bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe Central Nervous System Demyelination in Sanfilippo Disease
Authors: Taherzadeh Mahsa , Zhang Erjun , Londono Irene , Song Sheng-Kwei , Wang Sophie , Cooper Jonathan D. , Kennedy Timothy E. , Morales Carlos R. , Chen Zesheng , Lodygensky Gregory A. , Pshezhetsky Alexey V.
Published: April 2023

Neurodegeneration and chronic progressive neuroinflammation are well-documented in neurological lysosomal storage diseases, including Sanfilippo disease or mucopolysaccharidosis III (MPS III). Since chronic neuroinflammation has been linked to white matter tract pathology and defects in axonal transmission, we analysed axonal myelination and white matter density in the mouse model of MPS IIIC and human post-mortem brain samples from MPS IIIA, C, and D patients. Analyses of corpus callosum (CC) and spinal cord tissues by immunohistochemistry revealed substantially reduced levels of myelin-associated proteins including Myelin Basic Protein, Myelin Associated Glycoprotein, and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein. Furthermore, ultrastructural analyses revealed disruption of myelin sheath organization and reduced myelin thickness in the brains of MPS IIIC mice and human MPS IIIC patients compared to healthy controls. Oligodendrocytes (OLs) in the CC of MPS IIIC mice were scarce, while examination of the remaining cells revealed numerous enlarged lysosomes containing heparan sulfate, GM3 ganglioside or “zebra bodies” consistent with accumulation of lipids and myelin fragments. In addition, OLs contained swollen mitochondria with largely dissolved cristae, resembling those previously identified in the dysfunctional neurons of MPS IIIC mice. When brains of 7-month-old MPS IIIC mice were analysed by ex-vivo Diffusion Basis Spectrum Imaging to assess microarchitectural changes in the corpus callosum, we found compelling signs of demyelination (26% increase in radial diffusivity) and tissue loss (76% increase in hindered diffusivity). Our findings demonstrate an import role for white matter injury in the pathophysiology of MPS III. Moreover, this study reveals specific parameters and brain regions for MRI analysis, a crucial non-invasive method to evaluate disease progression and therapeutic response in neurological lysosomal storage diseases.
Embryo mechanics cartography: inference of 3D force atlases from fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Ichbiah Sacha , Delbary Fabrice , McDougall Alex , Dumollard Rémi , Turlier Hervé
Published: April 2023

The morphogenesis of tissues and embryos results from a tight interplay between gene expression, biochemical signaling and mechanics. Although sequencing methods allow the generation of cell-resolved spatio-temporal maps of gene expression in developing tissues, creating similar maps of cell mechanics in 3D has remained a real challenge. Exploiting the foam-like geometry of cells in embryos, we propose a robust end-to-end computational method to infer spatiotemporal atlases of cellular forces from fluorescence microscopy images of cell membranes. Our method generates precise 3D meshes of cell geometry and successively predicts relative cell surface tensions and pressures in the tissue. We validate it with 3D foam simulations, study its noise sensitivity, and prove its biological relevance in mouse, ascidian andC. elegansembryos. 3D inference allows us to recover mechanical features identified previously, but also predicts new ones, unveiling potential new insights on the spatiotemporal regulation of cell mechanics in early embryos. Our code is freely available and paves the way for unraveling the unknown mechanochemical feedbacks that control embryo and tissue morphogenesis.
Consumers' reverse exchange behavior and e-waste recycling to promote sustainable post-consumption behavior
Authors: Sabbir Md. Mahiuddin , Taufique Khan Md. Raziuddin , Nomi Marzia
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to have a holistic understanding of psychological determinants of consumers' e-waste recycling behavior to promote sustainable post-consumption behavior through end-of-life electronic products exchange (EEPE) program.

Design/methodology/approach

The study integrated additional cognitive and noncognitive factors within the Theory of Planned Behavior. Data were collected from 334 participants who were purposively recruited from well-known online retailers in an emerging market, with the data analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results provide some fresh insights, such as the significant positive influence of recycling habits, economic benefits and attitudes toward nudging on EEPE, with a distinct serial mediation link from recycling habits to EEPE behavior.

Practical implications

This study highlights some relevant sustainable marketing strategies including the integration of nudging and habits as behavioral interventions for promoting e-waste recycling.

Originality/value

The originality of this study relates to (1) testing the significance of nudging in promoting sustainable postconsumption behavior and (2) revealing a serial mediation effect of recycling habits on EEPE behavior via attitude toward e-waste recycling and EEPE intention.
Enhancing supply chain resilience with supply chain governance and finance: the enabling role of digital technology adoption
Authors: Lu Qiang , Wang Xinyi , Wang Yu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of supply chain governance (SCG) on supply chain resilience (SCR) in China, as well as the mediating role of supply chain finance (SCF) and the moderating role of digital technology adoption (DTA).

Design/methodology/approach

Based on resource orchestration theory (ROT), this paper constructs a theoretical model to examine the influence of SCG on SCR. Employing data collected from 312 Chinese firms, multiple regression is conducted to test the theoretical hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that both relational governance (RG) and contractual governance (CG) significantly enhance SCR and SCF. In addition, SCF plays a mediating role in the relationship between SCG and SCR. The study also finds that DTA has a positive moderating effect on the relationship between SCG and SCF.

Originality/value

First, based on ROT, this paper clarifies the nuanced driving effects of RG and CG on SCR. Second, SCF is introduced as an intermediary process between SCG and SCR, which reveals the inner mechanisms between SCG and SCR. Moreover, this study contributes to investigating the contingent role of DTA in the relationship between SCG and SCF.
Fraud and corruption in football: lessons from a survey of match-fixing in Cyprus
Authors: Krambia Kapardis Maria , Levi Michael
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify if fraud theory models suggested over the years are applicable to match-fixing and if so, whether the Krambia-Kapardis’ (2016) holistic fraud and corruption prevention model can be used to reduce significantly match-fixing in football.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was developed by the authors and was administered to football stakeholders in Cyprus, namely, players, referees, coaches and team management.

Findings

The research questions, who are the initiators of match-fixing, why is match-fixing taking place and what is the best way to prevent or reduce match-fixing, have been answered, and these findings have enabled the authors to make policy recommendations.

Research limitations/implications

The survey considered match-fixing in only one sport (football) while the number of respondent categories and the 335 usable questionnaires returned did not allow advanced statistical analysis of the data obtained.

Practical implications

The findings point to the need both for ethics and moral values to be installed in all the stakeholders through training and continuing education. It is also suggested that teams/clubs and related associations acting as regulators ought to implement governance principles and ethical programs, including whistleblowing lines and appoint integrity officers to minimize the match-fixing phenomenon. Furthermore, society, as well as government, sport regulators and sponsors, ought to encourage and demand fair play and integrity in sport through improved measures of governance and accountability and the implementation of ethical audits and public disclosure of audited financial statements of teams. Finally, sports integrity ought to be embedded in school curriculum from a very young age.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is an original contribution to knowledge that has impact on the future of sporting fairness and social legitimacy.
Russia–Ukrainian war: measuring the intraday risk dynamics of energy futures contracts using VaR and CVaR
Authors: Banerjee Ameet Kumar
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper investigates the influence of the ongoing crisis of Russia's incursion on Ukraine on the risk dynamics of energy futures contracts with high-frequency data on four different futures contracts using risk metrics of value at risk (VaR) and conditional value at risk (CVaR) for the USA market.

Design/methodology/approach

The author used different generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity - Extreme Value Theory (GARCH)-EVT models and compared the performance of each of the competing models. Backtesting evidence shows that VaR and CVaR combined with GARCH-EVT better estimate risk.

Findings

The study results show that combined risk metrics are efficient and adaptive to estimating the risk dynamics and backtesting of the models, revealing that the autoregressive moving average (ARMA) (1,1)-asymmetric power autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (APARCH) model performs relatively better than other models.

Practical implications

The paper has practical implications for different market participants. From the risk manager's and day traders' angles, the market participants can estimate the risk exposure in the energy futures contract and take positions accordingly. The results are important for oil-importing countries due to the developing supply crisis and price escalation, which can brew inflation in the economy.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, the paper is the first to throw light on the risk angle of energy futures contracts during the ongoing crisis of the Russia–Ukraine war.
The influence of volunteering on Chinese firm reputation
Authors: Yu Jun , Liu Jieli , Xu Qin
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study empirically explores how firms configure the strength and the temporal and spatial features of corporate volunteering (CV) events to promote corporate reputation (CR).

Design/methodology/approach

Using event system theory as a framework and applying fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to 385 firms and 2,783 public respondents, this study explores the configurational effects of five elements of CV events—employee engagement, customer engagement, meagre incentive, duration and scope of influence—on two types of CR: capability reputation (CAR) and character reputation (CHR).

Findings

The results indicate that (1) the impact of volunteering on CR is not only configurational in nature, but also characterised by equifinality (i.e. the presence of multiple paths to success); (2) with meagre incentive and in the absence of scope-of-influence support, long-term employee and customer engagement in CV is sufficient to achieve high CAR; (3) adequate and diverse incentives, high employee engagement and a sufficiently broad scope of influence work well with either high customer engagement or long duration to achieve high CAR and CHR, respectively; (4) there are identical configurations that can achieve high CAR and CHR.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the CV and CR literature by extending the application of event system theory to proactive events.
An analysis of policies, challenges and outcomes in Pakistan through co-creation of COVID-19 responses
Authors: Rizwan Aisha , Naveed Shabana , Salman Yaamina
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Based on the service eco-systems perspective, this paper evaluates the strategies and actions adopted by the Government of Pakistan to handle the COVID-19 crisis with the involvement of multiple actors including public, private, third-sector organizations and civil society.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an in-depth analysis of secondary sources including research articles, policy documents, policy briefs, governmental reports, third party evaluations/reports and media publications.

Findings

A multi-stakeholder approach was evident during the pandemic with an effort to better manage the crisis which has exerted immense social, cultural, economic and political impacts on the lives of the citizens. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders (government, private and third sector) were witnessed, resulting in a coherent response. The successful management of COVID-19 in Pakistan is attributed to multiple factors including the formation of a specialized public organization which effectively and proactively took data-driven informed decisions and aggregated the efforts of the federal and provincial governments for a timely response.

Originality/value

This paper gives insights for policymakers to create a sustainable post-pandemic socio-economic environment by building resilient structures across the government while promoting cooperation and collaboration. It suggests strategies for policymakers responsible for providing sustainable societal solutions to combat the social, economic and administrative challenges under the pandemic. As Pakistan has managed and contained the pandemic in a relatively efficient way, it is hoped that this paper can provide a learning experience for other countries with similar national contexts.
Effects of gas flow speed on bead geometry and optical emissions during laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing
Authors: Stutzman Christopher , Przyjemski Andrew , Nassar Abdalla R.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Powder bed fusion processes are common due to their ability to build complex components without the need for complex tooling. While additive manufacturing has gained increased interest in industry, academia and government, flaws are often still generated during the deposition process. Many flaws can be avoided through careful processing parameter selections including laser power, hatch spacing, spot size and shielding gas flow rate. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of shielding gas flow on vapor plume behavior and on final deposition quality. The goal is to understand more fully how each parameter affects the plume and deposition process.

Design/methodology/approach

A filtered-photodiode based sensor was mounted onto a commercial EOS M280 machine to observed plume emissions. Three sets of single tracks were printed, each with one of three gas flow rates (nominal, 75% nominal and 50% nominal). Each set contained single-track beads deposited atop printed pedestals to ensure a steady-state, representative build environment. Each track had a set power and speed combination which covered the typical range of processing parameters. After deposition, coupons were cross-sectioned and bead width and depth were measured. Finally, bead geometry was compared to optical emissions originating in the plume.

Findings

The results show that decreasing gas flow rate, increasing laser power or increasing scan speed led to increased optical emissions. Furthermore, decreasing the gas cross-flow speed led to wider and shallower melt pools.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first to present a relationship among laser parameters (laser power, scan speed), gas flow speed, plume emissions and bead geometry using high-speed in situ data in a commercial machine. This study proposes that scattering and attenuation from the plume are responsible for deviations in physical geometry.
palaeoverse: A community‐driven R package to support palaeobiological analysis
Authors: Jones Lewis A. , Gearty William , Allen Bethany J. , Eichenseer Kilian , Dean Christopher D. , Galván Sofía , Kouvari Miranta , Godoy Pedro L. , Nicholl Cecily S. C. , Buffan Lucas , Dillon Erin M. , Flannery‐Sutherland Joseph T. , Chiarenza Alfio Alessandro
Published: April 2023

The open‐source programming language ‘R' has become a standard tool in the palaeobiologist's toolkit. Its popularity within the palaeobiological community continues to grow, with published articles increasingly citing the usage of R and R packages. However, there are currently a lack of agreed standards for data preparation and available frameworks to support the implementation of such standards. Consequently, data preparation workflows are often unclear and not reproducible, even when code is provided. Moreover, due to a lack of code accessibility and documentation, palaeobiologists are often forced to ‘reinvent the wheel’ to find solutions to issues already solved by other members of the community.

Here, we introduce palaeoverse, a community‐driven R package to aid data preparation and exploration for quantitative palaeobiological research. The package is freely available and has three core principles: (1) streamline data preparation and analyses; (2) enhance code readability; and (3) improve reproducibility of results. To develop these aims, we assessed the analytical needs of the broader palaeobiological community using an online survey, in addition to incorporating our own experiences.

In this work, we first report the findings of the survey, which shaped the development of the package. Subsequently, we describe and demonstrate the functionality available in palaeoverse and provide usage examples. Finally, we discuss the resources we have made available for the community and our future plans for the broader Palaeoverse project.

palaeoverse is a community‐driven R package for palaeobiology, developed with the intention of bringing palaeobiologists together to establish agreed standards for high‐quality quantitative research. The package provides a user‐friendly platform for preparing data for analysis with well‐documented open‐source code to enhance transparency. The functionality available in palaeoverse improves code reproducibility and accessibility, which is beneficial for both the review process and future research.
Prospects of toll‐like receptors in dairy cattle breeding
Authors: Maurić Maljković M. , Vlahek I. , Piplica A. , Ekert Kabalin A. , Sušić V. , Stevanović V.
Published: April 2023

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in mediating the immune response against various microbes, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi, in innate and adaptive immunity. Ten functional TLRs (TLR1 to TLR10) have been identified and mapped in cattle, with each TLR recognising specific pathogen‐associated molecular patterns. The variation in genes controlling the immune response contributes to susceptibility or resistance to various infectious diseases such as mastitis, bovine tuberculosis, and paratuberculosis. Identifying TLR SNPs shows promising results for future marker‐assisted breeding strategies, screening for disease risks, and improving the genetic resistance of dairy cattle. This article aims not only to review the research into susceptibility or resistance to infectious diseases and milk production traits in dairy cattle but also to discuss the limitations in current studies and the prospects in dairy cattle breeding.
Editorial: Heal thyself—Autologous therapy for perianal Crohn's disease
Authors: Dart Robin J.
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Arkenbosch et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17347 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17415
Editorial: in search of environmental risk factors of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis with mendelian randomisation
Authors: Meyer Antoine , Amiot Aurélien , Carbonnel Franck
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Chen et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17392 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17471
Editorial: clinical outcomes in lean NAFLD—the devil is in the details
Authors: Tan Eunice X. X. , Muthiah Mark Dhinesh , Ng Cheng Han , Huang Daniel Q.
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wijarnpreecha et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17424 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17453
Editorial: clinical outcomes in lean NAFLD – the devil is in the details. Authors' reply
Authors: Wijarnpreecha Karn , Lok Anna S. , Chen Vincent L.
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wijarnpreecha et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17424 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17449
Editorial: first‐degree relatives of Mexican Americans with HCC are at increased risk of significant fibrosis—authors' reply
Authors: Sharpton S. R. , Loomba R.
Published: April 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sharpton et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17384 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17447
Asserting civic space of micro religious minorities: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Hurriyah
Published: April 2023

Studies on religious discrimination have focused on the nature, causes, and dynamics of repression, asserting that perceived threats and cross‐cutting influences of religious ideology and rational calculation are predictors for governmental discrimination against religious minorities. Yet, research on how the dynamic interplay of repression and pushback shapes the contestation between governments and minorities is lacking. This article explores this issue with a case study of a small indigenous religion group in culturally heterogenous Indonesia. Building on civic space theory, this article argues for the importance of coping strategies in resisting state‐led discrimination and asserting civic space. This article carefully examined complex micro dynamics while also offering new insights to better understand the interplay between repression and pushback in the context of religious freedom.
Learning to Learn Functions
Authors: Li Michael Y. , Callaway Fred , Thompson William D. , Adams Ryan P. , Griffiths Thomas L.
Published: April 2023

Humans can learn complex functional relationships between variables from small amounts of data. In doing so, they draw on prior expectations about the form of these relationships. In three experiments, we show that people learn to adjust these expectations through experience, learning about the likely forms of the functions they will encounter. Previous work has used Gaussian processes—a statistical framework that extends Bayesian nonparametric approaches to regression—to model human function learning. We build on this work, modeling the process of learning to learn functions as a form of hierarchical Bayesian inference about the Gaussian process hyperparameters.
Effect of multifactorial intensive treatment in patients with diabetic kidney disease: A meta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Shan Jianfang , Xu Zhengling
Published: April 2023

Aim

This meta‐analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of multifactorial intensive treatment (MT) in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Materials and Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Web of science from their inception to February 2023 to identify randomized control trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect and safety of MT in patients with DKD. The quality of included RCTs was assessed using the risk of bias tool. The outcomes were expressed as hazard ratios (HR), risk ratio (RR) or weight mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), with a meta‐analysis of a fixed‐effect or random‐effect model.

Results

Five RCTs were included for data analysis. The pooled analysis showed that, MT was associated with significant reductions in all‐cause mortality (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.93; p = .008) and cardiovascular event disease rate (HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.68; p < .001). MT significantly decreased the retinopathy progression (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.95; p = .011), progression of macroalbuminuria (HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.95; p = .027) and progression of microalbuminuria (HR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.86; p = .001). In addition, MT was not associated with an increased risk of all adverse events (RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.03; p = .830) and all severe adverse events (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.15; p = .478), and the statistical power was confirmed by trial sequential analysis.

Conclusion

The present study suggested that MT had a remarkable benefit on the risk of all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular event disease in patients with DKD. Our results were promising, but had certain limitations, which warrants additional large‐scale RCTs to validate our findings.
A SURVEY OF CONCURRENT DRUG THERAPY AMONG DAY UNIT PATIENTS
Authors: Whitehead C , Sanders L D , Rosen M , Robinson J O
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY In order to assess the reliability of drug information supplied by day‐stay cases, 85 consecutive patients were interviewed. A comparison of the interview answers with the details previously volunteered during the admission procedure showed an increase of 80% in the information given by the patient. While the detailed interviewing technique is time‐consuming and may not be infallible, this substantial increase in information highlights problems in the current routine.
INITIAL LOADING (400 μg TWICE DAILY) VERSUS STATIC (400 μg NOCTE) DOSE BUDESONIDE FOR ASTHMA MANAGEMENT
Authors: Campbell LM , Gooding TN , Aitchison WRC , Smith N , Powell J A ,   PLAN research group
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY This double‐blind study aimed to determine whether superior asthma control is achieved with budesonide (Pulmicort® Turbohaler®) at a loading dose (LD) (400 μg b.d.) for 6 weeks, followed by step down to 400 μg nocte for 12 weeks, compared with a static dose (SD) (400 μg nocte) for 18 weeks. A total of 682 patients (mean peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) 413 l/min), who demonstrated ≥15% reversibility in PEFR, were randomised into the study. After 18 weeks, patients experienced improvements in morning PEFR (+45 l/min, both groups), symptom score (LD ‐0.57, SD ‐0.49, on a scale of 0‐3), sleep disturbance (LD ‐1.21 nights/week, SD ‐1.06 nights/week) and to‐agonist use (LD ‐1.36 puffs/day, SD ‐1.06 puffs/day), within both groups (each p=0.0001). At 18 weeks, 82% (LD) and 84% (SD) of patients benefited from no nocturnal wakening in the previous 7 days. Overall, at 18 weeks, asthma control was not significantly different between the groups. After 6 weeks, improvements in morning PEFR (LD +36 l/min, SD +26 l/min) and β2‐agonist use (LD ‐1.10 puffs/day, SD ‐0.94 puffs/day) were greater in the loading dose than in the static dose group (each p<0.05). The greater improvement in morning PEFR in the loading dose group was significant by day 7 (p<0.05). While both regimens are equally effective in achieving asthma control at 18 weeks, early clinical advantage is gained with initial loading dose budesonide (400 μg b.d.).
PNEUMATOSIS COLI: AN UNCOMMON BUT TREATABLE CAUSE OF FAECAL INCONTINENCE
Authors: Snape J , Hulman G , Reddy PRR , Panto PN
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY Pneumatosis intestinalis is defined as the presence of gas within the bowel wall. Small bowel pneumatosis is less commonly reported and more severe than colonic disease in adults. Pneumatosis coli is characterised by multiple collections of encysted gas occurring within the sub‐mucosa and subserosa of the colon and rectum. It is an uncommon condition which typically presents in late middle age and has been associated with a number of gastrointestinal (e.g. pyloric stenosis, sigmoid volvulus and ischaemic bowel) and non‐gastrointestinal (e.g chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and multiple sclerosis) diseases. Some cases, however, are idiopathic or primary. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, constipation, mucus per rectum, bleeding, flatus, abdominal pain and, rarely, faecal incontinence. We report on two patients, one of whom presented with faecal incontinence, the other who had troublesome lower gastrointestinal symptoms including faecal incontinence. Both responded well to continuous oxygen therapy.
DESMOID TUMOURS OF THE NECK: RARE BUT PROBLEMATIC
Authors: Derodra JK , Shaheen OH , Owen WJ
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY Desmoids of the neck are histologically benign but locally aggressive fibrous tumours with a strong propensity to recur. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, with patients requiring long‐term follow‐up. We present such a case and review the treatment of such tumours.
Subgingival microbial diversity and respiratory decline: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Winning Lewis , Moran Gary , McClory Mary , El Karim Ikhlas , Lundy Fionnuala T. , Patterson Christopher C. , Linden Dermot , Cullen Kathy M. , Kee Frank , Linden Gerard J.
Published: April 2023

Aim

To investigate whether there is an association between subgingival microbial diversity and reduced respiratory function.

Materials and Methods

A group of dentate 58–72‐year‐old men in Northern Ireland had a comprehensive periodontal examination including subgingival plaque sampling. DNA was extracted from plaque samples and the V1–V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were analysed by high‐throughput sequencing and a microbial diversity index (MDI) was derived. Spirometry measurements were made using a wedge bellows spirometer. The primary outcome variable of interest was the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (% predicted FEV1). Analysis included multiple linear regression with adjustment for various confounders.

Results

Five‐hundred and seven men were included in the analysis. The mean age was 63.6 years (SD = 3.1). Of these, 304 (60.0%) men had no or mild periodontitis, 105 (20.7%) had moderate periodontitis and 98 (19.3%) had severe periodontitis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a one unit increase in MDI was associated with a 0.71% loss (95% confidence interval: 0.06%–1.35%; p = .03) in % predicted FEV1 after adjustment for all confounders.

Conclusions

In this group of dentate men from Northern Ireland, subgingival microbial diversity was associated with reduced respiratory function.
Adivasi migrant labour and agrarian capitalism in southern India
Authors: Sudheesh R.C.
Published: April 2023

This paper looks at a case of rural‐to‐rural movement of agrarian capital in southern India and the ways in which capital–labour relations are reworked to maintain oppressive forms of exploitation. Faced with an agrarian crisis, capitalist farmers from affluent communities of Wayanad, Kerala, take large tracts of land for lease in the neighbouring state of Karnataka and grow ginger based on price speculation. Landless Adivasis from Wayanad have served as labourers on these ginger farmlands for the past three decades. Recently, farmers have shifted to employing labourers from a Scheduled Caste (SC) from Karnataka. The change happened not just because of the lower wages the SC labourers were willing to work for but also because of the farmers' inclination to move away from Adivasis who have been resisting the poor working conditions on the farm. The story resonates with the broader dynamics of agrarian–labour relations amidst capitalist expansion and highlights the centrality of socio‐political factors at play.
Contractile effect of trimethylamine and trimethylamine‐n‐oxide on isolated human umbilical arteries
Authors: Ongun Mert C. , Orgul Gokcen , Celik Cetin , Bariskaner Hulagu
Published: April 2023

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of trimethylamine (TMA) and trimethylamine‐n‐oxide (TMAO) on the contractility of human umbilical artery and the possible mechanisms involved.

Methods

Vasoactive responses to TMA and TMAO on human umbilical artery rings were measured in isolated organ baths. Cumulative dose–response curves for TMA and TMAO were obtained before and after incubation with atropine, yohimbine, prazosin, indomethacin, verapamil, and Ca+2‐free Krebs–Henselite solution.

Results

Administration of cumulative TMA and TMAO resulted in dose‐dependent contraction at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 mM on human umbilical artery rings. TMA‐induced contractions were more potent than TMAO‐induced contractions (TMA: −logEC50 = 1.00 ± 0.02, TMAO: −logEC50 = 0.57 ± 0.02). Contraction responses to TMA were significantly lower in the presence of verapamil and in the absence of external Ca+2 (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results showed that TMA and TMAO caused vasoconstriction in isolated human umbilical artery rings. Our findings also indicated that TMA but not TMAO‐induced vasoconstriction was partially dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and calcium influx through L‐type Ca2+ channels. Our results suggest that TMA and TMAO may have the potential to contribute to cardiovascular diseases through their direct effect on vascular contractility in human arteries.
Linking genetic foundations of sleep disturbances to personality traits: a study of mid‐life twins
Authors: Krizan Zlatan , Freilich Colin , Krueger Robert F. , Mann Frank D.
Published: April 2023

Risk of sleep disturbances depends on individuals’ personality, and a large body of evidence indicates that individuals prone to neuroticism, impulsivity, and (low) extraversion are more likely to experience them. Origins of these associations are unclear, but common genetic background may play an important role. Participants included 405 twin pairs (mean age of 54 years; 59% female) from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) who reported on their personality traits (broad and specific), as well as sleep disturbances (problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, waking early, and feeling unrested). Uni‐ and bivariate biometric decompositions evaluated contributions of genetic and environmental factors to associations between personality and poor sleep, as well as unique contributions from individual traits. Neuroticism, extraversion, conscientiousness, and aggressiveness were the strongest phenotypic predictors of poor sleep. Genetic sources of covariance were about twice as large as non‐shared environmental sources, and only shared genetic background accounted for links between aggressiveness and poor sleep. Neuroticism and extraversion accounted for most of the genetic overlap between personality and sleep disturbances. The findings shed light on developmental antecedents of ties between personality and poor sleep, suggesting a larger role of common genetic background than idiosyncratic life experiences. The results also suggest that emotion‐related traits play the most important role for poor sleep, compared to other personality traits, and may partially account for genetic associations with other traits.
Aquaponic production of strawberries: Influence of boron and media on their mineral and sugar composition
Authors: Romano Nicholas
Published: April 2023

Strawberries can fetch high market prices, but this is often based on their sweetness. Previous studies have shown that sugar content in fruits is elevated by boron (B), but this has not been tested on strawberries in an aquaponic system. In this study, strawberries were aquaponically cultured with or without B supplementations and with or without media (2 × 2 factorial design) over 2 months. Each of the six identical aquaponic units contained 30 catfish juveniles (initial weight = 2.1 g) and two plant culture units; one with a floating raft (without media) and one with expanded lava rock (with media). Borax was the source of B, which was weekly added at 0.01 mg/L. Water quality and fish growth were unaffected by B additions. Total number of strawberries and their total weights were unaffected by B or media. Media caused strawberries to be individually heavier with higher sodium, iron and moisture but significantly less glucose and fructose. Supplementations of B significantly increased and decreased the B and zinc content of strawberries, respectively, as well as causing significantly shorter roots. Growing strawberries with or without media in an aquaponic system provided different advantages but B supplementations appeared unnecessary and may have caused some toxicity to the strawberries.
Towards a deeper medicine: Widening participation and race–class social relations
Authors: Foreshew Abigail
Published: April 2023

Foreshew directs readers towards exploration that can deepen awareness of race‐class relations and yield more effective implementation of widening participation policies.
Lethal and repellent effect of amitraz, eugenol and thymol against Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the southern of America
Authors: Dadé Martín M. , Daniele Martin , Reyes‐Novelo Enrique , Rodriguez‐Vivas Roger I.
Published: April 2023

The lethal and repellent effect of the synthetic insecticide amitraz and the botanical insecticides eugenol and thymol separately and together in binary mixtures was tested against late‐stage nymphs of a susceptible strain of Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, in the Southern Cone of America. For the lethality study, the LD50 was determined for each insecticide alone and in binary mixture by topical application. The combination index (CI) was established to quantify interactions occurring between the insecticides. The repellent effect was tested using the area preference technique. The lethal effect of amitraz was 11 and 34 times more potent than that of thymol and eugenol, respectively. Only the combination of eugenol and amitraz at high concentrations showed a synergistic effect (CI: 0.3). The repellent activity of monoterpenes after 30 min of exposure was significant at 780 and 78 μg/cm2 for eugenol and thymol, respectively. The residual repellent effect of eugenol lasted for one week at the concentrations of 1170 and 1560 μg/cm2, whereas thymol managed to retain its repellent effect for two weeks at concentrations of 1560 and 3900 μg/cm2.
Randomized controlled pilot study assessing fructose tolerance during fructose reintroduction in non‐constipated irritable bowel syndrome patients successfully treated with a low FODMAP diet
Authors: Cuff Callie , Lin Lisa D. , Mahurkar‐Joshi Swapna , Jacobs Jonathan P. , Lagishetty Venu , Jaffe Nancee , Smith Janelle , Dong Tien , Sohn Jessica , Chang Lin
Published: April 2023

Background

Limited data exist to guide FODMAP (fermentable oligo‐, di‐, monosaccharides, and polyols) reintroduction to assess tolerance following a low FODMAP diet (LFD). Fructose reintroduction is often stepwise up to 7.5 g fructose (e.g., three tsp of honey). We aimed to determine the fructose tolerance threshold in non‐constipated, LFD‐responsive patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and assess whether stool microbiome predicted LFD response or fructose tolerance.

Methods

Thirty‐nine non‐constipated IBS patients (51% women, mean age 33.7 years) completed a 4‐week LFD. LFD responders were defined as those who reported adequate relief of IBS symptoms following the LFD. Responders were randomized to one of the three solution groups (100% fructose, 56% fructose/44% glucose, or 100% glucose) and received four doses (2.5, 5, 10, 15 g) for 3 days each. Patients reached their tolerance dose if their mean daily IBS symptom severity (visual analog scale [VAS], 0–100 mm) was >20 mm higher than post‐LFD VAS. Stool samples before and after LFD were analyzed using shotgun metagenomics.

Results

Seventy‐nine percent of patients were LFD responders. Most responders tolerated the 15 g sugar dose. There was no significant difference in mean dose tolerated between solution groups (p = 0.56). Compared to baseline, microbiome composition (beta diversity) significantly shifted and six bacterial genes in fructose and mannose metabolism pathways decreased after LFD, irrespective of LFD response or the solution group.

Conclusions

Non‐constipated, LFD‐responsive IBS patients should be reintroduced to fructose in higher doses than 15 g to assess tolerance. LFD is associated with significant changes in microbial composition and bacterial genes involved in FODMAP metabolism.
Analysis of aquaporins in northern grasses reveal functional importance of Puccinellia nuttalliana PIP2;2 in salt tolerance
Authors: Vaziriyeganeh Maryamsadat , Khan Shanjida , Zwiazek Janusz J.
Published: April 2023

To better understand the roles of aquaporins in salt tolerance, we cloned PIP2;1, PIP2;2, PIP2;3, PIP1;1, PIP1;3, and TIP1;1 aquaporins from three northern grasses varying is salt tolerance including the halophytic grass Puccinellia nuttalliana, moderately salt tolerant Poa juncifolia, and relatively salt sensitive Poa pratensis. We analysed aquaporin expression in roots by exposing the plants to 0 and 150 mM for 6 days in hydroponic culture. NaCl treatment upregulated several PIP transcripts in P. nuttalliana while decreasing PnuTIP1;1. The PnuPIP2;2 transcripts increased by about six‐fold in P. nuttalliana, two‐fold in Poa juncifolia, and did not change in Poa pratensis. The NaCl treatment enhanced the rate of water transport in yeast expressing PnuPIP2;2 by 56% compared with control. PnuPIP2,2 expression also resulted in a higher Na+ uptake in yeast cells compared with an empty vector suggesting that PnuPIP2;2 may have both water and ion transporting functions. Structural analysis revealed that the transport properties of PnuPIP2;2 could be affected by its unique pore characteristics, which include a combination of hourglass, cylindrical, and increasing diameter conical entrance shape with pore hydropathy of −0.22.
Excellent ultraviolet‐blocking properties of chiral nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Qu Chaofeng , Wang Qingxiu , Zhang Xinyu , Sun Jing , Xu Minxing , Huang Yu , Liu Yongjun
Published: April 2023

We report the evaluation of chiral nematic liquid crystal (CNLC) in blocking ultraviolet (UV). The CNLC was coated on a calcium fluoride substrate to measure the spectral transmittance, which was measured to detect the UV‐blocking effect of CNLC. The results show that CNLC could reduce UVB (290–320 nm) by 99.9% and UVA (320–400 nm) by 95.6%. The barrier effect of cake‐shaped semi‐solidified CNLC microspheres was further investigated, and it was found that cake‐shaped semi‐solidified CNLC microspheres could reduce UVB by 58.2% and UVA by 34.1%. This is due to the chemical absorption property of CNLC, which has UV‐absorbing functional groups such as the benzene rings. And the physical reflection properties of CNLC could periodically reflect a certain wavelength of light. Liquid crystal (LC) is a rich set of soft materials with rod‐like structures widely existing in nature, which is harmless to the human body and environment. Therefore, using CNLC's function of blocking UV, a new sunscreen can be developed.
Provenance discrimination and geodynamics analysis of open and island coasts, South East coast of India: Inference on heavy minerals and hydrodynamics
Authors: Sathish Sathasivam , Kankara Roop Singh , Thanabalan Palanisamy , Arthur James Rathinam
Published: April 2023

The coastal sediments contain heavy minerals originating from the offshore and hinterland. We investigated the heavy minerals on different sediment layers of three trenches such as the Dhanushkodi open coast and Manoli island beach in India to identify the pervasiveness and depositional environment of the sediments. The primary objectives of this study are to identify the source rock and to establish the impact of hydrodynamics on the vertical textural trends of heavy mineral distribution. This is in conjunction with sediment deposits. The mineral array consists mainly of ilmenite, sillimanite, garnet, and pyroxene. Both surface and sub‐surface sediments indicate their origin, primarily from metamorphic and igneous rocks. To achieve the goal of the present study, during the low tide time, three shallow‐depth trenches, such as Trench‐1 (Palk Bay Side) and Trench‐2 (Gulf of Mannar side) were dug at Dhanushkodi beach and Trench‐3 excavated at Manoli island beach. The tip of the Dhanushkodi is called Arichalmunai and it is a continuously growing dynamic sandspit whereas Manoli Island has massive reefs with both live and dead corals on its Southern and Northern borders and it includes lagoonal lakes and extensive mudflats. The fine and very fine sand fractions of Trenches 1 and 2 contain a high concentration of ilmenite and sillimanite. Due to high energy sorting by the wave action, Trench 3 contains relatively high concentrations of mineral assemblages with very fine sand particles. Provenance relationships are established based on the mineralogical contents of trench sediments, and the observation of down‐core variation of heavy mineral assemblages implies that they were sourced from various igneous and metamorphic rocks of nearby land areas, such as the East and West coasts of India, as well as the Sri Lankan coast.
Geomorphic and environmental controls on microbial mat fabrics on Little Ambergris Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands
Authors: Stein Nathaniel T. , Grotzinger John P. , Quinn Daven P. , Lingappa Usha F. , Present Theodore M. , Trower Elizabeth J. , Gomes Maya L. , Orzechowski Emily , Cantine Marjorie , Metcalfe Kyle S. , Fischer Woodward W. , Ehlmann Bethany L. , Strauss Justin V. , Knoll Andrew H.
Published: April 2023

To interpret microbially influenced paleoenvironments in the sedimentary record, it is crucial to understand what processes control the development of microbial mats in modern environments. This article reports results from a multiyear study of Little Ambergris Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands, an uninhabited island floored by broad tracts of well‐developed microbial mats on the wind‐dominated and wave‐dominated Caicos Platform. Uncrewed aerial vehicle‐based imaging, differential global positioning system topographic surveys, radiocarbon data, and in situ sedimentological and microbial ecological observations were integrated to identify and quantify the environmental factors that influence the distribution and morphologies of Little Ambergris Cay microbial mats, including their response to large storm events. Based on these data, this study proposes that Little Ambergris Cay initially developed from the accretion and rapid lithification of carbonate sediment delivered by converging wave fronts in the lee of adjacent Big Ambergris Cay. Broad tracts of microbial mats developed during late Holocene time as the interior became restricted due to beach ridge development. Minor elevation differences regulate subaerial exposure time and lead to three categories of microbial mats, differentiated by surface texture and morphology: smooth mats, polygonal mats and blister mats. The surface texture and morphology of the mats is controlled by subaerial exposure time. In addition to elevation, the spatial distribution of mats is largely controlled by hydrodynamics and sediment transport during large storm events. This detailed assessment of the controls on mat formation and preservation at Little Ambergris Cay provides a framework within which to identify and understand the interactions between microbial communities and sediment transport processes in ancient high‐energy carbonate depositional systems.