bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine particulate matter and osteoporosis: evidence, mechanisms, and emerging perspectives
Authors: Zhang Jiyang , Chu Hanshu , Li Ran , Liu Cuiqing
Published: September 2024

Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5), has been recognized for its adverse effects on multiple organs beyond the lungs. Among these, the bone began to garner significant attention. This review covers epidemiological, animal, and cell studies on PM2.5 exposure and bone health as well as studies on PM2.5-induced diseases with skeletal complications. Emerging evidence from epidemiological studies indicates a positive association between PM2.5 exposure and the incidence of osteoporosis and fractures, along with a negative association with bone mineral density. Experimental studies have demonstrated that PM2.5 can disrupt the metabolic balance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts through inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption, thereby triggering bone loss and osteoporosis. Additionally, this review proposes a secondary mechanism by which PM2.5 may impair bone homeostasis via pathological alterations in other organs, offering new perspectives on the complex interactions between environmental pollutants and bone health. In conclusion, this contemporary review underscores the often-overlooked risk factors of PM2.5 in terms of its adverse effects on bone and elucidates the mechanisms of both primary and secondary toxicity. Further attention should be given to exploring the molecular mechanisms of PM2.5-induced bone impairment and developing effective intervention strategies.
Accelerated maturation of ARPE‐19 cells for the translational assessment of gene therapy
Authors: Bernd Jonathan , Plastino Flavia , Karayannis Joanna Jackelin , Kvanta Anders , Locri Filippo , André Helder
Published: September 2024

The human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line ARPE‐19 is widely used as an alternative to primary RPE despite losing many features of primary RPE. We aimed to determine whether a combination of RPE‐specific laminin (LN) and nicotinamide (NAM) could improve ARPE‐19 redifferentiation to resemble mature RPE and improve the assessment of RPE‐specific gene therapy strategies. ARPE‐19 cells were propagated on tissue culture plastic supplemented with NAM and human recombinant LN521‐coating. RPE maturation was performed by immunocytochemistry and gene expression by qPCR. Viral transduction experiments with adeno‐associated virus (AAV)1 or AAV2, carrying a VMD2‐driven GFP, were assessed at 2‐ and 4‐weeks post‐plating in the different culturing conditions with a low multiplicity of infection. The combination of LN521 coating with NAM supplementation promoted cytoskeletal and tight junction protein reorganization. The expression of maturation markers bestrophin‐1 and RPE 65 was promoted concomitantly with a reduction of several epithelial‐mesenchymal transition markers, such as TNF‐α, TGF‐β, CDH2, and vimentin. Redifferentiated ARPE‐19 transduced at low multiplicity of infection of both AAV1‐ and AAV2‐VMD2‐GFP. Expression of GFP was detected at 2 weeks and increased at 4 weeks post‐plating. AAV1 exhibited a greater expression efficacy compared to AAV2 in maturated ARPE‐19 cells already after 2 weeks with increased efficiency after 4 weeks. Our study demonstrates an improved maturation protocol for ARPE‐19 cells in vitro, mimicking an in vivo phenotype with the expression of signature genes and improved morphology. Viral‐mediated RPE‐specific gene expression demonstrates that the combination cultures mimic in vivo AAV tropism essential to test new gene therapies for RPE‐centered diseases.
Unveiling citicoline's mechanisms and clinical relevance in the treatment of neuroinflammatory disorders
Authors: Cavalu Simona , Saber Sameh , Ramadan Asmaa , Elmorsy Elsayed A. , Hamad Rabab S. , Abdel‐Reheim Mustafa Ahmed , Youssef Mahmoud E.
Published: September 2024

Citicoline, a compound produced naturally in small amounts in the human body, assumes a pivotal role in phosphatidylcholine synthesis, a dynamic constituent of membranes of neurons. Across diverse models of brain injury and neurodegeneration, citicoline has demonstrated its potential through neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects. This review aims to elucidate citicoline's anti‐inflammatory mechanism and its clinical implications in conditions such as ischemic stroke, head trauma, glaucoma, and age‐associated memory impairment. Citicoline's anti‐inflammatory prowess is rooted in its ability to stabilize cellular membranes, thereby curbing the excessive release of glutamate—a pro‐inflammatory neurotransmitter. Moreover, it actively diminishes free radicals and inflammatory cytokines productions, which could otherwise harm neurons and incite neuroinflammation. It also exhibits the potential to modulate microglia activity, the brain's resident immune cells, and hinder the activation of NF‐κB, a transcription factor governing inflammatory genes. Clinical trials have subjected citicoline to rigorous scrutiny in patients grappling with acute ischemic stroke, head trauma, glaucoma, and age‐related memory impairment. While findings from these trials are mixed, numerous studies suggest that citicoline could confer improvements in neurological function, disability reduction, expedited recovery, and cognitive decline prevention within these cohorts. Additionally, citicoline boasts a favorable safety profile and high tolerability. In summary, citicoline stands as a promising agent, wielding both neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory potential across a spectrum of neurological conditions. However, further research is imperative to delineate the optimal dosage, treatment duration, and underlying mechanisms. Moreover, identifying specific patient subgroups most likely to reap the benefits of citicoline as a new therapy remains a critical avenue for exploration.
Preconditioning with β‐hydroxybutyrate attenuates lung ischemia–reperfusion injury by suppressing alveolar macrophage pyroptosis through the SIRT1‐FOXO3 signaling pathway
Authors: Lu Fan , Wang Rurong , Cheng Yan , Li XueHan
Published: September 2024

The complex pathogenesis of lung ischemia–reperfusion injury (LIRI) was examined in a murine model, focusing on the role of pyroptosis and its exacerbation of lung injury. We specifically examined the levels and cellular localization of pyroptosis within the lung, which revealed alveolar macrophages as the primary site. The inhibition of pyroptosis by VX‐765 reduced the severity of lung injury, underscoring its significant role in LIRI. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of β‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐OHB) in ameliorating LIRI was examined. Modulation of β‐OHB levels was evaluated by ketone ester supplementation and 3‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 (BDH‐1) gene knockout, along with the manipulation of the SIRT1‐FOXO3 signaling pathway using EX‐527 and pCMV‐SIRT1 plasmid transfection. This revealed that β‐OHB exerts lung‐protective and anti‐pyroptotic effects, which were mediated through the upregulation of SIRT1 and the enhancement of FOXO3 deacetylation, leading to decreased pyroptosis markers and lung injury. In addition, β‐OHB treatment of MH‐S cells in vitro showed a concentration‐dependent improvement in pyroptosis, linking its therapeutic benefits to specific cell mechanisms. Overall, this study highlights the significance of alveolar macrophage pyroptosis in the exacerbation of LIRI and indicates the potential of β‐OHB in mitigating injury by modulating the SIRT1‐FOXO3 signaling pathway.
Expert Panel Consensus on the Effectiveness and Implementation of Models to Support Posthospitalization Care Transitions for People With Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Incze Michael A. , Huebler Sophia , Szczotka Kathryn , Grant Sean , Kertesz Stefan G. , Gordon Adam J.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Hospitals are increasingly offering treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) during medical admissions. However, there is a lack of consensus on the best approach to facilitating a successful transition to long-term medical and SUD care after hospitalization. We aimed to establish a hierarchy of existing SUD care transition models in 2 categories—effectiveness and implementation—using an expert consensus approach.

Methods

We conducted a modified online Delphi study that convened 25 interdisciplinary clinicians with experience facilitating posthospitalization care transitions for patients with SUD. Panelists rated 10 prespecified posthospitalization care transition models according to 6 criteria concerning each model’s anticipated effectiveness (eg, linkage to care, treatment retention) and implementation (eg, feasibility, acceptability). Ratings were made on a 9-point bidirectional scale. Group consensus was determined using the interpercentile range adjusted for symmetry.

Results

After 3 rounds of the Delphi process (96% retention across all 3 rounds), consensus was reached on all 60 rating criteria. Interdisciplinary addiction consult teams (ACTs) and in-reach from partnering outpatient clinics were rated highest for effectiveness. Interdisciplinary ACTs and bridge clinics were rated highest for implementation. Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment; protocol implementation; and postdischarge outreach received the lowest ratings overall. Feasibility of implementation was perceived as the largest challenge for all highly rated models.

Conclusions

An expert consensus approach including diverse clinician stakeholders found that interdisciplinary ACT, in-reach from partnering outpatient clinics, and bridge clinics had the greatest potential to enhance posthospitalization care transitions for patients with SUD when considering both perceived effectiveness and implementation.
Improving Estimates of the Prevalence of Opioid Use Disorder in the United States: Revising Keyes et al
Authors: Lim Tse Yang , Keyes Katherine M. , Caulkins Jonathan P. , Stringfellow Erin J. , Cerdá Magdalena , Jalali Mohammad S.
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The United States faces an ongoing drug overdose crisis, but accurate information on the prevalence of opioid use disorder (OUD) remains limited. A recent analysis by Keyes et al used a multiplier approach with drug poisoning mortality data to estimate OUD prevalence. Although insightful, this approach made stringent and partly inconsistent assumptions in interpreting mortality data, particularly synthetic opioid (SO)–involved and non–opioid-involved mortality. We revise that approach and resulting estimates to resolve inconsistencies and examine several alternative assumptions.

Methods

We examine 4 adjustments to Keyes and colleagues’ estimation approach: (A) revising how the equations account for SO effects on mortality, (B) incorporating fentanyl prevalence data to inform estimates of SO lethality, (C) using opioid-involved drug poisoning data to estimate a plausible range for OUD prevalence, and (D) adjusting mortality data to account for underreporting of opioid involvement.

Results

Revising the estimation equation and SO lethality effect (adj. A and B) while using Keyes and colleagues’ original assumption that people with OUD account for all fatal drug poisonings yields slightly higher estimates, with OUD population reaching 9.3 million in 2016 before declining to 7.6 million by 2019. Using only opioid-involved drug poisoning data (adj. C and D) provides a lower range, peaking at 6.4 million in 2014–2015 and declining to 3.8 million in 2019.

Conclusions

The revised estimation equation presented is feasible and addresses limitations of the earlier method and hence should be used in future estimations. Alternative assumptions around drug poisoning data can also provide a plausible range of estimates for OUD population.
A Pharmacologic Evaluation of Buprenorphine in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
Authors: Caritis Steve N. , Venkataramanan Raman
Published: September 2024

Background

The dosing regimen in the package insert for sublingual buprenorphine is similar for pregnant and nonpregnant people despite the physiologic changes seen during pregnancy.

Aims

To compare plasma buprenorphine pharmacokinetics during and after pregnancy and relate buprenorphine concentration to the pharmacodynamic endpoints of pupil diameter, Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale (COWS), and craving scores.

Study Design

Prospective cohort of 22 pregnant people undergoing 33 pharmacologic studies (6–8 hours each) during pregnancy or postpartum. Participants were on a stable daily dose of 2–8 mg sublingual buprenorphine every 6 or 8 hours. The dosing frequency was selected by the participant. On study day, baseline measurements of plasma buprenorphine, pupil diameter, COWS, and craving scores were obtained, then the usual morning dose was taken, and measurements were repeated several times over 1 dosing interval.

Findings

The dose-normalized area under the plasma buprenorphine concentration time curve was significantly (P= 0.036) lower during pregnancy (155 ± 52 ng × min/mL) than postpartum (218 ± 113 ng × min/mL). Buprenorphine trough concentrations were similar at the start (1.1 ± 0.7 ng/mL) and end of a dosing cycle (1.2 ± 0.8 ng/mL) regardless of dosing frequency. Pupillary diameter, COWS, and craving scores returned to baseline as buprenorphine concentrations approached ~1 ng/mL.

Conclusions

Pregnant people require a higher dose of buprenorphine to achieve concentrations comparable to nonpregnant people. There is a temporal relationship between the plasma buprenorphine concentration and the pharmacodynamic markers of pupillary diameter, COWS, and craving scores. An average plasma concentration of ~1 ng/mL was associated with the lowest level of COWS and craving scores.
Taking the Extra Listening Mile: Processing Spoken Semantic Context Is More Effortful for Older Than Young Adults
Authors: Harel-Arbeli Tami , Shaposhnik Hagit , Palgi Yuval , Ben-David Boaz M.
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

Older adults use semantic context to generate predictions in speech processing, compensating for aging-related sensory and cognitive changes. This study aimed to gauge aging-related changes in effort exertion related to context use.

Design:

The study revisited data from Harel-Arbeli et al. (2023) that used a “visual-world” eye-tracking paradigm. Data on efficiency of context use (response latency and the probability to gaze at the target before hearing it) and effort exertion (pupil dilation) were extracted from a subset of 14 young adults (21 to 27 years old) and 13 older adults (65 to 79 years old).

Results:

Both age groups showed a similar pattern of context benefits for response latency and target word predictions, however only the older adults group showed overall increased pupil dilation when listening to context sentences.

Conclusions:

Older adults’ efficient use of spoken semantic context appears to come at a cost of increased effort exertion.
Comparing postoperative pain relief: ketorolac and Nasocalcin spray versus lidocaine and Nasocalcin spray in abdominal surgery patients
Authors: Saadat Fakhr Masoud , Qasemi Mahdiya , Rezvanfar Kiana , Hosseini Reza Shah , Amini Zahra , Amiri Koosha , Zhaleh Mahan , Tarkashvand Taraneh , Narimani Zamanabadi Mahnaz
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

Postoperative pain management is critical for patient recovery after abdominal surgery. This study compared intravenous lidocaine and ketorolac for reducing postoperative pain and opioid use, along with Nasocalcin nasal spray.

Methods:

In this randomized controlled trial, 58 abdominal surgery patients were allocated to receive either intravenous lidocaine plus Nasocalcin spray (n=29) or intravenous ketorolac plus Nasocalcin spray (n=29) before surgery. Pain intensity (visual analog scale) and postoperative opioid consumption were assessed at 1, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery.

Results:

Patients receiving ketorolac plus Nasocalcin spray reported significantly lower pain scores at all time points compared to lidocaine plus Nasocalcin (P<0.001). Average 24-h pain scores were 4.5 with ketorolac versus 5.1 with lidocaine. Mean opioid consumption was also lower in the ketorolac group (31.9 mg) versus the lidocaine group (43.9 mg, P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Preoperative ketorolac plus Nasocalcin nasal spray resulted in superior pain relief and less opioid use compared to lidocaine plus Nasocalcin after abdominal surgery. Ketorolac may be a more effective analgesic option, while Nasocalcin spray is a safe adjunct. These findings can inform clinical practice for optimizing postoperative analgesia.
A case of postpartum dermatomyositis with onset at three months: expanding the clinical spectrum
Authors: Shah Sandesh , Shrestha Garima , Raut Ujwal , Vaidya Monasha , Thapaliya Ritesh , Maharjan Radhika
Published: September 2024

Introduction and importance:

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disorder affecting all age groups, with a higher prevalence in women. Diagnosis typically occurs around age 40. Manifestation can be acute or chronic. Diagnosis relies on clinical, laboratory, electromyography, and histopathological tests. Limited information exists regarding DM’s occurrence during pregnancy and its connection to pregnancy.

Case presentation:

A 31-year-old, 3-month postpartum female presented with features of proximal muscle weakness and generalized erythematous itchy rash. The weakness was associated with muscle tenderness. Laboratory evaluation and skin biopsy revealed features consistent with dermatomyositis. Pulmonary pathology and occult tumors were investigated. Symptoms gradually improved on steroids and azathioprine.

Clinical discussion:

The relationship between dermatomyositis and pregnancy remains poorly understood, with only a few documented cases highlighting the impact of pregnancy on the development and progression of the disease. From the available literature, it is evident that postpartum dermatomyositis is uncommon yet significant, necessitating careful attention during pregnancy to enhance outcomes for both the mother and the unborn child.

Conclusion:

Our experience highlights a rare case of postpartum dermatomyositis, with symptoms emerging 3 months after childbirth, differing from documented cases. More research is needed to understand pregnancy’s role in dermatomyositis development and improve treatment for pregnant women with autoimmune skin diseases.
Predictive models and biomarkers for survival in stage III breast cancer: a review of clinical applications and future directions
Authors: Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Obeagu Getrude Uzoma
Published: September 2024

Stage III breast cancer, characterized by locally advanced tumors and potential regional lymph node involvement, presents a formidable challenge to both patients and healthcare professionals. Accurate prediction of survival outcomes is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and optimizing patient care. This publication explores the potential clinical utility of predictive tools, encompassing genetic markers, imaging techniques, and clinical parameters, to improve survival outcome predictions in stage III breast cancer. Multimodal approaches, integrating these tools, hold the promise of delivering more precise and personalized predictions. Despite the inherent challenges, such as data standardization and genetic heterogeneity, the future offers opportunities for refinement, driven by precision medicine, artificial intelligence, and global collaboration. The goal is to empower healthcare providers to make informed treatment decisions, ultimately leading to improved survival outcomes and a brighter horizon for individuals facing this challenging disease.
A Confirmed Extrarenal Birt-Hogg-Dubé-Associated Oncocytic Neoplasm
Authors: Baraban Ezra , Fishman Elliot K. , Lafaro Kelly , Lin Ming-Tseh , Ged Yasser , Hruban Ralph H. , Argani Pedram
Published: September 2024

Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome is a rare inherited disease characterized by a variety of renal epithelial tumors and oncocytosis, with extrarenal manifestations primarily consisting of pulmonary cysts and cutaneous fibrofolliculomas. Here we report a unique case of a primary extrarenal BHD-associated oncocytic epithelial neoplasm which arose between the duodenum and head of the pancreas. The unusual morphology and immunoprofile of this lesion defied classification as any previously reported entity, despite an extensive diagnostic workup. The immunohistochemical and molecular features indicate the tumor was driven by FLCN loss, and thus a consequence of the underlying germline mutation with a somatic second hit. This tumor is the first reported example of an extrarenal BHD-associated oncocytic epithelial tumor driven by FLCN loss.
Outcome of Minimally Invasive and Open Pancreatoduodenectomy in Patients with Intestinal- and Pancreatobiliary Subtype Ampullary Cancer
Authors: Uijterwijk Bas A. , Moekotte Alma , Boggi Ugo , Mazzola Michele , Koerkamp Bas Groot , Valle Raffaele Dalla , Mazzotta Alessandro , Luyer Misha , Kazemier Geert , Ielpo Benedetto , Suarez Muñoz Miguel Angel , Bolm Louisa , Björnsson Bergthor , Pessaux Patrick , Kleeff Jorg , Fusai Giuseppe Kito , Sparrelid Ernesto , Zerbi Alessandro , Lemmers Daniël H. , Alseidi Adnan , Vladimirov Miljana , Roberts Keith J. , Salvia Roberto , Soonawalla Zahir , Korkolis Dimitris , Serradilla-Martín Mario , Mavroeidis Vasileios K. , Bouwense Stefan A.W. , Besselink Marc G. , Abu Hilal Mohammed ,   for the International Study Group on non-pancreatic periampullary Cancer (ISGACA)
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To compare minimally invasive and open pancreatoduodenectomy in different subtypes of ampullary adenocarcinoma.

Summary Background Data:

Ampullary adenocarcinoma (AAC) is widely seen as the best indication for minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) due to the lack of vascular involvement and dilated bile and pancreatic duct. However, it is unknown whether outcomes of MIPD for AAC differ between the pancreatobiliary (AAC-PB) and intestinal (AAC-IT) subtypes as large studies are lacking.

Methods:

This is an international cohort study, encompassing 27 centers from 12 countries. Outcome of MIPD and open pancreatoduodenectomy (OPD) were compared in patients with AAC-IT and AAC-PB. Primary end points were R1 rate, lymph node yield, and 5-year overall survival (5yOS).

Results:

Overall, 1187 patients after MIPD for AAC were included, of whom 572 with AAC-IT (62 MIPD, 510 OPD) and 615 with AAC-PB (41 MIPD and 574 OPD). The rate of R1 resection was not significantly different between MIPD and OPD for both AAC-IT (3.4% vs 6.9%, P=0,425) and AAC-PB (9.8% vs 14.9%, P=0,625). AAC-IT, more lymph nodes were resected with MIPD group (19 vs 16, P=0.007), compared to OPD. The 5y-OS did not differ after MIPD and OPD for both AAC-IT (56.8% vs 59.5%, P=0.827 and AAC-PB (52.5% vs 44.4%, P=0.357). The rates of surgical complication between MIPD and OPD did not differ between AmpIT and AmpPB.

Discussion:

This international multicenter study found no differences in outcomes between MIPD and OPD for AAC-IT and AAC-PB. MIPD and OPD demonstrated comparable outcomes in oncological resection, survival and surgical outcomes for both subtypes of AAC.
Evaluating the accuracy of the MBT Lipid Xtract Kit for assessing colistin resistance in comparison to broth microdilution
Authors: Lo Calvin Ka-Fung , Ritchie Gordon , Bilawka Jennifer , Gowland Leah , Chorlton Samuel D. , Jang Willson , Matic Nancy , Romney Marc G. , Stefanovic Aleksandra , Lowe Christopher F.
Published: September 2024

Colistin resistance testing methods such as broth microdilution (BMD) are time-consuming and labour intensive for clinical laboratories. MBT Lipid Xtract Kit on MALDI Biotyper Sirius System (Bruker, Billerica, MA, USA) utilizes lipidomic analysis to identify specific cell wall modifications associated with colistin resistance. We compared MBT to BMD (ComASP Colistin, Liofilchem) across 36 Gram-negative isolates (non-resistant MIC ≤2 µg ml−1, resistant MIC ≥4 µg ml−1). All samples were tested twice on MBT with discrepant results repeated before assessing categorical agreement between MBT and BMD. 44.4% (16/36) of isolates were colistin resistant via BMD. MBT Lipid Xtract had 80.6% agreement (29/36) with BMD, with 5/7 discrepancies corrected to match upon repeat testing. There was 100% agreement for Escherichia coli isolates (n=16). The whole-genome sequencing was completed on the two discrepant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates, with variants within colistin resistance-associated loci identified (MIC 0.5 µg ml−1: arnC S30T, pmrB T246A, lapB N212T, lpxM S253G, crrB Q287K and MIC >16 µg ml−1: arnC S30T, pmrB R90insRN, pmrB T246A, pmrA E57G, lpxM S253G). Further evaluation, particularly for non-E. coli, of MBT is required prior to implementation in clinical laboratories.
Riverine Invertebrates Exhibit Spatial Asymmetry in Temporal Ecological Processes Across Landscapes
Authors: Lin Xiaowei , Wan Jialu , Luo Qingyi , Cai Qinghua , Chiu Ming-Chih , Resh Vincent H.
Published: September 2024

The environment and its variability exhibit spatial heterogeneity in influencing ecological processes and community dynamics across landscapes. However, the mechanisms remain unexplored.

This study investigates relative significance of temporal ecological processes that shape invertebrate community dynamics across 15 rivers in the European Iberian Peninsula over 21 years.

Spatial asymmetry in community dynamics was driven by a combination of temporal deterministic and stochastic processes (i.e., environmental filtering and temporal distance within the same locations, respectively).

It is noteworthy that the relative importance of deterministic versus stochastic processes diminishes with increasing elevation.

The analysis of community dynamics in diverse landscapes offers a foundation for anticipating and mitigating the consequences of prospective environmental transformation on biodiversity, thereby directing efficacious conservation strategies.
Use of equine H3N8 hemagglutinin as a broadly protective influenza vaccine immunogen
Authors: Verhoeven David , Sponseller Brett A. , Crowe James E. , Bangaru Sandhya , Webby Richard J. , Lee Brian
Published: September 2024

An efficacious universal influenza vaccine remains a long-sought goal for human health as current vaccines suffer from shortfalls such as mid to low efficacy and the need for yearly revisions in strains use to account for viral drift/shift. Horses undergo bi-annual vaccines for H3N8 equine influenza virus, and surveillance of sera from vaccinees demonstrated very broad reactivity and neutralization to many human seasonal influenza strains. Subsequently, vaccination of mice using the equine H3N8 Kentucky/1/91 strain of equine H3N8 vaccine induced similar broadly reactive and neutralizing serum antibodies to human seasonal strains and to high pathogenicity avian influenza strains. Challenge of mice vaccinated with equine H3N8 or recombinant hemagglutinin (HA) based on the same strain protected vaccinees from high-dose lethal virus challenges. Protection was associated with the presence of neutralizing antibodies to the HA head, esterase, and stem regions that was similar to that of antibodies generated in horses after vaccination. Vaccinated ferrets exhibited similar broadly reactive serum antibody responses that protected vaccinees from clinical signs of infection and viral-induced histopathology after challenge with influenza A/07/2009 (H1N1) pandemic virus. Taken together, these data suggest that vaccination with equine H3N8 vaccine induces broad protection against influenza without the need for non-influenza viral vectors, multiple HAs, or foreign protein scaffolds common to other universal influenza vaccine candidates.
Unraveling the Impact of Gene Length on Kinetic Parameters: Implications in Drug Target selection
Authors: Choudhuri Soham , Ghosh Bhaswar
Published: September 2024

Gene expression is a multifaceted process crucial to understanding molecular biology and pharmacology. Our research focuses on elucidating the intricate relationship between gene length and kinetic parameters, such asSi,Kon,Koff, andSKoff, which significantly influence the mean expression levels of genes.Using a two-state stochastic gene expression model implemented in Python, we analyzed single-cell transcriptomics data to predict kinetic parameters for each gene. We classified genes into short and long categories, revealing distinct patterns in the relationship between gene length and these parameters. Our results indicate that burst size plays a critical role in mean expression, highlighting its importance for identifying gene targets that require lower drug doses for therapeutic effects.
Metacognition in Putative Magno- and Parvocellular Vision
Authors: Pilipenko April , De La Torre Jessica , Nukala Vrishab , Samaha Jason
Published: September 2024

A major distinction in early visual processing is the magnocellular (MC) and parvocellular (PC) pathways. The MC pathway preferentially processes motion, transient events, and low spatial frequencies, while the PC pathway preferentially processes color, sustained events, and high spatial frequencies. Prior work has theorized that the PC pathway more strongly contributes to conscious object recognition via projections to the ventral “what” visual pathway, whereas the MC pathway underlies non-conscious, action-oriented motion and localization processing via the dorsal stream “where/how” pathway. This invites the question: Are we equally aware of activity in both pathways? And if not, do task demands interact with which pathway is more accessible to awareness? We investigated this question in a set of two studies measuring participant’s metacognition for stimuli biased towards MC or PC processing. The “Steady/Pulsed Paradigm” presents brief stimuli under two conditions thought to favor either pathway. In the “pulsed” condition, the target appears atop a strong luminance pedestal which theoretically saturates the transient MC response and leaves the PC pathway to process the stimulus. In the “steady” condition, the stimulus is identical except the luminance pedestal is constant throughout the trial, rather than flashed alongside the target. This theoretically adapts the PC neurons and leaves MC for processing. Experiment 1 was a spatial localization task thought to rely on information relayed from the MC pathway. Using both a model-based and model-free approach to quantify participants’ metacognitive sensitivity to their own task performance, we found greater metacognition in the steady (MC-biased) condition. Experiment 2 was a fine-grained orientation-discrimination task more reliant on PC pathway information. Our results show an abolishment of the MC pathway advantage seen in Experiment 1 and suggest that the metacognitive advantage for MC processing may hold for stimulus localization tasks only. More generally, our results highlight the need to consider the possibility of differential access to low-level stimulus properties in studies of visual metacognition
Suspect screening-data independent analysis workflow for the identification of arsenolipids in marine standard reference materials
Authors: Bhattacharjee Shubhra , Chacon-Teran Miguel A. , Findlater Michael , Louie Stacey M. , Bailoo Jeremy D. , Deonarine Amrika
Published: September 2024

There has been limited research into arsenolipid toxicological risks and health-related outcomes due to challenges with their separation, identification, and quantification within complex biological matrices (e.g., fish, seaweed). Analytical approaches for arsenolipid identification such as suspect screening have not been well documented and there are no certified standard reference materials, leading to issues with reproducibility and uncertainty regarding the accuracy of results. In this study, a detailed workflow for the identification of arsenolipids utilizing suspect screening coupled with data independent analysis is presented and applied to three commercially available standard reference materials (Hijiki seaweed, dogfish liver, and tuna). Hexane and dichloromethane/methanol extraction, followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Using the workflow developed, mass fragmentation matching, mass error calculations, and retention time matching were performed to identify suspect arsenolipids. Arseno-fatty acids (AsFAs), arsenohydrocarbons (AsHCs), and arsenosugar phospholipids (AsSugPLs) were identified with high confidence; AsHC332, AsHC360, and AsSugPL720 in seaweed, AsHC332 in tuna, and AsFA474 and AsFA502 in the dogfish liver. AsHC332, AsHC360, and AsFA502 were identified as promising candidates for further work on synthesis, quantification using MS/MS, and toxicity testing.
The complex swarming dynamics of malaria mosquitoes emerges from simple minimally-interactive behavioral rules
Authors: Cribellier Antoine , Poda Bèwadéyir Serge , Dabiré Roch Kounbobr , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Roux Olivier , Muijres Florian T.
Published: September 2024

Complex coordinated group behaviors such as bird flocking and fish schooling often rely on intricate interactions among individuals. In these groups, neighbors exhibit strong mutual attraction, alignment, and collision avoidance. Here, we tested whether insect swarms arise from similar simple behavioral rules. Using high-speed videography and agent-based modeling, we identified the behavioral rules governing mating swarms of flying malaria mosquitoes, marking the first such analysis for any insect species. We found that, unlike birds and fish, mosquito swarming behavior is driven primarily by environmental cues like the sunset horizon and ground objects. In fact, interactions between conspecifics are limited to only close-range collision avoidance behaviors. Thus, insect swarming seems fundamentally distinct from bird flocking and fish schooling.
Multi-scale and multi-context interpretable mapping of cell states across heterogenous spatial samples
Authors: Martin Patrick C.N. , Wang Wenqi , Kim Hyobin , Holze Henrietta , Won Kyoung Jae
Published: September 2024

In clinical applications, spatial data collected under varying conditions, time points, or patients often lack discernible structural alignment. Computational tools designed to align adjacent tissue sections are unsuited for dealing with this structural heterogeneity. There is a growing demand for methods that can effectively align and compare spatial data in the absence of obvious visual correspondence. To address this challenge, we developed an interpretable cell mapping strategy by considering spatial context at various scales. Our approach outperforms existing mapping tools in dealing with heterogeneous samples and is flexible enough to map cells across samples, technologies, resolutions, developmental and regenerative time. Using our approach, we showed spatiotemporal decoupling of cells during development. We even performed alignment for a population of spatial data from cancer patients to identify sub- populations. Our interpretable mapping approach facilitates systemic comparison and analysis of heterogeneous spatial data.
Secretome analysis by proximal labeling in Golgi apparatus for identifying fat body derived humoral factors inDrosophiladisc regeneration
Authors: Yoshida Yutaka , Kashio Soshiro , Miura Masayuki
Published: September 2024

Humoral factors act as inter-tissue mediators and regulate various organismal physiologies. Although the importance of humoral factors in tissue repair has been recognized recently, our understanding of how humoral proteins regulate tissue repair remains limited. Glycosylation is an important modification of the conventional secretory pathway, and we have demonstrated that N-glycosylation in the Golgi apparatus of theDrosophilafat body (FB), the major secretory tissue equivalent to the mammalian liver and adipose tissue, remotely contributes to epithelial tissue repair. To identify humoral factors that contribute to repair via the Golgi apparatus, we constructed a Golgi-specific protein biotinylation system and performed hemolymph proteomics. By combining genetic analyses, we found that FB-derived innate immune regulators and iron mediators affect tissue repair. Altogether, our Golgi-specific labeling system has the potential to identify Golgi-mediated secreted factors that regulate inter-organ communication.
Not so selfish: transposable elements fuel adaptation to climate change
Authors: Potapenko Evgenii V , Schwartz David , Mandel Tali , Ashkenazy Nimrod , Fuerst Dana , Atsmon Guy , Korol Abraham B , Kantar Michael B , Bar-Massada Avi , Hubner Sariel
Published: September 2024

Biodiversity conservation is urged at biodiversity hotspots that are under constant threat from anthropogenic development, yet a careful examination of the adaptive potential is a prerequisite for action. The Levant is considered a biodiversity hotspot and the distribution edge for many species, including important crop wild relatives. This region is under accelerated desertification and constantly disturbed by human activities, thus urging intervenient action. We collected and sequenced 300 wild barley plants along an eco- geographic gradient following a unique ecological-genetic sampling design. This scheme enabled to overcome the tight correlation between environmental and geographic distances. Phenotypic data was collected from 3600 progeny plants over three years and enabled to identify adaptive haplotype blocks comprised of phenological regulating genes tightly linked to drought and heat responsive genes. These haplotype blocks were highly enriched for transposable elements insertions, likely regulating genetic variation around adaptive genes, especially in stressed populations. Ecological and evolutionary models using over 2600 observations were combined to predict maladaptive risk, indicating that populations will be funneled into higher water availability refugia habitats while increasing isolation. Our findings highlight the main factors affecting rapid local adaptation and provide important recommendations for biodiversity management and conservation.
The more followers the better? The impact of food influencers on consumer behaviour in the social media context
Authors: Misra Ankita , Dinh Tam Duc , Ewe Soo Yeong
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The study explores the impact of food influencers on consumer behaviour in the social media context. It assesses the interplay between the number of followers an influencer has and the type of content this influencer communicates to the audience. Doing so, the research contributes to the strategic refinement of influencer marketing practices, especially in the food industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed an experimental between-subject design 2 (influencer type: micro vs macro) x 2 (content type: informational vs entertaining). It recruited 197 Prolific participants (45.7% female, Mage = 45.076), testing their perceptions towards the influencer and the endorsed product in the social media post.

Findings

There was a significant interaction between influencer type and content type on consumers’ attitudes towards and their willingness to buy the advertised product. Specifically, the notion that “the more followers, the better” may only be applicable when consumers peruse the content for entertainment purposes, whereas while they read it for information purposes, a micro influencer (with hundreds to thousands of followers) may have as much impact on consumer behaviour as a macro influencer (with hundreds of thousands to a million followers).

Originality/value

Our findings offer a nuanced understanding into the conventional wisdom that people often follow crowd behaviour. Using the Heuristic-Systematic Model (HSM), we explicate when the number of followers matters and when the content type prevails.
Sustainability index development by integrating lean green and Six Sigma tools: a case study of the Indian manufacturing industry
Authors: Gandhi Jaiveshkumar D. , Thanki Shashank
Published: September 2024

Purpose

India’s manufacturing sector employs about 12% of the labour force and contributes to about 17% of the nation’s GDP. The Indian government intends to implement several initiatives under the “Make in India” and Atma Nirbhar Bharat banners to increase the manufacturing sector’s share of the nation’s GDP to 25% by 2025. Applying lean manufacturing, green manufacturing and Six Sigma is crucial to ensure that India’s manufacturing sectors grow sustainably in international markets. This study aims to identify sustainability indicators and ascertain their respective weights to evaluate the sustainability performance of the Indian manufacturing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This research identifies 25 sustainability indicators and classifies them into the triple bottom line of sustainability based on an evaluative literature review and expert opinion. The Best Worst Method was utilised to determine the weights of the sustainability indicators. The sustainability index was developed to evaluate economic, social and environmental sustainability.

Findings

The sustainability performance of a foundry in a significant Western Indian State city was assessed by applying the developed sustainability index. After the adoption of integrated lean, green and Six Sigma (LG&SS) strategies and related practices in the foundry, there has been a notable improvement of 68.03% in the economic index, 61.62% in the social index and 13.24% in the environmental index.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed sustainability index is applied and evaluated specifically for assessing the sustainability performance of Indian manufacturing SMEs. It can be used to substantiate firm’s sustainability performance and also to assess the improvement in firm’s performance in economic, environmental and social dimensions after implementing various operational excellence practices. However, it cannot serve as a benchmark tool across similar companies or organisations.

Practical implications

The developed sustainable index can be used to analyse the company or organisation’s sustainability performance and see how various strategies have improved things. Practitioners can use this index to assess social, economic and environmental performance and focus on areas that need improvement.

Social implications

The proposed sustainability index serves as a vital tool for monitoring a firm’s progress in triple bottom line (TBL) dimensions of sustainability, tracking a diverse range of indicators and encouraging sustainable organisational practices.

Originality/value

This study attempts to assess the economic, social and environmental performance of Indian Manufacturing SMEs by proposing a sustainability index.
Microstructures and wear properties of CoCrFexNi (x = 0, 1) medium-entropy alloy coatings prepared by laser cladding
Authors: Wang Yinghu , Wang Zhiyuan , Xu Jianyan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

High-nitrogen steel is a common material for the manufacture of drilling equipment such as drill collars. However, its poor surface properties often limit its applications. The purpose of this paper is to find a way to enhance the surface performance of high-nitrogen steel, which is expected to improve the wear resistance of high-nitrogen steel.

Design/methodology/approach

The CoCrNi and CoCrFeNi medium-entropy alloy (MEA) coatings were prepared on high-nitrogen steel substrate by laser cladding technology. The microstructure, phase composition and element distribution of the fabricated coatings were investigated using scanning electronic microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction and X-ray diffraction. The phase structure, phase stability and structural stability of the CoCrNi and CoCrFeNi MEAs were investigated in combination with phase diagram calculation and molecular dynamics. Then the wear tests were carried out for coatings.

Findings

The results show that both prepared MEA coatings have good quality and contain a single face-centered cubic phase. The wear performance of MEA coatings is improved by the refinement of grain size and the increase of dislocation density. Due to the addition of Fe atoms, the lattice distortion of the CoCrFeNi system increased, resulting in a higher dislocation density of the coating. Cr atoms in the CoCrFeNi system are the largest, and the local lattice distortions induced by them are greater. Through this study, MEA coatings with high hardness can be expanded to drilling field applications.

Originality/value

CoCrFeNi and CoCrNi MEA coatings were successfully prepared on the surface of high-nitrogen steel for the first time without obvious defects. The micromorphology and grain orientation of the different kinds of coatings were discussed in detail. The hardness-strengthening mechanism and structure stability of the coatings were illustrated by experiments and molecular dynamics simulations.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2024-0116/
The impact of social support chatbots on patients’ value co-creation behavior in online health communities: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Latif Muhammad Salman , Wang Jian-Jun , Shahzad Mohsin , Mursil Muhammad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Online health communities (OHCs) have emerged on the Internet, substantially changing the conventional healthcare delivery model. Despite this emergence, the lack of patient participation and contribution always limits the success and sustainability of OHCs. Previous studies have disclosed that patients’ value co-creation behavior (VCB) helps organizations sustain OHCs. However, how the recent surge in artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as social support chatbots (SSCs), drives patients’ VCB is still unknown. Therefore, this study examines the complex mechanism behind patients’ VCB to establish sustainable OHCs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using value co-creation and social support theories, the author develops a moderated mediation model and analyzes survey data from 338 respondents using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) methods.

Findings

Results demonstrate that perceived social support (PSS) from SSCs positively affects VCB directly and indirectly via patient learning (PL). This indirect effect is stronger when patient ability/readiness (PAR) is high. ANN findings highlight the model’s robustness and the significant role of PAR in VCB.

Originality/value

This study’s integrated framework offers unique insights into key drivers of patients’ VCB in OHCs. The findings indicate that PSS from SSCs enhances PL and VCB, with PAR influencing the strength of these relationships. Understanding these dynamics can inform user-centric interventions to promote effective learning and collaboration in OHCs.