bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERFERING HSA_CIRC_0001226 MITIGATES LPS-INDUCED BEAS-2B CELL INJURY BY REGULATING MIR-940/TGFBR2 PATHWAY
Authors: Mo Song , Yi Qushen , Bei Xuezhu , Huang Yuan , Lai Junhua
Published: October 2023

Background:Sepsis-associated acute lung injury (SA-ALI) is a serious threat to human health. A growing body of evidence suggested that circular RNAs may be involved in ALI progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and mechanism of circ_0001226 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)–induced BEAS-2B cells.Methods:BEAS-2B cells were stimulated with LPS to establish a SA-ALI cell model. The expression of circ_0001226, miR-940, and transforming growth factor beta receptor II (TGFBR2) were monitored by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated by the Cell Counting Kit-8, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine assay, and flow cytometry. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α were calculated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was implemented to test the protein levels of PCNA, Bax, and TGFBR2. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were adopted to investigate the interaction between circ_0001226 and miR-940, as well as TGFBR2 and miR-940.Results:The levels of circ_0001226 and TGFBR2 were elevated, and miR-940 was decreased in SA-ALI serum specimens and LPS-evoked BEAS-2B cells. Besides that, circ_0001226 interference contributed to cell proliferation and restrained apoptosis and inflammation in LPS-induced BEAS-2B cells. Mechanically, circ_0001226 worked as a molecular sponge of miR-940 to regulate TGFBR2 expression.Conclusion:Circ_0001226 deficiency weakened LPS-mediated proliferation inhibition and inflammatory processes in BEAS-2B cells by binding miR-940 and regulating TGFBR2.
BMI is Not Associated with Chest-Specific Body Image, Complications or Revisions in Gender-Affirming Mastectomy
Authors: Roblee Cole , Topple Tannon , Hamill Jennifer B , Ibarra Maria , Bolze Andrew , Khouri Alexander N , Hsu Jessica J , Lane Megan , Kuzon William M , Wilkins Edwin G , Morrison Shane D
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To analyze the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on clinical and patient-reported outcomes following gender-affirming mastectomy (GM).

Background:

BMI is a barrier for obese patients seeking GM despite increasing evidence that it is safe in this population. Currently little is known about the impact of BMI on chest-specific body image and satisfaction following GM.

Methods:

This single-center, cross-sectional study included individuals 18 years and older who underwent GM between 1990-2020 and were at least 2 years post-operative. Patient-reported chest-specific body image was measured using the BODY-Q and Gender Congruence and Life Satisfaction (GCLS) chest subscales. Satisfaction was measured using the Holmes-Rovner Satisfaction with Decision (SWD) scale. Clinical and demographic variables were identified from chart review. Bivariate analysis was performed to determine if BMI was associated with chest-specific body image, satisfaction, complications within 30 days or revisions in GM.

Results:

Two hundred twenty-seven individuals meeting eligibility criteria were contacted to participate and one hundred thirty-seven responded (60.4% response rate). The mean age was 29.1 (SD=9.0) and mean BMI was 30.9 (SD=8.0), with 26.4% (N=60) of the cohort having a BMI>35. Chest-specific body image, and satisfaction with decision did not vary by BMI or breast resection weight. Complications and revisions were not associated with BMI.

Conclusion:

Individuals undergoing GM reported high rates of satisfaction following GM regardless of BMI. Complication and revision rates did not vary significantly by BMI or breast resection weight. Surgeons should re-evaluate the role BMI plays in patient selection and counseling for GM.
Novel Form of Breast Intraoperative Radiation Therapy with CT-Guided High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy: Interim Results of a Prospective Phase II Clinical Trial
Authors: Turkheimer Lena M , Petroni Gina R , Berger Adam C , Schroen Anneke T , Brenin David R , Lazar Melissa , Libby Bruce , Janowski Einsley M , Showalter Timothy N , Showalter Shayna L
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Precision Breast IORT (PB-IORT) is a novel method of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) utilizing customized, computed tomography (CT)-based treatment plans and high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. We conducted a phase II multi-institution trial to evaluate the efficacy of PB-IORT.

Study Design:

Between 2015 and 2022, three centers enrolled 358 women aged ≥ 45 with invasive or in situ carcinoma measuring 3 cm or smaller and N0 status. Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) was performed, and a multi-lumen balloon catheter was placed in the lumpectomy bed. CT images were used to create a customized HDR brachytherapy plan delivering 12.5 Gy to the tumor bed. The primary outcome assessed was the 5-year rate of index quadrant tumor recurrence (IQTR). An interim analysis was conducted after one-third of eligible participants completed five years of follow-up. This trial is registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02400658).

Results:

The cohort was comprised of 153 participants with a median age of 64 years and a median follow-up time of 5.9 years. The estimated 5-year IQTR rate and overall survival were 5.08% (95% CI 2.23-9.68%) and 95.1%, respectively. Loco-regional (ipsilateral breast and axilla) and distant recurrence rates were each 1.96%. Seven deaths occurred during the first five years of follow-up, with only one attributable to breast cancer. Overall, 68.6% of patients experienced any adverse effects, and four cases of breast-related severe toxicities were observed.

Conclusions:

This study presents the results of a planned interim analysis of a Phase II trial investigating PB-IORT and demonstrates the efficacy and safety of single-fraction, CT-based, HDR brachytherapy following BCS. These findings provide valuable insights into utilizing PB-IORT as a treatment modality.
Household characteristics associated with environmentally persistent free radicals in house dust in two Australian locations
Authors: Lee Wen R , Dangal Prakash , Cormier Stephania , Lomnicki Slawo , Sly Peter D , Vilcins Dwan
Published: October 2023

The association between air pollution and adverse health outcomes has been extensively studied, and while oxidative stress in likely to be involved, the underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear. Recent studies propose environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) as the missing connection between air pollution and detrimental health impacts. However, the indoor environment is rarely considered in EPFR research. We measured EPFRs in household dust from two locations in Australia and investigated household characteristics associated with EPFRs. Random forest models were built to identify important household characteristics through variable importance plots and the associations were analysed using Spearman’s rho test. We found that age of house, type of garage, house outer wall material, heating method used in home, frequency of extractor fan use when cooking, traffic related air pollution, frequency of cleaning and major house renovation were important household characteristics associated with EPFRs in Australian homes. The direction of association between household characteristics and EPFRs differ between the locations. Hence, further research is warranted to determine the generalisability of our results.
Proteomic Insights into Metastatic Breast Cancer Response to Brain Cell-Secreted Factors
Authors: Ahuja Shreya , Lazar Iulia M.
Published: October 2023

The most devastating feature of cancer cells is their ability to metastasize to distant sites in the body. HER2+ and triple negative breast cancers frequently metastasize to the brain and stay potentially dormant for years, clinging to the microvasculature, until favorable environmental conditions support their proliferation. The sheltered and delicate nature of the brain prevents, however, early disease detection, diagnosis, and effective delivery of therapeutic drugs. Moreover, the challenges associated with the acquisition of brain tissues and biopsies add compounding difficulties to exploring the mechanistic aspects of tumor development, leading to slow progress in understanding the drivers of disease progression and response to therapy. To provide insights into the determinants of cancer cell behavior at the brain metastatic site, this study was aimed at exploring the growth and initial response of HER2+ breast cancer cells (SKBR3) to factors present in the brain perivascular niche. The neural microenvironment conditions were simulated by using the secretome of a set of brain cells that come first in contact with the cancer cells upon crossing the blood brain barrier, i.e., human endothelial cells (HBEC5i), human astrocytes (NHA) and human microglia (HMC3) cells. Cytokine microarrays were used to investigate the cell secretomes and explore the mediators responsible for cell-cell communication, and proteomic technologies for assessing the changes in the behavior of cancer cells upon exposure to the brain cell-secreted factors. The results of the study suggest that the exposure of SKBR3 cells to the brain secretomes altered their growth potential and drove them towards a state of quiescence. The cytokines, growth factors and enzymes detected in the brain cell-conditioned medium were supportive of mostly inflammatory conditions, indicating a collective functional contribution to cell activation, defense, inflammatory responses, chemotaxis, adhesion, angiogenesis, and ECM organization. The SKBR3 cells, on the other hand, secreted numerous cancer-promoting growth factors that were either absent or present in lower abundance in the brain cell culture media, suggesting that upon exposure the SKBR3 cells were deprived of favorable environmental conditions required for optimal growth. The findings of this study underscore the key role played by the neural niche in shaping the behavior of metastasized cancer cells, providing insights into the cancer-host cell cross-talk that contributes to driving metastasized cancer cells into dormancy and into the opportunities that exist for developing novel therapeutic strategies that target the brain metastases of breast cancer.
Integration of shoot-derived polypeptide signals by root TGA transcription factors is essential for survival under fluctuating nitrogen environments
Authors: Kobayashi Ryutaro , Ohkubo Yuri , Izumi Mai , Ota Ryosuke , Yamada Keiko , Hayashi Yoko , Yamashita Yasuko , Noda Saki , Ogawa-Ohnishi Mari , Matsubayashi Yoshikatsu
Published: October 2023

Unlike plants in the field, which experience significant temporal fluctuations in environmental conditions, plants in the laboratory are typically grown in controlled, stable environments. Therefore, signaling pathways evolved for survival in continuously fluctuating environments often remain functionally latent in laboratory settings. Here, we show that TGA1 and TGA4 act as hub transcription factors through which the expression of genes involved in high-affinity nitrate uptake are regulated in response to shoot-derived phloem mobile polypeptides, CEP DOWNSTREAM 1 (CEPD1), CEPD2 and CEPD-like 2 (CEPDL2) as nitrogen (N) deficiency signals, and Glutaredoxin S1 (GrxS1) to GrxS8 as N sufficiency signals. CEPD1/2/CEPDL2 and GrxS1-S8 competitively bind to TGA1/4 in roots, with the former acting as transcription coactivators that enhance the uptake of nitrate, while the latter function as corepressor complexes together with TOPLESS to limit nitrate uptake.Arabidopsisplants deficient in TGA1/4 maintain basal nitrate uptake and exhibit growth similar to wild-type plants in a stable N environment, but were impaired in regulation of nitrate acquisition in response to shoot N demand, leading to defective growth under continuously fluctuating N environments where rhizosphere nitrate ions switch periodically between deficient and sufficient states. TGA1/4 are crucial transcription factors that enable plants to survive under fluctuating and challenging N environmental conditions.
Grain chain management and development: evidence form Agri-SMEs in Kosovo
Authors: Totojani Anika , Ramadani Veland
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the grain chain in Kosovo. This study also aims to analyse the role of actors involved in the supply, production, processing, marketing and distribution of the grain value chain.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses qualitative methods. A total of 60 semi-structured interviews are conducted with actors involved in the entire grain value chain.

Findings

Findings reveal that the country depends on grain imports and lacks an organised grain market, which is often distorted by the present political situation. Stakeholders are partly integrated in the grain value chain, and they are not very efficient in production. The existence of an informal market influences the decision-making of actors involved in the grain chain. The grain value chain displays mixed governance types, and the relationships among actors are based on the trust mechanism.

Originality/value

The research draws the importance of agriculture’s public policies to sustain domestic grain production. Public–private partnerships should be created to restore the grain market. Trading policies should be revised because they play a crucial role in enhancing fair competition between domestic and foreign traders.
Customer participation in manufacturing firms’ new service development: the moderating role of CRM technology
Authors: Morgan Todd , Friske Wesley , Kohtamäki Marko , Mills Paul
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how customer participation in new service development (NSD) and customer relationship management (CRM) technology can improve the NSD performance of manufacturing firms. Additionally, the paper examines CRM technology usage to understand how it impacts new service performance both individually and jointly with customer participation in NSD.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a survey of 216 manufacturing managers who are overseeing the development of new services at their organizations. For the analysis, structural equation modeling is used with Amos 22.0. Measures of all latent variables in the analysis pass the traditional tests for reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity. Furthermore, the results of a common latent factor test for common method variance and Harman’s one-factor test indicate that common method bias is not a source of endogeneity in the model.

Findings

Customer participation has a positive effect on NSD performance. CRM technology usage also has a positive effect on NSD performance. The effect of customer participation on NSD performance is enhanced by CRM technology. The results of a post hoc analysis suggest that the usage of CRM technology has the most benefit for managing the technical aspects of customer participation.

Research limitations/implications

This study has methodological limitations that may impact the generalizability of results. For instance, it is based on cross-sectional self-reported survey data, which is more subjective than longitudinal secondary data. Survey research lacks the depth and nuance of qualitative research designs, which are commonly employed to study NSD. In addition, this study focuses on large US manufacturing firms. The authors do not include small firms or international organizations in the sample. Despite these limitations, they believe the findings can provide significant contributions to the NSD literature.

Practical implications

Although prior research has shown that customer participation and CRM technology can individually influence new product development (NPD) performance, the results indicate they are equally effective factors in the development of new services. Furthermore, the authors show that customer participation can be enhanced via the use of CRM technologies. The interaction is more pronounced within the technical aspects of NSD.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the NSD literature, and it also has implications for managers leading NSD efforts in traditional tangible-product industries. The findings provide additional evidence that customer participation is an effective NSD strategy for manufacturing firms (Morganet al., 2019). Furthermore, CRM technology is integral to NSD performance. CRM technology not only has a direct effect on NSD performance, but the interaction term of customer participation by CRM technology also has a positive effect on NSD performance.
The impact of institutional child abuse: views of professionals
Authors: Ozanne Rebecca , Ireland Jane L. , Ireland Carol A. , Thornton Abigail
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to build on previous literature in this area thus, the views of professionals working with those who report institutional abuse was sought using a Delphi method.

Design/methodology/approach

Professionals working with those who report institutional abuse, such as psychologists, social workers and personal injury lawyers, were invited to engage in the Delphi study. Sixteen professionals completed the final round (with four rounds in total). This method was used to gain professional consensus on the considered impacts of institutional child abuse and what factors influence impacts.

Findings

Eight superordinate themes were developed, as follows: institutional abuse has lasting negative effects on well-being, functioning and behaviour; loss of trust in others and the system is a potential outcome of institutional abuse; negative impacts on future life chances; negative impacts of institutional abuse are exacerbated by numerous factors; protective factors reduced negative impacts; psychological intervention is useful for survivors; positive and negative impacts of disclosure – the response of others as important; and keep impacts individualised.

Practical implications

The need for an individualised approach when working with those reporting institutional abuse was a salient finding.

Originality/value

Institutional abuse is known to result in several negative impacts, although research into this area is limited with a need to better understand what may protect or exacerbate impacts.
How customer incivility affects organization citizenship behavior: roles of depersonalization, resilience, and caring climate
Authors: Lee Kangcheol , Gong Taeshik
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, this study aims to identify the mediating effects of depersonalization and resilience on the relationship between customer incivility and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). It further posits that these indirect effects vary depending on the caring climate and achievement orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

A field survey among 622 service employees (Study 1) and a three-wave field survey of 315 service employees and their managers (Study 2) from various service organizations were conducted.

Findings

This study confirms that depersonalization operates as a negative mediator in the relationship between customer incivility and OCB. Simultaneously, resilience emerges as a positive mediator, underscoring the contrasting pathways through which customer incivility affects OCB. Furthermore, a caring climate plays a pivotal role in mitigating the detrimental impact of depersonalization on OCB and weakening the positive impact of resilience on OCB. Additionally, this study identifies achievement orientation as a significant moderator between customer incivility and resilience.

Originality/value

This study advances theoretical foundations by investigating depersonalization and resilience as critical mediators in the intricate relationship between customer incivility and OCB. It goes beyond the conventional understanding of customer incivility’s impact by shedding light on the dual roles of a caring climate, demonstrating its potential to alleviate both positive and negative consequences of customer incivility. Moreover, its identification of achievement orientation as a moderator adds a novel dimension to the discourse, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to harness employee resilience in the face of customer incivility.
Accurately and explicitly simulating distinct tensile and compressive behaviors of various concretes with new elastoplasticity model
Authors: Liu Quan-Pu , Kang Jia , Tan Long-Xu , Wang Si-Yu , Bruhns Otto , Xiao Heng
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a direct analysis to demonstrate why markedly different tensile and compressive behaviors of concretes could not be simulated with the Drucker–Prager yield criterion.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposed an extended form of the latter for establishing a new elastoplasticity model with evolving yield strengths.

Findings

Explicit closed-form solutions to non-symmetric tensile and compressive responses of uniaxial specimens at finite strain are for the first time obtained from hardening to softening.

Originality/value

With such exact solutions, the yield strengths in tension and compression can be explicitly prescribed by uniaxial tensile and compressive stress-strain functions. Then, the latter two are further provided in explicit forms toward accurately simulating tensile and compressive behaviors. Numerical examples are supplied for meso-scale heterogeneous concrete (MSHC) and high-performance concrete (HPC), etc. Model predictions are in good agreement with test data.
Consumption of packaged food and associated factors among adults aged 18–30 years: a cross-sectional study in Kerala
Authors: Haseena Thottasseri , Hense Sibasis , Kodali Prakash Babu , Thankappan Kavumpurathu Raman
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Literature on packaged food consumption and associated factors in Kerala is limited. This study aims to find out consumption pattern of packaged food and the factors associated with it among young adults in Kerala.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a cross-sectional survey among 384 young adults aged 18–30 years selected using multistage cluster sampling. Information on packaged food consumption and sociodemographic factors was collected using a structured, pre-tested interview schedule. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to find out the factors associated with packaged food consumption.

Findings

Among the participants, 85.7% (95% CI = 81.9%–88.9%) reported consuming packaged food at least once a week, and 45% (95% CI = 40.4%–50.3%) reported consuming packaged food more than two times a week. Individuals who were employed [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.06–2.76], who consume packaged food without a fixed routine (AOR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.18–4.28), those without previous attempts to reduce packaged food consumption (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI = 1.72–6.91) and those who preferred packaged food for their taste and flavor (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.09–2.74) had greater odds of consuming packaged food more than two times a week compared to their counterparts.

Originality/value

Packaged food is frequently consumed by more than 40% of young adults in Kerala. Efforts focused on individuals (such as building awareness and taxing packaged foods) are warranted to control packaged food consumption among young adults.
The status of records management in Malawian private universities: the empirical case of University of Livingstonia
Authors: Simwaka Kaitano , Malanga Donald Flywell , Chipeta George T.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate records management practices in Malawian private universities with a focus on University of Livingstonia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used embedded case study design using a mixed methods approach. A survey questionnaire, semi-structured interview guide and a document review were used to collect data from University of Livingstonia staff.

Findings

The study found that University of Livingstonia created records such as minutes, grades, mails, theses, policy documents and reports. Some of the challenges related to records management at the institution were uncoordinated records management practices due to, among others, lack of records management policy, retention and disposal schedules among others. It further reported a number of factors frustrating the success of records management practices at UNILIA such as lack of management support, poor funding and lack of information communication technology infrastructure. Nevertheless, the study acknowledged the role of records management at University of Livingstonia.

Originality/value

Previous studies on records management in Malawi focused on public sector. However, this is a novel study undertaken in the private higher education. Therefore, it forms a basis for conceptualising records management phenomena in the private higher education in Malawi.
The effect of the Bank of Japan's Exchange‐Traded Fund purchases on firm performance
Authors: Gunji Hiroshi , Miura Kazuki , Yuan Yuan
Published: October 2023

Since December 2010, the Bank of Japan has been purchasing exchange‐traded funds (ETFs) that track the Nikkei 225 and TOPIX. In this study, we examine how the Bank of Japan's purchase of ETFs affects companies' profits, innovation investment, and governance using a difference‐in‐differences method. The results show that the ETF purchase policy lowered the return on assets for TOPIX and Nikkei 225 companies by 0.2%–1.5% and 0.8%–1.8%, respectively. As random assignment of data sources to either treatment or control groups was not possible, we also performed a propensity score method, of which the results were robust. Our study enhances the current understanding of the unintended effects of a central bank purchasing private assets. However, our findings are by no means perfect, and therefore, care will also need to be taken in interpreting the results.
Documentation and classification of hospital pharmacist interventions: A scoping review
Authors: Machado Sara , Falcão Fátima , das Cavaco Afonso Miguel
Published: October 2023

The practice of documenting pharmacist interventions (PIs) has been endorsed by many hospital pharmacists' societies and organizations worldwide. Current systems for recording PIs have been developed to generate data on better patient and healthcare outcomes, but harmonization and transferability are apparently minimal. The present work aims to provide a descriptive and comprehensive overview of the currently utilized PI documentation and classification tools contributing to increased evidence systematization. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. Studies from 2008, after the release of the Basel Statements, were included if interventions were made by hospital or clinical pharmacists in a global hospital setting. Publications quality assessment was accomplished using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A total of 26 studies were included. Three studies did not refer to the documentation/classification method, 10 used an in‐house developed documentation/classification method, seven used externally developed documentation/classification tools and six described method validation or translation. Evidence confirmed that most documentation/classification systems are designed in‐house, but external development and validation of PI systems to be used in hospital practice is gradually increasing. Reports on validated PI documentation/classification tools that are being used in hospital clinical practice are limited, including in countries with advanced hospital pharmacy practice. Needs and gaps in practice were identified. Further research should be conducted to understand why using validated documentation/classification methods is not a disseminated practice, knowing patients' and organizational advantages.
Watch me invest: Does CEO narcissism affect green innovation? CEO personality traits and eco‐innovation
Authors: Khanchel Imen , Lassoued Naima , Khiari Cyrine
Published: October 2023

This study explores an important yet understudied relationship between CEO narcissism and green innovation, both separately and when moderated by CEO demographic traits (international experience and age). We analyzed a sample of 206 U.S.‐listed firms on the S&P 500 over a 10‐year period. Our initial findings indicate a negative association between CEO narcissism and green innovation. However, further analysis reveals that this relationship is influenced by two CEO demographic traits. Specifically, CEOs' international experience and age mitigate the initially negative link between CEO narcissism and green innovation. These results align with insights from the upper echelon theory, shedding light on the dark side of narcissism. The implications of our findings extend to firms' team management, directors, policy‐makers, and regulators.
Impact of physical fitness and exercise training on subcutaneous adipose tissue beiging markers in humans with and without diabetes and a high‐fat diet‐fed mouse model
Authors: Bódis Kálmán , Breuer Saida , Crepzia‐Pevzner Assja , Zaharia Oana‐Patricia , Schön Martin , Saatmann Nina , Altenhofen Delsi , Springer Christian , Szendroedi Julia , Wagner Robert , Al‐Hasani Hadi , Roden Michael , Pesta Dominik , Chadt Alexandra ,   for the GDS Group
Published: October 2023

Aims

Exercise training induces white adipose tissue (WAT) beiging and improves glucose homeostasis and mitochondrial function in rodents. This could be relevant for type 2 diabetes in humans, but the effect of physical fitness on beiging of subcutaneous WAT (scWAT) remains unclear. This translational study investigates if beiging of scWAT associates with physical fitness in healthy humans and recent‐onset type 2 diabetes and if a voluntary running wheel intervention is sufficient to induce beiging in mice.

Materials and Methods

Gene expression levels of established beiging markers were measured in scWAT biopsies of humans with (n = 28) or without type 2 diabetes (n = 28), stratified by spiroergometry into low (L‐FIT; n = 14 each) and high physical fitness (H‐FIT; n = 14 each). High‐fat diet‐fed FVB/N mice underwent voluntary wheel running, treadmill training or no training (n = 8 each group). Following the training intervention, mitochondrial respiration and content of scWAT were assessed by high‐resolution respirometry and citrate synthase activity, respectively.

Results

Secreted CD137 antigen (Tnfrsf9/Cd137) expression was three‐fold higher in glucose‐tolerant H‐FIT than in L‐FIT, but not different between H‐FIT and L‐FIT with type 2 diabetes. In mice, both training modalities increased Cd137 expression and enhanced mitochondrial content without changing respiration in scWAT. Treadmill but not voluntary wheel running led to improved whole‐body insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

Higher physical fitness and different exercise interventions associated with higher gene expression levels of the beiging marker CD137 in healthy humans and mice on a high‐fat diet. Humans with recent‐onset type 2 diabetes show an impaired adipose tissue‐specific response to physical activity.
Effects of hypoglycaemic agents on reducing surrogate metabolic parameters for the prevention of cardiovascular events and death in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Diallo Alhassane , Villard Orianne , Carlos‐Bolumbu Miguel , Renard Eric , Galtier Florence
Published: October 2023

Aims

To investigate the impact of glucose‐lowering therapy‐induced glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction on the risk of major clinical events according to body weight change and, as a secondary objective, to evaluate the impact of concomitant reductions in HbA1c and body weight on major clinical events.

Materials and Methods

We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases up to June 30, 2022, for large‐scale studies on glucose‐lowering therapies in which more than 1000 patient‐years of follow‐up in each randomized group were completed. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. The study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022355479).

Results

Thirty‐four trials involving 227 220 patients with type 2 diabetes were meta‐analysed using a random‐effects model. Each 1% reduction in HbA1c was associated with a different risk of mortality depending on the ability of glucose‐lowering therapies to induce body weight loss or gain. When glucose‐lowering therapies were associated with weight gain, the risk of mortality increased by 8% (hazard ratio [HR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00‐1.16) for each 1% reduction in HbA1c. When glucose‐lowering therapies were associated with weight loss, the risk of mortality was reduced by 22% (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.72‐0.85) for each 1% reduction in HbA1c. In addition, concomitant reductions in HbA1c and body weight were associated with a significantly lower risk of mortality and vascular events.

Conclusions

In patients with type 2 diabetes, concomitant reductions in HbA1c and body weight might be more effective in preventing the risk of vascular events and mortality.
Resisting Epistemic Injustice: The Responsibilities of College Educators at Historically and Predominantly White Institutions
Authors: Brust Caitlin Murphy , Taylor Rebecca M.
Published: October 2023

In this paper, Caitlin Murphy Brust and Rebecca Taylor examine the responsibilities of college educators to resist conditions of epistemic injustice within their institutions. Pedagogy alone cannot bring about epistemic justice in higher education, for no individual epistemic agent can single‐handedly transform their epistemic environment. The roots of such injustices are structural and thus require structural interventions. However, college educators do retain some agency to engage in epistemic resistance. Brust and Taylor argue that they can and should take steps to foster just relations within the epistemic communities of their classrooms — calling for pedagogy that both recognizes the unjust features of the broader epistemic environment and responds to the unique forms of epistemic injustice that manifest in the classroom, with particular attention to seminar‐style courses.
Good risk measures, bad statistical assumptions, ugly risk forecasts
Authors: Michaelides Michael , Poudyal Niraj
Published: October 2023

This paper proposes the time‐heterogeneous Student's t autoregressive model as an alternative to the various volatility forecast models documented in the literature. The empirical results indicate that: (i) the proposed model has better forecasting performance than other commonly used models, and (ii) the problem of reliable risk measurement arises primarily from the model risk associated with risk forecast models rather than the particular risk measure for computing risk. Based on the results, the paper makes recommendations to regulators and practitioners.
Probing the 186Os/188Os Precision Barrier: New Recommended Values for the DROsS Reference Material and an Assessment of Mixed 1011 and 1012 Ω Amplifier Arrays
Authors: Waterton Pedro , Woodland Sarah , Pearson Graham , Hansen Serre Simon , Szilas Kristoffer
Published: October 2023

We present high precision negative ion thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (N‐TIMS) Os isotope measurement results for the DROsS isotope reference material (iCRM), to investigate the limits on the precision of TIMS‐based 186Os/188Os results. We used analytical conditions previously highlighted to optimise precision, present a new flexible data processing protocol, and measured 184Os intensities on a Faraday Cup equipped with an amplifier using a 1012 Ω resistor. Despite a measurement procedure that minimised uncertainty contributions from counting statistics and Johnson‐Nyquist noise, the intermediate measurement precision of our approach does not significantly improve on previous high precision Os isotope measurements, with the exception of 184Os/188Os. This is probably due to uncertainties in measured amplifier gain factors, which are greater when using mixed arrays of 1011 and 1012 Ω resistors than when using 1011 Ω resistors alone, though Faraday Cup deterioration could also contribute. We propose that multi‐dynamic Os isotope measurements could largely eliminate both of these uncertainties. Our 184Os/188Os measurement results are the most precise yet, yielding 184Os/188Os = 0.0013036 ± 0.0000007 (2s, n = 38). Additionally, we average our data with published data to recommend the following isotope ratios for DROsS: 186Os/188Os = 0.1199319 ± 0.0000024, 187Os/188Os = 0.1609227 ± 0.0000022, 189Os/188Os = 1.219709 ± 0.000010, 190Os/188Os = 1.983793 ± 0.000011.
Approximation of van Genuchten Parameter Ranges from Hydraulic Conductivity Data
Authors: Peche Aaron , Houben Georg , Altfelder Sven
Published: October 2023

The use of retention function and relative conductivity function is essential for the calculation of flow in a variably saturated media using the Richards equation. A widely used mathematical model for this is the Mualem‐van Genuchten model which requires the shape parameters and . These, however, are difficult to obtain. When data is scarce, and are often taken from literature and may deviate largely from actual values. The current study presents a novel mathematical model for the approximation of and and for the further estimation of realistic value ranges, which may be used as parameter space, for example, for the calibration of a numerical model. The model was developed for cases where data is scarce and only values of saturated hydraulic conductivity are available. It is based on a large data set from literature and it is demonstrated that the model estimates mean values from that data set with a good accuracy. In order to show the applicability of the model, a second data set has been compiled anew (provided as Supporting Information). The model is incorporated into the current version of the freeware computer program HYPAGS, which enables easy usage.
Texture modification of easily chewable pork meat batter for masticatory dysfunction people: effects and interactions of bromelain, κ‐carrageenan, and plant protein hydrolysates
Authors: Saengsuk Nachomkamon , Barbut Shai , Laohakunjit Natta
Published: October 2023

Meat intake in masticatory dysfunction people is commonly reduced because the relatively tough texture of meat can impair mastication. Pork meat batters were prepared by different levels of bromelain (0%, 0.5% w/w), κ‐carrageenan (0.5%, 1.0% w/w), and rice berry and mung bean ratios (0:0, 1:0, 0:1, 0.5:0.5). The experiment was designed to study the effect of infusion treatments and their interaction on the properties of pork meat batter. Lower cooking losses (2.33%–3.45%) was observed in the samples with 1.0% (w/w) κ‐carrageenan. Hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness, and gumminess of samples with bromelain were lower, and higher in samples containing 1.0% (w/w) κ‐carrageenan. Bromelain also resulted in decreasing storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) values compared to nonbromelain‐treated samples. Microstructure revealed that connective tissue and muscle fibres were disrupted in bromelain‐treated meats while incorporation of plant proteins led to better binding of meat particles. These results revealed that bromelain has a potential to produce a softer texture batter, while 1.0% (w/w) κ‐carrageenan and plant proteins have potential to improve textural properties and shape a product. This implies that the effects and interactions of infusion treatments offer the possibility to improve texture‐optimised product for masticatory dysfunction people, such as elderly.
New Randomised Response Models for Two Sensitive Characteristics: Theory and Application
Authors: Naatjes Daryan , Sedory Stephen A. , Singh Sarjinder
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we introduce two new randomised response models for estimating the prevalence of two sensitive characteristics and their overlap in a population by making use of a single deck of cards. The proposed models ensure the privacy of the respondents and also reduce the burden on the respondents as they require the random selection of only one card from a deck of cards each of which contains a pair of questions that are to be answered in order. The variance expressions of the proposed estimators are derived and matched to their Cramer–Rao lower bounds of variances. A simulation study has been carried out to compare the proposed models to each other for least protection. Lastly, a real survey application, related to the acceptability of the vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna is included. We had findings in Summer 2021 similar to those of the Harvard Study done in December 2021, which was based on a half‐million data values, that shows the cost effectiveness of the survey design.
Measurement of protein biomass by Fourier transform infrared‐photoacoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Gordon SH , Greene RV , Freer SN , James C.
Published: October 2023

A relatively new analytical technique, Fourier transform infrared‐photoacoustic spectroscopy (FTIR‐PAS), provides spectra of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms in solid states not suitable for conventional absorption spectroscopy. In this paper the feasibility of quantitative measurement of protein biomass on solid substrates by FTIR‐PAS is examined and discussed. By measuring photoacoustic absorption bands from amide groups in the protein of microorganisms, the increase in biomass that occurs during growth was monitored directly and accurately. Incorporation of polyacrylonitrile into the sample as an internal standard was shown to be a convenient method for improving both the reliability and the range of detection by photoacoustic spectroscopy. Results of FTIR‐PAS measurements of known quantities of microbial mass in simulated growth experiments suggest that the technique may be especially suitable for assays of microorganisms used in solid‐state biosyntheses of drugs, hormones, and other biological agents.
Enhanced intracellular delivery of methotrexate by a receptor‐mediated process
Authors: Mukhopadhyay A. , Basu SK
Published: October 2023

In the present investigation we have described a method of enhancing the uptake of methotrexate by macrophages. This enhanced uptake was mediated by endocytosis through the “scavenger receptor” system which recognized maleylated bovine serum albumin. Experimental evidence showed that macrophages internalized methotrexate coupled to maleylated bovine serum albumin through a saturable process at 37 degrees C leading to an eightfold higher concentration of cell‐associated methotrexate compared to the free drug. Following uptake, the drug conjugate was degraded in the lysosomes leading to intracellular release of a pharmacologically active form of methotrexate. When administered to macrophages infected with Leishmania mexicana amazonensis, the drug conjugate could eliminate the intracellular amastigotes more efficiently than the free drug. The leishmanicidal effect of the drug conjugate was inhibited in the presence of excess maleylated bovine serum albumin and lysosomal inhibitors such as chloroquine and monensin. Addition of folinic acid to the medium also prevented the elimination of the amastigotes by the drug conjugate. These results suggested that the scavenger receptor‐mediated endocytosis of the drug conjugate led to enhanced transport and intracellular release of a pharmacologically active form of methotrexate resulting in more efficient killing of the amastigotes compared to the free drug. This modality of delivering drugs selectively to macrophages might have utility in the chemotherapy of macrophage‐associated disorders in general.
Exploiting the cell membrane for the production of heterologous proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Lundell D. , Lunn C. , Greenberg R. , Fossetta J. , Narula S. , Kastelein R. , Van Kimmenade A.
Published: October 2023

The bacterial membrane serves both as a cell organelle and as a barrier for segregating the metabolically active cytoplasm from the extracellular milieu. Thus we can use plasmid vectors designed to produce a hybrid protein containing an efficient signal peptide coupled to the amino terminus of the cloned heterologous protein (secretion cloning vectors) for the production of proteins which are insoluble, proteolytically sensitive, or bacteriocidal when produced in the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli. We demonstrate that human granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor can be isolated as an active species only after transport into the bacterial periplasm. Production of the protein in the bacterial cytoplasm is bacteriocidal. We also demonstrate that biologically active human interleukin 4 appears only after transport of the protein into the bacterial growth medium. The protein forms membrane‐associated aggregates in the cytoplasm, and demonstrates an active but nonnative conformation when expressed in the periplasm. This may correlate with the affinity of the interleukin 4 molecule for negatively charged macromolecules, including bacterial membrane components and bacterial lipopolysaccharides, which may alter the folding pathway inside the cell.
Hydrophobic photolabeling in membranes: the human erythrocyte glucose transporter
Authors: Lala AK , Bhat S.
Published: October 2023

Human erythrocyte membranes were labeled with a hydrophobic photoactivable reagent, 2‐[3H]Diazofluorene. Electrophoretic analysis of the protein fraction showed that several membrane spanning proteins like Band 3 (the anion transporter), Band 4.5 (the glucose transporter), and the sialoglycoproteins PAS 1, 2, and 3 have been labeled. To isolate the diazofluorene‐labeled glucose transporter, the membrane preparation was solubilized with Triton X‐100 and passed through a DEAE‐cellulose column. The flow‐through fraction was analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Radioactive analysis of the gel indicated that besides the Band 4.5, two more proteins corresponding to the Band 3 and Band 6 regions also coelute with the glucose transporter in the flow‐through fraction. On the other hand, use of n‐octyl glucoside gave a relatively better preparation. The 2‐[3H]DAF‐labeled glucose transporter isolated by the latter method on tryptic digestion indicated that the Mr 18,000 fragment corresponding to the C‐terminal transmembrane fragment is labeled.
Molecular cloning of the L‐phenylalanine transaminase gene from Paracoccus denitrificans in Escherichia coli K‐12
Authors: Takagi T. , Taniguchi T. , Yamamoto Y. , Shibatani T.
Published: October 2023

The L‐phenylalanine transaminase gene of Paracoccus denitrificans was cloned by a shotgun method using the Escherichia coli K‐12 mutant DG30, which lacks three distinct transaminase genes. Plasmid pPAP142 was constructed by inserting a 2.2‐kb fragment carrying the transaminase gene into pUC18. Strain E. coli K‐12 HB101 cells harboring the plasmid produced 20‐fold to 30‐fold more transaminase than wild type P. denitrificans cells. The nucleotide sequence of the 2.2‐kb fragment was determined, revealing that the deduced amino acid sequence of the transaminase of P. denitrificans is similar to that of other transaminases.
Involvement of free and enzyme‐bound intermediates in the reaction mechanism catalyzed by the bovine liver immobilized porphobilinogen deaminase. Proof that they are substrates for cosynthetase in uroporphyrinogen III biosynthesis
Authors: Kotler ML , Juknat AA , Fumagalli SA , Batlle AM
Published: October 2023

The detection and accumulation of tetrapyrrole intermediates synthesized by the action of bovine liver porphobilinogen deaminase immobilized to Sepharose 4B is reported. Employing Sepharose‐deaminase preparations, two phases in uroporphyrinogen I synthesis as a function of time were observed, suggesting the accumulation of free and enzyme‐bound intermediates, the concentration and distribution of which were time dependent. The deaminase‐bound intermediate behaves as a substrate in uroporphyrinogen I synthesis whereas the free intermediates produce enzyme inhibition. The tetrapyrrole intermediate bound to the Sepharose‐enzyme is removed from the protein by the binding of porphobilinogen. Free as well as enzyme‐bound intermediates are shown to be substrates for cosynthetase with formation of 80% uroporphyrinogen III.