bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A power amplification dyad in seahorses
Authors: Avidan Corrine , Day Steven W. , Holzman Roi
Published: April 2023

Throughout evolution, organisms repeatedly developed elastic elements to power explosive body motions, overcoming ubiquitous limits on the power capacity of fast-contracting muscles. Seahorses evolved such a latch-mediated spring-actuated (LaMSA) mechanism; however, it is unclear how this mechanism powers the two complementary functions necessary for feeding: rapidly swinging the head towards the prey, and sucking water into the mouth to entrain it. Here, we combine flow visualization and hydrodynamic modelling to estimate the net power required for accelerating the suction feeding flows in 13 fish species. We show that the mass-specific power of suction feeding in seahorses is approximately three times higher than the maximum recorded from any vertebrate muscle, resulting in suction flows that are approximately eight times faster than similar-sized fishes. Using material testing, we reveal that the rapid contraction of the sternohyoideus tendons can release approximately 72% of the power needed to accelerate the water into the mouth. We conclude that the LaMSA system in seahorses is powered by two elastic elements, the sternohyoideus and epaxial tendons. These elements jointly actuate the coordinated acceleration of the head and the fluid in front of the mouth. These findings extend the known function, capacity and design of LaMSA systems.
Development and evaluation of a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid typing of serotype O foot-and-mouth disease virus in endemic regions of Tanzania
Authors: Mueni Sarah N. , Kandusi Sengiyumva E. , Njau Emma P. , Kasanga Christopher J.
Published: April 2023

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) caused by FMD virus, is a highly infectious viral disease affecting livestock. Diagnosis plays a vital role in disease control and management during disease outbreaks. Available serotyping approaches are costly, time-consuming, requires complex equipment and trained personnel, warranting development of a diagnostic method that addresses this gap. In this retrospective study, a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for the detection of serotype O FMDV was developed and evaluated using forty-three FMDV isolates from cattle. The specificity of the assay was tested against other FMDV isolates (serotypes A, SAT 1 and SAT 3). Only FMDV serotype O samples could be amplified within 26 min with an anneal derivative temperature of 87.02 degree celsius. Additionally, the assay amplified the viral protein 1 (VP1) gene with a detection limit of 0.0378 ng/μl. This molecular diagnostic approach has potential future application in improving FMDV surveillance as it provides baseline information for controlling FMD outbreaks in Tanzania and other Eastern and Southern African countries.
Clathrin Light Chains are essential in negative regulation of cell death and immunity in Arabidopsis through interacting with autophagy pathway
Authors: Lan Hu-Jiao , Ran Jie , Zhang Lei , Wu Ni-Ni , Wang Wen-Xu , Ni Min , Cheng Ninghui , Nakata Paul A. , Pan Jianwei , Whitham Steven A. , Liu Jian-Zhong
Published: April 2023

Clathrin plays a critical role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) in plants, and it is required for autophagy in mammals. However, the functional interconnection of clathrin with autophagy has not been firmly established in plants. Here, we demonstrate that loss of function of clathrin light chain (CLC) subunit 2 and 3 results in salicylic acid (SA)- and H2O2-dependent accelerated senescence and activated defense responses in Arabidopsis, which are hallmarks of the autophagy-related gene (ATG) mutants. Similar toatgmutants, theclc2-1clc3-1double mutant has enhanced sensitivity to both carbon and nitrogen starvation and enhanced resistance to biotrophic bacterial and fungal pathogens. In addition, the autophagy flux was significantly reduced in the roots ofclc2-1clc3-1mutant plants relative to Col-0 plants under carbon starvation conditions. Furthermore, our Yeast-2-hybrid (Y2H) and Luciferase complementation assays showed that CLC2 directly interacted with ATG8h and ATG8i. Mutations within the unique ATG8-interacting motif (AIM) of CLC2 as well as at the LIR/AIM-docking site (LDS) of ATG8h abolished the interaction between CLC2 and ATG8h. As anticipated, both GFP-ATG8h/GFP-ATG8i and CLC2 were subjected to autophagic degradation in the vacuoles. Together, our data revealed that the accelerated senescence and activated immune responses observed in Arabidopsisclc2-1clc3-1mutant plants result from impaired autophagy, and CLC2 participates in autophagy through direct interactions with ATG8h and ATG8i in an AIM1- and LDS-dependent manner. Our results unveil a previously unidentified link between the function of CLCs and autophagy.
SpotLight proteomics identifies variable sequences of blood antibodies specific against deamidated human serum albumin
Authors: Wang Jijing , Lundström Susanna L. , Lu Weiqi , Huang Yiqi , Rodin Sergey , Zubarev Roman A.
Published: April 2023

Spontaneous deamidation of asparaginyl residues in proteins, if not repaired or cleared, can set in motion a cascade that leads to deteriorated health. Previously, we have discovered that deamidated human serum albumin (HSA) is elevated in blood of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, while the level of endogenous antibodies against deamidated HSA is significantly diminished, creating an imbalance between the risk factor and the defense against it. Endogenous antibodies against deamidated proteins are still unexplored. In the current study, we employed the SpotLight proteomics approach to identify novel amino acid sequences in antibodies specific to deamidated HSA. The results provide new insights into the clearance mechanism of deamidated proteins, a possible avenue for prevention of neurodegeneration.
Construction of a risk prediction model of postoperative delirium in older patients undergoing spinal surgery: Protocol of a single-center observational cohort study
Authors: Liu Qian , Jiao Meng , Huang Ke , Feng Xuexin , Wang Tianlong
Published: April 2023

Background

Delirium is an acute mental disorder and a common postoperative complication. Age is an independent marker of the development of postoperative delirium. In older patients, delirium leads to numerous detrimental effects. We will mainly explore the incidence and potential risk variables of postoperative delirium in older patients undergoing spinal surgery, focusing on some preoperative and intraoperative indicators.

Study design and methods

This single-center prospective, observational, cohort study will investigate the incidence of delirium in patients aged ≥65 years undergoing spinal surgery and construct a postoperative delirium risk prediction model. We will use potential multiple risk factors reported in recent studies. Follow-up starts on the first day after the operation, and delirium assessment is conducted until 7 days after the operation. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression will be used to filter variables, and logistic regression will be utilized to build a prediction model using the selected variables. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve will be used to evaluate the accuracy of the prediction model. The clinical net benefit of the model will be evaluated using decision curve analysis.

Discussion

This study will construct a clinically effective model to predict the occurrence of postoperative delirium in older patients undergoing spinal surgery.
Coordinated regulation of gene expression inPlasmodiumfemale gametocytes by two transcription factors
Authors: Murata Yuho , Nishi Tsubasa , Kaneko Izumi , Iwanaga Shiroh , Yuda Masao
Published: April 2023

Gametocytes play key roles in thePlasmodiumlifecycle. They are essential for sexual reproduction as precursors of the gametes. They also play an essential role in parasite transmission to mosquitoes. Elucidation of the gene regulation at this stage is essential for understanding these two processes at the molecular level and for developing new strategies to break the parasite life cycle. We identified a novelPlasmodiumtranscription factor (TF), designated as a partner of AP2-FG or PFG. In this paper, we report that this TF regulates the gene expression in female gametocytes in concert with another female-specific TF AP2-FG. Upon the disruption ofPFG, majority of female-specific genes were significantly downregulated, and female gametocyte lost the ability to produce ookinetes. ChIP-seq analysis showed that it was located in the same position as AP2-FG, indicating that these two TFs form a complex. ChIP-seq analysis of PFG inAP2-FG-disrupted parasites and ChIP-seq analysis of AP2-FG inPFG-disrupted parasites demonstrated that PFG mediates the binding of AP2-FG to the ten-base motif and that AP2-FG binds another motif, GCTCA, in the absence of PFG. In promoter assays, this five-base motif was identified as another female-specific cis-acting element. Genes under the control of the two forms of AP2-FG, with or without PFG, partly overlapped; however, each form had target preferences. These results suggested that combinations of these two forms generate various expression patterns among the extensive genes expressed in female gametocytes.
A paradigm for post-embryonic Oct4 re-expression: E7-induced hydroxymethylation regulates Oct4 expression in cervical cancer
Authors: Panayiotou Theofano , Eftychiou Marios , Patera Eleutherios , Promponas Vasilis , Strati Katerina
Published: April 2023

The Octamer-binding transcription factor-4 (Oct4) is upregulated in different malignancies, yet a paradigm for mechanisms of Oct4 post-embryonic re-expression is inadequately understood. In cervical cancer, Oct4 expression is higher in HPV-related than HPV-unrelated cervical cancers and this upregulation correlates with the expression of the E7 oncogene. We have reported that E7 affects the Oct4-transcriptional output and Oct4-related phenotypes in cervical cancer, however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we characterize the Oct4-protein interactions in cervical cancer cells and reveal that Methyl-binding proteins (MBD2 and MBD3), are determinants of Oct4 driven transcription. E7 triggers MBD2 downregulation and TET1 upregulation, thereby disrupting the methylation status of the Oct4 gene. This coincides with an increase in the total DNA hydroxymethylation leading to the re-expression of Oct4 in cervical cancer and likely affecting broader transcriptional patterns. Our findings reveal a previously unreported mechanism by which the E7 oncogene can regulate transcription by increasing DNA hydroxymethylation and lowering the barrier to cellular plasticity during carcinogenesis.

Teaser

E7 modulates Oct4 interactions and related characteristics in cervical cancer cells by altering the DNA methylome.
Testing immediate dosage compensation by irradiation of heavy-ion beams toDrosophila miranda
Authors: Ogawa Masafumi , Tsuneizumi Kazuhide , Abe Tomoko , Nozawa Masafumi
Published: April 2023

Many organisms with heteromorphic sex chromosomes have a mechanism of dosage compensation (DC) in which X-linked genes are upregulated in males to mitigate dosage imbalance between sexes and between chromosomes. However, how quickly the DC is established during evolution remains elusive. In this study, irradiating the heavy-ion beams toDrosophila mirandathat have young sex chromosomes, the so-called neo-sex chromosomes, we induced deletions on the neo-Y chromosome to mimic the situation of Y-chromosome degeneration in which functional neo-Y-linked genes were just nonfunctionalized and tested if their neo-X-linked gametologs were immediately upregulated. Since the males with the 2-Gy irradiation of iron-ion beam showed a lower fertility, we sequenced the genomes and transcriptomes of six F1males derived from these males. Our pipeline identified 82 neo-Y-linked genes in which deletions were predicted in the F1males. However, all but three of them had paralogs in addition to their neo-X-linked gametologs. Moreover, candidate deletions in the remaining three genes that showed one-to-one gametologous relationship with the neo-X-linked genes occurred in UTRs and did not affect the expression levels of these genes. Therefore, we were unable to directly evaluate whether DC immediately operated on the neo-X-linked genes in response to the disruption of their neo-Y-linked gametologs. Yet, our observation that the deletions occurred less frequently in one-to-one gametologs indirectly suggests that DC unlikely operated on the neo-X-linked genes immediately after the pseudogenization of their neo-Y-linked gametologs inD. miranda. Therefore, dosage imbalance due to deletions in the neo-Y-linked genes without paralogs may not have effectively been compensated and individuals with such deletions could have become lethal. We speculate that the neo-sex chromosomes inD. mirandamay be too young to establish the immediate DC. Future studies on sex chromosomes with different ages will further evaluate our tentative conclusion.
Encystation stimuli sensing mediated by adenylate cyclase AC2-dependent cAMP signaling inGiardia
Authors: Shih Han-Wei , Alas Germain C.M. , Paredez Alexander R.
Published: April 2023

Protozoan parasites use cAMP signaling to precisely regulate the place and time of developmental differentiation, yet it is unclear how this signaling is initiated. Encystation of the intestinal parasiteGiardia lambliacan be activated by multiple stimuli, which we hypothesize result in a common physiological change. We demonstrate that bile alters plasma membrane fluidity by reducing cholesterol-rich lipid microdomains, while alkaline pH enhances bile function. Through depletion of the cAMP producing enzyme Adenylate Cyclase 2 (AC2) and the use of a newly developedGiardia-specific cAMP sensor, we show that AC2 is necessary for encystation stimuli-induced cAMP upregulation and activation of downstream signaling. Conversely, over expression of AC2 or exogenous cAMP were sufficient to initiate encystation. Our findings indicate that encystation stimuli induce membrane reorganization, trigger AC2- dependent cAMP upregulation, and initiate encystation-specific gene expression, thereby advancing our understanding of a critical stage in the life cycle of a globally important parasite.
Single-cell DNA replication dynamics in genomically unstable cancers
Authors: Weiner Adam C. , Williams Marc J. , Shi Hongyu , Vázquez-García Ignacio , Salehi Sohrab , Rusk Nicole , Aparicio Samuel , Shah Sohrab P. , McPherson Andrew
Published: April 2023

Dysregulated DNA replication is both a cause and a consequence of aneuploidy, yet the dynamics of DNA replication in aneuploid cell populations remains understudied. We developed a new method, PERT, for inferring cell-specific DNA replication states from single-cell whole genome sequencing, and investigated clone-specific DNA replication dynamics in >50,000 cells obtained from a collection of aneuploid and clonally heterogeneous cell lines, xenografts and primary cancer tissues. Clone replication timing (RT) profiles correlated with future copy number changes in serially passaged cell lines. Cell type was the strongest determinant of RT heterogeneity, while whole genome doubling and mutational process were associated with accumulation of late S-phase cells and weaker RT associations. Copy number changes affecting chromosome X had striking impact on RT, with loss of the inactive X allele shifting replication earlier, and loss of inactive Xq resulting in reactivation of Xp. Finally, analysis of time series xenografts illustrate how cell cycle distributions approximate clone proliferation, recapitulating expected relationships between proliferation and fitness in treatment-naive and chemotherapeutic contexts.
Methylome-dependent transformation ofemm1 group A streptococci
Authors: Alves Joana , Rand Joshua D , Johnston Alix BE , Bowen Connor , Lynskey Nicola N
Published: April 2023

Genetic intractability presents a fundamental barrier to the manipulation of bacteria, hindering advancements in microbiological research. Group AStreptococcus(GAS), a lethal human pathogen currently associated with an unprecedented surge of infections world-wide, exhibits poor genetic tractability attributed to the activity of a conserved type 1 restriction modification system (RMS). RMS detect and cleave specific target sequences in foreign DNA that are protected in host DNA by sequence-specific methylation. Overcoming this “restriction barrier” thus presents a major technical challenge. Here we demonstrate for the first time that different RMS variants expressed by GAS give rise to genotype-specific and methylome-dependent variation in transformation efficiency. Further, we show that the magnitude of impact of methylation on transformation efficiency elicited by RMS variant TRDAG, encoded by all sequenced strains of the dominant and upsurge-associatedemm1 genotype, is 100-fold greater than for all other TRD tested and is responsible for the poor transformation efficiency associated with this lineage. In dissecting the underlying mechanism, we developed an improved GAS transformation protocol whereby the restriction barrier is overcome by addition of the phage anti-restriction protein Ocr. This protocol is highly effective for TRDAGstrains including clinical isolates representing allemm1 lineages, and will expedite critical research interrogating the genetics ofemm1 GAS, negating the need to work in an RMS-negative background. These findings provide a striking example of the impact of RMS target sequence variation on bacterial transformation, and the importance of defining lineage-specific mechanisms of genetic recalcitrance.

Importance

Understanding the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens are able to cause disease is essential to enable the targeted development of novel therapeutics. A key experimental approach to facilitate this research is the generation of bacterial mutants, through either specific gene deletions or sequence manipulation. This process relies on the ability to transform bacteria with exogenous DNA designed to generate the desired sequence changes. Bacteria have naturally developed protective mechanisms to detect and destroy invading DNA, and these systems severely impede the genetic manipulation of many important pathogens, including the lethal human pathogen group AStreptococcus(GAS). Many GAS lineages exist, of whichemm1 is dominant among clinical isolates. Based on new experimental evidence, we identify the mechanism by which transformation is impaired in theemm1 lineage and establish an improved and highly efficient transformation protocol to expedite the generation of mutants.
Structure of reverse gyrase with a minimal latch that supports ATP-dependent positive supercoiling without specific interactions with the topoisomerase domain
Authors: Mhaindarkar Vaibhav P. , Rasche René , Kümmel Daniel , Rudolph Markus G. , Klostermeier Dagmar
Published: April 2023

Reverse gyrase is the only topoisomerase that introduces positive supercoils into DNA in an ATP-dependent reaction. Positive DNA supercoiling becomes possible through the functional cooperation of the N-terminal helicase domain of reverse gyrase with its C-terminal type IA topoisomerase domain. This cooperation is mediated by a reverse-gyrase-specific insertion into the helicase domain termed the `latch'. The latch consists of a globular domain inserted at the top of a β-bulge loop that connects this globular part to the helicase domain. While the globular domain shows little conservation in sequence and length and is dispensable for DNA supercoiling, the β-bulge loop is required for supercoiling activity. It has previously been shown that the β-bulge loop constitutes a minimal latch that couples ATP-dependent processes in the helicase domain to DNA processing by the topoisomerase domain. Here, the crystal structure of Thermotoga maritima reverse gyrase with such a β-bulge loop as a minimal latch is reported. It is shown that the β-bulge loop supports ATP-dependent DNA supercoiling of reverse gyrase without engaging in specific interactions with the topoisomerase domain. When only a small latch or no latch is present, a helix in the nearby helicase domain of T. maritima reverse gyrase partially unfolds. Comparison of the sequences and predicted structures of latch regions in other reverse gyrases shows that neither sequence nor structure are decisive factors for latch functionality; instead, the decisive factors are likely to be electrostatics and plain steric bulk.
Examining the relationship of age with fears among adolescents and young adults with and without intellectual disabilities
Authors: Barnard-Brak Lucy , Mutua Kagendo , Burnham Joy
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine for differences in potentially productive fear versus all other fear scores comparing adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities versus their typically developing peers without intellectual disabilities while statistically controlling for chronological age.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined for differences in potentially productive fear scores versus all fear scores comparing adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities versus their typically developing peers without intellectual disabilities.

Findings

Results of the current study highlight the importance of examining and statistically acknowledging the form of the relationship between age and fear. As previous research has indicated the relationship of age with fear, this form of the relationship should be acknowledged in subsequent analyses. Results also present a conceptualization of fear with some fears being considered as potentially productive fears as it relates to independent living.

Research limitations/implications

As previous research has indicated the relationship of age with fear, this form of the relationship should be acknowledged in subsequent analyses. Finally, results present a conceptualization of fear with some fears being considered as potentially productive fears as it relates to independent living as an outcome.

Practical implications

The current study presents a conceptualization of fear with some fears being considered as potentially productive fears as it relates to independent living as an outcome.

Originality/value

Results support that potentially productive fears can be considered fears that can be used to promote learning that leads to independent living outcomes such as safety and security.
Fluid flow and heat transfer in carotid sinuses of different sizes and locations in an open surgery: CFD vs FSI
Authors: Hu Yajing , Li Botong , Si Xinhui , Zhu Jing , Meng Linyu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Atherosclerosis tends to occur in the distinctive carotid sinus, leading to vascular stenosis and then causing death. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of sinus sizes, positions and hematocrit on blood flow dynamics and heat transfer by different numerical approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The fluid flow and heat transfer in the carotid artery with three different sinus sizes, three different sinus locations and four different hematocrits are studied by both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and fluid-structure interaction (FSI) methods. An ideal geometric model and temperature-dependent non-Newtonian viscosity are adopted, while the wall heat flux concerning convection, radiation and evaporation is used.

Findings

With increasing sinus size, the average velocity and temperature of the blood fluid decrease, and the area of time average wall shear stress (TAWSS)with small values decreases. As the distances between sinuses and bifurcation points increase, the average temperature and the maximum TAWSS decrease. Atherosclerosis is more likely to develop when the sinuses are enlarged, when the sinuses are far from bifurcation points, or when the hematocrit is relatively large or small. The probability of thrombosis forming and developing becomes larger when the sinus becomes larger and the hematocrit is small enough. The movement of the arterial wall obviously reduces the velocity of blood flow, blood temperature and WSS. This study also suggests that the elastic role of arterial walls cannot be ignored.

Originality/value

The hemodynamics of the internal carotid artery sinus in a carotid artery with a bifurcation structure have been investigated thoroughly, on which the impacts of many factors have been considered, including the non-Newtonian behavior of blood and empirical boundary conditions. The results when the FSI is considered and absent are compared.
Harmonious passion and procrastination: an exploration based on actor–partner interdependence model
Authors: Zhang Zhenduo , Shen Yifei , Yang Mengxi , Zheng Junwei
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Considering the potential economic losses this might bring about, researchers have begun to explore ways to mitigate procrastination. Drawing on the job demands-resources model and the spillover-crossover model, this study aims to investigate the association between harmonious passion and procrastination at the intra- and interpersonal levels.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a two-wave multisource questionnaire survey to acquire 256 cases nested in 128 coworker dyads from two hotels in Shanghai. Multilevel analysis and the actor–partner interdependence model were adopted to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that employees’ harmonious passion is indirectly negatively associated with procrastination (i.e., cyberslacking and soldiering) through workplace well-being at the intrapersonal level; employees’ harmonious passion is indirectly negatively associated with their coworkers’ procrastination (i.e., cyberslacking and soldiering) through the coworkers’ workplace well-being; and the crossover influence of employees’ harmonious passion on coworkers’ workplace well-being is contingent upon interpersonal conflict at the dyadic level, such that the crossover influence is stronger in condition of low rather than high interpersonal conflict.

Practical implications

Hotels are suggested to provide training programs to employees for enhancing their capabilities to maintain harmonious passion and promote their communication skills to decrease the likelihood to experience interpersonal conflict.

Originality/value

This study offers a comprehensive insight into the association between harmonious passion and procrastination in hospitality employees, which extends the understanding of the outcomes of harmonious passion and the profit of harmonious passion at the interpersonal level.
Supply chain agility as the antecedent to firm sustainability in the post COVID-19
Authors: Wang Michael , Wang Bin (Bill)
Published: April 2023

Purpose

COVID-19 has caused critical supply chain problems, especially in sustainable supply chain management, but very few empirical studies have been explored how to improve the firm sustainability through supply chain endeavours such as supply chain agility to manage the impacts of COVID-19. This paper aims to develop a model to incorporate supply chain agility and supply chain relationships that link firm sustainability to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online survey and collected 203 valid responses from businesses in the United Arab Emirates, and employed an exploratory factor analysis, mediated regression analysis and structural equation modelling methodology to test the models and hypotheses.

Findings

The authors find that the adoption of supply chain agility can improve supply chain relationships and positively impact sustainability. Meanwhile, supply chain relationships partially mediate the relationship between supply chain agility and sustainability. In addition, sustainability mitigates the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on supply chains.

Originality/value

The results provide fruitful insights and implications for the challenges and uncertainties caused by the pandemic post COVID-19 and provide several directions for further research.
The impact of COVID-19 on work from home of ethnic groups in the USA: evidence from time-use data
Authors: Hoxhaj Rezart , Miti Florian
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on participation and time allocated to work from home (WFH) by ethnic/racial group.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ USA time-use data [American Time Use Survey (ATUS)] for the 2017–2020 period and a parametric approach in their analysis.

Findings

Estimates show that the time allocated to WFH increased during COVID-19, especially for women. This increase is likely driven by more workers shifting to WFH (higher participation) rather than by longer hours worked by those who already teleworked. The authors also find relevant differences in the impact of COVID-19 on WFH by ethnic/racial group. Among ethnic/racial groups, only Asians increased WFH compared to White Americans. Within this ethnic group, the authors find significant differences across genders. Asian men increased participation in WFH, whereas Asian women increased both participation and hours worked, compared to White American women. Differences in this racial/ethnic group could be explained by previous research, which demonstrates a higher ability of Asians to perform job tasks remotely. However, this finding could also be attributed to an increase in discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the recent and limited literature exploring the heterogeneous impact of COVID-19 on participation and time allocated to WFH by ethnic/racial group. Understanding the mechanisms driving vulnerable populations' abilities to work during socioeconomic downturns is of high policy importance.
COVID-19 uncertainty, pandemic management strategy, management control and public health performance
Authors: Nartey Edward
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Although the use of management control systems (MCS) in crisis management has received extensive attention, limited knowledge exists regarding the benefits of the broad scope, timeliness, integration and aggregation dimensions. This study aims at examining the performance implications of the context-structure combinations of pandemic management strategy (PMS), MCS use and pandemic-induced uncertainty of public health institutions (PHIs) in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using online survey questionnaire where 246 public health managers qualified for the study. Data were analyzed using covariance-based structural equations modeling (version 23).

Findings

PMS was found to have a significant and positive impact on three (broad scope, timeliness and aggregation) of the four dimensions. The integrated dimension was statistically insignificant. In addition, the three dimensions had a significant impact on top managers’ satisfaction with MCS use, which in turn impact on cost containment and quality of care. Finally, COVID-19 uncertainty moderated the relationship between MCS use and operational performance.

Practical implications

The three dimensions of broad scope, timeliness and aggregation are critical for PHIs when it comes to crisis management. Moreover, the presence of pandemics strengthens the relationship between top manager use of MCS and performance in health care. More sophisticated MCS information is required when managing pandemic-related crisis by PHIs.

Originality/value

This study presents a theoretical framework that integrates PMS, MCS use and performance of public health care from a contingency perspective. It extends the benefits of contingency theory to include the three dimensions of MCS with respect to crisis management.
Environmental filtering drives biodiversity–spatial stability relationships in a large temperate forest region
Authors: Lin Senxuan , Qiao Xuetao , Geng Yan , Fan Chunyu , Zhang Chunyu , Zhao Xiuhai , von Gadow Klaus
Published: April 2023

The assumption that greater biodiversity enhances ecosystem stability, commonly known as ‘portfolio effect’, has attracted considerable research attention. However, the potential portfolio effects on spatial stability (the similarity of ecosystem functioning among forest communities) are still poorly examined especially at different spatial scales and under varying environmental stress conditions. Accordingly, this study investigates the biodiversity–spatial stability relationship among regional communities across different spatial scales and environmental conditions in a temperate forest region.

We define spatial stability as the invariability of the productivity of woody plants among plots within a regional community. To test spatial stability, the N closest plots to a given plot were aggregated to form regional communities representing different spatial scales. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate how biodiversity (including taxonomic [TD] and phylogenetic diversity [PD]) increases spatial stability via species asynchrony and/or population stability across spatial scales. Hierarchical Bayesian modelling was used to evaluate the environmental dependence of the portfolio effects on spatial stability.

TD and PD both increased the spatial stability by increasing asynchrony, but decreased population stability. The portfolio effect of TD on spatial stability became stronger and reached saturation at the intermediate scale and then decreased as regional communities became larger. The portfolio effects of TD were weaker under the stressful conditions of drought, high precipitation seasonality and high elevation but unchanged across temperature seasonality and human disturbance. PD showed no discernable effect on spatial stability and did not change across spatial scale and environmental condition.

Our results suggest that the positive effect of biodiversity on species asynchrony overcomes the negative biodiversity effect on population stability to buffer the spatial change in productivity in diverse communities. Future research of the biodiversity–spatial stability relationship may thus benefit from incorporating different spatial scales and environmental conditions into the analysis.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Pharmacoepidemiology and costs of medications dispensed during pregnancy: A retrospective population‐based study
Authors: Jackson Hannah , Grzeskowiak Luke E. , Enticott Joanne , Callander Emily
Published: April 2023

Objective

To describe the pharmacoepidemiology and costs associated with medications dispensed during pregnancy.

Design

Pharmacoepidemiological study and cost analysis.

Setting

Queensland, Australia.

Population

All women who gave birth in Queensland between January 2013 and June 2018.

Methods

We used a whole‐of‐population linked administrative dataset, Maternity1000, to describe medications approved for public subsidy that were dispensed to 255 408 pregnant women. We describe the volume of medications dispensed and their associated costs from a Government and patient perspective.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of medication use; proportion of total dispensings; total medication costs in AUD 2020/21 ($1AUD = $0.67USD/£0.55GBP in December 2022).

Results

During pregnancy, 61% (95% CI 60.96–61.29%) of women were dispensed at least one medication approved for public subsidy. The mean number of items dispensed per pregnancy increased from 2.14 (95% CI 2.11–2.17) in 2013 to 2.47 (95% CI 2.44–2.51) in 2017; an increase of 15%. Furthermore, mean Government cost per dispensing increased by 41% from $21.60 (95% CI $20.99–$22.20) in 2013 to $30.44 (95% CI $29.38–$31.49) in 2017. These factors influenced the 53% increase in total Government expenditure observed for medication use during pregnancy between 2013 and 2017 ($2,834,227 versus $4,324,377); a disproportionate rise compared with the 17% rise in women's total out‐of‐pocket expenses observed over the same timeframe ($1,880,961 versus $2,204,415).

Conclusions

Prevalence of medication use in pregnancy is rising and is associated with disproportionate and rapidly escalating cost implications for the Government.
Management and outcomes of pulmonary artery hypertension and Eisenmenger syndrome during pregnancy: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Jha Nivedita , Divya Mecheril Balachandran , Jha Ajay Kumar
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Maternal‐fetal morbidity and mortality among pregnant women with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and Eisenmenger syndrome are unacceptable, and management decision‐making in these clinical scenarios remains debatable. This study aimed to compare and analyse clinical characteristics, management and pregnancy outcomes in PAH and Eisenmenger syndrome.

Design

Prospective observational cohort study.

Settings

A large tertiary care university hospital.

Patients

Thirty patients with pulmonary artery hypertension and 20 patients with Eisenmenger syndrome.

Methods

Data pertaining to clinical characteristics, anaesthetic, medical and obstetric management, and outcomes in pregnancy complicated by PAH and Eisenmenger syndrome were collected between July 2020 and June 2022. Each treating unit followed its management protocol in consultation with the multidisciplinary team.

Main outcome measures

Maternal mortality and morbidity.

Results

Maternal mortality was lower in the PAH group (6.6% versus 15%; p = 0.33). All mortalities were in the postpartum period. The incidence of new‐onset or exacerbation of heart failure (23.3% versus 60%; p = 0.009) and hypoxaemia (13.3% versus 50%; p = 0.005) were significantly lower in the PAH group. In the Eisenmenger syndrome group, a significantly higher number of women received pulmonary hypertension and heart failure medications. Prematurity and neonatal intensive care unit admission were frequently noticed in Eisenmenger syndrome, whereas perinatal mortality, birthweight and APGAR score were comparable.

Conclusions

Fetomaternal outcomes are inferior in Eisenmenger syndrome compared with PAH and are either lower or comparable to those reported from contemporary cohorts of developed nations.
Mechanistic insights into the changes of enzyme activity in food processing under microwave irradiation
Authors: Cao Hongwei , Wang Xiaoxue , Liu Jing , Sun Zhu , Yu Zhiquan , Battino Maurizio , El‐Seedi Hesham , Guan Xiao
Published: April 2023

Microwave (MW) and enzyme catalysis are two emerging processing tools in the field of food industry. Recently, MW has been widely utilized as a novel type of green and safe heating energy. However, the effect of MW irradiation on enzyme activity is not described clearly. The intrinsic mechanisms behind enzyme activation and inactivation remain obscure. To apply better MW to the field of enzyme catalysis, it is essential to gain insights into the mechanism of MW action on enzyme activity. This review summarizes the changes in various enzyme activity during food processing, especially under MW irradiation. The intrinsic mechanism of thermal and nonthermal effects of MW irradiation was analyzed from the perspective of enzyme reaction kinetics and spatial structure. MW irradiation temperature is a vital parameter affecting the catalytic activity of enzymes. Activation of the enzyme activity is achieved even at high MW power when the enzyme is operating at its optimum temperature. However, when the temperature exceeds the optimum temperature, the enzyme activity is inhibited. In addition to MW dielectric heating effect, nonthermal MW effects also alter the microenvironment of reactive system. Taken together, enzyme activity is influenced by both thermal and nonthermal MW effects.
Chemical compositions and sleep‐promoting activities of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) varieties
Authors: Min Byungjick , Ahn Yejin , Cho Hyeok‐Jun , Kwak Woong‐Kwon , Jo Kyungae , Suh Hyung Joo
Published: April 2023

Among natural products with sleep‐promoting activity, hops have been used since ancient times as a tranquilizer and hypnotic agent. This study investigated the sleep‐promoting effects of extracts of various hop (Humulus lupulus L.) varieties in invertebrate and vertebrate models. The content of α‐acids, β‐acids, and xanthohumol was higher in hop 70% alcohol extracts than in hop hot water extracts. Among the alcohol extracts, Citra contained a high α‐acid content (229.32 µg/mg), while Saphir showed high β‐acid and xanthohumol content (66.37 and 4.23 µg/mg, respectively). In Drosophila melanogaster, Simcoe and Mosaic water extracts and Saphir and Simcoe alcohol extracts significantly increased total nighttime sleep. Total sleep time of mice with pentobarbital‐induced sleep was significantly increased by Simcoe and Mosaic water extracts and Saphir and Simcoe ethanol extracts compared to the normal group. Oral administration of Simcoe water extract and Saphir alcohol extract improved sleep in the caffeine‐induced insomnia model and upregulated the mRNA expression of GABAA (gamma 2 subunit) and GABAB receptors in mouse brains. Additionally, Saphir alcohol extract significantly increased the GABA content in mouse brains. Simcoe water extract and Saphir ethanol extract modulated GABAergic signaling to improve sleep‐related behaviors, including sleep duration.
Chitosan‐coated nanoliposomes for the enhanced stability of walnut angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide
Authors: Cao Shinuo , Hao Jing , Wang Yuzhen , Zhou Xin , Wang Fengjun
Published: April 2023

This study encapsulated walnut angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides within nanoliposomes and then modified them with chitosan. The resulting effect of the nanoliposome loading and chitosan coating on physicochemical characteristics, stability, bioactivity, chemical structure, and morphology of the encapsulated peptides was assessed. The resulting particle size and polymer dispersity index revealed that the chitosan‐coated nanoliposomes loaded with walnut ACE inhibitory peptides (WAIP) (CL‐P) exhibited higher physical stability compared with the nanoliposomes loaded with WAIP (L‐P). The encapsulation efficiency (EE) of CL‐P increased from 73.32% to 76.13% after chitosan modification, and the EE of L‐P and CL‐P could be maintained by storage at 4°C. In addition, the antioxidant activity and ACE inhibitory activity of the peptides were effectively protected by L‐P and CL‐P during storage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the nanoliposomes were bound in ionic form with both the peptides and chitosan. Transmission electron micrographs indicated the presence of vesicle‐like carriers with a reservoir‐type structure. This study highlights the potential of nanoliposomes and their modification with chitosan to increase the stability and bioactivity retention of ACE inhibitory peptides.

Practical Application

Chitosan‐coated nanoliposomes loaded with walnut ACE inhibitory peptides were prepared in this study. Chitosan coating increased nanoliposomes’ encapsulation efficiency and provided higher physical stability. In addition, the bioactivity of the walnut ACE peptides was effectively protected during storage. This study was relevant for improving the storage and transportation used for nanoliposome systems applied in the food and health product industry.
Evaluation of the effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on vacuum far‐infrared drying characteristics and quality of Angelica sinensis based on entropy weight‐coefficient of variation method
Authors: Zang Zepeng , Huang Xiaopeng , Zhang Qian , Jiang Chunhui , Wang Tongxun , Shang Jianwei , He Cuncai , Wan Fangxin
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the effects of ultrasonic pretreatment time, ultrasonic power, and ultrasonic frequency on the drying characteristics and physicochemical quality of Angelica sinensis, and the physicochemical quality content was selected as the evaluation index, the entropy weight‐coefficient of variation method was used to calculate the coupling weight and comprehensive score, and the weighted Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution method was used to verify the evaluation model. The results showed that the drying rate of materials after ultrasonic treatment was increased by 22.48% to 93.26%, and the effective moisture diffusivity was in the range between 4.6831 × 10−9 and 7.0722 × 10−9 m2/s, and the drying activation energy was 31.90 kJ/mol. The energy consumption decreased by 5.75% to 25.88%. Compared with the samples without the ultrasonic pretreatment, the chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide H, senkyunolide I, 3‐butenylphthalide, ligustilide, polysaccharides, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity of A. sinensis were increased after ultrasonic treatment, and the color, rehydration ratio, shrinkage ratio, and microstructure of dried products were improved significantly (p < 0.05). However, the quality of the dried products decreased after ultrasonic treatment for 40 min with an ultrasonic frequency of 60 kHz, and the internal tissue structure was destroyed. In summary, ultrasonic pretreatment at low frequency and high power can significantly increase the drying rate and improve the physicochemical quality of dried products.
Estimating the impact of a police education program on hepatitis C virus transmission and disease burden among people who inject drugs in Tijuana, Mexico: A dynamic modeling analysis
Authors: Rivera Saldana Carlos D. , Abramovitz Daniela , Beletsky Leo , Borquez Annick , Kiene Susan , Marquez Lara K. , Patton Thomas , Strathdee Steffanie , Zúñiga María Luisa , Martin Natasha K. , Cepeda Javier
Published: April 2023

Background and aims

Criminalization of drug use and punitive policing are key structural drivers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk among people who inject drugs (PWID). A police education program (Proyecto Escudo) delivering training on occupational safety together with drug law content was implemented between 2015 and 2016 in Tijuana, Mexico, to underpin drug law reform implementation. We used data from a longitudinal cohort of PWID in Tijuana to inform epidemic modeling and assess the long‐term impact of Escudo on HCV transmission and burden among PWID in Tijuana.

Methods

We developed a dynamic, compartmental model of HCV transmission and incarceration among PWID and tracked liver disease progression among current and former PWID. The model was calibrated to data from Tijuana, Mexico, with 90% HCV seroprevalence. We used segmented regression analysis to estimate impact of Escudo on recent incarceration among an observational cohort of PWID. By simulating the observed incarceration trends, we estimated the potential impact of the implemented (2‐year reduction in incarceration) and an extended (10‐year reduction in incarceration) police education program over a 50‐year follow‐up (2016–2066) on HCV outcomes (incidence, cirrhosis, HCV‐related deaths and disability adjusted life‐years averted) compared with no intervention.

Results

Over the 2‐year follow‐up, Proyecto Escudo reduced HCV incidence among PWID from 21.5 per 100 person years (/100py) (95% uncertainty interval [UI] = 15.3–29.7/100py) in 2016 to 21.1/100py (UI = 15.0–29.1/100py) in 2018. If continued for 10 years, Escudo could reduce HCV incidence to 20.0/100py (14.0–27.8/100py) by 2026 and avert 186 (32–389) new infections, 76 (UI = 12–160) cases of cirrhosis and 32 (5–73) deaths per 10 000 PWID compared with no intervention over a 50‐year time horizon.

Conclusions

In Tijuana, Mexico, implementation of a police education program delivering training on occupational safety and drug law content appears to have reduced hepatitis C virus incidence among people who inject drugs.