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), coyotes (Canis latrans), and cougars (Puma concolor), the role of scavengers and predators in CWD epidemiology remains poorly understood. Here we applied the real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assay to detect PrPCWDin feces from cervid consumers, to advance surveillance approaches, which could be used to improve disease research and adaptive management of CWD. We assessed recovery and detection of PrPCWDby experimental spiking of PrPCWDinto carnivore feces from 9 species sourced from CWD-free populations or captive facilities. We then applied this technique to detect PrPCWDfrom feces of predators and scavengers in free-ranging populations. Our results demonstrate that spiked PrPCWDis detectable from feces of free-ranging mammalian and avian carnivores using RT-QuIC. Results show that PrPCWDacquired in natural settings is detectable in feces from free-ranging carnivores, and that PrPCWDrates of detection in carnivore feces reflect relative prevalence estimates observed in the corresponding cervid populations. This study adapts an important diagnostic tool for CWD, allowing investigation of the epidemiology of CWD at the community-level.
Genomic DNA extraction optimization and validation for genome sequencing using the marine gastropod Kellet’s whelk
Authors: Daniels Benjamin N , Nurge Jenna , Sleeper Olivia , Lee Andy , López Cataixa , Christie Mark , Toonen Robert J , Davidson Jean , White Crow
Published: August 2023

Next-generation sequencing technologies, such as Nanopore MinION, Illumina Hiseq and Novaseq, and PacBio Sequel II, hold immense potential for advancing genomic research on non-model organisms, including the vast majority of marine species. However, application of these technologies to marine invertebrate species is often impeded by challenges in extracting and purifying their genomic DNA due to high polysaccharide content and other secondary metabolites. In this study, we help resolve this issue by developing and testing DNA extraction protocols for Kellet’s whelk (Kelletia kelletii), a subtidal gastropod with ecological and commercial importance, by comparing four DNA extraction methods commonly used in marine invertebrate studies. We identified an optimized protocol that balances efficiency, cost, and DNA extraction quality; the Salting out protocol. We validated the protocol using an independent set of tissue samples, then applied it to extract high-molecular-weight (HMW) DNA from over three thousand Kellet’s whelk tissue samples. The protocol demonstrated scalability and, with added clean-up, suitability for RAD-seq, GT-seq, as well as whole genome sequencing using both long read (ONT MinION) and short read (Illumina Novaseq) sequencing platforms. Our findings offer a robust and versatile DNA extraction and clean-up protocol for supporting genomic research efforts on non-model marine organisms, to help mediate the under-representation of invertebrates in genomic studies.
Multiomics responses to seasonal variations in diel cycles in the marine phytoplanktonic picoeukaryoteOstreococcus tauri
Authors: Romero-Losada Ana B. , Arvanitidou Christina , García-Gómez M. Elena , Morales-Pineda María , Castro-Pérez M. José , García-González Mercedes , Romero-Campero Francisco J.
Published: August 2023

Earth tilted rotation and translation around the Sun produce one of the most pervasive periodic environmental signals on our planet giving rise to seasonal variations in diel cycles. Although marine phytoplankton plays a key role on ecosystems and present promising biotechnological applications, multiomics integrative analysis of their response to these rhythms remains largely unexplored. We have chosen the marine picoeukaryoteOstreococcus taurias model organism grown under summer long days, winter short days, constant light and constant dark conditions to characterize these responses in marine phytoplankton. Although 80% of the transcriptome present diel rhythmicity under both seasonal conditions less than 5% maintained oscillations under all constant conditions. A drastic reduction in protein abundance rhythmicity was observed with 55% of the proteome oscillating. Seasonally specific rhythms were found in key physiological processes such as cell cycle progression, photosynthetic efficiency, carotenoid content, starch accumulation and nitrogen assimilation. A global orchestration between transcriptome, proteome and physiological dynamics was observed with specific seasonal temporal offsets between transcript, protein and physiological peaks.
Effects of 4 testing arena sizes and 11 types of embryo media on sensorimotor behaviors in wild-type andchd7mutant zebrafish larvae
Authors: Hodorovich Dana R. , Harris Tiara Fryer , Burton Derek , Neese Katie , Bieler Rachael , Chudasama Vimal , Marsden Kurt. C
Published: August 2023

The larval zebrafish is a highly versatile model across research disciplines, and the expanding use of behavioral analysis has contributed to many advances in neuro-psychiatric, developmental, and toxicological studies, often through large-scale chemical and genetic screens. In the absence of standardized approaches to larval zebrafish behavior analysis, however, it is critical to understand the impact on behavior of experimental variables such as the size of testing arenas and the choice of embryo medium. Using a custom-built, modular high-throughput testing system, we examined the effects of 4 testing arena sizes and 11 types of embryo media on conserved sensorimotor behaviors in zebrafish larvae. Our data show that testing arena size impacts acoustic startle sensitivity and kinematics as well as spontaneous locomotion and thigmotaxis, with fish tested in larger arenas displaying reduced startle sensitivity and increased locomotion. We also find that embryo media can dramatically affect startle sensitivity, kinematics, habituation, and pre-pulse inhibition, as well as spontaneous swimming, turning, and overall activity. Common media components such as methylene blue and high calcium concentration consistently reduced startle sensitivity and locomotion. To further address how the choice of embryo medium can impact phenotype expression in zebrafish models of disease, we rearedchd7mutant larvae, a model of CHARGE syndrome with previously characterized morphological and behavioral phenotypes, in 5 different types of media and observed impacts on all phenotypes. By defining the effects of these key extrinsic factors on larval zebrafish behavior, these data can help researchers select the most appropriate conditions for their specific research questions, particularly for genetic and chemical screens.
Integrated Organ Immunity: Antigen-specific CD4-T cell-derived IFN-γ induced by BCG imprints prolonged lung innate resistance against respiratory viruses
Authors: Lee Audrey , Floyd Katharine , Wu Shengyang , Fang Zhuoqing , Tan Tze Kai , Li Chunfeng , Hui Harold , Scoville David , Ruggiero Alistaire D. , Liang Yan , Pavenko Anna , Lujan Victor , Nolan Garry P. , Arunachalam Prabhu , Suthar Mehul , Pulendran Bali
Published: August 2023

Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination can confer non-specific protection against heterologous pathogens. However, the underlying mechanisms remain mysterious. Here, we show that mice immunized intravenously with BCG exhibited reduced weight loss and/or improved viral clearance when challenged with SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. Protection was first evident between 14 - 21 days post vaccination, and lasted for at least 42 days. Remarkably, BCG induced a biphasic innate response in the lung, initially at day 1 and a subsequent prolonged phase starting at ∼15 days post vaccination, and robust antigen-specific Th1 responses. MyD88-dependent TLR signaling was essential for the induction of the innate and Th1 responses, and protection against SARS-CoV-2. Depletion of CD4+T cells or IFN-γ activity prior to infection obliterated innate activation and protection. Single cell and spatial transcriptomics revealed CD4-dependent expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) in myeloid, type II alveolar and lung epithelial cells. Thus, BCG elicits “integrated organ immunity” where CD4+ T cells act on local myeloid and epithelial cells to imprint prolonged antiviral innate resistance.
Synergistic effects of the next generation insecticide flupyradifurone with a fungal pathogen
Authors: Schlaeppi Daniel , Al-Hashemi Adam , Wasif Vaneeza , Masson Florent , Stroeymeyt Nathalie
Published: August 2023

The global insect decline is largely driven by agricultural pesticides, whose detrimental effects are further amplified by synergistic interactions with other stressors. Whilst there is increasing evidence of adverse impacts of the next-generation insecticide flupyradifurone (FPF), initially marketed as safe for pollinators, its effects on non-pollinators and potential interactions with other stressors remain poorly understood. Here we investigate the impacts of chronic exposure to FPF alone and in combination with the entomopathogenic fungusMetarhizium brunneumin a non-target arthropod: the antLasius niger. Our results show that FPF concentrations upwards of 100 ppm increased worker mortality. Furthermore, while sublethal (≤ 50 ppm) FPF exposure alone did not affect survival, it increased susceptibility to fungal infection, indicating a synergy between the two stressors. This new report of a synergistic interaction between FPF and pathogens raises further concerns about the impact of novel pesticides and could have important implications for insect conservation.
Effect of diffusivity of amyloid beta monomers on the formation of senile plaques
Authors: Kuznetsov Andrey V.
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) presents a perplexing question: why does its development span decades, even though individual amyloid beta (Aβ) deposits (senile plaques) can form rapidly in as little as 24 hours, as recent publications suggest? This study investigated whether the formation of senile plaques can be limited by factors other than polymerization kinetics alone. Instead, their formation may be limited by the diffusion-driven supply of Aβ monomers, along with the rate at which the monomers are produced from amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the rate at which Aβ monomers undergo degradation. A mathematical model incorporating the nucleation and autocatalytic process (via the Finke-Watzky model), as well as Aβ monomer diffusion, was proposed. The obtained system of partial differential equations was solved numerically, and a simplified version was investigated analytically. The computational results predicted that it takes approximately 7 years for Aβ aggregates to reach a neurotoxic concentration of 50 μM. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed to examine how the diffusivity of Aβ monomers and their production rate impact the concentration of Aβ aggregates.
Genomic analysis supports Cape Lion population connectivity prior to colonial eradication and extinction
Authors: de Flamingh A. , Gnoske T.P. , Rivera-Colón A.G. , Simeonovski V.A. , Kerbis Peterhans J.C. , Yamaguchi N. , Witt K.E. , Catchen J. , Roca A.L. , Malhi R.S.
Published: August 2023

Extinct Cape lions (Panthera leo melanochaitus) formerly ranged throughout the grassland plains of the “Cape Flats” in what is today known as the Western Cape Province, South Africa. Cape lions were likely eradicated because of overhunting and habitat loss after European colonization. European naturalists originally described Cape lions as “Black-maned lions” and claimed that they were phenotypically distinct. However, other depictions and historical descriptions of lions from the Cape report mixed or light coloration and without black or extensively developed manes. These findings suggest that, rather than forming a distinct population, Cape lions may have had phenotypic and genotypic variation similar to other African lions. Here we investigate extinct Cape lion genome characteristics, population dynamics and genetic distinctiveness prior to their extinction. We generated genomic data from two historic Cape lions to compare to 118 existing high-coverage mitogenomes, and low-coverage nuclear genomes of 53 lions from 13 African countries. We show that, before their eradication, lions from the Cape Flats had diverse mitogenomes and nuclear genomes that clustered with lions from both southern and eastern Africa. Cape lions had high genome-wide heterozygosity and low inbreeding coefficients, indicating that populations in the Cape Flats went extinct so rapidly that genomic effects associated with long-term small population size and isolation were not detectable. Our findings do not support the characterization of Cape lions as phylogeographically distinct, as originally put forth by some European naturalists, but rather highlights how alternative knowledge-systems, e.g., Indigenous perspectives, could potentially further inform interpretations of species’ life histories.
Pupil size and EEG speech tracking as independent measures of listening effort and speech intelligibility
Authors: Iotzov Ivan , Parra Lucas C
Published: August 2023

Speech is hard to understand when there is background noise. Speech intelligibility and listening effort both affect our ability to understand speech, but the relative contribution of these subjective factors is hard to disentangle. Previous studies suggest that speech intelligibility could be assessed with EEG speech tracking and listening effort via pupil size. However, these measures may be confounded, because poor intelligibility may require a larger effort. To address this we developed a novel word-detection paradigm that allows for a rapid behavioral assessment of speech processing. In this paradigm words appear on the screen during continuous speech similar to closed captioning. In two listening experiments with a total of 51 participants we manipulated intelligibility with changing auditory noise levels and modulated effort by varying monetary reward. Increasing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improved detection performance along with EEG speech tracking, suggesting improved intelligibility. Additionally, we find larger pupil size with increased SNR, suggestive of increased effort. Surprisingly, when we modulated both reward and SNR, we found that reward modulated only pupil size, while SNR modulated only EEG speech tracking. We suggest that this new paradigm can be used to independently and objectively assess speech intelligibility and listening effort.
Unraveling the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Complicated with Type 2 Diabetes through Microarray Data Analysis
Authors: Xu Zihan
Published: August 2023

Background

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by excessive scarring of lung tissue. Recent studies have indicated a potential link between IPF and type 2 diabetes (T2D), suggesting that T2D may contribute to the pathogenesis of IPF or vice versa. In this study, we aim to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms and pathways involved in the development of IPF complicated with T2D using microarray data analysis.

Methods

The datasets for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) (GSE25724) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) (GSE110147) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expression analysis was conducted using the ‘limma’ package in R to identify genes that were significantly differentially expressed between T2D and IPF samples. Functional enrichment analysis of these differentially expressed genes was performed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG).

To explore protein-protein interactions, protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and visualized using Cytoscape. CytoHubba, a plugin in Cytoscape, was utilized to identify hub genes in the network. The identified hub genes were further validated in independent datasets: GSE166467 for T2D and GSE24206 for IPF.

To assess the predictive value of the hub genes, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. Additionally, gene set enrichment analysis was performed to uncover potential biological pathways associated with the hub genes. Finally, an analysis of immune infiltration within the hub gene network was conducted.

Results

A total of 255 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be commonly dysregulated in both Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Pathways related to metabolic processes were significantly enriched in the analysis of both T2D and IPF. Through the validation process, RPL30 was identified as a hub gene, exhibiting an area under the curve (AUC) value greater than 0.65 for both T2D and IPF. Additionally, we identified 92 transcription factors (TFs) and 54 microRNAs (miRNAs) that may potentially regulate the expression of RPL30.

Conclusions

This study provides novel insights by highlighting the role of RPL30 in the shared pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and Type 2 diabetes (T2D). The findings suggest that RPL30 has the potential to serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target for these conditions.
Simulating clinical trials for model-informed precision dosing: Using warfarin treatment as a use case
Authors: Augustin David , Lambert Ben , Robinson Martin , Wang Ken , Gavaghan David
Published: August 2023

Treatment response variability across patients is a common phenomenon in clinical practice. For many drugs this inter-individual variability does not require much (if any) individualisation of dosing strategies. However, for some drugs, including chemotherapies and some monoclonal antibody treatments, individualisation of dosages are needed to avoid harmful adverse events. Model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) is an emerging approach to guide the individualisation of dosing regimens of otherwise difficult-to-administer drugs. Several MIPD approaches have been suggested to predict dosing strategies, including regression, reinforcement learning (RL) and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modelling. A unified framework to study the strengths and limitations of these approaches is missing. We develop a framework to simulate clinical MIPD trials, providing a cost and time efficient way to test different MIPD approaches. Central for our framework is a clinical trial model that emulates the complexities in clinical practice that challenge successful treatment individualisation. We demonstrate this framework using warfarin treatment as a use case and investigate three popular MIPD methods: 1. neural network regression; 2. deep RL; and 3. PKPD modelling. We find that the PKPD model individualises warfarin dosing regimens with the highest success rate and the highest efficiency: 75.1% of the individuals display INRs inside the therapeutic range at the end of the simulated trial; and the median time in the therapeutic range (TTR) is 74 %. In comparison, the regression model and the deep RL model have success rates of 47.9% and 65.8 %, and median TTRs of 45 % and 68 %. We also find that the MIPD models can attain different degrees of individualisation: the Regression model individualises dosing regimens up to variability explained by covariates; the Deep RL model and the PKPD model individualise dosing regimens accounting also for additional variation using monitoring data. However, the Deep RL model focusses on control of the treatment response, while the PKPD model uses the data also to further the individualisation of predictions.
Understanding the Impact of Digital Technology on the Well-being of Older Immigrants and Refugees: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Ekoh Prince Chiagozie , Okolie Tochukwu Jonathan , Nnadi Fidel Bethel , Oyinlola Oluwagbemiga , Walsh Christine A.
Published: August 2023

Although, scholarly reports show that some older adults utilise digital technology to enhance their well-being, a significant number of older adults are digitally alienated. This is complicated for older immigrants and refugees, whose situations present a peculiar challenge, requiring digital technology for improved quality of life. Hence, this scoping review seeks to understand the impact of digital technology on the well-being of older immigrants and refugees. Arksey & O’Malley’s five-stage framework will guide the review. The following databases: Social Work Abstract, Social Service Abstracts, Abstracts of Social Gerontology, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS), etc., will be searched. Citations from the databases will be exported to Zotero to eliminate duplicate articles. These citations will be subjected to two screening levels. For the first screening, citations will be exported from Zotero to Rayyan QCRI© for title and abstract review. After that, all the authors will conduct full-text reviews of all articles included. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will be utilised in describing and documenting the inclusion and exclusion process. This scoping review will engender an improved understanding of the implications of digital technology on the well-being of older immigrants.
Effects of successful percutaneous coronary intervention of chronic total occlusions with demonstrable viability or ischemia: A protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Leite Luís , Carlos Tomás , Campos Gustavo , Donato Helena , Silva Rodolfo , Abrunhosa Antero , Gonçalves Lino , Ferreira Maria João
Published: August 2023

Background

Chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO) is a common finding in patients referred to coronary angiography. To sustain blood flow distally to the occlusion site, collateral circulation is formed from preexisting vessels. While these collaterals may partial or completely preserve perfusion at rest, they may be insufficient when increased blood flow is needed. According to current guidelines, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is recommended solely in patients with resistant angina despite optimal medical therapy or when a large area of documented ischemia in the territory of the occluded vessel is present. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) suggest its benefit in the improvement of patients’ quality of life and symptoms, despite their conflicting results concerning prognosis and left ventricular function. However, most of these studies often lack data regarding myocardial ischemic burden and viability, assessed by imaging methods. Therefore, the purpose of the systematic review is to comprise and analyse the literature on whether viability or ischemia-guided PCI of CTO, identified by imaging methods, has an impact on the clinical outcomes of the patients.

Methods

We will conduct a thorough research in different databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science Core Collection, Clinical trials in the European Union, andClinicalTrials.gov. We will include RCTs, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and case-control studies, in which patients with established CTO were tested for viability and/or ischemia before the decision to perform PCI and were evaluated by post-intervention testing or clinical endpoint follow-up. Two authors will independently review the selected studies, and any discrepancies will be solved by a third element. Subsequently, data from the various eligible studies will be extracted and analysed by two different authors. No subgroup analysis is planned.

Ethics and disclosure

Ethical approval will not be required for this study as it is an analysis of previously published articles (i.e., secondary data). The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration

CRD42023426858.
Dendritic, delayed, and stochastic CaMKII activation underlies behavioral time scale plasticity in CA1 synapses
Authors: Jain Anant , Nakahata Yoshihisa , Watabe Tetsuya , Rusina Polina , South Kelly , Adachi Kengo , Yan Long , Simorowski Noriko , Furukawa Hiro , Yasuda Ryohei
Published: August 2023

Behavioral time scale plasticity (BTSP), is a form of non-Hebbian plasticity induced by integrating pre- and postsynaptic components separated by behavioral time scale (seconds). BTSP in the hippocampal CA1 neurons underlies place cell formation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this behavioral time scale (eligibility trace) and synapse specificity are unknown. CaMKII can be activated in a synapse-specific manner and remain active for a few seconds, making it a compelling candidate for the eligibility trace during BTSP. Here, we show that BTSP can be induced in a single dendritic spine using 2-photon glutamate uncaging paired with postsynaptic current injection temporally separated by behavioral time scale. Using an improved CaMKII sensor, we saw no detectable CaMKII activation during this BTSP induction. Instead, we observed a dendritic, delayed, and stochastic CaMKII activation (DDSC) associated with Ca2+influx and plateau 20-40 s after BTSP induction. DDSC requires both pre-and postsynaptic activity, suggesting that CaMKII can integrate these two signals. Also, optogenetically blocking CaMKII 30 s after the BTSP protocol inhibited synaptic potentiation, indicating that DDSC is an essential mechanism of BTSP. IP3-dependent intracellular Ca2+release facilitates both DDSC and BTSP. Thus, our study suggests that the non-synapse specific CaMKII activation provides an instructive signal with an extensive time window over tens of seconds during BTSP.
One-Step Selective Labeling of Native Cell-Surface Sialoglycans by Exogenous α2,8-Sialylation
Authors: Babulic Jonathan L. , Kofsky Joshua M. , Boddington Marie E. , Kim Youjin , Leblanc Emmanuelle V. , Emberley-Korkmaz Sophie , Colpitts Che C. , Capicciotti Chantelle J.
Published: August 2023

Exo-enzymatic glycan labeling strategies have emerged as versatile tools for efficient and selective installation of glycan terminal motifs onto live cell-surfaces. Through employing specific enzymes and nucleotide sugar probes, cells can be equipped with defined glyco-epitopes for modulating cell function or selective visualization and enrichment of glycoconjugates. Here, we identifyCampylobacter jejunisialyltransferase Cst-II I53S as a tool for cell-surface glycan modification, expanding the exo-enzymatic labeling toolkit to include installation of α2,8-disialyl epitopes. Labeling with Cst-II was achieved with biotin- and azide-tagged CMP-Neu5Ac derivatives on a model glycoprotein and on native sialylated cell-surface glycans across a panel of cell lines. The introduction of modified Neu5Ac derivatives onto cells by Cst-II was also retained on the surface for 6 h. By examining the specificity of Cst-II on cell surfaces, it was revealed that the α2,8-sialyltransferase primarily labeled N-glycans, with O-glycans labeled to a lesser extent, and there was an apparent preference for α2,3-linked sialosides. This approach thus broadens the scope of tools for selective exo-enzymatic labeling of native sialylated glycans and is highly amenable for construction of cell-based arrays.
Bacterial communities in residential wastewater treatment plants are physiologically adapted to high concentrations of quaternary ammonium compounds
Authors: Chacon Luz , Rojas-Jimenez Keilor , Arias-Andres Maria
Published: August 2023

Benzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) widely used as the active ingredient of disinfectants. Its excessive discharge in wastewater is constant and in high concentrations, likely affecting the physiology of microbial communities. We compared the community physiological profile of activated sludge bacteria with and withoutin vitroprevious exposure to a high concentration of BAC (10 mg/L). We measured the community functional diversity (FD), carbon substrate multifunctionality (MF), and the median effective concentration that inhibits carbon respiration (EC50) using Biolog® EcoPlatesTM supplemented with a gradient of 0 to 50 mg/L of BAC. Surprisingly, we did not find significant differences in the physiological parameters between treatments. Certain abundant bacteria, including Pseudomonas, could explain the community’s tolerance to high concentrations of BAC. We suggest that bacterial communities in wastewater treatment facilities’ activated sludge (AS) are “naturally” adapted to BAC due to frequent and high-dose exposure. We highlight the need to understand better the effects of QACs in wastewater, their impact on the selection of tolerant groups, and the alteration in community metabolic profiles.
Diversity of Short Linear Interaction Motifs in SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein
Authors: Schuck Peter , Zhao Huaying
Published: August 2023

Molecular mimicry of short linear interaction motifs has emerged as a key mechanism for viral proteins binding host domains and hijacking host cell processes. Here, we examine the role of RNA-virus sequence diversity in the dynamics of the virus-host interface, by analyzing the uniquely vast sequence record of viable SARS-CoV-2 species with focus on the multi-functional nucleocapsid protein. We observe the abundant presentation of motifs encoding several essential host protein interactions, alongside a majority of possibly non-functional and randomly occurring motif sequences absent in subsets of viable virus species. A large number of motifs emergeex nihilothrough transient mutations relative to the ancestral consensus sequence. The observed mutational landscape implies an accessible motif space that spans at least 25% of known eukaryotic motifs. This reveals motif mimicry as a highly dynamic process with the capacity to broadly explore host motifs, allowing the virus to rapidly evolve the virus-host interface.
Recombinant Rotavirus Expressing the Glycosylated S1 Protein of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Philip Asha A. , Hu Sannoong , Patton John T.
Published: August 2023

Reverse genetic systems have been used to introduce heterologous sequences into the rotavirus segmented double-stranded (ds)RNA genome, enabling the generation of recombinant viruses that express foreign proteins and possibly serve as vaccine vectors. Notably, insertion of SARS-CoV-2 sequences into the segment 7 (NSP3) RNA of simian SA11 rotavirus was previously shown to result in the production of recombinant viruses that efficiently expressed the N-terminal domain (NTD) and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S1 region of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. However, efforts to generate a similar recombinant (r) SA11 virus that efficiently expressed full-length S1 were less successful. In this study, we describe modifications to the S1-coding cassette inserted in the segment 7 RNA that allowed recovery of second-generation rSA11 viruses that efficiently expressed the ∼120-kDa S1 protein. The ∼120-kDa S1 products were shown to be glycosylated, based on treatment with endoglycosidase H, which reduced the protein to a size of ∼80 kDa. Co-pulldown assays demonstrated that the ∼120-kDa S1 proteins had affinity for the human ACE2 receptor. Although all the second-generation rSA11 viruses expressed glycosylated S1 with affinity for the ACE receptor, only the S1 product of one virus (rSA11/S1f) was appropriately recognized by anti-S1 antibody, suggesting the rSA11/S1f virus expressed an authentic form of S1. Probably due to the presence of FLAG tags on their S1 signal peptides, the S1 products of the other viruses (rSA11/3fS1 and rSA11/3fS1-His) may have undergone defective glycosylation, impeding antibody binding. In summary, these results indicate that recombinant rotaviruses can serve as expression vectors of foreign glycosylated proteins, raising the possibility of generating rotavirus-based vaccines that can induce protective immune responses against enteric and mucosal viruses with glycosylated capsid components, including SARS-CoV-2.
Spatial Co-transcriptomics Reveals Discrete Stages of the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis
Authors: Serrano Karen , Bezrutczyk Margaret , Goudeau Danielle , Dao Thai , O’Malley Ronan , Malmstrom Rex R. , Visel Axel , Scheller Henrik , Cole Benjamin
Published: August 2023

The symbiotic interaction of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM fungi) is ancient and widespread. Plants provide AM fungi with carbon in exchange for nutrients and water, making this interaction a prime target for crop improvement. However, plant-fungal interactions are restricted to a small subset of root cells, precluding the application of most conventional functional genomic techniques to study the molecular bases of these interactions. Here we used single-nucleus and spatial RNA sequencing to explore bothM. truncatulaandR. irregularistranscriptomes in AM symbiosis at cellular and spatial resolution. Integrated spatially-registered single-cell maps of interacting cells revealed major infected and uninfected plant root cell types. We observed that cortex cells exhibit distinct transcriptome profiles during different stages of colonization by AM fungi, indicating dynamic interplay between both organisms during establishment of the cellular interface enabling successful symbiosis. Our study provides insight into a symbiotic relationship of major agricultural and environmental importance and demonstrates a paradigm combining single-cell and spatial transcriptomics for the analysis of complex organismal interactions.
How do mentors influence the career satisfaction of protégés: dual processing mechanism of cognition and emotion
Authors: Wei Xiangyu , Yu Guangtao
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how mentors affect the career satisfaction of protégés. Drawing from the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), the authors propose a dual processing model that considers both cognition and emotion in the relationship between mentoring and the career satisfaction of protégés.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a three-stage questionnaire survey to collect data from employees in Chinese enterprises, resulting in a total of 329 valid responses.

Findings

The results showed that mentoring had a significant positive impact on protégé career satisfaction. Additionally, role clarity and positive affect of protégés played dual-mediating effects between mentoring and protégé career satisfaction. Moreover, as a non-mentoring behavior, mentor advice-seeking behavior strengthened the positive impact of mentoring on role clarity and positive affect.

Originality/value

In the study, the authors utilize the ELM as a new perspective to construct a dual-mediating model of protégé role clarity and positive affect to illuminate the mechanism of mentoring on protégé career satisfaction, advancing the literatures of mentoring relationship and career development. Further, the authors put forward the moderating effect of mentor advice-seeking behavior by considering it as a non-mentoring behavior of mentors to deepen the understanding of mentorships. Moreover, the authors attempt to propose the long-term cumulative effect of the dual processing to expand the application of the ELM in interpersonal processes.
Diaspora engagement and return migration for educational purposes in Estonia and Kazakhstan
Authors: Mukhamejanova Dinara , Konurbayeva Zhadyra
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study examines diaspora engagement and return migration programs aimed at providing diaspora youth with an opportunity to obtain higher education in Estonia and Kazakhstan. In particular, the authors sought to identify the main motivations, benefits and challenges of the programs, as well as understand how the programs contribute to the ethnic identity formation of diaspora students.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employed a qualitative multiple-case study research design. In both countries, data were collected by means of 26 semi-structured interviews with return migrant students and experts involved in implementing the programs.

Findings

The study findings suggest that the primary motivations for diaspora youth to return to their homelands are tuition-free higher education, financial support and repatriation prospects in both countries. In Estonia, the scholarship holders struggled with language requirements for university admissions, the cost of living insufficiently covered by the monthly stipend and limited integration opportunities. In Kazakhstan, the students had to face the Russian language barrier and socio-cultural marginalization in their everyday life. It was also found that the return migrant students in Estonia and Kazakhstan develop hybrid identities to integrate into their domestic society. They reinforce their ethnic identities and negotiate their diasporic identities to make sense of their own background and cultural heritage and acclimatize to life in the new context.

Originality/value

The study provides practical implications for policy implementers and policymakers in Estonia and Kazakhstan. It can also be useful for the worldwide research community interested in exploring education-oriented diaspora engagement and return migration programs and their influence on the ethnic identity of diaspora students.
Determinants of the relationship between related party transactions and firm value: evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsultan Abdulaziz Sulaiman
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the association between related party transactions and firm value. The study also investigates the impact of several determinants of this relationship as moderating variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses multiple regression models. In the period from 2018 to 2021, a total of 134 non-financial companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange were included in the sample, which consisted of 451 firm-year observations.

Findings

This paper finds that related party transactions have a significant negative impact on firm value. Moreover, the negative impact of related party transactions on firm value is increased in the presence of changes in the certain presence of certain moderating variables, such as firm size, leverage and return on assets (ROA). The results of the sensitivity analysis concur with the findings of the basic analysis. There is little evidence in the literature regarding related party transactions and their association with the moderating variables considered in this study.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there have been no studies conducted in Saudi Arabia to date that examine the effect of firm size, leverage and ROA on the association between firm value and related party transactions. Consequently, this paper contributes to the limited literature by expanding the existing research and analyzing the impact of firm size, leverage and ROA on the association between related party transactions and firm value.