bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UV index and climate seasonality explain fungal community turnover in global drylands
Authors: Egidi Eleonora , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Berdugo Miguel , Guirado Emilio , Albanese Davide , Singh Brajesh K. , Coleine Claudia
Published: November 2022

Aim

Fungi are major drivers of ecosystem functioning. Increases in aridity are known to negatively impact fungal community composition in dryland ecosystems globally; yet, much less is known on the potential influence of other environmental drivers, and whether these relationships are linear or nonlinear.

Time period

2017–2021.

Location

Global.

Major taxa studied

Fungi.

Methods

We re‐analysed multiple datasets from different dryland biogeographical regions, for a total of 912 samples and 1,483 taxa. We examined geographical patterns in community diversity and composition, and spatial, edaphic and climatic factors driving them.

Results

UV index, climate seasonality, and sand content were the most important environmental predictors of community shifts, showing the strongest association with the richness of putative plant pathogens and saprobes. Important nonlinear relationships existed with each of these fungal guilds, with increases in UV and temperature seasonality above 7.5 and 900 SD (standard deviation x 100 of the mean monthly temperature), respectively, being associated with an increased probability of plant pathogen and unspecified saprotroph occurrence. Conversely, these environmental parameters had a negative relationship with litter and soil saprotroph richness. Consequently, these ecological groups might be particularly sensitive to shifts in UV radiation and climate seasonality, which is likely to disturb current plant–soil dynamics in drylands.

Main conclusions

Our synthesis integrates fungal community data from drylands across the globe, allowing the investigation of fungal distribution and providing the first evidence of shifts in fungal diversity and composition of key fungal ecological groups along diverse spatial, climatic and edaphic gradients in these widely distributed ecosystems. Our findings imply that shifts in soil structure and seasonal climatic patterns induced by global change will have disproportionate consequences for the distribution of fungal groups linked to vegetation and biogeochemical cycling in drylands, with implications for plant–soil interactions in drylands.
Power laws and plant trait variation in spatio‐temporally heterogeneous environments
Authors: Hulshof Catherine M. , Umaña María Natalia
Published: November 2022

A challenge

Variation is ubiquitous in nature across all spatial and temporal scales and underlies prominent ecological and evolutionary theories. Although understanding the causes and consequences of trait variation is a central goal of trait‐based ecology, the scaling of trait variance across space and time (variance scaling) is unresolved.

A solution

We argue that characterizing trait variance across spatio‐temporal scales using a combination of prominent power laws can elucidate the role of environmental variability in trait variation and potential mechanisms driving trait patterns. In particular, the species–time–area relationship and Taylor's power law help to establish a generalizable framework for developing and testing variance scaling theory. Finally, we outline priority research questions and tractable systems for answering them. Successional forests, long‐term forest monitoring networks and censuses of short‐lived taxa are ideal for coupling high‐resolution environmental data with measurements of trait variance across scales to test the models proposed here.

Main conclusions

Characterizing the behaviour of variance across spatio‐temporal scales is feasible and a prerequisite for developing a predictive theory of trait‐based ecology.
From local champions to global players: A long‐term perspective on Swiss companies’ connections across territorial scales
Authors: Strebel Michael Andrea , Mach André
Published: November 2022

Corporate interlocking at the national and transnational scale has received substantive scholarly attention. Less is known about companies’ ties to the cities and regions in which they have their seats. In this paper, we conduct a long‐term analysis of the multilevel ties that companies maintain with the local and the national context they are embedded in. To do so, we adopt a positional approach and identify the directors of the major companies in the three largest Swiss cities (Basel, Geneva, and Zurich) and study company directors’ ties to local and national organizations in seven benchmark years between 1890 and 2020. Our analysis documents the rise and fall of company directors’ ties to national organizations over the course of the 20th century, and it highlights the continued persistence of companies’ ties to the local level and their region until the new millennium, when companies’ ties with national and local organizations vanish, coinciding with the transnationalization of company boards.
Treatment of multiple sclerosis–related trigeminal neuralgia with onabotulinumtoxinA
Authors: Asan Furkan , Gündüz Ayşegül , Tütüncü Melih , Uygunoğlu Uğur , Savrun Feray Karaali , Saip Sabahattin , Siva Aksel
Published: November 2022

Background

The effectiveness of onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX‐A) has been established in primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN). However, to the best of our knowledge, the efficacy of BTX‐A in secondary TN has not yet been studied.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of BTX‐A treatment in patients with multiple sclerosis–related trigeminal neuralgia (TN‐MS) and compare the efficacy of BTX‐A treatment between patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN‐P) and patients with TN‐MS.

Methods

This was a retrospective medical record–review study. Demographic and clinical features and severity and frequency of pain before and 2 weeks after the BTX‐A administration were extracted from the patient files. BTX‐A was injected into the painful area subcutaneously and/or submucosally. BTX‐A injections were performed by the same physician using the same methods. A reduction in severity and/or frequency of pain ≥50% was considered therapeutic efficacy.

Results

Fifty‐three patients were included in this study. We classified 22 (42%) as TN‐P and 31 (58%) as TN‐MS. Treatment with BTX‐A was effective in 16 of 31 (52%) patients with TN‐MS and 10 of 22 (45%) with TN‐P. BTX‐A treatment was less effective in patients with a history of interventional treatments and more effective in patients with concomitant continuous pain (p = 0.007; odds ratio [OR]: 0.020–0.53 and p = 0.047; OR: 0.046–0.98, respectively).

Conclusion

The BTX‐A treatment was found to be effective in at least half of our cohort with TN‐MS. Concomitant continuous pain and history of interventional treatments to the trigeminal nerve or ganglion might be predictive factors for the efficacy of BTX‐A treatment.
Evaluation of different parameters of zinc oxide nanoparticles on bionanocomposite film properties: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Aji Afifah Iswara , Suyatma Nugraha Edhi , Arpah Muhammad , Jayanegara Anuraga
Published: November 2022

Studies on biopolymer‐based films incorporating ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) have been widely developed. However, results vary between studies, with some studies showing positive outcomes that may improve film properties and others showing opposite results. Moreover, the differences in the parameters of ZnO‐NPs, such as shape, size, concentration level and synthesis method, can affect the properties of bionanocomposite films. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of different parameters of ZnO‐NPs on the characteristics of bionanocomposite films through a meta‐analysis. A database was developed from forty seven articles for the film characteristics such as water vapour permeability, tensile strength and elongation. The results showed that adding ZnO‐NPs improved all the observed film characteristics significantly (P < 0.05) by using 1–100 nm ZnO synthesised commercially, physically or chemically with the rod morphology and the concentration level <8.4%. This study reveals that using ZnO‐NPs with the appropriate parameters can produce the best film properties to extend the shelf life of food products.
Evaluation of taste and aroma compounds in oven‐roasted broccoli floret and stem as affected by different times using electronic tongue and electronic nose
Authors: Hong Seong Jun , Jeong Hyangyeon , Yoon Sojeong , Jo Seong Min , Lee Youngseung , Park Sung‐Soo , Shin Eui‐Cheol
Published: November 2022

Roasting processing was commonly applied to enhance flavour characteristics, and thus this study was to investigate the taste and aroma compounds between broccoli floret and stem during oven‐roasting processes. In electronic tongue analysis, sourness, saltiness, umami, and sweetness in florets showed an increasing tendency during the roasting, however, decreasing bitterness. Besides, In electronic nose analysis, methanethiol was reduced after the roasting processes and other sulfur compounds were generated in oven‐roasted florets and stems. Furthermore, furans were generated after the roasting. Pyridine and pyrazines were only identified in oven‐roasted florets, however, pyrrole was only identified in oven‐roasted stems. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were conducted based on combined taste and aroma profiles. Broccoli floret roasted at 15 min was affected by numerous variables compared with the others, and broccoli stems roasted at 15 and 20 min were affected by numerous variables. Additionally, the floret roasted at 15 min was the highest dissimilarity amongst all florets, and the stems roasted at 15 and 20 min were the highest dissimilarity amongst all stems. Accordingly, oven‐roasting induced higher changes in taste and aroma characteristics with increasing times. In addition, this research may provide a basis for enhancing the flavour characteristics of broccoli.
Using learning analytics to investigate learning processes and behavioural patterns in an augmented reality language learning environment
Authors: Geng Xuewang , Yamada Masanori
Published: November 2022

Background

Augmented reality has been widely applied in various fields, and its benefits in language learning have been increasingly recognized. However, the investigation of effective learning behaviours and processes in augmented reality learning environments, taking into account temporality and analysis of differences in learning behaviours between learning achievements from the perspective of learning strategies, is still a topic that requires further research.

Objectives

The goal of this research is to explore effective learning processes in AR language learning environments and learning behavioural patterns of learners with different performance levels via LA taking into account temporality.

Methods

We used the learning application designed and developed in previous studies to understand the learning process and behavioural patterns of acquiring Japanese compound verbs with augmented reality. Lag sequential analyses were conducted to analyse the learning behavioural transitions using learning data. Additionally, frequent sequences were analysed using frequent sequence mining to compare the learning behavioural patterns of learners with different learning performances.

Results and Conclusions

We investigated the learning process and behavioural patterns and discussed the language learning strategies employed in the augmented reality learning environment. The results indicated that learners primarily performed strategies of performed expressions, recombining, and structured reviewing in AR compound verb learning activities. Furthermore, the results revealed the different types of strategies applied by different learning performance learners, whereby the low group learners used the least variety of strategies, and the middle and high group learners employed repeating and deductive reasoning strategies that were not followed by the low group.
Calreticulin in renal fibrosis: A short review
Authors: Politis Panagiotis K. , Charonis Aristidis S.
Published: November 2022

Fibrosis is a common denominator of several pathological conditions. Over the last decade, Calreticulin has emerged as a critical player in the fibrotic processes in many tissues and organs. Here we review the recent advances in our understanding of the regulatory roles of Calreticulin in renal fibrosis. In particular, a proteomic screen that we performed more than 15 years ago, for the identification of novel components involved in the mechanisms of renal fibrosis, led to the observation that Calreticulin is associated with the initiation and progression of kidney fibrosis in a rodent model. We also showed that altered expression levels of Calreticulin in vitro and in vivo are significantly affecting the fibrotic phenotype in cellular systems and animal models, respectively. We also identified an upstream regulatory mechanism that mediates the transcriptional control of Calreticulin expression during the progression of renal fibrosis, by showing that the druggable orphan nuclear receptor NR5A2 and its SUMOylation is involved in this action. These data provide novel targets for future pharmacological interventions against fibrosis. In addition, further proteomic analysis uncovered a correlation between the up‐regulation of Calreticulin and that of 14‐3‐3σ protein. Collectively, our previous observations suggest that Calreticulin is a central node in a regulatory axis that controls the initiation and progression of renal fibrosis.
Transcriptome analysis of the muscle of fast‐ and slow‐growing phoenix barb (Spinibarbus denticulatus denticulatus)
Authors: Xie Xi , Liao Xianping , Xu Zhengsheng , Liang Wenlang , Su Yilin , Lin Li , Xie Jungang , Lin Weiqiang
Published: November 2022

Growth rate is a commercial trait in aquaculture that is influenced by multiple factors, among which genetic composition plays a fundamental role in the growth rate of species. The phoenix barb (Spinibarbus denticulatus denticulatus) is a widely distributed freshwater fish species in South China. Although S. d. denticulatus is reared in South China, the molecular mechanisms underlying the growth rate of the species remain unclear. Here, the authors performed transcriptome analysis of muscle tissues from fast‐growing (FG) and slow‐growing (SG) S. d. denticulatus at 90, 150, and 300 days after hatch (DAH) to elucidate its growth mechanism. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the two groups were enriched in pathways related to muscle growth, glycolysis, and energy and lipid metabolism. Nonetheless, a higher number of DEGs were identified in the FG vs. SG groups at 90 and 300 DAH compared with 150 DAH. DEGs identified at 90 DAH were mainly enriched in the GH/IGF axis, PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway, AMPK signalling pathway and lipid metabolism highly expressed in FG individuals. DEGs identified at 300 DAH were mainly enriched in PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, gene translation and lipid metabolism. In addition, some genes were expressed during the early growth stage in FG individuals but expressed during the late stage in SG individuals, indicating considerable variations in the expression profiles of growth‐related genes at different developmental stages. Overall, these findings contribute to the understanding of the growth mechanism of S. d. denticulatus, which would be useful for the propagation of fast‐growing breeds.
Unique profile of academic learning difficulties in Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome
Authors: Ng R. , Bjornsson H. T. , Fahrner J. A. , Harris J.
Published: November 2022

Background

Wiedemann–Steiner syndrome (WSS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by heterozygous variants in KMT2A. To date, the cognitive profile associated with WSS remains largely unknown, although emergent case series implicate increased risk of non‐verbal reasoning and visual processing deficits. This study examines the academic and learning concerns associated with WSS based on a parent‐report screening measure.

Participants and Methods

A total of 25 parents of children/adults with a molecularly‐confirmed diagnosis of WSS (mean age = 12.85 years, SD = 7.82) completed the Colorado Learning Difficulties Questionnaire (CLDQ), a parent‐screening measure of learning and academic difficulties. Parent ratings were compared to those from a normative community sample to determine focal areas in Math, Reading and Spatial skills that may be weaker within this clinical population.

Results

On average, parent ratings on the Math (mean Z = ‐3.08, SD = 0.87) and Spatial scales (mean Z = ‐2.52, SD = 0.85) were significantly more elevated than that of Reading (mean Z = ‐1.31, SD = 1.46) (Wilcoxon sign rank test Z < −3.83, P < 0.001), reflecting relatively more challenges observed in these areas. Distribution of parent ratings in Math items largely reflect a positively skewed distribution with most endorsing over three standard deviations below a community sample. In contrast, distributions of parent ratings in Reading and Spatial domains were more symmetric but flat. Ratings for Reading items yielded much larger variance than the other two domains, reflecting a wider range of performance variability.

Conclusions

Parent ratings on the CLDQ suggest more difficulties with Math and Spatial skills among those with WSS within group and relative to a community sample. Study results are consistent with recent case reports on the neuropsychological profile associated with WSS and with Kabuki syndrome, which is caused by variants in the related gene KMT2D. Findings lend support for overlapping cognitive patterns across syndromes, implicating potential common disease pathogenesis.
Determinants of the influence and experiences of cosmetic and aesthetics profiling on interpersonal relationships among Indian patients
Authors: Shome Debraj , Kumar Vaibhav , Van Der Hulst René R. W. J. , Booi Darren I. , Tandel Harshal , Male Shiva Ram , Kapoor Rinky
Published: November 2022

Background

The notion of facial beauty is a fast‐expanding field in many different disciplines. The determinants and the nature of inter‐personal relationships remain a controversial issue. Here, we tackle such questions proposing a novel experimental approach by analyzing first‐hand experiences and quality of life among Indian patients, who underwent cosmetic procedures and the subsequent impact of these aesthetic treatments on interpersonal relationships.

Methods

The data collection tool consisted of questions pertaining to the relations between the human face and facial image, relations between the race and facial image and interpersonal relationships and facial image. The tool consisted of 27 questions that were descriptive and closed ended without alternate choices.

Results

The study gauged the perception of an ideal facial image among both genders also highlighting the multifaceted nature of a persons' beauty and how its perception is affected by peers, society, and race.

Conclusion

Though there was a gender‐based difference found in the opinions on facial image, majority of the people experienced an ameliorated experience in their relationships with family and peers.
The use of Janus kinase inhibitors and narrowband ultraviolet B combination therapy in non‐segmental vitiligo
Authors: Yousefian Faraz , Yadlapati Sujitha , Browning John C.
Published: November 2022

Vitiligo is a depigmentation disorder of the skin that occurs secondary to the destruction of melanocytes by an immune‐mediated process. Vitiligo clinically presents with depigmented macules and patches, most commonly on the face, acral sites, and genitalia. It can be characterized as generalized or localized based on distribution. The localized form can be further divided into segmental (linear, band‐like, or Blaschkoid) and non‐segmental vitiligo. The classical treatment of vitiligo includes topical steroids, pulsed oral steroids in unstable vitiligo, phototherapy, a combination of steroid therapy and phototherapy, surgical grafting, as well as intentional depigmentation therapy in severe cases. However, recent advances in understanding the immune mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of vitiligo have led to the use of an FDA‐approved topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for vitiligo. Despite this novel therapy advancement, we recommend the addition of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) to JAK inhibitors in patients with extensive and progressive lesions, or those not fully responsive to JAK inhibitor monotherapy.
Therapeutic effect of alendronate in an experimental temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Acibadem Elif , Keskinruzgar Aydin , Bozdag Zehra , Yavuz Gunay Yapici
Published: November 2022

Background

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis is a common degenerative joint disease. This disease negatively affects the daily life, speech and chewing functions of patients.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intra‐articular injection of alendronate to osteoarthritis, which has a protective effect on bone and cartilage tissue and helps reduce inflammation in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

Methods

A total of 24 Wistar albino rats were used in the study. Rats were divided into four groups: study, saline, control and sham. In both saline and control groups, monosodium iodoacetate was injected intra‐articularly to induce osteoarthritis. Alendronate was administered intra‐articularly to the study group weekly for 4 weeks. In the saline group, saline was administered by intra‐articular injection. At the end of the 12th week, all groups were sacrificed. Mandibular condyle tissues were examined histopathologically.

Results

According to the results, osteoarthritic changes in the control group were higher than those in the study group (p < .05). No significant reduction in osteoarthritic changes was observed in the saline group (p > .05). Significant osteoarthritis findings were observed in all groups compared with the sham group (p < .05).

Conclusion

Intra‐articular injection of alendronate was found to have positive results on TMJ osteoarthritis. In addition, it was seen that alendronate has effects on reducing cartilage tissue degeneration and loss of matrix proteins.
Brain functional activity of swallowing: A meta‐analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Huang Haiyue , Yan Jin , Lin Yinghong , Lin Jiaxin , Hu Huimin , Wei Linxuan , Zhang Xiwen , Zhang Qingqing , Liang Shengxiang
Published: November 2022

Background

Swallowing is one of the most important activities in our life and serves the dual roles of nutritional intake and eating enjoyment.

Objective

The study aimed to conduct a meta‐analysis to investigate the brain activity of swallowing.

Methods

Studies of swallowing using functional magnetic resonance imaging were reviewed in PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP) and Wan Fang before 30 November 2021. Two authors analysed the studies for eligibility criteria. The final inclusion of studies was decided by consensus. An activation likelihood estimation (ALE) meta‐analysis of these studies was performed with GingerALE, including 16 studies.

Results

For swallowing, clusters with high activation likelihood were found in the bilateral insula, bilateral pre‐central gyrus, bilateral post‐central gyrus, left transverse temporal gyrus, right medial front gyrus, bilateral inferior frontal gyrus and bilateral cingulate gyrus. For water swallowing, clusters with high activation likelihood were found in the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus and the left pre‐central gyrus. For saliva swallowing, clusters with high activation likelihood were found in the bilateral cingulate gyrus, bilateral pre‐central gyrus, left post‐central gyrus and left transverse gyrus.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis reflects that swallowing is regulated by both sensory and motor cortex, and saliva swallowing activates more brain areas than water swallowing, which would promote our knowledge of swallowing and provide some direction for clinical and other research.
Functional connectivity correlates of attentional networks in insomnia disorder: A pilot study
Authors: Perrier Joy , Bruijel Jessica , Naveau Mikaël , Ramautar Jennifer , Delcroix Nicolas , Coppens Joris , Lakbila‐Kamal Oti , Stoffers Diederick , Bessot Nicolas , Van Someren Eus J. W.
Published: November 2022

Insomnia disorder has been associated with poor executive functioning. Functional imaging studies of executive functioning in insomnia are scarce and inconclusive. Because the Attentional Network Test relies on well‐defined cortical networks and sensitively distinguishes different aspects of executive function, it might reveal brain functional alterations in relatively small samples of patients. The current pilot study assessed functional connectivity during the Attentional Network Test performed using magnetic resonance imaging in 12 participants with insomnia and 13 self‐defined good sleepers. ANCOVAs were used to evaluate group differences in performance and functional connectivity in the regions of interest representing the attentional networks (i.e. alerting, orienting and executive control) at p < 0.05, uncorrected. During the orienting part, participants with insomnia showed weaker connectivity of the precentral gyrus with the superior parietal lobe (false discovery rate‐corrected), while they showed stronger connectivity between premotor and visual regions. Individual differences in connectivity between premotor and visual regions correlated inversely with reaction time. Reaction times suggested more efficient executive control in participants with insomnia compared with good sleepers. During the executive control part, participants with insomnia showed stronger connectivity of thalamic parts of the arousal circuit with the middle frontal and the occipital gyri. Conversely, connectivity between the inferior and superior frontal gyri was weaker. Participants with insomnia seem to recruit more cortical resources in visuo‐motor regions to orient attention than good sleepers do, and seem to have enhanced executive control that relates to stronger connectivity of arousal‐related thalamic areas. This latter result should be treated with caution and requires confirmation.
Prompt engineering for zero‐shot and few‐shot defect detection and classification using a visual‐language pretrained model
Authors: Yong Gunwoo , Jeon Kahyun , Gil Daeyoung , Lee Ghang
Published: November 2022

Zero‐shot learning, applied with vision‐language pretrained (VLP) models, is expected to be an alternative to existing deep learning models for defect detection, under insufficient dataset. However, VLP models, including contrastive language‐image pretraining (CLIP), showed fluctuated performance on prompts (inputs), resulting in research on prompt engineering—optimization of prompts for improving performance. Therefore, this study aims to identify the features of a prompt that can yield the best performance in classifying and detecting building defects using the zero‐shot and few‐shot capabilities of CLIP. The results reveal the following: (1) domain‐specific definitions are better than general definitions and images; (2) a complete sentence is better than a set of core terms; and (3) multimodal information is better than single‐modal information. The resulting detection performance using the proposed prompting method outperformed that of existing supervised models.
E3 ubiquitin ligase OsPIE3 destabilises the B‐lectin receptor‐like kinase PID2 to control blast disease resistance in rice
Authors: Wang Ke , Li Shen , Chen Longxin , Tian Haoran , Chen Cong , Fu Yihan , Du Haitao , Hu Zheng , Li Runting , Du Yanxiu , Li Junzhou , Zhao Quanzhi , Du Changqing
Published: November 2022

Previous studies have reported that PID2, which encodes a B‐lectin receptor‐like kinase, is a key gene in the resistance of rice to Magnaporthe oryzae strain ZB15. However, the PID2‐mediated downstream signalling events remain largely unknown.

The U‐box E3 ubiquitin ligase OsPIE3 (PID2‐interacting E3) was isolated and confirmed to play key roles in PID2‐mediated rice blast resistance. Yeast two‐hybrid analysis showed that the armadillo repeat region of OsPIE3 is required for its interaction with PID2. Further investigation demonstrated that OsPIE3 can modify the subcellular localisation of PID2, thus promoting its nuclear recruitment from the plasma membrane for protein degradation in the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Site‐directed mutagenesis of a conserved cysteine site (C230S) within the U‐box domain of OsPIE3 reduces PID2 translocation and ubiquitination.

Genetic analysis suggested that OsPIE3 loss‐of‐function mutants exhibited enhanced resistance to M. oryzae isolate ZB15, whereas mutants with overexpressed OsPIE3 exhibited reduced resistance. Furthermore, the OsPIE3/PID2‐double mutant displayed a similar blast phenotype to that of the PID2 single mutant, suggesting that OsPIE3 is a negative regulator and functions along with PID2 in blast disease resistance.

Our findings confirm that the E3 ubiquitin ligase OsPIE3 is necessary for PID2‐mediated rice blast disease resistance regulation.
NDGA enhances the physicochemical and anti‐biodegradation performance of dentin collagen
Authors: Gong Shi‐qiang , Tang Lin , Liu Zhuo , Wang Xiang‐yao , Mao Jing , Li Shuai , Liu Yan
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Collagen fibrils from carious dentin matrix are prone to enzymatic degradation. This study investigates the feasibility and mechanism of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), as a collagen crosslinker, to bio‐modify the demineralized dentin matrix.

Methods

The physicochemical properties of the crosslinked dentin matrix were characterized by swelling ratio, ninhydrin assay, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The collagenase degradation resistance was evaluated by measuring loss of dry mass, hydroproline release, loss of elasticity, and micro‐nano structure integrity. The cytotoxicity of NDGA‐crosslinked dentin collagen was evaluated by flow cytometry.

Results

NDGA crosslinked dentin matrix without destroying the integrity of collagen. Mechanistically, NDGA formed bisquinone bond between two adjacent o‐quinone groups, resulting in NDGA polymeric matrix in which collagen fibrils were embedded. NDGA modification could significantly enhance the stiffness of dentin matrix at macro‐nano scale. The NDGA‐crosslinked dentin matrix exhibited remarkably low collagen degradation and sustained bulk elasticity after collagenase challenge, which were attributed to decreased water content, physical masking of collagenase bind sites on collagen, and improved stiffness of collagen fibrils. Notably, NDGA‐crosslinked dentin matrix exhibited excellent biocompatibility.

Conclusion

NDGA, as a biocompatible collagen crosslinker, improves the mechanical properties and biodegradation resistance of demineralized dentin matrix.
Safety Evaluation of Far‐UV‐C Irradiation to Epithelial Basal Cells in the Corneal Limbus
Authors: Kaidzu Sachiko , Sugihara Kazunobu , Sasaki Masahiro , Nishiaki Aiko , Ohashi Hiroyuki , Igarashi Tatsushi , Tanito Masaki
Published: November 2022

Basal cells in the corneal limbus play an important role in the turnover cycle because they are the source of all cells that constitute the corneal epithelium. We examined the penetration depth of ultraviolet (UV) light in the corneal limbus and assessed the safety of Far‐UV‐C on stem cells in the basal area of the corneal limbus. Rats were irradiated with UV at peaks of 207, 222, 235, 254 and 311 nm while under anesthesia. The UV penetration depth in the rat corneal limbal epithelium was wavelength dependent: 311 nm UV‐B and 254 nm UV‐C reached the basal cells of the epithelium, and 235 nm radiation reached the middle area; however, 207 and 222 nm UV‐C reached only the superficial layer of the epithelium. Porcine cornea, which is similar to the human eye in size and structure, were irradiated with 222 and 254 nm UV‐C. As in rats, 222 nm UV‐C reached only the superficial layer of the porcine corneal limbal epithelium. These results indicate that Far‐UV‐C, such as radiation of wavelengths of 207 and 222 nm, could not reach corneal epithelial stem cells, i.e. the cells remained intact. It is unlikely that the turnover of the corneal epithelium is obstructed or disrupted by exposure to Far‐UV‐C.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia subtypes: Comparing birth prevalence, occurrence by maternal age, and mortality in a national birth cohort
Authors: Peppa Maria , De Stavola Bianca L. , Loukogeorgakis Stavros , Zylbersztejn Ania , Gilbert Ruth , De Coppi Paolo
Published: November 2022

Background

Population‐based administrative data have rarely been used to compare the birth prevalence, risk factors for occurrence, and mortality of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) subtypes.

Objectives

We used a national birth cohort to identify CDH subtypes and compared their birth prevalence, relationship with maternal age after accounting for sociodemographic factors, and 1‐year mortality rates.

Methods

Linked hospital admission and death records were used to identify isolated and complex CDH cases (involving additional anomalies) among singleton livebirths in England between 2002 and 2018. The prevalence of each CDH subtype per 10,000 livebirths was estimated overall and by infant, birth and maternal characteristics. The relationship between maternal age and each subtype relative to no CDH was examined using multivariable log‐binomial regression to estimate risk ratios (RRs). One‐year mortality rates were examined using Kaplan–Meier curves and the hazard ratio (HR) of complex versus isolated CDH was calculated using Cox regression.

Results

Among 9.5 million livebirths, we identified 1285 with isolated CDH and 1150 with complex CDH. The overall prevalence of isolated and complex CDH was 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3, 1.4) and 1.2 (95% CI 1.1, 1.3) per 10,000 livebirths, respectively. Only complex CDH was associated with maternal age. Compared with maternal age 25–34 years, complex CDH risk was elevated for maternal age < 20 years (RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.00, 1.72). Risk was highest for maternal age ≥ 40 years (RR 1.61, 95% CI 1.21, 2.15) although accounting for chromosomal anomalies attenuated the risk (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.00, 1.92). The 1‐year mortality rate for complex CDH (33.1%, 95% CI 30.5, 35.9) was slightly higher than for isolated CDH (29.7%, 95% CI 27.3, 32.3) (HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.96, 1.27).

Conclusions

Mechanisms of occurrence differed between and within CDH subtypes and 1‐year mortality of complex CDH was slightly higher than for isolated CDH.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi enhance photosynthesis and drought tolerance by regulating MAPK genes expressions of Populus simonii × P. nigra
Authors: Tao Jing , Dong Fengxin , Wang Yihan , Chen Hui , Tang Ming
Published: November 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) promote plants to absorb more water and nutrients and improve their stress resistance. As the main signal transducer, the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade plays a vital role in drought stress. However, how the MAPK family genes of mycorrhizal plants respond to stress is still not clear. Our study analyzed physiological indexes and expression profiles of MAPK family genes of Populus simonii × P. nigra under two inoculation treatments (inoculated with or without Rhizophagus irregularis) and two water conditions (well‐watered or drought stress). The results showed that the stronger photosynthesis of mycorrhizal plants may be mediated by MAPK genes induced by AMF. Mycorrhizal plants showed lower oxidative damage and drought sensitivity. Mycorrhiza downregulated the expression of PsnMAPK7‐2, PsnMAPK16‐1, PsnMAPK19‐2, and PsnMAPK20‐2 which negatively regulate drought tolerance and induced specific PsnMAPKs in roots which activate transcription factors to regulate downstream gene expressions, enhancing drought tolerance. This is the first time to identify part of the MAPK gene family of P. simonii × P. nigra at the genome level and study MAPK genes in mycorrhizal forest trees. This is helpful to understand the function of the MAPK gene family in response to drought of mycorrhizal plants and lays a foundation for afforestation by using mycorrhizal saplings.
Impairment of sugar transport in the vascular system acts on nitrogen remobilization and nitrogen use efficiency in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hoffmann Beate , Aubry Emilie , Marmagne Anne , Dinant Sylvie , Chardon Fabien , Le Hir Rozenn
Published: November 2022

Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) metabolisms have long been known to be coupled, and this is required for adjusting nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Despite this intricate relationship, it is still unclear how deregulation of sugar transport impacts N allocation. Here, we investigated in Arabidopsis the consequences of the simultaneous downregulation of the genes coding for the sugar transporters SWEET11, SWEET12, SWEET16, and SWEET17 on various anatomical and physiological traits ranging from the stem's vascular system development to plant biomass production, seed yield, and N remobilization and use efficiency. Our results show that intracellular sugar exchanges mediated by SWEET16 and SWEET17 proteins specifically impact vascular development but do not play a significant role in the distribution of N. Most importantly, we showed that the double mutant swt11 swt12, which has an impacted vascular development, displays an improved NUE and nitrogen remobilization to the seeds. In addition, a significant negative correlation between sugar and amino acids contents and the inflorescence stem radial growth exists, highlighting the complex interaction between the maintenance of C/N homeostasis and the inflorescence stem development. Our results thus deepen the link between sugar transport, C/N allocation, and vascular system development.
Involvement of ethylene in melatonin‐modified photosynthetic‐N use efficiency and antioxidant activity to improve photosynthesis of salt grown wheat
Authors: Khan Sheen , Sehar Zebus , Fatma Mehar , Mir Iqbal R. , Iqbal Noushina , Tarighat Maryam Abbasi , Abdi Gholamareza , Khan Nafees A.
Published: November 2022

The involvement of melatonin in the regulation of salt stress acclimation has been shown in plants in this present work. We found that the GOAL cultivar of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was the most salt‐tolerant among the investigated cultivars, GOAL, HD‐2967, PBW‐17, PBW‐343, PBW‐550, and WH‐1105 when screened for tolerance to 100 mM NaCl. The application of 100 μM melatonin maximally reduced oxidative stress and improved photosynthesis in the cv. GOAL. Melatonin supplementation reduced salt stress‐induced oxidative stress by upregulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR), and reduced the glutathione (GSH) production. This resulted in increased membrane stability, photosynthetic‐N use efficiency and photosynthesis in plants. The application of 50 μM of the ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) in the presence of melatonin and salt stress increased H2O2 content but reduced GR activity and GSH, photosynthesis, and plant dry mass. This signifies that melatonin‐mediated salt stress tolerance was related to ethylene synthesis as it improved antioxidant activity and photosynthesis of plants under salt stress. Thus, the interaction of melatonin and ethylene bears a prominent role in salt stress tolerance in wheat and can be used to develop salt tolerance in other crops.
The dynamics of entrepreneurial ecosystems: an empirical investigation
Authors: Buratti Martina , Cantner Uwe , Cunningham James A. , Lehmann Erik E. , Menter Matthias
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is to examine the longitudinal dynamics within entrepreneurial ecosystems. We empirically test how entrepreneurial activities affect intrapreneurial activities within entrepreneurial ecosystems, andvice versa, analyzing twenty‐two entrepreneurial ecosystems in Germany from 1993 to 2016. Our analyses reveal that transitions occur among entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs through the different phases of an ecosystem's lifecycle. Our findings provide empirical evidence over time on the evolutionary dynamics of entrepreneurial ecosystems, demonstrating that an increase in entrepreneurial activities leads to a decrease in intrapreneurial activities, andvice versa. Our study offers guidance for policymakers on how to consider fluctuating entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial activities over time and builds the basis for future empirical studies to further advance our understanding of the dynamics of entrepreneurial ecosystems.
The effects of entrepreneurial ecosystems, knowledge management capabilities, and knowledge spillovers on international open innovation
Authors: Ferreira João J. , Fernandes Cristina I. , Veiga Pedro Mota , Dooley Lawrence
Published: November 2022

While there is a large body of literature on the benefits of open innovation, little is known about the knowledge flows and the interrelationship of the purposeful and serendipitous spillover of knowledge flows that deliver value from international open innovation (IOI) collaborations. This study examines these knowledge flows occurring from IOI and the extent to which the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) context, knowledge management (KM) capabilities of the firm, and knowledge spillovers (KS), nurture IOI engagement. A quantitative study is adopted where data on 98,809 firms from 15 European Union countries to empirically tested a proposed model through multiple linear regressions of logit models. The results highlight the positive effect of KS on IOI engagement, and the positive mediating effect of KM capability on the relationship between KS and IOI. Additionally, the results show a positive moderating effect of the EE on the relationship between the firm's KM capability and IOI engagement. Additionally, the findings emphasize the beneficial nature of the EE on nurturing KM capabilities within firms located in the ecosystem and its impact on nurturing KS within the network.
Holding our breath: Exploring the causes of hypercapnic respiratory failure resulting in mortality
Authors: Krishnan Vidya
Published: November 2022

See related article
Pitfalls of prenatal diagnosis associated with mosaicism
Authors: Reilly Kelly , Doyle Samantha , Hamilton Susan J , Kilby Mark D , Mone Fionnuala
Published: November 2022

Key content

Fetal placental mosaicism, of which confined placental mosaicism is a subtype, occurs in 2–3% of pregnancies.

Confined placental mosaicism may lead to a false positive result on non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for common aneuploidies.

The risk of mosaicism in a chorionic villus sample (CVS) following a positive NIPT result is 2, 4, 22 and 59% for trisomy 21, 18, 13 and 45, X respectively.

Following a positive NIPT result in the absence of a significant fetal structural anomaly (FSA), care is required in selecting the optimal diagnostic invasive test. Discussion of the limitations and implications is essential and referral to clinical genetics may be warranted.

Learning objectives

To understand the embryological causes for and types of fetal placental mosaicism.

To appreciate underlying principles in NIPT and genomic testing strategies in relation to mosaicism.

To follow suggested clinical management principles in relation to prenatal test counselling.

Ethical issues

Clinicians face a dilemma following a high‐risk NIPT result in the setting of normal ultrasound. Awaiting long‐term culture, as opposed to short‐term culture on CVS, or amniocentesis delays potential termination of pregnancy.

Sex chromosome abnormalities on NIPT without an identifiable FSA cannot be interpreted reliably. Hence, NIPT should not be offered for sex chromosome aneuploidy.
ANTHRACNOSE RESISTANCE GENE2 confers fungal resistance in sorghum
Authors: Mewa Demeke B. , Lee Sanghun , Liao Chao‐Jan , Adeyanju Adedayo , Helm Matthew , Lisch Damon , Mengiste Tesfaye
Published: November 2022

Sorghum is an important food and feed crop globally; its production is hampered by anthracnose disease caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineola (Cs). Here, we report identification and characterization of ANTHRACNOSE RESISTANCE GENE 2 (ARG2) encoding a nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) protein that confers race‐specific resistance to Cs strains. ARG2 is one of a cluster of several NLR genes initially identified in the sorghum differential line SC328C that is resistant to some Cs strains. This cluster shows structural and copy number variations in different sorghum genotypes. Different sorghum lines carrying independent ARG2 alleles provided the genetic validation for the identity of the ARG2 gene. ARG2 expression is induced by Cs, and chitin induces ARG2 expression in resistant but not in susceptible lines. ARG2‐mediated resistance is accompanied by higher expression of defense and secondary metabolite genes at early stages of infection, and anthocyanin and zeatin metabolisms are upregulated in resistant plants. Interestingly, ARG2 localizes to the plasma membrane when transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Importantly, ARG2 plants produced higher shoot dry matter than near‐isogenic lines carrying the susceptible allele suggesting an absence of an ARG2 associated growth trade‐off. Furthermore, ARG2‐mediated resistance is stable at a wide range of temperatures. Our observations open avenues for resistance breeding and for dissecting mechanisms of resistance.
Soundscape planning for mixed use urban communities
Authors: Siebein Gary W. , Siebein Keely M. , Siebein Gary , Roa Marylin , Miller Jennifer , Vetterick Matthew
Published: November 2022

Mixed use urban communities with a variety of retail, dining, entertainment, commercial, and residential occupants on one building or within several blocks of each other often bring a vitality to cities and towns. Careful planning and design are needed for the different uses to maintain sonic compatibility with each other over a 24-hour day. There are acoustical challenges in measuring amplified entertainment sounds due to the rapid succession of individual notes and words in pieces of music or trains of speech. Sounds of vehicles with straight pipes revving engines as they drive through a main street is another acoustical challenge. The enclosed walls of glass, metal and masonry of high-rise building create sound reflections and reverberation similar to what occurs in closed rooms reducing the decay of sounds with distance. Soundscape measurements, computer model studies of urban sound flows, implementing acoustical strategies as part of a design and planning process and addressing the challenges of rapidly time varying sounds measured by LAeq’s are among the methods that are often implemented to address these issues. A case study of acoustical design for a revitalizing urban area is presented with its challenges, design processes, and initial strategies discussed.