Search

Background: Neutrophils are granulocytes with essential antimicrobial effector functions and short lifespans. During infection or sterile inflammation, emergency granulopoiesis leads to release of immature neutrophils from the bone marrow, serving to boost circulating neutrophil counts. Steady state and emergency granulopoiesis are incompletely understood, partly due to a lack of genetically amenable models of neutrophil development. Methods: We optimised a method for ex vivo production of human neutrophils from CD34+ haematopoietic progenitors. Using flow cytometry, we phenotypically compared cultured neutrophils with native neutrophils from donors experiencing emergency granulopoiesis, and steady state neutrophils from non-challenged donors. We carry out functional and proteomic characterisation of cultured neutrophils and establish genome editing of progenitors. Results: We obtain high yields of ex vivo cultured neutrophils, which phenotypically resemble immature neutrophils released into the circulation during emergency granulopoiesis. Cultured neutrophils have similar rates of ROS production and bacterial killing but altered degranulation, cytokine release and antifungal activity compared to mature neutrophils isolated from peripheral blood. These differences are likely due to incomplete synthesis of granule proteins, as demonstrated by proteomic analysis. Conclusion: Ex vivo cultured neutrophils are genetically tractable via genome editing of precursors and provide a powerful model system for investigating the properties and behaviour of immature neutrophils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Sanquin donor medicine department is informed when donations or their components are rejected. This can occur isolated or frequently. It is undesirable because the donations cannot be used and there may be an underlying medical cause. Based on regional approaches, a uniform procedure was developed. Methods: Information about whole blood, plasma‐ plateletpheresis donations from which one or more components were rejected for filtration time (>2 h), hemolysis or clots were extracted from blood bank information system. After rejection of two successive components or donations or total ≥3 the donor is contacted. Depending on the medical history and investigation by the family doctor, the donor carrier is re‐evaluated. We looked for the causes of the discarded products and performed a survey among blood services regarding polices with discarded products. Results: One or more components from 1742 of about 2.2 million successful donations (0.08%) were rejected. The highest percentage of rejection was seen in plateletpheresis (1.5%), all for clots. No underlying medical causes were found. 24 whole blood donors were found to have sickle cell trait (SCT) and were permanently deferred. The policies for follow‐up after discarded products or acceptance of SCT donors vary between the 16 blood banks. Six organizations do not follow‐up donors and seven accept SCT for blood or plasma donation. Conclusion: Informing donors with repeated discarded products avoids the non‐use of donations. Causes of repeated discarded products can be found by follow‐up of donors. The results of the survey indicate a large discrepancy in policies applied worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fabric characteristics and shear deformation behaviour were analysed in four intact small-scale samples, including two disturbed and two undisturbed samples of naturally deposited sand from a shoal in the San Francisco Bay. Triaxial compression tests were performed on each sample while incrementally imaging with X-ray micro-computed tomography (XRCT). The grains in each intact sample exhibited a nearly unidirectional orientation with their long axes oriented within a narrow range of horizontal directions, in stark contrast to the randomly oriented grains of a reconstituted sample. The disturbed intact samples exhibited lower peak strengths and lower yet positive rates of dilation as compared with undisturbed samples. Higher rates of dilation corresponded with larger quantifiable decreases in the average number of grain-to-grain contacts and contact areas per grain within the shear band. The XRCT images of the shear bands were quantified by way of large incremental deviatoric strains and large incremental grain rotations. The grain orientations within the fully developed shear band of each sample reached a consistent orientation independent of their initial fabric. These results are a promising step toward a systematic study of granular deposits from different depositional environments needed for the development of more advanced models of their mechanical behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmid-encoded toxin (Pet) is an autotransporter protein of the serine protease autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATE) family, important in the pathogenicity of Escherichia coli. The pet gene was initially found in the enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) virulence plasmid, pAA2. Although this virulence factor was initially described in EAEC, an intestinal E. coli pathotype, pet may also be present in other pathotypes, including extraintestinal pathogenic strains (ExPEC). The complement system is an important defense mechanism of the immune system that can be activated by invading pathogens. Proteases produced by pathogenic bacteria, such as SPATEs, have proteolytic activity and can cleave components of the complement system, promoting bacterial resistance to human serum. Considering these factors, the proteolytic activity of Pet and its role in evading the complement system were investigated. Proteolytic assays were performed by incubating purified components of the complement system with Pet and Pet S260I (a catalytic site mutant) proteins. Pet, but not Pet S260I, could cleave C3, C5 and C9 components, and also inhibited the natural formation of C9 polymers. Furthermore, a dose-dependent inhibition of ZnCl2-induced C9 polymerization in vitro was observed. E. coli DH5a survived incubation with human serum pre-treated with Pet. Therefore, Pet can potentially interfere with the alternative and the terminal pathways of the complement system. In addition, by cleaving C9, Pet may inhibit membrane attack complex (MAC) formation on the bacterial outer membrane. Thus, our data are suggestive of a role of Pet in resistance of E. coli to human serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmid-encoded toxin (Pet) is an autotransporter protein of the serine protease autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATE) family, important in the pathogenicity of Escherichia coli. The pet gene was initially found in the enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) virulence plasmid, pAA2. Although this virulence factor was initially described in EAEC, an intestinal E. coli pathotype, pet may also be present in other pathotypes, including extraintestinal pathogenic strains (ExPEC). The complement system is an important defense mechanism of the immune system that can be activated by invading pathogens. Proteases produced by pathogenic bacteria, such as SPATEs, have proteolytic activity and can cleave components of the complement system, promoting bacterial resistance to human serum. Considering these factors, the proteolytic activity of Pet and its role in evading the complement system were investigated. Proteolytic assays were performed by incubating purified components of the complement system with Pet and Pet S260I (a catalytic site mutant) proteins. Pet, but not Pet S260I, could cleave C3, C5 and C9 components, and also inhibited the natural formation of C9 polymers. Furthermore, a dose-dependent inhibition of ZnCl2-induced C9 polymerization in vitro was observed. E. coli DH5a survived incubation with human serum pre-treated with Pet. Therefore, Pet can potentially interfere with the alternative and the terminal pathways of the complement system. In addition, by cleaving C9, Pet may inhibit membrane attack complex (MAC) formation on the bacterial outer membrane. Thus, our data are suggestive of a role of Pet in resistance of E. coli to human serum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psychosocial Intervention is the property of Colegio Oficial de Psicologos de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of European Journal of Psychology Applied to Legal Context is the property of Sociedad Espanola de Psicologia Juridica y Forense and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aims: Sugarcane plants infected with Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli (Lxx) have their primary metabolism affected with decreased levels of sugars and amino acids. Cysteine and methionine are sulfur-containing essential amino acids used for bacterial growth and the Lxx titer in sugar cane leaves could affect the animo acid concentrations. The goal of this study was to evaluate how the increase in Lxx titer affects the nutritional status and sulfur metabolism in sugar cane leaves. Methods: Susceptible sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) genotype: CB49260 was used in this study with low (256 cells) and high (2090 cells) Lxx titers and macronutrients and primary metabolites assessed from leaves and culms. Results: Plants with high Lxx titers accumulated more biomass in the main culm, leaves, and shoots than plants with low Lxx titers. Additionally, plants with high Lxx titers had 26% more sulfur content in leaves than plants with low Lxx titers. Higher levels of sulfate, sucrose, maltose, raffinose, shikimic acid, malate, putrescine, glycerol, and, erythritol were also present in plants with high Lxx titers; but decreased levels of methionine and glutathione in leaves. In the culm, plants with high Lxx titers also had increased levels of maltose; but decreased levels of threonine, ornithine, phenylalanine and myo-inositol when compared with plants with low Lxx titers. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that high bacterial titers increase sulfur demand in sugar cane; however, the increased S content in the leaf did not result in higher sulfur assimilation, verified by increased sulfate but decreased methionine and glutathione levels. Therefore, our study showed that lower methionine availability, and methionine catabolism to putrescine in the leaves may fail to meet the increased sulfur organic compound demand of Lxx. The decrease in glutathione biosynthesis may reflect impaired biosynthesis or a drain on this antioxidant resulting from oxidative stresss by pathogenesis of Lxx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoluminescence properties (PL) of Eu3+ hosted in the hydroxide layers of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) enables calibrationless quantification of anions in the interlayers. The concept is demonstrated during the nitrate-to-carbonate ion exchange in Zn2+/Al3+/Eu3+ LDHs and can be implemented as a remote optical sensor to detect intrusion of anions such as Cl− or CO32−. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peptide toxin candidalysin, secreted by Candida albicans hyphae, promotes stimulation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). However, candidalysin alone triggers a distinct mechanism for NET‐like structures (NLS), which are more compact and less fibrous than canonical NETs. Candidalysin activates NADPH oxidase and calcium influx, with both processes contributing to morphological changes in neutrophils resulting in NLS formation. NLS are induced by leucotoxic hypercitrullination, which is governed by calcium‐induced protein arginine deaminase 4 activation and initiation of intracellular signalling events in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. However, activation of signalling by candidalysin does not suffice to trigger downstream events essential for NET formation, as demonstrated by lack of lamin A/C phosphorylation, an event required for activation of cyclin‐dependent kinases that are crucial for NET release. Candidalysin‐triggered NLS demonstrate anti‐Candida activity, which is resistant to nuclease treatment and dependent on the deprivation of Zn2+. This study reveals that C. albicans hyphae releasing candidalysin concurrently trigger canonical NETs and NLS, which together form a fibrous sticky network that entangles C. albicans hyphae and efficiently inhibits their growth. Synopsis: The cytolytic peptide toxin candidalysin is secreted by the invasive hyphal form of the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans. This study investigates the intricate interaction of candidalysin and neutrophils. Candidalysin‐secreting hyphae are strong inducers, while candidalysin‐deficient hyphae are poor inducers of NETs.Candidalysin alone triggers neutrophils to release NET‐like structures (NLS) via ROS‐ and Ca2+‐dependent pathways.While candidalysin hampers neutrophil function, the toxin also increases the capacity of neutrophils to restrict hyphal growth.These results provide context for discrepancies in prior studies observing C. albicans‐induced DNA traps of neutrophils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Obesity is a known risk factor for urinary incontinence (UI). As bariatric surgery can result in significant and sustainable weight loss, many chronic diseases closely linked to obesity have likewise shown improvement after surgical weight loss. We propose that bariatric surgery may significantly improve obesity-related UI symptoms as well as improve quality of life. Methods and procedures: This is an interim analysis of an ongoing, prospective, single-institution observational study looking at UI in women enrolled in a bariatric surgery program. Participants completed the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF), King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). Questionnaires were administered upon enrollment, pre-operatively, and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively. Demographic data were collected at each interval and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: At analysis, 108 patients had enrolled in the study and 60% had progressed to surgery. We analyzed the following surveys: enrollment (n = 108), pre-operative (n = 43), 3-month (n = 29), 6-month (n = 26), and 1-year (n = 27). Mean BMI decreased from 49.8 to 31.1 at 1-year. All surveys showed significant improvement in UI symptoms over time. Overall, UI symptoms (PDFI-20) are correlated with BMI at time of survey and %TBWL (p = 0.03, p = 0.019). Additionally, perception of symptom improvement with surgery (PGI-I) improved over time (3-month p = 0.0289, 6-month p = 0.0024, 12-month p = 0.0035). Quality of life related to UI symptoms (KHQ) significantly improved after surgery (p = 0.0047 3-month, p = 0.0042 6-month, p = 0.0165 1-year). Conclusions: Although the relationship is complex and likely depends on many factors, weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with improvement in UI symptoms and UI-related quality of life. Bariatric surgery can play a role in the long-term treatment of UI in women with obesity that may negate the need for further invasive UI procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anales de Psicología is the property of Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de Murcia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) after bariatric surgery has significant adverse implications for bone metabolism, increasing the risk for osteoporosis and fracture. Our aim was to characterize prevalence and identify risk factors for SHPT in bariatric surgery patients. Methods: We performed a single-institution, retrospective chart review of patients who underwent bariatric surgery from June 2017 through December 2021. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including serum parathyroid hormone, calcium, and vitamin D3 at enrollment and 3, 6, and 12-months postoperatively. Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests were used to analyze categorical data and Mann–Whitney U test for continuous data. Multivariable analysis using binomial logistic regression assessed risk factors for SHPT. P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Results: 350 patients were analyzed. SHPT prevalence at any time point was 72.9%. 65.8% had SHPT at enrollment; 45.9% resolved with intensive vitamin supplementation; and 19.7% had recurrent SHPT. New-onset SHPT occurred in 8.6%. Persistent SHPT was present in 42.4% at 1-year. Baseline SHPT correlated with black race and T2DM. SHPT at any time point correlated with T2DM and higher baseline BMI. 1-year SHPT correlated with RYGB, depression, and longer time in program. SHPT was not correlated with %TBWL at any time point. In patients with SHPT, vitamin D3 deficiency prevalence was significantly higher at baseline (77.0%) compared to all post-bariatric time points (16.7%, 17.3%, and 23.1%; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: SHPT is highly prevalent in patients with obesity seeking weight loss surgery. 42% had persistent SHPT at 1-year despite appropriate vitamin supplementation. Current vitamin D3 and calcium supplementation protocols may not effectively prevent SHPT in many post-bariatric patients. Low prevalence of concomitant vitamin D3 deficiency with SHPT after bariatric surgery suggests that there may be alternative mechanisms in this population. Further studies are needed to develop effective treatment strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of bariatric surgery on bone metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rationally designed membrane‐intercalating conjugated oligoelectrolyte (COE), namely COE‐IC, which endows aerobic N2‐fixing bacteria Azotobacter vinelandii with a light‐harvesting ability that enables photosynthetic ammonia production. COE‐IC possesses an acceptor‐donor‐acceptor (A‐D‐A) type conjugated core, which promotes visible light absorption with a high molar extinction coefficient. Furthermore, COE‐IC spontaneously associates with A. vinelandii to form a biohybrid in which the COE is intercalated within the lipid bilayer membrane. In the presence of L‐ascorbate as a sacrificial electron donor, the resulting COE‐IC/A. vinelandii biohybrid showed a 2.4‐fold increase in light‐driven ammonia production, as compared to the control. Photoinduced enhancement of bacterial biomass and production of L‐amino acids is also observed. Introduction of isotopically enriched 15N2 atmosphere led to the enrichment of 15N‐containing intracellular metabolites, consistent with the products being generated from atmospheric N2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rationally designed membrane‐intercalating conjugated oligoelectrolyte (COE), namely COE‐IC, which endows aerobic N2‐fixing bacteria Azotobacter vinelandii with a light‐harvesting ability that enables photosynthetic ammonia production. COE‐IC possesses an acceptor‐donor‐acceptor (A‐D‐A) type conjugated core, which promotes visible light absorption with a high molar extinction coefficient. Furthermore, COE‐IC spontaneously associates with A. vinelandii to form a biohybrid in which the COE is intercalated within the lipid bilayer membrane. In the presence of L‐ascorbate as a sacrificial electron donor, the resulting COE‐IC/A. vinelandii biohybrid showed a 2.4‐fold increase in light‐driven ammonia production, as compared to the control. Photoinduced enhancement of bacterial biomass and production of L‐amino acids is also observed. Introduction of isotopically enriched 15N2 atmosphere led to the enrichment of 15N‐containing intracellular metabolites, consistent with the products being generated from atmospheric N2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our current understanding of biomolecular condensate formation is largely based on observing the final near-equilibrium condensate state. Despite expectations from classical nucleation theory, pre-critical protein clusters were recently shown to form under subsaturation conditions in vitro; if similar long-lived clusters comprising more than a few molecules are also present in cells, our understanding of the physical basis of biological phase separation may fundamentally change. Here, we combine fluorescence microscopy with photobleaching analysis to quantify the formation of clusters of NELF proteins in living, stressed cells. We categorise small and large clusters based on their dynamics and their response to p38 kinase inhibition. We find a broad distribution of pre-condensate cluster sizes and show that NELF protein cluster formation can be explained as non-classical nucleation with a surprisingly flat free-energy landscape for a wide range of sizes and an inhibition of condensation in unstressed cells. The nucleation of biomolecular condensates is seldom quantified in living cells. Here, the authors show how protein clusters form before microscopically visible condensation and find a flat free-energy profile with active blocking of cluster growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interfacing bacteria as biocatalysts with an electrode provides the basis for emerging bioelectrochemical systems that enable sustainable energy interconversion between electrical and chemical energy. Electron transfer rates at the abiotic‐biotic interface are, however, often limited by poor electrical contacts and the intrinsically insulating cell membranes. Herein, we report the first example of an n‐type redox‐active conjugated oligoelectrolyte, namely COE‐NDI, which spontaneously intercalates into cell membranes and mimics the function of endogenous transmembrane electron transport proteins. The incorporation of COE‐NDI into Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 cells amplifies current uptake from the electrode by 4‐fold, resulting in the enhanced bio‐electroreduction of fumarate to succinate. Moreover, COE‐NDI can serve as a "protein prosthetic" to rescue current uptake in non‐electrogenic knockout mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interfacing bacteria as biocatalysts with an electrode provides the basis for emerging bioelectrochemical systems that enable sustainable energy interconversion between electrical and chemical energy. Electron transfer rates at the abiotic‐biotic interface are, however, often limited by poor electrical contacts and the intrinsically insulating cell membranes. Herein, we report the first example of an n‐type redox‐active conjugated oligoelectrolyte, namely COE‐NDI, which spontaneously intercalates into cell membranes and mimics the function of endogenous transmembrane electron transport proteins. The incorporation of COE‐NDI into Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 cells amplifies current uptake from the electrode by 4‐fold, resulting in the enhanced bio‐electroreduction of fumarate to succinate. Moreover, COE‐NDI can serve as a "protein prosthetic" to rescue current uptake in non‐electrogenic knockout mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serine protease autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae (SPATE) constitute a superfamily of virulence factors, resembling the trypsin‐like superfamily of serine proteases. SPATEs accomplish multiple functions associated to disease development of their hosts, which could be the consequence of SPATE cleavage of host cell components. SPATEs have been divided into class‐1 and class‐2 based on structural differences and biological effects, including similar substrate specificity, cytotoxic effects on cultured cells, and enterotoxin activity on intestinal tissues for class‐1 SPATEs, whereas most class‐2 SPATEs exhibit a lectin‐like activity with a predilection to degrade a variety of mucins, including leukocyte surface O‐glycoproteins and soluble host proteins, resulting in mucosal colonization and immune modulation. In this review, the structure of class‐1 and class‐2 are analyzed, making emphasis on their putative functional subdomains as well as a description of their function is provided, including prototypical mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea clutter has been a long-standing issue in old and modern radars. Under this context, the K-distribution has emerged as a promising clutter model to accurately mimic sea signal variations in a large variety of radar systems. To guarantee an adequate radar performance in the presence of sea clutter, the family of constant false-alarm rate (CFAR) detectors has been commonly used. In particular, due to its adequate balance between performance and implementation, the cell-averaging CFAR (CA-CFAR) detector has been considered an attractive detection mechanism to enhance radar performance over various clutter environments. In this work, we assess radar performance considering a CA-CFAR detector operating over K-distributed sea clutter with fully correlated texture. More precisely, we derive novel closed-form expressions for the probability of detection ($P_{\text {D}}$) and the probability of false alarm ($P_{\text {FA}}$) that can be readily evaluated using any mathematical software. Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations corroborate our analytical findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidating how different fertilization treatments affect the resilience of farming systems and the environmental adaptability of agricultural crops is relevant to assess their efficacy as a strategy for minimizing yield fluctuations and supporting global food security. The aim of this work was to compare the effects of fertilization practices and to distinguish the effect of macronutrients on the resilience of maize, wheat, and soybean cropping systems. A long‐term experiment involving the three crops and five fertilization treatments (control without fertilization, nitrogen and sulphur fertilization, phosphorus and sulfur fertilization, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur fertilization) was conducted for 19 years in the Pampean region (Argentina) that includes five study sites. The four combinations of nutrient additions increased crop yields in unfavorable environments, which indicates that even in adverse years, fertilization was a valid tool to sustain yield performance. The Finlay and Wilkinson regression slopes in maize and full‐season soybean did not differ between fertilization treatments, which suggests that fertilization did not change crop adaptation to the environment and that the observed positive effect of fertilization in unfavorable environments was maintained along the environmental gradient. In contrast, wheat and double‐cropped soybean were able to capitalize on the environmental conditions of favorable years, as shown by the progressive increases in yields as the environment became more favorable. Maize had the highest response to nitrogen, whereas wheat and double‐cropped soybean exhibited the highest responses to phosphorus and sulfur, respectively. Our findings are useful to extract guidelines that may lead to greater resilience through fertilization management practices. Core ideas: Crop yield resilience was studied for five contrasting fertilization treatments over 19 years on five sites.All fertilization treatments raised maize, wheat, and soybean yields in unfavorable environments.These benefits were maintained along the environmental gradient in maize and full‐season soybean.Fertilization helped wheat and double‐cropped soybean to capitalize favorable environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the issue of memorable tourism experience (MTE) has garnered increasing attention from scholars and tourism practitioners. This paper provides a systematic review of 52 articles on MTE listed on the SCOPUS and WOS databases from 2012 to 2020. Qualitative analysis of the literature identified nine main categories of topics in MTE-related articles. Results showed that the largest proportion of articles focused on how MTEs influenced tourists' perceptions and behaviours and how they shaped destination marketing. Co-occurrence analysis was performed to investigate trends in the keywords used by academics over the past five years. The geographic location of studies, research methods and theories applied in these articles were also analysed. Most articles were published in the current decade and China was the geographic setting for the highest number of articles in the review. The review concludes with the theoretical and practical implications of the study as well as the directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to provide a case example of two partner institutions and business faculty who creatively used a collaborative online international learning (COIL) experience during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and transition to online learning to internationalize an undergraduate business class and use existing technology to offer a case study project to further students' global mindset. Design/methodology/approach: Using open-ended qualitative comments from an American college and a Peruvian university, researchers uncovered key themes from a virtual COIL-based learning experience offered as part of an international business class. Findings: Student end-of-course evaluation comments from both countries validated the success of the learning experience and value of working together with other students and faculty in a virtual setting. Research limitations/implications: Areas for future research are provided to extend these initial exploratory findings. However, the implications are clear that the methodology is also appropriate in nonpandemic situations and can quickly bring a global mindset to remote corners of the globe and ensure all students experience the "virtual" study abroad, even when there are travel limitations or budget restrictions for students or the institutions. Practical implications: The implementation detail provided can be easily replicated by other institutions with a global mindset and internationalization goals. Social implications: The proliferation of COIL-based experiences will impact how study abroad experiences are defined and offered in the future. Originality/value: While researchers have documented COIL experiences in the academic literature, their use during the COVID-19 pandemic, as often the only solution for on-going internationalization, has not been thoroughly studied or documented. In addition, the class activities further used team-based international workplace pedagogy, authentic engagement and technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing need of next generation feedstocks for biotechnology spurs an intensification of research on the utilization of methanol as carbon and energy source for biotechnological processes. In this paper, we introduced the methanol‐based overproduction of riboflavin into metabolically engineered Bacillus methanolicus MGA3. First, we showed that B. methanolicus naturally produces small amounts of riboflavin. Then, we created B. methanolicus strains overexpressing either homologous or heterologous gene clusters encoding the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway, resulting in riboflavin overproduction. Our results revealed that the supplementation of growth media with sublethal levels of chloramphenicol contributes to a higher plasmid‐based riboflavin production titre, presumably due to an increase in plasmid copy number and thus biosynthetic gene dosage. Based on this, we proved that riboflavin production can be increased by exchanging a low copy number plasmid with a high copy number plasmid leading to a final riboflavin titre of about 523 mg L−1 in methanol fed‐batch fermentation. The findings of this study showcase the potential of B. methanolicus as a promising host for methanol‐based overproduction of extracellular riboflavin and serve as basis for metabolic engineering of next generations of riboflavin overproducing strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Classic studies mainly of European-American families broadly identify the benefits of parental strictness combined with parental warmth. However, current research tends to identify parental warmth as positive for adjustment, even without parental strictness. In addition, less is known about the relationship between parenting and adjustment beyond adolescence. The present study examined warmth and strictness and its relationship with self, sexism, and stimulation values. Self-esteem, academic-professional self-concept, benevolent sexism, and stimulation values were used to capture adjustment. Patients and Methods: Participants (n = 1125) were adolescents and adult children of middle-age from Spain. The statistical analyses used were correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. Results: In general, the relationship between parenting and adjustment was found to have a similar pattern for adolescent and middle-aged adult children, although more marked in adolescents. Parental warmth and strictness were predictors of adjustment, but in a different direction. Specifically, parental warmth positively predicted academic-professional self-concept and self-esteem, whereas parental strictness was detrimental as a predictor of higher benevolent sexism. Conclusion: Overall, the present findings suggest that an effective socialization during the socialization years and even beyond can be positively predicted by parental warmth, whereas parental strictness might be unnecessary or even detrimental. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous parenting studies with European-American families have identified optimal parenting as being based on warmth combined with strictness (i.e., authoritative parenting). The present study analyzes, in adolescents and adults, their adjustment and maladjustment related to age and their early experiences in the family. Methods: The sample consisted of 2,158 Spanish people (58.29% women): 624 adolescents, 630 young adults, 504 middle-aged adults, and 400 older adults. The families were classified into one of the four parental typologies (authoritative, indulgent, authoritarian, and neglectful) based on their scores in the two main dimensions (warmth and strictness). Child functioning was measured as components of adjustment (self-esteem, emotional self-concept, and empathy) and maladjustment (aggression and hostile sexism). Results: Overall, only adolescents and adult children raised in indulgent families reported the highest self-esteem, emotional self-concept, and empathy, and the lowest aggression and hostile sexism. Authoritative parenting (warmth with strictness) was related to a lower emotional self-concept and greater aggression and hostile sexism than indulgent parenting (warmth without strictness). The worst scores corresponded to authoritarian and neglectful parenting. Discussion: The present findings provide new evidence about early experiences in the family, even after parental socialization has ended. Interestingly, contrary to the main findings from classic studies with European-American families, only high parental warmth combined with low parental strictness (i.e., indulgent parenting) is always positive for greater adjustment and less maladjustment in all age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work is a significant step toward further understanding of the β-σ two-fluid model for the simulation of fully-suspended slurry flows in pipeline systems, with the goal of enhancing its potential for scientific research and engineering applications. Particularly, the focus of the study is the characterization and handling of the two main empirical coefficients of the model, namely, β and σ, which require case-specific tuning based on a given set of experimental data. Reference is made to the relevant case of slurry transport in horizontal pipes with infinite length. The influence of β and σ on different features of the fluid dynamic solution has been extensively investigated, considering also the role played by the specific testing conditions. Based on these findings, a procedure for determining appropriate values of β and σ has been developed, which requires only two experimental measurements, namely the concentration profile from a test at moderate slurry concentration, and the hydraulic gradient from another test in which the same slurry flows at high concentration. The procedure has been satisfactorily tested against published experimental data on pipe transport of fine glass bead and sand slurry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study was to examine contextual factors (empowerment, ownership, and accountability) that facilitate and promote exploration and exploitation behavior. Data were obtained from an American manufacturing company using employee and supervisor surveys (n = 297). Findings indicate that empowerment improved exploitation and that when employees perceived they would have to be accountable for their actions, employees who felt empowered showed lower gains in exploration behaviors compared with those who felt less empowered; in contrast, those having feelings of ownership exhibited higher gains in exploration behavior than those who scored low in ownership. Although ownership was theorized to have a positive effect on exploitative behavior, we found evidence for its negative effects instead. We contribute to the limited individual-level ambidexterity literature by providing empirical evidence on the effects of contextual factors on ambidextrous behavior. This knowledge could help firms better manage employee behavior and implement effective supervisory oversight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most sensor setups for onboard autonomous perception are composed of LiDARs and vision systems, as they provide complementary information that improves the reliability of the different algorithms necessary to obtain a robust scene understanding. However, the effective use of information from different sources requires an accurate calibration between the sensors involved, which usually implies a tedious and burdensome process. We present a method to calibrate the extrinsic parameters of any pair of sensors involving LiDARs, monocular or stereo cameras, of the same or different modalities. The procedure is composed of two stages: first, reference points belonging to a custom calibration target are extracted from the data provided by the sensors to be calibrated, and second, the optimal rigid transformation is found through the registration of both point sets. The proposed approach can handle devices with very different resolutions and poses, as usually found in vehicle setups. In order to assess the performance of the proposed method, a novel evaluation suite built on top of a popular simulation framework is introduced. Experiments on the synthetic environment show that our calibration algorithm significantly outperforms existing methods, whereas real data tests corroborate the results obtained in the evaluation suite. Open-source code is available at https://github.com/beltransen/velo2cam_calibration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between parenting styles (authoritarian, indulgent, authoritative, and neglectful) and its relations with personal and social adjustment beyond adolescence. Participants were 2131 Spanish children, divided into adolescents (n = 616), young adults (n = 606), middle-aged adults (n = 502) and older adults (n = 407). A MANOVA (4 × 2 × 4) with parenting style, sex and age as independent variables was applied. Personal adjustment criteria were emotional and physical self-concept, and nervousness, while social adjustment criteria were internalization of social values and hostile sexism. The indulgent and authoritative parenting styles showed better socialization outcomes in all adjustment criteria across all children ages. However, children from indulgent families scored higher on emotional self-concept and lower on hostile sexism and nervousness than those from authoritative families. These findings seriously question whether strictness parenting dimension is necessary not only during the parental socialization (for adolescent children) but also beyond adolescence (for adult children), once parental socialization is over. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the results of a two-week robot taxi service demonstration in peri-urban and rural areas. A fully robotized Renault Zoe was available for general public use in Rambouillet, France. The driving zone included several complex scenarios, such as a narrow two-way road, a tunnel where the lanes reduced from two to one, and roundabouts, enabling an evaluation of the vehicle’s capabilities. The article describes the scientific and technical development of the car’s perception, navigation, and control to carry out the experiment. The results indicate that even though the vehicle was able to autonomously navigate suburban areas and the countryside, technical challenges remain that limit the car’s integration with the transport system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise regulation of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) transcription after genotoxic stress is crucial for proper execution of the DNA damage-induced stress response. While stalling of Pol II on transcription-blocking lesions (TBLs) blocks transcript elongation and initiates DNA repair in cis, TBLs additionally elicit a response in trans that regulates transcription genome-wide. Here we uncover that, after an initial elongation block in cis, TBLs trigger the genome-wide VCP-mediated proteasomal degradation of promoter-bound, P-Ser5-modified Pol II in trans. This degradation is mechanistically distinct from processing of TBL-stalled Pol II, is signaled via GSK3, and contributes to the TBL-induced transcription block, even in transcription-coupled repair-deficient cells. Thus, our data reveal the targeted degradation of promoter-bound Pol II as a critical pathway that allows cells to cope with DNA damage-induced transcription stress and enables the genome-wide adaptation of transcription to genotoxic stress. DNA damage inhibits elongating RNA polymerase II, but also initiates genome-wide transcriptional responses. Here the authors reveal that particularly promoter-bound Pol II is degraded upon DNA damage in a GSK3 signaling-mediated response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise regulation of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) transcription after genotoxic stress is crucial for proper execution of the DNA damage-induced stress response. While stalling of Pol II on transcription-blocking lesions (TBLs) blocks transcript elongation and initiates DNA repair in cis, TBLs additionally elicit a response in trans that regulates transcription genome-wide. Here we uncover that, after an initial elongation block in cis, TBLs trigger the genome-wide VCP-mediated proteasomal degradation of promoter-bound, P-Ser5-modified Pol II in trans. This degradation is mechanistically distinct from processing of TBL-stalled Pol II, is signaled via GSK3, and contributes to the TBL-induced transcription block, even in transcription-coupled repair-deficient cells. Thus, our data reveal the targeted degradation of promoter-bound Pol II as a critical pathway that allows cells to cope with DNA damage-induced transcription stress and enables the genome-wide adaptation of transcription to genotoxic stress. DNA damage inhibits elongating RNA polymerase II, but also initiates genome-wide transcriptional responses. Here the authors reveal that particularly promoter-bound Pol II is degraded upon DNA damage in a GSK3 signaling-mediated response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Propionic acidemia is an inborn error of metabolism caused by a deficiency in the mitochondrial enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase that converts the propionyl CoA to methyl malonyl CoA. This leads to profound changes in distinct metabolic pathways, including the urea cycle, with consequences in ammonia detoxification. The implication of the tricarboxylic acid cycle is less well known, but its repercussions could explain both some of the acute and long-term symptoms of this disease. Materials and methods: The present observational study investigates the amino acid profiles of patients with propionic acidemia being monitored at the Hospital Ramón y Cajal (Madrid, Spain), between January 2015 and September 2017, comparing periods of metabolic stability with those of decompensation with ketosis and/or hyperammonemia. Results: The concentrations of 19 amino acids were determined in 188 samples provided by 10 patients. We identified 40 metabolic decompensation episodes (22 only with ketosis and 18 with hyperammonemia). Plasma glutamine and alanine levels were reduced during these metabolic crises, probably indicating deficiency of anaplerosis (p < 0.001 for both alanine and glutamine). Hypocitrulllinemia and hypoprolinemia were also detected during hyperammonemia (p < 0.001 and 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: The amino acid profile detected during decompensation episodes suggests deficient anaplerosis from propionyl-CoA and its precursors, with implications in other metabolic pathways like synthesis of urea cycle amino acids and ammonia detoxification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Oak species displayed high interspecific functional trait variation. The resource use strategy among oaks both at the above and belowground organs was guided by the fast-slow continuum. Plant functional ecology has focused on the study of functional strategies and general patterns of trait covariation. Mostly, studies intend to elucidate how plants cope with resource capture both at the above and belowground organs and to understand how the capacity for resource gain relates with the species distribution. American oaks are an interesting and important tree clade, they radiated into diverse environments outside temperate regions implying the development of adaptations to persist under different environmental regimes. Therefore, we explored patterns of differentiation in functional traits related with the capacity for resource use in 3-month seedlings of ten Mexican oak species representative from semiarid, temperate and subtropical montane regions. We examined the fast–slow trade-off and its importance in species differentiation on both above and belowground organs. Additionally, we investigated how resource acquisition strategy of the species was related with the environmental conditions experienced in their habitats. We found a significant differentiation in both above and belowground traits, and in both cases oak species segregated along the fast–slow continuum. We found only a few significant trait-by-trait relationships, implying a weak coordination among aerial and subterranean organs. Additionally, species from sites with higher precipitation seasonality had a higher root growth, and species from humid sites had larger leaves. These findings highlight important functional variation among oak seedlings which was related with the climatic conditions encompassed along their native geographic range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BV data derived from healthy individuals with normal tumor marker concentrations are likely to have limited utility in many patients with cancer, but for patients in remission who are monitored for biochemical relapse, the RCV concept may add useful information [[46], [47]]. Quality and study characteristics of BV studies for tumor markers Generally, the quality of reported BV estimates is often compromised by variations in study design and the applied methodology. Keywords: biological variation; critical review; meta-analysis; tumor marker EN biological variation critical review meta-analysis tumor marker 494 504 11 03/11/22 20220301 NES 220301 Introduction Current clinical practice in oncology focuses on early diagnosis, proper prognostication, and screening in asymptomatic groups to reduce the burden of cancer [[1]]. This systematic review provides an overview of published BV data for tumor markers and addresses both the complexity and quality issues that could limit the use of tumor marker BV data in clinical practice. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords: biological variation; meta-analysis; trace elements EN biological variation meta-analysis trace elements 479 482 4 03/11/22 20220301 NES 220301 To the Editor, Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) are essential trace elements (TrEl) which are involved in various metabolic pathways. In conclusion, this study provides evidence-based and updated estimates of CV SB I sb and CV SB G sb values for Zn, Cu and Se. Our systematic review identified a low number of high-quality BV studies for Zn, Cu and Se and additional studies using ICP-MS should be encouraged. [Extracted from the article]

For various reasons, some women experience solo travel in different parts of the world. However, as with many leisure activities, access to travel and tourism does not have the same distribution between different social groups, including other classes and genders (men and women). While there is a growing body of research on solo female travellers, few studies have included women from Middle Eastern or Muslim‐majority countries. Drawing upon a series of in‐depth interviews, this paper examines the travel experiences of Iranian solo female travellers, which have been mainly overlooked in prior studies on the topic. The study's findings indicate that solo travel motivations can be categorized into personal factors: freedom and flexibility, self‐empowerment, independence, and exploration. Also, the absence of family responsibilities, routines, and gender constraints, as well as the promotion of their social and personal selves, contributed to their well‐being. The results also indicate that, despite the restrictions imposed by Iran's religious‐patriarchal society, tourism has made women more visible in the public sphere. Overall, this study fills a significant gap in tourism research by highlighting the experience, limitations, and motivation of solo female travellers, which heralds social change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemolysis is the most common type of preanalytical interference. Cut-offs based on the hemolysis index level can be established using different approaches. The Working Group for Preanalytical Phase of the European Federation of Laboratory Medicine has developed a protocol for hemolysis management based on cut-offs estimated from biological variation (BV) and the use of interpretative comments. We developed and assessed the implementation of the protocol in our laboratory. Methods: Hemolysates from whole blood were prepared following the Meites method, and pooled serum samples with known Hb concentrations were prepared. For each analyte (42 ), interferograms were generated and used to establish cut-offs: desirable analytical quality specification and reference change value. This protocol was assessed, both preand post-implementation, according to expert rules in the Laboratory Information System. Results: Among the analytes evaluated, we selected those that showed the highest degree of hemolysis interference: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase, direct bilirubin, potassium, and folic acid. The cut-offs for LDH and direct bilirubin were the lowest. Only 28.16% of all LDH values were adequately reported in the pre-implantation retrospective study, but this percentage improved in the post-implementation stage. Conclusions: The development and implementation of a harmonized protocol for hemolysis management based on BV cut-offs and result reporting significantly improve hemolysis detection and lead to a decrease in the number of hemolyzed samples over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lima, Peru's capital, has about 9.6 million inhabitants and keeps attracting more residents searching for a better life. Many citizens, without access to housing subsidies, live in informal housing and shack settlements. A typical social phenomenon in Lima is the sudden illegal occupation of areas for urban settlements. When such areas are unsafe against natural hazards, it is important to relocate such a population to avoid significant future losses. In this communication, we present an application of Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images to map the extension of a recent occupation of an area with unfavorable soil conditions against earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane cultivation area is exposed to irregular rainfall which leads to several water deficit events during crop development. The plants have the ability to promote physiological and morphological changes to face water deficit. It is probable that, in sugarcane, higher tolerance to recurrent water deficit events is caused by physiological adjustment after the first water deficit exposure. We tested the hypothesis that previous exposition to water deficit event increase drought tolerance of sugarcane in a second water deficit event. Our study was carried out with genotypes RB72454 (drought-susceptible) and RB867515 (drought-tolerant) submitted to two water conditions: control and two events of water deficit (WDE1 and WDE2), separated by a rehydration event (RE). Sugarcane genotypes under WDE1 decreased pre-dawn and mid-day water potential (Ψmd and Ψpd), photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs), electron transport rate (ETR), and increased intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), when compared to control conditions. Contrastingly, sugarcane genotypes under WDE2 displayed smaller decrease in A, due to higher ETR, as compared to WDE1. The Multivariate Plasticity Index (MVPi), showed that sugarcane genotypes displayed high physiological plasticity in WDE1, being even higher in the drought-tolerant genotype than in the drought-susceptible one. In WDE2, sugarcane presented a decrease in physiological plasticity. Thus, higher physiological plasticity in WDE1 indicated that water deficit affected plant homeostasis, causing an impact in physiological traits, whereas the lower physiological plasticity showed in WDE2 is possibly related to sugarcane acclimation to water deficit, with a less prominent impact in physiological traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]