bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University-Assisted Community Schools as Partners in Neighborhood Revitalization Efforts
Authors: Britt Noelle , Bates Samantha , Anderson-Butcher Dawn , Edwards Ryan , Noteman Nicole , Brady Christopher , DuMond Lee , Childs Tasha M
Published: November 2022

Urban policymakers, city officials, and community residents utilize neighborhood revitalization initiatives to establish safe and empowered neighborhoods. In 2016, leaders in Columbus, Ohio, launched a neighborhood revitalization effort designed to improve safety, access to opportunities, and economic development in the historically underserved Linden neighborhood. A priority focus involved strengthening Linden schools through the development of two university-assisted community schools (UACS). Using the community collaboration model as a guide, leaders from the schools, university, nonprofit, and local government sectors partnered to support school improvement processes in two Linden K–6 elementary schools. Annual stakeholder surveys have demonstrated marked improvements in perceptions of neighborhood safety, school climate, and the overall learning support system. The prevalence of behavioral incidences among students has decreased. Further, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the UACS model helped sustain student engagement and virtual learning and keep families connected to the schools. This article describes implementation outputs and evaluation outcomes associated with adopting the UACS model in these two Linden elementary schools. Findings contribute to a greater understanding of how UACS can serve as partners in neighborhood revitalization efforts.
Long-Term Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors Disrupts Intestinal Tight Junction Barrier and Exaggerates Experimental Colitis
Authors: Nighot Meghali , Liao Pei-Luan , Morris Nathan , McCarthy Dennis , Dharmaprakash Viszwapriya , Ullah Khan Inam , Dalessio Shannon , Saha Kushal , Ganapathy Ashwinkumar Subramaniam , Wang Alexandra , Ding Wei , Yochum Gregory , Koltun Walter , Nighot Prashant , Ma Thomas
Published: November 2022

Background

Proton pump inhibitors [PPIs] are widely used to treat a number of gastro-oesophageal disorders. PPI-induced elevation in intragastric pH may alter gastrointestinal physiology. The tight junctions [TJs] residing at the apical intercellular contacts act as a paracellular barrier. TJ barrier dysfunction is an important pathogenic factor in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Recent studies suggest that PPIs may promote disease flares in IBD patients. The role of PPIs in intestinal permeability is not clear.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to study the effect of PPIs on the intestinal TJ barrier function.

Methods

Human intestinal epithelial cell culture and organoid models and mouse IBD models of dextran sodium sulphate [DSS] and spontaneous enterocolitis in IL-10−/− mice were used to study the role of PPIs in intestinal permeability.

Results

PPIs increased TJ barrier permeability via an increase in a principal TJ regulator, myosin light chain kinase [MLCK] activity and expression, in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner. The PPI-induced increase in extracellular pH caused MLCK activation via p38 MAPK. Long-term PPI administration in mice exaggerated the increase in intestinal TJ permeability and disease severity in two independent models of DSS colitis and IL-10−/− enterocolitis. The TJ barrier disruption by PPIs was prevented in MLCK−/− mice. Human database studies revealed increased hospitalizations associated with PPI use in IBD patients.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that long-term use of PPIs increases intestinal TJ permeability and exaggerates experimental colitis via an increase in MLCK expression and activity.
Circulating biomarker-based risk stratifications individualize arch repair strategy of acute Type A aortic dissection via the XGBoosting algorithm
Authors: Liu Hong , Qian Si-Chong , Han Lu , Zhang Ying-Yuan , Wu Ying , Hong Liang , Yang Ji-Nong , Zhong Ji-Sheng , Wang Yu-Qi , Wu Dong-Kai , Fan Guo-Liang , Chen Jun-Quan , Zhang Sheng-Qiang , Peng Xing-Xing , Tang Zhi-Wei , Hamzah Al-Wajih , Shao Yong-Feng , Li Hai-Yang , Zhang Hong-Jia
Published: November 2022

Aims

The incremental usefulness of circulating biomarkers from different pathological pathways for predicting mortality has not been evaluated in acute Type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) patients. We aim to develop a risk prediction model and investigate the impact of arch repair strategy on mortality based on distinct risk stratifications.

Methods and results

A total of 3771 ATAAD patients who underwent aortic surgery retrospectively included were randomly divided into training and testing cohorts at a ratio of 7:3 for the development and validation of the risk model based on multiple circulating biomarkers and conventional clinical factors. Extreme gradient boosting was used to generate the risk models. Subgroup analyses were performed by risk stratifications (low vs. middle–high risk) and arch repair strategies (proximal vs. extensive arch repair). Addition of multiple biomarkers to a model with conventional factors fitted an ABC risk model consisting of platelet–leucocyte ratio, mean arterial pressure, albumin, age, creatinine, creatine kinase-MB, haemoglobin, lactate, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, urea nitrogen, and aspartate aminotransferase, with adequate discrimination ability {area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC): 0.930 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.906–0.954] and 0.954, 95% CI (0.930–0.977) in the derivation and validation cohort, respectively}. Compared with proximal arch repair, the extensive repair was associated with similar mortality risk among patients at low risk [odds ratio (OR) 1.838, 95% CI (0.559–6.038); P = 0.316], but associated with higher mortality risk among patients at middle–high risk [OR 2.007, 95% CI (1.460–2.757); P < 0.0001].

Conclusion

In ATAAD patients, the simultaneous addition of circulating biomarkers of inflammatory, cardiac, hepatic, renal, and metabolic abnormalities substantially improved risk stratification and individualized arch repair strategy.
AI restoration brings ‘dying’ masterpieces back to life, but tricks copyright?
Authors: Li Yangzi
Published: November 2022

Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has shed light on the restoration of fragmentary masterpieces. It is said that AI-restored content can reproduce the missing part in fragmentary works, reveal authors’ initial intention, and give the younger generation a chance to appreciate the essence of cultural heritage. AI restoration leads to a discussion on whether copyright law should apply to AI-restored works. The existing literature about the nexus between the restoration of works and copyright is scarce, and none is related to AI-restored works. Therefore, this paper focuses on investigating the potential copyright issues regarding AI-restored works and exploring how the traditional copyright regime fails to solve those issues. Besides, this paper suggests recalibrating the copyright regime to enhance the authenticity of AI-restored output. Lastly, this cutting-edge article provides theoretical evidence for IP scholars interested in AI-related issues and advocates future research on the relation between AI models and copyright law.
Stochastic modelling of marijuana use in Washington: pre- and post-Initiative-502 (I-502)
Authors: Bibi Ruhomally Yusra , Zaid Dauhoo Muhammad , Dumas Laurent
Published: November 2022

The stochastic framework of the NERA model (N: Nonuser, E: Experimental user, R: Recreational user, A: Addict) depicting the dynamics of marijuana usage in the pre- and post-Initiative-502 (I-502) in Washington, is analysed. Randomness is introduced in (i) the degree of influence that E exerts on N in order to take into account the fluctuations in social interactions between nonusers and experimental users (S-NE) and (ii) the transition of R to A, accounting for the varying dopamine level in each individual of the R category (S-RA). The resulting stochastic model with the two nonlinear stochastic transitions, is termed as SNESRA. It is shown that SNESRA is stochastically ultimately bounded and has a unique global solution. The drug-free equilibrium is proved to be $p^{th}$ moment exponentially stable under suitable conditions. Conditions for the extinction of drug consumption for SNESRA are established. SNESRA is validated using data available in Ruhomally et al. (2020), on the pervasiveness of marijuana use in Washington. Numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the theoretical results. The concept of targeted campaigns of prevention is explained and the numerical experiments conducted indicate a decline in marijuana consumption if targeted campaigns of prevention were enacted 1 year prior to I-502 in Washington.
Field Confirmation of (Z)-9-Heptacosene and (3Z,6Z,9Z)-Tricosatriene as Key Sex Pheromone Components of KoreanConogethes punctiferalisGuenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
Authors: Nam Il , Park Ji-Hong , Lee Jae-Woo , Lee Dong Ha , Jung Wanjo , Lee Uk , Park Il-Kwon
Published: November 2022

Recently, insufficient attractiveness of Conogethes punctiferalis Guenée adult males to sex pheromone, ­(E)-10-hexadecenal and (Z)-10-hexadecenal, has been reported. To identify the other essential components of sex pheromone, male and female body extracts were analyzed. Two hydrocarbon components, (Z)-9-heptacosene (Z9–27:HC) and (3Z,6Z,9Z)-tricosatriene (Z3,Z6,Z9–23:HC), were identified from only female body extract. There was a significant difference in the electroantennogram (EAG) response of male antennae to Z3,Z6,Z9–23:HC and Z9–27:HC at all test concentrations compared to the response to the hexane control. In field attraction testing, the addition of Z9–27:HC and Z3,Z6,Z9–23:HC to binary aldehyde pheromones significantly increased trap catches of C. punctiferalis male adults. Based on the female and male body extract analysis and field attraction test, Z9-27:HC and Z3,Z6,Z9–23:HC were determined to be other essential sex pheromone components of the Korean C. punctiferalis population. No significant difference was observed in the number of male captures between the bucket trap and delta trap. Pheromone traps with a color close to yellow shade attracted more male adults than traps with a color close to blue shade.
A step-up approach to management of complex bronchopleural fistula
Authors: Mazzolini Kirea J , Dzubnar Jessica M , Velotta Jeffrey B
Published: November 2022

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a sinus tract between a mainstem, lobar or segmental bronchus and the pleural space. We present a 68-year-old male with a 13 mm spiculated left lower lobe nodule who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery left lower lobe wedge resection followed by persistent BPF requiring open window thoracostomy. We present a step-up approach to management of persistent BPF with discussion of conservative, operative and reconstructive techniques for closure.
Inference of Gene Flow between Species under Misspecified Models
Authors: Huang Jun , Thawornwattana Yuttapong , Flouri Tomáš , Mallet James , Yang Ziheng
Published: November 2022

Genomic sequence data provide a rich source of information about the history of species divergence and interspecific hybridization or introgression. Despite recent advances in genomics and statistical methods, it remains challenging to infer gene flow, and as a result, one may have to estimate introgression rates and times under misspecified models. Here we use mathematical analysis and computer simulation to examine estimation bias and issues of interpretation when the model of gene flow is misspecified in analysis of genomic datasets, for example, if introgression is assigned to the wrong lineages. In the case of two species, we establish a correspondence between the migration rate in the continuous migration model and the introgression probability in the introgression model. When gene flow occurs continuously through time but in the analysis is assumed to occur at a fixed time point, common evolutionary parameters such as species divergence times are surprisingly well estimated. However, the time of introgression tends to be estimated towards the recent end of the period of continuous gene flow. When introgression events are assigned incorrectly to the parental or daughter lineages, introgression times tend to collapse onto species divergence times, with introgression probabilities underestimated. Overall, our analyses suggest that the simple introgression model is useful for extracting information concerning between-specific gene flow and divergence even when the model may be misspecified. However, for reliable inference of gene flow it is important to include multiple samples per species, in particular, from hybridizing species.
TmAlphaFold database: membrane localization and evaluation of AlphaFold2 predicted alpha-helical transmembrane protein structures
Authors: Dobson Laszlo , Szekeres Levente I , Gerdán Csongor , Langó Tamás , Zeke András , Tusnády Gábor E
Published: November 2022

AI-driven protein structure prediction, most notably AlphaFold2 (AF2) opens new frontiers for almost all fields of structural biology. As traditional structure prediction methods for transmembrane proteins were both complicated and error prone, AF2 is a great help to the community. Complementing the relatively meager number of experimental structures, AF2 provides 3D predictions for thousands of new alpha-helical membrane proteins. However, the lack of reliable structural templates and the fact that AF2 was not trained to handle phase boundaries also necessitates a delicate assessment of structural correctness. In our new database, Transmembrane AlphaFold database (TmAlphaFold database), we apply TMDET, a simple geometry-based method to visualize the likeliest position of the membrane plane. In addition, we calculate several parameters to evaluate the location of the protein into the membrane. This also allows TmAlphaFold database to show whether the predicted 3D structure is realistic or not. The TmAlphaFold database is available at https://tmalphafold.ttk.hu/.
EDomics: a comprehensive and comparative multi-omics database for animal evo-devo
Authors: Wei Jiankai , Liu Penghui , Liu Fuyun , Jiang An , Qiao Jinghan , Pu Zhongqi , Wang Bingrou , Zhang Jin , Jia Dongning , Li Yuli , Wang Shi , Dong Bo
Published: November 2022

Evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) has been among the most fascinating interdisciplinary fields for decades, which aims to elucidate the origin and evolution of diverse developmental processes. The rapid accumulation of omics data provides unprecedented opportunities to answer many interesting but unresolved evo-devo questions. However, the access and utilization of these resources are hindered by challenges particularly in non-model animals. Here, we establish a comparative multi-omics database for animal evo-devo (EDomics, http://edomics.qnlm.ac) containing comprehensive genomes, bulk transcriptomes, and single-cell data across 40 representative species, many of which are generally used as model organisms for animal evo-devo study. EDomics provides a systematic view of genomic/transcriptomic information from various aspects, including genome assembly statistics, gene features and families, transcription factors, transposable elements, and gene expressional profiles/networks. It also exhibits spatiotemporal gene expression profiles at a single-cell level, such as cell atlas, cell markers, and spatial-map information. Moreover, EDomics provides highly valuable, customized datasets/resources for evo-devo research, including gene family expansion/contraction, inferred core gene repertoires, macrosynteny analysis for karyotype evolution, and cell type evolution analysis. EDomics presents a comprehensive and comparative multi-omics platform for animal evo-devo community to decipher the whole history of developmental evolution across the tree of life.
CRdb: a comprehensive resource for deciphering chromatin regulators in human
Authors: Zhang Yimeng , Zhang Yuexin , Song Chao , Zhao Xilong , Ai Bo , Wang Yuezhu , Zhou Liwei , Zhu Jiang , Feng Chenchen , Xu Liyan , Wang Qiuyu , Sun Hong , Fang Qiaoli , Xu Xiaozheng , Li Enmin , Li Chunquan
Published: November 2022

Chromatin regulators (CRs) regulate epigenetic patterns on a partial or global scale, playing a critical role in affecting multi-target gene expression. As chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data associated with CRs are rapidly accumulating, a comprehensive resource of CRs needs to be built urgently for collecting, integrating, and processing these data, which can provide abundant annotated information on CR upstream and downstream regulatory analyses as well as CR-related analysis functions. This study established an integrative CR resource, named CRdb (http://cr.liclab.net/crdb/), with the aim of curating a large number of available resources for CRs and providing extensive annotations and analyses of CRs to help biological researchers clarify the regulation mechanism and function of CRs. The CRdb database comprised a total of 647 CRs and 2,591 ChIP-seq samples from more than 300 human tissues and cell types. These samples have been manually curated from NCBI GEO/SRA and ENCODE. Importantly, CRdb provided the abundant and detailed genetic annotations in CR-binding regions based on ChIP-seq. Furthermore, CRdb supported various functional annotations and upstream regulatory information on CRs. In particular, it embedded four types of CR regulatory analyses: CR gene set enrichment, CR-binding genomic region annotation, CR-TF co-occupancy analysis, and CR regulatory axis analysis. CRdb is a useful and powerful resource that can help in exploring the potential functions of CRs and their regulatory mechanism in diseases and biological processes.
The MHC Motif Atlas: a database of MHC binding specificities and ligands
Authors: Tadros Daniel M , Eggenschwiler Simon , Racle Julien , Gfeller David
Published: November 2022

The highly polymorphic Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes are responsible for the binding and cell surface presentation of pathogen or cancer specific T-cell epitopes. This process is fundamental for eliciting T-cell recognition of infected or malignant cells. Epitopes displayed on MHC molecules further provide therapeutic targets for personalized cancer vaccines or adoptive T-cell therapy. To help visualizing, analyzing and comparing the different binding specificities of MHC molecules, we developed the MHC Motif Atlas (http://mhcmotifatlas.org/). This database contains information about thousands of class I and class II MHC molecules, including binding motifs, peptide length distributions, motifs of phosphorylated ligands, multiple specificities or links to X-ray crystallography structures. The database further enables users to download curated datasets of MHC ligands. By combining intuitive visualization of the main binding properties of MHC molecules together with access to more than a million ligands, the MHC Motif Atlas provides a central resource to analyze and interpret the binding specificities of MHC molecules.
Introduction
Authors: Lewis Brown Robyn , Maroto Michelle , Pettinicchio David
Published: November 2022

The Oxford Handbook of the Sociology of Disability provides a timely and comprehensive overview of the wide range and depth of sociological theory and research on disability—brought together for the first time in one volume. Each section of the Handbook incorporates a uniquely sociological perspective, presented by experts on intersecting social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions of disability and complementing disability scholarship. The 37 chapters in this Handbook, organized into three major sections, provide an assessment of where we have been, where we are now, and where we must go with research on and in the sociology of disability. The first section, Defining, Measuring, and Understanding Disability, reviews frameworks foundational to the study of disability, pushes for the inclusion of broader global perspectives, and addresses important dimensions of representation. The second section, Experiencing Disability across the Life Course, presents a combination of perspectives that tie together individual biography, societal, and historical contexts, while emphasizing continuity and change in the dynamic processes linking individuals, institutions, and structures over time. In the third section, Disability, Policy, and the Law, chapters investigate the reproduction of inequality through law, policy, and related institutions and systems, while highlighting how social and political participation empowers people with disabilities and helps to mitigate inequalities and social marginalization. The chapters included in this volume offer a multifaceted resource for students and experienced scientists alike on historical developments, main standards, key issues, and current challenges in the sociological study of disability at the global, national, and regional levels.
Influence of Initial Health Care Provider on Subsequent Health Care Utilization for Patients With a New Onset of Low Back Pain: A Scoping Review
Authors: Zouch James , Comachio Josielli , Bussières André , Ashton-James Claire E , dos Reis Ana Helena Salles , Chen Yanyu , Ferreira Manuela , Ferreira Paulo
Published: November 2022

Objective

The aim of this research was to examine the scope of evidence for the influence of a nonmedical initial provider on health care utilization and outcomes in people with low back pain (LBP).

Methods

Using scoping review methodology, we conducted an electronic search of 4 databases from inception to June 2021. Studies investigating the management of patients with a new onset of LBP by a nonmedical initial health care provider were identified. Pairs of reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and eligible full-text studies. We extracted health care utilization and patient outcomes and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Two reviewers descriptively analyzed the data and categorized findings by outcome measure.

Results

A total of 26,462 citations were screened, and 11 studies were eligible. Studies were primarily retrospective cohort designs using claims-based data. Four studies had a low risk of bias. Five health care outcomes were identified: medication, imaging, care seeking, cost of care, and health care procedures. Patient outcomes included patient satisfaction and functional recovery. Compared with patients initiating care with medical providers, those initiating care with a nonmedical provider showed associations with reduced opioid prescribing and imaging ordering rates but increased rates of care seeking. Results for cost of care, health care procedures, and patient outcomes were inconsistent.

Conclusions

Prioritizing nonmedical providers at the first point of care may decrease the use of low-value care, such as opioid prescribing and imaging referral, but may lead to an increased number of health care visits in the care of people with LBP. High-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.

Impact

This scoping review provides preliminary evidence that nonmedical practitioners, as initial providers, may help reduce opioid prescription and selective imaging in people with LBP. The trend observed in this scoping review has important implications for pathways of care and the role of nonmedical providers, such as physical therapists, within primary health care systems.

Lay Summary

This scoping review provides preliminary evidence that nonmedical practitioners, as initial providers, might help reduce opioid prescription and selective imaging in people with LBP. High-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Can Clinical Postpartum Muscle Assessment Help Predict the Severity of Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain? A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Vesting Sabine , Gutke Annelie , Fagevik Olsén Monika , Praetorius Björk Marcus , Rembeck Gun , Larsson Maria E H
Published: November 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the clinical assessment of pelvic floor muscles and the diastasis recti abdominis could predict the severity of pelvic girdle pain during the first year postpartum.

Methods

Between 2018 and 2020, 504 women were recruited to this prospective longitudinal cohort study. At 2 to 3 months postpartum, their pelvic floor muscles and diastasis recti abdominis were assessed using vaginal palpation, observation, and caliper measurement. The participants completed the Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ) at 2 to 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum. Mixed-effect models were used to determine how the results of pelvic floor muscle and diastasis recti abdominis assessments predicted the PGQ score. A sub-analysis for middle to high PGQ scores was conducted.

Results

Maximal voluntary pelvic floor muscle contractions ≥3 (Modified Oxford Scale, scored from 0 to 5) predicted a decreased PGQ score (β = −3.13 [95% CI = −5.77 to −0.48]) at 2 to 3 months postpartum, with a higher prediction of a middle to high PGQ score (β = −6.39). Diastasis recti abdominis width did not have any significant correlation with the PGQ score. A sub-analysis showed that a diastasis recti abdominis width ≥35 mm predicted an increased PGQ score (β = 5.38 [95% CI = 1.21 to 9.55]) in women with pelvic girdle pain.

Conclusion

The distinction between weak and strong maximal voluntary pelvic floor muscle contractions is an important clinical assessment in women with postpartum pelvic girdle pain. The exact diastasis recti abdominis width, measured in millimeters, showed no clinical relevance. However, a diastasis recti abdominis width ≥35 mm was associated with a higher PGQ score, and further research about this cutoff point in relation to pain is needed.

Impact

This study highlights the importance of clinical assessment of pelvic floor muscles in patients with postpartum pelvic girdle pain. A better understanding of the role of this muscle group will enable more effective physical therapist treatment of pelvic girdle pain.
Thumbs up or thumbs down: neural processing of social feedback and links to social motivation in adolescent girls
Authors: Davis Megan M , Modi Haina H , Skymba Haley V , Finnegan Megan K , Haigler Katherine , Telzer Eva H , Rudolph Karen D
Published: November 2022

Adolescence is a period of rapid biological and psychological development, characterized by increasing emotional reactivity and risk-taking, especially in peer contexts. Theories of adolescent neural development suggest that the balance in sensitivity across neural threat, reward and regulatory systems contributes to these changes. Building on previous research, this study used a novel social feedback task to explore activation and functional connectivity in the context of social threat and reward in a sample of mid-adolescent girls (n = 86, Mage = 16.32). When receiving negative peer feedback, adolescents showed elevated activation in, and amygdala connectivity with, social processing regions [e.g. medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and temporoparietal junction (TPJ)]. When receiving positive feedback, adolescents showed elevated activation in social and reward (e.g. mPFC and ventromedial prefrontal cortex) processing regions and less striatum-cerebellum connectivity. To understand the psychological implications of neural activation and co-activation, we examined associations between neural processing of threat and reward and self-reported social goals. Avoidance goals predicted elevated amygdala and striatum connectivity with social processing regions [e.g. medial temporal gyrus (MTG)], whereas approach goals predicted deactivation in social processing regions (e.g. MTG/TPJ and precuneus), highlighting the importance of considering individual differences in sensitivity to social threat and reward in adolescence.
Historical Redlining and Contemporary Racial Disparities in Neighborhood Life Expectancy
Authors: Graetz Nick , Esposito Michael
Published: November 2022

While evidence suggests a durable relationship between redlining and population health, we currently lack an empirical account of how this historical act of racialized violence produced contemporary inequities. In this paper, we use a mediation framework to evaluate how redlining grades influenced later life expectancy and the degree to which contemporary racial disparities in life expectancy between Black working-class neighborhoods and White professional-class neighborhoods can be explained by past Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) mapping. Life expectancy gaps between differently graded tracts are driven by economic isolation and disparate property valuation which developed within these areas in subsequent decades. Still, only a small percent of a total disparity between contemporary Black and White neighborhoods is explained by HOLC grades. We discuss the role of HOLC maps in analyses of structural racism and health, positioning them as only one feature of a larger public–private project conflating race with financial risk. Policy implications include not only targeting resources to formerly redlined neighborhoods but also the larger project of dismantling racist theories of value that are deeply embedded in the political economy of place.
Deep into the Apoplast: Grapevine and Plasmopara viticola Proteomes Reveal the Secret Beneath Host and Pathogen Communication at 6 h After Contact
Authors: Figueiredo Joana , Santos Rita B. , Guerra-Guimarães Leonor , Leclercq Céline C. , Renaut Jenny , Sousa Lisete , Figueiredo Andreia
Published: November 2022

The apoplast is the first hub of plant−pathogen communication where pathogen effectors are recognized by plant defensive proteins and cell receptors, thus activating signal transduction pathways. As a result of this first contact, the host triggers a defense response that involves the modulation of extra- and intracellular proteins. In grapevine−pathogen interactions, little is known about the trafficking between extra- and intracellular spaces. Grapevine is an economically important crop that relies on heavy fungicide use to control several diseases, and a deeper knowledge on the activation of its immune response is crucial to define new control strategies. In this study, we focused on the first 6 h postinoculation with Plasmopara viticola to evaluate grapevine proteome modulation in the apoplast. The in planta P. viticola proteome was also assessed to enable a deeper understanding of plant−pathogen communication. Our results showed that several plant mechanisms are triggered in the tolerant grapevine cultivar Regent after inoculation, such as oomycete recognition, plant cell wall modifications, reactive oxygen species signaling, and secretion of proteins to disrupt oomycete structures. On the other hand, P. viticola proteins related to development and virulence were the most predominant. This pioneer study highlights the early dynamics of cellular communication in grapevine defense that leads to the successful establishment of an incompatible interaction.
Inflammation in coronary artery disease-clinical implications of novel HDL-cholesterol–related inflammatory parameters as predictors
Authors: Guo Xuantong , Ma Lihong
Published: November 2022

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Inflammation and atherosclerotic plaques are the primary pathological mechanisms of CAD. Upon stimulation by deposited lipids and damaged endothelium, innate and adaptive immune cells are activated and recruited to initiate plaque development. Therefore, inflammatory cells and mediators are used to identify inflammatory risk in CAD patients. HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) is demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory roles in atherosclerosis by interfering with plasma membrane lipid rafts of immune cells. Based on this, novel inflammatory parameters such as monocyte to HDL-C ratio are explored to improve the risk estimation of CAD prognosis. Moreover, with the advance in treatment strategies targeting the inflammatory process in atherosclerosis, identifying CAD patients with increased inflammatory risk by novel inflammatory parameters is of great importance in guiding CAD management. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current information regarding inflammatory activation and HDL-C in atherosclerosis with a particular focus on the clinical implication of the novel HDL-C–related inflammatory parameters in CAD.
Engineering of Co-Surfactant-Free Bioactive Protein Nanosheets for the Stabilisation of Bioemulsions Enabling Adherent Cell Expansion
Authors: Chrysanthou Alexandra , Bosch-Fortea Minerva , Gautrot Julien E.
Published: November 2022

Bioemulsions are attractive platforms for the scalable expansion of adherent cells and stem cells. In these systems, cell adhesion is enabled by the assembly of protein nanosheets that display high interfacial shear moduli and elasticity. However, to date, most successful systems reported to support cell adhesion to liquid substrates have been based on co-assemblies of protein and reactive co-surfactants, which limit the translation of bioemulsions. In this report, we describe the design of protein nanosheets based on two globular proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and β-lactoglobulin (BLG), biofunctionalised with RGDSP peptides to enable cell adhesion. The interfacial mechanics of BSA and BLG assemblies at fluorinated liquid-water interfaces is studied by interfacial shear rheology, with and without co-surfactant acyl chloride. Conformational changes associated with globular protein assembly are studied by circular dichroism and protein densities at fluorinated interfaces are evaluated via surface plasmon resonance. Biofunctionalisation mediated by sulfo-succinimidyl 4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (sulfo-SMCC) is studied by fluorescence microscopy. On the basis of the relatively high elasticities observed in the case of BLG nanosheets, even in the absence of co-surfactant, the adhesion and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells and human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells on bioemulsions stabilized by RGD-functionalized protein nanosheets is studied. To account for the high cell spreading and proliferation observed at these interfaces, despite initial moderate interfacial elasticities, the deposition of fibronectin fibers at the surface of corresponding microdroplets is characterized by immunostaining and confocal microscopy. These results demonstrate the feasibility of achieving high cell proliferation on bioemulsions with protein nanosheets assembled without co-surfactants and establish strategies for rational design of scaffolding proteins enabling the stabilization of interfaces with strong shear mechanics and elasticity, as well as bioactive and cell adhesive properties. Such protein nanosheets and bioemulsions are proposed to enable the development of new generations of bioreactors for the scale up of cell manufacturing.
Assessingin vivothe impact of gene context on transcription through DNA supercoiling
Authors: Boulas Ihab , Bruno Lisa , Rimsky Sylvie , Espeli Olivier , Junier Ivan , Rivoire Olivier
Published: November 2022

Gene context can have significant impact on gene expression but is currently not integrated in quantitative models of gene regulation despite known biophysical principles and quantitativein vitromeasurements. Conceptually, the simplest gene context consists of a single gene framed by two topological barriers, known as the twin transcriptional-loop model, which illustrates the interplay between transcription and DNA supercoiling.In vivo, DNA supercoiling is additionally modulated by topoisomerases, whose modus operandi remains to be quantified. Here, we bridge the gap between theory andin vivoproperties by realizing inEscherichia colithe twin transcriptional-loop model and by measuring how gene expression varies with promoters and distances to the topological barriers. We find that gene expression depends on the distance to the upstream barrier but not to the downstream barrier, with a promoter-dependent intensity. We rationalize these findings with a first-principle biophysical model of DNA transcription. Our results are explained if TopoI and gyrase both act specifically, respectively upstream and downstream of the gene, with antagonistic effects of TopoI, which can repress initiation while facilitating elongation. Altogether, our work sets the foundations for a systematic and quantitative description of the impact of gene context on gene regulation.
The impact of product name on consumer responses to meat alternatives
Authors: Ye Tian , Mattila Anna S. , Dai Shanshan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

With the recent surge of plant-based menu items, it is critical to understand how to effectively communicate such products to consumers. This study aims to examine the impact of various descriptive names on consumers’ responses to novel meat alternatives in China, one of the emerging yet unexplored markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies were conducted using a single factor ([descriptive name: “Renzao Rou [artificial meat]” vs “Sushi Rou [vegetarian/vegan meat]” vs “Zhiwu Rou” [plant-based meat]) between-subjects experimental design.

Findings

Study 1 shows that “Sushi Rou” and “Zhiwu Rou,” triggering more positive name associations, led to higher future consumption intention than “Renzao Rou.” A qualitative analysis demonstrates the differences in the name associations. Study 2 replicates the naming effect and examines the role of specific product attributes. Perceived health, naturalness and novelty are the main drivers of favorable responses to “Zhiwu Rou” (vs “Renzao Rou”), whereas perceived health, taste and naturalness mediate the positive effect for “Sushi Rou” (vs “Renzao Rou”).

Practical implications

Food service operators interested in introducing meat alternatives in China should carefully choose the product name to attract specific segments. International chains should consider cultural norms when expanding to emerging markets.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to reveal the product naming effect on meat alternative products from the perspective of marketing communications. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanism driving Chinese consumers’ responses.
A behavioral economics approach to hospitality and tourism research
Authors: Song Haiyan , Lin Gabrielle
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to critically evaluate hospitality and tourism demand research and introduce a behavioral economics approach to solve the problems faced by researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

Current issues in hospitality and tourism demand analysis are identified through critical reflection, and a behavioral economics approach is adopted to develop a new conceptual framework.

Findings

Four issues in hospitality and tourism studies are identified from the microeconomic theory and econometric modeling perspectives. The study’s demand framework provides both a theoretical underpinning and quantitative models to resolve the identified issues. With a focus on consumers’ cost–benefit assessments in light of individual differences and environmental factors, the authors’ conceptual framework represents a new effort to quantify hospitality and tourism demand at the disaggregate level with interactive multiple demand curve estimations.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s analytical framework for hospitality and tourism demand analysis is unique, and it fills the research gap. However, this research is still in the conceptual stage, and the authors leave it to future studies to empirically test the framework.

Practical implications

The proposed demand framework at the disaggregate level will benefit both private and public sectors involved in hospitality and tourism businesses in terms of pricing, marketing and policymaking.

Originality/value

The authors offer a new conceptual model that bridges the gap between aggregate and disaggregate hospitality and tourism demand analyses. Specifically, the authors identify research directions for future hospitality and tourism demand research involving individual tourists/consumers at the disaggregate level.
The asymmetrical linkage between oil price and banking stability in the MENA region
Authors: Mohammad Ahmed Rufai , Aliyu Sirajo
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically investigate the asymmetrical relationship between changes in oil price and the banking stability of the conventional and Islamic banks in the Middle East and North African (MENA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper measures banking stability with Z-score and probability of default using the Generalized Method of Moment. This paper selects a sample of conventional and Islamic banks operating within the MENA oil-producing states between 2008 and 2016.

Findings

The result of this paper reveals that the banking stability of the two types of banks responds to positive and negative shocks in oil prices. Thus, the stability of conventional banks is slightly better than that of Islamic banks in the region. Consequently, this paper also reveals that bank capitalization improves with the banking stability of the two banking systems in the region.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper will help the banks in the MENA oil-producing countries with strategies for improving banking stability during the oil price fluctuations and provide the policymakers with possible time for bank capital reform.

Originality/value

This paper explores the impact of the international oil price shocks on Islamic and conventional banks in one of the essential global oil-producing regions. As such, this paper extends the banking stability literature by accounting for the role of oil shock prices on banking distance and the probability of default. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first investigation of different transmission channels of oil price fluctuations in the region while considering the dual banking system in the hub of Islamic banks.
Case of bullous pemphigoid refractory to corticosteroids by antiepileptic drug‐induced CYP3A4
Authors: Asakawa Riko , Ogawa Youichi , Maejima Eri , Honobe‐Tabuchi Akiko , Okamoto Takashi , Mitsui Hiroshi , Kagawa Yoshiyuki , Shimada Shinji , Kawamura Tatsuyoshi
Published: November 2022

The most common treatment option for patients with bullous pemphigoid is systemic corticosteroids. CYP3A4, a drug‐metabolizing enzyme in the liver, metabolizes synthetic steroids to a varying degree. Although there are many CYP3A4‐inducing drugs, several antiepileptic drugs, such as phenytoin and phenobarbital, strongly induce CYP3A4, thereby reducing the effects of corticosteroids. Here, we report a case of refractory bullous pemphigoid that rapidly improved after the discontinuation of phenytoin and phenobarbital. To achieve adequate pharmacological effects of corticosteroids, we must always ensure that patients who require corticosteroids for treatment are not medicated with CYP3A4‐inducing agents.
A nano‐delivery system expands the insecticidal target of thiamethoxam to include a devastating pest, the fall armyworm
Authors: Jiang Qin‐Hong , Li Ting , Liu Yan , Zhou Zi‐Yi , Yang Yang , Wei Ying , Yin Mei‐Zhen , Shen Jie , Yan Shuo
Published: November 2022

Nano‐delivery systems have been applied to deliver various synthetic/botanical pesticides to increase the efficiency of pesticide use and reduce the volumes of pesticides applied. Previous studies have supported the hypothesis that the nanocarriers can help expand the insecticidal target of pesticides to include non‐target pests. However, the potential mechanism underlying this interesting phenomenon remains unclear. Herein, a widely applied star polycation (SPc) nanocarrier was synthesized to construct a thiamethoxam (TMX) nano‐delivery system. The SPc‐based delivery system could promote the translocation of exogenous substances across the membrane of Sf9 cells, increase the cytotoxicity of TMX against Sf9 cells by nearly 20%, and expand the insecticidal target of TMX to include Spodoptera frugiperda (the fall armyworm), with a 27.5% mortality increase at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL. Moreover, the RNA‐seq analysis demonstrated that the SPc could upregulate various transport‐related genes, such as Rab, SORT1, CYTH, and PIKfyve, for the enhanced cellular uptake of TMX. Furthermore, enhanced cell death in larvae treated with the TMX–SPc complex was observed through changes in the expression levels of death‐related genes, such as Casp7, BIRC5, MSK1, and PGAM5. The SPc‐based nano‐delivery system improved the cellular uptake of TMX and expanded its insecticidal target by adjusting the expression levels of death‐related genes. The current study mainly identified the transport and cell death genes related to nanocarrier‐based insecticidal target expansion, which is beneficial for understanding the bioactivity enhancement of the nano‐delivery system.
The Late Tremadocian (Ordovician) Graptolite Kiaerograptus from Central Hunan, China: Taxonomy and Biostratigraphy
Authors: LI Ming , LI Lixia , WANG Wenhui
Published: November 2022

Well‐preserved graptolites of the genus Kiaerograptus are first reported from the upper Tremadocian Yinchupu Formation in the Nanba section, Yiyang, Hunan Province, South China, including four species, i.e., Kiaerograptus lauzonensis (Erdtmann, 1966), Kiaerograptus stoermeri (Erdtmann, 1965), Kiaerograptus cf. supremus? Lindholm, 1991, and Kiaerograptus sp., which are robust in form. Based on these new specimens, the Kiaerograptus biozone is established for the first time in South China, increasing the late Tremadoc graptolite biozones in South China from four to five, in ascending order as follows: the Adelograptus tenellus biozone, the Aorograptus victoriae biozone, the Kiaerograptus biozone, the Sagenograptus murrayi biozone, and the Hunnegraptus copiosus biozone. A review of the occurrence records for robust Kiaerograptus species worldwide reveals that the distribution is restricted to the Aorograptus victoriae biozone and Kiaerograptus biozone in the late Tremadocian. This limited stratigraphical distribution makes Kiaerograptus a valuable taxon for precise biostratigraphical correlation at both the regional and global scales.
Summarizing studies using constitutive genetic deficiency to investigate behavioural influences of uptake 2 monoamine transporters
Authors: Weber Brady L. , Beaver Jasmin N. , Gilman T. Lee
Published: November 2022

Burgeoning literature demonstrates that monoamine transporters with high transport capacity but lower substrate affinity (i.e., uptake 2) contribute meaningfully to regulation of monoamine neurotransmitter signalling. However, studying behavioural influences of uptake 2 is hindered by an absence of selective inhibitors largely free of off‐target, confounding effects. This contrasts with study of monoamine transporters with low transport capacity but high substrate affinity (i.e., uptake 1), for which there are many reasonably selective inhibitors. To circumvent this dearth of pharmacological tools for studying uptake 2, researchers have instead employed mice with constitutive genetic deficiency in three separate transporters. By studying baseline behavioural shifts, plus behavioural responses to environmental and pharmacological manipulations—the latter primarily targeting uptake 1—investigators have been creatively characterizing the behavioural, and often sex‐specific, influences of uptake 2. This non‐systematic mini review summarizes current uptake 2 behaviour literature, highlighting emphases on stress responsivity in organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) work, psychostimulant responsivity in OCT3 and plasma membrane monoamine transporter (PMAT) investigations, and antidepressant responsivity in all three. Collectively, this small but growing body of work reiterates the necessity for development of selective uptake 2‐inhibiting drugs, with reviewed studies suggesting that these might advance personalized treatment approaches.