bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of the kinase domain of a receptor tyrosine kinase from a choanoflagellate, Monosiga brevicollis
Authors: Bajaj Teena , Kuriyan John , Gee Christine L.
Published: October 2022

Genomic analysis of the unicellular choanoflagellate, Monosiga brevicollis (MB), revealed the remarkable presence of cell signaling and adhesion protein domains that are characteristically associated with metazoans. Strikingly, receptor tyrosine kinases, one of the most critical elements of signal transduction and communication in metazoans, are present in choanoflagellates. We determined the crystal structure at 1.95 Å resolution of the kinase domain of the M. brevicollis receptor tyrosine kinase C8 (RTKC8, a member of the choanoflagellate receptor tyrosine kinase C family) bound to the kinase inhibitor staurospaurine. The chonanoflagellate kinase domain is closely related in sequence to mammalian tyrosine kinases (∼ 40% sequence identity to the human Ephrin kinase domain EphA3) and, as expected, has the canonical protein kinase fold. The kinase is structurally most similar to human Ephrin (EphA5), even though the extracellular sensor domain is completely different from that of Ephrin. The RTKC8 kinase domain is in an active conformation, with two staurosporine molecules bound to the kinase, one at the active site and another at the peptide-substrate binding site. We show that the RTKC8 kinase domain can phosphorylate tyrosine residues in peptides from its C-terminal tail segment.
Single-cell profiling of complex plant responses toPseudomonas syringaeinfection
Authors: Zhu Jie , Lolle Signe , Tang Andrea , Guel Bella , Kvikto Brian , Cole Benjamin , Coaker Gitta
Published: October 2022

Plant response to pathogen infection varies within a leaf, yet this heterogeneity is not well resolved. We exposedArabidopsistoPseudomonas syringaeor mock treatment and profiled >11,000 individual cells using single-cell RNA sequencing. Integrative analysis of cell populations from both treatments identified distinct pathogen responsive cell clusters exhibiting transcriptional responses ranging from immunity to susceptibility. Pseudotime analyses through pathogen infection revealed a continuum of disease progression from an immune to susceptible state. Confocal imaging of promoter reporter lines for transcripts enriched in immune cell clusters expressed surrounding substomatal cavities colonized or in close proximity to bacterial colonies, suggesting cells within immune clusters represent sites of early pathogen invasion. Susceptibility clusters exhibited more general localization and were highly induced at later stages of infection. Overall, our work uncovers cellular heterogeneity within an infected leaf and provides unique insight into plant differential response to infection at a single-cell level.
Dissecting infant leukemia developmental origins with a hemogenic gastruloid model
Authors: Ragusa Denise , Suen Chun-Wai , Torregrosa-Cortés Gabriel , Pastorino Fabio , Johns Ayona , Cicirò Ylenia , Dijkhuis Liza , van den Brink Susanne , Cilli Michele , Byrne Connor , Ionescu Giulia-Andreea , Cerveira Joana , Kranc Kamil R. , Hernandez-Hernandez Victor , Ponzoni Mirco , Bigas Anna , Garcia-Ojalvo Jordi , Martinez Arias Alfonso , Pina Cristina
Published: October 2022

Current in vitro models of developmental blood formation lack spatio-temporal accuracy and weakly replicate successive waves of hematopoiesis. Herein, we describe a mouse embryonic stem cell (SC)-derived 3D hemogenic gastruloid (hGx) that captures multi-wave blood formation, progenitor specification from hemogenic endothelium (HE), and generates hematopoietic SC precursors capable of short-term engraftment of immunodeficient mice upon maturation in an adrenal niche. We took advantage of the hGx model to interrogate the origins of infant acute myeloid leukemia (infAML). We focused on MNX1-driven leukemia, representing the commonest genetic abnormality unique to the infant group. Enforced MNX1 expression in hGx promotes the expansion and in vitro transformation of yolk sac-like erythroid-myeloid progenitors (EMP) at the HE-to-hematopoietic transition to faithfully recapitulate patient transcriptional signatures. By combining phenotypic, functional and transcriptional profiling, including at the single-cell level, we establish the hGx as a useful new model for the study of normal and leukemic embryonic hematopoiesis.
A data-driven approach for predicting the impact of drugs on the human microbiome
Authors: Algavi Yadid M. , Borenstein Elhanan
Published: October 2022

Many medications can negatively impact the bacteria residing in our gut, depleting beneficial species and causing adverse effects. To determine individualized response to pharmaceutical treatment, a comprehensive understanding of the impact of various drugs on the gut microbiome is needed, yet, to date, experimentally challenging to obtain. Towards this end, we developed a data-driven approach, integrating information about the chemical properties of each drug and the genomic content of each microbe, to systematically predicts drug-microbiome interactions. We show that this framework successfully predicts outcomes of in-vitro pairwise drug-microbe experiments, as well as drug-induced microbiome dysbiosis in both animal models and clinical trials. Applying this methodology, we systematically map all interactions between pharmaceuticals and bacteria and demonstrate that medications’ anti-microbial properties are tightly linked to their adverse effects. This computational framework has the potential to unlock the development of personalized medicine and microbiome-based therapeutic approaches, improving outcomes and minimizing side effects.
Dynamic matrices with DNA-encoded viscoelasticity for advanced cell and organoid culture
Authors: Peng Y.-H. , Hsiao S. K. , Gupta K. , Ruland A. , Auernhammer G. K. , Maitz M. F. , Boye S. , Lattner J. , Gerri C. , Honigmann A. , Werner C. , Krieg E.
Published: October 2022

3D cell and organoid cultures, which allow in vitro studies of organogenesis and carcinogenesis, rely on the mechanical support of viscoelastic matrices. However, commonly used matrix materials lack rational design and control over key cell-instructive properties. Herein, we report a class of fully synthetic hydrogels based on novel DNA libraries that self-assemble with ultra-high molecular weight polymers, forming a dynamic DNA-crosslinked matrix (DyNAtrix). DyNAtrix enables, for the first time, computationally predictable, systematic, and independent control over critical viscoelasticity parameters by merely changing DNA sequence information without affecting the compositional features of the system. This approach enables: (1) thermodynamic and kinetic control over network formation; (2) adjustable heat-activation for the homogeneous embedding of mammalian cells; and (3) dynamic tuning of stress relaxation times over several orders of magnitude, recapitulating the mechanical characteristics of living tissues. DyNAtrix is self-healing, printable, exhibits high stability, cyto-and hemocompatibility, and controllable degradation. DyNAtrix-based 3D cultures of human mesenchymal stromal cells, pluripotent stem cells, canine kidney cysts, and human placental organoids exhibit high viability (on par or superior to reference matrices), proliferation, and morphogenesis over several days to weeks. DyNAtrix thus represents a programmable and versatile precision matrix, paving the way for advanced approaches to biomechanics, biophysics, and tissue engineering.
Structures of human cytoplasmic dynein in complex with the lissencephaly 1 protein, LIS1
Authors: Reimer Janice M. , DeSantis Morgan E. , Reck-Peterson Samara L. , Leschziner Andres E.
Published: October 2022

The lissencephaly 1 protein, LIS1, is mutated in type-1 lissencephaly and is a key regulator of cytoplasmic dynein-1. At a molecular level, current models propose that LIS1 activates dynein by relieving its autoinhibited form. We recently reported a 3.1Å structure of yeast dynein bound to Pac1, the yeast homologue of LIS1, which revealed the details of their interactions (Gillies et al., 2022). Based on this structure, we made mutations that disrupted these interactions and showed that they were required for dynein’s function in vivo in yeast. We also used our yeast dynein-Pac1 structure to design mutations in human dynein to probe the role of LIS1 in promoting the assembly of active dynein complexes. These mutations had relatively mild effects on dynein activation, suggesting that there may be differences in how dynein and Pac1/LIS1 interact between yeast and humans. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of human dynein-LIS1 complexes. Our new structures reveal the differences between the yeast and human systems and provide a blueprint to disrupt the human dynein-LIS1 interaction more accurately. Our new structures also allow us to map type-1 lissencephaly disease mutations, as well as mutations in dynein linked to malformations of cortical development/ intellectual disability, in the context of the human dynein-LIS1 complex.
AI-guided cryo-EM probes a thermophilic cell-free system with succinyl-coA manufacturing capability
Authors: Skalidis Ioannis , Kyrilis Fotis L. , Tüting Christian , Hamdi Farzad , Träger Toni K. , Belapure Jaydeep , Hause Gerd , Fratini Marta , O’Reilly Francis J. , Heilmann Ingo , Rappsilber Juri , Kastritis Panagiotis L.
Published: October 2022

Cell-free systems display tremendous potential for biotechnological applications, complementing in vitro reconstituted enzymatic processes and traditional expression systems. However, they often represent “black boxes” without much insight into their components. Here, we characterize a thermophilic cell-free system that produces succinyl-CoA and discern its intrinsic, non-stochastic organization. By employing biochemical, biophysical, and bioinformatic methods we resolve its molecular composition, 3D architecture and molecular function at atomic resolution. We further report the high-resolution cryo-EM structure of the reaction’s main component, the oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex core (E2o), which displays various structural adaptations. These include hydrogen bonding patterns confining interactions of participating enzymes (E1o-E2o-E3), electrostatic tunneling that drives inter-communication between subunits, and the presence of a flexible subunit, the E3BPo connecting E2o and E3. This multi-scale analysis of a cell-free system provides a blueprint for structure-function studies of complex mixtures of biotechnological value.
Residue-dependent transition temperatures and denaturant midpoints in the folding of a multi-domain protein
Authors: Liu Zhenxing , Thirumalai D.
Published: October 2022

As a consequence of the finite size of globular proteins, it is expected that there should be dispersions in the global melting temperature (Tm) and the denaturation midpoint (Cm). Thermodynamic considerations dictate that the dispersions, ΔTm in Tm and ΔCm in Cm, should decrease with N, the number of residues in the protein. We performed coarse-grained simulations of the Self-Organized Polymer (SOP) model of the multi-domain protein, Adenylate Kinase (ADK) with N = 214, in order to calculate thermal and denaturation unfolding titration curves. The results show that and are non-zero and follow the previously established (Phys. Rev. Lett. 93 268107 (2004)) thermodynamic scaling for proteins accurately. For ADK, the dispersions are small (≈ 0.004), which implies that the melting temperature is more or less unique, which is unlike in BBL (N =40) where .
Skipper analysis of RNA-protein interactions highlights depletion of genetic variation in translation factor binding sites
Authors: Boyle Evan A. , Her Hsuan-Lin , Mueller Jasmine R. , Nguyen Grady G. , Yeo Gene W.
Published: October 2022

Technology for crosslinking and immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (CLIP-seq) has identified the transcriptomic targets of hundreds of RNA-binding proteins in cells. To increase the power of existing and future CLIP-seq datasets, we introduce Skipper, an end-to-end workflow that converts unprocessed reads into annotated binding sites using an improved statistical framework. Compared to existing methods, Skipper on average calls 3.1-4.2 times more transcriptomic binding sites and sometimes >10 times more sites, providing deeper insight into post-transcriptional gene regulation. Skipper also calls binding to annotated repetitive elements and identifies bound elements for 99% of enhanced CLIP experiments. We perform nine translation factor enhanced CLIPs and apply Skipper to learn determinants of translation factor occupancy including transcript region, sequence, and subcellular localization. Furthermore, we observe depletion of genetic variation in occupied sites and nominate transcripts subject to selective constraint because of translation factor occupancy. Skipper offers fast, easy, customizable analysis of CLIP-seq data.
Live-Cell Tracking of γ-H2AX Kinetics Reveals the Distinct Modes of ATM and DNA-PK in Immediate Response to DNA Damage
Authors: Trakarnphornsombat Watanya , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: October 2022

DNA double-strand break (DSB) is a serious form of DNA damage that can cause genetic mutation. On the induction of DSBs, histone H2AX becomes phosphorylated by kinases, including ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM), ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR), and DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). Phosphorylated H2AX (γ-H2AX) can be a platform to recruit DNA repair machinery. Here we analyzed the immediate early kinetics of γ-H2AX upon laser-induced DNA damage in ATM-proficient and -deficient living cells by using fluorescently labeled antigen-binding fragments specific for γ-H2AX. The accumulation kinetics of γ-H2AX were similar in both ATM-proficient and -deficient cells. However, γ-H2AX accumulation was delayed when the cells were treated with a DNA-PK inhibitor, suggesting that DNA-PK rapidly phosphorylates H2AX at DSB sites. Ku80, a DNA-PK subunit, diffused freely in the nucleus without DNA damage, whereas ATM repeatedly bound to and dissociated from chromatin. The H2AX phosphorylation activity of ATM, but not DNA-PK, depended on a histone H4K16 acetyltransferase, males absent on the first (MOF). These results suggest distinct actions of ATM and DNA-PK that plays a primary role in immediate early γ-H2AX accumulation.
Loss of cytoskeletal proteostasis links dysregulation of cell size and mechanotransduction in mesenchymal stem cell senescence
Authors: Mallikarjun Venkatesh , Dobre Oana , Jackson Mark R. , Kidd Melissa , Llewellyn Jack , Gilbert Hamish T. J. , Richardson Stephen M. , Swift Joe
Published: October 2022

Tissues are maintained by homeostatic feedback mechanisms where cells respond to, but also modify, the chemical and mechanical properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) resident in the marrow niche experience a diverse mechanical environment, but ageing can affect the composition and quality of bone and marrow tissues. Here we quantified the effect of replication-induced senescence on MSC morphology and their ability to correctly respond to different substrate stiffnesses. The matrix proteome was found to be sensitive to substrate stiffness, but pharmacological inhibition of cellular contractility perturbed this response, decreasing levels of tenascin-C, fibulins and fibronectin. Similar decreases in these mechanosensitive proteins were observed in senescent cells, suggested a decoupling of mechanotransduction pathways. Intracellular proteomic and transcriptomic analyses confirmed a decrease in components of the cytoskeletal chaperone complex CCT/TRiC in senescent MSCs. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of CCT/TRiC was able to partially recapitulate senescence-associated morphological changes in non-senescent MSCs. These results demonstrate a senescence-mediated perturbation to cytoskeletal homeostasis, pathways of mechanotransduction and the secretion of matrix proteins required for tissue maintenance.
Equality in contention: exploring the debates of gender-equal inheritance rights in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Jinat , Jamil Ishtiaq
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to evaluate what caused the debates and confusion in articulating a gender-equal inheritance policy in Bangladesh, and to identify the socio-political drivers and nature of the political power play that thwarted the policy’s adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The research undergirding this paper is based on a qualitative approach involving a case study with in-depth semi-structured interviews, focus-group discussions, and secondary data analysis. The interviews were conducted with policy makers, officials, lawyers, women activists, Muslim religious scholars, Hindu priests, academics and researchers, and women representing Hindu and Muslim religions.

Findings

The findings illustrate that the controversies between the Islamic religion and national and international policies led to serious debates and confusion about gender-equal rights of inheritance in Bangladesh. The failure to formulate and adopt a gender-equal inheritance policy was influenced by several socio-political phenomena and gender-biased institutional settings. This kind of policy is deeply political, and cultural compatibility is necessary to formulate it, especially when the policy affects religious sentiments. Religious sentiments and beliefs, which are associated with religion-based personal law, therefore influence both the formulation or non-formulation of a gender-equal policy. To move forward with the fundamental idea of women’s inclusion, there is a strong need to identify the socio-cultural and political drivers behind formulating, non-formulating, as well as implementing a gender-equal policy.

Originality/value

The paper will be beneficial to scholars and policy makers who seek to explore the epicenter of challenges and opposition to formulating a gender-equal policy in the context of a developing country with a Muslim majority.
What it means to be a Muslim youth in Canada: a scoping review of empirical studies
Authors: Jamal Aamir , Lorenzetti Liza , Dhingra Swati , Baldwin Clive , Ganshorn Heather
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Our thematic analysis of the academic literature on Canadian Muslim Youth aims to identify and describe the factors which contribute to the construction of identity among Muslim youth in Canada and make some research and policy recommendations to address this issue. In this review, we responded to the following questions: What is the current research evidence for Canadian Muslim Youth identity construction? What are the major themes included in the identified publications?

Design/methodology/approach

What does it mean to be a Muslim youth in Canada and how do Canadian Muslim youth negotiate and construct their identities in a globally polarized world? Using Arksey and O'Malley's framework (2005), a scoping review of empirical studies published between 2000 and 2021 was conducted to explore the diverse contexts that intersect in the creation of Canadian Muslim youth identity.

Findings

A thematic analysis of the literature identified five key themes: religiosity, racism and discrimination, parental influence, citizenship and gender that intersect in multiple ways to contribute to the construction of diverse and complex Muslim youth identities. The scoping review highlights a gap in community-based research and the need for a broader range of theoretical perspectives on Muslim youth identity construction, as well as culturally appropriate policies and social work practice models for positive youth development.

Originality/value

In contemporary Canadian culture, Muslim youth must negotiate and create their own exclusive identity, which justifies the context of what it means to be Canadian and Muslim at the same time. As highlighted in the literature, a number of tensions within the Canadian policy, between the policy and the Muslim tradition and within the Muslim community itself pose challenges in the identity development among Muslim youth. Therefore, It is critical for social work practitioners, researchers and policymakers to consider above mentioned socio-political and religious dimensions while designing, implementing and evaluating youth programs for Muslim communities.
Metaproteomics to understand how microbiota function: The crystal ball predicts a promising future
Authors: Armengaud Jean
Published: October 2022

In the medical, environmental, and biotechnological fields, microbial communities have attracted much attention due to their roles and numerous possible applications. The study of these communities is challenging due to their diversity and complexity. Innovative methods are needed to identify the taxonomic components of individual microbiota, their changes over time, and to determine how microoorganisms interact and function. Metaproteomics is based on the identification and quantification of proteins, and can potentially provide this full picture. Due to the wide molecular panorama and functional insights it provides, metaproteomics is gaining momentum in microbiome and holobiont research. Its full potential should be unleashed in the coming years with progress in speed and cost of analyses. In this exploratory crystal ball exercise, I discuss the technical and conceptual advances in metaproteomics that I expect to drive innovative research over the next few years in microbiology. I also debate the concepts of ‘microbial dark matter’ and ‘Metaproteomics‐Assembled Proteomes (MAPs)’ and present some long‐term prospects for metaproteomics in clinical diagnostics and personalized medicine, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and biotechnology.
Pregnancy outcomes in Italy during COVID‐19 pandemic: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Rusconi Franca , Puglia Monia , Pacifici Martina , Brescianini Sonia , Gagliardi Luigi , Nannavecchia Anna Maria , Buono Pietro , Cantoira Sara , Farchi Sara , Gobbato Michele , Pellegrini Edda , Perrone Enrica , Pertile Riccardo , Tavormina Elisa Eleonora , Visonà Dalla Pozza Laura , Zambri Francesca ,   the AIE Perinatal Health Working Group
Published: October 2022

Objective

To compare the estimates of preterm birth (PTB; 22–36 weeks' gestational age, GA) and stillbirth rates during COVID‐19 pandemic in Italy with those recorded in the three previous years.

Design

A population‐based cohort study of live‐ and stillborn infants was conducted using data from Regional Health Systems and comparing the pandemic period (1 March 2020–31 March 2021, n = 362 129) to an historical period (January 2017–February 2020, n = 1 117 172). The cohort covered 84.3% of the births in Italy.

Methods

Poisson regressions were run in each Region and meta‐analyses were performed centrally. We used an interrupted time series regression analysis to study the trend of preterm births from 2017 to 2021.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcomes were PTB and stillbirths. Secondary outcomes were late PTB (32–36 weeks' GA), very PTB (<32 weeks' GA), and extremely PTB (<28 weeks' GA), overall and stratified into singleton and multiples.

Results

The pandemic period compared with the historical one was associated with a reduced risk for PTB (risk ratio [RR] 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.88–0.93), late PTB (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.88–0.94), very PTB (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84–0.91) and extremely PTB (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.95). In multiples, point estimates were not very different, but had wider CIs. No association was found for stillbirths (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.90–1.13). A linear decreasing trend in PTB rate was present in the historical period, with a further reduction after the lockdown.

Conclusions

We demonstrated a decrease in PTB rate after the introduction of COVID‐19 restriction measures, without an increase in stillbirths.
‘Moving towards understanding’, acceptability of investigations following stillbirth in sub‐Saharan Africa: A grounded theory study
Authors: Bedwell Carol , Danna Valentina Actis , Lyangenda Kutemba , Tuwele Khuzuet , Kuzenza Flora , Kimaro Debora , Shayo Happiness , Petross Chisomo , Chisuse Isabella , Heazell Alexander , Victor Suresh , Vwalika Bellington , Lavender Tina
Published: October 2022

Objective

To explore the views of women, partners, families, health workers and community leaders of potential investigations to determine the cause(s) of stillbirth, in Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia.

Design

Grounded theory.

Setting

Tertiary facilities and community settings in Blantyre, Malawi, Mwanza, Tanzania and Mansa, Zambia.

Sample

Purposive and theoretical sampling was used to recruit 124 participants: 33 women, 18 partners, 19 family members, 29 health workers and 25 community leaders, across three countries.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted using a topic guide for focus. Analysis was completed using constant comparative analysis. Sampling ceased at data saturation.

Results

Women wanted to know the cause of stillbirth, but this was tempered by their fear of the implications of this knowledge; in particular, the potential for them to be blamed for the death of their baby. There were also concerns about the potential consequences of denying tradition and culture. Non‐invasive investigations were most likely to be accepted on the basis of causing less ‘harm’ to the baby. Parents’ decision‐making was influenced by type of investigation, family and cultural influences and financial cost.

Conclusions

Parents want to understand the cause of death, but face emotional, cultural and economic barriers to this. Offering investigations will require these barriers to be addressed, services to be available and a no‐blame culture developed to improve outcomes. Community awareness, education and support for parents in making decisions are vital prior to implementing investigations in these settings.
Risk factors for pre‐eclampsia in clinical practice guidelines: Comparison with the evidence
Authors: Elawad Terteel , Scott Georgia , Bone Jeffrey N. , Elwell Helen , Lopez Cristina Escalona , Filippi Veronique , Green Marcus , Khalil Asma , Kinshella Mai‐Lei W. , Mistry Hiten D. , Pickerill Kelly , Shanmugam Reshma , Singer Joel , Townsend Rosemarie , Tsigas Eleni Z. , Vidler Marianne , Volvert Marie‐Laure , von Dadelszen Peter , Magee Laura A. ,   the PRECISE Network
Published: October 2022

Objective

To compare pre‐eclampsia risk factors identified by clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) with risk factors from hierarchical evidence review, to guide pre‐eclampsia prevention.

Design

Our search strategy provided hierarchical evidence of relationships between risk factors and pre‐eclampsia using Medline (Ovid), searched from January 2010 to January 2021.

Setting

Published studies and CPGs.

Population

Pregnant women.

Methods

We evaluated the strength of association and quality of evidence (GRADE). CPGs (n = 15) were taken from a previous systematic review.

Main outcome measure

Pre‐eclampsia.

Results

Of 78 pre‐eclampsia risk factors, 13 (16.5%) arise only during pregnancy. Strength of association was usually ‘probable’ (n = 40, 51.3%) and the quality of evidence was low (n = 35, 44.9%). The ‘major’ and ‘moderate’ risk factors proposed by 8/15 CPGs were not well aligned with the evidence; of the ten ‘major’ risk factors (alone warranting aspirin prophylaxis), associations with pre‐eclampsia were definite (n = 4), probable (n = 5) or possible (n = 1), based on moderate (n = 4), low (n = 5) or very low (n = 1) quality evidence. Obesity (‘moderate’ risk factor) was definitely associated with pre‐eclampsia (high‐quality evidence). The other ten ‘moderate’ risk factors had probable (n = 8), possible (n = 1) or no (n = 1) association with pre‐eclampsia, based on evidence of moderate (n = 1), low (n = 5) or very low (n = 4) quality. Three risk factors not identified by the CPGs had probable associations (high quality): being overweight; ‘prehypertension’ at booking; and blood pressure of 130–139/80–89 mmHg in early pregnancy.

Conclusions

Pre‐eclampsia risk factors in CPGs are poorly aligned with evidence, particularly for the strongest risk factor of obesity. There is a lack of distinction between risk factors identifiable in early pregnancy and those arising later. A refresh of the strategies advocated by CPGs is needed.
Technologies for sustainable heat generation in food processing
Authors: Grossmann Lutz , Hinrichs Jörg , Weiss Jochen
Published: October 2022

The utilization of heat is one of the foundations of modern food processing. At present, boilers that operate on fossil fuels are still dominating the generation of hot water, steam, and hot air in the food industry. In light of sustainability goals and carbon taxes as well as international efforts to reduce the dependence on natural gas, new technologies are needed to lower the greenhouse gas emissions related to thermal processing of foods. This review discusses important technologies that could serve as a replacement for conventional fossil fuel boilers in the future. These technologies are based on electricity, geothermal energy (direct/indirect use), and electricity to hydrogen conversion and include fuel cells, microturbines, engines, electrical boilers, heat pumps, radiation, and use of geothermal energy. The majority of these technologies are already available for implementation at larger scales and emissions are generally lower compared to burning fossil fuels. At present, major obstacles, such as low fossil fuel prices, still exist that prevent the widespread adoption of more sustainable heating technologies. However, the direct transformation of electrical energy and utilization of geothermal energy for heating purposes seem promising and should be more frequently installed in the future, whereas the use of H2obtained through electrolysis as a transportable source of energy may also serve as a source of thermal energy where it is useful to generate electricity and heat on the production site or where the availability of electricity is limited.
Pesticide residues and dietary risk assessment in radishes in Shandong
Authors: Jiang Ying , Zhuang Maoqiang , Xiao Peirui , Wang Kebo , Song Jian , Liu Hui , Zhao Jinshan , Chu Zunhua
Published: October 2022

Pesticide residues in radishes can induce serious health hazards, especially in children and toddlers. In order to assess potential health risk from pesticide residues in radishes, a total of 26 pesticides were evaluated by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry in 1690 samples, which were collected from the year 2016 to 2019 in Shandong Province of China. All the 26 pesticide residues were detected in 752 radish samples (44.50%), but only 221 samples (13.08%) contained detectable pesticide residues, which are above the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Multiple residues with two to nine pesticides were present in 5.09% (86 out of 1690) of samples. Hazard quotient (HQ) and the cumulative risk index were far below 100, while percentage value of acute reference dose (%ARfD) of triazophos exceeded 100 for adults, children, and toddlers. The %ARfD value for carbofuran, aldicarb, monocrotophos, and parathion was over 100 for toddlers. From the perspective of public health, the occurrence of pesticide residues in radishes could not pose a serious health risk problem, but the acute health risk should be paid more attention, especially to toddlers. It is recommended to make strict regulations on the management of pesticide residues and human health risk assessment about pesticide residues.
Cleavage Identities in Voters’ Own Words: Harnessing Open‐Ended Survey Responses
Authors: Zollinger Delia
Published: October 2022

Fundamental transformations of underlying cleavage structures in advanced democracies should become evident in new collective identities. This article uses quantitative text analysis to investigate how voters describe their ingroups and outgroups in open‐ended survey responses. I look at Switzerland, a paradigmatic case of electoral realignment along a “second,” universalism–particularism dimension of politics opposing the far right and the new left. Keyness statistics and a semi‐supervised document scaling method (latent semantic scaling) serve to identify terms associated with the poles of this divide in voters’ responses, and hence to measure universalist/particularist identities. Based on voters’ own words, the results support the idea of collective identities consolidating an emerging cleavage: Voters’ identity descriptions relate to far right versus new left support, along with known sociostructural and attitudinal correlates of the universalism–particularism divide, and they reveal how groups opposed on this dimension antagonistically demarcate themselves from each other.
Associations between organised sports participation, general health, stress, screen‐time and sleep duration in adolescents
Authors: Yman Josefin , Helgadóttir Björg , Kjellenberg Karin , Nyberg Gisela
Published: October 2022

Aim

Physical activity patterns in adolescents have been associated with general health. Stress, screen‐time and sleep are other factors associated with physical activity that influence health in adolescents. Physical activity accounts for several health benefits; however, the impact of organised sports participation to achieve the same health benefits are less explored. This study explored the associations of organised sports participation with general health, stress, screen‐time and sleep‐duration in adolescents.

Methods

For this cross‐sectional study, data from 1139 adolescents (age 13–14 years) from 34 schools were analysed. Data were collected during autumn 2019. Data collection consisted of self‐reported questionnaires and standard methods for height and weight measurements.

Results

Adolescents with organised sports participation ≥3 times/week were twice as likely to report better general health (OR: 2.11, CI: 1.45–3.07) and lower screen‐time (OR: 1.98, CI: 1.43–2.74). Adolescents with organised sports participation ≥3 times/week were less likely to meet the recommended sleep‐duration on weekdays (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.29–0.65).

Conclusions

Adolescents with frequent organised sports participation had better general health, lower amounts of screen‐time and shorter sleep‐duration on weekdays than those with no participation. Although the causal relationships remain unknown, these results can be relevant when developing strategies promoting physical activity and health in adolescents.
Left‐sided excess in the laterality of cutaneous melanocytic nevi and melanomas
Authors: Bauer‐Büntzel Christoph , Kück Fabian , Kretschmer Lutz
Published: October 2022

Background and objectives

Asymmetrical distribution of melanomas in favor of the left body half has been repeatedly described.

Patients and methods

In a prospective cross‐sectional study, we investigated the distribution of melanocytic nevi between the left and right halves of the body in 702 patients. In 2,004 consecutive cases with melanomas, we retrospectively determined left to right (L/R) ratios of primary melanomas, lymph node metastases, and melanocytic nevi in sentinel lymph nodes (SN).

Results

The L/R ratios for cutaneous nevi and melanomas were 1.23 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.12–1.36) and 1.6 (95 % CI 1.37–1.88), respectively. In both cutaneous nevi and melanomas, the left‐sided excess was mainly found in intermittently light‐exposed skin. Of the nevus patients, 92.4 % were right‐handed. Breslow thickness and rates of ulceration did not differ significantly between the two body halves.

Conclusions

Melanocytic nevi and melanomas are more frequently found on the left body half. We assume asymmetric solar radiation as the causative factor. The vast majority of right‐handed people might unconsciously align their posture during outdoor activities so that the light falls in from the left. This avoids shadow cast by the dominant arm, shoulder, or head.
Analysis of real‐world capillary blood glucose data to help reduce HbA1c and hypoglycaemia in type 1 diabetes: Evidence in favour of using the percentage of readings in target and coefficient of variation
Authors: Eissa Mohammad R. , Benaissa Mohammed , Good Tim , Hui Zheng , Gianfrancesco Carla , Ferguson Carolin , Elliott Jackie
Published: October 2022

Aims

To examine real‐world capillary blood glucose (CBG) data according to HbA1c to define proportions of CBG readings at different HbA1c levels, and evaluate patterns in CBG measurements to suggest areas to focus on with regard to self‐management.

Methods

A retrospective analysis stratified 682 adults with type 1 diabetes split into quartiles based on their HbA1c. The proportions of results in different CBG ranges and associations with HbA1c were evaluated. Patterns in readings following episodes of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia were examined, using glucose to next glucose reading table (G2G).

Results

CBG readings in the target range (3.9‐10 mmol/L) increase by ~10% across each CBG quartile (31% in the highest versus 63% in the lowest quartile, p < 0.05). The novel G2G table helps the treatment‐based interpretation of data. Hypoglycaemia is often preceded by hyperglycaemia, and vice‐versa, and is twice as likely in the highest HbA1c quartile. Re‐testing within 30 min of hypoglycaemia is associated with less hypoglycaemia, 1.6% versus 7.2%, p < 0.001, and also reduces subsequent hyperglycaemia and further hypoglycaemia in the proceeding 24 h. The coefficient of variation, but not standard deviation, is highly associated with hypoglycaemia, r = 0.71, and a CV ≤ 36% equates to 3.3% of CBG readings in the hypoglycaemic range.

Conclusions

HbA1c <58 mmol/mol (7.5%) is achievable even when only ~60% of CBG readings are between 3.9–10 mmol/L. Examining readings subsequent to out‐of‐range readings suggests useful behaviours which people with type 1 diabetes could be supported to adhere to, both in a clinic and structured education programmes, thereby decreasing the risk of hypoglycaemia whilst also reducing hyperglycaemia and improving HbA1c.
Rhizosphere bacterial communities of three minor grain crops exhibit distinct environmental adaptations and assembly processes
Authors: Tian Lixin , Zhang Feifei , Chen Pengliang , Zhang Panpan , Gao Zhijun , Dong Yang , Yan Feng , Yang Pu , Gao Xiaoli , Feng Baili
Published: October 2022

Deciphering responses of bacterial communities to environmental change, and understanding how communities assemble in response to environmental change, are important subjects. The assembly processes governing the rhizosphere bacterial communities of minor grain crops are rarely explored based on regional scales, especially in terms of the environmental adaptation. Here, we investigated the environmental thresholds and phylogenetic signals for ecological preferences of rhizosphere bacterial communities of three minor grain crop taxa across complex environmental gradients to reflect their environmental adaptation. Additionally, we reported environmental factors affecting their community assembly processes based on a large‐scale soil survey in agricultural fields across northern China using high‐throughput sequencing. The results demonstrated a narrower range of environmental thresholds and weaker phylogenetic signals for the ecological traits of rhizosphere bacteria in proso millet than in foxtail millet and sorghum fields. The proso millet rhizosphere community was the most phylogenetically clustered. Null model analysis indicated that homogeneous selection belonging to deterministic processes governed the sorghum rhizosphere community, whereas dispersal limitation belonging to stochastic processes was the critical assembly process in the foxtail millet and proso millet. Mean annual temperature was the decisive factor for adjusting the balance between stochasticity and determinism of the foxtail millet, proso millet and sorghum rhizosphere communities. A higher temperature resulted in stochasticity in the proso millet and sorghum communities. For the foxtail millet community, the deterministic assembly increased with an increase in temperature. These results contribute to the understanding of rhizosphere‐associated bacterial community assembly processes in agro‐ecosystems on a large scale.

Highlights

Proso millet rhizosphere bacterial taxa exhibited weaker environmental adaptation than foxtail millet and sorghum taxa.

Determinism governed the sorghum rhizosphere community, whereas stochasticity was the critical assembly process in the foxtail and proso millet.

Mean annual temperature mediated balance between stochastic and deterministic processes.
Intraspecific variation reshapes coral assemblages under elevated temperature and acidity
Authors: McWilliam Mike , Madin Joshua S. , Chase Tory J. , Hoogenboom Mia O. , Bridge Tom C. L.
Published: October 2022

Insights into assemblages that can persist in extreme environments are still emerging. Ocean warming and acidification select against species with low physiological tolerance (trait‐based ‘filtering’). However, intraspecific trait variation can promote species adaptation and persistence, with potentially large effects on assemblage structure. By sampling nine coral traits (four morphological, four tissue and one skeletal) along an offshore–inshore gradient in temperature and pH, we show that distantly related coral species undergo consistent intraspecific changes as they cross into warm, acidic environments. Intraspecific variation and species turnover each favoured colonies with greater tissue biomass, higher symbiont densities and reduced skeletal investments, indicating strong filtering on colony physiology within and across species. Physiological tissue traits were highly variable within species and were independent of morphology, enabling morphologically diverse species to cross into sites of elevated temperature and acidity. Widespread intraspecific change can therefore counter the loss of biodiversity and morphological structure across a steep environmental gradient.
Learning takes time: Biotic resistance by native herbivores increases through the invasion process
Authors: Santamaría Jorge , Golo Raül , Verdura Jana , Tomas Fiona , Ballesteros Enric , Alcoverro Teresa , Arthur Rohan , Cebrian Emma
Published: October 2022

As invasive species spread, the ability of local communities to resist invasion depends on the strength of biotic interactions. Evolutionarily unused to the invader, native predators or herbivores may be initially wary of consuming newcomers, allowing them to proliferate. However, these relationships may be highly dynamic, and novel consumer–resource interactions could form as familiarity grows. Here, we explore the development of effective biotic resistance towards a highly invasive alga using multiple space‐for‐time approaches. We show that the principal native Mediterranean herbivore learns to consume the invader within less than a decade. At recently invaded sites, the herbivore actively avoided the alga, shifting to distinct preference and high consumptions at older sites. This rapid strengthening of the interaction contributed to the eventual collapse of the alga after an initial dominance. Therefore, our results stress the importance of conserving key native populations to allow communities to develop effective resistance mechanisms against invaders.
Diagnosis and treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis: A position paper
Authors: Pozzilli Carlo , Pugliatti Maura , Vermersch Patrick , Grigoriadis Nikolaos , Alkhawajah Mona , Airas Laura , Oreja‐Guevara Celia
Published: October 2022

Background and Purpose

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable disease characterised by a highly variable disease onset and clinical course. Three main clinical phenotypes have been described. However, distinguishing between the two progressive forms of MS can be challenging for clinicians. This article examines how the diagnostic definitions of progressive MS impact clinical research, the design of clinical trials and, ultimately, treatment decisions.

Methods

We carried out an extensive review of the literature highlighting differences in the definition of progressive forms of MS, and the importance of assessing the extent of the ongoing inflammatory component in MS when making treatment decisions.

Results

Inconsistent results in phase III clinical studies of treatments for progressive MS, may be attributable to differences in patient characteristics (e.g., age, clinical and radiological activity at baseline) and endpoint definitions. In both primary and secondary progressive MS, patients who are younger and have more active disease will derive the greatest benefit from the available treatments.

Conclusions

We recommend making treatment decisions based on the individual patient's pattern of disease progression, as well as functional, clinical and imaging parameters, rather than on their clinical phenotype. Because the definition of progressive MS differs across clinical studies, careful selection of eligibility criteria and study endpoints is needed for future studies in patients with progressive MS.
Gut microbiota analysis in pediatric‐onset multiple sclerosis compared to pediatric monophasic demyelinating syndromes and pediatric controls
Authors: Bruijstens Arlette L. , Molenaar Sandy , Wong Yu Yi M. , Kraaij Robert , Neuteboom Rinze F.
Published: October 2022

Background and purpose

Gut microbiota dysbiosis may lead to proinflammatory conditions contributing to multiple sclerosis (MS) etiology. Pediatric‐onset MS patients are close to biological disease onset and less exposed to confounders. Therefore, this study investigated gut microbiota composition and functional pathways in pediatric‐onset MS, compared to monophasic acquired demyelinating syndromes (mADS) and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods

Pediatric participants were selected from the Dutch national prospective cohort study including ADS patients and HCs <18 years old. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were generated from sequencing the V3/4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Functional MetaCyc microbial pathways were predicted based on Enzyme Commission numbers. Gut microbiota composition (alpha/beta diversity and individual microbe abundance at ASV to phylum level) and predicted functional pathways were tested using nonparametric tests, permutational multivariate analysis of variance, and linear regression.

Results

Twenty‐six pediatric‐onset MS (24 with disease‐modifying therapy [DMT]), 25 mADS, and 24 HC subjects were included. Alpha/beta diversity, abundance of individual resident microbes, and microbial functional features were not different between these participant groups. Body mass index (BMI) showed significant differences, with obese children having a lower alpha diversity (Chao1 Index p = 0.015, Shannon/Simpson Diversity Index p = 0.014/p = 0.023), divergent beta diversity (R2 = 3.7%, p = 0.013), and higher abundance of numerous individual resident microbes and functional microbial pathways.

Conclusions

Previous results of gut microbiota composition and predicted functional features could not be validated in this Dutch pediatric‐onset MS cohort using a more sensitive 16S pipeline, although it was limited by sample size and DMT use. Notably, several other host‐related factors were found to associate with gut microbiota variation, especially BMI.