bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demography-environment relationships improve mechanistic understanding of range dynamics under climate change
Authors: Malchow Anne-Kathleen , Hartig Florian , Reeg Jette , Kéry Marc , Zurell Damaris
Published: September 2022

Species responses to climate change are widely detected as range and abundance changes. To better explain and predict them, we need a mechanistic understanding of how the underlying demographic processes are shaped by climatic conditions. We built spatially-explicit, process-based models for eight Swiss breeding bird populations. They jointly consider dispersal, population dynamics and the climate-dependence of three demographic processes - juvenile survival, adult survival and fecundity. The models were calibrated to two-decade abundance time-series in a Bayesian framework. We assessed goodness-of-fit and discriminatory power of the models with different metrics, indicating fair to excellent model fit. The most influential climatic predictors for population performance were the mean breeding-season temperature and the total winter precipitation. Maps of overall growth rate highlighted demographically suitable areas. Further, benefits from contemporary climate change were detected for typical mountain birds, whereas lowland birds were adversely affected. Embedding generic process-based models in a solid statistical framework improves our mechanistic understanding of range dynamics and allows disentangling the underlying abiotic and biotic processes. For future research, we advocate a stronger integration of experimental and empirical measurements and more detailed predictors in order to generate precise insights into the processes by which climate affects populations.
Huntington’s disease phenocopy syndromes revisited: a clinical comparison and next-generation sequencing exploration
Authors: Koriath CAM , Guntotoi F , Norseworthy P , Dolzhenko E , Eberle MA , Hensman Moss DJ , Flower M , Hummerich H , Rosser A , Tabrizi SJ , Mead S , Wild E
Published: September 2022

When the genetic test for the Huntington’s disease (HD)HTTexpansion first became available almost 30 years ago, only 1% of patients tested negative. Since then, the test has become more accessible and the HD phenotype has expanded. More patients are being tested overall, and more negative tests are being received. These patients are deemed “HD phenocopy syndromes” (HDPC). In this study we established a current estimate for the prevalence of these patients. We also surveyed HD clinician experts on what would make them consider an HD test and compared both HD and HDPC patients to these expectations to decide whether they could be distinguished clinically; this proved impossible even when comparing symptom patterns. We re-analysed existing gene panel data for likely and potentially deleterious variants. Furthermore, we determined principles to prioritise patients for whole-genome sequencing (WGS). It was used to probe a 50 patient strong subcohort of HD phenocopy syndromes for known causes of HD-like and other neurodegenerative disease, identifying oneATXN1expansion using ExpansionHunter®. This was a small genetic substudy and therefore unsurprisingly no other known deleterious variants could be identified as in these cryptic understudied syndromes. Novel variants in known genes and variants in genes not yet linked to neurodegeneration may play an outsized role.
Cell type specific transcriptomic differences in depression show similar patterns between males and females but implicate distinct cell types and genes
Authors: Maitra Malosree , Mitsuhashi Haruka , Rahimian Reza , Chawla Anjali , Yang Jennie , Fiori Laura , Davoli Maria-Antonietta , Perlman Kelly , Aouabed Zahia , Mash Deborah C , Suderman Matthew , Mechawar Naguib , Turecki Gustavo , Nagy Corina
Published: September 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common, heterogenous, and potentially serious psychiatric illness. Diverse brain cell types have been implicated in MDD etiology. Significant sexual differences exist in MDD clinical presentation and outcome, and recent evidence suggests different molecular bases for male and female MDD. We evaluated over 160,000 nuclei from 71 female and male donors, leveraging new and pre-existing single-nucleus RNA-sequencing data from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Cell type specific transcriptome-wide threshold-free MDD-associated gene expression patterns were similar between the sexes, but significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) diverged. Among 7 broad cell types and 41 clusters evaluated, microglia and parvalbumin interneurons contributed the most DEGs in females, while deep layer excitatory neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocyte precursors were the major contributors in males. Further, the Mic1 cluster with 38% of female DEGs and the ExN10_L46 cluster with 53% of male DEGs, stood out in the meta-analysis of both sexes.
Differential Associations of Interleukin 6 Receptor Variant Across Genetic Ancestries and Implications for Targeted Therapies
Authors: Wang Xuan , Nogues Isabelle-Emmanuella , Liu Molei , Chen Tony , Xiong Xin , Bonzel Clara-Lea , Zhang Harrison , Hong Chuan , Dahal Kumar , Costa Lauren , Gaziano J. Michael , Kim Seoyoung C. , Ho Yuk-Lam , Cho Kelly , Cai Tianxi , Liao Katherine P.
Published: September 2022

Genomic data are increasingly incorporated into high-throughput approaches such as the Phenome-Wide Association Study (PheWAS) to query potential effects of targeted therapies. Genetic variants, such as the interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) genetic variant rs2228145 (Asp358Ala), have been identified with a downstream effect similar to the drug, e.g., tocilizumab which targets IL6R, and can be used to screen for potential protective or harmful signal across a broad range of traits in large biobanks with linked genomic and clinical data. To date, there are limited approaches to determine whether these effects may differ across diverse populations to inform potential differential drug effects especially in populations under-represented in clinical trials. In this study, we developed and applied an approach to detect heterogeneous associations, using the IL6R variant as an example, in African vs European ancestry. We identified a total of 29 traits with a differential association between the IL6R variant, with notable differences including a lower risk of type 2 diabetes in AFR vs EUR, and a higher white blood cell count. With the increasing use of targeted blockade of the IL6 pathway in conditions ranging from rheumatologic to cardiovascular conditions, the findings from this study can inform ongoing studies targeting IL6; general approach to test for heterogeneity of associations can be applied broadly to any PheWAS.
SAGA histone acetyltransferase module facilitates chromatin accessibility to SMC5/6
Authors: Mahrik L. , Stefanovie B. , Maresova A. , Princova J. , Kolesar P. , Lelkes E. , Helmlinger D. , Prevorovsky M. , Palecek J.J.
Published: September 2022

Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complexes are molecular machines driving chromatin organization at higher levels. In eukaryotes, three SMC complexes (cohesin, condensin, and SMC5/6) play key roles in cohesion, condensation, replication, transcription and DNA repair. Here, we performed a genetic screen in fission yeast to identify novel factors required for SMC5/6 binding to DNA. We identified 79 genes of which histone acetyltransferases (HATs) were the most represented. Genetic and phenotypic analyses suggested a particularly strong functional relationship between the SMC5/6 and SAGA complexes. Furthermore, several SMC5/6 subunits physically interacted with SAGA HAT module components Gcn5 and Ada2. As Gcn5-dependent acetylation facilitates the accessibility of chromatin to DNA repair proteins, we first analysed the formation of DNA damage-induced SMC5/6 foci in the Δgcn5mutant. The SMC5/6 foci formed normally in Δgcn5, suggesting SAGA-independent SMC5/6 localization to DNA-damaged sites. Next, we used Nse4-FLAG chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP-seq) analysis in unchallenged cells to assess SMC5/6 distribution. A significant portion of SMC5/6 accumulated within gene regions in wild-type cells, which was reduced in Δgcn5and Δada2mutants. The drop in SMC5/6 levels was also observed ingcn5-E191Q acetyltransferase-dead mutant. Altogether, our data suggest that the SAGA HAT module may facilitate chromatin accessibility to SMC5/6 at gene regions.

Author Summary

Genomes of all eukaryotes must be folded and packed into their relatively small nuclear spaces. Histones first pack free genomic DNA into nucleosomes and their arrays. Other complexes like histone modifiers and remodelers can regulate nucleosome positions and their packing within chromatin fibres. They assist in the relative opening or condensation of chromatin fibres and facilitate their accessibility to DNA-binding proteins. The highly conserved Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes (SMC) complexes (cohesin, condensin, and SMC5/6) compact further chromatin fibres at higher levels. These molecular machines can loop chromatin fibres, which need access to segments of free DNA for their physical binding to DNA. Here, we studied genetic and physical interactions between histone-modifying SAGA complex and SMC5/6. We show that the SAGA histone acetyltransferase module may facilitate chromatin access to SMC5/6.
RGA1 alleviates low-light-repressed pollen tube growth by improving the metabolism and allocation of sugars and energy
Authors: Li (李沪波) Hubo , Feng (奉保华) Baohua , Li (李俊材) Juncai , Fu (符卫蒙) Weimeng , Wang (王文婷) Wenting , Chen (陈婷婷) Tingting , Liu (刘连盟) Lianmeng , Wu (武志海) Zhihai , Peng (彭少兵) Shaobing , Tao (陶龙兴) Longxing , Fu (符冠富) Guanfu
Published: September 2022

Low-light stress compromises photosynthetic and energy efficiency and leads to spikelet sterility; however, the effect of low-light stress on pollen tube elongation in the pistil remains poorly understood. The gene RGA1, which encodes a Gα subunit of the heterotrimeric G protein, enhanced low-light tolerance in rice plants at anthesis by preventing the cessation of pollen tube elongation in the pistil. The levels of reactive oxygen species were higher and the content of ATP and ATPase was lower in RGA1 mutant (d1) plants compared with wild-type and RGA1-overexpressing (OE-1) plants under low-light conditions. Energy deficits, rather than interference with signaling transduction pathways, were the main contributors to the inhibition of pollen tube elongation in the pistil by low-light stress. In this process, marked increases in the activities of acid invertase (INV), sucrose synthase (SUS), and mitochondrial respiratory electron transport chain complexes, as well as the relative expression levels of SUTs, SWEETs, SUSs, INVs, CINs, SnRK1A, and SnRk1B, were observed in OE-1 plants. INV and ATPase activators (sucrose and Na2SO3, respectively) increased spikelet fertility by improving the energy status in the pistil under low-light conditions, and the ATPase inhibitor Na2VO4 induced spikelet sterility and decreased ATPase activity. Therefore, RGA1 could alleviate the low-light stress-induced impairment of pollen tube elongation to increase spikelet fertility by promoting sucrose unloading in the pistil and improving the metabolism and allocation of energy.
The genomes of medicinal skullcaps reveal the polyphyletic origins of clerodane diterpene biosynthesis in the family Lamiaceae
Authors: Li Haixiu , Wu Song , Lin Ruoxi , Xiao Yiren , Malaco Morotti Ana Luisa , Wang Ya , Huang Tao , Zhao Yong , Zhou Xun , Yang Jun , Zhao Qing , Kanellis Angelos K. , Martin Cathie , Tatsis Evangelos C.
Published: September 2022

The presence of anticancer clerodane diterpenoids is a chemotaxonomic marker for the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Scutellaria barbata, although the molecular mechanisms behind clerodane biosynthesis are unknown. Here, we report a high-quality assembly of the 414.98 Mb genome of S. barbata into thirteen pseudochromosomes. Using phylogenomic and biochemical data, we mapped the plastidial metabolism of kaurene (gibberellins), abietane and clerodane diterpenes in three species of the family Lamiaceae (Scutellaria barbata, Scutellaria baicalensis and Salvia splendens), facilitating the identification of genes involved in the biosynthesis of the clerodanes, kolavenol and isokolavenol. We show that clerodane biosynthesis evolved through recruitment and neofunctionalization of genes from gibberellin and abietane metabolism. Despite the assumed monophyletic origin of clerodane biosynthesis which is widespread in species of the Lamiaceae, our data show distinct evolutionary lineages and suggest polyphyletic origins of clerodane biosynthesis in the family Lamiaceae. Our study not only provides significant insights into the evolution of clerodane biosynthetic pathways in the mint family, Lamiaceae, but also will facilitate the elucidation of anticancer clerodanes biosynthesis and future metabolic engineering efforts to increase the production of these high-value chemicals.
NBS1 binds directly to TOPBP1 via disparate interactions between the NBS1 BRCT1 domain and the TOPBP1 BRCT1 and BRCT2 domains
Authors: Huynh Oanh , Ruis Kenna , Montales Katrina , Michael W. Matthew
Published: September 2022

The TOPBP1 and NBS1 proteins are key components of DNA repair and DNA-based signaling systems. TOPBP1 is a multi-BRCT domain containing protein that plays important roles in checkpoint signaling, DNA replication, and DNA repair. Likewise, NBS1, which is a component of the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex, functions in both checkpoint signaling and DNA repair. NBS1 also contains BRCT domains, and previous works have shown that TOPBP1 and NBS1 interact with one another. In this work we examine the interaction between TOPBP1 and NBS1 in detail. We report that NBS1 uses its BRCT1 domain to interact with TOPBP1’s BRCT1 domain and, separately, with TOPBP1’s BRCT2 domain. Thus, NBS1 can make two distinct contacts with TOPBP1. We report that recombinant TOPBP1 and NBS1 proteins bind one another in a purified system, showing that the interaction is direct and does not require post-translational modifications. Surprisingly, we also report that intact BRCT domains are not required for these interactions, as truncated versions of the domains are sufficient to confer binding. For TOPBP1, we find that small 24-29 amino acid sequences within BRCT1 or BRCT2 allow binding to NBS1, in a transferrable manner. These data expand our knowledge of how the crucial DNA damage response proteins TOPBP1 and NBS1 interact with one another and set the stage for functional analysis of the two disparate binding sites for NBS1 on TOPBP1.
Aging and Obesity Prime the Methylome and Transcriptome of Adipose Stem Cells for Disease and Dysfunction
Authors: Xie Shaojun , Choudhari Sulbha , Wu Chia-Lung , Abramson Karen , Corcoran David , Gregory Simon G. , Thimmapurum Jyothi , Guilak Farshid , Little Dianne
Published: September 2022

The epigenome of stem cells occupies a critical interface between genes and environment, serving to regulate expression through modification by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. We hypothesized that aging and obesity, which represent major risk factors for a variety of diseases, synergistically modify the epigenome of adult adipose stem cells (ASCs). Using integrated RNA- and targeted bisulfite-sequencing in murine ASCs from lean and obese mice at 5- and 12- months of age, we identified global DNA hypomethylation with either aging or obesity, and a synergistic effect of aging combined with obesity. The transcriptome of ASCs in lean mice was relatively stable to the effects of age, but this was not true in obese mice. Functional pathway analyses identified a subset of genes with critical roles in progenitors and in diseases of obesity and aging. Specifically,Mapt, Nr3c2, App, and Ctnnb1emerged as potential hypomethylated upstream regulators in both aging and obesity (AL vs YL and AO vs YO), andApp,Ctnnb1, Hipk2, Id2,andTp53exhibited additional effects of aging in obese animals. Further,Foxo3andCcnd1were potential hypermethylated upstream regulators of healthy aging (AL vs YL), and of the effects of obesity in young animals (YO vs YL), suggesting that these factors could play a role in accelerated aging with obesity. Finally, we identified candidate driver genes that appeared recurrently in all analyses and comparisons undertaken. Further mechanistic studies are needed to validate the roles of these genes capable of priming ASCs for dysfunction in aging- and obesity-associated pathologies.
Pandemic silver lining: how the COVID-19 pandemic helped women to beat the “gender stereotypes pandemic” in entrepreneurship
Authors: Muzaffar Haroon
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore how the COVID-induced exogenous shock changed the prevalent occupational gender stereotypes in entrepreneurship in urban Turkey and presented an opportunity to some Turkish women to start their own business. Furthermore, this study investigated how women entrepreneurs’ social networks helped them to clear the gendered hurdles that hindered their entrepreneurial endeavors in the times of COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

Highly personal topics like gender stereotypes are complex and nebulous, as is entrepreneurship as lived experience. Moreover, the COVID-induced crisis complicates the context further, which is why the addressal of questions about gendered stereotypes in the process of entrepreneurship, and the role of social networks in that process, warrants a qualitative research approach. Consequently, this study relied on in-depth semistructured interviews for investigating the study’s research questions.

Findings

The findings suggest that research participants used the COVID-induced crisis conditions as an opportunity to beat the existing occupational gender stereotyping in entrepreneurship in the context of urban Turkey that opened a window of opportunity for the women participants to enter into entrepreneurship. In addition, social networks significantly helped the women entrepreneurs to acquire resources, and provided the leverage needed to clear the gendered hurdles that hindered the women’s entrepreneurial endeavors.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is among the first that generates insights into occupational gender stereotyping in entrepreneurship within the context of a developing country in the times of COVID-19 crisis. Hence, this study can help to understand the broader implications of the crisis like COVID-19 for gender-related beliefs and attitudes toward women entrepreneurship within the context of developing countries.
Memorable dining experiences amidst the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ma Forest , DiPietro Robin B. , Li Jing , Harris Kimberly J.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of memorable dining experiences (MDEs) in the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 530 valid survey responses were collected in the USA. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) was used to estimate inner and outer models. A two-stage approach was applied to test the moderating effects of restaurant safety measures. Additional analyses were conducted to compare electronic word of mouth (eWOM) intention and actual eWOM behavior.

Findings

All five dimensions contributed to the overall memorability of a dining experience, with affect being the primary factor. Overall memorability was positively related to subjective well-being and actual eWOM behavior. Restaurant safety measures were positively related to the overall experience but did not moderate the relationship between any dimension and overall memorability.

Research limitations/implications

Findings provide empirical support for the conceptualization of MDEs during a pandemic and underscore the importance of actual eWOM behavior in restaurant research.

Practical implications

Results offer guidance for restaurant managers in designing MDEs.

Originality/value

The restaurant industry is evolving from simply providing products and services to creating experiences. Yet the impacts of crafting MDEs are not well understood, especially during a pandemic. This study filled this gap by investigating MDEs and their effects on subjective well-being and eWOM behavior.
Resilience in hospitality and tourism: issues, synthesis and agenda
Authors: Hall C. Michael , Safonov Alexander , Naderi Koupaei Sarah
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to identify research approaches and issues in relation to the main paradigms of resilience: engineering resilience, ecological resilience and socio-ecological resilience. This paper provides a synthesis of the core elements of each resilience approach and their implications.

Design/methodology/approach

A critical thematic review was undertaken of the hospitality and tourism resilience literature.

Findings

Resilience is a contested boundary object with different understandings according to conceptual and disciplinary position. The dominant approach in hospitality and tourism studies is primarily informed by engineering resilience with the focus at the organizational level. The ontological and epistemological understanding of resilience and change concepts appears limited leading to a lack of appreciation of the multi-scaled nature of resilience and the importance of slow change.

Research/limitations/implications

The research has important implications for understanding the key elements of different approaches to resilience.

Practical implications

The research synthesis may help improve resilience strategy and policymaking, including indicator selection.

Social implications

The research notes the relationship of resilience to sustainability, the potential for learning and decision-making practices.

Originality/value

In addition to thematic analysis, a model of the multi-scaled nature of resilience is provided and the key elements of the three main approaches with implications for theory and practice.
Digital onboarding and employee outcomes: empirical evidence from the UK
Authors: Sani Kareem Folohunso , Adisa Toyin Ajibade , Adekoya Olatunji David , Oruh Emeka Smart
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Given the sharp rise in the adoption of digital onboarding in employment relations and human resource management practices, largely caused by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, this study explores the impact of digital onboarding on employees' wellbeing, engagement level, performance, and overall outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses an interpretive qualitative research methodology, undertaking semi-structured interviews with 28 participants working in the UK services industry.

Findings

The study finds that digital onboarding has a significant impact on employee outcomes, following the perceptions of “dwindling social connectedness and personal wellbeing”, “meaningful and meaningless work”, and “poor employee relations” among employees and their employers in the workplace.

Practical implications

Due to the increased adoption of digital onboarding, human resources teams must focus on having considerable human interaction with new hires, even if this means adopting a hybrid approach to onboarding. Human resources teams must ensure that they work together with line managers to promote a welcoming culture for new hires and facilitate organisation-driven socialisation tactics and the “quality” information necessary for supporting new employees. For new employees, besides acquiring the digital skills that are essential in the workplace, they must accept the changing digital landscape in order to practice effective communication and align their goals and values with those of their organisation.

Originality/value

Qualitative research on the influence of digital onboarding on employee outcomes is limited, with much of the research yet to substantially consider the impact of digitalisation on the human resources function of onboarding employees as full members of an organisation.
How do functional traits influence tree demographic properties in a subtropical monsoon forest?
Authors: He Pengcheng , Lian Juyu , Ye Qing , Liu Hui , Zheng Yi , Yu Kailiang , Zhu Shidan , Li Ronghua , Yin Deyi , Ye Wanhui , Wright Ian J.
Published: September 2022

Functional traits are good predictors of plant responses and adaptations to ever‐changing environments. However, forecasting forest community dynamics is challenging because the relationships among different tree demographic properties (growth, mortality and recruitment) and how functional traits are associated with tree demography remain largely unknown.

Here, in a 20‐ha subtropical forest permanent plot, we quantified the rates of tree growth, mortality and recruitment across 53 dominant tree species (diameter at breast height; DBH ≥ 1 cm) from 2005 to 2020. Functional traits that are closely related to plant photosynthesis, nutrients, hydraulics and drought tolerance were measured.

We found that tree growth rate (GR) varied independently from rates of tree mortality and recruitment. Hydraulic conductivity was positively correlated with GR (explaining 27% variation—the strongest relationship observed) whereas wood density was negatively correlated with GR. Leaf life span was negatively related to tree mortality. Species with high carbon assimilation rate, nutrient concentration and hydraulic conductivity had high recruitment rates. Leaf turgor loss point was unrelated to plant demography. Principal component analysis revealed that species with quick resource acquisition rates had high rates of growth and recruitment.

Our results illustrate that the correlations among tree demographic properties were weak in this subtropical forest with monsoonal climate. Most notably, against expectations, there was no observed trade‐off between growth and mortality. Individual functional traits explained up to 27% of each demographic rate. Variation in recruitment rate was aligned with traits indexing the leaf economic spectrum and also plant hydraulic variation. A better understanding of the role of disturbances on trait–demography relationships would help build a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the ecology of subtropical monsoon forests.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Maternal sudden death: A nationwide retrospective study
Authors: Braund Sophia , Leviel Juliette , Morau Estelle , Deneux‐Tharaux Catherine , Verspyck Eric ,   ENCMM study group
Published: September 2022

Objective

To determine the prevalence of maternal sudden death (MSD) and to compare the characteristics of death between women with explained and unexplained sudden death.

Design

A national retrospective study in France.

Population

Maternal deaths related to an unexpected sudden cardiac arrest were extracted from the French National Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths database for 2007–2012.

Methods

Maternal, pregnancy, sudden death characteristics and maternal investigations were compared between women with explained and unexplained cause of death.

Results

A total of 83 maternal sudden deaths and 4 949 890 live births occurred over the period studied, thus accounting for 16% of all maternal deaths (n = 510). Death was explained in 51 (61%) women and unexplained in 32 women (39%). Compared with women with unexplained death, women with explained death were more often found to have in‐hospital cardiac arrest (47% versus 12%, P < 0.01), witnessed cardiac arrest (86% versus 62%, P = 0.03) and in‐hospital death (82% versus 47%, P < 0.01). Postmortem investigations such as autopsy and/or CT scan (65% versus 31%, P < 0.01) were also more often carried out in women with explained death. The proportion of deaths for which the preventability factors could not be assessed was 58% among unexplained MSD and 7% among explained MSD.

Conclusion

Maternal sudden death is a rare event but accounts for a high proportion of all maternal deaths. This highlights the importance of providing training in diagnostic and management strategy for care providers. Systematic postmortem investigations are required to help understand causes and improve practices.
A comprehensive review of microorganism‐derived cyclic peptides: Bioactive functions and food safety applications
Authors: Luo Jiaqi , Liu Siyu , Lu Hongyun , Chen Qihe , Shi Ying
Published: September 2022

Cyclic peptides possess advanced structural characteristics of stability and play a vital role in medical treatment and agriculture. However, the biological functions of microorganism‐derived cyclic peptides (MDCPs) and their applications in food industry were relatively absent. MDCPs are derived from extensive fermented food or soil. In this review, the synthesis approaches and structural characteristics are overviewed, while the interrelationship between bioactivities and functions is emphasized. This review summarizes the bioactivities of MDCPs from in vitro to in vivo, including antimicrobial activities, immune regulation, and antiviral cell activation. Their multiple functions as well as applications during food product processing, packaging, and storage are also comprehensively reviewed. Remarkably, some potential risks and cytotoxicity of MDCPs are also critically discussed. Moreover, future applications of MDCPs in the development of novel food additives and bioengineering materials are organized. Based on this review of native MDCPs, it is noteworthy that expected improvements of synthetic cyclic peptides in bioactive properties present potential valuable applications in future food, including artificial meat.
Intelligent detection for fresh‐cut fruit and vegetable processing: Imaging technology
Authors: Tang Tiantian , Zhang Min , Mujumdar Arun S.
Published: September 2022

Fresh‐cut fruits and vegetables are healthy and convenient ready‐to‐eat foods, and the final quality is related to the raw materials and each step of the cutting unit. It is necessary to integrate suitable intelligent detection technologies into the production chain so as to inspect each operation to ensure high product quality. In this paper, several imaging technologies that can be applied online to the processing of fresh‐cut products are reviewed, including: multispectral/hyperspectral imaging (M/HSI), fluorescence imaging (FI), X‐ray imaging (XRI), ultrasonic imaging, thermal imaging (TI), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), terahertz imaging, and microwave imaging (MWI). The principles, advantages, and limitations of these imaging technologies are critically summarized. The potential applications of these technologies in online quality control and detection during the fresh‐cut processing are comprehensively discussed, including quality of raw materials, contamination of cutting equipment, foreign bodies mixed in the processing, browning and microorganisms of the cutting surface, quality/shelf‐life evaluation, and so on. Finally, the challenges and future application prospects of imaging technology in industrialization are presented.
Statistician, Missionary, Mother
Authors: Taylor Ursula Winifred , Aldrich John
Published: September 2022

Marriage was often career-ending for female statisticians before the 1960s. So what happened to them next? Here, Ursula Winifred Taylor and John Aldrich reflect on the extraordinary life and work of Winifred Mackenzie
Messages in online stock forums and stock price synchronicity: Evidence from China
Authors: Huang Can , Cao Yuqiang , Lu Meiting , Shan Yaowen , Zhang Yizhou
Published: September 2022

Online stock forums allow investors to share information and exchange opinions, which facilitates the incorporation of firm‐specific information into prices and reduces stock price synchronicity. However, prior research presents mixed evidence as to the value of messages in online forums. Using the information of the Eastmoney Guba online forum in China, we find a causal and negative relation between Guba messages and stock price synchronicity. The finding is robust after accounting for media reports and firm fixed effects and using both an instrumental variable analysis and an experimental design that exploits exogenous changes in the authenticity of Guba messages. We find the impact of Guba information is attributed to its roles in both information dissemination and investor interaction and is more pronounced for messages with a negative narrative tone. Additional tests suggest Guba messages improve firm information disclosure quality, reduce stock price crash risk and decrease stock return volatility synchronicity.
The effect of source animal age, decellularization protocol, and sterilization method on bovine acellular dermal matrix as a scaffold for wound healing and skin regeneration
Authors: Mansour Reyhaneh Nassiri , Karimizade Ayoob , Enderami Seyed Ehsan , Abasi Mozhgan , Talebpour Amiri Fereshteh , Jafarirad Abdolreza , Mellati Amir
Published: September 2022

Background

Healing the full‐thickness skin wounds has remained a challenge. One of the most frequently used grafts for skin regeneration is xenogeneic acellular dermal matrices (ADMs), including bovine ADMs. This study investigated the effect of the source animal age, enzymatic versus non‐enzymatic decellularization protocols, and gamma irradiation versus ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization on the scaffold.

Methods

ADMs were prepared using the dermises of fetal bovine or calf skins. All groups were decellularized through chemical and mechanical methods, unless T‐FADM samples, in which an enzymatic step was added to the decellularization protocol. All groups were sterilized with ethylene oxide (EO), except G‐FADM which was sterilized using gamma irradiation. The scaffolds were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile test, MTT assay, DNA quantification, and real‐time PCR. The performance of the ADMs in wound treatment was also evaluated macroscopically and histologically.

Results

All ADMs were effectively decellularized. In comparison to FADM (EO‐sterilized fetal ADM), morphological, and mechanical properties of G‐FADM, T‐FADM, and CADM (EOsterilized calf ADM) were changed to different extents. In addition, the CADM and G‐FADM were thermally more stable than the FADM and T‐FADM. Although all ADMs were noncytotoxic, the wounds of the FADM, T‐FADM, and G‐FADM groups were contracted to almost 30.0% of the original area on day 7, significantly faster than the CADM (17.5% ± 1.7) and control (12.2% ± 1.59) groups. However, by day 21, all ADMs were mostly closed except for the untreated group (60.1 ± 1.8).

Conclusion

Altogether, fetal source and EO‐sterilized samples performed better than calf source and gamma‐sterilized samples unless in some mechanical properties. There was no added value in using enzymatic treatment during the decellularization process. Our results suggest that the age, decellularization, and sterilization methods of animal source should be selected based on the clinical requirements.
Using machine learning to analyze longitudinal data: A tutorial guide and best‐practice recommendations for social science researchers
Authors: Sheetal Abhishek , Jiang Zhou , Di Milia Lee
Published: September 2022

This article introduces the research community to the power of machine learning over traditional approaches when analyzing longitudinal data. Although traditional approaches work well with small to medium datasets, machine learning models are more appropriate as the available data becomes larger and more complex. Additionally, machine learning methods are ideal for analyzing longitudinal data because they do not make any assumptions about the distribution of the dependent and independent variables or the homogeneity of the underlying population. They can also analyze cases with partial information. In this article, we use the Household, Income, and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey to illustrate the benefits of machine learning. Using a machine learning algorithm, we analyze the relationship between job‐related variables and neuroticism across 13 years of the HILDA survey. We suggest that the results produced by machine learning can be used to generate generalizable rules from the data to augment our theoretical understanding of the domain. With a technical guide, this article offers critical information and best‐practice recommendations that can assist social science researchers in conducting machine learning analysis with longitudinal data.
‘My room is like my sanctuary’: Exploring homelessness and home(un)making in the austere city
Authors: Paul Joshua
Published: September 2022

Since austerity policies in the UK began in 2010, homelessness has risen rapidly. Drawing from feminist geographical theories and methodologies, this paper examines experiences of homelessness under austerity in Haringey, London through photo‐elicitation research with one participant, Tessa. This paper argues that home(un)making—the constantly shifting balance of homemaking and unmaking—is central to everyday experiences of, and resistance to, austerity. The paper first demonstrates how Tessa resists austerity through practices of homemaking that enable her to cope with the difficulties of homelessness at a time of austerity. Next, it explores how Tessa's relationships with other actors in the homeless shelter—other residents and government officials—contributed to processes of home‐unmaking, exacerbating the hardships she experiences. By developing the concept of home(un)making, therefore, this paper aims to show the dynamism of home for homeless people under austerity.
The first case of robotic‐assisted transabdominal retrorectus repair for incisional hernia in Japan
Authors: Shimada Gen , Matsubara Taketo , Sanbonmatsu Mariko , Nakabayashi Rumi , Miyachi Yosuke , Taketa Takashi , Suzuki Akihiro , Yokoi Tadao , Kaido Toshimi
Published: September 2022

Extraperitoneal mesh repair for ventral hernia has garnered attention and its rate has been increasing due to concerns for the potential complications of intraperitoneal mesh repair. Recently, robotic‐assisted ventral hernia repair is highlighted as a solution to the technically demanding nature of laparoscopic transabdominal or enhanced‐view totally extraperitoneal retrorectus ventral hernia repair. A 78‐year‐old man, who had undergone robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy 10 months earlier, presented with an incisional hernia of European Hernia Society Classification M3W2, length 4 cm, width 5 cm with rectus diastasis. A right single‐docking robotic‐assisted transabdominal retrorectus repair was performed using a 21 by 14 cm self‐gripping mesh and anterior wall reconstruction was done by 0 barbed nonabsorbable running suture. There were no complications and recurrence observed during a 7 months postoperative period. Single‐docking robotic‐assisted transabdominal retrorectus repair was considered a good option for midline moderate‐size incisional hernias from the point of view of the ease of suturing, adequateness of dissection and prevention of bowel injury.
Species dominance rather than complementarity drives community digestibility and litter decomposition in species‐rich Mediterranean rangelands
Authors: Kazakou Elena , Bumb Iris , Garnier Eric
Published: September 2022

Questions

Management practices in permanent grasslands affect plant community structure and thus resources for both the herbivore and the decomposer subsystems. While their effects on digestibility or litter decomposition had been studied separately, few, if any, studies have tested the responses simultaneously and the underlying relationships with community functional structure. We tested whether the mass ratio hypothesis or the niche complementarity hypothesis held in scaling up from species to community level.

Location

Dry calcareous rangelands of southern France on a limestone plateau.

Methods

We measured digestibility and litter decomposability of 24 communities in three management regimes representing an intensification gradient corresponding to a combination of increased fertility and grazing. Key structural leaf traits (e.g. leaf dry‐matter content, LDMC) and chemical traits (e.g. leaf nitrogen content, LNC, and leaf neutral detergent fiber, LNDF) were measured as well as communities’ mean (i.e. community‐weighted mean, CWM) and variance (i.e. community‐weighted variance, CWV).

Results

Digestibility and litter decomposability were higher in intensively grazed and fertilized than in lightly grazed and abandoned communities. Increased nutrient availability combined with more intense grazing induced an increase in CWM LNC and a decrease in CWM LDMC and CWM LNDF. Communities in these regimes were less functionally diverse, with lower CWV LDMC and lower CWV LNDF.

Conclusions

The close relationship between digestibility and decomposability was maintained at the community level. Relationships between CWM, community digestibility and decomposability were more consistent across the management regimes than relationships with CWV, supporting the dominance rather than the complementarity hypothesis.
Female urinary incontinence in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Whiting Danielle , Shane Asiimwe Ian , Pope Rachel , Payne Stephen , Venn Suzie
Published: September 2022

Urinary incontinence (UI) is highly prevalent amongst women around the world. In this review article we explore UI, its consequences and treatment in sub‐Saharan Africa, providing specific examples from Uganda and Malawi. In sub‐Saharan Africa the prevalence of UI is difficult to assess because of the wide variation in reporting resulting from patients hiding their condition due to the associated stigma in many communities. Whilst much of the literature from low‐ or low‐middle‐income countries focuses on UI from pelvic floor fistula, recent evidence demonstrates that non‐fistulous stress, urgency and mixed UI are highly prevalent in sub‐Saharan Africa. Incontinence secondary to vesico‐vaginal fistula can be related to obstetric causes, mainly obstructed labour. The risk factors for non‐fistulous incontinence are similar to those identified in high‐income countries, including high parity, vaginal and assisted delivery, gestational age, constipation, obesity, chronic cough and ageing. Urinary incontinence has significant social and emotional consequences, with a high proportion of women in African countries reporting relationship problems, depression and suicidal ideation. There is poor understanding of the perceived aetiology of incontinence in sub‐Saharan Africa, which may, in part, act as a barrier for women to seek medical advice. Innovative solutions have been found to manage the large number of obstetric fistulas that are prevalent across Africa, but a lack of capacity in specialists trained to treat women with UI means that more doctors, medical officers and better resource prioritization will be required to help the, as yet unquantified, number of women with non‐fistulous leakage. Better patient peri‐natal education may reduce the incidence of fistula still further, especially if the stigma felt by women with incontinence is overcome and they are encouraged to seek treatment.
Reconstruction of cropland change in European countries using integrated multisource data since AD 1800
Authors: Ye Yu , Li Jun , Fang Xiuqi , Zhang Diyang , Zhao Zhilong , Wu Zhilei , Lu Yujie , Li Beibei
Published: September 2022

Credible historical land use/cover data are very important for past global change research. This study generates a set of integrated reconstruction methods based on multisource data and produces a new set of improved historical cropland data sets in Europe over the past 200 years. For AD 2000, FAO data, existing research results and statistical data are integrated. For AD 1900, a method of integrating two sets of independent historical agricultural land data by correction and validation and supplemented by other historical cropland data are developed. For AD 1850 and 1800, a methodological scheme of diversified proxy integrative technology and methods based on multisource data is constructed. In this new data set, quantitative reconstructions for AD 1900, 1850 and 1800 are improved to account for 100, 78 and 57% of all European countries, respectively. The reconstruction results show that each region in Europe has been in different stage of historical agricultural development. More than 86% of the countries’ cropland area and its proportion peaked in AD 1900 or did not exceed the data for AD 2000. Specifically, a high reclamation zone gradually formed from France to Ukraine, in which every country’s cropland fraction was ≥40% during AD 1800–1900. From AD 1900–2000, the highly cultivated region contracted, and the centre of higher cropland proportions shifted to eastern Europe and Poland, Czechia and Hungary. The cropland area was systematically underestimated by HYDE3.2, with a relative difference ratio of −20 to −30% between HYDE3.2 and this study. Historical empirical data were used for only 32% of countries in HYDE3.2. This method of multiproxy integrated reconstruction is applicable to other regions of the world and it would be worth attempting to apply it to earlier historical European cropland data sets in the future.
Targeted delivery of triptolide by dendritic cell‐derived exosomes for colitis and rheumatoid arthritis therapy in murine models
Authors: Rao Quan , Ma Guangchao , Li Meng , Wu Hao , Zhang Yixi , Zhang Congen , Ma Zhijie , Huang Luqi
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose

Triptolide (TP) elicits a beneficial effect in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, its multiorgan toxicity needs to be resolved. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the primary target of TP, which induces immunosuppression, and DC‐derived exosomes (DEX) can selectively enter DCs in vivo. Here, we encapsulated TP with DEX (DEXTP) to generate TP‐targeted delivery to reduce toxicity.

Experimental Approach

The effect of DEXTP was evaluated in murine colitis and RA models. Toxicity was examined by haematoxylin and eosin staining and serum biochemical marker detection. Affinity of DEXs for DCs was tracked by fluorescent labelling. The immune environment was evaluated and mimicked in vitro for further analysis of the mechanism.

Key Results

DEXTP effectively carried TP to DCs in vivo, and alleviated local inflammation and damage in colitis and RA mice with no obvious toxicity. Additionally, DEXTP reshaped the immune milieu by decreasing CD4+ T‐cell levels and increasing regulatory T‐cell levels in vivo. Furthermore, consistent T‐cell differentiation was observed in vitro, and DC activation was inhibited by alterations in surface factors and secrete cytokines, and by induction of apoptosis or other form of death.

Conclusions and Implications

Encapsulating TP with DEX is a new method that both reduces the toxicity of TP and induces immunosuppression in UC and RA mice. The underlying immune mechanism involves DEXTP targeting DCs in vivo, to inhibit DC activation and induce DC apoptosis, which further induces T‐cell immunosuppression.