bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building Inclusive Leadership: A Biosciences Approach
Authors: Armstrong Emily May , Bach Lydia , Robinson Philip , Walden Helen , Woodling Nathan , Jones Matt
Published: December 2024

One-size-fits-all Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) strategies and provisioning are no longer suitable for a growing and diversifying higher education landscape; as each research discipline faces its own unique challenges to inclusion. High impact research needs reliable, decisive, and holistic approaches to leadership, but managerial and leadership skills are often considered an ‘add-on’ as opposed to a necessity in modern research environments. An estimated 70% of EDI initiatives in UK Higher Education Institutions fail to flourish (Marchiondoet al. 2023) – a combinatory effect of conservative approaches to change, cultural adaptation, and departmental stability.

We developed an Inclusive Leadership Programme to empower bioscientists to work autonomously and inclusively. Using a co-creation approach, the Inclusive Leadership Programme collectively defined inclusive leadership traits to create a resource. The interactive resource shares inclusive approaches to communication, feedback, recognition, and development – prioritising the experiences of those typically excluded from leadership conversations. By embedding a self-reflective scoring system, we share changes in approaches to inclusivity. After using the resource, self-perception normalises in distribution, indicating the resource provides a baseline for best practice, and space to understand personal approaches to inclusive practice in biosciences.

Ultimately, the Inclusive Leadership Programme and Resource offers a template for other biological research, learning, and teaching environments to build their own tailored approach to integrating inclusivity and empowering all members to work as autonomous and inclusive leaders, regardless of seniority.
Genetic basis of immunity in Indian cattle as revealed by comparative analysis ofBosgenome
Authors: Thambiraja Menaka , Iyengar Shukkruthi K. , Satishkumar Brintha , Kavuru Sai Rohith , Katari Aakanksha , Singh Dheer , Onteru Suneel K. , Yennamalli Ragothaman M.
Published: December 2024

Indian cattle breeds (Bos indicus) are renowned for their greater resilience compared toBos taurusin diverse environments and resistance to infections. However, the genomic signatures associated with disease-resistance traits in Indian cattle remain underexplored. A genome-wide comparison betweenBos indicusandBos tauruscould uncover key immune markers related to disease-resistance traits. We conducted chromosome-by-chromosome analyses among Bos genomes using three pairwise combinations, namelyBos taurus(Hereford) vs.Bos indicus(Nelore breed),Bos taurus(Hereford) vs.Bos indicus(Gir), andBos indicus(Nelore) vs.Bos indicus(Gir), to investigate genomic variations in immunity genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The whole genome for Nelore, Gir, and Hereford breeds were compared using bioinformatics tools: SyMAP, GSAlign, and SyRI. Non-syntenic regions were associated with four immunity genes in Nelore: VSTM1L, Galectin-9, HDAC5, and POLH. Significant genomic differences were observed on chromosomes 1 and X across all inter-breed comparisons. Chromosome X of Nelore lost 50 Mbps of genomic regions compared to those of Hereford, although all genes remained intact. Further exploration of translocation events on Chromosome X in Nelore revealed chromosomes 13 and 11 had more single nucleotide variants and insertions, respectively. In total, 8, 16, and 209 innate immunity genes in Nelore were impacted by longer insertions, deletions, and substitutions respectively, and 62 innate immunity genes were affected by all three structural variations. QTL analysis indicated these variations were primarily linked to milk and health traits. This study highlights genomic variations in innate immunity genes in Nelore and associated QTLs.
Transcription factors form a ternary complex with NIPBL/MAU2 to localize cohesin at enhancers
Authors: Fettweis Gregory , Wagh Kaustubh , Stavreva Diana A. , Jiménez-Panizo Alba , Kim Sohyoung , Lion Michelle , Alegre-Martí Andrea , Rinaldi Lorenzo , Johnson Thomas A. , Krishnamurthy Manan , Wang Li , Ball David A. , Karpova Tatiana S. , Upadhyaya Arpita , Vertommen Didier , Recio Juan Fernández , Estébanez-Perpiñá Eva , Dequiedt Franck , Hager Gordon L.
Published: December 2024

While the cohesin complex is a key player in genome architecture, how it localizes to specific chromatin sites is not understood. Recently, we and others have proposed that direct interactions with transcription factors lead to the localization of the cohesin-loader complex (NIPBL/MAU2) within enhancers. Here, we identify two clusters of LxxLL motifs within the NIPBL sequence that regulate NIPBL dynamics, interactome, and NIPBL-dependent transcriptional programs. One of these clusters interacts with MAU2 and is necessary for the maintenance of the NIPBL-MAU2 heterodimer. The second cluster binds specifically to the ligand-binding domains of steroid receptors. For the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), we examine in detail its interaction surfaces with NIPBL and MAU2. Using AlphaFold2 and molecular docking algorithms, we uncover a GR-NIPBL-MAU2 ternary complex and describe its importance in GR-dependent gene regulation. Finally, we show that multiple transcription factors interact with NIPBL-MAU2, likely using interfaces other than those characterized for GR.
Modulation of Purkinje Cell Inhibition by Stem Cell Factor
Authors: Zaman Tariq , Lahr Jessica , Cherian Suraj , Pozzo-Miller Lucas , Williams Michael R
Published: December 2024

Abstract / Summary

Target derived factors influence the specification, maintenance, and modulation of synaptic connectivity. The transmembrane protein, Kit Ligand, and Kit receptor tyrosine kinase are differentially expressed in connected neurons. In development and postnatal periods, these proteins maintain connectivity between cerebellar Purkinje cells (PC) that express Kit Ligand, and presynaptic Molecular Layer Interneurons (MLI) expressing Kit. In this study, it is demonstrated that Stem Cell Factor (SCF), the active extracellular domain of Kit Ligand, produces a potent potentiation of inhibition upon Purkinje Cells. The SCF enhancement of inhibition required presynaptic Kit, produced long term suppression of PC firing, and was associated with a specific potentiation of basket cells of the MLI1 subtype. It is posited that SCF exerts a postsynaptic effect involving enhanced sensitivity of somatic PC GABAAreceptors. This work demonstrates that the SCF/Kit axis modulates synaptic function in adult tissue.
Competition between glycine and GABAAreceptors for gephyrin controls their equilibrium populations at inhibitory synapses
Authors: Kostrz Dorota , Maynard Stephanie A , Schulte Clemens , Laurent François , Masson Jean-Baptiste , Maric Hans M , Gosse Charlie , Triller Antoine , Strick Terence R , Specht Christian G
Published: December 2024

Glycine and GABA receptors are ligand-gated chloride channels that mediate inhibitory neurotransmission throughout the central nervous system. The receptors co-localise widely at inhibitory synapses in the spinal cord and in the brainstem due to their interaction with an overlapping binding site of the synaptic scaffold protein gephyrin, pointing to a direct competition between the different receptor types. We have put this hypothesis to the test using single molecule approaches to measure receptor-gephyrin interactions in cells andin vitro. We explored the effects of receptor competition at inhibitory synapses in living neurons by measuring the change in the accumulation and effective stabilisation energy of glycine receptors in the presence of interfering GABA receptor complexes through single molecule tracking and diffusion analysis. Secondly, using molecular tweezers, we quantified the thermodynamic properties of receptor-gephyrin binding, demonstrating direct and reversible competition through the addition of interacting peptides in solution. The relatively low affinity of GABA receptor subunits for gephyrin compared to the glycine receptor raises interesting questions about the role of this competition in synaptic plasticity. We hypothesize that GABA and glycine receptor competition constitutes a molecular system designed to reconcile synapse stability and plasticity at mixed inhibitory synapses.
Cryo-EM resolves the structure of the archaeal dsDNA virus HFTV1 from head to tail
Authors: Zhang Daniel X. , Isupov Michail N. , Davies Rebecca M. , Schwarzer Sabine , McLaren Mathew , Stuart William S. , Gold Vicki A.M. , Oksanen Hanna M. , Quax Tessa E.F. , Daum Bertram
Published: December 2024

Outnumbering their hosts by at least a factor of 10, viruses are the most common biological entity on Earth, are major drivers of evolution, and greatly impact on the dynamics of our planet’s ecosystems. While viruses infecting bacteria and eukaryotes have been extensively studied, the viruses roaming the archaeal domain remain largely unexplored. In recent years, a growing number of archaeal viruses have been described, revealing a stunningly diverse range of morphologies that appear unique to archaea. Detailed structural studies are paramount to fully understand how archaeal viruses infect their hosts. However, no complete atomic models of archaeal viruses are available to date. Using electron cryo-microscopy, we investigated the structure of the archaeal virus Haloferax tailed virus 1 (HFTV1), which infects the halophile Haloferax gibbonsii LR2-5 originating from the Senegalese salt lake Retba. Through single particle analysis, we achieved near-atomic resolution for the entire set of HFTV1’s structural proteins, enabling the building of a full atomic model of the virion. Comparing the structures of DNA filled and empty capsids, we visualise structural changes occurring upon DNA ejection. By investigating the double-stranded DNA inside the capsid, we elucidate how the genome is spooled upon loading. Furthermore, our structure reveals putative cell-surface receptor-binding and catalytic roles of capsid turret, baseplate, and tail fibre proteins. Together, our data provide new insights into the mechanisms of HFTV1 assembly and infection, unveiling new perspectives on general rules of host-virus interactions in archaea and their evolutionary links to bacterial and eukaryotic viruses.
Noise robust detection of quantum phase transitions
Authors: Lively Kevin , Bode Tim , Szangolies Jochen , Zhu Jian-Xin , Fauseweh Benedikt
Published: December 2024

Quantum computing allows for the manipulation of highly correlated states whose properties quickly go beyond the capacity of any classical method to calculate. Thus one natural problem which could lend itself to quantum advantage is the study of ground-states of condensed matter models, and the transitions between them. However, current levels of hardware noise can require extensive application of error-mitigation techniques to achieve reliable computations. In this work, we use several IBM devices to explore a finite-size spin model with multiple “phaselike” regions characterized by distinct ground-state configurations. Using preoptimized Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) solutions, we demonstrate that in contrast to calculating the energy, where zero-noise extrapolation is required in order to obtain qualitatively accurate yet still unreliable results, calculations of the energy derivative, two-site spin correlation functions, and the fidelity susceptibility yield accurate behavior across multiple regions, even with minimal or no application of error-mitigation approaches. Taken together, these sets of observables could be used to identify level crossings in a simple, noise-robust manner which is agnostic to the method of ground state preparation. This work shows promising potential for near-term application to identifying quantum phase transitions, including avoided crossings and nonadiabatic conical intersections in electronic structure calculations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Flag Gadgets Based on Classical Codes
Authors: Anker Benjamin , Marvian Milad
Published: December 2024

Fault-tolerant syndrome extraction is a key ingredient in implementing fault-tolerant quantum computation. While conventional methods use a number of extra qubits that are linear in the weight of the syndrome, several improvements have been introduced using flag gadgets. In this work, we develop a framework to design flag gadgets using classical codes. Using this framework, we show how to perform fault-tolerant syndrome extraction for any stabilizer code with arbitrary distance using exponentially fewer qubits than conventional methods when qubit measurement and reset are relatively slow compared to a round of error correction. In particular, our method requires only (2t+1)t⌈log2﻿(w)⌉ flag qubits to fault-tolerantly measure a weight-w stabilizer. We further take advantage of the saving provided by our construction to fault-tolerantly measure multiple stabilizers using a single gadget and show that it maintains the same exponential advantage when it is used to fault-tolerantly extract the syndromes of quantum low-density parity-check codes. Using the developed framework, we perform computer-assisted search to find several small examples where our constructions reduce the number of qubits required. These small examples may be relevant to near-term experiments on small-scale quantum computers.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Qualitative modeling of factors affecting auditor’s judgment and decision-making
Authors: Shamsadini Kazem , Javanmard Hadis , Morady Zohier
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a qualitative model in the field of factors affecting auditors’ judgment and decision-making. The current research follows a descriptive survey method.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method was used to conduct this research, with a questionnaire as the primary tool. The statistical population consists of auditors with extensive knowledge and opinions on the research problem and its theoretical foundations. A sample of eight auditors was selected using the snowball sampling method.

Findings

The research results indicated that factors influencing auditors’ judgment and decision-making include reviewing audit reports from past periods, the knowledge and expertise of audit partners, input from the audit team, understanding social, cultural, political and economic environmental issues, auditor independence, technical and specialized skills of auditors, increasing experience, knowledge of business owners’ activities, rising audit fees and inhibiting forces in auditors’ judgment and decision-making. These inhibiting forces include lack of client knowledge, emotions, mental states, ethical considerations, business unit ownership structure, complexity of reviewed unit activities, state-owned business unit ownership, lack of understanding of employer activities and lack of expertise in the employer’s industry.

Practical implications

The model presented in this research aids in enhancing and refining the judgment and decision-making of independent auditors, resulting in more favorable financial reports for report users. Additionally, the theory developed through this research method can lead to the formulation of hypotheses that future researchers can test.

Originality/value

Auditor judgment is a vital aspect of independent audits, emphasized in auditing standards and professional codes of conduct.
Chatbots in complaint handling: the moderating role of humor
Authors: Park Jae Eun , Fan Alei , Wu Laurie
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbot technology is increasingly used to handle customer complaints in the service recovery process. Built on the justice theory, this paper aims to explore the optimal way to utilize chatbots in handling customer complaints for service failure recovery and the moderating role of humor.

Design/methodology/approach

Two scenario-based between-subjects experimental design studies were conducted to examine the two aspects of justice in service failure recovery: Study 1 focuses on procedural justice manifested as perceived control and Study 2 on interactional justice assessed as social presence. Furthermore, the moderating role of humor is investigated.

Findings

The results indicate that both perceived control and social presence can improve chatbots’ effectiveness in handling service failures to regain customer satisfaction and the consequent revisit intention. However, humor shows opposite effects in the two studies: chatbots using humorous language in complaint handling may attenuate the positive effect of perceived control but enhance the positive effect of social presence.

Practical implications

The findings provide practical guidelines to the service industry regarding the optimal service design and technology deployment in customer service, particularly for an effective service failure recovery process.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the service failure recovery literature by investigating how the new service technology of AI-powered chatbots can effectively handle customer complaints for service failure recovery. Furthermore, the research reveals the nuanced effects of humor in different complaint-handling situations.
Exploring the effect of psychosocial safety climate on employee outcomes: the moderating roles of workload and organizational training
Authors: ZamirKhan Abu Daud Lutful , Rubel Mohammad Rabiul Basher , Kee Daisy Mui Hung
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research aims to investigate the impact of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on employee quitting intention (QI) and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), considering the moderating effects of workload and organizational training.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a cross-sectional approach, involving 151 employees from the apparel manufacturing industry in Bangladesh who participated in the survey. Data analysis is conducted using SmartPLS.

Findings

The study reveals that PSC contributes to prolonged employee tenure and fosters positive organizational citizenship behavior. Workload and organizational training play significant moderating roles, influencing the negative and positive effects of PSC on QI and OCB, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

While the PSC model has been studied, there are ample opportunities to enhance and validate theoretical models exploring the moderating impact of job demands and resources on PSC-outcome relationships.

Originality/value

This study serves as an exploration of the influence of working conditions on the outcomes of PSC within the context of the manufacturing industry in a non-Western developing country like Bangladesh. Moreover, it looks into the moderating roles of workload and organizational training to extend the PSC model.
Triple Nexus: leveraging development supply chains for humanitarian aid and peace in Southeast Asia – a GBV focus
Authors: Plesner Volkdal Christina
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to emphasize the crucial role of supply chains in humanitarian and development interventions, specifically targeting gender-based violence in East Asia and the Pacific, regions prone to climate change-induced disasters. It explores optimizing development supply chains for humanitarian use, and the plausible impacts on community peacebuilding.

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting an abductive approach to the action research methodology, based on 11 case studies, including intensive fieldwork in seven, this study evaluates development supply chains for their adaptability, institutionalization and flexibility to support humanitarian needs and analyzes the potential interlinkages of peacebuilding.

Findings

The research uncovers the irregular and unsystematized present humanitarian efforts and highlighting a lack of advancement in development channels for implementing effective humanitarian preparedness and response. By focusing on the Triple Nexus framework and based on the findings, the study rather proposes enhancing the humanitarian supply chain, suggesting a restructured mechanism for development channels that fosters synergies across the dimensions. It intricately connects peacebuilding applying a Triple Nexus Analytical Framework, examining the potential impact on micro-level peacebuilding outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

The research recognizes the challenge in conceptualizing peacebuilding within the Triple Nexus framework, calling for a nuanced understanding of peacebuilding across different levels. Contrary to expectations, the case studies yielded unexpected results, suggesting a need for a reversed approach in the applied methodology, hence advancing humanitarian supply chains with synergies to development channels that in the specific cases studies lack efficiency in their current set-up.

Originality/value

This study examines the collaboration between humanitarian efforts and development initiatives and how they can collectively contribute to peacebuilding. It pushes forward the conversation on improving humanitarian preparedness by leveraging development supply chains and explores the effects of peacebuilding on local levels.
Unveiling redundancy in environmental, social, and governance reporting framework in India: an exploratory study
Authors: Devi Renu , Firoz Mohammad , Saravanan R.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate redundant information in mandatory non-financial reports (NFRs) demanded by regulators, focusing primarily on overlapping disclosures in a new Indian sustainability reporting (SR) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample comprised NIFTY100 listed entities that published SR voluntarily during 2021–2022. The authors used content analysis and cosine similarity techniques to conceptually compare redundancy in SR disclosures with non-financial disclosures.

Findings

The findings reveal an information overlap in SR disclosure with other NFRs disclosures. The disclosures of Directors’ Report have higher cosine similarity scores at the firm level with SR, followed by the Management Discussion and Analysis report, Corporate Governance report and Corporate Social Responsibility report. The additional analysis reveals that qualitative disclosures and disclosures comprising governance factors overlap more in SR.

Practical implications

Policymakers should look to establish relevant disclosure guidelines in the SR system, and thereby, shed light on fundamental issues to enhance future SR framework reforms.

Social implications

The study highlight the need for integration and amendment in the disclosure guidelines of NFRs to improve the overall transparency of the reports.

Originality/value

Previous studies have examined the redundancy in annual reports and SRs from the point of view of overlapping information. To the best author’s knowledge, this is possibly among the first studies to offer insights into the repetition of disclosures required by regulators in statutory NFRs based on environmental, social, and governance factors through the lenses of the institutional theory.
Reported foodservice environmental sustainability practices in Australian healthcare and aged care services pre and post the onset of COVID‐19
Authors: MacKenzie‐Shalders K. , Higgs J. , Cruickshank D. , Tang X. , Collins J.
Published: December 2024

Aims

Healthcare foodservices substantially impact global environmental changes. This study investigated environmentally sustainable practices in Australian health foodservices; and perceptions of the influence of COVID‐19 on foodservice environmental sustainability.

Methods

An observational study was undertaken collecting data at two time points (2019 and 2022) via a pre‐workshop survey with healthcare foodservice stakeholders. The survey used rating scales and free text options to explore sustainable practices, perceived barriers and enablers to sustainable practices, and a free‐text response on the impact of COVID‐19. Analysis included independent samples t‐tests (continuous, normally distributed), Mann–Whitney U tests (continuous non‐normally distributed data), and Pearson chi‐squared tests (categorical data). A qualitative analysis of free text responses to a single question about the impact of COVID‐19 was used to identify, analyse, and report positive and negative aspects of COVID‐19 for sustainable foodservice practices.

Results

Demographic and employment characteristics were similar between timepoints n = 37 (2019) and n = 30 (2022), except for number who had attended sustainability training (n = 14, 38.8% vs n = 19, 63.3%; p = 0.038). There were fewer private hospital (n = 6, 16.2% vs n = 0), (0%) and more rural site representation in 2022 (n = 2, 5.4% vs n = 13, 43.3%; p <0.001). Sustainable foodservice practices were consistent across timepoints (overall mean (SD) sum score for sustainable practices 63.3 (20.7) vs 61.3 (20.4); p = 0.715), with recycling cardboard (n = 27, 90.0% vs n = 22, 84.6%), and the use of reusable cutlery (n = 26, 86.7% vs n = 22, 84.6%) the most prevalent practices at both timepoints. A ‘lack of equipment’ was the primary reported barrier while passionate staff (“champions”) was the primary reported enabler. Participants reported that the COVID‐19 pandemic led to an increase in single‐use disposable items.

Conclusions

This study describes negligible changes in reported environmental sustainability practices by Australian healthcare foodservice stakeholders from 2019 to 2022. The study provides useful information on sustainability beliefs and practices in healthcare foodservices.
Improving food safety compliance of potential employees through a novel model of knowledge, attitude, commitment, and practice
Authors: Taha Sadi , Angor Malak , Al‐Marazeeq Khaled M. , Osaili Tareq M. , Albloush Ahmad , Al‐Rousan Walid M. , Ajo Radwan , Holley Richard , Fadhel Arif , Alboqai Omar
Published: December 2024

The global burden of foodborne illnesses remains high due to consumption of contaminated food. Vigilant attention from all, particularly food handlers, is needed to address food safety concerns and minimize the risks that affect consumer health, international business, and tourism worldwide. The main objectives of this study were to: (i) evaluate the food safety knowledge, attitudes, commitment (involving affective, continuance, and normative types), and practices of students studying subjects related to food sciences in Jordanian universities and (ii) examine the impact of knowledge and attitude on commitment, and subsequently, on relevant practices using structural equation modeling. The questionnaire was completed by 526 students from 5 universities. The score percentages of students in tested categories were as follows: agreement on food safety knowledge (87.7%), attitude (92%), affective commitment (90.4%), continuance commitment (83%), normative commitment (90.3%), and practices (91.5%). The results showed that associations between food safety knowledge and attitude with the three types of commitment were positive and significant (p < 0.05). Affective and normative commitments acted as partial mediators between food safety knowledge and practices and between food safety attitude and practices, whereas continuance commitment did not act as a mediator. Furthermore, a moderate correlation was found between food safety knowledge and attitude. Focus on food safety commitment drivers is essential, as commitment plays a key role in achieving actual hygienic practices by translating adequate knowledge and positive attitudes to improvements in hygienic behavior and reductions in the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Based on LC–MS and network pharmacology, the quality components, and anti‐hypertensive mechanisms of three types of tea were studied
Authors: Liu Mi‐Yan , He Ting , Wang Xiang‐Pei , Feng Hua , Li Xiao‐Fen , Xu Feng , Wu Hong‐Mei
Published: December 2024

Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was used to identify and analyze the main components of Da Hong Pao, Zunyi black tea, and Yunnan Pu'er tea extracts, explore the effects of brewing times on chemical composition, and analyze the differential components using chemometrics. Subsequently, network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were employed to explore the potential active ingredients and mechanisms of action in combating hypertension (HTN). This study identified eight key chemical constituents of the three teas, with significant differences in their contents. Yunnan Pu'er tea exhibited superior endurance for multiple infusions compared to the other teas. The research results clearly distinguished the three teas, with key components contributing to quality disparities identified as PCA, GC, gallic acid, and caffeine. The tea exerts anti‐HTN effects through multiple pathways. The results of eight chemical components and core targets related to HTN exhibited favorable binding affinities. Our study suggested that Da Hong Pao, Zunyi black tea, and Yunnan Pu'er tea exhibit certain quality differences, and the overall quality of Yunnan Pu'er tea surpasses that of the other teas, though specific differences require further investigation. Moreover, the eight identified components from the three teas are all active components in combating HTN, and network pharmacology comprehensively elucidates the mechanism of tea's anti‐hypertensive effect. These findings provide more potential key targets for the treatment of HTN by drinking tea.

Practical Application

Eight common components were identified in Da Hong Pao, Zunyi black tea, and Yunnan Pu'er water extract, with significant differences in content. Yunnan Pu'er has better overall quality compared to Da Hong Pao and Zunyi black tea. The study provides more potential key targets for the treatment of hypertension by drinking tea.
Precision risk assessment in wheat allergy: Leveraging advanced quantitative models for safer food consumption
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Yuan Juanli , Gao Jinyan , Tong Ping , Li Xin , Wang Jian , Yang Qian , Wang Zhongliang , Min Fangfang , Wu Yong , Chen Hongbing
Published: December 2024

Food allergy is a significant public health concern and food safety issue. Deriving from classical toxicology principle, the food allergen risk assessment has been considered a science‐based strategy to identify, quantify, and manage the food allergy risks as such risk represent a significant food safety. Moreover, the implication of the precautionary allergen labeling in most jurisdictions is voluntary, resulting potential risk to allergic consumers. In this study, a quantitative risk assessment technique was employed to evaluate the risk of wheat allergy in prepackaged foods. The assessment utilized probabilistic models, including the lognormal, Weibull, Gamma distributions, and Bayesian model averaging. The predicted allergic reactions were determined to be 682, 854, 677, and 721 incidents per 10,000 eating occasions within wheat allergic population, respectively. The findings of this study revealed that the consumption of prepackaged foods containing gluten without wheat/gluten summary (i.e., ingredient) labeling would potentially pose the risk of allergic reactions to wheat allergic individuals. The utilization of quantitative risk assessment methodology at different points of the food system facilitates alleviating unnecessary concerns to stakeholders while maintaining a reasonable knowledge of allergy risk and providing valuable guidance in formulating effective management strategies to mitigate the risk of food allergies, thereby contributing to the overall safety of the sustainable food system.
Different effects of low‐ and high‐density lipoproteins in egg yolk on lipid metabolism of mouse: Role of phospholipids‐to‐cholesterol intake ratio
Authors: Zhang Fan , Ma Ying , Zhu Hangxin , Li Junhua , Gu Luping , Chang Cuihua , Su Yujie , Yang Yanjun
Published: December 2024

Recent evidence increasingly indicates that moderate egg consumption (up to one egg per day) poses no significant risk of cardiovascular diseases in healthy individuals, leading researchers to speculate whether other lipids in eggs affect lipid metabolism. In this research, C57BL/6J mice were given chow diets containing egg yolk low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), two natural components with different proportions of phospholipids and cholesterol, to explore the effects of the phospholipids‐to‐cholesterol intake ratio on lipid metabolism. Increases in liver weight and liver index were observed following LDL intake, while body weight and epididymal fat decreased after HDL intake in a dose‐dependent manner. The food efficiency of chow diets decreased with increasing phospholipids content. Lipid biomarkers indicated that LDL intake significantly increased plasma LDL cholesterol and liver cholesterol levels. At equivalent cholesterol doses, the cholesterol‐raising effects of HDL were weaker than those of LDL. Higher protein expression of cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 in the HDL groups suggested increased bile acid excretion at higher phospholipids‐to‐cholesterol intake ratios. Fecal metabolite analysis revealed significant changes in lipid composition, primarily involving glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and sterol lipids, consistent with the lipid profiles of LDL and HDL. The upregulation of cholic acid and deoxycholic acid in feces further confirmed increased bile acid excretion. This study highlights the differences in lipid metabolism in mice under varying phospholipids‐to‐cholesterol intake ratios, which may be associated with changes in dietary energy supply and bile excretion following phospholipids involvement.
Assessment of thermophysical properties of the temperature profile created on peach by microwave energy
Authors: Tasova Muhammed , Polatcı Hakan , Olgac Mehmetcan
Published: December 2024

Microwave energy is based on creating heat in the structure by creating vibrations in the moisture in the product used. In drying processes, drying kinetics, energy consumption, quality, and so on features are evaluated based on the temperature equivalent of the heat created by the heat source in the product. For this reason, the temperature value formed in the product in microwave drying processes is important. In this study, the effects of microwave drying powers (180, 540, 720, and 900 W) on the surface temperature profile, drying kinetics, thermophysical properties, and color values of peach slices were investigated. For drying processes performed at 180, 540, 720, and 900 W microwave powers, the surface temperatures of peach slices were 34.5–83.40, 49.60–89.60, 55.90–94.06, and 68.20–145.20°C, respectively. Effective diffusion values varied between 1.01 × 10−7 and 2.12 × 10−7, and the activation energy value was measured as 20.73 kJ/mol. Specific heat values varied between 871.62 and 838.21 J/kg K, density values varied between 839.41 and 697.93 kg/m3, thermal diffusivity values varied between 5.69 × 10−7 and 2.344 × 10−7 m2/s and thermal conductance values ranged between 0.44 and 0.08 W/m K. As compared to the fresh fruits, the best color values of dried material were achieved at 720 W microwave power. It is recommended to determine the microwave drying power value well and to determine the drying kinetic properties of each agricultural product specifically for the product.
Absolute quantification of eight human milk oligosaccharides in breast milk to evaluate their concentration profiles and associations with infants’ neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: Sato Keigo , Nakamura Yoshitaka , Fujiyama Kazuhito , Ohneda Kinuko , Nobukuni Takahiro , Ogishima Soichi , Mizuno Satoshi , Koshiba Seizo , Kuriyama Shinichi , Jinno Shinji
Published: December 2024

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have been positively associated with child neurodevelopment in some cohort studies. However, there is a lack of consistency in the association between HMOs and benefits to infants’ brains. Moreover, the quantification methods for HMOs have not yet been standardized. In this study, we developed a quantification method for evaluating eight HMOs (2′‐fucosyllactose [2′‐FL], 3′‐fucosyllactose [3′‐FL], 3′‐sialyllactose [3′‐SL], 6′‐sialyllactose [6′‐SL], lactosialyltetrasaccharide a [LSTa], lactosialyltetrasaccharide b [LSTb], lactosialyltetrasaccharide c [LSTc], and disialyllacto‐N‐tetraose [DSLNT]) in breast milk. After validating the method, we applied it to 1‐month breast milk samples (n = 150) from the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three‐Generation Cohort Study to assess HMO profiles in breast milk and their possible association with changes in head circumference z‐score (ΔHCZ) and neurodevelopmental scores of children (as measured by the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition). The validation demonstrated that the method had relative standard deviation ≤ 12.7% of precision and 79.5–110.9% of accuracy. Using this method, eight HMO levels (2′‐FL, 0–4.74 mg/mL; 3′‐FL, 0.02–1.52 mg/mL; 3′‐SL, 0.07–0.32 mg/mL; 6′‐SL, 0.01–0.70 mg/mL; LSTa, 0.002–0.043 mg/mL; LSTb, 0.02–0.31 mg/mL; LSTc, 0.001–0.47 mg/mL; and DSLNT, 0.09–0.71 mg/mL [min–max, all participants]) and the ratio of low secretors (16.0%) in the Japanese cohort were obtained. The obtained HMO levels in breast milk were subjected to multivariate analysis to screen for HMOs showing a positive association with ΔHCZ and neurodevelopmental scores. The results proposed that ΔHCZ was positively associated with LSTb and 2′‐FL levels, whereas neurodevelopmental scores were positively associated with 2′‐FL levels (among all participants) and 3′‐SL and DSLNT levels (among secretor participants). This study showed that the developed method provides HMO profiles in Japanese breast milk, as well as additional information on the associations between specific HMOs and neurodevelopment, reinforcing the sum of evidence for the role of HMOs in the brain.
The Potential Role of Neutrophil Reactivity Intensity and Reactive Lymphocytes as Extended Hematological Parameters to Detect Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Mardia Andri Iskandar , Hamijoyo Laniyati , Susandi Evan , Prihatni Delita , Alisjahbana Bachti , Oehadian Amaylia
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against nuclear antigens and immune complex deposition. The pathogenesis of SLE is not fully understood; however, there are alterations in neutrophils and lymphocytes. Recent parameters assessing both neutrophil activations (Neut‐RI, Neut‐GI, IG) and activated lymphocytes (Re‐Lymp, As‐Lymp) can be used to assess the activation of immune cells. The aim of this study was to explore the potential role of this parameter in detecting active SLE.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study using secondary data from Hasan Sadikin Lupus Registry. Parameters were examined using Sysmex XN‐1500. Lupus activity was determined according to SLEDAI‐2K.

Results

This study included 30 active (SLEDAI 2K ≥ 4) and 30 inactive SLE patients. Compared to inactive SLE, active SLE showed significantly higher Neut‐RI (51.5 vs. 49.6 FL, p = 0.004), and lower Re‐Lymph (0.09 vs. 0.14 × 103/mm3, p = 0.024). There was no significant difference in Neut‐GI (150 vs. 151.6 SI, p = 0.359), As‐Lymp (0.02 vs. 0.01 × 103/mm3, p = 0.621), and IG (0.11 vs. 0.06 × 103/mm3, p = 0.384) between active and inactive SLE. Neut‐RI/Re‐Lymp ratio cutoff > 0.47 could distinguish between active and inactive SLE with AUC 0.689, 66.7% sensitivity, and 70.0% specificity.

Conclusion

In active SLE, there is an elevation in Neut‐RI and a reduction in Re‐Lymp. Neut‐RI/Re‐Lymp ratio exceeding 0.47 could be used to detect active SLE.
COVID‐19 Vaccination in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Adverse Events and Rating Agreement of Flares Between Patients and Physicians
Authors: Tangkum Punsita , Kasitanon Nuntana , Gumtorntip Wanitcha , Winichakoon Poramed , Konsamun Supparat , Wongthanee Antika , Louthrenoo Worawit
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To compare adverse events and flares among different doses and types of COVID‐19 vaccines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

All consecutive SLE patients in a lupus cohort, seen between March and October 2022, were invited to join this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were aged ≥ 20 years and had received at least one dose of COVID‐19 vaccine. Data regarding adverse events after vaccination, clinical disease activity and flares within 30 days postvaccination were reviewed.

Results

A total of 201 SLE patients received 524 vaccine doses, with 201, 199, and 124 patients received 1, 2, and 3 doses, respectively. The vaccines included inactivated virus vaccine, adenovirus‐vectored vaccine, and mRNA vaccines in 183 (35%), 128 (24%), and 213 (41%) doses, respectively. Regardless of the dose and type of vaccine, adverse events occurred in 50%–70% of patients. Pain and swelling at the injection site were common local symptoms, whereas constitutional, neurological, musculoskeletal, and mucocutaneous symptoms were among systemic ones. The majority of these symptoms were mild to moderate. Patients reported they had disease flares after vaccination in 5%–6%, while actual flares determined by physicians occurred in 8%–13% of them, giving fair to moderate rating agreement between patients and physicians (Cohen's kappa: 0.21–0.44). There was no significant difference in mean mSLEDAI‐2K between pre‐ and 30 days postvaccination.

Conclusions

Adverse events after vaccination were common, regardless of the dose or type of COVID‐19 vaccines, but only a small proportion of patients had severe symptoms. Flares were uncommon. The rating agreement of flares between patients and physicians as fair to moderate.
Feasibility of Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Miniforceps Biopsy for PD‐L1 Expression and Quantitative Tissue Analysis
Authors: Wayne Max T. , Moulton Nathaniel G. , Weimholt Cody , Chenna Praveen , Chen Alexander C.
Published: December 2024

Background

Testing for targeting programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) is standard of care for patients with newly diagnosed non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) but is only approved for use with core biopsy specimens. Endobronchial ultrasound guided miniforceps biopsy (EBUS‐MFB) is an approach to obtain core biopsy material but data assessing the ability of EBUS‐MFB to adequately test for PD‐L1 is lacking. We evaluate the feasibility of EBUS‐MFB to acquire adequate tissue for PD‐L1 testing and look to compare the quality of specimens between EBUS‐MFB and endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) using a standard method of tissue analysis.

Methods

Twenty patients with suspected non‐small cell lung cancer undergoing bronchoscopy were recruited for enrollment. For each patient with NSCLC diagnosed on rapid onsite pathology with EBUS‐TBNA, EBUS‐MFB was performed. PD‐L1 immunostaining was completed to assess for adequacy. A comparison of tissue collection was performed using the total surface area measured by digital imaging.

Results

Among 20 patients, 65% were male with a mean age of 66 years with a total procedure time of 50 min and an average of 14 biopsy passes per procedure. 15 (75%) patients were diagnosed with NSCLC, and PD‐L1 analysis was successfully performed in 12 of the 15 (80%). The mean total tissue area obtained by the MFB technique was 9.757 mm2 compared to 6.941 mm2 with TBNA (p = 0.427).

Conclusion

In this feasibility study, EBUS‐MFB was successful in performing PD‐L1 testing in 80% of patients with NSCLC.
Abundant tiny turtle ants can foster notably speciose mimicry complexes
Authors: Perger Robert
Published: December 2024

In the current study, I report a single‐site mimicry complex involving 20 arthropods from 12 families in five orders resembling the small turtle ant Cephalotes pusillus. The complex is the most species‐rich single‐site complex with predominately Batesian mimics that has been reported so far. Considering that small turtle ants are likely less defended than highly noxious butterflies or aculeate Hymenoptera with potent stingers, possible factors explaining the high species richness of the complex may include high model abundance, small body size and easy to develop morphological resemblance.
Why are there fewer and fewer cooperatives in the agricultural sector? A survival analysis within a competing risk framework
Authors: Grashuis Jasper , Franken Jason R. V.
Published: December 2024

There are few empirical explanations for the decreasing number of cooperatives in the agricultural sector. To address the gap in the literature, we investigate the incidence of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) and liquidations and dissolutions (L&Ds) among more than 1000 farmer cooperatives in the United States for the 2010–2020 period by means of survival analysis within a competing risk framework. According to our novel results, M&As are more common than L&Ds, corresponding to exit strategies of larger farmer cooperatives to achieve scale and scope economies. The incidence of L&Ds is almost entirely driven by size as relatively small cooperatives are more at risk. Implications and future research directions are discussed in the conclusion.
Specific Findings of Blood Perfusion on Anastomosed Esophagus of Neonatal Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence During Thoracoscopic Surgery
Authors: Tsuruno Yudai , Harumatsu Toshio , Tabata Yumiko , Kedoin Chihiro , Murakami Masakazu , Sugita Koshiro , Yano Keisuke , Onishi Shun , Kawano Takafumi , Ieiri Satoshi
Published: December 2024

We herein report a neonatal case showing specific findings of blood perfusion in the anastomosed esophagus of esophageal atresia (EA) and tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence during thoracoscopic surgery. The patient was a 3054 g, 0‐day neonatal boy diagnosed with EA‐TEF based on a coil‐up sign of the nasogastric tube. Thoracoscopic surgery was performed on Day 4 after birth. After TEF transection, esophageal anastomosis was performed using interrupted sutures. ICG was administered intravenously to confirm blood perfusion at the anastomotic site. Initially, the upper esophagus was visualized, and 5 s later, the lower esophagus was visualized. However, no fluorescence signal was detected at the anastomotic site. The postoperative course was uneventful without anastomotic leakage. After discharge, mild anastomotic stenosis was observed, which required balloon dilatation. The time lag of fluorescent findings was considered to reflect differences in the feeding artery.
A blueprint for pursuing therapeutic interventions and early phase clinical trials in clonal haematopoiesis
Authors: Haque Tamanna , Shastri Aditi , Desai Pinkal , Xie Zhuoer , Hammond Danielle , King Zoe , Kishtagari Ashwin , Madanat Yazan F. , Abaza Yasmin , Silver Alexander J. , Singh Abhay , Borate Uma M. , Heimlich J. Brett , Slosky David A. , Bolton Kelly L. , Patnaik Mrinal S. , Bick Alexander G. , Verma Amit K. , Jaiswal Siddhartha , Steensma David P. , Savona Michael R.
Published: December 2024

The age‐associated mutational state of clonal haematopoiesis (CH) is linked to multiple adverse health outcomes. As higher risk CH can lead to progressive neoplastic or vascular disease, there is interest in developing clinical trials to mitigate risk associated with CH. Given the high prevalence of CH, data from clinical trials could have broad public health implications for screening and therapy. Thoughtful consideration is needed to design trials that are both clinically relevant and avoid overmedicalization. Here, we summarize clinical studies of CH to date and provide suggestions and guidance on how to approach designing CH‐focused therapeutic clinical trials. These recommendations are derived from discussions among clinical researchers and scientists emanating from the Inaugural Meeting on Somatic Mutations and Predisease in October 2021.