bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The WY domain of an RxLR effector drives interactions with a host target phosphatase to mimic host regulatory proteins and promotePhytophthora infestansinfection
Authors: Bentham Adam R. , Wang Wei , Trusch Franziska , Varden Freya A. , Birch Paul R. J. , Banfield Mark J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPlant pathogens manipulate the cellular environment of the host to facilitate infection and colonization, often leading to plant diseases. To accomplish this, many specialized pathogens secrete virulence proteins called effectors into the host cell, which subvert processes such as immune signalling, gene transcription, and host metabolism.Phytophthora infestans, the causative agent of potato late blight, employs an expanded repertoire of RxLR effectors with WY domains to manipulate the host through direct interaction with protein targets. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the interactions between WY effectors and their host targets remains limited. In this study, we performed a structural and biophysical characterization of theP. infestansWY effector, Pi04314, in complex with the potato Protein Phosphatase 1-c (PP1c). We elucidate how Pi04314 uses a WY domain and a specialised C-terminal loop carrying a KVxF motif that interact with conserved surfaces on PP1c, known to be used by host regulatory proteins for guiding function. Through biophysical and in planta analyses, we demonstrate that Pi04314 WY or KVxF mutants lose their ability to bind PP1c. The loss of PP1c binding correlates with a reduced capacity to re-localize PP1c from the nucleolus and a decrease in lesion size in plant infection assays. This study provides insights into the manipulation of plant hosts by pathogens, revealing how effectors exploit key regulatory interfaces in host proteins to modify their function and facilitate disease.
ANOTHER TOOL IN THE TOOLBOX:Wolbachia-mediated protection against a specialized fungal pathogen of aphids
Authors: Higashi C.H.V. , Kamalaker B. , Patel V. , Inaganti R. , Bressan A. , Russell J.A. , Oliver K.M. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAphids harbor nine heritable facultative symbionts, most mediating one or more ecological interactions. However, one aphid symbiont,Wolbachia, has eluded functional characterization despite being well-studied in other arthropods. InPentaloniaaphids, global pests of banana,Wolbachiawas hypothesized to function as a co-obligate symbiont alongside the traditional obligateBuchnera, but subsequent genomic analyses failed to support this role. Sampling across multiple aphid populations, we found that > 80% ofPentaloniaaphids carried a M-supergroup strain ofWolbachianamedwPni. While the lack of fixation confirms thatWolbachiais not a co-obligate symbiont, the high infection frequencies in these entirely asexual aphids strongly suggestedWolbachiaconfers net fitness benefits. Finding no correlation betweenWolbachiaand aphid food plants use, we challengedWolbachia-infected aphids with common natural enemies. WhileWolbachiadid not protect aphids against parasitoids, this symbiont conferred significant protection against the specialized fungal pathogen,Pandora neoaphidis,and improved aphid fitness in the absence of enemy challenge. Thus, we identified a new phenotype for the multifacetedWolbachiaand highlight a system that provides unique opportunities to merge key models of heritable symbiosis to better understand infection dynamics in nature and mechanisms underpinning symbiont-mediated phenotypes.IMPORTANCE:Wolbachiasymbionts spread and persist in a wide range of arthropods and nematodes by using a range of functional strategies, including reproductive manipulation, providing protection against viral and bacterial pathogens or by provisioning nutrients. Despite being one of the best-studied symbionts, little is known about the strains that infect aphids. In this study, we characterized the functional role of a Supergroup MWolbachiastrain infecting strictly asexual aphids of the genusPentalonia. We report for the first time that this symbiont also defends against fungal entomopathogens and expand on the range of phenotypes conferred by this multifaceted symbiont.
Mutation in F-actin Polymerization Factor Suppresses Distal Arthrogryposis Type 5 (DA5) PIEZO2 Pathogenic Variant inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Bai Xiaofei , Smith Harold E. , Romero Luis O , Bell Briar , Vásquez Valeria , Golden Andy 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe mechanosensitive PIEZO channel family has been linked to over 26 disorders and diseases. Although progress has been made in understanding these channels at the structural and functional levels, the underlying mechanisms of PIEZO-associated diseases remain elusive. In this study, we engineered four PIEZO-based disease models using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. We performed an unbiased chemical mutagen-based genetic suppressor screen to identify putative suppressors of a conserved gain-of-function variantpezo-1[R2405P]that in humanPIEZO2causes distal arthrogryposis type 5 (DA5; p. R2718P). Electrophysiological analyses indicate thatpezo-1(R2405P)is a gain-of-function allele. Using genomic mapping and whole genome sequencing approaches, we identified a candidate suppressor allele in theC. elegansgenegex-3.This gene is an ortholog of humanNCKAP1(NCK-associated protein 1), a subunit of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP)-verprolin homologous protein (WAVE/SCAR) complex, which regulates F-actin polymerization. Depletion ofgex-3by RNAi, or with the suppressor allelegex-3(av259[L353F]), significantly restored the small brood size and low ovulation rate, as well as alleviated the crushed oocyte phenotype of thepezo-1(R2405P)mutant. Auxin-inducible degradation of GEX-3 revealed that only somatic-specific degradation of GEX-3 restored the reduced brood size in thepezo-1(R2405P)mutants. Additionally, actin organization and orientation were disrupted and distorted in thepezo-1mutants. Mutation ofgex-3(L353F)partially alleviated these defects. The identification ofgex-3as a suppressor of the pathogenic variantpezo-1(R2405P)suggests that the cytoskeleton plays an important role in regulating PIEZO channel activity and provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of DA5 and other PIEZO-associated diseases.
Evolution of the courtyard to the skycourt: a bibliometric analysis of research trends
Authors: Adel Rasha , Megahed Naglaa , Hassan Asmaa M. , Shahda Merhan 
Published: July 2023

PurposePassive design strategies contribute to improving indoor comfort conditions and reducing buildings' energy consumption. For several years, courtyards have received wide attention from researchers because of their significant role in reducing energy demand. However, the abundance of multi-story buildings and the courtyards' incompatibility with them, the courtyard is currently limited. Therefore, it is necessary to search for alternatives. This paper aims to bridge the gaps in previous limited studies considering skycourt as a passive alternative on the vertical plane of the facades in contrast to the courtyard.Design/methodology/approachThis research presents an overview and a bibliometric analysis of the evolution of the courtyard to the skycourt via VOSviewer software and the bibliometrix R package.FindingsThe research provided various concepts related to skycourt as a promising passive design strategy, which can be suitable for multi-story buildings, starting with its evolution, characteristics, configurations, benefits, and challenges.Practical implicationsThe findings can urge designers, researchers and policymakers to incorporate such an important passive alternative.Social implicationsResearchers, instructors, educational specialists, faculty members, and decision-makers can provide design motivation for skycourt in buildings, in addition to achieving awareness about skycourt and its significant benefits and its role as an important passive design strategy.Originality/valueThe research highlights the possibilities of the skycourt and its role as a passive design element as an extension of the courtyard in addition to identifying design indicators that help designers determine the appropriate designs.
Effective child well-being practices, barriers and priority actions: survey findings from service providers and policymakers in 22 countries during COVID-19
Authors: Karadzhov Dimitar , Wilson Graham , Shields Sophie , Lux Erin , Davidson Jennifer C. 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore 232 service providers’ and policymakers’ experiences of supporting children’s well-being during the pandemic, across sectors, in 22 countries – including Kenya, the Philippines, South Africa, India, Scotland, Sweden, Canada and the USA, in the last quarter of 2020.Design/methodology/approachA smartphone survey delivered via a custom-built app containing mostly open-ended questions was used. Respondents were recruited via professional networks, newsletters and social media. Qualitative content analysis was used.FindingsThe findings reveal numerous system-level challenges to supporting children’s well-being, particularly virus containment measures, resource deficiencies and inadequate governance and stakeholder coordination. Those challenges compounded preexisting inequalities and poorly affected the quality, effectiveness and reach of services. As a result, children’s rights to an adequate standard of living; protection from violence; education; play; and right to be heard were impinged upon. Concurrently, the findings illustrate a range of adaptive and innovative practices in humanitarian and subsistence support; child protection; capacity-building; advocacy; digitalisation; and psychosocial and educational support. Respondents identified several priority areas – increasing service capacity and equity; expanding technology use; mobilising cross-sectoral partnerships; involving children in decision-making; and ensuring more effective child protection mechanisms.Practical implicationsThis study seeks to inform resilience-enabling policies and practices that foster equity, child and community empowerment and organisational resilience and innovation, particularly in anticipation of future crises.Originality/valueUsing a novel approach to gather in-the-moment insights remotely, this study offers a unique international and multi-sectoral perspective, particularly from low- and middle-income countries.
Blockchain applications for traceability and food safety in agri-food supply chain: cherry product application
Authors: İndap Şebnem , Tanyaş Mehmet 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThe primary objective of this study is to investigate the application of blockchain technology (BCT) in the agri-food supply chain, focusing on traceability and food safety.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a semi-structured interview method with representatives from the cherry supply chain to evaluate their awareness and acceptance of BCT's impact. Additionally, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was utilized to determine digital investment priorities in supply chain strategies. By applying the supply chain operations reference (SCOR) model framework to the cherry supply chain, the study aimed to address the question “Which process model is suitable for implementing BCT in the agri-food supply chain?”FindingsThe global agri-food supply chains are characterized by significant food losses, escalating prices along the chain, and food safety risks. Concurrently, consumer concerns regarding food safety, quality and transparency are on the rise. BCT, with its ability to ensure data integrity, immutability, and seamless tracking of chain movements, presents immense potential as a secure infrastructure in the agri-food supply chain traceability.Originality/valueThe developed analytic framework and the study's findings can be adapted to different sectors and different sub-sectors within agri-food supply chains.
Corruption and economic growth in Nigeria: dynamic causality and asymmetric relationships
Authors: Danlami Ibrahim Abdulhamid 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
This study aims to intend to investigate the dynamic causality and asymmetric relationships between corruption and economic growth of Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach
Toda–Yamamoto (TY) Dynamic Causality Test and Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (NARDL) were used for the estimations, for the period 1984–2018.

Findings
The result reveals the existence of bidirectional causality between control of corruption and economic growth, Similarly, in both the short run and long run, corruption can affect economic growth and economic growth can as well affects corruption.

Research limitations/implications
Findings of the research are limited to Nigeria whose data were used, based on TY causality test and NARDL as the econometrics techniques applied, for a period 1984–2018.

Practical implications
For a meaningful progress to be recorded in Nigeria in terms of economic growth, the country must device some means for strengthen the control of corruption.

Originality/value
The study was able to prove empirically, the existence of not only causality between corruption and economic growth but also asymmetric effect of corruption on economic growth and that of economic growth on corruption in both the long run and short run, as against the previous studies that are lopsided on the effect of corruption on economic growth only.
When identity is sanctity: servant leadership guarding against moral disengagement through building strong moral identity in the presence of organizational politics
Authors: Jameel Aqib , Khan Muhammad Mumtaz , Ahmed Syed Saad 
Published: July 2023

PurposeThe study was conducted to understand how the moral identity of employees mediates the relationship between servant leadership and the moral disengagement of employees. Additionally, the study explores whether servant leadership's ability to build the moral identity of employees is contingent upon employees' perception of organizational politics.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from 500 service sector-employed knowledge workers. Data analysis was done through structural equation modeling.FindingsThe study found servant leadership to be related to the moral identity of employees. Additionally, moral identity and moral disengagement were found to be negatively related. Moral identity was found to mediate the relationship between servant leadership and moral disengagement. Finally, the study found that the relationship between servant leadership and employees' moral identity was contingent upon their perception of organizational politics.Originality/valueThe study explored the previously unexplored mediating role of moral identity linking servant leadership to the moral disengagement of employees. The study also explained how the relationship between servant leadership and the moral identity of employees was contingent upon employees' perception of organizational politics.
Improving the properties of gap-filling materials for pottery artifacts with nano silica and nano kaolinite polymeric nanocomposites
Authors: Mohamed Hamdy Mohamed , Mohamed Wael Sabry 
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The study aims to assess the efficiency of nanocomposite to improve the properties of gap-filling materials for pottery artifacts.

Design/methodology/approach
Five different pastes were used in the laboratory studies. The pastes consist mainly of pottery powder (grog), dental plaster, microballoons and an adhesive of Primal AC33, nano-silica and nano kaolinite in various concentrations. The prepared samples were subjected to accelerated heat and light aging. Besides, some investigations were used to evaluate the efficacy of the additive nanomaterials, such as TEM, digital and scanning electron microscopy microscopes. Contact angle, color change, shrinkage degree, physical properties and compressive strength tests were also conducted.

Findings
The results indicated that using Nano-silica considerably improves the mechanical strength and decreases the shrinkage of gap-filling materials. According to the results, a mixture of grog, microballoons and Primal AC33/Nano-silica Nanocomposites is the optimal gap-filling paste for archaeological pottery. Moreover, this paste showed a higher contact angle (120°), lower color change (ΔE = 2.62), lower shrinkage (3.3%), lower water absorption (3.36%), lower porosity (5.05%) and higher compressive strength (5124 N/mm2).

Originality/value
This paper attains to develop an economic polymer-nanocomposite that can be used with gap-filling materials for pottery artifacts.
The Pharmacist's role in dermatology: Patient medication adherence
Authors: Pathak Gaurav N. , Chandy Rithi J. , Shah Radhika , Feldman Steven R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMedication non‐adherence is currently estimated to have caused at least 100 000 preventable deaths and over $100 billion in preventable medical costs. Adherence is particularly poor in dermatological conditions, with more than 50% of patients discontinuing topical treatments within the first year. Pharmacists are among the most accessible health‐care professionals with the potential to greatly impact medication non‐adherence through patient education, medication therapy management, and improved access to care. This review aimed to determine how pharmacists have improved medication adherence in dermatology and discuss strategies for further involvement. An extensive medical literature search using the PubMed database was conducted to evaluate clinical studies, published in the last 20 years, that have evaluated the pharmacist's role and impact on adherence of to dermatological products. PubMed search terms include: “pharmacists' role in dermatologic medication adherence”, “pharmacist‐led interventions in dermatology”, “pharmacist medication adherence dermatology” and “pharmacist intervention dermatology”. A total of 18 relevant studies were identified. Pharmacists improved dermatological medication adherence by increasing access to medications, providing medication counseling programs, and performing treatment monitoring services. However, corticophobia may contribute to pharmacists' hesitancy in making corticosteroid over‐the‐counter recommendations. Pharmacists are accessible health‐care providers with the potential to improve dermatological medication adherence. Future advanced training in dermatology medications may refine pharmacists’ knowledge of dermatological products.
The function of decidua natural killer cells in physiology and pathology of pregnancy
Authors: Jin Fangfang , Liu Wei , Cheng Guan , Cai Songchen , Yin Tailang , Diao Lianghui 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe role of decidual natural killer (dNK) cells in maintaining immune tolerance at the maternal‐fetal interface during pregnancy is a significant topic in reproductive health. Immune tolerance is essential for a successful pregnancy and involves a complex immune response involving various immune cells and molecules. DNK cells comprise the largest population of lymphocyte subsets found in the decidua and play important roles in maintaining immune tolerance. These cells exert multiple functions to maintain homeostasis of the decidual microenvironment, including modulation of trophoblast invasion, promotion of fetal development, regulation of endometrial decidualization and spiral artery remodeling. DNK cells can also be divided into different subsets based on their functions as NKtolerant, NKcytotoxic, and NKregulatory cells. However, the relationship between dNK cells function and pregnancy outcomes is complex and poorly understood. In this review, we will focus on the physiological role of dNK cells during pregnancy and highlight the potential role in pathological pregnancies and therapeutic approaches.
Immunoglobulin E autoantibodies in atopic dermatitis associate with Type‐2 comorbidities and the atopic march
Authors: Kortekaas Krohn Inge , Badloe Fariza Mishaal Saiema , Herrmann Nadine , Maintz Laura , De Vriese Shauni , Ring Johannes ,   CK‐CARE Study Group, Bieber Thomas , Gutermuth Jan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundAutoreactive immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to self‐peptides within the epidermis have been identified in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). Prevalence, concomitant diseases, patient characteristics, and risk factors of IgE autoantibody development remain elusive. We aimed to determine IgE autoantibodies in serum samples (n = 672) from well‐characterized patients with AD and controls (1.2–88.9 years).MethodsAtopic dermatitis patients were sub‐grouped in AD with comorbid Type‐2 diseases (“AD + Type 2”; asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, n = 431) or “solely AD” (n = 115). Also, subjects without AD but with Type‐2 diseases (“atopic controls,” n = 52) and non‐atopic “healthy controls” (n = 74) were included. Total proteins from primary human keratinocytes were used for the immunoassay to detect IgE autoantibodies. Values were compared to already known positive and negative serum samples.ResultsImmunoglobulin E autoantibodies were found in 15.0% (82/546) of all analyzed AD‐patients. “AD + Type 2” showed a higher prevalence (16.4%) than “solely AD” (9.6%). “Atopic controls” (9.6%) were comparable with “solely AD” patients, while 2.7% of healthy controls showed IgE autoantibodies. Of those with high levels of IgE autoantibodies, 15 out of 16 were patients with “AD + Type 2”. AD patients with IgE autoantibodies were younger than those without. Patients with IgE autoreactivity also displayed higher total serum IgE levels. Factors that affected IgE autoantibody development were as follows: birth between January and June, cesarean‐section and diversity of domestic pets.ConclusionsImmunoglobulin E autoantibodies in AD seem to associate with the presence of atopic comorbidities and environmental factors. The potential value of IgE autoantibodies as a predictive biomarker for the course of AD, including the atopic march, needs further exploration.
Effect of grandchildren on the happiness of grandparents: Does the grandparent's child's gender matter?
Authors: Yamamura Eiji , Brunello Giorgio 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUsing a representative sample from Japan and a difference‐in‐differences strategy, we investigate whether the effect of having grandchildren on the happiness of grandparents varies with the gender of their (own) single child. In line with our expectations, we find that maternal grandmothers have more to lose or less to gain from having grandchildren than paternal grandmothers. In contrast, grandfathers’ changes in happiness do not depend on their own child's gender. This result is explained by the fact that grandmothers are more likely to be involved in childrearing when their daughter has a child.
Real exchange rate misalignment and business cycle fluctuations in theAsia‐Pacific
Authors: Ambaw Dessie , Pundit Madhavi , Ramayandi Arief , Sim Nicholas 
Published: July 2023

AbstractReal exchange rate (RER) misalignment, which is the deviation between the actual real exchange rate from its equilibrium, occurs frequently among developing countries. Studies have shown that RER misalignment may have negative economic implications, such as a decline in economic growth, exports, and export diversification and an increased risk of currency crises and political instability. Using quarterly data for 22 sample countries from 1990 to 2018, this paper investigates the impact of RER misalignment on business cycles in the Asia‐Pacific by employing a panel vector autoregression involving consumer price index (CPI) inflation, output gap, short‐term interest rates, and RER misalignment. We find that RER overvaluation may reduce CPI inflation and short‐term interest rates. We also find that the Asia‐Pacific region is highly heterogeneous in that the output gaps of some countries, particularly from the Southeast Asian region, are more susceptible to RER misalignment shocks.