bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P. aeruginosacontrols bothC. elegansattraction and pathogenesis by regulating nitrogen assimilation
Authors: Marogi Jacob G. , Murphy Coleen T. , Myhrvold Cameron , Gitai Zemer
Published: November 2023

Detecting chemical signals is important for identifying food sources and avoiding harmful agents. Like most animals,C. elegansuse olfaction to chemotax towards their main food source, bacteria. However, little is known about the bacterial compounds governingC. elegansattraction to bacteria and the physiological importance of these compounds to bacteria. Here, we address these questions by investigating the function of a small RNA, P11, in the pathogen,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,that was previously shown to mediate learned pathogen avoidance. We discovered that this RNA also affects the attraction of untrainedC. eleganstoP. aeruginosaand does so by controlling production of ammonia, a volatile odorant produced during nitrogen assimilation. We untangle the complex regulation ofP. aeruginosanitrogen assimilation, which is mediated by a partner-switching mechanism involving environmental nitrates, sensor proteins, and P11. In addition to mediatingC. elegansattraction, nitrogen assimilation is important for bacterial fitness and pathogenesis duringC. elegansinfection byP. aeruginosa. These studies define ammonia as a major mediator of trans-kingdom signaling, reveal the physiological importance of nitrogen assimilation for both bacteria and host organisms, and highlight how a bacterial metabolic pathway can either benefit or harm a host in different contexts.
Use of TSAR, Thermal Shift Analysis in R, to identify Folic Acid as a Molecule that Interacts with HIV-1 Capsid
Authors: Gao X. , McFadden W. M. , Wen X. , Emanuelli A. , Lorson Z. C. , Zheng H. , Kirby K. A. , Sarafianos S. G.
Published: November 2023

Thermal shift assay (TSA) is a versatile biophysical technique for studying protein interactions. Here, we report a free, open-source software tool TSAR (Thermal Shift Analysis in R) to expedite and automate the analysis of thermal shift data derived either from individual experiments or large screens of chemical libraries. The TSAR package incorporates multiple, dynamic workflows to facilitate the analysis of TSA data and returns publication-ready graphics or processed results. Further, the package includes a graphic user interface (GUI) that enables easy use by non-programmers, aiming to simplify TSA analysis while diversifying visualization. To exemplify the utility of TSAR we screened a chemical library of vitamins to identify molecules that interact with the capsid protein (CA) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Our data show that hexameric CA interacts with folic acidin vitro.
Predicting the similarity of two mass spectrometry runs using only MS1 data
Authors: Shouaib Abdullah , Lin Andy
Published: November 2023

Background

Traditionally researchers can compare the similarity between a pair of mass spectrometry-based proteomics samples by comparing the lists of detected peptides that result from database searching or spectral library searching. Unfortunately, this strategy requires having substantial knowledge of the sample and parameterization of the peptide detection step. Therefore, new methods are needed that can rapidly compare proteomics samples against each other without extensive knowledge of the sample.

Results

We present a set of neural network architectures that predict the proportion of confidently detected peptides in common between two proteomics runs using solely MS1 information as input. Specifically, when compared to several baseline models, we found that the convolutional and siamese neural networks obtained the best performance. In addition, we demonstrate that unsupervised clustering techniques can leverage the predicted output from our method to perform sample-level characterizations. Our methodology allows for the rapid comparison and characterization of proteomics samples sourced from various different acquisition methods, organisms, and instrument types.

Conclusions

We find that machine learning models, using only MS1 information, can be used to predict the similarity between liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry proteomics runs.
Multi-Omic blood analysis reveals differences in innate inflammatory sensitivity between species
Authors: Gregory David J. , Han Feifei , Li Peng , Gritsenko Marina , Kyle Jennifer , Riley Frank E. , Chavez Deborah , Yotova Vania , Sindeaux Renata H.M. , Hawash Mohamed B. F. , Xu Fengyun , Hung Li-Yuan , Hayden Douglas L. , Tompkins Ron G. , Lanford Robert E. , Kobzik Lester , Hellman Judith , Jacobs Jonathan M. , Barreiro Luis B. , Xiao Wenzhong , Warren H. Shaw
Published: November 2023

Vertebrates differ greatly in responses to pro-inflammatory agonists such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), complicating use of animal models to study human sepsis or inflammatory disorders. We compared transcriptomes of resting and LPS-exposed blood from six LPS-sensitive species (rabbit, pig, sheep, cow, chimpanzee, human) and four LPS-resilient species (mice, rats, baboon, rhesus), as well as plasma proteomes and lipidomes. Unexpectedly, at baseline, sensitive species already had enhanced expression of LPS-responsive genes relative to resilient species. After LPS stimulation, maximally different genes in resilient species included genes that detoxify LPS, diminish bacterial growth, discriminate sepsis from SIRS, and play roles in autophagy and apoptosis. The findings reveal the molecular landscape of species differences in inflammation, and may inform better selection of species for pre-clinical models.

One-Sentence Summary

Fundamental differences are present in blood of humans, mice and other species that differ in sensitivity to inflammation.
Glucosylceramide depletion disrupts endolysosomal function in GBA-linked Parkinson’s fibroblasts?
Authors: Bhardwaj M , Kula Z , Weng Y , te Vruchte D , Breda C , Sillence D.J.
Published: November 2023

In Gaucher and Niemann-Pick C diseases, the glucosylceramide (GlcCer) depletion hypothesis states that depletion of non-lysosomal sphingolipid pools can lead to dysfunction in the secretory and lysosomal system. The hypothesis suggests: 1) lysosomal dysfunction can be separated from lysosomal storage, 2) Lysosomal/secretory dysfunction/vATPase activity is corrected by increasing non-lysosomal GlcCer pools, and 3) Changes in higher glycosphingolipid synthesis due to changes in Golgi pH and/or GlcCer non-vesicular transport. Evidence for this mechanism includes 1) Successful treatment of cells and animals by imino sugar inhibition of the non-lysosomal neutral pH GlcCer hydrolase GBA2, 2) Increasing ER/cytosol GlcCer increases in vATPase regulatory V0a1 subunit expression.

Heterozygous mutations in GBA1, a lysosomal glucocerebrosidase (GCase), cause GCase misfolding and mislocalisation in the ER/cytoplasm which is linked to Parkinson’s disease (GBA-PD). Unexpectedly, similar to previous results in storing fibroblasts, N370S and L444P fibroblasts revealed increased endolysosomal pH and size despite the absence of glucolipid storage. Induction of storage by reducing residual lysosomal GCase activity in the N370S/L444P fibroblasts by the addition conduritol B-epoxide had no further effect on lysosomal function. In contrast, the addition of a soluble GlcCer analogue (adaGlcCer) reverses increased endolysosomal pH and volume in N370S mutant fibroblasts. The results are consistent with ER/cytosolic glucolipid depletion in GBA-PD fibroblasts. We discuss the potential for toxic/ectopic GBA1 hydrolysis and disrupted vATPase activity may lead to defective dopamine packaging and synaptic vesicle endocytosis as a new hypothesis in GBA-PD.
TERRA ONTseq: a long read-based sequencing pipeline to study the human telomeric transcriptome
Authors: Rodrigues Joana , Alfieri Roberta , Bione Silvia , Azzalin Claus M.
Published: November 2023

The long noncoding RNA TERRA is transcribed from telomeres in virtually all eukaryotes with linear chromosomes. In humans, TERRA transcription is driven in part by promoters comprising CpG dinucleotide-rich repeats of 29 base pairs (29 bp repeats), believed to be present in half of the subtelomeres. Thus far, TERRA expression has been analyzed mainly using molecular biology-based approaches that only generate partial and somehow biased results. Here, we present a novel experimental pipeline to study human TERRA based on long read sequencing (TERRA ONTseq). By applying TERRA ONTseq to different cell lines, we show that the vast majority of human telomeres produce TERRA and that the cellular levels of TERRA transcripts varies according to their chromosomes of origin. Using TERRA ONTseq, we also identified regions containing TERRA transcription start sites (TSSs) in more than half of human subtelomeres. TERRA TSS regions are generally found immediately downstream of 29 bp repeat-related sequences, which appear to be more widespread than previously estimated. Finally, we isolated a novel TERRA promoter from the highly expressed subtelomere of the long arm of chromosome 7. With the development of TERRA ONTseq, we provide a refined picture of human TERRA biogenesis and expression and we equip the scientific community with an invaluable tool for future studies.
The C-terminus of CFAP410 forms a tetrameric helical bundle that is essential for its localization to the basal body
Authors: Stadler Alexander , De Liz Laryssa , Gabriel Heloisa B. , Alonso-Gil Santiago , Crickley Robbie , Korbula Katharina , Žagrović Bojan , Vaughan Sue , Sunter Jack D. , Dong Gang
Published: November 2023

Cilia are antenna-like organelles protruding from the surface of many cell types in the human body. Defects in ciliary structure or function often lead to diseases that are collectively called ciliopathies. Cilia and flagella associated protein 410 (CFAP410) localizes at the basal body of cilia/flagella and plays essential roles in ciliogenesis, neuronal development, and DNA damage repair. It remains unknown how its specific basal body location is achieved. Multiple single amino acid mutations in CFAP410 have been identified in patients with various ciliopathies. One of the mutations, L224P, is located in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of human CFAP410 and causes severespondylometaphysealdysplasia,axial (SMDAX). However, the molecular mechanism for how the mutation causes the disorder remains unclear. Here, we report our structural studies on the CTD of CFAP410 from three distantly related organisms,Homo sapiens, Trypanosoma brucei, andChlamydomonas reinhardtii.The crystal structures reveal that the three proteins all adopt the same conformation as a tetrameric helical bundle. Our work further demonstrates that the tetrameric assembly of the CTD is essential for the correct localization of CFAP410 inT. brucei, as the L224P mutation that disassembles the tetramer disrupts its basal body localization. Taken together, our studies reveal that the basal body localization of CFAP410 is controlled by the CTD and provide a mechanistic explanation for how the mutation L224P in CFAP410 causes ciliopathies in humans.
DNA Double-Strand Break Movement in Heterochromatin Depends on the Histone Acetyltransferase dGcn5
Authors: Kendek Apfrida , Sandron Arianna , Lambooij Jan-Paul , Colmenares Serafin U. , Pociunaite Severina M. , Gooijers Iris , de Groot Lars , Karpen Gary H. , Janssen Aniek
Published: November 2023

Cells employ diverse strategies to repair double-strand breaks (DSBs), a dangerous form of DNA damage that threatens genome integrity. Eukaryotic nuclei consist of different chromatin environments, each displaying distinct molecular and biophysical properties that can significantly influence the DSB repair process. Specifically, DSBs arising in the compact and silenced heterochromatin domains have been found to move to the heterochromatin periphery in mouse andDrosophilato prevent aberrant recombination events. However, it is poorly understood how chromatin components, such as histone post-translational modifications, contribute to these DSB movements within heterochromatin. Using locus-specific DSB induction inDrosophilatissues and cultured cells, we identify that histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac) is enriched at DSBs in heterochromatin but not euchromatin. We find that this enrichment is mediated by the histone acetyltransferase dGcn5, which rapidly localizes to heterochromatic DSBs. Moreover, we demonstrate that in the absence of dGcn5, heterochromatic DSBs display impaired recruitment of the SUMO E3 ligase Nse2/Qjt and fail to relocate to the heterochromatin periphery to complete repair. In summary, our results reveal a previously unidentified role for dGcn5 and H3K9ac in heterochromatin DSB repair and underscore the importance of differential chromatin responses at heterochromatic and euchromatic DSBs to promote safe repair.
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of a cadmium complex of naphthalene-1,5-disulfonate and o-phenylenediamine
Authors: Suyunov Jabbor , Torambetov Batirbay , Turaev Khayit , Kadirova Shakhnoza , Alimnazarov Bekmurod , Ashurov Jamshid
Published: November 2023

A novel o-phenylenediamine (opda)-based cadmium complex, bis(benzene-1,2-diamine-κ2
N,N′)bis(benzene-1,2-diamine-κN)cadmium(II) naphthalene-1,5-disulfonate, [Cd(C6H8N2)4](C10H6O6S2), was synthesized. The complex salt crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c. The Cd atom occupies a special position and coordinates six nitrogen atoms from four o-phenylenediamine molecules, two as chelating ligands and two as monodentate ligands. The amino H atoms of opda interact with two O atoms of the naphthalene-1,5-disulfonate anions. The anions act as bridges between [Cd(opda)4]2+ cations, forming a two-dimensional network in the [010] and [001] directions. The Hirshfeld surface analysis shows that the primary factors contributing to the supramolecular interactions are short contacts, particularly van der Waals forces of the type H...H, O...H and C...H.
Crystal structure and antimycobacterial evaluation of 2-(cyclohexylmethyl)-7-nitro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzo[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-one
Authors: Richter Adrian , Goddard Richard , Imming Peter , Seidel Rüdiger W.
Published: November 2023

The title compound, C15H15F3N2O3S, crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group I2/a, with Z = 8. As expected, the nine-membered heterobicyclic system is virtually planar and the cyclohexyl group adopts a chair conformation. There is structural evidence for intramolecular N—S...O chalcogen bonding between the benzisothiazolinone S atom and one O atom of the nitro group, approximately aligned along the extension of the covalent N—S bond [N—S...O = 162.7 (1)°]. In the crystal, the molecules form centrosymmetric dimers through C—H...O weak hydrogen bonding between a C—H group of the electron-deficient benzene ring and the benzothiazolinone carbonyl O atom with an R
2
2(10) motif. In contrast to the previously described N-acyl 7-nitro-5-(trifluoromethyl)benzo[d]isothiazol-3(2H)-ones, the title N-cyclohexylmethyl analogue does not inhibit growth of Mycobacterium aurum and Mycobacterium smegmatis in vitro.
New copper carboxylate pyrene dimers: synthesis, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and electrochemical characterization
Authors: Nogué-Guzmán Vianca C. , Burgos-Suazo Alejandro , Rivera-Reyes Javier O. , Montes Quiñones Vasti P. , Ramis-Aybar Paola C. , Burgos-Jiménez Adriana C. , González-Nieves Karilys , Piñero-Cruz Dalice M.
Published: November 2023

Two new copper dimers, namely, bis(dimethyl sulfoxide)tetrakis(μ-pyrene-1-carboxylato)dicopper(Cu—Cu), [Cu2(C17H9O2)4(C2H6OS)2] or [Cu2(pyr-COO−)4(DMSO)2] (1), and bis(dimethylformamide)tetrakis(μ-pyrene-1-carboxylato)dicopper(Cu—Cu), [Cu2(C17H9O2)4(C3H7NO)2] or [Cu2(pyr-COO−)4(DMF)2] (2) (pyr = pyrene), were synthesized from the reaction of pyrene-1-carboxylic acid, copper(II) nitrate and triethylamine from solvents DMSO and DMF, respectively. While 1 crystallized in the space group P\overline{1}, the crystal structure of 2 is in space group P21/n. The Cu atoms have octahedral geometries, with four oxygen atoms from carboxylate pyrene ligands occupying the equatorial positions, a solvent molecule coordinating at one of the axial positions, and a Cu...Cu contact in the opposite position. The packing in the crystal structures exhibits π–π stacking interactions and short contacts through the solvent molecules. The Hirshfeld surfaces and two-dimensional fingerprint plots were generated for both compounds to better understand the intermolecular interactions and the contribution of heteroatoms from the solvent ligands to the crystal packing. In addition, a Cu2+/Cu1+ quasi-reversible redox process was identified for compound 2 using cyclic voltammetry that accounts for a diffusion-controlled electron-donation process to the Cu dimer.
What's in a name? That we call fair by any other name will it sell as well?
Authors: Bakshi Abhinav , Vijayalakshmi Akshaya
Published: November 2023

Emami is facing the heat from activist-consumers as well as its competitors. Competitors have renamed their cosmetic products by dropping the controversial word ‘fair.’ This was in response to the Black Lives Movement that erupted in the United States in May 2020. However, the movement against fairness is somewhat muted in India and is mostly occurring amongst urban, highly educated, younger cohort who are unlikely to be the users of the product anyway. The significant consumer base yearns for fairness and is willing to spend money on products which help them achieve the same. In such a scenario, how should Emami respond to competitor actions and consumer-activist pressure?

The case provides an opportunity to discuss the significance of the brand name, role of advertising and gender stereotypes.
Eruvaka: time to step up in entrepreneurial life cycle
Authors: Salwan Prashant , Pandey Shailesh , Raviteja M.S.
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

On completion of this case study, students will be able assess new venture opportunities by properly allocating expansion fund in growing the business; analyzing various scaling-up options; applying the Ansoff matrix for growth and expansion; designing a framework for scaling up; and using the business model canvas.

Case overview/synopsis

Mr Sreeram established Eruvaka Technologies in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh (India), in 2015 to provide products and services related to aquaculture. The company was founded with the goal of assisting prawn farmers who had trouble keeping up with the demands of the industry. Eruvaka Technologies created risk-reducing and productivity-boosting on-farm diagnostic devices for aquaculture growers. The company developed low-cost monitoring and automation solutions for aquaculture by merging sensors, mobile connection and decision tools. Eruvaka’s primary objective was to offer reasonably priced, technologically advanced goods and services to farmers. Eruvaka matured into a promising startup over time, attracting $5m in funding. Sreeram and his team had to detail their plan to their investors about how they intended to use the money from each funding rounds toward growing the business, how the company planned to achieve sustainable and competitive advantage while providing value to its consumers and how they would address critical issues including product acquisition cost, supply chain problem and customer anxiety.

Complexity academic level

This case study can be taught as part of undergraduate- and postgraduate-level courses and Master of Business Administration courses.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
Assessing the countries’ convergence to IPSAS from a cultural perspective
Authors: Gomes dos Santos Paula , Albuquerque Fábio
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the factors that may explain the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) convergence, considering Hofstede’s cultural dimensions as the theoretical reference for the cultural approach proposed. Additional factors include countries’ contextual and macroeconomic characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Logistic and probit regression models were used to identify the factors that may explain the IPSAS (fully or adapted) use by countries, including 166 countries in this assessment (59 for those whose cultural dimensions are available).

Findings

The findings consistently indicate collectivism and indebtedness levels as explanatory factors, providing insights into cultural dimensions along with macroeconomic characteristics as a relevant factor of countries’ convergence to IPSAS.

Research limitations/implications

There are different levels of IPSAS convergence by countries that were not considered. This aspect may hide different countries’ characteristics that may explain those options, which could not be distinguished in this paper.

Practical implications

As a result of this paper, the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board may gain insights that can be applied within the IPSAS due process to overcome the main challenges when collaborating with national authorities to achieve a high level of convergence. This analysis may include how to accommodate countries’ cultural differences as well as their contextual and macroeconomic characteristics.

Social implications

There is a trend of moving toward accrual-based accounting standards by countries. Because the public sector embraces a new culture following the IPSAS path, it is relevant to assess if there are cultural factors, besides contextual and macroeconomic characteristics, that may explain the countries’ convergence to those standards.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first cross-country analysis on the likely influence of cultural dimensions on IPSAS convergence as far as the authors’ knowledge.
A bibliometric review of consumers’ purchase behaviour for solar energy products
Authors: Fathima M.S. Arshiya , Khan Adil , Alam Ansari Sarwar
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to conduct the domain mapping of consumer behaviour research in the context of solar energy. The study can help in understanding the intellectual structure, evolution of keywords and key research producers (at the author, institutional and source level) related to the domain of solar energy consumer research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses R-studios’ bibliometrix package for analysing the bibliographical data collected from the Scopus database. Analysis has been conducted at the descriptive level (summary, author, institution and source) and analytical level (co-citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, thematic maps and historiography).

Findings

This study finds out the most relevant authors, institutions and sources using criteria such as production, citations and H-index. Relevant research clusters have been identified using the clustering of authors, co-citations and keywords. Thematic mapping has identified the basic and motor themes. Historical citation analysis shows the direct linkage of previous studies. Overall, this study reports the most relevant bibliometric indicators in the domain of solar energy consumer research.

Practical implications

Identified patterns can help policymakers, business experts, social marketers and energy conservation organisations to study consumer behaviour.

Social implications

Thiis bibliometric study can effectively assess sustainable development goals and suggest improved action plans.

Originality/value

This study examined bibliometric analysis in solar energy products (SEPs), recognised varied domains of research work on consumers’ intention to purchase solar household products and mapped them into six groups. This study provides an overview of 40 years of research on consumer behaviour towards SEPs and discusses its findings to identify the research gap.
Am I being abandoned? The value of retirement homes in Malaysian society
Authors: Low Sheau-Ting , Neo Li-Ting , Choong Weng-Wai , Mansor Razlin , Wee Siaw-Chui , Woon Jing-Ying
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The world population over the age of 60 is expected to increase from 900 million in 2015 to two billion by 2050. Retirement homes have emerged as a prominent housing alternative and become a trend for the older adults; however, older population in Malaysia could have a negative view of retirement homes. Different generations could have different perceptions of the value of retirement homes. This study aims to explore the value of retirement homes across diverse age cohorts in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative approach is adopted for this study. Thematic analysis is used to analyse the interview transcripts obtained from semi-structured interviews.

Findings

The results indicated that baby boomers tend to have more negative values towards retirement homes, whereas Generations X and Y demonstrated more favourable and positive values for retirement homes.

Originality/value

This study serves as a useful reference for housing developers, policymakers and the management of retirement homes to better understand how different age cohorts value retirement homes, thereby encouraging relevant housing strategies to enhance the quality and support systems of retirement homes in society.
Analysis on the effects of global supply chain reconfiguration on China's high-end equipment manufacturing industry
Authors: Zhang Xufan , Fan Xue , He Mingke
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The challenges faced by China's high-end equipment manufacturing (HEEM) industry are becoming clearer in the process of global supply chain (GSC) reconfiguration. The purpose of this study is to investigate how China's HEEM industry has been affected by the GSC reconfiguration, as well as its short- and long-term strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a multi-method approach. Interviews were conducted in Phase 1, while a three-round Delphi survey was conducted in Phase 2 to reach consensus at the industry level.

Findings

The GSC reconfiguration affected China's HEEM supply chain (SC). Its direct effects include longer lead times, higher purchasing prices and inconsistent supply and inventory levels of key imported components and materials. Its indirect effects include inconsistent product quality and cash flows. In the short term, China's HEEM enterprises have sought to employ localized substitutes, while long-term strategies include continuous technological innovation, industry upgrades and developing SC resilience.

Originality/value

This study not only encourages Chinese HEEM enterprises to undertake a comprehensive examination of their respective industries but also provides practical insights for SC scholars, policymakers and international stakeholders interested in how China's HEEM industry adapts to the GSC reconfiguration and gains global market share.
Children's voices through play-based practice: listening, intensities and critique
Authors: Burke Lynsey Anne , Mercieca Duncan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper offers a reflection of a research process aimed at listening to young children's voices in their everyday school life through a play-based context in a Scottish school. Throughout the research process, the complexity of conducting this research was kept in mind as listening to children's voices presents methodological and conceptual difficulties and tensions. Reflecting on the research process after the data was collected, the process was critiqued using Deleuze-Guattarian ideas. The critique aims at opening and challenging each researcher, allowing them to think-again about the next research project aimed at listening to children's voices.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved an observation study that took place over one week in a primary school in Central Scotland. As part of the educators' approach to play-based pedagogy, children had the opportunity to engage in free play throughout the day. Observations were chosen as the main approach to “capture” children's voices in their natural settings.

Findings

The empirical research brought forth two main ideas, that of children as agents, and how children amplify their voices through play. The reflective part offers the possibility of understanding the intensities and forces when conducting such research and the possibilities of engaging with these.

Originality/value

This paper offers a critique of research aimed at listening to children's voices. The aim is not to limit engagement in researching children's voices but to open, or make complex, such processes.
Regional Employment Impacts of Biorefineries in the EU
Authors: Zhu Benz Xinqi , Vrachioli Maria , Sauer Johannes
Published: November 2023

The European Commission aims to achieve a climate‐neutral economy by 2050 and positively affect the employment growth rate while reducing fossil‐based production activities. For that reason, according to the European Green Deal, decarbonisation and modernisation of fossil‐based industries is essential. Thus, replacing fossil fuel‐based inputs in these industries with bio‐based inputs through the establishment of biorefineries can contribute towards this goal. This article reports the results of a study on the impact of biorefineries on the regional employment rate, and other regional socio‐economic indicators. A unique regional level dataset provided by EU Joint Research Centre and the EU H2020 BioMonitor project is used to examine the impact of the biorefinery industry on local employment. This dataset covers multiple European Member States and enables us to account for regional characteristics over a 10‐year period (2009–2018). Our results show that introducing biorefineries to a region can be associated with a higher regional employment growth compared to regions with no biorefineries. Improving biorefinery data availability and quality can assist further the research in this area and promote the development of bioeconomy in Europe.
Exploring herbal remedy utilization for wound healing: Patterns, patient preferences, and implications for nursing practice
Authors: Setyawati Andina , Yusuf Saldy , Jafar Nuurhidayat , Sagita Rina Wijayanti
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The utilization of herbal remedies for wound healing is a notable aspect of traditional medicine practices. Understanding herbal use among patients yields insights for nursing care enhancement. This study aimed to investigate the utilization of herbal remedies for wound healing among diabetic patients.

Methods

A total of 453 participants were enrolled, with demographic data, including age, sex, occupation, education level, residence, ethnic group, distance from health service, herbal use duration, and wound duration presented. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, including means, standard deviations, ranges, and percentages.

Findings

The average participant age was 55.39 years, with most being non‐civil servant workers (60.3%) and having a low education level (67.1%). Indian almond wood (9.7%) and green betel (6.8%) were the most commonly used herbs for wound healing. Family members were the primary source of information (29.1%), and 43.7% obtained herbs from personal gardens. Although 94.2% of participants did not disclose herbal use to health liaisons, 53.4% used herbs specifically for wound healing. Users reported both positive and negative effects on wounds from various herbs, indicating variability in experiences. However, the consistency of herb usage by individual patients was uncertain.

Conclusions

The study identified diverse herbal remedies used for wound healing among patients, driven by familial recommendations. Usage pattern diversity and effects signal necessity for researching herb safety and efficacy. Clarifying the impact of consistent herb usage on wound healing is essential for understanding patients’ preferences and practices.

Implications for clinical practice

These findings emphasize the importance of open communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding herbal remedy use. Nurses should acknowledge patients’ preferences for traditional healing practices while ensuring they receive evidence‐based care. Patient‐centered herbal strategies enhance nursing practice, fostering holistic wound care. Further research can guide nursing interventions, facilitate informed decision‐making, and improve patient outcomes.
Evaluation of the potential drug–drug interactions of carotegrast methyl with midazolam, prednisolone or atorvastatin in healthy adults
Authors: Matsuki Shunji , Oikawa Ichiro , Koyama Tetsuya , Imai Hiromitsu
Published: November 2023

Aims

This study evaluated drug–drug interactions between the CYP3A4 inhibitor carotegrast methyl and the other CYP3A4 substrates, midazolam, atorvastatin and prednisolone.

Methods

A total of 88 healthy volunteers orally received carotegrast methyl 960 mg 3 times daily for 14 days. A single oral (5 mg) or intravenous (0.017 mg kg−1) midazolam, oral (5 mg) prednisolone or oral (10 mg) atorvastatin was administered before, with and after carotegrast methyl treatment. When the 90% confidence interval (CI) for the geometric mean ratios of the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters with coadministration with carotegrast methyl (Day 14) to those before carotegrast methyl administration was between 0.80 and 1.25, no PK interaction were deemed.

Results

The Cmax and AUC0‐t of oral midazolam before administration of carotegrast methyl were 30.9 ± 9.8 ng mL−1 and 74.5 ± 21.9 ng h mL−1, respectively. The geometric mean ratio of the Cmax and AUC0‐t of midazolam on Day 14 to those on Day −1 was 1.86 (90% CI, 1.64–2.11) and 3.07 (90% CI, 2.81–3.35), which did not fall within the range of 0.80–1.25, suggesting that carotegrast methyl had a PK interaction with midazolam. Similar PK interactions were found for intravenous midazolam and atorvastatin, but not for prednisolone. The inhibitory effect of carotegrast methyl on CYP3A4‐mediated metabolism of midazolam and atorvastatin had almost disappeared by 14 days after the end of administration.

Conclusion

Carotegrast methyl was classified as a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor in humans. Carotegrast methyl might enhance the action of drugs that are metabolized by CYP3A4.
DDX5 enhances HIF‐1 activity by promoting the interaction of HIF‐1α with HIF‐1β and recruiting the resulting heterodimer to its target gene loci
Authors: Shirai Yukari , Suwa Tatsuya , Kobayashi Minoru , Koyasu Sho , Harada Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

Background Information

Cancer cells acquire malignant characteristics and therapy resistance by employing the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF‐1)‐dependent adaptive response to hypoxic microenvironment in solid tumors. Since the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear, difficulties are associated with establishing effective therapeutic strategies.

Results

We herein identified DEAD‐box helicase 5 (DDX5) as a novel activator of HIF‐1 and found that it enhanced the heterodimer formation of HIF‐1α and HIF‐1β and facilitated the recruitment of the resulting HIF‐1 to its recognition sequence, hypoxia‐response element (HRE), leading to the expression of a subset of cancer‐related genes under hypoxia.

Conclusions

This study reveals that the regulation of HIF‐1 recruitment to HRE is an important regulatory step in the control of HIF‐1 activity.

Significance

The present study provides novel insights for the development of strategies to inhibit the HIF‐1‐dependent expression of cancer‐related genes.
Combination of fenchone and sodium hyaluronate ameliorated constipation‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome and underlying mechanisms
Authors: Cui Li , Hua Yongzhi , Zou Shuting , Gu Chao , Li Hui
Published: November 2023

We sought to explore the protective effect of the combination of fenchone (FE) and sodium hyaluronate (SH) on ice water‐induced IBS‐C rats and the potential mechanism. The neurotransmitter levels, including substance P (SP), motilin (MTL), 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), were determined by ELISA methods. The stem cell factors (SCF)/c‐Kit signaling pathway‐related protein and mRNA levels were determined by western blot and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) analyses, respectively. The expressions of tight ZO‐1, Occludin, and Claudin‐1 were also measured by western blot assay and immunofluorescence staining. The 16S rRNA gene sequence was used to measure the composition of gut microbiota. The co‐administration of FE and SH improved the body weight, number of fecal pellets, fecal moisture, abdominal with drawal reflex score, and gastrointestinal transit rate in IBS‐C rats. The unique efficacy of combination depended on the regulation of balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, enhancement of intestinal barrier function, and activation of SCF/c‐Kit pathway. The gut microbiota structure was also restored. The ability of FE combined with SH to regulate SCF/c‐Kit signaling pathway, enhance intestinal barrier function, and modulate gut microbiota contributes to their efficacy in managing IBS‐C in rats.
Multiparametric hippocampal signatures for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using 18F‐FDG PET/MRI Radiomics
Authors: Chen Zhigeng , Bi Sheng , Shan Yi , Cui Bixiao , Yang Hongwei , Qi Zhigang , Zhao Zhilian , Han Ying , Yan Shaozhen , Lu Jie
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to explore the utility of hippocampal radiomics using multiparametric simultaneous positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

A total of 53 healthy control (HC) participants, 55 patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), and 51 patients with AD were included in this study. All participants accepted simultaneous PET/MRI scans, including 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (18F‐FDG) PET, 3D arterial spin labeling (ASL), and high‐resolution T1‐weighted imaging (3D T1WI). Radiomics features were extracted from the hippocampus region on those three modal images. Logistic regression models were trained to classify AD and HC, AD and aMCI, aMCI and HC respectively. The diagnostic performance and radiomics score (Rad‐Score) of logistic regression models were evaluated from 5‐fold cross‐validation.

Results

The hippocampal radiomics features demonstrated favorable diagnostic performance, with the multimodal classifier outperforming the single‐modal classifier in the binary classification of HC, aMCI, and AD. Using the multimodal classifier, we achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.98 and accuracy of 96.7% for classifying AD from HC, and an AUC of 0.86 and accuracy of 80.6% for classifying aMCI from HC. The value of Rad‐Score differed significantly between the AD and HC (p < 0.001), aMCI and HC (p < 0.001) groups. Decision curve analysis showed superior clinical benefits of multimodal classifiers compared to neuropsychological tests.

Conclusion

Multiparametric hippocampal radiomics using PET/MRI aids in the identification of early AD, and may provide a potential biomarker for clinical applications.
A multi‐modal fusion YoLo network for traffic detection
Authors: Zheng Xinwang , Zheng Wenjie , Xu Chujie
Published: November 2023

Traffic detection (including lane detection and traffic sign detection) is one of the key technologies to realize driving assistance system and auto drive system. However, most of the existing detection methods are designed based on single‐modal visible light data, when there are dramatic changes in lighting in the scene (such as insufficient lighting in night), it is difficult for these methods to obtain good detection results. In view of multi‐modal data can provide complementary discriminative information, based on the YoLoV5 model, this paper proposes a multi‐modal fusion YoLoV5 network, which consists of three key components: the dual stream feature extraction module, the correlation feature extraction module, and the self‐attention fusion module. Specifically, the dual stream feature extraction module is used to extract the features of each of the two modalities. Secondly, input the features learned from the dual stream feature extraction module into the correlation feature extraction module to learn the features with maximum correlation. Then, the extracted maximum correlation features are used to achieve information exchange between modalities through a self‐attention mechanism, and thus obtain fused features. Finally, the fused features are inputted into the detection layer to obtain the final detection result. Experimental results on different traffic detection tasks can demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method.
Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale‐Parent Report for screening children with ADHD: Looking beyond symptoms in ADHD diagnosis
Authors: Kiani Behnaz , Hadianfard Habib , Weiss Margaret D. , Dehbozorgi Sara
Published: November 2023

Aim

The current study aimed at examining the ability of the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale‐Parent Report (WFIRS‐P) to discriminate between children with ADHD and controls in functional impairment and identifying optimal cutoff scores for the WFIRS‐P subscales and total scale.

Methods

Parents of 51 children with ADHD (90.2% male; grades 1–6) and 51 gender/grade matched controls (90.2% male; grades 1–6) completed the WFIRS‐P. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to examine the ability of the WFIRS‐P to differentiate children with ADHD from controls and to determine optimal cutoff scores of the WFIRS‐P.

Results

Area under the curve (AUC) was 0.98 for the WFIRS‐P total scale, indicating excellent ability to differentiate children with ADHD from controls. The score of 0.45 with 0.88 for sensitivity and 0.96 for specificity was determined as the optimal cutoff score for the total scale of the WFIRS‐P. AUC was 0.73 to 0.97 for the WFIRS‐P subscales, suggesting good to excellent ability for discriminating between children with ADHD and controls. Among the subscales, the family subscale score of 0.42 with 0.92 for sensitivity and 0.96 for specificity showed the highest discriminating power. The self‐concept and life skills subscales had low sensitivity, suggesting Iranian mothers do not identify problems with self‐concept or difficulty with life skills as particularly problematic in ADHD.

Conclusions

The WFIRS‐P is a sensitive and specific measure of the functional impairment associated with ADHD in Iranian children. Our sample was predominantly male, limiting the generalizability of results to females.
Long‐term intellectual and developmental outcomes after pediatric epilepsy surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Stefanos‐Yakoub Ilona , Wingeier Kevin , Held Ulrike , Latal Beatrice , Wirrell Elaine , Smith Mary Lou , Ramantani Georgia
Published: November 2023

In addition to the primary aim of seizure freedom, a key secondary aim of pediatric epilepsy surgery is to stabilize and, potentially, optimize cognitive development. Although the efficacy of surgical treatment for seizure control has been established, the long‐term intellectual and developmental trajectories are yet to be delineated. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies reporting pre‐ and postsurgical intelligence or developmental quotients (IQ/DQ) of children with focal lesional epilepsy aged ≤18 years at epilepsy surgery and assessed at >2 years after surgery. We determined the IQ/DQ change and conducted a random‐effects meta‐analysis and meta‐regression to assess its determinants. We included 15 studies reporting on 341 patients. The weighted mean age at surgery was 7.1 years (range = .3–13.8). The weighted mean postsurgical follow‐up duration was 5.6 years (range = 2.7–12.8). The overall estimate of the mean presurgical IQ/DQ was 60 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 47–73), the postsurgical IQ/DQ was 61 (95% CI = 48–73), and the change was +.94 IQ/DQ (95% CI = −1.70 to 3.58, p = .486). Children with presurgical IQ/DQ ≥ 70 showed a tendency for higher gains than those with presurgical IQ/DQ < 70 (p = .059). Higher gains were determined by cessation of antiseizure medication (ASM; p = .041), not just seizure freedom. Our findings indicate, on average, stabilization of intellectual and developmental functioning at long‐term follow‐up after epilepsy surgery. Once seizure freedom has been achieved, ASM cessation enables the optimization of intellectual and developmental trajectories in affected children.
Transmembrane α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor regulatory protein expression during the development of absence seizures in genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg
Authors: Casillas‐Espinosa Pablo M. , Lin Runxuan , Li Rui , Powell Kim L. , O'Brien Terence J.
Published: November 2023

The transmembrane α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) regulatory proteins (TARPs), γ2 (stargazin), γ3, γ4, γ5, γ7, and γ8, are a family of proteins that regulate AMPAR trafficking, expression, and biophysical properties that could have a role in the development of absence seizures. Here, we evaluated the expression of TARPs and AMPARs across the development of epilepsy in the genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) model of idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) with absence seizures. Pre‐epileptic (7‐day‐old), early epileptic (6‐week‐old), and chronically epileptic (16‐week‐old) GAERS, and age‐matched male nonepileptic control rats (NEC) were used. Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings were acquired from the 6‐ and 16‐week‐old animals to quantify seizure expression. Somatosensory cortex (SCx) and whole thalamus were collected from all the animals to evaluate TARP and AMPAR mRNA expression. Analysis of the EEG demonstrated a gradual increase in the number and duration of seizures across GAERS development. mRNA expression of the TARPs γ2, γ3, γ4, γ5, and γ8 in the SCx, and γ4 and γ5 in the thalamus, increased as the seizures started and progressed in the GAERS compared to NEC. There was a temporal association between increased TARP expression and seizures in GAERS, highlighting TARPs as potential targets for developing novel treatments for IGE with absence seizures.
Ultrafast phase‐field model of frequency‐dependent dielectric behavior in ferroelectrics
Authors: Song Yu , Shi Xiaoming , Wang Jing , Huang Houbing
Published: November 2023

Relaxor ferroelectrics have applications in transducers and capacitors owing to their dielectric relaxation. Although the existence of polar nanoregions (PNRs) inside the relaxor ferroelectrics contributes to enhancing the dielectric response, the dielectric relaxation mechanism remains unclear in the wide frequency range from kHz to THz. In this study, we investigated the frequency‐dependent (103–1012 Hz) dielectric properties using ultrafast phase‐field simulations. The dielectric response is divided into the matrix response, the “collinear” PNR response, and the “non‐collinear” PNR response. Among them, the collinear PNR response accounts for 90% of the dielectric constant enhancement. The response behavior of collinear PNRs has a higher frequency limitation than that of non‐collinear PNRs. The different relaxation times of the collinear PNR lead to a corresponding distinct rotation for the polar vectors. Finally, we investigate the different response behaviors of the polarization in the PNR from the aspect of energy barriers. This study not only promotes the understanding of wide‐range frequency‐dependent dielectric relaxation processes but also guides the design of ultrafast relaxor ferroelectric devices in the future.