bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Agriculture Policy at the WTO: Insights from a New Quantitative Database
Authors: Jackson Lee Ann , Maggi Federica , Piermartini Roberta , Rubínová Stela
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we build a quantitative database of the questions raised in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Agriculture (CoA) matching questions with the corresponding value of trade. Using this newly built database, we are able to show that (i) members’ concerns about trade policy measures applied by other members cover on average 16% of global trade in agriculture; (ii) the activity of the committee increases in the aftermath of a new agreement, during a food crisis and has shifted over time from questions about market access (MA) policies to questions on domestic support, thus pointing at the need to further cooperation on some of these issues; (iii) 20% of the questions relate to trade policy measures that have not been notified at the WTO, thus representing a significant source of information for researchers to fill the gaps in notifications; and (iv) there is a strong correlation between members participation in the CoA and their share of trade in agriculture, yet questions on seeds, oils and animal fats, cereals, and beverages are well above what one would expect on the basis of the trade importance of these sectors. These findings illustrate the importance of building quantitative databases from the information collected in WTO committees to analyse trends in trade policy concerns by members and factors affecting these trends and to assess the impact of discussions in committees on trade.
New pulse profile variability associated with a glitch of PSR J0738-4042
Authors: Zhou S Q , Gügercinoğlu E , Yuan J P , Ge M Y , Yu C , Zhang C M , Zhang J , Feng Z W , Ye C Q
Published: November 2022

The close correlation observed between emission state and spin-down rate change of pulsars has many implications both for the magnetospheric physics and the neutron star interior. The middle-aged pulsar PSR J0738-4042, which had been observed to display variations in the pulse profile associated with its spin-down rate change due to external effects, is a remarkable example. In this study, based on the 12.5 yr combined public timing data from UTMOST and Parkes, we have detected a new emission-rotation correlation in PSR J0738-4042 concurrent with a glitch. A glitch that occurred at MJD 57359 (5) (2015 December 3) with Δν/ν ∼ 0.36(4) × 10−9 is the first glitch event observed in this pulsar, and is probably the underlying cause of the emission-rotation correlation. Unlike the usual post-glitch behaviours, the braking torque on the pulsar has continued to increase over 1380 d, corresponding to a significant decrease in $\ddot{\nu }$. As for changes in the pulse profile after the glitch, the relative amplitude of the leading component weakens drastically, while the middle component becomes stronger. A combined model of crustquake induced platelet movement and vortex creep response is invoked to account for this rare correlation. In this scenario, magnetospheric state-change is naturally linked to the pulsar-intrinsic processes that give rise to a glitch.
Estimating optimum launch velocity of electrostatically detached dust particles over sunlit locations on Moon
Authors: Mishra S K , Bhatt A
Published: November 2022

Microscopic fluctuations over sunlit locations on Moon due to dominant photoelectric charging might induce a sufficient fluctuating electric field that can electrostatically detach the overlying charged dust by overcoming surface adhesion and lunar gravity. A formulation based on the dynamical evolution of the statistical variables, viz., the mean charge and the variance, at microscopic scale is established to calculate the local charge and electric field fluctuations and illustrate this effect. The formulation has been coupled with the charged particle dynamics to derive the optimum launch velocity of the dust particles near the surface just after detachment. Fowler's treatment of the photoemission, dominant Extreme Ultraviolet Lyman α radiation of the solar spectrum and subsequent collection of the emitted photoelectrons, measured particle size distribution of the regolith sample, and typical solar wind plasma have been consistently accounted for illustrating the concept. Our analysis suggests that the intense fluctuations in the electric field locally detach the submicron-charged particles with a launch velocity of a few ms−1–for instance, the charge fluctuations might induce ∼ 10 Mv m−1 field that can launch 100 nm particles with a speed of ∼5 m s−1.
Inner cusps of the first dark matter haloes: formation and survival in a cosmological context
Authors: Delos M Sten , White Simon D M
Published: November 2022

We use very high resolution cosmological zoom simulations to follow the early evolution of 12 first-generation haloes formed from gaussian initial conditions with scale-free power spectra truncated on small scales by a gaussian in wavenumber. Initial collapse occurs with a diverse range of sheet- or filament-like caustic morphologies, but in almost all cases it gives rise to a numerically converged density cusp with ρ = Ar−3/2 and total mass comparable to that of the corresponding peak in the initial linear density field. The constant A can be estimated to within about 10 per cent from the properties of this peak. This outcome agrees with earlier work on the first haloes in cold and warm dark matter universes. Within central cusps, the velocity dispersion is close to isotropic, and the equidensity surfaces tend to align with those of the main body of the halo at larger radii. As haloes grow, their cusps are often (but not always) overlaid with additional material at intermediate radii to produce profiles more similar to the Einasto or Navarro–Frenk–White forms typical of more massive haloes. Nevertheless, to the extent that we can resolve them, cusps survive at the smallest radii. Major mergers can disturb them, but the effect is quite weak in the cases that we study. The cusps extend down to the resolution limits of our simulations, which are typically a factor of several larger than the cores that would be produced by phase-space conservation if the initial power spectrum cutoff arises from free streaming.
Modeling the Evolution of Rates of Continuous Trait Evolution
Authors: Martin Bruce S , Bradburd Gideon S , Harmon Luke J , Weber Marjorie G
Published: November 2022

Rates of phenotypic evolution vary markedly across the tree of life, from the accelerated evolution apparent in adaptive radiations to the remarkable evolutionary stasis exhibited by so-called “living fossils.” Such rate variation has important consequences for large-scale evolutionary dynamics, generating vast disparities in phenotypic diversity across space, time, and taxa. Despite this, most methods for estimating trait evolution rates assume rates vary deterministically with respect to some variable of interest or change infrequently during a clade’s history. These assumptions may cause underfitting of trait evolution models and mislead hypothesis testing. Here, we develop a new trait evolution model that allows rates to vary gradually and stochastically across a clade. Further, we extend this model to accommodate generally decreasing or increasing rates over time, allowing for flexible modeling of “early/late bursts” of trait evolution. We implement a Bayesian method, termed “evolving rates” (evorates for short), to efficiently fit this model to comparative data. Through simulation, we demonstrate that evorates can reliably infer both how and in which lineages trait evolution rates varied during a clade’s history. We apply this method to body size evolution in cetaceans, recovering substantial support for an overall slowdown in body size evolution over time with recent bursts among some oceanic dolphins and relative stasis among beaked whales of the genus Mesoplodon. These results unify and expand on previous research, demonstrating the empirical utility of evorates. [cetacea; macroevolution; comparative methods; phenotypic diversity; disparity; early burst; late burst]
Complete Genome Sequence ofPythium oligandrum, Isolated from Rhizosphere Soils of ChineseAngelica sinensis
Authors: Zhu Ying , Shan Xiaoliang , Zhou Jianping , Zhen Qun , Song Jie , Yuan Zhilin , Zhao Hongwei , Wang Zhiye
Published: November 2022

Most of the Pythium species are pathogenic to a wide range of economically important crops and, sometimes, can even cause diseases in animals and humans. An exception is that the soil-inhabiting P. oligandrum is an effective biocontrol agent against a diverse suite of pathogens and promotes plant growth. In this work, we sequenced the whole genome of P. oligandrum PO-1, isolated from rhizosphere soils of Chinese Angelica sinensis, using a combination of long-read single-molecule real-time sequencing technology (Pacific Biosciences [PacBio]) and Illumina sequencing. The 2.5-Gb and 5.2-Gb bases were generated respectively. The sequencing depths were 93× with PacBio and 145× with Illumina sequencing. With the PacBio sequencing results further corrected by Illumina sequencing, the genome was assembled into 71 scaffolds with a total size of 39.10 Mb (N50= 1.45 Mb; L50= 9)and the longest scaffold is 3.49 Mb. Genome annotation identifies 15,632 protein-coding genes and 0.47 Mb of transposable elements. Our genomic assembly and annotation have been greatly improved compared with the already released three genomes of P. oligandrum. This genomic data will provide valuable information to understand the mechanism underlying its biocontrol potentials and will also facilitate the dissection of genome evolution and environmental adaptation within the genus Pythium.

[Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2022.
CRISPR-Cas Detection Coupled with Isothermal Amplification of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Tang Chen , Wu Jin , Chen Qi , Wang Yonglin
Published: November 2022

The pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, causes significant damage to pine trees and, thus, poses a serious threat to pine forests worldwide, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan. A fast, affordable, and ultrasensitive detection of B. xylophilus is urgently needed for disease diagnosis. Recently, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based diagnostics have reshaped molecular diagnosis, with high speed, precision, specificity, strength, efficiency, and versatility. Herein, we established two isothermal diagnostics methods based on CRISPR-based platforms (CRISPR/Cas12a and CRISPR/Cas13a) for B. xylophilus-specific detection via fluorescence or lateral-flow strip readout. The guide RNA and CRISPR RNA were designed to target the 5S ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer sequences region of B. xylophilus. Recombinase-aided amplification was used for preamplification whose reaction condition was 37°C for 15 min. The sensitivity of CRISPR/Cas12a could reach 94 copies/µl of plasmid DNA, or 2.37 copies/µl of purified genomic DNA (gDNA) within 45 min at 37°C, while the sensitivity of CRISPR/Cas13a was 1,000 times higher than that of CRISPR/Cas12a of plasmid DNA in 15 min or 100 times higher of purified gDNA at the minimum reaction time of 4 min via fluorescence measurement. The CRISPR/Cas12a assay enabled the detection of 0.01 PWNs per 100 mg of pine wood, 10 times higher than that of the CRISPR/Cas13a assay. This work enriches molecular detection approaches for B. xylophilus and provides huge potential for ultrasensitive and rapid methods to detect B. xylophilus in pine wood, facilitating point-of-sample diagnostic processing for pine wilt disease management.
The Process of Responding to COVID-19 Misinformation in a Social Media Feed
Authors: Buller David B. , Pagoto Sherry , Walkosz Barbara J. , Woodall W. Gill , Berteletti Julia , Kinsey Alishia , Henry Kimberly , DiVito Joseph
Published: November 2022

Misinformation can undermine public health recommendations. Our team evaluated a 9-week social media campaign promoting COVID-19 prevention to mothers (n = 303) of teen daughters in January-March 2021. We implemented an epidemiological model for monitoring, diagnosing, and responding quickly to misinformation from mothers. Overall, 54 comments out of 1617 total comments (3.3%) from 20 mothers (6.6% of sample) contained misinformation. Misinformation was presented in direct statements and indirectly as hypothetical questions, source derogation, and personal stories, and attributed to others. Misinformation occurred most (n = 40; 74%) in comments on vaccination posts. The community manager responded to 48 (89%) misinformation comments by acknowledging the comment and rebutting misinformation. No mothers who provided misinformation left the Facebook groups and a few commented again (n = 10) or reacted (n = 3) to responses. Only a small number of comments conveyed misinformation. Our quick-response epidemiological protocol appeared to prevent debate and dropout and exposed these mothers to credible information.
Inference of Phylogenetic Networks from Sequence Data using Composite Likelihood
Authors: Kong Sungsik , Swofford David L. , Kubatko Laura S.
Published: November 2022

While phylogenies have been essential in understanding how species evolve, they do not adequately describe some evolutionary processes. For instance, hybridization, a common phenomenon where interbreeding between two species leads to formation of a new species, must be depicted by a phylogenetic network, a structure that modifies a phylogeny by allowing two branches to merge into one, resulting in reticulation. However, existing methods for estimating networks are computationally expensive as the dataset size and/or topological complexity increase. The lack of methods for scalable inference hampers phylogenetic networks from being widely used in practice, despite accumulating evidence that hybridization occurs frequently in nature. Here, we propose a novel method, PhyNEST (Phylogenetic Network Estimation using SiTe patterns), that estimates phylogenetic networks directly from sequence data. PhyNEST achieves computational efficiency by using composite likelihood as well as accuracy by using the full genomic data to incorporate all sources of variability, rather than first summarizing the data by estimating a set of gene trees, as is required by most of the existing methods. To efficiently search network space, we implement both hill-climbing and simulated annealing algorithms. Simulation studies show that PhyNEST can accurately estimate parameters given the true network topology and that it has comparable accuracy to two popular methods that use composite likelihood and a set of gene trees as input, implemented in SNaQ and PhyloNet. For datasets with a large number of loci, PhyNEST is more efficient than SNaQ and PhyloNet when considering the time required for gene tree estimation. We applied PhyNEST to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships amongHeliconiusbutterflies and Papionini primates, characterized by hybrid speciation and widespread introgression, respectively. PhyNEST is implemented in an open-source Julia package and publicly available athttps://github.com/sungsik-kong/PhyNEST.jl.
H2is a Major Intermediate inDesulfovibrio vulgarisCorrosion of Iron
Authors: Woodard Trevor L. , Ueki Toshiyuki , Lovley Derek R.
Published: November 2022

Desulfovibrio vulgarishas been the primary pure culture sulfate reducer for developing microbial corrosion concepts. Multiple mechanisms for how it accepts electrons from Fe0have been proposed. We investigated Fe0oxidation with a mutant ofD. vulgarisin which hydrogenase genes were deleted. The hydrogenase mutant grew as well as the parental strain with lactate as the electron donor, but unlike the parental strain was not able to grow on H2. The parental strain reduced sulfate with Fe0as the sole electron donor, but the hydrogenase mutant did not. H2accumulated over time in Fe0cultures of the hydrogenase mutant and sterile controls, but not in parental strain cultures. Sulfide stimulated H2production in uninoculated controls apparently by both reacting with Fe0to generate H2and facilitating electron transfer from Fe0to H+. Parental strain supernatants did not accelerate H2production from Fe0, ruling out a role for extracellular hydrogenases. Previously proposed electron transfer between Fe0andD. vulgarisvia soluble electron shuttles was not evident. The hydrogenase mutant did not reduce sulfate in the presence of Fe0and either riboflavin or anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate and these potential electron shuttles did not stimulate parental strain sulfate reduction with Fe0as the electron donor. The results demonstrate thatD. vulgarisprimarily accepts electrons from Fe0via H2as an intermediary electron carrier. These findings clarify the interpretation of previousD. vulgariscorrosion studies and suggest that H2-mediated electron transfer is an important mechanism for iron corrosion under sulfate-reducing conditions.

Importance

Microbial corrosion of iron in the presence of sulfate-reducing microorganisms is economically significant. There is substantial debate over how microbes accelerate iron corrosion. Tools for genetic manipulation have only been developed for a few Fe(III)-reducing and methanogenic microorganisms known to corrode iron and in each case those microbes were found to accept electrons from Fe0via direct electron transfer. However, iron corrosion is often most intense in the presence of sulfate-reducing microbes. The finding thatDesulfovibrio vulgarisrelies on H2to shuttle electrons between Fe0and cells revives the concept, developed in some of the earliest studies on microbial corrosion, that sulfate reducers consumption of H2is a major microbial corrosion mechanism. The results further emphasize that direct Fe0-to-microbe electron transfer has yet to be rigorously demonstrated in sulfate-reducing microbes.
Parameter optimization of FSW aviation-grade AA8090 using Taguchi grey relational analysis
Authors: Panwar Raghuraj , Chandna Pankaj
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to accomplish friction stir welding (FSW) of Al–Li alloy AA8090 to determine optimal settings of the process parameters for higher tensile strength and higher micro-hardness (MH) to achieve the objective of adequate butt-joint strength.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical relation is implemented to govern the utmost influence parameters, i.e. tool rotation speed (TRS), tool transverse speed (TTS) and dwell time (DT). Taguchi grey relational analysis (GRA) was applied for multi-response optimization of response parameters. The grey relational grades (GRs) have been calculated for both the responses MH and ultimate tensile strength to get optimal parametric settings. The variance test has been performed to check the adequacy of the model.

Findings

The Taguchi L9 orthogonal array design was used in establishing the relation between input parameter and output parameter (tensile and MH). TTS and DT have been predicted to be the two most important parameters that influence the extreme quality features of joints by using friction stir welding. Scanning electron microscopy fractography shows the ductile failure of the welded joints.

Originality/value

The experimental trials provided the followings results, maximum ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 219 MPa and MH 107.1 HV under 1,400 rpm of TRS, 40 mm/min of TTS and 8 s of DT founded the optimum value through GRA.
Inclusive leadership and workers' safety behaviour during Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Kusumawardani Kunthi Afrilinda , Arquisola Maria Jacinta , Amin Grace , Restiawati Meta
Published: November 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 pandemic underlines the need for effective leadership to resolve the crisis. This study aims to examine the impact of inclusive leadership on safety behaviours via the mediating role of the safety climate.

Design/methodology/approach

This research studied and compared two of the industries most affected by the pandemic, specifically banking and education. The questionnaire was undertaken among 111 from the education sector and 159 from the banking sector. Structural equation modelling – partial least square (SEM – PLS) was used to analyse the results.

Findings

The study suggested that inclusive behaviour shaped the safety behaviours among employees through the safety climate. However, the influence of inclusive leadership on the safety environment and safety behaviours of education staff in the company was not as powerful as in the banking sector.

Practical implications

There's a connection between inclusive leadership and worker protection. Besides, inclusive leadership and its effect on safety behaviour are culturally based. High levels of collectivism encourage leaders to care deeply for their employees' well-being, as demonstrated in this study by the promotion of a healthy working atmosphere, especially in times of crisis.

Originality/value

This research potentially adds to the current literature on leadership and safety behaviour and offers valuable management recommendations.
Cycles of labour protests: public and private sector unions' contentious actions
Authors: Jansson Jenny , Uba Katrin
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the cycle of labour protests in Sweden, comparing the contentious actions of trade unions in public and private sectors over 40 years. Prior studies have focused on industrial conflicts or labour protests, but a long-term perspective on the broad protest repertoire across sectors is lacking. The goal is to test the argument of diversification of action repertoire and differences between the public and private sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply the grievance and political opportunity theories of social movement research for explaining the cycles of labour protests and differences between sectors in Sweden over 40 years (1980–2020). The unique protest event data are combined with the official strike statistics. The research period includes the globalisation of the economy and two economic crises.

Findings

Although unions in both sectors have decreased protest mobilisation over time, private sector unions have resigned the most, whereas public sector unions continue to mobilise a diverse set of protest actions. Swedish unions have not replaced strikes with other protest repertoires. The open opportunities have allowed them to use various protests as part of “routine” operations.

Research limitations/implications

Protest event data are derived from newspapers, leading to an over-representation of large events in the urban areas. Future studies should combine data from newspapers with data about online protests.

Originality/value

By thoroughly examining all protest events mobilised by all trade unions in different sectors over 40 years (1980–2020), the paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the cycles of labour protest. The findings should interest industrial relations and social movement scholars.
The value proposition of construction apprenticeships in Ireland: a construction management university student perspective
Authors: Ryan Cathal , Faherty Darragh , Spillane John P. , Bradley Jim G. , Issa Mohamed , McMahon Elma
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To examine the perspective of third-level university students in the context of the value proposition of construction apprenticeships in Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a qualitative method, conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 third-level university students enrolled on a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree program in Construction Management in Ireland.

Findings

The results highlight six themes. These include that society appears to be directly and/or indirectly steering students towards university. This is driven by what appears to be a prevailing stigma in that apprenticeships are not seen as an achievement by society. Also, apprenticeships are seen as a limited career choice, while also being one which appears to repel female entrants.

Practical implications

If the shortage of new skilled workers entering the construction industry continues, construction organisations will not have the necessary resources to tender for, and subsequently, complete new work.

Social implications

The perception of what could have been seen as potential new apprenticeship entrants, but ultimately chose university, is worth examining further with a view to industry addressing the shortcomings identified. This therefore can provide an opportunity to stem the tide of reducing apprenticeship numbers, while also providing a viable alternative to university for those who wish to pursue alternative routes of entering the sector.

Originality/value

The paper uniquely focuses on the third-level university student's perspectives and what influenced their decision to pursue third-level university education over that of an apprenticeship within the built environment; an area which has yet to be investigated.
Exploring the development of change agents for sustainability: outcomes of the Listen, Live and Learn initiative at Stellenbosch University
Authors: Langa Zamokuhle Vanessa , Kushitor Sandra Boatemaa , Koen Nelene , Harper Julia
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Among the various pro-sustainability strategies that universities adopt, Stellenbosch University’s 2030 Agenda further challenges universities to provide sustainability education that enables students to become change agents for sustainability. The Listen, Live and Learn (LLL) initiative is a co-curricular programme developed at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, that seeks to foster social cohesion and develop change agency among students. This study aims to understand how LLL students had developed agency for change through their experiential learning in the programme.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a transformative sustainability learning approach, this study examined secondary data containing qualitative and quantitative data from the 2018 LLL end-of-year survey. The qualitative data was analysed thematically, and the quantitative data was analysed using counts and frequencies.

Findings

Through their participation in the programme, the students learned about their character and opened up to engage with the ‘others’ whom they lived with in the same residence. They also reported becoming more open-minded, intentional, reflective and confident. Another personal change reported by the students was their ability to collaborate with their housemates. The learners recommended that the programme could be improved by providing resources for house projects, guidance with inviting house theme experts and help with conflict resolution.

Originality/value

Through this research, the authors have demonstrated the ability of a transformative sustainability learning programme to effect a change in the attitudes, norms and behaviours of students at a higher educational institution towards a sustainable and just society.
Harmony in intelligent hybrid teams: the influence of the intellectual ability of artificial intelligence on human members’ reactions
Authors: Chen Aihui , Xiang Mengqi , Wang Mingyu , Lu Yaobin
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the relationships among the intellectual ability of artificial intelligence (AI), cognitive emotional processes and the positive and negative reactions of human members. The authors also examined the moderating role of AI status in teams.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed an experiment and recruited 120 subjects who were randomly distributed into one of three groups classified by the upper, middle and lower organization levels of AI in the team. The findings in this study were derived from subjects’ self-reports and their performance in the experiment.

Findings

Regardless of the position held by AI, human members believed that its intelligence level is positively correlated with dependence behavior. However, when the AI and human members are at the same level, the higher the intelligence of AI, the more likely it is that its direct interaction with team members will lead to conflicts.

Research limitations/implications

This paper only focuses on human–AI harmony in transactional work in hybrid teams in enterprises. As AI applications permeate, it should be considered whether the findings can be extended to a broader range of AI usage scenarios.

Practical implications

These results are helpful for understanding how to improve team performance in light of the fact that team members have introduced AI into their enterprises in large quantities.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on how the intelligence level of AI affects the positive and negative behaviors of human members in hybrid teams. The study also innovatively introduces “status” into hybrid organizations.
Museums and communicating climate change-related issues on Facebook platforms
Authors: Bikovska Dragana , Liew Chern Li
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This research examines the ways in which museums have utilised their Facebook platforms to communicate about climate and environmental-related challenges. The aim is to offer a snapshot of the phenomenon of museums as contributors to communicating climate-related topics and climate change education.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of a purposeful sample of 10 museums’ Facebook postings was conducted. The study examines the themes and topics concerning climate issues that museums have posted and communicated about, the nature of the communication and an examination of responses from the audience.

Findings

This research reveals that not all museums in the study sample have communicated the different research-informed causes or contributors to climate challenges confronting societies today. There is also very little evidence of dialogic engagement with audience and the public-at-large. Most communication is still one-way focussing on the relaying of information.

Originality/value

This research highlights the roles of cultural heritage institutions such as museums in communicating climate change-related topics and the need to move towards a more dialogic mode of engagement with their audience. Museums have a role in serving as a trusted and inspirational space for public debates and community empowerment for dealing with climate challenges.
Dental hygiene students' matching accuracy when comparing antemortem dental radiographs and oral photographs to simulated postmortem WinID3® odontograms
Authors: Bradshaw Brenda T. , Hunt Amber W. , Ludwig Emily , Newcomb Tara L.
Published: November 2022

Matching dental antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) data for human identification is especially challenging when the workforce is limited. Dental hygienists have served mass fatality incidents (MFIs) due to dental‐related expertise. However, forensics within dental hygiene education and research on transferable skills is limited. This qualitative balance design study assessed senior dental hygiene students' match accuracy of simulated cases varying in dental identifiers based on AM full mouth series (FMS) radiographs and oral photographs to PM WinID3® odontograms to demonstrate possible disaster victim identification (DVI) transferable skills gained during formal education. A convenience sample of senior dental hygiene students (n = 31) was presented information on WinID3® interpretation, then presented with 5 mismatched cases and asked to visually interpret each to make 10 total matches; five based on AM FMS with simulated PM WinID3® odontograms and five based on AM photographs with PM WinID3® odontograms. Match accuracy scores ranged from 41.9% to 58.1% for cases with 1–10 identifiers, and 77.4% to 93.5% for cases with 11–40 identifiers. Accuracy when matching AM radiographs to PM odontograms versus AM photographs to PM odontograms was compared and revealed no statistical differences in match accuracy depending on image type (p = 0.388 to 1.000). Results of this pilot study suggests transferable match accuracy skills resulted from the participants' dental hygiene formal education. These baseline skills with additional specialized training support the rationale for dental hygienists serving on DVI teams. More research is needed in education and practice when preparing dental hygienists for forensic‐based service.
The dynamic changes of genes revealed that persistently overexpressed genes drive the evolution of cyflumetofen resistance in Tetranychus cinnabarinus
Authors: Feng Kaiyang , Liu Jialu , Zhao Mingyu , Jiang Zhixin , Liu Peilin , Wei Peng , Dou Wei , He Lin
Published: November 2022

Changes in gene expression are associated with the evolution of pesticide resistance in arthropods. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was performed in 3 different resistance levels (low, L; medium, M; and high, H) of cyflumetofen‐resistant strain (YN‐CyR). A total of 1 685 genes, including 97 detoxification enzyme genes, were upregulated in all 3 stages, of which 192 genes, including 11 detoxification enzyme genes, showed a continuous increase in expression level with resistance development (L to H). RNA interference experiments showed that overexpression of 7 genes (CYP392A1, TcGSTd05, CCE06, CYP389A1, TcGSTz01, CCE59, and CYP389C2) is involved in the development of cyflumetofen resistance in Tetranychus cinnabarinus. The recombinant CYP392A1 can effectively metabolize cyflumetofen, while CCE06 can bind and sequester cyflumetofen in vitro. We compared 2 methods for rapid screening of resistance molecular markers, including short‐term induction and 1‐time high‐dose selection. Two detoxification enzyme genes were upregulated in the field susceptible strain (YN‐S) by induction with 20% lethal concentration (LC20) of cyflumetofen. However, 16 detoxification enzyme genes were upregulated by 1‐time selection with LC80 of cyflumetofen. Interestingly, the 16 genes were overexpressed in all 3 resistance stages. These results indicated that 1 685 genes that were upregulated at the L stage constituted the basis of cyflumetofen resistance, of which 192 genes in which upregulation continued to increase were the main driving force for the development of resistance. Moreover, the 1‐time high‐dose selection is an efficient way to rapidly obtain the resistance‐related genes that can aid in the development of resistance markers and resistance management in mites.
Native forest regeneration and eucalyptus plantations in the Malagasy Highland
Authors: Randriamalala Josoa R. , Rabeniala Radobarimanjaka , Randriambanona Herizo
Published: November 2022

Eucalyptus plantations (EP) offer a number of goods and services that can reduce pressure on native forests. Eucalyptus trees can also be invasive and have a negative impact on native species diversity and regeneration. This article deals with the complex interaction between EP and native forests by studying the case of the humid forests of Malagasy Central High Land that are surrounded by EP. Floristic inventories were carried out on 400 m2 plots in adjacent secondary forests (n = 5) and EP (n = 6). Eucalyptus has not spread to secondary forests understory. Native species from secondary forests have colonised EP understory.
Congenital mesoblastic nephroma: review of current management and outcomes in a single centre
Authors: Rayner Jessica , Vinycomb Toby , Wanaguru Dylan , Jiwane Ashish
Published: November 2022

Background

Congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) is a rare tumour of the kidney with an overall excellent prognosis. Once considered a benign tumour, it is now recognized to carry a risk of recurrence and metastases with subsequent poor outcomes. The potential for genetic aberrations such as ETV6‐NTRK3 fusion raises the potential for targeted treatments in certain patients. The optimum mode and frequency of surveillance is unclear. This study aims to assess this institution's experience with CMN and long‐term outcomes.

Methods

A single centre retrospective review was performed of all confirmed cases of CMN between October 2001 and January 2021.

Results

Nine cases of CMN in patients under 12 months of age were identified. The histopathology, management and outcomes of these patients are discussed.

Conclusion

CMN overall has a very good prognosis, but a subgroup does exist that will have poor outcomes. It is difficult to accurately identify this group to target adjuvant therapy.
Characterising the prevalence of overweight and obese status among adults with sickle cell disease
Authors: Ibemere Stephanie O. , Oyedeji Charity I. , Preiss Liliana , Van Althuis Laura E. , Hankins Jane S. , Azul Melissa , Burns Ebony N. , Glassberg Jeffrey , Hagar Ward , Hussain Faiz , King Allison , Melvin Cathy , Myers John , Snyder Angela , Shah Nirmish , Tanabe Paula ,   Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium
Published: November 2022

Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) have historically been considered underweight. Despite increasing body mass index (BMI) in the general population, the prevalence of overweight and obese status remains unclear in the adult SCD population. Our primary aim was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obese status and to identify associations between BMI, demographic, and clinical characteristics. We conducted an analysis of abstracted electronic health record data and patient‐reported outcomes from the Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium registry; individuals aged 20–45 years were included. The median (interquartile range) BMI for the 1664 adults in this analysis was 23.9 (21.1–28) kg/m2. In this cohort, 42.9% had a BMI of >25 kg/m2 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definition of overweight/obese). In multivariable analysis, higher odds of being overweight or obese were associated with female gender, older age, college education, private insurance, and hypertension diagnosis. Higher odds of a BMI of >25 kg/m2 were observed in individuals with HbSC or HbSβ+ thalassaemia regardless of hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) exposure (odds ratio [OR] 3.4, p < 0.0001) and HbSS or HbSβ0 thalassaemia exposed to hydroxycarbamide (OR 1.6, p = 0.0003) compared to those with HbSS or HbSβ0 thalassaemia with no hydroxycarbamide exposure. These data highlight the importance of early identification, prevention, and intervention for increasing BMI to reduce obesity‐related complications that may impact SCD‐related complications.
SUMOylation of TUFT1 is essential for gastric cancer progression through AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation
Authors: Wang Tianning , Min Lingyuan , Gao Yan , Zhao Mengmeng , Feng Shaojie , Wang Huiyun , Wang Yunshan , Zheng Yan
Published: November 2022

Tuftelin (TUFT1) is highly expressed in various tumor types and promotes tumor growth and metastasis by activating AKT and other core signaling pathways. However, the effects of post‐translational modifications of TUFT1 on its oncogenic function remain unexplored. In this study, we found that TUFT1 was SUMOylated at K79. SUMOylation deficiency significantly impaired the ability of TUFT1 to promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer (GC) cells by blocking AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation. SUMOylation of TUFT1 is mediated by the E3 SUMO ligase tripartite motif‐containing protein 27 (TRIM27), and these two proteins regulate the malignant behavior of GC cells and AKT activation in the same pathway. TUFT1 binds to TRIM27 through its N‐terminus, and decreased binding affinity of TUFT1 to TRIM27 significantly impairs its oncogenic effect. In addition, data collected from GC clinical samples indicated that the combined detection of TUFT1 and TRIM27 expression reflected tumor malignancy and patient survival with higher precision. In addition, we proved that SUMOylated TUFT1 is not only an upstream signal for AKT activation but also directly activates mTOR by forming a complex with Rab GTPase activating protein 1, which further inhibits Rab GTPases and promotes the perinuclear accumulation of mTORC1. Altogether, these data indicate that SUMOylated TUFT1 is the active form that affects GC progression through the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and might be a promising therapeutic target or biomarker for GC progression.
Derivation of pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma cell line HS‐1 as a patient‐derived tumor organoid
Authors: Hoshi Daisuke , Kita Emiri , Maru Yoshiaki , Kogashi Hiroyuki , Nakamura Yuki , Tatsumi Yasutoshi , Shimozato Osamu , Nakamura Kazuyoshi , Sudo Kentaro , Tsujimoto Akiko , Yokoyama Ryo , Kato Atsushi , Ushiku Tetsuo , Fukayama Masashi , Itami Makiko , Yamaguchi Taketo , Hippo Yoshitaka
Published: November 2022

Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is a malignant tumor of the exocrine cell lineage with a poor prognosis. Due to its rare incidence and technical difficulties, few authentic human cell lines are currently available, hampering detailed investigations of ACC. Therefore, we applied the organoid culture technique to various types of specimens, such as bile, biopsy, and resected tumor, obtained from a single ACC patient. Despite the initial propagation, none of these organoids achieved long‐term proliferation or tolerated cryopreservation, confirming the challenging nature of establishing ACC cell lines. Nevertheless, the biopsy‐derived early passage organoid developed subcutaneous tumors in immunodeficient mice. The xenograft tumor histologically resembled the original tumor and gave rise to infinitely propagating organoids with solid features and high levels of trypsin secretion. Moreover, the organoid stained positive for carboxylic ester hydrolase, a specific ACC marker, but negative for the duct cell marker CD133 and the endocrine lineage marker synaptophysin. Hence, we concluded the derivation of a novel ACC cell line of the pure exocrine lineage, designated HS‐1. Genomic analysis revealed extensive copy number alterations and mutations in EP400 in the original tumor, which were enriched in primary organoids. HS‐1 displayed homozygous deletion of CDKN2A, which might underlie xenograft formation from organoids. Although resistant to standard cytotoxic agents, the cell line was highly sensitive to the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, as revealed by an in vitro drug screen and in vivo validation. In summary, we document a novel ACC cell line, which could be useful for ACC studies in the future.
LPLUNC1 reduces glycolysis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through the PHB1‐p53/c‐Myc axis
Authors: Oyang Linda , Ouyang Lei , Yang Lixia , Lin Jinguan , Xia Longzheng , Tan Shiming , Wu Nayiyuan , Han Yaqian , Yang Yiqing , Li Jian , Chen Xiaohui , Tang Yanyan , Su Min , Luo Xia , Li Jinyun , Xiong Wei , Zeng Zhaoyang , Liao Qianjin , Zhou Yujuan
Published: November 2022

Cancer cells prefer glycolysis to support their proliferation. Our previous studies have shown that the long palate, lung, and nasal epithelial cell clone 1 (LPLUNC1) can upregulate prohibitin 1 (PHB1) expression to inhibit the proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. Given that PHB1 is an important regulator of cell energy metabolism, we explored whether and how LPLUNC1 regulated glucose glycolysis in NPC cells. LPLUNC1 or PHB1 overexpression decreased glycolysis and increased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)‐related protein expression in NPC cells, promoting phosphorylated PHB1 nuclear translocation through 14‐3‐3σ. LPLUNC1 overexpression also increased p53 but decreased c‐Myc expression in NPC cells, which were crucial for the decrease in glycolysis and increase in OXPHOS‐related protein expression induced by LPLUNC1 overexpression. Finally, we found that treatment with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) reduced the viability and clonogenicity of NPC cells, decreased glycolysis, and increased OXPHOS‐related protein expression by enhancing LPLUNC1 expression in NPC cells. Therefore, the LPLUNC1‐PHB1‐p53/c‐Myc axis decreased glycolysis in NPC cells, and ATRA upregulated LPLUNC1 expression, ATRA maybe a promising drug for the treatment of NPC.
Anti‐cancer effect of targeting fibroblast activation protein alpha in glioblastoma through remodeling macrophage phenotype and suppressing tumor progression
Authors: Miao Yazhou , Deng Yuxuan , Liu Jinqiu , Wang Jing , Hu Boyi , Hao Shuyu , Wang Herui , Zhang Zhe , Jin Zeping , Zhang Yang , Li Chunzhao , Zhang Peng , Wan Hong , Zhang Shaodong , Feng Jie , Ji Nan
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant form of glioma and has a poor median survival time. Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is a dual‐specificity serine protease that is strongly associated with the development and progression of human carcinomas. However, relatively little is known about the function of FAP and its potential as a therapeutic target in GBMs.

Aims

In this study, we aimed to explore the role of FAP in GBM through a series of experiments and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of PT100, a small molecule inhibitor of FAP, on GBM.

Results

Increased FAP expression was associated with poor survival in glioma. In vitro, FAP knockdown inhibited the process of EMT and caused a decrease in the number of M2 macrophages. In vivo, PT100 was confirmed to suppress the progression of GBMs significantly.

Conclusions

FAP could serve as a biomarker and novel therapeutic target for the treatment of GBM and that PT100 is a promising drug for the treatment of GBM.
Electroacupuncture ameliorates cerebrovascular impairment in Alzheimer's disease mice via melatonin signaling
Authors: Jiang Yimin , Lin Yunshi , Tan Yuhang , Shen Xinkai , Liao Meihua , Wang Huan , Lu Nannan , Han Feng , Xu Nenggui , Tang Chunzhi , Song Juxian , Tao Rongrong
Published: November 2022

Aims

Cerebrovascular impairment contributes to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, it still lacks effective intervention in clinical practice. Here, we investigated the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in cerebrovascular repair in 3xTg‐AD mice and its mechanism.

Methods

3xTg‐AD mice were employed to evaluate the protective effect of EA at ST36 acupoint (EAST36). Behavioral tests were performed to assess neurological disorders. Laser speckle contrast imaging, immunostaining, and Western blot were applied to determine EAST36‐boosted cerebrovascular repair. The mechanism was explored in 3xTg mice and endothelial cell cultures by melatonin signaling modulation.

Results

EAST36 at 20/100 Hz effectively alleviated the olfactory impairment and anxiety behavior and boosted cerebrovascular repair in AD mice. EAST36 attenuated cerebral microvascular degeneration in AD mice by modulating endothelial cell viability and injury. Consequently, the Aβ deposits and neural damage in AD mice were reversed after EAST36. Mechanistically, we revealed that EAST36 restored melatonin levels in AD mice. Melatonin supplement mimicked the EAST36 effect on cerebrovascular protection in AD mice and endothelial cell cultures. Importantly, blockage of melatonin signaling by antagonist blunted EAST36‐induced cerebrovascular recovery and subsequent neurological improvement.

Conclusions

These findings provided strong evidence to support EAST36 as a potential nonpharmacological therapy against cerebrovascular impairment in AD. Further study is necessary to better understand how EAST36 treatment drives melatonin signaling.