bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct roles of Nrf1 and Nrf2 in monitoring the reductive stress response to dithiothreitol (DTT)
Authors: Wufur Reziyamu , Fan Zhuo , Yuan Jianxin , Zheng Ze , Hu Shaofan , Sun Guiyin , Zhang Yiguo
Published: June 2022

Transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2, encoded by Nfe2l2) has been accepted as a key player in redox regulatory responses to oxidative or reductive stresses. However, it is less or not known about the potential role for Nrf1 (nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 1, encoded by Nfe2l1) in the redox responses, particularly to reductive stress, albeit this ‘fossil-like’ factor is indispensable for cell homeostasis and organ integrity during life process. Here, we examine distinct roles of Nrf1 and Nrf2 in monitoring the defense response to 1,4–dithiothreitol (DTT, serving as a reductive stressor), concomitantly with unfolded protein response being induced by this chemical (also as an endoplasmic reticulum stressor). The results revealed that intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were modestly increased in DTT-treated wild-type (WT) and Nrf1α–/– cell lines, but almost unaltered in Nrf2–/–ΔTA or caNrf2ΔN cell lines (with a genetic loss of its transactivation or N-terminal Keap1-binding domains, respectively). This chemical treatment also enabled the rate of oxidized to reduced glutathione (i.e., GSSG to GSH) to be amplified in WT and Nrf2–/–ΔTA cells, but diminished in Nrf1α–/– cells, along with no changes in caNrf2ΔN cells. Consequently, Nrf1α–/–, but not Nrf2–/–ΔTA or caNrf2ΔN, cell viability was reinforced by DTT against its cytotoxicity, as accompanied by decreased apoptosis. Further experiments unraveled that Nrf1 and Nrf2 differentially, and also synergistically, regulated DTT-inducible expression of critical genes for defending redox stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. In addition, we have also identified that Cys342 and Cys640 of Nrf1 (as redox-sensing sites within its N-glycodomain and DNA-binding domain, respectively) are required for its protein stability and transcription activity.
RAD18 opposes transcription-associated genome instability through FANCD2 recruitment
Authors: Wells James P. , Chang Emily Yun-chia , Dinatto Leticia , White Justin , Ryall Stephanie , Stirling Peter C.
Published: June 2022

DNA replication is a vulnerable time for genome stability maintenance. Intrinsic stressors, as well as oncogenic stress, can challenge replication by fostering conflicts with transcription and stabilizing DNA:RNA hybrids. RAD18 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase for PCNA that is involved in coordinating DNA damage tolerance pathways to preserve genome stability during replication. In this study, we show that RAD18 deficient cells have higher levels of transcription-replication conflicts and accumulate DNA:RNA hybrids that induce DNA double strand breaks and replication stress. We find that these effects are driven in part by failure to recruit the Fanconi Anemia protein FANCD2 at difficult to replicate and R-loop prone genomic sites. While RAD18 is important for FANCD2 localization after splicing inhibition or aphidicolin treatment, it is comparatively less important during interstrand crosslink repair. Thus, we highlight a RAD18 dependent pathway promoting FANCD2-mediated suppression of R-loops and transcription-replication conflicts.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Genome instability, a state in which cells acquire mutations more quickly, drives cancer initiation and progression. DNA is normally protected from such mutations by a host of specialized factors that recognize and repair potentially damaging circumstances. Here we describe under-appreciated links between a protein called RAD18, which recognizes potentially damaging stress, and a phenomenon called a transcription-replication conflict. If not repaired such conflicts can lead to DNA breaks. We find that RAD18 plays an important role in recruiting another repair protein called FANCD2 to sites of transcription-replication conflicts. By doing so, RAD18 protects the human genome from damage when it is faced with stresses such as those seen in cancer cells. This work provides new insight to how the FANCD2 protein is brought to potentially damaging sites in our genomes.
Structural inventory of cotranslational protein folding by the eukaryotic RAC complex
Authors: Kišonaitė Miglė , Wild Klemens , Lapouge Karine , Gesé Genís Valentín , Kellner Nikola , Hurt Ed , Sinning Irmgard
Published: June 2022

Folding of nascent chains emerging from the ribosome is a challenge in cellular protein homeostasis, which in eukaryotes is met by an Hsp70 chaperone triad directly binding at the ribosomal tunnel exit. The conserved ribosome-associated complex (RAC) consists of the non-canonical Hsp70 Ssz1 and the J-domain protein Zuotin (Zuo1), which in fungi acts together with the canonical Hsp70 protein Ssb. Here, we determined high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of RAC bound to the 80S ribosome. RAC adopts two distinct conformations accommodating continuous ribosomal rotation by a flexible lever arm. The heterodimer is held together by a tight interaction between the Ssz1 substrate-binding domain (SBD) and the N-terminus of Zuo1, with additional contacts between the Ssz1 nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) and the Zuo1 J- and ZHD domains that form a rigid unit. The Zuo1 HPD-motif conserved in J-proteins is masked by the Ssz1 NBD, different from the canonical Hsp70 J-protein contact, however, allowing to position Ssb for activation by Zuo1. Our data provide the basis for understanding how RAC cooperates with Ssb at the ribosome in dynamic nascent chain interaction and protein folding.
The ontogeny of asymmetry in echolocating whales
Authors: Lanzetti Agnese , Coombs Ellen J. , Miguez Roberto Portela , Fernandez Vincent , Goswami Anjali
Published: June 2022

Extreme asymmetry of the skull is one of the most distinctive traits that characterizes toothed whales (Odontoceti, Cetacea). The origin and function of cranial asymmetry are connected to the evolution of echolocation, the ability to use high frequency sounds to navigate the surrounding environment. Although this novel phenotype must arise through changes in cranial development, the ontogeny of cetacean asymmetry has never been investigated. Here we use three-dimensional geometric morphometric to quantify the changes in degree of asymmetry and skull shape during prenatal and postnatal ontogeny for five genera spanning odontocete diversity (oceanic dolphins, porpoises, and beluga). Asymmetry in early ontogeny starts low and tracks phylogenetic relatedness of taxa. Distantly-related taxa that share aspects of their ecology overwrite these initial differences via heterochronic shifts, ultimately converging on comparable high levels of skull asymmetry. Porpoises maintain low levels of asymmetry into maturity and present a decelerated rate of growth, likely retained from the ancestral condition. Ancestral state reconstruction of allometric trajectories demonstrates that both paedomorphism and peramorphism contribute to cranial shape diversity across odontocetes. This study provides a striking example of how divergent developmental pathways can produce convergent ecological adaptations, even for some of the most unusual phenotypes exhibited among vertebrates.
The wtf meiotic driver gene family has unexpectedly persisted for over 100 million years
Authors: De Carvalho Mickael , Jia Guo-Song , Srinivasa Ananya Nidamangala , Billmyre R. Blake , Xu Yan-Hui , Lange Jeffrey J. , Sabbarini Ibrahim M. , Du Li-Lin , Zanders Sarah E.
Published: June 2022

Meiotic drivers are selfish elements that bias their own transmission into more than half of the viable progeny produced by a driver+/driver− heterozygote. Meiotic drivers are thought to exist for relatively short evolutionary timespans because a driver gene or gene family is often found in a single species or in a group of very closely related species. Additionally, drivers are generally considered doomed to extinction when they spread to fixation or when suppressors arise. In this study, we examine the evolutionary history of the wtf meiotic drivers first discovered in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We identify homologous genes in three other fission yeast species S. octosporus, S. osmophilus, and S. cryophilus, which are estimated to have diverged over 100 million years ago from the S. pombe lineage. Synteny evidence supports that wtf genes were present in the common ancestor of these four species. Moreover, the ancestral genes were likely drivers as wtf genes in S. octosporus cause meiotic drive. Our findings indicate that active meiotic drive systems can be maintained for long evolutionary timespans.
Multiple resistance of Colletotrichum truncatum from soybean to QoI and MBC fungicides in Brazil
Authors: Rogério Flávia , Linhares de Castro Renata Rebellato , Massola Júnior Nelson Sidnei , Boufleur Thaís Regina , dos Santos Ricardo Feliciano
Published: June 2022

Colletotrichum truncatum, the most relevant fungal species associated with soybean anthracnose, is responsible for major losses in the crop. Chemical control via fungicide application is still the most effective strategy for the control of soybean foliar diseases. However, the increase in anthracnose incidence in some regions of Brazil indicates that current chemical control has not been effective against anthracnose. In this study, we assessed the fungicide sensitivity of C. truncatum lineages using isolates representing two important regions of soybean production in Brazil to the fungicides azoxystrobin, thiophanate-methyl, difenoconazole, and fludioxonil. We characterized the molecular resistance to quinone-outside inhibitors (QoI), methyl benzimidazole carbamates (MBC) and demethylation inhibitors (DMI) fungicide groups based on amino acid sequences of the cytochrome b (cytb), β-tubulin gene (β-tub), and P450 sterol 14a-demethylases (CYP51) genes. Multiple resistance of C. truncatum isolates to QoI and MBC was observed associated with mutation points in the β-tub (E198A and F200Y) and cytb (G143A). Alternatively, low EC50 values were found for fludioxonil and difenoconazole indicating high efficacy. Analysis of C. truncatum genomes revealed two potential DMI targets, CYP51A and CYP51B, and higher genetic variability in the CYP51A gene. A slight correlation between genetic differentiation of C. truncatum populations and fungicide sensibility was found (Student’s t-test <0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first report of multiple resistance to QoI and MBC fungicides in C. truncatum in Brazil.

Highlights

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Multiple resistance of C. truncatum to azoxystrobin and thiophanate-methyl

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C. truncatum isolates are sensitive to difenoconazole and fludioxonil

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Presence of E198A and F200Y β-tubulin mutations and G143A cytochrome b mutation

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Presence of CYP51A and CYP51B paralogues and higher genetic variability in the CYP51A
Comparative genomic insights into bacterial induction of larval settlement and metamorphosis in the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea
Authors: Ohdera Aki , Attarwala Khushboo , Wu Victoria , Henry Rubain , Laird Henry , Hofmann Dietrich K. , Fitt William K. , Medina Mónica
Published: June 2022

Bacterial biofilm is crucial in inducing the larval transition from pelagic to benthic environments for marine organisms. Bacteria can therefore dictate species distribution and success of the individual. Despite the importance of marine bacteria to animal ecology, the identity of inductive microbes for many invertebrates are unknown. We isolated bacteria belonging to multiple phyla are capable of inducing settlement and metamorphosis in the upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea xamachana. The most inductive isolates belonged to the genus Pseudoalteromonas, a marine bacterium known to induce the pelago-benthic transition in other marine invertebrates. In sequencing the genome of the isolated Pseudoalteromonas and an inductive Vibrio, we found biosynthetic pathways previously implicated in larval settlement were absent in these Cassiopea inducing taxa. Comparative analysis of the Pseudoalteromonas and Vibrio revealed shared genes that could underlie the inductive capacity of these two bacteria. Thus, C. xamachana are capable of responding to multiple bacterial species, but they may be responding to a common cue produced by multiple taxa. These findings could provide hints to the ecological success of C. xamachana compared to sympatric congeneric species within mangrove environments and provide avenues to investigate the evolution of animal-microbe interactions.
Allopatric montane wren-babblers exhibit similar song notes but divergent vocal sequences
Authors: Jagan M. Abhinava , Bhat Ananda Shikhara , Krishnan Anand
Published: June 2022

The songs of passerine birds consist of notes temporally arranged into vocal sequences following syntactic structures, and function both in courtship and territorial defense. Geographic barriers are important drivers of avian speciation, and also influence the divergence of song. However, there is relatively little quantitative study of the relationship between geographic barriers and the syntactic structure of vocal sequences. Here, we investigate interspecific divergence in song notes and syntax within a genus of allopatric montane Asian wren-babblers (Spelaeornis). Employing a robust quantitative analytical framework and song recordings from publicly accessible databases, we find thatSpelaeornisappear to have undergone diversification in song syntax without divergence in note parameters. Broadly, we find three different syntactic structures across the eight species in the genus, each occurring in a different geographic region in Asia, with two species apparently exhibiting intermediate syntax. Species within the genus appear to possess similar song notes, but subgroups confined to different geographic regions (eg: hills south of the Brahmaputra river) arrange these notes according to different syntactic rules to construct songs. Our computational framework to examine signal structure and diversification across multiple scales of signal organization has potential implications for our understanding of speciation, signal evolution and more broadly in fields such as linguistic diversification.
Natural variation in C. elegans short tandem repeats
Authors: Zhang Gaotian , Wang Ye , Andersen Erik C.
Published: June 2022

Short tandem repeats (STRs) represent an important class of genetic variation that can contribute to phenotypic differences. Although millions of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and short indels have been identified among wild Caenorhabditis elegans strains, the natural diversity in STRs remains unknown. Here, we characterized the distribution of 31,991 STRs with motif lengths of 1-6 bp in the reference genome of C. elegans. Of these STRs, 27,636 harbored polymorphisms across 540 wild strains and only 9,691 polymorphic STRs (pSTRs) had complete genotype data for more than 90% of the strains. Compared to the reference genome, the pSTRs showed more contraction than expansion. We found that STRs with different motif lengths were enriched in different genomic features, among which coding regions showed the lowest STR diversity and constrained STR mutations. STR diversity also showed similar genetic divergence and selection signatures among wild strains as in previous studies using single-nucleotide variants. We further identified STR variation in two mutation accumulation line panels that were derived from two wild strains and found background-dependent and fitness-dependent STR mutations. Overall, our results delineate the first large-scale characterization of STR variation in wild C. elegans strains and highlight the effects of selection on STR mutations.
Independence and effectiveness of Shariah department officers to ensure Shariah compliance: evidence from Islamic banks in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Md. Kausar , Tabash Mosab I. , Thakur Oli Ahad , Rahman Md. Mizanur , Siddiquii M. Naim , Hasan Safiqul
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The study aims to examine the independence and effectiveness of the Shariah department officers of the Islamic banks in Bangladesh as the Shariah supervisory board (SSB) provides the annual Shariah report and Shariah resolutions based on the reports of the Shariah department officers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a qualitative case study to achieve the research objectives. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with the regulators, Shariah supervisory boards, Shariah department executives, and experts from the central bank and Islamic banks of Bangladesh.

Findings

The study illustrates that Shariah department officers/Shariah officers in Bangladesh seem to lack independence and decision-making authority in accomplishing ex-post Shariah governance functions (i.e. Shariah audit, Shariah compliance and Shariah review) as well as ensuring Shariah compliance. The Shariah officers cannot work spontaneously on practical issues without any interference. The Shariah officers also have to answer to the management regarding their Shariah functions and are not allowed to come up with any opinions without the authority’s authorization.

Research limitations/implications

The study has significant contributions to the central bank and Islamic banks in Bangladesh. This research suggests that regulators, SSB, and Islamic banks should focus on ensuring Shariah compliance and protecting the independence of Shariah department officers as they are mainly related to practical monitoring of Shariah issues. It also suggests that Shariah department officers should directly report to SSB rather than the management regarding Shariah’s compliance and audit issues.

Originality/value

This study is unique in the context of Bangladesh and the global context as a whole for Shariah department officers.
Behind a cup of coffee: international market structure and competitiveness
Authors: Gois Tafarel Carvalho , Thomé Karim Marini , Balogh Jeremiás Máté
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the structure and the competitiveness of the international coffee market.

Design/methodology/approach

To describe the international market structure, this study uses Herfindahl–Hirschman index, net export index (NEI), and to measure export competitiveness revealed symmetric comparative advantage (RSCA). Finally, survival function analyses were developed using the Kaplan–Meier product-limit estimator to characterize the stability and duration of the competitiveness in the international coffee market.

Findings

The results reveal that the imports and exports market structure are unconcentrated. NEI shows that several countries are stable in their commercial characteristics (imports, exports and re-exports), nevertheless, NEI also revealed countries transitioning through the commercial characteristics, that the international coffee market structure presents dynamic commercial characteristics. The result for (RSCA shows that Uganda, Ethiopia, Honduras, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala and Indonesia had the highest values and also resulted in better survival rates along with Italy, India, Mexico and Switzerland. The stability of RSCA indices is investigated by regression analysis, showing a tendency to increase expertise in coffee exports from 2015.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive and recent analysis of the international coffee market structure and competitiveness, contributing to the analysis of the international market of the product.
Global scientific literature on human resource development: a bibliometric analysis using Scopus database
Authors: Pham-Duc Binh , Tran Trung , Huu Hoang Dung , Bao Do Chau
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the development of global human resource development (HRD) articles published in journals indexed in the Scopus database since 1960s until present time.

Design/methodology/approach

A publication collection of 1,905 articles collected from the Scopus database was downloaded and analyzed by using bibliometric techniques available in the VOSviewer and Biblioshiny software.

Findings

Three different development stages of HRD research have been identified: a seeding stage between 1962 and 1989, a growth stage between 1990 and 2007 and a development stage from 2008 onward. The USA and the UK were the biggest contributors who participated to 30.02% and 12.55% of articles in the collection and received 43.82% and 19.54% of the total number of citations, respectively. Scholars with the most publications and citations are mostly from the USA and the UK, and nine over ten most cited articles having first author’s affiliation located there. Emerald Group is the most popular publishing house, as five over ten most popular journals belong to this publishing house.

Originality/value

After six decades of development, it is necessary to examine the evolution of HRD research, its characteristics and its intellectual framework as this type of analysis is not yet available in the literature. This study helps scholars better understand this research field, as well as better prepare for future work in HRD.
Trainees’ aversions of employee training programs
Authors: Andoh Raphael Papa Kweku , Annan-Prah Elizabeth Cornelia , Owusu Emmanuel Afreh , Agyei Paul Mensah
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Training evaluation is an important part of training programs and evaluating the reactions of trainees is of immense value, but there are few studies on this level of evaluation, as it is a neglected area of research. More so, when trainee reactions to training are poor, human resource managers together with learning and development professionals are able to improve on training programs. Nonetheless, no study has focussed on the aversions of trainees to training, and so this study aims to investigate the aversions of trainees regarding employee training.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the exploratory research design and obtains data from trainees in an online survey using an open-ended question. Thematic text analyses of the statements of 118 respondents are performed using a two-level coding process.

Findings

A total of 15 first-level codes are identified from the texts and categorized into five second-level codes. Further analyses culminate in the identification of two broad themes; trainers’ presentation aversions and organization of training aversions.

Practical implications

Attention must be given to the aversions of trainees in the training evaluation literature. This is because of the considerable amount of information that can be generated and based on that, identify the weaknesses inherent in employee training programs and ultimately improve this critical human resource function within organizations. In attending to the trainee aversions, the least and most reported should be resolved holistically for training objectives to be achieved.

Originality/value

Trainee reaction studies are scarce in the training literature. In addition, most of the existing trainee reaction studies focus on satisfaction while using closed-ended questionnaires. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that focuses on the aversions of trainees and which uses an open-ended question.
The relative importance of click-through rates (CTR) versus watch time for YouTube views
Authors: Wilson Linus T.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to analyze whether average video watch time or click-through rates (CTR) on YouTube videos are more closely associated with high numbers of views per subscriber using linear regressions.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2018, YouTube began releasing CTR data to its video creators. Since 2012, YouTube has emphasized how it favors watch time over clicks in its recommendations to viewers. To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first academic study looking at that CTR data to test what matters more for views on YouTube. Is watch time or CTR more important to getting views on YouTube?

Findings

The author analyzed new video releases on YouTube. This paper finds almost no or limited evidence that higher percent audience retention or total average watch time per view, respectively, are associated with more views on YouTube. Instead, videos with higher CTR got significantly more views.

Originality/value

The author knows no other study that tests the relative importance of CTR or watch time per view in predicting views for new videos on YouTube.
Assessing the utilisation of industrial waste as aggregate and manufactured sand: microstructural and durability characteristics on high-performance concrete
Authors: Reddy Kamasani Chandrasekhar , Siddamreddy Sateesh Reddy
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Utilising industrial waste, such as fly ash (FA) and bagasse ash (BA), reduces waste management and increases mechanical strength. Concrete is modified with FA and BA in the cool bonded method of concrete preparation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used to partially replace cement with BA powder at proportions 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% and coarse aggregates are replaced with FA aggregates made with FA and cement using a cold-bonded technique at proportions 0–25%. FA aggregates were made at 10:90, 15:85, 20:80 and 25:75 proportions of cement and FA. The FA aggregates at the best proportion 15:85 was selected as a coarse aggregate by conducting tests like specific gravity, crushing value, impact value and water absorption tests.

Findings

The addition of 30% content decreases porosity by 21% and increases strength significantly at 28 days. Microstructure evolution is carried out to identify material behaviour.

Originality/value

Mechanical and durable properties such as flexural strength, tensile strength, water absorption test, acid and alkaline tests are conducted on M50 grade concrete after 3–28 days of curing.
The occupational life cycle of real estate brokers: a cohort study
Authors: Ahlenius Martin , Berggren Björn , Gerdemark Tommy , Kågström Jonas , Åge Lars-Johan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to describe and analyze the occupational life cycle of Swedish real estate brokers.

Design/methodology/approach

Voluntary turnover among real estate brokers could lead to occupational turnover and/or employee turnover and has been described as problematic by both practitioners and researchers alike. Most previous studies focusing on this issue have explored connections between real estate brokers' personality, economic and market conditions and turnover. Employee turnover involves shifting jobs within the profession (real estate brokerage), whereas occupational turnover concerns movement to a job not related to the real estate brokerage profession. Both perspectives on turnover are however lacking data about the average time spent as a broker. This study fills this gap by exploring real estate brokers' life cycle through data analysis using a cohort study consisting of a sample of 5,304 real estate brokers registered and/or deregistered over a ten-year period from 2010 to 2019.

Findings

The analysis show that the decline is almost linear, resulting in 50% of the newly registered real estate brokers remain in the occupation eight years after registration. These findings are not in line with previous assumptions as the real estate brokers' life cycle is substantially longer. The results also reveal that there are differences in life cycles due to gender and year of registration.

Originality/value

The analysis of longitudinal, aggregated data on the life cycle of real estate brokers is highly relevant as it serves as a point of reference for future longitudinal studies analyzing the motives for leaving the occupation.
Stochastic network DEA-R models for two-stage systems
Authors: Wanke Peter , Ostovan Sahar , Mozaffari Mohammad Reza , Gerami Javad , Tan Yong
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to present two-stage network models in the presence of stochastic ratio data.

Design/methodology/approach

Black-box, free-link and fix-link techniques are used to apply the internal relations of the two-stage network. A deterministic linear programming model is derived from a stochastic two-stage network data envelopment analysis (DEA) model by assuming that some basic stochastic elements are related to the inputs, outputs and intermediate products. The linkages between the overall process and the two subprocesses are proposed. The authors obtain the relation between the efficiency scores obtained from the stochastic two stage network DEA-ratio considering three different strategies involving black box, free-link and fix-link. The authors applied their proposed approach to 11 airlines in Iran.

Findings

In most of the scenarios, when alpha in particular takes any value between 0.1 and 0.4, three models from Charnes, Cooper, and Rhodes (1978), free-link and fix-link generate similar efficiency scores for the decision-making units (DMUs), While a relatively higher degree of variations in efficiency scores among the DMUs is generated when the alpha takes the value of 0.5. Comparing the results when the alpha takes the value of 0.1–0.4, the DMUs have the same ranking in terms of their efficiency scores.

Originality/value

The authors innovatively propose a deterministic linear programming model, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, the internal relationships of a two-stage network are analyzed by different techniques. The comparison of the results would be able to provide insights from both the policy perspective as well as the methodological perspective.
Plant invasion modifies isohydricity in Mediterranean tree species
Authors: Haberstroh Simon , Lobo‐do‐Vale Raquel , Caldeira Maria C. , Dubbert Maren , Cuntz Matthias , Werner Christiane
Published: June 2022

Understanding of plant hydraulic strategies (i.e. the degree of iso‐/anisohydricity) is crucial to predict the response of plants to changing environmental conditions such as climate‐change induced extreme drought. Several abiotic factors, including evaporative demand, have been shown to seasonally modify the isohydricity of plants. However, the impact of biotic factors such as plant–plant interactions on hydraulic strategies has seldom been explored.

Here, we investigated adaptations and changes in hydraulic strategies of two woody species in response to seasonal abiotic conditions, experimental drought and plant invasion in a Mediterranean cork oak (Quercus suber) ecosystem with a combined shrub invasion (Cistus ladanifer) and rain exclusion experiment.

From the dry to wet season, Q. suber shifted from a partial isohydric to an anisohydric behaviour while C. ladanifer shifted from strict anisohydric to partial isohydric. During drought, water competition by plant invasion significantly modified the hydraulic strategy of invaded Q. suber, which was accompanied by lower pre‐dawn leaf water potentials, sap flow density, leaf area index and trunk increment rates.

This altered isohydricity of invaded Q. suber trees was most likely caused by interspecific competition for water resources by water spending C. ladanifer shrubs. Both species do have the highest proportion of fine roots in the topsoil and thus, an additional water consumer, such as C. ladanifer can lead to more stressful conditions for Q. suber during times of water scarcity. Further underlying mechanisms of the altered isohydricity of Q. suber, such as potential allelopathic effects of C. ladanifer exudates on root growth of Q. suber, have to be investigated in the future.

In conclusion, we demonstrate that the degree of isohydricity of two woody Mediterranean plant species is dynamically determined by the interplay of species‐specific hydraulic traits and their abiotic and biotic environment.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Small but mighty: Impacts of rodent‐herbivore structures on carbon and nutrient cycling in arctic tundra
Authors: Roy Austin , Gough Laura , Boelman Natalie T. , Rowe Rebecca J. , Griffin Kevin L. , McLaren Jennie R.
Published: June 2022

Understanding arctic ecosystem function is key to understanding future global carbon (C) and nutrient cycling processes. However, small mammal herbivores can have effects on ecosystems as structure builders and these effects have been underrepresented in the understanding of arctic systems.

We examined the impact of small mammal structures (hay piles, runways, latrines) on soils and plants in three arctic tundra regions near Utqiaġvik, Toolik Lake, and Nome, Alaska. Our aims were to (1) examine how vole and lemming structures influence plant and soil nutrient pools and microbial processes, (2) determine if structure effects were similar across tundra system types, and (3) understand how changes in the abundance and cover of these structures during different phases of small mammal multi‐annual population cycles might influence biogeochemical cycling.

In general, small mammal structures increased nitrogen (N) availability in soils, although effects varied by study region. Across study regions, hay piles were relatively uncommon (lowest % cover) but increased multiple soil N and P pools, C‐ and N‐acquiring enzyme activities, and leaf phosphorus (P) concentrations, with the specific nutrient variables and size of the effects varying by study region. Latrines had the second highest cover and influenced multiple C, N and P pools, but their effects were mainly observed within a single region. Lastly, runways had the highest % cover of all activity types but increased the fewest number of soil nutrient variables.

We conclude that by influencing soil nutrient availability and biogeochemical cycling, small mammal structures can influence bottom‐up regulation of ecosystem function, particularly during the high phase of the small mammal population cycle. Future changes in these population cycles might alter the role of small mammals in the Arctic and have lasting effects on system processes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog
The distillation method: A novel approach for analyzing randomized trials when exposure to the intervention is diluted
Authors: Adams John L. , Davis Anna C. , Schneider Eric C. , Hull Michaela M. , McGlynn Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To introduce a novel analytical approach for randomized controlled trials that are underpowered because of low participant enrollment or engagement.

Data Sources

Reanalysis of data for 805 patients randomized as part of a pilot complex care intervention in 2015–2016 in a large delivery system. In the pilot randomized trial, only 64.6% of patients assigned to the intervention group participated.

Study Design

A case study and simulation. The “Distillation Method” capitalizes on the frequently observed correlation between the probability of subjects' participation or engagement in the intervention and the magnitude of benefit they experience. The novel method involves three stages: first, it uses baseline covariates to generate predicted probabilities of participation. Next, these are used to produce nested subsamples of the randomized intervention and control groups that are more concentrated with subjects who were likely to participate/engage. Finally, for the outcomes of interest, standard statistical methods are used to re‐evaluate intervention effectiveness in these concentrated subsets.

Data Extraction Methods

We assembled secondary data on patients who were randomized to the pilot intervention for one year prior to randomization and two follow‐up years. Data included program enrollment status, membership data, demographics, utilization, costs, and clinical data.

Principal Findings

Using baseline covariates only, Generalized Boosted Regression Models predicting program enrollment performed well (AUC 0.884). We then distilled the full randomized sample to increasing levels of concentration and reanalyzed program outcomes. We found statistically significant differences in outpatient utilization and emergency department utilization (both follow‐up years), and in total costs (follow‐up year two only) at select levels of population concentration.

Conclusions

By offering an internally valid analytic framework, the Distillation Method can increase the power to detect effects by redefining the estimand to subpopulations with higher enrollment probabilities and stronger average treatment effects while maintaining the original randomization.
Roles of stress response‐related signaling and its contribution to the toxicity of zearalenone in mammals
Authors: Bai Jun , Zhou Yusong , Luo Xin , Hai Jia , Si Xuemeng , Li Jun , Fu Huiyang , Dai Zhaolai , Yang Ying , Wu Zhenlong
Published: June 2022

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a mycotoxin frequently found in cereal crops and cereal‐derived foodstuffs worldwide. It affects plant productivity, and is also a serious hazard to humans and animals if being exposed to food/feed contaminated by ZEA. Studies over the last decade have shown that the toxicity of ZEA in animals is mainly mediated by the various stress responses, such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, oxidative stress, and others. Accumulating evidence shows that oxidative stress and ER stress signaling are actively implicated in and contributes to the pathophysiology of various diseases. Biochemically, the deleterious effects of ZEA are associated with apoptosis, DNA damage, and lipid peroxidation by regulating the expression of genes implicated in these biological processes. Despite these findings, the underlying mechanisms responsible for these alterations remain unclear. This review summarized the characteristics, metabolism, toxicity and the deleterious effects of ZEA exposure in various tissues of animals. Stress response signaling implicated in the toxicity as well as potential therapeutic options with the ability to reduce the deleterious effects of ZEA in animals were highlighted and discussed.
Referral to radiation oncology prior to prostatectomy: Referral rates in a New Zealand tertiary Centre
Authors: Xu‐Holland April C , Kain Mollie
Published: June 2022

Background

Radical prostatectomy and radical radiotherapy have equivalent survival outcomes in the treatment of localised prostate cancer but differing side‐effect profiles. The 2018 Faculty of Radiation Oncology of the Royal Australasian College of Radiologists (RANZCR) position statement recommends that patients have the opportunity to discuss all suitable treatment options, ideally with the relevant specialist.

This study aimed to determine the number and characteristics of men referred to radiation oncology before undergoing radical prostatectomy in the years immediately preceding the 2018 RANZCR position statement.

Methods

The electronic records of all men who underwent a radical prostatectomy in the Auckland region between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed for documentation of a referral or offer of referral to radiation oncology, or multidisciplinary meeting (MDM) consensus for surgery before prostatectomy. Patient and tumour variables were collected.

Results

Between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2017, 234 patients underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer in the wider Auckland region. Before undergoing prostatectomy, 89 of 234 patients (38.0%) were referred, offered but declined referral, or had MDM consensus for surgery. Age and urologist were most strongly correlated with the primary outcome; those offered referral were older than those who were not (P = 0.030). The practice of one urologist was an outlier, referring or recommending referral to 92.3% of patients (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

These results provide a benchmark for future studies assessing referral practices following the RANZCR position statement, and suggest a need for further education and advocacy regarding the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of localised prostate cancer.
Trauma exposure and co‐occurring ICD‐11 post‐traumatic stress disorder and complex post‐traumatic stress disorder in adults with lived experience of psychiatric disorder
Authors: Lewis Catrin , Lewis Katie , Roberts Alice , Edwards Bethan , Evison Claudia , John Ann , Meudell Alan , Parry Patrick , Pearce Holly , Richards Natalie , Jones Ian , Bisson Jonathan I.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To establish factors associated with ICD‐11 post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) in a large sample of adults with lived experience of psychiatric disorder and examine the psychiatric burden associated with the two disorders.

Methods

One thousand three hundred and five adults were recruited from the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) cohort. ICD‐11 PTSD/CPTSD were assessed with the International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ). Binary logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with both PTSD and CPTSD. One‐way between‐groups analysis of variance was conducted to examine the burden associated with the two disorders in terms of symptoms of anxiety, depression, and psychological wellbeing. For post‐hoc pairwise comparisons, the Tukey HSD test was used, and the magnitude of between‐group differences assessed using Cohen's d.

Results

Probable ICD‐11 CPTSD was more common than PTSD within the sample (PTSD 2.68%; CPTSD 12.72%). We found evidence that PTSD was associated with interpersonal trauma and household income under £20,000 a year. CPTSD was also associated with interpersonal trauma, higher rates of personality disorder, and lower rates of bipolar disorder. Those with probable‐CPTSD had higher levels of current anxiety and depressive symptoms and lower psychological wellbeing in comparison to those with probable‐PTSD and those with neither disorder.

Conclusions

CPTSD was more prevalent than PTSD in our sample of people with lived experience of psychiatric disorder. Our findings indicate a need for routine screening for trauma histories and PTSD/CPTSD in clinical settings and a greater focus on the need for interventions to treat CPTSD.
Invasion of Popillia japonica in Lombardy, Italy: Interactions with soil entomopathogenic nematodes and native grubs
Authors: Glazer Itamar , Santoiemma Giacomo , Battisti Andrea , De Luca Francesca , Fanelli Elena , Troccoli Alberto , Tarasco Eustachio , Sacchi Stefano , Bianchi Alessandro , Gilioli Gianni , Gherardo Pamela , Mori Nicola
Published: June 2022

The recent invasion of the Japanese beetle Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in northern Italy offered the opportunity to explore the entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) associated with the soil of hay meadows.

A total of 61 sites were considered for nematode sampling, and from 17 of them (27.9%) EPNs were isolated and further characterized with molecular and morphological techniques as well as with laboratory bioassays.

Two main species, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae) and Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) were recorded with the same frequency together with a few other species (Rhabditida: Oscheius sp. and Phasmarhabditis sp.).

The newly isolated EPN populations were characterized for their activity (penetration rate) and infectivity to P. japonica grubs.

EPNs occurrence was related to the time of beetle invasion at each sampling site and there was evidence of a density‐dependent response of the EPNs community to P. japonica density.

The invasion of P. japonica apparently did not significantly affect the occurrence of native grubs, although a tendency to a decline was observed and should be further investigated.
DMEK graft: One size does not fit all
Authors: Parekh Mohit , Romano Davide , Wongvisavavit Rintra , Coco Giulia , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Ferrari Stefano , Rocha‐de‐Lossada Carlos , Levis Hannah J. , Semeraro Francesco , Calvo‐de‐Mora Marina Rodríguez , Scorcia Vincenzo , Romano Vito
Published: June 2022

Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is a popular procedure for the treatment of corneal endothelial diseases mainly targeting Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK). Although DMEK has multiple advantages, it is challenging in terms of graft preparation and delivery. One of the crucial factors of DMEK graft preparation is determining the size of the graft. Evaluating risks and benefits of transplanting larger or smaller grafts compared with the descemetorhexis performed following a standard DMEK procedure thus becomes important. Advanced techniques like pre‐loaded DMEK requires pre‐selection of graft diameter without physical examination of the eye making it more challenging. Therefore, recognizing the benefits of graft size and the number of transplanted endothelial cells becomes essential. Smaller DMEK grafts have been preferred and accepted for grafting. Larger diameter grafts have advantages but can be challenging due to higher detachment rates. We thus aim to review the challenges of preparing and delivering DMEK tissues with small or large diameter based on selected descemetorhexis area, discuss the outcomes based on different graft sizes, highlight related complications and suggest which cases may benefit from adopting smaller or larger graft size.
The highly expressed calcium‐insensitive synaptotagmin‐11 and synaptotagmin‐13 modulate insulin secretion
Authors: Ofori Jones K. , Karagiannopoulos Alexandros , Barghouth Mohammad , Nagao Mototsugu , Andersson Markus E. , Salunkhe Vishal A. , Zhang Enming , Wendt Anna , Eliasson Lena
Published: June 2022

Aim

SYT11 and SYT13, two calcium‐insensitive synaptotagmins, are downregulated in islets from type 2 diabetic donors, but their function in insulin secretion is unknown. To address this, we investigated the physiological role of these two synaptotagmins in insulin‐secreting cells.

Methods

Correlations between gene expression levels were performed using previously described RNA‐seq data on islets from 188 human donors. SiRNA knockdown was performed in EndoC‐βH1 and INS‐1 832/13 cells. Insulin secretion was measured with ELISA. Patch‐clamp was used for single‐cell electrophysiology. Confocal microscopy was used to determine intracellular localization.

Results

Human islet expression of the transcription factor PDX1 was positively correlated with SYT11 (p = 2.4e−10) and SYT13 (p < 2.2e−16). Syt11 and Syt13 both co‐localized with insulin, indicating their localization in insulin granules. Downregulation of Syt11 in INS‐1 832/13 cells (siSYT11) resulted in increased basal and glucose‐induced insulin secretion. Downregulation of Syt13 (siSYT13) decreased insulin secretion induced by glucose and K+. Interestingly, the cAMP‐raising agent forskolin was unable to enhance insulin secretion in siSYT13 cells. There was no difference in insulin content, exocytosis, or voltage‐gated Ca2+ currents in the two models. Double knockdown of Syt11 and Syt13 (DKD) resembled the results in siSYT13 cells.

Conclusion

SYT11 and SYT13 have similar localization and transcriptional regulation, but they regulate insulin secretion differentially. While downregulation of SYT11 might be a compensatory mechanism in type‐2 diabetes, downregulation of SYT13 reduces the insulin secretory response and overrules the compensatory regulation of SYT11 in a way that could aggravate the disease.