bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recognition of Necrosis and Ethylene-inducing like peptides confers disease resistance inBrassica napusand is modulated byBSK1in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yalcin Hicret Asli , Ramirez-Gonzalez Ricardo Humberto , Jacott Catherine N. , Steuernagel Burkhard , Sidhu Gurpinder Singh , Kirby Rachel , Verbeek Emma , Schoonbeek Henk-jan , Ridout Christopher J. , Wells Rachel
Published: August 2023

Brassicas are important crops susceptible to significant losses caused by disease: thus, breeding resistant lines can mitigate the effects of pathogens. MAMPs (microbe-associated molecular patterns) are conserved molecules of pathogens that elicit host defence responses known as pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). Necrosis & Ethylene-inducing peptide 1-like proteins (NLPs) are MAMPs found in a wide range of phytopathogens, including major disease-causing fungal species. We studied the response to the BcNEP2 fromBotrytis cinereaas a representative NLP inBrassica napusto improve our understanding of recognition mechanisms that could enable the development of disease-resistant crops.

To genetically map regions responsible for NLP recognition, we used an associative transcriptomics (AT) approach using diverseB. napusaccessions and bulk segregant analysis (BSA) on DNA pools created from a bi-parental cross of NLP-responsive (Ningyou1) and non-responsive (Ningyou7) lines. In silicomapping with AT identified two peaks associated with NLP recognition on chromosomes A04 and C05 whereas the BSA narrowed it down to a main peak on A04. BSA delimited the region associated with NLP-responsiveness to 3 Mbp, containing ∼245 genes on the Darmor-bzhreference genome. Variants detected in the region were used for KASP marker design and four KASP markers were identified co-segregating with the phenotype. The same pipeline was performed with the ZS11 genome, and the highest associated region was confirmed on chromosome A04. Comparative BLAST analysis revealed there were unannotated clusters of RLP homologs on ZS11 chromosome A04. To reduce the number of candidate genes responsible for NLP recognition, RNA-Seq data was used to detect the unannotated expressed putative genes. Screening the BSA Ning1×7 population demonstrated a highly significant association between NLP-recognition and resistance toBotrytis cinerea. Also, the lines non-responsive to NLP had significantly greater response to the bacterial MAMP flg22. Additionally,BnaA01g02190D, a homologue of ArabidopsisAtBSK1(At4g35230)BR-SIGNALLING KINASE1,was associated with a high BcNEP2-induced ROS response phenotype. We show that in Arabidopsis,Atbsk1mutants had significantly lower response to BcNEP2 and increased susceptibility toB. cinerea(p-value=1.12e-14***). Overall, the results define the genomic location for NLP-recognition on theB. napusgenome and demonstrate that NLP recognition has a positive contribution to disease resistance which can have practical application in crop improvement.
Chaperone-assisted cryo-EM structure ofP. aeruginosaPhuR reveals molecular basis for heme binding
Authors: Knejski Paweł P. , Erramilli Satchal K. , Kossiakoff Anthony A.
Published: August 2023

Pathogenic bacteria, such asPseudomonas aeruginosa, depend on scavenging heme for the acquisition of iron, an essential nutrient. The TonB-dependent transporter (TBDT) PhuR is the major heme uptake protein inP. aeruginosaclinical isolates. However, a comprehensive understanding of heme recognition and TBDT transport mechanisms, especially PhuR, remains limited. In this study, we employed single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and a phage display-generated synthetic antibody (sAB) as a fiducial marker to enable the determination of a high-resolution (2.5 Å) structure of PhuR with a bound heme. Notably, the structure reveals iron coordination by Y529 on a conserved extracellular loop, shedding light on the role of tyrosine in heme binding. Biochemical assays and negative-stain EM demonstrated that the sAB specifically targets the heme-bound state of PhuR. These findings provide insights into PhuR’s heme binding and offer a template for developing conformation-specific sABs against outer membrane proteins (OMPs) for structure-function investigations.
Dynamic nucleosome remodeling mediated by YY1 underlies early mouse development
Authors: Sakamoto Mizuki , Abe Shusaku , Miki Yuka , Miyanari Yusuke , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Ishiuchi Takashi
Published: August 2023

Nucleosome positioning can alter the accessibility of DNA-binding proteins to their cognate DNA elements, and thus its precise control is essential for cell identity and function. Mammalian preimplantation embryos undergo temporal changes in gene expression and cell potency, suggesting the involvement of dynamic epigenetic control during this developmental phase. However, the dynamics of nucleosome organization during early development are poorly understood. In this study, using a low-input MNase-seq method, we show that nucleosome positioning is globally obscure in zygotes but becomes well defined during subsequent development. Down-regulation of the chromatin assembly in embryonic stem cells can partially reverse nucleosome organization into a zygote-like pattern, suggesting a possible link between the chromatin assembly pathway and fuzzy nucleosomes in zygotes. We also reveal that YY1, a zinc finger-containing transcription factor expressed upon zygotic genome activation, regulates the de novo formation of well-positioned nucleosome arrays at the regulatory elements through identifying YY1-binding sites in eight-cell embryos. The YY1-binding regions acquire H3K27ac enrichment around the eight-cell and morula stages, and YY1 depletion impairs the morula-to-blastocyst transition. Thus, our study delineates the remodeling of nucleosome organization and its underlying mechanism during early mouse development.
Helping Dwight: how gamification can improve CSR communication effectiveness?
Authors: Wójcik Filip
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to check the potential impact of gamification on communicating CSR issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The examination was conducted concerning the correlations between income/education level and communication effectiveness with and without gamification application. For the need of this study the survey was prepared, containing inter alia narration resting on helping Dwight to deal with the problems with adjusting to work environment, the problem often avoided in corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication research, especially gamified.

Findings

Findings show that gamification can help in this area, but depending on the author’s goal (spreading the news is the most relevant one).

Originality/value

Although the gamification gained substantial interest over the last decade, the results of applying the same into CSR communication are still very rare.
BFFNet: a bidirectional feature fusion network for semantic segmentation of remote sensing objects
Authors: Hou Yandong , Wu Zhengbo , Ren Xinghua , Liu Kaiwen , Chen Zhengquan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

High-resolution remote sensing images possess a wealth of semantic information. However, these images often contain objects of different sizes and distributions, which make the semantic segmentation task challenging. In this paper, a bidirectional feature fusion network (BFFNet) is designed to address this challenge, which aims at increasing the accurate recognition of surface objects in order to effectively classify special features.

Design/methodology/approach

There are two main crucial elements in BFFNet. Firstly, the mean-weighted module (MWM) is used to obtain the key features in the main network. Secondly, the proposed polarization enhanced branch network performs feature extraction simultaneously with the main network to obtain different feature information. The authors then fuse these two features in both directions while applying a cross-entropy loss function to monitor the network training process. Finally, BFFNet is validated on two publicly available datasets, Potsdam and Vaihingen.

Findings

In this paper, a quantitative analysis method is used to illustrate that the proposed network achieves superior performance of 2–6%, respectively, compared to other mainstream segmentation networks from experimental results on two datasets. Complete ablation experiments are also conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the elements in the network. In summary, BFFNet has proven to be effective in achieving accurate identification of small objects and in reducing the effect of shadows on the segmentation process.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper is the proposal of a BFFNet based on multi-scale and multi-attention strategies to improve the ability to accurately segment high-resolution and complex remote sensing images, especially for small objects and shadow-obscured objects.
From mental pictures to mental movies: a new approach to positioning of innovations
Authors: Sääksjärvi Maria
Published: August 2023

Purpose

As innovations introduce novel benefits to customers, they would need to be positioned in a way that sets them apart in the market. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel approach for the positioning of innovations with the use of the customer imagination and, specifically, mental movies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the schema approach as this study’s theoretical framework, the author proposes that innovations could be positioned using moving pictures (i.e. mental movies) instead of mental pictures (the approach traditionally taken).

Findings

A new conceptual framework for the positioning of innovations using mental movies is presented. In the framework, this study outlines how innovations can be positioned with the use of mental movies, and why such an approach would be beneficial. The framework outlines mixed reality, i.e. augmented reality, augmented virtuality and virtuality, as well as the metaverse and gaming as avenues for positioning innovations using mental movies. On the benefit side, the framework identifies successful market introductions, engagement and stickiness, memorability and positive emotions, uniqueness and differentiation and market share as the concrete benefits that can be achieved with this type of positioning.

Originality/value

The framework provides a novel approach for the positioning of innovations. It departs from existing literature by proposing that innovations can be positioned using mental movies. The framework also identifies why this approach would be beneficial for marketers and managers and provides concrete guidelines for how such a positioning can be achieved in the market.
High-performance work systems and employee attitudes: evidence from Indian healthcare industry
Authors: Padamata Karthik , Vangapandu Rama Devi
Published: August 2023

Purpose

By following the “employee-centric” approach, this study aims at identifying the impact of high-performance work systems (HPWS) on specific employee attitudinal outcomes such as work engagement, job satisfaction and affective commitment in the Indian healthcare industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The target population for this study includes the nurses working in large private multi-specialty tertiary care hospitals in India. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) techniques are used on a sample of 152 nurses working in two large specialty hospitals.

Findings

In the Indian healthcare industry context, the nurse's perception of HPWS has shown a significant positive effect on their attitudinal variables such as work engagement, job satisfaction and affective commitment. When checked for mediation of work engagement and job satisfaction variables in HPWS – affective commitment relationship, nurse's job satisfaction partially mediated the relationship, but nurse's work engagement has shown no mediation effect.

Originality/value

This is one of the pioneering studies conducted in the Indian healthcare industry context, especially on the nurse's sample in identifying the impact of high-performance work systems on their attitudinal outcomes. Underscoring the paucity of HPWS research in the Indian healthcare industry, this study's findings will be an addition to the HPWS literature and also to the nursing research in the Indian healthcare settings.
COVID-19 and disruptive technology in New Zealand
Authors: Mat Aripin Asma , Brougham David
Published: August 2023

Purpose

COVID-19 has immensely disrupted business dynamism, providing catalyst innovation opportunities and transposing society's perception of disruptive technology (DT). This research increases the understanding of the impact of the pandemic in influencing the way organizations perceive DT and whether any mitigating factors were considered when deciding to adopt new technology during the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was adopted in this research, consisting of 14 semi-structured interviews with eight senior managers and six employees, representing both the private and public sectors in New Zealand. All participants had in-depth knowledge of organizational DT adoption during the pandemic. Two separate sets of semi-structured interviews were used to enable comparison between senior managers' and employees' experiences of organizational adoption of DT post-emergence of COVID-19. Due to the nature of this research being conducted on organizational adoption of DT during the pandemic, time constraints and sample size were two of the key limitations of this research. Specifically, potential participants widely cited unavailability due to additional pressure from COVID-19. Given the limited research in this area, this study is explorative by nature and adds significant insights to the literature.

Findings

The findings suggest that COVID-19 has contributed towards an increased acceptance of, reliance on and adoption of DT across both organizational and social landscapes. The authors found that one of the reasons COVID-19 expedites the adoption of DT correlates with the notion of technology dependency, with organizations citing DT as a viable part of a business continuity plan (BCP) to counter the unpredictability of ongoing disruptive events associated with COVID-19 or any similar disruption which may be on the horizon. These findings are highly relevant as they suggest that the labor market in New Zealand is flexible so organizations and employees can adapt to DT and COVID-19.

Originality/value

This research adds much-needed insight into the emerging field of research that examines COVID-19's impact on the adoption of DT from both management and employee perspectives.
Antecedents of using the online food delivery subscription services
Authors: Sorathia Nefike Gunden , Morosan Cristian
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explicate consumers’ intentions to use online food delivery systems (OFDS) subscription services. The study revisited the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology.

Design/methodology/approach

A typical methodology that involved a confirmatory factor analysis, followed by structural equation modeling, was used to test the hypotheses using a sample of 573 OFDS users from the USA.

Findings

The results revealed that social influence has the most significant impact on consumers’ intentions to use OFDS subscription services, while effort expectancy and perceived security have relatively lower impacts on consumers’ intentions to use OFDS subscription services. In addition, the study revealed the role of compatibility and convenience orientation in shaping consumers’ OFDS system perceptions (e.g. performance and effort expectancy).

Research limitations/implications

The results provide several theoretical and managerial implications and open new avenues for future research. The study advances the literature by validating the set of antecedents of important core perceptions (e.g. performance expectancy and effort expectancy). The study also provides implications for two types of practitioners, such as OFDS and restaurants.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine consumers’ intentions to use OFDS subscription services. This study is also the first to examine key factors influencing consumers’ intentions to use OFDS subscription services.
Happiness and its relationship to expectations of change and sustainable behavior in a post-COVID-19 world
Authors: Contreras-Contreras Pablo , Cuesta-Valiño Pedro , Gutiérrez-Rodríguez Pablo
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the relationship between expectations of change after a crisis, such as that generated by COVID-19, people's levels of happiness and the propensity for pro-sustainable behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were conducted using 1,130 observations. The aim was to measure expectations of change during the pandemic. Furthermore, the relationship between these expectations, happiness levels, and attitudes towards sustainability was analyzed for various elements of daily life. Statistical techniques such as principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, variance analysis and correlation analysis were utilized to explore the underlying patterns and relationships.

Findings

Optimistic expectations for post-pandemic change are associated with a greater likelihood of engaging in environmentally beneficial behaviors, leading to higher levels of life satisfaction. This correlation is particularly significant when individuals envision broader transformations in the collective behavior of humanity. These findings suggest a strong link between beliefs in positive societal transformations and both pro-environmental actions and personal well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The unique circumstances of the pandemic, characterized by heightened media consumption, likely influenced the expectations of individuals, particularly fostering pessimistic outlooks in critical situations. Clear and solid variables were utilized despite not employing validated scales to measure expectations. However, it has been proven that there is a clear link between change expectations, happiness, and the propensity for a more sustainable daily life.

Practical implications

This study identifies guidelines that strengthen brands' communication strategies based on individuals' sustainability profiles and visions of the future.

Social implications

There is a need to target skeptical, change-resistant segments of the population with a more convincing and solid discourse to promote sustainable consumption and behavior.

Originality/value

This is the first study to simultaneously address the relationship between individuals' expectations of change following traumatic events such as the pandemic, their engagement in sustainable behavior, and their increased levels of happiness.
Government expenditure impacts on financial development: Do population age structures moderations matter?
Authors: Kapaya Saganga Mussa
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study examined the roles of public spending and population moderating characteristic structure of selected African economies on bank-based financial development through credit to private sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sampled 37 selected African economies for the years 1991–2018, and it applied a pooled mean group (PMG) estimator to account for short-run and long-run causal effects, and confirmed short-run adjustments towards the long-run convergences between the variables. Specific suitable tests were also applied.

Findings

Evidence confirms positive impacts of both capital formation and final consumption expenditures on financial development in the short run and long run. The moderation of population structures on expenditure structures help to speed up convergences.

Originality/value

This work attests its innovation by accounting for the separate effects of the expenditure types, the moderation effects of young and mature populations for capital and final consumption expenditure on financial development among selected economies in Africa.
Investigation of moisture-induced crack propagation in the soft-termination multi-layer ceramic capacitor during thermal reflow process
Authors: Bachok Zuraihana , Abas Aizat , Raja Gobal Hehgeraj A/L , Yusoff Norwahida , Ramli Mohamad Riduwan , Mohd Sharif Mohamad Fikri , Che Ani Fakhrozi , Muhamed Mukhtar Muhamed Abdul Fatah
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate crack propagation in a moisture-preconditioned soft-termination multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) during thermal reflow process.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental and extended finite element method (X-FEM) numerical analyses were used to analyse the soft-termination MLCC during thermal reflow. A cross-sectional field emission scanning electron microscope image of an actual MLCC’s crack was used to validate the accuracy of the simulation results generated in the study.

Findings

At 270°C, micro-voids between the copper-electrode and copper-epoxy layers absorbed 284.2 mm/mg3 of moisture, which generated 6.29 MPa of vapour pressure and caused a crack to propagate. Moisture that rapidly vaporises during reflow can cause stresses that exceed the adhesive/substrate interface’s adhesion strength of 6 MPa. Higher vapour pressure reduces crack development resistance. Thus, the maximum crack propagation between the copper-electrode and copper-epoxy layers at high reflow temperature was 0.077 mm. The numerical model was well-validated, as the maximum crack propagation discrepancy was 2.6%.

Practical implications

This research holds significant implications for the industry by providing valuable insights into the moisture-induced crack propagation mechanisms in soft-termination MLCCs during the reflow process. The findings can be used to optimise the design, manufacturing and assembly processes, ultimately leading to enhanced product quality, improved performance and increased reliability in various electronic applications. Moreover, while the study focused on a specific type of soft-termination MLCC in the reflow process, the methodologies and principles used in this research can be extended to other types of MLCC packages. The fundamental understanding gained from this study can be extrapolated to similar structures, enabling manufacturers to implement effective strategies for crack reduction across a wider range of MLCC applications.

Originality/value

The moisture-induced crack propagation in the soft-termination MLCC during thermal reflow process has not been reported to date. X-FEM numerical analysis on crack propagation have never been researched on the soft-termination MLCC.
The Global Network COVID‐19 studies: a review
Authors: Naqvi Seemab , Saleem Sarah , Billah Sk Masum , Moore Janet , Mwenechanya Musaku , Carlo Waldemar A. , Esamai Fabian , Bucher Sherri , Derman Richard J. , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Somannavar Manjunath , Patel Archana , Hibberd Patricia L. , Figueroa Lester , Krebs Nancy F. , Petri William A. , Lokangaka Adrien , Bauserman Melissa , Koso‐Thomas Marion , McClure Elizabeth M. , Goldenberg Robert L.
Published: August 2023

With the paucity of data available regarding COVID‐19 in pregnancy in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), near the start of the pandemic, the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research, funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), initiated four separate studies to better understand the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic in eight LMIC sites. These sites included: four in Asia, in Bangladesh, India (two sites) and Pakistan; three in Africa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya and Zambia; and one in Central America, in Guatemala. The first study evaluated changes in health service utilisation; the second study evaluated knowledge, attitudes and practices of pregnant women in relationship to COVID‐19 in pregnancy; the third study evaluated knowledge, attitude and practices related to COVID‐19 vaccination in pregnancy; and the fourth study, using antibody status at delivery, evaluated changes in antibody status over time in each of the sites and the relationship of antibody positivity with various pregnancy outcomes. Across the Global Network, in the first year of the study there was little reduction in health care utilisation and no apparent change in pregnancy outcomes. Knowledge related to COVID‐19 was highly variable across the sites but was generally poor. Vaccination rates among pregnant women in the Global Network were very low, and were considerably lower than the vaccination rates reported for the countries as a whole. Knowledge regarding vaccines was generally poor and varied widely. Most women did not believe the vaccines were safe or effective, but slightly more than half would accept the vaccine if offered. Based on antibody positivity, the rates of COVID‐19 infection increased substantially in each of the sites over the course of the pandemic. Most pregnancy outcomes were not worse in women who were infected with COVID‐19 during their pregnancies. We interpret the absence of an increase in adverse outcomes in women infected with COVID‐19 to the fact that in the populations studied, most COVID‐19 infections were either asymptomatic or were relatively mild.
Group B streptococcal prevalence in internal organs and placentas of deceased neonates and stillbirths in South Asia
Authors: Kallapur Mangala G. , Ghanchi Najia K. , Harakuni Sheetal U. , Somannavar Manjunath S. , Ahmed Imran , Fogleman Elizabeth , Hwang Kay , Kim Jean , Saleem Sarah , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Dhaded Sangappa M. , Guruprasad Gowdar , Yasmin Haleema , Yogeshkumar S. , McClure Elizabeth M. , Goldenberg Robert L. ,   the PURPOSe Study Group
Published: August 2023

Objective

Group B streptococcus (GBS) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, but few prospective studies have assessed its prevalence in low‐ and middle‐income country settings. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of GBS by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in internal organ tissues and placentas of deceased neonates and stillbirths.

Design

This was a prospective, observational study.

Setting

The study was conducted in hospitals in India and Pakistan.

Population

Pregnant women with stillbirths or preterm births were recruited at delivery, as was a group of women with term, live births, to serve as a control group.

Methods

A rectovaginal culture was collected from the women in Pakistan to assess GBS carriage. Using PCR, we evaluated GBS in various tissues of stillbirths and deceased neonates and their placentas, as well as the placentas of live‐born preterm and term control infants.

Main outcome measures

GBS identified by PCR in various tissues and the placentas; rate of stillbirths and 28‐day neonatal deaths.

Results

The most obvious finding from this series of analyses from India and Pakistan was that no matter the country, the condition of the subject, the tissue studied or the methodology used, the prevalence of GBS was low, generally ranging between 3% and 6%. Among the risk factors evaluated, only GBS positivity in primigravidae was increased.

Conclusions

GBS diagnosed by PCR was identified in <6% of internal organs of stillbirths and neonatal deaths, and their placentas, and control groups in South Asian sites. This is consistent with other reports from South Asia and is lower than the reported GBS rates from the USA, Europe and Africa.
Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of brown seaweeds extracted by different solvents and characterization of their phenolic compounds by LC–ESI‐QTOF–MS/MS
Authors: Duan Xinyu , Subbiah Vigasini , Xie Cundong , Agar Osman Tuncay , Barrow Colin J. , Dunshea Frank R. , Suleria Hafiz A. R.
Published: August 2023

Seaweeds, serving as valuable natural sources of phenolic compounds (PCs), offer various health benefits like antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory properties, and potential anticancer effects. The efficient extraction of PCs from seaweed is essential to harness their further applications. This study compares the effectiveness of different solvents (ethanol, methanol, water, acetone, and ethyl acetate) for extracting PCs from four seaweed species: Ascophyllum sp., Fucus sp., Ecklonia sp., and Sargassum sp. Among them, the ethanol extract of Sargassum sp. had the highest content of total phenolics (25.33 ± 1.45 mg GAE/g) and demonstrated potent scavenging activity against the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (33.65 ± 0.03 mg TE/g) and phosphomolybdate reduction (52.98 ± 0.47 mg TE/g). Ecklonia sp. had the highest content of total flavonoids (0.40 ± 0.02 mg QE/g) in its methanol extract, whereas its ethyl acetate extract contained the highest content of total condensed tannins (8.09 ± 0.12 mg CE/g). Fucus sp. demonstrated relatively strong antioxidant activity, with methanolic extracts exhibiting a scavenging ability against 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical (54.41 ± 0.24 mg TE/g) and water extracts showing ferric‐reducing antioxidant power of 36.24 ± 0.06 mg TE/g. Likewise, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry identified 61 individual PCs, including 17 phenolic acids, 32 flavonoids, and 12 other polyphenols. Ecklonia sp., particularly in the ethanol extract, exhibited the most diverse composition. These findings underscore the importance of selecting appropriate solvents based on the specific seaweed species and desired compounds, further providing valuable guidance in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Practical Application

The PCs, which are secondary metabolites present in terrestrial plants and marine organisms, have garnered considerable attention due to their potential health advantages and diverse biological effects. Using various organic/inorganic solvents during the extraction process makes it possible to selectively isolate different types of PCs from seaweed species. The distinct polarity and solubility properties of each solvent enable the extraction of specific compounds, facilitating a comprehensive assessment of the phenolic composition found in the seaweed samples and guiding industrial production.
Membrane vesicle engineering with “à la carte” bacterial‐immunogenic molecules for organism‐free plant vaccination
Authors: Jiménez‐Guerrero Irene , López‐Baena Francisco Javier , Borrero‐de Acuña José Manuel , Pérez‐Montaño Francisco
Published: August 2023

The United Nations heralds a world population exponential increase exceeding 9.7 billion by 2050. This poses the challenge of covering the nutritional needs of an overpopulated world by the hand of preserving the environment. Extensive agriculture practices harnessed the employment of fertilizers and pesticides to boost crop productivity and prevent economic and harvest yield losses attributed to plagues and diseases. Unfortunately, the concomitant hazardous effects stemmed from such agriculture techniques are cumbersome, that is, biodiversity loss, soils and waters contaminations, and human and animal poisoning. Hence, the so‐called ‘green agriculture’ research revolves around designing novel biopesticides and plant growth‐promoting bio‐agents to the end of curbing the detrimental effects. In this field, microbe–plant interactions studies offer multiple possibilities for reshaping the plant holobiont physiology to its benefit. Along these lines, bacterial extracellular membrane vesicles emerge as an appealing molecular tool to capitalize on. These nanoparticles convey a manifold of molecules that mediate intricate bacteria–plant interactions including plant immunomodulation. Herein, we bring into the spotlight bacterial extracellular membrane vesicle engineering to encase immunomodulatory effectors into their cargo for their application as biocontrol agents. The overarching goal is achieving plant priming by deploying its innate immune responses thereby preventing upcoming infections.
Optimising faecal sample storage and DNA extraction procedures to help the implementation of forest elephant conservation strategies
Authors: Kouakou Jean‐Louis , Gonedelé‐Bi Sery , Assamoi Jean Baptiste , Luiselli Luca
Published: August 2023

Faecal samples are an important source of genetic information for studies of wild animals. The quality and quantity of faecal DNA can, however, be affected by different factors. Our goal was to compare different dung sample storage and DNA extraction methods to optimise the quality and quantity of DNA extracted from forest elephant dung samples. Dung samples (n = 132) of forest elephants were collected in a forest area in Côte d'Ivoire. Each faecal sample was preserved in 50 mL cryotubes using five different methods: Ethanol 70%, formalin 10%, Sodium acetate, acetic acid, and formalin (SAF), dimethyl sulfoxide, and Sodium chloride (20% DMSO), and silica gel. We used the Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) cationic detergent and the phenol chloroform DNA extraction procedures for comparison. DNA was successfully obtained from all 132 faecal samples using both DNA extraction methods. Regarding the total DNA extracted independently from the storage buffers, the phenol chloroform method yields a mean DNA concentration (2163.93 ± 918.62 ng/μL) sevenfold higher than that obtained with the optimised CTAB method (338.15 ± 528.54 ng/μL). Our study indicates optimised faecal sample storage and DNA extraction procedures that can help implement conservation strategies for forest elephants.
Autologous sperm usage after cryopreservation—the crucial impact of patients’ characteristics
Authors: Bitan Roy , Magnezi Racheli , Kedem Alon , Avraham Sarit , Youngster Michal , Yerushalmi Gil , Kaufman Sarita , Umanski Ana , Hourvitz Ariel , Gat Itai
Published: August 2023

Background

The wide implementation of sperm freezing presents a growing burden on sperm banks.

Objectives

To evaluate sperm freezing and usage patterns over 30 years, according to demographic parameters of age at first cryopreservation and number of children, and indication for cryopreservation.

Material and methods

This retrospective, population based, cohort study included all sperm cryopreservation cases performed at a tertiary referral center from October 1993 to December 2021, among patients aged 18 years and older. First, we determined the interval between first sperm sample and use. Then, we examined sperm usage separately for: (1) age, comparing patients grouped into 5‐year age cohorts; (2) paternal status according to number of children; (3) indication, comparison among seven indications. Secondary analysis included correlations between main age groups and paternal status versus the four most common indications found.

Results

During the study period 1490 men who cryopreserved sperm met the inclusion criteria. Average age at cryopreservation of the first sample was 33.9 ± 8.1 years. Average age at first sperm use was 37 ± 8.5 years. Cumulative sperm usage was 38.7% after 17.8 years. Increasing age was associated with progressive increase in sperm usage rate and shorter preservation period. Use significantly decreased with increasing number of children. Examination of seven reasons for sperm cryopreservation found the highest cumulative sperm usage was related to azoospermia (67.7%), followed by functional cryopreservation (39.3%), oligoasthenoteratospermia (27.3%), other (26.5%), patient's request (24%), cancer (19%), and systemic disease (7.2%). Secondary analysis defined specific usage patterns mainly related to age and indication, with less of an effect based on the number of children.

Discussion and conclusion

After decades of cryopreservation, the paradigm of sperm cryopreservation is mostly related to cancer patients. This should be reevaluated and evolve to include broader patient‐targeted factors and perceptions.
Tracking handgrip strength asymmetry from childhood to mid‐life
Authors: Fraser Brooklyn J. , Blizzard Leigh , Tomkinson Grant R. , McGrath Ryan , Dwyer Terence , Venn Alison J. , Magnussen Costan G.
Published: August 2023

Aim

Determine if asymmetric handgrip strength exists in childhood and adulthood and quantify the degree of tracking of handgrip strength asymmetry over time.

Methods

Participants from the Childhood Determinants of Adult Health Study had their right and left handgrip strength measured using handgrip dynamometry in childhood (1985: 9–15 y), young adulthood (2004–06: 26–36 y) and/or mid‐adulthood (2014–19: 36–49 y). Handgrip strength asymmetry was calculated as: strongest handgrip strength/strongest handgrip strength on the other hand. Participants were categorised based on the degree of their asymmetry (0.0%–10.0%, 10.1%–20.0%, 20.1%–30.0%, >30.0%). Tracking was quantified using Spearman's correlations and log binomial regression.

Results

Handgrip strength asymmetry was present in childhood and adulthood (>30.0% asymmetry: childhood = 6%, young adulthood = 3%, mid‐adulthood = 4%). Handgrip strength asymmetry did not track between childhood and young‐ (r = 0.06, 95% CI = −0.02, 0.12) and mid‐adulthood (r = 0.01, 95% CI = −0.09, 0.10). Tracking was more apparent between young‐ and mid‐adulthood (r = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.09, 0.22). Participants with >30.0% asymmetry were at greater risk to maintain this status between childhood and young‐ (RR = 3.53, 95% CI = 1.15, 10.87) and mid‐adulthood (RR = 2.14, 95% CI = 0.45, 10.20).

Conclusion

Although handgrip strength asymmetry tracked relatively poorly, asymmetric handgrip strength was apparent in children and adults. Handgrip strength asymmetry does not exclusively affect older adults and should be considered in protocols to better understand its role across the life course.
Chapter 1 Confronting America's Archaeological Legacies
Authors: Beisaw April M. , Kirakosian Katie , Witt David E. , Wheeler Ryan J.
Published: August 2023

American archaeology is rooted in the behaviors of our predecessors, yet our criticism of those forbearers is often disconnected from the issues of today's practice. Contributors to this volume seek to bridge that gap with a healthy dose of reflection. First, this introduction touches on some issues that are not more fully covered in the chapters that follow, specifically the #MeToo movement and field/conference safety, race, and class inequalities especially the costs of field schools and unpaid internships, and the need for inclusive practices for those who are differently abled. Then we summarize those issues that this volume does focus on, pointing out connections and interrelationships. Three major themes are explored: (1) how the identity of an archaeologist can impact their legacy; (2) how the careers of celebrated “big men” and “big projects” are often misrepresented; and (3) the relationship of archaeology to Black and Indigenous peoples, women, and other marginalized groups, including those who are archaeologists. To conclude, each editor presents a reflection of their own relationship to American archaeology and how that inspired this volume.
What is wrong in doing good?
Authors: Zoller Heinz , Wagner Sonja , Schaefer Benedikt
Published: August 2023

Hypophosphataemia is a common side‐effect in patients with iron deficiency anaemia treated with ferric carboxymaltose, which is not a class effect of all intravenous (IV) iron formulations. The report by Chu et al. shows that moderate and severe hypophosphataemia is common and can even require IV supplementation of phosphate with unknown long‐term consequences.

Commentary on: Chu et al. Incidence and predictors of hypophosphataemia after ferric carboxymaltose use—a 3‐year experience from a single institution in Singapore. Br J Haematol 2023;202:1199–1204.
Synthesis of novel pyrimido[4,5‐b]quinolines as potential anticancer agents and HER2 inhibitors
Authors: Ibrahim Nahla Said M. , Kadry Hanan H. , Zaher Ashraf F. , Mohamed Khaled O.
Published: August 2023

A series of N‐arylpyrimido[4,5‐b]quinolines 3a–e and 2‐aryl‐2,3‐dihydropyrimido[4,5‐b]quinoline‐4(1H)‐ones 5a–e was designed and synthesized as potential anticancer agents against breast cancer. Compounds 3e, 5a, 5b, 5d, and 5e showed promising activity against the MCF‐7 cell line. Among them, compound 5b was the most active with IC50 of 1.67 μM. Compound 5b promoted apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest at S phase. 5b increased the level of pro‐apoptotic proteins p53, Bax, and caspase‐7 and inhibited the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2. Furthermore, all the synthesized compounds were docked into the crystal structure of HER2 (PBD: 3 pp0). Compounds 3e, 5a, 5b, 5d, and 5e showed good energy scores and binding modes. Finally, Compound 5b was evaluated on the HER2 assay and revealed good inhibition with IC50 of 0.073 μM.
Plasma lipidomic analysis to investigate putative biomarkers of P‐glycoprotein activity in healthy volunteers
Authors: Decaix Théodore , Magny Romain , Gouin‐Thibaut Isabelle , Delavenne Xavier , Mismetti Patrick , Salem Joe‐Elie , Narjoz Céline , Blanchard Anne , Pépin Marion , Auzeil Nicolas , Loriot Marie‐Anne , Laprévote Olivier
Published: August 2023

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is an efflux transporter involved in the bioavailability of many drugs currently on the market. P‐gp is responsible for several drug–drug interactions encountered in clinical practice leading to iatrogenic hospital admissions, especially in polypharmacy situations. ABCB1 genotyping only reflects an indirect estimate of P‐gp activity. Therefore, it would be useful to identify endogenous biomarkers to determine the P‐gp phenotype to predict in vivo activity prior to the initiation of treatment and to assess the effects of drugs on P‐gp activity. The objective of this study was to assess changes in plasma lipidome composition among healthy volunteers selected on the basis of their ABCB1 genotype and who received clarithromycin, a known inhibitor of P‐gp. Untargeted lipidomic analysis based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was performed before and after clarithromycin administration. Our results revealed changes in plasma levels of some ceramides (Cers) {Cer(d18:1/22:0), Cer(d18:1/22:1), and Cer(d18:1/20:0) by ~38% (p < 0.0001), 13% (p < 0.0001), and 13% (p < 0.0001), respectively} and phosphatidylcholines (PCs) {PC(17:0/14:1), PC(16:0/18:3), and PC(14:0/18:3) by ~24% (p < 0.001), 10% (p < 0.001), and 23.6% (p < 0.001)} associated with both ABCB1 genotype and clarithromycin intake. Through the examination of plasma lipids, our results highlight the relevance of untargeted lipidomics for studying in vivo P‐gp activity and, more generally, to safely phenotyping transporters.
An African moral approach against the perverted faculty argument: Ukama, partiality and homophobia in Africa
Authors: Cordeiro‐Rodrigues Luis
Published: August 2023

In Africa, homosexuality is routinely understood as a form of immoral behaviour. This has great implications for the physical and psychological well‐being of homosexuals in Africa. One of the reasons why homosexuals are sometimes understood to be behaving immorally is because it is believed that same‐sex relations are unnatural. I think that this conception of unnatural is grounded on the perverted faculty argument, although this is not often expressed in such terms. In this article, I will develop a concept of natural grounded on the concept of Ukama. I will show that despite Ukama implying a functional conception of nature, just like in the perverted faculty argument, it does not imply that homosexuality is immoral.
Polyether ether ketone coated with nanohydroxyapatite/graphene oxide composite promotes bioactivity and antibacterial activity at the surface of the material
Authors: Al‐Noaman Ahmed , Rawlinson Simon C. F.
Published: August 2023

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is considered an alternative material for manufacturing dental implants. However, PEEK lacks bioactivity and antibacterial action. In a series of experiments designed to enhance the surface properties of PEEK, we present a nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) and graphene oxide (GO) composite as a coating for PEEK‐based dental implants to improve biological properties and antibacterial action. PEEK discs were polished, cleaned, and coated with the composite consisting of nHA particles doped with 0.75 wt% graphene oxide by a micro‐emulsion technique according to patent US8,206,813. X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy were utilized to characterize the composite coating. The wettability of the coated and non‐coated samples was assessed by optical contact angle measurement. Antibacterial action of the composite coating was explored against S. aureus and E. coli and cytotoxicity determined utilizing osteoblast‐like cells and gingival fibroblasts. The findings showed that the nHA/GO composite coating, approximately 1.3 μm thick, was homogenous with few micro‐cracks and adhered to the PEEK surface. The surface roughness was reduced to 21.26 nm and the wettability was improved to 54.6⁰ after coating with the composite coating. Antibacterial activity was moderate, killing 99% of S. aureus and E. coli, with acceptable levels of cytotoxicity to mammalian osteoblast‐like cells and gingival fibroblasts.
Clinical factors for tumor response, progression, and survival in nivolumab for advanced renal cell carcinoma in the SNiP‐RCC study
Authors: Blas Leandro , Shiota Masaki , Miyake Hideaki , Takahashi Masayuki , Oya Mototsugu , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Masumori Naoya , Matsuyama Hideyasu , Obara Wataru , Shinohara Nobuo , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Nozawa Masahiro , Ohba Kojiro , Ohyama Chikara , Hashine Katsuyoshi , Akamatsu Shusuke , Kamba Tomomi , Mita Koji , Gotoh Momokazu , Tatarano Shuichi , Fujisawa Masato , Tomita Yoshihiko , Mukai Shoichiro , Ito Keiichi , Tanegashima Tokiyoshi , Tokunaga Shoji , Eto Masatoshi ,   SNiP‐RCC Investigators
Published: August 2023

Background

This study is part of the SNPs in Nivolumab PD‐1 inhibitor for RCC (SNiP‐RCC). Here we aimed to reveal clinical factors for tumor response, progression, and survival in nivolumab for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in Japanese patients.

Methods

We included patients from 23 institutions in Japan. We evaluated the objective response, radiographic progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment‐related grade ≥ 3 (serious adverse events [SAEs]).

Results

We included 222 patients. The median age was 69 years (interquartile range 62–74 years), and 71% of the patients were male. Pancreas metastasis, lung metastases, prior cytokine therapy, and SAEs, were associated with objective response. The median PFS was 18 months. Liver metastases (hazard ratio [HR], 1.61), age ≥ 75 (HR, 0.48), previous resection of primary sites (HR, 0.47), and SAEs (HR, 0.47) were independent prognostic factors for PFS. Karnofsky Performance Status <70 (HR, 2.90), high platelets (HR, 4.48), previous resection of primary sites (HR, 0.23), and pathological grade (HR, 0.19 for grade 2 and HR, 0.12 for grade 3) were independent prognostic factors for OS. SAEs were reported in 45 (20.3%) cases. In the group of patients with prior nephrectomy, SAEs were associated with objective response, PFS, and OS.

Conclusion

The SNiP‐RCC study identified clinical parameters correlated with treatment outcomes in Japanese patients with priorly treated advanced clear cell RCC undergoing nivolumab monotherapy.