bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stromal cells and alpha-1 antitrypsin have a strong synergy in modulating inflammation and its resolution
Authors: Han Li , Wu Xinran , Wang Ou , Luan Xiao , Velander William H. , Aynardi Michael , Halstead E. Scott , Bonavia Anthony S. , Jin Rong , Li Guohong , Li Yulong , Wang Yong , Dong Cheng , Lei Yuguo
Published: November 2022

Trauma, surgery, and infection can cause severe inflammation. Both dysregulated inflammation intensity and duration can lead to significant tissue injuries, organ dysfunction, mortality, and morbidity. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids and immunosuppressants can dampen inflammation intensity, but they derail inflammation resolution, compromise normal immunity, and have significant adverse effects. The natural inflammation regulator mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have high therapeutic potential because of their unique capabilities to mitigate inflammation intensity, enhance normal immunity, and accelerate inflammation resolution and tissue healing. Furthermore, clinical studies have shown that MSCs are safe and effective. However, they are not potent enough, alone, to completely resolve severe inflammation and injuries. One approach to boost the potency of MSCs is to combine them with synergistic agents. We hypothesized that alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT), a plasma protein used clinically and having an excellent safety profile, was a promising candidate for synergism. This investigation examined the efficacy and synergy of MSCs and A1AT to mitigate inflammation and to promote resolution, using in vitro cell cultures and a mouse acute lung injury and inflammation model. We found that the combination of MSCs and A1AT was much more effective than each component alone in i) modulating cytokine releases and inflammatory pathways, ii) inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) production by neutrophils, iii) enhancing phagocytosis and, iv) promoting inflammation resolution, tissue healing, and animal survival. Our results support the combined use of MSCs and A1AT for managing severe, acute inflammation.
Nod1-dependent NF-kB activation initiates hematopoietic stem cell specification in response to small Rho GTPases
Authors: Cheng Xiaoyi , Barakat Radwa , Gorden Abigail , Snella Elizabeth , Zhang Yudi , Dorman Karin , Fidanza Antonella , Campbell Clyde , Espin-Palazon Raquel
Published: November 2022

The possibility of specifying functional hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) would overcome current limitations related to HSPC transplantation. However, generating hPSC-derived HSPCs has been elusive, necessitating a better understanding of the native developmental mechanisms that trigger HSPC specification. Here, we revealedin vivoan intrinsic inflammatory mechanism triggered by Nod1 that drives early hemogenic endothelium (HE) patterning to specify HSPCs. Our genetic and chemical experiments showed that HSPCs failed to specify in the absence of Nod1 and its downstream kinase Ripk2. Rescue experiments demonstrated that Nod1 and Ripk2 acted through NF-kB, and that small Rho GTPases are at the apex of this mechanism. Manipulation of NOD1 in a human system of hPSCs differentiation towards the definitive hematopoietic lineage indicated functional conservation. This work establishes the RAC1-NOD1-RIPK2-NFkB axis as the earliest inflammatory inductor that intrinsically primes the HE for proper HSPC specification. Manipulation of this pathway could help derive a competent HE amenable to specify functional patient specific HSPCs for the treatment of blood disorders.

Highlights

Nod1 specifies HSPCsin vivothrough the early induction of hemogenic endothelium.

Nod1-Ripk2 controls HSPC specification by activating the inflammatory master TF NF-kB.

Nod1 links small Rho GTPases with pro-inflammatory signaling during the genesis of HSPCs.

The function of NOD1 is conserved in the development of definitive human HSPCs.
Mesoscopic patterns of functional connectivity alterations in autism by contrast subgraphs
Authors: Lanciano Tommaso , Petri Giovanni , Gili Tommaso , Bonchi Francesco
Published: November 2022

Despite the breakthrough achievements in understanding structural and functional connectivity alterations that underlie autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the exact nature and type of such alterations are not yet clear due to conflicting reports of hyper-connectivity, hypo-connectivity, and –in some cases– combinations of both. In this work, we approach the debate about hyper- vs hypoconnectivity in ASD using a novel network comparison technique designed to capture mesoscopic-scale differential structures. In particular, we build on recent algorithmic advances in the sparsification of functional connectivity matrices, in the extraction of contrast subgraphs, and in the computation of statistically significant maximal frequent itemsets, and develop a method to identify mesoscale structural subgraphs that are maximally dense and different in terms of connectivity levels between the different sets of networks.

We apply our method to analyse brain networks of typically developed individuals and ASD patients across different developmental phases and find a set of altered cortical-subcortical circuits between healthy subjects and patients affected by ASD. Specifically, our analysis highlights in ASD patients a significantly larger number of functional connections among regions of the occipital cortex and between the left precuneus and the superior parietal gyrus. At the same time, reduced connectivity characterised the superior frontal gyrus and the temporal lobe regions. More importantly, we can simultaneously detect regions of the brain that show hyper and hypo-connectivity in ASD in children and adolescents, recapitulating within a single framework multiple previous separate observations.
Urine proteomic analysis of the rat startle model
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Liu Yuqing , Gao Youhe
Published: November 2022

Urine proteomics was applied to explore whether the effect of startle can be detected in urine. A combination of natural enemy odor and sound stimulation was used to establish the rat startle model. Urine samples were collected before and after startle, and urine proteomes before-after startle of each rat were compared individually. Regulatory subunits of glutamate-cysteine ligase was identified as the sole differential protein among all five startled rats. To our surprise, its functional partner catalytic subunits of glutamate-cysteine ligase was also identified in four out of five rats as differential protein. When comparing before-after startle as two groups, 22 differential proteins were identified which represent biological pathways including neurotransmitter transport and glucose transmembrane transport.
Optimising source identification from marmoset vocalisations with hierarchical machine learning classifiers
Authors: Phaniraj Nikhil , Wierucka Kaja , Zürcher Yvonne , Burkart Judith M.
Published: November 2022

Marmosets, with their highly social nature and complex vocal communication system, are important models for comparative studies of vocal communication and, eventually, language evolution. However, our knowledge about marmoset vocalisations predominantly originates from playback studies or vocal interactions between dyads, and there is a need to move towards studying group-level communication dynamics. Efficient source identification from marmoset vocalisations is essential for this challenge, and machine learning algorithms (MLAs) can aid it. Here we built a pipeline capable of plentiful feature extraction, meaningful feature selection, and supervised classification of vocalisations of up to 18 marmosets. We optimised the classifier by building a hierarchical MLA that first learned to determine the sex of the source, narrowed down the possible source individuals based on their sex, and then determined the source identity. We were able to correctly identify the source individual with high precisions (87.21% – 94.42%, depending on call type, and up to 97.79% after the removal of twins from the dataset). We also examine the robustness of identification across varying sample sizes. Our pipeline is a promising tool not only for source identification from marmoset vocalisations but also for analysing vocalisations and tracking vocal learning trajectories of other species.
Population genomics reveals mechanisms and dynamics ofde novoproto-gene emergence inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Grandchamp Anna , Kühl Lucas , Lebherz Marie , Brüggemann Kathrin , Parsch John , Bornberg-Bauer Erich
Published: November 2022

Scientific Abstract

Novel genes are essential for evolutionary innovations and differ substantially even between closely related species. Recently, multiple studies across many taxa have suggested that some novel genes arisede novo, i.e. from previously non-coding DNA. In order to characterise the underlying mutations that allowedde novogene emergence and their order of occurrence, homologous regions must be detected within non-coding sequences in closely related sister genomes. So far, most studies do not detect non-coding homologs ofde novogenes due to inconsistent data and long evolutionary distances separating genomes. Here we overcome these issues by searching for proto-genes, the not-yet fixed precursors ofde novogenes that emerged within a single species. We sequenced and assembled genomes with long-read technology and the corresponding transcriptomes from inbred lines ofDrosophila melanogaster, derived from seven geographically diverse populations. We found line-specific proto-genes in abundance but few proto-genes shared by lines, suggesting a rapid turnover. Gain and loss of transcription is more frequent than the creation of Open Reading Frames (ORFs), e.g. by forming new START- and STOP-codons. Consequently, the gain of ORFs becomes rate limiting and is frequently the initial step in proto-gene emergence. Furthermore, Transposable Elements (TEs) are major drivers for intra genomic duplications of proto-genes, yet TE insertions are less important for the emergence of proto-genes. However, highly mutable genomic regions around TEs provide new features that enable gene birth. In conclusion, proto-genes have a high birth-death rate, are rapidly purged, but surviving proto-genes spread neutrally through populations and within genomes.
Cell-free biosynthesis combined with deep learning accelerates de novo-development of antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Pandi Amir , Adam David , Zare Amir , Trinh Van Tuan , Schaefer Stefan L. , Wiegand Marie , Klabunde Björn , Bobkova Elizaveta , Kushwaha Manish , Foroughijabbari Yeganeh , Braun Peter , Spahn Christoph , Preußer Christian , von Strandmann Elke Pogge , Bode Helge B. , von Buttlar Heiner , Bertrams Wilhelm , Jung Anna Lena , Abendroth Frank , Schmeck Bernd , Hummer Gerhard , Vázquez Olalla , Erb Tobias J.
Published: November 2022

Bioactive peptides are key molecules in health and medicine. Deep learning holds a big promise for the discovery and design of bioactive peptides. Yet, suitable experimental approaches are required to validate candidates in high throughput and at low cost. Here, we established a cell- free protein synthesis (CFPS) pipeline for the rapid and inexpensive production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) directly from DNA templates. To validate our platform, we used deep learning to design thousands of AMPs de novo. Using computational methods, we prioritized 500 candidates that we produced and screened with our CFPS pipeline. We identified 30 functional AMPs, which we characterized further through molecular dynamics simulations, antimicrobial activity and toxicity. Notably, six de novo-AMPs feature broad-spectrum activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens and do not develop bacterial resistance. Our work demonstrates the potential of CFPS for production and testing of bioactive peptides within less than 24 hours and <10$ per screen.
Urine proteomic analysis of the rat e-cigarette model
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Shen Ziyun , Zhao Chenyang , Gao Youhe
Published: November 2022

Urinary proteomics was used to investigate the potential effects of e-cigarettes on the human body. In this study, a rat e-cigarette model was constructed by smoking for two weeks and urine samples before, during, and after e-cigarette smoking were collected. Urine proteomes before-after smoking of each rat were compared individually, while the control group was set up to rule out differences caused by rat growth and development. After smoking, the differential proteins produced by rats shows strong individual variation. Fetuin-B, a biomarker of COPD, and annexin A2, which is recognized as a multiple tumor marker, were identified as the differential proteins in five out of six smoking rats on day 3. To our surprise, odorant-binding proteins expressed in the olfactory epithelium were also found and were significantly upregulated, which may help explain olfactory adaptation. Pathways enriched by the differential proteins shows the evidence that smoking e-cigarettes affects the immune system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, etc., which provides clues for further exploration of the mechanism of e-cigarettes on the human body.
Exposure to environmental stress decreases the resistance of river microbial communities towards invasion by antimicrobial resistant bacteria
Authors: Bagra Kenyum , Bellanger Xavier , Merlin Christophe , Singh Gargi , Berendonk Thomas U. , Klümper Uli
Published: November 2022

Environmental microbiomes are constantly exposed to invasion events through foreign, antibiotic resistant bacteria that were enriched in the anthropic sphere. However, the biotic and abiotic factors, as well as the natural barriers that determine the invasion success of these invader bacteria into the environmental microbiomes are poorly understood. A great example of such invasion events are river microbial communities constantly exposed to resistant bacteria originating from wastewater effluents. Here, we aim at gaining comprehensive insights into the key factors that determine their invasion success with a particular focus on the effects of environmental stressors, regularly co-released in wastewater effluents. Understanding invasion dynamics of resistant bacteria is crucial for limiting the environmental spread of antibiotic resistance. To achieve this, we grew natural microbial biofilms on glass slides in rivers for one month. The biofilms were then transferred to laboratory, recirculating flume systems and exposed to a single pulse of a model resistant invader bacterium (E. coli) either in presence or absence of stress induced by Cu2+. The invasion dynamics ofE. coliinto the biofilms were then monitored for 14 days. Despite an initially successful introduction ofE. coliinto the biofilms, independent of the imposed stress, over time the invader perished in absence of stress. However, under stress c the invading strain successfully established and proliferated in the biofilms. Noteworthy, the increased establishment success of the invader coincided with a loss in microbial community diversity under stress conditions, likely due to additional niche space becoming available for the invader.
DPYSL2/CRMP2isoform B knockout in human iPSC-derived glutamatergic neurons confirms its role in mTOR signaling and neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Feuer Kyra L. , Peng Xi , Yovo Christian , Avramopoulos Dimitri
Published: November 2022

DPYSL2/CRMP2is a microtubule-stabilizing protein crucial for neurogenesis and associated with numerous psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.DPYSL2has multiple RNA and protein isoforms, but few studies have differentiated between them or explored their individual functions. We previously demonstrated in HEK293 cells that a schizophrenia -associated variant in theDPYSL2B isoform (DPYSL2-B) reduced the length of cellular projections, created a transcriptomic disturbance that captured schizophrenia etiology, and was acted upon by the mTOR pathway. In the present study, we follow up on these results by creating, to our knowledge, the first models of endogenousDPYSL2-Bknockout in human induced pluripotent stem cells and excitatory glutamatergic neurons. We use CRISPR/Cas9 to specifically knock outDPYSL2-Band observe corresponding reduction of its RNA and protein. The average length of dendrites in knockout neurons was reduced up to 58% compared to controls. Transcriptome analysis reveals disruptions in pathways highly relevant to psychiatric disease including mTOR signaling, cytoskeletal dynamics, immune function, calcium signaling, and cholesterol biosynthesis. We also observed a significant enrichment of our differentially expressed genes in schizophrenia GWAS-associated loci. Our findings clarify the functions of the humanDPYSL2-Bisoform and confirm its involvement in molecular pathologies shared between many psychiatric diseases.
Bridging the light-electron resolution gap with correlative cryo-SRRF and dual-axis cryo-STEM tomography
Authors: Kirchweger Peter , Mullick Debakshi , Swain Prabhu Prasad , Wolf Sharon G. , Elbaum Michael
Published: November 2022

Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is the prime method for cell biological studies in three dimensions (3D) at high resolution. We have introduced cryo-scanning transmission electron tomography (CSTET), which can access larger 3D volumes, on the scale of 1 micron, making it ideal to study organelles and their interactionsin situ. Here we introduce two relevant advances: a) we demonstrate the utility of multi-color super-resolution radial fluctuation light microscopy under cryogenic conditions (cryo-SRRF), and b) we extend the use of deconvolution processing for dual-axis CSTET data. We show that cryo-SRRF nanoscopy is able to reach resolutions in the range of 100 nm, using commonly available fluorophores and a conventional widefield microscope for cryo-correlative light-electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM). Such resolution aids in precisely identifying regions of interest before tomographic acquisition and enhances precision in localizing features of interest within the 3D reconstruction. Dual-axis CSTET tilt series data and application of entropy regularized deconvolution during post-processing results in close-to isotropic resolution in the reconstruction without averaging. We show individual protein densities in a mitochondrion-ER contact in a cell region 850 nm thick. The integration of cryo-SRRF with deconvolved dual-axis CSTET provides a versatile workflow for studying unique objects in a cell.
Mortality associated with different influenza subtypes in France between 2015-2019
Authors: Goldstein Edward
Published: November 2022

Background

High levels of excess mortality during periods of active influenza circulation in France were observed in the years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the factors that affect the rates of influenza associated mortality are influenza vaccination coverage levels in different population groups and practices for testing for influenza and related use of antiviral medications for various illness episodes (including pneumonia hospitalizations) during periods of active influenza circulation in the community.

Methods

Data on sentinel ILI surveillance and sentinel virological surveillance in France were combined in a framework of a previously developed regression model to estimate the number of deaths associated with the circulation of the major influenza subtypes (A/H3N2, A/H1N1, B/Yamagata and B/Victoria) in France between 2015-2019.

Results

Between week 3, 2015 and week 2, 2020, there were on average 15403 (95% CI (12591,18229)) annual influenza-associated deaths, of which 60.3% (49.9%,71.9%) were associated with influenza A/H3N2, and 29.5% (13.3%,45.5%) were associated with influenza B/Yamagata. During weeks when levels of ILI consultation in mainland France were above 50 per 100,000 persons, 7.9% (6.5%,9.4%) of all deaths in France were influenza-associated.

Conclusions

High rates of influenza-associated mortality in France prior to the COVID-19 pandemic suggest that boosting influenza vaccination coverage in different population groups and testing for influenza in respiratory illness episodes (including pneumonia hospitalizations) during periods of active influenza (particularly influenza A/H3N2) circulation in combination with the use of antiviral medications is needed to mitigate the impact of influenza epidemics.
Impact of sustainable supply chain management on cost performance: empirical evidence from manufacturing companies of Bangladesh
Authors: Khanam Zobaida , Ghosh Ratan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The aim of the study has been performed to investigate the relationship between sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices and the cost performance of manufacturing firms in Bangladesh. Moreover, this paper highlights the key environment-friendly approaches and their association with financial performance in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper empirically assesses sustainable supply chain performance using four major supply chain practices, including sustainable procurement, sustainable production, sustainable distribution and investment recovery, and compares it with the cost performance. Twenty-four variables were identified through different literature and distributed as a structured questionnaire among the managers appointed in different manufacturing firms in Bangladesh. An empirical study was conducted using the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to examine the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The results find a positive relationship in two variables of sustainable supply chain practices, including sustainable procurement and investment recovery, while sustainable distribution negatively impacted cost performance. In addition, sustainable production found no effect on cost performance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper emphasizes the financial perspective of a sustainable supply chain without explicit consideration of sustainability's environmental and social dimensions.

Practical implications

This study has implications for the literature on the SSCM approaches of manufacturing firms in the least developed economies. In addition, this study could work as a guideline for some manufacturing industries that prefer a policy or standard to alter their traditional supply chain management system to a sustainable supply chain.

Originality/value

The paper provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the coordinated effect of SSCM practices on cost performance where variables of four specific activities of SSCM and cost performance are adopted from different studies. Further studies could be initiated, including some other eco-friendly supply chain variables, and the effect could be evaluated from an environmental perspective.
Marketing and performance in small firms: the role of networking
Authors: McCartan Aodheen
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to advance knowledge of small firm performance by explicating how networking helps small firms carry out marketing and perform better.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey of small firm owner-managers in a regional economy of the UK was executed. Hypotheses were tested including the proposition that networking proactiveness moderates the relationship between market orientation (MO) and performance.

Findings

It was found that networking is undertaken by all small firms across a spectrum of business types. Networking is seen as applicable, it results in valuable outcomes and these outcomes contribute to marketing. The contribution increases with firm size and is valued more in small firms with a dedicated marketing function. Proactive networking creates greater value than reactive networking, but proactive networking in and of itself does not lead to greater performance. Rather, networking proactiveness moderates the relationship between MO and performance.

Practical implications

It is argued that networking should not be dismissed as “not quite proper” marketing and should be harnessed as a way of compensating for marketing activities that are outside the reach of the small firm. Small firms are advised to adopt a proactive approach to their networking activities, as without a reasonable level of proactiveness, there is likely to be no benefit in being market oriented.

Originality/value

There has been little research that has examined the specific ways in which networking contributes to marketing and none that probes if and to what extent this contribution makes a difference to overall firm performance. This paper addresses this gap.
Interactions between protea plants and their animal mutualists and antagonists are structured more by energetic than morphological trait matching
Authors: Neu Alexander , Cooksley Huw , Esler Karen J. , Pauw Anton , Roets Francois , Schurr Frank M. , Schleuning Matthias
Published: November 2022

Traits mediate mutualistic and antagonistic interactions between plants and animals, and should thus be useful for predicting trophic species interactions. Studies to date have examined the importance of morphological trait matching for plant–animal interactions, but have rarely explored the extent to which these interactions are shaped by matching between energetic provisions of plants and energetic demands of animals.

We tested whether energetic and/or morphological trait matching shapes interactions between Protea plant species and their interacting animal mutualists and antagonists in the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa.

We recorded interactions between 22 Protea species, pollinating insects and vertebrates as well as seed predators (endophagous insect larvae in protea cones) at 21 study sites. To relate species interactions to matching trait pairs, we measured key morphological traits (shape and size of flower heads and seed cones, and mouth part length as well as body length) and quantified the animals' energetic demands (metabolic rate) together with the plants' energetic provisions (nectar sugar amount, seed‐to‐cone mass ratio). We calculated log ratios of both energetic and morphological traits between animals and plants as predictor variables for the number of observed interactions between Protea species and their animal interaction partners.

For both mutualistic and antagonistic interactions, we found significant effects of morphological and energetic trait ratios on the interactions between plants and animals. Trait ratios accounted for 11% to 22% of variation in species interactions. Consistent with energetic trait matching, we found a hump‐shaped relationship between interaction frequency and log ratios of energetic traits of animals and plants, indicating that interactions were most frequent at intermediate log ratios between energetic demand and provision. Effects of morphological trait ratios on interactions were statistically supported in most cases, but were variable in the magnitude and shape of the predicted relationships.

Across animal taxa and interaction types, energetic traits had more consistent effects on interactions between plants and animals than morphological traits. This suggests that energy can function as an important interaction currency and facilitate the understanding and prediction of trophic species interactions.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Keeping connected: Family therapists' experiences of working online during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Beet Naomi , Ademosu Temitope
Published: November 2022

For this qualitative study, eight family therapists were interviewed about their experiences of practising online during the pandemic. Findings are organised using a framework of problems, possibilities, resources and restraints (PPRR, Neden & Burnham, 2007). Despite variation in therapist confidence in online practice, all participants found new possibilities in this way of working, including connecting family members across distance, increased co‐construction within therapeutic relationships and engaging clients who would not usually attend appointments. Therapeutic alliance was generally possible to establish online, though felt more challenging with whole families than individuals. Problems and restraints included therapist fatigue, risk and safety management, and attuning to nuanced expression of emotion. Implications for practice and future research are proposed. It is suggested that systemic practice has unique qualities to offer the field of online psychotherapy.
Effects of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine and methamphetamine on motor vehicle driving performance: A systematic review of experimental and observational studies
Authors: McGrane Ian R. , Ramsbacher Nathan C. , Rook William C. , Omar Faddy A.
Published: November 2022

Methamphetamine (METH) and 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are common drugs of abuse and driving under their influence may occur in 1 million people yearly in the United States. This systematic review fills the currently unmet need in understanding the effects of METH and MDMA on motor vehicle driving performance (MVP) and provides insight into the forensic community. A PubMed search on September 24, 2020, for experimental and observational studies, which evaluated the impact of METH and MDMA on MVP was performed. After a review of 208 abstracts, 103 were considered potentially interesting and full texts were obtained. After the exclusion of non‐English articles, review articles, single case reports, and articles which did not evaluate METH or MDMA on MVP, a total of nine experimental studies, 10 traditional observational studies, and 35 case series were included. The clinical rigor of experimental studies was evaluated using the Jadad scale. Experimental studies often demonstrated no significant MVP safety signals for METH or MDMA use, which was contrary to the overwhelming MVP safety risks found in observational studies. Common driving behaviors while using METH or MDMA include: errors in judgment, traveling at high speeds, failure to stop, merging inappropriately, lane weaving, and crashes. Limitations of experimental studies that led to dissimilar MVP outcomes from observational studies include: the common use of driving simulators, as opposed to actual driving examinations, and doses of METH or MDMA administered may not be representative of blood concentrations seen in observational studies. This systematic review has no funding source and was not registered.
Emoji meanings (pleasure–arousal–dominance dimensions) in consumer research: Between‐country and interpersonal differences
Authors: Schouteten Joachim J. , Llobell Fabien , Chheang Sok L. , Jin David , Jaeger Sara R.
Published: November 2022

In line with the increasing popularity of emoji, the need for methodological research into these pictorial representations of emotion remains. The present research contributes to this goal by continuing to establish the meaning of emoji and exploring these according to between‐country and interpersonal differences. The emoji (n = 12) were selected to span the valence × arousal emotion space, and the PAD model (Pleasure–Arousal–Dominance) was used to establish emoji meaning for the three dimensions, operationalized as measurement on 6 × 3 semantic differentials. Participants in the main study came from three countries—Germany, Singapore, and Malaysia (n = 2465), and a supplementary study included the United Kingdom and New Zealand (n = 600) (subset of four emoji). The results confirmed that emoji meanings according to the PAD model were largely similar between countries (albeit not identical). There were multiple minor significant differences for individual emoji, and where these existed, they often related to the dimension of Arousal, prompting a need for further investigation. Interpersonal differences were examined for gender (men and women), age group (18–45 and 46–69 years old), and frequency of emoji use. Again, significant differences were smaller rather than larger and supported the notion that emoji are generally applicable for multicountry research. However, caution regarding the participants who use emoji infrequently may be warranted.

Practical Application

The findings from this research will help academics and practitioners who are interested in using emoji for sensory and consumer research (or are already doing so) with more robust interpretations of their findings. For a set of 12 emoji that provide broad coverage of the valence × arousal emotional space, meanings are provided on the three dimensions of the PAD model. The data is collected in five countries and contributes to increased confidence that emoji meanings are by and large similar in these countries.
Haplotype‐phased and chromosome‐level genome assembly of Puccinia polysora, a giga‐scale fungal pathogen causing southern corn rust
Authors: Liang Junmin , Li Yuanjie , Dodds Peter N. , Figueroa Melania , Sperschneider Jana , Han Shiling , Tsui Clement K. M. , Zhang Keyu , Li Leifu , Ma Zhanhong , Cai Lei
Published: November 2022

Rust fungi are characterized by large genomes with high repeat content and have two haploid nuclei in most life stages, which makes achieving high‐quality genome assemblies challenging. Here, we described a pipeline using HiFi reads and Hi‐C data to assemble a gigabase‐sized fungal pathogen, Puccinia polysora f.sp. zeae, to haplotype‐phased and chromosome‐scale. The final assembled genome is 1.71 Gbp, with ~850 Mbp and 18 chromosomes in each haplotype, being currently one of the two giga‐scale fungi assembled to chromosome level. Transcript‐based annotation identified 47,512 genes for the dikaryotic genome with a similar number for each haplotype. A high level of interhaplotype variation was found with 10% haplotype‐specific BUSCO genes, 5.8 SNPs/kbp, and structural variation accounting for 3% of the genome size. The P. polysora genome displayed over 85% repeat contents, with genome‐size expansion and copy number increasing of species‐specific orthogroups. Interestingly, these features did not affect overall synteny with other Puccinia species having smaller genomes. Fine‐time‐point transcriptomics revealed seven clusters of coexpressed secreted proteins that are conserved between two haplotypes. The fact that candidate effectors interspersed with all genes indicated the absence of a “two‐speed genome” evolution in P. polysora. Genome resequencing of 79 additional isolates revealed a clonal population structure of P. polysora in China with low geographic differentiation. Nevertheless, a minor population differentiated from the major population by having mutations on secreted proteins including AvrRppC, indicating the ongoing virulence to evade recognition by RppC, a major resistance gene in Chinese corn cultivars. The high‐quality assembly provides valuable genomic resources for future studies on disease management and the evolution of P. polysora.
Cysteine restriction‐specific effects of sulfur amino acid restriction on lipid metabolism
Authors: Nichenametla Sailendra N. , Mattocks Dwight A. L. , Cooke Diana , Midya Vishal , Malloy Virginia L. , Mansilla Wilfredo , Øvrebø Bente , Turner Cheryl , Bastani Nasser E. , Sokolová Jitka , Pavlíková Markéta , Richie John P. , Shoveller Anna K. , Refsum Helga , Olsen Thomas , Vinknes Kathrine J. , Kožich Viktor , Ables Gene P.
Published: November 2022

Decreasing the dietary intake of methionine exerts robust anti‐adiposity effects in rodents but modest effects in humans. Since cysteine can be synthesized from methionine, animal diets are formulated by decreasing methionine and eliminating cysteine. Such diets exert both methionine restriction (MR) and cysteine restriction (CR), that is, sulfur amino acid restriction (SAAR). Contrarily, SAAR diets formulated for human consumption included cysteine, and thus might have exerted only MR. Epidemiological studies positively correlate body adiposity with plasma cysteine but not methionine, suggesting that CR, but not MR, is responsible for the anti‐adiposity effects of SAAR. Whether this is true, and, if so, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Using methionine‐ and cysteine‐titrated diets, we demonstrate that the anti‐adiposity effects of SAAR are due to CR. Data indicate that CR increases serinogenesis (serine biosynthesis from non‐glucose substrates) by diverting substrates from glyceroneogenesis, which is essential for fatty acid reesterification and triglyceride synthesis. Molecular data suggest that CR depletes hepatic glutathione and induces Nrf2 and its downstream targets Phgdh (the serine biosynthetic enzyme) and Pepck‐M. In mice, the magnitude of SAAR‐induced changes in molecular markers depended on dietary fat concentration (60% fat >10% fat), sex (males > females), and age‐at‐onset (young > adult). Our findings are translationally relevant as we found negative and positive correlations of plasma serine and cysteine, respectively, with triglycerides and metabolic syndrome criteria in a cross‐sectional epidemiological study. Controlled feeding of low‐SAA, high‐polyunsaturated fatty acid diets increased plasma serine in humans. Serinogenesis might be a target for treating hypertriglyceridemia.
Context‐dependent demographic and genetic effects of translocation from a captive breeding project
Authors: Wallén J. , Norén K. , Angerbjörn A. , Eide N. E. , Landa A. , Flagstad Ø.
Published: November 2022

Translocations are a widespread approach to conserve threatened populations. Given the rapid decline and genetic deterioration of many natural populations, translocations are expected to become even more common in the future. The success of translocations is, however, dependent on multiple context‐dependent factors, such as demographic and genetic status, habitat quality and animal behaviour. The Scandinavian arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) exists in a small, fragmented population that is demographically vulnerable and exposed to inbreeding depression. In the early 2000 s, releases of arctic foxes from the Norwegian Captive Breeding Programme were initiated with the purpose of reintroducing populations to formerly inhabited areas and promoting connectivity. Since 2008/2009, 61 foxes have been released in Junkeren, Norway to re‐establish an unoccupied area. We used a combination of field observations and microsatellite genotyping from the release site and two neighbouring subpopulations to investigate (i) the probability of establishment and reproduction for released foxes at the release site and in neighbouring subpopulations, and (ii) the impact on litter size and genetic composition in the recipient populations. Results showed that 18% of the released foxes were established at the release site, or in neighbouring subpopulations and 11.5% reproduced successfully. The extent of post‐release dispersal into neighbouring subpopulations was also relatively high (11.5%). During the study period, the number of litters more than doubled in the subpopulations with released foxes contributing 29.5% to this increase, but no clear effect of immigration on litter size was found. There was a slight increase in genetic variation in one of the subpopulations, and a significant decline in genetic divergence between subpopulations. We conclude that despite extensive releases, demographic and genetic effects were highly context‐dependent. This study highlights the challenges of reinforcement programmes in small populations and reintroductions to unoccupied sites, especially for highly mobile species in a fragmented landscape.
Closed‐loop automated oxygen control in ventilated infants born at or near term: A crossover trial
Authors: Kaltsogianni Ourania , Dassios Theodore , Lee Rebecca , Harris Christopher , Greenough Anne
Published: November 2022

Aim

To determine if the use of closed‐loop automated oxygen control (CLAC) reduced the incidence and duration of hypoxemic episodes (SpO2 < 92%) in ventilated infants born at or above 34 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Infants were studied on two consecutive days for 6 h each day. They were randomised to receive standard care (manual oxygen control) or standard care with a CLAC system (automated oxygen control) first.

Results

Sixteen infants with a median (IQR) gestational age of 37.4 (36.6–38.8) weeks were studied at a median (IQR) postmenstrual age of 38.8 (37.4–39.8) weeks. During the automated oxygen control period, infants spent less time in hypoxemia (SpO2 < 92%) (p = 0.033), episodes of desaturation were shorter (p = 0.001), the time spent within target SpO2 range (92%–96%) was increased (p = 0.001), and the FiO2 delivery was lower (p = 0.018). The time spent in hyperoxemia (SpO2 > 96%) was reduced during automated oxygen control (p = 0.011), the episodes of hyperoxemia were of shorter duration (p = 0.008) and fewer manual adjustments were made to the FiO2 (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Closed‐loop automated oxygen control in ventilated infants born at or near term was associated with a reduction in the incidence and duration of hypoxemic episodes with more time spent in the target oxygen range.
The impact of family size on child investment in Thailand: Revisiting with an alternative approach
Authors: Sirisankanan Aeggarchat
Published: November 2022

Most economics research have concentrated on testing the quality–quantity (QQ) model through the relationship between family size and children's schooling. Much less effort has been given to comparing the child quality and child quantity income elasticities. Using the Thai household socioeconomic panel surveys, this paper examines the trade‐off between the quality and quantity of children by comparing the child quality and child quantity income elasticities. According to the theoretical prediction, the results showed that quality income elasticity was evidently higher than quantity income elasticity. Moreover, quality income elasticity was higher than quantity income elasticity even if permanent income was also controlled.
The Dutch list of essential drugs for undergraduate medical education: A modified Delphi study
Authors: Donker Erik M. , Pandit Rahul , Poleij Merel C. S. , Brinkman David J. , van Agtmael Michiel A. , van Rosse Floor , Dumont Glenn , Kramers Cornelis , Atiqi Roya , Richir Milan C. , van Smeden Jeroen , Hessel Marleen H. M. , Janssen Ben J. , Knol Wilma , Tichelaar Jelle ,   the Pharmacotherapy Education working group of the Dutch Society for Clinical Pharmacology & Biopharmacy and its affiliated Dutch Network of Clinical Pharmacology Teachers
Published: November 2022

Aims

Prescribing errors among junior doctors are common in clinical practice because many lack prescribing competence after graduation. This is in part due to inadequate education in clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (CP&T) in the undergraduate medical curriculum. To support CP&T education, it is important to determine which drugs medical undergraduates should be able to prescribe safely and effectively without direct supervision by the time they graduate. Currently, there is no such list with broad‐based consensus. Therefore, the aim was to reach consensus on a list of essential drugs for undergraduate medical education in the Netherlands.

Methods

A two‐round modified Delphi study was conducted among pharmacists, medical specialists, junior doctors and pharmacotherapy teachers from all eight Dutch academic hospitals. Participants were asked to indicate whether it was essential that medical graduates could prescribe specific drugs included on a preliminary list. Drugs for which ≥80% of all respondents agreed or strongly agreed were included in the final list.

Results

In all, 42 (65%) participants completed the two Delphi rounds. A total of 132 drugs (39%) from the preliminary list and two (3%) newly proposed drugs were included.

Conclusions

This is the first Delphi consensus study to identify the drugs that Dutch junior doctors should be able to prescribe safely and effectively without direct supervision. This list can be used to harmonize and support the teaching and assessment of CP&T. Moreover, this study shows that a Delphi method is suitable to reach consensus on such a list, and could be used for a European list.
A critical appraisal of controlled studies investigating malformation risks following pregabalin use in early pregnancy
Authors: Richardson Jonathan L. , Damkier Per , Diav‐Citrin Orna , George Nathan , Greenall Amanda J. , Oliver Alison M. , Stephens Sally , Hodson Kenneth K.
Published: November 2022

In March 2022, the Summary of Product Characteristics for the Lyrica brand of pregabalin was updated with warnings regarding malformation risks. This literature review and critical appraisal aims to explore whether these Summary of Product Characteristics updates are justified and provide clarity on the risk–benefit balance for pregabalin use in early pregnancy. A literature review was conducted in May 2022 to identify English language comparative studies of any design providing data about first trimester maternal pregabalin use and malformation risk. Five observational comparative cohort studies using data from 9 distinct datasets were located. Collectively these studies described at least 5300 unique pregabalin exposed pregnancies, with 4900 exposed in at least the first trimester. Three studies investigated overall major malformation risks, and 4 investigated specific malformation risks. The available evidence was found to be conflicting and generally of low quality, probably influenced by bias and data confounding, with no clear pattern of specific malformations observed. Findings from the largest study suggested absolute risks of major malformation of 4.8–5.6%, relative to a background risk of approximately 4%. Due to study methodology limitations, the available data were judged to only provide low quality evidence suggestive of a possible and unconfirmed small increased risk that cannot be solely attributed to foetal pregabalin exposure. This literature review and critical appraisal indicates that the Lyrica product literature updates are insufficiently substantiated and could result in confusion and misinformed clinical risk–benefit decision making.
Prognostic effects of the gastric mucosal microbiota in gastric cancer
Authors: Yang Jinpu , Xu Jiaren , Ling Zongxin , Zhou Xinxin , Si Yongqiang , Liu Xiaosun , Ji Feng
Published: November 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with a high incidence and mortality. Microbiota play a significant role in human health and disease. We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the gastric microbiota in different stomach microhabitats. We used our previously published 16S rRNA gene sequence data. We retrospectively enrolled a cohort of 132 patients with GC with complete prognostic information and selected 78 normal tissues, 49 peritumoral tissues, and 112 tumoral tissues for microbiota analysis. Patients with different prognoses showed different gastric microbiota compositions and diversity. The association network of the abundant gastric microbiota was more complicated in patients with poor prognoses. In the peritumoral microhabitat of patients with good prognoses, Helicobacter was significantly increased, whereas Halomonas and Shewanella were significantly decreased relative to that in the peritumoral microhabitat of patients with poor prognoses. PiCRUSt analysis revealed that the peritumoral microbiota had more different Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways than did the tumoral and normal microbiota. This study evaluated the long‐term prognostic value of the gastric mucosal microbiota in patients with GC. These findings suggested that the characteristic alterations of the gastric mucosal microbiota may be markers for clinical outcomes in these patients.