bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational study and design of effective siRNAs to silence structural proteins associated genes of Indian SARS-CoV-2 strains
Authors: Madanagopal Premnath , Muthukumar Harshini , Thiruvengadam Kothai
Published: February 2022

SARS-CoV-2 is a highly transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus that first emerged in late 2019 and has since triggered a pandemic of acute respiratory disease named COVID-19 which poses a significant threat to all public health institutions in the absence of specific antiviral treatment. Since the outbreak began in March 2020, India has reported 4.77 lakh Coronavirus deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The innate RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, on the other hand, allows for the development of nucleic acid-based antiviral drugs in which complementary small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) mediate the post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) of target mRNA. Therefore, in this current study, the potential of RNAi was harnessed to construct siRNA molecules that target the consensus regions of specific structural proteins associated genes of SARS-CoV-2, such as the envelope protein gene (E), membrane protein gene (M), nucleocapsid phosphoprotein gene (N), and surface glycoprotein gene (S) which are important for the viral pathogenesis. Conserved sequences of 811 SARS-CoV-2 strains from around India were collected to design 21 nucleotides long siRNA duplex based on various computational algorithms and parameters targeting E, M, N and S genes. The proposed siRNA molecules possessed sufficient nucleotide-based and other features for effective gene silencing and BLAST results revealed that siRNAs’ targets have no significant matches across the whole human genome and hence, siRNAs were found to have no off-target effects on the genome, ruling out the possibility of off-target silencing. Finally, out of 157 computationally identified siRNAs, only 4 effective siRNA molecules were selected for each target gene which is proposed to exert the best action based on GC content, free energy of folding, free energy of binding, melting temperature, heat capacity and molecular docking analysis with Human AGO2 protein. Our engineered siRNA candidates could be used as a genome-level therapeutic treatment against various sequenced SARS-CoV-2 strains in India. However, future applications will necessitate additional validations in vitro and in vivo animal models.
Neutrophils degranulate GAG-containing proteoglycofili, which block Shigella growth and degrade virulence factors
Authors: André Antonin C , Barroso Marina Valente , Skerniskyte Jurate , Siegwald Mélina , Paul Vanessa , Debande Lorine , Ridley Caroline , Svahn Isabelle , Rigaud Stéphane , Tinevez Jean-Yves , Vivès Romain R , Sansonetti Philippe J , Thornton David J , Marteyn Benoit S
Published: February 2022

Summary paragraph

Neutrophil degranulation plays a central role in their ability to kill pathogens but also to stimulate other immune cells1–3. Here we show that neutrophil degranulation, induced in hypoxia or upon Shigella infection in vitro and in vivo, leads to the release of polymers called neutrophil Proteoglycofili (PGF). PGF are mainly composed of granular proteins (myeloperoxidase, elastase, lactoferrin, cathelicidin, albumin) pre-stored in various types of granules, and chondroitin sulfate. PGF individual fibers have a diameter of 43.9 ± 20.3 nm and. They secreted by viable neutrophils and do not contain DNA, as opposed to NETs which contains also granular proteins, chondroitin sulfate in addition to chromatin, released upon neutrophil disintegration and cell death.

We demonstrated that PGF block the growth of Shigella and other bacteria and degrade Shigella virulence factors. The degradation of the chondroitin sulfate polymers with testes hyaluronidases destabilizes PGF ultrastructure and abolishes its antimicrobial activity. Our results provide novel insights in the neutrophil degranulation process and open new doors for the investigation of PGF contribution to cytokines concentration gradient formation and adaptive immune cells activation. Further investigations are required to better appreciate the importance of this “sterile blaster” in infectious or inflammatory diseases.
Novel method for multiplexed full-length single-molecule sequencing of the human mitochondrial genome
Authors: Keraite Ieva , Becker Philipp , Canevazzi Davide , Frias-López Maria C. , Dabad Marc , Tonda-Hernandez Raúl , Paramonov Ida , Ingham Matthew John , Brun-Heath Isabelle , Leno Jordi , Abulí Anna , Garcia-Arumí Elena , Heath Simon , Gut Marta , Gut Ivo Glynne
Published: February 2022

Methods to reconstruct the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence using short-read sequencing come with an inherent bias due to amplification and mapping. They can fail to determine the phase of variants, to capture multiple deletions and to cover the mitochondrial genome evenly. Long-read whole genome sequencing is prohibitively expensive for mtDNA heteroplasmy detection and often does not recapitulate the full mtDNA length.

Here we describe a method to target, multiplex and sequence full-length, native single-molecule the human mitochondrial genome utilizing the RNA-guided DNA endonuclease Cas9. Combining Cas9 induced breaks as barcodes with long-read sequencing, we implemented a protocol in an optimal setting for both high or low integrity genomic DNA to target the circular mitochondrial genome with extremely high coverage. Our analytical pipeline efficiently detects single nucleotide heteroplasmy, physically determines phase and can accurately disentangle complex deletion patterns. This workflow is a unique tool for studying mtDNA variation in health and disease, and will accelerate mitochondrial research.
Impact of cell culture on the transcriptomic programs of primary and iPSC-derived human alveolar type 2 cells
Authors: Alysandratos Konstantinos-Dionysios , de Alba Rivas Carolina Garcia , Yao Changfu , Pessina Patrizia , Villacorta-Martin Carlos , Huang Jessie , Hix Olivia T. , Minakin Kasey , Konda Bindu , Stripp Barry R. , Kim Carla F. , Kotton Darrell N.
Published: February 2022

The alveolar epithelial type 2 cell (AEC2) is the facultative progenitor of lung alveoli tasked to maintain distal lung homeostasis. AEC2 dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of pulmonary diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), highlighting the importance of human in vitro models of the alveolar epithelium. However, AEC2-like cells captured in cell culture have yet to be directly compared to their in vivo counterparts at single cell resolution. Here, we apply single cell RNA sequencing to perform head-to-head comparisons between the global transcriptomes of freshly isolated primary (1°) adult human AEC2s, their isogenic cultured progeny, and human iPSC-derived AEC2s (iAEC2s) cultured in identical conditions. We find each population occupies a distinct transcriptomic space with both types of cultured AEC2s (1° and iAEC2s) exhibiting similarities to and differences from freshly purified 1° cells. Across each cell type, we find an inverse relationship between proliferative states and AEC2 maturation states, with uncultured 1° AEC2s being most quiescent and mature, their cultured progeny being more proliferative/less mature, and cultured iAEC2s being most proliferative/least mature. iAEC2s also express significantly lower levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes compared to 1° cells, suggesting immunological immaturity. Cultures of either type of human AEC2 (1° or iAEC2) do not generate detectable type 1 alveolar cells in these defined conditions; however, iAEC2s after co-culture with fibroblasts can give rise to a subset of cells expressing “transitional cell markers” recently described in fibrotic lung tissue of patients with pulmonary fibrosis or in mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis. Hence, we provide direct comparisons of the transcriptomic programs of 1° and engineered AEC2s, two in vitro model systems that can be harnessed for studies of human lung health and disease.
N-phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate enhances type I interferon anti-viral responses through activation of non-canonical NOD2 signaling
Authors: Ponti András K. , Zangara Megan T. , O’Connor Christine M. , Johnson Erin E. , McDonald Christine
Published: February 2022

Type I interferon production and the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) are key components of an innate immune response to many microbial pathogens. Dysregulation of this response can result in uncontrolled infection, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms shaping the strength of type I interferon signaling may provide critical insights into infection control strategies and autoimmune disease therapies. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) is an intracellular pattern recognition receptor that acts as both a bacterial sensor protein and a mediator of antiviral responses. Antibacterial functions of NOD2 are enhanced by treatment with the small molecule inhibitor of pyrimidine biosynthesis N-phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate (PALA), though how this might function in the host antiviral response remains unknown. Therefore, we tested the ability of PALA to enhance NOD2-dependent antiviral responses. Alone, PALA treatment of macrophages was not sufficient to induce interferon β (IFNβ) production or ISG expression. Instead, PALA synergized with IFNβ stimulation to enhance expression and activation of interferon-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) and induce the upregulation of a subset of ISGs in co-treated cells. Furthermore, PALA treatment of epithelial cells resulted in impaired viral replication of the herpesvirus, human cytomegalovirus. Induction of the PALA-enhanced antiviral response required activation of non-canonical NOD2 signaling mediated by mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS) and interferon response factor 1 (IRF1), rather than the classical receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 2 (RIP2) pathway or other IRFs previously reported to mediate NOD2 antiviral responses. These findings highlight pyrimidine metabolism enzymes as controllers of antimicrobial responses and suggest novel mechanisms for the modulation of type I interferon responses and antiviral activity.

Significance Statement

Understanding the molecular mechanisms shaping the strength of type I interferon signaling may provide critical insights to improve infection control strategies and autoimmune disease therapies. This work demonstrates that the pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor N-phosphonacetyl-L-aspartate synergizes with type I interferon to enhance antiviral responses through activation of a non-canonical NOD2 signaling pathway. These findings highlight pyrimidine metabolism enzymes as controllers of antimicrobial responses and suggest novel mechanisms for the modulation of type I interferon responses.
Capacity and tradeoffs in neural encoding of concurrent speech during Selective and Distributed Attention
Authors: Kaufman Maya , Golumbic Elana Zion
Published: February 2022

Speech comprehension is severely compromised when several people talk at once, due to limited perceptual and cognitive resources. Under some circumstances listeners can employ top-down attention to prioritize the processing of task-relevant speech. However, whether the system can effectively represent more than one speech input remains highly debated.

Here we studied how task-relevance affects the neural representation of concurrent speakers under two extreme conditions: when only one speaker was task-relevant (Selective Attention), vs. when two speakers were equally relevant (Distributed Attention). Neural activity was measured using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and we analysed the speech-tracking responses to both speakers. Crucially, we explored different hypotheses as to how the brain may have represented the two speech streams, without making a-priori assumptions regarding participants’ internal allocation of attention.

Results indicate that neural tracking of concurrent speech did not fully mirror their instructed task-relevance. When Distributed Attention was required, we observed a tradeoff between the two speakers despite their equal task-relevance, akin to the top-down modulation observed during Selective Attention. This points to the system’s inherent limitation to fully process two speech streams, and highlights the complex nature of attention, particularly for continuous speech.
Pairing-dependent plasticity in a dissected fly brain is input-specific and requires synaptic CaMKII enrichment and nighttime sleep
Authors: Adel Mohamed , Chen Nannan , Zhang Yunpeng , Reed Martha L. , Quasney Christina , Griffith Leslie C.
Published: February 2022

In Drosophila, in vivo functional imaging studies revealed that associative memory formation is coupled to a cascade of neural plasticity events in distinct compartments of the mushroom body (MB). In-depth investigation of the circuit dynamics, however, will require an ex vivo model that faithfully mirrors these events to allow direct manipulations of circuit elements that are inaccessible in the intact fly. The current ex vivo models have been able to reproduce the fundamental plasticity of aversive short-term memory, a potentiation of the MB intrinsic neurons (Kenyon cells; KCs) responses after artificial learning ex vivo. However, this potentiation showed different localization and encoding properties from those reported in vivo and failed to generate the previously reported suppression plasticity in the mushroom body output neurons (MBONs). Here, we develop an ex vivo model using the female Drosophila brain that recapitulates behaviorally evoked plasticity in the KCs and MBONs. We demonstrate that this plasticity accurately localizes to the MB α’3 compartment and is encoded by a coincidence between KCs activation and dopaminergic input. The formed plasticity is input-specific, requiring pairing of the conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US) pathways; hence we name it pairing-dependent plasticity (PDP). PDP formation requires an intact CaMKII gene and is blocked by previous-night sleep deprivation but is rescued by rebound sleep. In conclusion, we show that our ex vivo preparation recapitulates behavioral and imaging results from intact animals and can provide new insights into mechanisms of memory formation at the level of molecules, circuits, and brain state.

Significance Statement

The mammalian ex vivo LTP model enabled in-depth investigation of the hippocampal memory circuit. We develop a parallel model to study the Drosophila mushroom body (MB) memory circuit. Pairing activation of the conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus pathways in dissected brains induces a potentiation pairing-dependent plasticity (PDP) in the axons of α’β’ Kenyon cells and a suppression PDP in the dendrites of their postsynaptic MB output neurons, localized in the MB α’3 compartment. This PDP is input-specific and requires the 3’ untranslated region of CaMKII. Interestingly, ex vivo PDP carries information about the animal’s experience before dissection; brains from sleep deprived animals fail to form PDP while those from animals who recovered 2 hours of their lost sleep form PDP.
Combustion analysis of biodiesel-powered propeller engine for least environmental concerns in aviation industry
Authors: V. Balaji , S. Kaliappan , D.M. Madhuvanesan , D.S. Ezhumalai , S. Boopathi , Pravin P. Patil , Mani Saiprakash
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the influence of the corn biofuel on the Jet engine. Each tests were carried out in a small gas turbine setup. The performance characteristics of thrust, thrust-specific fuel consumption, exhaust gas temperature and emission characteristics of Carbon monoxide(CO), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Oxygen (O2), Unburned hydrocarbons (UHC) and Nitrogen of oxides (NO) emissions were measured and compared with Jet-A fuel to find the suitability of the biofuel used.

Design/methodology/approach

Upgrading and using biofuels in aviation sector have been emerging as a fruitful method to diminish the CO emission into the atmosphere. This research paper explores the possibility of using nanoparticles-enriched bio-oil as a fuel for jet engines. The biofuel taken is corn oil and the added nanoparticles are Al2O3.

Findings

The biofuel blends used are B0 (100% Jet-A fuel), B10 (10 % corn oil biofuel + 90% Jet-A fuel), B20 (20% corn oil biofuel + 80% Jet-A fuel) and B30 (30% corn oil biofuel + 70% Jet-A fuel). All fuel blends were mixed with the moderate dosage level of 30 ppm. All tests were conducted at different rpm as 50,000, 60,000, 70,000 and 80,000 rpm.

Originality/value

The results proved that within the lower limit, use of biofuel increased the performance characteristics and reduced the emission characteristics except the emission of NO. The moderate-level biofuel with Jet-A fuel showed the equally better performance to the neat Jet-A fuel.
Exploring the relationship between plot size and fertilizer use efficiency: evidence from large-scale farming in China
Authors: Li Fang , Feng Shuyi , Lu Hualiang , Qu Futian , D'Haese Marijke
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the relationship between plot size and fertilizer use efficiency (FE) in Chinese large-scale farming and searches for the underlying mechanisms that explain this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a household- and plot-level data set of large-scale production units (LSPUs) from Jiangsu and Jiangxi Provinces, the technical and fertilizer use efficiency of large-scale rice production is estimated by applying a translog stochastic frontier production function. The authors impose a monotonicity condition on the translog frontier using a three-step procedure to get theoretically consistent efficiency estimates. A beta regression model is then used to explore the association between plot size and LSPUs' efficiency in fertilizer application.

Findings

The average FE for the sampled plots is around 30%, which shows a large potential for LSPUs to reduce fertilizer use. A U-shaped relationship is observed between plot size and FE. The authors relate this non-linear pattern to the substitution of labour with capital-intensive technology and the efficiency differences in terms of farming performance between family and hired workers.

Originality/value

First, according to the authors’ knowledge, this paper is a first attempt to study the size–efficiency relationship focussing on fertilization practices of large-scale farming. The second contribution lies in the large-scale ranges of the plot-level data set. Third, efforts are made to reveal the mechanisms determining the plot size–FE relationship. Fourth, the authors provide guiding evidence for policymaking, as they show that the size of individual plots deserves equal attention in land consolidation decisions. Methodologically, this paper improves existing estimates of single-factor technical efficiency issued from a restricted production frontier model.
Role of information and communication technologies in Build Back Better to post disaster recovery practices: insights from Bangladesh
Authors: Shuvo Sakib Rahman Siddique , Islam Md. Nurul , Islam Sheikh Tawhidul
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of information and communication technology (ICT)-based communication technologies to create a sustainable recovery strategy through Build Back Better practice in the existing policy framework of Bangladesh. Its purpose is to analyse the problems associated with the current recovery process of the country and how the ICT-based communication technology can improve the situation. Nevertheless, the aim also extends towards the limitation of the technology and the infrastructures and possible adjustments in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the aim, the study conducted an extensive literature review of numerous grey literature, policy papers and scientific/academic articles in an exploratory approach.

Findings

The result shows that the disaster recovery process of Bangladesh is slow, and there are some mismanagements (the lengthy risk assessment using ancient data generation processes, lack of accessibility and report-based data product) which was a cause behind the massive destruction done by recent cyclones. The ICT-based methods (proper database, many to many communications, GIS) can make this response faster, transparent and easy to access.

Research limitations/implications

The research results may lack generalizability due to the research approach of the study. Thus, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

The study includes some possible adjustments to the argument for the existing policy infrastructure and scope of communication technology to bridge the theory and practice.

Social implications

The study also includes some suggestions to engage society in disaster recovery processes.

Originality/value

This paper urges to study the implication of technology in terms of disaster recovery on a broad scale.
Retaliation for whistleblowing: some case studies on the experience of re-employment/redeployment
Authors: Lewis David
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Courts and tribunals seem to have little knowledge about what factors make re-employment practicable. This paper aims to demonstrate that the re-employment/redeployment of whistleblowers may well be “successful” in a wide range of circumstances.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviewees were identified via a direct call to organisations involved in advising or representing whistleblowers. Covid restrictions at the time (March–April 2021) prevented case study interviews being conducted in person, so Zoom interviews were carried out.

Findings

The “success” of re-employment/ redeployment was associated with the following factors: the individual returned to the same job with a different boss or at a different location; the concern raised was dealt with; there had been judicial involvement by way of mediation and/or adjudication; that lawyers were used as representatives; that most returnees were not financially worse off; that the individual had the support of family, friends and colleagues and were willing to get the press or other media involved.

Research limitations/implications

As the findings are based on 11 interviews arising from snowball sampling, it goes without saying that they cannot be considered representative, and more extensive research is needed to check their validity. It should also be noted that the positive views expressed about re-employment/redeployment may reflect the fact that those who had more negative experiences of returning to work were less likely to volunteer to be interviewed. The author believes that this research demonstrates that a phenomenological approach can provide important insights into the highly complex nature of both retaliation for whistleblowing and any re-employment/ redeployment that ensures.

Practical implications

That factors could be identified, which might be associated with “successful” re-employment/ redeployment, has implications for both legal and human resource practitioners and perhaps for a wider society that believes those who suffer a wrong should have a say in the remedy that they are afforded.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, almost no research has been carried out into the experiences of whistleblowers who have been reemployed/redeployed following retaliation for raising concerns.
Passive Wi-Fi visitor analytics and food truck engagement: a feasibility study
Authors: Sung Billy , Stankovic Michelle , Lee Sean , Anderson Kevin
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to test whether passive Wi-Fi visitor analytics is a useful and effective method to measure consumer engagement towards food trucks located within an outdoor activation area at an Australian metropolitan university.

Design/methodology/approach

Using passive Wi-Fi visitor analytics to ping and track smart devices, data was collected over 90 weekdays capturing data from 522,548 unique smart devices.

Findings

The data collected in this feasibility study was able to identify the most and least popular food trucks by displaying the differences in both bounce and engagement rates, suggesting that passive Wi-Fi visitor analytics are feasible and useful in this context. Furthermore, the results also demonstrate that food truck vendors and marketers should not engage in random rotation, but instead remain static to try and increase familiarity.

Originality/value

Current visitor tracking technology (i.e. ticketed sales, sales data and survey) is limited as it may not provide an accurate measurement of foot traffic, identify engaged patrons who passed by but did not complete a purchase and be available due to commercial sensitivity and confidentiality. Thus, the current research is the first to examine customer engagement (i.e. unengaged walk-by vs engaged but bounced vs engaged sales) with food trucks within an activation area by using passive Wi-Fi visitor analytics.
The three enablers of sustainability intelligence
Authors: Beyne Jan , Moratis Lars , Vos Ans De
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Sustainability intelligence is critical for the prosperity of societies worldwide, for conservation of the natural world, for achieving future business success and for the credibility of the concept of sustainability itself. This study aims to present the concept of sustainability intelligence by expounding on three proposed enablers shaping this concept – self-awareness, global perspective and societal consciousness. The main point of this paper is to conduct inquiry into the topic, gather information on enablers for sustainability intelligence and share that information with readers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected information from a pool of respondents to answer this research question: Which enablers are imperative to pursue sustainability intelligence? By using a sustainability intelligence questionnaire (SIQ), the authors argue why these enablers could bring about large-scale sustainable transformation and new insights about sustainable practices. The SIQ consists of 15 statements from strongly disagree to strongly agree, with five scale points, exploring the three enablers.

Findings

The findings show that the respondents gave the greatest importance to societal consciousness, followed by global perspective and then self-awareness as important enablers for sustainability intelligence. In line with previous studies, it is worth noting these enablers have reciprocal reinforcing relationships. While the proposed enablers for sustainability intelligence could prove a helpful catalyst, the authors believe it is necessary to secure an ongoing incisive critical approach towards enablers and competencies needed to positively impact the sustainable development goals.

Research limitations/implications

We acknowledge there are some limitations using the current methodology. There is for example no control group. Also, this survey was only a-posteriori. It would be useful to execute a survey before the start of the academic year. Although we received some qualitative feedback linked to our research questions, it would be useful to add more in-depth qualitative research, by executing interviews with students. With these limitations, we recognize some room for improvement in our methodology.

Originality/value

This paper explores the wider practical implications of the sustainability intelligence enablers. The further development of the SIQ which might serve as an instrument that provides individual reports that highlight their unique skills and opportunities to shape a better world.
Effect of different cooking methods on quality characteristics of turkey meat cutlets
Authors: Mehta Varunkumar H. , Goswami Meena , Pathak Vikas , Verma Arun Kumar , Rajkumar Vincentraju
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different cooking methods on quality characteristics of turkey meat cutlets, i.e. turkey meat cutlets prepared by deep frying (DF), turkey meat cutlets prepared by shallow frying (SF), turkey meat cutlets prepared by microwave cooking at 740 MHz for 20 min (MW) and turkey meat cutlets prepared by microwave cooking at 740 MHz for 10 min followed by shallow frying (MS).

Design/methodology/approach

Several preliminary trials were conducted to optimise the formulation, and finally, turkey meat cutlets were prepared, as per the method followed by Singh et al. (2015). These standardised turkey meat cutlets were cooked with four different cooking methods. The best formulation and optimum cooking method were selected on the basis of physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation.

Findings

pH and moisture content of MW were significantly (P < 0.03) higher than DF, SF and MS; however, cooking yield and water activity values of MW and MS were significantly (P < 0.05) higher. DF had significantly (P < 0.02) higher fat content than SF > MS > MW. The values of textural parameters were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in DF, whereas lightness values of MW and redness values of DF were significantly (P < 0.02) higher. Scores of various sensory attributes, including overall acceptability, were significantly (P < 0.03) higher in MS. Therefore, MS – turkey meat cutlets prepared by microwave cooking at 740 MHz for 10 min followed by shallow frying were found optimum.

Originality/value

Cooking methods vary according to the choice and flavour of the consumer. Meat products, especially cutlets, can be cooked with many cooking methods, but it is always good to choose the one method which contains less fat per cent as per the requirement of present-day health-conscious consumer and also retains and add on to the taste of the product. Hence, microwave cooking followed by shallow frying was found as such a cooking method that has the characteristics of both, i.e. less fat content and also is tasty to the tongue.
The impact of money prizes from UEFA competitions on clubs' national performance
Authors: Ruta Dino , Lorenzon Luca , Lolli Nicolò , Gorlero Paolo Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This work aims to analyse money prizes awarded in European football club competitions organised by UEFA and the impact of these prizes on club performance in National Leagues. In pursuing this objective, the authors discuss the overall effect on the competitiveness of national leagues. The ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights and useful indications relating to the future of National and European Professional Football Competitions, a topic of increasingly heated debate. The authors specifically address the possible creation of a European Super League.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to test the specific impact of UEFA money prizes on clubs' national performance, the authors applied two multiple regression models, with a sample of clubs participating in four out of the big five National Leagues in European Football over the period 2013–2108. The authors used a series of economic variables as control variables, in keeping with previous studies on similar topics as presented in the literature review.

Findings

The results of the analyses show that money prizes have a significant and specific impact on European club competitions organised by UEFA in terms of improving national sport performances for clubs participating in said competitions. More in detail, the authors found this degree of impact not only in the season when this money was awarded but also in the following season.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in the empirical demonstration of the role of European competitions (via UEFA money prizes impacting clubs' national performances) in consolidating a general downward trend in competitive balance in the most important European Leagues.
Decreased ultraviolet radiation and decomposer biodiversity inhibit litter decomposition under continuous nitrogen inputs
Authors: Wei Bin , Zhang Dianye , Kou Dan , Yang Guibiao , Liu Futing , Peng Yunfeng , Yang Yuanhe
Published: February 2022

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has altered biogeochemical cycles and ecosystem functioning. As a key process involved in carbon and nutrient cycles in terrestrial ecosystems, litter decomposition is sensitive to external N inputs. However, it remains unclear how the interactions of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, soil biodiversity (bacteria, fungi and invertebrates) and conventional drivers (e.g. litter chemistry and microbial activities) regulate the responses of litter decomposition to continuous N inputs.

Based on a multilevel N addition experimental platform, we conducted a 2‐year litter decomposition experiment to examine the relative importance of N‐induced changes in biotic and abiotic factors in mediating changes in the decomposition rates of four litter types (three representative species and their mixture) along an experimental N gradient in a Tibetan alpine steppe.

Our results showed that litter decomposition rates exhibited a consistent decrease in response to N enrichment among all species and their mixture. The slowed decomposition rates with increasing N addition were associated with N‐induced reductions in UV radiation and soil bacterial diversity. An additional UV radiation manipulative experiment further confirmed that photodegradation had strong effects on plant litter decomposition at our study site.

These results demonstrated that N‐induced declines in UV radiation and soil bacterial diversity inhibited litter decomposition, challenging the traditional view that changes in litter chemistry and microbial activities determine the responses of litter decomposition to external N inputs.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The seaweed holobiont: from microecology to biotechnological applications
Authors: Ren Cheng‐Gang , Liu Zheng‐Yi , Wang Xiao‐Li , Qin Song
Published: February 2022

In the ocean, seaweed and microorganisms have coexisted since the earliest stages of evolution and formed an inextricable relationship. Recently, seaweed has attracted extensive attention worldwide for ecological and industrial purposes, but the function of its closely related microbes is often ignored. Microbes play an indispensable role in different stages of seaweed growth, development and maturity. A very diverse group of seaweed‐associated microbes have important functions and are dynamically reconstructed as the marine environment fluctuates, forming an inseparable ‘holobiont’ with their host. To further understand the function and significance of holobionts, this review first reports on recent advances in revealing seaweed‐associated microbe spatial and temporal distribution. Then, this review discusses the microbe and seaweed interactions and their ecological significance, and summarizes the current applications of the seaweed–microbe relationship in various environmental and biological technologies. Sustainable industries based on seaweed holobionts could become an integral part of the future bioeconomy because they can provide more resource‐efficient food, high‐value chemicals and medical materials. Moreover, holobionts may provide a new approach to marine environment restoration.
Introducing the combined atlas framework for large‐scale web‐based data visualization: The GloNAF atlas of plant invasion
Authors: Hancock Sebastian C. , Essl Franz , Kraak Menno‐Jan , Dawson Wayne , Kreft Holger , Pyšek Petr , Pergl Jan , van Kleunen Mark , Weigelt Patrick , Winter Marten , Gartner Georg , Lenzner Bernd
Published: February 2022

Large‐scale biodiversity data, for example, on species distribution and richness information, are being mobilized and becoming available at an increasing rate. Interactive web applications like atlases have been developed to visualize available datasets and make them accessible to a wider audience. Web mapping tools are changing rapidly, and different underlying concepts have been developed to visualize datasets at a high cartographic standard.

Here, we introduce the Combined Atlas Framework for the development of interactive web atlases for ecological data visualization. We combine two existing approaches: the five stages of the user‐centred design approach for web mapping applications and the three U approach for interface success.

Subsequently, we illustrate the use of this framework by developing the Atlas of Plant Invasions based on the Global Naturalized Alien Flora (GloNAF) database. This case study illustrates how the newly developed Combined Atlas Framework with a user‐centred design philosophy can generate measurable success through communication with the target user group, iterative prototyping and competitive analysis of other existing web mapping approaches.

The framework is useful in creating an atlas that employs user feedback to determine usability and utility features within an interactive atlas system. Finally, this framework will enable a better‐informed development process of future visualization and dissemination of biodiversity data through web mapping applications and interactive atlases.
The clinical frailty scale predicts 1‐year mortality in emergency department patients aged 65 years and older
Authors: Rueegg Marco , Nissen Søren Kabell , Brabrand Mikkel , Kaeppeli Tobias , Dreher Thomas , Carpenter Christopher R. , Bingisser Roland , Nickel Christian H.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To validate the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) for prediction of 1‐year all‐cause mortality in the emergency department (ED) and compare its performance to the Emergency Severity Index (ESI).

Methods

Prospective cohort study at the ED of a tertiary care center in Northwestern Switzerland. All patients aged ≥65 years were included from March 18 to May 20, 2019, after informed consent. Frailty status was assessed using CFS, excluding level 9 (palliative). Acuity level was assessed using ESI. Both CFS and ESI were adjusted for age, sex and presenting condition in multivariable logistic regression. Prognostic performance was assessed for discrimination and calibration separately. Estimates were internally validated by Bootstrapping. Restricted mean survival time (RMST) was determined for all levels of CFS.

Results

In the final study population of 2191 patients, 1‐year all‐cause mortality was 17% (n = 372). RMST values ranged from 219 days for CFS 8 to 365 days for CFS 1. The adjusted CFS model had an area under receiver operating characteristic of 0.767 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.741–0.793), compared to 0.703 (95% CI: 0.673–0.732) for the adjusted ESI model.

Conclusion

The CFS predicts 1‐year all‐cause mortality for older ED patients and predicts survival time in a graded manner. The CFS is superior to the ESI when adjusted for age, sex, and presenting condition.
Utilisation of neonatologist‐performed echocardiography in shock among neonatologists with interest in haemodynamic: International survey
Authors: Meau‐Petit Virginie , Levy Yael , Guellec Isabelle
Published: February 2022

Aim

Neonatologist‐performed echocardiography (NPE) is recommended during shock. We aimed to assess factors associated with NPE utilisation in the NICU and physiological information obtained during management of shock.

Methods

An Internet‐based survey, sent to neonatologists with interest in haemodynamics, studying NPE utilisation in shock management through a real clinical case and correlating its use with responders’ training and NICU settings.

Results

Fifty‐nine completed surveys were received from the United Kingdom: 38%, Western Europe: 32%, Canada: 23% and other countries: 7%. Whilst managing the given clinical case, 90% of responders expected first NPE to exclude congenital heart disease—although only 61% could exclude it confidently (71% in trained clinicians vs. 29% without training; p < 0.01). NPE utilisation prior to initiate treatment was significantly correlated with mean number of neonatologists able to perform NPE in the NICU (4.9 vs. 2.9 neonatologists per unit; p = 0.02). Similarly, for ongoing therapeutic guidance, NPE was more used in trained clinicians (p < 0.01). 88% and 81% of responders studied a combination of multiple parameters to assess filling and systemic flow, respectively.

Conclusion

Neonatologist‐performed echocardiography during shock management differs with previous training and number of doctors able to perform echocardiography in NICU. This study highlighted the need for enhanced training implementation.
Relationship of warfarin versus DOACs with thrombogenic milieu in the left atrium among patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ito Takahide , Akamatsu Kanako , Hasegawa Hitomi , Sakatani Yuka , Miyamura Masatoshi , Hoshiga Masaaki
Published: February 2022

Background

Thrombogenic milieu (TM) within the left atrium plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of thromboembolic events, for which anticoagulation treatment is indicated typically on the mandatory basis. Little is known, however, about which regimen of anticoagulation, warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), is more likely associated with TM. We evaluated relative relationship of the two treatment options with concurrently‐observed TM in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent transesophageal echocardiography.

Methods

TM was defined as the presence of either left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) or thrombus, or both. To determine which regimen was more likely related to TM, we firstly compared the prevalence of TM in 208 patients taking warfarin (Warfarin group) versus 486 patients taking DOACs (DOAC group); and secondly, did the same analysis after propensity score matching.

Results

Warfarin group was more likely associated with TM compared with DOAC group (46% vs 29%, p < 0.001). Similar findings were observed for dense SEC (18% vs 7%, p < 0.001) and thrombus (4% vs 1%, p = 0.057). The propensity score matching (198 patients for each group), where several baseline parameters were matched including age, gender, chronicity of AF, estimated glomerular filtration rate and B‐type natriuretic peptide as well as the left ventricular ejection fraction, resulted in similar findings to the original groups (TM, 47% vs 32%, p = 0.002; dense SEC, 18% vs 7%, p = 0.001; thrombus, 4% vs 1%, p = 0.047).

Conclusions

This study may strengthen the data on randomized trials that DOACs are superior to warfarin in preventing thromboembolic events in nonvalvular AF patients. Further studies are required to elucidate the details behind this difference.
Understanding spatially complex cryptic coloration in the green lynx spider Peucetia viridans
Authors: Rodríguez Zulay C. , Miller Thomas E. , Holdridge Erica M.
Published: February 2022

Many species are thought to use cryptic coloration to evade predators or catch prey. However, colour patterns are historically difficult to document and compare when coloration is continuous and spatially complex. The authors studied colour variation in the green lynx spider, Peucetia viridans, a sit‐and‐wait predator often found in the tops of inflorescences feeding on pollinators. Spiders were collected from three distinct plant species that provided different original colour backgrounds and photographed under standard lighting and background. A novel colour analysis method (Colormesh) was used to quantify spatially explicit contributions of red, green, and blue along the spider abdomen from digital photographs. Spiders collected from green backgrounds were found to have significantly greater contributions of green abdomen colours; red and blue body colours showed no significant correlation with spider background. This is the first study of colour‐matching in a natural population of this wide‐spread generalist predator and also demonstrates a novel method for quantifying complex, continuous colour patterns.
Enriching flood risk analyses with distributions of soil mechanical parameters through the statistical analysis of classification experiments
Authors: Schwiersch Niklas , Heyer Torsten , Stamm Jürgen
Published: February 2022

The distributions of soil mechanical parameters required for a comprehensive flood risk assessment are often taken from the scarce literature available. This article therefore presents a method to indirectly obtain the distributions from the results of often conducted classification tests. Empirical correlation terms are used for the transformation of the classification data into stability‐relevant parameters, in particular the void ratio, the soil unit weight, the friction angle and the saturated permeability. The method is applied exemplarily to a data set collected throughout Germany in the immediate vicinity of water bodies and plausible distributions are obtained for 2/3 of the 13 soil classes considered. For the validation of the results, the extension of (inter)national databases by samples of the considered soil mechanical parameters is recommended due to the current poor validation basis.
Calculation of basal metabolic rate in patients with morbid obesity treated in spa conditions
Authors: Adamczyk Przemyslaw , Siwacki Szymon , Ponikowska Irena , Juszczak Kajetan
Published: February 2022

Background

The present study aimed to calculate the basal metabolic rate (BMR) with the Mifflin equation based on the expected body mass for normal body mass index (BMI) values in obese patients treated in spa conditions.

Methods

Patients with morbid obesity (BMI > 40 kg m–2) and non‐obese controls (BMI < 30 kg m–2) were recruited. In total, 104 patients with morbid obesity (mean BMI ± standard deviation, 46.9 ± 2.1 kg m–2) treated in spa conditions and 90 non‐obese controls (mean BMI, 28 ± 1.3 kg m–2) were included in the present study.

Results

The mean BMR calculated based on actual body mass was 2088 ± 303 kcal in patients with morbid obesity and 1424 ± 268 kcal in non‐obese controls. The BMR calculated based on expected body mass for normal BMI decreased significantly in patients with morbid obesity (p < 0.01), but not in non‐obese controls. Accordingly, energy expenditure and planned caloric intake was significantly lower when BMR was calculated based on expected body mass rather than actual body mass in patients with morbid obesity, but not in non‐obese controls (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Expected body mass for normal BMI should be used to calculate the BMR in patients with morbid obesity.
Aponeurosis linguae—Myocutaneous or myotendinous junctions of skeletal muscle fibres in the human tongue?
Authors: May Christian Albrecht
Published: February 2022

The morphology of the more superficial tissue of the human tongue was investigated and discussed with the clinical appearance of fissures. Three regions could be distinguished according to the presence and shape of the aponeurosis linguae: the central region showed a thick aponeurotic plate with myotendinous muscle fibre insertions. The lateral region showed still an aponeurosis linguae but of reduced thickness and without muscle insertions. The edge‐wise and lower region showed no aponeurosis linguae but a fatty subcutis and myocutaneous muscle fibre insertions lacking specific molecules of myotendinous junctions. This system of partially developed exoskeleton seems to underlie but not to be involved in tongue fissures, which are more superficial within the epidermis and dermis.