bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A brief real-time fNIRS-informed neurofeedback training of the prefrontal cortex changes brain activity and connectivity during subsequent working memory challenge
Authors: Yang Xi , Zeng Yixu , Jiao Guojuan , Gan Xianyang , Linden David , Hernaus Dennis , Zhu Chaozhe , Li Keshuang , Yao Dezhong , Yao Shuxia , Jiang Yihan , Becker Benjamin
Published: March 2023

Working memory (WM) represents a building-block of higher cognitive functions and a wide range of mental disorders are associated with WM impairments. Initial studies have shown that several sessions of functional nearinfrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) informed real-time neurofeedback (NF) allow healthy individuals to volitionally increase activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a region critically involved in WM. For the translation to therapeutic or neuroenhancement applications, however, it is critical to assess whether fNIRS-NF success transfers into neural and behavioral WM enhancement in the absence of feedback. We therefore combined single-session fNIRS-NF of the left DLPFC with a randomized sham-controlled design (N = 62 participants) and a subsequent WM challenge with concomitant functional MRI. Over four runs of fNIRS-NF, the left DLPFC NF training group demonstrated enhanced neural activity in this region, reflecting successful acquisition of neural selfregulation. During the subsequent WM challenge, we observed no evidence for performance differences between the training and the sham group. Importantly, however, examination of the fMRI data revealed that - compared to the sham group - the training group exhibited significantly increased regional activity in the bilateral DLPFC and decreased left DLPFC - left anterior insula functional connectivity during the WM challenge. Exploratory analyses revealed a negative association between DLPFC activity and WM reaction times in the NF group. Together, these findings indicate that healthy individuals can learn to volitionally increase left DLPFC activity in a single training session and that the training success translates into WM-related neural activation and connectivity changes in the absence of feedback. This renders fNIRS-NF as a promising and scalable WM intervention approach that could be applied to various mental disorders.
TheRalstonia pseudosolanacearumeffector RipE1 is recognized at the plasma membrane byNbPtr1, Nicotiana benthamianahomolog ofPseudomonas tomato race 1
Authors: Kim Boyoung , Kim Injae , Yu Wenjia , Kim Haseong , Ahn Ye Jin , Sohn Kee Hoon , Macho Alberto P. , Segonzac Cécile
Published: March 2023

The bacterial wilt disease caused by soil-borne bacteria of theRalstonia solanacearumspecies complex (RSSC) threatens important crops worldwide. Only a few immune receptors conferring resistance to this devastating disease are known so far. Individual RSSC strains deliver around 70 different type III secretion system effectors into host cells to manipulate the plant physiology and dampen immune responses. RipE1 is an effector conserved across RSSC isolated from diverse plant species and triggers immune responses in the model SolanaceaeNicotiana benthamiana. Here, we used multiplexed virus-induced gene silencing of the nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat receptor family to identify the genetic basis of RipE1 recognition inN. benthamiana. Specific silencing of theN. benthamianahomolog ofSolanum lycopersicoides Pseudomonas tomato race 1gene (NbPtr1) completely abolished RipE1-induced hypersensitive response and immunity toRalstonia pseudosolanacearum. In Nb-ptr1knock-out plants, expression of the nativeNbPtr1coding sequence was sufficient to restore RipE1 recognition. In addition to the putative catalytic triad Cys-His-Asp, RipE1 association with the host cell plasma membrane was found necessary for NbPtr1-dependent recognition. Furthermore, we found that NbPtr1-dependent recognition of RipE1 natural variants is polymorphic suggesting the coevolutionary nature of this interaction. This work hence provides an additional evidence for the indirect mode of activation of NbPtr1 and supports NbPtr1 relevance for resistance to bacterial wilt disease in Solanaceae.
Clonality-Related Traits Add Independent Specialization Axes to Herbs’ Trait Strategies
Authors: Chelli Stefano , Klimešová Jitka , Tsakalos James Lee , Puglielli Giacomo
Published: March 2023

The functional diversity of vascular plants is remarkable. Yet, previous studies showed that trait trade-offs constrain aboveground or fine-root trait variation. How do neglected functions such as resprouting and clonal growth, key for fitness maintenance in some plant groups, integrate in these trait frameworks? By using an extensive dataset (> 2000 species) spanning aboveground, fine-root and clonality-related traits of herbs, we asked whether clonal traits relate to species positioning in the aboveground or fine-root trait spaces. Clonal and non-clonal herbs were undistinguishable in the aboveground or fine-root trait spaces. Clonality-related traits were also weakly coordinated with the other trait dimensions. Altogether, these results suggest that clonality-related traits add independent functional specialization axes to plants’ trait strategies. We identified two potential specialization axes in clonal traits. The first axis summarizes the positive scaling between bud bank size and persistence of clonal connections, reflecting species specialization for on-spot persistence and tolerance to disturbance (persistenceaxis). The second axis, summarizes the positive scaling between multiplication rate and lateral spread, reflecting specialization for clonal multiplication and acquiring new space in horizontal dimension (clonal multiplicationaxis). We call for integrating these axes in existing strategy schemes to fully elucidate the multidimensional trait strategies of plants.
Limits to the adaptation of herbivorous spider mites to metal accumulation in homogeneous and heterogeneous environments
Authors: Godinho Diogo P. , Fragata Inês , Majer Agnieszka , Rodrigues Leonor R. , Magalhães Sara
Published: March 2023

Metal accumulation is used by some plants as a defence against herbivores. Yet, herbivores may adapt to these defences, becoming less susceptible. Moreover, ecosystems often contain plants that do and do not accumulate metals, and such heterogeneity may affect herbivore adaptation. Surprisingly, few studies have tested this. Tomato plants accumulate cadmium, affecting the performance of the herbivorous spider miteTetranychus evansi. Here, we performed experimental evolution to test whether these mites adapt to plants with high cadmium concentrations, in homogeneous (plants with cadmium) or heterogeneous (plants with and without cadmium) environments. We measured fecundity, hatching rate and the number of adult offspring after 12 and 33 generations and habitat choice after 14 and 51 generations, detecting no trait change, which implies absence of adaptation. We then tested whether this absence of adaptation was due to a lack of genetic variation in the traits measured and, indeed, additive genetic variance was low for the measured traits. Possibly, we did not measure the traits that contributed to population persistence on plants with cadmium. Interestingly, despite no signs of adaptation we observed a decrease in fecundity and number of adult offspring produced in cadmium-free plants, in the populations evolving in environments with cadmium. Being this the case, evolving in environments with cadmium may reduce the growth rate of spider mite populations on non-accumulating plants as well. Nevertheless, adaptation to metal accumulation may occur via herbivore traits not commonly measured, which calls for broader studies on this topic.
What Strengthens Protein-Protein Interactions: Analysis and Applications of Residue Correlation Networks
Authors: Hung Ta I , Hsieh Yun-Jung , Lu Wei-Lin , Wu Kuen-Phon , Chang Chia-en A.
Published: March 2023

Identifying critical residues in protein-protein binding and efficiently designing stable and specific protein binders is challenging. In addition to direct contacts in a protein-protein binding interface, our study employs computation modeling to reveal the essential network of residue interaction and dihedral angle correlation critical in protein-protein recognition. We propose that mutating residues regions exhibited highly correlated motions within the interaction network can efficiently optimize protein-protein interactions to create tight and selective protein binders. We validated our strategy using ubiquitin (Ub) and MERS coronaviral papain-like protease (PLpro) complexes, where Ub is one central player in many cellular functions and PLpro is an antiviral drug target. Our designed UbV with 3 mutated residues resulted in a ∼3,500-fold increase in functional inhibition, compared with the wild-type Ub. Further optimization by incorporating 2 more residues within the network, the 5-point mutant achieved a KDof 1.5 nM and IC50of 9.7 nM. The modification led to a 27,500-fold and 5,500-fold enhancements in affinity and potency, respectively, as well as improved selectivity, without destabilizing the UbV structure. Our study highlights residue correlation and interaction networks in protein-protein interaction, introduces an effective approach to design high affinity protein binders for cell biology and future therapeutics solutions.
Uptake of plant-derived carbon and proximity to the root determine differences in temporal and spatial stability among microbial groups
Authors: Lange Markus , Azizi-Rad Mina , Dittmann Georg , Lange Dan Frederik , Orme Alice May , Schroeter Simon Andreas , Simon Carsten , Gleixner Gerd
Published: March 2023

The interactions between plants and soil microorganisms are fundamental for ecosystem functioning. However, it remains unclear if seasonality of plant growth impacts plant-microbial interactions, such as by inducing shifts in the microbial community composition, their biomass, or changes in the microbial uptake of plant-derived carbon. Here, we investigate the stability of microbial biomass of different functional groups and their net assimilation of plant-derived carbon over an entire growing season. Using a C3-C4 vegetation change experiment, and taking advantage of natural abundances of13C, we measured the plant-derived carbon in lipid biomarkers of soil microorganisms in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil. We found that temporal and spatial stability was higher in bacterial than in fungal biomass, while the high temporal stability of all bacterial groups even increased in close proximity to roots. Moreover, differences in the association to plants, i.e., symbionts vs. free-living microorganisms, tend to determine the stability in the uptake of plant-derived carbon. Our results indicate, the inputs of plant-derived carbon over the growing season did not result in a shift in the microbial community composition, but instead, functional groups that are not in obligate symbiosis with plants showed a varying use of soil- and plant-derived carbon.
The search for CDK4/6 inhibitor biomarkers has been hampered by inappropriate proliferation assays
Authors: Foy Reece , Lew Kah Xin , Saurin Adrian T
Published: March 2023

CDK4/6 inhibitors arrest the cell cycle in G1 and are used in combination with hormone therapy to treat advanced HR+/HER- breast cancer. To allow more effective use of these drugs in breast cancer, and to facilitate their use in other tumour types, biomarkers that can predict response are urgently needed. We demonstrate here that previous large-scale screens designed to identify the most sensitive tumour types and genotypes have misrepresented the responsive cell lines because of a reliance on ATP-based proliferation assays. When cells arrest in G1 following CDK4/6 inhibition, they continue to grow in size, producing more mitochondria and ATP. This cellular overgrowth masks an efficient arrest using metabolic ATP-based assays, but not if DNA-based assays are used instead. By comparing tumour cells using different assay types, we demonstrate that the lymphoma lines previously identified as the most responsive cell types, simply appear to respond the best because they fail to overgrow during the G1 arrest. Similarly, the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemaciclib appears to inhibit proliferation better than palbociclib, but this is because it also inhibits cell overgrowth through off-target effects. DepMap analysis of previous screening data using only the reliable assay types, demonstrates that palbociclib-sensitivity is associated with sensitivity to Cyclin D1, CDK4 and CDK6 knockout/knockdown, and resistance is associated with sensitivity to Cyclin E1, CDK2 and SKP2 knockout/knockdown. Furthermore, potential biomarkers of palbociclib-sensitivity are increased expression of Cyclin D1 (CCND1) and RB1, and reduced expression of Cyclin E1 (CCNE1) and CDKN2A. None of these associations are present when analysing DepMap using similar data from metabolic assays. This reinforces the importance of new screens to assess CDK4/6 inhibitors, and potentially other anti-cancer drugs, against a wide range of cell types using an appropriate proliferation assay. This would help to better inform clinical trials and to identify much needed biomarkers of response.
Ontogenetic modifications produce similar phenotypes in distantly related click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae)
Authors: Kusy Dominik , Motyka Michal , Bocak Ladislav
Published: March 2023

The study analyzes the relationships of click beetles (Elateridae)PaulusiellaLöbl, 2007, andAnalestesaLeach, 1824 (=CebriognathusChobaut, 1899), both incapable of jumping, with soft-bodied habitus, and unknown females. Due to divergent morphology, their positions have been an uncertain issue. We use mitochondrial genomes to test their current placement in Cebrionini (=Cebriognathini) and Elaterinaeincertae sedis, respectively. We recoverPaulusiellaas a sister toHemiopsLaporte, 1838 (Hemiopinae) andAnalestesaas one of the serially splitting branches in Cardiophorinae, both with robust support. Paulusiellinaesubfam. nov. is proposed forPaulusiella. Analestesais transferred to Cardiophorinae, and Cebriognathini Paulus, 1981, an earlier synonym of Elaterinae: Cebrionini, is a synonym of Cardiophorinae Candèze, 1859. The click beetles affected by ontogenetic modifications converge to similar forms lacking derived states. As a result, their phylogenetic position cannot be reliably inferred by morphological analyses and needs to be validated by molecular data. Paulusiellinae andAnalestesarepresent two additional cases of the shift to incomplete sclerotization in elaterids raising the total number to six. The present transfers of extant taxa between subfamilies call for a cautious interpretation of morphology in other soft-bodied groups, including the taxa described from amber deposits.
A mathematical model of the disruption of glucose homeostasis in cancer patients
Authors: Salentine Noah , Doria Jonathan , Nguyen Chinh , Pinter Gabriella , Wang Shizhen Emily , Hinow Peter
Published: March 2023

In this paper we investigate the disruption of the glucose homeostasis at the whole-body level by the presence of cancer disease. Of particular interest are the potentially different responses of patients with or without hyperglycemia (including Diabetes Mellitus) to the cancer challenge, and how tumor growth, in turn, responds to hyperglycemia and its medical management. We propose a mathematical model that describes the competition between cancer cells and glucosedependent healthy cells for a shared glucose resource. We also include the metabolic reprogramming of healthy cells by cancer-cell-initiated mechanism to reflect the interplay between the two cell populations. We parametrize this model and carry out numerical simulations of various scenarios, with growth of tumor mass and loss of healthy body mass as endpoints. We report sets of cancer characteristics that show plausible disease histories. We investigate parameters that change cancer cells’ aggressiveness, and we exhibit differing responses in diabetic and non-diabetic, in the absence or presence of glycemic control. Our model predictions are in line with observations of weight loss in cancer patients and the increased growth (or earlier onset) of tumor in diabetic individuals. The model will also aid future studies on countermeasures such as the reduction of circulating glucose in cancer patients.
Library size confounds biology in spatial transcriptomics data
Authors: Bhuva Dharmesh D. , Tan Chin Wee , Marceaux Claire , Chen Jinjin , Kharbanda Malvika , Jin Xinyi , Liu Ning , Feher Kristen , Putri Givanna , Asselin-Labat Marie-Liesse , Phipson Belinda , Davis Melissa J.
Published: March 2023

Spatial molecular technologies have revolutionised the study of disease microenvironments by providing spatial context to tissue heterogeneity. Recent spatial technologies are increasing the throughput and spatial resolution of measurements, resulting in larger datasets. The added spatial dimension and volume of measurements poses an analytics challenge that has, in the short-term, been addressed by adopting methods designed for the analysis of single-cell RNA-seq data. Though these methods work well in some cases, not all necessarily translate appropriately to spatial technologies. A common assumption is that total sequencing depth, also known as library size, represents technical variation in single-cell RNA-seq technologies, and this is often normalised out during analysis. Through analysis of several different spatial datasets, we noted that this assumption does not necessarily hold in spatial molecular data. To formally assess this, we explore the relationship between library size and independently annotated spatial regions, across 23 samples from 4 different spatial technologies with varying throughput and spatial resolution. We found that library size confounded biology across all technologies, regardless of the tissue being investigated. Statistical modelling of binned total transcripts shows that tissue region is strongly associated with library size across all technologies, even after accounting for cell density of the bins. Through a benchmarking experiment, we show that normalising out library size leads to sub-optimal spatial domain identification using common graph-based clustering algorithms. On average, better clustering was achieved when library size effects were not normalised out explicitly, especially with data from the newer sub-cellular localised technologies. Taking these results into consideration, we recommend that spatial data should not be specifically corrected for library size prior to analysis unless strongly motivated. We also emphasise that spatial data are different to single-cell RNA-seq and care should be taken when adopting algorithms designed for single cell data.
First Molecular Detection of Influenza D virus in Cattle from Commercial farm in Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Anjorin Abdul-Azeez A. , Moronkeji Gideon O. , Temenu Goodness O. , Maiyegun Omolade A. , Fakorede Christopher O. , Ajoseh Samuel O. , Salami Wasiu O. , Abegunrin Rebecca O. , Amisu Kehinde O. , Akinyemi Kabiru O.
Published: March 2023

Influenza D virus (IDV) was first reported in pigs in the USA, and since then the virus has become a public health issue. In Nigeria, no work has been done on IDV despite the manifestation of influenza-like illness in cattle. This study aimed at molecular surveillance of IDV in cattle in Lagos. Prospective epidemiological investigation was initiated in a large commercial farm market where animals in open pens are reared, sold, and butchered under poor hygienic conditions without adequate biosecurity measures. A total of 80 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected between October and November 2021. The samples were extracted using an RNA purification kit (NIMR). RNA extracts were amplified following a two-step PCR using FIREScript RT cDNA synthesis kit (Solis Biodyne, Estonia), followed by PCR OneTaq Quick-load 2x master-mix (NEB, UK) in a Rotor-Gene thermocycler (Qiagen, Germany). Amplicons were detected using a 1.5% Gel electrophoresis. IDV was detected in 26/80 (32.5%) cattle. Sick animals showed 65% (17/26) almost double burden of IDV higher than 34.6% (9/26) in a healthy population, including 88.2% (15/17) Cattle with diarrhoea and 11.8% (2/17) with nausea having IDV. Bull recorded more than twice, 18/26 (69.2%) incidence by gender compared to Cow. Age prevalence showed 62.23% (18/26) highest detection in cattle of 4 years old, followed by 23.07% (6/26) in 5 years old, while the lowest 7.69% (2/26) was recorded in 3 years old. This study showed the first molecular detection of IDV in Nigeria and West Africa sub-region to the best of our knowledge. It underscores the need for continuous surveillance of IDV at the animal-human interface.
Crystal structure of [tBuMgCl]2[MgCl2(Et2O)2]2
Authors: Metzler Maurice , Bolte Michael , Wagner Matthias , Lerner Hans-Wolfram
Published: March 2023

The title compound, di-μ3-chlorido-tetra-μ2-chlorido-tetrakis(diethyl ether-κO)bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)tetramagnesium, [Mg4(C4H9)2Cl6(C4H10O)4], features an Mg4Cl6 open-cube cluster. The two four-coordinate Mg2+ ions show an almost tetrahedral coordination, whereas the two six-coordinate Mg2+ ions have their ligands in an octahedral environment. The Mg—Cl bond lengths differ depending on the coordination number (2 or 3) of the bridging μ-Cl− ligands. There are few comparable structures deposited in the Cambridge Structural Database.
N-(4-Methoxy-2-nitrophenyl)-2-(3-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydroquinoxalin-1-yl)acetamide
Authors: Missioui Mohcine , Mague Joel T. , Alsubari Abdulsalam , Ansar Mhammed , Essassi El Mokhtar , Ramli Youssef
Published: March 2023

The quinoxaline unit in the title molecule, C18H16N4O5, is slightly puckered [dihedral angle between the rings = 2.07 (12)°] while the whole molecule adopts an L-shaped conformation. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding determines the orientation of the substituted phenyl ring and the amide nitrogen atom is almost planar. The packing in the crystal is governed by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and slipped π-stacking interactions.
Assessing consumer preferences on halal service: the emergence of Sharia hospitals for Muslim consumer
Authors: Windasari Nila Armelia , Azhari Ni Putu Desinthya Ayu , Putra Ilham Fauzan
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine customer preferences toward Sharia hospitals and to provide a new viewpoint by looking at consumers’ perspectives on choosing health-care services. Despite the growing demand for halal products, halal services, particularly hospital and Sharia-based health-care services, receive very little attention in the literature compared to other Sharia-type services such as Sharia banking, insurance or even hospitality. Previous research on health care discussed under the Sharia perspective mainly focused on service quality, directing discussions to the service providers’ perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses choice-based conjoint analysis to examine customer preferences toward Sharia health-care service. There are five attributes with three levels each. To reduce respondent fatigue, the authors used SPSS Orthoplan to generate an orthogonal factorial design, which resulted in 21 choice cards. Cross-sectional data were collected from an online survey using a platform from Populix, an independent panel survey provider, to ensure no sample selection bias. A total of 270 responses were obtained to represent Muslim populations across Indonesia.

Findings

The results showed that the highest preference is highly rated to the familiarity and certification of the hospital brand that implies trust and guarantees to add value with the existence of halal certification for hospitals. In addition, this study revealed that Sharia services have higher positive signals over the physical infrastructure in determining preferences. On the other hand, add-on components that support the integration of other halal industries, such as halal culinary tourism, halal tourism and integration with transportation and halal accommodation, are still minor in the current preference.

Originality/value

Previous research on health care discussed under the Sharia perspective mainly focused on service quality, which directs the discussions to the service providers’ perspectives. This study provides a new point of view by looking at consumers’ perspectives about their preferences and decisions to choose a Sharia hospital.
Supply chain resilience and performance of manufacturing firms: role of supply chain disruption
Authors: Hamidu Zulaiha , Boachie-Mensah Francis O. , Issau Kassimu
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The current study sought to investigate the moderating effect of supply chain disruptions (SCD) (supply chain – supply disruption, catastrophic disruption and infrastructure disruption) on the relationship between supply chain resilience (SCR) and supply chain performance (SCP) of manufacturing firms in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research approach and explanatory research designs were utilised. A sample of 345 manufacturing firms were drawn from a population of 2,495 manufacturing firms in the Accra metropolis. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to accomplish the research objectives.

Findings

First, the study revealed that SCR has a significant positive effect on SCP. Second, the authors found reasonable evidence to support that SCD have a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between SCR and SCP, except for supply chain catastrophic disruption which had a negative impact. It can be concluded that the components of SCD have heterogeneous impact in the SCR and SCP nexus.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to manufacturing firms in Ghana and does not make a distinction among resilience strategies.

Practical implications

Increased SCR boost manufacturing companies' supply chains' performance and aid to lessen the adverse effects of SCD relating to infrastructure and supply. It implies that supply chain managers are able to reduce the effects of infrastructure and supply disruptions. Also, techniques that reduce the adverse impact of SCD relating to catastrophe would be beneficial for supply chain managers in Ghana and other countries with comparable economic environments.

Originality/value

The study provides a unique contribution on the moderating role of the dimensions of SCD (supply, infrastructure and catastrophic) on the nexus between SCR and SCP in a developing economy context in a dynamic changing environment. Policymakers would get better insights into instituting the required policies needed to revamp firms with weak supply chains as a result of supply chain disruption.
Perceived effectiveness of therapeutic community model as a rehabilitation approach for Sri Lankan individuals with substance use disorder
Authors: Dharmarathna Nishadi Darsha , Jayamaha Akila Randika , Ranadeva Nadeeka Dimuthu Kumari , Rajapakse Harshini , Gunasekara Chinthika , Fernando Neluka , Meegoda Lalitha
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the perceived effectiveness of residential treatment which follows the therapeutic community (TC) model for Sri Lankan individuals with substance use disorder (SUD).

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in two selected residential treatment centers which follow the TC model as a rehabilitation approach. All the clients of the selected residential treatment centers were invited to take part in the study and data were collected from 75 consented male participants using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The perceived effectiveness of the residential treatment was assessed using the Treatment Effectiveness Assessment instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

Most of the participants were Sinhalese (98.7%, n = 74) with a mean age of 27.0 ± 6.0 years. The average duration in which participants stayed at selected centers was 8.0 ± 4.0 months. Most of the participants reported that the encouragement during the program was sufficient (89.3%, n = 67), psychological support was satisfactory (89.3%, n = 67), freedom (69.5%, n = 52) and facilities were adequate (76.0%, n = 57) within the program. A higher proportion of participants said that the counselors and program guides were friendly (80.0%, n = 60), and participants were allowed to communicate with their family with restrictions (92.0%, n = 69). The mean perceived effectiveness score (score range 1–40) was 34.0 ± 7.0 and the four domain scores (score range 1–10) were substance use (9.0 ± 2.0), health (8.0 ± 2.0), lifestyle (9.0 ± 2.0) and community (9.0 ± 2.0). The majority (88.0%, n = 66) of the participants perceived a high level of treatment effectiveness.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of empirical evidence on effectiveness of TC model for individuals with SUD in South Asian countries including Sri Lanka. The findings of this study highlight that the participants perceived higher effectiveness of the residential treatment which follows the TC approach for Sri Lankan individuals with SUD.
Changes in trophic ecology of mobile predators in response to rainforest degradation
Authors: Kemp Victoria A. , Grey Jonathan , Hemprich‐Bennett David , Rossiter Stephen J. , Lewis Owen T. , Wilkinson Clare L. , Clare Elizabeth L. , Kratina Pavel
Published: March 2023

Accelerating loss and degradation of tropical forests has led to a pressing need to understand the conservation value of remaining forests. Whereas most studies focus on the responses in community composition and taxonomic richness, more sensitive responses to habitat degradation are likely to be apparent through changes in the trophic complexity of generalist predators. Food web theory predicts that both trophic position and niche breadth of predators decrease with habitat degradation, with consequences for biotic interactions and ecosystem functioning.

Using a stable isotope approach, we analysed trophic positions and niche breaths of an important guild of top predators: insectivorous bats, in the tropical forests of Sabah, Borneo. We aimed to determine the responses in their trophic ecology across an experimental gradient of forest degradation at different spatial scales.

At the landscape scale, trophic niche breadth contracted substantially (78%) in association with a narrow reduction (26%) in forest cover. However, food chains were longer in ecosystems with lower tree canopies, representative of localised habitat simplification. Marked differences in trophic niche breath of and trophic position between echolocation guilds provided further evidence for inter‐guild niche partitioning within bat assemblages. Overall, the functionally important shifts in trophic pathways discriminated among habitats of varying degrees of degradation more reliably than conventional community descriptors, such as diversity metrics.

Synthesis and applications. This study reveals that habitat quality thresholds—below which we see substantial changes to trophic complexity—are higher than previously considered. Our analysis suggests that patches of forest with cover above 90% should be prioritised for conservation over more highly degraded ecosystems. As these effects were detected after approximately 30 years post‐logging, they likely reflect relatively long‐term responses to forest degradation.
Effects of grazing on underground parts of marsh plants by wintering Middendorf's bean goose Anser fabalis middendorffii: Its role as a keystone species in plant communities
Authors: Ohkawara Kyohsuke , Tajiri Hironobu
Published: March 2023

Geese are known to impact on the species composition and abundance of plant communities, with grazing pressure by flocks negatively affecting various aspects of vegetation and ecosystems. However, positive effects have also been highlighted, including grazing preventing competition among plants and helping to maintain a high level of biodiversity. The Middendorf's bean goose Anser fabalis middendorffii is one waterfowl that winters in the marsh lands of Japan. At the Katano‐kamoike pond, the species main wintering site in central Japan, the effects of goose grazing on the structure of marsh plant communities were investigated by using field observations and experiments. During observations of foraging behavior, A. fabalis middendorffii mainly foraged on underground parts of Zizania latifolia and Bolboschoenus fluviatilis, including rhizomes, roots, and tubers, at the marshlands of the pond. The field census showed the biomass of the underground parts was significantly reduced by A. fabalis middendorffii grazing during winter. Specifically, the biomass of rhizomes in Z. latifolia was drastically decreased. Data collected from exclosure experiments over 5 years suggested that grazing pressure regulated the overgrowth of B. fluviatilis and enhanced the abundance of Z. latifolia. Furthermore, a field census of marsh plants at the Shimofukuda reservoir, where there have been no A. fabalis middendorffii, confirmed that the absence of A. fabalis middendorffii was related to a decrease in the abundance and biodiversity of marsh plants. In the Katano‐kamoike pond, A. fabalis middendorffii may play a key role in maintaining plant diversity.
High‐protein rice flour in the development of gluten‐free pasta
Authors: Marana Ana I. Serrano , Morris Anita , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Xu Zhimin , King Joan M.
Published: March 2023

Cahokia Rice, a new biofortified high‐protein (10%–12%) variety of rice, was used to develop and analyze a gluten‐free pasta. Different pastas were made with high‐protein white rice flour (HPWRP), high‐protein brown rice flour (HPBRP), commercial white rice flour (CWRP), commercial brown rice flour (CBRP), and wheat flour (WP). Cooking quality of the pasta was evaluated by measuring pasting properties, cooking time, water absorption capacity, and cooking loss. Proximate analysis, color, and texture were done on dry and cooked pasta. Sensory testing was done to determine consumer acceptability and purchase intent of HPWRP and HPBRP in comparison to WP. HPWRP and HPBRP had higher pasting temperatures and lower peak viscosity than commercial rice flour pastas, which was related to the higher protein content. HPWRP and HPBRP had less cooking loss than CWRP and CBRP; all treatments had similar water absorption capacity (∼130%) except for WP that was higher (140%). White rice pastas along with WP took more time to cook than brown rice pastas. HPWRP and HPBRP had higher protein (around 7.5%) and fat content, creating a firmer cooked pasta (138.23 g HPBRP, 179.82 g HPWRP) than commercial rice pastas. Consumers’ overall liking of HPBRP (5.37), HPWRP (6.00), and WP (6.81) was acceptable. Color, firmness, and stickiness attributes negatively affected the overall liking of HPWRP and HPBRP. Cooked high‐protein rice flour pastas had improved firmness and cooking loss closer to wheat resulting in an acceptable product in overall liking. It is recommended to further improve the color, firmness, and stickiness of the pasta to reach higher sensory acceptability.

Practical Application

This research provides a possible use for a new high‐protein rice flour that can be used in gluten‐free products. This will help the rice industry by adding value to the product. Those persons who are Celiac or who desire more nutritional gluten‐free products will have a healthier gluten‐free pasta option.
Organic‐Inorganic Interaction Recorded by Polycyclic Aromatic Steranes in Continental Epithermal Ore Deposits
Authors: XU Huiyuan , LIU Quanyou , JIN Zhijun , ZHU Dongya , MENG Qingqiang , LI Pengpeng , ZHU Biqing
Published: March 2023

Continental epithermal ore deposits are commonly associated with sedimentary organic matter, oils or solid bitumen. These organics embedded in mineral deposits can convey valuable information of the ore genesis. However, the extent to which the formation of ore minerals was recorded by organic compounds remains largely unknown, as also is how metal‐rich ores interfere with the molecular proxies in the temperature regime envisaged for hydrothermal activity. The molecular compositional changes of various polycyclic aromatic steranes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and compounds derived from the Jinding Pb/Zn deposit, SW China provide new data. Aliphatic regular steranes are present as traces. The transformation from polycyclic aromatic steranes to unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is observed to show an increased trend with increasing hydrothermal alteration levels; this is consistent with the transformation from unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to heterocyclic compounds. Dehydrocyclization (aromatization) of polycyclic biological compounds and hydrodecyclization (dearomatization) of polycyclic aromatic compounds are two important reaction pathways in hydrothermal systems with moderate temperature. This detailed investigation of organic‐inorganic interactions of two groups of polycyclic compounds with metal‐rich ores provides insights into the questions on how and to what extent the formation of Pb/Zn deposits can be recorded by organics. This work will improve our understanding of carbon reduction, oxidation or condensation in the deep Earth and the carbon exchange between the Earth's crust and mantle, and may shed light on the processes for ultra‐deep hydrocarbon exploration.
Carbon Enrichment in the Lithospheric Mantle: Evidence from the Melt Inclusions in Mantle Xenoliths from the Hainan Basalts
Authors: XU Xin , TIAN Wei , ZHANG Lifei , LI Huijuan
Published: March 2023

It is generally believed that the lithospheric mantle and the mantle transition zone are important carbon reservoirs. However, the location of carbon storage in Earth's interior and the reasons for carbon enrichment remain unclear. In this study, we report CO2‐rich olivine‐hosted melt inclusions in the mantle xenoliths of late Cenozoic basalts from the Penglai area, Hainan Province, which may shed some light on the carbon enrichment process in the lithospheric mantle. We also present a detailed petrological and geochemical investigation of the late Cenozoic basalts and mantle xenoliths from northern Hainan Island. The collected samples of late Cenozoic Hainan Island basalts belong to both alkaline and subalkaline series, showing fractionated REE patterns with high (La/Yb)Nvalues of 3.52–11.77, which are typical for OIB. Based on Al‐in‐olivine thermometry, the temperatures estimated for the mantle xenoliths can be divided into two groups. One group has temperatures of less than 1050°C, and the other group has temperature ranging from 1050°C to 1282°C. Clinopyroxene (La/Yb)N–Ti/Eu and clinopyroxene Ca/Al–Mg#diagrams indicate that the mantle peridotite experienced metasomatism from both silicate and carbonate melts. Melt inclusions in the olivine of mantle xenoliths include (1) CO2bubble–rich melt inclusions; (2) multiphase melt inclusions (glass + CO2bubble + daughter minerals); (3) pure glass melt inclusions. Magnesite is a daughter mineral in the olivine‐hosted melt inclusions, which could be interpreted as a secondary mineral formed by the interactions of CO2‐rich fluids with an olivine host, due to post‐entrapment effects. The glasses in olivine‐hosted melt inclusions have high SiO2contents (60.21–77.72 wt%). Our results suggest that a considerable amount of CO2‐rich melt inclusions are captured in the lithospheric mantle during metasomatism. The lithospheric mantle can therefore act as is a ‘carbon trap’, with much CO2being absorbed by the lithospheric mantle in this way.
Outcome following anaesthesia in infancy in the Nordic countries: Subgroup analysis of the NECTARINE study
Authors: Hansen Tom G. , Vieri Jenny , Børke Wenche Bakken , Castellheim Albert Gyllencreutz ,   Collaborators from the Nordic countries,   the NECTARINE Group Steering Committee
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The neonate and children audit of anaesthesia practice in Europe (NECTARINE) prospective observational study reported an incidence of 35.2% of critical events requiring intervention during 6542 anaesthetics in 5609 infants up to 60 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) from 165 centres in 31 European countries.

Methods

Sub‐analysis of the cohort from the Nordic countries (8% of the entire cohort) was conducted. Secondary aims were to describe the Nordic countries' anaesthetic practices and compare morbidity and mortality with the overall European cohort.

Results

Eleven Nordic centres recruited 447 infants (66% males, 37.3% born preterm and 45% had congenital anomalies) undergoing anaesthesia for 530 surgical or non‐surgical procedures at 25–60 weeks PMA. Perioperative critical events triggered interventions in 228/530 (43%) cases. Hypotension (12.6%) or hypoxaemia (11.7%) were more common in younger patients and those with co‐morbidities. Hypo/hypercapnia occurred in 1.5%/4.7% of cases. More than two attempts for intubation were required in 13 (2.9%) infants (max three attempts). Distribution of ASA‐Physical Status Scores was similar to the total European cohort (40% was ASA > 2). A total of 236/530 (44.5%) patients were admitted to the postoperative intensive care unit. Thirty‐day morbidity (complications in 87/447 = 19.5%) and mortality (8/447, 1.8%) did not differ from the overall European cohort. Hospital re‐admissions were significant up to 90 days (98/447 = 21.9%).

Conclusions

In Nordic countries, anaesthesia in young infant children is resource‐demanding, and perioperative critical events and co‐morbidities are common. Thirty‐day morbidity and mortality data in the Nordic countries did not differ from the overall European cohort.
Locally performed postoperative circulating tumour DNA testing performed during routine clinical care to predict recurrence of colorectal cancer
Authors: Cohen Ryan , Beasley Aaron , McCoy Melanie , Platell Cameron , Meehan Katie , Gray Elin , Fuller Kathy
Published: March 2023

Background

Identifying patients at high risk for colorectal cancer recurrence is essential for improving prognosis. In the postoperative period, circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has been demonstrated as a significant prognostic indicator of recurrence. These results have been obtained under the strict rigours of clinical trials, but not validated in a real‐world setting using in‐house testing. We report the outcomes of locally performed postoperative ctDNA testing conducted during routine clinical care and the association with the recurrence of colorectal cancer.

Methods

We recruited 36 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer between 2018 and 2020. Postoperative plasma samples were collected at the first outpatient review following resection. Tumour‐informed ctDNA analysis was performed using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction or targeted next‐generation sequencing.

Results

At the time of surgery, there were 24 patients (66.7%) with localized cancer, nine (25%) with nodal spread, and three (8.3%) with metastatic disease. The median time from surgery to plasma sample donation was 22 days (IQR 20–28 days). At least one somatic mutation was identified in primary tumour tissue for 28 (77.8%) patients. Postoperative ctDNA was detected in five patients (13.9%). The median duration of follow‐up was 32.0 months (IQR 27.2–38.1 months). Two patients (5.56%) developed metastatic recurrence. However, neither had detectable postoperative ctDNA. There were no instances of loco‐regional recurrence.

Conclusion

Analysis of postoperative ctDNA testing can be performed locally, however this study did not reproduce the adverse association between detectable postoperative ctDNA and the development of colorectal cancer recurrence seen in clinical trials.
Anatomical appraisal of safe cholecystectomy: a prospective study
Authors: Ibrarullah Mohammad , Mohanty Laxminarayan , Mishra Abhishek , Panda Ashirbad , Sikora Sadiq S.
Published: March 2023

Background

Principles of safe cholecystectomy include dissection of the hepatocystic triangle and identification of the bilio‐vascular structures to achieve critical view of safety. The aim of the present study was to document the variations in anatomical landmarks and bilio‐vascular structures exposed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Methods

All consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in the study. Recommended techniques of safe cholecystectomy were followed. Rouviere's sulcus was classified into four types. Cystic duct was assessed for its length and diameter. A new classification was suggested for cystic artery.

Results

Five hundred patients were included in the study. Critical view of safety was achieved in 463 (92.6%) patients. Type1 Rouviere's sulcus was the most common variant found in 263 (52.6%). Normal cystic duct was present in 339 (67.8%). Wide cystic duct of normal length was the most common variant found in 71 (14.2%). Single cystic artery supero‐medial to cystic duct (type1‐s) was the most common variant found in 384 (76.8%). Inferior cystic artery i.e. artery infero‐lateral to cystic duct (type‐2) was the second most common variant, found in 40 (8%). Multiple cystic arteries in the hepatocystic triangle were due either to early division of single cystic artery (type‐1m) or double cystic artery (type‐3). Aberrant right hepatic artery giving off a small cystic artery (type‐4) was seen in 12 (2.4%).

Conclusion

Wide variation in the anatomical structures is noted when principles of safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy is followed. Awareness is paramount to avoid bilio‐vascular injury during surgery.
Dams, Diversions, and Development: Slow Resistance and Authoritarian Rule in the Salween River Basin
Authors: Fung Zali , Lamb Vanessa
Published: March 2023

We engage geography's longstanding debate on what “counts” as resistance by introducing slow resistance to account for temporal‐political strategies against unjust developments, particularly under authoritarian conditions. We draw on over a decade of fieldwork in the Salween River Basin where dams and diversions have been proposed since 1979, including the most recent iteration, the Yuam River water diversion project in Northwest Thailand. We find that resistance by impacted communities and civil society encompasses slow, strategic, and considered actions over time and generations. Such resistance is necessarily protracted to contest developments (re)proposed over decades. By foregrounding the strategic use of time and temporality, we highlight often overlooked actions and strategies of resistance by a diverse range of actors, showing how resistance movements are incremental and interconnected over time, even when “under the radar”. These strategies are key to contesting and (re)shaping the conditions of development in the Basin.