bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insertases Scramble Lipids: Molecular Simulations of MTCH2
Authors: Bartoš Ladislav , Menon Anant K. , Vácha Robert
Published: August 2023

Scramblases play a pivotal role in facilitating bidirectional lipid transport across cell membranes, thereby influencing lipid metabolism, membrane homeostasis, and cellular signaling. MTCH2, a mitochondrial outer membrane protein insertase, has a membrane-spanning hydrophilic groove resembling those that form the lipid transit pathway in known scramblases. Employing both coarse-grained and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, we show that MTCH2 significantly reduces the free energy barrier for lipid movement along the groove and therefore can indeed function as a scramblase. Notably, the scrambling rate of MTCH2in silicois similar to that of VDAC, a recently discovered scramblase of the outer mitochondrial membrane, suggesting a potential complementary physiological role for these mitochondrial proteins. Finally, our findings suggest that other insertases which possess a hydrophilic path across the membrane like MTCH2, can also function as scramblases.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

Scrambling activity of MTCH2 identified using computer simulations

MTCH2 may act redundantly with VDAC as outer mitochondrial membrane scram-blase

Insertases and scramblases may share a common functional mechanism
Conserved spatiotemporal expression landscape of dominant tRNA genes in human and mouse
Authors: Wu Evan Y. , Landry Laura
Published: August 2023

Transfer RNAs are integral for protein synthesis and the interpretation of the information contained in DNA. To date, a few methods, including custom microarrays and custom targeted sequencing, have been used to quantify tRNA. However, methods using available RNA-sequencing data have not yet been reported. We created a bioinformatics pipeline to quantify the highly expressed tRNAs in RNA-Seq effectively, demonstrated by the preserved ratio of the expression levels of two massively duplicated tRNAAlagenes in mouse. Using this quantification, we examined the tRNA expression with relation to tissue type and developmental stage in both human and mouse. Heart exhibited the highest overall tRNA expression for both human and mouse. Furthermore, tRNA expression grew to a peak before decreasing steadily with developmental stage, a trend that was conserved in both human and mouse. The two mitochondrial tRNA genes, tRNASer(TCA)(m) and tRNALeu(TTA)(m), which partly contribute to these trends, have been attributed to various human diseases. The tissue-specific high expression of tRNAGln(CAG) and tRNAGln(CAA) in human brains, especially in hindbrain and cerebellum, suggests their important roles in neurological disorders. In summary, our approach revealed conserved spatiotemporal expression of highly expressed tRNAs in both human and mouse. Our method can be applied to other RNA- Seq data to examine the roles of these tRNAs in different human diseases or scientific studies.
Structure and activation mechanism of the Makes caterpillars floppy 1 toxin
Authors: Belyy Alexander , Heilen Philipp , Hagel Philine , Hofnagel Oliver , Raunser Stefan
Published: August 2023

The bacterial Makes caterpillars floppy 1 (Mcf1) toxin promotes apoptosis in insects, leading to loss of body turgor and death. The molecular mechanism underlying Mcf1 intoxication is poorly understood. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of Mcf1 fromPhotorhabdus luminescens, revealing a seahorse-like shape with a head and tail. While the three head domains contain two effectors, an activator-binding domain (ABD) and an autoprotease, the tail consists of two translocation as well as three receptor-binding domains. Rearrangement of the tail moves the C-terminus away from the ABD and allows binding of the host cell ADP-ribosylation factor 3, inducing conformational changes that position the cleavage site closer to the protease. This unique activation mechanism that is based on a hook-loop interaction results in three autocleavage reactions and the release of two toxic effectors. Unexpectedly, the BH3-like domain containing ABD is not an active effector. Our findings allow us to understand key steps of Mcf1 intoxication at the molecular level.
TIGIT drives the immunosuppressive environment by downregulation of metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP14 in perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Heij Lara , Reichel Konrad , de Koning Willem , Bednarsch Jan , Tan Xiuxiang , Deierl Julia Campello , Groningen Marian Clahsen-van , Al-Masri Tarick , van Dam Ronald , Vallejo Juan Garcia , Ulmer Florian , Lang Sven , Luedde Tom , Rocha Flavio G. , Dahl Edgar , Jonigk Danny , Kuehne Mark , Sivakumar Shivan , Neumann Ulf
Published: August 2023

Background

Checkpoint blockade in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is promising; however, little is known about the response to treatment in CCA subtypes. In this study, we investigated the spatial immune environment in combination with checkpoint expression in perihilar CCA (pCCA).

Materials & Methods

The levels of checkpoint molecules (PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, LAG-3, ICOS, TIGIT, TIM-3, and CTLA-4), macrophages (CD68), and T cells (CD4 and CD8) were assessed by multiplex immunofluorescence (mIF) in 50 patients. We investigated the transcriptomic profile using the NanoString Cancer Progression Panel, and validation was performed by mIF on tissue sections from 24 patients.

Results

The expression of checkpoint molecules TIGIT, CTLA-4, and LAG-3 alone and in combination with other checkpoint molecules was more abundant in the Central Tumor (CT) and Invasive Margin (IM) than in peritumoral tissue (PT) (CD4 and CD8 TIGIT p<0.0001 for both CD4 and CD8 CTLA-4, p<0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively, and CD8 LAG-3 p < 0.05). MMP2 and MMP14 were differentially expressed in patients with high TIGIT expression.

Conclusion

The immune environment in pCCA is characterized by the expression of multiple checkpoints, demonstrating the complexity of ICI treatment. High TIGIT expression drives an immunosuppressive environment by modulating the extracellular matrix. Future clinical trials in pCCA could consider TIGIT as a therapeutically relevant target for (combination) treatment.
Transmission bottleneck size estimation fromde novoviral genetic variation
Authors: Shi Teresa , Harris Jeremy D. , Martin Michael A. , Koelle Katia
Published: August 2023

Sequencing of viral infections has become increasingly common over the last decade. Deep sequencing data in particular have proven useful in characterizing the roles that genetic drift and natural selection play in shaping within-host viral populations. They have also been used to estimate transmission bottleneck sizes from identified donor-recipient pairs. These bottleneck sizes quantify the number of viral particles that establish genetic lineages in the recipient host and are important to estimate due to their impact on viral evolution. Current approaches for estimating bottleneck sizes exclusively consider the subset of viral sites that are observed as polymorphic in the donor individual. However, allele frequencies can change dramatically over the course of an individual’s infection, such that sites that are polymorphic in the donor at the time of transmission may not be polymorphic in the donor at the time of sampling and allele frequencies at donor-polymorphic sites may change dramatically over the course of a recipient’s infection. Because of this, transmission bottleneck sizes estimated using allele frequencies observed at a donor’s polymorphic sites may be considerable underestimates of true bottleneck sizes. Here, we present a new statistical approach for instead estimating bottleneck sizes using patterns of viral genetic variation that arosede novowithin a recipient individual. Specifically, our approach makes use of the number of clonal viral variants observed in a transmission pair, defined as the number of viral sites that are monomorphic in both the donor and the recipient but carry different alleles. We first test our approach on a simulated dataset and then apply it to both influenza A virus sequence data and SARS-CoV-2 sequence data from identified transmission pairs. Our results confirm the existence of extremely tight transmission bottlenecks for these two respiratory viruses, using an approach that does not tend to underestimate transmission bottleneck sizes.
Testing the genomic link between intraspecific mating traits and interspecific mating barriers
Authors: Yusuf Leeban H , Pascoal Sonia , Moran Peter A , Bailey Nathan W
Published: August 2023

Differences in interspecific mating traits such as male sexual signals and female preferences often evolve quickly as initial barriers to gene flow between nascent lineages, and they may also strengthen such barriers during secondary contact via reinforcement. However, it is an open question whether loci contributing to intraspecific variation in sexual traits are co-opted during the formation and strengthening of mating barriers between species. To test this, we used a population genomics approach in natural populations of Australian cricket sister species that overlap in a contact zone:Teleogryllus oceanicusandTeleogryllus commodus.First, we identified loci associated with intraspecific variation inT. oceanicusmating signals, advertisement song and cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) pheromones. We then separately identified candidate interspecific barrier loci between the species. Genes showing elevated allelic divergence between species were enriched for neurological functions, indicating potential behavioural rewiring. Only two CHC-associated genes overlapped with these interspecific barrier loci, and intraspecific CHC loci showed signatures of being under strong selective constraint between species. In contrast, 10 intraspecific song-associated genes showed high genetic differentiation betweenT. commodusandT. oceanicusand two had signals of high genomic divergence. Significant increased differentiation in sympatry supported a history of asymmetrical reinforcement driven primarily by divergence in sympatricT. commoduspopulations. The overall lack of shared loci in intra vs. inter-specific comparisons of mating trait and barrier loci is consistent with limited co-option of the genetic architecture of interspecific mating signals during establishment and maintenance of reproductive isolation.
Synergistic activity of rhamnolipid combined with linezolid against linezolid-resistantEnterococcus faecium
Authors: Chang Qingru , Chen Huinan , Li Yifan , Li Hai , Yang Zaixing , Zeng Jiankai , Zhang Ping , Gao Mingchun , Ge Junwei
Published: August 2023

Enterococci resistance is increasing sharply, which poses a serious threat to public health. Rhamnolipids are a kind of amphiphilic compound used for its bioactivities, while the combination of nontraditional drugs to restore linezolid activity is an attractive strategy to treat infections caused by these pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the activity of linezolid in combination with the rhamnolipids againstEnterococcus faecium. Here, we determined that the rhamnolipids could enhance the efficacy of linezolid against enterococci infections by a checkerboard MIC assay, a time-kill assay, a combined disk test, anti-biofilm assay, molecular simulation dynamics, and mouse infection models. We identified that the combination of rhamnolipids and linezolid restored the linezolid sensitivity. Anti-biofilm experiments show that our new scheme can effectively inhibit biofilm generation. The mouse infection model demonstrated that the combination therapy significantly reduced the bacterial load in the feces, colons and kidneys following subcutaneous administration. This study showed that rhamnolipids could play a synergistic role with linezolid againstEnterococcus.Our combined agents could be appealing candidates for developing new combinatorial agents to restore antibiotic efficacy in the treatment of linezolid-resistantEnterococcusinfections.

Highlight

The identification of a potential inhibitor of LRE, RLS could restore the antibacterial activity of LNZ.

A rational mechanism of synergism between LNZ and RLS.

;;L;;RLS in combination with LNZ promote the egress of pathogenicE. faeciumfrom the intestinal tract of mice to reduce its colonization, which has obvious synergistic effects.
ATG2A-mediated bridge-like lipid transport regulates lipid droplet accumulation
Authors: Korfhage Justin L. , Wan Neng , Elhan Helin , Kauffman Lisa , Pineda Mia , Fuller Devin M. , Thiam Abdou Rachid , Reinisch Karin M. , Melia Thomas J.
Published: August 2023

ATG2 proteins facilitate bulk lipid transport between membranes. ATG2 is an essential autophagy protein, but ATG2 also localizes to lipid droplets (LDs), and genetic depletion of ATG2 increases LD numbers while impairing fatty acid transport from LDs to mitochondria. How ATG2 supports LD homeostasis and whether lipid transport regulates this homeostasis remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that ATG2 is preferentially recruited to phospholipid monolayers such as those surrounding LDs rather than to phospholipid bilayers.In vitro, ATG2 can drive phospholipid transport from artificial LDs with rates that correlate with the binding affinities, such that phospholipids are moved much more efficiently when one of the ATG2-interacting structures is an artificial LD. ATG2 is thought to exhibit ‘bridge-like” lipid transport, with lipids flowing across the protein between membranes. We mutated key amino acids within the bridge to form a transport-dead ATG2 mutant (TD-ATG2A) which we show specifically blocks bridge-like, but not shuttle-like, lipid transportin vitro. TD-ATG2A still localizes to LDs, but is unable to rescue LD accumulation in ATG2 knockout cells. Thus, ATG2 has a natural affinity for, and an enhanced activity upon LD surfaces and uses bridge-like lipid transport to support LD dynamics in cells.
A chemical reaction network model of PURE
Authors: Jurado Zoila , Pandey Ayush , Murray Richard M.
Published: August 2023

Cell-free expression systems provide a method for rapid DNA circuit prototyping and functional protein synthesis. While crude extracts remain a black box with many components carrying out unknown reactions, the PURE system contains only the required transcription and translation components for protein production. All proteins and small molecules are at known concentrations, opening up the possibility of detailed modeling for reliable computational predictions. However, there is little to no experimental data supporting the expression of target proteins for detailed protein models PURE models. In this work, we build a chemical reaction network transcription model for PURE protein synthesis. We compare the transcription models using DNA encoding for the malachite-green aptamer (MGapt) to measure mRNA production. Furthermore, we expand the PURE detailed translation model for an arbitrary set of amino acids and length. Lastly, we combine the transcription and the expanded translation models to create a PURE protein synthesis model built purely from mass-action reactions. We use the combined model to capture the translation of a plasmid encoding MGapt and deGFP under a T7-promoter and a strong RBS. The model accurately predicts the MGapt mRNA production for the first two hours, the dynamics of deGFP expression, and the total protein production with an accuracy within 10 %.
Empirically investigating the organizational identity mechanism of empowering leadership affecting the innovation performance of knowledge workers
Authors: Wei Huafei , Chen Jun , Chudhery Muhammad Adnan Zahid , Fang Wenjie
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The authors examined how the identification mechanism of the innovation performance of knowledge employees is affected by empowering leadership by influencing the organizational identification and the moderating effect of leaders on the role expectation of knowledge employees as an essential innovation subject.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed a mixed-method research approach. The authors collected data from 378 knowledge employees and managers in 20 companies in China's Yangtze River Delta cities. The authors analyzed data using multiple regression analysis forecasting methods.

Findings

The authors found that there was an inverted U-shaped relationship between empowering leadership and the innovation performance of knowledge employees; organizational identity played a partial mediating role between empowering leadership and the innovation performance of knowledge employees; role expectation of leaders on the innovation behavior of employees regulated the relationship between the organizational identity and innovation performance of knowledge employees.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on empowering leadership and innovation performance. This study empirically examines the mediating effect of organizational identity between empowering leadership and innovation performance. In addition, this study empirically examines how empowered leaders' expected innovation level moderates the association between organizational identity and innovation performance.
Punishing the pseudo‐opposition: Accountability under a minority government
Authors: HJERMITSLEV IDA B.
Published: August 2023

Minority governments often rely on the legislative support of parties, which play an ambiguous role in politics: while they are formally part of the opposition, they are simultaneously committed to keeping the government in office and passing its bills. Are these support parties protected from the electoral cost of governing or do voters recognize their responsibility for policy outcomes and hold them accountable? I hypothesize that voters who are dissatisfied with government performance will have less sympathy towards and will be less likely to vote for support parties. Using Comparative Study of Electoral Systems data, I find consistent support for both hypotheses. Voters seem to recognize the connection between support parties and the government and have both an affective and an electoral response to it. While voters dislike support parties more than junior members when they are dissatisfied with government performance, they punish the two types of parties similarly at elections. Support parties are thus in no way exempt from the accountability mechanisms.
Association between depression and risk of type 2 diabetes and its sociodemographic factors modifications: A prospective cohort study in southwest China
Authors: Wu Yanli , Chen Min , Liu Tao , Zhou Jie , Wang Yiying , Yu Lisha , Zhang Ji , Tian Kunming
Published: August 2023

Background

Depression may be associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The goal of this study was to explore the association of severe of depression with the risk of type 2 diabetes in adults in Guizhou, China.

Methods

A 10‐year prospective cohort study of 7158 nondiabetes adults aged 18 years or older was conducted in Guizhou, southwest China from 2010 to 2020. The Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) was used to measure the prevalence of depression. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of depression and incident type 2 diabetes. A quantile regression (QR) analytical approach were applied to evaluate the associations of PHQ‐9 score with plasma glucose values.

Results

A total of 739 type 2 diabetes cases were identified during a median follow‐up of 6.59 years. The HR (95% CI) per 1‐SD increase for baseline PHQ‐9 score was 1.051 (1.021, 1.082) after multivariable adjustment. Compared with participants without depression, those with mild or more advanced depression had a higher risk of incident type 2 diabetes (HR:1.440 [95% CI, 1.095, 1.894]). Associations between depression with type 2 diabetes were suggested to be even stronger among women or participants aged ≥45 years (p < .05). There are significant positive associations of PHQ‐9 score with 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test blood glucose levels.

Conclusion

Depression significantly increased the risk of incident type 2 diabetes, especially in women, participants aged ≥45 years, Han ethnicity, and urban residents. These findings highlighted the importance and urgency of depression health care.
DYRK1B haploinsufficiency in a Holstein cattle with epilepsy
Authors: Jacinto Joana G. P. , Bolcato Marilena , Häfliger Irene M. , Oevermann Anna , Gentile Arcangelo , Drögemüller Cord
Published: August 2023

In this study, epilepsy with focal seizures progressing to generalized seizures was diagnosed in a 6‐month‐old Holstein heifer. The seizures were characterized by a brief pre‐ictal phase with depression and vocalization. During the ictal phase eyelid spasms, tongue contractions, nodding and abundant salivation were observed, rapidly followed by a convulsive phase with bilateral tonic, clonic or tonic–clonic activity and loss of consciousness. Finally, during the postictal phase the heifer was obtunded and disorientated, unable to perceive obstacles and hypermetric, and pressed its head against objects. In the inter‐seizure phase, the heifer was clinically normal. Neuropathology revealed axonal degeneration in the brainstem and diffuse astrocytic hypertrophic gliosis. Whole genome sequencing of the affected heifer identified a private heterozygous splice‐site variant in DYRK1B (NM_001081515.1: c.‐101‐1G>A), most likely resulting in haploinsufficiency owing to loss‐of‐function. This represents a report of a DYRK1B‐associated disease in cattle and adds DYRK1B to the candidate genes for epilepsy.
Investigation and analysis of ancient brick carvings of the Liuhe Pagoda in Hangzhou
Authors: Fang Xinxin , Xie Lina , Zhang Bingjian , Li Jiajia , Chen Weixiang
Published: August 2023

The Liuhe Pagoda in Hangzhou, China, has a large number of brick carvings from the Southern Song Dynasty (1152 ce), covering an area of 464 m2. However, the exquisite brick carvings in the Liuhe Pagoda have deteriorated due to natural weathering and a high‐humidity environment. Through laboratory analysis and on‐site nondestructive testing, the physical and chemical properties of the brick carvings of Liuhe Pagoda were investigated, and the weathering mechanism of the brick carvings was further analyzed. The brick carving of Liuhe Pagoda is composed of brick, white plastering and black coating. CaCO3 is the main component in white plastering, and the black coating on the top surface contains Chinese lacquer. The weathering products of the brick were analyzed and a trace of CaSO4.2H2O was found. In addition, the brick carvings with high water content have low Leeb hardness and severe weathering. Therefore, water and soluble salt are the main factors in weathering of the brick carvings of the Liuhe Pagoda.
XPO1 mutations identify early‐stage CLL characterized by shorter time to first treatment and enhanced BCR signalling
Authors: Moia Riccardo , Terzi di Bergamo Lodovico , Talotta Donatella , Bomben Riccardo , Forestieri Gabriela , Spina Valeria , Bruscaggin Alessio , Cosentino Chiara , Almasri Mohammad , Dondolin Riccardo , Bittolo Tamara , Zucchetto Antonella , Baldoni Stefano , Del Giudice Ilaria , Mauro Francesca Romana , Maffei Rossana , Chiarenza Annalisa , Tafuri Agostino , Laureana Roberta , Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Zaja Francesco , D'Arena Giovanni , Olivieri Jacopo , Rasi Silvia , Mahmoud Abdurraouf , Al Essa Wael , Awikeh Bassel , Kogila Sreekar , Bellia Matteo , Mouhssine Samir , Sportoletti Paolo , Marasca Roberto , Scarfò Lydia , Ghia Paolo , Gattei Valter , Foà Robin , Rossi Davide , Gaidano Gianluca
Published: August 2023

Here we evaluated the epigenomic and transcriptomic profile of XPO1 mutant chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and their clinical phenotype. By ATAC‐seq, chromatin regions that were more accessible in XPO1 mutated CLL were enriched of binding sites for transcription factors regulated by pathways emanating from the B‐cell receptor (BCR), including NF‐κB signalling, p38‐JNK and RAS‐RAF‐MEK‐ERK. XPO1 mutant CLL, consistent with the chromatin accessibility changes, were enriched with transcriptomic features associated with BCR and cytokine signalling. By combining epigenomic and transcriptomic data, MIR155HG, the host gene of miR‐155, and MYB, the transcription factor that positively regulates MIR155HG, were upregulated by RNA‐seq and their promoters were more accessible by ATAC‐seq. To evaluate the clinical impact of XPO1 mutations, we investigated a total of 957 early‐stage CLL subdivided into 3 independent cohorts (N = 276, N = 286 and N = 395). Next‐generation sequencing analysis identified XPO1 mutations as a novel predictor of shorter time to first treatment (TTFT) in all cohorts. Notably, XPO1 mutations maintained their prognostic value independent of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable status and early‐stage prognostic models. These data suggest that XPO1 mutations, conceivably through increased miR‐155 levels, may enhance BCR signalling leading to higher proliferation and shorter TTFT in early‐stage CLL.
Public–private partnership, cost of debt and accounting conservatism
Authors: Deng Qu , Li Hezun , Yue Hong
Published: August 2023

Using a manually collected data set of Chinese publicly traded firms from 2010 to 2017, this study examines how public–private partnerships (PPP) affect the cost of debt and financial reporting. We argue that a firm gains political capital through a PPP and thus may access debt markets at a lower cost. Consistent with our expectation, we find that participants of PPP enjoy significantly lower bank loan interest rates than other firms. This is more pronounced for nonstate‐owned enterprises, for firms without politically connected CEOs, and for loans from state‐owned banks. However, these participants reduce their accounting conservatism, suggesting a substitution between financial reporting and political connections. Also, participating in PPP does not improve firms' financial performance. Thus, the lower interest rates are not justified by economic fundamentals or financial reporting quality. Overall, our study suggests that PPP distort state‐owned banks' lending decisions and lower accounting conservatism, highlighting the potential cost of PPP to society.
Service failure and service recovery: A hybrid review and research agenda
Authors: Sahaf Taiba Musadiq , Fazili Asif Iqbal
Published: August 2023

It is an opportune time to reflect on the progress of service failure and service recovery in the field of service marketing, specifically with a focus on perceived justice. Over the past three decades, justice theory has played a pivotal role in explaining these phenomena, prompting the need to evaluate its current standing and contributions. The study reviews the literature on service failure and recovery (SFR) using the hybrid review approach through an integration of bibliometric analysis and a framework‐based review (Theories–Characteristics–Contexts–Methods; Paul and Rosado‐Serrano, 2019, International Marketing Review, 36(6), 830–858). In the bibliometric overview, the publication trend and citation structure of articles dealing with perceived justice in SFR between 1990 and March 2022, the most prolific authors/sources as well as the most active institutions that contribute the most to this field of scientific inquiry have been analysed in detail. Following the performance analysis, the authors carry out scientific mapping that underscores the intellectual corpus as well as the emergent themes of the field. Using network analysis in visualization of similarities viewer software, service failure, service recovery and perceived justice in service failure and service recovery have been grouped into clusters based on co‐citation analysis and bibliographic coupling. The articles in the clusters are critically reviewed in terms of theories, contexts, characteristics and methods to not only synthesize the foundational knowledge in the field and propose avenues for future but also make recommendations for academia and industry. To add scientific rigour, the study uses Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (Paul et al., 2021, International Journal of Consumer Studies, 45(4), O1–O16) protocol to guide review decisions in a bibliometric analysis.
The family structural and socioeconomic characteristics of the family well‐being of Hong Kong people
Authors: Xia Lily L. L. , Wong Mooly M. C. , Ma Joyce L. C. , Wan Po‐san
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the family well‐being of Hong Kong people through a randomized telephone survey of 2008 adults, using a standardized six‐domain index developed specifically for this population. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the heterogeneity of family well‐being according to demographic, family structural, and socioeconomic characteristics. The results showed significant gender and age differences in people's perception of family well‐being. Education, family income, and hiring a domestic helper were also associated with higher family wellbeing index scores, while the impacts of economic activity status, family size, and caring for young children were found to be insignificant. The impact of marital status was somewhat complicated. This article discusses variations observed in the influence of the set of demographic, family structural, and socioeconomic characteristics on overall and domain‐specific family well‐being. Implications for future studies and for social policy formulation and social work practice are suggested.
The rising tide raises all ships
Authors: Le Sommer Samantha
Published: August 2023

It is easy to feel as if you are alone in academia, especially if you face challenges that not everyone does, or can, understand. Community is essential in facing these challenges, and we each have a role to play in creating a more equitable research community. Here, I discuss the importance of community, finding your village and being part of the academic support system.
The Political Privacy Dilemma: Private Lives and Public Office
Authors: Devine John William
Published: August 2023

Should political leaders have a right to privacy? Incursions by new and traditional media into the private lives of political leaders are commonplace. Are such incursions ethically justifiable? Prima facie, the question of ‘political privacy’ seems to involve a conflict between a politician's self‐interest in retaining a protected private realm and citizens' public interest in having access to information about their representative's private life. Indeed, this is the structure that the debate has typically assumed. I challenge this orthodox view by demonstrating that there is a public interest in political privacy grounded in the relationship between privacy and political judgement. I argue that the political privacy debate should be recast to recognise this conflict between two different strands of the public interest. This conflict presents a dilemma for democratic theory: in providing voters with private information relevant to the evaluation of political leaders' suitability for office and performance within it, we threaten to undermine the conditions necessary to attract candidates of judgement and for political leaders to judge well once in office.
Process standardization of infrared assisted pulsed microwave baked biscuits and its comparison with conventionally baked biscuits
Authors: Gond Priya , Lohani Umesh Chandra , Shahi Navin Chandra , Aman Junaid
Published: August 2023

The present research work was undertaken for process standardization of infrared (IR) and pulsed microwave (MW) assisted baking of biscuits with respect to physiochemical properties in order to reduce process time. Variables were IR baking temperature, IR baking time, MW baking power along with pulsed ON time. However, pulsed OFF time was kept constant at 15 s with three number of cycles for baking. The optimize value for maximum desirability of developed biscuits were 210°C IR baking temperature, 184.2 s IR baking time, 960 W MW baking power and 20 s MW baking ON time resulted in IR‐MW biscuits with 15.1 color difference, 5.96% spread ratio, 3.86% wb moisture content, 159.2 N hardness, 0.26 cohesiveness, 0.32 springiness, 054% free fatty acid, and 7.42 sensory acceptability. Significant (p < 0.05) effect of process parameters was found on all responses for developed wheat flour based biscuits. Biscuits developed at optimum conditions of IR assisted MW baking were compared with conventionally baked one with respect to spread ratio (%), hardness (N), and microscopic structure. IR assisted MW baked biscuits were found superior in quality and took 77% lesser time than conventional baking.

Practical Applications

This study results that energy conservation and baking time can be reduced by using infrared assisted pulsed microwave baking technique. Minimizing the processing time, minimize the exposure of food to heat leads to less nutrient loss. This newer food‐processing technology has the potential to reduce the baking time up to 77% which can be beneficial for the baking industry along with reduction in energy conservation, it is in favor at economical level as well. In the combined infrared microwave heating method, microwave heating is used to accelerate the entire baking process, while infrared heating is utilized to promote browning and crisping reactions on the product surfaces.
The impact of vegetarian diet on sperm quality, sex hormone levels and fertility: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Samimisedeh Parham , Afshar Elmira Jafari , Ejtahed Hanieh‐Sadat , Qorbani Mostafa
Published: August 2023

Background

An increasing number of people have adhered to a vegetarian diet for several years. Nowadays, the favourable effect of this dietary pattern on metabolic diseases is well established, but its impact on fertility and reproductive health as a serious health concern is not clear yet.

Therefore, we aim to summarise existing evidence regarding the possible association between a vegetarian diet and fertility as measured by key indicators such as sperm quality and sex hormone levels.

Methods

We systematically searched online databases, including PubMed, ISI, Scopus and Google Scholar, up to 1 December 2022 using relevant keywords. We included observational studies that compared semen quality, sex hormone levels and infertility in people who adhered to a vegetarian diet versus an omnivore diet. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I2 and Q tests. Standardised mean differences (SMD) using a random/fixed model were calculated to assess outcomes between vegetarians and omnivores in included articles.

Results

Finally, out of 972 documents that were retrieved, 20 articles met our inclusion criteria, and 16 were eligible for quantitative synthesis. Results of meta‐analyses showed that there were no significant differences between vegetarians and omnivores in terms of semen quality parameters, including total sperm count, total and progressive sperm motility, sperm morphology and sperm concentration. Seven studies on female sex hormone profiles were eligible for meta‐analysis. The only significant difference was the lower level of plasma oestrone in vegetarians (pooled SMD: −0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.08, −0.05; p‐value = 0.03) compared to omnivores. Furthermore, our meta‐analysis revealed significantly higher sex‐hormone‐binding globulin levels in vegetarian men than in omnivores (pooled SMD: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.86; p‐value = 0.002).

Conclusion

Despite the numerous health benefits of a vegetarian diet, our review suggested that there were no conclusive positive or negative associations between vegetarian diet and semen quality, sex hormone levels and infertility. Further studies are recommended to better understand vegetarian dietary pattern effect on infertility and reproductive health.
Clinical Outcomes of Isobar TTL System with Isthmic Bone Grafting and Pedicle Screw‐Vertebral Plate Hook with Direct Repair of Defect for Lumbar Spondylolysis: A Matched‐Pair Case Control Study
Authors: Li Qiujiang , Hu Bowen , Zhang Zhuang , Kong Qingquan , Gong Quan , Liu Limin , Yang Huiliang , Wang Lei , Song Yueming
Published: August 2023

Objective

Although direct isthmic repair, such as PSVPH, did not affect the mobility of the fixed segment and adjacent segment, it has a relatively low rate of isthmic fusion compared with conventional fusion. The Isobar TTL dynamic internal fixation system has been widely used in clinical practice and has achieved satisfactory clinical results. However, the use of the Isobar TTL system in combination with direct isthmic repair for lumbar spondylolysis has rarely been reported. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes between patients who underwent Isobar TTL system and PSVPH with direct repair of defect for lumbar spondylolysis.

Methods

Stepwise propensity score matching (PSM) for age and sex were performed to keep comparable clinical data between groups in this retrospective and matched‐pair case control study. A total of 50 patients diagnosed with lumbar spondylolysis underwent surgical implantation of the Isobar TTL group (n = 25) or PSVPH group (n = 25) from June 2009 to June 2016. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Oswestry disability index (ODI), and visual analog score (VAS). Radiographic evaluations included range of motion (ROM) and the disc heights of stabilized segment and adjacent segment, adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) and bony fusion. Three‐dimensional reconstruction of lumbar CT scan was obtained to evaluate bone fusion of the isthmic at final follow‐up. The independent Student's t test and chi‐square test were applied to compare the differences between groups.

Results

A total of 25 patients from TTL group were matched to 25 patients in PSVPH group for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), defect side, spondylolisthesis meyerding, and follow‐up duration. The intervertebral space height (IH) of stabilized segment at postoperative 1 week and final follow‐up in the TTL group was higher than those in the PSVPH group, respectively (P = 0.030; P = 0.013). The ROM of stabilized segment at final follow‐up in the TTL group was significantly lower than that in the PSVPH group (P < 0.001). The bony fusion rate at the final follow‐up was 88.0% (22/25 cages) in the TTL group and 80.0% (20/25 cages) in the PSVPH group. The ODI score at final follow‐up in the TTL group was significantly lower than that in the PSVPH group (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Overall, our data suggest that the Isobar TTL system outcomes are comparable to those in the PSVPH, with a similar high bony fusion rate as PSVPH, especially its wider indications as a new surgery.
Micro Electromechanical System Navigation Assists Femoral Extramedullary Alignment Osteotomy in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Single‐Blind Randomizing Study
Authors: He Mingjiang , Zhang Hongmei , Hu Peiyan , Jing Lin , Shan Pengcheng
Published: August 2023

Objective

A micro‐electromechanical system (MEMS) was developed based on spatial alignment and navigation technology to assist femoral extramedullary alignment osteotomy (FEAO) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The system can locate and adjust the femoral distal condylar osteotomy (FDCO) to obtain a better femoral prosthesis placement. It is a portable navigation device and provides an innovative approach for FDCO.

Methods

Sixty patients who suffered from severe knee osteoarthritis who underwent unilateral TKA from May 14, 2021 to May 30, 2022 were randomly divided into a MEMS‐FEAO group and a conventional femoral intramedullary alignment osteotomy (FIAO) group, with 30 cases in each group for a controlled retrospective study. The hip‐knee‐ankle angle (HKAA) of the lower limb was measured before and after surgery, the femoral valgus angle (FVA) was measured preoperatively, and the femoral prosthesis valgus angle (FPVA) and the femoral prosthesis flexion angle (FPFA) were measured postoperatively following computed tomography imaging protocols. Measurement data is statistically described as mean ± standard deviation c. The count data is described by frequency (constituent ratio) using the rank sum test.

Result

A total of 6.7% (2/30) of FEAO compared to 20.0% (6/30) of FIAO cases were postoperative deviations where the HKAA exceeded ±3° of neutral alignment (p < 0.05). The postoperative HKAA was 178.74° ± 1.56° versus 176.64° ± 3.39° (p < 0.05), the HKAA deviation was 1.25° ± 1.56° versus 3.36° ± 3.40° (p < 0.05), and the FPFA was 4.85° ± 2.46° versus 6.60° ± 1.86°(p < 0.05). Therefore, the differences were all statistically significant between the two groups. However, the FPVA was −0.59° ± 2.73° versus −0.80° ± 2.85° (p > 0.05), and there was no statistical significance between the two groups.

Conclusion

The MEMS‐FEAO system can improve the accurate alignment and can be utilized as a locator to obtain the best femoral prosthesis placement in TKA and significantly reduce the rate of poor force line of the lower limb.
Comparison between clinical evaluations and laboratory findings and the impact of biofilm on antimicrobial susceptibility in vitro in canine otitis externa
Authors: Luciani Luca , Stefanetti Valentina , Rampacci Elisa , Gobbi Pietro , Valentini Laura , Capuozzo Raffaella , Passamonti Fabrizio
Published: August 2023

Background

In canine otitis externa (OE), biofilm‐producing bacteria are frequently present but biofilm may be underdiagnosed clinically.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The study aimed to investigate an association between clinical and cytological findings with bacteriological data from dogs with OE, to establish, through Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) examination, whether the presence of biofilm in vivo can be predicted and to evaluate the impact of biofilm on antimicrobial susceptibility tests.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐six dogs showing clinical signs of OE were enrolled. One cotton swab each was collected for ESEM, bacterial culture and susceptibility testing and for cytology. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (n = 42, 48.8%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 26, 30.2%) were tested for their ability to form biofilm. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC), Minimal Biofilm Inhibitory Concentrations (MBIC) and Minimal Biofilm Eradication Concentrations (MBEC) towards enrofloxacin, gentamicin, polymyxin B and rifampicin were determined.

Results

Pseudomonas aeruginosa was positively associated with the biofilm clinical evaluation (p < 0.01) and neutrophils (p < 0.05), nuclear streaks (p < 0.01) and rods bacteria (p < 0.01) on cytology. S. pseudintermedius was associated with a low presence of neutrophils. There was a statistical correlation between clinical and cytological biofilm presence (p ≤ 0.01), but none with the biofilm production assay nor ESEM biofilm detection. No differences were found comparing the results of MIC and MBIC. MBEC results showed higher values than MIC and MBIC for all antimicrobials tested (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Biofilm presence in OE was often underdiagnosed. Even if there is no specific clinical or cytological pattern related to biofilm, its presence should always be suspected.
LIDAR for Investigation of the Martian Atmosphere from the Surface
Authors: Lipatov A. N. , Lyash A. N. , Ekonomov A. P. , Makarov V. S. , Lesnykh V. A. , Goretov V. A. , Zakharkin G. V. , Khlyustova L. I. , Antonenko S. A. , Rodionov D. S. , Korablev O. I.
Published: August 2023

The lidar device as part of the meteorological complex of the ExoMars-2022 landing platform is designed to study Martian aerosol, the planetary boundary layer, and small-scale atmospheric turbulence. A miniature lidar based on a pulsed semiconductor laser and an avalanche photodiode in the photon counting mode will make it possible to obtain aerosol backscattering profiles along a vertical path from 10 to 1500 m during the day and from 15 to 10 000 m at night. In the passive mode, the sky brightness is measured in a narrow spectral range and in a narrow solid angle with a frequency of up to hundreds of hertz. The measured fluctuations can provide information about the turbulence of the daytime atmosphere and its relation to dust activity. In the paper we considered the scientific tasks of the experiment, the program of measurements on the surface of Mars and described in detail the components of the equipment and the features of their work.
Erratum to: Coexistence of the Water Shrew (Neomys fodiens) and the Common Shrew (Sorex araneus), Competing Species, in a Fluctuating Environment: Sociability and Space Use in a “Dry” Habitat
Authors: Shchipanov N. A. , Kasatkin M. V.
Published: August 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062359023440012
Erratum to: Ectoparasitic Mites: Vectors of Bacterial Symbionts among Insects
Authors: Shaikevich E. V. , Gorbacheva A. A. , Romanov D. A.
Published: August 2023

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062359023440024
Biogeographic history of green alder (Alnus alnobetula (Ehrh.) K. Koch s.l.) in Eurasia and North America: evidence from genetic and morphological analyses
Authors: Hantemirova E.V. , Marchuk E.A. , Polezhaeva M.A.
Published: August 2023

The green alder ( Alnus alnobetula s.l.) is a cold-resistant boreal-arctic shrub species with a complex intraspecific taxonomy and a wide distribution range covering northern Eurasia and North America. In this study, we assess the level and distribution of diversity in five subspecies ( A. alnobetula subsp. fruticosa, kamtschatica, mandschurica, maximowiczii, and sinuata) throughout 34 populations within the native species range by using 7 characters of leaf morphology and 11 nuclear microsatellites (nSSR). The differentiation in both sets of characters that we found has proven to be inconsistent with our previously obtained chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) data. Only three groups were identified using nSSR vs. five cpDNA haplogroups. Both morphological and nSSR analyses support the recognition of A. alnobetula subsp. fruticosa from the western part of the Eurasian distribution range (northwestern Russia, the Urals, and Siberia) and A. alnobetula subsp. maximowiczii from the eastern part (most of Sakhalin Island, the Kuril Islands, and most of Kamchatka). Among other East Asian subspecies such as A. alnobetula subsp. kamtschatica and subsp. mandschurica, as well as in A. subsp. sinuata from North America, considerable genetic and morphological admixture has been recorded. The discordance between the patterns inferred from cpDNA and nSSR data reflects limited gene dispersal via seeds and extensive gene flow via pollen between major glacial refugia.
Structural, elastic, mechanical and optoelectronic properties of zinc-doped SrTiO3 perovskite compounds
Authors: Benlakhdar F. , Ghebouli M. A. , Zerrougui Z. , Bouferrache K. , Slimani Y. , Ghebouli B. , Bouchama I. , Chihi T. , Fatmi M. , Mouhammad Saif A. , Algethami Norah , Alomairy Sultan
Published: August 2023

Structural, elastic, mechanical and electronic properties of pure and zinc-doped SrTiO3 at the concentration in the range (1–10%) are studied by first-principles calculations. The structural parameters of synthesized compounds agree well with the standard data depicting the growth of stable compounds. A slight obvious increase in the lattice constant of 3.9245[Formula: see text]Å is observed in Zn-doped SrTiO3 due to the deviation of the atomic radii of Zn and Ti. Elastic constants and mechanical parameters of SrTiO3 are closer to their available theoretical and experimental data. The investigated compounds exhibit brittle behavior for all Zn ratios. The doping zinc concentration reduces the indirect band gap value. The doping concentration 2%, gives a band gap value closer to the experimental one. The band gap of pure SrTiO3 is 1.827[Formula: see text]eV and after doping with Zn for concentration from 1% to 10%, the optimized values are 1.970, 1.886, 1.802, 1.718, 1.635, 1.552, 1.470, 1.389, 1.310, 1.231 and 1.154[Formula: see text]eV.