bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of ageing and frailty on circulating monocyte and dendritic cell subsets
Authors: Reitsema Rosanne D. , Kumawat Ashok K. , Hesselink Bernd-Cornèl , van Baarle Debbie , van Sleen Yannick
Published: August 2023

Ageing is associated with dysregulated immune responses, resulting in impaired resilience against infections and a low-grade inflammation known as inflammageing. Frailty is a measurable condition in older adults characterized by decreased health and physical impairment. Dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes play a crucial role in initiating and steering immune responses. To assess whether their frequencies and phenotypes in the blood are affected by ageing or frailty, we performed a flow cytometry study (14 markers) on monocyte and DC subsets in an immune ageing cohort (SENEX).

Participants were divided into three groups (n=15 each): healthy young controls (HYC, median age 29 years), healthy older controls (HOC, 73 years) and Frail older controls (76 years). Frailty status was based on Tilburg Frailty Index scores. Among HLA-DR+/CD19-cells, monocyte subsets (classical, intermediate, non-classical) were identified by CD14 and CD16 expression, and DC subsets (conventional (c)DC1, cDC2, plasmacytoid (p)DC) by CD11c, CD1c, CD141 and CD303 expression.

Using unsupervised and conventional gating strategies, we observed a substantially lower proportion of pDCs in the HOC compared to the HYC. Additionally, we observed higher expression of activation markers on classical and intermediate monocytes and on cDC2 in HOC compared to HYC. Comparing the Frail to the age-matched HOC group, we observed only one important difference: a higher expression of CD40 on classical and non-classical monocytes in Frail individuals.

In this cross-sectional study, we document a substantial effect of ageing on monocytes and DCs. The reduction of pDCs in older people may underly their impaired ability to counter viral infections, whereas the enhanced expression of activation markers could indicate a state of inflammageing. Future studies could elucidate the functional consequences of CD40 upregulation with frailty.
TOM20 Gates PINK1 Activity And Mediates Its Tethering Of The TOM And TIM23 Translocases Upon Mitochondrial Stress
Authors: Eldeeb Mohamed A. , Bayne Andrew N. , Fallahi Armaan , Goiran Thomas , MacDougall Emma J. , Soumbasis Andrea , Zorca Cornelia E. , Tabah Jace-Jones , Thomas Rhalena A. , Karpilovsky Nathan , Mathur Meghna , Durcan Thomas M. , Trempe Jean-François , Fon Edward A.
Published: August 2023

Mutations in PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) cause autosomal recessive early onset Parkinson disease (PD). PINK1 is a Ser/Thr kinase that regulates mitochondrial quality control by triggering mitophagy mediated by the ubiquitin ligase Parkin. Upon mitochondrial damage, PINK1 accumulates on the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) forming a high molecular weight complex with the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM). PINK1 then phosphorylates ubiquitin, which enables recruitment and activation of Parkin followed by autophagic clearance of the damaged mitochondrion. Thus, Parkin-dependent mitophagy hinges on the stable accumulation of PINK1 on the TOM complex. Yet, the mechanism linking mitochondrial stressors to PINK1 accumulation and whether the translocases of the inner membrane (TIMs) are also involved, remain unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that mitochondrial stress induces the formation of a PINK1-TOM-TIM23 supercomplex in human cultured cell lines, dopamine neurons, and midbrain organoids. Moreover, we show that PINK1 is required to stably tether the TOM to TIM23 complexes in response to stress, such that the supercomplex fails to accumulate in cells lacking PINK1. This tethering is dependent on an interaction between the PINK1 NT-CTE module and the cytosolic domain of the Tom20 subunit of the TOM complex, the disruption of which, by either designer or PD-associated PINK1 mutations, inhibits downstream mitophagy. Together, the findings provide key insight into how PINK1 interfaces with the mitochondrial import machinery, with important implications for the mechanisms of mitochondrial quality control and PD pathogenesis.
Can Prediction Error Explain Predictability Effects on the N1 during Picture-Word Verification?
Authors: Taylor Jack E. , Rousselet Guillaume A. , Sereno Sara C.
Published: August 2023

Do early effects of predictability in visual word recognition reflect prediction error? Electrophysiological research investigating word processing has demonstrated predictability effects in the N1, or first negative component of the event-related potential (ERP). However, findings regarding the magnitude of effects and potential interactions of predictability with lexical variables have been inconsistent. Moreover, past studies have typically used categorical designs with relatively small samples and relied on by-participant analyses. Nevertheless, reports have generally shown that predicted words elicit less negative-going (i.e., lower amplitude) N1s, a pattern consistent with a simple predictive coding account. In our preregistered study, we tested this account via the interaction between prediction magnitude and certainty. A picture-word verification paradigm was implemented in which pictures were followed by tightly matched picture-congruent or picture-incongruent written nouns. The predictability of target (picture-congruent) nouns was manipulated continuously based on norms of association between a picture and its name. ERPs from 68 participants revealed a pattern of effects opposite to that expected under a simple predictive coding framework.
SIN-3 transcriptional coregulator maintains mitochondrial homeostasis and polyamine flux
Authors: Giovannetti M. , Fabrizio P. , Nicolle O. , Bedet C. , Rodríguez-Palero MJ. , Michaux G. , Artal-Sanz M. , Witting M. , Palladino F
Published: August 2023

Mitochondrial function relies on the coordinated transcription of mitochondrial and nuclear genomes to assemble respiratory chain complexes. Across species, the SIN3 coregulator influences mitochondrial functions, but how its loss impacts mitochondrial homeostasis and metabolism in the context of a whole organism is unknown. Exploring this link is important becauseSIN3haploinsufficiency causes intellectual disability/autism syndromes and SIN3 plays an important role in tumor biology. Here we show that loss ofC. elegansSIN-3 results in transcriptional deregulation of mitochondrial- and nuclear encoded mitochondrial genes, potentially leading to mito-nuclear imbalance. Consistent with impaired mitochondrial function,sin-3mutants show extensive mitochondrial fragmentation by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) andin vivoimaging, and altered oxygen consumption. Metabolomic analysis ofsin-3mutant animals identifies a signature of mitochondria stress, and deregulation of methionine flux resulting in decreased S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), and increased polyamine levels. Our results identify SIN3 as a key regulator of mitochondrial dynamics and metabolic flux, with important implications for human pathologies.
VmPFC supports persistence during goal pursuit through selective attention
Authors: Holton Eleanor , Grohn Jan , Ward Harry , Manohar Sanjay , O’Reilly Jill , Kolling Nils
Published: August 2023

Striking the balance between persistence with a goal and flexibility in the face of better options is critical for effectively organizing behaviour across time. While people are often biased towards completing their current goal (e.g. ‘sunk cost’ biases), it is unclear how these biases occur at a mechanistic level, still allowing for some flexibility for goal abandonment. We propose that ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) plays a critical role in orienting attention towards a current goal, prioritising goal completion but allowing for abandonment, particularly when the current goal fails. We developed a novel incremental goal pursuit task to study goal-directed attention and action in healthy individuals with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and in an independent group of individuals with brain lesions. The task required participants to make sequential decisions between continuing to persist with a current goal (commitment), versus abandoning progress for a better alternative goal (flexibility). We show that individuals who persist more show greater goal-oriented attention outside the decision period. Increasing attentional capture by the current goal is also revealed in decision-making: people remain more likely to abandon from ‘frustration’ (collapse of value of the current goal) than from ‘temptation’ (attraction from valuable alternative goals). Strikingly, we find that our stable inter-individual metrics of persistence and goal-oriented attention were both predicted by baseline activity in vmPFC, tracking goal progress. We present converging evidence from an independent lesion patient study demonstrating the causal involvement of vmPFC in goal persistence: damage to the vmPFC reduces biases to over-persist with the current goal, leading to a performance benefit in our task.
Stress response of fire salamander larvae differs between habitat types
Authors: Schulte Laura , Oswald Pia , Mühlenhaupt Max , Ossendorf Edith , Kruse Sabine , Kaiser Sylvia , Caspers Barbara A.
Published: August 2023

Different habitats can impose varying selection pressures on individuals of the same species. Larvae of the European fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) can inhabit two different habitats: streams and ponds. Streams are characterised by lower predation risk and intraspecific density and higher food availability than ponds. Thus, ponds are considered a less suitable habitat. To investigate the differential impacts of the two habitats on larval physiology, we measured the stress response of larvae living in the two different habitats. After successfully validating the measure of water-borne corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in fire salamander larvae, we measured the baseline and stress-induced CORT of 64 larvae from two pond and two stream locations in the field. We found larvae in ponds to be more stressed than larvae in streams. Additionally, we performed a reciprocal transplant experiment and tested whether larvae can adapt their stress response to changing habitat conditions. After two weeks of transfer, we did not find an increase in CORT when comparing stress-induced CORT values with baseline CORT values in larvae transferred into ponds. However, larvae transferred into streams exhibited an increase in the stress-induced CORT response. Moreover, transfer into ponds as well as larvae originating from ponds showed reduced growth rates, indicating that ponds might be the more stressful habitat, as it negatively affected larval physiology. These results show that noninvasive hormone measurements can provide information on habitat quality and potential adaptation and thus emphasis the potential for its use in conservation efforts.
Transcriptional pathways across colony biofilm models in the symbiontVibrio fischeri
Authors: Griend Jacob A. Vander , Isenberg Ruth Y. , Kotla Ketan R. , Mandel Mark J.
Published: August 2023

Beneficial microbial symbionts that are horizontally acquired by their animal hosts undergo a lifestyle transition from free-living in the environment to associated with host tissues. In the model symbiosis between the Hawaiian bobtail squid and its microbial symbiontVibrio fischeri,one mechanism used to make this transition during host colonization is the formation of biofilm-like aggregates in host mucosa. Previous work identified factors that are sufficient to induceV. fischeribiofilm formation, yet much remains unknown regarding the breadth of target genes induced by these factors. Here, we probed two widely-usedin vitromodels of biofilm formation to identify novel regulatory pathways in the squid symbiontV. fischeriES114. We discovered a shared set of 232 genes that demonstrated similar patterns in expression in both models. These genes comprise multiple exopolysaccharide loci that are upregulated and flagellar motility genes that are downregulated, with a consistent decrease in measured swimming motility.

Furthermore, we identified genes regulated downstream of the key sensor kinase RscS that are induced independent of the response regulator SypG. Our data suggest that putative response regulator VpsR plays a strong role in expression of at least a subset of these genes. Overall, this study adds to our understanding of the genes involved inV. fischeribiofilm regulation, while revealing new regulatory pathways branching from previously characterized signaling networks.

IMPORTANCE

TheV. fischeri-squid system provides an opportunity to study biofilm development both in the animal host and in culture-based biofilm models that capture key aspects ofin vivosignaling. In this work, we report the results of the transcriptomic profiling of twoV. fischeribiofilm models followed by phenotypic validation and examination of novel signaling pathway architecture. Remarkable consistency between the models provides a strong basis for future studies using either–or both–approaches. A subset of the factors identified by the approaches were validated in the work, and the body of transcriptomic data provides a number of leads for future studies in culture and during animal colonization.
The two plant-specific DREAM components FLIC and FLAC repress floral transition inArabidopsis
Authors: Lang Lucas , Böwer Franziska , Elbaşı Hasibe Tunçay , Eeckhout Dominique , Marschlich Nick , de Jaeger Geert , Heese Maren , Schnittger Arp
Published: August 2023

The DREAM complex is a key transcriptional regulator especially involved in the control of the cell cycle and development. Here, we characterise two novel plant- specific DREAM components, FLIC and FLAC, which we identified through tandem affinity purification experiments as interactors of conserved core DREAM constituents. We demonstrate that plants lacking both FLIC and FLAC exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes, including stunted growth and reduced fertility. Notably,flic flacdouble mutants show an early-flowering phenotype, an aspect that we found to be shared with mutants of the core DREAM component LIN37, with which FLIC and FLAC interact in binary protein-protein interaction assays. Performing reverse affinity purification experiments, we detected the JMJ14/NAC050/NAC052 module, known for its involvement in flowering repression, in the interactome of both FLIC and FLAC. Subsequent binary interaction studies then link the JMJ14/NAC050/NAC052 module via LIN37 to the DREAM complex providing a mechanistic framework on how flowering time could be transcriptionally controlled by the DREAM complex.

Summary blurb

This study identifies two plant-specific members of the DREAM complex, explores their roles by mutant analysis and protein interaction investigation, and links them and additional DREAM complex components to the regulation of floral transition.
Two dramatically distinct archaeal type IV pili structures formed by the same pilin
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Eastep Gunnar N , Cvirkaite-Krupovic Virginija , Rich-New Shane T. , Kreutzberger Mark A.B. , Egelman Edward H. , Krupovic Mart , Wang Fengbin
Published: August 2023

Type IV pili (T4P) represent one of the most common varieties of surface appendages in archaea. These filaments, assembled from relatively small pilin proteins, can be many microns long and serve diverse functions, including adhesion, biofilm formation, motility, and intercellular communication. Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we determined atomic structures of two dramatically different T4P fromSaccharolobus islandicusREY15A. Unexpectedly, both pili were assembled from the same pilin protein but under different growth conditions. One filament, denoted mono-pilus, conforms to canonical archaeal T4P structures where all subunits are equivalent, whereas in the other filament, the tri-pilus, the same protein exists in three different conformations. The three conformations involve different orientations of the outer immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains, mediated by a very flexible linker, and all three of these conformations are very different from the single conformation found in the mono-pilus. Remarkably, the outer domains rotate nearly 180° between the mono- and tri-pilus conformations, formally similar to what has been shown for outer domains in bacterial flagellar filaments, despite lack of homology between bacterial flagella and archaeal T4P. Interestingly, both forms of pili require the same ATPase and TadC-like membrane pore for assembly, indicating that the same secretion system can produce structurally very different filaments. However, the expression of the ATPase and TadC genes was significantly different under the conditions yielding mono- and tri-pili. While archaeal T4P are homologs of archaeal flagellar filaments, our results show that in contrast to the rigid supercoil that the flagellar filaments must adopt to serve as helical propellers, archaeal T4P are likely to have fewer constraints on their structure and enjoy more internal degrees of freedom.
A single domain intrabody targeting the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) impacts FSH-induced G protein-dependent signalling
Authors: Raynaud Pauline , Jugnarain Vinesh , Vaugrente Océane , Vallet Amandine , Boulo Thomas , Gauthier Camille , Inoue Asuka , Sibille Nathalie , Gauthier Christophe , Jean-Alphonse Frédéric , Reiter Eric , Crépieux Pascale , Bruneau Gilles
Published: August 2023

Intracellular variable fragments from heavy-chain antibody from camelids (intra-VHH) have been successfully used as chaperones to solve the 3D structure of active G protein-coupled receptors bound to their transducers. However, their effect on signalling has been poorly explored, although they may provide a better understanding on the relationships between receptor conformation and activity. Here, we isolated and characterized iPRC1, the first intra-VHH recognizing a member of the large glycoprotein hormone receptors family, the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). This intra-VHH recognizes the FSHR 3rdintracellular loop and decreases cAMP production in response to FSH, without altering Gαs recruitment. Hence, iPRC1 behaves as an allosteric modulator and provides a new tool to complete structure/activity studies performed so far on this receptor.
Self-regulation of learning in the context of modern technology: a review of empirical studies
Authors: Junaštíková Julie
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Self-regulation is the level of learning where the learner becomes an active agent in their learning process in terms of activity and aspects of motivation and metacognition. The current paper mostly deals with the metacognitive aspect. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into self-regulation of learning in the context of modern technology in higher education. This study also aims to highlight the direction, tendencies and trends toward which self-regulation of learning is moving in relation to modern technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The review study was compiled via searches in three databases: Scopus, Web of Science and ERIC. A filter was used to search for empirical studies solely in English, published over the past decade on the topics of self-regulation of learning and technology in higher education.

Findings

The findings clearly show a correlation between self-regulation of learning and modern technology, especially after a significant event such as the Covid-19 pandemic. However, in the wake of this change, the field of education has seen the emergence of methods and new platforms that can provide support for the development of self-regulated learning strategies.

Originality/value

The originality of the study lies in the fact that it focuses on the link between self-regulation of learning and modern technologies in higher education, including some predictions of the future direction of self-regulation of learning in this context.
Self-reported antisocial behaviour of 10-year-old boys in Zhuhai (China) versus Pittsburgh (USA)
Authors: Farrington David P. , Liu Jianhong
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare self-reported antisocial (SRA) behaviour of 10-year-old boys in China (in Zhuhai) and the USA (in Pittsburgh).

Design/methodology/approach

In Pittsburgh, 868 boys were given a SRA behaviour questionnaire in 1987–1988. In Zhuhai, 1,154 boys were given the same questionnaire in 2017.

Findings

The prevalence of 23 acts in the two countries was significantly correlated (r = 0.69), showing that the acts that were admitted by most boys in one country also tended to be admitted by most boys in the other country. Also, the mean prevalence in the two countries was very similar, at about 13%. However, several acts (e.g. stealing) were more prevalent in Zhuhai, while violent acts were more prevalent in Pittsburgh. The frequencies of the acts in the two countries were also significantly correlated (r = 0.51), although frequency was usually greater in Pittsburgh.

Research limitations/implications

While most theories and research in criminology and psychology are based on Western industrialised countries, it is important to carry out more cross-cultural comparisons of antisocial behaviour in other countries. These results show encouraging generalizability and replicability, despite differences in time and place.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study presents the first comparison of age-matched Chinese and American children on the prevalence and frequency of specific antisocial acts.
Population‐level food availability affects postcopulatory sexual selection dynamics in the guppy
Authors: Morbiato Elisa , Cattelan Silvia , Pilastro Andrea
Published: August 2023

Postcopulatory sexual selection (PCSS), namely sperm competition and cryptic female choice, is typically investigated in benign environments, with a fixed number of partners, which mate at the same time intervals; all conditions that are rarely met in natural populations.

Although there is increasing evidence that environmental fluctuations affect sexual selection before mating, whether and to which extent they influence postcopulatory trajectories is still little explored.

PCSS was investigated in replicate populations of guppies (Poecilia reticulata) in which males and females mated after maintained for 2 weeks on either restricted (RE) or ad libitum (AL) diet and the paternity of the offspring produced by multiply mated females was assigned using microsatellite markers.

Compared to AL fish, RE females (i) had fewer mating partners, but the time interval between the first and the last mating was not affected; (ii) produced broods with a lower variance in male fertilization success (a measure of the opportunity for PCSS); and (iii) produced broods with a paternity bias towards the first mate (reversing the last sperm precedence observed in AL populations), and associated more towards males with higher courtship rate.

Our results demonstrate that short‐term limitation in food availability significantly influence PCSS by modifying both fertilization success variance and sperm precedence pattern. Environmental variation should therefore become part of the research paradigm to improve our understanding of postcopulatory evolutionary dynamics.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Metagenomic and network analyses reveal key players in nitrification in upland agricultural soils
Authors: Zhao Huicheng , Li Yue , Liu Meiyu , Song Xiaotong , Liu Binbin , Ju Xiaotang
Published: August 2023

Nitrification, a key step in soil nitrogen cycling, is a biologically mediated process crucial to the ecological environment. However, how nitrifiers drive nitrification under different soil properties and climatic factors at large spatial scales is poorly understood. Here, using metagenomic sequencing and network‐based approaches, we identified key nitrifying species of upland agricultural soils in northern China, which spans a wide range of climates and geographic distances. We found that potential nitrification rates (PNRs) varied in different soils and were positively correlated with soil pH (5.42–8.46) and mean annual temperature (MAT) and negatively correlated with the C/N ratio. Network analysis revealed that one module (module 3) was significantly correlated with PNR. In this module, 16 dominant nodes were associated with AOB Nitrosomonas and most nodes were significantly correlated with environmental factors, suggesting that abiotic conditions are important for determining the assembly of these key nitrifiers. Our study advanced the understanding of the key nitrifying populations and their environmental drivers in upland agricultural soil across different soil and climate types.
Polysaccharide‐based biosorbents for cholesterol and bile salts in gastric‐intestinal passage: Advances and future trends
Authors: Chen Luyao , He Xu , Pu Yijing , Cao Jiankang , Jiang Weibo
Published: August 2023

Cholesterol is one of the hazard elements for many cardiovascular diseases, but many cholesterol‐lowering drugs are expensive and unhealthy. Therefore, it is necessary to develop edible and safe biosorbents to reduce excess cholesterol and bile salts in the gastric‐intestinal passage. Polysaccharide‐based biosorbents offer a feasible strategy for decreasing them. This review summarized polysaccharide‐based biosorbents that have been developed for adsorbing cholesterol and bile salts from the gastric‐intestinal passage and analyzed common modification methods for these adsorbents. Finally, the adsorption models were also elucidated. Polysaccharides, including β‐cyclodextrin, pectin, chitin/chitosan, dietary fiber extract, and cellulose, have been proposed for adsorbing cholesterol and bile salts in the gastric‐intestinal passage as biosorbents. This is mainly due to the retention of pores, the capture of the viscosity network, and the help of hydrophobic interactions. In spite of this, the adsorption capacity of polysaccharides is still limited. Therefore, the modifications for them became the most popular areas in the recent studies of in vitro cholesterol adsorption. Chemical approaches namely grafting, (1) acetylation, (2) hydroxypropylation, (3) carboxymethylation, and (4) amination are considered to modify the polysaccharides for higher adsorption ability. Moreover, ultrasonic/microwave/pressure treatment and micron technology (microfluidization, micronization, and ball milling) are effective physical modification methods, while the biological approach mainly refers to enzymatic hydrolysis and microbial fermentation. The adsorption models are generally explained by two adsorption isotherms and two adsorption kinetics. In sum, it is reckoned that further food applications will follow soon.
Specific surface modification of liposomes for gut targeting of food bioactive agents
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Xu Xiankang , Pan Yujie , Yang Hui , Han Jianzhong , Liu Jianhua , Liu Weilin
Published: August 2023

Liposomes have become a research hotspot in recent years as food delivery systems with attractive properties, including the bilayer structure assembled like the cell membrane, reducing the side‐effect and improving environmental stability of cargos, controlling release, extending duration of functional ingredients, and high biodegradable and biocompatible abilities in the body. However, the conventional liposomes lack stability during storage and are weak in targeted absorption in the gastrointestinal track. At present, surface modification has been approved to be an effective platform to shield these barricades and help liposomes deliver the agents safely and effectively to the ideal site. In this review, the gastrointestinal stability of conventional liposomes, cargo release models from liposomes, and the biological fate of the core materials after release were emphasized. Then, the strategies in both physical and chemical perspectives to improve the stability and utilization of liposomes in the gastrointestinal tract, and the emerging approaches for improving gut targeting by specifically modified liposomes and the intestinal receptors relative to liposomes/cargos absorption were highlighted. Last but not the least, the safety, challenges, and opportunities for the improvement of liposomal bioavailability were also discussed to inspire new applications of liposomes as oral carriers.
Down (my) Memory Lane: Has Economic Analysis Impacted CAP Reforms?
Authors: Haniotis Tassos
Published: August 2023

This article elaborates the role of economic analysis in influencing the reform path of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) between 1992 and 2022 on the basis of publicly available information from a personal career experience in the European Commission. Analyses about the trade distorting impact of the pre‐1992 CAP were dominant in influencing the internal Commission debate before the Uruguay Agreement on Agriculture, and were mostly external from academia and international organisations. Developments leading to the Fischler reform in 2003 led to the broadening of analytical scope to cover the impact of food safety issues on market developments, non‐tariff barriers to trade, or alternative scenarios about an enlarged EU based on the increasing use of internal and external models. Evaluations and Impact Assessments played a major role in assessing options for CAP reforms after 2007, with the increasing role of NGOs and think tanks gradually shifting the analytical and policy focus in identifying CAP weaknesses in its environmental delivery. The new institutional reality of co‐decision complicated the link between analysis and policy decision making. However, though economic analysis is clearly not sufficient, it is still necessary and essential to jointly address the twin challenges of food security and climate change.
Do European Agricultural Policies Still Aim to Support the Living Standards of the Agricultural Community?
Authors: Hill Berkeley
Published: August 2023

There is a continuing mismatch in the EU between a key official stated objective of the latest form of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which still refers to ensuring a ‘fair standard of living for the agricultural community’ (clearly a social aim), and the way that farmer incomes are officially monitored and interventions designed. Poor targeting at low‐income cases where standards of living could be expected to be less than ‘fair’ is likely to make the CAP vulnerable to criticism for being wasteful of public resources, yet this has been ignored for political reasons. Following the UK's withdrawal from the EU (‘Brexit’), the CAP no longer applies in the UK, and UK agricultural policies have been able to abandon the explicit aim of guaranteeing living standards of farm households. There is no reliable evidence that, as a group, UK farm households are characterised by relative income‐poverty; though instability is a problem, they frequently have multiple income sources and hold substantial wealth, both of which impact on their potential standard of living. In the absence of evidence of low household incomes among its farmers, should the EU follow the UK's example and, in effect, transfer responsibility for alleviating poverty to national systems designed to tackle that problem in the community?
Nutrient content and cost of canned and dried legumes and plant‐based meat analogues available in New Zealand supermarkets
Authors: Young Leanne , Mackay Sally , Bradbury Kathryn E.
Published: August 2023

Aims

Plant‐based eating patterns are recommended for human and planetary health. Plant‐based protein sources in supermarkets include traditional options and plant‐based meat analogues. This cross‐sectional survey examined the nutritional content, healthiness, cost and labelling of these products.

Methods

Nutrient content and claims on canned legumes (plain [N = 64] and flavoured [N = 25]), canned baked beans (N = 23), dried legumes (N = 21), tofu (plain [N = 8] and flavoured [N = 5]), falafels (N = 14), meat analogues (meat‐free burgers [N = 11], meat‐free sausages [N = 10] and ‘other’ meat‐free products [N = 20]) were obtained from a database of packaged foods in New Zealand. Mean (SD) energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, sodium and dietary fibre content (per 100 g) was calculated for each category. Healthiness was assessed using an estimated Health Star Rating (Rating ≥3.5 considered ‘healthy’). Product data were linked with household purchasing data from the 2019 Nielsen IQ® consumer panel to calculate mean purchase price/100 g/category. The number and type of nutrition claims were compared across categories.

Results

The highest mean protein content was ‘other’ meat‐free products (14.8 ± 6.9 g/100 g). Meat‐free sausages had the highest sodium and saturated fat content (643 ± 148 mg/100 g, 3.7 ± 4.5 g/100 g). Overall, few meat analogues (N = 5, 12%) scored an estimated Health Star Rating ≥3.5. Dried legumes were the cheapest plant protein (mean ± SD) purchase price = NZ $0.30 ± 0.16/100 g), compared with ‘other’ meat‐free products (purchase price = NZ $2.57 ± 0.88/100 g). The most common nutrition claims on meat analogues were about protein content. Dietary fibre claims were the most common on canned and dried legumes.

Conclusion

Meat analogues offer convenience, however, may be less healthy and more expensive than traditional plant‐based proteins. This study assists dietitians in providing accurate consumer messaging about healthy plant‐based proteins.
Omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids as a potential treatment for reducing dysmenorrhoea pain: Systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Snipe Rhiannon M. J. , Brelis Benjamin , Kappas Christina , Young Julie K. , Eishold Lucy , Chui Jie M. , Vatvani Meher D. , Nigro Gabriella M. D. , Hamilton D. Lee , Convit Lilia , Carr Amelia , Condo Dominique
Published: August 2023

Aim

This systematic literature review with meta‐analysis aimed to determine the effect of omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on prostaglandin levels and pain severity in women with dysmenorrhoea and identify adverse side effects.

Methods

A literature search was conducted in Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE complete, CINAHL and AMED databases (PROSPERO CRD42022340371). Included studies provided omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to a control in women with dysmenorrhoea and reported pain and/or prostaglandin levels. A random effects meta‐analysis with Cohen's d effect size (95% confidence interval) was performed in SPPS for studies that reported pain outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist.

Results

Twelve studies (n = 881 dysmenorrhoeal women) of predominantly neutral quality (83%) were included that provided daily supplementation of 300–1800 mg omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids over 2 or 3 months. Meta‐analysis (n = 8 studies) showed a large effect of omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (d = −1.020, 95% confidence interval −1.53 to −0.51) at reducing dysmenorrhoea pain. No studies measured prostaglandin levels, 86% of studies measuring analgesic use showed a reduction with omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and few studies reported mild adverse side effects in individual participants.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that daily supplementation of 300–1800 mg omega‐3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids over 2–3 months are generally well tolerated and reduces pain and analgesic use in women with dysmenorrhoea. However, the neutral quality of research is limited by methodological issues and the mechanism of action remains to be determined.
Optimization of antioxidant and lycopene extraction from tomato pomace using Hansen solubility parameters and its application in chicken meat preservation
Authors: Karoui Iness Jabri , Chaabani Emna , Dali Imen , Aydi Abdelkarim , Hammami Majdi , Abderrabba Manef
Published: August 2023

Tomato pomace, composed of peels and seeds, is often discarded or used as animal feed. However, it contains valuable phytochemicals, including lycopene. Lycopene, a natural pigment, is an antioxidant known for reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular ailments and cancer. In this study, we aimed to study the possibility of valorizing tomato pomace by quantifying phenolic compounds, evaluating the antioxidant activity of their extracts, as well as extracting and quantifying lycopene, and studying the effect of tomato peel extract on the oxidative stability of chicken patties during storage. The effectiveness of different solvent mixtures for the extraction of lycopene was evaluated using Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs). The obtained results showed that the best solvent mixture was hexane/acetone (50/50) with a Hansen theoretical distance of 7.2, indicating its favorable solvation power. It also achieved a notable extraction yield of 3.12% and the highest lycopene yield of 20.05 mg/100 g. This combination demonstrated the highest values in terms of total phenolic (24.06 mg equivalent gallic acid/100 g dry matter) and flavonoid content (30.55 mg equivalent catechin/100 g dry matter), indicating a significant presence of these compounds. However, its 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (13.51 µg/mL) and ABTS, 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid, (8.52 µg/mL) IC50 values were comparatively lower than the other mixes. The use of this fraction as a food additive and antioxidant showed significant competitiveness with the conventional preservative, 2,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐methylphenol. Tomato extract can be considered a potential natural preservative in food preparations due to its high lycopene content.

Practical Application

This research provides valuable insights into optimizing the extraction of antioxidants from tomato pomace, using HSPs. The findings have the potential to benefit the food industry by developing improved methods for preserving chicken meat through the application of these optimized antioxidant extracts. By enhancing the preservation process, this study may contribute to extending the shelf life and maintaining the quality of chicken meat, leading to reduced food waste and improved consumer satisfaction.
Sensing preferences for prokaryotic solute binding protein families
Authors: Cerna‐Vargas Jean Paul , Sánchez‐Romera Beatriz , Matilla Miguel A. , Ortega Álvaro , Krell Tino
Published: August 2023

Solute binding proteins (SBPs) are of central physiological relevance for prokaryotes. These proteins present substrates to transporters, but they also stimulate different signal transduction receptors. SBPs form a superfamily of at least 33 protein Pfam families. To assess possible links between SBP sequence and the ligand recognized, we have inspected manually all SBP three‐dimensional structures deposited in the protein data bank and retrieved 748 prokaryotic structures that have been solved in complex with bound ligand. These structures were classified into 26 SBP Pfam families. The analysis of the ligands recognized revealed that most families possess a preference for a compound class. There were three families each that bind preferentially saccharides and amino acids. In addition, we identified families that bind preferentially purines, quaternary amines, iron and iron‐chelating compounds, oxoanions, bivalent metal ions or phosphates. Phylogenetic analyses suggest convergent evolutionary events that lead to families that bind the same ligand. The functional link between chemotaxis and compound uptake is reflected in similarities in the ligands recognized by SBPs and chemoreceptors. Associating Pfam families with ligand profiles will be of help to design experimental strategies aimed at the identification of ligands for uncharacterized SBPs.
Measuring geomorphology in river assessment procedures 1: A global overview of current practices
Authors: Papangelakis Elli , Hassan Marwan A. , Luzi David , Burge Leif M. , Peirce Sarah
Published: August 2023

Despite geomorphic processes being increasingly recognized as a vital component of river management projects, evidence suggests that they may not be adequately captured in common river assessment procedures. We reviewed 91 river assessment procedures from around the world to evaluate their effectiveness in capturing geomorphic processes relevant for river management goals. Our objectives were to summarize which common geomorphic indicators are measured and how in different types of river assessments categorized based on their main focus: geomorphic, physical habitat, mixed geomorphic and habitat, and hydromorphology. Our analysis identified differences in the types of geomorphic indicators included and measurement methodologies between the types of assessment procedures. Some geomorphic processes, such as sediment transport, are nearly completely absent from all assessments, despite their importance for geomorphic processes. The variability among assessment procedures suggests that a single procedure is unlikely to capture all geomorphic components required to support every river management programs. Here, we discuss how the strengths and limitations of different assessment types can be used to guide decisions around how to select assessments and geomorphic indicators to support management project goals. A companion paper expands the discussion of how to plan effective river assessment procedures to support unique management goals.
Correlations between class I glucose transporter expression patterns and clinical outcomes in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Nakanishi Yoko , Iwai Momoko , Hirotani Yukari , Kato Ren , Tanino Tomoyuki , Nishimaki‐watanabe Haruna , Nozaki Fumi , Ohni Sumie , Tang Xiaoyan , Masuda Shinobu , Sasaki‐fukatsu Kayoko
Published: August 2023

Background

Glucose transporters (GLUTs) are highly expressed in various cancers. However, the implications of these variable expression patterns are unclear. This study aimed to clarify the correlation between class I GLUT expression patterns and clinical outcomes in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including their potential role in inflammatory signaling.

Methods

Biopsy tissues from 132 patients with NSCLC (92 adenocarcinomas [ADC] and 40 squamous cell carcinomas [SQCC]) were analyzed. mRNA expression levels of class I GLUTs (solute carrier 2A [SLC2A]1, SLC2A2, SLC2A3, and SLC2A4) and inflammation‐related molecules (toll‐like receptors TLR4, RelA/p65, and interleukins IL8 and IL6) were measured. Cellular localization of GLUT3 and GLUT4 was investigated using immunofluorescence.

Results

Single, combined, and negative GLUT (SLC2A) expression were observed in 27/92 (29.3%), 27/92 (29.3%), and 38/92 (41.3%, p < 0.001) of ADC and 8/40 (20.0%), 29/40 (72.5%, p < 0.001), and 3/40 (7.5%) of SQCC, respectively. In ADC, the single SLC2A3‐expressed group had a significantly poorer prognosis, whereas the single SLC2A4‐expressed group had a significantly better prognosis. The combined expression groups showed no significant difference. SLC2A expression was not correlated with SQCC prognosis. SLC2A4 expression correlated with lower IL8 expression. GLUT3 and GLUT4 expressions were localized in the tumor cytoplasm.

Conclusions

In lung ADC, single SLC2A3 expression correlated with poor prognosis, whereas single SLC2A4 expression correlated with better prognosis and lower IL8 expression. GLUT3 expression, which is increased by IL8 overexpression, may be suppressed by increasing the expression of GLUT4 through decreased IL8 expression.
Form‐Based Practices and Counter‐Conduct in the Banking Industry*
Authors: Maharaj Gajindra
Published: August 2023

This paper adopts a governmentality framing to examine how form‐based practices and counter‐conduct measures that permeate the banking industry are employed by bank executives who wish to be governed differently in a way that results in the control of customer conduct. Using the data set of the HSBC Case History Hearing released by the US Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations on July 17, 2012, the paper shows how rationalities, programs, and technologies of governance are reproblematized, resulting in changed program policies and technologies. The study also makes two contributions to the literature. First, the paper contributes to our understanding of form‐based practices in the banking industry as a governance mechanism—specifically, how particular practices such as risk management, staff training, and customer training can be coupled with counter‐conduct to circumvent the rules. And second, by looking at rationalities, programs, and technologies, the paper suggests how executives problematize issues in a manner that leads to program changes and to changes in the governmental technologies that depart from the overarching rationalities of the industry.
Transcriptomics age acceleration in prolonged treated HIV infection
Authors: Mikaeloff Flora , Gelpi Marco , Escos Alejandra , Knudsen Andreas D. , Høgh Julie , Benfield Thomas , de Magalhães João Pedro , Nielsen Susanne D. , Neogi Ujjwal
Published: August 2023

Biological aging in people with HIV (PWH) with prolonged successful antiretroviral therapy (ART) is convoluted and poorly defined. Here, we aimed to investigate the transcriptomics age estimator (TAE) in a cohort of 178 PWH on prolonged successful ART with immune reconstitution and viral suppression from the Copenhagen Comorbidity (COCOMO) cohort. We also used 143 clinical, demographical, and lifestyle factors to identify the confounders potentially responsible or associated with age acceleration. Among the PWH, 43% had an accelerated aging process (AAP), and 21% had decelerated aging process (DAP). DAP is linked with older age, European ancestry, and higher use of tenofovir disoproxil/alafenamide fumarate. A directionally class‐based gene set enrichment analysis identified the upregulation of inflammatory pathways (e.g., cytokine and Retinoic acid‐inducible gene I (RIG‐I)‐like receptor signaling pathways) and immune response like T‐cell receptor signaling, antigen processing, and presentation in AAP and the downregulation of metabolic processes like oxidative phosphorylation, pyruvate metabolism.
Concurrency of additional canals in mandibular incisors and second mesiobuccal canal in maxillary first molars: A cone‐beam computed tomography investigation
Authors: Liu Jinchi , Tang Bei , Xu Xin
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the concurrency of additional canals in mandibular incisors and the second mesiobuccal canal in maxillary first molars among the Chinese population. In total, 8644 cone‐beam computed tomography images from 8644 patients with bilateral mandibular incisors and maxillary first molars were examined. The data were analysed using Chi‐square test, binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve. Among the patients with additional canals in mandibular central and lateral incisors, 96.2% and 95.5% of them had second mesiobuccal canal in maxillary first molars, respectively. Additional canals of mandibular incisors and second mesiobuccal canal in maxillary first molars exhibited a concurrent relationship. The prevalence of second mesiobuccal canal in maxillary first molars increased with the number of mandibular incisors with additional canals. Moreover, when there was at least one mandibular incisor with additional canals, the presence of the second mesiobuccal canal in maxillary first molars could be highly expected.
Unintended Consequences of Leverage Regulation: Evidence from Korea*
Authors: Jung Taejin , Kim Natalie Kyung Won , Lee Woo‐Jong , Yang Daniel
Published: August 2023

During the 1997 Asian financial crisis, Korean regulators imposed a 200% leverage cap to curb excessive debt and restore economic stability. We examine the real effects and externalities of mandated capital structure changes resulting from this leverage ratio regulation. Our findings indicate that firms that met the leverage requirement experienced a significant decrease in firm risk. However, the effect varied depending on how firms adjusted their capital structure. Firms that chose to issue equity to lower their leverage ratio, as opposed to firms repaying debt, exhibited higher firm risk, lower investment‐q sensitivity, and lower profitability in the post‐regulation period.