bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Modulation of Host Immunity related genes in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Analysis of DNA Methylation Profiles in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Kumar Ankit , Sharma Sumedha , Kaur Jyotdeep , Pal Arnab , Aggarwal Ashutosh Nath , Verma Indu
Published: January 2025

Background

In the last few years, there has been increasing evidence in the literature for promoter hypermethylation of various host genes following infection with various pathogens. Therefore, in the present study, the role of epigenetic reprogramming of host cells through DNA methylation was evaluated which indicates that the disease progression takes place through changes in host immune response related genes.

Objective

To elucidate the differential genome-wide DNA methylation profile of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients.

Materials and methods

To decipher the methylation profile of PBMCs in PTB patients whole genome bisulphite sequencing was performed using 4 DNA samples from each study group i.e. PTB, healthy controls and diseased controls. Briefly, the samples were subjected to bisulphite conversion followed by library preparation and whole genome bisulphite sequencing. The data then were analysed for differential methylation analysis followed by gene set enrichment analysis to select DMRs for validation by sanger sequencing. Further the GEOR2 online server was used to investigate the mRNA expression of selected genes associated with hypermethylated DMRs in promoter region.

Results

Differential methylation region analysis was performed for the following comparisons. TB v/s Diseased (Hypermethylated=1756; Hypomethylated=1886), TB v/s Healthy( Hypermethylated=2203; Hypomethylated=2466), Diseased v/s Healthy ( Hypermethylated=1656; Hypomethylated=3936). Further gene set enrichment analysis showed that the hypermetylated regions belonged to genes that are involved in immune responses mainly T cell functioning and T cell mediated immune processes. There were 8 DMR belonging to TAF8,FZD5, HLA-DRB, MIR483, PVRIG, SH2B2, ZAP70, TNFRSF13C simultaneously (n=10 from each study group). mRNA expression analysis with GEOR2 (Datasets used n= 12) revealed significant downregulation of TNFRSF13C, ZAP70, PVRIG Among the selected genes associated with hypermethylated DMRs in promoter region.

(e) Conclusion

The altered differential methylation profile of PBMCs from TB patients shows that on onset the active disease there occurs aberrant methylation of expression regulating regions that in turn results in decreased T cell functions and hence suboptimal immune responses in TB
New deep-branching environmental plastid genomes on the algal tree of life
Authors: Jamy Mahwash , Huber Thomas , Antoine Thibault , Ruscheweyh Hans-Joachim , Paoli Lucas , Pelletier Eric , Delmont Tom O. , Burki Fabien
Published: January 2025

Marine algae support the entire ocean ecosystem and greatly impact planetary biology. The availability of algae in culture poorly represents their large environmental diversity, and we still have a limited understanding of their convoluted evolution by endosymbiosis. Here, we performed a phylogeny-guided plastid genome-resolved metagenomic survey ofTaraOceans expeditions. We present a manually curated resource of nearly 700 new non-redundant plastid genomes of environmental pelagic algae. This catalogue vastly expands the plastid genome diversity within major algal groups, often corresponding to algae without closely related reference genomes. We also recovered four genomes, including one near complete, forming a deep-branching plastid lineage of nano-size algae (<5 μm) that we informally named leptophytes. This group is globally distributed and generally rare, although it can reach relatively high abundance notably in the Arctic. Leptophytes encompass the enigmatic marine plastid group DPL2, one of the very few known plastid groups not clearly belonging to any major algal groups and for which only 16S amplicon data is available. Extensive phylogenetic analyses based on 93 plastid genes and gene content comparison firmly place leptophytes together with haptophytes and cryptophytes, although the exact relationships remain ambiguous. Collectively, our study demonstrates that metagenomics can reveal currently hidden diversity of organellar genomes, and shows the importance of including this diversity to improve models for plastid evolution.
Bacterial fitness for plant colonization is influenced by plant growth substrate
Authors: Torres Marta , Price Morgan N. , Kashanova Albina , Kosina Suzanne M. , Zhalnina Kateryna , Northen Trent R. , Deutschbauer Adam M.
Published: January 2025

Bacteria colonize plants and contribute to their health. Despite advances in our understanding of bacterial plant colonization, the extent to which growth substrate influences the molecular mechanisms enabling bacteria to efficiently colonize plants remains poorly understood.

To evaluate if genes important for plant colonization are influenced by substrate, we used randomly barcoded transposon mutagenesis sequencing (RB-TnSeq) inParaburkholderia graminisOAS925, an efficient rhizosphere colonizer, andBrachypodium distachyonplants grown in six different substrates.

Of the 382 rhizosphere colonization genes that we identified in strain OAS925, 348 genes (91.1%) are dependent on the growth substrate evaluated, and 34 genes (8.9%) are shared across all the substrates. To further characterize the plant colonization fitness genes, we compared our data to growth in 110 distinctin vitroconditions. To validate our results, we used individual mutants of selected genes and tested them in different growth substrates. We also show the influence of substrate on colonization byP. phytofirmansPsJN,Variovoraxsp. OAS795 andRhizobiumsp. OAE497.

Our data confirms that bacterial fitness for plant colonization is strongly influenced by plant growth substrate type, and highlights the importance of taking this parameter into consideration when engineering bacterial strains for improved host colonization.
Quantifying heat exposure and its related mortality in Rio de Janeiro City: evidence to support Rio’s recent heat protocol
Authors: Araujo Morais João Henrique de , Medeiros de Oliveira e Cruz Débora , Saraceni Valeria , Dias Ferreira Caroline , Mateus Oliveira Aguilar Gislani , Gonçalves Cruz Oswaldo
Published: January 2025

Under a climate change scenario, extreme heat episodes show an increase in frequency and intensity, with a scaling impact in Latin American cities. Recently, Rio de Janeiro City developed its heat protocol, using the amount of hours spent over specific heat thresholds as its trigger metric. This study gathers mortality data by 17 different causes in Rio, in a 12.5 year period (2012-2024). We use Distributed Lag Non-Linear Models (DLNM) to assess the relationship between different heat exposure metrics to mortality among the young (< 65) and elderly (>=65y), including a novel metric called Heat Area Above a Threshold (HAAT). In the study period, there were 466,121 deaths in the city from natural causes. Deaths due to diabetes, hypertensive diseases, Alzheimer’s/dementia, renal failure and even undetermined deaths were strongly associated with extreme heat episodes, especially among the elderly. The proposed HAAT metric showed better performance on explaining mortality for most causes (10 out of the 17), when compared to temperature or heat index, or commonly used heat wave definitions. The results dialogue with Rio’s heat protocol, evaluating the cut-off points defined and proposing simpler definitions using the HAAT metric. An exposure to a HAAT of 64°C*h increases mortality by natural causes by 50%, and 91.2°C*h already doubles the mortality risk. Main strengths of the study lie on the comparison of different heat exposure metrics and the investigation of cause-specific mortality in a period when recent and remarkable heat waves occurred. There is still fragility when considering a compound index such as the Heat Index, and social and spatial differences on heat-related mortality should also be considered in future models. The proposed metric, however, appears as a relevant indicator to distinguish unusually warm days that lead to elevated mortality, and could guide definitions for Heat Warning Systems.
Computable Phenotypes for Respiratory Viral Infections in theAll of UsResearch Program
Authors: Waxse Bennett J , Carrillo Fausto Andres Bustos , Tran Tam C , Mo Huan , Ricotta Emily E , Denny Joshua C
Published: January 2025

Electronic health records (EHRs) contain rich temporal data about infectious diseases, but an optimal approach to identify infections remains undefined. Using theAll of UsResearch Program, we developed computable phenotypes for respiratory viruses by integrating billing codes, prescriptions, and laboratory results within 90-day episodes. Phenotypes computed from 265,222 participants yielded cohorts ranging from 238 (adenovirus) to 28,729 (SARS-CoV-2) cases. Virus-specific billing codes showed varied sensitivity (8-67%) and high positive predictive value (90-97%), except for influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 where lower PPV (69-70%) improved with increasing billing codes. Identified infections exhibited expected seasonal patterns and virus proportions when compared with CDC data. This integrated approach identified episodic disease more effectively than individual components alone and demonstrated utility in identifying severe infections. The method enables large-scale studies of host genetics, health disparities, and clinical outcomes across episodic diseases.
Mitochondrial Ca2+flickers on endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-mitochondrial contact sites to suppress store-operated Ca2+entry
Authors: Lin Yu-Chiao , Tsai Feng-Chiao
Published: January 2025

Successful Ca2+signaling requires appropriate Ca2+storage and buffering by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. Recent research has elucidated how Ca2+storage in ER is controlled by STIM1-mediated store-operated Ca2+entry (SOCE). However, how cells employ mitochondrial Ca2+buffering to maintain Ca2+homeostasis has remained elusive. Here, with the use of mitochondria-tethered Ca2+sensor, we noticed local Ca2+flickering within individual mitochondria. Those Ca2+flickers were generated on ER-mitochondrial contact sites (EMC), as indicated by their downregulation under EMC breakdown and upregulation under EMC induction. Surprisingly, EMC breakdown increased SOCE while EMC induction reduced SOCE. Further investigations revealed that EMC effect on SOCE was not through biological functions of mitochondria or through STIM1 regulators, but via IP3R-VDAC1-driven mitochondrial Ca2+flickers on EMC. Those flickers depleted peri-EMC Ca2+inside ER, resulting in STIM1 sequestration around EMC to cause SOCE reduction. Moreover, EMC breakdown also increased availability of STIM1 to bind with microtubule plus ends, preventing STIM1 over-activation and SOCE upregulation. Overall, ER, mitochondria and microtubules constitute a self-sufficient system to control Ca2+homeostasis, driven by mitochondrial Ca2+flickers to reduce SOCE and to prevent intracellular Ca2+overload.
Plant Growth Promoting fungal endophyte Colletotrichum tofieldiae Ct0861 reduces mycotoxigenic Aspergillus fungi in maize grains
Authors: Diaz-Gonzalez Sandra , Gonzalez-Sanz Carlos , Gonzalez-Bodi Sara , Marin Patricia , Brunner Frederic , Sacristan Soledad
Published: January 2025

Background Maize (Zea mays L.) is a globally critical crop that faces numerous challenges, including contamination by mycotoxigenic fungi such as Aspergillus spp., which threaten food safety and marketability. This study evaluates the potential of the fungal endophyte Colletotrichum tofieldiae strain Ct0861 as a bioinoculant to enhance maize productivity and investigates its impact on the maize-associated bacterial and fungal microbiomes. Results Field trials showed that Ct0861 treatment enhances biomass and yield compared to controls, irrespective of the application method assayed (seed or spray application). Comprehensive microbiome profiling across soil, rhizosphere, roots, leaves, and grains revealed that Ct0861 inoculation induced subtle, compartment-specific effects on microbial diversity and composition, with similar effects for the two application methods used. Fungal alpha-diversity in grains was significantly reduced, while beta-diversity analyses showed localized shifts, particularly in soil and grain-associated microbial communities. Despite these changes, the core microbiome assemblages remained stable, indicating minimal alteration to the broader microbiome structure. Remarkably, Ct0861 significantly reduced the prevalence of Aspergillus spp. in maize grains, as confirmed by controlled infection assays. This reduction resulted in lower aflatoxin levels, demonstrating the biocontrol potential of Ct0861. Conclusion These findings underscore Ct0861's dual benefits in enhancing crop yield and safety reducing fungal mycotoxin contamination. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and expand its application across diverse agroecosystems.
Postnatal reduction of eIF4E overexpression in D1-SPNs ameliorates KCNQ dysfunction, hyperexcitability and ASD-like behaviours
Authors: Aaltonen Alina , Tamaki Ayu , Ramón Andrés Peris , Borgkvist Anders , Santini Emanuela
Published: January 2025

An imbalance between the direct and indirect pathways of the striatum has been implicated in the pathophysiology of ASD, which corresponds with an increase in repetitive behaviours and hyperactivity. The ASD risk geneEIF4Epromotes translation, and its overexpression in mice increases repetitive behaviours and hyperactivity. We used the eIF4E-transgenic mouse model of ASD to study cell-type specific disruptions in the direct and indirect pathways using fibre photometry, electrophysiology, conditional gene silencing, and behavioural analysis. We found that direct pathway SPNs activity increased during exploratory behaviour and identified D1-SPN hyperexcitability and reduced KCNQ channel function in striatal slices. Reduction of eIF4E specifically in the D1-SPNs of adult mice normalised KCNQ function, D1-SPN hyperexcitability and ameliorated repetitive and hyperactive behaviours. Our results highlight the critical role of eIF4E in ASD-associated motor behaviours, elucidate cell-specific mechanisms driving hyperactivity and provide new insight into potential therapeutic targets for ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Overall, this study underscores the translational potential of modulating protein synthesis pathways to address core motor symptoms in ASD.
Unleashing service recovery excellence: exploring the power of dimensional autonomy and thriving at work as catalysts during COVID-19
Authors: Farid Hasan , Zhang Yang , Tian Ming , Lu Shiyao
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study explores how three-dimensional job autonomy (decision-making, work method and work scheduling) affects employees’ thriving at work and service recovery performance in the hospitality industry during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized cross-sectional dyadic data from 287 frontline workers in the Chinese hospitality sector and analyzed it with Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) and the PROCESS macro.

Findings

The findings indicate that three-dimensional autonomy has a direct impact on thriving and an indirect effect on service recovery performance (SRP) through thriving, and the relationship between three-dimensional autonomy and thriving is moderated by SOCV19R.

Originality/value

This study addresses the existing gap in research regarding the various aspects of autonomy. It explores how distinct dimensions of autonomy affect employees’ thriving at work and, in turn, influence their ability to excel in service recovery. Furthermore, it sheds light on how the unique circumstances of COVID-19, as represented by SOCV19R, play a role in understanding the dynamics between different forms of autonomy and employees’ thriving.
Grey system theory in supply chain: emerging hotspots and trends
Authors: Jiang Peng , Dong Zhaohu , Sun Hong , Song Yingchun , Zou Qingqing
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Supply chains, as prototypical uncertain systems, are crucial for national security and socioeconomic development. Grey system theory (GST) is an effective tool for addressing uncertainties and has played a pivotal role in related research within the supply chain domain. This study aims to systematically summarize the research achievements and knowledge structures pertaining to GST in supply chain studies. Current and potential research hotspots are also analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

CiteSpace is used to conduct a bibliometric analysis of 1,617 articles sourced from the Web of Science (WOS). The analysis aims to summarize the current state of research and the knowledge structure in the field. A strategic diagram incorporating two data indicators, namely, novelty and concern, is constructed based on keyword clustering to identify and analyze current and potential research hotspots.

Findings

Studies utilizing GST to guide supply chain practices have attracted the interest of scholars from 205 research institutions across 85 countries and regions globally, which earned recognition from 183 high-level academic journals. In this field, the School of Economics and Management at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics stands out as a core research institution, with Professor Deng Julong, who is the founder of GST, being the most frequently cited scholar. Current research hotspots are complex equipment supply chains, drivers and challenges in supply chain management, supply chain risk management, closed-loop supply chain and supply chain operation in the big data era. In addition, emerging research hotspots include digital and intelligent logistics technology, sustainable supplier management, determinants and flexibility of supply chain contracts, supply chain strategy, purchase management, grey prediction of demand and consumption, grey forecasting and economy efficiency, China-specific issues and grey model construction.

Originality/value

The bibliometric analysis reveals the current state and knowledge structure of research in this field. Previous studies on research hotspots have primarily relied on subjective judgments, which lacked empirical data support. This study constructs a strategic diagram incorporating two data indicators, namely, novelty and concern, to provide a more objective and reliable analysis of research hotspots.
How does social overload lead to withdrawal behavior? The case of social communities on social networking sites
Authors: Dang-Van Thac , Nguyen Phuoc-Thien , Vu Thinh Truong , Doan Manh Quynh
Published: January 2025

Purpose

On the basis of the conservation of resources theory (CORT), this study investigates the relationship between social overload and users’ withdrawal intention from social communities on social networking sites (SNSs), with the serial mediating mechanisms of social-psychological distance and emotional exhaustion and the moderating mechanism of (similar) linguistic style.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 489 users in different social communities on SNSs in an emerging market. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the sample data and test the hypotheses.

Findings

Results show that social overload has a positive influence on withdrawal intention from social communities on SNSs. Furthermore, social-psychological distance and emotional exhaustion have a serial mediating effect in this relationship. In addition, (similar) linguistic style negatively moderates the link between social overload and emotional exhaustion and that between social overload and withdrawal intention.

Originality/value

This study extends CORT to propose and test a unique research model that clarifies the mechanisms leading to users’ withdrawal behavior from social communities on SNSs. The findings of this study provide implications for researchers, individual users, administrators/managers of social communities, and SNS providers to understand and make better decisions to retain member users.
Sense-making the aftermath of crises: the emergence of adaptive and transformative resilience amid conflicting institutional logics
Authors: Deepa R. , Jaiswal Akanksha , Shagirbasha Shameem
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to make sense of the role of human resource (HR) leaders in crisis management and in creating a resilient workplace amid conflicting institutional logics. The study also unearths the outcomes of crisis management from the different crisis response strategies implemented by HR leaders to build organizational resilience by managing conflicting institutional logics.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted a qualitative study among HR leaders from the service and manufacturing industries in India (n = 26). Data collected through semi-structured interviews were analysed using Gioia’s methodology, which focuses on providing a structured approach to developing a grounded model and presenting the findings in a convincing narrative.

Findings

The findings based on data analysis yielded three aggregate dimensions that helped provide reasons for HR leaders to have acted in particular ways in bringing about institutional change through effective crisis management. The aggregate dimensions include managing conflicting institutional logics during the crisis, synergizing institutional logics for adaptive resilience and balancing institutional logics for transformative resilience.

Originality/value

This study makes two key contributions to the existing literature. First, we contribute to the institutional theory by examining various crisis response strategies that HR leaders adopt in bringing about institutional change amidst conflicting logics emanating from different stakeholders. Second, the study findings highlight the principles of adaptive resilience that manage opposing tensions between exploiting existing knowledge and exploring new changes and transformative resilience that reconfigures the core values and underlying beliefs that fundamentally challenge the existing system.
Supporting condition-based maintenance implementation: a methodology
Authors: Teixeira Humberto Nuno , Lopes Isabel Silva
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a methodology to assist manufacturing companies in the implementation of condition-based maintenance (CBM) to their equipment. The developed methodology intends to consider the use of sensors already installed on the equipment and, when required, to support the selection of sensors available on the market. Since CBM using sensors is not always feasible, the information gathered for the feasibility study of CBM implementation is also used to assign other maintenance strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, requirements and specifications were established for endowing the methodology with relevant and distinctive characteristics. The structure of the methodology and the associated steps were defined based on this information. Then, the methodology was validated and refined using a case study.

Findings

In the case study company, following the methodology and the respective steps, appropriate maintenance strategies were assigned to a selected manufacturing machine, considering information related to the failure modes with the most significant impact, and CBM was applied to a selected component for which the benefit outweighs the costs involved, using data acquired by sensors subsequently installed on the analyzed machine.

Practical implications

Due to its comprehensiveness, this methodology can contribute to make CBM implementation accessible to a high number of companies and encourage the application of a wide variety of monitoring techniques.

Originality/value

This new methodology can be easily integrated into a computerized maintenance management system and has the advantage of facilitating the collection, organization and standardization of technical knowledge required to support CBM implementation and define the most appropriate maintenance strategy systematically and automatically. It guides the prioritization of equipment and failure modes, and the decision-making regarding the selection of sensors and the allocation of maintenance strategies with the aim of reducing costs.
Does technology readiness matter? Investigating employee psychological well-being through the lens of social robot anthropomorphism
Authors: Sehgal Nidhi , Malhotra Gunjan , Jham Vimi
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Social robot anthropomorphism is widely recognized for performing crucial tasks in supporting the service industry and enhancing the employee experience. This study elucidates how social anthropomorphic robots can influence the psychological well-being of employees in the hotel industry. The study further examines the impact of social robot warmth, psychological ownership and technology readiness in the above relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilized an online survey questionnaire for data collection and analysis. Data were collected from Indian hotel employees (N = 275). Structural equation modeling was applied to validate the conceptual model. The study examines the results using AMOS v25 and the SPSS PROCESS Macro.

Findings

The study empirically finds that social robot anthropomorphism positively impacts the psychological well-being of hotel employees. Further, it substantiates that despite low technology readiness, social robot anthropomorphism enhances psychological well-being through psychological ownership. Additionally, anthropomorphizing social robots emits warmth, which enhances employees' psychological well-being in the hotel industry.

Originality/value

These empirical results and theory suggest a novel dimension of anthropomorphism in social robot interactions, significantly impacting the employees' psychological well-being. A moderated mediation relationship is established, which confirms social robot warmth and psychological ownership as mediators and technology readiness as a moderator of the social robot anthropomorphism and employee psychological well-being relationship. The results validate the conceptual model of research that is grounded in the theory of psychological ownership and the realism maximization theory.
Examining the adoption of information technology in facilities management using the technology acceptance model
Authors: Nortey Evelyn Naa Norkor , Adjei-Twum Anthony , Okyere-Kwakye Eugene , Alhassan Tahiru
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The integration of technology into facilities management is essential for the seamless operation of organisations, encompassing a diverse range of activities that support the functionality, safety and sustainability of built environments. Thus, technology in facilities management has transformed the way organisations operate, enhancing efficiency, sustainability and user experience. This study examined the adoption of information technology (IT) for the successful implementation of facilities management (FM) systems in public institutions in Ghana using the technology acceptance model (TAM).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a survey design involving 100 facilities management practitioners from public institutions within the Greater Accra Region.

Findings

The perceived ease of use of the system was significantly influenced positively by the availability of IT system and usability of FM system; similarly, perceived usefulness was found to be significantly influenced positively by the security and functionality of FM system. Acceptance and use of FM system by facilities management practitioners was also found to be significantly influenced positively by perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of FM system.

Research limitations/implications

The findings challenge managers and researchers to acknowledge that the availability IT resources, confidentiality and security, usability and functionality are very critical factors that influence facility management professionals’ intention to adopt IT for their work. Facilities managers must consider automating IT systems for innovative and smart FM services.

Originality/value

The paper establishes the elements that influence FM practitioners in organisations to adopt IT in executing their functions.
English loan verbs in Jordanian Arabic: morphological integration and speaker acceptability judgments
Authors: Smith Hannah Noel
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The present study examines how Jordanian Arabic (JA) speakers perceive the borrowing of English verbs in JA. These borrowings occur by two main strategies: morphological integration into the JA verb forms by direct insertion or pairing of loan words with a light verb such as ʕamal “do” to facilitate the borrowing, e.g. ʕamal diliit “delete” (literally “do a delete”).

Design/methodology/approach

Speaker perceptions were gathered through interviews with native JA-speaking university students. Each interview consisted of two parts. First, speakers rated the acceptability of integrated verbs, in both their base form and their reflexive alternate. Second, after being presented with proposed integrated forms of verbs most used in the light verb construction (LVC), speakers answered questions about the potential integrability of these unintegrated verbs and the factors that affect it.

Findings

Results of the interviews show that JA speakers prefer integrated loan verbs in their base forms over their reflexive alternates. Most speakers were unwilling to accept proposed integrated forms of the verbs they use in the LVC, citing concerns such as infrequency of use in the community and perceived phonological clashes between the English words and JA.

Originality/value

The integration of loan verbs in Arabic has received limited attention. This study aims to expand our understanding of how loan verbs are integrated in JA and adds a new angle by exploring how speakers perceive the integration process.
Range shifts as drivers of niche breadth and dispersal ability in wild populations
Authors: Lustenhouwer Nicky , Riddell Eric A.
Published: January 2025

Research Highlight: Edwards, O. M., Zhai, L., Reichert, M. S., Shaughnessy, C. A., Ozment, L., & Zhang, B. (2024). Physiological and morphological traits affect contemporary range expansion and implications for species distribution modelling in an amphibian species. Journal of Animal Ecology, https://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.14212. Range expansion can have profound ecological and evolutionary consequences that feedback on the expansion process itself. With global climate change causing widespread species range shifts to higher latitudes and altitudes, it is essential that we better understand these dynamics during native range expansion in the wild. In a recent study on poleward‐spreading treefrogs (Hyla cinerea), Edwards et al. (2024) measured how morphological and physiological traits differed between populations from the recently expanded and historic range. They found that range‐edge frogs had increased cold tolerance and longer legs associated with better dispersal, which could strongly affect the rate and geographic limits of expansion. Edwards et al. then show how species distribution models fit separately to the historic and expanded range more accurately predict habitat suitability near the historic range boundary. This paper provides a timely and compelling example of rapid differentiation in dispersal and niche traits during native range expansion, and explores ways in which we can model species range shifts while accounting for this phenotypic variation in space and time.
Place, institutional spatiality, and the localisation of financial calculative practices
Authors: Yu Leqian
Published: January 2025

This paper uses an ethnographic study of a bank in rural China to explore the localisation of financial calculative practices. Drawing on financial geography literatures, the analysis examines different aspects of institutional spatiality, with special attention to the everyday logic of place‐based financial practices and to the broader territorial dynamics of state regulations. Ultimately, the paper argues that taking into account the spatiality of China's rural financial institutions—specifically in relation to the idea of ‘county place’—is fundamental to understanding the localisation of financial calculative practices in Chinese agrarian finance.
Morusin Reverses Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition in Gallbladder Cancer Cells by Regulating STAT3/HIF‐1α Signaling
Authors: Ji Lichao , Chai Yingjie , Tong Chenhao , Hu Yanxin , Li Jiandong , Lu Baochun , Yu Jianhua
Published: January 2025

Gallbladder cancer is the most prevalent malignancy of the biliary tract and has a dismal overall survival even in the present day. The development of new drugs holds promise for improving the prognosis of this lethal disease. The possible anti‐neoplastic role of morusin was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Through cell viability and colony formation assays, we observed that morusin inhibited the proliferation of gallbladder cancer cells in vitro. Wound healing and transwell assays revealed that morusin impeded the migration and invasion of gallbladder cancer cells. Given the observed morphological changes, we examined epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Subsequent investigations demonstrated that morusin treatment, both in vitro and in vivo, downregulated the expression of phospho‐STAT3 (Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and HIF‐1α (Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α) in gallbladder cancer cells. Furthermore, morusin effectively reversed EMT induced by phospho‐STAT3 or HIF‐1α. Morusin has a reversing effect on the EMT of gallbladder cancer cells by modulating STAT3/HIF‐1α signaling.
Prevalence of and risk factors for osteoporosis and fragility fracture in adults with cerebral palsy: A systematic review
Authors: Trinh Anne , Fremion Ellen , Bhathena Shayan , Munns Craig F. , Morgan Prue , Whitney Daniel G. , Gillick Bernadette , Zacharin Margaret , Fehlings Darcy , Vincent Amanda J. , Milat Frances
Published: January 2025

Aim

To systematically review the prevalence and incidence of osteoporosis, osteopenia, low bone mass, and fragility fracture in adults with cerebral palsy (CP), and identify the risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture.

Method

A systematic literature search was performed in the MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, AMED, Cochrane Reviews, EMBASE, and EBM database reviews from inception until May 2024. Search terms covered a combination of keywords for CP, fracture, osteoporosis, incidence and prevalence, and risk factors. Participants were adults with CP aged 18 years and older. JBI critical appraisal instruments were used to assess quality and risk of bias.

Results

Seventeen of 303 studies met the eligibility criteria to assess the prevalence and incidence of osteoporosis and fracture, and 16 of 663 studies to assess risk factors. Osteoporosis prevalence was 5% in a general adult population with CP, increasing to 43% in those attending outpatient clinics. Osteoporosis incidence reported in one study was 2.85 per 1000 person years. Prevalence of fragility fracture was 5.5% overall but up to 38% in outpatient settings. Risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture included mobility status, nutritional status, and anticonvulsant use.

Interpretation

Low bone density and fracture is common in adults with CP with reduced mobility. The main risk factors for poor bone health are related to reduced mobility, nutrition, and anticonvulsant use.
Sotatercept in pulmonary hypertension and beyond
Authors: Madonna Rosalinda , Ghelardoni Sandra
Published: January 2025

Sotatercept binds free activins by mimicking the extracellular domain of the activin receptor type IIA (ACTRIIA). Additional ligands are BMP/TGF‐beta, GDF8, GDF11 and BMP10. The binding with activins leads to the inhibition of the signalling pathway and the deactivation of the bone morphogenic protein (BMP) receptor type 2. In this way, sotatercept activates an antiproliferative signalling to the cells of the pulmonary arteries and arterioles with the aim of rebalancing the proliferative and antiproliferative pathway that characterizes the pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Sotatercept is indicated for the treatment of group 1 PAH in combination with drugs that act through the endothelin receptor, nitric oxide or prostacyclin. Its effects, demonstrated in the STELLAR study, are the improvement of exercise capacity and the FC‐WHO functional class, together with the reduction of the risk of clinical worsening events. In addition to its antiremodeling effects on the pulmonary circulation, sotatercept has several haematological effects that could suggest its use in the treatment of some blood disorders other than PAH. In this review, we will discuss the effects of the drug on PAH and in parallel provide an in‐depth overview of its application in haematological disorders, focusing on clinical and preclinical studies.
Soil Nitrogen Supply Exerts Largest Influence on Leaf Nitrogen in Environments with the Greatest Leaf Nitrogen Demand
Authors: Cheaib Alissar , Waring Elizabeth F. , McNellis Risa , Perkowski Evan A. , Martina Jason P. , Seabloom Eric W. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Wilfahrt Peter A. , Dong Ning , Prentice Iain Colin , Wright Ian J. , Power Sally A. , Hersch‐Green Erika I. , Risch Anita C. , Caldeira Maria C. , Nogueira Carla , Chen Qingqing , Smith Nicholas G.
Published: January 2025

Accurately representing the relationships between nitrogen supply and photosynthesis is crucial for reliably predicting carbon–nitrogen cycle coupling in Earth System Models (ESMs). Most ESMs assume positive correlations amongst soil nitrogen supply, leaf nitrogen content, and photosynthetic capacity. However, leaf photosynthetic nitrogen demand may influence the leaf nitrogen response to soil nitrogen supply; thus, responses to nitrogen supply are expected to be the largest in environments where demand is the greatest. Using a nutrient addition experiment replicated across 26 sites spanning four continents, we demonstrated that climate variables were stronger predictors of leaf nitrogen content than soil nutrient supply. Leaf nitrogen increased more strongly with soil nitrogen supply in regions with the highest theoretical leaf nitrogen demand, increasing more in colder and drier environments than warmer and wetter environments. Thus, leaf nitrogen responses to nitrogen supply are primarily influenced by climatic gradients in photosynthetic nitrogen demand, an insight that could improve ESM predictions.
Prevalence and associated factor of verbal abuse against nurses: A systematic review
Authors: Wang Qian , Yang Yu‐Pei , Li Zhi‐Ying , Yu Fu‐Yang , He Yang , Zhang Meixian , Luo Chengwen , Tung Tao‐Hsin , Chen Hai‐Xiao
Published: January 2025

Background

Nurses who experience verbal abuse often report negative emotions, which can affect their work status and nurse–patient relationship. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has summarized the prevalence of verbal abuse among nurses by different perpetrators and related risk factors.

Aim

This review aimed to synthesize the prevalence of verbal abuse among nurses and identify the most common sources and related risk factors.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched from inception to 15 October 2024, and observational studies reporting the prevalence of verbal abuse among nurses were selected. In this systematic review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines were followed. Methodological quality was appraised using a revised version of the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, and the STATA software was used for meta‐analysis; PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022385401.

Results

The search identified 458 records, of which 45 met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of verbal abuse was estimated at 67% (95% CI: 61–72). Verbally abused nurses reported patients’ relatives, friends (48%, 95% CI: 42–55), and physicians (39%, 95% CI: 20–58) as the main perpetrators of verbal abuse. Personal factors, work area, and work characteristics were the main factors related to verbal abuse among nurses.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of verbal abuse among nurses was more than 65%, especially in the emergency department, and South or Southeast Asian countries had a significantly lower prevalence of verbal abuse than other countries. Physicians and patients’ relatives were the main sources of verbal abuse. Hospital administrators should prevent various effects of verbal abuse on nurses’ physical and mental health.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Developing safe workplaces and effective interventions to protect nurses is essential. Supervisors and institutions should thoroughly monitor verbal abuse. Additionally, organizations need to focus on preventive measures and provide the necessary administrative, legal, and psychological support to nurses who are exposed to verbal abuse to ensure nursing care sustainability.
Effect of Application Mode and Aging on Microtensile Bond Strength of Universal Adhesives to Enamel of Primary Teeth
Authors: Hamdy Dina , Amend Stefanie , Lücker Susanne , Frankenberger Roland , Krämer Norbert
Published: January 2025

Background

Limited reports are available regarding bonding of universal adhesives to primary teeth’ enamel.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of application mode and aging on microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of universal adhesives to primary enamel.

Design

Ninety‐six human primary molars were randomly assigned to three groups: SU: Scotchbond Universal (3M); CU: Clearfil Universal Bond Quick (Kuraray Noritake); iBU: iBond Universal (Heraeus Kulzer), then subdivided according to phosphoric acid etching time into three subgroups (SG): SG1: 0s; SG2: 15s; SG3: 30s. Samples were incubated for 24 h, while separate samples for SG1 & SG2 were aged for 6 months. After μTBS testing, light microscope was used for evaluating failure patterns and SEM for the adhesive interface. Data were analyzed using linear mixed model and post hoc tests (p < 0.05).

Results

Selective etching increased μTBS of universal adhesives to enamel (p < 0.001) without significance between 15 and 30 s etching (p > 0.05). Six‐month aging significantly reduced the μTBS of SU in SG2 (p < 0.014) when compared to 24 h aging.

Conclusions

Selective etching with phosphoric acid remains the gold standard for bonding universal adhesives to primary teeth enamel. While etching time showed no significant effect on immediate μTBS, aging may affect the μTBS of SU applied on 15 s etched enamel.
From Normal to Disaster Response Mode: How Can Virtual Communities Reconfigure Themselves to Respond Effectively to a Disaster?
Authors: Hasan Mahmudul , Chua Cecil Eng Huang , Myers Michael David , Bahar Varqa Shamsi
Published: January 2025

During a disaster, many people seek information from virtual communities. However, information overload, falsehoods and unrelated topics hinder information flow in virtual communities, putting disaster victims at risk. Given many disasters are generally of a short duration, we explore how virtual communities can quickly reconfigure themselves to respond effectively to a disaster. Drawing on risk society theory, our findings suggest reconfiguration is done via a series of cycles initially involving community members and subsequently featuring both community members and moderators working together to mitigate risks. We contribute to virtual community discourse on disaster response by showing how a virtual community can configure IT features to bring about change. Practically, we find transforming a virtual community from a normal to a disaster response mode requires (1) creating a controlled information hub, (2) promoting identity revelation and (3) allowing for temporary emergent hyperlocal leadership. While earlier IS research suggests that anonymity, openness and geographical dispersion are important for information dissemination in virtual communities, we suggest these practices may need to be changed during a disaster.
Becoming Materially Aware with Mushrooms: A Sociomaterial Analysis of Biomaking
Authors: Liukkonen Päivikki , Vartiainen Henriikka , Kokko Sirpa
Published: January 2025

Biomaking and other bio‐oriented creative approaches are beginning to gain traction in education. Operating at the intersections of arts and sciences, they represent a field of integrative practices that involve creative making with the biological. In educational contexts, however, bio‐oriented creative practices have been studied primarily from hylomorphic perspectives that do not account for the roles of different non‐human organisms or other materials that participate in the processes. Drawing on theories of sociomateriality and material agency, and utilising multispecies microethnography, the paper attends to the specificities of making, makers, materials and artefacts in biomaking. It explores a case of a Finnish upper secondary school workshop implemented as part of the school's art curriculum within a larger educational development initiative. In the workshop, makers engaged with webcap mushrooms to extract, use and experiment with their pigments. The analysis builds on constructed operational sequences of the workshop activities, and a scrutiny of their interconnections, stages and participants. The paper shows how making, emergent artefacts and interplays of makers’ intentions and materialities can instate moments of relationality and learning, and thus build makers’ material awareness of the more‐than‐human organisms around them. The study proposes making with the biological as an attunement to our enmeshment with the environment.
The Effect of Polyethylene Fiber and Flowable Resin Composite on Fracture Resistance in the Restoration of Large MOD Cavities
Authors: Karadağ Gökhan , Erdal Betül
Published: January 2025

Objective

This in vitro study aims to evaluate the effect of placing polyethylene fibers used in large Class II MOD (mesio‐occlusion‐distal) cavities into different flowable resin composites and in different positions on the fracture resistance of the restoration.

Materials and Methods

Ninety healthy human molars were used in the study. No treatment was performed on 10 of these teeth and they were used as the control group. The other 80 teeth were divided into 8 groups by opening large MOD cavities (n = 10). The groups were divided into 4 main groups according to the use of fiber strips; no fiber, placed in the buccolingual direction, placed in the mesiodistal direction, and placed in an “O” shape on all walls. Each main group was divided into two subgroups according to the use of the nanofill flowable composite or flowable short fiber resin composite (SFRC) as the base material. All teeth were aged with a thermal cycler and then fractured with a universal testing machine. Fracture types were recorded in terms of fracture strength and repairability. Kruskal–Wallis, one‐way ANOVA, and Tukey post hoc tests were used to compare fracture strength values (p < 0.05).

Results

The highest fracture resistance was observed in the control group (2888.67 ± 395.43 N). The control group was significantly higher than all groups except the 7th and 8th groups (p < 0.05). Among the restored groups, the highest mean fracture resistance values were observed in the 8th group (2463.92 ± 332.37 N). The 8th group was statistically significantly higher than the 1st and 2nd groups (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between any of the other restored groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The application of polyethylene fiber in the treatment of teeth with large MOD cavities in different positions did not result in a significant difference in fracture resistance.