bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Four‑Gene Biomarker for Tobacco Smoking-Induced Colorectal Cancer Progression
Authors: Jiang Min , Zhang Xinghai , Huang Haoyu , Sun Guixiang , Huang Yefei , Chen Yansu
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Cigarette smoking greatly promotes the progression and poor prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, with the molecular mechanism still not fully clear.

Methods

In this study, CRC cells were exposed to tobacco-specific nitrosamine 4‑(methylnitrosamino)‑1‑(3‑pyridyl)-1‑butanone (NNK), and the differentially expressed smoking-related genes were identified based on both NNK-induced CRC cells and a total of 763 CRC tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. Cox regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve and Kaplan–Meier plot were used to establish the risk score model for CRC prognosis. Moreover, quantitative real-time–PCR, western blotting, colony formation, migration, and invasion assays were performed to verify the core differentially expressed smoking-related gene and its molecular function in NNK-induced CRC progression.

Results

Results indicated NNK significantly enhanced CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Moreover, a four-gene signature containing AKR1B10, CALB2, PLAC1, and GNA15 was established as a CRC prognosis marker. Among these four genes, AKR1B10 was further validated as the core gene, and its expression was significantly inhibited after NNK exposure in CRC cells. Results of gene enrichment analysis and western blotting suggested AKR1B10 might reduce the malignant progression of NNK-induced CRC cells by inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway by promoting E-Cadherin expression and inhibiting the expression of N-Cadherin, β-Catenin, Vimentin, and Snail.

Conclusions

In conclusion, new four smoking-related genes can be jointly used as prognostic markers for CRC. AKR1B10 served as a tumor suppressor, and can be used as a potential target to inhibit NNK-induced CRC malignant progression by regulating the Wnt signaling pathway.

Implications

This study demonstrates that tobacco-derived NNK dependence would promote the malignant progression of colorectal cancer by regulating the expressions of the AKR1B10/Wnt signaling pathway. A novel four-gene signature is established for the prognosis prediction of smoking CRC patients. These findings have important translational implications given the continued use of tobacco and the difficulty in smoking cessation worldwide, which can be applied to alleviate the adverse effects induced by tobacco dependence on colorectal cancer patients.
Chemical composition and digestible and metabolizable energy contents in cold-pressed canola expellers fed to growing pigs
Authors: Omotosho Oluwakemi Y , Slominski Bogdan A , Niu Yanxing , Nyachoti Charles M , Rogiewicz Anna
Published: April 2024

Cold-pressed canola expellers (CPCE) are a byproduct of canola oil production obtained using the pressing method without thermal and chemical treatment. While CPCE is a valuable source of dietary energy and protein in swine nutrition, the discrepancy in processing conditions leads to variability in the nutritional quality of CPCE from different sources. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, and digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) values of CPCE when fed to growing pigs. Samples of CPCE were collected from five processing facilities across Western Canada. The physical appearance of the CPCE samples hinted at a potential quality variation. Samples were subjected to a complete chemical characterization. Variations (P < 0.05) were observed in the chemical composition, with the exception of non-phytate phosphorus, xylose, mannose, and galactose. On a g/kg dry matter (DM) basis, CPCE samples ranged as follows: ether extract from 85 to 177; crude protein (CP) from 351 to 419; neutral detergent fiber 231 to 300; total dietary fiber from 326 to 373; glycoproteins from 30 to 76; non-starch polysaccharides from 188 to 204, non-phytate phosphorus from 5.5 to 6.4, and gross energy (GE) in kcal/kg 5,027 to 5,635. The total glucosinolates (GLS) ranged from 5.0 to 9.7 µmol/g DM. Thirty-six (36) growing barrows, with an average initial body weight of 19.2 ± 1.0 kg, were individually housed in metabolism crates and assigned to one of the six experimental diets in a completely randomized design, with six pigs per diet. The diets included a corn–soybean meal (SBM)-based basal diet (100%) and five (5) experimental diets in which 18% of the basal diet was substituted with CPCE from different producers. Pigs were fed the experimental diets for 10 d, with 5-d adaptation period, followed by a 5-d period for the total, but separate, collection of feces and urine. Significant differences (P < 0.05) among processing plants were observed in the DE and ME contents of CPCE, which averaged 3,531 and 3,172 kcal/kg DM, respectively. Differences (P < 0.05) were noted in the apparent total tract digestibility of GE, nitrogen (N), as well as in the retention of DM, GE, and N in CPCE samples. In conclusion, while the chemical composition and values of DE and ME in CPCE vary among processors, the byproduct obtained through cold pressing process can be a valuable source of energy and protein for pig nutrition.
Host Range Characterization of Phytophthora sansomeana Across Corn, Soybean, Wheat, Winter Cereal Rye, Dry Bean, and Oats and an In Vitro Assessment of Seed Treatment Sensitivity
Authors: McCoy Austin G. , Jacobs Janette L. , Chilvers Martin I.
Published: April 2024

Formally described in 2009, Phytophthora sansomeana is a pathogen of increasing interest in native, agricultural, and horticulturally important plant species. The objective of this study was to elucidate the symptomatic and asymptomatic host range of P. sansomeana on six agricultural crop species commonly used in field crop rotations in Michigan. In addition, sensitivity to oomicides commonly used in seed treatments, including oxathiapiprolin, mefenoxam, ethaboxam, and pyraclostrobin, was performed to aid in disease management recommendations. Plant biomass, quantity of P. sansomeana DNA in roots, and reisolations were used to assess pathogenicity and virulence of 18 isolates of P. sansomeana on each plant species using an inoculated seedling growth chamber assay. Isolates displayed varying levels of virulence to the hosts tested. Reisolations were completed for each plant species tested, and varying quantities of P. sansomeana DNA were found within all plant species root samples. Corn, wheat, soybean, dry bean, and winter cereal rye plants were symptomatic hosts with significant reduction observed in the total plant biomass. No significant reduction in total plant biomass was observed in oats, and oat roots harbored the least amount of P. sansomeana DNA. No P. sansomeana isolates were insensitive to the oomicide compounds tested with mean absolute inhibition (EC50) values of fungicide required for 50% growth inhibition values of 7.8 × 10−2 μg/ml for mefenoxam, 1.13 × 10−1 μg/ml for ethaboxam, 2.6 × 10−2 μg/ml for oxathiapiprolin, and 3.04 × 10−1 μg/ml for pyraclostrobin. These results suggest that common crop rotations in Michigan may not be a viable option to reduce soilborne inoculum accumulation and oomicide seed treatments could be considered for early-season management of P. sansomeana.
Cardiomyopathies and Psychiatric Disorders: An Overview and General Clinical Recommendations
Authors: Stanca Alessandro , Carella Maria Cristina , Basile Paolo , Forleo Cinzia , Ciccone Marco Matteo , Guaricci Andrea Igoren
Published: April 2024

The association between cardiomyopathies (CMPs) and psychiatric disorders is a complex and bidirectional phenomenon that involves multiple mechanisms and factors. CMPs may raise the risk of psychiatric disorders due to the psychological stress, physical limitations, social isolation, or poor prognosis associated with the underlying disease. Psychiatric disorders, on the other hand, can increase the possibility of developing or worsening CMPs due to the behavioral, neuroendocrine, inflammatory, or pharmacological effects of mental illness or its treatment. Moreover, some common genetic or environmental factors may have a relevant influence on both conditions. With this comprehensive review, we sought to provide an overview of the current evidence on the strict and intriguing interconnection between CMPs and psychiatric disorders, focusing on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical implications, and management strategies.
DIFFERENTIAL SIGNALING EFFECTS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN HUMAN WHOLE BLOOD INDICATE DISTINCT REGULATION OF THE NRF2 PATHWAY
Authors: Pourquoi Allison , Miller Michael R. , Koch Stephen R. , Boyle Katharine , Surratt Victoria , Nguyen Hong , Panja Sourav , Cartailler Jean-Philippe , Shrestha Shristi , Stark Ryan J.
Published: April 2024

Escherichia coliandStaphylococcus aureusare two of the most common bacterial species responsible for sepsis. While it is observed that they have disparate clinical phenotypes, the signaling differences elicited by each bacteria that drive this variance remain unclear. Therefore, we used human whole blood exposed to heat-killedE. coliorS. aureusand measured the transcriptomic signatures. Relative to unstimulated control blood, heat-killed bacteria exposure led to significant dysregulation (upregulated and downregulated) of >5,000 genes for each experimental condition, with a slight increase in gene alterations byS. aureus. While there was significant overlap regarding proinflammatory pathways, Gene Ontology overrepresentation analysis of the most altered genes suggested biological processes like macrophage differentiation and ubiquinone biosynthesis were more unique to heat-killedS. aureus, compared with heat-killedE. coliexposure. Using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, it was demonstrated that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling, a main transcription factor in antioxidant responses, was predominately upregulated inS. aureusexposed blood relative toE. coli. Furthermore, the use of pharmacologics that preferentially targeted the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway led to differential cytokine profiles depending on the type of bacterial exposure. These findings reveal significant inflammatory dysregulation betweenE. coliandS. aureusand provide insight into the targeting of unique pathways to curb bacteria-specific responses.
Postoperative Complications in Living Donors for Lung Transplantation
Authors: Tanaka Shin , Fujii Kento , Ishihara Megumi , Choshi Haruki , Matsubara Kei , Hashimoto Kohei , Okahara Shuji , Shien Kazuhiko , Suzawa Ken , Miyoshi Kentaroh , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Okazaki Mikio , Sugimoto Seiichiro , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: April 2024

Background.

Living donor lobar lung transplantation is a life-saving procedure for critically ill patients. This requires 2 healthy donors exposed to risks and without medical benefit. Therefore, the donor’s safety and minimal postoperative complications are crucial. This study aimed to investigate the short-term outcomes and identify the risk factors affecting these outcomes.

Methods.

The data of 175 living donors enrolled between 1998 and 2022 were analyzed. Donors were divided into era 1 (1998–2009) and era 2 (2010–2022).

Results.

The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 39%, of which 7% were major complications. Donors who underwent surgery on the right side had a higher incidence of delayed pulmonary fistulae (P = 0.01) and elevated liver enzyme levels (P = 0.028). Living donor surgery on the right side (P = 0.01), era 2 (P = 0.01), and the need for plasty (P = 0.04) were predictors of postoperative complications.

Conclusions.

Updated data on complications and their correlation with postoperative quality of life from this study could aid in the selection of potential donors and facilitate informed consent.
Diverse material properties and morphology of moth proboscises relates to the feeding habits of some macromoth and other lepidopteran lineages
Authors: Bast Elaine M. , Marshall Natalie T. , Myers Kendall O. , Marsh Lucas W. , Hurtado Martin Walschburger , Van Zandt Peter A. , Lehnert Matthew S.
Published: April 2024

Insects have evolved unique structures that host a diversity of material and mechanical properties, and the mouthparts (proboscis) of butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) are no exception. Here, we examined proboscis morphology and material properties from several previously unstudied moth lineages to determine if they relate to flower visiting and non-flower visiting feeding habits. Scanning electron microscopy and three-dimensional imaging were used to study proboscis morphology and assess surface roughness patterns on the galeal surface, respectively. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to study patterns of cuticular autofluorescence, which was quantified with colour analysis software. We found that moth proboscises display similar autofluorescent signals and morphological patterns in relation to feeding habits to those previously described for flower and non-flower visiting butterflies. The distal region of proboscises of non-flower visitors is brush-like for augmented capillarity and exhibited blue autofluorescence, indicating the possible presence of resilin and increased flexibility. Flower visitors have smoother proboscises and show red autofluorescence, an indicator of high sclerotization, which is adaptive for floral tube entry. We propose the lepidopteran proboscis as a model structure for understanding how insects have evolved a suite of morphological and material adaptations to overcome the challenges of acquiring fluids from diverse sources.
Mechanical and elemental characterization of ant mandibles: consequences for bite mechanics
Authors: Klunk Cristian L. , Heethoff Michael , Hammel Jörg U. , Gorb Stanislav N. , Krings Wencke
Published: April 2024

Mandible morphology has an essential role in biting performance, but the mandible cuticle can have regional differences in its mechanical properties. The effects of such a heterogeneous distribution of cuticle material properties in the mandible responses to biting loading are still poorly explored in chewing insects. Here, we tested the mechanical properties of mandibles of the ant species
Formica cunicularia
by nanoindentation and investigated the effects of the cuticular variation in Young's modulus (E) under bite loading with finite-element analysis (FEA). The masticatory margin of the mandible, which interacts with the food, was the hardest and stiffest region. To unravel the origins of the mechanical property gradients, we characterized the elemental composition by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The masticatory margin possessed high proportions of Cu and Zn. When incorporated into the FEA, variation in E effectively changed mandible stress patterns, leading to a relatively higher concentration of stresses in the stiffer mandibular regions and leaving the softer mandible blade with relatively lower stress. Our results demonstrated the relevance of cuticle E heterogeneity in mandibles under bite loading, suggesting that the accumulation of transition metals such as Cu and Zn has a relevant correlation with the mechanical characteristics in
F
.
cunicularia
mandibles.
Mandible microwear texture analysis of crickets raised on diets of different abrasiveness reveals universality of diet-induced wear
Authors: Winkler Daniela E. , Seike Hitomi , Nagata Shinji , Kubo Mugino O.
Published: April 2024

Animals have evolved diverse comminuting tools. While vertebrates possess mineralized teeth, insect mandibles often bear metal-inclusion-hardened serrated cusps. Microscopic dental enamel wear (microwear) is known to be caused by contact with ingesta. To test if insect mandible microwear is also diet-dependent, we kept newly moulted adult two-spotted crickets (
Gryllus bimaculatus
) for four weeks on alfalfa-based rodent pellets with and without added mineral abrasives (loess, quartz, volcanic ash). Six crickets per diet were examined after 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. All diets induced progressive mandible wear, affecting specific locations along the distal tooth cusps differently. The depth of furrows increased on most abrasive-containing diets until day 21, while wear mark complexity increased from day 1 to 3 and 14 to 21. After 28 days, these parameter values for large volcanic ash and large quartz diets significantly exceeded those for the control diet. These results are comparable to observations from guinea pig feeding experiments with the same diets. Cricket mandible wear was affected by all abrasives. Notably, large volcanic ash and large quartz induced the deepest, most complex lesions, akin to observations in guinea pigs. This suggests a universal wear process, supporting that microwear analyses are suitable for inferring invertebrate diets.
Chryseobacterium metallicongregator, sp. nov., a bacterium possessing metallophore activity towards rare earth elements
Authors: Spotts Emily , Guy Nathan , Lengyel George , Franks Jonathan , Maltman Chris
Published: April 2024

A polyphasic taxonomic study was carried out on strain ES2T, isolated from sediment of a wetland created to remediate acid drainage from a coal mine. The rod-shaped bacterium formed yellow/orange pigmented colonies and produced the pigment flexirubin. The 16S rRNA gene sequence results assigned the strain to Chryseobacterium, with 98.9 and 98.3 % similarity to Chryseobacterium vietnamense and Chryseobacterium cucumeris, respectively. Computation of the average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization values with the closest phylogenetic neighbours of ES2T revealed genetic differences at the species level, which were further substantiated by differences in several physiological characteristics. The dominant fatty acids of strain ES2T were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 1 ω9c, iso C17 : 0 3-OH, and iso-C15 : 0 2-OH. The DNA G+C content was 35.5 mol%. The major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine while menaquinone-6 was the only menaquinone found. This bacterium has been previously shown to possess metallophore activity towards rare earth elements, and based on genome sequencing, possesses all required genes for siderophore production/activity, possibly identifying the source of this unique ability. On the basis of the results obtained here, this bacterium is assigned to the genus Chryseobacterium as representing a new species with the name Chryseobacterium metallicongregator sp. nov., type strain ES2T (=NRRL B-65679T=KCTC 102120T).
Population genomics reveals demographic history and climate adaptation in JapaneseArabidopsis halleri
Authors: Suda Ryo A , Kubota Shosei , Kumar Vinod , Castric Vincent , Krämer Ute , Morinaga Shin-Ichi , Tsuchimatsu Takashi
Published: April 2024

Climate oscillations in the Quaternary forced species to major latitudinal or altitudinal range shifts. It has been suggested that adaptation concomitant with range shifts plays key roles in species responses during climate oscillations, but the role of selection for local adaptation to climatic changes remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigated population structure, demographic history, and signatures of climate-driven selection based on genome-wide polymorphism data of 141 JapaneseArabidopsis halleriindividuals, with European ones as outgroups. Coalescent-based analyses suggested a genetic differentiation between Japanese subpopulations since the Last Glacial Period (LGP), which would have contributed to shaping the current pattern of population structure. Population demographic analysis revealed the population size fluctuations in the LGP, which were particularly prominent since the subpopulations started to diverge (∼50 kya). The ecological niche modeling predicted the range shifts from southern coastal regions to northern coastal and mountainous areas, possibly in association with the population size fluctuations. Through genome-wide association analyses of bioclimatic variables and selection scans, we investigated whether climate-associated loci are enriched in the extreme tails of selection scans, and demonstrated the prevailing signatures of selection, particularly toward a warmer climate in southern subpopulations and a drier environment in northern subpopulations, which may have taken place during or after the LGP. Our study highlights the importance of integrating climate associations, selection scans, and population demographic analyses for identifying genomic signatures of population-specific adaptation, which would also help us predict the evolutionary responses to future climate changes.
Regional Variations in Live Proportions of Southwest Pacific Cold-Water CoralSolenosmilia variabilisReefs
Authors: Barnhill Kelsey Archer , Chin Caroline , Tracey Di , Clark Malcolm , De Clippele Laurence H. , Henley Sian F. , Wolfram Uwe , Hennige Sebastian
Published: April 2024

Reef-building cold-water-corals (CWC) form deep-sea habitats that can create biodiversity hotspots. As live coral and dead intact framework provide disparate ecosystem services and are vulnerable to different anthropogenic stressors, it is important to quantify the proportions of each on CWC reefs. We analysed 1,160 images ofSolenosmilia variabilisreefs at four sites off New Zealand (Valerie and Forde Guyots at the Louisville Seamount Chain & Ghoul and Gothic Seamounts at the Graveyard Seamount Complex) to determine the ratio of live coral to the whole reef area (termed live:reef). We found live:reef ratios are significantly different between sites at the offshore Louisville Seamount Chain and onshore Graveyard Seamount Complex. This could be driven by reef position relative to the aragonite saturation horizon (ASH) as corals in the Louisville Seamount Chain live below the ASH in colder and deeper waters than those at the Graveyard Seamount Complex, which live above the ASH. In the southwest Pacific, depth is a driver of live:reef ratios, with a larger proportion of live coral at shallow depths and dead intact framework at deeper depths. The live:reef ratios at Gothic Seamount within the Graveyard Seamount Complex remained stable between 2015 and 2020 despite significant differences in live coral, dead intact framework, and reef structure surface area. Our results indicate live:reef ratios can be used to estimate the amount of dead intact framework threatened by shoaling ASH due to ocean acidification at each site, which can help inform which sites could be protected as possible climate change refugia.
Comparative transcriptome reprogramming in oak galls containing asexual or sexual generations of gall wasps
Authors: Bellows Eleanor , Heatley Matthew , Shah Nirja , Archer Nathan , Giles Tom , Fray Rupert
Published: April 2024

Oak gall wasps have evolved strategies to manipulate the developmental pathways of their host to induce gall formation. This provides shelter and nutrients for the developing larva. Galls are entirely host tissue; however, the initiation, development, and physical appearance are controlled by the inducer. The underlying molecular mechanisms of gall formation, by which one or a small number of cells are reprogrammed and commit to a novel developmental path, are poorly understood. In this study, we sought a deeper insight into the molecular underpinnings of this process.

Oak gall wasps have two generations each year, one sexual, and one asexual. Galls formed by these two generations exhibit a markedly different appearance. We sequenced transcriptomes of both the asexual and sexual generations ofNeuroterus quercusbaccarumandNeuroterus numismalis. We then deployed Nanopore sequencing to generate long-read sequences to test the hypothesis that gall wasps introduce DNA insertions to determine gall development.

We detected potential genome rearrangements, but did not uncover any non-host DNA insertions. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the transcriptomes of the sexual generations of distinct species of wasp are more similar than inter-generational comparisons from the same species of wasp.

Our results highlight the intricate interplay between the host leaves and gall development, suggesting that season and requirements of the gall structure play a larger role than species in controlling gall development and structure.

Summary Statement

Oak gall wasps,Neuroterus quercusbaccarumandNeuroterus numismalis, induce species-specific galls onQuercus roburleaves. We demonstrate that the sexual generation of distinct species of wasps induce more similar changes in the host than different generation galls from the same species.
Stimulatory and inhibitory G-protein signaling relays drive cAMP accumulation for timely metamorphosis in the chordate Ciona
Authors: Hozumi Akiko , Totsuka Nozomu M , Onodera Arata , Wang Yanbin , Hamada Mayuko , Shiraishi Akira , Satake Honoo , Horie Takeo , Hotta Kohji , Sasakura Yasunori
Published: April 2024

Larvae of the ascidian Ciona initiate metamorphosis tens of minutes after adhesion to a substratum via its adhesive organ. The gap between adhesion and metamorphosis initiation is suggested to ensure the rigidity of adhesion, allowing Ciona to maintain settlement after losing locomotive activity through metamorphosis. The mechanism producing the gap is unknown. Here, by combining gene functional analyses, pharmacological analyses, and live imaging, we propose that the gap represents the time required for sufficient cAMP accumulation to trigger metamorphosis. Not only the Gs pathway but also the Gi and Gq pathways are involved in the initiation of metamorphosis in the downstream signaling cascade of the neurotransmitter GABA, the known initiator of Ciona metamorphosis. The mutual crosstalk of stimulatory and inhibitory G-proteins functions as the accelerator and brake for cAMP production, ensuring the faithful initiation of metamorphosis at an appropriate time and in the right situation.
Isolation of proteins on chromatin (iPOC) reveals signaling pathway-dependent alterations in the DNA-bound proteome
Authors: Wang Huiyu , Krijgsveld Jeroen , Sigismondo Gianluca
Published: April 2024

Signaling pathways often convergence on transcription factors (TFs) and other DNA-binding proteins (DBPs) that regulate chromatin structure and gene expression, thereby governing a broad range of essential cellular functions. However, the repertoire of DBPs is incompletely understood even for the best-characterized pathways. Here, we optimized a strategy for the isolation of Proteins on Chromatin (iPOC) exploiting tagged nucleoside analogues to label the DNA and capture associated proteins, thus enabling the comprehensive, sensitive, and unbiased characterization of the DNA-bound proteome. We then applied iPOC to investigate chromatome changes upon perturbation of the cancer-relevant PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Our results show distinct dynamics of the DNA-bound proteome upon selective inhibition of PI3K, AKT, or mTOR, and we provide evidence how this signaling cascade regulates the DNA-bound status of SUZ12, thereby modulating H3K27me3 levels. Collectively, iPOC is a powerful approach to study the composition of the DNA-bound proteome operating downstream of signaling cascades, thereby both expanding our knowledge of the mechanism of action of the pathway, and unveiling novel chromatin modulators that can potentially be targeted pharmacologically.
Efficient Gene Editing and Overexpression of Gametophyte Transformation in a Model Fern
Authors: Jiang Wei , Deng Fenglin , Babla Mohammad , Chen Chen , Yang Dongmei , Tong Tao , Qin Yuan , Chen Guang , Marchant D. Blaine , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E. , Zeng Fanrong , Chen Zhong-Hua
Published: April 2024

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-related nuclease (Cas) system allows precise and easy editing of genes in many plant species. However, this system has not yet been applied to any fern species due to the complex characteristics of fern genomes, genetics and physiology. Here, we established, for the first time, a protocol for gametophyte-based screening single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) with high efficiency for CRISPR/Cas-mediated gene editing in a model fern species,Ceratopteris richardii. We utilized theC. richardii Actinpromoter to drive sgRNA expression and enhanced CaMV 35S promoter to drive the expression ofStreptococcus pyogenesCas9 in this CRISPR-mediated editing system, which was employed to successfully edit a few genes (e.g.,nucleotidase/phosphatase 1, CrSAL1;Cryptochrome 4, CRY4) andCrPDS, encoding a phytoene desaturase protein that resulted in an albino phenotype inC. richardii. Knockout ofCrSAL1resulted in significantly reduced stomatal conductance (gs), leaf transpiration rate (E), stomatal/pore length, and abscisic acid (ABA)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in guard cells. Moreover,CrSAL1overexpressing plants showed significantly increased net photosynthetic rate (A),gs, Eand intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) as well as most of the stomatal traits and ROS production in guard cells compared to those in the wild-type (WT) plants. Taken together, the optimized CRISPR/Cas9 system provides a useful tool for functional genomics in a model fern species, allowing the exploration of fern gene functions for evolutionary biology, herbal medicine discovery and agricultural applications.
SIDIS at small
x
at next-to-leading order: Gluon contribution
Authors: Bergabo Filip , Jalilian-Marian Jamal
Published: April 2024

We calculate the contribution of gluons to single inclusive hadron production at next-to-leading order (NLO) accuracy in deep inelastic scattering (DIS) at small x using the color glass condensate formalism. It is shown that the only divergence present is the standard collinear divergence, which is absorbed into scale evolution of quark-hadron fragmentation function. Our calculations are performed at finite Nc and we provide general finite Nc expressions for the structure of Wilson lines appearing in inclusive dihadron and single hadron production cross sections. We also comment on how one can obtain rapidity distribution of hadron multiplicities from our results.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Investigation of the mass spectra of singly heavy baryons
ΣQ
,
ΞQ′
, and
ΩQ(Q=c,b)
in the Regge trajectory model
Authors: Pan Ji-Hai , Pan Jisi
Published: April 2024

Very recently, LHCb Collaboration observed that two new Ωc0 states decay into Ξc+K− with masses of about 3185 MeV and 3327 MeV. However, their spin-parity quantum numbers JP have not been determined. In this paper, we exploit the quark-diquark model, the linear Regge trajectory and the perturbation treatment method to analyze the mass spectra of the discovered experimental data for the singly heavy baryons Σc/Σb, Ξc′/Ξb′, and Ωc/Ωb. In addition, we further predict the mass spectra of several unobserved Σc/Σb, Ξc′/Ξb′, and Ωc/Ωb baryons. In the case of the Ωc(3185)0 and Ωc(3327)0 states, we determine Ωc(3185)0 as 2S state and Ωc(3327)0 as 1D state with JP=1/2+ and JP=3/2+, respectively. An overall good agreement of the obtained predictions with available experimental data are found.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The effect of supervisor developmental feedback on employee silence behaviour: perspective of cognitive-affective personality system
Authors: Hou Xuanfang , Zhou Yanshan , Lu Xinxin , Yuan Qiao
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of supervisor developmental feedback on employee silence behaviour by developing a moderated mediation model. The model focuses on the mediating role of role breadth self-efficacy and high activated positive affect underpinning the relationship between supervisor developmental feedback and employee silence behaviour, and the moderating role of interdependent self-construal.

Design/methodology/approach

The two-wave survey was conducted among 265 employees. Structural equation modelling was conducted to test the mediation and moderation mediation hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicated that high activated positive affect mediated the negative relationship between supervisor developmental feedback and employee silence behaviour. The authors also found that interdependent self-construal moderated the relationship between supervisor developmental feedback and role breadth self-efficacy, as well as the indirect effect of supervisor developmental feedback on employee silence behaviour via role breadth self-efficacy.

Originality/value

This empirical study provides preliminary evidence of the mediating role of breadth self-efficacy and high activated positive affect in the negative relationship between supervisor developmental feedback and employee silence behaviour. The moderated mediation results further show that the mediation of role breadth self-efficacy between supervisor developmental feedback is contingent on individual interdependent self-construal, such that the mediation effect is significant among individuals with high interdependent self-construal, but the mediation effect of high activated positive effect is independent of individual interdependent self-construal. The findings further extend boundary conditions (interdependent self-construal) that may constrain the effect of supervisor developmental feedback on role breadth self-efficacy and high activated positive affect. The research makes considerable contributions to the cognitive-affective personality system theory by specifying the cognitive and affective mechanisms between supervisor developmental feedback and employee silence behaviour, as well as the boundary conditions.
How does leader emotional labor influence employee voice: the mediating roles of psychological safety and perceived voice efficacy
Authors: Li Jia , Xia Ying , Ji Chengyu , Li Hongxu
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the impact of leader emotional labor on employee voice. According to the emotion as information theory and the voice as a deliberate decision-making process framework, this study develops and tests a model that examines the mediating effects of psychological safety and perceived voice efficacy in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted two studies to test hypotheses. Study 1 used a quantitative research methodology using a two-wave survey of 435 employees and 58 leaders in China. The research model was analyzed using multilevel path analyses. Study 2 collected 301 full-time employees from Prolific Platform. Hypotheses were tested using Mplus.

Findings

The results in Study 1 reveal that leader deep acting has a positive indirect relationship with employee voice via psychological safety. Conversely, leader surface acting has a negative indirect effect on employee voice through psychological safety. The results in Study 2 supported the hypotheses.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the voice as a deliberative process literature by introducing leader emotional labor as an antecedent of voice behavior. Additionally, this study indicates that perceived psychological safety and perceived voice efficacy are two important mediating mechanisms for implementing voice behavior.
Analyzing institutional factors influencing the national innovation system
Authors: Singh Shiwangi , Dhir Sanjay , Mukunda Das Vellupillai , Sharma Anuj
Published: April 2024

Purpose

While extant literature explores the influence of institutions on the national innovation system (NIS), most research has either focused on specific institutional aspects or treated institutions as a unified entity. This study aims to examine the effect of various institutional factors on a country’s NIS.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model was empirically validated using regression analysis. The study sample comprised a total of 84 countries.

Findings

This study identifies and empirically validates a comprehensive set of institutional factors. It also highlights the significant institutional factors (including political stability, government effectiveness, ease of resolving insolvency and the rule of law) that can help improve a country’s NIS.

Originality/value

The research provides practical implications for organizations and policymakers seeking to understand and foster an innovative culture within the NIS. Policymakers are encouraged to develop a nurturing environment within the NIS by focusing on significant institutional factors. Organizations are encouraged to closely monitor developments in the NIS of a country to make informed strategic decisions at the business, corporate and international levels.
Providing peer support on a men’s mental health ward: a service user narrative
Authors: Gray Benjamin Thomas , Sisto Matthew
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe peer support work in a men’s mental health unit from a lived experience and service user’s perspective. The intertwining of process (a lived experience perspective) and subject (the therapeutic value of peer support) leads to greater knowledge and insight into peer support for people with mental health problems.

Design/methodology/approach

This service user narrative draws on the extracts from a reflective journal of interactions and conversations with people with mental health problems as well as feedback from service users and staff about the value of peer support. These methods allow a first-person, service user’s, reflective and narrative account of peer support work.

Findings

Peer support work, particularly hearing voices sessions, are found to be highly therapeutic and worthwhile. They promote insight and create feelings of safety and hope in what can sometimes be a frightening and hostile ward environment. Peer support provides emotional and practical support. Sharing stories and experiences of mental illness with people leads to trust, feelings of being valued, heard and accepted as well as better experiences of care and being seen as a person first. Due to their shared experiences, peer support workers are able to befriend people with mental health problems on the ward. Peer support work bridges the gap and vacuum of care between people with mental health problems and staff. It compensates for understaffing to provide more holistic and person-centred care and support.

Originality/value

Lived experience/ service user perspectives and narratives on peer support are rare, particularly in a hospital setting. This article provides a rich, perhaps overlooked and hidden narrative on the nature of peer support work. People with mental health problems, like Ben, are often excluded from society, health and social care, education, employment and research. This narrative opens up a pathway to understanding peer support from a service user perspective.
Bioremediation of reactive black 5 textile dye wastewater using bacterial exopolysaccharides
Authors: Mburu Ann Wairimu , Njuguna David Githinji , Musieba Fredrick , Nzila Charles , Kimani Virginia , Wangai Alice
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the efficacy of bacterial exopolysaccharides (Eps) in reactive black 5 (RB5) textile dye wastewater bioremediation.

Design/methodology/approach

The Eps were produced by bacteria isolated from cotton gin trash soils collected from different cotton-growing regions in Kenya for comparison purposes. A broth medium reconstituted using molasses was assessed for its capacity to produce the Eps. RB5 textile dye wastewater was optimized for dye removal under different temperatures, times and molasses concentrations. Dye removal was studied by Lovibond-Day Light Comparator, UV–Vis spectrophotometer and FTIR.

Findings

It was found that cotton gin trash soils contained Eps-producing bacteria. Three of the Eps studied were found to have the capacity to remove at least 80% of the dye from the wastewater.

Research limitations/implications

This research did not assess the efficacy of the RB5 dye removal from the wastewater by mixtures of the Eps.

Practical implications

Bioremediation of textile dye wastewater with Eps produced by bacteria cultured from cotton gin trash soil is significant because it will offer an effective and cleaner alternative to the chemical coagulants.

Social implications

Alternative treatment of textile wastewater with the Eps would result in safer water being released into the water bodies as opposed to the chemically treated wastewater that contains remnant chemicals.

Originality/value

Research on the use of Eps produced by bacteria isolated from cotton gin trash soils for removal of RB5 dye from textile wastewater has not been done before.
Economic Imaginaries and Environmental Regulation
Authors: Hamlyn Olivia
Published: April 2024

While literature has explored the influence of imagination and economic thought on (environmental) law, less attention has been paid to the influence of the economic imagination – specifically economic imaginaries – and their capacity to shape environmental regulation. Taking EU pesticides policy and regulation as a case study and drawing on theory regarding the performative power of imaginaries, this piece identifies economic imaginaries expressed in EU policy and demonstrates how those imaginaries have shaped that policy to pursue economic growth and competitiveness. It examines the evolution of a key piece of pesticides legislation and charts how establishing measures to pursue those economic goals gradually prevails, while providing for transparency – a crucial principle for supporting environmental protection – is deprioritised. It argues that these developments were driven by the EU's economic imaginaries and shows how economic considerations can subtly and indirectly undermine environmental protection.
Advanced multifunctional hydrogels for diabetic foot ulcer healing: Active substances and biological functions
Authors: Li Yuetong , Leng Yuxin , Liu Yang , Zhong Jianhua , Li Jiaxin , Zhang Shitong , Li Zhenlin , Yang Kaming , Kong Xinyi , Lao Wanwen , Bi Changlong , Zhai Aixia
Published: April 2024

Aim

Hydrogels with excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability can be used as the desirable dressings for the therapy of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). This review aimed to summarize the biological functions of hydrogels, combining with the pathogenesis of DFU.

Methods

The studies in the last 10 years were searched and summarized from the online database PubMed using a combination of keywords such as hydrogel and diabetes. The biological functions of hydrogels and their healing mechanism on DFU were elaborated.

Results

In this review, hydrogels were classified by their active substances such as drugs, cytokines, photosensitizers, and biomimetic peptide. Based on this, the biological functions of hydrogels were summarized by associating the pathogenesis of DFU, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, cell phenotype change, vasculopathy, and infection. This review also pointed out some of the shortcomings of hydrogels in present researches.

Conclusions

Hydrogels were classified into carrier hydrogels and self‐functioning hydrogels in this review. Besides, the functions and components of existing hydrogels were clarified to provide assistance for future researches and clinical applications.

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Characteristics and outcomes of acute myeloid leukaemia patients with baseline CD7 expression
Authors: Jen Wei‐Ying , Sasaki Koji , Loghavi Sanam , Wang Sa A. , Qiao Wei , Borthakur Gautam , Ravandi Farhad , Kadia Tapan M. , Issa Ghayas C. , Short Nicholas J. , Yilmaz Musa , Daver Naval G. , DiNardo Courtney D.
Published: April 2024

Targeted therapy development for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) requires an understanding of specific expression profiles. We collected flow cytometry data on 901 AML patients and recorded aberrant CD7 expression on leukaemic blasts. 263 (29.2%) had blasts positive for CD7. CD7+ AML was more likely to be adverse risk (64.6% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.0074) and less likely to be favourable risk (15.2% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.0074) by European LeukemiaNet 2022 criteria. Overall survival was inferior (11.9 [95% CI, 9.7–15.9] vs. 19.0 months [95% CI, 16.1–23.0], p = 0.0174). At relapse, 30.4% lost and 19.0% gained CD7, suggesting moderate instability over time.
Lead Independent Directors and Internal Information Environment
Authors: Afzali Mansoor , Athanasakou Vasiliki , Terjesen Siri
Published: April 2024

Research Question/Issue

This study explores the relationship between the presence of a lead independent director (LID) and firms' internal information environment. LIDs are elected independent members of the board who perform key duties for the independent directors and the board, including reviewing and approving board meeting agendas, chairing non‐executive board meetings, and acting as a liaison between the CEO and other independent directors. We hypothesize that LID presence lowers information barriers between the CEO and the rest of the board members, enabling more rapid information acquisition and integration and enhancing the internal information environment of the firm.

Research Findings/Insights

Using a sample of US publicly listed companies from 2001 to 2019, we document that LID presence on the board is positively associated with proxies of internal information quality that reflect better information acquisition and information integration: accuracy and precision of management earnings forecasts, speed of earnings announcement, and absence of material weaknesses in internal controls. These results are robust to alternative model specifications, including entropy balancing, Heckman two‐step correction for self‐selection bias, firm fixed effects, and placebo tests. Further analyses suggest that LIDs with financial expertise and audit committee memberships are more effective in positively influencing internal information quality. We also show that LID presence is positively associated with several proxies of external information quality.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We build on agency theory to argue that LIDs improve internal information quality by reinforcing the information quality benefits of unified leadership while mitigating potential compromises in information quality arising from entrenchment. Similarly, we use arguments emanating from the novel strategic leadership systems theory to posit that a LID appointment facilitates the tasks of the CEO and the board, enhancing the effectiveness of both groups in their respective roles: the CEO in making operating and investment decisions and the board in strengthening oversight while bringing cohesion in their shared role of strategy visioning and implementation.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our findings suggest that there is scope for shareholders to consider LID appointments as an addition to their firms' corporate governance structures to enhance the internal information environment and decision‐making efficiency. Policymakers can also encourage LID appointments on the board when promoting best practices in corporate governance through regulatory guidelines.