bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A small-molecule approach to restore female sterility phenotype targeted by a homing suppression gene drive in the fruit pest Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Ma Suhan , Ni Xuyang , Chen Shimin , Qiao Xiaomu , Xu Xuejiao , Chen Weizhe , Champer Jackson , Huang Jia
Published: April 2024

CRISPR-based gene drives offer promising prospects for controlling disease-transmitting vectors and agricultural pests. A significant challenge for successful suppression-type drive is the rapid evolution of resistance alleles. One approach to mitigate the development of resistance involves targeting functionally constrained regions using multiple gRNAs. In this study, we constructed a 3-gRNA homing gene drive system targeting the recessive female fertility gene Tyrosine decarboxylase 2 (Tdc2) in Drosophila suzukii, a notorious fruit pest. Our investigation revealed only a low level of homing in the germline, but feeding octopamine restored the egg-laying defects in Tdc2 mutant females, allowing easier line maintenance than for other suppression drive targets. We tested the effectiveness of a similar system in Drosophila melanogaster and constructed additional split drive systems by introducing promoter-Cas9 transgenes to improve homing efficiency. Our findings show that genetic polymorphisms in wild populations may limit the spread of gene drive alleles, and the position effect profoundly influences Cas9 activity. Furthermore, this study highlights the potential of conditionally rescuing the female infertility caused by the gene drive, offering a valuable tool for the industrial-scale production of gene drive transgenic insects.
The entropy rate of Linear Additive Markov Processes
Authors: Smart Bridget , Roughan Matthew , Mitchell Lewis
Published: April 2024

This work derives a theoretical value for the entropy of a Linear Additive Markov Process (LAMP), an expressive but simple model able to generate sequences with a given autocorrelation structure. Our research establishes that the theoretical entropy rate of a LAMP model is equivalent to the theoretical entropy rate of the underlying first-order Markov Chain. The LAMP model captures complex relationships and long-range dependencies in data with similar expressibility to a higher-order Markov process. While a higher-order Markov process has a polynomial parameter space, a LAMP model is characterised only by a probability distribution and the transition matrix of an underlying first-order Markov Chain. This surprising result can be explained by the information balance between the additional structure imposed by the next state distribution of the LAMP model, and the additional randomness of each new transition. Understanding the entropy of the LAMP model provides a tool to model complex dependencies in data while retaining useful theoretical results. To emphasise the practical applications, we use the LAMP model to estimate the entropy rate of the LastFM, BrightKite, Wikispeedia and Reuters-21578 datasets. We compare estimates calculated using frequency probability estimates, a first-order Markov model and the LAMP model, also considering two approaches to ensure the transition matrix is irreducible. In most cases the LAMP entropy rates are lower than those of the alternatives, suggesting that LAMP model is better at accommodating structural dependencies in the processes, achieving a more accurate estimate of the true entropy.
A rapid approach for sex assignment by RAD-seq using a reference genome
Authors: Peralta Diego M. , Túnez Juan I. , Rodríguez Cruz Ulises E. , Ceballos Santiago G.
Published: April 2024

Sex identification is a common objective in molecular ecology. While many vertebrates display sexual dimorphism, determining the sex can be challenging in certain situations, such as species lacking clear sex-related phenotypic characteristics or in studies using non-invasive methods. In these cases, DNA analyses serve as valuable tools not only for sex determination but also for validating sex assignment based on phenotypic traits. In this study, we developed a bioinformatic framework for sex assignment using genomic data obtained through GBS, and having an available closely related genome assembled at the chromosome level. Our method consists of two ad hoc indexes that rely on the different properties of the mammalian heteromorphic sex chromosomes. For this purpose, we mapped RAD-seq loci to a reference genome and then obtained missingness and coverage depth values for the autosomes and X and Y chromosomes of each individual. Our methodology successfully determined the sex of 165 fur seals that had been phenotypically sexed in a previous study and 40 sea lions sampled in a non-invasive way. Additionally, we evaluated the accuracy of each index in sequences with varying average coverage depths, with Index Y proving greater reliability and robustness in assigning sex to individuals with low-depth coverage. We believe that the approach presented here can be extended to any animal taxa with known heteromorphic XY/ZW sex chromosome systems and that it can tolerate various qualities of GBS sequencing data.
Peer and land-based approaches for fostering empowering and healthy relationships with Indigenous and northern young people in the Northwest Territories
Authors: Gittings Lesley , Malama Kalonde , Logie Carmen , Lys Candice , Taylor Shira B. , McNamee Clara , Mackay Kayley Inuksuk , Admassu Zerihun
Published: April 2024

Indigenous and Northern women in Canada experience high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV), and this is particularly true in the Northwest Territories (NWT). Adolescents are also at increased risk of IPV, which has far-reaching, lifelong effects. Indigenous youth are particularly vulnerable to IPV due to ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma caused by colonialism, racism and residential school legacies. We explored attitudes towards IPV and the healthy relationship knowledge, skills, and experiences among participants of Fostering Open eXpression among Youth (FOXY) and Strength, Masculinities, and Sexual Health (SMASH) Peer Leader Retreats in the NWT. Multi-method approaches included quantitative surveys youth completed before and immediately following retreats. Quantitative analysis from retreats (2018–2021) included 240 participants aged 12–19 (mean age 14.5) who reported ever having an intimate partner. Most were from the FOXY program (64.2%), Indigenous (69.6%) and heterosexual (66.4%). Qualitative methods included Focus Group Discussions (FGD) (n = 69) conducted with peer leaders and apprentices (n = 311) and youth and adult staff (n = 14 FGDs, n = 165 participants). We thematically analysed FGDs to explore healthy relationship knowledge and skills, alongside paired t-tests to examine pre/post retreat changes in attitudes towards IPV. Qualitative findings suggest that leadership and embodied learning were effective in equipping youth with violence prevention and healthy relationship skills. While young women were committed to sharing knowledge and skills about healthy relationships in their communities, young men resonated with values of respect and appreciated support to identify and express emotions. Participants across programmes demonstrated their belief that healthy intimate relationships have communal, relational and intergenerational benefits. Quantitatively, we found a statistically significant reduction in attitudes accepting of IPV among young women, but no changes were noted among young men. Findings contribute to emergent evidence on strengths-based, culturally-responsive IPV prevention programming. Components of effective IPV prevention programming with young men merit further exploration.
Searching for new plastic-degrading enzymes from the plastisphere of alpine soils using a metagenomic mining approach
Authors: Frey Beat , Aiesi Margherita , Rast Basil M. , Rüthi Joel , Julmi Jérôme , Stierli Beat , Qi Weihong , Brunner Ivano
Published: April 2024

Plastic materials, including microplastics, accumulate in all types of ecosystems, even in remote and cold environments such as the European Alps. This pollution poses a risk for the environment and humans and needs to be addressed. Using shotgun DNA metagenomics of soils collected in the eastern Swiss Alps at about 3,000 m a.s.l., we identified genes and their proteins that potentially can degrade plastics. We screened the metagenomes of the plastisphere and the bulk soil with a differential abundance analysis, conducted similarity-based screening with specific databases dedicated to putative plastic-degrading genes, and selected those genes with a high probability of signal peptides for extracellular export and a high confidence for functional domains. This procedure resulted in a final list of nine candidate genes. The lengths of the predicted proteins were between 425 and 845 amino acids, and the predicted genera producing these proteins belonged mainly to Caballeronia and Bradyrhizobium. We applied functional validation, using heterologous expression followed by enzymatic assays of the supernatant. Five of the nine proteins tested showed significantly increased activities when we used an esterase assay, and one of these five proteins from candidate genes, a hydrolase-type esterase, clearly had the highest activity, by more than double. We performed the fluorescence assays for plastic degradation of the plastic types BI-OPL and ecovio® only with proteins from the five candidate genes that were positively active in the esterase assay, but like the negative controls, these did not show any significantly increased activity. In contrast, the activity of the positive control, which contained a PLA-degrading gene insert known from the literature, was more than 20 times higher than that of the negative controls. These findings suggest that in silico screening followed by functional validation is suitable for finding new plastic-degrading enzymes. Although we only found one new esterase enzyme, our approach has the potential to be applied to any type of soil and to plastics in various ecosystems to search rapidly and efficiently for new plastic-degrading enzymes.
Hydrostatic pressure mediates epithelial-mesenchymal transition of cholangiocytes through RhoA/ROCK and TGF-β/smad pathways
Authors: Khalifa Mahmoud Osman , Yan Chen , Chai Yong , Ito Kosei , Zhang Shou-Hua , Li Tao-Sheng
Published: April 2024

Biomechanical cue within the tissue microenvironment is known to play a critical role in regulating cell behaviors and maintaining tissue homeostasis. As hydrostatic pressure often increases in biliary system under pathological states, we investigated the effect of the moderate elevation of the hydrostatic pressure on biliary epithelial cells, especially on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells were loaded to hydrostatic pressure using a commercial device. We found that loading the cells to 50 mmHg hydrostatic pressure induced obvious morphological changes and significantly upregulated vimentin, ZEB1, and pSmad2/3, fibronectin, and collagen 1α. All changes induced by hydrostatic pressure loading were effectively mitigated by either ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632) or ALK5 inhibitor (SB-431542). Our in vitro experimental data suggests that hydrostatic pressure loading induces EMT of cholangiocytes through RhoA/ROCK and TGF-β/Smad pathways. Elevated hydrostatic pressure in biliary duct system under pathological states may promote the biliary epithelial cells shifting to profibrotic and mesenchymal characteristics.
Using a data-driven approach to define post-COVID conditions in US electronic health record data
Authors: Andersen Kathleen M. , Khan Farid L. , Park Peter W. , Wiemken Timothy L. , Emir Birol , Malhotra Deepa , Alhanai Tuka , Ghassemi Mohammad M. , McGrath Leah J.
Published: April 2024

Objective

To create a data-driven definition of post-COVID conditions (PCC) by directly measure changes in symptomatology before and after a first COVID episode.

Materials and methods

Retrospective cohort study using Optum® de-identified Electronic Health Record (EHR) dataset from the United States of persons of any age April 2020-September 2021. For each person with COVID (ICD-10-CM U07.1 “COVID-19” or positive test result), we selected up to 3 comparators. The final COVID symptom score was computed as the sum of new diagnoses weighted by each diagnosis’ ratio of incidence in COVID group relative to comparator group. For the subset of COVID cases diagnosed in September 2021, we compared the incidence of PCC using our data-driven definition with ICD-10-CM code U09.9 “Post-COVID Conditions”, first available in the US October 2021.

Results

The final cohort contained 588,611 people with COVID, with mean age of 48 years and 38% male. Our definition identified 20% of persons developed PCC in follow-up. PCC incidence increased with age: (7.8% of persons aged 0–17, 17.3% aged 18–64, and 33.3% aged 65+) and did not change over time (20.0% among persons diagnosed with COVID in 2020 versus 20.3% in 2021). For cases diagnosed in September 2021, our definition identified 19.0% with PCC in follow-up as compared to 2.9% with U09.9 code in follow-up.

Conclusion

Symptom and U09.9 code-based definitions alone captured different populations. Maximal capture may consider a combined approach, particularly before the availability and routine utilization of specific ICD-10 codes and with the lack consensus-based definitions on the syndrome.
White matter tracts adjacent to the human cingulate sulcus visual area (CSv)
Authors: Uesaki Maiko , Furlan Michele , Smith Andrew T. , Takemura Hiromasa
Published: April 2024

Human cingulate sulcus visual area (CSv) was first identified as an area that responds selectively to visual stimulation indicative of self-motion. It was later shown that the area is also sensitive to vestibular stimulation as well as to bodily motion compatible with locomotion. Understanding the anatomical connections of CSv will shed light on how CSv interacts with other parts of the brain to perform information processing related to self-motion and navigation. A previous neuroimaging study (Smith et al. 2018, Cerebral Cortex, 28, 3685–3596) used diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) to examine the structural connectivity of CSv, and demonstrated connections between CSv and the motor and sensorimotor areas in the anterior and posterior cingulate sulcus. The present study aimed to complement this work by investigating the relationship between CSv and adjacent major white matter tracts, and to map CSv’s structural connectivity onto known white matter tracts. By re-analysing the dataset from Smith et al. (2018), we identified bundles of fibres (i.e. streamlines) from the whole-brain tractography that terminate near CSv. We then assessed to which white matter tracts those streamlines may belong based on previously established anatomical prescriptions. We found that a significant number of CSv streamlines can be categorised as part of the dorsalmost branch of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF I) and the cingulum. Given current thinking about the functions of these white matter tracts, our results support the proposition that CSv provides an interface between sensory and motor systems in the context of self-motion.
Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae recovered from patients at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Tetteh Francis Kwame Morgan , Ablordey Anthony , Obeng-Nkrumah Noah , Opintan Japheth Awuletey
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producingEscherichia coliandKlebsiella pneumoniaeare pathogens of significant public health interest for which new antibiotics are urgently needed.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of ESBLs inE.coliandK.pneumoniaeisolates from patients attending the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) in Ghana.

Methodology

The study was a cross-sectional study involving convenience sampling ofE.coliandK.pneumoniaeisolates from consenting patients’ clinical specimens, between April and June 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed, and ESBL-producer phenotypes were further screened forBlaTEM,BlaSHV, andBlaCTX-Mgenes. Patients’ clinical data were additionally collected using a structured questionnaire.

Results

Of the 150 non-duplicateE.coliandK.pneumoniaeisolates identified, 140 were confirmed asE.coli(84%,n= 117) andK.pneumoniae(16%,n= 23). Of these, sixty-two (44%) [E.coli(84%;n= 52);K.pneumoniae(16%;n= 10)] phenotypically expressed ESBLs. The proportion of ESBL-producing isolates was higher in adults (15–65 years) than in neonates (< 28 days) (p =0.14). Most of the isolates showed a high percentage resistance to ampicillin (96%) and tetracycline (89%), but a relatively lower resistance to amikacin (36%). No isolate was resistant to meropenem. More ESBL producers were multidrug resistant compared to non-ESBL-producers [23% (14/62) versus 18% (14/78);p= 0.573]. Overall, 74% (n= 46) of the ESBL genotypes expressedBlaCTX-M-1genes, followed by 63% (n= 39)BlaTEM, and 16% (n= 10)BlaSHV. The study showed a high prevalence of ESBL-positiveE.coliandK.pneumoniae, mostly CTX-M-1 producers at TTH.

Conclusion

Routine laboratory ESBL screening is warranted to inform patient management.
Research on the impact of equity incentive model on enterprise performance: A mediating effect analysis based on executive entrepreneurship
Authors: Ma Jinrong , Wang Hongbo
Published: April 2024

In implementing the equity incentive system, this paper delves into the listed enterprises’ selection of equity incentive models. While previous research has extensively covered the effects, models, and influencing factors of equity incentives, there needs to be more in-depth literature focusing on the diverse incentive models and their impact on corporate performance. Notably, there needs to be more literature on considering entrepreneurial spirit as a mechanism. It aims to explore the relationship between executives’ choices under different incentive models, the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by these models, and their combined impact on corporate performance. The findings reveal that adopting the restricted stock incentive model by listed enterprises implementing the equity incentive system significantly positively affects enterprise performance. Mechanistic tests show that when a company implements the restricted stock incentive model, executives prioritize maximizing their interests, leading them to embrace more risk in their investment decisions. This behavior, in turn, stimulates the adventurous spirit of executives, positively impacting enterprise performance, particularly pronounced in companies with more concentrated executive power. Moreover, executives may be more inclined to invest in high-risk, high-reward innovative projects, a behavior indicative of innovation and more prevalent in firms with higher research and development (R&D) investment. However, the limitation of this paper is that the study evaluates the operation of the equity incentive system in China by taking listed companies in China as an example, which is not necessarily suitable for foreign developed capitalist countries. This study contributes to the study of principal-agent problems by exploring the relationship between executives, entrepreneurship and firm performance.
Partition refinement of WorldPop population spatial distribution data method: A case study of Zhuhai, China
Authors: Zhao Rong , Wang Shuang , Zhang Yu , Dong Chun
Published: April 2024

Currently, the core idea of the refined method of population spatial distribution is to establish a correlation between the population and auxiliary data at the administrative-unit level and, then, refine it to the grid unit. However, this method ignores the advantages of public population spatial distribution data. Given these problems, this study proposed a partition strategy using the natural break method at the grid-unit level, which adopts the population density to constrain the land class weight and redistributes the population under the dual constraints of land class and area weights. Accordingly, we used the dasymetric method to refine the population distribution data. The study established a partition model for public population spatial distribution data and auxiliary data at the grid-unit level and, then, refined it to smaller grid units. This method effectively utilizes the public population spatial distribution data and solves the problem of the dataset being not sufficiently accurate to describe small-scale regions and low resolutions. Taking the public WorldPop population spatial distribution dataset as an example, the results indicate that the proposed method has higher accuracy than other public datasets and can also describe the actual spatial distribution characteristics of the population accurately and intuitively. Simultaneously, this provides a new concept for research on population spatial distribution refinement methods.
Physicochemical and antioxidant properties of Apis cerana honey from Lombok and Bali Islands
Authors: Huyop Fahrul , Ullah Saeed , Abdul Wahab Roswanira , Huda Nurul , Sujana I. Gede Arya , Saloko Satrijo , Andriani Anak Agung Sagung Putri Risa , Antara Nyoman Semadi , Gunam Ida Bagus Wayan
Published: April 2024

Limited honey production worldwide leads to higher market prices, thus making it prone to adulteration. Therefore, regular physicochemical analysis is imperative for ensuring authenticity and safety. This study describes the physicochemical and antioxidant properties ofApis ceranahoney sourced from the islands of Lombok and Bali, showing their unique regional traits. A comparative analysis was conducted on honey samples from Lombok and Bali as well as honey variety from Malaysia. Moisture content was found slightly above 20% in raw honey samples from Lombok and Bali, adhering to the national standard (SNI 8664:2018) of not exceeding 22%. Both honey types displayed pH values within the acceptable range (3.40–6.10), ensuring favorable conditions for long-term storage. However, Lombok honey exhibited higher free acidity (78.5±2.14 meq/kg) than Bali honey (76.0±1.14 meq/kg), surpassing Codex Alimentarius recommendations (≤50 meq/kg). The ash content, reflective of inorganic mineral composition, was notably lower in Lombok (0.21±0.02 g/100) and Bali honey (0.14±0.01 g/100) compared to Tualang honey (1.3±0.02 g/100). Electric conductivity, indicative of mineral content, revealed Lombok and Bali honey with lower but comparable values than Tualang honey. Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) concentrations in Lombok (14.4±0.11 mg/kg) and Bali (17.6±0.25 mg/kg) were slightly elevated compared to Tualang honey (6.4±0.11 mg/kg), suggesting potential processing-related changes. Sugar analysis revealed Lombok honey with the highest sucrose content (2.39±0.01g/100g) and Bali honey with the highest total sugar content (75.21±0.11 g/100g). Both honeys exhibited lower glucose than fructose content, aligning with Codex Alimentarius guidelines. The phenolic content, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were significantly higher in Lombok and Bali honey compared to Tualang honey, suggesting potential health benefits. Further analysis by LC-MS/MS-QTOF targeted analysis identified various flavonoids/flavanols and polyphenolic/phenolic acid compounds in Lombok and Bali honey. The study marks the importance of characterizing the unique composition of honey from different regions, ensuring quality and authenticity in the honey industry.
Strategies for primary HPV test-based cervical cancer screening programme in resource-limited settings in India: Results from a quasi-experimental pragmatic implementation trial
Authors: Oommen Anu Mary , Isaac Rita , Paul Biswajit , Weller David , Finkel Madelon L. , Thomas Anitha , Ram Thomas Samuel , H. R. Prashanth , Cherian Anne George , Thomas Vinotha , Sadan Vathsala , Siva Rajeswari , Rose Anuradha , Marcus Tobey Ann , Jeyapaul Shalini , K. Sangeetha Rathnam , Malini Tabeetha , N. Surenthiran , Jebaraj Paul , John Neenu Oliver , Ramesh Charles , Raj C. Jeffers Jayachandra , Kumar S. Rakesh , B. V. Balaji , Dorathy P. Irene , Murali Valliammal , N. Prema , K. Kavitha , Ranjani D. Priya
Published: April 2024

Background

In order for low and middle income countries (LMIC) to transition to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test based cervical cancer screening, a greater understanding of how to implement these evidence based interventions (EBI) among vulnerable populations is needed. This paper documents outcomes of an implementation research on HPV screening among women from tribal, rural, urban slum settings in India.

Methods

A mixed-method, pragmatic, quasi-experimental trial design was used. HPV screening on self-collected cervical samples was offered to women aged 30–60 years. Implementation strategies were 1) Assessment of contextual factors using both qualitative and quantitative methods like key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussions (FGDs), pre-post population sample surveys, capacity assessment of participating departments 2) enhancing provider capacity through training workshops, access to HPV testing facility, colposcopy, thermal ablation/cryotherapy at the primary health care centers 3) community engagement, counselling for self-sampling and triage process by frontline health care workers (HCWs). Outcomes were assessed using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance) framework.

Results

Screening rate in 8 months’ of study was 31.0%, 26.7%, 32.9%, prevalence of oncogenic HPV was 12.1%, 3.1%, 5.5%, compliance to triage was 53.6%, 45.5%, 84.6% in tribal, urban slum, rural sites respectively. Pre-cancer among triage compliant HPV positive women was 13.6% in tribal, 4% in rural and 0% among urban slum women. Unique challenges faced in the tribal setting led to programme adaptations like increasing honoraria of community health workers for late-evening work and recalling HPV positive women for colposcopy by nurses, thermal ablation by gynaecologist at the outreach camp site.

Conclusions

Self-collection of samples combined with HCW led community engagement activities, flexible triage processes and strengthening of health system showed an acceptable screening rate and better compliance to triage, highlighting the importance of identifying the barriers and developing strategies suitable for the setting.

Trial registration

CTRI/2021/09/036130.
Iran’s research prioritization: Are we meeting the goals? A study based on clinical trial registry data
Authors: Fakhri Farshid , Mohammadi Mohammad , Eybpoosh Sana , Ahmadi Sharareh , Solaymani-Dodaran Masoud
Published: April 2024

The prioritization of research topics in the health domain is a critical step toward channelling efforts and resources into areas that have received less attention. The objective of this study is to evaluate the implementation of research priorities determined at the national level within Iran for the period spanning five years between 2009 and 2013. We extracted the required data from the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) website. Then we conducted a matching process between the titles of trials registered in the IRCT until December 3rd, 2013, and the list of national health research priorities in the domains of communicable and non-communicable diseases. The latter was compiled and regulated by the Research and Technology Deputy of the Ministry of Health since 2008. Out of the total 5,049 clinical trials registered in IRCT, 92.3% were carried out within the domain of non-communicable diseases, while 6.1% pertained to the field of communicable diseases and the remaining 1.3% in other fields. 56.4% of the clinical trials conducted in the field of communicable diseases and 32.8% of those conducted in the field of non-communicable diseases were consistent with the research priorities determined in these two fields. During the five-year period of the prioritization goal, there was no significant improvement in adherence to the list of priorities compared to the previous five-year period. Furthermore, certain priorities were neglected within both areas during these periods. It is possible to evaluate the effectiveness of research prioritization using the data obtained from the registration centers of clinical trials. Our study has revealed that the list of priorities has not garnered adequate attention from the research community within the country. Hence, remedial measures are imperative to ensure the priorities are given more attention after publication.
Alpha herpesvirus exocytosis from neuron cell bodies uses constitutive secretory mechanisms, and egress and spread from axons is independent of neuronal firing activity
Authors: Ambrosini Anthony E. , Borg Kayla M. , Deshmukh Nikhil , Berry Michael J. , Enquist Lynn W. , Hogue Ian B.
Published: April 2024

Alpha herpesviruses naturally infect the peripheral nervous system, and can spread to the central nervous system, causing severe debilitating or deadly disease. Because alpha herpesviruses spread along synaptic circuits, and infected neurons exhibit altered electrophysiology and increased spontaneous activity, we hypothesized that alpha herpesviruses use activity-dependent synaptic vesicle-like regulated secretory mechanisms for egress and spread from neurons. Using live-cell fluorescence microscopy, we show that Pseudorabies Virus (PRV) particles use the constitutive Rab6 post-Golgi secretory pathway to exit from the cell body of primary neurons, independent of local calcium signaling. Some PRV particles colocalize with Rab6 in the proximal axon, but we did not detect colocalization/co-transport in the distal axon. Thus, the specific secretory mechanisms used for viral egress from axons remains unclear. To address the role of neuronal activity more generally, we used a compartmentalized neuron culture system to measure the egress and spread of PRV from axons, and pharmacological and optogenetics approaches to modulate neuronal activity. Using tetrodotoxin to silence neuronal activity, we observed no inhibition, and using potassium chloride or optogenetics to elevate neuronal activity, we also show no increase in virus spread from axons. We conclude that PRV egress from neurons uses constitutive secretory mechanisms: generally, activity-independent mechanisms in axons, and specifically, the constitutive Rab6 post-Golgi secretory pathway in cell bodies.
A tale of multiple crises: Populist and non-populist narratives in European institutions from the Great Recession to the 2024 European elections
Authors: Berti Carlo
Published: April 2024

In the past decade, the strength of populist forces, especially those of the far right, has grown considerably in Europe, influencing European politics and modifying the composition of European institutions, and in particular the European Parliament. This essay posits that populist and non-populist narratives in EU institutions have evolved through the dynamics of polarization and reciprocal influence across multiple crises, from the start of the Great Recession in 2007 to the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022. Depending on the results of the upcoming 2024 European elections, and especially in the case of a successful outcome of far-right populist parties, there might be more radical changes in the dominant forces and discourses of EU institutions.
Characterization of the Small Bowel Microbiome Reveals Different Profiles in Human Subjects Who Are Overweight or Have Obesity
Authors: Leite Gabriela , Barlow Gillian M. , Rashid Mohamad , Hosseini Ava , Cohrs Daniel , Parodi Gonzalo , Morales Walter , Weitsman Stacy , Rezaie Ali , Pimentel Mark , Mathur Ruchi
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Gut microbiome changes are linked to obesity, but findings are based on stool data. In this article, we analyzed the duodenal microbiome and serum biomarkers in subjects with normal weight, overweight, and obesity.

METHODS:

Duodenal aspirates and serum samples were obtained from subjects undergoing standard-of-care esophagogastroduodenoscopy without colon preparation. Aspirate DNAs were analyzed by 16S rRNA and shotgun sequencing. Predicted microbial metabolic functions and serum levels of metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers were also assessed.

RESULTS:

Subjects with normal weight (N = 105), overweight (N = 67), and obesity (N = 42) were identified. Overweight-specific duodenal microbial features include lower relative abundance (RA) of Bifidobacterium species and Escherichia coli strain K-12 and higher Lactobacillus intestinalis, L. johnsonii, and Prevotella loescheii RA. Obesity-specific features include higher Lactobacillus gasseri RA and lower L. reuteri (subspecies rodentium), Alloprevotella rava, and Leptotrichia spp RA. Escalation features (progressive changes from normal weight through obesity) include decreasing Bacteroides pyogenes, Staphylococcus hominis, and unknown Faecalibacterium species RA, increasing RA of unknown Lactobacillus and Mycobacterium species, and decreasing microbial potential for biogenic amines metabolism. De-escalation features (direction of change altered in normal to overweight and overweight to obesity) include Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. hominis, L. iners, and Bifidobacterium dentium. An unknown Lactobacillus species is associated with type IIa dyslipidemia and overweight, whereas Alloprevotella rava is associated with type IIb and IV dyslipidemias.

DISCUSSION:

Direct analysis of the duodenal microbiome has identified key genera associated with overweight and obesity, including some previously identified in stool, e.g., Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. Specific species and strains exhibit differing associations with overweight and obesity, including escalation and de-escalation features that may represent targets for future study and therapeutics.
Influência da Cultura Nacional sobre as Práticas de RSC: Analisando as Empresas Industriais dos Países do BRICS
Authors: Pinheiro Alan Bandeira , Batistella Ana Julia , Mazzioni Sady , Baú Dal Magro Cristian
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: A literatura que relaciona cultura nacional e práticas de RSC têm apontado resultados inconclusivos. Portanto, este estudo tem por objetivo investigar a influência da cultura nacional sobre a divulgação de Responsabilidade Social Corporativa, de empresas sediadas no Brasil, Rússia, Índia, China e África do Sul (BRICS).
Métodos: Foram investigadas 4.706 observações de 1.159 empresas, relativas ao período de 2009 a 2019.  A divulgação de Responsabilidade Social Corporativa foi mensurada pela avaliação de 100 itens relacionados às questões ambientais e sociais, disponível pela Refinitiv Eikon®. Em relação à cultura nacional, utilizou-se o framework proposto por Hofstede (2011). Na análise dos dados considerou-se a regressão de dados em painel.
Resultados/discussão: Os resultados mostram que as empresas utilizam as ações de RSC para angariar o apoio dos funcionários e dos indivíduos menos poderosos. A dimensão distância ao poder influencia negativamente para que as empresas divulguem suas práticas de RSC. O individualismo no nível do país afeta positivamente a divulgação de RSC. A cultura de orientação de longo prazo implica no comportamento empresarial ao reduzir a divulgação de RSC. Por fim, a dimensão indulgência afeta positivamente a responsabilidade social, indicando que em países mais indulgentes, as empresas priorizam os aspectos financeiros em detrimento dos aspectos sociais e ambientais.
Contribuições: Esse estudo oferece novas evidências que comprovam a Teoria Institucional, ao provar que a cultura nacional é um fator que molda o comportamento ético das empresas sediadas em economias emergentes. O artigo apresenta novos resultados para o efeito das dimensões individualismo e orientação de longo prazo sobre a responsabilidade social corporativa. Estudos anteriores têm evidenciado o papel das instituições formais sobre a RSC, mas eles têm ignorado o impacto da cultura.
The “Villas de Sesimbra” Aparthotel and The Importance of Training Low-Skilled Workers
Authors: Lopes Albino , Romana Fernando Acabado
Published: April 2024

This case study describes the complex process of qualifying accommodation employees at the “Villas de Sesimbra” aparthotel, in the context of an organizational change and the development of a prismatic structural configuration that favours leadership and management by teams, an organization who learns. This is, effectively, a case study of management and employee satisfaction based on the consolidation of the strategic “pillar”, par excellence, of People Management, constituted by “continuous and qualifying professional training, in practice” (Lopes, 2012), in relation to all 12-hotel staff (permanent and seasonal). By proceeding in this way, the hierarchical pyramid is considerably reduced, and may even nullify the tradition of maintaining indefinitely the organization of work based on low-skilled workers. As a result, it could evolve into project management. The qualification of these workers was assumed to be strategic by the administration, which also accepted a re-elaboration of the structure (from hierarchical centralization to evolving into a “prismatic” structure that would allow for success based on “project management”). Training would follow the “ANEFA” model, of on-the-job learning, according to the four skills considered as core (project - Saber+): (i) literacy (knowing more); (ii) citizenship (participation in business life); (iii) numeracy (mathematics for life); (iv) technology (judicious use of ICTs). The workers wrote their manual personalized work on the topic of “accommodation management”. Organizational reconversion increased management autonomy, with a dynamic focus on the events and company meetings market, while the effectiveness and productivity of accommodation workers increased, with them being hired as permanent workers and transferred to situation of multi-purpose employees, capable of serving tables and supporting breakfast services. Organizational change, developed as a function of resolving a single initial problem (Kotter, 1995; Weick and Quinn, 1999), in fact involved the entire structure and led it to a stage of organizational learning (Senge, 1990).
Mitigation of arsenic and zinc toxicity in municipal sewage sludge through co-pyrolysis with zero-valent iron: A promising approach for toxicity reduction of sewage sludge
Authors: Saffari Mahboub , Moosavirad Seyed Morteza
Published: April 2024

The co-pyrolysis (at 300°C and 600°C) of municipal sewage sludge (SS) with zero-valent iron (Fe0: 1.5% and 3%) was investigated to reduce the toxicity of arsenic (As) and zinc (Zn) in SS. The BCR sequential extraction method, desorption kinetic analysis, and material characterization techniques (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction) were used to evaluate the effects of the treatments on Zn and As behavior. The results showed that co-pyrolysis significantly reduced the acid-soluble fraction (18–43% for Zn; 83–95% for As) and mobility factor (45–85% for Zn; 86–96% for As) of Zn and As compared to untreated SS. Desorption experiments indicated a significant reduction in Zn and As release in treated samples, particularly in the co-pyrolysis sample at 600°C and Fe0 3% (67% for Zn; 88% for As) in comparison with untreated SS. Co-pyrolysis of Fe0 and SS led to the formation of new functional groups (Si–O, aromatic), a more porous surface morphology, and highly stable chemical crystals (ferric arsenate, zinc arsenide), which played a crucial role in Zn and As stabilization. The findings of this study suggest that co-pyrolysis is a promising approach for mitigating As and Zn toxicity in SS. However, additional field testing with plant-based systems is necessary for confirmation.
Copper nanoparticle biosynthesis and characterization utilizing a bioflocculant from Kytococcus sedentarius
Authors: Sibisi Minenhle Peculiar Deo-volente , Basson Albertus Kotze , Ntombela Zuzingcebo Golden , Pullabhotla Viswanadha Srirama Rajasekhar
Published: April 2024

The application of microbial flocculants in nanoparticle synthesis is attracting scientists to utilize them due to their eco-friendliness. This study was mainly focused on biosynthesizing and characterizing copper nanoparticles from a non-pathogenic microorganism Kytococcus sedentarius to produce bioflocculant. The formed copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were analyzed using UV–vis spectroscope (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). After extraction and purification, 2.4 g was produced from bioflocculant in a 1 L culture fermentation mixture. During CuNP biosynthesis, a blue color change was obtained after 24 h of incubation indicating their successful formation. A variety of elements namely, C, O, Cu, P, Ca, Mg and Al were found in the as-synthesized CuNPs with 25.23 % (wt) carbon, 20.13 % (wt) of oxygen and 23.37 % (wt) of Cu element. SEM and TEM images of the product depicted it to be agglomerated with different size and shapes. The TGA showed the CuNPs to be thermal stable as 70 % weight was retained at 900 °C with 30 % weight lost. FT-IR spectrum of the biosynthesized CuNPs contains a variety of functional groups related to sugar and proteins namely, hydroxyl, amine, carboxyl groups and a typical Cu–O bond at 559 cm−1. The crystallite size was estimated to be 28.3 nm, which is in line with JCPDS card no. 89–5899 of copper standard confirming the correct peak orientation. UV–vis analysis revealed the absorption peak to be 275 nm which confirms synthesis of the CuNPs using a bioflocculant.
Association between FOXP3 polymorphisms and expression and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder risk in the Northern Chinese Han population
Authors: Liu Jing , Wang Gaoning , Yang Jiahe , Wang Yulin , Guo Ruoyi , Li Bin
Published: April 2024

Background

Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. In the present study, we genotyped three single-nucleotide polymorphisms, namely, rs2232365, rs3761548, and rs3761549, to determine the relationship between FOXP3 polymorphisms and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) susceptibility among the Northern Chinese Han population.

Materials and methods

We genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms at loci of the FOXP3 gene (rs2232365, rs3761548, and rs3761549136) in 136 NMOSD patients and 224 healthy subjects using the multiplex SNaPshot technique. Allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies were compared. qPCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression levels of FOXP3 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 63 NMOSD patients and 35 healthy subjects. Non-parametric tests were used to test the FOXP3 mRNA expression across the different groups.

Results

The minor allele frequency (MAF) of G in rs2232365 was markedly lower in the NMOSD group than in the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 0.57, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.41–0.79, p = 0.001). Using genetic (codominant, dominant, and recessive) models and performing haplotype analyses, the MAF of G in rs2232365 was shown to be associated with protection against NMOSD in this population. Furthermore, haplotype analysis revealed that the haplotype GCT and the rs2232365, rs3761548, and rs3761549 alleles predicted protection against NMOSD (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.41–0.97, p = 0.038). The proportions of the three genotypes of rs2232365 (p = 0.001) were not significantly different between the moderate-to-severe (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≥ 3 points) and mild (EDSS < 3 points) groups. Evidently, the proportion of patients with the AA genotype (64.3%) among the rs2232365 patients was significantly greater in the moderate-to-severe group than in the mild group (36.4%). However, the proportion of patients with the GG genotype (15.2%) among the rs2232365 patients was significantly greater in the mild group than in the moderate-to-severe group (2.9%). The mRNA expression of FOXP3 was markedly greater in the NMOSD group than in the control group (p = 0.001). Nevertheless, acute non-treatment patients exhibited lower FOXP3 mRNA expression than healthy controls and patients in the remission group (p = 0.004 and 0.007, respectively).

Conclusion

FOXP3 polymorphisms and haplotypes are related to NMOSD susceptibility among the Han Chinese population. The minor allele G of FOXP3 rs2232365 and the haplotype GCT are associated with protection against NMOSD. The GG genotype may decrease the severity of NMOSD, whereas the AA genotype is related to moderate-to-severe NMOSD. FOXP3 mRNA expression is greater in patients with NMOSD than in healthy controls. However, it is decreased in acute non-treatment patients compared with healthy controls.
Ab initio calculations of the chemisorption of atomic H and O on Pt and Ir metal and on bimetallic Pt
x
Ir
y
surfaces
Authors: Wittemann Tobias , Sözen Halil İbrahim , Oezaslan Mehtap , Klüner Thorsten
Published: April 2024

Understanding the chemisorption of atoms on precious metal surfaces is of substantial interest for the rational design of heterogeneous and electrochemical catalysts. In this study, we report density functional theory (DFT) investigations of the chemisorption of atomic H and O on bimetallic Pt
x
Ir
y
(111) surfaces for bifunctional anode catalyst materials in polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells. We found that for both adsorbates, the adsorption on the Pt(111) surface is in general less exothermic than on the Ir(111) surface. Our study has revealed that chemisorption on the bimetallic surfaces becomes more stable with increasing number of Ir surface atoms at the adsorption site. While for hydrogen atoms the ONTOP sites yield the most negative adsorption energies, the chemisorption of oxygen atoms appears to be most stable on the FCC sites for both the mono- and bimetallic surfaces. Using the ab initio thermodynamics approach, we calculated phase diagrams for the chemisorption of H and O atoms on these metal surfaces in order to transfer our findings to finite temperature and pressure conditions. Our theoretical results may provide an improved understanding of the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on intermetallic Pt
x
Ir
y
(111) surfaces and may be helpful for the rational design of new bifunctional PEM fuel cell anode catalyst materials.
Crystal structures and crystallographic classification of titanium silicophosphates – with a note on structure and composition of silicophosphates “M
3P5SiO19”
Authors: Glaum Robert , Schöneborn Marcos , Reinauer Felix , Shaqiri Halil , Islam Saiful M.
Published: April 2024

The crystal structures of TiIII
4[Si2O(PO4)6] (

P

3
‾

$P\overline{3}$

, Z = 3, a = 14.733(1), c = 7.363(1) Å, R1 = 0.040, wR2 = 0.098, 7649 ind. refl., 170 variables), FeII
0.79TiIII
2.42TiIV
0.79[Si2O(PO4)6] (

P

3
‾

$P\overline{3}$

, Z = 3, a = 14.6534(2), c = 7.3829(1) Å, R1 = 0.036, wR2 = 0.088, 4026 ind. refl., 171 variables), and TiIII
2TiIV
6(PO4)6[Si2O(PO4)6] (

R

3
‾

$R\overline{3}$

, Z = 1, a = 8.446(2), c = 44.21(2) Å, R1 = 0.047, wR2 = 0.120, 1373 ind. refl., 109 variables) have been refined from single-crystal data. The structures show hexagonal closest packing of phosphate groups with metal cations and [Si2O] groups occupying octahedral voids [□(PO4)6]. The close relationship of these and other silicophosphate structures to the NiAs and β-Fe2(SO4)3 (see also NaZr2(PO4)3 “NASICON”) structure types is rationalized by group/subgroup considerations. This symmetry approach shows that systematic twinning is highly likely in silicophosphates, thus possibly leading to faulty crystal structure refinements. Our investigation strongly suggests that the proper composition of silicophosphates “M
III
3P5SiO19” (M = Cr, V, Fe, Mo) reported in literature is actually M
III
4-[Si2O(PO4)6]. In the mixed-valent compounds oxidation states were assigned to the cation sites by comparison to Ti2O3, TiP2O7 and FeTiO3. The powder reflectance spectrum of dark-blue FeII
0.79TiIII
2.42TiIV
0.79[Si2O(PO4)6] shows a strong IVCT transition at

ν
˜

$\widetilde{\nu }$

 = 17,500 cm−1, and magnetic susceptibility data agree very well with the proposed oxidation states.