bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gradual changes in model shape affect egg-directed behaviours by parasitic shiny cowbirds
Molothrus bonariensis
in captivity
Authors: Crudele Ignacio , Hauber Mark E. , Reboreda Juan C. , Fiorini Vanina D.
Published: May 2023

Eggs are critically important for avian reproduction as all birds are oviparous. Accordingly, the recognition and care of own eggs represent the cornerstones of avian breeding, whereas the elimination of foreign objects, including brood-parasitic eggs and non-egg items from the nest are known to also increase fitness by refocusing incubation effort on the parents' own eggs. But egg recognition also plays a role in some avian obligate brood parasites' reproductive strategy through the pecking of already present eggs in the hosts' clutch to reduce nestmate competition with the parasite's own hatchling. Here we tested egg shape recognition in this parasitic egg-pecking context by exposing two different series of 3D printed models to captive obligate brood-parasitic shiny cowbirds (
Molothrus bonariensis
) in artificial nests. Natural egg-shaped models were pecked more often compared with increasingly thinner models, but there was no effect of increasing angularity on pecking rates, implying that a natural, rather than an artificial, range of variability elicited adaptive responses from parasitic cowbirds.
The performance and environmental impact of pro-oxidant additive containing plastics in the open unmanaged environment—a review of the evidence
Authors: Sciscione Fabiola , Hailes Helen C. , Miodownik Mark
Published: May 2023

Pro-oxidant additive containing (PAC) plastics is a term that describes a growing number of plastics which are designed to degrade in the unmanaged natural environment (open-air, soil, aquatic) through oxidation and other processes. It is a category that includes ‘oxo-degradable’ plastics, ‘oxo-biodegradable’ plastics and those containing ‘biotransformation’ additives. There is evidence that a new standard PAS 9017 : 2020 is relevant to predicting the timescale for abiotic degradation of PAC plastic in hot dry climates under ideal conditions (data reviewed for South of France and Florida). There are no reliable data to date to show that the PAS 9017 : 2020 predicts the timescale for abiotic degradation of PAC plastics in cool or wet climatic regions such as the UK or under less ideal conditions (soil burial, surface soiling etc.). Most PAC plastics studied in the literature showed biodegradability values in the range 5–60% and would not pass the criteria for biodegradability set in the new PAS 9017 : 2020. Possible formation of microplastics and cross-linking have been highlighted both by field studies and laboratory studies. Systematic eco-toxicity studies are needed to assess the possible effect of PAC additives and microplastics on the environment and biological organisms.
Herbivorous dietary selection shown by hawfinch (
Coccothraustes coccothraustes
) within mixed woodland habitats
Authors: Stenhouse Ewan H. , Bellamy Paul , Kirby Will , Vaughan Ian P. , Symondson William O. C. , Orozco-terWengel Pablo
Published: May 2023

Knowledge of diet and dietary selectivity is vital, especially for the conservation of declining species. Accurately obtaining this information, however, is difficult, especially if the study species feeds on a wide range of food items within heterogeneous and inaccessible environments, such as the tree canopy. Hawfinches (
Coccothraustes coccothraustes
), like many woodland birds, are declining for reasons that are unclear. We investigated the possible role that dietary selection may have in these declines in the UK. Here, we used a combination of high-throughput sequencing of 261 hawfinch faecal samples assessed against tree occurrence data from quadrats sampled in three hawfinch population strongholds in the UK to test for evidence of selective foraging. This revealed that hawfinches show selective feeding and consume certain tree genera disproportionally to availability. Positive selection was shown for beech (
Fagus
), cherry (
Prunus
), hornbeam (
Carpinus
), maples (
Acer
) and oak (
Quercus
), while Hawfinch avoided ash (
Fraxinus
), birch (
Betula
), chestnut (
Castanea
), fir (
Abies
), hazel (
Corylus
), rowan (
Sorbus
) and lime (
Tilia
). This approach provided detailed information on hawfinch dietary choice and may be used to predict the effects of changing food resources on other declining passerines populations in the future.
Labour's pain: strenuous subsistence work, mechanical wear-and-tear and musculoskeletal pain in a non-industrialized population
Authors: Stieglitz Jonathan , Buoro Yoann , Beheim Bret , Trumble Benjamin C. , Kaplan Hillard , Gurven Michael
Published: May 2023

Musculoskeletal pain is the most debilitating human health condition. Neurophysiological pain mechanisms are highly conserved and promote somatic maintenance and learning to avoid future harm. However, some chronic pain might be more common owing to mismatches between modern lifestyles and traits that originally evolved under distinct premodern conditions. To inform assumptions about factors affecting chronic pain vulnerability prior to industrialization, we assess pain prevalence, perceived causes, and predictors among Tsimane forager-horticulturalists. Habitual subsistence work is the primary reported cause of pain throughout life for both sexes, and pain is more common with age, especially in the back, and for those with more musculoskeletal problems. Sex differences in pain are relatively weak, and we find no association between women's reproductive history and pain, contrary to the hypothesis that reproduction causes women's greater pain susceptibility. Age-standardized current pain prevalence is 1.7–8.2 times higher for Tsimane than other select populations, and Tsimane chronic pain prevalence is within the range of variation observed elsewhere. Chronic low back pain is not a ‘mismatch disease’ limited to post-industrialized populations. Hominin musculoskeletal changes supporting bipedalism probably imposed health costs, which, after millions of years of evolution, remain an epidemiological burden that may be exacerbated by modern conditions.
Manipulating nest architecture reveals three-dimensional building strategies and colony resilience in honeybees
Authors: Marting Peter R. , Koger Benjamin , Smith Michael L.
Published: May 2023

Form follows function throughout the development of an organism. This principle should apply beyond the organism to the nests they build, but empirical studies are lacking. Honeybees provide a uniquely suited system to study nest form and function throughout development because we can image the three-dimensional structure repeatedly and non-destructively. Here, we tracked nest-wide comb growth in six colonies over 45 days (control colonies) and found that colonies have a stereotypical process of development that maintains a spheroid nest shape. To experimentally test if nest structure is important for colony function, we shuffled the nests of an additional six colonies, weekly rearranging the comb positions and orientations (shuffled colonies). Surprisingly, we found no differences between control and shuffled colonies in multiple colony performance metrics—worker population, comb area, hive weight and nest temperature. However, using predictive modelling to examine how workers allocate comb to expand their nests, we show that shuffled colonies compensate for these disruptions by accounting for the three-dimensional structure to reconnect their nest. This suggests that nest architecture is more flexible than previously thought, and that superorganisms have mechanisms to compensate for drastic architectural perturbations and maintain colony function.
Per-pathogen virulence of HIV-1 subtypes A, C and D
Authors: Bouman Judith A. , Venner Colin M. , Walker Courtney , Arts Eric J. , Regoes Roland R.
Published: May 2023

HIV-1 subtypes differ in their clinical manifestations and the speed in which they spread. In particular, the frequency of subtype C is increasing relative to subtypes A and D. We investigate whether HIV-1 subtypes A, C and D differ in their per-pathogen virulence and to what extend this explains the difference in spread between these subtypes. We use data from the hormonal contraception and HIV-1 genital shedding and disease progression among women with primary HIV infection study. For each study participant, we determine the set-point viral load value, CD4
+
T cell level after primary infection and CD4
+
T cell decline. Based on both the CD4
+
T cell count after primary infection and CD4
+
T cell decline, we estimate the time until AIDS. We then obtain our newly introduced measure of virulence as the inverse of the estimated time until AIDS. After fitting a model to the measured virulence and set-point viral load values, we tested if this relation varies per subtype. We found that subtype C has a significantly higher per-pathogen virulence than subtype A. Based on an evolutionary model, we then hypothesize that differences in the primary length of infection period cause the observed variation in the speed of spread of the subtypes.
Temperature adaptation and its impact on the shape of performance curves inDrosophilapopulations
Authors: Alruiz José M. , Peralta-Maraver Ignacio , Bozinovic Francisco , Santos Mauro , Rezende Enrico L.
Published: May 2023

Understanding how species adapt to different temperatures is crucial to predict their response to global warming, and thermal performance curves (TPCs) have been employed recurrently to study this topic. Nevertheless, fundamental questions regarding how thermodynamic constraints and evolution interact to shape TPCs in lineages inhabiting different environments remain unanswered. Here, we studyDrosophila simulansalong a latitudinal gradient spanning 3000 km to test opposing hypotheses based on thermodynamic constrains (hotter-is-better) versus biochemical adaptation (jack-of-all-temperatures) as primary determinants of TPCs variation across populations. We compare thermal responses in metabolic rate and the egg-to-adult survival as descriptors of organismal performance and fitness, respectively, and show that different descriptors of TPCs vary in tandem with mean environmental temperatures, providing strong support tohotter-is-better. Thermodynamic constraints also resulted in a strong negative association between maximum performance and thermal breadth. Lastly, we show that descriptors of TPCs for metabolism and egg-to-adult survival are highly correlated, providing evidence of co-adaptation, and that curves for egg-to-adult survival are systematically narrower and displaced toward lower temperatures. Taken together, our results support the pervasive role of thermodynamics constraining thermal responses inDrosophilapopulations along a latitudinal gradient, that are only partly compensated by evolutionary adaptation.
Uncertainty about old information results in differential predator memory in tadpoles
Authors: Crane Adam L. , Achtymichuk Gabrielle H. , Rivera-Hernández Ita A. E. , Preagola Alexyz A. , Thapa Himal , Ferrari Maud C. O.
Published: May 2023

As information ages, it may become less accurate, resulting in increased uncertainty for decision makers. For example, chemical alarm cues (AC) are a source of public information about a nearby predator attack, and these cues can become spatially inaccurate through time. These cues can also degrade quickly under natural conditions, and cue receivers are sensitive to such degradation. Although numerous studies have documented predator-recognition learning from fresh AC, no studies have explored learning from aged AC and whether the uncertainty associated with this older information contributes to shortening the retention of learned responses (i.e. the ‘memory window’). Here, we found that wood frog tadpoles,Lithobates sylvaticus, learned to recognize a novel odour as a predator when paired with AC aged under natural conditions for up to 1 h. However, only tadpoles conditioned with fresh AC were found to retain this learned response when tested 9 days after conditioning. These results support the hypothesis that the memory window is shortened by the uncertainty associated with older information, preventing the long-term costs of a learned association that was based on potentially outdated information.
Naming genera after geographical locations. Proposal to emend Appendix 9 of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes
Authors: Oren Aharon , Chuvochina Maria
Published: May 2023

Appendix 9, Section E of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes provides guidelines on how to form adjectival specific and subspecific epithets that reflect the geographical location where the organism was found or studied. It does not mention ways of naming genera after geographical locations. We here propose emendation of Appendix 9 with the recommendations on how to form such names. Comments on the implementation of the current wording of Appendix 9, Section E are also made.
Outcomes of Endocarditis in Pregnancy: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Shapero Kayle , Berlacher Kathryn , Megli Christina
Published: May 2023

Background

The incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) in pregnancy is rare (0.006%) with increasing prevalence during the opioid epidemic. IE in pregnancy is associated with high rates of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity, and existing data on outcomes in pregnancy is limited to case reports and small studies. Our study compares the outcomes of pregnant patients with IE as compared to non-pregnant patients.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with IE during pregnancy or 30 days post-partum between 2014-2021 were identified by ICD-9/10 codes. Pregnant cases were matched to a random sampling of non-pregnant reproductive-age female endocarditis patients in a 1:4 ratio. Demographic and clinical data was collected. Data was validated through chart review.

Results

180 patients with IE were identified for this cohort; 34 were pregnant or within 30 days post-partum at diagnosis. There were higher rates of hepatitis C and opioid maintenance therapy in the pregnant patients. Etiology of IE in pregnant patients was predominantlyS. aureus(MSSA/MRSA) whereas non-pregnant woman had greater microbiological variation. We observed comparable rates of valve replacement (32.4% vs 29% p=0.84), 2-yr mortality (20.6% vs 17.8%, p =.>0.99), and ICU admission (61.8% vs 69.8%, p=0.414) in pregnant patients. There was a trend towards higher rates of PE (17.6% vs 7.5%, p=0.098), arrhythmia (17.6% vs 9.6%, p=0.222) among pregnant patients. There were high rates of IVDU relapse in both groups (>40%).

Conclusion

We observed similar rates of valve replacement, 2-year mortality, and ICU admission in both pregnant and non-pregnant patients with IE. We observed a microbial predilection forS.aureusin pregnancy suggesting that the physiology of pregnancy may select for this microbiologic etiology. These results represent the largest single center retrospective review of IE in pregnancy and suggests that pregnancy may have increased morbidity.
Long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host genes as prognostic molecular biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Meng , Zhao Zhiwen , Yang Lihua
Published: May 2023

Objective

Recently, increasing data have suggested that the lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host genes (SNHGs) were aberrantly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), but the association between the prognosis of HCC and their expression remained unclear. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine the prognostic significance of lncRNA SNHGs in HCC.

Methods

We systematically searched Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library for eligible articles published up to October 2022. The prognostic significance of SNHGs in HCC was evaluated by hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Odds ratios (ORs) were used to assess the clinicopathological features of SNHGs.

Results

This analysis comprised a total of 25 studies covering 2314 patients with HCC. The findings demonstrated that over-expressed SNHGs were associated with larger tumor size, multiple tumor numbers, poor histologic grade, earlier lymphatic metastasis, vein invasion, advanced tumor stage, portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT), and higher AFP level, but not with gender, age, HBV infection, and cirrhosis. In terms of prognosis, patients with higher SNHG expression were more likely to have shorter overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and disease-free survival (DFS).

Conclusions

In conclusion, upregulation of SNHG expression correlated with clinicopathological parameters and could predict a poor prognosis for HCC patients.
Multi-omic analysis of bat versus human fibroblasts reveals altered central metabolism
Authors: Jagannathan N. Suhas , Koh Javier Yu Peng , Lee Younghwan , Sobota Radoslaw M , Irving Aaron , Wang Lin-Fa , Itahana Yoko , Itahana Koji , Tucker-Kellogg Lisa
Published: May 2023

Bats have unique characteristics compared to other mammals, including increased longevity and higher resistance to cancer and infectious disease. While previous studies have analyzed the metabolic requirements for flight, it is still unclear how bat metabolism supports these unique features, and no study has integrated metabolomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics to characterize bat metabolism. In this work, we performed a multi-omics data analysis using a computational model of metabolic fluxes to identify fundamental differences in central metabolism between primary lung fibroblast cell lines from the black flying fox fruit bat (Pteropus alecto) and human. Bat cells showed higher expression levels of Complex I components of electron transport chain (ETC), but, remarkably, a lower rate of oxygen consumption (OCR). Computational modeling interpreted these results as indicating that Complex II activity may be low or reversed, similar to an ischemic state. An ischemic-like state of bats was also supported by decreased levels of central metabolites and increased ratios of succinate to fumarate in bat cells. Ischemic states tend to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which would be incompatible with the longevity of bats. However, bat cells had higher antioxidant reservoirs (higher total glutathione and higher ratio of NADPH to NADP) despite higher mitochondrial ROS levels. In addition, bat cells were more resistant to glucose deprivation and had increased resistance to ferroptosis, one of the characteristics of which is oxidative stress. Thus, our studies revealed distinct differences in the ETC regulation and metabolic stress responses between human and bat cells.
Evolution of High-Molecular-Mass Hyaluronic Acid is Associated with Subterranean Lifestyle
Authors: Zhao Yang , Zheng Zhizhong , Zhang Zhihui , Hillpot Eric , Lin Yifei S. , Zakusilo Frances T. , Lu J. Yuyang , Ablaeva Julia , Miller Richard A. , Nevo Eviatar , Seluanov Andrei , Gorbunova Vera
Published: May 2023

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of extracellular matrix (ECM) which plays an important role in development, cellular response to injury and inflammation, cell migration, and cancer. The naked mole-rat (NMR,Heterocephalus glaber) contains abundant high-molecular-mass HA (HMM-HA) in its tissues, which contributes to this species’ cancer resistance and possibly longevity. Here we report that abundant HMM-HA is found in a wide range of subterranean mammalian species, but not in phylogenetically related aboveground species. These species accumulate abundant HMM-HA by regulating the expression of genes involved in HA degradation and synthesis and contain unique mutations in these genes. The abundant high molecular weight HA may benefit the adaptation to subterranean environment by increasing skin elasticity and protecting from oxidative stress due to hypoxic subterranean environment. HMM-HA may also be coopted to confer cancer resistance and longevity to subterranean mammals. Our work suggests that HMM-HA has evolved with subterranean lifestyle.
Trehalose Consumption Ameliorates Pathogenesis in an Inducible Mouse Model of the Fragile X-associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome
Authors: Kul Emre , Stork Oliver
Published: May 2023

Trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar found in various food and pharmaceutical preparations with the ability to enhance cellular proteostasis and reduce formation of toxic intracellular protein aggregates, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for various neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we explored the effectiveness of nutritional trehalose supplementation in ameliorating symptoms in a mouse model of Fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), an incurable late onset manifestation of moderately expanded trinucleotide CGG repeat expansion mutations in the 5’ untranslated region of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 gene (fmr1). An inducible mouse model of FXTAS expressing 90 CGG repeats in the brain had been previously developed, which faithfully captures hallmarks of the disorder, the formation of intracellular inclusions and the disturbance of motor function. Taking advantage of the inducible nature of the model, we investigated the therapeutic potential of orally administered trehalose under two regimens, modelling disease prevention and disease treatment. Trehalose’s effectiveness in combating protein aggregation is frequently attributed to its ability to induce autophagy. Accordingly, trehalose supplementation under the prevention regimen ameliorated the formation of intranuclear inclusions and improved the motor deficiencies resulting from the induced expression of 90 CGG repeats, but it failed to reverse the existing nuclear pathology as a treatment strategy. Given the favorable safety profile of trehalose, it is promising to further explore the potential of this agent for early stage FXTAS.
Lack of apoptosis leads to cellular senescence and tumorigenesis inDrosophilaepithelial cells
Authors: Garcia-Arias Juan Manuel , Pinal Noelia , Vargas Sara Cristóbal , Estella Carlos , Morata Ginés
Published: May 2023

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is a homeostasis program of animal tissues designed to remove cells that are unwanted or are damaged by physiological insults. To assess the functional role of apoptosis we have studied the consequences of subjectingDrosophilaepithelial cells defective in apoptosis to stress or genetic perturbations that normally cause massive cell death. We find that many of those cells acquire persistent activity of the JNK pathway, which drives them into senescent status, characterized by arrest of cell division, cell hypertrophy, Senescent Associated ß-gal activity (SA-ß-gal), ROS production, Senescent Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) and migratory behaviour. We have identified two classes of senescent cells in the wing disc: 1) those that localize to the appendage part of the disc, express theupd,wganddppsignalling genes and generate tumour overgrowths, and 2) those located in the thoracic region do not expresswganddppnor they induce tumour overgrowths. Whether to become tumorigenic or non-tumorigenic depends on the original identity of the cell prior to the transformation. We also find that thep53gene contributes to senescence by enhancing the activity of JNK.
Single-molecule analysis of the improved variants of the G-quadruplex recognition protein G4P
Authors: Gaur Paras , Bain Fletcher E. , Honda Masayoshi , Granger Sophie L. , Spies Maria
Published: May 2023

As many as 700,000 unique sequences in the human genome are predicted to fold into G-quadruplexes (G4s), non-canonical structures formed by Hoogsteen guanine-guanine pairing within G-rich nucleic acids. G4s play both physiological and pathological roles in many vital cellular processes including DNA replication, DNA repair and RNA transcription. Several reagents have been developed to visualize G4sinvitro and in cells. Recently, Zhenet al. synthesized a small protein G4P based on the G4 recognition motif from RHAU (DHX36) helicase (RHAU specific motif, RSM). G4P was reported to bind the G4 structures in cells andin vitro, and to display better selectivity towards G4s than the previously published BG4 antibody. To get insight into the G4P-G4 interaction kinetics and selectivity, we purified G4P and its expanded variants, and analyzed their G4 binding using single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and mass photometry. We found that G4P binds to various G4s with affinities defined mostly by the association rate. Doubling the number of the RSM units in the G4P increases the protein’s affinity for telomeric G4s and its ability to interact with sequences folding into multiple G4s.
Development of an Accelerated Cellular Model for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Xue Huijing , Gate Sylvester , Gentry Emma , Losert Wolfgang , Cao Kan
Published: May 2023

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia characterized by amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Current cellular models for AD often require several months to exhibit phenotypic features due to the lack of an aging environment in vitro. Lamin A is a key component of the nuclear lamina. And progerin, a truncated protein resulting from specific lamin A mutations, causes Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS), a disease that prematurely ages individuals. Studies have reported that lamin A expression is induced in the brains of AD patients, and overlapping cellular phenotypes have been observed between HGPS and AD cells. In this study, we investigated the effects of exogenous progerin expression on neural progenitor cells carrying familial AD mutations (FAD). Within three to four weeks of differentiation, these cells exhibited robust AD phenotypes, including increased tau phosphorylation, amyloid plaque accumulation, and an elevated Aβ42 to Aβ40 ratio. Additionally, progerin expression significantly increased AD cellular phenotypes such as cell death and cell cycle re-entry. Our results suggest that progerin expression could be used to create an accelerated model for AD development and drug screening.

Significance Statement

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) contributes to most dementia, while its mechanism is still under investigation. One of the challenges for studying AD is the model issue, including the genetic divergence of animals and human, and the rejuvenation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Progerin is a mutant lamin A found in the accelerated aging disease progeria. There are a lot of molecular similarities between Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and progeria. Here, we developed an accelerated 2D/3D cell model system for AD by ectopically expressing progerin in a previously characterized AD cell model carrying familial AD (FAD) mutations. Our study showed that progerin addition could accelerate AD phenotypical progression, including tau phosphorylation and formation of β-amyloid plaques.
Dual agonistic and antagonistic roles of ZC3H18 provides for co-activation of distinct nuclear RNA decay pathways
Authors: Polák Patrik , Garland William , Schmid Manfred , Salerno-Kochan Anna , Jakobsen Lis , Gockert Maria , Rathore Om , Gerlach Piotr , Silla Toomas , Andersen Jens S. , Conti Elena , Jensen Torben Heick
Published: May 2023

The RNA exosome is a versatile ribonuclease. In the nucleoplasm of mammalian cells, it is assisted by its adaptors the Nuclear EXosome Targeting (NEXT) complex and the PolyA eXosome Targeting (PAXT) connection. Via its association with the ARS2 and ZC3H18 proteins, NEXT/exosome is recruited to capped and short unadenylated transcripts. Conversely, PAXT/exosome was considered to target longer and adenylated substrates via their poly(A) tails. Here, mutational analysis of the core PAXT component ZFC3H1 uncovers a separate branch of the PAXT pathway, which targets short adenylated RNAs and relies on a direct ARS2-ZFC3H1 interaction. We further demonstrate that similar acidic-rich short linear motifs of ZFC3H1 and ZC3H18 compete for a common ARS2 epitope. Consequently, while promoting NEXT function, ZC3H18 antagonizes PAXT activity. We suggest that this unprecedented organization of RNA decay complexes provides co-activation of NEXT and PAXT at loci with abundant production of short exosome substrates.
Prediction of antibiotic resistance at the patient level using deep learning
Authors: Inda-Díaz Juan S. , Johnning Anna , Hessel Magnus , Sjöberg Anders , Lokrantz Anna , Helldal Lisa , Jirstrand Mats , Svensson Lennart , Kristiansson Erik
Published: May 2023

Rapid and accurate diagnostics of bacterial infections are necessary for efficient treatment of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Cultivation-based methods, such as antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), are limited by bacterial growth rates and may not produce results before the treatment starts. This increases patient risks and antibiotic overprescription. Here, we present a deep-learning method that merges patient data with available AST results to predict antibiotic susceptibilities that have not yet been measured. The method is combined with conformal prediction (CP) to enable the estimation of uncertainty of the predictions at the patient level. After training on three million AST results from thirty European countries, the method can predict susceptibility with a major error rate below 2.5% for quinolones, cephalosporins, and aminoglycosides, and below 12% for penicillins. Furthermore, the model predicts resistance of cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones with an average very major rate of 1.5% and 3.2%, respectively, but with higher very major error rates for penicillins, nalidixic acid, and aminoglycosides. We also show that the method reflects empirical error rates, even when limited diagnostic information is available. We conclude that decision support based on deep learning may offer new means to meet the growing burden of antibiotic resistance.

IMPORTANCE

Improved diagnostics tools are vital for maintaining efficient treatments of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and for reducing the overconsumption of antibiotics. In our research, we introduce a new deep learning-based method capable of predicting untested antibiotic resistance phenotypes. The method utilizes transformers – a powerful technique also used in large language models – which can efficiently take advantage of antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST) and patient data simultaneously. The model produces computational predictions that can be used as time- and cost-efficient alternatives to results from additional cultivation-based diagnostic tests. Significantly, our study highlights the potential of AI technologies for meeting the growing burden of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Anatomical and behavioral correlates of auditory perception in developmental dyslexia
Authors: Qi Ting , Mandelli Maria Luisa , Pereira Christa L. Watson , Wellman Emma , Bogley Rian , Licata Abigail E. , Chang Edward F. , Oganian Yulia , Gorno-Tempini Maria Luisa
Published: May 2023

Developmental dyslexia is typically associated with difficulties in basic auditory processing and in manipulating speech sounds. However, the neuroanatomical correlates of auditory difficulties in developmental dyslexia (DD) and their contribution to individual clinical phenotypes are still unknown. Recent intracranial electrocorticography findings associated processing of sound amplitude rises and speech sounds with posterior and middle superior temporal gyrus (STG), respectively. We hypothesize that regional STG anatomy will relate to specific auditory abilities in DD, and that auditory processing abilities will relate to behavioral difficulties with speech and reading. One hundred and ten children (78 DD, 32 typically developing, age 7-15 years) completed amplitude rise time and speech in noise discrimination tasks. They also underwent a battery of cognitive tests. Anatomical MRI scans were used to identify regions in which local cortical gyrification complexity correlated with auditory behavior. Behaviorally, amplitude rise time but not speech in noise performance was impaired in DD. Neurally, amplitude rise time and speech in noise performance correlated with gyrification in posterior and middle STG, respectively. Furthermore, amplitude rise time significantly contributed to reading impairments in DD, while speech in noise only explained variance in phonological awareness. Finally, amplitude rise time and speech in noise performance were not correlated, and each task was correlated with distinct neuropsychological measures, emphasizing their unique contributions to DD. Overall, we provide a direct link between the neurodevelopment of the left STG and individual variability in auditory processing abilities in neurotypical and dyslexic populations.
Discordance Between Self-Reported and Lab-Measured A1C Among U.S. Adults with Diabetes: Findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2020)
Authors: Kamath Aneesh , Imes Christopher C.
Published: May 2023

Aims

To: 1) compare characteristics of those who report knowing their hemoglobin A1C (A1C) value versus those who do not; 2) determine the correlation and concordance between self-reported and lab-measured A1C; and 3) examine factors associated with a lab-measured A1C of ≤ 7%.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional secondary data analyses of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013-2020. Participants ≥ 20 years old who reported receiving a diabetes diagnosis were included.

Results

After proper sample weighting, twenty-two percent of participants reported not knowing their A1C value. Not knowing one’s A1C value was associated with identifying as a racial or ethnic group other than White, having a lower income, and having less formal education (P values < 0.5). Self-reported A1C was moderately correlated with lab-measured A1C (r = 0.62, P < 0.001). Higher self-reported A1C and identifying as Black or Mexican American were associated with lower odds of good glycemic control.

Conclusions

Many patients with diabetes did not know their A1C, and among those that did, the value was often inaccurate. Even when patients knew their A1C, the correlation between self-reported and lab-measured A1C was only moderate. Clinicians should evaluate and, if needed, enhance patient knowledge of A1C.
Synthesis and structure of photodegradable 1-(4,5-dimethoxy-2,3-dinitrophenyl)-2-methylpropyl N-butylcarbamate
Authors: Honda Takafumi , Ito Michiko , Yamaguchi Kazuo , Kasuga Noriko Chikaraishi , Sato Hiroyasu
Published: May 2023

The reaction of 1-(4,5-dimethoxy-2,3-dinitrophenyl)-2-methylpropan-1-ol and butylisocyanate using dibutyltin dilaurate as a catalyst afforded 1-(4,5-dimethoxy-2,3-dinitrophenyl)-2-methylpropyl N-butylcarbamate, C17H25N3O8, which released butylamine upon photoirradiation. Single crystals of the title compound were grown in a 1:1 mixed solution of hexane and ethyl acetate. Two nitro groups and one methoxy group are twisted out of the plane of the aromatic ring in the novel photo-protecting group. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds are observed between N-butylcarbamate moieties parallel to the a axis.
Structure-based discovery of an antipsychotic drug, paliperidone, as a modulator of human superoxide dismutase 1: a potential therapeutic target in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Aouti Snehal , Padavattan Sivaraman , Padmanabhan Balasundaram
Published: May 2023

Aggregates of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are one of the major contributors to the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutations in SOD1 lead to an unstable structure and aggregation that perturbs the balance of reactive oxygen species in cells. Oxidation damage to the solvent-exposed Trp32 also causes aggregation of SOD1. Here, the FDA-approved antipsychotic drug paliperidone is identified to interact with Trp32 of SOD1 by structure-based pharmacophore mapping and crystallographic studies. Paliperidone is used for the treatment of schizophrenia. The crystal structure of the complex with SOD1, refined to 2.1 Å resolution, revealed that the ligand binds to the SOD1 β-barrel in the β-strand 2 and 3 regions, which are known to scaffold SOD1 fibrillation. The drug also makes substantial π–π interaction with Trp32. Microscale thermophoresis studies confirm significant binding affinity of the compound, suggesting that the ligand can inhibit or prevent tryptophan oxidation. Thus, the antipsychotic drug paliperidone or a derivative may avert SOD1 aggregation and can be used as a lead for ALS drug development.
Audit committee diligence: do independent directors matter?
Authors: Biswas Pallab Kumar , Bala Swapan Kumar , Mandal Priyoti
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between audit committee (AC) independence and AC meeting frequency in an emerging country where the presence of majority independent directors (IDs) on AC is a voluntary requirement.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the agency theory framework to examine the relationship between AC independence and AC meeting frequency. The empirical evidence is provided by a unique hand-collected sample of Bangladeshi listed companies. Multivariate regression analysis is used to test the relationship. Robustness checks provide further empirical support.

Findings

This paper finds a positive and significant relationship between AC independence and AC meeting frequency. This is consistent with the notion that IDs are better monitors and demand more frequent AC meetings to protect their reputations. However, having at least two IDs does not significantly affect the number of AC meetings in family firms. This evidence questions director independence in family firms.

Research limitations/implications

This is a single-country study. Therefore, the findings may not apply to other countries with different institutional settings.

Originality/value

Unlike most prior studies, this study is based on a voluntary institutional setting where the companies are not required to have ACs comprising the majority of IDs. In such a setting, the authors find a significantly positive association between AC independence and meeting frequency compared to either a negative or insignificant relationship in the prior literature.
Principles for adopting offsite construction in design and construction companies focused on multifamily projects in the USA
Authors: Gusmao Brissi Sara , Debs Luciana
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study focuses on identifying key principles for implementing strategic changes in design and construction companies interested in successfully using offsite construction (OSC) in multifamily housing projects, considering the need for more affordable and sustainable multifamily housing in the United States of America (USA).

Design/methodology/approach

Using mixed methods, the study involved three phases of data collection and data analysis: (1) delphi survey, (2) online survey, (3) proposition of principles and validation interviews.

Findings

The key principles identified by the present research are (1) develop product-oriented business model, (2) promote leadership and mindset engagement with OSC principles, (3) engage in partnerships and more innovative contractual models, (4) shift toward digital transformation, (5) develop training and knowledge management strategies, (6) adopt lean construction (LC) practices, (7) develop training and knowledge management strategies and (8) integrate logistics and supply chain management with AEC (architecture, engineering and construction) processes.

Practical implications

The implementation of the principles and strategic changes identified in this study aims to prepare design and construction companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to embrace the increasing use of OSC in multifamily projects in the USA, which will make them more efficient and resilient and, ultimately, will contribute to the construction of more affordable and sustainable multifamily housing projects in the USA.

Originality/value

This is the first research to address holistic strategies to support design and construction companies in adopting OSC.
The future of work in shaping the employment inclusion of young adults with disabilities: a qualitative study
Authors: Jetha Arif , Shamaee Ali , Tompa Emile , Smith Peter , Bültmann Ute , Bonaccio Silvia , Tucker Lori B. , Norman Cameron , Banks Cristina G. , Gignac Monique A.M.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The world of work is changing and creating challenges and opportunities for the employment inclusion of young people with disabilities. In this article, the perceptions held by young adults with disabilities regarding participation in the future of work are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

One-on-one interviews were conducted with Canadian young adults (ages 18–36 years) living with a disability. Participants were asked about their thoughts regarding the impact of the changing nature of work on their labor market involvement and career aspirations. A thematic analysis was performed to identify and examine emergent salient themes.

Findings

In total, 22 young adults were interviewed; over half held secure employment. Career aspirations and work-related decisions were primarily shaped by a participant's health needs. The future of work was seen as a more proximal determinant to employment. Digital technologies were expected to impact working conditions and create barriers and facilitators to employment. Participants who indicated being securely employed held positive expectations regarding the impact of digital technology on their work. Participants working precariously held negative appraisals regarding the impact of digital technologies on employment opportunities. The role of technological and soft skills was critical to participating in a labor market reliant on advanced technology. Participants reported barriers to developing job skills related to their disability and their work arrangements.

Originality/value

This research highlights the importance of considering changes in the future of work, especially the digital transformation of the economy, in the design of initiatives which promote the employment inclusion of young adults with disabilities. Despite the significance of the changing nature of work, supporting health needs and encouraging access to secure work arrangements also remain paramount.
Counteracting the curvilinear relationship between organizational tenure and career initiative: the role of mentoring and network barriers
Authors: Rao Alaka N. , Virick Meghna
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the antecedents of career initiative, a proactive behavior, whereby individuals engage in activities to promote their career development. The authors first argue that organizational tenure – the length of time employed within a specific organization – will exhibit a curvilinear or inverted-U-shaped relationship with career initiative. In the early years of an employment relationship, career initiative gradually increases as employees overcome the initial challenges of joining a new organization. However, career initiative will plateau and eventually decline as employees struggle to envision further development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a survey design with data collected from the North American operations of a large global telecommunications company.

Findings

This study identifies two key mechanisms, both concerning relational context, that drive the curvilinear relationship between organizational tenure and career initiative: mentoring and barriers to networking. Specifically, increased mentoring and reduced barriers to networking both significantly weaken the curvilinear effect.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that organizations can promote proactive behaviors through employee mentoring and by removing network barriers, particularly for those most at risk for reduced career initiative: early- and especially later-tenure employees.

Originality/value

Career initiative is a valued behavior among employees, but individual-level phenomena can be fostered, or inhibited, by relational context. So, while some scholars have found a trend toward “boundaryless” careers, this study reveals the importance of considering how the boundaries and social context within organizations can create an environment in which employee proactivity can flourish.
Addressing virtual work challenges through women’s innate compassionate managerial leadership behaviors: the case of Nigeria
Authors: Imhanrenialena Benedict Ogbemudia , Ebhotemhen Wilson , Chukwu Ibe Benjamin , Obi-Anike Ozioma Happiness , Ekeoba Anthony Aziegbemin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how women’s compassionate leadership behaviors relate to physical isolation, trust building and turnover intention in virtual work environments in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected quantitative data through two-wave surveys from 428 respondents in virtual work environments across public and private organizations in Nigeria. The proposed hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.

Findings

The outcomes from the test of hypotheses suggest that women’s compassionate managerial leadership behaviors negatively relate to physical isolation among virtual workers. Conversely, a positive link was found between women’s compassionate managerial leadership behaviors and trust building. Further, an inverse association was found between women’s compassionate managerial leadership behaviors and turnover intention among virtual workers.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, organizations may consider deploying more women managers to virtual work schedules to address trust, isolation and turnover intention challenges. Also, HR practitioners may consider training male managers in virtual work on how to restructure their relationships with subordinates to reflect compassionate attributes so that subordinates can feel safe sharing their worries with them for timely support. Policy-wise, relevant government agencies that are saddled with the responsibility of emancipating women from career-inhibiting patriarchal practices in Africa (i.e. confining women to the house) should encourage women to embrace the homeworking model, which holds great career potential for women.

Originality/value

As a response to the current calls for research on the suitable leadership style for virtual work environments, this study empirically demonstrates that women’s innate compassionate leadership behaviors significantly address physical isolation, trust and turnover intention challenges in virtual work settings. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that explores the link between these variables. As such, this study substantially enriches the literature on gender in management.