bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A sporadic Alzheimer’s blood-brain barrier model for developing ultrasound-mediated delivery of Aducanumab and anti-Tau antibodies
Authors: Wasielewska Joanna M. , Chaves Juliana C. S. , Johnston Rebecca L. , Milton Laura A. , Hernández Damián , Chen Liyu , Song Jae , Lee Wendy , Leinenga Gerhard , Nisbet Rebecca M. , Pébay Alice , Götz Jürgen , White Anthony R. , Oikari Lotta E.
Published: March 2022

Rationale

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major impediment to therapeutic intracranial drug delivery for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Focused ultrasound applied together with microbubbles (FUS+MB) is a novel technique to transiently open the BBB and increase drug delivery. Evidence suggests that FUS+MBis safe, however the effects of FUS+MBon human BBB cells, especially in the context of AD, remain sparsely investigated.

Methods

Here we generated BBB cells (induced brain endothelial cells (iBECs) and astrocytes (iAstrocytes)) from apolipoprotein E gene allele E4 (APOE4, high AD risk) and allele E3 (APOE3, lower AD risk) carrying patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We then developed a human sporadic AD BBB cell platform to investigate the effects of FUS+MBon BBB cells and screen for the delivery of two potentially therapeutic AD antibodies.

Results

We utilized this robust and reproducible human BBB model to demonstrate increased delivery of therapeutic AD antibodies across the BBB following FUS+MBtreatment, including an analogue of Aducanumab (AduhelmTM; anti-amyloid-β) and a novel anti-Tau antibody RNF5. Our results also demonstrate the safety of FUS+MBindicated by minimal changes in the cell transcriptome as well as little or no changes in cell viability and inflammatory responses within the first 24 h post FUS+MB. Finally, we report a more physiologically relevant hydrogel-based 2.5D BBB model as a key development for FUS+MB-mediated drug delivery screening, with potentially higher translational utility.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate an important translatable patient BBB cell model for identifying FUS+MB-deliverable drugs and screening for cell- and patient-specific effects of FUS+MB, accelerating the use of FUS+MBas a therapeutic modality in AD.

One Sentence Summary

Focused ultrasound increases thein vitrodelivery of therapeutic antibodies Aducanumab and anti-Tau in a sporadic Alzheimer’s disease patient-derived blood-brain barrier cell model.
The Receptor Kinase FER Mediates Phase Separation of Glycine-Rich RNA-Binding Protein 7 to Confer Temperature Resilience in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xu Fan , Wang Long , Li Yingbin , Shi Junfeng , Staiger Dorothee , Chen Weijun , Wang Lifeng , Yu Feng
Published: March 2022

Temperature fluctuations repress plant growth. Although glycine-rich RNA-binding proteins (GRPs) and cold shock proteins (CSPs) have been implicated in cold adaptation, their physiological roles in the response to temperature fluctuations are largely unknown. The receptor kinase FERONIA (FER), a master regulator of cell growth, phosphorylates GRP7 within its intrinsically disordered region to modulate mRNA alternative splicing in the nucleus. Here we show that natural variations at a GRP7 residue phosphorylated by FER influences GRP7 liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), aiding Arabidopsis to grow over a wider temperature range. LLPS of GRP7 in the cytoplasm leads to the formation of stress granules that recruits RNAs, along with the translation machinery component eIF4E1 and mRNA chaperones, CSP1 and CSP3, to inhibit translation. Mutations in FER and the GRP7-LLPS-recruited components attenuate root growth under temperature shift conditions. Our findings illustrate the roles of GRP7 LLPS in improving plant root capacity to withstand temperature fluctuations.
An actin-like filament fromClostridium botulinumexhibits a novel mechanism of filament dynamics
Authors: Koh Adrian , Ali Samson , Popp David , Tanaka Kotaro , Kitaoku Yoshihito , Miyazaki Naoyuki , Iwasaki Kenji , Mitsuoka Kaoru , Robinson Robert C. , Narita Akihiro
Published: March 2022

Here, we report the discovery of a ParM protein fromClostridium botulinum(CBgs-ParM), which forms a double-stranded polar filament. CBgs-ParM shares many similarities in its basic filament architecture with actin, however, Pi release after nucleotide hydrolysis induces a large lateral strand shift of ~2.5 nm. We identified the ParR (CBgs-ParR) that acts as a nucleation factor in the initial stage of polymerization, similar to ParR fromEscherichia coliplasmid R1. CBgs-ParR also functions as a depolymerization factor, probably by recognizing the structural change in the CBgs-ParM filament after Pi release. Comparison with CBH-ParM, another ParM fromClostridum botulinum, showed that subunit-subunit interacting regions largely differ, preventing co-polymerization, implying a selection pressure in evolution to prevent interference between different ParMRC systems.
Pan-human consensus genome significantly improves the accuracy of RNA-seq analyses
Authors: Kaminow Benjamin , Ballouz Sara , Gillis Jesse , Dobin Alexander
Published: March 2022

The Human Reference Genome serves as the foundation for modern genomic analyses. However, in its present form, it does not adequately represent the vast genetic diversity of the human population. In this study, we explored the consensus genome as a potential successor of the current reference genome and assessed its effect on the accuracy of RNA-seq read alignment. To find the best haploid genome representation, we constructed consensus genomes at the pan-human, superpopulation, and population levels, using variant information from The 1000 Genomes Project Consortium. Using personal haploid genomes as the ground truth, we compared mapping errors for real RNA-seq reads aligned to the consensus genomes versus the reference genome. For reads overlapping homozygous variants, we found that the mapping error decreased by a factor of approximately two to three when the reference was replaced with the pan-human consensus genome. We also found that using more population-specific consensuses resulted in little to no increase over using the pan-human consensus, suggesting a limit in the utility of incorporating a more specific genomic variation. Replacing the reference with consensus genomes impacts functional analyses, such as differential expressions of isoforms, genes, and splice junctions.
Segmenting food festivalgoers: experiential value, emotional state and loyalty
Authors: Hsu Fu Chieh , Park Sung Hee , Miller Joseph C.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The primary purpose of this research is to segment food festivalgoers based upon their experiential value. Once those segments are found, it aims to examine whether the segments differ with regard to their perceived level of satisfaction, delight and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire was designed to assess the on-site festival experiential value, satisfaction, delight and loyalty of local and overseas visitors at the Macau International food festival. Data were analyzed by using the factor and cluster approach. To profile segments, a series of chi-square tests, ANOVAs and multivariate analysis of variance were performed.

Findings

This study uncovered three underlying dimensions of experiential value and classified four segments based on their experiential value among the food festivalgoers, which provides insightful implications for festival organizers and marketers. The segments differed in age, education level and place of residence. Furthermore, the multi-experiential value group was the most important segment, showing the highest festival satisfaction, delight and loyalty.

Originality/value

Experiential value reflects a core value of festival attendees, where the experience is a determining factor in the creation of a successful festival and desirable outcomes. Limited studies, however, have been conducted to segment food festival markets according to their festival experience. This study identified experiential value, applying it as a segmentation criterion within a food festival setting.
Interrelations between construction ethics and innovation: a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer
Authors: Oladinrin Olugbenga Timo , Arif Mohamed , Rana Muhammad Qasim , Gyoh Louis
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Many companies invest in innovations because of the inherent benefits, and research on innovation has increased over the year. However, the vast majority of research papers deals with purely technical matters. There seem to be growing concerns over ethical issues in adopting innovations in the construction industry. This extant review of literature aims to analyse the interrelations between the concepts of ethics and innovations in construction research to understand the advances of current scientific production and future lines of research.

Design/methodology/approach

Thus, this work presents a bibliometric analysis covering articles obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection Database published between 1995 and May 2021. A sample size of 5,786 research papers relevant to the study was evaluated using VOSviewer software.

Findings

The results of the analysis shed light on the evolution of the connection between the two concepts. The study highlighted Heng Li as the most productive author. The country with the most publications and citations is China. The most productive institution is the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The results revealed a limited intellectual exchange and lack of cohesion characterising the two concepts (ethics and innovation), resulting in a situation whereby innovation-related researchers tend to follow personal trajectories in isolation from ethics-related researchers in the construction field.

Originality/value

This is probably the most comprehensive scientometric analysis ever conducted to examine the theoretical relationship between ethics and innovation in construction. This study adds to the so far limited knowledge in the field and provides insights for future research. Overall, this review may spur future research on dyad investigation of ethics and innovative related themes in construction such as ethics and sustainability, ethics and sensor-based technology and ethics and innovative safety approach.
Exploring the influencing factors of environmental deterioration: evidence from China employing ARDL–VECM method with structural breaks
Authors: Wang Hongwei
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The environmental deterioration has become one of the most economically consequential and charged topics. Numerous scholars have examined the driving factors failing to consider the structural breaks. This study aims to explore sustainability using the per capita ecological footprints (EF) as an indicator of environmental adversities and controlling the resources rent [(natural resources (NR)], labor capital (LC), urbanization (UR) and per capita economic growth [gross domestic product (GDP)] of China.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the analysis of the long- and short-run effects with an autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL), structural break based on BP test and Granger causality test based on vector error correction model (VECM), empirical evidence is provided for the policies formulation of sustainable development.

Findings

The long-run equilibrium between the EF and GDP, NR, UR and LC is proved. In the long run, an environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) relationship existed, but China is still in the rising stage of the curve; there is a positive relationship between the EF and NR, indicating a resource curse; the UR is also unsustainable. The LC is the most favorable factor for sustainable development. In the short term, only the lagged GDP has an inhibitory effect on the EF. Besides, all explanatory variables are Granger causes of the EF.

Originality/value

A novel attempt is made to examine the long-term equilibrium and short-term dynamics under the prerequisites that the structural break points with its time and frequencies were examined by BP test and ARDL and VECM framework and the validity of the EKC hypothesis is tested.
The role of the hub-firm in developing innovation capabilities: considering the French wine industry cluster from a resource orchestration lens
Authors: Kumar Maneesh , Pullman Madeleine , Bouzdine-Chameeva Tatiana , Sanchez Rodrigues Vasco
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper explores how hub-firms in a regional industrial cluster orchestrate resources to enhance the innovation capabilities of member firms and how this role changes as innovation projects develop. The work advances our understanding of how innovation-oriented clusters can drive the collaboration process, support the development of member capabilities and achieve desired outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilises exploratory case studies within an innovation cluster, where a hub-firm brings together different players for specific innovation projects. Using resource orchestration theory, the paper analyses six project cases to reveal the shifting roles and activities related to structuring, bundling and leveraging different resources for innovation capabilities particularly associated with improved quality and reputation for the firms and region.

Findings

The study reveals the important role played by the cluster hub-firm in structuring, bundling and leveraging resources to create and fund project teams. After project formation, a team member takes the role of an orchestrator to bundle further and then leverage the resources to achieve desired outcomes for the team and the region.

Research limitations/implications

This work focuses on a wine industry but has implications for the success orchestration of other regional industrial clusters. Also, the lack of hub-firm interaction during the project process provides an opportunity to consider mechanisms for better guidance of the project team.

Practical implications

There are implications for practitioners for participating in and further improving the collaborative innovative process.

Social implications

Policymakers can benefit from the study as the required practices for stimulating innovation capabilities and economic development in a region are discussed.

Originality/value

This research enhances understanding of the hub-firm's role in a regional cluster not only in orchestrating resources to create collaborative innovation projects but how the role shifts over time.
Prediction of cold chain logistics temperature using a novel hybrid model based on the mayfly algorithm and extreme learning machine
Authors: Lim Ming K. , Li Yan , Wang Chao , Tseng Ming-Lang
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The transportation of fresh food requires cold chain logistics to maintain a low-temperature environment, which can reduce food waste and ensure product safety. Therefore, temperature control is a major challenge that cold chain logistics face.

Design/methodology/approach

This research proposes a prediction model of refrigerated truck temperature and air conditioner status (air speed and air temperature) based on hybrid mayfly algorithm (MA) and extreme learning machine (ELM). To prove the effectiveness of the proposed method, the mayfly algorithm–extreme learning machine (MA-ELM) is compared with the traditional ELM and the ELM optimized by classical biological-inspired algorithms, including the genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The assessment is conducted through two experiments, including temperature prediction and air conditioner status prediction, based on a case study.

Findings

The prediction method is evaluated by five evaluation indicators, including the mean relative error (MRE), mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2). It can be concluded that the biological algorithm, especially the MA, can improve the prediction accuracy. This result clearly proves the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid prediction model in revealing the nonlinear patterns of the cold chain logistics temperature.

Research limitations/implications

The case study illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed temperature prediction method, which helps to keep the product fresh. Even though the performance of MA is better than GA and PSO, the MA has the disadvantage of premature convergence. In the future, the modified MA can be designed to improve the performance of MA-ELM.

Originality/value

In prior studies, many scholars have conducted related research on the subject of temperature monitoring. However, this monitoring method can only identify temperature deviations that have occurred that harmed fresh food. As a countermeasure, research on the temperature prediction of cold chain logistics that can actively identify temperature changes has become the focus. Once a temperature deviation is predicted, temperature control measures can be taken in time to resolve the risk.
Reassessing the feasibility of adopting dollarization in Latin America
Authors: Padilla León
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This paper analyses the possibility of Latin America's (LA) major economies adopting dollarization, considering that in the last decade macroeconomic instability has once again challenged the ability of certain economies to properly manage their own currency.

Design/methodology/approach

To determine the feasibility of adopting the US dollar as official currency, the author uses the framework of optimum currency area (OCA) theory, since, in fact, dollarization is an incomplete monetary union. The author uses a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model to identify what type of structural shock — country-specific, regional or global — prevails in LA economies. For this purpose, the US output is used to represent the global output and determine how the shocks of the US influence the output trajectory of each LA nation. The higher the influence of the US product, the lower the costs of adopting the US dollar.

Findings

The results of the variance decomposition show that the influence of the US shocks in the gross domestic product (GDP) trajectory of LA countries has significantly decreased over the last two decades, even in the currently dollarized economies. The estimates for Venezuela and Argentina show that the importance of US shocks in the trajectory of their GDP is low. Therefore, the cost of adopting the US dollar as the official currency would be high.

Originality/value

In view of hyperinflation and macroeconomic imbalances in certain LA nations, the dollarization debate has resurfaced in recent years. However, the literature that empirically evaluates the feasibility of adopting dollarization as a monetary system under current economic conditions is limited.
Antecedents of knowledge-seeking intentions and efforts within new product development teams: empirical evidence from knowledge-based Chinese companies
Authors: Zhang Wei , Jiang Yuan , Zhou Wenkai , Pan Wei
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the antecedents of knowledge-seeking intentions (SIs) and efforts within new product development (NPD) teams.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from 331 employees affiliated with 29 NPD teams across 18 Chinese firms in five high-tech and knowledge-based industries via an online assessment and a survey. Hierarchical linear modelling was used to test the hypotheses using HLM and Mplus software.

Findings

The results of this study show that intrinsic task motivation (IM) and personal task experience (TE) positively relate to SIs, whereas leadership support (LS) and shared culture (SC) negatively relate to knowledge-seeking efforts (SEs). SIs partially mediate the relationship between IM and SEs, while they fully mediate the relationship between TE and SEs. Additionally, customer orientation (CO) positively moderates the relationship between SIs and SEs.

Research limitations/implications

Data collection was completed online by relying on an existing version of the Abedi Creativity Test. The samples involve 18 companies in a High-Tech Development Zone in China, which indicates limited generalizability.

Practical implications

Effective NPD depends on successful marketing–R&D integration and knowledge exchange within the NPD team. Besides, organizations need to find ways to stimulate NPD team members’ IM and also through various ways to inspire more efforts from team members under the condition of supportive leadership and culture.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the knowledge management and marketing literature on NPD teamwork by examining knowledge-seeking phenomena from the perspective of the internal knowledge market and contributes to knowledge-seeking research by revealing the antecedents of SIs and SEs at both the individual and organizational level.
Platform opening and cooperation: a literature review and research agenda
Authors: Liu Weihua , Liang Yanjie , Shi Xiaoran , Gao Peiyuan , Zhou Li
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The review aims to facilitate a broader understanding of platform opening and cooperation and points out potential research directions for scholars.

Design/methodology/approach

This study searches Web of Science (WOS) database for relevant literature published between 2010 and 2021 and selects 86 papers for this review. The selected literature is categorized according to three dimensions: the strategic choice of platform opening and cooperation (before opening), the construction of an open platform (during opening) and the impact of platform opening and cooperation (after opening). Through comparative analysis, the authors identify research gaps and propose four future research agendas.

Findings

The study finds that the current studies are fragmented, and a research system with a theoretical foundation has not yet formed. In addition, with the development of platform operations, new topics such as platform ecosystems and open platform governance have emerged. In short, there is an urgent need for scholars to conduct exploratory research. To this end, the study proposes four future research agendas: strengthen basic research on platform opening and cooperation, deeply explore the dynamic evolution and cutting-edge models of platform opening and cooperation, analyze potential crises and impacts of platform openness and strengthen research on open platform governance.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic review on platform opening and cooperation. Through categorizing literature into three dimensions, this article clearly shows the research status and provides future research avenues.
Publishing literature reviews
Authors: Habib Ahsan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The author discusses his views on writing good, structured literature reviews (SLRs), meta-analyses and bibliometric articles with the aim of encouraging the audience to engage with this research approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The author adopts a descriptive approach for sharing his views.

Findings

The author provides some examples where SLRs might be useful.

Originality/value

Although conducting SLRs is quite laborious, the eventual publication is highly rewarding both in terms of relatively high citation counts and of offering many early career researchers with a handy scholarly resource for initiating new research.
Comparison between cotton fiber and cellulose powder for wastewater treatment efficiency with nano-crystalline TiO2 by sono-synthesis
Authors: Rubel Md Mehedi Hasan , Islam Syed Rashedul , Alassod Abeer , Farooq Amjad , Shen Xiaolin , Ahmed Taosif , Rashid Mohammad Mamunur , Zareen Afshan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to prepare the cotton fibers and cellulose powder by a layer of nano-crystalline-titanium dioxide (TiO2) using the sol-gel sono-synthesis method to clean the wastewater containing reactive dye. Moreover, TiO2 nano-materials are remarkable due to their photoactive properties and valuable applications in wastewater treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, TiO2 was synthesized and deposited effectively on cotton fibers and cellulose powder using ultrasound-assisted coating. Further, tetra butyl titanate was used as a precursor to the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles. Reactive dye (red 195) was used in this study. X-ray Diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed to prove the aptitude for the formation of crystal TiO2 on the cotton fibers and cellulose powder along with TiO2 nanoparticles as well as to analyze the chemical structure. Decoloration of the wastewater was investigated through ultraviolet (UV-Visible) light at 30 min.

Findings

The experimental results revealed that the decolorization was completed at 2.0 min with the cellulose nano TiO2 treatment whereas cotton nano TiO2 treated solution contained reactive dyestuffs even after the treatment of 2 min. This was the fastest method up to now than all reported methods for sustainable decolorization of wastewater by absorption. Furthermore, this study explored that the cellulose TiO2 nano-composite was more effective than the cotton TiO2 nano-composite of decoloration wastewater for the eco-friendly remedy.

Research limitations/implications

Cotton fibers and cellulose powder with nano-TiO2, and only reactive dye (red 195) were tested.

Practical implications

With reactive dye-containing wastewater, it seems to be easier to get rid of the dye than to retain it, especially from dyeing of yarn, fabric, apparel, and as well as other sectors where dyestuffs are used.

Social implications

This research would help to reduce pollution in the environment as well as save energy and cost.

Originality/value

Decoloration of wastewater treatment is an essential new track with nano-crystalline TiO2 to fast and efficient cleaning of reactive dyes containing wastewater used as a raw material.
An analysis of post-pandemic scenarios: what are the prospects for the Caribbean cruise industry?
Authors: Ajagunna Ibrahim , Ilori Matthew Olusoji , McLean Eron
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The cruise industry has been significantly impacted as a result of Covid-19. Some cruise lines have downsized, and many have cancelled ship orders while some vessels have been put on retainers. It is still uncertain how long this situation will continue. Even when cruise lines resume their services, the uptake is likely to be gradual because many traditional and potential cruisers may still be reluctant to travel because of the fear of contracting the disease. In addition, an enormous amount of money and time will be required to overhaul ships, re-plan service processes, re-certify crew and develop a new normal for how cruise businesses operate. An analysis of these issues forms the primary purpose of this study.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach was used to gather data and this was augmented by the personal industry experiences of the authors.

Findings

Steady growth in the cruise industry came to an end during the last two years due to the unanticipated impact of the pandemic. SARS, Ebola and other diseases were much less significant in comparison. Many Caribbean islands have recently upgraded their ports to accommodate mega cruise ships as tourism is the main source of income for these islands. These investments run to millions of US dollars and as yet, there are no indications as to when the industry will recover.

Research limitations/implications

Access to industry experts was not as broad-ranging as anticipated due to time pressures and the fact that it is difficult to schedule interviews by telephone or webinar with busy practitioners.

Social implications

The pandemic will continue to impact the people of the Caribbean economically and socially, because of their dependence on tourism and especially cruise businesses.

Originality/value

The gradual re-entry of cruise operations represents a fourth phase in the development of the industry. This juncture is the most critical phase because of the many opinions surrounding vaccination. Cruising is unlike land-based tourism assets where a rapid reactive response is easier to facilitate. A health crisis at sea can have disastrous consequences, especially for small islands with limited facilities to deal with critical Covid-19 infections.
Global distribution, formation and fate of mineral‐associated soil organic matter under a changing climate: A trait‐based perspective
Authors: Sokol Noah W. , Whalen Emily D. , Jilling Andrea , Kallenbach Cynthia , Pett‐Ridge Jennifer , Georgiou Katerina
Published: March 2022

Soil organic matter (SOM) is the largest actively cycling reservoir of terrestrial carbon (C), and the majority of SOM in Earth's mineral soils (~65%) is mineral‐associated organic matter (MAOM). Thus, the formation and fate of MAOM can exert substantial influence on the global C cycle. To predict future changes to Earth's climate, it is critical to mechanistically understand the processes by which MAOM is formed and decomposed, and to accurately represent this process‐based understanding in biogeochemical and Earth system models.

In this review, we use a trait‐based framework to synthesize the interacting roles of plants, soil micro‐organisms, and the mineral matrix in regulating MAOM formation and decomposition. Our proposed framework differentiates between plant and microbial traits that influence total OM inputs to the soil (‘feedstock traits’) versus traits that influence the proportion of OM inputs that are ultimately incorporated into MAOM (‘MAOM formation traits’). We discuss how these feedstock and MAOM formation traits may be altered by warming, altered precipitation and elevated carbon dioxide.

At a planetary scale, these feedstock and MAOM formation traits help shape the distribution of MAOM across Earth's biomes, and modulate biome‐specific responses of MAOM to climate change. We leverage a global synthesis of MAOM measurements to provide estimates of the total amount of MAOM‐C globally (~840–1540 Pg C; 34%–51% of total terrestrial organic C), and its distribution across Earth's biomes. We show that MAOM‐C concentration is highest in temperate forests and grasslands, and lowest in shrublands and savannas. Grasslands and croplands have the highest proportion of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the MAOM fraction (i.e. the MAOM‐C:SOC ratio), while boreal forests and tundra have the lowest MAOM‐C:SOC ratio. Drawing on our trait framework, we then review experimental data and posit the effects of climate change on MAOM pools in different biomes.

We conclude by discussing how MAOM is integrated into soil C models, and how feedstock and MAOM formation traits may be included in these models. We also summarize the projected fate of MAOM under climate change scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 and 8.5) and discuss key model uncertainties.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection on risk of prematurity, birthweight and obstetric complications: A multivariate analysis from a nationwide, population‐based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Simon Emmanuel , Gouyon Jean‐Bernard , Cottenet Jonathan , Bechraoui‐Quantin Sonia , Rozenberg Patrick , Mariet Anne‐Sophie , Quantin Catherine
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine the impact of maternal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on prematurity, birthweight and obstetric complications.

Design

Nationwide, population‐based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

National Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information database in France.

Population

All single births from March to December 2020: 510 387 deliveries, including 2927 (0.6%) with confirmed COVID‐19 in the mother and/or the newborn.

Methods

The group with COVID‐19 was compared with the group without COVID‐19 using the chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test, and the Student's t test or Mann–Whitney U test. Logistic regressions were used to study the effect of COVID‐19 on the risk of prematurity or macrosomia (birthweight ≥4500 g).

Main outcome measures

Prematurity less than 37, less than 28, 28–31, or 32–36 weeks of gestation; birthweight; obstetric complications.

Results

In singleton pregnancies, COVID‐19 was associated with obstetric complications such as hypertension (2.8% versus 2.0%, p < 0.01), pre‐eclampsia (3.6% versus 2.0%, p < 0.01), diabetes (18.8% versus 14.4%, p < 0.01) and caesarean delivery (26.8% versus 19.7%, p < 0.01). Among pregnant women with COVID‐19, there was more prematurity between 28 and 31 weeks of gestation (1.3% versus 0.6%, p < 0.01) and between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation (7.7% versus 4.3%, p < 0.01), and more macrosomia (1.0% versus 0.7%, p = 0.04), but there was no difference in small‐for‐gestational‐age newborns (6.3% versus 8.7%, p = 0.15). Logistic regression analysis for prematurity showed an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.77 (95% CI 1.55–2.01) for COVID‐19. For macrosomia, COVID‐19 resulted in non‐significant aOR of 1.38 (95% CI 0.95–2.00).

Conclusions

COVID‐19 is a risk factor for prematurity, even after adjustment for other risk factors.

Tweetable Abstract

The risk of prematurity is twice as high in women with COVID‐19 after adjustment for factors usually associated with prematurity.
Production of the yolk protein precursor vitellogenin is mediated by target of rapamycin (TOR) in the soft tick Ornithodoros moubata (Acari: Argasidae)
Authors: Behri Meryem , Teshima Haruki , Kutsuwada Keisuke , Nakatake Shoko , Ogihara Mari H. , Taylor DeMar
Published: March 2022

Initiation of vitellogenesis by blood feeding is essential for egg maturation in ticks. Nutrients derived from the blood meal are utilized by female ticks to synthesize the yolk protein precursor vitellogenin (Vg). Engorged Ornithodoros moubata ticks can synthesize Vg whether mated or virgin, thus O. moubata is an excellent model for studying the relative roles of blood feeding and mating in tick vitellogenesis. Injection of rapamycin into engorged O. moubata resulted in a reduction of ovarian growth and yolk accumulation in the oocytes of mated females. OmVg expression in the midgut and fat body and protein concentrations in the hemolymph significantly decreased in mated ticks after injection with rapamycin, indicating that inhibition of the nutrient‐sensing target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway disrupts egg maturation at the levels of Vg expression and synthesis. These results suggest that the TOR‐signaling pathway induces vitellogenesis in response to nutritional stimulation after a blood meal in O. moubata and is functionally independent of the mating‐induced pathway.
Information‐based summary statistics for spatial genetic structure inference
Authors: Qin Xinghu , Gaggiotti Oscar E.
Published: March 2022

The measurement of biodiversity at all levels of organization is an essential first step to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes that drive spatial patterns of biodiversity. Ecologists have explored the use of a large range of different summary statistics and have come to the view that information‐based summary statistics, and in particular so‐called Hill numbers, are a useful tool to measure biodiversity. Population geneticists, on the other hand, have focused largely on summary statistics based on heterozygosity and measures of allelic richness. However, recent studies proposed the adoption of information‐based summary statistics in population genetics studies. Here, we performed a comprehensive assessment of the power of this family of summary statistics to inform regarding spatial patterns of genetic diversity and we compared it with that of traditional population genetics approaches, namely measures based on allelic richness and heterozygosity. To give an unbiased evaluation, we used three machine learning methods to test the performance of different sets of summary statistics to discriminate between spatial scenarios. We defined three distinct sets, (i) one based on allelic richness measures which included the Jaccard index, (ii) a set based on heterozygosity that included FST and (iii) a set based on Hill numbers derived from Shannon entropy, which included the recently proposed Shannon differentiation, ΔD. The results showed that the last of these performed as well or, under some specific spatial scenarios, even better than the traditional population genetics measures. Interestingly, we found that a rarely or never used genetic differentiation measure based on allelic richness, Jaccard dissimilarity (J), showed the highest discriminatory power to discriminate among spatial scenarios, followed by Shannon differentiation ΔD. We concluded, therefore, that information‐based measures as well as Jaccard dissimilarity represent excellent additions to the population genetics toolkit.
Downregulation of PD‐L1 and HLA‐I in non‐small cell lung cancer with ALK fusion
Authors: Mu Di , Guo Jingjing , Yu Wenwen , Zhang Jiali , Ren Xiubao , Han Ying
Published: March 2022

Background

Early clinical trials indicate that patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐driven non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have a lower response rate to programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) antibody therapy. However, the specific mechanism underlying this remains unclear. To further explore the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and determine the potential mechanism of immunotherapy resistance in patients with ALK, we selected another important immune‐related molecule, major histocompatibility complex class I (HLA‐I), as the focus of our study.

Methods

We collected the biopsy samples of 140 patients with NSCLC. The number of CD8+ T cells and HLA‐I/programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression were determined by immunohistochemistry. Disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method, and their relationship with patient clinical characteristics analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. In addition, we treated ALK‐positive lung cancer cells with ALK inhibitors in vitro to observe changes of HLA‐I.

Results

ALK positivity was associated with low membrane PD‐L1 and HLA‐I expression. However, these two indicators were not associated with the prognosis of patients with stage I–IIIa NSCLC. Inhibition of ALK could upregulate HLA‐I membrane expression to a certain extent.

Conclusion

Patients with ALK fusion showed downregulation of PD‐L1 and HLA‐I expression on the tumor cell membrane. Inhibition of ALK and its downstream signaling pathway can reverse it. These results suggest that the appropriate combination therapy should be considered for patients with ALK fusion and using targeted therapy at the proper time may increase patient benefits.
Shaping ability of non‐adaptive and adaptive core nickel–titanium single‐file systems with supplementary file in ribbon‐shaped canals analysed by micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Chinchiyanont Parichat , Yanpiset Kallaya , Banomyong Danuchit , Thongbai‐On Nathamon
Published: March 2022

This study compared shaping ability between two single‐file systems and before/after using supplementary file in untouched area, volume of removed dentin, maximum cut depth (the highest cut depth by main file) and remaining thinnest dentin (the thinnest root dentin after preparation). Ribbon‐shaped distal canals of mandibular molars were prepared with non‐adaptive core (WaveOne Gold) or adaptive core (XP‐endo Shaper) files (n = 15/group) and additionally prepared with a supplementary file (XP‐endo Finisher), and the shaping ability was investigated using micro‐computed tomography. XP‐endo Shaper group demonstrated significantly less overall untouched area than WaveOne Gold group (38.21 ± 6.98% vs. 47.68 ± 9.16%) (p < 0.05). No significant difference was detected between XP‐endo Shaper and WaveOne Gold groups in volume of removed dentin (1.85 ± 0.53 vs. 1.66 ± 0.33 mm3), maximum cut depth (0.10–0.28 vs. 0.10–0.29 mm) and remaining thinnest dentin (0.66–0.80 vs. 0.78–0.88 mm). Supplementary XP‐endo Finisher treatment significantly decreased untouched area (11%–23% reduction) (p < 0.05) with minimally cut root dentin (0.01–0.02 mm).
Species richness and distribution of terrestrial ferns in tropical forest fragments in and around Kampala central, Uganda
Authors: Bulafu Collins , Mucunguzi Patrick , Sabakaki Peter Ziribagwa
Published: March 2022

The effects of forest fragmentation on the terrestrial fern species in forest fragments in and around Kampala, central Uganda, were investigated by comparing species richness and distribution among forest fragments of varying sizes ranging from 5 ha to 438 ha. Terrestrial ferns were inventoried in each of the fragment using the plot method (plots of 10 × 30 m, each). Number of sampling units taken varied with the size of the fragments. A total of 49 species belonging to 11 families and 25 genera were recorded in 11 forest fragments. The most species‐rich families in all forests were Aspleniaceae and Pteridaceae. Large forests of Mpanga and Kituza had higher species richness than the small forest fragments. Forest disturbance and size are the two most important factors responsible for fern species differences among the forest fragments. Our study reveals that forest fragments hold moderate number of fern species and are worth targeting for conservation. However, we argue for restoration and strengthening of conservation efforts for private and church owned forest fragments.
Similar effects of milk protein and blends of milk and plant‐based protein on appetite‐related hormones in 7‐ to 8‐year‐old healthy Danish children: secondary analyses from the PROGRO randomised trial
Authors: Larnkjær Anni , Grenov Benedikte , Ritz Christian , Michaelsen Kim F. , Mølgaard Christian
Published: March 2022

Aim

The effect of different protein sources on the appetite‐related hormones in children is largely unknown. We investigated the effect of milk protein versus blends of milk and rapeseed protein on plasma leptin and adiponectin in children.

Methods

We included 88 Danish 7‐ to 8‐year‐old children randomised to receive 35 g protein/day for 4 weeks in 2018 as either milk protein or blends of milk and rapeseed protein (ratio 54:46 or 30:70). Outcomes included absolute and fat mass‐adjusted adiponectin and leptin measured at baseline, Weeks 1 and 4.

Results

There was no difference in changes in absolute and fat mass‐adjusted adiponectin and leptin after 1 or 4 weeks between the three groups (p ≥ 0.100). Leptin increased within all groups (p ≤ 0.046). Combining the three groups, leptin and fat mass‐adjusted leptin increased by 23% (95% CI 11;35) and 17% (6.4;29) during the intervention respectively (both p ≤ 0.001). Adiponectin variables did not change during the intervention period.

Conclusion

There were no differences between milk protein and blends of milk and rapeseed protein on absolute and fat mass‐adjusted leptin and adiponectin in healthy children with a habitual intake of milk. However, leptin increased within all three groups. Future studies should further investigate effect on appetite‐related hormones of rapeseed protein alone.
The use of core genome multilocus sequence typing to determine the duration of vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium outbreaks
Authors: Knudsen Maja Johanne Søndergaard , Rubin Ingrid Maria Cecilia , Gisselø Katrine , Mollerup Sarah , Petersen Andreas Munk , Pinholt Mette , Westh Henrik , Bartels Mette Damkjær
Published: March 2022

The prevalence of vancomycin‐resistant Enterococcus faecium has increased rapidly, and in Denmark, we are facing an endemic outbreak situation in hospitals. The aim of this study was to use whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) and core genome multilocus sequencing typing (cgMLST) to determine the duration of VREfm outbreaks and thereby evaluate the effect of our infection control strategies. We included all VREfm isolates from six hospitals in the Capital Region of Denmark that were sequenced between 2012 and 2020. Ward data were collected from our laboratory information system. A ward outbreak was defined as two patient samples from the same ward within a period of 30 days belonging to the same cgMLST cluster. cgMLST complex types were determined using Ridom SeqSphere v7.2.3, where a maximum of 20 allelic differences between isolates defines a cluster. We included 1690 patient isolates between 2012 and 2020. Our collection consisted of 45 unique clusters and 227 ward outbreaks. The median duration of outbreaks was 20 days. We reported a median outbreak duration of VREfm outbreaks based on WGS data to be 20 days, and thus concluded that our infection control precautions are adequate.
Fluorite used in ancient Chinese glassmaking during the 10th to 12th centuries: Evidence from glass products excavated in the capital city site of the Liao dynasty
Authors: Zhou Xueqi , Lv Hongshu , Cui Jianfeng , Dong Xinlin , Wang Ying
Published: March 2022

This study conducts a scientific analysis of six pieces of glass artefacts unearthed from Shang‐Jing, the capital city of the Liao dynasty. The test methods include laser ablation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry and X‐ray diffraction. In terms of chemical composition, one sample is K2O‐CaO‐SiO2 glass and the other samples belong to the K2O‐CaO‐PbO‐SiO2 system. Fluorite crystals were discovered in some of the samples. Ancient literature and some analysis of other archaeological materials suggest that using fluorite minerals as opacifiers in both of these kinds of glass is a traditional technique in China. Therefore, fluorite minerals are likely to be one of the raw materials in the studied glass artefacts. This study provides new information about the glass‐making recipe from the 10th to 12th centuries in China and further sheds some light on the development of ancient Chinese glass production.
Intraperitoneal administration of nanoparticles containing tocopheryl succinate prevents peritoneal dissemination
Authors: Hama Susumu , Nishi Takayuki , Isono Eitaro , Itakura Shoko , Yoshikawa Yutaka , Nishimoto Akinori , Suzuki Satoko , Kirimura Naoko , Todo Hiroaki , Kogure Kentaro
Published: March 2022

Intraperitoneal administration of anticancer nanoparticles is a rational strategy for preventing peritoneal dissemination of colon cancer due to the prolonged retention of nanoparticles in the abdominal cavity. However, instability of nanoparticles in body fluids causes inefficient retention, reducing its anticancer effects. We have previously developed anticancer nanoparticles containing tocopheryl succinate, which showed high in vivo stability and multifunctional anticancer effects. In the present study, we have demonstrated that peritoneal dissemination derived from colon cancer was prevented by intraperitoneal administration of tocopheryl succinate nanoparticles. The biodistribution of tocopheryl succinate nanoparticles was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and imaging analysis in mice administered quantum dot encapsulated tocopheryl succinate nanoparticles. Intraperitoneal administration of tocopheryl succinate nanoparticles showed longer retention in the abdominal cavity than by its intravenous (i.v.) administration. Moreover, due to effective biodistribution, tumor growth was prevented by intraperitoneal administration of tocopheryl succinate nanoparticles. Furthermore, the anticancer effect was attributed to the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and improvement of the intraperitoneal microenvironment, such as decrease in the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A, interleukin 10, and M2‐like phenotype of tumor‐associated macrophages. Collectively, intraperitoneal administration of tocopheryl succinate nanoparticles is expected to have multifaceted antitumor effects against colon cancer with peritoneal dissemination.