bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTEN loss in glioma cell lines leads to increased extracellular vesicles biogenesis and PD-L1 cargo in a PI3K-dependent manner
Authors: Sanchez Julio C. , Pierpont Timothy M. , Argueta-Zamora Dariana , Wilson Kristin , August Avery , Cerione Richard A.
Published: July 2023

Phosphatase and Tensin Homologue (PTEN) is one of the most frequently lost tumor suppressors in cancer and the predominant negative regulator of the PI3K/AKT signaling axis. A growing body of evidence has highlighted the loss of PTEN with immuno-modulatory functions including the upregulation of the programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), an altered tumor derived secretome that drives an immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), and resistance to certain immunotherapies. Given their roles in immunosuppression and tumor growth, we examined whether the loss of PTEN would impact the biogenesis, cargo, and function of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the context of the anti-tumor associated cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Through genetic and pharmacological approaches, we show that PD-L1 expression is regulated by JAK/STAT signaling, not PI3K signaling. Instead, we observe that PTEN loss positively upregulates cell surface levels of PD-L1 and enhances the biogenesis of EVs enriched with PD-L1 in a PI3K-dependent manner. We demonstrate that because of these changes, EVs derived from glioma cells lacking PTEN have a greater ability to suppress T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Taken together, these findings provide important new insights into how the loss of PTEN can contribute to an immunosuppressive TIME, facilitate immune evasion, and highlight a novel role for PI3K signaling in the regulation of EV biogenesis and the cargo they contain.
Disease-associated gut microbiome and metabolome changes in chronic low back pain patients with bone marrow lesions
Authors: Li Wentian , Tu Ji , Zheng Jinjian , Das Abhirup , Yan Qi , Jiang Xiaotao , Ding Wenyuan , Bai Xupeng , Lai Kaitao , Yang Sidong , Yang Cao , Zou Jun , Diwan Ashish D , Zheng Zhaomin
Published: July 2023

Chronic low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of global disability. Vertebral bone marrow lesions (BMLs), one etiological factor for chronic LBP, are MRI signal changes in the vertebral bone marrow that extend from the disc endplate. The adipogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) could explain fatty replacement (FR) in normal bone marrow. FR is the most common type of BMLs. Here we show how the gut microbiome and serum metabolome change and how they interact in LBP patients with or without FR. The serum metabolome of chronic LBP patients with FR is characterized by decreased levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which correlate with a gut microbiome that has important capability to regulate BCAA degradation pathway.Ruminococcus gnavus, Roseburia hominis and Lachnospiraceae bacterium 8 1 57FAAare identified as the main species driving the association between biosynthesis of BCAAs and BM-MSCs metabolism in LBP with FR individuals.In vitrowork demonstrates that BCAAs can induce the adipogenesis of BM-MSCs by activating the SIRT4 pathway. Our findings provide a deep insight into understanding the role of the disturbed gut ecosystem in FR and LBP.
The transcriptome landscape of developing barley seeds reveals H3K27me3 dynamics in endosperm tissues
Authors: Kovacik Martin , Nowicka Anna , Zwyrtková Jana , Strejčková Beáta , Vardanega Isaia , Esteban Eddi , Pasha Asher , Kaduchová Kateřina , Krautsova Maryna , Šafář Jan , Provart Nicholas J. , Simon Rüdiger , Pecinka Ales
Published: July 2023

Cereal grains are an important food and feed. To provide comprehensive spatiotemporal information about biological processes in developing seeds of cultivated barley, we performed a transcriptomic study of the embryo, endosperm, and seed maternal tissues collected from 4 to 32 days after pollination. Weighted gene co-expression network and motif enrichment analyses pointed out specific groups of genes and transcription factors with possible impacts on regulating barley seed tissue development. We defined a set of tissue-specific marker genes and families of transcription factors for functional studies of the pathways controlling barley grain development. Assessment of selected groups of chromatin regulators revealed that epigenetic processes are highly dynamic and likely to play a major role during barley endosperm development. Repressive modification H3K27me3 is globally reduced in endosperm tissues and at specific developmental and storage compound genes. Altogether, this atlas uncovers the complexity of the developmental regulation of gene expression in barley grains.

Teaser

Spatiotemporal profiling of developing barley seeds revealed loss of H3K27me3 and changes in gene expression in endosperm.
The transcriptional response in mosquitoes distinguishes between fungi and bacteria but not Gram types
Authors: Hixson Bretta , Huot Louise , Morejon Bianca , Yang Xiaowei , Nagy Peter , Michel Kristin , Buchon Nicolas
Published: July 2023

Mosquitoes are prolific vectors of human pathogens; a clear and accurate understanding of the organization of their antimicrobial defenses is crucial for informing the development of transmission control strategies. The canonical infection response in insects, as described in the insect modelDrosophila melanogaster, is pathogen type-dependent, with distinct stereotypical responses to Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria/fungi mediated by the activation of the Imd and Toll pathways, respectively. To determine whether this pathogen-specific discrimination is shared by mosquitoes, we used RNAseq to capture the genome-wide transcriptional response ofAedes aegyptiandAnopheles gambiae(s.l.) to systemic infection with Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi, as well as challenge with heat-killed Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and fungal pathogens. From the resulting data, we found thatAe. aegyptiandAn. gambiaeboth mount a core response to all categories of infection, and this response is highly conserved between the two species with respect to both function and orthology. When we compared the transcriptomes of mosquitoes infected with different types of bacteria, we observed that the intensity of the transcriptional response was correlated with both the virulence and growth rate of the infecting pathogen. Exhaustive comparisons of the transcriptomes of Gram-negative-challenged versus Gram-positive-challenged mosquitoes yielded no difference in either species. InAe. aegypti, however, we identified transcriptional signatures specific to bacterial infection and to fungal infection. The bacterial infection response was dominated by the expression of defensins and cecropins, while the fungal infection response included the disproportionate upregulation of an uncharacterized family of glycine-rich proteins. These signatures were also observed inAe. aegyptichallenged with heat-killed bacteria and fungi, indicating that this species can discriminate between molecular patterns that are specific to bacteria and to fungi.
BRD4 isoforms have distinct roles in tumor progression and metastasis in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Das Dipanwita , Leung Jia Yu , Tergaonkar Vinay , Loh Amos Hong Pheng , Chiang Cheng-Ming , Taneja Reshma
Published: July 2023

BRD4, a bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) protein, is deregulated in multiple cancers and has emerged as a promising drug target. However, the function of the two main BRD4 isoforms (BRD4-L and BRD4-S) has not been analyzed in parallel in most cancers. This complicates determining therapeutic efficacy of pan-BET inhibitors. In this study, using functional and transcriptomic analysis, we show that BRD-L and BRD4-S isoforms play distinct roles in embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. BRD4-L has an oncogenic role and inhibits myogenic differentiation, at least in part, by activating myostatin expression. Depletion of BRD4-Lin vivoimpairs tumor progression but does not impact metastasis. On the other hand, depletion of BRD4-S has no significant impact on tumor growth, but strikingly promotes metastasisin vivo. Interestingly, BRD4-S loss results in the enrichment of BRD4-L and RNA Polymerase II at integrin gene promoters resulting in their activation. Our work unveils isoform-specific functions of BRD4 and demonstrates that BRD4-S functions as a gatekeeper to constrain the full oncogenic potential of BRD4-L.
Asymmetric cell division-specific phosphorylation of PAR-3 regulates neuroblasts polarisation and sensory organ formation inDrosophila
Authors: Loyer Nicolas , Hogg Elizabeth K. J. , Shaw Hayley , Murray David H. , Findlay Greg M. , Januschke Jens
Published: July 2023

The generation of distinct cell fates during development depends on asymmetric cell division of progenitor cells. In the central and peripheral nervous system ofDrosophila,progenitor cells respectively called neuroblasts or sensory organ precursors use PAR polarity during mitosis to control cell fate determination in their daughter cells. How polarity and the cell cycle are coupled, and how the cell cycle machinery regulates PAR protein function and cell fate determination is poorly understood. Here, we generate an analog sensitive allele of CDK1 and reveal that its partial inhibition weakens but does not abolish apical polarity in embryonic and larval neuroblasts, and leads to defects in polarisation of fate determinants. We describe a novelin vivophosphorylation of Bazooka, theDrosophilahomolog of PAR-3, on Serine180, a consensus CDK phosphorylation site. Remarkably, phosphorylation of Serine180 occurs in asymmetrically dividing neuroblasts and sensory organ precursors, and not in their symmetrically dividing neighbours. We further show that Serine180 phosphomutants disrupt the timing of basal polarisation in neuroblasts and sensory organ formation in sensory organ precursors. Finally, we show that CDK1 can phosphorylate human PARD3in vitro,suggestive of a conserved kinase-substrate relationship between CDK1 and PAR-3.
Competitive fitness and homologous recombination of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern
Authors: Chen Qi , Qin Si , Zhou Hang-Yu , Deng Yong-Qiang , Shi Pan-Deng , Zhao Hui , Li Xiao-Feng , Huang Xing-Yao , Wu Ya-Rong , Guo Yan , Pei Guang-Qian , Wang Yun-Fei , Sun Si-Qi , Du Zong-Min , Cui Yu-Jun , Fan Hang , Qin Cheng-Feng
Published: July 2023

SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to emerge and cocirculate in humans and wild animals. The factors driving the emergence and replacement of novel variants and recombinants remain incompletely understood. Herein, we comprehensively characterized the competitive fitness of SARS-CoV-2 wild type (WT) and three variants of concern (VOCs), Alpha, Beta and Delta, by coinfection and serial passaging assays in different susceptible cells. Deep sequencing analyses revealed cell-specific competitive fitness: the Beta variant showed enhanced replication fitness during serial passage in Caco-2 cells, whereas the WT and Alpha variant showed elevated fitness in Vero E6 cells. Interestingly, a high level of neutralizing antibody sped up competition and completely reshaped the fitness advantages of different variants. More importantly, single clone purification identified a significant proportion of homologous recombinants that emerged during the passage history, and immune pressure reduced the frequency of recombination. Interestingly, a recombination hot region located between nucleotide sites 22995 and 28866 of the viral genomes could be identified in most of the detected recombinants. Our study not only profiled the variable competitive fitness of SARS-CoV-2 under different conditions, but also provided direct experimental evidence of homologous recombination between SARS-CoV-2 viruses, as well as a model for investigating SARS-CoV-2 recombination.

Importance

SARS-CoV-2 variants or subvariants keep emerging and the epidemic strains keeps changing in humans and animals. The continued replacement of the epidemic strains was attributed to higher competitive fitness evolved by the newly appeared ones than the older ones, but which factors affect the final outcomes are still not entirely clear. In this study, we performed in vitro coinfection and serial passage with three VOCs and WT under different conditions. Our results showed that the competition outcomes of these viral strains varied in different cell lines or under different immune pressure, confirming the probable effects of these two factors for the competitive fitness of different SARS-CoV-2 viral strains. Meanwhile, strikingly, we found that coinfection and serial passage with different SARS-CoV-2 viral strains can mimic the recombination process of SARS-CoV-2 occurred in coinfection individual, indicating it is a novel model to investigate the SARS-CoV-2 recombination mechanism.
Together Inbreeding and Reproductive Compensation Favor Lethalt-Haplotypes
Authors: Munasinghe Manisha , Brandvain Yaniv
Published: July 2023

Male mice who are heterozygous for distorting and non-distorting alleles at thet-haplotype transmit the drivingt-haplotype around 90% of the time – a drastic departure from Mendelian expectations. This selfish act comes at a cost. The mechanism underlying transmission distortion in this system causes severe sterility in males homozygous for the drive alleles, ultimately preventing its fixation. Curiously, many drivingt-haplotypes also induce embryonic lethality in both sexes when homozygous, however, this is neither universal nor a necessity for this distortion mechanism. Charlesworth provided an adaptive explanation for the evolution of lethalt-haplotypes in a population segregating for distorting and non-distortingtalleles – namely, if mothers compensate by replacing dead embryos with new offspring (or by transferring energy to surviving offspring), a recessive lethal can be favored because it effectively allows mothers the opportunity to trade in infertile males for potentially fertile offspring. However, this model requires near complete reproductive compensation for the invasion of the lethalt-haplotype and produces an equilibrium frequency of lethal drivers well below what is observed in nature. We show that even low levels of systemic inbreeding, which we model as brother-sister mating, allows lethalt-haplotypes to invade with much lower levels of reproductive compensation. Furthermore, inbreeding allows these lethal haplotypes to largely displace the ancestral male-sterile haplotypes. Our results show that together inbreeding and reproductive compensation move expected equilibria closer to observed haplotype frequencies in natural populations and occur under more reasonable parameter combinations.
Raf1 promotes successful Human Cytomegalovirus replication and is regulated by AMPK-mediated phosphorylation during infection
Authors: Dunn Diana M. , Pack Ludia J. , Munger Joshua C.
Published: July 2023

Raf1 is a key player in growth factor receptor signaling, which has been linked to multiple viral infections, including Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. Although HCMV remains latent in most individuals, it can cause acute infection in immunocompromised populations such as transplant recipients, neonates, and cancer patients. Current treatments are suboptimal, highlighting the need for novel treatments. Multiple points in the growth factor signaling pathway are important for HCMV infection, but the relationship between HCMV and Raf1, a component of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, is not well understood. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a known regulator of Raf1, and AMPK activity is both induced by infection and important for HCMV replication. Our data indicate that HCMV infection induces AMPK-specific changes in Raf1 phosphorylation, including increasing phosphorylation at Raf1-Ser621, a known AMPK phospho-site, which results in increased binding to the 14-3-3 scaffolding protein, an important aspect of Raf1 activation. Inhibition of Raf1, either pharmacologically or via shRNA or CRISPR-mediated targeting, inhibits viral replication and spread in both fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Collectively, our data indicate that HCMV infection and AMPK activation modulate Raf1 activity, which are important for viral replication.

Importance

Growth factor signaling plays a critical role in many aspects of viral infection. Here we show that a component of one of these pathways, Raf1, contributes to successful infection of Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV). We find that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is known to be important for HCMV infection, modulates Raf1 phosphorylation throughout infection, and contributes to Raf1 binding to its activating co-factor, 14-3-3. In addition, inhibition of Raf1 inhibits HCMV infection and viral spread. These results suggest a link between two cellular pathways that are important for HCMV replication, AMPK signaling and growth factor receptor signaling, that converge as an important aspect of HCMV infection. This could lead to the potential for new therapeutic targets in immunocompromised individuals afflicted by acute HCMV infection.
Metabolic impact of heterologous protein production inPseudomonas putida: Insights into carbon and energy flux control
Authors: Vogeleer Philippe , Millard Pierre , Ortega Arbulú Ana-Sofia , Pflüger-Grau Katharina , Kremling Andreas , Létisse Fabien
Published: July 2023

For engineered microorganisms, the production of heterologous proteins that are often useless to host cells represents a burden on resources, which have to be shared with normal cellular processes. Within a certain metabolic leeway, this competitive process has no impact on growth. However, once this leeway, or free capacity, is fully utilized, the extra load becomes a metabolic burden that inhibits cellular processes and triggers a broad cellular response, reducing cell growth and often hindering the production of heterologous proteins. In this study, we sought to characterize the metabolic rearrangements occurring in the central metabolism ofPseudomonas putidaat different levels of metabolic load. To this end, we constructed aP. putidaKT2440 strain that expressed two genes encoding fluorescent proteins, one in the genome under constitutive expression to monitor the free capacity, and the other on an inducible plasmid to probe heterologous protein production. We found that metabolic fluxes are considerably reshuffled, especially at the level of periplasmic pathways, as soon as the metabolic load exceeds the free capacity. Heterologous protein production leads to the decoupling of anabolism and catabolism, resulting in large excess energy production relative to the requirements of protein biosynthesis. Finally, heterologous protein production was found to exert a stronger control on carbon fluxes than on energy fluxes, indicating that the flexible nature ofP. putida’s central metabolic network is solicited to sustain energy production.

Highlights

Heterologous protein production inP. putidareshuffles the periplasmic metabolism.

Increased protein production progressively decouples catabolism from anabolism.

Protein production exerts a stronger control on energy than on carbon fluxes.

Glucose is directed towards ATP production to meet the elevated energy demands.
BL09XU: an advanced hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy beamline of SPring-8
Authors: Yasui Akira , Takagi Yasumasa , Osaka Taito , Senba Yasunori , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Koyama Takahisa , Yumoto Hirokatsu , Ohashi Haruhiko , Motomura Koji , Nakajima Kyo , Sugahara Michihiro , Kawamura Naomi , Tamasaku Kenji , Tamenori Yusuke , Yabashi Makina
Published: July 2023

The BL09XU beamline of SPring-8 has been reorganized into a beamline dedicated for hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) to provide advanced capabilities with upgraded optical instruments. The beamline has two HAXPES analyzers to cover a wide range of applications. Two sets of double channel-cut crystal monochromators with the Si(220) and (311) reflections were installed to perform resonant HAXPES analyses with a total energy resolution of less than 300 meV over a wide energy range (4.9–12 keV) while achieving a fixed-exit condition. A double-crystal X-ray phase retarder using diamond crystals controls the polarization state with a high degree of polarization over 0.9 in the wide energy range 5.9–9.5 keV. Each HAXPES analyzer is equipped with a focusing mirror to provide a high-flux microbeam. The design and performance of the upgraded instruments are presented.
The impact of oil price and COVID-19 pandemic on clean energy stocks: an empirical approach using ARDL
Authors: Naser Hanan , Al-aali Fatima , Abdulla Yomna , Ebrahim Rabab
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Over the last decade, investments in green energy companies have witnessed noticeable growth rates. However, the glacial pace of the world economic restoration due to COVID-19 pandemic placed a high degree of uncertainty over this market. Therefore, this study investigates the short- and long-term relationships between COVID-19 new cases and WilderHill New Energy Global Innovation Index (NEX) using daily data over the period from January 23, 2020 to February 1, 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize an autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing estimation technique.

Findings

The results show a significant positive impact of COVID-19 new cases on the returns of NEX index in the short run, whereas it has a significant negative impact in the long run. It is also found that the S&P Global Clean Energy Index has a significant positive impact on the returns of NEX index. Although oil has an influential effect on stock returns, the results show insignificant impact.

Practical implications

Governments have the chance to flip this trend by including investment in green energy in their economic growth stimulation policies. Governments should highlight the fundamental advantages of investing in this type of energy such as creating job vacancies while reducing emissions and promoting innovation.

Originality/value

First, as far as the authors are aware, the authors are the first to examine the effect of oil prices on clean energy stocks during COVID-19. Second, the authors contribute to studies on the relationship between oil prices and renewable energy. Third, the authors add to the emerging strand of literature on the impact of COVID-19 on various sectors of the economy. Fourth, the findings of the paper can add to the growing literature on sustainable development goals, in specific the papers related to energy sustainability.
Natural convection in a differentially heated cavity filled with a Brinkman bidisperse porous medium
Authors: Grosan Teodor , Patrulescu Flavius-Olimpiu , Pop Ioan
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this work is the study of the steady free convection in a square differentially heated cavity filled by a Brinkman bidisperse porous medium. An appropriate mathematical model considering the Brinkman, momentum and energy interphase terms is proposed. The dependence of the stream functions, isotherms and of the Nusselt numbers on the governing parameters is analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

The both phases of flow and heat transfer are solved numerically using a modified finite difference technique. The algebraic system obtained after discretization is solved using the SOR method. The results are found to be in a significant agreement with the ones presented by the literature for a Darcy bidisperse porous medium and a Brinkman monodisperse porous medium.

Findings

The effects of the governing parameters on stream functions, isotherms and Nusselt numbers are discussed. It has been found that in the case of the Brinkman bidisperse model, the Nusselt numbers decrease compared to the Darcy model, and this behaviour is significant in comparison to the Brinkman monodisperse case.

Originality/value

A mathematical model for the free convection inside a cavity filled by a non-Darcy bidisperse porous medium, based on the Brinkman equation, is used. The effect of Darcy number, Rayleigh number, modified inter-phase heat transfer parameter, modified thermal conductivity ratio and the inertial parameters is studied. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this problem has not been studied before, and the results are new and original.
Dynamics of user-generated content and service failure recovery: evidence from millennials
Authors: Ozuem Wilson , Willis Michelle , Ranfagni Silvia , Howell Kerry , Rovai Serena
Published: July 2023

Purpose

There is considerable interest in the value of user-generated content (UGC) and its antecedents. Despite its growing importance, existing studies have largely ignored the effects of UGC on customers’ responses to recovery efforts in the fashion industry. The aim of this paper is to examine the extent to which UGC influences customers’ responses to providers’ service failure and recovery efforts, particularly how millennials’ interactions impact recovery efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a phenomenological hermeneutics and adopts theoretical sampling to collect empirical data from three European countries (France, Italy and the UK). The authors interviewed 60 millennials who had online service failure experiences in online fashion. This methodological framework was designed to illustrate the close relationships between subject and object as well as identify that data analysis and collection are undertaken in relation to consistent iterative interpretations in an evolving process of study. Drawing on multi-theoretical lenses, using actor–network and social influence theories, this study advances understanding through the development of a new conceptual model relating to individual characteristics.

Findings

Using actor–network theory and social influence theory, this study developed a conceptual model of four customer groups’ responses to service failure based on the severity of service failure and the level of customers’ online response following service failure.

Originality/value

The authors suggest some pragmatic implications of their conceptual model and explain how awareness of different customer groups can lead to effective decision-making for marketers. This study provides a set of practical insights that brand managers can use to recover service failures.
Stamp Duty Reform and Home Ownership*
Authors: Warlters Michael
Published: July 2023

The NSW Government's 2020 proposal to replace stamp duty on all properties with an annual tax based on unimproved land values is estimated to increase home ownership by 6.6%, through changes in purchaser holding periods, a shift of tax burden from investors to owner‐occupiers and a relaxed deposit constraint. The model of home ownership highlights the importance of purchasers' holding periods, with implications for the effects of tax reforms, institutional ownership of rental properties and population growth. The paper provides an easily calibrated model of home purchases that could be used to quantify home ownership effects of various tax reforms.
Vegetações amazônicas e terras indígenas ameaçadas pelas próximas mudanças climáticas: Previsão de impacto nos biomas brasileiros
Authors: Arruda Daniel M. , Schaefer Carlos E. G. R. , Fonseca Rúbia S. , Fernandes‐Filho Elpídio I. , Veloso Gustavo V. , Gomes Lucas C. , Oliveira Fábio S. , Corrêa Guilherme R. , Espírito‐Santo Mário M. , Oliveira Guilherme C. , Solar Ricardo R. C.
Published: July 2023

Changes in vegetation cover due to increasing frequencies of extreme climate events and anthropogenic pressure are already underway; so, predicting the impacts of the near‐future climate will be essential for developing mitigation strategies. We modelled the responses of Brazilian biomes to a future scenario (2070) of steady increases in atmospheric CO levels, adding soil data to better represent the multidimensional space of the environmental suitability of each biome. We also assessed the effects of changes in environmental suitability on the Brazilian network of protected areas and projected those effects on 1 km resolution maps. The area predicted to be affected by future climate change in Brazil and the consequent loss of suitable habitat surface is 2.59 Mkm2– larger than the combined areas of Central America and Mexico – leading the current vegetation to a progressive replacement. We project major changes in the vegetation of the Amazon basin, with the replacement of rainforest by dryer vegetation in the southern and eastern regions of that basin, and the opening of a dry corridor in Pará State. We also project an expansion of 41% of the current caatinga cover in the Brazilian semiarid region, with large losses of suitable habitat surface of the current deciduous forest. Approximately, 37% of the coverage of protected areas in Brazil will be affected – with greater damage to indigenous lands. The speed of current environmental change is now unprecedented for the post‐glacial era, and will almost certainly lead to increased rates of extinction and the collapse of transition ecosystems. We propose the urgent creation of protected areas in regions designed without significant impacts, but contiguous to those that will be more seriously affected by climate change. Those areas will act as refugia preserving biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the cultural heritages of traditional populations.
An investigation of politicians' responses to urban diversity and disadvantage: The case of the Danish ‘parallel societies’
Authors: Madsen Thomas , Morton Thomas , Power Séamus A.
Published: July 2023

We examine how Danish politicians articulate views on the ‘parallel society agreement’ (aka, the ‘ghetto‐laws’), a controversial legislative intervention aiming to manage urban migration‐related diversity. Through nationwide urban redevelopment aimed at facilitating residential ‘mixing’, the goal of the legislation is to eliminate so‐called ‘parallel societies’—socio‐economically deprived neighbourhoods characterized by high concentrations of ethnic minorities. In‐depth interviews with Danish politicians (n = 11) explored how this proposal was supported, contested or rejected in situated discourse. Following social representations theory, we focus on how ‘parallel societies’ were constructed in relation to differing ideas about ‘mainstream society’ and value‐laden oppositional meaning‐categories (i.e. themata). In particular, we highlight processes of socio‐ethical reasoning that occurred through thematization of a shared oppositional meaning‐category: ‘freedom‐constraint’. Views on the intervention were articulated around this oppositional meaning‐category. Moreover, a connection was observed between the views articulated by individual politicians and sets of congruent ideas and images mobilized to represent ‘parallel societies’. We discuss the theoretical value of taking a social representations approach to urban policy debates, and the practical limitations of dominant representations for successfully promoting intercultural dialogue and engagement—the stated goal of this intervention.
Geometric morphometric assessment of the fossil bears of Namur, Belgium: Allometry and ecomorphology
Authors: van Heteren Anneke H. , Germonpré Mietje
Published: July 2023

The Namur area in Belgium is useful to study brown (Ursus arctos) and cave bears (Ursus spelaeus) as the assemblage contains little temporal and no geographical variation. Here, we aim to assess ontogenetic allometry within cave bears, as well as ecomorphological differences between adult brown bears (n = 9), adult cave bears (n = 5) and juvenile cave bears (n = 3). Landmarks for 3D digitization of the mandible were chosen based on the taphonomical damage of the specimens. Extant brown bears and extinct Pleistocene brown and cave bears were digitized with a Microscribe G2. Generalized Procrustes superimposition was performed on the coordinates. Allometry was studied using regression analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to assess ecomorphological differences between the groups. 61% of the shape variance within juvenile and adult cave bears was predicted by size (n = 8,p < 0.01). The juvenile cave bears have relatively deep horizontal rami. In adult cave bears, the horizontal ramus is much narrower dorsoventrally. Juvenile cave bears have a small masseteric fossa and a short coronoid process, whereas both are larger, relative to mandible size, in adult cave bears. This made juvenile cave bears likely less effective masticators than fully grown cave bears. In the PCA, principal component (PC) 1 accounts for 45.0% of the total variance and PC2 accounts for 27.6%. FossilU. arctosfrom Namur fall within the 95% confidence interval of modern North AmericanU. arctoson both PCs, but are more similar to cave bears than the average extant brown bear. From the similarity of fossil and modern brown bears, it can be deduced that the diet of fossil brown bears was probably also within the range of their modern North American conspecifics, although they might have been more efficient at masticating plant matter.
CONSUMPTION TAX CUTS IN A RECESSION
Authors: Parodi Francesca
Published: July 2023

I study the effectiveness of temporary cuts to consumption tax rates as fiscal stimulus instruments during recessions using a structural life‐cycle model with multiple consumption categories. I find tax elasticities of 0.4 for nondurable luxuries and of 10.5 for durables. I show that the tax cut on nondurables has an intratemporal substitution effect, whereas the tax cut on durables acts through an intertemporal substitution mechanism that is stronger for high‐income, liquidity‐unconstrained, and younger households. This mechanism is amplified in less persistent recessions and dampened in absence of recessions due to durables' partial irreversibility and precautionary saving motives.
A flavour perspective of Tiepishihu (Dendrobium officinale) – an emerging food ingredient from popular traditional Chinese medicinal plants: a review
Authors: Kirkwood Aidan , Fisk Ian , Ayed Charfedinne , Xu Yingjian , Yang Ni
Published: July 2023

Many Dendrobium orchid stems are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The most popular and premium species is Dendrobium officinale, and its stem in TCM is called Tiepishihu. Tiepishihu has a sweet flavour and is an ingredient in Chinese tea and desserts. There is no comprehensive understanding of its flavour compounds. It is, therefore, essential to understand compounds responsible for its flavour, and how they are formed. This review assesses twelve diverse studies in Tiepishihu flavour (2013–2022). Thirty aroma compounds were compared – furfural and nonanal were identified as common compounds. Four of seven essential amino acids were taste‐active, with lysine being the most potent. Pre‐harvest factors such as environment impact specific aroma compounds. Post‐harvest processing methods, including drying and grinding, can control Tiepishihu's flavour. Methodological consistency is a challenge, but controlling Tiepishihu's flavour could increase its commercial value as a food ingredient.
Impact of robotic and open surgery on patient wound complications in gastric cancer surgery: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ye Lu , Yang Qian , Xue Yuyu , Jia Rong , Yang Li , Zhong Lili , Zou Liqun , Xie Yao
Published: July 2023

This meta‐analysis is intended to evaluate the effect of both robotic and open‐cut operations on postoperative complications of stomach carcinoma. From the earliest date until June 2023, a full and systemic search has been carried out on four main databases with keywords extracted from ‘Robot’, ‘Gastr’ and ‘Opene’. The ROBINS‐I instrument has been applied to evaluate the risk of bias in nonrandomized controlled trials. In these 11 trials, a total of 16 095 patients had received surgical treatment for stomach cancer and all 11 trials were nonrandomized, controlled trials. Abdominal abscesses were reported in 5 trials, wound infections in 8 trials, haemorrhage in 7 trials, wound dehiscence in 2 trials and total postoperative complications in 4 trials. Meta‐analyses revealed no statistically significantly different rates of postoperative abdominal abscesses among patients who had received robotic operations than in those who had received open surgical procedures (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.25, 3.36; p = 0.89). The incidence of bleeding after surgery was not significantly different from that in both groups (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.69, 2.75; p = 0.37). Similarly, there was no significant difference between the two groups (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.52, 1.18; p = 0.24). No significant difference was found between the two groups (OR, 1. 28; 95% CI, 0.75, 2.21; p = 0.36). No significant difference was found between the two groups of patients who had received the robotic operation and those who had received the surgery after the operation (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.78, 1.66; p = 0.49). Generally speaking, this meta‐analysis suggests that the use of robotics does not result in a reduction in certain postsurgical complications, including wound infections and abdominal abscesses. Thus, the use of a microinvasive robot for stomach carcinoma operation might not be better than that performed on the surgical site after the operation. This is a valuable guide for the surgeon to select the operative method.
Environmental variance in male mating success modulates the positive versus negative impacts of sexual selection on genetic load
Authors: Tschol Maximilian , Reid Jane M. , Bocedi Greta
Published: July 2023

Sexual selection on males is predicted to increase population fitness, and delay population extinction, when mating success negatively covaries with genetic load across individuals. However, such benefits of sexual selection could be counteracted by simultaneous increases in genome-wide drift resulting from reduced effective population size caused by increased variance in fitness. Resulting fixation of deleterious mutations could be greatest in small populations, and when environmental variation in mating traits partially decouples sexual selection from underlying genetic variation. The net consequences of sexual selection for genetic load and population persistence are therefore likely to be context dependent, but such variation has not been examined. We use a genetically explicit individual-based model to show that weak sexual selection can increase population persistence time compared to random mating. However, for stronger sexual selection such positive effects can be overturned by the detrimental effects of increased genome-wide drift. Furthermore, the relative strengths of mutation-purging and drift critically depend on the environmental variance in the male mating trait. Specifically, increasing environmental variance caused stronger sexual selection to elevate deleterious mutation fixation rate and mean selection coefficient, driving rapid accumulation of drift load and decreasing population persistence times. These results highlight an intricate balance between conflicting positive and negative consequences of sexual selection on genetic load, even in the absence of sexually antagonistic selection. They imply that environmental variances in key mating traits, and intrinsic genetic drift, should be properly factored into future theoretical and empirical studies of the evolution of population fitness under sexual selection.

Abstract

Is sexual selection beneficial for small populations when it also increases genetic drift? We show that environmental variance in key mating traits modulates the net consequences of sexual selection for genetic load and the persistence of small populations.
A dietitian‐led coeliac service helps to identify and reduce involuntary gluten ingestion with subsequent reduction in the frequency of repeat endoscopies
Authors: Costas‐Batlle Cristian , Trott Nick , Jeanes Yvonne , Seamark Leah , Gardiner Claire
Published: July 2023

Background

Dietitian‐led coeliac clinics have the potential to be a cost‐effective way of monitoring patients living with coeliac disease (CD). The aim of this service evaluation was to explore the impact of a dietitian‐led coeliac clinic on gluten‐free diet (GFD) adherence and the frequency of endoscopies with repeat duodenal biopsies.

Methods

Adults with biopsy‐proven CD were transferred to a new dietitian‐led coeliac clinic where data were collected from medical records and analysed using SPSS. GFD adherence was assessed by a specialist dietitian, specialist nurse, consultant gastroenterologists and a validated GFD adherence questionnaire. Repeat duodenal biopsy findings were compared with the most recent dietitian GFD adherence assessment. Project and ethics approval was granted by the hospital trust and affiliated university.

Results

Data from 170 patients (White: 51%, South Asian: 45%) are presented, with most being 35–64 years old (61%). Specialist dietitian assessments identified 67 (39%) of patients were adhering to the GFD, whereas prior gastroenterologist or coeliac nurse assessments identified 122 (72%) (p < 0.001) and the validated GFD adherence questionnaire identified 97 (57%) (p < 0.001). Dietitian assessments identified involuntary gluten consumption in 39/104 (38%) of those who self‐reported GFD adherence, consequently avoiding the need for nine endoscopies with repeat duodenal biopsies once patients had received dietary education from the dietitian. On follow‐up, within the dietitian‐led coeliac clinic, significantly fewer patients consumed gluten involuntarily (14%, p < 0.001). In addition, a reduction in voluntary gluten consumption was observed from three to five to one to two times per month (p < 0.001) in 66 patients.

Conclusions

The dietitian‐led coeliac clinic helped to identify involuntary gluten ingestion, avoid repeat endoscopies with duodenal biopsies and was associated with significantly improved GFD adherence.
Ethnoveterinary uses of forage plants for domesticated ruminants in Malakand agency, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Raees , Nedelcheva Anely , Abidin Sheikh Zain Ul , Bhatti Muhammad Zeeshan , Khan Shujaul Mulk , Ullah Asad , Saeed Rida Fatima , Aziz Abida , Gul Hadia , Dogan Yunus
Published: July 2023

Plant ethnoveterinary uses are evident in various studies around the world, but the ethnoveterinary practices of forage species are not widely reported. Traditional knowledge is rapidly disappearing because of urbanization and commercial activities. The purpose of this study was to document plant species used by the local communities in Malakand Agency, Pakistan for foraging and ethnoveterinary purposes. Twenty different localities in the study area were surveyed for documentation of forage species and related traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge used for livestock. Semistructured questionnaires and field walks were used to conduct 67 interviews with local farmers and herdsmen. A total of 91 forage species from 26 families were documented, as well as their ethnoveterinary applications. Poaceae and Fabaceae were dominant families with 45% and 15% of species respectively. Among the forage species documented, 62 were highly palatable, 26 were moderately palatable and 12 were less palatable. The region's major veterinary diseases are flu, ringworms, inflammations, low milk production, constipation, bloat, mastitis, pneumonia and wounds. The 62 forage species were reported for the first time for various veterinary uses. This study revealed that local communities commonly use a diverse range of forage species in conjunction with indigenous knowledge of ethnoveterinary uses. These forage species have the potential to overcome the recent fodder shortage. Such studies will be beneficial to the commercial production of such forage species.
Influence of medications on thyroid function in dogs: An update
Authors: Bolton Timothy A. , Panciera David L.
Published: July 2023

Erroneous thyroid function test results can occur because of drugs that alter thyroid hormone physiology in one or more aspects, including synthesis, secretion, distribution, and metabolism. Research since publication of the last review in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine (JVIM) 20 years ago has evaluated the effects of amiodarone, zonisamide, inhalant anesthetics, clomipramine, trilostane, and toceranib on thyroid function tests in the dog. In addition, recent work on the effects of glucocorticoids, sulfonamides, phenobarbital, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs will be reviewed. Awareness of these effects is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism and unnecessary treatment.
Complexities of care in insect‐human relations
Authors: Yee Kenzi , Sharp Emma L.
Published: July 2023

What ethico‐politics are we complicit in when we eat insects? Or produce them for feed? In this article we think through underexplored ideas of human‐insect response‐abilities, or ‘care’ in the acts of ‘producing’ insects that are to be: eaten by humans or non‐humans; or, enrolled in eating other species for environmental ‘management’. Rather than merely passive recipients of human care, we think through insect agency to highlight the affective capacities of insects in acts of human to more‐than‐human reciprocal care. Drawing on a qualitative study of diverse insect‐work in Aotearoa New Zealand, we demonstrate how insects are recognised as active in their caregiving processes, and what this might mean for our right relations with insects.
Preferences of clinical pathologists for probability‐modifying terms describing cytologic sample evaluations: A survey study
Authors: Rishniw Mark , Freeman Kathleen P.
Published: July 2023

Background

A recent study identified 7 probability ranges used by clinical pathologists and associated qualitative terms used in cytology reports. Clinicians and clinical pathologists agreed that limiting the number of terms could help enhance communication between clinical pathologists and clinicians. However, the preferred terms for each range remain undetermined.

Objective

We sought to determine a single term for each probability range that could be adopted by the global veterinary clinical pathology community.

Method

Clinical pathologists responded to a survey invitation distributed via the specialty listserv. Clinical pathologists were asked to rank previously identified terms for each probability range from “most preferred” to “least preferred.” An alternative term could be proposed if they preferred a term not included in the question. The preferences were summed by rank. Where first choice ranks were within 20% of each other, the 1st and 2nd choices were added. The term with the highest counts was chosen to represent the probability range.

Results

The highest‐ranking terms corresponding to the probability ranges of 0%–20%, 20%–50%, 50%–65%, 65%–75%, 75%–85%, 85%–95%, and 95%–100% were “no evidence for,” “cannot rule out,” “possible,” “suspicious for,” “most likely,” “most consistent with,” and no modifier, respectively.

Conclusions

We have sampled clinical pathologists across the globe to rank terms in cytology reports associated with previously identified probability ranges to identify single qualitative terms for which there was the most agreement between clinicians and clinical pathologists. Our study provides the foundation for standardizing and limiting probability‐modifying terms to improve communication with clinicians.