bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bilayer tension-induced clustering of the UPR sensor IRE1
Authors: Hossain Md Zobayer , Stroberg Wylie
Published: May 2023

The endoplasmic reticulum acts as a protein quality control center where a range of chaperones and foldases facilitates protein folding. IRE1 is a sensory trans-membrane protein that transduces signals of proteotoxic stress by forming clusters and activating a cellular program called the unfolded protein response (UPR). Recently, membrane thickness variation due to membrane compositional changes have been shown to drive IRE1 cluster formation, activating the UPR even in the absence of proteotoxic stress. Here, we demonstrate a direct relationship between bilayer tension and UPR activation based on IRE1 dimer stability. The stability of the IRE1 dimer in a (50%DOPC-50%POPC) membrane at different applied bilayer tensions was analyzed via molecular dynamics simulations. The potential of mean force for IRE1 dimerization predicts a higher concentration of IRE1 dimers for both tensed and compressed ER membranes. This study shows that IRE1 may be a mechanosensitive membrane protein and establishes a direct biophysical relationship between bilayer tension and UPR activation.

Highlights

Mechanical perturbation of the ER membrane favor oligomerization.

Both tension and compression promote IRE1 dimer formation.

IRE1 is mechanosensitive, potentially the UPR to changes in ER membrane tension and compression.
Activity of FoxP2-positive neurons is associated with tadpole begging behavior
Authors: Ludington Sarah C. , McKinney Jordan E. , Butler Julie M. , Goolsby Billie C. , Callan Ashlyn A. , Gaines-Richardson Maiah , O’Connell Lauren A.
Published: May 2023

Motor function is a critical aspect of social behavior in a wide range of taxa. The transcription factor FoxP2 is well studied in the context of vocal communication in humans, mice, and songbirds, but its role in regulating social behavior in other vertebrate taxa is unclear. We examined the distribution and activity of FoxP2-positive neurons in tadpoles of the mimic poison frog (Ranitomeya imitator). In this species, tadpoles are reared in isolated plant nurseries and are aggressive to other tadpoles. Mothers provide unfertilized egg meals to tadpoles that perform a begging display by vigorously vibrating back and forth. We found that FoxP2 is widely distributed in the tadpole brain and parallels the brain distribution in mammals, birds, and fishes. We then tested the hypothesis that FoxP2-positive neurons would have differential activity levels in begging or aggression contexts compared to non-social controls. We found that FoxP2-positive neurons showed increased activation in the striatum and cerebellum during begging and in the nucleus accumbens during aggression. Overall, these findings lay a foundation for testing the hypothesis that FoxP2 has a generalizable role in social behavior beyond vocal communication across terrestrial vertebrates.
Distinct excitability of thalamocortical neurons correlates with the presence of cerebellar afferents
Authors: Moreno Myriam , Minjarez Crystal , Todorovic Slobodan M. , Quillinan Nidia
Published: May 2023

Thalamocortical (TC) neurons within the ventrolateral thalamus (VL) receive projections from the cerebellum and the basal ganglia (BG) to facilitate motor and non-motor functions. Tonic and rebound firing patterns in response to excitatory cerebellar and inhibitory BG inputs, respectively, are a canonical feature of TC neurons and plays a key role in signal processing. The intrinsic excitability of TC neurons has a strong influence on how they respond to synaptic inputs, however, it is unknown whether their afferents influence their firing properties. Understanding the input-specific firing patterns could shed light into movement disorders with cerebellar or BG involvement. Here, we used whole-cell electrophysiology in brain slices from C57BL/6 mice to investigate the firing of TC neurons with optogenetic confirmation of cerebellar or BG afferents. TC neurons with cerebellar afferents exhibited higher tonic and rebound firing rates than those with BG afferents. This increased firing was associated with faster action potential depolarization kinetics and a smaller afterhyperpolarization potential. We also found differences in the passive membrane properties and sag currents during hyperpolarization. Despite higher rebound firing in TC neurons with cerebellar afferents, there were no differences in T-type calcium channel function compared to those with BG inputs. These data suggest input-specific differences in sodium and SK, but not T-type calcium channels, impact firing properties in TC populations. Altogether, we showed that the pronounced divergence observed in TC neuron firing properties correlate with its heterogeneous anatomical connectivity, which could signify a distinct signal integration and processing by these neurons.

Keypoints

Thalamocortical neurons in the VL with cerebellar afferents have higher intrinsic tonic and rebound firing properties than those with basal ganglia afferents.

Membrane resistance and action potential depolarization slope were different based on the presence of cerebellar afferents.

Despite elevated rebound burst firing, T-type mediated currents did not correlate with increased firing in neurons with cerebellar afferents.
Nde1 Promotes Lis1-Mediated Activation of Dynein
Authors: Zhao Yuanchang , Oten Sena , Yildiz Ahmet
Published: May 2023

Cytoplasmic dynein is the primary motor that drives the motility and force generation functions towards the microtubule minus end. The activation of dynein motility requires its assembly with dynactin and a cargo adaptor. This process is facilitated by two dynein-associated factors, Lis1 and Nde1/Ndel1. Recent studies proposed that Lis1 rescues dynein from its autoinhibited conformation, but the physiological function of Nde1/Ndel1 remains elusive. Here, we investigated how human Nde1 and Lis1 regulate the assembly and subsequent motility of the mammalian dynein/dynactin complex using in vitro reconstitution and single molecule imaging. We found that Nde1 promotes the assembly of active dynein complexes in two distinct ways. Nde1 competes with the α2 subunit of platelet activator factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) 1B, which recruits Lis1 as a noncatalytic subunit and prevents its binding to dynein. Second, Nde1 recruits Lis1 to autoinhibited dynein and promotes Lis1-mediated assembly of dynein-dynactin-adaptor complexes. However, excess Nde1 inhibits dynein, presumably by competing against dynactin to bind the dynein intermediate chain. The association of dynactin with dynein triggers Nde1 dissociation before the initiation of dynein motility. Our results provide a mechanistic explanation for how Nde1 and Lis1 synergistically activate the dynein transport machinery.
The COVID-19 pandemic, economic policy uncertainty and the hedging role of cryptocurrencies: a global perspective
Authors: Aftab Muhammad , Haq Inzamam Ul , Albaity Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to global economic policy uncertainty, which has increased the need to investigate ways to mitigate the uncertainty. This study aims to examine the potential of cryptocurrencies as a hedge and safe haven avenue against economic policy uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the behavior of the five leading cryptocurrencies in relation to country-level and group-level economic policy uncertainty indices, as measured by the text-based method developed by Baker et al. (The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 2016, 131, 1593–1636). The research covers a broad range of emerging and developed economies from July 2013 to September 2020. The study employs the approach of Narayan et al. (Economic Modelling, 2016, 53, 388–397) to examine the hedging and safe-haven properties of cryptocurrencies.

Findings

This study finds that the top cryptocurrencies play a hedging role against economic policy uncertainty, with some exceptions. Additionally, there is evidence to support the idea that cryptocurrencies can serve as a safe haven during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, investors may benefit from using cryptocurrencies as a risk-management avenue during times of uncertainty.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing literature by testing the cryptocurrencies' hedging and safe haven properties in a new way, by analyzing their lead and lag behaviors using a recent and innovative approach. Additionally, it examines a wide range of emerging and advanced markets, providing insight into the potential of using cryptocurrencies as a risk mitigation avenue.
Robust adaptive control of nonlinear dynamic systems using hybrid sliding mode regressive neural learning technique
Authors: Anh Ho Pham Huy , Dat Nguyen Tien
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The proposed Sliding Mode Control-Global Regressive Neural Network (SMC-GRNN) algorithm is an integration of Global Regressive Neural Network (GRNN) and Sliding Mode Control (SMC). Through this integration, a novel structure of GRNN is designed to enable online and. This structure is then combined with SMC to develop a stable adaptive controller for a class of nonlinear multivariable uncertain dynamic systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a new hybrid (SMC-GRNN) control method is innovatively developed.

Findings

A novel structure of GRNN is designed that can be learned online and then be integrated with the SMC to develop a stable adaptive controller for a class of nonlinear uncertain systems. Furthermore, Lyapunov stability theory is utilized to ensure the hidden-output weighting values of SMC-GRNN adaptively updated in order to guarantee the stability of the closed-loop dynamic system. Eventually, two different numerical benchmark tests are employed to demonstrate the performance of the proposed controller.

Originality/value

A novel structure of GRNN is originally designed that can be learned online and then be integrated with the sliding mode SMC control to develop a stable adaptive controller for a class of nonlinear uncertain systems. Moreover, Lyapunov stability theory is innovatively utilized to ensure the hidden-output weighting values of SMC-GRNN adaptively updated in order to guarantee the stability of the closed-loop dynamic system.
An adaptive binary-tree subdivision method for evaluation of nearly singular integrals in 3D BEM
Authors: Ju Chuanming , Zhang J. , Zhong Yudong , Du Xianfeng , Li Jun , Chi Baotao
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an adaptive binary-tree element subdivision method (BTSM) for the evaluation of nearly singular integrals in three-dimensional boundary element method, which can facilitate automatic and high-quality patch generation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this method, the nearly singular element is split into two sub-elements. Each sub-element is then examined to determine if it is to be subdivided based on a specific subdivision criterion. The specific subdivision ensures that those sub-elements far from the source point are sparse. And then those sub-elements in close proximity to the source point are replaced by regular triangular elements.

Findings

With the proposed method, the sub-elements obtained are automatically refined as they approach the projection point, and they are “good” in shape and size for standard Gaussian quadrature. Thus, the proposed method can be used to evaluate nearly singular integrals accurately for cases of different element shapes and various locations of the source point.

Originality/value

Numerical examples for surface elements with various relative locations of the source point are presented. The results demonstrate that the proposed method has much better accuracy and robustness than some other methods.
Social media and the bottom of the pyramid: a systematic literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Tapar Archit Vinod , Bhattacharjee Somraj
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study aims to present a systematic literature review (SLR) to understand the current status of research on social media usage among the bottom of the pyramid (BOP). The purpose of this study is to identify the research gaps in this domain and review future research agendas by using theory, context, characteristics and methods [TCCM] framework.

Design/methodology/approach

An SLR, keywords co-occurrence and TCCM analysis were used to analyse and synthesize insights from 44 studies gained from Web of Science and Scopus databases.

Findings

The findings suggest that the USA and India are popular contexts for studying BOP. The BOP population uses social media to gain utilitarian, hedonic and social values. Further, social media can help BOP explore “entrepreneurship” opportunities, value co-creation and bring innovations.

Originality/value

This study expands the intellectual boundaries of social media at BOP and suggests multidisciplinary research. Additionally, adopting novel theoretical lenses helped determine social media's impact on BOP.
Tackling social exclusion through engagement in football: findings from the “Kickstart 2 Recovery” programme
Authors: Tuite Amy Maria , Nolan Clodagh , Johnston Jenny , Dillon Maurice
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to determine whether engagement in a football programme can positively impact the recovery journey of the mental health service users involved from the perspective of the “Kickstart 2 Recovery” (K2R) programme stakeholders. There are many challenges faced by the people with mental health problems, a significant one being social exclusion. Football is a socially valued occupation in Ireland (Moran, 2019) and the K2R programme is an initiative run to combat experiences of isolation and exclusion that those with mental health difficulties may experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive phenomenological approach was taken to the study with the use of semi-structured interviews as the research method. In total, twenty one interviews were carried out and Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

Two themes represent the findings of this paper: the need for pathways and social inclusion, connection and flexibility. These reveal that facilitators are focused on supporting recovery but are unsure of how to overcome barriers to social inclusion. Sports partnerships and programme facilitators have a role to play in accessing community resources, challenging social stigma and creating exit pathways from the group.

Originality/value

This study reveals the challenges footballers with mental health difficulties experience when attempting to become more included in their communities and suggestions on how football programmes, such as K2R, could support their inclusion. These findings add to the body of research analysing the issue of social inclusion for people with mental health difficulties.
Health performance and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa: new evidence based on quantile regressions
Authors: Asongu Simplice , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The present study investigates the nexus between health performance dynamics and economic growth in 43 countries in sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2004–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

Four health performance dynamics are used, notably: total life expectancy, male life expectancy, female life expectancy and risk of maternal death. The empirical evidence is based on quantile regressions (QRs) in order to put into perspective the conditional distribution of economic growth.

Findings

The following findings are established: (1) total life expectancy and male life expectancy increase economic growth exclusively in the 10th and 90th quantiles of economic growth; (2) female life expectancy boosts economic growth in the 90th quantile of economic growth and (3) the risk of maternal death reduces economic growth in the 75th and 90th quantiles of economic growth. Policy implications are discussed.

Originality/value

The study complements the literature on the nexus between health performance and economic growth by assessing the nexuses throughout the conditional distribution of economic growth.
Theory of repeat purchase behavior (TRPB): a case of green hotel visitors of Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Abdulla Al-Towfiq
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore customers’ green hotel revisit behaviors, proposing the theory of repeat purchase behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study is conducted through a questionnaire survey method, using personal interview survey approach in Bangladesh. In all, 401 usable data is collected from participants who have visited green hotels before. The following data are analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using Smart PLS 3.3.3.

Findings

Results of the study have raveled that habitual attachment and emotional attachment are significantly related to green hotel revisit intentions (behavioral intention) and revisiting a green hotel (actual behavior). The result also has uncovered that green hotel revisit intentions significantly impacted revisiting a green hotel. Moreover, the study results exert that green hotel revisit intentions partially mediate the relationship between habitual attachments, emotional attachment, and revisiting a green hotel.

Originality/value

The current study enriches green hospitality literature by uncovering the integrated effects of habitual attachment and emotional attachment on customers’ revisit intentions and behaviors in the green hotels’ context.
Short supply chain choice and impact amongst rice processors in rural Ghana
Authors: Bannor Richard Kwasi , Oppong-Kyeremeh Helena , Boateng Abigail Oparebea , Bold Ebenezer , Gruzah Barikisu
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper examined the factors influencing the participation of rice processors in short supply chains and the participation impact on the amount of rice processed, per capita expenditure of household and value of sales.

Design/methodology/approach

The Seemingly Unrelated Regression and Doubly Robust Augmented Inverse Probability Weighting Model (AIPW) were used to analyse the determinants of short supply chain participation and the impact of short supply.

Findings

From the results, the mean value of rice processed was GH₵18385 (US$ 3,069.28), with the minimum value being GH₵ 25 (US$ 4.17) and the maximum GH₵ 67200 (US$ 1,1218.70) per annum. Processed rice aroma and grade characteristics positively influence the value of processed rice sold via short supply chains as well as the expertise rate of the processor, Farmer-Based Organisation membership, and marketing information availability. Women rice processors' per capita expenditure, total sales value and the value of processed rice was positively influenced by the short supply chain participation.

Research limitations/implications

Even though the sample size was appropriate, a larger sample size could further support the study's finding since a limited geographical area with predominant domestic rice processors was studied. Again, future studies should consider behavioural theories, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour, amongst others, in understanding the reasons for the choices of short supply chains compared to other sales outlets.

Originality/value

Although there is a growing body of literature on rice, most of the studies focussed on the marketing outlet of rice producers, rice processing, constraints and opportunities faced by rice farmers and processors and an out-grower scheme involving rice processors amongst rice producers with none of these on the choice of short supply chains amongst women processors. Also, amongst all the studies on rice producers, none applied a theory; however, the Women in Development (WID) Theory was used to analyse the impact of the short supply chain on the impact on household per capita expenditure (poverty), the value of sales and amount of rice processed, a modest theoretical contribution of the paper to literature.
Human rights and older people: process and perspectives
Authors: Penhale Bridget
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an overview and viewpoint on current international initiatives relating to the human rights of older people.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a review of recent and current developments in relation to the human rights of older people and some discussion of these issues.

Findings

In addition to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there are separate conventions on the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities. However, there is currently no universal, binding legal instrument on the human rights of older people, although work is in progress at international level in an attempt to remedy this lack.

Research limitations/implications

This brief paper aims to provide an overview of a complex current issue for those not familiar with the topic, so it is not able to provide an in-depth analysis of the topic.

Practical implications

Social workers and other human services professionals, particularly those who work with older adults, including those working in the health-care sector, should have knowledge and understanding about this important issue.

Social implications

Many older people face inequalities that result from existing gaps in the protection of their rights. This includes issues relating to Intersecting forms of discrimination that adversely affect some older adults. Individuals should be able to age with dignity so they can lead dignified, self-determined and secure lives – and need protection of their human rights to enable them to do so.

Originality/value

This paper provides a viewpoint on current international initiatives concerning the human rights of older people.
Industrial heritage identification process in North Africa: 19th and 20th century flour mills in Algeria
Authors: Hati Abdelhamid , Abdessemed-Foufa Amina
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The protection of industrial heritage emerged as a major concern when those buildings and installations representative of the industry, became at risk. North Africa, considered the geographical gateway to European countries, experienced enormous industrial activity during the French colonial era. Industrial buildings such as the flour mills, were built during this era of colonial rule. Today, a lack of legislation concerning industrial heritage has left this type of buildings with no protection, leading this paper to a preservation process. The aim of this paper is to locate and identify the flour mills of the 19th and 20th centuries in Algeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This research consists of cross-referencing data from archived documents against the geographical location.

Findings

The results obtained are the first step in the process of preservation. The success of this research can be summarized as follows: identification of 88.46% of the flour mills in Algeria by means of the inventory data collected, and their location, with the use of a crisp logic, the remaining 9.62% with the use of fuzzy logic by the attribution of a “fuzzy radius” with a total localization and identification of 98.08%.

Originality/value

The use of both crisp (Boolean) and fuzzy logic as part of the geographical localization method.
Impact of social media addiction on librarians' performance: mediating role of task distraction, moderating role of effective self-control
Authors: Javed Asad , Khan Samar Hayat , Khan Muhammad Aamir Shafique , Shah Hassan Ahmed
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The study was initiated to test the relationship of social media site addiction on librarians' performance. Furthermore, the study also tested the mediating role of task distraction and moderating role of effective self-control in aforesaid relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an empirical study, and data for the research were collected through a standardized questionnaire from 503 librarians who were having Facebook accounts and are questionnaire developed through “Google Forms” and the link of the questionnaire was distributed using Facebook groups. Data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, correlation, Baron and Kenny's approach, and Normal Test Theory.

Findings

Results indicate that social media addiction is an important factor for that is reducing librarians' performance. At the same time task distraction also adds to negative impact of social media addiction on librarians' performance. However, effective self-control can reduce the negative impact of social media addiction on their performance.

Research limitations/implications

This research has some important theoretical as well as practical implications for librarians, library management, and well as for policy makers and government.

Originality/value

Social media is commonly used for communication but when it becomes addiction, it can reduce the employees' performance. Most of existing researched focused on positive aspects of social media; only few researches explored the negative impacts of social media. The proposed relationship was never tested on librarians. This study filled this literature gap and proposed as well as empirically tested a model for evaluating negative impact of social media on librarians' performance.
Research trends of digital tourism: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Roziqin Ali , Kurniawan Alferdo Satya , Hijri Yana Syafriyana , Kismartini Kismartini
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Discussions about digital tourism continue to increase among scholars as Information Communication and Technology (ICT) infrastructure develops. Dynamic changes due to technological aspects have given rise to various developments in the tourism industry. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the scientific structure of the development of digital tourism topics through a bibliometric analysis approach. In total, 102 publications from research on digital tourism were taken from Scopus database between 2001 and 2021, for further bibliometric analysis using the VOSviewer application. Interesting findings describe the most cited digital tourism publications, the contribution of digital tourism by various authors, institutions, countries, co-citation analysis, bibliographic coupling, and co-occurrence for the main trends of digital tourism. This study compiles a detailed review of digital tourism research. This article adds substantial value to the digital tourism topic by analyzing bibliometric data. It provided scientific information regarding digital tourism for other researchers and future research.
Climate change and coastal wetland salinization: Physiological and ecological consequences for Arctic waterfowl
Authors: Hollmen Tuula E. , Flint Paul L. , Ulman Sadie E. G. , Wilson Heather M. , Amundson Courtney L. , Osnas Erik E.
Published: May 2023

Coastal wetland salinization related to warming climate has the potential to impact ecological systems globally. In Alaska, the Yukon‐Kuskokwim Delta (YKD) supports large concentrations of breeding water birds and is an ecologically important area for conservation of migratory bird biodiversity. On the YKD, the majority of waterfowl nest in low elevation coastal tundra where storm surges drive saline water into terrestrial wetland habitats. Because newly hatched water birds lack functional salt glands to process saline water, salinization may negatively impact their growth and survival.

We investigated potential demographic impacts of wetland salinization by conducting controlled physiological experiments to determine consequences of saline water exposure to spectacledSomateria fischeriand Steller's eiderPolysticta stelleriducklings, and analysed habitat suitability based on experimentally defined tolerance thresholds and sampled wetland salinity levels.

We found physiological and behavioural pathologies in <1 week old ducklings at exposure levels of 6 parts per thousand (ppt), and found some evidence of reduced growth in ducklings first exposed after 1 week of age. We conclude that the acute toxicity threshold for ducklings <1 week of age is ≤6 ppt.

We found that the area of coastal tundra where wetland salinity exceeded 6 ppt varied considerably among years, suggesting that some portion of the breeding range is unsuitable for rearing ducklings in some years. However, we also found that most eiders in most years nested in areas with salinity at or exceeding the tolerance threshold for ducklings, suggesting that nesting eiders do not appear to avoid saline habitats. We suggest that localized fresh water refugia currently may allow resilience to salinization during the critical period.

Understanding how species and habitats respond to climate driven changes is essential for predicting future patterns of distribution and abundance, and is necessary for making informed decisions about conservation priorities. Our study provides insights into the extent of wetland salinization in Alaska, mechanism of impact and current ecological consequences on avian communities depending on these habitats. With ongoing climate change, the probability of species crossing physiological tolerance thresholds of wetland salinity may change in the future.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Biomass temporal stability increases at two spatial scales during secondary succession
Authors: Li Wenjin , Zhou Xi , Xiang Zhiqiang , Li Jinhua , Wang Shaopeng , Loreau Michel , Jiang Lin
Published: May 2023

Ecological stability has long been considered to change over succession, but how secondary succession influences the relationship between diversity and temporal stability of biomass production at different spatial scales is poorly understood.

We studied changes in plant diversity, functional temporal stability (biomass production) and compositional temporal stability (the latter two are hereafter referred to as functional stability and compositional stability) and explored the stabilizing roles of plant diversity at two spatial scales (small plots of 0.25 m2 and large transects of 1.25 m2) during secondary succession in a subalpine meadow from 2003 to 2010.

Our results showed that both plant diversity and functional and compositional stability increased at the small plot scale and large transect scale during secondary succession. As secondary succession proceeded, higher average alpha diversity (i.e. species diversity at the plot scale) led to higher functional and compositional stability at the plot scale by mainly species stability, predominantly contributing to higher functional and compositional stability at the large transect scale. In addition, Simpson‐based beta diversity (i.e. compositional dissimilarity among communities within the same transect), while unaffected by succession, contributed to functional stability at the large transect scale by promoting asynchronous dynamics among communities.

Synthesis. Our study highlights the stabilizing effects of plant diversity across the two spatial scales during secondary succession. Our findings provide the first empirical evidence that biodiversity‐mediated effects on ecosystem temporal stability strengthen over successional time, suggesting that the stabilizing effects of biodiversity should be considered across spatial and temporal scales in the face of global changes and biodiversity loss.
Bufalin reduces myocardial infarction‐induced myocardial fibrosis and improves cardiac function by inhibiting the NLRP3/IL‐1β signalling pathway
Authors: Wei Xiang , Lv Yang , Yang Chenxi , Gao Rifeng , Zou Su , Xu Yingjia
Published: May 2023

Early inflammatory responses post myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with increased myocardial fibrosis and cardiac remodelling. The NLRP3 inflammasome, a key factor in this response, regulates the expression of interleukins (IL)‐1β and IL‐18. Inhibiting the inflammatory process may be beneficial for post‐MI recovery. Bufalin effectively inhibits inflammation and fibrosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bufalin and MCC950, an NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, as potential treatment agents for MI using an experimental mouse model. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to left coronary artery ligation to induce MI and subsequently treated with bufalin (0.5 mg/kg), MCC950 (10 mg/kg) or saline thrice a week for 2 weeks. After 4 weeks, cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis were evaluated. Myocardial levels of fibrotic markers and inflammatory factors were analysed using western blotting, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. In mice with MI, cardiac ultrasonography showed decreased cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis. Bufalin treatment restored left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening and decreased the myocardial infarct size. Moreover, both bufalin and MCC950 preserved cardiac function and relieved myocardial fibrosis, with no significant difference. Hence, the present study findings suggest that bufalin can alleviate fibrosis and improve cardiac function in a mouse model by suppressing NLRP3/IL‐1β signalling post‐MI.
Alpine grassland degradation intensifies the burrowing behavior of small mammals: evidence for a negative feedback loop
Authors: WANG Zaiwei , YAN Jiawen , MARTIN Amy , BRUNTON Dianne H. , QU Jiapeng , HE Jin‐Sheng , JI Weihong , NAN Zhibiao
Published: May 2023

Globally, grassland degradation is an acute ecological problem. In alpine grassland on the Tibetan Plateau, increased densities of various small mammals in degraded grassland are assumed to intensify the degradation process and these mammals are subject to lethal control. However, whether the negative impact of small mammals is solely a result of population size or also a result of activity and behavior has not been tested. In this study, we use plateau pika as a model to compare population size, core area of colony, and the number of burrow entrances and latrines between lightly and severely degraded grassland. We test whether the alleged contribution of pika to grassland degradation is a result of increased population size or increased burrowing activities of individuals in response to lower food abundance. We found that grassland degradation resulted in lower plant species richness, plant height, and biomass. Furthermore, the overall population size of pika was not significantly affected by location in lightly and severely degraded grassland. However, pika core areas in severely grassland degradation were significantly larger and had significantly higher densities of burrows and latrines. Our study provides convincing evidence that habitat‐induced changes in the behavior of small, burrowing mammals, such as pika, can exacerbate grassland degradation. This finding has significant implications for managing small mammals and restoring degraded grassland ecosystems.
eDNA metabarcoding of avocado flowers: ‘Hass’ it got potential to survey arthropods in food production systems?
Authors: Kestel Joshua H. , Bateman Philip W. , Field David L. , White Nicole E. , Lines Rose , Nevill Paul
Published: May 2023

In the face of global biodiversity declines, surveys of beneficial and antagonistic arthropod diversity as well as the ecological services that they provide are increasingly important in both natural and agro‐ecosystems. Conventional survey methods used to monitor these communities often require extensive taxonomic expertise and are time‐intensive, potentially limiting their application in industries such as agriculture, where arthropods often play a critical role in productivity (e.g. pollinators, pests and predators). Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of a novel substrate, crop flowers, may offer an accurate and high throughput alternative to aid in the detection of these managed and unmanaged taxa. Here, we compared the arthropod communities detected with eDNA metabarcoding of flowers, from an agricultural species (Persea americana—‘Hass’ avocado), with two conventional survey techniques: digital video recording (DVR) devices and pan traps. In total, 80 eDNA flower samples, 96 h of DVRs and 48 pan trap samples were collected. Across the three methods, 49 arthropod families were identified, of which 12 were unique to the eDNA dataset. Environmental DNA metabarcoding from flowers revealed potential arthropod pollinators, as well as plant pests and parasites. Alpha diversity levels did not differ across the three survey methods although taxonomic composition varied significantly, with only 12% of arthropod families found to be common across all three methods. eDNA metabarcoding of flowers has the potential to revolutionize the way arthropod communities are monitored in natural and agro‐ecosystems, potentially detecting the response of pollinators and pests to climate change, diseases, habitat loss and other disturbances.
Dermatomyositis and Crohn's disease – Case report
Authors: Neves Ana , Mendonça Inês , Marques José , Costa José , Almeida Jorge
Published: May 2023

Immune‐mediated diseases tend to overlap in ways that are not completely understood. When a presentation is not entirely explained by a former condition, other hypotheses should arise. Additionally, the activity of 2 overlapping immune‐mediated conditions is not always associated. We present an unusual association between Crohn's disease and dermatomyositis in a 28‐year‐old man. The patient presented with a 2‐month history of proximal muscle weakness and a skin rash with heliotrope periorbital edema. Since the patient had already been diagnosed with Crohn's disease, he was under immunosuppressive therapy, and he had a family history of psoriasis, the diagnosis was not immediate and required an integrative approach. Laboratory analysis revealed elevated creatine kinase, aldolase, lactic dehydrogenase and transaminase levels. He had no symptoms of Crohn's disease exacerbation. Magnetic resonance imaging, electromyography, and muscle biopsy findings were consistent with inflammatory myopathy, although non‐specific. Corticosteroids were initiated with clinical and laboratory improvement within 1 month.
Productivity, Economic Dynamism and the “Failure of Competition” Narrative*
Authors: King Stephen P.
Published: May 2023

Productivity growth has declined in Australia and other developed countries over the past two decades. It has been argued that reduced dynamism and the failure of competition at an economy‐wide level is to blame, leading to calls for broad competition policy reforms. In this paper we consider the theoretical and empirical evidence to support this “failure of competition” narrative. We find that the evidence, at best, is ambiguous. Competition failures in some areas support the need for reform, but the competition landscape across Australia is complex and there is no simple link between indicators of competition, such as concentration levels; indicators of reduced dynamism, such as falling business investment, and falling productivity growth.
Rapid and successful effects of combining dupilumab with ultraviolet B radiation therapy in the treatment of Papuloerythroderma of Ofuji
Authors: Chen FuQiang , Wen He , Sun Qing
Published: May 2023

Papuloerythroderma of Ofuji (PEO) is an uncommon disease characterised by widespread erythroderma composed of intensely pruritic solid papules coalescing into plaques sparing the skin folds (deck‐chair sign). The pathogenesis of PEO remains unclear, although T helper (Th) 2 and Th22 cells may play an important role. Dupilumab is an interleukin (IL)‐4 receptor α‐antagonist that effectively reduces Th2 responses, which has drawn increasing attention in the treatment of PEO patients. Here, we reported a successful case of dupilumab treatment in combination with ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation therapy, which is well known and effective for chronic itch. The patient had a significant decrease in visual analogue scale (VAS) score and eosinophil after only 1 week of treatment, which may be due to the combination effect.
Editorial: proactive anti‐TNF drug monitoring in IBD—Ready for the prime time? Authors' reply
Authors: Sethi Sonika , Kumar Aditi , Dias Shiluka , Blackwell Jonathan , Brookes Matthew J. , Segal Jonathan P.
Published: May 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Sethi et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17313 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17333
Editorial: the other bug
Authors: Turner Kevin O. , Genta Robert M.
Published: May 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Taillieu et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17488
Editorial: optimal combination of non‐invasive tests to determine significant fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease—authors' reply
Authors: Stepanova Maria , Younossi Zobair
Published: May 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Younossi et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17472 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17505
Letter: delays to diagnosis of IBD—Challenges requiring a systematic approach. Authors’ reply
Authors: Pollok Richard C. , Jayasooriya Nishani , Baillie Samantha , Blackwell Jonathan , Petersen Irene , Bottle Alex , Saxena Sonia ,   POP‐IBD Study Group
Published: May 2023

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Jayasooriya et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17370 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17521
Investigating genotype‐to‐phenotype correlation in CHARGE syndrome by deep phenotyping and multiparametric clustering
Authors: Dana Jérémy , Dorval Guillaume , Martin Christine Saint , Belhous Kahina , Levy Raphael , Marlin Sandrine , De Bie Isabelle , Mautret‐Godefroy Manon , Rausell Antonio , Rio Marlène , Boucher‐Brischoux Elise , Attié‐Bitach Tania , Boddaert Nathalie , Pingault Véronique
Published: May 2023

CHARGE syndrome, due to CHD7 pathogenic variations, is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by a large spectrum of severity. Despite the great number of variations reported, no clear genotype‐to‐phenotype correlation has been reported. Unsupervised machine learning and clustering was undertaken using a retrospective cohort of 42 patients, after deep radiologic and clinical phenotyping, to establish genotype–phenotype correlation for CHD7‐related CHARGE syndrome. It resulted in three clusters showing phenotypes of different severities. While no clear genotype–phenotype correlation appeared within the first two clusters, a single patient was outlying the cohort data (cluster 3) with the most atypical phenotype and the most distal frameshift variant in the gene. We added two other patients with similar distal pathogenic variants and observed a tendency toward mild and/or atypical phenotypes. We hypothesized that this finding could potentially be related to escaping nonsense mediated RNA decay, but found no evidence of such decay in vivo for any of the CHD7 pathogenic variation tested. This indicates that this milder phenotype may rather result from the production of a protein retaining all functional domains.
A wetland permanence classification tool to support prairie wetland conservation and policy implementation
Authors: Paterson James E. , Bortolotti Lauren E. , Boychuk L.
Published: May 2023

Wetland permanence, the duration and frequency that surface water is present, affects biological communities and whether wetlands are protected under legislation in some jurisdictions. Wetland drainage in the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR) has changed the distribution of wetlands because smaller and more temporary wetlands are more likely to be drained. This change in distribution affects biodiversity and other wetland ecosystem services. In Manitoba, Canada, wetlands are treated differently under the Water Rights Act based on permanence classification and can either be drained with a simplified registration (temporary and ephemeral wetlands), drained with a permit requiring mitigation (seasonal wetlands), or are protected from drainage (semipermanent and permanent wetlands). To facilitate implementing a conservation program targeting the most vulnerable wetlands, we built a classification model using LiDAR and Sentinel‐2 data (1312 training observations). Our random forest model had 73% accuracy on 563 test observations and is applicable across the agricultural region of southwestern Manitoba. We predicted the wetland permanence class of 365,499 wetlands and built an online tool to help practitioners implement a conservation program that pays producers to conserve temporary and ephemeral wetlands. Our approach is applicable elsewhere in the PPR and other regions with variation in wetland permanence.
Echocardiographic score for the screening of cardiac amyloidosis with positive 99m technetium pyrophosphate scintigraphy result
Authors: Nagai Tomoo , Horinouchi Hitomi , Hashimoto Kaho , Ichiji Takeshi , Yoshioka Koichiro , Hashimoto Jun , Ikari Yuji
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Speckle‐tracking‐derived strains in cardiac chambers may provide better solutions for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‐CM) screening. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of biventricular strain measurements using speckle tracking for screening 99mTc‐pyrophosphate (99mTc‐PYP) scintigraphy‐positive cardiomyopathy, which is nearly equivalent to ATTR‐CM.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of transthoracic echocardiographic studies using vendor‐independent speckle tracking analysis in older patients (≥65 years) who underwent 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy to evaluate the etiology of suspected ATTR‐CM in our institute between January 2019 and December 2022.

Results

The entire cohort (n = 89) was divided into two subgroups positive 99mTc‐PYP scan results (n = 34) and negative 99mTc‐PYP scan results (n = 55). In the multivariate analysis, posterior wall thickness (p = .003, odds ratio [OR]:1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.14 –1.92), left ventricular longitudinal strain apical/basal ratio (LVLSapi/bas) (p = .015, OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.23–6.32, and right ventricular longitudinal strain (RVLS) (p = .003, OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.05 –1.26) were selected to be the most representative echocardiographic findings in 99mTc‐PYP positive cardiomyopathy. The receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that posterior wall thickness (p < .0001, area under the curve [AUC]: .821, cut‐off value: 14.0 mm), LVLSapi/bas (p < .001, AUC: .802, cut‐off value: 2,16), and RVLS (p < .001, AUC: .791, cut‐off value: ‐18.7%) could significantly detect 99mTc‐PYP positive results with an excellent credibility. Echocardiographic score points calculated using the summary of these three parameters in each patient revealed that a 2‐point score had a fair sensitivity (85%) and an excellent specificity (93%), while a 1‐point score had an excellent sensitivity (91%) and a modest specificity (53%).

Conclusion

Our proposed echocardiographic screening tool for 99mTc‐PYP scintigraphy‐positive cardiomyopathy may help clinicians manage patients with suspected ATTR‐CM.