bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sindbis virus is suppressed in the yellow fever mosquitoAedes aegyptiby ATG-6/Beclin-1 mediated activation of autophagy
Authors: Pujhari Sujit , Heu Chan C. , Brustolin Marco , Johnson Rebecca M. , Kim Donghun , Rasgon Jason L.
Published: February 2023

Autophagy is a critical modulator of pathogen invasion response in vertebrates and invertebrates. However, how it affects mosquito-borne viral pathogens that significantly burden public health remains underexplored. To address this gap, we use a genetic approach to activate macroautophagy/autophagy in the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti), infected with a recombinant Sindbis virus (SINV) expressing an autophagy activator. We first demonstrate a 17- amino acid peptide derived from theAe. aegyptiautophagy-related protein 6 (ATG-6/beclin-1-like protein) is sufficient to induce autophagy in C6/36 mosquito cells, as marked by lipidation of ATG- 8 and puncta formation. Next, we engineered a recombinant SINV expressing this bioactive beclin- 1-like peptide and used it to infect and induce autophagy in adult mosquitoes. We find that modulation of autophagy using this recombinant SINV negatively regulated production of infectious viruses. The results from this study improve our understanding of the role of autophagy in arboviruses in invertebrate hosts and also highlight the potential for the autophagy pathway to be exploited for arboviral control.
Functional Connectivity of the Cerebellar Vermis in Bipolar Disorder and Associations with Mood
Authors: Saleem Arshaq , Harmata Gail , Jain Shivangi , Voss Michelle W. , Fiedorowicz Jess G. , Williams Aislinn , Shaffer Joseph J. , Richards Jenny Gringer , Barsotti Ercole John , Sathyaputri Leela , Schmitz Samantha L. , Christensen Gary E. , Long Jeffrey D. , Xu Jia , Wemmie John A. , Magnotta Vincent A.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Studies of the neural underpinnings of bipolar type I disorder have focused on the emotional control network. However, there is also growing evidence for cerebellar involvement, including abnormal structure, function, and metabolism. Here, we sought to assess functional connectivity of the cerebellum with the cerebrum in bipolar disorder and to assess whether any effects might depend on mood.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 128 participants with bipolar type I disorder and 83 control comparison participants who completed a 3T MRI scan, which included anatomical imaging as well as resting state BOLD imaging. Functional connectivity of the cerebellar vermis to all other brain regions was assessed. Based on quality control metrics of the fMRI data, 109 participants with bipolar disorder and 79 controls were used to in the statistical analysis comparing connectivity of the vermis as well as associations with mood. Potential impacts of medications were also explored.

Results

Functional connectivity of the cerebellar vermis in bipolar disorder was found to differ significantly between brain regions known to be involved in the control of emotion, motor function, and language. While connections with emotion and motor control areas were significantly stronger in bipolar disorder, connection to a region associated language production was significantly weaker. In the participants with bipolar disorder, ratings of depression and mania were inversely associated with vermis functional connectivity. No effect of medications on these connections were observed.

Conclusion

Together the findings suggest cerebellum may play a compensatory role in bipolar disorder and when it can no longer fulfill this role, depression and mania develop. The proximity of the cerebellar vermis to the skull may make this region a potential target for treatment with transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Marmoset Brain Mapping V5: an Anatomical and Connectivity Atlas of the Cerebellum
Authors: Zhu Xiaojia , Yan Haotian , Zhan Yafeng , Feng Furui , Wei Chuanyao , Yao Yong-Gang , Liu Cirong
Published: February 2023

The cerebellum is a key region of the brain for motor control and cognitive functioning, and it is involved bidirectional communication with the cerebral cortex. As one of the smallest non-human primates, the common marmoset provides many advantages in the study of the anatomy and the functions of cerebello-cerebral circuits. However, the cerebellum of the marmoset is far from being well described in published resources. In this study, we present a comprehensive atlas of the marmoset cerebellum in three parts: 1) fine-detailed anatomical atlases and surface-analyzing tools of the cerebellar cortex, based on ultra-high resolutionex-vivoMRI; 2) functional-connectivity gradients of the cerebellar cortex, based on awake resting-state fMRI; and 3) structural-connectivity based mapping of the cerebellar nuclei, based on high-resolution diffusion tractography. The atlas shows the anatomical details of the marmoset cerebellum; reveals distinct gradient patterns of the intra-cerebellar and the cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity; and maps the topological relationship of the cerebellar nuclei in cerebello-cerebral circuits. As version 5 of theMarmoset Brain Mappingproject, the atlas describes the anatomical and connectivity details of the marmoset cerebellum and is publicly available viamarmosetbrainmapping.org.
Different roles of dFOXO and HSF in spatio-temporal dynamics of stress-inducible Hsp70 in lgl-yorkie & lgl-Ras driven epithelial tumours inDrosophila
Authors: Singh Gunjan , Lakhotia Subhash C.
Published: February 2023

Oncogenic cells recruit diverse cellular survival machineries, including the highly conserved heat shock proteins (Hsps), to counter stressful conditions during tumour progression. Despite important roles of Hsps in several cancers, poor understanding of their regulation leaves major gaps in identifying mechanisms of cellular stress responses exploited by cancer cells. Following our earlier report of stress inducible Hsp70 expression only in a few cells in polarity defective tumorous clones, we now show that Hsp70 is expressed only in neoplastic tumours. Hsp70’s expression at 72h after clone induction is mostly limited to a fewlgl-ykiOEcells exhibiting mesenchymal features in hypoxic zone closer to tracheae, although all tumorous cells expresshsp70transcripts. Down-regulation of thehsp70abut nothsp70bcluster transcripts substantially suppresses growth oflgl-ykiOEclones without affecting their early establishment. However, over-expression of Hsp70 or Hsp70-cochaperone DnaJ suppresslgl-ykiOEclones’ growth at early stage. This spatially and temporally regulated expression of Hsp70 inlgl-ykiOEclones is independent of HSF but requires dFOXO and JNK signalling, while a nearly similar pattern of Hsp70 expression inlgl-RasV12clones requires HSF, rather than dFOXO. Such context dependent Hsp70 regulation provides novel insight into stress regulatory machinery in cancer cells.
Opportunism still remained alive: conditional limits of trust and contract in software projects
Authors: Gurcaylilar-Yenidogan Tugba , Erdogan Dilek
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Based on a survey study of 138 software buyers in Turkey, this study examines conditional indirect effects of requirements uncertainty on supplier opportunism where buyer dependence, a proxy for relation-specific investments, undertakes a mediator role. The authors consider a two-level moderation effect of trust and contract in buyer–supplier relationships throughout the software project lifecycle.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based empirical study was conducted, and conditional process analyses were run using PROCESS macro in SPSS. The present study tests a two-stage moderated mediation model in which competence-based trust with a detailed contract setting moderates the mediational path from requirements uncertainty to buyer dependence.

Findings

The data obtained from the buyer side in the Turkish software industry showed that a relationship in which the buyer is structurally dependent begins at a high level of trust. On the other hand, the authors found that contractual rigidity fosters supplier opportunism ex-post in evolving process of the relationship.

Originality/value

This study contributes to project management literature by testing a two-level moderation effect of governance and the mediator role of buyer dependence in the relationship between requirements uncertainty and supplier opportunism. Moving differently from the previous studies, this study integrates contributions of both economic perspectives, such as resource dependence theory and transaction cost analysis, and relational perspectives into the information processing view.
Determinants of positive financial behavior: a parallel mediation model
Authors: Pandey Asheesh , Utkarsh
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Drawing from socialization theory this study investigates the effect of financial socialization and mediating role of “attitude toward money” (ATM) and financial literacy on the financial behavior of young adults in an emerging economy.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional survey of 302 young adults was conducted and responses were analyzed to determine the key antecedents of financial behavior. The model was tested using OLS regression. Parallel mediation was tested using Process Macro in SPSS.

Findings

ATM, subjective financial literacy, objective financial literacy are positively associated with financial behavior. Furthermore, parallel mediation analysis establishes the role of ATM and subjective financial literacy as a mediator between financial socialization and financial behavior.

Research limitations/implications

These findings have implications for both financial and academic institutions and policymakers. Academic institutions should introduce personal wealth management courses at early stages in their courses to help young adults make appropriate financial decisions. Policymakers should emphasize creating a habit of budgeting and managing expenses among young adults in addition to promoting financial literacy.

Originality/value

This study focuses on determinants of financial behavior in young adults and specifically, argues that involving parents to financially socialize their children have a crucial impact on subjective financial literacy and ATM which has not been explored in previous literature.
Returns and volatility spillover between agricultural commodities and emerging stock markets: new evidence from COVID-19 and Russian-Ukrainian war
Authors: Babar Maria , Ahmad Habib , Yousaf Imran
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study investigate the return and volatility spillover among agricultural commodities and emerging stock markets during various crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Design/methodology/approach

This return and volatility spillover is estimated using Diebold and Yilmaz (2012, 2014) approach.

Findings

The results reveal the weak connectedness between agricultural commodities and emerging stock markets. Corn and sugar are the highest and lowest transmitters, respectively, whereas soya bean and coffee are the largest and smallest recipients of spillover over time. Most equity indices are the net recipient except for India, China, Indonesia, Argentina and Mexico, during the entire sample period. Most commodities are net transmitters of volatility spillover except coffee and soya bean. At the same time, major equity indices are the net recipient of the volatility spillover except for India, Indonesia, China, Argentina, Malaysia and Korea. In addition, the return and volatility spillover increase during various crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian war, but the major increase in spillovers occurs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

The empirical results show a weak relationship between agricultural commodities and emerging stock markets which is helpful for investors and portfolio managers in the construction and reallocation of their portfolios under different periods, most notably under COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Originality/value

It is an original paper.
Trade openness and working poverty: empirical evidences from developing countries
Authors: Nessa Hazera-Tun- , Imai Katsushi S.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Existence of working poverty reduces the effectiveness of the strategy of “increasing employment to reduce poverty”. Developed countries are already concerned about it but insufficient attention has been made by developing countries. Focusing on developing countries this study identifies (1) the effects of trade openness (TO) on working poverty and (2) whether the working poverty trap exists or not in developing countries. Both objectives are also analyzed for three subsamples of low income, lower-middle income and upper-middle income developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data for 98 developing countries over the period of 2000–2016 have been collected for the study. Fixed effect and GMM methods are applied for static and dynamic analysis, respectively.

Findings

The study finds that TO significantly reduces working poverty rate (WPR) (mainly driven up by upper-middle income developing countries). The positive association between WPR with its previous year's rate proves the existence of working poverty trap.

Research limitations/implications

The study's outcome is subject to selected time, countries and methods. Future research should use more improve methods and should identify the channels through which TO could affect working poverty.

Practical implications

Middle income and upper-middle income developing countries should increase TO to reduce the working poverty. Low income developing countries that have the highest working poverty should search the way to derive beneficial effects of trade on working poverty.

Social implications

Working poverty is not only a developed country issue rather it is a global phenomenon. Hence, it is expected that the study will raise the social consciousness about this phenomenon in developing countries too.

Originality/value

The study fulfills the gaps of identifying the effects of TO on working poverty and existence of in-work poverty trap in developing countries.
Assessing psychological and environmental factors influencing the long-term orientation of TMTs
Authors: Thapa Nischal , Shah Puspa
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study identifies and examines psychological and environmental factors that influence the long-term orientation of top management teams (TMTs).

Design/methodology/approach

Data on S&P 500 companies from 2011 to 2020 are collected from the Compustat database. Additional variables were measured through content analysis of earnings conference calls. This study used two-stage least squares regression with fixed effects to analyze the data and test the hypotheses. Appropriate diagnostic tests were conducted to ensure validity and eliminate endogeneity.

Findings

The results indicate that a chief executive officer’s (CEO) promotion focus positively and significantly influences the TMT's long-term orientation. However, the influence of prevention focus is statistically insignificant. Furthermore, the results indicate that environmental hostility moderates both relationships.

Practical implications

The TMT's long-term orientation can be improved through the insights provided by this study.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the collective effects of psychological and task environmental factors on the long-term orientation of the TMT. Additionally, this study sheds light on the internal dynamics of the top-management team.
Interest rate, foreign exchange and stock performance in a dual banking industry: evidence from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsharif Mohammad
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to extend the literature by extensively investigating the impact of foreign exchange and interest rate changes on the returns and volatility of bank stocks in Saudi Arabia, which is the largest dual banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (GARCH) model on stock returns of four fully Islamic Saudi banks and eight conventional Saudi banks.

Findings

The results showed that the foreign exchange rate return has a positive impact on Saudi conventional bank returns, while it has an adverse impact on Saudi Islamic bank returns. Moreover, a higher interest rate return has a positive impact on Saudi bank stock returns implying that the assets side is more sensitive to changes in interest rates than the liability side. Finally, higher foreign exchange and interest rates volatility increases the volatility of Saudi bank returns, where the former has the largest significant impact. Therefore, Saudi regulators should pay more attention to the risk management of their banks because this could threaten the stability of their financial system.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge of the author, this is the first study that tries to extensively analyze the joint impact of foreign exchange and interest rates on bank stock returns and volatility in Saudi Arabia by applying the GARCH model. The study uses a long data set from 2010 to 2019 that includes all Saudi banks and employs four measures of interest rates to increase the robustness of the results.
Participatory budgeting and well-being: governance and sustainability in comparative perspective
Authors: Touchton Michael , McNulty Stephanie , Wampler Brian
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Participatory budgeting's (PB’s) proponents hope that bringing development projects to historically underserved communities will improve well-being by extending infrastructure and services. This article details the logic connecting PB to well-being, describes the evolution of PB programs as they spread around the world and consolidates global evidence from research that tests hypotheses on PB's impact. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Unstructured literature review and comparative case study across five global regions.

Findings

The authors find evidence for PB's impact on well-being in several important contexts, mostly not only in Brazil, but also in Peru and South Korea. They also find that very few rigorous, large-N, comparative studies have evaluated the relationship between PB and well-being and that the prospects for social accountability and PB's sustainability for well-being are not equally strong in all contexts. They argue that PB has great potential to improve well-being, but program designs, operational rules and supporting local conditions must be favorable to realize that potential.

Originality/value

This is one of the few efforts to build theory on where and why the authors would expect to observe relationships between PB and well-being. It is also one of the first to consolidate global evidence on PB's impact.
The impact of brand perceptions on the post-to-purchase journey: a family branding perspective
Authors: Pink Caitlin , Wilkie Dean , Graves Christopher
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Despite brands’ growing use of social media, most research has overlooked the impact of brand perceptions, particularly that of a family brand identity and perceptions of authenticity. Often the purpose of a social media post is to positively change or enhance these perceptions and, consequently, increase a consumer’s purchase intentions. However, how a post influences purchase intentions, that is, the post-to-purchase journey, is not well understood. This study aims to investigate how characteristics of social media post influence purchase intentions through the mediated effects of social media engagement and perceptions of brand authenticity and how a family brand identity enhances this post-to-purchase journey.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on signalling theory, a sequential mediation model is devised, reflecting the post-to-purchase journey. Starting with identifying desirable characteristics of social media content, the sequential roles of social media engagement and brand authenticity and ending with purchase intentions – with the impact of family brand identity overlayed at each step. This model is analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling and data from 227 UK consumers.

Findings

Four desirable characteristics of social media posts are affirmed – creativity, information, persuasion and inspiration. Each was theoretically justified as costly signals and captured different aspects of effective content, indicating their relative importance. The proposed post-to-purchase journey is supported, with family brand perceptions enhancing each step.

Originality/value

Addressing a need to look beyond current conceptualisations and theoretical underpinnings, this paper puts forward a post-to-purchase journey, incorporating brand-related perceptions, resulting in a deeper understanding of how social media builds purchase intentions.
The impact of perceived corporate social responsibility on consumer happiness and brand admiration
Authors: Tosun Petek , Tavşan Nihat
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study examines the effect of perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) on consumer happiness and brand admiration as a consequence of consumer happiness. It suggests an original conceptual model that investigates perceived CSR, ethical consumption and hope as antecedents of consumer happiness.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a quantitative approach. A face-to-face survey was conducted to examine the conceptual model. Data were analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Hope and perceived CSR significantly influence consumer happiness. Consumer happiness is a significant antecedent of brand admiration. Although consumers' ethical position (idealism and relativism) is linked to ethical consumption, ethical consumption does not influence consumer happiness. Idealism and relativism are insignificant in moderating the perceived CSR–consumer happiness relationship.

Practical implications

Brands' CSR actions create a positive atmosphere and contribute to consumer happiness and brand admiration. Managers can emphasize happiness and hope in CSR programs to build stronger consumer relationships. CSR activities can be engaging for consumers regardless of their ethical consumption levels.

Originality/value

Although CSR, consumer happiness and their impacts on consumer–brand relationships are crucial, previous studies mainly focused on the organizational perspective and employee emotions regarding CSR. This study focused on consumer happiness in the CSR context and tested a conceptual model that revealed the significant relationships between hope, perceived CSR, consumer happiness and brand admiration. It extended previous findings by showing the direct positive impact of perceived CSR on consumer happiness.
Destination competitiveness since 2010: research themes, approaches, and agenda
Authors: Xu Jing (Bill) , Au Tracy
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide a systematic review of the literature on destination competitiveness. It explores research themes and approaches, and outlines an agenda for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

One hundred and eighty-three journal articles on destination competitiveness published in English since 2010 were collected. Content analysis was performed.

Findings

The authors found that sustainable development and smart tourism were popular themes related to destination competitiveness. Recent studies still relied heavily on Ritchie and Crouch’s (2000) model or Dwyer and Kim’s (2003) model. The authors also offer constructive insights for future research, proposing that research seek more input from residents, take an advanced integrated approach between supply and demand, adopt more core theories, focus on less researched types of destinations, explore the further contribution of smart tourism and adopt a negative lens to study the antecedents and consequences of destination competitiveness. The adoption of a longitudinal study approach is also suggested.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature because of the scope of its review and perspective of discussion. Previous review papers have only focused on the factors and indicators of tourism destination competitiveness in different settings. We extend our literature review to research themes and approaches, and make suggestions for future research directions.
Docosahexaenoic acid alleviates the excessive degradation of extracellular matrix in the nucleus pulposus by reducing the content of lncRNA NEAT1 to prevent the progression of intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Shang Liang , Ma Hui , Zhang Xiao , Mao RunZe , Ma CunYou , Ruan Zhi
Published: February 2023

The pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), as a multifactorial disease, has not been fully elucidated. However, damage to the stress‐bearing system in the intervertebral disc (IVD) mediated by the excessive decomposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells caused by local stimulation is widely considered the core pathological process underlying IVDD. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays a protective role in various chronic diseases. However, whether it can have such effects in IVDD has not been clearly reported. In recent years, in‐depth research on the role of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear‐enriched transcript 1 (NEAT1) in various diseases has continuously emerged, but such research in the field of IVD is not sufficient. In this study, tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was used to induce oxidative stress in human NP cells and construct a cell model of excessive ECM decomposition in vitro. A plasmid over‐expressing lncRNA NEAT1 was introduced into human NP cells to establish an NP cell model. For this specific experiment, Cell Counting Kit 8 was used to explore the timing and concentration of DHA and TBHP activity. A common gene chip platform was also used to select potential lncRNAs. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays were used to detect the expression of ECM‐related proteins in NP cells in each group. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of lncRNA NEAT1 in NP cells in each group. On this basis, we proved that DHA alleviates excessive degradation of the ECM in NP cells in response to oxidative stress by reducing the content of lncRNA NEAT1. In conclusion, our study reveals the mechanism through which DHA relieves excessive ECM decomposition in NP cells and provides a potential new idea for the treatment of IVDD in clinical practice.
LncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1 regulates paclitaxel resistance in triple‐negative breast cancer cells through miR‐361‐5p/PIK3C3 mediated autophagy
Authors: Zheng Shurong , Fu Weida , Huang Qidi , Zhou Jieyu , Lu Kangkang , Gu Junwei , Ma Ruimin , Guo Guilong
Published: February 2023

Paclitaxel (PTX) resistance is a key cause of chemotherapy failure in patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The aim of this study is to investigate the effect and mechanism of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) on the PTX resistance of TNBC cells through autophagy. MDA‐MB‐231 cells are used to induce the PTX‐resistant TNBC cell line MDA‐MB‐231.PR (MDR) by increasing dose intermittently. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to validate the mRNA levels of phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase class 3 (PIK3C3), miR‐361‐5p and lncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1 in the cells, and Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expressions of PIK3C3, autophagy‐related, drug‐resistant and apoptosis‐related genes. MDC staining detected the formation of autophagic vacuoles. The interactions between miR‐361‐5p and PIK3C3 and between lncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1 and miR‐361‐5p were verified by dual‐luciferase assay. Cell viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion were assessed by performing MTT, flow cytometry assay, and transwell assay. The mRNA level of miR‐361‐5p and the autophagy and drug resistance levels of TNBC PTX‐resistant cells were significantly up‐regulated. miR‐361‐5p could target autophagy‐related gene PIK3C3, and overexpression of miR‐361‐5p could down‐regulate PIK3C3 protein expression and autophagy level and PTX resistance of MDR cells. LncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1 was selected through bioanalysis, and miR‐361‐5p could target lncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1. In addition, lncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1 level was up‐regulated in TNBC PTX‐resistant cells, and knockdown of lncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1 could weaken autophagy and drug resistance level and could promote cell apoptosis. Overexpression of lncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1 reversed the pro‐apoptotic effect and down‐regulation of autophagy and resistance levels was induced by miR‐361‐5p. In vivo experiments were performed to verify the role of lncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1. We demonstrate that down‐regulation of lncRNA PRKCQ‐AS1 weakened PTX resistance and promoted cell apoptosis by miR‐361‐5p/PIK3C3 mediated autophagy.
Efficient visual learning by bumble bees in virtual‐reality conditions: Size does not matter
Authors: Lafon Gregory , Paoli Marco , Paffhausen Benjamin H. , Sanchez Gabriela de Brito , Lihoreau Mathieu , Avarguès‐Weber Aurore , Giurfa Martin
Published: February 2023

Recent developments allowed establishing virtual‐reality (VR) setups to study multiple aspects of visual learning in honey bees under controlled experimental conditions. Here, we adopted a VR environment to investigate the visual learning in the buff‐tailed bumble bee Bombus terrestris. Based on responses to appetitive and aversive reinforcements used for conditioning, we show that bumble bees had the proper appetitive motivation to engage in the VR experiments and that they learned efficiently elemental color discriminations. In doing so, they reduced the latency to make a choice, increased the proportion of direct paths toward the virtual stimuli and walked faster toward them. Performance in a short‐term retention test showed that bumble bees chose and fixated longer on the correct stimulus in the absence of reinforcement. Body size and weight, although variable across individuals, did not affect cognitive performances and had a mild impact on motor performances. Overall, we show that bumble bees are suitable experimental subjects for experiments on visual learning under VR conditions, which opens important perspectives for invasive studies on the neural and molecular bases of such learning given the robustness of these insects and the accessibility of their brain.
Review of the chemical ecology of homoterpenes in arthropod–plant interactions
Authors: Gurr Geoff M. , Liu Jian , Pickett John A. , Stevenson Philip C.
Published: February 2023

The homoterpenes 4,8‐dimethyl‐1,3,7‐nonatriene (DMNT) and 4,8,12‐trimethyl‐1,3,7,11‐tridecatetraene (TMTT) are volatile products of plant metabolism reported from diverse plant taxa and multiple plant tissues. As such, they have a range of potential ecological functions. Here, we review the key literature to assess evidence for roles in contrasting plant–arthropod interactions. TMTT, and DMNT especially, have been reported as sometimes dominant constituents of floral scents from angiosperm taxa ranging from primitive Magnoliales to more advanced, taxonomic orders of economic significance such as Fabales and Sapindales. Although all taxa producing TMTT and DMNT in floral scents are entomophilous (‘insect pollinated’), experimental evidence for an assumed role of these homoterpenes in pollinator attraction is limited. Representing a trade‐off, in some cases, homoterpenes in floral scents have been shown to act as kairomones, attracting herbivores. Additionally, both TMTT and DMNT are released by plant foliage in response to arthropod feeding, mechanical damage simulating feeding, or even egg deposition. Evidence for a functional role in herbivore‐induced plant volatile (HIPV) blends comes from a wide range of angiosperm orders, including anemophilous (‘wind pollinated’) taxa, as well as from gymnosperms. We conclude by considering how TMTT and DMNT function in community‐level interactions and highlighting research priorities that will reveal how plants avoid trade‐offs from contrasting ecological functions of DMNT and TMTT release and how homoterpene production might be exploited to develop improved crop varieties.
The other side of emotional support: The moderating role of personality in the relations between emotionally‐valenced support elicitation experiences and strain
Authors: Hughes Ian M. , Freier Lindsey M.
Published: February 2023

Recent organizational research has begun focusing on alternative perspectives of the social support dynamic. One of these perspectives is the potential support provider perspective, which captures the social support dynamic from the view of employees put in position to potentially provide social support. Empirical findings concerning this perspective are scant and thus warrant additional research. The present study, using a large, occupationally heterogenous two‐wave sample (N = 447), further explored relations between strain and support elicitation experiences that are emotionally‐valenced, or SEE‐E, from the potential support provider perspective. The role of individual differences in influencing these relations was also investigated. Using hierarchical regression, we found that SEE‐E was related to key forms of psychological (work‐related burnout), behavioral (hostility), and physiological (the presence of physical symptoms) strain. Furthermore, we found that higher levels of agreeableness strengthened the relations between SEE‐E and work‐related burnout, and higher levels of conscientiousness weakened the relations between SEE‐E and hostility. Results from this study contribute to the nascent findings surrounding the potential support provider perspective of the workplace social support dynamic and further demonstrate the importance of individual differences to stressor‐strain dynamics.
Glycochenodeoxycholate and glycodeoxycholate 3‐O‐glucuronides, but not hexadecanedioate and tetradecanedioate, detected weak inhibition of OATP1B caused by GDC‐0810 in humans
Authors: Yoshida Kenta , Jaochico Allan , Mao Jialin , Sangaraju Dewakar
Published: February 2023

Endogenous biomarkers of drug transporters are promising tools to evaluate in vivo transporter function and potential alterations in the pharmacokinetics of their substrates. We have previously reported that coproporphyrin I/III captured the weak inhibition of OATP1B transporters by GDC‐0810. In this study, we measured plasma concentrations of additional biomarkers, namely fatty acids, bile acids and their sulphate or glucuronide conjugates in the presence and absence of GDC‐0810. Concentrations of hexadecanedioate and tetradecanedioate did not increase in the presence of GDC‐0810. Among bile acids and their conjugates, glycochenodeoxycholate and glycodeoxycholate 3‐O‐glucuronides (GCDCA‐3G and GDCA‐3G) showed Cmax increases with geometric mean ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.58 (1.13‐2.22) and 1.49 (1.21‐1.83), consistent with previous reports from low‐dose rifampin co‐administration and pharmacogenetic studies. These results suggest that GCDCA‐3G and GDCA‐3G are two more promising biomarkers that may capture weak OATP1B inhibition in addition to coproporphyrin I/III.
BC Clinical impact of medication reviews with follow‐up in cardiovascular older patients in primary care: A cluster‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Martínez‐Mardones Francisco , Benrimoj Shalom I. , Ahumada‐Canale Antonio , Plaza‐Plaza Jose C. , Garcia‐Cardenas Victoria
Published: February 2023

Aims

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the primary cause of death in Chile. Pharmacist‐led medication review with follow‐up (MRF) has improved CVD risk factors control in Europe and North America. However, their healthcare systems differ from Chile's, precluding generalizability. This trial aimed to determine the effect of MRF on CVD risk factor control among older patients with polypharmacy attending public primary care centres in Chile.

Methods

A cluster‐randomized controlled trial was conducted in 24 centres. Patients older than 65 years with moderate‐to‐high CVD risk, five or more medications, hypertension, type 2 diabetes or dyslipidaemia, received MRF in addition to usual care or usual care alone for 12 months. Primary outcome measures were clinical goal achievement for hypertension, type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia, as well as medication adherence, medication number and CVD risk score. Adjusted generalized estimating equations were used, with odds ratios (ORs) for binary measures and mean differences for continuous measures.

Results

In total, 324 patients from 12 centres (174 MRF group, 150 usual care group, six centres each) received four pharmacist visits. Significant improvements were found for goal achievement in hypertension (OR 4.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.54 to 7.51, P = .001), LDL cholesterol (OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.13 to 6.33, P = .001), type 2 diabetes (OR 6.97, 95% CI 3.69 to 13.2, P = .001), medication adherence (OR 6.60, 95% CI 1.36 to 31.9, P = .022), medications number (−0.86, 95% CI −1.14 to −0.58, P < .001) and CVD risk score (−2.27, 95% CI −2.84 to −1.69, P < .001).

Conclusion

Pharmacist‐led medication review with follow‐up improved cardiovascular disease risk factor control and medication adherence. This study supports pharmacists' inclusion in primary care teams.
Evaluation of important human CYP450 isoforms and P‐glycoprotein phenotype changes and genotype in type 2 diabetic patients, before and after intensifying treatment regimen using Geneva cocktail
Authors: Neyshaburinezhad Navid , Shirzad Nooshin , Rouini Mohammadreza , Namazi Soha , Khoshayand Mohammadreza , Esteghamati Alireza , Nakhjavani Manouchehr , Ghasim Hengameh , Gloor Yvonne , Daali Youssef , Ardakani Yalda H.
Published: February 2023

The present study evaluates the influence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on important CYP450 (CYP) isoforms and P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) transporter activities before and 3 months after an intensifying treatment regimen involving 40 patients. Results have been compared with 21 non‐T2D healthy participants (the control group). CYPs and Pgp activities were assessed after administering the Geneva cocktail. The mean metabolic ratios (MR) for CYP2B6 (1.81 ± 0.93 versus 2.68 ± 0.87), CYP2C19 (0.420 ± 0.360 versus 0.687 ± 0.558) and CYP3A4/5 (0.487 ± 0.226 versus 0.633 ± 0.254) significantly decreased in T2D patients compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CYP2C9 (0.089 ± 0.037 versus 0.069 ± 0.017) activities slightly increased in diabetic patients, and no difference was observed regarding CYP1A2 (0.154 ± 0.085 versus 0.136 ± 0.065), CYP2D6 (1.17 ± 0.56 versus 1.24 ± 0.83), and Pgp activities in comparison to the control group. Three months after the intensifying treatment regimen, MRs of CYP2C9 (0.080 ± 0.030) and CYP3A4/5 (0.592 ± 0.268) improved significantly and were not statistically different compared to the control group (P > 0.05). Several covariables, such as inflammatory markers (IL‐1β and IL‐6), genotypes, diabetes and demographic‐related factors, were considered in the analyses. The results indicate that chronic inflammatory status associated with T2D modulates CYP450 activities in an isoform‐specific manner.
Development and validation of a patient‐reported outcome measure to assess symptom burden after chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy
Authors: Wang Xin Shelley , Srour Samer A. , Mendoza Tito , Whisenant Meagan , Subbiah Ishwaria , Gonzalez Elizabeth , Kamal Mona , Shen Shu‐En , Cleeland Charles , Kebriaei Partow , Rezvani Katayoun , Neelapu Sattva , Ahmed Sairah , Shpall Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

This cross‐sectional study aimed to develop and validate a patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) assessment tool to assess symptom burden and daily functioning in patients after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy, the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI‐CAR). The items were generated based on literature review, content elicitation interviews with patients, and clinician's review. The patients completed the MDASI core and module, single‐item quality‐of‐life (QoL) measure and Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System‐29 (PROMIS‐29). The psychometric validation analysis was based on the acceptability after item reduction process. The final 10 MDASI‐CAR module items included tremors, fever/chills, headache, balance, dizziness, attention, difficulty speaking, coughing, sexual dysfunction, and diarrhoea with high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: MDASI Core, 0.865; MDASI Interference, 0.915; CAR‐T module, 0.746). The MDASI‐CAR has excellent known‐group validity that was demonstrated by differentiate patients based on patient's performance status (Cohen's d for MDASI core = −1.008, interference = −0.771, module = −0.835). Criterion validity was demonstrated by the significant correlations between the MDASI‐CAR composite score, the single QoL item and the relevant domains on PROMIS‐29 (all p < 0.05). This study established the MDASI‐CAR module as a reliable and valid PRO tool for monitoring symptom burden after CAR T‐cell therapy in patients with haematological malignancies. The findings need to be validated with a longitudinal design.
The heparan sulfate mimetic Muparfostat aggravates steatohepatitis in obese mice due to its binding affinity to lipoprotein lipase
Authors: Zhang Jia , Li Kai , Sun Hao‐Ran , Sun Shao‐Kun , Zhu Ya‐Ting , Ge Yu‐Ting , Wu Yu‐Xuan , Zhou Qin‐Yao , Li Guan‐Ting , Chang Xiao‐Ai , Sun Peng , Ding Ying , Han Xiao
Published: February 2023

Background and Purpose

Heparanase is the only confirmed endoglycosidase that cleaves heparan sulfate (HS), a ubiquitous glycosaminoglycan with various essential roles in multiple pathological processes. Thus, the development of heparanase inhibitors has become an attractive strategy for drug discovery, especially in tumour therapy, in which HS mimetics are the most promising compounds. The various biological effects of heparanase also suggest a role for HS mimetics in many non‐cancer indications, such as type 1 diabetes. However, the potential benefits of HS mimetics in obesity‐related type 2 diabetes have not been elucidated.

Experimental Approach

In this study, we investigated muparfostat (PI‐88), a developed HS mimetic currently enrolled in Phase III clinical trials, in obese mouse models and in vitro cultured murine hepatocytes.

Key Results

Daily administration of muparfostat for 4 weeks caused hyperlipidaemia and aggravated hepatic steatosis in obese mice models, but not in lean animals. In cultured hepatocytes, muparfostat did not alter lipid accumulation. Acute tests suggested that muparfostat binds to lipoprotein lipase in competition with HS on vascular endothelial cell surfaces, thereby reducing the degradation of circulating triglycerides by lipoprotein lipase and subsequent uptake of fatty acids into vascular endothelial cells and causing hyperlipidaemia. This hyperlipidaemia aggravates hepatic steatosis and causes liver injury in muparfostat‐treated obese mice.

Conclusions and Implications

The binding activity of HS mimetics to lipoprotein lipase should be investigated as an additional pharmacological effect during heparanase inhibitor drug discovery. This study also provides novel evidence for an increased risk of drug‐induced liver injury in obese individuals.
A rift‐scale view at strain partitioning during multiphase rifting: Insights from the Hailar Basin, northeast Asia
Authors: Wu Lulu , Shen Chuanbo , Paton Douglas A. , Hou Yanping , Mortimer Estelle J. , Mei Lianfu , Sun Rongyao , Zeng Xiaowei , Shi Guanzhong
Published: February 2023

The spatial strain variations while continental lithospheric extension progresses and leads to either a failed rift basin or a fully rifted passive margins have been extensively studied. However, determining the spatial kinematics of rift basins throughout their entire temporal evolution at rift scale is often difficult due to the sparsity of spatial data coverage; this limits our current understanding of rift evolution and our ability to ascertain the controlling factors on basin development. This study uses extensive high‐quality 2D and 3D seismic reflection data and borehole data from the Hailar Basin (northeast Asia) to investigate the spatial strain variations that occurred during multiphase rifting at both high resolution and rift scale. By coupling fault evolution and depocenter analysis, we demonstrate that the Hailar Basin experienced complex strain partitioning with a progressively eastward migration of strain and eventual strain localization onto rift axis. This strain localization occurred in the area that had been dominated by syn‐rift sagging. We propose that the observed eastward strain migration has been driven by the multiphase rollback of the Paleo‐Pacific slab. Contrastingly, during the final rift phase, crustal rheology played the dominant role in rift development, while the influence of geodynamic processes significantly decreased, resulting in the cessation of the eastward rift migration and the ultimate strain localization. This pattern of strain migration and localization is likely to be applicable to other multiphase rifts where the main controlling factors varied through time.
Autological platelet‐rich fibrin sealant for anterior horseshoe anal fistula in female patient: A video vignette
Authors: Churina Yuliya , Tsugulya Petr , Vasilyev Alexandr , Medkova Yulia , Tsarkov Petr
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Nowadays many techniques have been developed for the treatment of complex anorectal fistulas. Biological substances are used for minimally invasive treatment of anorectal fistulas, especially for complex anal fistulas. Insertion of autological fibrin substance into the fistula tract is one of the types of such procedures.

Clinical case

Here, we present a case of insertion of platelet‐rich fibrin sealant into a horseshoe fistula in a female patient. The follow‐up period was 10 months with no signs of clinical or MRI recurrence.
Cannabis use and gastrointestinal tract illnesses: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2005–2018
Authors: Vanderziel Alyssa , Alshaarawy Omayma
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The antiemetic properties of cannabis have motivated its use in the management of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting. Conversely, case reports of intractable vomiting among heavy cannabis users have increasingly appeared in the literature. Studies on cannabis and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) health are scare. Here, we use data for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES, 2005–2018) to estimate the association between cannabis use and GIT illness.

Methods

The study sample included non‐pregnant adult NHANES participants (20–59 years) without history of cancer or HIV (n = 18,753). Cannabis use was categorised into never, former (0 day in the past 30 days), infrequent (1–2 days), occasional (3–19 days) and frequent (20–30 days) use. Recent GIT illness was defined as experiencing GIT illness with vomiting or diarrhoea that started in the 30 days prior to NHANES. Logistic regression was used to regress GIT illness on cannabis use, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Compared to never use, frequent cannabis use was associated with higher odds of GIT illness (OR = 1.4; 95% confidence interval 1.04, 1.9). There were no associations between former, infrequent or occasional cannabis use and GIT illness.

Discussion and Conclusions

Frequent cannabis use is associated with GIT illnesses in a large cross‐sectional study of US residents. It is possible that frequent cannabis use adversely affects GIT health, consistent with clinical case reports. Alternatively, patients with GIT illness might self‐medicate with cannabis given its antiemetic properties. Prospective studies are needed to understand the effects of cannabis use on GIT health.