bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Folding of Prestin’s Anion-Binding Site and the Mechanism of Outer Hair Cell Electromotility
Authors: Lin Xiaoxuan , Haller Patrick , Bavi Navid , Faruk Nabil , Perozo Eduardo , Sosnick Tobin R.
Published: March 2023

Prestin responds to transmembrane voltage fluctuations by changing its cross-sectional area, a process underlying the electromotility of outer hair cells and cochlear amplification. Prestin belongs to the SLC26 family of anion transporters yet is the only member capable of displaying electromotility. Prestin’s voltage-dependent conformational changes are driven by the putative displacement of residue R399 and a set of sparse charged residues within the transmembrane domain, following the binding of a Cl-anion at a conserved binding site formed by amino termini of the TM3 and TM10 helices. However, a major conundrum arises as to how an anion that binds in proximity to a positive charge (R399), can promote the voltage sensitivity of prestin. Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, we find that prestin displays an unstable anion-binding site, where folding of the amino termini of TM3 and TM10 is coupled to Cl-binding. This event shortens the TM3-TM10 electrostatic gap, thereby connecting the two helices, resulting in reduced cross-sectional area. These folding events upon anion-binding are absent in SLC26A9, a non-electromotile transporter closely related to prestin. Dynamics of prestin embedded in a lipid bilayer closely match that in detergent micelle, except for a destabilized lipid-facing helix TM6 that is critical to prestin’s mechanical expansion. We observe helix fraying at prestin’s anion-binding site but cooperative unfolding of multiple lipid-facing helices, features that may promote prestin’s fast electromechanical rearrangements. These results highlight a novel role of the folding equilibrium of the anion-binding site, and helps define prestin’s unique voltage-sensing mechanism and electromotility.
Prolonging Genetic Circuit Stability through Adaptive Evolution of Overlapping Genes
Authors: Chlebek Jennifer L. , Leonard Sean P. , Kang-Yun Christina , Yung Mimi C. , Ricci Dante P. , Jiao Yongqin , Park Dan M.
Published: March 2023

The development of synthetic biological circuits that maintain functionality over application relevant timescales remains a significant challenge. Here, we employed synthetic overlapping sequences in which one gene is encoded or “entangled” entirely within an alternative reading frame of another gene. In this design, the toxin-encodingrelEwas entangled withinilvA, which encodes threonine deaminase, an enzyme essential for isoleucine biosynthesis. A functional entanglement construct was obtained upon modification of the ribosome binding site of the internalrelEgene. Using this optimized design, we found that the selection pressure to maintain functional IlvA stabilized the production of burdensome RelE for over 130 generations, which compares favorably with the most stable kill-switch circuits developed to date. This stabilizing effect was achieved through a complete alteration of the mutational landscape such that mutations inactivating the entangled genes were disfavored. Instead, the majority of lineages accumulated mutations within the regulatory region ofilvA. By reducing baselinerelEexpression, these more ‘benign’ mutations lowered circuit burden, which suppressed the accumulation ofrelEinactivating mutations, thereby prolonging kill-switch function. Overall, this work demonstrates the utility of sequence entanglement paired with an adaptive laboratory evolution campaign to increase the evolutionary stability of burdensome synthetic circuits.
Live-cell Fluorescence Microscopy of HSV-1 Cellular Egress by Exocytosis
Authors: Bergeman Melissa H. , Hernandez Michaella Q. , Diefenderfer Jenna , Drewes Jake A. , Velarde Kimberly , Tierney Wesley M. , Enow Junior A. , Glenn Honor L. , Rahman Masmudur M. , Hogue Ian B.
Published: March 2023

1.1

The human pathogen Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) produces a lifelong infection in the majority of the world’s population. While the generalities of alpha herpesvirus assembly and egress pathways are known, the precise molecular and spatiotemporal details remain unclear. In order to study this aspect of HSV-1 infection, we engineered a recombinant HSV-1 strain expressing a pH-sensitive reporter, gM-pHluorin. Using a variety of fluorescent microscopy modalities, we can detect individual virus particles undergoing intracellular transport and exocytosis at the plasma membrane. We show that particles exit from epithelial cells individually, not bulk release of many particles at once, as has been reported for other viruses. In multiple cell types, HSV-1 particles accumulate over time at the cell periphery and cell-cell contacts. We show that this accumulation effect is the result of individual particles undergoing exocytosis at preferential sites and that these egress sites can contribute to cell-cell spread. We also show that the viral membrane proteins gE, gI, and US9, which have important functions in intracellular transport in neurons, are not required for preferential egress and clustering in non-neuronal cells. Importantly, by comparing HSV-1 to a related alpha herpesvirus, pseudorabies virus, we show that this preferential exocytosis and clustering effect is cell type-dependent, not virus dependent. This preferential egress and clustering appears to be the result of the arrangement of the microtubule cytoskeleton, as virus particles co-accumulate at the same cell protrusions as an exogenous plus end-directed kinesin motor.

Importance

Alpha herpesviruses produce lifelong infections of their human and animal hosts. The majority of people in the world are infected with Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), which typically causes recurrent oral or genital lesions. However, HSV-1 can also spread to the central nervous system, causing severe encephalitis, and might also contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Many of the steps of how these viruses infect and replicate inside host cells are known in depth, but the final step, exiting from the infected cell, is not fully understood. In this study, we engineered a novel variant of HSV-1 that allows us to visualize how individual virus particles exit from infected cells. With this imaging assay, we investigated preferential egress site formation in certain cell types and their contribution to cell-cell spread of HSV-1.
Candida aurisevades innate immunity by using metabolic strategies to escape and kill macrophages while avoiding antimicrobial inflammation
Authors: Weerasinghe Harshini , Simm Claudia , Djajawi Tirta , Tedja Irma , Lo Tricia L , Shasha David , Mizrahi Naama , Olivier Françios AB , Speir Mary , Lawlor Kate E. , Ben-Ami Ronen , Traven Ana
Published: March 2023

Candida auriscauses life-threatening, drug-resistant infections. In addition to drug resistance, therapeutic innovation is hindered by our limited knowledge of the mechanisms used byC. auristo evade immunity and establish infection. Here we show thatC. aurisescapes phagocytic containment and kills macrophages, and demonstrate that the mechanisms rely on metabolic regulation. We found thatC. auris-infected macrophages undergo immunometabolic reprogramming and increase glycolysis but this does not lead to the expected antimicrobial responses, as macrophages fail to activate IL-1β cytokine and curbC. aurisgrowth. Further analysis showed thatC. aurisrelies on its own metabolic capacity to egress from macrophages, cause macrophage metabolic stress and cell death, and establish infectionin vivo. We identified a transcriptional regulator ofC. aurismetabolism and macrophage evasion, and further show that, contrary to several other pathogens,C. auris-induced macrophage metabolic dysfunction and death fail to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. Consequently, inflammasome-dependent antimicrobial responses remain inhibited throughout infection. Our findings establish a pivotal role for metabolic regulation in enablingC. auristo eliminate macrophages while remaining immunologically silent to ensure its own survival.
Systematic characterization ofUstilago maydissirtuins shows Sir2 as a modulator of pathogenic gene expression
Authors: Navarrete Blanca , Ibeas José I. , Barrales Ramón R.
Published: March 2023

Phytopathogenic fungi must adapt to the different environmental conditions found during infection and avoid the immune response of the plant. For these adaptations, fungi must tightly control gene expression, allowing sequential changes in transcriptional programs. In addition to transcription factors, chromatin modification is used by eukaryotic cells as a different layer of transcriptional control. Specifically, the acetylation of histones is one of the chromatin modifications with a strong impact on gene expression. Hyperacetylated regions usually correlate with high transcription and hypoacetylated areas with low transcription. Thus, histone deacetylases (HDACs) commonly act as repressors of transcription. One member of the family of HDACs is represented by sirtuins, which are deacetylases dependent on NAD+, and, thus, their activity is considered to be related to the physiological stage of the cells. This property makes sirtuins good regulators during environmental changes. However, only a few examples exist, and with differences in the extent of the implication of the role of sirtuins during fungal phytopathogenesis. In this work, we have performed a systematic study of sirtuins in the maize pathogenUstilago maydis, finding Sir2 to be involved in the dimorphic switch from yeast cell to filament and pathogenic development. Specifically, the deletion ofsir2promotes filamentation, whereas its overexpression highly reduces tumor formation in the plant. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis revealed that Sir2 represses genes that are expressed during biotrophism development. Interestingly, our results suggest that this repressive effect is not through histone deacetylation, indicating a different target of Sir2 in this fungus.
Structural basis for DARC binding in reticulocyte invasion byPlasmodium vivax
Authors: Moskovitz Re’em , Pholcharee Tossapol , DonVito Sophia M. , Guloglu Bora , Lowe Edward , Mohring Franziska , Moon Robert W. , Higgins Matthew K.
Published: March 2023

The symptoms of malaria occur during the blood stage of infection, when the parasite replicates within human red blood cells. The human malaria parasite,Plasmodium vivax, selectively invades reticulocytes in a process which requires an interaction between the ectodomain of the human DARC receptor and thePlasmodium vivaxDuffy-binding protein, PvDBP. Previous studies have revealed that a small helical peptide from DARC binds to region II of PvDBP (PvDBP-RII). However, it is also known that sulphation of tyrosine residues on DARC affects its binding to PvDBP and these residues were not observed in previous structures. We have therefore determined the structure of PvDBP-RII bound to sulphated DARC peptide, showing that a sulphate on tyrosine 41 binds to a charged pocket on PvDBP-RII. We use molecular dynamics simulations, affinity measurements and growth-inhibition experiments in parasites to confirm the importance of this interaction. We also reveal the epitope for vaccine-elicited growth-inhibitory antibody, DB1. This provides a complete understanding of the binding of PvDBP-RII to DARC and will guide the design of vaccines and therapeutics to target this essential interaction.
MEMO1 is a Metal Containing Regulator of Iron Homeostasis in Cancer Cells
Authors: Dolgova Natalia , Uhlemann Eva-Maria E. , Boniecki Michal T. , Vizeacoumar Frederick S. , Ralle Martina , Tonelli Marco , Abbas Syed A. , Patry Jaala , Elhasasna Hussain , Freywald Andrew , Vizeacoumar Franco J. , Dmitriev Oleg Y.
Published: March 2023

Mediator of ERBB2-driven Cell Motility 1 (MEMO1) is an evolutionary conserved protein implicated in many biological processes; however, its primary molecular function remains unknown. Importantly, MEMO1 is overexpressed in many types of cancer and was shown to modulate breast cancer metastasis through altered cell motility.

To better understand the function of MEMO1 in cancer cells, we analyzed genetic interactions of MEMO1 using gene essentiality data from 1028 cancer cell lines and found multiple iron-related genes exhibiting genetic relationships with MEMO1. We experimentally confirmed several interactions between MEMO1 and iron-related proteins in living cells orin vitro, most notably, the iron transporters transferrin (TF), transferrin receptor 2 (TFR2), and mitoferrin-2 (SLC25A28), and the global iron response regulator IRP1 (ACO1). These interactions indicate that cells with high MEMO1 expression levels are hypersensitive to the disruptions in iron distribution. Our data also indicate that MEMO1 is involved in ferroptosis and is linked to iron supply to mitochondria.

We have found that purified MEMO1 binds iron with high affinity under redox conditions mimicking intracellular environment and solved MEMO1 structures in complex with iron and copper. Our work reveals that the iron coordination mode in MEMO1 is very similar to that of iron-containing extradiol dioxygenases, which also display a similar structural fold. We conclude that MEMO1 is an iron-binding protein that regulates iron homeostasis in cancer cells.
UBE3A and transsynaptic complex NRXN1-CBLN1-GluD1 in a hypothalamic VMHvl-arcuate feedback circuit regulates aggression
Authors: Nong Yi , Stoppel David C. , Johnson Mark A. , Boillot Morgane , Todorovic Jelena , Shen Jason , Zhou Xinyu , Nadler Monica J.S. , Rodriguez Carrie , Huo Yuda , Nagakura Ikue , Kasper Ekkehard M. , Anderson Matthew P.
Published: March 2023

The circuit origins of aggression in autism spectrum disorder remain undefined. Here we reportTac1-expressing glutamatergic neurons in ventrolateral division of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) drive intermale aggression. Aggression is increased due to increases ofUbe3agene dosage in the VMHvl neurons when modeling autism due to maternal 15q11-13 triplication. Targeted deletion of increasedUbe3acopies in VMHvl reverses the elevated aggression adult mice. VMHvl neurons form excitatory synapses onto hypothalamic arcuate nucleus AgRP/NPY neurons through a NRXN1-CBLN1-GluD1 transsynaptic complex and UBE3A impairs this synapse by decreasingCbln1gene expression. Exciting AgRP/NPY arcuate neurons leads to feedback inhibition of VMHvl neurons and inhibits aggression. Asymptomatic increases of UBE3A synergize with a heterozygous deficiency of presynapticNrxn1or postsynapticGrid1(both ASD genes) to increase aggression. Targeted deletions ofGrid1in arcuate AgRP neurons impairs the VMHvl to AgRP/NPY neuron excitatory synapses while increasing aggression. Chemogenetic/optogenetic activation of arcuate AgRP/NPY neurons inhibits VMHvl neurons and represses aggression. These data reveal that multiple autism genes converge to regulate the VMHvl-arcuate AgRP/NPY glutamatergic synapse. The hypothalamic circuitry implicated by these data suggest impaired excitation of AgRP/NPY feedback inhibitory neurons may explain the increased aggression behavior found in genetic forms of autism.

One Sentence Summary

A feedback circuit in the hypothalamus that inhibits aggression is impaired by converging autism genetic defects.
The evolution of skilled hindlimb movements in birds: A citizen science approach
Authors: Gutiérrez-Ibáñez Cristián , Amaral-Peçanha Clara , Iwaniuk Andrew N. , Wylie Douglas R. , Baron Jerome
Published: March 2023

The ability to manipulate objects with limbs has evolved repeatedly among land tetrapods. Several selective forces have been proposed to explain the emergence of forelimb manipulation, however, work has been largely restricted to mammals, which prevents the testing of evolutionary hypotheses in a comprehensive evolutionary framework. In birds, forelimbs have gained the exclusive function of flight, with grasping transferred predominantly to the beak. In some birds, the feet are also used in manipulative tasks and appear to share some features with manual grasping and prehension in mammals, but this has not been systematically investigated. Here we use large online repositories of photographs and videos to quantify foot manipulative skills across a large sample of bird species (>1000 species). Our results show that a complex interaction between niche, diet and phylogeny drive the evolution of manipulative skill with the feet in birds. Furthermore, we provide strong support for the proposition that an arboreal niche is a key element in the evolution of manipulation in land vertebrates. Our systematic comparison of foot use in birds provides a solid base for understanding morphological and neural adaptations for foot use in birds, and for studying the convergent evolution of manipulative skills in birds and mammals.
The dynamics in asymmetric effects of multi-attributes on customer satisfaction: evidence from COVID-19
Authors: Kim Jong Min , Liu Jiahao , Park Keeyeon Ki-cheon
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the “new normal” induces the dynamics in the asymmetric relationship between service quality attributes and customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes online reviews for hotels in New York City. The authors use multi-attribute models to examine how a situational factor – the COVID-19 outbreak – creates dynamics in the asymmetric effect of service quality attributes on customer satisfaction. Then, the authors examine the change in these dynamics over time after adjusting to the “new normal.”

Findings

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced dynamics into the asymmetrical relationship between hotel service attribute performances and customer satisfaction. The pandemic magnified the asymmetric influences of particular attributes on satisfaction in the hospitality industry. In addition, the findings indicate the changes in such dynamics over time.

Practical implications

The findings emphasize that hotel managers should consider situational factors when understanding customer satisfaction. Particularly, this study suggests developing tailored strategies for responses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotel managers need to address changing customer expectations of service attributes to overcome unprecedented difficulties because of the limitations and new needs imposed during the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the hospitality literature with an understanding of the significance of situational factors in asymmetric analysis.
Realizing potential through absorptive capacity to create competitive advantage in hospitality organizations
Authors: Lim SangGon (Edward) , Ok Chihyung “Michael”
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Absorptive capacity is a knowledge-processing ability that hospitality organizations should hone to create competitive advantage in a fierce business environment. This study aims to examine an integrative model explaining how hospitality organizations infuse external knowledge into competitive advantage via absorptive capacity processes and opportunity-capturing abilities.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used structural equation modeling, using the R Lavaan package, with 288 survey responses collected from hospitality employees.

Findings

Structural equation modeling with multiple indirect relationships presents a holistic picture of how hospitality organizations develop externally acquired knowledge into organizational outcomes through detailed absorptive capacity processes. Unit size is found to positively moderate the indirect relationship between external acquisition and competitive advantage through knowledge transformation only. Competitiveness level negatively moderates indirect relationships through assimilation and transformation.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the importance of hospitality organizations’ knowledge management capabilities through acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation processes. These integrative mechanisms can be facilitated by intraorganizational coordinative processes through collective interpretations and applications of knowledge and effective organizational routines based on management and technical support.

Originality/value

This study proposes an integrative model encompassing a process perspective and the role of intraorganizational coordination in bridging potential and realized absorptive capacity.
Lean innovation training and transformational leadership for employee creative role identity and innovative work behavior in a public service organization
Authors: Tan Amy B.C. , van Dun Desirée H. , Wilderom Celeste P.M.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

With the growing need for employees to be innovative, public-sector organizations are investing in employee training. This study aims to examine the effects of a combined Lean Six Sigma and innovation training, using action learning, on public-sector employees’ creative role identity and innovative work behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors studied a public service agency in Singapore in which a five-day Lean Innovation Training was implemented, using a combination of Lean Six Sigma and Creative Problem-Solving tools, with a simulation on day one and subsequent team-based project coaching, spread over six months. The authors administered pre- and postintervention surveys among all the employees, and initiated group interviews and observations before, during and after the intervention.

Findings

Creative role identity and innovative work behavior had significantly improved six months after the intervention, enabled through senior management’s transformational leadership. The training induced managers to role-model innovative work behaviors while cocreating, with their employees, a renewal of their agency’s core processes. The three completed improvement projects contributed to an innovative work culture and reduced service turnaround time.

Originality/value

Starting with a role-playing simulation on the first day, during which leaders and followers swapped roles, the action-learning type training taught all the organizational members to use various Lean Six Sigma and Creative Problem-Solving tools. This nimble Lean Innovation Training, and subsequent team-based project coaching, exemplifies how advancing the staff’s creative role identity can have a positive impact.
Usage behavior of mHealth service users in Australia: do user demographics matter?
Authors: Talukder Majharul , Aroos-Sheriffdeen Seyed , Khan Md Irfanuzzaman , Quazi Ali , Abdullah ABM
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Mobile health (mHealth) service is an Australian Government initiative aiming to improve the quality of health-care services. However, little is known about Australian health consumers’ willingness to adopt mHealth. The purpose of this paper is to study the usage behavior of mHealth service users in Australia. While various factors may impact users’ willingness to accept mHealth, this research investigates factors influencing the mHealth adoption decisions of the Australian health-care consumers, and the moderating impact of demographic factors on the usage behavior (UB) of mHealth services which has been rarely addressed in an Australian setting in the past.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework is based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). Data were collected from residents of the Australian Capital Territory using a survey questionnaire and examined using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The proposed mHealth usage model demonstrated a good fit and indicated that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, service quality and government influence are critical issues shaping mHealth UB. The moderation analysis revealed that users’ demographics, namely, gender, age and education are instrumental in broadening the understanding of UB of mHealth service in Australia.

Practical implications

The findings will inform health-care service providers about the critical importance of the key factors driving the usage of mHealth services. Health-care providers and relevant authorities can develop targeted communication strategies that maximize the acceptance of mHealth services. Furthermore, deeper understanding of users’ demographic profiles would enable health-care service providers to promote their services to the right clients.

Originality/value

The above findings on the factors and user demographics informing the usage of mHealth services have unique practical, contextual and theoretical implications.
Need satisfaction and frustration scale (NSFS): adaptation and validation for Brazilian gig work context
Authors: Nunes Paula Martins , Carozzo-Todaro Mauro Enrique , Proenca Teresa
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to adapt and validate the need satisfaction and frustration scale (NSFS) for the Brazilian gig work context and investigate the distinctiveness of the constructs of basic needs satisfaction and frustration among Brazilian gig workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted on a sample of 351 Brazilian gig workers.

Findings

Results from EFA supported a three-factor structure, while results from CFA psychometrically supported a six-factor correlated model. The items that constitute the NSFS presented good discriminant validity (heterotrait-monotrait ratio) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega coefficients). Results regarding criterion validity partially support previous empirical evidence that considers needs satisfaction and frustration independent in relation to well-being and ill-being while reinforcing the need for further investigations. The Brazilian version of the NSFS is shown to be an instrument with robust psychometric qualities to assess workers’ perception of basic needs satisfaction and frustration in Brazilian gig work context.

Originality/value

This study broadens the scope of research on basic psychological needs by introducing a valid and reliable instrument to assess workers’ perceptions of needs satisfaction and frustration in the Brazilian gig work context, a population that has been neglected in self-determination theory research.
Shift work is not associated with dietary acid load in the NHANES
Authors: Storz Maximilian Andreas , Brommer Maria , Feraco Alessandra , Müller Alexander , Ronco Alvaro Luis , Lombardo Mauro
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Changes in eating habits and food preferences caused by circadian rhythm disruptions in shift workers increase the risk for chronic diseases. Several studies demonstrated that shift work exerts adverse effects on various risk factors for cardiometabolic disease and cancer. Moreover, shift work leads to altered eating patterns, including diets low in alkaline foods (such as vegetables, fruit and legumes) and high in acidogenic foods (such as meat, fish and cheese). Previously not examined, this imbalance could result in a high dietary acid load (DAL). DAL has been linked to low-grade metabolic acidosis, tissue inflammation and other metabolic alterations. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that shift work is positively associated with an increased DAL.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007–2010). The sample for this analysis was drawn from a representative multistage-probability sample of US civilians. DAL estimations included potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). Acid load scores and nutrient intake were compared between regular day workers (n = 3,814; mean age, 43.7 ± 0.3; mean body mass index (BMI), 28.6 ± 0.1; females 46.9%) and shift workers (n = 881; age, 37.4 ± 0.6; BMI, 28.4 ± 0.3; females 48.1%). Evening/night shift workers combined with rotating shift workers were contrasted to participants on a regular daytime schedule.

Findings

Potassium and magnesium intake were significantly lower in shift workers, whereas no significant differences with regard to total energy intake were found. The authors found significantly higher crude NEAPF scores in shift workers (mean: 61.8 ± 1.2 mEq/day) compared to regular day workers (mean: 58.7 ± 0.5 mEq/day, P = 0.023). After adjustment for confounders, however, this association remained no longer significant. There were no significant intergroup differences regarding NEAPR and PRALR.

Research limitations/implications

This study revealed significant differences in crude NEAPF scores between shift workers and day workers. After adjustment for confounders, this association was no longer significant. Such discrepancy is probably because of the scarce homogeneity in the analyzed sample which represents the main limitation of this study. Thus, the results did not confirm the hypothesis that shift work is associated with elevated DAL scores. Importantly, the data suggest significant intergroup differences in nutrient intakes without confirming our initial hypothesis with regard to DAL.

Originality/value

In light of the detrimental health outcomes associated with an increased DAL, this study reinforces the call for evidence-based dietary guidelines in shift workers. Studies in other shift working populations are thus warranted.
Diffraction denoising using self‐supervised learning
Authors: Markovic Magdalena , Malehmir Reza , Malehmir Alireza
Published: March 2023

Diffraction wavefield contains valuable information on subsurface composition through velocity extraction and sometimes anisotropy estimation. It can also be used for the delineation of geological features, such as faults, fractures and mineral deposits. Diffraction recognition is, therefore, crucial for improved interpretation of seismic data. To date, many workflows for diffraction denoising, including deep‐learning applications, have been provided, however, with a major focus on sedimentary settings or for ground‐penetrating radar data. In this study, we have developed a workflow for a self‐supervised learning technique, an autoencoder, for diffraction denoising on synthetic seismic, ground‐penetrating radar and hardrock seismic datasets. The autoencoder provides promising results especially for the ground‐penetrating radar data. Depending on the target of the studies, diffraction signals can be tackled using the autoencoder both as the signal and/or noise when, for example, a reflection is a target. The real hardrock seismic data required additional pre‐ and post‐autoencoder image processing steps to improve automatic delineation of the diffraction. Here, we also coupled the autoencoder with Hough transform and pixel edge detection filters. Along inlines and crosslines, diffraction signals have sometimes a similar character as the reflection and may spatially be correlated making the denoising workflow unsuccessful. Coupled with additional image processing steps, we successfully isolated diffraction that is generated from a known volcanogenic massive sulphide deposit. These encouraging results suggest that the self‐supervised learning techniques such as the autoencoder can be used also for seismic mineral exploration purposes and are worthy to be implemented as additional tools for data processing and target detections.
Application of chitosan nanoparticles in quality and preservation of postharvest fruits and vegetables: A review
Authors: Wang Su‐Yan , Herrera‐Balandrano Daniela D. , Jiang Yong‐Hui , Shi Xin‐Chi , Chen Xin , Liu Feng‐Quan , Laborda Pedro
Published: March 2023

Chitosan is an interesting alternative material for packaging development due to its biodegradability. However, its poor mechanical properties and low permeability limit its actual applications. Chitosan nanoparticles (CHNPs) have emerged as a suitable solution to overcome these intrinsic limitations. In this review, all studies regarding the use of CHNPs to extend the shelf life and improve the quality of postharvest products are covered. The characteristics of CHNPs and their combinations with essential oils and metals, along with their effects on postharvest products, are compared and discussed throughout the manuscript. CHNPs enhanced postharvest antioxidant capacity, extended shelf life, increased nutritional quality, and promoted tolerance to chilling stress. Additionally, the CHNPs reduced the incidence of postharvest phytopathogens. In most instances, smaller CHNPs (<150 nm) conferred higher benefits than larger ones (>150 nm). This was likely a result of the greater plant tissue penetrability and surface area of the smaller CHNPs. The CHNPs were either applied after preparing an emulsion or incorporated into a film, with the latter often exhibiting greater antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. CHNPs were used to encapsulate essential oils, which could be released over time and may enhance the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the CHNPs. Even though most applications were performed after harvest, preharvest application had longer lasting effects.
24 hours – Life in the E.R.: A state‐wide data linkage analysis of in‐patients with prolonged emergency department length of stay in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Dinh Michael M , Bein Kendall J , Alkhouri Hatem , Ní Bhraonáin Sinéad , Seimon Radhika V
Published: March 2023

Objective

Describe the characteristics and predictors of mortality for patients who spend more than 24 h in the ED waiting for an in‐patient bed and compare baseline clinical and demographic characteristics between tertiary and non‐tertiary hospitals.

Methods

This was a state‐wide analysis data linkage analysis of adult (age >16 years) ED presentations across New South Wales from 2019 to 2020. Cases were included if their mode of separation from ED indicated admission to an in‐patient unit including critical care ward and their ED length of stay was greater than or equal to 24 h. Cases were categorised by service‐related groups based on principle diagnosis.

Results

A total of 26 854 eligible cases were identified. The most common diagnosis groups were psychiatry, cardiology and respiratory. The odds ratio (OR) for 30‐day all‐cause mortality in admitted patients with an ED length of stay greater than 24 h were highest in those aged >75 years (OR 15.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.99–23.07,P < 0.001), oncology (OR 10.45, 95% CI 7.93–13.77,P < 0.001) and haematology patients (OR 2.95, 95% CI 2.01–4.33,P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Interventions and models of care to address ED access block need to focus on mental health patients, older patients particularly those with cardiorespiratory illness and oncology and haematology patients for whom risk of mortality is disproportionately higher.
Understanding the influence of genotype and temperature on proteolytic activity in distinct barley genotypes
Authors: Rani Heena , Bhardwaj Rachana D , Kaur Simarjit
Published: March 2023

This study aimed at investigating the effects of genotype and temperatures on the proteolytic activity in green malt of 48 barley genotypes, including 19 mutants, 15 hulled, 4 hulless, and 10 wild using enzyme assays based on casein, as substrate. During malting, insoluble barley protein must be hydrolyzed into soluble peptides and free amino acids to supply the brewing yeast with sufficient nutrients to grow rapidly and metabolize glucose and other sugars into alcohol through fermentation. However, the relatively hot temperatures employed during kilning usually denature the proteolytic enzymes due to their thermolabile nature. Even though the hydrolytic activity of most of the proteases is destroyed during the kilning process, the malt includes a small fraction of thermostable proteases that can further degrade protein in the subsequent mashing process. Considering the higher temperature range employed in industrial kilning and mashing, three temperatures (37, 50, and 70°C) were selected to identify the genotypes possessing high activity at the higher range of temperatures as well as thermostable variant of the enzyme. The proteolytic activity in all the genotypes declined after 50°C depicting its optimum temperature. Overall proteolytic activity was observed to be positively correlated with the amino acids and negatively correlated with protein content. Three mutant (BL2086, BL2091, and BL2079) and one wild (WS 237) genotypes possessing proteolytic activity in a higher range at all the studied temperatures have the potential to be exploited in the breeding programs for incorporating trait of thermostable proteolytic activity into low malting efficiency cultivars.

Practical Application

The optimal hydrolytic activities of carbohydrases and proteases during mashing are essential for producing high‐quality wort from malted barley to ensure that hydrolyzed molecules are available to brewers’ yeast to support fermentative metabolism. In this study, several barley cultivars were grown under identical environmental conditions but assayed at different temperatures. As result, four genotypes had been obtained that possessed optimal proteolytic activities at a higher temperature range and can be of great interest to breeders and maltsters for altering wort amino acid profiles and better exposure of starch to mashing enzymes, thereby increasing the fermentable sugar yield from the malt.
Prescription psychostimulants for cocaine use disorder: A review from molecular basis to clinical approach
Authors: Tardelli Vitor S. , Berro Lais F. , Gerra Gilberto , Tadonio Leonardo , Bisaga Adam , Fidalgo Thiago M.
Published: March 2023

Cocaine use is a public health concern in many countries worldwide, particularly in the Americas and Oceania. Overdose deaths involving stimulants, such as cocaine, have been increasing markedly in North America, especially with concurrent opioid involvement. To date, no pharmacological treatment is available to treat stimulant (including cocaine) use disorders. Prescription psychostimulants (PPs) could be useful to treat cocaine use disorder (CUD) as they share the pharmacological effects with cocaine, as evidenced by a recent meta‐analysis that assessed 38 randomized clinical trials (RCTs). PPs were found to promote sustained abstinence and reduce drug use in patients with CUD. The aim of this paper is to provide a narrative review of the clinical pharmacology of PPs and comment on the current stage of evidence supporting PPs to treat CUD. We also propose a model of care that integrates PPs with evidence‐based psychosocial interventions (such as cognitive‐behavioural therapy [CBT] and contingency management [CM]), a harm reduction approach and case management with social support.
Weighted genomic prediction for growth and carcass‐related traits in Nelore cattle
Authors: da Silva Neto João Barbosa , Peripoli Elisa , Pereira Angelica S. C. , Stafuzza Nedenia Bonvino , Lôbo Raysildo B. , Fukumasu Heigde , Ferraz José Bento Sterman , Baldi Fernando
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to assess the impact of differential weighting in genomic regions harboring candidate causal loci on the genomic prediction accuracy and dispersion for growth and carcass‐related traits in Nelore cattle. The dataset contained 168 793 phenotypic records for adjusted weight at 450 days of age (W450), 83 624 for rib eye area (REA), 24 480 for marbling (MAR) and 82 981 for subcutaneous backfat thickness (BFT) and rump fat thickness (RFT). The pedigree harbored information from 244 254 animals born between 1977 and 2016, including 6283 sires and 50 742 dams. Animals (n = 7769) were genotyped with the low‐density panel (Clarifide® Nelore 3.0), and the genotypes were imputed to a panel containing 735 044 markers. A linear animal model was applied to estimate the genetic parameters and to perform the weighted single‐step genome‐wide association study (WssGWAS). A total of seven models for genomic prediction were evaluated combining the SNP weights obtained in the iterations of the WssGWAS and the candidate QTL. The heritability estimated for W450 (0.35) was moderate, and for carcass‐related traits, the estimates were moderate for REA (0.27), MAR (0.28) and RFT (0.28), and low for BFT (0.18). The prediction accuracy for W450 incorporating reported QTL previously described in the literature along with different SNPs weights was like those described for the default ssGBLUP model. The use of the ssGWAS to weight the SNP effects displayed limited advantages for the REA prediction accuracy. Comparing the ssGBLUP with the BLUP model, a meaningful improvement in the prediction accuracy from 0.09 to 0.63 (700%) was observed for MAR. The highest prediction accuracy was obtained for BFT and RFT in all evaluated models. The application of information obtained from the WssGWAS is an alternative to reduce the genomic prediction dispersion for growth and carcass‐related traits, except for MAR. Furthermore, the results obtained herein pointed out that is possible to improve the prediction accuracy and reduce the genomic prediction dispersion for growth and carcass‐related traits in young animals.
Demography and reproductive seasonality of small terrestrial mammals in two forest ecosystems in Ghana
Authors: Adjapong Abena Owusu , Oppong Samuel Kingsley , Nsor Collins Ayine , Boakye Emmanuel Amoah , Ashiagbor George , Danquah Emmanuel
Published: March 2023

We examined the effects of habitat types (farmlands, open forests and closed forests) and seasons on the population demography and reproduction of small terrestrial mammals in two tropical evergreen forests [Atewa Range Forest Reserve (ARFR) and Bimpong Forest Reserve (BFR)] environments in 2018 and 2019. Small mammals were trapped with Sherman's collapsible traps on transects across land use types and seasons to measure change in the relative density, sex ratio, age structure, juvenile recruitment and breeding probability. Twenty‐two (22) species of 506 small mammals (16 rodents and six shrews) were recorded in this study. Relative density of small mammals (captures/100 trap nights) was highest (p < 0.05) in the farmland [ARFR (3.48); BFR (2.36)] than the open forest [ARFR (1.96); BFR (0.65)] and closed forest [ARFR (1.13); BFR (0.98)] habitats in both forest ecosystems. Overall sex ratio was male‐skewed (1.03:1) in the study. ARFR recorded higher female ratios in all habitat types [farmland (1:1.2); open forest (1:1.04); closed forest (1:1.3)] and seasons than males. Male sex ratio was high in all habitat types and seasons in the BFR. Majority of individuals captured in the habitat types [farmland (1.5:1); open forest (1.1:1); closed forest (1.5:1)] and seasons were adults. Over 90% of all captured adults in the study areas were actively breeding. The closed forest habitat type had the highest proportion (0.93) of actively breeding small mammals in the study forests. Seasonally, there were more species actively breeding in the wet season in ARFR and dry season in BFR. Majority of the small mammal captured (n = 268 recorded for ARFR and n = 168 for BFR) were adults. Juvenile recruitment (proportion of juveniles/total capture) was low for all the study forests (with mean proportions of 0.11, 0.04 and 0.03 for closed forest, farmland and open forest, respectively, in ARFR and 0.05, 0.03 and 0.07 for closed forest, farmland and open forest, respectively, in BFR) and seasons. Anthropogenic activities degrade ecosystems, change population demography and favour habitat generalists and pest species.
Patient characteristics, anaesthetic workload and techniques in the UK: an analysis from the 7th National Audit Project (NAP7) activity survey
Authors: Kane A. D. , Soar J. , Armstrong R. A. , Kursumovic E. , Davies M. T. , Oglesby F. C. , Cortes L. , Taylor C. , Moppett I. K. , Agarwal S. , Cordingley J. , Dorey J. , Finney S. J. , Kunst G. , Lucas D. N. , Nickols G. , Mouton R. , Nolan J. P. , Patel B. , Pappachan V. J. , Plaat F. , Scholefield B. R. , Smith J. H. , Varney L. , Cook T. M. ,   collaborators
Published: March 2023

Detailed contemporary knowledge of the characteristics of the surgical population, national anaesthetic workload, anaesthetic techniques and behaviours are essential to monitor productivity, inform policy and direct research themes. Every 3–4 years, the Royal College of Anaesthetists, as part of its National Audit Projects (NAP), performs a snapshot activity survey in all UK hospitals delivering anaesthesia, collecting patient‐level encounter data from all cases under the care of an anaesthetist. During November 2021, as part of NAP7, anaesthetists recorded details of all cases undertaken over 4 days at their site through an online survey capturing anonymous patient characteristics and anaesthetic details. Of 416 hospital sites invited to participate, 352 (85%) completed the activity survey. From these, 24,177 reports were returned, of which 24,172 (99%) were included in the final dataset. The work patterns by day of the week, time of day and surgical specialty were similar to previous NAP activity surveys. However, in non‐obstetric patients, between NAP5 (2013) and NAP7 (2021) activity surveys, the estimated median age of patients increased by 2.3 years from median (IQR) of 50.5 (28.4–69.1) to 52.8 (32.1–69.2) years. The median (IQR) BMI increased from 24.9 (21.5–29.5) to 26.7 (22.3–31.7) kg.m–2. The proportion of patients who scored as ASA physical status 1 decreased from 37% in NAP5 to 24% in NAP7. The use of total intravenous anaesthesia increased from 8% of general anaesthesia cases to 26% between NAP5 and NAP7. Some changes may reflect the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the anaesthetic population, though patients with confirmed COVID‐19 accounted for only 149 (1%) cases. These data show a rising burden of age, obesity and comorbidity in patients requiring anaesthesia care, likely to impact UK peri‐operative services significantly.
Allergic rhinitis in India
Authors: Moitra Subhabrata , Mahesh Padukudru Anand , Moitra Saibal
Published: March 2023

India is the home of nearly 20% of the global population with 1.35 billion people. Of all non‐communicable diseases, allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma appear to have increased in India over the past decades. Approximately 22% of adolescents currently suffer from AR in India. However, owing to the lack of adequate epidemiological studies in India, particularly in rural and suburban areas, this number may misrepresent the true burden of this disease. While the risk factors for AR are mainly environmental exposures or genetic factors, several new environmental, social, and behavioural risk factors such as the presence of dumpsters near residences, movement of vehicles near homes, and exposure to artificial light at night have been found to be associated with AR. However, despite international guidelines, the diagnosis and management of AR in India are often suboptimal, for multiple reasons such as the lack of specialized training in allergy and immunology among Indian clinicians, the lack of diagnostic facilities, and the high cost of medications. This review aims at highlighting the current scenario of AR in India and how it differs from the rest of the world. It also highlights the need for developing a strategic approach to enhance the quality of care for allergic diseases by upgrading education and training for healthcare professionals, creating awareness among clinicians and patients, and involving stakeholders and policymakers in making treatments accessible and affordable to patients.