bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Genetically-Encoded Multivalent Liquid N-glycan Arrays
Authors: Lin Chih-Lan , Sojitra Mirat , Carpenter Eric J. , Hayhoe Ellen Susanah , Sarkar Susmita , Volker Elizabeth Anne , Atrazhev Alexei , Lowary Todd L. , Macauley Matthew S. , Derda Ratmir
Published: August 2022

A hallmark of cellular glycosylation is its chemical complexity and heterogeneity, which can be challenging to capture synthetically. Using chemoenzymatic synthesis on M13 phage, we produce a genetically-encoded liquid glycan array (LiGA) of biantennary complex type N-glycans. Ligation of azido-functionalized sialylglycosyl-asparagine derived from egg yolk to phage functionalized with 50–1000 copies of dibenzocyclooctyne produced divergent intermediate that can be trimmed by glycosidases and extended by glycosyltransferases to yield a library of phages with different N-glycans. Post-reaction analysis by MALDI-TOF MS provided a rigorous approach to confirm N-glycan structure and density, both of which were encoded in the bacteriophage DNA. The binding of this N-glycan LiGA by ten lectins, including CD22 or DC-SIGN expressed on live cells, uncovered an optimal structure/density combination for recognition. Injection of the LiGA into mice identified glycoconjugates with structures and avidity necessary for enrichment in specific organs. This work provides an unprecedented quantitative evaluation of the interaction of complex N-glycans with GBPs in vitro and in vivo.
flexLiTE: flexible micro-LED integrated optoelectrodes for long-term chronic deep-brain studies
Authors: Ko Eunah , Lopez Ruiz Jose Roberto , Vöröslakos Mihály , Hsieh Meng-Lin , Buzsáki György , Yoon Euisik
Published: August 2022

Understanding complex neuronal circuitry and its functions of a living organism requires a specialized tool which is capable of recording a large ensemble of neuronal signals at single cell resolution and modulating neuronal activities selectively in the target region of brains with high spatiotemporal resolution, while sustaining long-term chronic operation without significant tissue degeneration or device shifts. We hereby present an ultra-flexible, minimally-invasive, Michigan-type neural probe for chronic opto-electrophysiology studies: flexLiTE (flexible micro-LED integrated optoelectrodes). flexLiTE incorporates monolithically integrated, soma-sized inorganic micro-LEDs (12 individually operated) and 32 recording electrodes. Both stimulation and recording modalities were achieved by stacking two modules on a flexible substrate: one with micro-LEDs for neuromodulation and the other with recording sites, resulting in a 115 μm-wide,12 μm-thick, 10 mm-long optoelectrode. From prototype devices, we demonstrated the reliable operation of flexLiTEs for recording and modulation of hippocampal neurons in a freely moving mice for over ∼8 month.
Mouse L1s fade with age: a methylation-enforced mechanism for attenuation of L1 retrotransposition potential
Authors: Gerdes Patricia , Chan Dorothy , Lundberg Mischa , Sanchez-Luque Francisco J. , Bodea Gabriela O. , Ewing Adam D. , Faulkner Geoffrey J. , Richardson Sandra R.
Published: August 2022

Mice harbor ∼2,800 intact copies of the retrotransposon Long Interspersed Element 1 (L1). The in vivo retrotransposition capacity of an L1 copy is defined by both its sequence integrity and epigenetic status, including DNA methylation of the monomeric units constituting young mouse L1 promoters. Locus-specific L1 methylation dynamics during development may therefore elucidate and explain spatiotemporal niches of endogenous retrotransposition, but remain unresolved. Here, we interrogate the retrotransposition efficiency and epigenetic fate of source (donor) L1s, identified as mobile in vivo. We demonstrate that promoter monomer loss consistently attenuates the relative retrotransposition potential of their offspring (daughter) L1 insertions. We also observe that most donor/daughter L1 pairs are efficiently methylated upon differentiation in vivo and in vitro. We employ Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read sequencing to resolve L1 methylation genome-wide and with locus-specific resolution, revealing a distinctive “smile” pattern in methylation levels across the L1 promoter region and thereby elucidating a molecular mechanism potentially underpinning L1 promoter shortening. Together, our results offer a novel perspective on the interplay between epigenetic repression, L1 evolution, and genome stability.
Dual and Opposing Roles for the Kinesin-2 Motor, KIF17, in Hedgehog-dependent Cerebellar Development
Authors: Waas Bridget , Carpenter Brandon S. , Merchant Olivia Q. , Verhey Kristen J. , Allen Benjamin L.
Published: August 2022

While the kinesin-2 motors KIF3A and KIF3B have essential roles in ciliogenesis and Hedgehog (HH) signal transduction, potential role(s) for another kinesin-2 motor, KIF17, in HH signaling have yet to be explored. Here, we investigated the contribution of KIF17 to HH-dependent cerebellar development, where Kif17 is expressed in both HH-producing Purkinje cells and HH-responding cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (CGNPs). Germline Kif17 deletion in mice results in cerebellar hypoplasia due to reduced CGNP proliferation, a consequence of decreased HH pathway activity mediated through decreased Sonic HH (SHH) protein. Notably, Purkinje cell-specific Kif17 deletion phenocopies Kif17 germline mutants. Surprisingly, CGNP-specific Kif17 deletion results in the opposite phenotype– increased CGNP proliferation and HH target gene expression due to altered GLI transcription factor processing. Together these data identify KIF17 as a key regulator of HH-dependent cerebellar development, with dual and opposing roles in HH-producing Purkinje cells and HH-responding CGNPS.

Teaser

During cerebellar development, the KIF17 microtubule motor performs opposing roles in HH-producing and HH-responding cells.
Temporal Preparation Drives Statistical Learning of Regular Intervals in Complex Temporal Environments
Authors: Salet Josh M. , Kruijne Wouter , van Rijn Hedderik , Zimmermann Eckart , Schlichting Nadine
Published: August 2022

The ubiquitous finding in statistical learning research is a performance benefit for regular versus irregular properties of the environment. This regularity benefit is commonly interpreted to emerge from a mechanism that detects and subsequently exploits the regularity as it would be impossible for irregular events. Here, for regular intervals in a complex temporal environment, we show that this interpretation overlooks the influence of learning various time-related factors that contribute to the regularity benefit. Instead of only learning the temporal regularity, participants exploited the temporal properties of targets that we initially considered as irregular and uninformative. Participants temporally prepared, in parallel, for different actions to perform and locations to attend, irrespective of target’s regularity. In fact, this temporal preparation explained regularity benefits without assuming statistical learning of the regular target. Using a computational model,fMTP, we illustrate that such adaptation can arise from associative memory processes underlying temporal preparation.
Exon skipping in genes encoding lineage-defining myogenic transcription factors in rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Butler Erin , Xu Lin , Rakheja Dinesh , Schwettmann Blake , Toubbeh Shireen , Guo Lei , Kim Jiwoong , Skapek Stephen X. , Zheng Yanbin
Published: August 2022

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a childhood sarcoma composed of myoblast-like cells, which suggests a defect in terminal skeletal muscle differentiation. To explore potential defects in the differentiation program, we searched for mRNA splicing variants in genes encoding transcription factors driving skeletal muscle lineage commitment and differentiation. We studied two RMS cases and identified altered splicing resulting in “skipping” the second of three exons in MYOD1. RNA-seq data from 42 tumors and additional RMS cell lines revealed exon 2 skipping in both MYOD1 and MYF5 but not in MYF6 or MYOG. Complementary molecular analysis of MYOD1 mRNA found evidence for exon skipping in five additional RMS cases. Functional studies showed that so-called MYODΔEx2 protein failed to robustly induce muscle-specific genes, and its ectopic expression conferred a selective advantage in cultured fibroblasts and an RMS xenograft. In summary, we present previously unrecognized exon skipping within MYOD1 and MYF5 in RMS, and we propose that alternative splicing can represent a mechanism to alter the function of these two transcription factors in RMS.
Interest, identity and perceptions: What makes a food technologist?
Authors: Staberg Ragnhild Lyngved , Jakobsen Anita Nordeng , Persson Jonas Rolf , Mehli Lisbeth
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Previous research shows that identity formation is a crucial bridge between higher education and future employment. The objective of this study was to improve our understanding and knowledge of food technology students' prior interests, their perceived identity formation, perceptions of food technology and the profession of food technologist.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was conducted and the data consisted of audio recordings of 10 semi structured group interviews of first-, second- and third-year students, as well as alumni, at work. The interviews were transcribed and analysed by conventional content analysis, here following an inductive approach.

Findings

Most students had previous general culinary interest, an interest in the science behind or an interest in contemporary food-related issues. Regardless of the year group and prior interest, most felt that graduation was the stage at which they could identify themselves as food technologists. They evolved from having a rather diffuse understanding of food technology and what is a food technologist before they started to have an increased awareness in their second and third years.

Originality/value

The research findings inform higher education food technology programmes aiming to promote the development of food technology students' professional identity. The study suggests that a holistic approach to teaching, as well as context-based and professional activities at an early stage might help students in their identity formation.
AgriFood supply chain traceability: data sharing in a farm-to-fork case
Authors: Moysiadis Theocharis , Spanaki Konstantina , Kassahun Ayalew , Kläser Sabine , Becker Nicolas , Alexiou George , Zotos Nikolaos , Karali Iliada
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Traceability of food is of paramount importance to the increasingly sustainability-conscious consumers. Several tracking and tracing systems have been developed in the AgriFood sector in order to prove to the consumers the origins and processing of food products. Critical challenges in realizing food's traceability include cooperating with multiple actors on common data sharing standards and data models.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies a design science approach to showcase traceability that includes preharvest activities and conditions in a case study. The authors demonstrate how existing data sharing standards can be applied in combination with new data models suitable for capturing transparency information about plant production.

Findings

Together with existing studies on farm-to-fork transparency, our results demonstrate how to realize transparency from field to fork and enable producers to show a complete bill of sustainability.

Originality/value

The existing standards and data models address transparency challenges in AgriFood chains from the moment of harvest up to retail (farm-to-fork) relatively well, but not what happens before harvest. In order to address sustainability concerns, there is a need to collect data about production activities related to product quality and sustainability before harvesting and share it downstream the supply chain. The ability to gather data on sustainability practices such as reducing pesticide, herbicide, fertilizer and water use are crucial requirements for producers to market their produce as quality and sustainable products.
Climate change adaptation and upland rice yield: evidence from a farm survey in Yunnan, China
Authors: Wang Huaiyu , Hu Xi , Yang Shuangquan , Xu Guoquan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The study aims to examine the impact of farmers’ actual adaptations on rice yields in the upland areas of Yunnan province, China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs the simultaneous equations model with endogenous switching to investigate the different effects of adaptation strategies on rice yields achieved by adopters and nonadopters based on the cross-sectional data at farm level.

Findings

The results show that farmers’ access to government agricultural extension services significantly encourages rice farmers to make the adjustments in farm managements. The authors find that the adaptation strategies employed by farmers significantly increase rice yields. Adaptations adopted by upland farmers increase rice yields for both adopters and nonadopters, particularly for the nonadopters.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing literature by focusing on farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change in uplands of Yunnan using the primary household survey data. The results show the effectiveness of farmers’ adaptation adoptions on rice yields in uplands of Yunnan province.
The formation of high strategic thinking ability: a study of Chinese grassroots cadres
Authors: Xu Zhihang , Liu Lei , Jin Wenran
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the research is to identify the factors contributing to the formation of high-level strategic thinking ability (STA) of Chinese grassroots cadres.

Design/methodology/approach

Through in-depth interviews with 20 Chinese grassroots cadres with high-level STA and grounded theory method, this research explores the contributive factors for the formation of the grassroots cadres' STA from a dynamic and long-term perspective.

Findings

The formation of STA is an accumulative process based on the interaction between external factors, including wide space for activities, adequate supporting resources, demonstration of role model, and inflection point and internal drivers, including strong sense of self-actualization, high sense of responsibility, thinking enhancement skills, diverse knowledge and high openness. Moreover, the external factors play a more important role in shaping STA in the early growth stage of the grassroots cadres, while in the late stage the internal factors tend to dominate.

Practical implications

The study advises to offer more professional training on STA and take STA as an important factor for Chinese grassroots cadres to compete in a complex socio-political environment in the long term.

Originality/value

(1) This paper investigates into the STA of Chinese grassroots cadres, which are largely ignored in current literature; (2) different from the extant studies which studies the static influencing factors of STA, such as demographic variables, personal traits and organizational characteristics, this paper focuses on the dynamic and long-term factors during the growth of the cadres.
Dynamic capabilities in the realisation of omnichannel retailing
Authors: Solem Birgit Andrine Apenes , Fredriksen Jan Ivar , Sørebø Øystein
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Omnichannel retailing emphasises the interplay between channels to provide seamless customer experiences across shopping journeys but is challenging for retailers to implement. This research explores the necessary actions and dynamic capabilities needed of retailers to create, extend and modify the organisational resource base required for realising omnichannel retailing.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative exploratory design with in-depth interviews of Generation Z customers and retail firms was used to provide insights into the dynamic capabilities necessary for obtaining omnichannel retailing.

Findings

This research elaborates on the dynamic capabilities needed for omnichannel solutions related to (1) the underlying technology (i.e. develop an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and online store), (2) customer experience optimisation (i.e. develop product delivery, return routines, supply chain management, curated exhibitions, showrooms and pop-up stores), (3) internal and external collaboration (i.e. collaborate across business units, strengthening the core leadership team and collaborate and align with service ecosystem partners and (4) overall omnichannel functionality (i.e. establish a customer-oriented retail culture, and integrate marketing communication and customisation through data exploration).

Originality/value

This research enriches the retailing literature on omnichannel solutions and responds to the need for theoretical anchoring by applying the dynamic capability perspective to address actions useful for realising omnichannel retailing.
Factors affecting misinformation combating intention in Pakistan during COVID-19
Authors: Malik Amara , Islam Talat , Mahmood Khalid
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Misinformation on social media has become a great threat across the globe. Therefore, the authors aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of social media users' misinformation combating behavior, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the authors merged the uses and gratifications theory, social cognitive theory and theory of prosocial behavior into one theoretical framework (e.g. information seeking, status seeking, entertainment and norms of reciprocity) to understand their effect on users' prosocial media sharing experience and misinformation self-efficacy to combat misinformation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 356 social media users through “Google Forms” during the third wave of coronavirus in Pakistan. Further, the authors applied structural equation modeling for hypotheses testing.

Findings

The authors noted that entertainment and perceived norms of reciprocity positively affect social media users' prior experience and misinformation self-efficacy to enhance their misinformation combating intention. However, information seeking positively affects social media users' prior experience and insignificantly affects their misinformation self-efficacy. Similarly, status seeking was noted to be insignificantly associated with social media users' prior experience and misinformation self-efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

The authors tested this model of misinformation combating intention in a developing country during the COVID-19 pandemic and noted that entertainment and status seeking motives are context-specific. Therefore, this study may likely benefit researchers, academicians and policymakers to understand the causal relationship between motivations and the behavior of combating misinformation on social media within a developing country.

Originality/value

In this study the authors merged three theories (e.g. uses and gratifications theory, social cognitive theory and theory of prosocial behavior) to understand information seeking, status seeking, entertainment and norms of reciprocity as the main motives for social media users' misinformation combating intention.
A dynamic trust consensus model based on personalized adjustment mechanism under multi-granular probabilistic linguistic environment
Authors: Guo Jie , Liang Xia
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose a consensus model that considers dynamic trust and the hesitation degree of the expert's evaluation, and the model can provide personalized adjustment advice to inconsistent experts.

Design/methodology/approach

The trust degree between experts will be affected by the decision-making environment or the behavior of other experts. Therefore, based on the psychological “similarity-attraction paradigm”, an adjustment method for the trust degree between experts is proposed. In addition, we proposed a method to measure the hesitation degree of the expert's evaluation under the multi-granular probabilistic linguistic environment. Based on the hesitation degree of evaluation and trust degree, a method for determining the importance degree of experts is proposed. In the feedback mechanism, we presented a personalized adjustment mechanism that can provide the personalized adjustment advice for inconsistent experts. The personalized adjustment advice is accepted readily by inconsistent experts and ensures that the collective consensus degree will increase after the adjustment.

Findings

The results show that the consensus model in this paper can solve the social network group decision-making problem, in which the trust degree among experts is dynamic changing. An illustrative example demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed model in this paper. Simulation experiments have confirmed the effectiveness of the model in promoting consensus.

Originality/value

The authors presented a novel dynamic trust consensus model based on the expert's hesitation degree and a personalized adjustment mechanism under the multi-granular probabilistic linguistic environment. The model can solve a variety of social network group decision-making problems.
Performance prediction of basketball players using automated personality mining with twitter data
Authors: Siemon Dominik , Wessels Jörn
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use Twitter data to mine personality traits of basketball players to predict their performance in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Design/methodology/approach

Automated personality mining and robotic process automation were used to gather data (player statistics and big five personality traits) of n = 185 professional basketball players. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regressions were computed to predict the performance of their NBA careers based on previous college performance and personality traits.

Findings

Automated personality mining of Tweets can be used to gather additional information about basketball players. Extraversion, agreeableness and conscientiousness correlate with basketball performance and can be used, in combination with previous game statistics, to predict future performance.

Originality/value

The study presents a novel approach to use automated personality mining of Twitter data as a predictor for future basketball performance. The contribution advances the understanding of the importance of personality for sports performance and the use of cognitive systems (automated personality mining) and the social media data for predictions. Scouts can use our findings to enhance their recruiting criteria in a multi-million dollar business, such as the NBA.
Factors influencing patient safety culture in operating room in a teaching hospital in Jordan: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Alshyyab Muhammad Ahmed , Albsoul Rania , Fitzgerald Gerard
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To explore the perceptions of surgical team members in a tertiary hospital in Jordan toward the factors influencing patient safety culture (PSC).

Design/methodology/approach

This was a qualitative descriptive study intended to characterize the factors that influence PSC. Interviews were conducted with health-care providers in the operation room (OR) in a tertiary Jordanian hospital. Participants included surgeons, anesthetists, nurses and senior surgical residents who had worked for three years minimum in the OR. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

A total of 33 interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis of the content yielded four major themes: (1) operational factors, (2) organizational factors, (3) health-care professionals factors and (4) patient factors. The respondents emphasized the role of the physical layout of the OR, implementing new techniques and new equipment, and management support to establish a safety culture in the operating room setting.

Originality/value

The present research study will have implications for hospitals and health-care providers in Jordan for developing organizational strategies to eliminate or decrease the occurrence of adverse events and improve patient safety in the OR.
The needle pricking and two modes of ‘doing good’ in the Swedish school‐based human papillomavirus vaccination programme
Authors: Lindén Lisa , Odenbring Ylva
Published: August 2022

In this article, we draw on science and technology studies literature on care practices to analyse school nurses’ work with human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in schools, in the context of a new vaccination policy including all children in the fifth grade in Sweden. Drawing on 21 interviews with school nurses working in municipalities across a larger Swedish region, we focus on the mundane work of handling the vaccination and supporting the children while they are being vaccinated. We utilise the notion of ‘modes of doing good’ to analyse routines and ideals oriented towards specific, and sometimes contradictory, forms of ‘good care’ in HPV vaccination practice. Two modes of doing good are identified: the vaccination as a caring for ‘the flow’ of children getting vaccinated and the vaccination as a caring about the specific child. We analyse three ‘child subjects’ alongside these modes: the informed and already prepared child, the anxious child, and the specific child. By identifying tensions and interferences between different child subjects and modes of doing good, we discuss possible consequences of our findings for how HPV vaccination is envisioned and conceptualised in social science research and in policy settings.
Guiding employees through the COVID‐19 pandemic: An exploration of the impact of transparent communication and change appraisals
Authors: Yue Cen April , Walden Justin
Published: August 2022

Against the backdrop of the COVID‐19 pandemic and drawing on literature from change management, internal communication and cognitive appraisal theory, this study provided accounts of how transparent communication during organizational change affects employees' cognitive appraisals of the change, behavioural reactions to the change, and subsequently, turnover intentions. Our findings of 414 full‐time US employees revealed that transparent internal communication is positively related to employees' challenge appraisal of the change, which, in turn, is related to change compliance and championing. In addition, transparent communication is negatively associated with threat appraisal of the change, which in turn is connected to lower change compliance. Further, employees' turnover intention was negatively associated with their compliance and championing for the change. This study has made several contributions to internal communication scholarship, appraisal theory and change management literature. We also offer several suggestions to improve communication during organizational change periods.
Assembly of high‐quality genomes of the locoweed Oxytropis ochrocephala and its endophyte Alternaria oxytropis provides new evidence for their symbiotic relationship and swainsonine biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Li , Wu Ruolin , Mur Luis A. J. , Guo Chenchen , Zhao Xuan , Meng Huizhen , Yan Di , Zhang Xiuhong , Guan Huirui , Han Guodong , Guo Bin , Yue Fangzheng , Wei Yahui , Zhao Peng , He Wei
Published: August 2022

Locoweeds are perennial forbs poisonous to livestock and cause extreme losses to animal husbandry. Locoweed toxicity is attributed to the symbiotic endophytes in Alternaria sect. Undifilum, which produce a mycotoxin swainsonine (SW). We performed a de novo whole genome sequencing of the most common locoweed in China, Oxytropis ochrocephala (2n = 16), and assembled a high‐quality, chromosome‐level reference genome. Its genome size is 958.83 Mb with 930.94 Mb (97.09%) anchored and oriented onto eight chromosomes, and 31,700 protein‐coding genes were annotated. Phylogenetic and collinearity analysis showed it is closely related to Medicago truncatula with a pair of large interchromosomal rearrangements, and both species underwent a whole‐genome duplication event. We also derived the genome of A. oxytropis at 74.48 Mb with a contig N50 of 8.87 Mb and 10,657 protein‐coding genes, and refined the genes of SW biosynthesis. Multiple Alternaria species containing the swnK gene were grouped into a single clade, but in other genera, swnK's homologues are diverse. Resequencing of 41 A. oxytropis strains revealed one SNP in the SWN cluster causing changes in SW concentration. Comparing the transcriptomes of symbiotic and nonsymbiotic interactions identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) linked to defence and secondary metabolism in the host. Within the endophyte DEGs were linked to cell wall degradation, fatty acids and nitrogen metabolism. Symbiosis induced the upregulation of most of the SW biosynthetic genes. These two genomes and relevant sequencing data should provide valuable genetic resources for the study of the evolution, interaction, and SW biosynthesis in the symbiont.
A GLMM approach for combining multiple relative abundance surfaces
Authors: Conn Paul B. , Ver Hoef Jay M. , McClintock Brett T. , Johnson Devin S. , Brost Brian
Published: August 2022

Spatio‐temporal maps of organismal density or relative abundance are fundamental to many applications in conservation and ecology. There are often a number of data sources to inform species maps, including citizen science monitoring programs, remote sensing, geolocation data from satellite‐tagged animals and formal scientific surveys. In these cases, it may be desirable to come up with a single map integrating all data sources.

We introduce a novel two‐step method for combining inference about relative abundance maps using multiple data sources. Log‐scale relative abundance surfaces are first estimated from individual data sets, and resultant surfaces are then treated as ‘data’ within a generalized linear mixed model framework with a spatially autocorrelated mean process. We also introduce generalizations allowing data misalignment and predictive processes to decrease computational burden.

Using simulation, we show that our approach frequently outperfoms other approaches, including basing inference on a single surface, or taking a simple arithmetic mean (although the arithmetic mean performs well when there are few surfaces). We then demonstrate our method using citizen science and satellite‐tracking data of Steller sea lions in Alaska. In this case, relative abundance surfaces consisted of an effort‐adjusted map developed from platform‐of‐opportunity sightings and a utilization distribution developed from geolocation records. The resulting combined surface represented a compromise between single‐data source predictions.

Our approach should be useful for ecologists seeking to reconcile alternative species distribution maps, particularly when individual surfaces are prone to bias, when there is no obvious common currency (e.g. point process), or when computational demands preclude a fully integrated analysis.
Oral melatonin did not reduce anxiety before elective hernia repair: A randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Holm Mikkel Andreas , Gram‐Hanssen Anders , Madsen Bennedikte Kollerup , Zetner Dennis Bregner , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: August 2022

Background

Preoperative anxiety is a common issue in surgery. Preoperative anxiety may lead to increased mortality, pain and dissatisfaction with surgery. Melatonin is a drug with only mild adverse effects and has previously been shown to reduce anxiety and pain in the perioperative setting. The aim of study was to investigate the anxiolytic effect of melatonin in the preoperative setting.

Methods

This study was a randomised, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. Included patients were allocated in the ratio 1:1 to either the placebo group or the melatonin group. Patients received 10 mg melatonin or placebo the evening before surgery, 2 h before surgery, immediately after surgery and the evening after surgery. Preoperative anxiety was examined 1 h before surgery, using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire, along with a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of anxiety. Furthermore, participants filled out a sleep log each morning, where we examined sleep quality, comfort and drowsiness.

Results

Sixteen patients received placebo treatment and 17 patients received melatonin. Median state anxiety on the STAI scale at baseline was 27 (interquartile range [IQR] 22–34) for the melatonin group and 27 (IQR 23–31) for the placebo group. In the primary outcome of preoperative anxiety 1 h before surgery, the median state anxiety on the STAI scale was 27 (IQR 24–34) for the melatonin group and 28 (24–33) for the placebo group, p = .814. VAS anxiety was median 7 (0–28) for the melatonin group and median 7 (1–13) for the placebo group, p = .813. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the secondary outcomes of sleep quality and consumption of analgesics.

Conclusion

Melatonin did not reduce preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing hernia repair. Preoperative anxiety levels were low, which limits the generalisability of our findings.
Plasma proteome profiling of healthy individuals across the life span in a Sicilian cohort with long‐lived individuals
Authors: Siino Valentina , Ali Ashfaq , Accardi Giulia , Aiello Anna , Ligotti Mattia E. , Mosquim Junior Sergio , Candore Giuseppina , Caruso Calogero , Levander Fredrik , Vasto Sonya
Published: August 2022

The study of healthy human aging is important for shedding light on the molecular mechanisms behind aging to promote well‐being and to possibly predict and/or avoid the development of age‐related disorders such as atherosclerosis and diabetes. Herein, we have employed an untargeted mass spectrometry‐based approach to study age‐related protein changes in a healthy Sicilian plasma cohort including long‐lived individuals. This approach confirmed some of the previously known proteins correlated with age including fibulin‐1, dystroglycan, and gamma‐glutamyl hydrolase. Furthermore, our findings include novel proteins that correlate with age and/or with location and uric acid, which could represent a unique signature for healthy aging.
Removal of separated instruments from unfavourable locations: Case reports using the HBW ultrasonic ring or a surgical approach
Authors: Coaguila‐Llerena Hernán , Lazo‐Quezada Geraldine , Teves Abel , Zevallos‐Chávez Marco , Faria Gisele
Published: August 2022

Two patients were admitted to the dental clinic to evaluate two right mandibular first molars (both FDI no. 46). In Case 1, there was an accidental instrument separation, which was thought to have been bypassed; however, the instrument was located beyond the apical foramen, in the alveolar bone. The 1‐week follow‐up revealed that the fragment was close to the inferior alveolar nerve, thus allowing surgical removal to be performed. In Case 2, two separated instruments located in the apical third of the mesiobuccal and mesiolingual canals were removed using the HBW ultrasonic ring coupled to ISO 10 and 15 hand instruments. The 3‐month and 1‐year follow‐ups (Case 1), and the 2‐year and 3‐year follow‐ups (Case 2) showed a favourable evolution in both cases. It can be concluded that both the surgical approach and the HBW ultrasonic ring are viable options for the removal of separated instruments in unfavourable locations.
Intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, milk production, and composition of cows fed with diets containing oilseed cakes: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Santos Girlene Cordeiro de Lima , Gonzaga Neto Severino , Bezerra Leilson Rocha , de Medeiros Ariosvaldo Nunes , de Carvalho Francisco Fernando Ramos , de Oliveira Juliana Silva
Published: August 2022

Oilseed cakes can partially replace corn or soy used in the diet without losing animal performance. The objective was to carry out a meta‐analysis and principal component analysis to evaluate the effects of cakes on the intake and apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter (DM) and milk production and composition in lactating dairy cows. The data set used in the meta‐analysis came from 51 studies published between 2009 and 2019, which resulted in 119 studies with 18 types of cakes evaluated in 1350 cows. Cows fed with cakes increased dry matter intake (DMI) by 0.366 kg d−1 (P < 0.001) and DMI as a function of the animal's body weight by 0.103% (P < 0.0001) compared with the diet without cake. The milk protein content decreased by 0.050% (P < 0.010). The contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (26%–%) and ether extract (EE) (3%–7%) of the cake diets did not affect ADCDM. Cakes with contents between 10% and 30% can replace corn or soy in the diet without affecting milk production, components (fat, protein, and lactose), and contents (fat and lactose), but it can reduce the milk protein content of milk.
Integrating effects of neighbor interactions for pollination and abiotic resources on coffee yield in a multi‐strata agroforest
Authors: Fitch Gordon , Gonzalez John , Oana Anna M. , Oliver Maggie , Vandermeer John
Published: August 2022

Animal‐pollinated plants interact with neighbors for both abiotic resources and pollination, with consequences for reproduction and yield. Yet few studies have compared the relative magnitude of these effects, particularly in agroecosystems. In vertically stratified communities, such as agroforests, neighbor effects may be stratum‐dependent. Understanding the net effects of neighbors on crop yield is important for managing multifunctional agroecosystems to simultaneously support production and biodiversity. This study evaluated the effects of neighboring plants on pollen deposition, fertilization, and yield in Coffea arabica in a shaded organic coffee farm with high non‐crop plant abundance and diversity in Chiapas, Mexico. We assessed the impact of (1) floral resources at three vertical strata (herbs, coffee bushes, and canopy trees) on stigma pollen load (a measure of interaction for pollination), and (2) floral density and canopy cover (proxies for competition for abiotic resources) on yield (final fruit set and per‐fruit weight), using structural equation modeling to evaluate the relative effect of each interaction type. Coffee competed for pollination with neighbors (conspecifics and heterospecifics) across strata. Pollen load influenced final fruit set, but the effect of neighbor competition for pollination was weaker than effects mediated by interactions for abiotic resources. Effects of interactions for abiotic resources were heterogeneous across strata, with negligible effects of herb‐layer or coffee flower density but net positive effects of canopy trees on final fruit set. Overall effects of neighbors on coffee yield were weak, suggesting that coffee agroecosystems can be managed to maintain high plant density and diversity without sacrificing yield.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Treatment with FRAX486 rescues neurobehavioral and metabolic alterations in a female mouse model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder
Authors: Fuchs Claudia , Cosentino Livia , Urbinati Chiara , Talamo Maria Cristina , Medici Giorgio , Quattrini Maria Cristina , Mottolese Nicola , Pietraforte Donatella , Fuso Andrea , Ciani Elisabetta , De Filippis Bianca
Published: August 2022

Introduction

CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a rare neurodevelopmental condition, primarily affecting girls for which no cure currently exists. Neuronal morphogenesis and plasticity impairments as well as metabolic dysfunctions occur in CDD patients. The present study explored the potential therapeutic value for CDD of FRAX486, a brain‐penetrant molecule that was reported to selectively inhibit group I p21‐activated kinases (PAKs), serine/threonine kinases critically involved in the regulation of neuronal morphology and glucose homeostasis.

Methods

The effects of treatment with FRAX486 on CDD‐related alterations were assessed in vitro (100 nM for 48 h) on primary hippocampal cultures from Cdkl5‐knockout male mice (Cdkl5‐KO) and in vivo (20 mg/Kg, s.c. for 5 days) on Cdkl5‐KO heterozygous females (Cdkl5‐Het).

Results

The in vitro treatment with FRAX486 completely rescued the abnormal neuronal maturation and the number of PSD95‐positive puncta in Cdkl5‐KO mouse neurons. In vivo, FRAX486 normalized the general health status, the hyperactive profile and the fear learning defects of fully symptomatic Cdkl5‐Het mice. Systemically, FRAX486 treatment normalized the levels of reactive oxidizing species in the whole blood and the fasting‐induced hypoglycemia displayed by Cdkl5‐Het mice. In the hippocampus of Cdkl5‐Het mice, treatment with FRAX486 rescued spine maturation and PSD95 expression and restored the abnormal PAKs phosphorylation at sites which are critical for their activation (P‐PAK‐Ser144/141/139) or for the control cytoskeleton remodeling (P‐PAK1‐Thr212).

Conclusions

Present results provide evidence that PAKs may represent innovative therapeutic targets for CDD.
Using scenarios‐based interviews to predict changes in wild meat hunting and consumption in response to different alternatives projects
Authors: Brittain Stephanie , Kamogne Tagne Cedric Thibaut , Booker Francesca , Maddison Neil , Mfone Nteroupe Salihou , Mouamfon Mama , Ngomna Tsabong Soreya Djibrila , Roe Dilys , Wilson‐Holt Olivia , Milner‐Gulland EJ
Published: August 2022

Wild meat alternatives projects addressing unsustainable hunting by providing alternative foods to wild meat are commonplace across many parts of the Global South. However, understanding their possible conservation and social outcomes prior to implementation is vital, to ensure that they are well designed, that scarce funds are correctly directed, and that the intended outcomes of the project are achievable. We used scenario‐based interviews to explore the potential effects of six hypothetical wild meat alternatives projects in Cameroon on household rates of hunting and consumption over five years. We conducted 171 interviews across four rural villages around the Dja Faunal Reserve in Cameroon, and investigated how the alternative food offered, the addition of income‐generating opportunities, and the scale at which the project was implemented would affect people's willingness and ability to participate. Predicted household rates of hunting and consumption reduced the most under wild meat alternatives projects that offered both food and income‐generating activities. However, this depends on the project being offered at the household, rather than the community, level. Community‐level wild meat alternatives projects only resulted in marginal reductions in hunting and consumption compared to the current baseline and, as such, in this study area community‐level projects are unlikely to achieve their intended conservation goals. These results illustrate the importance of effective dialogue with communities to explore not only their preferences, but also the characteristics of preferred and successful wild meat alternatives projects, before the project design is finalized and implemented. Our findings provide an understanding of the characteristics of wild meat alternatives projects preferred by communities around the Dja Faunal Reserve, using a generalisable approach. We identify factors that may undermine the success of wild meat alternatives projects in rural areas, and provide guidance to conservation practitioners seeking to develop similar projects in future.
Connectivity modelling informs metapopulation structure and conservation priorities for a reef‐building species
Authors: David Carmen L. , Marzloff Martin P. , Knights Antony M. , Cugier Phillipe , Nunes Flávia L. D. , Cordier Celine , Firth Louise B. , Dubois Stanislas F.
Published: August 2022

Aim

In coastal marine systems, biogenic reef‐building species have great importance for conservation as they provide habitat for a wide range of species, promoting biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and services. Biogenic reef persistence and recovery from perturbations depend on recolonization by new recruits. Characterizing larval dispersal among distant reefs is key to understanding how connectivity shapes metapopulation structure and determines network coherence; all of which are of critical importance for effective conservation.

Location

Northeast Atlantic coast and western English Channel, France.

Methods

We used a biophysical transport model to simulate larval dispersal of the reef‐building polychaete Sabellaria alveolata. We combined dispersal modelling and network analysis into a framework aiming to identify key reef areas and critical dispersal pathways, whose presence in the network is vital to its overall coherence. We evaluated changes in dispersal pathways constrained by different connectivity thresholds, i.e., minimum dispersal rate for the presence of a connection. We tested scenarios of sequential loss of reefs: randomly, by habitat quality (a score for reef status and occupancy in an area) or by betweenness centrality metric (BC; quantifying the proportion of shortest paths connecting all areas that are passing through any given area).

Results

We found that the network of S. alveolata reefs forms two main regional clusters, the Atlantic coast and the English Channel, which are connected only through weak sporadic dispersal events. Within each cluster, the network is characterized by relatively high connectivity among neighbouring areas with reefs, maintained even under higher connectivity thresholds. Simulating scenarios of sequential loss of reefs further identified high centrality reefs, those with highest BC values, key to network coherence.

Main conclusions

Effective conservation of this important reef habitat requires a network of protected areas designed to sustain a combination of locally important source reefs, and those that act as stepping stones connecting distant reefs.
An integrated substance use treatment model for young adults with first‐episode psychosis: A naturalistic pilot evaluation
Authors: Herman Yarissa , Norouzian Nikoo , MacKenzie Lynn E.
Published: August 2022

Aim

Approximately 50% of individuals with first‐episode psychosis meet criteria for a substance use disorder and these concurrent disorders are associated with worse long‐term outcomes. Psychosocial interventions, including motivational interviewing as well as cognitive and behavioural therapies, have shown some evidence for effective treatment in substance use disorders; however, there is a paucity of existing studies that have successfully examined these interventions in first‐episode psychosis.

Methods

Participants (n = 64) received the concurrent disorders intervention, which included individual support alongside participation in at least one of two groups: a 4‐week Motivational Engagement group utilizing motivational interviewing (n = 59) and an 8‐week Relapse Prevention Training group emphasizing skill acquisition, which some participants entered directly (n = 5) and some participants entered following completion of the Motivational Engagement group (n = 16).

Results

Participants who completed the Motivational Engagement group (n = 59) demonstrated significantly increased motivation to change substance use (d = −.0.58; t = −3.02, p < .01) and significantly decreased substance use frequency (d = 0.65; t = 3.26, p < .01). For participants who completed the Relapse Prevention Training group (n = 21), substance use frequency significantly decreased (d = 0.92; t = 3.46, p < .01) and self‐efficacy in one's ability to maintain substance use changes significantly increased (d = −0.85; t = −3.59, p < .01).

Conclusions

This pilot evaluation suggests that motivational interviewing and relapse prevention skills training are acceptable and feasible interventions in the treatment of substance use disorders in young adults with first‐episode psychosis.