bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humanized nucleosomes reshape replication initiation and rDNA/nucleolar integrity in yeast
Authors: Lazar-Stefanita Luciana , Haase Max A. B. , Boeke Jef D.
Published: May 2023

Eukaryotic DNA wraps around histone octamers forming nucleosomes, which modulate genome function by defining chromatin environments with distinct accessibility. These well-conserved properties allowed “humanization” of the nucleosome core particle (NCP) inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeat high fitness costs. Here we studied nucleosome-humanized yeast-genomes to understand how species-specific chromatin affects nuclear organization and function. We found a size increase in human-NCP, linked to shorter free linker DNA, supporting decreased chromatin accessibility. 3-D humanized-genome maps showed increased chromatin compaction and defective centromere clustering, correlated with high chromosomal aneuploidy rate. Site-specific chromatin alterations were associated with lack of initiation of early origins of replication and dysregulation of the ribosomal (rDNA and rRNA) metabolism. This latter led to nucleolar fragmentation and rDNA-array instability, through a non-coding RNA dependent mechanism, leading to its extraordinary, but entirely reversible, intra-chromosomal expansion. Overall, our results reveal species-specific properties of the NCP that define epigenome function across vast evolutionary distances.

Highlights

Humanized nucleosomes wrap 10 additional nucleotides, shortening free linker length

Histone-humanized nucleosomes have increased occupancy for DNA

Humanized nucleosomes potentially decrease chromatin accessibility by blocking-out free linker DNA

Nucleosome humanization impedes DNA replication by affecting chromatin structure at origins

Humanized nucleosomes reversibly destabilize the ribosomal DNA array and leads to massive intrachromosomal rDNA locus expansion

Histone humanization disrupts rDNA silencing and leads to nucleolar fragmentation
A murine commensal protozoan relievesClostridium difficileinfection through regulating the arginine metabolism and the host intestinal immune response
Authors: Yang Huan , Wu Xiaoxiao , Zang Wanqing , Zhou Yuan , Li Xiao , Wang Liang , Cui Wenwen , Kou Yanbo , Wang Yugang , Gu Bing
Published: May 2023

Antibiotic-induced dysbiosis is a key predisposing factor forClostridium difficileinfection (CDI), fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is recommended for treating CDI. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we uncover that one integral member of the murine gut microbiota, a commensal protozoan from mice,Tritrichomonas musculis(T. mu), that reduced intestinal damage by inhibiting the recruitment of neutrophil and secretion of IL-1β, and increased Th1 cell differentiation and secretion of IFN-γ, which increased the goblet cell and secretion of mucin to protect the intestinal mucosa. TheT. muupregulated the key enzymes of arginine metabolism iNOS, ASS, OTC and down-regulated ARG1 in CDI mice, resulting in an increase in arginine, citrulline and a decrease in ornithine, which worked together to regulate the host intestinal immune response and alleviate CDI. This work reveals the interaction mechanism between intestinal commensal eukaryotes and pathogenic bacteria, and also provide new ideas for treating CDI.
Distinct functional roles and connectivity rules for lower and higher order intracortical and pulvinar thalamocortical pathways in mouse visual cortex
Authors: Han Xu , Bonin Vincent
Published: May 2023

Functional specialization of cortical areas is a fundamental feature of brain organization and is critical for perception and behavior. Such an organization must depend on specialized connectivity between areas, yet the underlying wiring rules remain unclear. We characterized intracortical and thalamocortical pathways in the mouse visual cortex using neural tracing and functional imaging. We uncovered multiple structural-functional connectivity rules underlying the functional specialization of higher visual cortical areas (HVAs). Individual higher visual areas integrate specific cortical and thalamic inputs with distinct functional biases. Higher order Layer 2/3 and thalamocortical pathways show higher target specificity than feedforward intracortical pathways and might impart specific functional preferences to the recipient HVAs. In contrast, higher order Layer 5 pathways lacking specificity may contribute to the tuning diversity in the recipient HVAs. Altogether, this study reveals fundamental organization rules of long-range interareal connectivity that underlie the parallel modular organization of the visual cortex.

HIGHLIGHTS

HVAs AL, PM and A receive diverse and specific inputs from V1, HVA and LP pathways

Density of intracortical inputs correlates with similarity of tuning between visual areas

Tuning of HVA inputs correlates with HVA’s preferences and functional heterogeneity

HVA output pathways differ in tuning homogeneity and target specificity
MTA influences RNA Polymerase II transcription dynamics and regulates the cold response in Arabidopsis
Authors: Bhat Susheel Sagar , Bielewicz Dawid , Kindgren Peter
Published: May 2023

RNA methylation at the N6 position of adenosine residues (m6A) has been demonstrated to be a vital epigenetic mark in eukaryotes. In plants, it is involved in a myriad of developmental and stress responsive pathways, such as cold stress. However, the role of MTA (m6A writer) itself in such processes remains obscured. Here, we show that the cold induced changes in abundance of differentially methylated transcripts are at-least partly due to the differences in the rates of transcription of such transcripts. RNAPII stalling was observed only on RNA methylation motifs that were decorated with m6A, and those that had a specific nucleotide composition. We note that the downregulation of genes in amtamutant is a result of lower transcription of these genes. Moreover, 5’ ends of transcripts from a subset of genes are disproportionately more accumulated inmtaas compared to wild type under cold stress. In themtamutant, genes corresponding to these transcripts had significantly reduced RNAPII occupancy on their 3’ ends but not on 5’ ends indicating thatmtaserves as an important factor for RNAPII elongation in a subset of genes. Taken together, our data suggest a novel direct role for MTA as a gene specific influencer of RNAPII elongation dynamics and thus introduces a new path by which the m6A methylation machinery may affect differential gene expression during stress in plants.
Educational supply chain sustainability
Authors: Mat Ishah Nur Shahida , Lee Khai Loon , Nawanir Gusman
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to determine the importance of digital literacy (DL) in educational supply chain (EduSC) sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

A semi-systematic review technique was used with Google Scholar and Scopus databases.

Findings

The growing use of technology and digital resources revealed a significant digital divide between people, educational processes and access to technologies and suitable infrastructures, as well as the need for DL, particularly in the EduSC in the 21st century. According to the results, just 58.6% of EduSC researchers emphasize economic sustainability, while 72.4% emphasize environmental sustainability. A total of 93.1% of scholars examine the impact of DL on society, demonstrating the significance of DL in the EduSC.

Originality/value

DL was discovered to have the greatest impact on society, with students and educators being related to all processes in an EduSC.
Digital exclusion of women: a systematic review
Authors: Gupta Minu , Kiran Ravi
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study firstly aims to prepare a hierarchical structure of the barriers contributing to digital exclusion of women. Secondly, the study aims to understand the inter-relationship of the barriers by converting them into a cyclic flow.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic review was conducted through Web of Science and EBSCO Host Discovery Services with keywords: “digital divide” OR “digital gap” OR “digital inequality” OR “online difference” AND gender AND wom?n AND factors OR “demographic factors” OR “socio-economic” OR determinants OR reasons OR causes OR influences. Review was conducted of articles published in English language after 2012. Systematic literature review was conducted in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Framework 2020. Authors reviewed 21 reports.

Findings

This research found absence of education as the root of digital exclusion of women in the hierarchy of barriers. The cyclic flow of barriers displayed that how ill education of women lead to financial and psychological dependence of women on men, creating a hurdle in women empowerment. To break the cycle of digital exclusion, women education is must not only on primary basis but their tertiary education is important too.

Originality/value

This study makes an important contribution by ranking those barriers in a pyramid hierarchy and depicting their inter relation by framing a cyclic structure. This study provides suggestions to remove those barriers and ultimately break their chain to provide digital inclusive society for women.
The influence of organizational values on employee attitude and information security behavior: the mediating role of psychological capital
Authors: Riemenschneider Cynthia K. , Burney Laurie L. , Bina Saman
Published: May 2023

Purpose

With increased remote working, employers are concerned with employees’ commitment and compliance with security procedures. Through the lens of psychological capital, this study aims to investigate whether strong organizational values can improve employees’ commitment to the organization and security behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Qualtrics platform, the authors conducted an online survey. The survey participants are college-educated, full-time employees. The authors used structural equation modeling to analyze 289 responses.

Findings

The results indicate perceived importance of organizational values is associated with increased organizational commitment and information security behavior. The authors find that psychological capital partially mediates these relations suggesting that employees’ psychological capital effectively directs employees toward an affinity for the organization and information security behavior. The results highlight the importance of organizational values for improving security behavior and organizational commitment. Second, the results suggest that psychological capital is an effective mechanism for this influence. Finally, the authors find that individual differences (gender, organizational level and education) are boundary conditions on their findings, providing a nuanced view of their results and offering opportunities for further investigation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore organizational values in relation to information security behaviors. In addition, this study investigates the underlying mechanism of this relationship by showing psychological capital’s mediating role in this relationship. Therefore, the authors suggest organizations create a supportive environment that appreciates innovation, quality services, diversity and collaboration. Furthermore, organizations should communicate the importance of these values to their employees to motivate them to have a stronger affective commitment and a more careful set of security behaviors.
The moderator role of COVID-19 risk perception in the impact of festival experience quality on life satisfaction
Authors: Asan Kubra , Daskin Mustafa , Kaptangil Kerem
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Cultural festivals have started to be held face-to-face with masks and distance measures after the gradual lifting of restrictions following the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, the risk of COVID-19 transmission continues. This study aimed to test the relationship between participants' experience quality and life satisfaction and the moderator role of the COVID-19 risk perception in this relationship within the scope of the Festival on Wheels (Gezici Festival) as a cultural festival.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected by face-to-face and online survey techniques in Ankara, Sinop and Kastamonu cities in the context of the 26th Festival on Wheels. A total of 130 questionnaires were collected, and structural equation modelling was applied to the data analysis.

Findings

According to the findings, the experience quality with the dimensions of entertainment and escape has a significant effect on life satisfaction. On the other hand, the perceived risk of COVID-19 does not have a statistically significant effect on this relationship.

Originality/value

The results indicate that experience quality directly affects subjective life satisfaction, while the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on event experiences and outcomes has begun to disappear.
Complaint management: comparison between traditional and digital banks and the benefits of using management systems for improvement
Authors: Pio Pedro G.C. , Sigahi Tiago , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Satolo Eduardo Guilherme , Serafim Milena Pavan , Quelhas Osvaldo L.G. , Leal Filho Walter , Anholon Rosley
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper compares traditional and digital banks in nine categories of complaints and provides insights to improve complaint management performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of the major Brazilian banks was defined, with four traditional and four digital banks. The grey relational analysis (GRA) method was applied as an analytical tool to compare the most frequent complaints of traditional and digital banks. The most critical complaints identified were considered to discuss potential improvements in complaint management using quality and service management system concepts.

Findings

The GRA method enabled the development of a ranking of nine complaint categories, considering the uncertainty involved in the data and differentiating between traditional and digital banks. The most critical complaint categories, regardless of business model, were “unauthorized charges” and “poor service,” which were ranked first and second in the frequency rankings. Traditional and digital banks differed the most in the complaint category “unfair charge,” ranking third and eighth in the rankings, respectively.

Practical implications

Managers from traditional and digital banks can improve complaint management performance by applying ISO 9001 and ISO 20000 concepts such as incident, problem, change, service level, availability, capacity, information technology service continuity and financial management.

Social implications

The study's findings can help bank managers improve service levels in the face of technological competition. Improving these organizations is an important factor for developing countries such as Brazil.

Originality/value

This paper reveals the differences between two business models regarding complaint management. It also considers a methodological approach to include the uncertainty related to customers' perception and subjectivity inherent to complaints.
Strategic utilization of terroir in Japanese sake industry
Authors: Tseng Kuo-Che , Kishi Yasuyuki
Published: May 2023

Purpose

With the ongoing industrial transformation of the Japanese sake industry and the continuous growth of exports in recent years, terroir, one of the core concepts in the wine culture, has been strategically used in the sake industry. Therefore, as an essential investigation, the purpose of this study is to elucidate when, how and why terroir has been used in the sake industry. This study starts with the research question: When, how and why has terroir come to be used strategically in the sake industry?

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates the use of terroir in the Japanese sake industry, examining all 196 newspapers that referenced terroir from 1998 to 2022, sourced from the renowned newspaper database Nikkei Telecom 21. This study’s outcomes have been visualized through categorization work and text mining.

Findings

In this study, the use of terroir in the Japanese sake industry has gained significant momentum since 2015, with a remarkable surge observed in the 2020s. With the continuous growth in sake exports, industry players such as sake brewers are strategically structuring terroir to reinforce the authenticity of the brewing process, emphasizing the uniqueness of natural elements, such as water, sake rice and the natural environment. These findings highlight the critical role of terroir in the Japanese sake industry’s added value expansion.

Originality/value

This study provides objective insights regarding the recent industrial transformation for the practical sake industry, such as sake exporters and distributors. Additionally, this study enables the wine industry’s audience to understand the sake industry’s evolution in terms of wine culture.
Panic buying in the second wave of COVID-19: the moderating effect of past buying experience
Authors: Akoijam Sunildro L.S. , Mazumder Sultana B.A. , Sharma L. Shashikumar
Published: May 2023

Purpose

With the advent of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, there is a need to analyse the scenario of panic buying (PB) behaviour of the customers which was evident in the first wave. This paper aims to examine the PB scenario as well as the moderating effect of past buying experience (PBE) on PB in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on the theories of stimulus–organism–response model and the competitive arousal model. Based on these theories, this paper investigates how panic situation created by external stimuli such as perceived scarcity (PS), perceived risk (PR), news in media (NM) and social learning affect the perceived arousal (PA) among people which in turn influence the PB behaviour of customers. Data were collected from 253 customers from different parts of India. Structural equation modelling is used to analyse the moderating effect of PBE on the PB in the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings

The results indicate that the PS, PR and NM continue to be strong predictors of a buyer for PA. However, the PB is not reinforced by the moderation effect of PBE.

Research limitations/implications

This paper investigates the consumers’ PB behaviours in the wake of third wave of COVID-19 pandemic which add to the existing literature of COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, this study also examines how previous buying experience can moderate the PB behaviour of the customers in subsequent phases of COVID-19 pandemic. This supports the potential effectiveness of self-regulation as an intervention strategy for reducing PB behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Practical implications

This study emphasises the impact of external stimuli like PS, PR and media coverage on PB behaviour, marketers and policymakers should manage to avoid triggers. Although PBE may not moderate PB during a pandemic, it can play a significant role in future buying behaviour. Anticipating potential triggers and designing effective marketing strategies that cater to customers' needs can help manage PB behaviour during disasters or pandemics. In addition, promoting conscious consumption awareness and self-regulation practices among customers can help manage PB behaviour, benefit the environment and society and make customers more responsible buyers.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study examines the PB behaviour of customers during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic for the first time. This study also investigates the moderating effect of PBE on the PB behaviour of customers during a pandemic which is new and significant that extends the literature on PB behaviour during a pandemic.
Flexible work systems: preparing employees for the new normal
Authors: Seo Jungmin (Jamie) , Kim Ellen Eun Kyoo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and employee development strategies for executives and managers when managing flexible work systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes an employee development perspective to discuss management strategies of flexible work systems. Research findings on the effects of work flexibility through flexible work systems, the challenges and the development strategies that executives and managers can use were reviewed from multi-level perspectives.

Findings

The flexible work system is the new normal in the workplace. Lack of social and face-to-face interactions reduces employees’ social learning, jeopardizing managerial justice and weakening the culture. To remain competitive and retain talented employees, executives should reexamine their current employee development strategies and implement new strategies that fit the characteristics of flexible work systems.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of employee development strategies for flexible working arrangements. The paper provides practical guidelines and insights for executives and leaders managing employees under various flexible work systems.
Drought susceptibility of southern African C4 grasses: Phylogenetically and photosynthetically determined?
Authors: Raubenheimer Sarah L. , Venter Nic , Ripley Brad S.
Published: May 2023

Factors that determine C4 grass distributions have been well documented, with evidence in the literature for C4 photosynthetic subtypes displaying varying levels of drought susceptibility. However, the interactions between C4 photosynthetic subtype and phylogeny add complexity and are relatively under studied.

We use species distribution modelling to determine the influence of rainfall on distribution patterns of representative C4 grass families and subtypes. Select C4 grass species, representing different photosynthetic subtypes (NADP‐Me and NAD‐Me) and lineages (Panicoideae and Aristidoideae), were subjected to a progressive 58‐day drought period and recovery phase, to explore drought responses through leaf water relations, gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence.

We show Panicoideae NADP‐Me species to be more susceptible to drought than both Panicoideae NAD‐Me and Aristidoideae NADP‐Me species due to apparent greater metabolic impairment. The differences between groups were related to how rapidly photosynthesis declines with exposure to drought and the rate of recovery postdrought, rather than the maximum extent of photosynthetic decline. The mechanisms for the relative maintenance of plant water status differed between the Panicoideae NAD‐Me species, which utilized greater stomatal control, and the Aristidoideae NADP‐Me species, which maintained water uptake through osmotic adjustment.

Synthesis. We show here that drought susceptibility differs both phylogenetically and according to photosynthetic subtype, but that the role of phylogeny may outweigh physiological control. This research adds novel insight into the physiological differences behind observed rainfall‐related differences in C4 grass distribution patterns.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Synergistic effects of canopy chemistry and autogenic soil biota on a global invader
Authors: Majumdar Sudipto , Kaur Harleen , Rinella Matthew J. , Kundu Anish , Vadassery Jyothilakshmi , Erbilgin Nadir , Callaway Ragan M. , Cadotte Marc W. , Inderjit
Published: May 2023

Soil biota have strong effects on plants, but we have a poor understanding of how plant chemistry might modify these effects. We examined the effect of soil biota associated with an exotic invasive tree, Prosopis juliflora, versus that associated with native species, from seven sites across India on conspecifics and two other plant species. We then measured changes in species‐specific soil biota effects (identified as plant–soil feedbacks, PSFs) when leaf leachate from P. juliflora or from native plant species was added to soil containing respective live and sterile soil inoculum.

We quantified the amino acid L‐tryptophan from leaf leachate of P. juliflora, Leucaena leucocephala (another invader), and two native species. We also tested effects of P. juliflora or native species soil inoculum amendment of tryptophan on P. juliflora, P. cineraria and L. leucocephala across seven sites. We then quantified the microbially metabolized derivatives of tryptophan, phytohormone indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) and intermediates after adding tryptophan into P. juliflora and native soils.

Soil biota associated with P. juliflora generated positive effects on conspecifics and L. leucocephala, but negative effects on the native congener P. cineraria. When P. juliflora leaf leachate was added to soil with live P. juliflora inoculum, PSFs became more positive for P. juliflora and other species, compared to leaf leachate amended with sterile soil inoculum. Native leaf leachate interacted weakly with soil biota to impact biomass of conspecifics and heterospecifics.

There was roughly 10× more tryptophan in the leaf leachate of P. juliflora than in the leaf leachate of other species. Tryptophan generally increased positive PSFs associated with P. juliflora relative to soil biota associated with other plant species. When tryptophan was added to live P. juliflora soil, IAA and its intermediates were produced at five of seven sites, and at four of these sites soil biota from P. juliflora had positive PSFs.

Synthesis. These results provide the first experimental evidence that a chemical leached from the leaves of an invader regulates PSFs. Our results indicate that canopy effects and PSFs, which are usually studied independently, can interact in ways that strongly affect conspecifics and neighbouring species.
Space use of ungulate prey relative to lions is affected by prey species and predator behavior but not wind direction
Authors: Hayward Matt W. , Hayward Gina J. , Kerley Graham I. H.
Published: May 2023

Predators can induce behavioral changes in prey that influence vigilance, grouping patterns, and space use, and these can ultimately affect prey demography and trophic interactions. Consequently, prey must respond to the risk of predation, but little is known about the features that drive the spatial responses of prey species to predators. We tested what factors affected the proximity of prey to the lions reintroduced to Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa. We also tested whether prey species that are preferentially killed by lions revealed greater responsiveness than those that are not, and whether prey respond to predator behavioral states and hunger. From 1588 observations of potential prey locations in relation to lions under varying wind directions, lion behaviors, and hunger states throughout the day and night, we found no evidence of wind‐driven odor responses affecting prey proximity to lions. Prey species that were not preferentially preyed upon by lions occurred closer to lions than those species that lions prefer to hunt. Prey were closer to lions performing noisy behaviors compared to those performing quiet behaviors. Prey were more likely to be closer to covertly behaving lions and further from stationary lions. Our results, compared to the published literature and accepted dogma of the primacy of odor in predator detection, suggest large vertebrate prey responses to predators in intact, multi‐species assemblages are context dependent.
Research on supply chain emergency governance: A literature review based on bibliometric analysis
Authors: Wei′an Li , Yin Ma
Published: May 2023

Supply chain disruptions have a significant negative impact on organizational performance, and while companies seek to mitigate the impact of disruption risks, supply chain members propose contingency governance measures from different perspectives to build resilient supply chain systems. However, there is no clear governance consensus on supply chain contingency governance, nor is it clear what research themes exist in this area, so to advance the scientific debate on this topic, this paper presents a systematic review of the literature. Based on the core literature base of Web of Science (WoS), screening 3791 academic publications closely related to supply chain emergency governance as research objects, using visual measurement tools to conduct descriptive statistical analysis and cluster analysis of the literature, summarizing the research on supply chain emergency governance. The results found that the literature in the field of supply chain emergency governance continues to rise, and with the outbreak of the COVID‐19, the number of publications in this field reached a record high in 2021. In the cluster analysis of the literature, supply chain management, blockchain, and emergency response research under the COVID‐19 ranked in the top three research themes. This paper provides a literature review for these three major clusters and summarizes the research on emergency governance under different themes. Finally, future research directions in this area are proposed based on the gaps and limitations of existing research.
Application of ultrasound and its real‐time monitoring of the acoustic field during processing of tofu: Parameter optimization, protein modification, and potential mechanism
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhang Lei , Chen Li , Wang Yang , Okonkwo Clinton Emeka , Yagoub Abu El‐Gasim A. , Wahia Hafida , Zhou Cunshan
Published: May 2023

Tofu is nutritious, easy to make, and popular among consumers. At present, traditional tofu production has gradually become perfect, but there are still shortcomings, such as long soaking time, serious waste of water resources, and the inability to realize orders for production at any time. Moreover, tofu production standards have not yet been clearly defined, with large differences in quality between them, which is not conducive to industrialized and large‐scale production. Ultrasound has become a promising green processing technology with advantages, such as high extraction rate, short processing time, and ease of operation. This review focused on the challenges associated with traditional tofu production during soaking, grinding, and boiling soybeans. Moreover, the advantages of ultrasonic processing over traditional processing like increasing nutrient content, improving gel properties, and inhibiting the activity of microorganisms were explained. Furthermore, the quantification of acoustic fields by real‐time monitoring technology was introduced to construct the theoretical correlation between ultrasonic treatments and tofu processing. It was concluded that ultrasonic treatment improved the functional properties of soybean protein, such as solubility, emulsifying properties, foamability, rheological properties, gel strength, and thermal stability. Therefore, the application of ultrasonic technology to traditional tofu processing to optimize industrial parameters is promising.
Detection methods, migration patterns, and health effects of pesticide residues in tea
Authors: Miao Siwei , Wei Yang , Pan Yi , Wang Yuanfeng , Wei Xinlin
Published: May 2023

Due to its rich health benefits and unique cultural charm, tea drinking is increasingly popular with the public in modern society. The safety of tea is the top priority that affects the development of tea industry and the health of consumers. During the process of tea growth, pesticides are used to prevent the invasion of pests and diseases with maintaining high quality and stable yield. Because hot water brewing is the traditional way of tea consumption, water is the main carrier for pesticide residues in tea into human body accompanied by potential risks. In this review, pesticides used in tea gardens are divided into two categories according to their solubility, among which water‐soluble pesticides pose a greater risk. We summarized the methods of the sample pretreatment and detection of pesticide residues and expounded the migration patterns and influencing factors of tea throughout the process of growth, processing, storage, and consumption. Moreover, the toxicity and safety of pesticide residues and diseases caused by human intake were analyzed. The risk assessment and traceability of pesticide residues in tea were carried out, and potential eco‐friendly improvement strategies were proposed. The review is expected to provide a valuable reference for reducing risks of pesticide residues in tea and ensuring the safety of tea consumption.
Detection of methamphetamine in mouse femurs exposed to high temperature
Authors: Nakao Ken‐ichiro , Kibayashi Kazuhiko
Published: May 2023

Bone samples are valuable for examining the cause of death and circumstance leading up to death when body fluids are not available for forensic toxicological analysis. Examined were heat‐induced changes in methamphetamine and amphetamine concentrations in femurs removed from methamphetamine‐injected mice to determine if the burned bones could be used for toxicology testing. The femurs were heated at 100°C, 300°C, or 500°C for 10 or 30 min. The tissue structure of the heated femurs was preserved at 100°C for 30 min but was destructed at higher temperatures. Methamphetamine and amphetamine were detected in femurs heated at 100°C for 10 min, 100°C for 30 min, and 300°C for 10 min (with methamphetamine and amphetamine concentrations ranging from 0.36 to 35 μg/g and 0.54 to 47 μg/g, respectively). Methamphetamine and amphetamine were detectable when heated above their decomposition temperature as a result of limited heat transfer do to protection provide by the femoral muscle. Thus, the bone could be a useful analytical sample in cases of burn‐related deaths, where it is difficult to collect body fluids.
2,4,6‐Tri(2′‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine for determination of iron(II), Iron(III), and total iron contents on human palms
Authors: Wang Liting , Wang Yang
Published: May 2023

When iron‐based tools, such as knives or guns, are held, traces of iron can transfer to the skin. However, no previous studies have been published regarding the effect of the elapsed contact time on the transfer of iron species with different valences to the palm. Compared with 3‐(2‐pyridyl)‐5,6‐diphenyl‐1,2,4‐triazine (PDT), 2,4,6‐tri(2′‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (TPTZ) was found to exhibit a higher sensitivity to iron(II) spectrophotometrically. This work employed 2,4,6‐tri(2′‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (TPTZ) and UV spectrophotometry to determine the amounts of iron(II), iron(III), and total iron transferred to human palms from iron tools. It was found that the palmar moisture level was an important factor in determining the amounts of total iron, including iron(II), transferred to the palm. For identical contact times, the amounts of total iron transferred to the palm was proportional to the palmar moisture, and the difference between the maximum and minimum amounts was 12 μg per hand. However, the amounts of iron(II) transferred to the palm gradually decreased over time for low palmar moisture levels, but steadily increased over time for high palmar moisture levels. Additionally, for average levels of palm moisture, the amounts of iron(II) and iron(III) transferred to the palm gradually decreased and increased, respectively, with longer contact times. Notably, this research could serve as a theoretical basis and guide for the detection of trace iron species with different valences on human palms for criminal investigations.
Detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in fabric urine stains older than five years
Authors: Minamiyama Takumi , Kawamoto Masataka , Matsunari Ryota , Ting Deng , Ikegaya Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is used in clinical medicine as a particularly important indicator to determine pregnancy. In this study, it was necessary to determine whether the urine spots on car seat fabric from a murder 5 years previously were from a pregnant woman. The HCG in the dried urine spot on a car seat was detected using an immunochromatography kit. It was found that the HCG in urine can be detected for much longer periods of time than the previously reported period of approximately 6 months.
Development and validation of a multivariable risk prediction model for identifying ketosis‐prone type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zheng Jia , Shen Shiyi , Xu Hanwen , Zhao Yu , Hu Ye , Xing Yubo , Song Yingxiang , Wu Xiaohong
Published: May 2023

Background

To develop and validate a multivariable risk prediction model for ketosis‐prone type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) based on clinical characteristics.

Methods

A total of 964 participants newly diagnosed with T2DM were enrolled in the modeling and validation cohort. Baseline clinical data were collected and analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to select independent risk factors, develop the prediction model, and construct the nomogram. The model's reliability and validity were checked using the receiver operating characteristic curve and the calibration curve.

Results

A high morbidity of ketosis‐prone T2DM was observed (20.2%), who presented as lower age and fasting C‐peptide, and higher free fatty acids, glycated hemoglobin A1c and urinary protein. Based on these five independent influence factors, we developed a risk prediction model for ketosis‐prone T2DM and constructed the nomogram. Areas under the curve of the modeling and validation cohorts were 0.806 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.760–0.851) and 0.856 (95% CI: 0.803–0.908). The calibration curves that were both internally and externally checked indicated that the projected results were reasonably close to the actual values.

Conclusions

Our study provided an effective clinical risk prediction model for ketosis‐prone T2DM, which could help for precise classification and management.
Prompt closure versus gradual weaning of external ventricular drainage for hydrocephalus following aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage: Protocol for the DRAIN randomised clinical trial
Authors: Capion Tenna , Lilja‐Cyron Alexander , Olsen Markus Harboe , Juhler Marianne , Møller Kirsten , Sorteberg Angelika , Rønning Pål André , Poulsen Frantz Rom , Wismann Joakim , Ravlo Celina , Isaksen Jørgen , Lindschou Jane , Gluud Christian , Mathiesen Tiit
Published: May 2023

Background

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a life‐threatening disease caused by rupture of an intracranial aneurysm. A common complication following aSAH is hydrocephalus, for which placement of an external ventricular drain (EVD) is an important first‐line treatment. Once the patient is clinically stable, the EVD is either removed or replaced by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The optimal strategy for cessation of EVD treatment is, however, unknown. Gradual weaning may increase the risk of EVD‐related infection, whereas prompt closure carries a risk of acute hydrocephalus and redundant shunt implantations. We designed a randomised clinical trial comparing the two commonly used strategies for cessation of EVD treatment in patients with aSAH.

Methods

DRAIN is an international multi‐centre randomised clinical trial with a parallel group design comparing gradual weaning versus prompt closure of EVD treatment in patients with aSAH. Participants are randomised to either gradual weaning which comprises a multi‐step increase of resistance over days, or prompt closure of the EVD. The primary outcome is a composite outcome of VP‐shunt implantation, all‐cause mortality, or ventriculostomy‐related infection. Secondary outcomes are serious adverse events excluding mortality, functional outcome (modified Rankin scale), health‐related quality of life (EQ‐5D) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Outcome assessment will be performed 6 months after ictus. Based on the sample size calculation (event proportion 80% in the gradual weaning group, relative risk reduction 20%, type I error 5%, power 80%), 122 patients are needed in each intervention group. Outcome assessment for the primary outcome, statistical analyses and conclusion drawing will be blinded.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03948256.
Institutional investors' corporate site visits and firm management earnings forecasts
Authors: Gao Kaijuan , Wang Manya , Zhang Renyun
Published: May 2023

Institutional investors' site visits may reduce investors' demand for information, resulting in managers' reluctance to disclose earnings forecasts and exacerbating information asymmetry in the capital market. However, institutional investors may also monitor management through site visits, which increases voluntary management earnings forecasts disclosure and thus reduces information asymmetry. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2012 to 2018, we find that firm management is more likely to voluntarily disclose earnings forecasts after the institutional investors' site visits. Specifically, increasing from the 25th to the 75th percentile of institutional site visits is associated with an increase in the odds of voluntary management earnings forecasts by 24%. We use instrumental variables and Heckman two‐step method to address the endogeneity problems and report similar findings. Additional tests show that the governance effect is amplified among firms with severe type I and type II agency problems or firms with no need for refinancing and alleviating stock price synchronicity. Furthermore, we find that voluntary earnings forecasts are more accurate and more precise after site visits, which means institutional investors' site visits in fact improve the quality of management earnings forecasts. Our findings complement the institutional investors' governance effects on earnings forecasts from the perspective of information acquisition.
Laundry detergents and surfactants‐induced eosinophilic airway inflammation by increasing IL‐33 expression and activating ILC2s
Authors: Saito Kyoko , Orimo Keisuke , Kubo Terufumi , Tamari Masato , Yamada Ayako , Motomura Kenichiro , Sugiyama Hiroki , Matsuoka Ryo , Nagano Naoko , Hayashi Yuka , Arae Ken , Hara Mariko , Ikutani Masashi , Fukuie Tatsuki , Sudo Katsuko , Matsuda Akio , Ohya Yukihiro , Fujieda Shigeharu , Saito Hirohisa , Nakae Susumu , Matsumoto Kenji , Akdis Cezmi A. , Morita Hideaki
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Epidemiological studies demonstrated that cleaning work and frequent use of cleaning products are risk factors for asthma. Laundry detergents have been reported to have epithelial barrier‐opening effects. However, whether laundry detergents directly induce airway inflammation and its mechanisms in vivo remain to be elucidated.

Methods

Two commercial laundry detergents and two commonly used surfactants for cleaning and cosmetics (sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate) were intranasally administered to mice. Lungs were analyzed using flow cytometry, histology, ELISA, and quantitative PCR. Human bronchial epithelial cells were stimulated with laundry detergents and analyzed using quantitative PCR and western blotting. Involvement of oxidative stress was assessed using an antioxidant. Dust samples from homes were analyzed to determine their detergent content by measuring their critical micelle concentration (CMC).

Results

The administered laundry detergents and surfactants‐induced eosinophilic airway inflammation accompanied by increased IL‐33 expression and activation of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). Detergent‐induced eosinophilic airway inflammation was significantly attenuated in Rag2−/−Il2rg−/−, Il33−/− mice, and also in wild‐type mice treated with NAC. Detergent‐induced IL‐33 expression in airways was attenuated by NAC treatment, both in vivo and in vitro. CMCs were found in all of the tested dust extracts, and they differed significantly among the homes.

Conclusion

The laundry detergents and surfactants‐induced eosinophilic airway inflammation in vivo through epithelial cell and ILC2 activation. They induced IL‐33 expression in airway epithelial cells through oxidative stress. Furthermore, detergent residues were present in house dust and are presumably inhaled into the airway in daily life.
Oral prednisone regulates human skin T cells in delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction elicited by diphencyprone
Authors: Mehta Heena , Jack Carolyn , Maari Catherine , Proulx Étienne Saint‐Cyr , Bissonnette Robert , Ramirez‐Valle Francisco , Sarfati Marika
Published: May 2023

Background

The potential benefit of inducing delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in healthy volunteers (HVs) as experimental models to study skin inflammatory disorders was recently reported using bulk molecular technologies. Immunophenotype of skin T cells, including cellular source of Type 1, 2, and 3 cytokines, in a local DTH reaction and their modulation by oral drugs remain to be investigated.

Method

Purified protein derivative (PPD), nickel, diphencyprone (DPCP), or house dust mite (HDM) was administered as sensitizer to 40 HVs. In addition, 20 HVs were randomized to receive oral prednisone or placebo before DPCP challenge. We characterized the immunophenotype and cytokine profile of CD3+ T cell infiltrate, and examined the modulation by oral prednisone at single‐cell level using multiparameter flow cytometry and unsupervised analysis.

Results

PPD was biased toward a Th1 and Tc1 response, and HDM a Th2/Th17 and Tc2. Nickel and DPCP displayed a mixed Th1/Th2/Th17 and Tc1 response. CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), the minor CD4+CD25+FoxP3−ICOS+PD‐1+ (activated PD‐1+ Th), and CD103+ tissue resident memory (TRM) cells were detected in all groups. DPCP uniquely elicited rare CD8+CD103+CD25+RoRγt+PD‐1+ICOS+IFNγ+ T cells (activated CD8+IFNγ+PD‐1+ TRM). Oral prednisone decreased frequencies of activated PD‐1+ Th and CD8+IFNγ+PD‐1+ TRM subsets relative to placebo in DPCP reaction. The latter was positively correlated with improvement of clinical parameters with prednisone.

Conclusion

DTH and skin CD3+ T cell profiles elicited by common sensitizers can be modulated by oral drugs. Corticosteroids reduce the frequencies of activated PD‐1+ Th and CD8+IFNγ+PD‐1+ TRM cells after DPCP exposure.
The institutional shaping of third sector organizations: Empirical evidence from Italian provinces
Authors: Trasciani Giorgia , Esposito Giovanni , Petrella Francesca , Alfano Vincenzo , Gaeta Giuseppe Lucio
Published: May 2023

By relying on province‐level data from Italy, this paper empirically studies the factors that correlate with the development of third sector organizations (TSOs) in the Italian territory. Moving beyond traditional explanations of TSOs development based on population heterogeneity theories, our analysis points to the role of public institutions as key driving factors of Italian TSOs development. It specifically suggests that public authorities may shape the development of TSOs through three different, albeit interconnected, institutional dimensions: (1) control of corruption—that is, design and implementation of policies and regulations to prevent corruption and strengthen trust in the relationships between public authorities and TSOs; (2) rule of law—that is, creation of stable legal frameworks to reduce the uncertainty faced by TSOs when collaborating with the public sector and to limit arbitrary decisions by politicians and bureaucrats; (3) government effectiveness—that is, improving governments’ credibility and administrative capacity to provide grants and funds to TSOs for social and public services delivery.