bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemically characterizing the cortical cell nano‐structure of human hair using atomic force microscopy integrated with infrared spectroscopy (AFM‐IR)
Authors: Fellows A. P. , Casford M. T. L. , Davies P. B.
Published: November 2021

Objective

The use of conventional microscopy and vibrational spectroscopy in the optical region to investigate the chemical nature of hair fibres on a nanometre scale is frustrated by the diffraction limit of light, prohibiting the spectral elucidation of nanoscale sub‐structures that contribute to the bulk properties of hair. The aim of this work was to overcome this limitation and gain unprecedented chemical resolution of cortical cell nano‐structure of hair.

Methods

The hybrid technique of AFM‐IR, combining atomic force microscopy with an IR laser, circumvents the diffraction limit of light and achieves nanoscale chemical resolution down to the AFM tip radius. In this work, AFM‐IR was employed on ultra‐thin microtomed cross‐sections of human hair fibres to spectrally distinguish and characterize the specific protein structures and environments within the nanoscale components of cortical cells.

Results

At first, a topographical and chemical distinction between the macrofibrils and the surrounding intermacrofibillar matrix was achieved based on 2.5 × 2.5 μm maps of cortical cell cross‐sections. It was found that the intermacrofibrillar matrix has a large protein content and specific cysteine‐related residues, whereas the macrofibrils showed bigger contributions from aliphatic amino acid residues and acidic‐/ester‐containing species (e.g. lipids). Localized spectra recorded at a spatial resolution of the order of the AFM tip radius enabled the chemical composition of each region to be determined following deconvolution of the Amide‐I and Amide‐II bands. This provided specific evidence for a greater proportion of α‐helices in the macrofibrils and correspondingly larger contributions of β‐sheet secondary structures in the intermacrofibrillar matrix, as inferred in earlier studies. Analysis of the parallel and antiparallel β‐sheet structures, and of selected dominant amino acid residues, yielded further novel composition and conformation results for both regions.

Conclusion

In this work, we overcome the diffraction limit of light using atomic force microscopy integrated with IR laser spectroscopy (AFM‐IR) to characterize sub‐micron features of the hair cortex at ultra‐high spatial resolution. The resulting spectral analysis shows clear distinctions in the Amide bands in the macrofibrils and surrounding intermacrofibrillar matrix, yielding novel insight into the molecular structure and intermolecular stabilization interactions of the constituent proteins within each cortical component.
A new application for the valorisation of pomegranate seed oil: nanoencapsulation of pomegranate seed oil into electrospun nanomats for food preservation
Authors: Kutlu Nazan , Meral Raciye , Ekin Mehmet Mustafa , Erim Kose Yagmur , Ceylan Zafer
Published: November 2021

Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) contains many bioactive materials including antimicrobials, antioxidants, tocopherol and unsaturated fatty acids such as punicic acids. Utilising PSO with nanotechnological ways is a novel approach. Therefore, in this study, PSO‐loaded nanomats having an average diameter of 327 nm with 97.6% encapsulation efficiency were produced. Then, the protection potential of nanomats was determined in terms of the microbial and oxidative deterioration of food samples. On the 1st day of storage, the TMAB load of the control kashar cheese was 4.35 log CFU g−1, while it was 3.05 log CFU g−1 in the coated cheese (change: 1.3 logs). On the 20th day of storage, the TMAB load of the CK sample and PSc sample was 5.52 and 4.22 log CFU g−1, respectively (change: 1.3 logs). For fish fillets, nanoencapsulated PSO enabled a bacterial reduction of 1.22 log cycles after 9 days of storage. The total mould and yeast number of cheese samples increased during storage, but the increase was lower in the coated group. Nanomats also increased the oxidative stability of food samples. Thiobarbituric acid values of coated samples were lower than uncoated samples.
Optimal soaking conditions and addition of exogenous substances improve accumulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in germinated mung bean (Vigna radiata)
Authors: Yen Nguyen Thi Hoang , Hoa Phan Ngoc , Hung Pham Van
Published: November 2021

Germinated mung beans have been widely used as fresh vegetable or processed healthy food due to their high amounts of bioactive and nutritional compounds, including γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA). The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of different soaking conditions (temperature, ratios of seeds to water, soaking time, pH, addition of L‐glutamic acid (L‐Glu) or gibberellic acid (GA3)) and germination time on accumulation of GABA in the germinated mung bean seeds. The mung bean seeds, soaked at 40°C for 4 h with ratio of seeds to water of 1:4 (g mL−1) and then germinated for 7 h, accumulated higher amount of GABA than other soaking conditions and germination time. The addition of GA3 (0.30 mg L−1) or L‐glu (1,000 mg L−1) or acidifying to pH 5.5 of the soaking water had high impact on the GABA accumulation. Among them, the soaking water with pH 5.5 was more effective than adding with the L‐Glu or GA3 in the production of GABA (1677 mg/kg powder) and essential amino acids (16.56 g/100g powder) in the germinated mung bean seeds. The findings of this study provide useful information to produce GABA‐enriched and healthy foods from mung beans.
Enzyme‐assisted extraction of phenolic compounds and proteins from sugarcane bagasse using a low‐cost cocktail from Auricularia fuscosuccinea
Authors: Coniglio Romina O. , Díaz Gabriela V. , Barua Ramona C. , Albertó Edgardo , Zapata Pedro D.
Published: November 2021

Sugarcane bagasse is the major by‐product of the sugarcane industry, and it can serve as a substrate for biotechnological processes for obtaining value‐added products. This study gave multiple adding values to sugarcane bagasse using it in two separate bioprocesses. Sugarcane bagasse was used as a substrate for enzymatic cocktail production from Auricularia fuscosuccinea LBM 244 and as a source of proteins and phenolic compounds. A. fuscosuccinea LBM 244 enzyme cocktail‐assisted extraction, commercial enzyme assisted extraction and conventional extraction were compared. Enzymatic‐assisted extractions released 557–827% more protein content than those at 0 h. A. fuscosuccinea LBM 244 enzyme cocktail released 50% and 30% phenolic compounds more than conventional and commercial enzyme extraction, respectively. These phenolic compounds were represented mainly by ρ‐coumaric and ferulic acids. On top of that, the cost of the enzymes in enzyme‐assisted extraction was reduced fourfold using the A. fuscosuccinea LBM 244 enzyme cocktail.
Factors influencing the perception and decision‐making process of consumers on the choice of healthier foods in the United Kingdom: a systematic review using narrative synthesis
Authors: Ogundijo Daniel A. , Tas Ayten A. , Onarinde Bukola A.
Published: November 2021

The perception that foods are consumed primarily to meet physiological and nutritional needs is nowadays understood as an outdated concept. Substantial empirical literatures have proven that diverse factors influence consumers’ decisions in choosing healthy foods and diets, but the process of food choice remains complex. In this systematic review, the consumers’ perceptions on food choices are explored and the key factors that influence food choices among the UK consumers are identified. The findings of this review were reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA). The identified food choice factors were categorised into product, person and environmental (social, economic and informational)‐related factors. Interventions that would improve awareness of healthier food choices and negative impacts of factors influencing food choices are recommended. Studies on consumer behaviours around perceptions and choices of foods are scanty in the United Kingdom, and the limitations identified in this review are to be addressed in future research.
A comparative study on the structural and functional properties of water‐soluble and alkali‐soluble dietary fibres from rice bran after hot‐water, ultrasound, hydrolysis by cellulase, and combined pre‐treatments
Authors: Zadeike Daiva , Vaitkeviciene Ruta , Degutyte Rimgaile , Bendoraitiene Joana , Rukuiziene Zaneta , Cernauskas Darius , Svazas Mantas , Juodeikiene Grazina
Published: November 2021

The aim of the study was to estimate the optimum method to obtain water‐soluble (WS‐DF) and alkali‐soluble (AS‐DF) dietary fibres fibres from defatted rice bran (DRB) to develop functional components for food. The different pre‐treatments of DRB, such as ultrasound (US) treatment, hydrolysis by cellulase (HC) and combined treatment (HC‐US), were compared with hot‐water (HWT) treatment on yields, and structural, physicochemical, and functional properties of WS‐DF and AS‐DF. Results showed that amounts of WS‐DF (5.54–9.03 g/100 g) and AS‐DF (7.22–9.58 g/100 g), and total dietary fibre (TDF) (42.21–45.44 g/100 g) obtained from the DRB after US, HC and HC‐US treatments were significantly higher than that after HWT (6.36, 5.65 and 31.92 g/100 g, respectively). The FT‐IR indicated that the effect of applied treatments on the changes of the chemical structure of polysaccharides was stronger for the WS‐DF than that for the AS‐DF. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the surfaces of US‐treated DFs particles were much more fractured than those after the HWT and HC. The combined HC‐US treatment at 50°C for 30 min significantly enhanced the purity (85–91%) and homogeneity of RB DFs structure resulting in increased water‐holding, swelling and glucose adsorption capacities compared to conventional processes maintaining acceptable bioactivity. Our study showed that conventional hot water extraction could be replaced with the ultrasonication technology as an effective tool for the modification of rice bran DFs’ structure and functional properties.
Quarterly earnings thresholds: Making the case for prior quarter earnings
Authors: Byun Sanghyuk , Roland Kristin C.
Published: November 2021

We provide evidence that the prior quarter earnings number is an important and informative benchmark that is relatively unexplored in the accounting literature. Our analyses suggest that managers appear to avoid negative earnings changes relative to the prior quarter. Moreover, we find that even after controlling for the information contained in other frequently used benchmarks (i.e., analysts’ forecasts and earnings from the same quarter of the prior year), changes over the prior quarter's earnings are associated with stock returns. We find that this result is stronger post‐Regulation FD and XBRL, perhaps as a result of the improved information environment. We also find that the informativeness of prior quarter earnings is greater for firms with less volatile earnings and that meeting‐or‐beating prior quarter earnings are associated with future performance.
Predicting the depth of superficial adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction
Authors: Takada Kazunori , Yabuuchi Yohei , Yamamoto Yoichi , Yoshida Masao , Kawata Noboru , Takizawa Kohei , Kishida Yoshihiro , Ito Sayo , Imai Kenichiro , Hotta Kinichi , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Kawabata Takanori , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim

Preoperative determination of the invasion depth of superficial adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction is important for appropriate endoscopic or surgical resection. There are no objective criteria regarding this; therefore, we investigated the factors associated with the invasion depth of superficial adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated patients with superficial adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who had undergone endoscopic or surgical resection at a Japanese tertiary cancer center between April 2004 and December 2017. We analyzed endoscopic features of intramucosal to slight submucosal (M–SM1; < 500 μm) and deep submucosal (SM2; ≥ 500 μm) adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction and extracted significant factors associated with and assessed the diagnostic performance of endoscopic features for SM2 lesion.

Results

A total of 106 cases were included in this study. Multivariate analysis indicated that depressed or protruded type (odds ratio [OR], 11.1), lesion size ≥ 15 mm (OR, 3.11), uneven surface (OR, 6.31), and subsquamous extension (OR, 5.41) were significantly associated with SM2 adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction. When the macroscopic type was depressed or protruded, high sensitivity (97%) but fair specificity (46%) were observed for SM2 adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction, whereas uneven surface and subsquamous extension showed high specificity (96% and 87%) but fair sensitivity (36% and 46%).

Conclusions

Depressed or protruded type, lesion size ≥ 15 mm, uneven surface, and subsquamous extension were significantly associated with the invasion depth of superficial adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. These endoscopic features are useful in determining the treatment method preoperatively.
The microbiome, gastrointestinal cancer, and immunotherapy
Authors: Newsome Rachel C , Yang Ye , Jobin Christian
Published: November 2021

The gastrointestinal tract greatly contributes to global cancer burden and cancer‐related deaths. The microbiota represents the population of microorganisms that live in and around the body, located primarily in the gastrointestinal tract. The microbiota has been implicated in colorectal cancer development and progression, but its role in cancer therapy for the gastrointestinal tract is less defined, especially for extra‐intestinal cancers. In this review, we discuss the past 5 years of research into microbial involvement in immune‐related therapies for colorectal, pancreatic, hepatic, and gastric cancers, with the goal of highlighting recent advances and new areas for investigation in this field.
Collusion in quality‐segmented markets
Authors: Bos Iwan , Marini Marco A.
Published: November 2021

This paper analyzes price collusion in a repeated game with two submarkets: a standard and a premium quality segment. Within this setting, we study four types of price‐fixing agreement: (i) a segment‐wide cartel in the premium submarket only, (ii) a segment‐wide cartel in the standard submarket only, (iii) two segment‐wide cartels, and (iv) an industry‐wide cartel. We present a complete characterization of the collusive pricing equilibrium and examine the corresponding effect on market shares and welfare. Partial cartels operating in a sufficiently large segment lose market share and the industry‐wide cartel prefers to maintain market shares at precollusive levels. The impact on consumer and social welfare critically depends on the cost of producing quality. Moreover, given that there is a cartel, more collusion can be beneficial for society as a whole.
The impact of the first, second and third waves of covid‐19 on hepatitis B and C testing in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Mandel Erin , Peci Adriana , Cronin Kirby , Capraru Camelia I. , Shah Hemant , Janssen Harry L. A. , Tran Vanessa , Biondi Mia J. , Feld Jordan J.
Published: November 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic interrupted routine healthcare services. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are often asymptomatic, and therefore, screening and on/post‐treatment monitoring are required. Our aim was to determine the effect of the first, second and third waves of the pandemic on HBV and HCV testing in Ontario, Canada. We extracted data from Public Health Ontario for HBV and HCV specimens from 1 January 2019 to 31 May 2021. Testing volumes were evaluated and stratified by age, sex and region. Changes in testing volumes were analysed by per cent and absolute change. Testing volumes decreased in April 2020 with the first wave of the pandemic and recovered to 72%–75% of prepandemic volumes by the end of the first wave. HBsAg testing decreased by 33%, 18% and 15%, and HBV DNA testing decreased by 37%, 27% and 20%, in each consecutive wave. Anti‐HCV testing decreased by 35%, 21% and 19%, and HCV RNA testing decreased by 44%, 30% and 36% in each consecutive wave. These trends were consistent by age, region and sex. Prenatal HBV testing volumes were stable. In conclusion, significant decreases in HBV and HCV testing occurred during the first three waves of the pandemic and have not recovered. In addition to direct consequences on viral hepatitis elimination efforts, these data provide insight into the impacts of the pandemic on chronic disease screening and management. Strategies to make up for missed testing will be critical to avoid additional consequences of COVID‐19 long after the pandemic has resolved.
Abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging vs ultrasound for surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma in high‐risk patients
Authors: Park Hyo Jung , Kim So Yeon , Singal Amit G. , Lee So Jung , Won Hyung Jin , Byun Jae Ho , Choi Sang Hyun , Yokoo Takeshi , Kim Min‐Ju , Lim Young‐Suk
Published: November 2021

Background & Aims

We aimed to compare the performance of gadoxetic acid‐enhanced abbreviated MRI (AMRI)‐based surveillance and ultrasound‐only surveillance in high‐risk patients for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Prospectively recruited high‐risk patients (>5% annual risk of HCC) who underwent one to three rounds of complete gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI (CMRI) and ultrasound at 6‐months intervals were retrospectively analysed. AMRI consisted of diffusion‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and hepatobiliary phase imaging. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of CMRI followed by AMRI (CAA), AMRI‐only (AAA), and ultrasound‐only (US) were compared using generalized estimating equations. Image quality was assessed.

Results

In 382 patients, HCC was diagnosed in 43 (11.3%), including 42 with early‐stage HCCs. The sensitivities of CAA (90.7%, 39/43) and AAA (86.0%, 37/43) were higher than US (27.9% [12/43]; P < 0.001), whereas the sensitivities of the two MRI approaches did not significantly differ (P = 0.56). The specificity of CAA (97.1%, 983/1012) was higher than AAA (95.6% [967/1012]; P = 0.01) and not significantly different from US (96.3% [975/1012]; P = 0.59). The CAA approach had the best accuracy of 96.9% (1022/1055), higher than the AAA approach (95.2% [1004/1055]; P = 0.01) and the US approach (93.6% [987/1055]; P = 0.01). Image quality was inadequate in 33.7% (356/1055) of US examinations but in only 10.0% (105/1055) of the AAA and 11.1% (117/1055) of the CAA approach.

Conclusions

In high‐risk patients, AMRI‐based surveillance approaches had higher sensitivities than ultrasound‐only surveillance for early‐stage HCC. A sequential MRI approach of CMRI followed by AMRIs showed superior accuracy than the AMRI‐only or ultrasound‐only approach.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Endonuclease VIII 2 (Nei2) forms a prereplicative BER complex with DnaN: Identification, characterization, and disruption of complex formation
Authors: Lata Kiran , Vishwakarma Jyoti , Kumar Sanjay , Khanam Taran , Ramachandran Ravishankar
Published: November 2021

Mycobacterium tuberculosis Nei2 (Rv3297) is a BER glycosylase that removes oxidized base lesions from ssDNA and replication fork‐mimicking substrates. We show that Endonuclease VIII 2 (Nei2) forms a BER complex with the β‐clamp (DnaN, Rv0002) with a KD of 170 nM. The Nei2‐β‐clamp interactions enhance Nei2’s activities up to several folds. SEC analysis shows that one molecule of Nei2 binds to a single β‐clamp dimer. Nei2 interacts with subsites I and II of the β‐clamp via a noncanonical 223QGCRRCGTLIAY239 Clamp Interacting Protein (CIP) motif in the C‐terminal zinc‐finger domain, which was previously shown by us to be dispensable for intrinsic Nei2 activity. The 12‐mer peptide alone exhibited a KD of 10.28 nM, suggesting that the motif is a key mediator of Nei2‐β‐clamp interactions. Finally, we identified inhibitors of Nei2‐β‐clamp interactions using rational methods, in vitro disruption, and SPR assays after querying a database of natural products. We found that Tubulosine, Fumitremorgin C, Toyocamycin, and Aleuritic acid exhibit IC50 values of 94.47, 83.49, 109.7, and 71.49 µM, respectively. They act by disrupting Nei2‐β‐clamp interactions and do not affect intrinsic Nei2 activity. Among other things, the present study gives insights into the role of Nei2 in bacterial prereplicative BER.
Collateral consequences of agricultural fungicides on pathogenic yeasts: A One Health perspective to tackle azole resistance
Authors: Castelo‐Branco Débora , Lockhart Shawn R. , Chen Yee‐Chun , Santos Daniel Assis , Hagen Ferry , Hawkins Nichola Jane , Lavergne Rose‐Anne , Meis Jacques F. , Le Pape Patrice , Rocha Marcos Fabio Gadelha , Sidrim José Julio Costa , Arendrup Maiken , Morio Florent
Published: November 2021

Candida and Cryptococcus affect millions of people yearly, being responsible for a wide array of clinical presentations, including life‐threatening diseases. Interestingly, most human pathogenic yeasts are not restricted to the clinical setting, as they are also ubiquitous in the environment. Recent studies raise concern regarding the potential impact of agricultural use of azoles on resistance to medical antifungals in yeasts, as previously outlined with Aspergillus fumigatus. Thus, we undertook a narrative review of the literature and provide lines of evidence suggesting that an alternative, environmental route of azole resistance, may develop in pathogenic yeasts, in addition to patient route. However, it warrants sound evidence to support that pathogenic yeasts cross border between plants, animals and humans and that environmental reservoirs may contribute to azole resistance in Candida or other yeasts for humans. As these possibilities could concern public health, we propose a road map for future studies under the One Health perspective.
Stability of amino acids, free and acyl‐carnitine in stored dried blood spots
Authors: Shimada Yumi , Kawano Nanae , Goto Miho , Watanabe Hiromi , Ihara Kenji
Published: November 2021

Background

Newborn screening of inborn errors of metabolism using tandem mass spectrometry has become a public health strategy in many developed countries. Retrospective analyses using stored dried blood specimens have been limited, mainly due to a lack of biochemical information on the long‐term stability of acylcarnitines and amino acids in stored specimens. We studied the characteristic profiles of the stability of amino acid, free carnitine, and acyl carnitines in dried blood specimens stored in a refrigerator after newborn screening.

Methods

Dried blood specimens from 198 healthy newborns, which had been stored in a refrigerator at 5 °C after newborn screening, were prospectively subjected to tandem mass spectrometry analyses after 1, 3, 6 months, 1 and 2 years of storage. We also retrospectively re‐analyzed the stored samples from 90 newborns, which had been analyzed and stored at 5 °C for 4 years.

Results

We found that proline (Pro) and tyrosine (Tyr) were stable for 2 years, and that alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), and phenylalanine (Phe) decayed with linear regression. The C0 increased during the time‐course of 2 years, whereas most acylcarnitines gradually decayed and some showed a linear correlation. The retrospective analysis of samples stored for 4 years revealed that Ala, Phe, Pro and Tyr were almost stable, leucine (Leu), valine (Val) decayed with linear regression, C0 increased, and C10, C12, C14, C14:1, C16, C18, C18:1 decreased, while maintaining a linear correlation.

Conclusions

These data suggested that some metabolic parameters from refrigerator‐stored dried blood specimens were applicable for the detection of inborn errors of metabolism.
Clinicopathological and molecular analyses of hyperplastic lesions including microvesicular variant and goblet cell rich variant hyperplastic polyps and hyperplastic nodules—Hyperplastic nodule is an independent histological entity
Authors: Uesugi Noriyuki , Ajioka Yoichi , Arai Tomio , Tanaka Yoshihito , Sugai Tamotsu
Published: November 2021

Hyperplastic nodules (HNs) have been considered to be hyperplastic lesions among Japanese pathologists, although they have not been recognized worldwide. Here, we examined clinicopathological and molecular differences between goblet cell‐rich variant hyperplastic polyp (GCHPs), microvesicular variant HPs (MVHPs), and HNs. Patients with hyperplastic lesions including 61 GCHPs, 62 MVHPs, and 19 HNs were enrolled in the present study. The clinicopathological and molecular features examined included the mucin phenotype expression, p53 overexpression, annexin A10, genetic mutations (BRAF and KRAS), and DNA methylation status (low, intermediate, and high methylation epigenotype). In addition, hierarchical cluster analysis was also performed to identify patterns among the histological features. The lesions were stratified into three subgroups and each lesion was assigned into a subgroup. While GCHP was associated with KRAS mutation, MVHP was closely associated with BRAF mutation; no mutation was found in HN. We list specific histological findings that corresponded to each lesion. Finally, there were no significant differences in the methylation status among lesions. The current result shows that both MVHPs and GCHPs have a neoplastic nature whereas HN is non‐neoplastic. We suggest that HNs should be distinguished from HPs, in particular GCHPs, in terms of pathological and genetic features.
Use of citizen science datasets to test effects of grazing exclusion and replanting on Australian woodland birds
Authors: Gibson Michelle , Maron Martine , Taws Nicki , Simmonds Jeremy S. , Walsh Jessica C.
Published: November 2021

Around the world, woodlands have been cleared for agricultural production and their bird communities are in decline. To reverse these declines and foster bird community resilience, government agencies, non‐government organizations, and private landholders have implemented restoration actions, commonly including grazing exclusion and replanting. These actions are rarely implemented in an experimental framework, making it difficult to measure their effectiveness. However, ecological monitoring datasets, and citizen science datasets in particular, can provide useful opportunities for measuring effects of restoration actions and act as a baseline upon which adaptive management can be built. We examined the effect of revegetation actions on the terrestrial bird community in Australia's south‐eastern temperate woodlands using long‐term, community‐collected monitoring datasets. We explored the response of bird abundance, species richness, and a newly developed index of ecological community condition, to grazing exclusion and replanting over a 20‐year period using an uneven control‐impact study design. Grazing exclusion plus replanting had strong positive effects on all three bird community metrics, which increased with time, compared to control sites where neither action occurred. Bird abundance, but not species richness or community condition, increased over time with grazing exclusion alone, while control sites with continued grazing and no replanting showed no change in all three measures. We demonstrate that citizen science datasets with imperfect study designs can be used to gain insights on conservation action effectiveness and highlight the value of metrics that capture information about community condition more precisely than just abundance or species richness.
Vegetative propagation of native tree species: an alternative restoration strategy for the tropical Andes
Authors: Díaz‐Páez Mónica , Werden Leland K. , Zahawi Rakan A. , Usuga Julian , Polanía Jaime
Published: November 2021

Pastures in the Neotropics are usually planted with exotic forage grasses, which are one of the most challenging barriers to the restoration of tropical forests. We evaluated the efficacy of vegetatively planting large stakes or cuttings (approximately 2 m) of four tree species (Brugmansia arborea, Erythrina edulis, Ficus americana, and Trichanthera gigantea) in areas dominated by three common exotic pasture grasses previously used for forage (Cynodon nlemfuensis, Melinis minutiflora, and Pennisetum clandestinum). We monitored stake survival and growth metrics (e.g. height, diameter at breast height, and crown area) for 12 months and quantified changes in forage grass biomass during the same period. We evaluated how initial diameter of planted stakes, exotic grass species, and species identity influenced stake survival; the degree to which planting stakes reduced exotic grass biomass; and assessed interspecific stake survival, growth, and morphological parameters (crown area, number of resprouts). Across all forage grass treatments, E. edulis and B. arborea had the highest survival (81 and 64%, respectively) and growth in terms of height (2.2 and 1.8 m) and crown area (0.74 and 0.60 m2). Stake survival was strongly influenced by species identity and the exotic grass species into which stakes were planted. Survival was also tied to initial stake diameter, but to a much lesser degree. The biomass of the forage grass P. clandestinum was reduced by 45% in plots where E. edulis was planted, and by 18% in plots planted with B. arborea. Planting vegetatively propagated trees in the tropical Andes can help facilitate forest recovery by establishing woody vegetation that outcompetes aggressive forage grasses and improves conditions for plant community reassembly.
Caging the coughing canary in the global lung health coal mine
Authors: Gibson Peter G.
Published: November 2021

See related article
Experimental Characterization of Losses in Bladeless Turbine Prototype
Authors: Renuke Avinash , Reggio Federico , Traverso Alberto , Pascenti Matteo
Published: November 2021

Multidisk bladeless turbines, also known as Tesla turbines, are promising in the field of small-scale power generation and energy harvesting due to their low sensitivity to down-scaling effects, retaining high rotor efficiency. However, low (less than 40%) overall isentropic efficiency has been recorded in the experimental literature. This article aims for the first time to a systematic experimental characterization of loss mechanisms in a 3 kW Tesla expander using compressed air as working fluid and producing electrical power through a high-speed generator (40 krpm). The sources of losses discussed are stator losses, stator–rotor peripheral viscous losses, end-wall ventilation losses, and leakage losses. After description of experimental prototype, methodology, and assessment of measurement accuracy, the article discusses such losses aiming at separating the effects that each loss has on the overall performance. Once effects are separated, their individual impact on the overall efficiency curves is presented. This experimental investigation, for the first time, gives the insight into the actual reasons of low performance of Tesla turbines, highlighting critical areas of improvement, and paving the way to next-generation Tesla turbines, competitive with state-of-the-art bladed expanders.
Ultrasound imaging for bladder hernia: a rare cause of female inguinal hernia
Authors: Chang Ke-Vin , Wu Wei-Ting , Ozcakar Levent
Published: November 2021

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A ubiquitous disordered protein interaction module orchestrates transcription elongation
Authors: Cermakova Katerina , Demeulemeester Jonas , Lux Vanda , Nedomova Monika , Goldman Seth R. , Smith Eric A. , Srb Pavel , Hexnerova Rozalie , Fabry Milan , Madlikova Marcela , Horejsi Magdalena , De Rijck Jan , Debyser Zeger , Adelman Karen , Hodges H. Courtney , Veverka Vaclav
Published: November 2021

Organized by unstructured motifs

The high degree of conservation in protein sequences thought to be unstructured has hinted that these regions may have important biological functions. Although unstructured regions are widely viewed to be crucial for protein signaling, localization, and stability, their roles in many other settings have remained mysterious. Cermakova
et al
. discovered that prominent members of the transcription elongation machinery are linked through a network of interactions involving transcription elongation factor TFIIS N-terminal domains (TNDs) and conserved unstructured sequences called “TND-interacting motifs” (TIMs). The researchers found that mutation of a single TIM in a central organizing protein of this network abolished key protein interactions and induced widespread defects in transcription elongation dynamics. —DJ
Genetic ancestry effects on the response to viral infection are pervasive but cell type specific
Authors: Randolph Haley E. , Fiege Jessica K. , Thielen Beth K. , Mickelson Clayton K. , Shiratori Mari , Barroso-Batista João , Langlois Ryan A. , Barreiro Luis B.
Published: November 2021

Ancestry shapes genetic immune responses

Selection for genes affecting the immune system can vary among populations because of selection for local environments. In humans, ancestry has been associated with different responses to infection. Randolph
et al
. examined the molecular determinants of these observations using single-cell RNA sequencing of immune cells from individuals of European and African descent who were infected with influenza in vitro. The experiments showed that infection-induced gene signatures diverged in a cell-type-specific manner that was correlated with ancestry, and that these observed ancestry-related differences were caused by changes in gene regulation and processes involved in transcription and translation. —LMZ
Signaling inflammation across the gut-brain axis
Authors: Agirman Gulistan , Yu Kristie B. , Hsiao Elaine Y.
Published: November 2021

The brain and gastrointestinal tract are critical sensory organs responsible for detecting, relaying, integrating, and responding to signals derived from the internal and external environment. At the interface of this sensory function, immune cells in the intestines and brain consistently survey environmental factors, eliciting responses that inform on the physiological state of the body. Recent research reveals that cross-talk along the gut-brain axis regulates inflammatory nociception, inflammatory responses, and immune homeostasis. Here, we discuss molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the signaling of inflammation across the gut-brain axis. We further highlight interactions between the gut and the brain in inflammation-associated diseases.
Accelerated dinuclear palladium catalyst identification through unsupervised machine learning
Authors: Hueffel Julian A. , Sperger Theresa , Funes-Ardoiz Ignacio , Ward Jas S. , Rissanen Kari , Schoenebeck Franziska
Published: November 2021

Learning to stabilize palladium dimers

Catalyst optimization is often difficult to do rationally. Once something works, it may be unclear which specific features underpin the performance. A case in point is the stabilization of palladium(I) dimers, which has relied on a very small class of phosphine ligands. Hueffel
et al
. used machine learning to search for patterns in this known class of ligands and thereby guide the discovery of variants that likewise stabilize the dimers. The authors were able to synthesize eight previously unreported dimers. —JSY
Global response of fire activity to late Quaternary grazer extinctions
Authors: Karp Allison T. , Faith J. Tyler , Marlon Jennifer R. , Staver A. Carla
Published: November 2021

Extinctions and grassland fire

Grassland herbivores are known to play a role in limiting wildfires by consuming potentially flammable material. Karp
et al
. present evidence that that herbivore-fire interactions affected fire on a global scale in the past. They compared the severity of late Quaternary continent-level megaherbivore extinctions with changes in paleofire activity calculated from sedimentary charcoal data from grassy biomes. The extent of extinctions varied between continents, and this pattern was reflected in the changes in fire activity. Fire frequency increased most where the megaherbivore extinctions were greatest (South America) and least where few extinctions occurred (Africa). This loss of large-bodied grazers in the Quaternary drastically altered global fire regimes. —AMS
Mechanisms of viral inflammation and disease in humans
Authors: Casanova Jean-Laurent , Abel Laurent
Published: November 2021

Disease and accompanying inflammation are uncommon outcomes of viral infection in humans. Clinical inflammation occurs if steady-state cell-intrinsic and leukocytic immunity to viruses fails. Inflammation attests to the attempts of newly recruited and activated leukocytes to resolve infection in the blood or tissues. In the confusing battle between a myriad of viruses and cells, studies of human genetics can separate the root cause of inflammation and disease from its consequences. Single-gene inborn errors of cell-intrinsic or leukocytic immunity underlying diverse infections in the skin, brain, or lungs can help to clarify the human determinants of viral disease. The genetic elucidation of immunological deficits in a single patient with a specific vulnerability profile can reveal mechanisms of inflammation and disease that may be triggered by other causes, inherited or otherwise, in other patients. This human genetic dissection of viral infections is giving rise to a new biology and a new medicine.
Brain research challenges supercomputing
Authors: Amunts Katrin , Lippert Thomas
Published: November 2021

Big data obtained from unraveling human brain structure raise processing demands
Fat for heat
Authors: Sun Wenfei
Published: November 2021

The distinct properties of brown adipose tissue may be harnessed to mitigate obesity
Renal outcomes of diabetic patients treated with combination therapy of ACE inhibitors plus either thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers: comparative retrospective cohort study in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Netere Adeladlew Kassie , Muhammad Esmael Ali , Asres Mezgebu Silamsaw , Teklie Masho Tigabie
Published: November 2021

Objective

The study determined the comparative renal functions on patients with diabetes treated with ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) plus either thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers (CCBs) in Northwestern Ethiopia.

Design

Retrospective cohort study design was employed to collect the data from medical records of patients with diabetes followed for 1–5 years (N=404).

Setting

The medical records of patients in chronic diabetic follow-up clinics of the hospital.

Participants

All the patients with diabetes medical records in Northwestern Ethiopian specialised hospital.

Main outcome measures

Exposures were ACEIs plus thiazide diuretics or CCBs collected from March to June 2020. Outcomes were defined as declining in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) values by ≥30% from the baseline recorded from 2015 to 2019. Descriptive and analytical statistics were illustrated to compare the study groups. Kaplan-Meier with log- rank test was used to plot the survival analyses curve. Potential factors substantially associated to renal events were examined using cox proportional hazards model.

Result

About 20% of patients developed renal events and significant numbers were from hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) users. The mean eGFR levels were significantly higher in patients on CCBs users over the follow-up years compared with HCT-based users. The CCBs users had an 18.8 mL/min/1.73 m2higher in eGFR levels at the end of the follow-up period than HCT users (p<0.001). HCT users had shorter survival probability overtime to develop the outcomes compared with CCBs users (p=0.003). The CCBs-based regimen prevented risks of declining in renal function by 56.4% than HCT (p=0.001). Hazards of declining in eGFR levels were 93% higher for the patients with initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were more than 150 mm Hg (p=0.006).

Conclusion

Compared with HCT, patients on CCBs had significantly prevented risks of renal events. However, both groups appeared with the same cardiovascular events. HCT-based regimen and higher initial SBP levels were significantly associated with eGFR reductions.
Early-pregnancy prediction of risk for pre-eclampsia using maternal blood leptin/ceramide ratio: discovery and confirmation
Authors: Huang Qianyang , Hao Shiying , You Jin , Yao Xiaoming , Li Zhen , Schilling James , Thyparambil Sheeno , Liao Wei-Li , Zhou Xin , Mo Lihong , Ladella Subhashini , Davies-Balch Shantay R , Zhao Hangyi , Fan David , Whitin John C , Cohen Harvey J , McElhinney Doff B , Wong Ronald J , Shaw Gary M , Stevenson David K , Sylvester Karl G , Ling Xuefeng B
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study aimed to develop a blood test for the prediction of pre-eclampsia (PE) early in gestation. We hypothesised that the longitudinal measurements of circulating adipokines and sphingolipids in maternal serum over the course of pregnancy could identify novel prognostic biomarkers that are predictive of impending event of PE early in gestation.

Study design

Retrospective discovery and longitudinal confirmation.

Setting

Maternity units from two US hospitals.

Participants

Six previously published studies of placental tissue (78 PE and 95 non-PE) were compiled for genomic discovery, maternal sera from 15 women (7 non-PE and 8 PE) enrolled at ProMedDx were used for sphingolipidomic discovery, and maternal sera from 40 women (20 non-PE and 20 PE) enrolled at Stanford University were used for longitudinal observation.

Outcome measures

Biomarker candidates from discovery were longitudinally confirmed and compared in parallel to the ratio of placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1) using the same cohort. The datasets were generated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric assays.

Results

Our discovery integrating genomic and sphingolipidomic analysis identified leptin (Lep) and ceramide (Cer) (d18:1/25:0) as novel biomarkers for early gestational assessment of PE. Our longitudinal observation revealed a marked elevation of Lep/Cer (d18:1/25:0) ratio in maternal serum at a median of 23 weeks’ gestation among women with impending PE as compared with women with uncomplicated pregnancy. The Lep/Cer (d18:1/25:0) ratio significantly outperformed the established sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in predicting impending event of PE with superior sensitivity (85% vs 20%) and area under curve (0.92 vs 0.52) from 5 to 25 weeks of gestation.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated the longitudinal measurement of maternal Lep/Cer (d18:1/25:0) ratio allows the non-invasive assessment of PE to identify pregnancy at high risk in early gestation, outperforming the established sFlt-1/PlGF ratio test.
How do National Health Service (NHS) organisations respond to patient concerns? A qualitative interview study of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
Authors: Shepard Keegan , Buivydaite Ruta , Vincent Charles
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To describe the current work of the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and assess the service’s potential to resolve concerns and contribute to organisational learning.

Design

A qualitative study using semistructured interviews.

Setting

Four mental health trusts and four acute trusts in the English National Health Service, a total of eight PALS across different trusts.

Participants

Twenty-four participants comprising of PALS staff and clinicians working with PALS teams.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were undertaken with participants using video conferencing software. The framework method was used for the analysis of the large qualitative dataset, which is a conventional method of analysis, similar to thematic or qualitative content analysis.

Results

PALS teams fulfil their core responsibilities by acting as point of contact for patients, providing information and resolving a variety of recurrent problems, including PALS staff communication, staff attitudes and waiting times. The remit and responsibilities of each PALS has often broadened over time. Barriers to resolving concerns included a lack of awareness of PALS, limited to no policies informing how staff resolve concerns, an emphasis on complaints and the attitude of clinical staff. Senior management had widely differing views on how the PALS should operate and the management of complaints is a much higher priority. Few PALS teams carried out any analysis of the data or shared data within their organisations.

Conclusions

PALS teams fulfil their core responsibilities by acting as point of contact for patients, providing information and resolving concerns. PALS staff also act as navigators of services, mediators between families and staff and, occasionally, patient advocates in supporting them to raise concerns. PALS has the potential to reduce complaints, increase patient satisfaction and provide rapid organisational feedback. Achieving this potential will require more awareness and support within organisations together with updated national policy guidance.
Cross-sectional study comparing cognitive function in treatment responsive versus treatment non-responsive schizophrenia: evidence from the STRATA study
Authors: Millgate Edward , Kravariti Eugenia , Egerton Alice , Howes Oliver D , Murray Robin M , Kassoumeri Laura , Donocik Jacek , Lewis Shôn , Drake Richard , Lawrie Stephen , Murphy Anna , Collier Tracy , Lees Jane , Stockton-Powdrell Charlotte , Walters James , Deakin Bill , MacCabe James
Published: November 2021

Background

70%–84% of individuals with antipsychotic treatment resistance show non-response from the first episode. Emerging cross-sectional evidence comparing cognitive profiles in treatment resistant schizophrenia to treatment-responsive schizophrenia has indicated that verbal memory and language functions may be more impaired in treatment resistance. We sought to confirm this finding by comparing cognitive performance between antipsychotic non-responders (NR) and responders (R) using a brief cognitive battery for schizophrenia, with a primary focus on verbal tasks compared against other measures of cognition.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

This cross-sectional study recruited antipsychotic treatment R and antipsychotic NR across four UK sites. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).

Participants

One hundred and six participants aged 18–65 years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder were recruited according to their treatment response, with 52 NR and 54 R cases.

Outcomes

Composite and subscale scores of cognitive performance on the BACS. Group (R vs NR) differences in cognitive scores were investigated using univariable and multivariable linear regressions adjusted for age, gender and illness duration.

Results

Univariable regression models observed no significant differences between R and NR groups on any measure of the BACS, including verbal memory (ß=−1.99, 95% CI −6.63 to 2.66, p=0.398) and verbal fluency (ß=1.23, 95% CI −2.46 to 4.91, p=0.510). This pattern of findings was consistent in multivariable models.

Conclusions

The lack of group difference in cognition in our sample is likely due to a lack of clinical distinction between our groups. Future investigations should aim to use machine learning methods using longitudinal first episode samples to identify responder subtypes within schizophrenia, and how cognitive factors may interact within this.

Trail registration number

REC: 15/LO/0038.