bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vγ9+Vδ2+Tcell-mediated purging ofListeria monocytogenes-infected epithelial cells requires butyrophilin 3A genes
Authors: Fischer Katrin , Bradlerova Michaela , Decker Thomas , Supper Verena
Published: June 2023

Intracellular bacteria produce antigens, which serve as potent activators of γδ T cells. Phosphoantigens are presented via a complex of Butyrophilins (BTN) to signal infection to human Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells. Here, we established an in vitro system allowing for studies of Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cell activity in coculture with epithelial cells infected with the intracellular bacterial pathogenListeria monocytogenes. We report that the Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells efficiently purge such cultures from infected cells. This effector function requires the expression of members of the BTN3A family on epithelial cells. Specifically, the BTN3A1 and BTN3A3 are redundant in their ability to present antigen to Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells. Since BTN3A1 is the only BTN3A associated with phosphoantigen presentation our study suggests that BTN3A3 may present different classes of antigens to mediate Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cell effector function against L. monocytogenes-infected epithelia.
A diversity of diversities: do complex environmental effects underpin associations between below- and aboveground taxa?
Authors: Seaton Fiona M. , George Paul B. L. , Alison Jamie , Jones Davey L. , Creer Simon , Smart Simon M. , Emmett Bridget , Robinson David A.
Published: June 2023

To predict how biodiversity will respond to global change, it is crucial to understand the relative roles of abiotic drivers and biotic interactions in driving associations between the biodiversity of disparate taxa. It is particularly challenging to understand diversity-diversity links across domains and habitats, because data are rarely available for multiple above- and below-ground taxa across multiple sites.

Here we analyse data from a unique biodiversity dataset gathered across a variety of oceanic temperate terrestrial habitats in Wales, comprising 300 sites with co-located soil microbial, plant, bird, and pollinator surveys along with climate and soil physicochemical information. Soil groups are analysed using metabarcoding of the 16S, ITS1 and 18S DNA regions, allowing in depth characterisation of microbial and soil animal biodiversity.

We explore biodiversity relationships along three aspects of community composition: First, we assess correlation between the alpha diversity of different groups. Second, we assess whether biotic turnover between sites is correlated across different groups. Finally, we investigate the co-occurrence of individual taxa across sites. In each analysis, we assess the contribution of linear or non-linear environmental effects.

We find that a positive correlation between alpha diversity of plants, soil bacteria, soil fungi, soil heterotrophic protists, bees and butterflies is in fact driven by complex non-linear responses to abiotic drivers. In contrast, environmental variation did not account for positive associations between the diversity of plants and both birds and AM fungi, suggesting a role for biotic interactions.

Both the diversity and taxon-level associations between the differing soil groups remained even after accounting for non-linear environmental gradients. Aboveground, spatial factors played larger roles in driving biotic communities, while linear environmental gradients were sufficient to explain many group- and taxon-level relationships.

Synthesis.Our results show how non-linear responses to environmental gradients drive many of the relationships between plant biodiversity and the biodiversity of above- and belowground biological communities. Our work shows how different aspects of biodiversity might respond non-linearly to changing environments and identifies cases where management-induced changes in one community could either influence other taxa or lead to loss of apparent biological associations.
Understanding early reproductive failure in turtles and tortoises
Authors: Lavigne Alessia M , Bullock Robert , Shah Nirmal Jivan , Tagg Chris , Zora Anna , Hemmings Nicola
Published: June 2023

Turtles and tortoises (Order Testudines) are facing an extinction crisis, and ecosystems are at risk of collapsing with the loss of key roles they play. Hatching failure is a crucial barrier to population growth and persistence, but its causes are poorly understood, and it is unknown whether fertilisation rates are declining as many populations become smaller and more female-biased. Here, we first show that fertilisation rates are considered in only a very small proportion of studies of turtle and tortoise hatching success, and those studies that do attempt to measure fertilisation rates use unreliable methods. We also show that studies of hatching success are biased towards marine turtles, as opposed to freshwater and terrestrial species, and wild rather than captive populations. We address the lack of reliable methods for assessing fertilisation rates in turtles and tortoises by developing and testing a microscopy-based method for detecting perivitelline membrane (PVM) bound sperm and embryonic nuclei in the germinal disc of unhatched eggs. We demonstrate that this method can provide unequivocal evidence of egg fertilisation in three different turtle and tortoise species from both captive and wild populations, even after eggs have been left in the nest for the full incubation period. This approach therefore represents a valuable new tool for monitoring egg fertility and embryo survival rates in turtles and tortoises, with the potential to provide important insights into the underlying drivers of reproductive failure in threatened populations.
Analysis of RNA Exosome Subunit Transcript Abundance Across Tissues: Implications for Neurological Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: de Amorim Julia L. , Asafu-Adjaye Don , Corbett Anita H.
Published: June 2023

Exosomopathies are a collection of rare diseases caused by mutations in genes that encode structural subunits of a ribonuclease complex termed the RNA exosome. The RNA exosome mediates both RNA processing and degradation of multiple classes of RNA. This complex is evolutionarily conserved and required for fundamental cellular functions, including rRNA processing. Recently, missense mutations in genes encoding structural subunits of the RNA exosome complex have been linked to a variety of distinct neurological diseases, many of them childhood neuronopathies with at least some cerebellar atrophy. Understanding how these missense mutations lead to the disparate clinical presentations that have been reported for this class of diseases necessitates investigation of how these specific changes alter cell-specific RNA exosome function. Although the RNA exosome complex is routinely referred to as ubiquitously expressed, little is known about the tissue- or cell-specific expression of the RNA exosome complex or any individual subunit. Here, we leverage publicly available RNA-sequencing data to analyze RNA exosome subunit transcript levels in healthy human tissues, focusing on those tissues that are impacted in exosomopathy patients described in clinical reports. This analysis provides evidence to support the characterization of the RNA exosome as ubiquitously expressed with transcript levels for the individual subunits that vary in different tissues. However, the cerebellar hemisphere and cerebellum have high levels of nearly all RNA exosome subunit transcripts. These findings could suggest that the cerebellum has a high requirement for RNA exosome function and potentially explain why cerebellar pathology is common in RNA exosomopathies.
Quantifying turgor pressure in budding and fission yeasts based upon osmotic properties
Authors: Lemière Joël , Chang Fred
Published: June 2023

Walled cells, such as plants, fungi, and bacteria cells, possess a high internal hydrostatic pressure, termed turgor pressure, that drives volume growth and contributes to cell shape determination. Rigorous measurement of turgor pressure, however, remains challenging, and reliable quantitative measurements, even in budding yeast are still lacking. Here, we present a simple and robust experimental approach to access turgor pressure in yeasts based upon the determination of isotonic concentration using protoplasts as osmometers. We propose three methods to identify the isotonic condition – 3D cell volume, cytoplasmic fluorophore intensity, and mobility of a cytGEMs nano-rheology probe – that all yield consistent values. Our results provide turgor pressure estimates of 1.0 ± 0.1 MPa forS. pombe, 0.49 ± 0.01 MPa forS. japonicus, 0.5 ± 0.1 MPa forS. cerevisiae W303aand 0.31 ± 0.03 MPa forS. cerevisiae BY4741. Large differences in turgor pressure and nano-rheology measurements between theS. cerevisiaestrains demonstrate how fundamental biophysical parameters can vary even among wildtype strains of the same species. These side-by-side measurements of turgor pressure in multiple yeast species provide critical values for quantitative studies on cellular mechanics and comparative evolution.
Expression and molecular regulation of key genes during adipogenesis of neural crest stem cells
Authors: Dong Bo-wen , Guan Wen-chao , Zhang Kai , Zhang Yan , Yang Yu , Zhao Yan-ping , Bai Rui , Zheng Ming-xue , Cui Xiao-zhen
Published: June 2023

Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) are pluripotent stem cells derived from the “fourth germ layer”. Similar to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), NCSCs can differentiate into a variety of cell types, such as adipocytes. However, the mechanism of NCSCs adipogenesis remains unclear. Previously, we have revealed that primary cells have neural crest and stem cell properties and can differentiate into adipocytes. Therefore, in this study, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of NCSCs at specific time points of adipogenesis were predicted by mRNA sequencing, the key genes of adipogenesis were predicted by principal component analysis, heat map, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, and the expression of DEGs was verified by RT-qPCR. RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to inhibit the expression of DEGs, and RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to explore the regulatory mechanism between DEGs. Sequencing results indicated a possible regulatory relationship between C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ and PPARγ. The results of RT-qPCR were consistent with those of mRNA sequencing. Combined with RT-qPCR and western blot results, we found that C/EBPβ and PPARγ regulated the transcription of C/EBPα during NCSCs adipogenesis, and C/EBPβ and PPARγ formed positive feedback loop.
A comprehensive study of light quality acclimation inSynechocystissp. PCC 6803
Authors: Zavřel Tomáš , Segečová Anna , Kovács László , Lukeš Martin , Novák Zoltán , Pohland Anne-Christin , Szabó Milán , Somogyi Boglárka , Prášil Ondřej , Červený Jan , Bernát Gábor
Published: June 2023

Cyanobacteria play a key role in primary production in both oceans and fresh waters and hold great potential for sustainable production of a large number of commodities. During their life, cyanobacteria cells need to acclimate to a multitude of challenges, including shifts in intensity and quality of incident light. Despite our increasing understanding of metabolic regulation under various light regimes, detailed insight into fitness advantages and limitations under shifting light quality has been missing. Here, we study photo-physiological acclimation in the cyanobacteriumSynechocystissp. PCC 6803 through the whole range of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Using LEDs with qualitatively different narrow spectra, we describe wavelength dependence of light capture, electron transport and energy transduction to main cellular pools. In addition, we describe processes fine-tuning light capture such as state transitions and efficiency of energy transfer from phycobilisomes to photosystems. We show that growth was the most limited under blue light due to inefficient light harvesting, and that many cellular processes are tightly linked to the redox state of the PQ pool, which was the most reduced under red light. The PSI-to-PSII ratio was low under blue photons, however, it was not the main growth-limiting factor, since it was even more reduced under violet and near far-red lights, whereSynechocystisgrew faster compared to blue light. Our results provide insight into the spectral dependence of phototrophic growth and can provide the foundation for future studies of molecular mechanisms underlying light acclimation in cyanobacteria, leading to light optimization in controlled cultivations.
Unstable tilt-rotor maximum likelihood wavelet-based identification from flight test data
Authors: Lichota Piotr
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the methodology that was used to perform system identification of a dynamically unstable tilt-rotor from flight test data. The method incorporated wavelet transform into the maximum likelihood principle formulation, emphasizing both time and frequency responses. Using wavelets allowed to additionally filter noise in the data, and this increased the estimation quality. This approach did not require measurement and process noise modeling in contrast to the Kalman filter usage for parameter estimation.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, lateral-directional stability and control derivatives of an unstable tiltrotor in hover were estimated. This was performed by applying the maximum likelihood output error method. The estimated model response was decomposed using the Mallat pyramid and matched to wavelet coefficients obtained directly from measurements. In addition, a coherence-based weighting function was used to put more emphasis on the most reliable data. For comparison, the same set of data was used to identify a model with the same structure using the maximum likelihood principle with an incorporated Kalman filter.

Findings

It was found that maximum likelihood principle and wavelet transform allowed for estimating aerodynamic coefficients of a dynamically unstable aircraft. The estimation was performed with high accuracy.

Practical implications

The designed method can be used for system identification of unstable aircraft and when additional noise is present (e.g. when noise due to turbulence was observable during the flight test or higher noise levels were present in the sensors data).

Originality/value

The paper presents verification of a wavelet-based maximum likelihood principle output error method using flight test data.
Internal factors affecting the financial performance of an organisation's business processes
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Thi Cam , Le Anh Thi Hong , Nguyen Cong Van
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Although there are many efforts within organisations to improve the financial performance of business processes, the results of studies on the impact of internal factors on the financial performance of business processes in an organisation are inconsistent, even contradictory. Therefore, this paper aims to examine the extent and trends of the impact of factors inside companies on the financial performance of business processes and discover lessons learned to improve the financial performance of business processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis was done through a quantitative study of listed companies in Vietnam. Pooled OLS regression, REM, FEM and robust regression were performed on 566 companies.

Findings

The results provide four main findings. First, firm size and operational efficiency strongly correlate with financial performance. Second, financial leverage has a negative, significant connection with financial performance. Third, net working capital has a positive and meaningful relationship with EPS and a negative association with ROE. Fourth, liquidity does not have any significant association with financial performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study only restricts the internal factors affecting the financial performance of business processes without mentioning the external factors. Furthermore, this study is limited to one emerging country and has not been compared with companies in different countries.

Practical implications

The findings of this study may help inform users inside and outside the organisation to understand the factors that affect the financial performance of business processes. As a result, information users will focus more on aspects that can improve their financial performance to make informed decisions.

Originality/value

This study has many differences compared to previous studies. First, it focuses on the internal factors affecting the financial performance of business processes in non-financial listed companies in Vietnam, which has an emerging economy. First, it focuses on the internal factors affecting the financial performance of business processes in non-financial listed companies in Vietnam, which has an emerging economy. Second, this study analyses data in companies' financial statements for the ten years from 2012 to 2021, when the Vietnamese economy, in particular, and the world economy experienced many fluctuations due to the impact of the post-financial crisis 2007–2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Third, this study provides empirical evidence to support RBV, RDT theories and the trade-off theory of capital structure.
A close-range photogrammetric model for tracking and performance-based forecasting earthmoving operations
Authors: Saif Wahib , Alshibani Adel
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a highly accessible and affordable tracking model for earthmoving operations in an attempt to overcome some of the limitations of current tracking models.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology involves four main processes: acquiring onsite terrestrial images, processing the images into 3D scaled cloud data, extracting volumetric measurements and crew productivity estimations from multiple point clouds using Delaunay triangulation and conducting earned value/schedule analysis and forecasting the remaining scope of work based on the estimated performance. For validation, the tracking model was compared with an observation-based tracking approach for a backfilling site. It was also used for tracking a coarse base aggregate inventory for a road construction project.

Findings

The presented model has proved to be a practical and accurate tracking approach that algorithmically estimates and forecasts all performance parameters from the captured data.

Originality/value

The proposed model is unique in extracting accurate volumetric measurements directly from multiple point clouds in a developed code using Delaunay triangulation instead of extracting them from textured models in modelling software which is neither automated nor time-effective. Furthermore, the presented model uses a self-calibration approach aiming to eliminate the pre-calibration procedure required before image capturing for each camera intended to be used. Thus, any worker onsite can directly capture the required images with an easily accessible camera (e.g. handheld camera or a smartphone) and can be sent to any processing device via e-mail, cloud-based storage or any communication application (e.g. WhatsApp).
Cyber Suraksha: a card game for smartphone security awareness
Authors: Shah Pintu , Agarwal Anuja
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The frequency and sophistication of cybercrimes are increasing. These cybercrimes are impacting government and private organizations as well as individuals. One of the countermeasures is to improve the cyber hygiene of the end-users. Serious games or game-based learning has emerged as a promising approach for implementing security education, training and awareness program. In this paper, the researchers propose a tabletop card game called Cyber Suraksha to increase threat awareness and motivate users to adopt recommended security controls for smartphone users. Cyber Suraksha provides an active learning environment for the players. This paper aims to provide the details of the design and evaluation of the game using a between-subjects design.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers have used constructive learning theory and the Fogg behaviour model (FBM) to design a tabletop card game called Cyber Suraksha. The researchers evaluated the game using a between-subjects design. The participants' responses in the control and intervention groups were collected using the risk behaviour diagnosis scale. Pearson’s Chi-Square test with a 5% significance level was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that the game is enjoyable and fun. Cyber Suraksha game effectively motivates users to adopt the recommended security control for the targeted behaviour. The results indicate that the participants in the intervention group are 2.65 times more likely to adopt recommended behaviour. The findings of this study provide evidence for the effectiveness of hope and fear appeals in improving cybersecurity awareness.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of the study is limited because the sample size is small compared to the total number of smartphone users in India, and only students from computer/IT UG programs in India are used as participants in this study.

Practical implications

This study uses hope and a fear appeal to design an effective serious game. It also demonstrates using the FBM and constructive learning principles for effective serious game design. Cyber Suraksha is effective for the student group and may be tested with other age groups.

Originality/value

To the researchers' knowledge, there are no serious games for cybersecurity awareness focusing on the threats faced by smartphone users based on FBM and constructive learning theory. This research used hope along with a fear appeal to motivate smartphone users to adopt recommended security controls.
Grassroots football club stakeholders' sponsorship: the role of happiness and shared values
Authors: Hindmarsh Matthew , Ikramullah Anees , Ruiz-Alba Jose L. , López-Tenorio Pablo J.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This research serves to determine causal configurations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) conditions that best influences grassroots football club stakeholders to meet a sponsor's goals through promotional activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a case study of the Essex Alliance League, a local amateur football league in England. Firstly, semi-structured interviews were held with multiple stakeholders to understand the ecosystem of grassroots football. From here, further semi-structured interviews were held with club sponsors to identify the conditions of CSR. This allowed the research to then issue a survey from which results were analysed and discussed using fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA).

Findings

The ecosystem of grassroots football is formed by a myriad of stakeholders operating at a national level, all the way to more local governance structures within which the business-club relationship exists. Sponsors identified three main conditions of CSR: shared values, self-congruity, and happiness. However, following fsQCA, two pathways were found: (1) presence of shared values, and (2) presence of happiness with the absence of self-congruity.

Practical implications

For practitioners, adaptations can be made for clubs to attract and maintain sponsorship as businesses seek to use grassroots sport as a channel for their own CSR objectives. To attract long term sponsorship, club managers are recommended to maintain long-term relationships with business owners especially in relation to personal values, fit, and happiness. As such, the responsibility of the club to ensure its stakeholders engage in promotional activity on behalf of their sponsor will help in maximising the financial value over multiple seasons.

Originality/value

Where fertile ground for academic analysis in grassroots football is present, this research investigates CSR activity at this level of football, where most research is more concerned with professional levels of the game. Furthermore, this research reaches into the sport ecosystem through an understanding of co-created values between organisations in this exchange of shared values to meet common objectives.
Prepayment and credit utilization in peer-to-peer lending
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Tao Ran
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This research analyzes borrowers' credit utilization through prepayment behavior in peer-to-peer (P2P) lending. The authors investigate factors influencing the decision to prepay and assess the role of P2P lending as an alternative source of consumer credits.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use individual loan-level data from the LendingClub, one of the largest P2P platforms in the USA. The authors use a Logit model and a sample selection model estimated by the two-stage Heckman method. The empirical analysis considers borrower-specific and loan-specific characteristics as well as macroeconomic factors.

Findings

The authors present a number of significant findings that can enhance understanding consumers' financing decisions. The authors offer evidence that borrowers are able to take advantage of cheaper loans offered by P2P lending to better manage credit card balance and consolidate debt. The authors find that borrowers tend to prepay P2P loans quickly when the aggregate cost of borrowing is low, suggesting that P2P lending offers an efficient alternative to obtain credit. This is particularly true for creditworthy borrowers that are able to take advantage of competing sources of finance. The authors' results provide evidence that P2P lending can improve consumers' optimal credit utilization.

Originality/value

P2P lending has grown exponentially and has become a significant credit supplier to consumers and small businesses. While the existing literature mostly focuses on default risks, prepayment has received much less attention. This research fills in the gap and investigates borrowers' prepayment behavior in P2P loans and the role of P2P lending as an alternative source of consumer credits.
Algorithmic detection and categorization of partially attached particles in AM structures: a non-destructive method for the certification of lattice implants
Authors: Masterton Matthew Philip , Downing David Malcolm , Lozanovski Bill , Tino Rance Brennan B. , Brandt Milan , Fox Kate , Leary Martin
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to present a methodology for the detection and categorisation of metal powder particles that are partially attached to additively manufactured lattice structures. It proposes a software algorithm to process micro computed tomography (µCT) image data, thereby providing a systematic and formal basis for the design and certification of powder bed fusion lattice structures, as is required for the certification of medical implants.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper details the design and development of a software algorithm for the analysis of µCT image data. The algorithm was designed to allow statistical probability of results based on key independent variables. Three data sets with a single unique parameter were input through the algorithm to allow for characterisation and analysis of like data sets.

Findings

This paper demonstrates the application of the proposed algorithm with three data sets, presenting a detailed visual rendering derived from the input image data, with the partially attached particles highlighted. Histograms for various geometric attributes are output, and a continuous trend between the three different data sets is highlighted based on the single unique parameter.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel methodology for non-destructive algorithmic detection and categorisation of partially attached metal powder particles, of which no formal methods exist. This material is available to download as a part of a provided GitHub repository.
Reciprocated competition between two forest carnivores drives dietary specialization
Authors: Smith Matthew M. , Erb John D. , Pauli Jonathan N.
Published: June 2023

Competition shapes animal communities, but the strength of the interaction varies spatially depending on the availability and aggregation of resources and competitors. Among carnivores, competition is particularly pronounced with the strongest interactions between similar species with intermediate differences in body size. While ecologists have emphasized interference competition among carnivores based on dominance hierarchies from body size (smaller = subordinate; larger = dominant), the reciprocity of exploitative competition from subordinate species has been overlooked even though efficient exploitation can limit resource availability and influence foraging.

Across North America, fishers Pekania pennanti and martens (Martes spp.) are two phylogenetically related forest carnivores that exhibit a high degree of overlap in habitat use and diet and differ in body size by a factor of 2–5×, eliciting particularly strong interspecific competition. In the Great Lakes region, fishers and martens occur both allopatrically and sympatrically; where they co‐occur, the numerically dominant species varies spatially. This natural variation in competitors and environmental conditions enables comparisons to understand how interference and exploitative competition alter dietary niche overlap and foraging strategies.

We analysed stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) from 317 martens and 132 fishers, as well as dietary items (n = 629) from 20 different genera, to compare niche size and overlap. We then quantified individual diet specialization and modelled the response to environmental conditions that were hypothesized to influence individual foraging.

Martens and fishers exhibited high overlap in both available and core isotopic δ‐space, but no overlap of core dietary proportions. When the competitor was absent or rare, both martens and fishers consumed more smaller‐bodied prey. Notably, the dominant fisher switched from being a specialist of larger to smaller prey in the absence of the subordinate marten. Environmental context also influenced dietary specialization: increasing land cover diversity and prey abundance reduced specialization in martens whereas vegetation productivity increased specialization for both martens and fishers.

Despite an important dominance hierarchy, fishers adjusted their niche in the face of a subordinate, but superior, exploitative competitor. These findings highlight the underappreciated role of the subordinate competitor in shaping the dietary niche of a dominant competitor.
Revegetation promotes soil microbial network stability in a novel riparian ecosystem
Authors: Ye Chen , Gong Yu , Chen Meiping , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Che Rongxiao , Liu Shengen , Zhang Quanfa
Published: June 2023

Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in ecosystem processes and functions, but how their co‐occurrence networks respond to restoration of degraded ecosystems remains poorly understood.

Here, we examined the effects of revegetation on the structure and function of the soil microbiome, including soil microbial network complexity and stability, in a novel riparian ecosystem with winter submergence opposite to the natural hydrological regime.

We found that extreme flooding intensity (30 m submergence up to 286 days per year) reduced microbial α‐diversity and network stability (robustness) but increased network complexity including network connectivity, connectance and average clustering coefficient over a 3‐year period, and those effects were mitigated by active revegetation in comparison with natural regeneration. Revegetation increased microbial network stability directly by decreasing network complexity, while extreme flooding regulated network stability indirectly by changing the soil total carbon content. Nevertheless, those dynamics of microbial network were coupling with soil microbial functions such as greenhouse gas (e.g. CH4, CO2 and N2O) fluxes and nutrient cycling.

Synthesis and applications: This study provides evidence to support the critical role of revegetation in preserving soil microbial network stability and functions under changing hydrological regime.
The views of Irish primary teachers towards the in‐class versus the withdrawal models of support when working with children with dyslexia
Authors: Molyneaux Alex , O'Brien Trevor
Published: June 2023

This article focuses on the perspectives of primary school teachers on the current provision for students with dyslexia in the mainstream classroom. Five themes emerged from this research and these were (1) Diagnosis, (2) Inclusion, (3) Effective classroom practice, (4) Difficulties encountered in the classroom and (5) Teacher education. The focus of this article is on the theme of Inclusion. The data collected explores the perspectives of twelve primary teachers towards the in‐class versus withdrawal models to support children with dyslexia in the mainstream classroom. As the concept of inclusive education has evolved in recent years, the objective of this research was to identify the most effective means of addressing the needs of the dyslexic student in the mainstream classroom. The insights provided by the teachers signify the need for in‐class support, as much as possible, to support inclusion for students with dyslexia in the mainstream classroom.
The ethics and obligations of long‐term ethnographic relationships: revelatory moments and the concept of solidarity
Authors: Hemer Susan R.
Published: June 2023

This article reflects on an ethical and revelatory moment in the development of my long‐term fieldwork relationships with people of the Lihir Islands in Papua New Guinea. Ethnographic research globally is now shaped through formal processes of ethical review, with the requirements for informed consent, privacy, and consideration of harm and beneficence. Researchers then have to put these procedures into practice, often encountering the need to weigh competing ethical principles, particularly when unforeseen events occur. Reflexivity has been argued to be crucial on these occasions. Yet both ethical codes and reflexivity fall short of managing ethical and relational implications of long‐term field relationships. This article suggests that the concept of solidarity as theorized recently in bioethics may be helpful, particularly the discernment of three layers of relationship. What responsibilities might we as anthropologists have to the people we work with that go beyond procedural ethics? And how do moments such as the one described in this article shape ongoing field research?
The genome sequence of a spider mite, Tetranychus truncatus, provides insights into interspecific host range variation and the genetic basis of adaptation to a low‐quality host plant
Authors: Chen Lei , Yu Xin‐Yue , Xue Xiao‐Feng , Zhang Feng , Guo Li‐Xue , Zhang Hua‐Meng , Hoffmann Ary A. , Hong Xiao‐Yue , Sun Jing‐Tao
Published: June 2023

The phytophagous mite Tetranychus truncatus is a serious pest in East Asia but has a relatively narrower host range than the pest mite Tetranychus urticae, which can feed on over 1200 plant species. Here, we generated a high‐quality chromosomal level genome of T. truncatus and compared it with that of T. urticae, with an emphasis on the genes related to detoxification and chemoreception, to explore the genomic basis underlying the evolution of host range. We also conducted population genetics analyses (in 86 females from 10 populations) and host transfer experiments (in 4 populations) to investigate transcription changes following transfer to a low‐quality host (Solanum melongena, eggplant), and we established possible connections between fitness on eggplant and genes related to detoxification and chemoreception. We found that T. truncatus has fewer genes related to detoxification, transport, and chemoreception than T. urticae, with a particularly strong reduction in gustatory receptor (GR) genes. We also found widespread transcriptional variation among T. truncatus populations, which varied in fitness on eggplant. We characterized selection on detoxification‐related genes through ω values and found a negative correlation between expression levels and ω values. Based on the transcription results, as well as the fitness and genetic differences among populations, we identified genes potentially involved in adaptation to eggplant in T. truncatus. Our work provides a genomic resource for this pest mite and new insights into mechanisms underlying the adaptation of herbivorous mites to host plants.
Reduced‐sodium roasted chicken: Physical/technological characteristics, optimized KCl‐seasoning mixture, consumer perception, liking, emotions, and purchase intent
Authors: Aleman Ricardo S. , Delarca Ruiz Franklin , Pournaki Shirin Kazemzadeh , Marcia Jhunior , Montero Ismael , Rueda‐Robles Ascensión , Borrás‐Linares Isabel , Lozano‐Sánchez Jesus
Published: June 2023

For thousands of years, sodium chloride (NaCl) has been used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. In the organism, NaCl plays a role in nerve functions, osmotic pressure, and nutrient absorption. However, high consumption of NaCl could lead to health issues, such as hypertension and heart‐related problems. For these reasons, potassium chloride (KCl) has been considered a salt substitute in foods, but KCl could be limited to food matrixes because of its unwanted bitterness and metallic aftertaste. As a result, the objective of this study was to analyze KCl‐reduced‐sodium roasted chicken in physical/technological characteristics, KCl‐seasoning mixture, consumer perception, liking, emotions, and purchase intent (PI). An extreme vertice mixture design decided granulated garlic (74.09%), black pepper (9.95%), smoked paprika (14.47%), and KCl (1.39%) ratio of good seasoning‐KCl mixture for roasted chicken based on sensory attributes used on the desirability function methodology. After optimizing the KCl‐seasoning blend, NaCl/KCl replacement levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were established and evaluated consumer perception, liking, emotions, and PI. Adding 25% and 50% of KCl showed no significant (p > 0.05) impact on the sensory attributes. Likewise, PI significantly (p < 0.05) increased when utilizing 25% and 50% of KCl after panelists received information about sodium health risks (SHR). Regarding emotional responses, unsafe and worried significantly (p < 0.05) decreased among the highest KCl replacement levels (75% and 100%) after panelists obtained the SHR. Overall liking, gender, age, salt user, and positive emotional responses (satisfied and pleased) were decisive predictors concerning PI among panelists.
Exosomal GPT2 derived from triple‐negative breast cancer cells promotes metastasis by activating BTRC
Authors: Cui Mingqing , Peng Jiawei , Zhou Yuanyuan , Wang Xixi , Cui Daxiang
Published: June 2023

Background

There have been reports of increased glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) expression in certain cancers including breast cancer. Although the role of GPT2 as a metabolic enzyme is well understood in breast cancer progression, little is known about the other roles of GPT2, especially exosomal GPT2.

Methods

BT549 and BT474 Cells were cultured and their exosomes were isolated by using ultracentrifugation. Cells migrated through the membrane were stained with crystal violet, and then were observed by microscope. Total RNA was extracted from culture cells and transcribed into cDNA, quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR was used to detect mRNA expression of ICAM1, VCAM1, and MMP9 using SYBR Green qPCR Mix with a 7500 Fast Real‐time PCR system. Western blot was used to detect the gene expression of p‐lkBa and TSG101 and GPT2 in breast cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of GPT2 and BTRC in cancer cells, animal models loaded with metastasis breast cancer cells were established via tail vein injections. Interaction between GPT2 and BTRC in breast cancer cells was investigated via Co‐immunoprecipitation.

Results

GPT2 was up‐regulated in TNBC. Exosomes were isolated effectively from TNBC cells, and confirmed that GPT2 was overexpressed inexosomes. QRT‐PCR showed that mRNA expression levels of ICAM1, VCAM1, and MMP9 in TNBC were high. Exosomal GPT2 derived from TNBC enhanced migration and invasion of breast cancer via in vitro cell experiment and in vivo animal model experiment. Exosomal GPT2 binds with BTRC to degrade p‐lkBa, and improved metastasis of breast cancer cells.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that GPT2 was upregulated in TNBC as well as in exosomes derived from triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. GPT2 expression was associated with the malignancy of breast cancer and promoted metastasis of breast cancer cells. Moreover, exosomal GPT2 derived from TNBC cells was verified to increase the capacity of breast cancer cells to metastasize through activating beta‐transducin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (BTRC). This suggested that exosomal GPT2 may be useful for breast cancer patients as a potential biomarker and treatment target.
Long‐term outcomes in COVID‐19 patients admitted to intensive care in Denmark: A nationwide observational study
Authors: Meier Nick , Perner Anders , Plovsing Ronni , Christensen Steffen , Poulsen Lone M. , Brøchner Anne C. , Rasmussen Bodil S. , Helleberg Marie , Jensen Jens U. S. , Andersen Lars P. K. , Siegel Hanna , Ibsen Michael , Jørgensen Vibeke L. , Winding Robert , Iversen Susanne , Pedersen Henrik P. , Sølling Christoffer , Garcia Ricardo S. , Michelsen Jens , Mohr Thomas , Michagin George , Espelund Ulrick S. , Bundgaard Helle , Kirkegaard Lynge , Smitt Margit , Sigurdsson Sigurdur , Buck David L. , Ribergaard Niels‐Erik , Pedersen Helle S. , Toft Mette Helene , Jonassen Trine B. , Mølgaard Nielsen Frederik , Madsen Emilie K. , Haberlandt Trine N. , Bredahl Louise Sophie , Haase Nicolai
Published: June 2023

Background

Among ICU patients with COVID‐19, it is largely unknown how the overall outcome and resource use have changed with time, different genetic variants, and vaccination status.

Methods

For all Danish ICU patients with COVID‐19 from March 10, 2020 to March 31, 2022, we manually retrieved data on demographics, comorbidities, vaccination status, use of life support, length of stay, and vital status from medical records. We compared patients based on the period of admittance and vaccination status and described changes in epidemiology related to the Omicron variant.

Results

Among all 2167 ICU patients with COVID‐19, 327 were admitted during the first (March 10–19, 2020), 1053 during the second (May 20, 2020 to June 30, 2021) and 787 during the third wave (July 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022). We observed changes over the three waves in age (median 72 vs. 68 vs. 65 years), use of invasive mechanical ventilation (81% vs. 58% vs. 51%), renal replacement therapy (26% vs. 13% vs. 12%), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (7% vs. 3% vs. 2%), duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (median 13 vs. 13 vs. 9 days) and ICU length of stay (median 13 vs. 10 vs. 7 days). Despite these changes, 90‐day mortality remained constant (36% vs. 35% vs. 33%). Vaccination rates among ICU patients were 42% as compared to 80% in society. Unvaccinated versus vaccinated patients were younger (median 57 vs. 73 years), had less comorbidity (50% vs. 78%), and had lower 90‐day mortality (29% vs. 51%). Patient characteristics changed significantly after the Omicron variant became dominant including a decrease in the use of COVID‐specific pharmacological agents from 95% to 69%.

Conclusions

In Danish ICUs, the use of life support declined, while mortality seemed unchanged throughout the three waves of COVID‐19. Vaccination rates were lower among ICU patients than in society, but the selected group of vaccinated patients admitted to the ICU still had very severe disease courses. When the Omicron variant became dominant a lower fraction of SARS‐CoV‐2 positive patients received COVID treatment indicating other causes for ICU admission.
Volumetry of ovine incisors dental pulp for further regenerative therapy
Authors: Ems Guillaume , Severino Leandra , Nisolle Jean‐François , Nicaise Charles , Lambrichts Ivo , LoMonaco Melissa , Bronckaers Annelies , Hontoir Fanny , Vandeweerd Jean‐Michel
Published: June 2023

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used for regenerative therapy. Dental pulp MSCs make extracted wisdom teeth a useful resource in humans. Preclinical validation of regenerative therapies requires large animal models such as the sheep. Since stem cells can be retrieved from the dental pulp of ovine incisors, the best age to extract a maximal volume of dental pulp needs to be defined. The objective of this ex vivo study was to quantify incisors dental pulp volume, in sheep of various age. Three jaws were dedicated to histology (one per age group); the others were imaged with a computed tomography scanner [3 years‐old (n = 9), 4 (n = 3) and 6 (n = 5)]. The incisors dental pulp volume was measured after 3D reconstruction. Multiple linear regression showed that dental pulp volume of ovine incisors decreases with age (β‐estimate = −3.3; p < 0.0001) and teeth position from the more central to the more lateral (β‐estimate = −4.9; p = 0.0009). Weight was not a relevant variable in the regression model. The dental pulp volume ranged from 36.7 to 19.6 mm3 in 3‐year‐old sheep, from 23.6 to 11.3 in 4‐year‐old sheep, and from 19.4 to 11.5 in 6‐year‐old sheep. The pulp volume of the most central teeth (first intermediate) was significantly higher than the most lateral teeth (corner). Haematoxylin–Eosin–Safran of the whole incisors, and of isolated dental pulps demonstrated a similar morphology to that in humans. The first intermediate incisor of 3‐year‐old sheep should be selected preferentially in preclinical research to retrieve the highest volume of dental pulp.
Afterbirth oral fluid secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor decreased in acute histologic chorioamnionitis in preterm birth
Authors: Choi Soo Ran , Choi Suk Jin
Published: June 2023

Background

Secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) is an innate anti‐inflammatory and anti‐microbial peptide and produced in amnion of fetal membranes during pregnancy. However, studies on the association between SLPI levels in amniotic fluid and acute chorioamnionitis are limited. Afterbirth oral fluid (AOF) of the baby could be useful for representing the intra‐amniotic environment precisely just before delivery. This study aimed to determine the relationship between SLPI levels in AOF and acute histologic chorioamnionitis (HC).

Methods

AOF of the baby was obtained during delivery from 24(0/7) to 36(6/7) weeks of gestational age (preterm group, n = 94) and from 37(0/7) to 41(6/7) weeks of gestational age (term group, n = 27) just after birth. SLPI expression levels among five classifications were compared to the intensity of acute HC as follows: no inflammation, acute subchorionitis, acute chorionitis, acute chorioamnionitis, and funisits. The SLPI and matrix metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) concentrations of AOF were determined using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Histologic examination of the placenta and membranes was performed after delivery.

Results

SLPI concentrations in AOF inversely decreased according to the intensity of acute HC (161.62 ng/mL in funisitis, 134.83 ng/mL in acute chorioamnionitis, 749.35 ng/mL in acute chorionitis, 953.05 ng/mL in acute subchorionitis, and 1126.77 ng/mL in no inflammation [p = .021]). The MMP‐8 concentrations in AOF and maternal serum C‐reactive protein were the highest in funisitis. The SLPI/ MMP‐8 ratio was low in subgroup with acute chorioamnionitis and funisitis.

Conclusion

Along with increased MMP‐8 levels, decreased SLPI levels in AOF of the baby could be an additional factor in predicting acute HC immediately after birth.