bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N4BP1 is dimerization-dependent linear ubiquitin reader regulating TNFR1 signalling through linear ubiquitin binding and Caspase-8-mediated processing
Authors: Kliza Katarzyna , Song Wei , Pinzuti Irene , Schaubeck Simone , Kunzelmann Simone , Kuntin David , Fornili Arianna , Pandini Alessandro , Hofmann Kay , Garnett James A. , Stieglitz Benjamin , Husnjak Koraljka
Published: November 2021

Signalling through TNFR1 modulates proinflammatory gene transcription and programmed cell death, and its impairment causes autoimmune diseases and cancer. NEDD4-binding protein 1 (N4BP1) was recently identified as a critical suppressor of proinflammatory cytokine production1, whose mode of action remained unknown. Here, we show that N4BP1 is a novel linear ubiquitin reader that negatively regulates NFκB signalling by its unique dimerizationdependent ubiquitin-binding module that we named LUBIN. Dimeric N4BP1 strategically positions two non-selective ubiquitin-binding domains to ensure exclusive recognition of linear ubiquitin. Under proinflammatory conditions, N4BP1 is recruited to the nascent TNFR1 signalling complex, where it regulates duration of proinflammatory signalling in LUBIN-dependent manner. N4BP1 deficiency accelerates TNFα-induced cell death by increasing complex II assembly. Under proapoptotic conditions, Caspase-8 mediates proteolytic processing of N4BP1 and the resulting cleavage fragment of N4BP1, which retains the ability to bind linear ubiquitin, is rapidly degraded by the 26S proteasome, accelerating apoptosis. In summary, our findings demonstrate that N4BP1 dimerization creates a unique linear ubiquitin reader that ensures timely and coordinated regulation of TNFR1-mediated inflammation and cell death.
Vegetative Phase Change Causes Age-Dependent Changes in Phenotypic Plasticity
Authors: Lawrence-Paul Erica H. , Poethig R. Scott , Lasky Jesse R.
Published: November 2021

Phenotypic plasticity allows organisms to optimize traits for their environment. As organisms age, they experience diverse environments that benefit from varying degrees of phenotypic plasticity. Developmental transitions can control these age-dependent changes in plasticity and as such, the timing of these transitions can determine when plasticity changes in an organism.

Here we investigate how the transition from juvenile-to adult-vegetative development known as vegetative phase change (VPC) contributes to age-dependent changes in phenotypic plasticity and how the timing of this transition responds to environment using both natural accessions and mutant lines in the model plantArabidopsis thaliana.

We found that the adult phase of vegetative development has greater plasticity in leaf morphology than the juvenile phase and confirmed that this difference in plasticity is caused by VPC using mutant lines. Further, we found that the timing of VPC, and therefore the time when increased plasticity is acquired, varies significantly across genotypes and environments.

The consistent age-dependent changes in plasticity caused by VPC suggest that VPC may be adaptive. This genetic and environmental variation in the timing of VPC indicates the potential for population-level adaptive evolution of VPC.
SorCS2 dynamically interacts with TrkB and GluN2B to control neurotransmission and Huntington’s disease progression
Authors: Salašová Alena , Degn Niels Sanderhoff , Paveliev Mikhail , Madsen Niels Kjærgaard , Benito Saray López , Casarotto Plinio , Ovesen Peter Lund , Vestergaard Benedicte , Udrea Andreea Cornelia , Kisiswa Lilian , Woloszczuková Lucie , Faress Islam , Nabavi Sadegh , Castrén Eero , Arévalo Juan Carlos , Holm Mai Marie , Kjølby Mads Fuglsang , Bølcho Ulrik , Nykjaer Anders
Published: November 2021

Background

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive motor dysfunction and loss of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in dorsal striatum. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) sustains functionality and integrity of MSNs, and thus reduced BDNF signaling is integral to the disease. Mutations in BDNF receptor SorCS2 were recently identified in HD patients. Our study investigates the role of SorCS2 in MSNs biology and in HD progression.

Methods

We derived a double transgenic line by crossbreeding SorCS2 deficient (KO) mice with the HD mouse model R6/1. Subsequently, we characterized the SorCS2 KO; R6/1 line by a set of behavioral and biochemical studies to evaluate phenotypes related to HD. Moreover, in combination with electrophysiology and super resolution microscopy techniques, we addressed the molecular mechanism by which SorCS2 controls synaptic activity in MSNs neurons.

Results

We show that SorCS2 is expressed in MSNs with reduced levels in R6/1 HD model, and that SorCS2 deficiency exacerbates the disease progression in R6/1 mice. Furthermore, we find that SorCS2 binds TrkB and the NMDA receptor subunit GluN2B, which is required to control neurotransmission in corticostriatal synapses. While BDNF stimulates SorCS2-TrkB complex formation to enable TrkB signaling, it disengages SorCS2 from GluN2B, leading to enrichment of the subunit at postsynaptic densities. Consequently, long-term potentiation (LTP) is abolished in SorCS2 deficient mice, despite increased striatal TrkB and unaltered BDNF expression. However, the addition of exogenous BDNF rescues the phenotype. Finally, GluN2B, but not GluN2A, currents are also severely impaired in the SorCS2 KO mice.

Conclusions

We formulate a novel molecular mechanism by which SorCS2 acts as a molecular switch. SorCS2 targets TrkB and GluN2B into postsynaptic densities to enable BDNF signaling and NMDAR dependent neurotransmission in the dorsal striatum. Remarkably, the binding between SorCS2 and TrkB or GluN2B, respectively, is mutually exclusive and controlled by BDNF. This mechanism provides an explanation why deficient SorCS2 signaling severely aggravates HD progression in mice. Moreover, we provide evidence that this finding might represent a general mechanism of SorCS2 signaling found in other brain areas, thus increasing its relevance for other neurological and psychiatric impairments.
RNA splicing analysis using heterogeneous and large RNA-seq datasets
Authors: Vaquero-Garcia Jorge , Aicher Joseph K. , Jewell Paul , Gazzara Matthew R. , Radens Caleb M. , Jha Anupama , Green Christopher J. , Norton Scott S. , Lahens Nicholas F. , Grant Gregory R. , Barash Yoseph
Published: November 2021

The ubiquity of RNA-seq has led to many methods that use RNA-seq data to analyze variations in RNA splicing. However, available methods are not well suited for handling heterogeneous and large datasets. Such datasets scale to thousands of samples across dozens of experimental conditions, exhibit increased variability compared to biological replicates, and involve thousands of unannotated splice variants resulting in increased transcriptome complexity. We describe here a suite of algorithms and tools implemented in the MAJIQ v2 package to address challenges in detection, quantification, and visualization of splicing variations from such datasets. Using both large scale synthetic data and GTEx v8 as benchmark datasets, we demonstrate that the approaches in MAJIQ v2 outperform existing methods. We then apply MAJIQ v2 package to analyze differential splicing across 2,335 samples from 13 brain subregions, demonstrating its ability to offer new insights into brain subregion-specific splicing regulation.
Design, modeling and simulation of a control surface-less tri-tilt-rotor UAV
Authors: Annamalai Vinoth Kumar , Thunaipragasam Selvakumaran
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design a flight control model for a control surface-less (CSL) tri-tilt-rotor (TTR) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based on a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller to stabilize the altitude and attitude of the UAV subjected to various flying conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the proposed UAV with a tilting mechanism is designed and analyzed to obtain the aerodynamic parameters. Second, the dynamics of the proposed UAV are mathematically modeled using Newton-Euler formation. Then, the PID controller is implemented in the simulation model to control flight maneuvers. The model parameters were implemented in a mathematical model to find the system’s stability for various flight conditions. The model was linearized to determine the PID gain values for vertical take-off and landing, cruise and transition mode. The PID controller was tuned to obtain the desired altitude and attitude in a short period. The tuned PID gain values were implemented in the PID controller and the model was simulated.

Findings

The main contribution of this study is the mathematical model and controller for a UAV without any control surface and uses only a thrust vector control mechanism which reduces the complexity of the controller. The simulation has been carried out for various flight conditions. The altitude PID controller and the attitude PID controller for CSL-TTR-UAV were tuned to obtain desired altitude and attitude within the optimum duration of 4 s and deviation in the attitude of 8%, which is within the allowable limit of 14%. The findings obtained from the simulation revels that the altitude and attitude control of the CSL-TTR-UAV was achieved by controlling the rpm of the rotor and tilt angle using the PID controller.

Originality/value

A novel CSL TTR UAV mathematical model is developed with a dual tilting mechanism for a tail rotor and single axis tilt for the rotors in the wing. The flight control model controls the UAV without a control surface using a PID controller for the thrust vector mechanism.
Exploration of constructing the catering quality indices of university canteens in China from the viewpoint of food safety
Authors: Ji Yugang , Ko Wen-Hwa
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study used the literature review and the modified Delphi method to evaluate the importance of the catering quality indices of university canteens in China. In order to compile the catering quality indices of university canteens in China as reference for the subsequent improvement of Chinese canteens.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first analysed literature data to establish the preliminary quality indices and used the modified Delphi method for measurement. After three rounds of Delphi analysis by 35 experts, the results of the catering quality indices of university canteens in China are summarised.

Findings

The research results show that university canteen catering quality issues are divided into six dimensions, including catering safety management, employee hygiene management, catering service, food quality, environmental atmosphere and corporate social responsibility. Catering safety management is the most important index, followed by employee hygiene management.

Originality/value

The research results can be used as suggestions for follow-up improvements in the quality of university canteens in China and a basis of reference for amendments to relevant national or local laws and regulations. The food prices, food quality and whether food hygiene and safety standards are met by university canteens are all related to the health and vital interests of the teachers and students, as well as the stability of the university. Therefore, the government should increase supervision in these aspects to avoid decline in the quality of meals due to low profits and enforce strict requirements for food safety.
Youth entrepreneurial intentions: an integrated model of individual and contextual factors
Authors: Gulzar Farzana , Fayaz Aiman
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify factors instrumental in developing entrepreneurial intentions among youth. Although, numerous studies have been conducted focusing on entrepreneurship intention, however, this study attempts to provide an integrated model by means of analyzing the impact of internal (personal) and external (environmental) factors in developing entrepreneurial intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study is based on primary and secondary data. A sample of 358 respondents belonging to the age group of 21–25 years from various universities and colleges in Kashmir participated in the study. Primary data collection was done using self-administered questionnaires. A purposive sampling approach was used to identify respondents for the current study. Structural equation modeling has been used for testing hypotheses besides other statistical methods and techniques.

Findings

The study identifies three important antecedents of entrepreneurship intentions, namely, personal competencies, contextual factors and entrepreneurial exposure and tests the relationships using path analysis. It further suggests that there exists a significant relationship between personal competencies, entrepreneurial exposure, contextual elements and entrepreneurial intention.

Originality/value

The paper presents an integrated and comprehensive model of entrepreneurial intentions discussing important antecedents instrumental in developing entrepreneurship intentions among youth considering both personal and environmental factors. It is, therefore, an important contribution toward entrepreneurship literature and of interest to different policymakers and institutions related to entrepreneurship.
A fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of climate change on the Xiamen tourism industry
Authors: Bethel Brandon J. , Tang Decai , Wang Linjia , Buravleva Yana
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Climate change is most apparent through the increased severity and frequency of extreme events. Tourism as an activity is particularly sensitive. This paper aims to investigate the impact that climate change has on Xiamen tourism through a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of questionnaire responses.

Design/methodology/approach

A fuzzy classification system of tourism factors most sensitive to climate change was built on the basis of an analytical hierarchical process.

Findings

A “relatively strong” association grade of the impacts of climate change on tourism was observed. Through fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, the method used has allowed for clear classification of the aspects of tourism, through its development, which are more vulnerable to climate change. The results acquired here can serve as reference material for stakeholders on implementing risk assessments, deepening the understanding of how climate change affects tourism and coordinate the interests of different parties through the achievement of focused development and realize the optimum, long-term and sustainable exploitation of tourism resources.

Originality/value

The sensitivity of a variety of tourist sectors within Xiamen was assessed and represents the newest pre-COVID-19 opinions concerning the effect of climate change on tourism. Additionally, the data used in this study was also collected before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and will serve as an important marker to track how expert opinions of the effects of climate change on tourism change over time.
Integrating building information modelling for improving facility management operations: a fuzzy synthetic evaluation of the critical success factors
Authors: Oluleye Ifeoluwa Benjamin , Oyetunji Abiodun Kolawole , Olukolajo Michael Ayodele , Chan Daniel W.M.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Building information modelling (BIM) is a novel technological advancement in the built environment. Despite the potentials of BIM, its adoption and implementation are undermined in facility management (FM) operations. This might be because of limited information on the critical success factors (CSFs) that can enhance its adoption. The study aims to integrate building information modelling to improve facility management operation by adopting fuzzy synthetic approach for evaluating the critical success factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study were sourced from practising and registered facility managers within Lagos metropolis, Nigeria. The data collected were analysed using a combination of methods which include mean item score, factor analysis and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE).

Findings

The factor analysis results showed that six underlying groups of CSFs would enhance the effective adoption of BIM in facility operations. The FSE results showed that out of the six groups, the three topmost important CSF grouping (CSFG) in the decision rule would enhance the effectiveness of BIM adoption for FM operations.

Practical implications

The result of this study provides a credible road map for facility managers, policymakers and other stakeholders in FM operations on the CSFs and CSFG required for the adoption of BIM.

Originality/value

Previous studies that aimed at integrating BIM into FM are limited. Hence, this study provides a broad perspective on the CSF required for BIM adoption and implementation in FM operations using the FSE approach.
Empowerment of SME’s sustainability in halal cosmetics’ ecosystem by diagnosing growth constraints
Authors: Masood Adlin , Zaidi Aisyah
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify and examine the growth constraints of the halal cosmetics ecosystem in which SMEs are operating in, with special focus on the situation in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative methodology consisting of a systematic literature review and interviews with selected consumers and policymakers. The instruments were developed based on cybernetics and a systems-based approach, which allows for the understanding of the dynamics of growth variables in the halal cosmetics ecosystem. Based on data gathered, their relationships were mapped and major growth constraints were identified.

Findings

Cybernetics and systems approach coupled with growth diagnostics framework has enabled identification of comprehensive growth constraint variables for halal cosmetics ecosystem and mapping of growth constraints (variables) in a relationships network. The study found that the enforcement activities of the National Pharmaceutical Research Agency (Cosmetics Unit) directly affect five growth constraints and is associated with three other growth constraint variables; subsequently the most binding growth constraint. The relationship network derived from the mapping of the growth constraints indicated that changes in the behaviour of any element will affect the overall operations of the ecosystem.

Research limitations/implications

While the cosmetics industry is large and varied, this study is centred on halal colour cosmetics only. The growth constraint variables studied are those chosen by researchers and other growth constraints could be studied to guide policymakers. Future research can revolve around other halal cosmetics business sectors; impact of IR4.0 technology, COVID-19 pandemic impact; crisis and risk management issues, in the halal cosmetics industry.

Practical implications

The results derived from the cybernetics analysis affirms the “outside-in” marketing perspective, thus stakeholders should continuously monitor changes in the halal cosmetics ecosystem to ensure to ensure sustainability and profitability. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and policymakers can initiate pre-emptive actions by conducting simulations of various situations on the halal ecosystem.

Social implications

Enabled to simulate the effect of changes to the halal cosmetics ecosystem, stakeholders are able to take intervention initiatives, safeguard accessibility to halal cosmetics and make the halal cosmetics industry sustainable.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive research to identify the growth constraints of the halal cosmetics industry in Malaysia that focusses on three groups of stakeholders (consumers, SMEs and government institutions) concurrently. The growth constraints relationship network of the halal cosmetics ecosystem can be further used to simulate the impact of changes within the system.
Electronic fraud: an emerging cause of bank failure in Nigerian deposit money banks
Authors: Akinwale Folowosele Folarin , Ailemen Ikpefan Ochei , Areghan Isibor
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to review the degree to which fraud and other unethical practices especially in the digital space have affected the Nigerian banking industry both in the past and present, and how it will be a growing concern in the imminent future. The objective of the study was to examine the impact of electronic fraud on the quality of assets and return on assets of Nigerian deposit money banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used secondary data for the periods 2006 till 2018, which were collected from the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation annual reports. Descriptive analysis and the ordinary least square method of regression analysis were used for data analysis.

Findings

Findings revealed that electronic fraud cases increased progressively over most of the years of study, which can be attributed to the increased bank products that are electronic-based.

Originality/value

Many of the reviewed literature examined electronic fraud and its impact on bank profitability but this study examined the cause of electronic fraud and what can be done to curtail it.
The impact of “procurement with impact”: measuring the short-term effects of sustainable public procurement policy on the environmental friendliness of tenders
Authors: van Berkel Jacco Robbert Jan , Schotanus Fredo
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the short-term effects of a new procurement policy document on the inclusion of environmental requirements and green award criteria in tenders. The policy document is named “Procurement with Impact” and was released by the Dutch central government to further stimulate Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP).

Design/methodology/approach

Central government tenders were quantitatively analyzed in the six months prior and after the release of the new policy on their inclusion of environmental concerns. This judgment was made based on the role of environmental concerns in the requirements and the award criteria. As a control group, the same was done on a municipal level, for which the new policy document does not apply. Each of the four samples contained 60 tenders. Data was acquired via the European public procurement database TED. In the analysis, a chi-square test was used to measure whether a significant difference exists between the two periods for each group.

Findings

Results show that central government has procured in a more environmentally concerned way after the release of “Procurement with Impact.” Within a year, the number of green tenders conducted by central government significantly increased from 30% to 55%. No significant difference was found on a municipal level.

Social implications

SPP has received increasing attention over the past few decades but has not led to implementation of its principles in most public tenders. As SPP can have a major impact on a more sustainable and social society, it is important to understand how policy can influence the sustainability of tenders. The findings of our study show that “Procurement with impact” had a significant positive short-term effect on the inclusion of green award criteria and requirements in public tenders. Implementing similar SPP policies in other government sectors and other countries could have a substantial effect on the worldwide uptake of SPP.

Originality/value

“Procurement with Impact” contains a clear sustainable vision embracing the principles of SPP. This government policy takes into account several SPP barriers and drivers and satisfies several policy theory conditions. The authors show in the paper that this policy is an effective instrument for increasing the inclusion of environmental concerns in tenders. As the difference is already significant within a year, this could also reflect the readiness of tenderers to turn to SPP once there is a clear organization wide policy.
Preparation of metal organic framework hybridizing with poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) fiber and adsorption properties for anionic dye
Authors: Liu Yi , Qiu Guangyao , Li Tao , Yan Ang , Liu Yongfeng , Qu Rongjun , Sun Changmei
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To treat water pollution, especially the contamination resulted from organic dyes has aroused significant attention around the world, this study aims to prepare the metal organic framework (MOF) materials hybridizing with poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA) by means of a facile refluxing method and to systematically investigate adsorption performance for anionic dye Congo red as target molecule from aqueous solution.

Design/methodology/approach

The MOF materials hybridized by PPTA were fabricated by virtue of a facile refluxing method, characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and pore structure.

Findings

The results showed that pseudo-second-order kinetic model could better describe the adsorption process for all the four materials, whereas Elovich model also fitted the process for the hybrid materials with PPTA. Adsorption isotherm analyses indicated that Langmuir isotherm could be used to describe the adsorption process. Introduction of appropriate amount of PPTA could enhance the adsorption affinity of the MOF materials for Congo red, and the maximum adsorption capacity could reach as high as 1,053.41 mg/g while that of the MOF material without PPTA was 666.67 mg/g, indicating introduction of PPTA could change the microenvironment of the MOF materials and increase the adsorption sites, leading to high adsorption efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

The microstructure of MOF hybridized materials in detail is the further and future investigation.

Practical implications

This study will provide a method to prepare MOF materials with high efficiency to treat anionic dyes like Congo red from aqueous solution.

Originality/value

Owing to the special characteristics of PPTA and similar to carbon tube, PPTA was introduced into MOF material to increased corresponding water stability. Because of aromatic ring and amide group on the surface of PPTA, the adsorption efficiency of the hybridized MOF material with appropriate amount of PPTA was greatly enhanced.
Records management and performance of procurement management units in Tanzania: a case study
Authors: Matto Mordecai Chrysostom
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of records management on the performance of procurement management units (PMUs) in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

To meet the objective of the study, cross-sectional survey design and quantitative approaches were used for data collection and analysis. Preliminary analysis of the data was carried out using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling was then used to analyse the influence of records management standards on procurement performance. The data were collected from 164 government PMUs in Tanzania.

Findings

The findings revealed that records management attributes significantly affect procurement performance in Tanzania. Furthermore, government policy and integrity factors confound the association between records management and procurement performance.

Practical implications

The policymakers and practitioners of public procurement are required to be aware of records management principles and how each related factor influences the performance of PMUs. They should emphasise proper storage and housing, equipment, arrangement and access and implement electronic records management.

Originality/value

This study shows how the ISO 15489 model can be applied to public procurement processes. This study also provides the lesson that procurement records need to be protected to ensure their authenticity, reliability, integrity and useability.
Airline service: low-cost-carriers (LCCs) failure and passenger emotional experience
Authors: Herjanto Halimin , Amin Muslim , Okumus Fevzi , Cobanoglu Cihan
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study aims to analyze low-cost-carrier (LCC) passengers’ comments about their flight experience on Asian LCCs.

Design/methodology/approach

A netnography approach was used to review and content analyzed 230 LCC passengers’ negative feedback on the TripAdvisor website.

Findings

LCC service failures generated 17 different negative emotions; among them, shock, disappointment and surprise were the most frequent emotions felt by passengers.

Practical implications

Maintaining a high level of customer service and ensuring easy access to information reduces LCC passenger’s negative emotions and meets LCC passengers’ service expectations and satisfaction. This study provides guidelines for the LCCs management who want to implement a netnography technique as a marketing research strategy.

Originality/value

A better understanding of this concept will help the LCCs industry to build a robust business model than competitors, maintain their competitive advantages in the global market and develop effective marketing strategies to attract more passengers.
Combining project and process management in PPP network: Relationship between management style and outcome
Authors: Wang Huanming , Edelenbos Jurian , Cheng Zhe
Published: November 2021

How to satisfactorily implement the public–private partnership (PPP) network is the most important target for infrastructure and public services policymakers. In this article, we elaborate on how project‐ and process‐management styles can combine to deliver a satisfactory PPP. This paper uses a fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis to investigate the relationship between management styles and PPP network outcomes. Specifically, we examine the management tools (i.e. results orientation, control, communication and flexibility) and their joint effects on PPP network outcome. Results show that three combinations of sufficient conditions yield satisfactory PPP network outcomes consisting of project‐ and process‐management styles.
Digitally captured signatures: A method for the normalization of force through calibration and the use of the zeta function
Authors: Kalantzis Nikolaos , Platt Andrew W.G.
Published: November 2021

Digitally captured signatures (DCS) are entering the scope of the Forensic Handwriting Examiner (FHE), and the meaningful comprehension and comparison of the captured information is essential in order to proceed to the examination of authenticity of DCS. In DCS solutions, force is captured and presented as pressure levels, but the relation between exercised force and the assigned pressure levels is not provided by the manufacturers of these solutions. For this purpose, we constructed an experimental array that allows the correlation of exercised force and assigned pressure levels, in a combination of three different digitizers, six different styli and four different capturing software. This process let us calculate the correlation function that assigns pressure levels to force for each solution (called the Zeta Function). Through this process, it was observed that different solutions follow different Zeta functions. To address this problem, a methodology for normalization of captured data between different solutions was created and demonstrated, using the calculated Zeta function and its inverse.
Identification of two ABCC transporters involved in malathion detoxification in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Rösner Janin , Merzendorfer Hans
Published: November 2021

ABC transporters have been suggested to be involved in insecticide detoxification in different insect species mainly based on the indirect observation of transcriptional upregulation of ABC gene expression in response to insecticide exposure. Previous studies performed by us and others in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, have analyzed the function of TcABCA‐C and TcABCG‐H genes using RNA interference (RNAi) and demonstrated that specific TcABCA and TcABCC genes are involved in the elimination of the pyrethroid tefluthrin and the benzoylurea diflubenzuron, because gene silencing increased the beetle's susceptibility to the insecticides. In this study, we focused on the potential functions of TcABCA‐C genes in detoxification of the pyrethroid cyfluthrin (CF), the organophosphate malathion (MAL) and the diacylhdyazine tebufenozide (TBF). Analysis of transcript levels of selected TcABCA‐C genes in response to treatment with these three chemically unrelated insecticides revealed that some genes were particularly upregulated after insecticide treatment. In addition, the ABC inhibitor verapamil synergized significantly the toxicity of MAL but only negligibly CF and TBF toxicities. Finally, silencing of two TcABCC genes by RNAi revealed a significant increase in susceptibility to MAL. In contrast, we did not observe a significant increase in insecticide‐induced mortalities when knocking down TcABC genes in larvae treated with CF or TBF, although they were upregulated in response to insecticide treatment. Our results suggest that two pleiotropic ABCC transporters expressed in metabolic and excretory tissues contribute to the elimination of MAL.
Larvicidal and pupicidal activities of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil, trans‐anethole and fenchone against house fly Musca domestica and their inhibitory effect on acetylcholinestrase
Authors: Abdel‐Baki Abdel‐Azeem S. , Aboelhadid Shawky M. , Sokmen Atalay , Al‐Quraishy Saleh , Hassan Ahmed O. , Kamel Asmaa A.
Published: November 2021

The present study was designed to evaluate the insecticidal activity of different concentrations of Foeniculum vulgare and two of its components, trans‐anethole and fenchone, against the different stages of Musca domestica. The tested concentrations were applied through a residual film method and topical application on larvae and pupae respectively. Trans‐anethole achieved the best results against larvae when compared with those of the fennel or fenchone with LC50 values of 0.58%, 1.57%, and 17.22%, respectively. Moreover, tans‐anethole killed 100% of larvae at concentration of 2.5% and fennel achieved the same effect at concentration of 10%, meanwhile fenchone did not reach such an effect at any of the tested concentrations. At the concentration of 10%, fennel oil and trans‐anethole induced morphological deformation in the dead larvae such as shrunk bodies with dark colored integument. Regarding the pupicidal activity, fennel oil showed percentage inhibition rate (PIR) of 100% at the concentration of 10% while the same effect was achieved by trans‐anethole at concentration of 5%. On the contrary, fenchone did not show any pupicidal activity. Treatment of the third instar house fly larvae with LC5o of fennel oil, trans‐anethole, and fenchone significantly inhibited the acetylcholinestrase (AchE) when compared with the control untreated larvae. Additionally, the glutathione‐s‐transferase (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production significantly increased in the larvae treated with trans‐anethole. The results of the present study indicate that the insecticidal activity of fennel oil was mainly attributed to the presence of trans‐anethole as a major constituent.
The promoter hypermethylation of SULT2B1 accelerates esophagus tumorigenesis via downregulated PER1
Authors: Li Zhuo , Li Meng‐Yan , Wang Ling‐Ling , Li Lei , Chen Qing‐Yun , Zhu Ying‐Hui , Li Yan , Qin Yan‐ru , Guan Xin‐Yuan
Published: November 2021

Background

Esophageal cancer is currently the eighth most common tumor in the world and a leading cause of cancer death. SULT2B1 plays crucial roles in tumorigenesis. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of SULT2B1 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

The expression of SULT2B1 and its clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated in ESCC cohorts. Bisulfite genomic sequencing and methylation specific PCR were used to detect the promoter hypermethylation of the SULT2B1 gene. The effects of SULT2B1 on the biological characters of ESCC cells were identified on functional assays. Subcutaneous xenograft models revealed the role of SULT2B1 in vivo with tumor growth. RNA‐Seq analysis and qRT‐PCR were performed to recognize the targeted effect of SULT2B1 on PER1.

Results

SULT2B1 was not expressed or at a low level in most patients with ESCC or in ESCC cell lines, and this was accompanied by poor clinical prognosis. Furthermore, the downregulation of SULT2B1 occurred in promoter hypermethylation. According to the functional results, overexpression of SULT2B1 could inhibit tumoral proliferation in vitro and retard tumor growth in vivo, whereas SULT2B1 knockdown could accelerate ESCC progression. Mechanistically, SULT2B1 targeted PER1 at the mRNA level during post‐transcriptional regulation. Finally, PER1 was verified as a suppressor and poor‐prognosis factor in ESCC.

Conclusions

SULT2B1 loss is a consequence owing to its ability to promote hypermethylation. In addition, it serves as a suppressor and poor‐prognosis factor because of the post‐transcriptional regulation of PER1 in ESCC.
Afatinib and osimertinib in lung adenocarcinoma harbored EGFR T751_I759delinsS mutation: A case report
Authors: Fang Yueh‐Fu , Liu Ping‐Chi
Published: November 2021

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are the standard treatment for lung cancer patients with activating EGFR mutation. The traditional direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has lower sensitivity in the detection of EGFR mutations in patient tissue samples. Whilst PCR amplification kits increase the sensitivity in detecting some types of EGFR mutations, not many types of rare mutations are found. Here, we report a patient who had lung adenocarcinoma harboring EGFR T751_I759delinsS mutation and had good response to afatinib initially and osimertinib after developing resistance to afatinib. This rare EGFR mutation was not detected by Scorpion and ARMS method but was found using the next‐generation sequencing method. There are less prospective trials in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma with very rare EGFR mutations. Our case report could therefore provide clinical experience to the clinicians in the management of their patients.
Preventing Overdose Using Information and Data from the Environment (PROVIDENT): protocol for a randomized, population‐based, community intervention trial
Authors: Marshall Brandon D. L. , Alexander‐Scott Nicole , Yedinak Jesse L. , Hallowell Benjamin D. , Goedel William C. , Allen Bennett , Schell Robert C. , Li Yu , Krieger Maxwell S. , Pratty Claire , Ahern Jennifer , Neill Daniel B. , Cerdá Magdalena
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

In light of the accelerating drug overdose epidemic in North America, new strategies are needed to identify communities most at risk to prioritize geographically the existing public health resources (e.g. street outreach, naloxone distribution efforts). We aimed to develop PROVIDENT (Preventing Overdose using Information and Data from the Environment), a machine learning‐based forecasting tool to predict future overdose deaths at the census block group (i.e. neighbourhood) level.

Design

Randomized, population‐based, community intervention trial.

Setting

Rhode Island, USA.

Participants

All people who reside in Rhode Island during the study period may contribute data to either the model or the trial outcomes.

Intervention

Each of the state's 39 municipalities will be randomized to the intervention (PROVIDENT) or comparator condition. An interactive, web‐based tool will be developed to visualize the PROVIDENT model predictions. Municipalities assigned to the treatment arm will receive neighbourhood risk predictions from the PROVIDENT model, and state agencies and community‐based organizations will direct resources to neighbourhoods identified as high risk. Municipalities assigned to the control arm will continue to receive surveillance information and overdose prevention resources, but they will not receive neighbourhood risk predictions.

Measurements

The primary outcome is the municipal‐level rate of fatal and non‐fatal drug overdoses. Fatal overdoses will be defined as unintentional drug‐related death; non‐fatal overdoses will be defined as an emergency department visit for a suspected overdose reported through the state's syndromic surveillance system. Intervention efficacy will be assessed using Poisson or negative binomial regression to estimate incidence rate ratios comparing fatal and non‐fatal overdose rates in treatment vs. control municipalities.

Comments

The findings will inform the utility of predictive modelling as a tool to improve public health decision‐making and inform resource allocation to communities that should be prioritized for prevention, treatment, recovery and overdose rescue services.
Modeling the population‐level impact of opioid agonist treatment on mortality among people accessing treatment between 2001 and 2020 in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Chaillon Antoine , Bharat Chrianna , Stone Jack , Jones Nicola , Degenhardt Louisa , Larney Sarah , Farrell Michael , Vickerman Peter , Hickman Matthew , Martin Natasha K. , Bórquez Annick
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

The individual‐level effectiveness of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) in reducing mortality is well established, but there is less evidence on population‐level benefits. We use modeling informed with linked data from the OAT program in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to estimate the impact of OAT provision in the community and prisons on mortality and the impact of eliminating excess mortality during OAT initiation/discontinuation.

Design

Dynamic modeling.

Setting and participants

A cohort of 49 359 individuals who ever received OAT in NSW from 2001 to 2018.

Measurements

Receipt of OAT was represented through five stages: (i) first month on OAT, (ii) short (1–9 months) and (iii) longer (9+ months) duration on OAT, (iv) first month following OAT discontinuation and (v) rest of time following OAT discontinuation. Incarceration was represented as four strata: (i) never or not incarcerated in the past year, (ii) currently incarcerated, (iii) released from prison within the past month and (iv) released from prison 1–12 months ago. The model incorporated elevated mortality post‐release from prison and OAT impact on reducing mortality and incarceration.

Findings

Among the cohort, mortality was 0.9 per 100 person‐years, OAT coverage and retention remained high (> 50%, 1.74 years/episode). During 2001–20, we estimate that OAT provision reduced overdose and other cause mortality among the cohort by 52.8% [95% credible interval (CrI) = 49.4–56.9%] and 26.6% (95% CrI =22.1–30.5%), respectively. We estimate 1.2 deaths averted and 9.7 life‐years gained per 100 person‐years on OAT. Prison OAT with post‐release OAT‐linkage accounted for 12.4% (95% CrI = 11.5–13.5%) of all deaths averted by the OAT program, primarily through preventing deaths in the first month post‐release. Preventing elevated mortality during OAT initiation and discontinuation could have averted up to 1.4% (95% CrI =  0.8–2.0%) and 3.0% (95% CrI = 2.1–5.3%) of deaths, respectively.

Conclusion

The community and prison opioid agonist treatment program in New South Wales, Australia appears to have substantially reduced population‐level overdose and all‐cause mortality in the past 20 years, partially due to high retention.
Cysteine challenge test as a novel diagnostic tool to distinguish oral halitosis
Authors: Aydin Murat , Gunay Ismail
Published: November 2021

Background

The cysteine challenge test is often used to check the H2S production capacity of the mouth. Patients with oral halitosis group (n = 305) or non‐oral halitosis group (n = 191) and healthy individuals (control group, n = 102) were compared with each other to identify any possible relationship between initial and cysteine‐induced oral H2S concentrations.

Subjects and Method

The medical records of 598 participants were reviewed retrospectively. Oral H2S concentrations before (pre‐CR) and after cysteine rinse (post‐CR) with 5 mL of 20 mmol L‐cysteine solution for 30 s were compared.

Results

Pre‐CR H2S concentrations were >0.8 ppm in 75.1% of oral group patients but less than <0.8 ppm in 87.3% of the non‐oral group and 86.9% of controls. After cysteine rinse, oral H2S concentrations exceeded 12 ppm in 72% of the oral halitosis patients but were lower in 88% of non‐oral group and 99% of controls. Whilst post‐CR/pre‐CR ratio was >12 in 74.5% of the oral group, it was <12 in 81.7% of the non‐oral group and 83.4% of controls.

Conclusion

Cysteine challenge test can be used as a diagnostic tool to identify an individual's tendency to produce oral malodor, not only to quantify momentary halitosis level.
Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) ‐ aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) interactions in different habitats from Turkey with new mutualistic associations
Authors: Kök Şahin , Aktaç Nihat , Kasap Ismail
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to investigate the interactions between ants and aphids on host plants in different habitats located in the northwestern part of Turkey. A total of 26 ant species belonging to 13 genera and 3 subfamilies from the family Formicidae (Hymenoptera) were found associated with 52 aphid species belonging to 22 genera from the family Aphididae (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea) on 66 host plant species from 24 plant families.

In total, 132 tritrophic ants–aphids–host plants interactions including new associations were revealed.

Also, we present results on the interactions of ants–aphids–host plants in different habitats such as cultivated, uncultivated and urban areas. About 85 tritrophic interactions of ants–aphids–host plants were revealed in cultivated, 27 tritrophic interactions in uncultivated and 20 tritrophic interactions in urban areas. Tritrophic interactions were more diverse in cultivated areas than uncultivated and urban areas.

Our results reveal that the interactions between ants and aphids are highly diverse and that they vary on host plants in different habitats. It may be thought that this is due to the specialization resulting from the high diversity of host plants of aphids in cultivated areas and increased the presence of ants.
Characterisation and comparison of immune response mechanisms in an indigenous and a commercial pig breed after classical swine fever vaccination
Authors: Mehrotra A. , Bhushan B. , Kumar A. , Panigrahi M. , Chauhan A. , Kumari S. , Saini B. L. , Dutt T. , Mishra B. P.
Published: November 2021

The live attenuated classical swine fever (CSF) vaccine has been successfully used to prevent and control CSF outbreaks for 6 decades. However, the immune response mechanisms against the vaccine remain poorly understood. Moreover, very few reports exist regarding the breed differences in the response to CSF vaccine. In this study, we generated the peripheral blood mononuclear cell transcriptomes of indigenous Ghurrah and commercial Landrace pig breeds, before and 7 days after CSF vaccination. Subsequently, between and within‐breed differential gene expression analyses were carried out. Results revealed large differences in pre‐vaccination peripheral blood mononuclear cell transcriptome profiles of the two breeds, which were homogenised 7 days after vaccination. Before vaccination, gene set enrichment analysis showed that pathways related to antigen sensing and innate immune response were enriched in Ghurrah, while pathways related to adaptive immunity were enriched in Landrace. Ghurrah exhibited greater immunomodulation compared to Landrace following the vaccination. In Ghurrah, cell‐cycle processes and T‐cell response pathways were upregulated after vaccination. However, no pathways were upregulated in Landrace after vaccination. Pathways related to inflammation were downregulated in both the breeds after vaccination. Key regulators of inflammation such as IL1A, IL1B, NFKBIA and TNF genes were strongly downregulated in both the breeds after vaccination. Overall, our results have elucidated the mechanisms of host immune response against CSF vaccination in two distinct breeds and revealed common key genes instrumental in the global immune response to the vaccine.