bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of insulin insufficiency on ultrastructure and function in skeletal muscle
Authors: Kopecky Chantal , Haug Michael , Reischl Barbara , Deshpande Nandan , Manandhar Bikash , King Thomas W. , Lee Victoria , Wilkins Marc R , Morris Margaret , Polly Patsie , Friedrich Oliver , Rye Kerry-Anne , Cochran Blake J
Published: December 2022

Background

Decreased insulin availability and high blood glucose levels, the hallmark features of poorly controlled diabetes, drive disease progression and are associated with decreased skeletal muscle mass. We have shown that mice with β-cell dysfunction and normal insulin sensitivity have decreased skeletal muscle mass. This project asks how insulin deficiency impacts on the structure and function of the remaining skeletal muscle in these animals.

Methods

Skeletal muscle function was determined by measuring exercise capacity and specific muscle strength prior to and after insulin supplementation for 28 days in 12-week-old mice with conditional β-cell deletion of the ATP binding cassette transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1 (β-DKO mice).Abca1andAbcg1floxed (fl/fl) mice were used as controls. RNAseq was used to quantify changes in transcripts in soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles. Skeletal muscle and mitochondrial morphology were assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Myofibrillar Ca2+sensitivity and maximum isometric single muscle fibre force were assessed usingMyoRobotbiomechatronics technology.

Results

RNA transcripts were significantly altered in β-DKO mice compared to fl/fl controls (32 in extensor digitorum longus and 412 in soleus). Exercise capacity and muscle strength were significantly decreased in β-DKO mice compared to fl/fl controls (p=0.012), and a loss of structural integrity was also observed in skeletal muscle from the β-DKO mice. Supplementation of β-DKO mice with insulin restored muscle integrity, strength and expression of 13 and 16 of the dysregulated transcripts in and extensor digitorum longus and soleus muscles, respectively.

Conclusions

Insulin insufficiency due to β-cell dysfunction perturbs the structure and function of skeletal muscle. These adverse effects are rectified by insulin supplementation.
The phosphoinositide signature guides the final step of plant cytokinesis
Authors: Lebecq Alexis , Fangain Aurélie , Gascon Elsa , Goldy Camila , Belcram Katia , Pastuglia Martine , Bouchez David , Caillaud Marie-Cécile
Published: December 2022

Plant cytokinesis, which fundamentally differs from that in animals, involves de novo assembly of a plasma membrane precursor named the cell plate. How the transition from the cell plate to a plasma membrane occurs at the end of the plant cytokinesis remains poorly understood. Here, we describe with unprecedented spatiotemporal precision, the acquisition of plasma membrane identity upon cytokinesis through the lateral patterning of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate PI(4,5)P2at the newly formed cell plate membrane. We show that during late cytokinesis, opposing polarity domains are formed along the cell plate. Exclusion of PI(4,5)P2from the leading edge of the cell plate is controlled by SAC9, a putative phosphoinositide phosphatase. SAC9 colocalizes with MAP65-3, a key regulator of the cytokinesis, at the cell plate leading zone and regulates its function. In thesac9-3mutant, the polar distribution of PI(4,5)P2at the cell plate is altered, leading to de-novo recruitment of the cytokinesis apparatus and to formation of an additional, ectopic cell plate insertion site. We proposed that PI(4,5)P2acts as a polar cue to spatially separate the expansion and maturation domains of the forming cell plate during the final steps of cytokinesis.

One Sentence Summary

The phosphoinositide PI(4,5)P2acts as an hallmark to guide the final step of plant cell division.
Application of computational data modeling to a large-scale population cohort assists the discovery of specific nutrients that influence beneficial human gut bacteriaFaecalibacterium prausnitzii
Authors: Dogra Shaillay Kumar , Dardinier Adrien , Mainardi Fabio , Siegwald Léa , Bartova Simona , Roy Caroline le , Chou Chieh Jason
Published: December 2022

Faecalibacterium prausnitzii(F. prausnitzii) is a bacterial taxon of the human gut with anti-inflammatory properties and negative associations with chronic inflammatory conditions.F. prausnitziimay be one of key species contributing to the effects of healthy eating habits, and yet little is known about the nutrients that enhance the growth ofF. prausnitziiother than simple sugars and fibers. Here we combined dietary and microbiome data from the American Gut Project (AGP) to identify nutrients that may be linked to the relative abundance ofF. prausnitzii. Using a machine learning approach in combination with univariate analyses, we identified that sugar alcohols, carbocyclic sugar and vitamins may contribute toF. prausnitziigrowth. We next explored the effects of these nutrients on the growth of twoF. prausnitziistrainsin vitroand observed strain dependent growth patterns on the nutrient tested. In the context of a complex community usingin vitrofermentation, none of the tested nutrients and nutrient combinations exerted a significant growth-promoting effect onF. prausnitziidue to high variability in batch responses. A positive association betweenF. prausnitziiand butyrate concentrations was observed. Future nutritional studies aiming to increase relative abundance ofF. prausnitziishould explore a personalized approach accounting for strain-level genetic variations and community-level microbiome composition.
Numerical investigation of the dynamics of a rigid spherical particle in a vortical cross-slot flow at moderate inertia
Authors: Kechagidis Konstantinos , Owen Benjamin , Guillou Lionel , Tse Henry , Di Carlo Dino , Krüger Timm
Published: December 2022

The study of flow and particle dynamics in microfluidic cross-slot channels is of high relevance for lab-on-a-chip applications. In this work we investigate the dynamics of a rigid spherical particle in a cross-slot junction for a channel height-to-width ratio of 0.6 and at a Reynolds number of 120 for which a steady vortex exists in the junction area. Using an in-house immersed- boundary-lattice-Boltzmann code, we analyse the effect of the entry position of the particle in the junction and the particle size on the dynamics and trajectory shape of the particle. We find that the dynamics of the particle depends strongly on its lateral entry position in the junction and weakly on its vertical entry position; particles that enter close to the centre show trajectory oscillations. Larger particles have longer residence times in the junction and tend to oscillate less due to their confinement. Our work contributes to the understanding of the particle dynamics in intersecting flows and enables the design of optimised geometries for cytometry and particle manipulation.
Ongoing Production of Tissue-Resident Macrophages from Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Healthy Adult Macaques
Authors: Rahmberg Andrew R. , Wu Chuanfeng , Shin Taehoon , Hong So Gun , Pei Luxin , Hickman Heather D. , Dunbar Cynthia E. , Brenchley Jason M.
Published: December 2022

Macrophages are critical orchestrators of tissue immunity, from the initiation and resolution of antimicrobial immune responses to the subsequent repair of damaged tissue. Murine studies have demonstrated that tissue-resident macrophages are comprised of a mixture of yolk sac-derived cells that populate the tissue before birth and hematopoietic-derived replacements that are recruited in adult tissues both at steady-state and in increased numbers in response to tissue damage or infection. While resident macrophages in some murine tissues are readily turned over and replaced, other tissues primarily retain their original, yolk sac-derived complement of macrophages. How this translates to species that are constantly under immunologic challenge, such as humans, is unknown. To understand the ontogeny and longevity of tissue-resident macrophages in nonhuman primates (NHPs), we employ a model of autologous HSPC transplantation with HSPCs genetically modified to express individual bar-coded markers allowing for subsequent analysis of clonal differentiation of leukocyte subsets. We study the contribution of HSPC to tissue-macrophages and their clonotypic profiles relative to leukocyte subsets across tissues and peripheral blood. We also use in vivo bromodeoxyuracil infusions to monitor tissue macrophage turnover in NHPs at steady state. We find that, in all anatomic sites we studied, HSPC contribute to tissue-resident macrophage populations. Their clonotypic profile is dynamic and overlaps significantly with the clonal hierarchy of contemporaneous monocytes in peripheral blood. Moreover, we find evidence of tissue-macrophage turnover at steady state in otherwise unmanipulated NHPs. These data demonstrate the life span of tissue-resident macrophages can be limited and they can be replenished from HSPCs. Thus, in primates not all yolk-sac derived tissue-macrophages survive for the duration of the host’s life.
In situ synchrotron X-ray multimodal experiment to study polycrystal plasticity
Authors: Ribart Clement , King Andrew , Ludwig Wolfgang , Bertoldo Joao P. C. , Proudhon Henry
Published: December 2022

The microstructure of polycrystals is known to govern the performance of structural materials. This drives the need for mechanical characterization methods capable of probing large representative volumes at the grain and sub-grain scales. In this paper, the use of in situ diffraction contrast tomography (DCT) along with far-field 3D X-ray diffraction (ff-3DXRD) at the Psiché beamline of Soleil is presented and applied to study crystal plasticity in commercially pure titanium. A tensile stress rig was modified to comply with the DCT acquisition geometry and used for in situ testing. DCT and ff-3DXRD measurements were carried out during a tensile test of a tomographic Ti specimen up to 1.1% strain. The evolution of the microstructure was analyzed in a central region of interest comprising about 2000 grains. Using the 6DTV algorithm, DCT reconstructions were successfully obtained and allowed the characterization of the evolution of lattice rotation in the entire microstructure. The results are backed up by comparisons with EBSD and DCT maps acquired at ESRF-ID11 that allowed the validation of the orientation field measurements in the bulk. Difficulties at the grain boundaries are highlighted and discussed in line with increasing plastic strain during the tensile test. Finally, a new outlook is provided on the potential of ff-3DXRD to enrich the present dataset with access to average lattice elastic strain data per grain, on the possibility of performing crystal plasticity simulations from DCT reconstructions, and ultimately on comparisons between experiments and simulations at the scale of the grain.
Corruption, quality of institutions and growth
Authors: Beyaert Arielle , García-Solanes José , Lopez-Gomez Laura
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to apply regression-tree analysis to capture the nonlinear effects of corruption on economic growth. Using data of 103 countries for the period 1996–2017, the authors endogenously detect two distinct areas in corruption quality in which the members share the same model of economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply regression tree analysis to capture the nonlinearity of the influences. This methodology allows us to split endogenously the whole sample of countries and characterize the different ways through which corruption impacts economic growth in each group of countries.

Findings

The traditional determinants of economic growth have different impacts on countries depending on their level of corruption, which, in turn, confirms the parameter heterogeneity of the Solow model found in other strands of the literature.

Originality/value

The authors apply a new approach to a worldwide sample obtaining novel results.
Project monitoring and evaluation to engage stakeholders of international development projects for community impact
Authors: Amin Humera , Scheepers Helana , Malik Mohsin
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in international development (ID) project stakeholders' relationships. This study draws on agency theory to examine the specific role M&E plays in improving ID project impact.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data comprising of in-depth interviews were collected from ID project stakeholders such as project donors, implementing partners and steering committee members.

Findings

Results of the study show that project M&E activities can serve multiple purposes including the collection of data for the assessment of inputs, outputs, outcomes and impact. This information is shared with stakeholders to assist in evidence-based decision-making to improve project impact on community. This study shows that M&E activities strengthen the relationship between stakeholders by involving multiple stakeholders at different stages of ID projects to identify community needs and to demonstrate the positive community impact. Agency issues such as goal incongruence, information asymmetry and risk-sharing affect the relationship between the stakeholders. Investing in different M&E activities can reduce these issues, ultimately leading to a positive impact at the community level.

Originality/value

There has been limited research that explores the principal-agent relationship between project stakeholders of ID projects through the lens of agency theory. The role of M&E to collect project data and address agency issues between project stakeholders to improve project impact is the novel contribution of this paper.
Thermo-mechanical behavior of CLT beam-to-girder assemblies connected with T-shaped dowelled connections before, during and after fire exposure
Authors: Shabanian Milad , Braxtan Nicole Leo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

3-ply cross-laminated timber (CLT) is used to investigate the thermo-mechanical performance of intermediate-size assemblies comprised of T-shaped welded slotted-in steel doweled connections and CLT beams at ambient temperature (AT), after and during non-standard fire exposure.

Design/methodology/approach

The first set of experiments was performed as a benchmark to find the load-carrying capacity of the assembly and investigate the failure modes at AT. The post-fire performance (PFP) test was performed to investigate the residual strength of the assembly after 30-min exposure to a non-standard fire. The fire-performance (FP) test was conducted to investigate the thermo-mechanical behavior of the loaded assembly during non-standard fire exposure. In this case, the assembly was loaded to 67% of AT load-carrying capacity and partially exposed to a non-standard fire for 75 min.

Findings

Embedment failure and plastic deformation of the dowels in the beam were the dominant failure modes at AT. The load-carrying capacity of the assembly was reduced to 45% of the ambient capacity after 30 min of fire exposure. Plastic bending of the dowels was the principal failure mode, with row shear in the mid-layer of the CLT beam and tear-out failure of the header sides also observed. During the FP test, ductile embedment failure of the timber in contact with the dowels was the major failure mode at elevated temperature.

Originality/value

This paper presents for the first time the thermo-mechanical performance of CLT beam-to-girder connections at three different thermal conditions. For this purpose, the outside layers of the CLT beams were aligned horizontally.

Highlights

Load-carrying capacity and failure modes of CLT beam-to-girder assembly with T-shaped steel doweled connections at ambient temperature presented.

Residual strength and failure modes of the assembly after 30-min partially exposure to the non-standard fire provided throughout the post-fire performance test.

Fire resistance of the assembly partially exposed to the non-standard fire highlighted.
Smart cities fueled by smart libraries: Implementation and application in an English-speaking Caribbean context
Authors: Duncan Adrian St. Patrick , Sterling Jerdaine Jomer
Published: December 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the development and growth of smart cities across the globe and explore the possibilities for their implementation, to assess the emerging trend for smart homes supported by smart cities, to identify and analyze technologies used in smart cities such as voice recognition that can be integrated into libraries as well as to identify hindrances that confront English-speaking Caribbean islands in their quest to implement Smart Cities and make recommendations how they can attain this feat.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the qualitative methodology, a careful assessment of literature was done to compare technological development as well as infrastructure available to develop and sustain smart cities and by extension smart societies.

Findings

In the Caribbean, numerous homes are outfitted with the requisite internet connectivity, smart technology as well as capabilities to foster intelligent environments but their infrastructure is not set up for full integration that allows all facets to be controlled and or manipulated by the touch of a central remote system.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first of its kind to highlight the possibilities of having a smart city powered by smart libraries and the impact that the latter will have on the empowerment of citizens. It also highlights the technological strides of AI and their impact on assisting daily life.
Investigation of the characteristics of CU2O particles obtained by a plasma-liquid process
Authors: Frolova Liliya , Sergeyeva Olga
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a simple and efficient plasma technology for the production of copper (I) oxide with the ability to control the morphology and size of Cu2O particles. To achieve this goal, the phase composition of the precipitate formed was estimated, the composition and size of the obtained particles were determined and Pourbaix diagrams were constructed.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated approach combining thermodynamic calculations and experimental research methods is used. The constructed Pourbaix diagram makes it possible to suggest the phase composition of the sediment. The use of cyclic voltammetry made it possible to establish the mechanism of deposit formation on the cathode during the treatment of the solution with contact nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma. The resulting product was examined using X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies on the synthesis of copper (II) oxide. The influence of the parameters of plasma-chemical synthesis on the shape and phase composition of the deposits formed has been studied.

Originality/value

A plasma-chemical technology for obtaining copper oxide in the form of single crystals of a regular faceted shape is proposed. The mechanism of formation of copper oxide has been established by cyclic voltammetry. The constructed Pourbaix diagrams show the area of existence of the product.
Mapping trait versus species turnover reveals spatiotemporal variation in functional redundancy and network robustness in a plant‐pollinator community
Authors: Cantwell‐Jones Aoife , Larson Keith , Ward Alan , Bates Olivia K. , Cox Tara , Gibbons Charlotte , Richardson Ryan , Al‐Hayali Abdullah M. R. , Svedin Johan , Aronsson Max , Brannlund Frida , Tylianakis Jason M. , Johansson Jacob , Gill Richard J.
Published: December 2022

Functional overlap among species (redundancy) is considered important in shaping competitive and mutualistic interactions that determine how communities respond to environmental change. Most studies view functional redundancy as static, yet traits within species—which ultimately shape functional redundancy—can vary over seasonal or spatial gradients. We therefore have limited understanding of how trait turnover within and between species could lead to changes in functional redundancy or how loss of traits could differentially impact mutualistic interactions depending on where and when the interactions occur in space and time.

Using an Arctic bumblebee community as a case study, and 1277 individual measures from 14 species over three annual seasons, we quantified how inter‐ and intraspecific body‐size turnover compared to species turnover with elevation and over the season. Coupling every individual and their trait with a plant visitation, we investigated how grouping individuals by a morphological trait or by species identity altered our assessment of network structure and how this differed in space and time. Finally, we tested how the sensitivity of the network in space and time differed when simulating extinction of nodes representing either morphological trait similarity or traditional species groups. This allowed us to explore the degree to which trait‐based groups increase or decrease interaction redundancy relative to species‐based nodes.

We found that (i) groups of taxonomically and morphologically similar bees turn over in space and time independently from each other, with trait turnover being larger over the season; (ii) networks composed of nodes representing species versus morphologically similar bees were structured differently; and (iii) simulated loss of bee trait groups caused faster coextinction of bumblebee species and flowering plants than when bee taxonomic groups were lost. Crucially, the magnitude of these effects varied in space and time, highlighting the importance of considering spatiotemporal context when studying the relative importance of taxonomic and trait contributions to interaction network architecture.

Our finding that functional redundancy varies spatiotemporally demonstrates how considering the traits of individuals within networks is needed to understand the impacts of environmental variation and extinction on ecosystem functioning and resilience.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Peer relationships and interaction between students with visual impairments and their sighted peers at Sirigu Senior High School in Ghana
Authors: Gariba Alexander , Awini Adam
Published: December 2022

Peer interaction and relationships are considered key factors in the academic success of students with disabilities, and serve as measurements of inclusive practice, since children with disabilities who are accepted tend to have positive relationships and interactions. This study explored the peer relationship and interaction patterns between students with visual impairments and their sighted peers at Sirigu Senior High School in Ghana. A concurrent triangulation design was used. One hundred sighted students and two resource teachers were purposively sampled, and 20 students with visual impairments were sampled using a census technique. Interview data were coded and analyzed using the thematic approach, while the questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results from the study showed that there were no positive peer relationships between students with visual impairments and their sighted peers. The students indicated that some sighted peers were unfriendly and discriminatory. The study revealed that there were very limited interactions between the sighted and the visually impaired, and the visually impaired students expressed dissatisfaction with their participation in co‐curricular activities. The study concludes that organizing more social activities would create a friendlier environment, and that the school could promote positive peer relationships and interactions through engaging students with disabilities in more co‐curricular activities.
FoxO is required for optimal fitness of the migratory brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Li , Liu Ke‐Liang , Cai Xin‐Yu , Liu Xin‐Yang , Xu Hai‐Jun
Published: December 2022

The forkhead box O (FoxO) protein is the main transcriptional effector downstream of the insulin/insulin‐like signaling pathway and regulates many developmental and physiological processes. Holometabolous insects with loss‐of‐function mutations in FoxO exhibit phenotypes distinct from those of hemimetabolous insects in which RNA interference was used. Despite the functional importance of FoxO, whether hemimetabolous insects share an evolutionally conserved function of FoxO with holometabolous insects remains to be clarified. We used the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) genome editing‐system to establish a homozygous FoxO‐null mutant (NlFoxO4E) of the wing‐dimorphic brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens, an economically important insect pest of rice fields. The phenotypes of NlFoxO4E mutants included extended nymphal duration, shortened lifespan, reduced reproduction, and decreased stress resistance. In addition, depletion of NlFoxO promoted cell proliferation in wing buds and led to 100% long‐winged morphs, in stark contrast to short‐winged wild‐type BPHs. These findings indicate that NlFoxO is highly functionally conserved with its counterpart in holometabolous insects, and is required for optimal fitness of N. lugens. The insights from FoxO studies may facilitate the identification of potential target genes for BPH control applications.
Microbial photoelectrosynthesis: Feeding purple phototrophic bacteria electricity to produce bacterial biomass
Authors: Manchon Carlos , Muniesa‐Merino Fernando , Llorente María , Esteve‐Núñez Abraham
Published: December 2022

Purple phototrophic bacteria are one of the main actors in chemolithotrophic carbon fixation and, therefore, fundamental in the biogeochemical cycle. These microbes are capable of using insoluble electron donors such as ferrous minerals or even carbon‐based electrodes. Carbon fixation through extracellular electron uptake places purple phototrophic bacteria in the field of microbial electrosynthesis as key carbon capturing microorganisms. In this work we demonstrate biomass production dominated by purple phototrophic bacteria with a cathode (−0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl) as electron donor. In addition, we compared the growth and microbial population structure with ferrous iron as the electron donor. We detect interaction between the cathode and the consortium showing a midpoint potential of 0.05 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Microbial community analyses revealed different microbial communities depending on the electron donor, indicating different metabolic interactions. Electrochemical measurements together with population analyses point to Rhodopseudomonas genus as the key genus in the extracellular electron uptake. Furthermore, the genera Azospira and Azospirillum could play a role in the photoelectrotrophic consortium.
Herbicolin A production and its modulation by quorum sensing in aPantoea agglomeransrhizobacterium bioactive against a broad spectrum of plant‐pathogenic fungi
Authors: Matilla Miguel A. , Evans Terry J. , Martín Jesús , Udaondo Zulema , Lomas‐Martínez Cristina , Rico‐Jiménez Míriam , Reyes Fernando , Salmond George P. C.
Published: December 2022

Global population growth makes it necessary to increase agricultural production yields. However, climate change impacts and diseases caused by plant pathogens are challenging modern agriculture. Therefore, it is necessary to look for alternatives to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The plant microbiota plays an essential role in plant nutrition and health, and offers enormous potential to meet future challenges of agriculture. In this context, here we characterized the antifungal properties of the rhizosphere bacteriumPantoea agglomerans9Rz4, which is active against a broad spectrum of plant pathogenic fungi. Chemical analyses revealed that strain 9Rz4 produces the antifungal herbicolin A and its biosynthetic gene cluster was identified and characterized. We found that the only acyl‐homoserine lactone‐based quorum sensing system of 9Rz4 modulates herbicolin A gene cluster expression. No role of plasmid carriage in the production of herbicolin A was observed. Plant assays revealed that herbicolin A biosynthesis does not affect the root colonization ability ofP. agglomerans9Rz4. Current legislative restrictions are aimed at reducing the use of chemical pesticides in agriculture, and the results derived from this study may lay the foundations for the development of novel biopesticides from rhizosphere microorganisms.
Engineered probiotics Clostridium butyricum‐pMTL007‐GLP‐1 improves blood pressure via producing GLP‐1 and modulating gut microbiota in spontaneous hypertension rat models
Authors: Wang Xin‐liang , Chen Wen‐jie , Jin Rui , Xu Xuan , Wei Jing , Huang Hong , Tang Yan‐hua , Zou Chang‐wei , Chen Ting‐tao
Published: December 2022

Hypertension is a significant risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with high prevalence worldwide, the current treatment has multiple adverse effects and requires continuous administration. The glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists have shown great potential in treating diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity and hypertension. Butyric acid is a potential target in treating hypertension. Yet, the application of GLP‐1 analogue and butyric acid in reducing blood pressure and reversing ventricular hypertrophy remains untapped. In this study, we combined the therapeutic capability of GLP‐1 and butyric acid by transforming Clostridium butyricum (CB) with recombinant plasmid pMTL007 encoded with hGLP gene to construct the engineered probiotics Clostridium butyricum‐pMTL007‐GLP‐1 (CB‐GLP‐1). We used spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) models to evaluate the positive effect of this strain in treating hypertension. The results revealed that the intragastric administration of CB‐GLP‐1 had markedly reduced blood pressure and improved cardiac marker ACE2, AT2R, AT1R, ANP, BNP, β‐MHC, α‐SMA and activating AMPK/mTOR/p70S6K/4EBP1 signalling pathway. The high‐throughput sequencing further demonstrated that CB‐GLP‐1 treatments significantly improved the dysbiosis in the SHR rats via downregulating the relative abundance of Porphyromonadaceae at the family level and upregulating Lactobacillus at the genus level. Hence, we concluded that the CB‐GLP‐1 greatly improves blood pressure and cardiomegaly by restoring the gut microbiome and reducing ventricular hypertrophy in rat models. This is the first time using engineered CB in treating hypertension, which provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of hypertension.
Empowering ecological modellers with a PERFICT workflow: Seamlessly linking data, parameterisation, prediction, validation and visualisation
Authors: Barros Ceres , Luo Yong , Chubaty Alex M. , Eddy Ian M. S. , Micheletti Tatiane , Boisvenue Céline , Andison David W. , Cumming Steven G. , McIntire Eliot J. B.
Published: December 2022

Modelling is widely used in ecology and its utility continues to increase as scientists, managers and policy‐makers face pressure to effectively manage ecosystems and meet conservation goals with limited resources. As the urgency to forecast ecosystem responses to global change grows, so do the number and complexity of predictive ecological models and the value of iterative prediction, both of which demand validation and cross‐model comparisons. This challenges ecologists to provide predictive models that are reusable, interoperable, transparent and able to accommodate updates to both data and algorithms.

We propose a practical solution to this challenge based on the PERFICT principles (frequent Predictions and Evaluations of Reusable, Freely accessible, Interoperable models, built within Continuous workflows that are routinely Tested), using a modular and integrated framework. We present its general implementation across seven common components of ecological model applications—(i) the modelling toolkit; (ii) data acquisition and treatment; (iii) model parameterisation and calibration; (iv) obtaining predictions; (v) model validation; (vi) analysing and presenting model outputs; and (vii) testing model code—and apply it to two approaches used to predict species distributions: (1) a static statistical model, and (2) a complex spatiotemporally dynamic model.

Adopting a continuous workflow enabled us to reuse our models in new study areas, update predictions with new data, and re‐parameterise with different interoperable modules using freely accessible data sources, all with minimal user input. This allowed repeating predictions and automatically evaluating their quality, while centralised inputs, parameters and outputs, facilitated ensemble forecasting and tracking uncertainty. Importantly, the integrated model validation promotes a continuous evaluation of the quality of more‐ or less‐parsimonious models, which is valuable in predictive ecological modelling.

By linking all stages of an ecological modelling exercise, it is possible to overcome common challenges faced by ecological modellers, such as changing study areas, choosing between different modelling approaches, and evaluating the appropriateness of the model. This ultimately creates a more equitable and robust playing field for both modellers and end users (e.g. managers), and contributes to position predictive ecology as a central contributor to global change forecasting.
Skull, mandible and hyoid apparatus in the Indian grey mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii): A comprehensive anatomical study
Authors: Rasouli Babak , Yousefi Mohammad Hasan
Published: December 2022

Mongooses are small carnivores residing in different regions of Asia. The Indian grey mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) is one of the species mostly found in Iran. The skull gives the head of animal species' phylogenetic appearance and protects vital organs such as the brain and eyes. Our study aimed to enrich the current data pool by providing a morphological and morphometric description of the Indian grey mongoose's skull, mandible and hyoid apparatus. The present work was conducted on ten skulls and mandibles of the mongoose to describe the skull's anatomy and mandible grossly and radiographically. The radiographic characteristics of the Indian grey mongoose skull and mandible were demonstrated in lateral and dorsoventral projections. They were studied anatomically, and the measurements of morphometric characteristics were performed. Unpaired t‐tests were used to investigate the sexual dimorphism regarding skull measurements between sexes. This study showed that the neuro‐cranium area was extensive in the Indian grey mongoose skull, and the orbit was utterly bony. The presence of a two‐part tympanic bulla and the absence of a distinct jugular process are also significant. In terms of the morphometric characteristics, there were significant differences between males and females, especially in the total length of the skull. Morphologically, the anatomy of the skull, mandible and hyoid apparatus is similar in male and female mongooses and follows the species' behavioural and nutritional characteristics. Some of these characteristics are different from other carnivores, especially dogs.
Osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)
Authors: Mpagike Faraja Hosea , Makungu Modesta
Published: December 2022

The greater cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus) is mainly distributed in the humid and sub‐humid regions of the sub‐Saharan Africa. It is believed to be the second largest African rodent. The aim of this study was to describe the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the greater cane rat as a reference for teaching, clinical use, anatomical studies and biomedical research. Five intact dead greater cane rats were used for radiographic examination. Radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens. The clavicle was seen in all animals. The scapula was wide with well‐developed acromion and coracoid process. The major and minor tubercles did not extend higher than the head of the humerus. The deltoid tuberosity was very prominent. The medial epicondyle was larger than its lateral counterpart, and the supratrochlear foramen was present. The radial tuberosity was further distally located. The ulnar head was well‐developed, and the olecranon tuber was square‐shaped. The distal physes for the radius and ulna appeared transverse. The carpus had eight bones. The manus presented with five widely spread digits. The first digit was reduced in size and placed such that the dorsal and palmar surfaces face almost medial and lateral, respectively. Additionally, two rudimentary digits were seen. Variations exist in the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb in different species. Knowledge of the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of individual species is important for species identification and diagnosis of musculoskeletal diseases involving the thoracic limb.
Attitudes and practices associated with pubic hair grooming behaviours: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Deans Rebecca , Cui Cathy Kexin , Tam Catherine , Coronel Ana Beatrice L. , Rosa Gabriela , Gerstl Brigitte
Published: December 2022

Background

Female pubic hair grooming (PHG) habits have changed in the last 20 years. Most studies present findings around female PHG attitudes, practices, and behaviours, lacking data on male attitudes and practices.

Aims

We explored the attitudes and practices of PHG from male and female perspectives.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional convenience survey was conducted online with 1560 male and female young adult participants aged 18 to 25 years. The study was conducted over two time periods (2014 and 2021). The survey explored attitudes, practices, and behaviours around PHG. Descriptive statistics included frequencies and proportions for categorical variables and the median for continuous variables. Males and females were compared using the χ2 test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. We used logistic regression to explore independent factors of PHG.

Results

Seventy‐two percent (n = 471/728) of females and 64.7% (n = 257/728) of males were likely to engage in PHG. Participants were more likely to groom their pubic hair for reasons associated with religion (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 9.01, 95% CI: 2.87–28.2), comfort when wearing clothing (aOR: 3.85, 95% CI: 1.52–9.71), a neater and cleaner genital appearance (aOR: 3.90, 95% CI: 1.62–9.41) and before attending a healthcare consultation (aOR: 4.79, 95% CI: 2.27–10.09). Moreover, twice as many females compared with male groomers reported watching pornography (69.7% vs 30.3%).

Conclusion

Several factors can influence PHG. Our findings demonstrate that the reasons participants engage in PHG practices are for hygiene, aesthetics, comfort, and sexual satisfaction.
Accurate identification and documentation of First Nations women and babies attending maternity services: How can we ‘close the gap’ if we can't get this right?
Authors: McLardie‐Hore Fiona E. , McLachlan Helen L. , Newton Michelle S. , Bundle Gina , Druce Tanya , Jackomos Marika , Forster Della A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Policies and strategies addressing the health inequities experienced by First Nations peoples are critical to ensuring the gap in outcomes between First Nations and non‐Indigenous peoples is closed. The identification of First Nations peoples is vital to enable the delivery of culturally safe and sensitive health care. Complete and accurate health data are essential for funding and evaluation of such initiatives.

Aims

To describe the processes used and accuracy of identification and documentation of First Nations mothers and babies during the period of the implementation of a culturally responsive caseload model of maternity care at three major metropolitan maternity services in Melbourne, Australia.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted using administrative and clinical data.

Results

There was variation in when and how First Nations identification was asked and documented for mothers and babies. Errors included 14% of First Nations mothers not identified at the first booking appointment, 5% not identified until after the birth and 11% of First Nations babies not identified in the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection documentation. Changes to documentation and staff education were implemented to improve identification and reduce inaccuracies.

Conclusions

To improve disparities in health outcomes, mainstream health services must respond to the needs of First Nations peoples, but improved care first requires accurate identification and documentation of First Nations peoples. Implementing and maintaining accuracy in collection and documentation of First Nations status is essential for health services to provide timely and appropriate care to First Nations people and to support and grow culturally appropriate and safe services.
Cataract surgery in patients with uveitis: Data from the Swedish National Cataract Register
Authors: Pålsson Sara , Pivodic Aldina , Grönlund Marita Andersson , Lundström Mats , Viberg Andreas , Behndig Anders , Zetterberg Madeleine
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To investigate the surgical and pharmacological management and outcomes of patients with cataract and concurrent uveitis.

Methods

Data from the Swedish National Cataract Register, 2018–2019, were collected and analysed. Uveitic eyes were identified and eyes without uveitis were used as controls. Generalized estimating equations were used to adjust for intra‐individual correlation.

Results

The study included 719 eyes with and 256 360 without uveitis. The mean age was 66.0 ± 13.5 (standard deviation [SD]) years in the uveitis group and 74.3 ± 8.7 years in the control group (p < 0.001). Surgery was associated with more intraoperative difficulties in eyes with uveitis (27.0%) than in control eyes (7.1%; p < 0.001). Posterior capsule rupture/zonular complications were registered in nine eyes with uveitis (1.3%) and in 1464 eyes without uveitis (0.6%; p = 0.02). Hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses (uveitis 3.6%, controls 1.2%) and subconjunctival steroids (uveitis 17.4%, controls 6.1%) were more frequently used in eyes with uveitis (p < 0.001). post‐operative best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.16 ± 0.38 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR, mean ± SD) in eyes with uveitis (n = 52) and 0.08 ± 0.20 in control eyes (n = 14 489; p = 0.008).

Conclusion

In this large registry‐based Swedish cohort study, the findings demonstrate that cataract surgery in patients with uveitis poses more challenges and requires special surgical precautions. Eyes with concurrent uveitis had worse BCVA prior to and following surgery. Despite the intraoperative challenges, the visual improvement was greater in the uveitic group.
The effect of erythroferrone suppression by transfusion on the erythropoietin–erythroferrone–hepcidin axis in transfusion‐dependent thalassaemia: A pre–post cohort study
Authors: Zaman Burhan Abdullah , Rasool Suzan Omer , Abdo Jassim Mohammed
Published: December 2022

To track post‐transfusion changes on the erythropoietin (EPO)–erythroferrone (ERFE)–hepcidin axis, we collected blood samples from 82 regularly transfused patients with β‐thalassaemia major (β‐TM) immediately before and 4–6 days after transfusion. The post‐transfusion haemoglobin, hepcidin, and ferritin levels were increased, while the EPO, ERFE, and soluble transferrin receptor were suppressed. In addition, hepcidin change was inversely associated with erythropoietic change, which was confirmed by an increase in the hepcidin‐to‐ERFE ratio after transfusion. Age was the main predictor of serum ERFE, followed by EPO, transfusion frequencies, and ferritin. We found ERFE to be a highly sensitive indicator of erythroid activity in β‐TM and that the hepcidin‐to‐ERFE ratio after transfusion may be used as an appropriateness index of serum hepcidin regulation relative to the degree of erythropoiesis.
Precarious engagements and the politics of knowledge production: Listening to calls for reorienting hegemonic social psychology
Authors: Reddy Geetha , Amer Amena
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we invite psychologists to reflect on and recognize how knowledge is produced in the field of social psychology. Engaging with the work of decolonial, liberation and critical psychology scholars, we provide a six‐point lens on precarity that facilitates a deeper understanding of knowledge production in hegemonic social psychology and academia at large. We conceptualize knowledge (re)production in psychology as five interdependent ‘cogs’ within the neoliberal machinery of academia, which cannot be viewed in isolation; (1) its epistemological foundations rooted in coloniality, (2) the methods and standards it uses to understand human thoughts, feelings and behaviours, (3) the documentation of its knowledge, (4) the dissemination of its knowledge and (5) the universalization of psychological theories. With this paper we also claim our space in academia as early career researchers of colour who inhabit the margins of hegemonic social psychology. We join scholars around the world in calling for a much‐needed disciplinary shift that centres solutions to the many forms of violence that are inflicted upon marginalized members of the global majority. To conclude, we offer four political‐personal intentions for the reorientation for the discipline of hegemonic social psychology with the aim to disrupt the politics of knowledge production and eradicate precarity.
Directionality in the interrelations between approximate number, verbal number, and mathematics in preschool‐aged children
Authors: Mou Yi , Zhang Bo , Hyde Daniel C.
Published: December 2022

A fundamental question in numerical development concerns the directional relation between an early‐emerging non‐verbal approximate number system (ANS) and culturally acquired verbal number and mathematics knowledge. Using path models on longitudinal data collected in preschool children (Mage = 3.86 years; N = 216; 99 males; 80.8% White; 10.8% Multiracial, 3.8% Latino; 1.9% Black; collected 2013–2017) over 1 year, this study showed that earlier verbal number knowledge was associated with later ANS precision (average β = .32), even after controlling for baseline differences in numerical, general cognitive, and language abilities. In contrast, earlier ANS precision was not associated with later verbal number knowledge (β = −.07) or mathematics abilities (average β = .10). These results suggest that learning about verbal numbers is associated with a sharpening of pre‐existing non‐verbal numerical abilities.