bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The plasmid-bornehipBAoperon ofKlebsiella michiganensisencodes a potent plasmid stabilization system
Authors: Shutt-McCabe J , Shaik KB , Hoyles L , McVicker G
Published: July 2024

Aims

Klebsiella michiganensisis a medically-important bacterium that has been subject to relatively little attention in the literature. Interrogation of sequence data fromK. michiganensisstrains in our collection has revealed the presence of multiple large plasmids encoding type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems. Such TA systems are responsible for mediating a range of phenotypes including plasmid stability (“addiction”) and antibiotic persistence. In this work, we characterize thehipBATA locus found within theKlebsiella oxytocaspecies complex (KoSC).

Methods and Results

The HipBA TA system is encoded on a plasmid carried byK. michiganensisPS_Koxy4, isolated from an infection outbreak. Employing viability and plasmid stability assays, we demonstrate that PS_Koxy4 HipA is a potent antibacterial toxin and that HipBA is a functional TA module contributing substantially to plasmid maintenance. Further, we providein silicodata comparing HipBA modules across the entire KoSC.

Conclusions

We provide the first evidence of the role of a plasmid-encoded HipBA system in stability of mobile genetic elements and analyze the presence of HipBA across the KoSC. These results expand our knowledge of both a common enterobacterial TA system and a highly medically-relevant group of bacteria.

Impact Statement

The HipBA TA system is typically encoded on bacterial chromosomes where it contributes to antimicrobial tolerance by interfering with translation during cellular stress. Here, we show that plasmid-encoded HipBA from a disease isolate ofKlebsiella michiganensisis responsible for highly effective plasmid addiction; the first such evidence of a HipBA module contributing to plasmid stability. This has important implications for enteric pathogen evolution and horizontal gene transfer in the era of multidrug resistance.
Single-molecule detection of transient dimerization of opioid receptors 1: Homodimers' effect on signaling and internalization
Authors: Zhou Peng , Tsunoyama Taka Aki , Kasai Rinshi S , Hirosawa Koichiro M , Kalay Ziya , Aladag Amine , Fujiwara Takahiro , Pigolotti Simone , Kusumi Akihiro
Published: July 2024

Opioid receptors (ORs) are critical for endogenous and synthetic analgesics. Their homodimerization is considered important for their pharmacological diversities, but whether they form homodimers remains controversial. Here, we established that the three classical ORs, mu-, kappa-, and delta-ORs (MOR, KOR, and DOR, respectively) undergo repeated transient (120-180 ms) homodimerizations every few seconds. This was done by using single-molecule imaging and developing theories for analyzing single-molecule colocalization data, which provide the key parameters, homodimer-monomer dissociation equilibrium constants and rate constants. Their 9-26 amino-acid C-terminal cytoplasmic domains, without sequence similarities, are involved in specific homodimerization, whereas the transmembrane domains provide less specific affinities. Using the membrane-permeable peptides mimicking the C-terminal homodimerization sequences which block homodimerizations, functions of monomers and homodimers were dissected. KOR and DOR homodimers, but not MOR homodimers, activate downstream G-proteins differently from monomers upon agonist addition, without influencing OR internalization. These findings could guide strategies to enhance OR-based analgesia.
Molecular dissection of the chromosome partitioning protein RocS and regulation by phosphorylation
Authors: Demuysere Margaux , Ducret Adrien , Grangeasse Christophe
Published: July 2024

Chromosome segregation in bacteria is a critical process ensuring that each daughter cell receives an accurate copy of the genetic material during cell division. Active segregation factors such as the ParABS system or SMC complexes, are usually essential for this process but are surprisingly dispensable inStreptococcus pneumoniae. Rather, chromosome segregation inS. pneumoniaerelies on the protein RocS, although the molecular mechanisms involved remain elusive. By combining genetics,in vivoimaging and biochemical approaches, we dissected the molecular features of RocS involved in chromosome segregation. Specifically, we investigated the respective function of the three RocS domains, specifically the C-terminal amphipathic helix (AH), the N-terminal DNA-binding domain (DBD) and the coiled-coil domain (CCD) separating the AH and the DBD. Notably, we found that a single AH is not sufficient for membrane binding and that RocS requires prior oligomerization to interact with the membrane. We further demonstrated that this self-interaction was driven by the N-terminal part of the CCD. On the other hand, we revealed that the C-terminal part of the CCD corresponds to a domain of unknown function (DUF 536) defined by three conserved glutamines which play a crucial role in RocS-mediated chromosome segregation. Finally, we showed that the DBD is phosphorylated by the unique serine-threonine kinase ofS. pneumoniaeStkP, and that mimicking this phosphorylation abrogated RocS binding to DNA. Overall, this study offers new insights into chromosome segregation in Streptococci and paves the way for a deeper understanding of RocS-like proteins in other bacteria.

IMPORTANCE

Bacteria have evolved a variety of mechanisms to properly segregate their genetic material during cell division. In this study, we performed a molecular dissection of the chromosome partitioning protein RocS, a pillar element of chromosome segregation inS. pneumoniaethat is also generally conserved in theStreptococcaceaefamily. Our systematic investigation shed light on the molecular features required for successful pneumococcal chromosome segregation and the regulation of RocS by phosphorylation. In addition, our study also revealed that RocS shares functional domains with the Par protein, involved in an atypical plasmid segregation system. Therefore, we expect that our findings may serve to extend our understanding of RocS and RocS-like proteins, while broadening the repertoire of partitioning systems used in bacteria.
Analysis of a turbulent round jet based on direct numerical simulation data at large box and high Reynolds number
Authors: Nguyen Cat Tuong , Oberlack Martin
Published: July 2024

We have conducted a direct numerical simulation of a turbulent round jet at a previously unattained Reynolds number of Re=3500 based on the jet diameter D and jet-inlet bulk velocity Ub in a particularly long box of 75D. To achieve very fast convergence to self-similarity, we used a turbulent pipe flow at the same Reynolds number and length 5D as the upstream inflow boundary condition. This indeed results in a very rapid emergence of self-similarity already at very small axial distances z compared to all turbulent jet data published so far. Not only for the mean velocities and the Reynolds stresses as well as the budgets of the Reynolds stress tensor and the turbulent kinetic energy, a nearly perfect classical scaling based on the normalized radius η=r/z in the range z/D=25−65 is shown, but also for the probability density function (PDF) of the axial velocity Uz as well as the associated skewness and kurtosis. All budget terms have been calculated directly, resulting in a marginal error in the balance. An almost completely Gaussian behavior of the PDF for the axial velocity is observed on the jet axis, while a clear deviation with increasingly heavy tails is evident with increasing distance from the axis.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The influence of the axial group on the crystal structures of boron subphthalocyanines
Authors: Zigelstein Rachel , Lough Alan J. , Bender Timothy P.
Published: July 2024

The crystal structures of 16 boron subphthalocyanines (BsubPcs) with structurally diverse axial groups were analyzed and compared to elucidate the impact of the axial group on the intermolecular π–π interactions, axial-group interactions, axial bond length and BsubPc bowl depth. π–π interactions between the isoindole units of adjacent BsubPc molecules most often involve concave–concave packing, whereas axial-group interactions with adjacent BsubPc molecules tend to favour the convex side of the BsubPc bowl. Furthermore, axial groups that contain O and/or F atoms tend to have significant hydrogen-bonding interactions, while axial groups containing arene site(s) can participate in π–π interactions with the BsubPc bowl, both of which can strongly influence the crystal packing. Bulky axial groups did tend to disrupt the π–π interactions and/or axial-group interactions, preventing some of the close packing that is seen in BsubPcs with less bulky axial groups. The atomic radius of the heteroatom bonded to boron directly influences the axial bond length, whereas the axial group has minimal impact on the BsubPc bowl depth. Finally, the crystal growth method did not generally appear to have a significant impact on the solid-state arrangement, with the exception of water occasionally being incorporated into crystal structures when hygroscopic solvents were used. These insights can help with the design and fine-tuning of the solid-state structures of BsubPcs as they continue to be developed as functional materials in organic electronics.
Crystal structures of the 3C proteases from Coxsackievirus B3 and B4
Authors: Jiang Haihai , Lin Cheng , Chang Jingyi , Zou Xiaofang , Zhang Jin , Li Jian
Published: July 2024

Enteroviruses cause a wide range of disorders with varying presentations and severities, and some enteroviruses have emerged as serious public health concerns. These include Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), an active causative agent of viral myocarditis, and Coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4), which may accelerate the progression of type 1 diabetes. The 3C proteases from CVB3 and CVB4 play important roles in the propagation of these viruses. In this study, the 3C proteases from CVB3 and CVB4 were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by affinity chromatography and gel-filtration chromatography. The crystals of the CVB3 and CVB4 3C proteases diffracted to 2.10 and 2.01 Å resolution, respectively. The crystal structures were solved by the molecular-replacement method and contained a typical chymotrypsin-like fold and a conserved His40–Glu71–Cys147 catalytic triad. Comparison with the structures of 3C proteases from other enteroviruses revealed high similarity with minor differences, which will guide the design of 3C-targeting inhibitors with broad-spectrum properties.
Self-learning for translational control of elliptical orbit spacecraft formations
Authors: Lu Weijia , Zhang Chengxi , Liu Fei , Wu Jin , Wang Jihe , Tan Lining
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relative translational control for multiple spacecraft formation flying. This paper proposes an engineering-friendly, structurally simple, fast and model-free control algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a tanh-type self-learning control (SLC) approach with variable learning intensity (VLI) to guarantee global convergence of the tracking error. This control algorithm utilizes the controller's previous control information in addition to the current system state information and avoids complicating the control structure.

Findings

The proposed approach is model-free and can obtain the control law without accurate modeling of the spacecraft formation dynamics. The tanh function can tune the magnitude of the learning intensity to reduce the control saturation behavior when the tracking error is large.

Practical implications

This algorithm is model-free, robust to perturbations such as disturbances and system uncertainties, and has a simple structure that is very conducive to engineering applications.

Originality/value

This paper verified the control performance of the proposed algorithm for spacecraft formation in the presence of disturbances by simulation and achieved high steady-state accuracy and response speed over comparisons.
Automatic identification of macroscopic constitutive parameters for polycrystalline materials based on computational homogenisation
Authors: Fonseca Gonçalves Guilherme , Cardoso Coelho Rui Pedro , Rodrigues Lopes Igor André
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to establish a robust numerical framework for the calibration of macroscopic constitutive parameters, based on the analysis of polycrystalline RVEs with computational homogenisation.

Design/methodology/approach

This framework is composed of four building-blocks: (1) the multi-scale model, consisting of polycrystalline RVEs, where the grains are modelled with anisotropic crystal plasticity, and computational homogenisation to link the scales, (2) a set of loading cases to generate the reference responses, (3) the von Mises elasto-plastic model to be calibrated, and (4) the optimisation algorithms to solve the inverse identification problem. Several optimisation algorithms are assessed through a reference identification problem. Thereafter, different calibration strategies are tested. The accuracy of the calibrated models is evaluated by comparing their results against an FE2 model and experimental data.

Findings

In the initial tests, the LIPO optimiser performs the best. Good results accuracy is obtained with the calibrated constitutive models. The computing time needed by the FE2 simulations is 5 orders of magnitude larger, compared to the standard macroscopic simulations, demonstrating how this framework is suitable to obtain efficient micro-mechanics-informed constitutive models.

Originality/value

This contribution proposes a numerical framework, based on FE2 and macro-scale single element simulations, where the calibration of constitutive laws is informed by multi-scale analysis. The most efficient combination of optimisation algorithm and definition of the objective function is studied, and the robustness of the proposed approach is demonstrated by validation with both numerical and experimental data.
The only daughters effect: examining the relationship between child gender and a CEO’s hiring decisions
Authors: Flores Gabriela , Garcia M. Fernanda , Nguyen Hazel , Triana María del Carmen , Choirat Christine
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between child gender and a CEO’s top management hiring decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested using secondary data on 121 S&P 500 male CEOs, their children, and their top management teams.

Findings

Results indicate that child gender is associated with a male CEO’s TMT hiring decisions. Specifically, we find that male CEOs with only daughters were significantly more likely to hire women to their TMTs than male CEOs with only sons and those with both sons and daughters.

Practical implications

This study provides evidence for the roles of familiarity, learning, and empathy in reducing gender biases in selection decisions. Top management hiring decisions have wide implications for organizational settings in general and for the breaking of the glass ceiling in particular.

Social implications

Reducing gender bias in top manager hiring decisions directly relates to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5 of achieving gender equality as women are consistently under-represented at the top of organizations across the world.

Originality/value

By focusing on the hiring of top managers, this study includes hiring decisions that directly impact firm operations. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between child gender and executive hiring decisions with a US S&P 500 sample.
Impact of values on the continual intention of mobile health apps: a text mining perspective
Authors: Niduthavolu Saikiran , Airani Rajeev
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine values derived from apps and their relationship with continual intention using reviews from the Google Play Store.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper delves deep into the determinants of mobile health apps’ (MHAs) value offering (functional, social, epistemic, conditional and hedonic value) using automatic content analysis and text mining of user reviews. This paper obtained data from a sample of 45,019 MHA users who have posted reviews on the Google Play Store. This paper analyzed the data using text mining, ACA and regression techniques.

Findings

The findings show that values moderate the relationship between review length and ratings. This paper found that the higher the length, the lower the ratings and vice versa. This paper also demonstrated that the novelty and perceived reliability of the app are the two most essential constructs that drive user ratings of MHAs.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, that derives values (functional, social, epistemic, conditional and hedonic value) using text mining and explores the relationship with user ratings.
Mapping the fintech revolution: how technology is transforming credit risk management
Authors: Nobanee Haitham , Ellili Nejla Ould Daoud , Chakraborty Dipanwita , Shanti Hiba Zaki
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the intersection of financial technology (fintech) and credit risk exploring the impact of fintech on credit risk within the banking and financial sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a bibliometric analysis approach, this study comprehensively reviews existing literature to understand the evolving landscape of fintech and credit risk. Data were extracted from the Scopus database using a comprehensive query encompassing various fintech-related keywords and their synonyms.

Findings

This study pinpoints six research streams on fintech and credit risk, spanning credit risk management, risk-sharing, credit scoring, regulatory challenges, small business lending impact and consumer credit market influence. It also examines recent advancements like artificial intelligence, blockchain and big data analytics in managing risk obligations.

Research limitations/implications

While this study offers a comprehensive assessment, limitations include the ever-evolving nature of technology and potential biases in the retrieval process. Researchers should consider these factors when building on this study's findings.

Practical implications

The findings have practical implications for financial institutions, policymakers and researchers, offering insights into the opportunities and challenges presented by fintech in credit risk management. This study highlights potential areas for the application of advanced technologies in risk assessment and mitigation.

Social implications

This study underscores the transformative impact of fintech on financial services, emphasizing the potential for more inclusive access and improved risk management. It encourages further exploration of fintech's societal implications, including its role in small business lending and consumer credit markets.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by conducting a thorough bibliometric review, surpassing previous analyses in scope. It encompasses an extensive set of keywords to ensure the comprehensive retrieval of relevant papers, providing a foundation for future research in the dynamic field of fintech and credit risk.
Evidence of stretching/moving sheet-triggered nonlinear similarity flows: atomization and electrospinning with/without air resistance
Authors: Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is two-fold. First, it aims to differentiate the response of a stretching jet encountering a quadratic air resistance from the classical jet shape formed in a frictionless medium. Second, it investigates how the resulting jet forms with and without air resistance, seeking evidence that supports the similarity flows frequently studied for stretching/moving thin bodies under the boundary layer approximation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study extends the established electrohydrodynamic stretching jet theory, used to model electrospinning or jet printing in the absence of air resistance, to encompass the impact of the retarding force on the jet stretching in both the cone and final regimes before it impinges on a substrate.

Findings

A close examination of the nonlinear governing equations reveals that the jet rapidly thins near the nozzle because of the combined action of viscous and electrical forces. In this region, the exponentially decaying jet receives further support from the air resistance, resulting in a closer alignment with the observed experimental jet. This exponential decay, accelerated by the inversely quadratic speed of the liquid particles, serves as clear evidence for the existence of a similarity flow over an exponentially stretching sheet. Furthermore, in the final regime, the jet stretching exhibits an algebraic decay in the absence of air friction, while with air resistance, it decays exponentially to reach a limiting speed. In the former case, a square root dependence of the stretching jet speed leads to the emergence of a similarity flow over a thin stretching jet, while in the latter case, a Sakiadis’ similarity flow appears over a continuously moving flat surface.

Practical implications

The analysis goes beyond jet hydrodynamics, delving into the interplay of electrostatic forces (including Coulomb’s law) and quadratic air drag, drawing upon experimental data on glycerol liquid presented in earlier publications.

Originality/value

Finally, the asymptotic behavior of the stretching jet under the combined influence of electrostatic pull and its electric currents because of bulk conduction and surface convection is validated through a comprehensive numerical simulation of the nonlinear system.
Examining determinants of auditors’ intention to use CAATs in external auditing using an extended UTAUT model; evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: JS Kumari , Senani K.G.P. , Ajward Roshan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the behavioral intention and the usage of Computer-Assisted Audit Techniques (CAATs) in external auditing by extending the original Unified Theory of the Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Model.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach is used in this study and 474 responses were secured from external auditors through a self-administered questionnaire, which was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Findings reveal that lower Perceived Risk (PR) and Anxiety (AN) of external auditors, which were two constructs that we additionally introduced, contributed as the highest impact factors to the increased intention to use CAATs in external audits. In addition, all other determinants that were introduced [i.e. Self-efficacy (SE), Attitude toward Technology (AT), Perceived Credibility (PC) and Trust (TR)] had a positive impact on the intentions to use CAATs. However, social influence surprisingly negatively influenced the intentions to use CAATs and was positively moderated by Voluntariness (VO). Furthermore, Performance Expectancy (PE) and Effort Expectancy (EE) were also observed to have a positive impact on intentions to use CAATs in external auditing. Moreover, Facilitating Conditions (FC) and Intentions to Use (IU) CAATs were noted to have positive influences on the Actual Use (AU) of CAATs.

Originality/value

The present study extended the UTAUT model by introducing relevant additional constructs: SE, PR, AT, AN, PC and TR, and examined the impact of these on the intention to use CAATs, and subsequently such intentions on the actual use of CAATs in external auditing, with several implications.
The functionality of arbuscular mycorrhizal networks across scales of experimental complexity and ecological relevance
Authors: Magkourilou E. , Bell C. A. , Daniell T. J. , Field K. J.
Published: July 2024

One of the most prevalent symbioses on Earth is that formed between the majority of land plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Through these intimate associations, AM fungi transfer soil nutrients to their plant hosts in exchange for photosynthetically fixed carbon resources.

It has been hypothesised that this nutritional mutualism is evolutionarily stable because both partners are in control of the exchange of resources and can discriminate between partners according to whichever offers the highest returns.

However, in nature, plant–AM symbioses are exposed to a wealth of additional biotic and abiotic interactions which can affect the regulation of carbon‐for‐nutrient exchange between symbionts. Moreover, the extraradical hyphae of AM fungi make up underground networks that may be interactive or physically connected, known as common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs). These can link neighbouring plants, potentially further influencing resource distribution across the network. How these layers of complexity interact to influence resource regulation and allocation between plants and AM fungi is not often considered by experimental designs.

Here, we review resource allocation in AM symbioses, scaling up from evidence from reductionist experimental systems using axenic root organ cultures to complex systems incorporating multiple neighbouring plants dealing with other, co‐occurring symbionts.

As experimental designs increase in scale and ecologically relevant complexity, the carbon‐for‐nutrient exchange between plants and their AM symbionts is increasingly subject to disruption associated with the wider ecological context, such as the intricacies of the plant‐fungal interactions in a CMN or the presence of co‐occurring organisms.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The seed dormancy profile of three types of vegetation in Golestan National Park in Iran and a comparison with the world database
Authors: Bagheri Seyed Hamid Reza , Ghaderi‐Far Farshid , Sadeghipour Hamid Reza , Siahmarguee Asieh , Baskin Carol C. , Barani Hossein , Azimmohseni Majid
Published: July 2024

Defining the seed dormancy profile (SDP) of plant communities may provide insight into species adaptive mechanisms, community structure, and dynamics. Golestan National Park (GNP) in Iran consists of different types of vegetation, namely deciduous temperate forest, matorral, and steppe in close proximity but with variability of environmental factors. Plant species, life forms, and kinds of seed dormancy were determined in the three vegetation types, and a SDP of types was generated and compared with corresponding ones in the world database. In all GNP vegetation types, 80%–82% and 2%–3% of the species had dormant (D), and nondormant (ND) seeds, respectively, but in 17% the class of dormancy was unknown. Physiological dormancy (PD) was the most abundant followed by physical dormancy (PY). The species percentage with ND seeds in GNP was significantly two or three times lower than that in the world database. The PD percentage in the matorral was significantly higher than that in the world database. The PY percentage was higher in the forests but lower in the matorral and steppe compared with the world database. The morphophysiological (MPD) dormancy percentage was significantly lower in the forests but higher in the matorral and steppe than in the global database. Seed dormancy profiles were not affected by the proximity of vegetation types in the GNP, but they differed from those of the world database for each vegetation type. The past climatic fluctuations associated with the present‐day seasonality of the region might be the selective pressure for the increased percentage of species with D seeds in the GNP.
Exploring buyer–seller relationships in Indian horticultural marketing: A focus on supermarket buyers
Authors: Saini Mayank , Savita Ubba
Published: July 2024

The emergence of high‐value supply chains, led by supermarket buyers, has transformed traditional avenues for marketing fruits and vegetables in India. Our study explores the evolving relationships between Indian farmers and supermarket buyers in the horticultural market. The investigation centres on understanding farmer satisfaction in this dynamic marketing landscape and its impact on their commitment to supermarket buyers. We identified critical factors such as price offer, reduced marketing cost and convenience as pivotal to farmers' satisfaction using the survey administered to 242 respondents. Results highlight the positive impact of price offer, reduced marketing cost and convenience on farmers' satisfaction, while underscoring that market assurance hampers satisfaction levels among farmers. In practical terms, our findings emphasise the importance of addressing farmers' needs for a more fruitful and mutually enriching partnership with the supermarkets. The study contributes depth to discussions on the evolving face of horticulture, accentuating the impact of modern supply chains on farmer welfare and economic growth.
Trajectories of depressive symptoms in Korean adults with diabetes: Individual differences and associations with life satisfaction and mortality
Authors: Shim Eun‐Jung , Park Sang Jin , Im Gyu Hyeong , Hackett Ruth A. , Zaninotto Paola , Steptoe Andrew
Published: July 2024

Objective

We examined trajectories of depressive symptoms and their predictors in adults with diabetes. We assessed whether these trajectories were related to life satisfaction and mortality.

Design

Longitudinal, prospective observational study.

Methods

We analysed data from 1217 adults with diabetes (aged ≥45 years) in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2018).

Results

Three trajectories of depressive symptomology were identified in growth mixture models: low/stable (i.e., low and stable levels of symptoms; 85.56%), high/decreasing (i.e., high levels of symptoms with a decreasing trajectory; 7.47%), and moderate/increasing (i.e., moderate levels of symptoms with an increasing trajectory; 6.98%). Participants with poor perceived health status at baseline were more likely to be in the moderate/increasing or high/decreasing classes than in the low/stable class. The moderate/increasing class had the lowest satisfaction with quality of life, followed by the high/decreasing and low/stable classes. The moderate/increasing and the high/decreasing classes had lower satisfaction with relationships with spouse and children than the low/stable class. The high/decreasing class had a higher mortality risk than the low/stable class.

Conclusions

Long‐term monitoring of depressive symptoms in adults with diabetes is warranted given their potential adverse impact on life satisfaction and mortality.
The role of creativity and innovation in the quality of our lives, the planet and science
Authors: Boer Harry , Goduscheit René Chester , Schweisfurth Tim , Visser‐Groeneveld Jeannette
Published: July 2024

This editorial is the first in a new set‐up, in which we, as the editorial team of Creativity and Innovation Management, share with our community and wider readership our experiences, views and perspectives, expectations or questions we may have. The intention is to publish such an editorial every half year. The topic of this one: creativity, innovation and quality.
Vertebrate taxonomic and functional hotspots in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Pedroso‐Santos Fillipe , Hilário Renato Richard , Xavier Bruna da Silva , Santos Ana M. C. , Mustin Karen , Carvalho William Douglas
Published: July 2024

Aim

We aim to find the main drivers of the taxonomic and functional richness and functional dispersion of vertebrates (amphibians, birds, primates, marsupials, rodents, bats and medium‐ and large‐sized mammals) across the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We also aim to identify hotspots of vertebrate diversity and quantify the extent to which they are legally protected.

Location

Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Methods

We gathered data on the occurrence of vertebrates based on the most recent published databases for Atlantic Forest vertebrates and measured taxonomic richness, functional richness and functional dispersion. We then related variation in diversity, within each group and overall, to environmental and landscape variables. Also, we modelled the diversity of each group for the entire extent of the Atlantic Forest, superimposing the diversity maps to delimit the vertebrate biodiversity hotspots and verified how much of these hotspots are covered by protected areas.

Results

Taxonomic/functional diversity were driven by environmental (e.g., average annual precipitation and precipitation of the driest quarter) and landscape variables (e.g., amount of forest and agricultural areas) for most taxonomic groups. The main hotspots of taxonomic richness are located in the central region of the Atlantic Forest, whereas those for functional diversity occur in the southern region of the biome. Only a little over 10% of the Atlantic Forest is covered by protected areas, and, as such, the vast majority of the medium and high diversity areas fall outside of protected areas, being therefore not legally protected.

Main Conclusions

We found evidence for previously described patterns, including the predicted positive effects of the amount of forest in the landscape and precipitation and the negative effects of agricultural areas on vertebrate diversity. Finally, our results show that most diversity hotspots are outside of legally protected areas, indicating that more conservation efforts should be made towards safeguarding these important areas.
Successful treatment of postoperative intrahepatic stones with direct peroral cholangioscopy and mother–baby system cholangioscopy
Authors: Uechi Hiroki , Fujita Yuji , Koyama Yuji
Published: July 2024

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Reinsertion of a removed self‐expandable metal stent through an endosonographically created route after hepaticojejunostomy for multiple cholangioscopy‐guided procedures
Authors: Matsubara Saburo , Suda Kentaro , Nagoshi Sumiko
Published: July 2024

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Centromedian region thalamic responsive neurostimulation mitigates idiopathic generalized and multifocal epilepsy with focal to bilateral tonic–clonic seizures
Authors: Nanda Pranav , Sisterson Nathaniel , Walton Ashley , Chu Catherine J. , Cash Sydney S. , Moura Lidia M. V. R. , Oster Joel M. , Urban Alexandra , Richardson Robert Mark
Published: July 2024

Objective

Although >30% of epilepsy patients have drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE), typically those with generalized or multifocal disease have not traditionally been considered surgical candidates. Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) of the centromedian (CM) region of the thalamus now appears to be a promising therapeutic option for this patient population. We present outcomes following CM RNS for 13 patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) and eight with multifocal onsets that rapidly generalize to bilateral tonic–clonic (focal to bilateral tonic–clonic [FBTC]) seizures.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing bilateral CM RNS by the senior author through July 2022 were reviewed. Electrodes were localized and volumes of tissue activation were modeled in Lead‐DBS. Changes in patient seizure frequency were extracted from electronic medical records.

Results

Twenty‐one patients with DRE underwent bilateral CM RNS implantation. For 17 patients with at least 1 year of postimplantation follow‐up, average seizure reduction from preoperative baseline was 82.6% (SD = 19.0%, median = 91.7%), with 18% of patients Engel class 1, 29% Engel class 2, 53% Engel class 3, and 0% Engel class 4. There was a trend for average seizure reduction to be greater for patients with nonlesional FBTC seizures than for other patients. For patients achieving at least Engel class 3 outcome, median time to worthwhile seizure reduction was 203.5 days (interquartile range = 110.5–343.75 days). Patients with IGE with myoclonic seizures had a significantly shorter time to worthwhile seizure reduction than other patients. The surgical targeting strategy evolved after the first four subjects to achieve greater anatomic accuracy.

Significance

Patients with both primary and rapidly generalized epilepsy who underwent CM RNS experienced substantial seizure relief. Subsets of these patient populations may particularly benefit from CM RNS. The refinement of lead targeting, tuning of RNS system parameters, and patient selection are ongoing areas of investigation.
More than “just a mom”: Identity distancing and reactivation during re‐entry transitions
Authors: Freeney Yseult , van der Werff Lisa , Greenberg Danna , Hayden Teresa , Costello Vera , Coleman Alison
Published: July 2024

Re‐entering the workforce after a career interruption is a common work/family transition for women with caregiving responsibilities. Despite the frequency of these transitions over women's careers, extant scholarship has tended to be descriptive of the motives and barriers behind these transitions and has not built a more theoretically‐informed understanding of re‐entry transitions. In this study, we draw upon identity theory to explore women's subjective experiences of re‐entry transitions as we examine how women's identities evolve from being “just a mom” to a (re)activation of their work identity. Our findings highlight how, through a combination of psychological and relational mechanisms, women distance themselves from their stay‐at‐home identity and begin to reactivate a dormant or lingering work identity. Our work contributes to understanding of work/family transitions and identity theory as we theorize how this transition occurs and the mechanisms that support this identity transition process. We also call for changes in the practices of organizations and government agencies to better support this identity reactivation through improvements in processes related to supporting women in preparing for re‐entry following a career break and recruitment of women at this important transition point.
Adherence of SARS‐CoV‐2 Seroepidemiologic Studies to the ROSES‐S Reporting Guideline During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Cheng Brianna , Loeschnik Emma , Selemon Anabel , Hosseini Reza , Yuan Jane , Ware Harriet , Ma Xiaomeng , Cao Christian , Bergeri Isabel , Subissi Lorenzo , Lewis Hannah C. , Williamson Tyler , Ronksley Paul , Arora Rahul K. , Whelan Mairead , Bobrovitz Niklas
Published: July 2024

Background

Complete reporting of seroepidemiologic studies is critical to their utility in evidence synthesis and public health decision making. The Reporting of Seroepidemiologic studies—SARS‐CoV‐2 (ROSES‐S) guideline is a checklist that aims to improve reporting in SARS‐CoV‐2 seroepidemiologic studies. Adherence to the ROSES‐S guideline has not yet been evaluated.

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the completeness of SARS‐CoV‐2 seroepidemiologic study reporting by the ROSES‐S guideline during the COVID‐19 pandemic, determine whether guideline publication was associated with reporting completeness, and identify study characteristics associated with reporting completeness.

Methods

A random sample from the SeroTracker living systematic review database was evaluated. For each reporting item in the guideline, the percentage of studies that were adherent was calculated, as well as median and interquartile range (IQR) adherence across all items and by item domain. Beta regression analyses were used to evaluate predictors of adherence to ROSES‐S.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐nine studies were analyzed. Median adherence was 48.1% (IQR 40.0%–55.2%) per study, with overall adherence ranging from 8.8% to 72.7%. The laboratory methods domain had the lowest median adherence (33.3% [IQR 25.0%–41.7%]). The discussion domain had the highest median adherence (75.0% [IQR 50.0%–100.0%]). Reporting adherence to ROSES‐S before and after guideline publication did not significantly change. Publication source (p < 0.001), study risk of bias (p = 0.001), and sampling method (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with adherence.

Conclusions

Completeness of reporting in SARS‐CoV‐2 seroepidemiologic studies was suboptimal. Publication of the ROSES‐S guideline was not associated with changes in reporting practices. Authors should improve adherence to the ROSES‐S guideline with support from stakeholders.
Biogeography of oribatid mites (Acari) reflects their ancient origin and points to Southeast Asia as centre of radiation
Authors: Lu Jing‐Zhong , Pan Xue , Scheu Stefan , Maraun Mark
Published: July 2024

Aim

Understanding the worldwide distribution of species has fascinated scientists at least since Alfred Russel Wallace. Global patterns of belowground biodiversity may fundamentally differ from those of aboveground organisms. Here, we examine the global pattern and potential mechanisms driving the endemism and overlap of a soil microarthropod taxon.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Oribatida, Acari.

Methods

We investigated the global distribution of oribatid mites in five biogeographic regions including North America, South America, Eurasia, Africa and Oceania using a world list on the distribution of ~11,400 described species (including subspecies) at species, genera and family levels.

Results and Main Conclusion

We found that most “endemic” (i.e., only occurring in one of the regions) species (4297) and also genera (143) occurred in Eurasia indicating that this region was the centre of radiation of oribatid mites. Within Eurasia, oribatid mite diversity was highest in Southeast Asia (1975 species) likely reflecting the long tropical history of this region (at least 200 million years), and also high fluctuations in water levels and island formation on the Sunda Shield. On a family level, oribatid mite diversity did not differ between biogeographic regions indicating that oribatid mites are much older than the tropics and older than the existence of Pangaea supporting the view of their origin in the early Palaeozoic. Finally, among the 55 species that occurred in all biogeographic regions nearly 50% reproduce by thelytoky and colonize high latitude ecosystems, indicating that compared to sexual species a disproportionally high number of parthenogenetic species is distributed worldwide suggesting that they possess a general‐purpose genotype. The other ~50% sexuals predominantly occur in tropical/subtropical regions across biogeographic regions supporting the view that resource shortage in tropical regions favours sex. Our findings highlight the importance of biogeographical studies of soil animals to better understand their diversity, distribution and life history strategies.
A dermocosmetic product containing the sap of oat plantlets and Garcinia mangostana extract improves the clinical signs of acne
Authors: Carballido F. , Philippe A. , Maitre M. , Lauze C. , Chanssard N. , Garidou L. , Duplan H. , Tan J.
Published: July 2024

Background

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, characterized by papules, pustules and/or nodules manifesting primarily on the face and/or upper back that can leave scars, post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and erythema (PIE).

Objective

To evaluate the anti‐inflammatory properties of a protein‐free sap extruded from Rhealba® oat plantlets and a Garcinia mangostana extract on Cutibacterium acnes‐induced inflammation in vitro and assess the tolerability and efficacy of a dermocosmetic product containing these actives in subjects with mild‐to‐moderate acne.

Methods

Monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (Mo‐DCs) from acne patients were stimulated with a planktonic culture of C. acnes and cytokine production was evaluated before and after addition of the test extracts by RT‐PCR and ELISA. The clinical study was conducted in subjects with mild‐to‐moderate acne who applied the product to their face and upper back twice‐daily for 2 months.

Results

Cutibacterium acnes‐induced IL‐6, IL‐12p40, IL‐10 and TNFα synthesis was reduced by the addition of the Garcinia mangostana extract and oat sap in vitro. The clinical study included 54 subjects. The 2‐month, twice‐daily application of the test product to the whole face and acne‐affected areas on the upper back was well tolerated. It led to significant decreases in the number of retentional (−21% for 69% of subjects at D57) and inflammatory (−35% for 79% of subjects at D57) acne lesions, as well as a decrease in Global Acne Evaluation severity scores (2.5 at D1, 2.2 at D29 and 2.1 at D57). The dermatologist also rated the product as effective or very effective in most subjects with PIE (82%; n = 33/40) and PIH (70%; n = 8/11) at D57.

Conclusion

The actives demonstrated anti‐inflammatory effects in vitro, and the dermocosmetic product showed good clinical efficacy and tolerability in subjects with mild‐to‐moderate acne, supporting the use of this product in acne management.
The foundational effects of gender: Exploring Latin American Elites’ perceptions of corruption
Authors: Bohigues Asbel , Piscopo Jennifer M. , Alexander Amy
Published: July 2024

Do women perceive corruption differently from men and why? Using elite survey data from over 3000 Latin American legislators nested in 49 country‐years, we explore who perceives corruption as an important national problem. We find that women legislators place more importance on corruption than men. We further examine three potential mechanisms to understand why: support for effective states, power marginalization, and corruption salience. We explore whether these mechanisms work through pathways of moderation or mediation. We find little support for hypotheses that gender interacts with these factors, but we do find that gender mediates who supports effective states and who is marginalized from power. In both the moderation and mediation analyses, we continue to find an underlying, robust effect of being a woman on rating corruption's importance. Thus, while debate over mechanisms remains, gender is foundational to explaining elites' corruption perceptions. Women consistently perceive corruption as more important than men.
Enhancing the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy through curcumin modifications
Authors: Joshi Priyanka , Soares Jennifer M. , Martins Guilherme M. , Zucolotto Cocca Leandro H. , De Boni Leonardo , de Oliveira Kleber T. , Bagnato Vanderlei S. , Blanco Kate C.
Published: July 2024

Curcumin serves as a photosensitizer (PS) in the context of microbial inactivation when subjected to light exposure, to produce reactive oxygen species, which exhibit efficacy in eradicating microorganisms. This remarkable property underscores the growing potential of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the ongoing fight against bacterial infections. Considering this, we investigate the efficacy of various in vitro curcumin formulations within a PDT protocol designed to target Staphylococcus aureus. Specifically, we conduct a comparative analysis involving synthetic curcumin (Cur‐Syn) and curcumin derivatives modified with chlorine (Cl), selenium (Se), and iodine (I) (Cur‐Cl, Cur‐Se, Cur‐I). To assess the impact of aPDT, we subject S. aureus to incubation with curcumin, followed by irradiation at 450 nm with energy doses of 3.75, 7.5, and 15 J/cm2. Our investigation encompasses an evaluation of PS uptake and photobleaching across the various curcumin variants. Notably, all three modifications (Cur‐Cl, Cur‐Se, Cur‐I) induce a significant reduction in bacterial viability, approximately achieving a 3‐log reduction. Interestingly, the uptake kinetics of Cur‐Syn and Cur‐Se exhibit similarities, reaching saturation after 20 min. Our findings suggest that modifications to curcumin have a discernible impact on the photodynamic properties of the PS molecule.