bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dystrophin-Dystroglycan complex ensures cytokinesis efficiency inDrosophilaepithelia
Authors: Gonçalves Margarida , Lopes Catarina , Alégot Hervé , Osswald Mariana , Bosveld Floris , Ramos Carolina , Richard Graziella , Bellaiche Yohanns , Mirouse Vincent , Morais-de-Sá Eurico
Published: March 2024

Cytokinesis physically separates daughter cells at the end of cell division. This step is particularly challenging for epithelial cells, which are connected to their neighbors and to the extracellular matrix by transmembrane protein complexes. To systematically evaluate the impact of the cell adhesion machinery on epithelial cytokinesis efficiency, we performed an RNAi-based modifier screen in theDrosophilafollicular epithelium. Strikingly, this unveiled adhesion molecules and transmembrane receptors that facilitate cytokinesis completion. Among these is Dystroglycan, which connects the extracellular matrix to the cytoskeleton via Dystrophin. Live imaging revealed that Dystrophin and Dystroglycan become enriched in the ingressing membrane, below the cytokinetic ring, during and after ring constriction. Using multiple alleles, including Dystrophin isoform-specific mutants, we show that Dystrophin/Dystroglycan localization is linked with unanticipated roles in regulating cytokinetic ring contraction and in preventing membrane regression during the abscission period. Altogether, we provide evidence that, rather than opposing cytokinesis completion, the machinery involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions has also evolved functions to ensure cytokinesis efficiency in epithelial tissues.
Optimal motion-in-depth estimation with natural stimuli
Authors: Herrera-Esposito Daniel , Burge Johannes
Published: March 2024

Estimating the motion of objects in depth is important for behavior, and is strongly supported by binocular visual cues. To understand both how the brain should estimate motion in depth and how natural constraints shape and limit performance, we develop image-computable ideal observer models from naturalistic binocular video clips of two 3D motion tasks. The observers spatio-temporally filter the videos, and non-linearly decode 3D motion from the filter responses. The optimal filters and decoder are dictated by the task-relevant natural image statistics, and are specific to each task. Multiple findings emerge. First, two distinct filter types are spontaneously learned for each task. For 3D speed estimation, filters emerge for processing either changing disparities over time (CDOT) or interocular velocity differences (IOVD), cues used by humans. For 3D direction estimation, filters emerge for discriminating either left-right or towards-away motion. Second, the filter responses, conditioned on the latent variable, are well-described as jointly Gaussian, and the covariance of the filter responses carries the information about the task-relevant latent variable. Quadratic combination is thus necessary for optimal decoding, which can be implemented by biologically plausible neural computations. Finally, the ideal observer yields non-obvious–and in some cases counter-intuitive–patterns of performance like those exhibited by humans. Important characteristics of human 3D motion processing and estimation may therefore result from optimal information processing in the early visual system.

Significance statement

Humans and other animals extract and process features of natural images that are useful for estimating motion-in-depth, an ability that is crucial for successful interaction with the environment. But the enormous diversity of natural visual inputs that are consistent with a given 3D motion–natural stimulus variability–presents a challenging computational problem. The neural populations that support the estimation of motion-in-depth are under active investigation. Here, we study how to optimally estimate local 3D motion with naturalistic stimulus variability. We show that the optimal computations are biologically plausible, and that they reproduce sometimes counterintuitive performance patterns independently reported in the human psychophysical literature. Novel testable hypotheses for future neurophysiological and psychophysical research are discussed.
Astrocyte CCN1 stabilizes neural circuits in the adult brain
Authors: Sancho Laura , Boisvert Matthew M. , Dawoodtabar Trinity , Burgado Jillybeth , Wang Ellen , Allen Nicola J.
Published: March 2024

Neural circuits in many brain regions are refined by experience. Sensory circuits support higher plasticity at younger ages during critical periods - times of circuit refinement and maturation - and limit plasticity in adulthood for circuit stability. The mechanisms underlying these differing plasticity levels and how they serve to maintain and stabilize the properties of sensory circuits remain largely unclear. By combining a transcriptomic approach withex vivoelectrophysiology andin vivoimaging techniques, we identify that astrocytes release cellular communication network factor 1 (CCN1) to maintain synapse and circuit stability in the visual cortex. By overexpressing CCN1 in critical period astrocytes, we find that it promotes the maturation of inhibitory circuits and limits ocular dominance plasticity. Conversely, by knocking out astrocyte CCN1 in adults, binocular circuits are destabilized. These studies establish CCN1 as a novel astrocyte-secreted factor that stabilizes neuronal circuits. Moreover, they demonstrate that the composition and properties of sensory circuits require ongoing maintenance in adulthood, and that these maintenance cues are provided by astrocytes.
A random mutagenesis screen enriched for missense mutations in bacterial effector proteins
Authors: Urbanus Malene L. , Zheng Thomas M. , Khusnutdinova Anna N. , Banh Doreen , Mount Harley O’Connor , Gupta Alind , Stoigos Peter J. , Savchenko Alexei , Isberg Ralph R. , Yakunin Alexander F. , Ensminger Alexander W.
Published: March 2024

To remodel their hosts and escape immune defenses, many pathogens rely on large arsenals of proteins (effectors) that are delivered to the host cell using dedicated translocation machinery. Effectors hold significant insight into the biology of both the pathogens that encode for them and the host pathways that they manipulate. One of the most powerful systems biology tools for studying effectors is the model organism,Saccharomyces cerevisiae. For many pathogens, the heterologous expression of effectors in yeast is growth inhibitory at a frequency much higher than housekeeping genes, an observation ascribed to targeting conserved eukaryotic proteins. Abrogation of yeast growth inhibition has been used to identify bacterial suppressors of effector activity, host targets, and functional residues and domains within effector proteins. We present here a yeast-based method for enriching for informative, in-frame, missense mutations in a pool of random effector mutants. We benchmark this approach against three effectors fromLegionella pneumophila, an intracellular bacterial pathogen that injects a staggering >330 effectors into the host cell. For each protein, we show howin silicoprotein modeling (AlphaFold2) and missense- directed mutagenesis can be combined to reveal important structural features within effectors. We identify known active site residues within the metalloprotease RavK, highly conserved residues in SdbB, and previously unidentified functional motifs within the C-terminal domain of SdbA. We show that this domain has structural similarity with glycosyltransferases and exhibitsin vitroactivity consistent with this predicted function.
YTHDC1 cooperates with the THO complex to prevent RNA damage-induced DNA breaks
Authors: Tsao Ning , Olabode Jennifer , Rodell Rebecca , Sun Hua , Brickner Joshua R. , Tsai Miaw-Sheue , Pollina Elizabeth A. , Chen Chun-Kan , Mosammaparast Nima
Published: March 2024

Certain environmental toxins are nucleic acid damaging agents, as are many chemotherapeutics used for cancer therapy. These agents induce various adducts in DNA as well as RNA. Indeed, most of the nucleic acid adducts (>90%) formed due to these chemicals, such as alkylating agents, occur in RNA1. However, compared to the well-studied mechanisms for DNA alkylation repair, the biological consequences of RNA damage are largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that RNA damage can directly result in loss of genome integrity. Specifically, we show that a human YTH domain-containing protein, YTHDC1, regulates alkylation damage responses in association with the THO complex (THOC)2. In addition to its established binding toN6-methyladenosine (m6A)-containing RNAs, YTHDC1 binds toN1-methyladenosine (m1A)-containing RNAs upon alkylation. In the absence of YTHDC1, alkylation damage results in increased alkylation damage sensitivity and DNA breaks. Such phenotypes are fully attributable to RNA damage, since an RNA-specific dealkylase can rescue these phenotypes. TheseRNAdamage-induced DNAbreaks (RDIBs) depend on R-loop formation, which in turn are processed by factors involved in transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair. Strikingly, in the absence of YTHDC1 or THOC, an RNA m1A methyltransferase targeted to the nucleus is sufficient to induce DNA breaks. Our results uncover a unique role for YTHDC1-THOC in base damage responses by preventing RDIBs, providing definitive evidence for how damaged RNAs can impact genomic integrity.
Bidirectional zigzag growth from clusters of active colloidal shakers
Authors: Junot Gaspard , González Andrés Javier Manzano , Tierno Pietro
Published: March 2024

Driven or self-propelling particles moving in viscoelastic fluids recently emerged as a novel class of active systems showing a complex yet rich set of phenomena due to the non-Newtonian nature of the dispersing medium. Here we investigate the one-dimensional growth of clusters made of active colloidal shakers, which are realized by oscillating magnetic rotors dispersed within a viscoelastic fluid and at different concentrations of the dissolved polymer. These magnetic particles when actuated by an oscillating field display a flow profile similar to that of a shaker force dipole, i.e., without any net propulsion. We design a protocol to assemble clusters of colloidal shakers and induce their controlled expansion into elongated zigzag structures. We observe a power law growth of the mean chain length and use theoretical arguments to explain the measured 1/3 exponent. These arguments agree well with both experiments and particle based numerical simulations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum Simulation of the First-Quantized Pauli-Fierz Hamiltonian
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Priyanka , Stetina Torin F. , Wiebe Nathan
Published: March 2024

We provide an explicit recursive divide-and-conquer approach for simulating quantum dynamics and derive a discrete first-quantized nonrelativistic QED Hamiltonian based on the many-particle Pauli-Fierz Hamiltonian. We apply this recursive divide-and-conquer algorithm to this Hamiltonian and compare it to a concrete simulation algorithm that uses qubitization. Our divide-and-conquer algorithm, using lowest-order Trotterization, scales for fixed grid spacing as O~(ΛN2η2t2/ϵ) for grid size N, η particles, simulation time t, field cutoff

Λ

, and error ϵ. Our qubitization algorithm scales as O~(N(η+N)(η+Λ2)tlog﻿(1/ϵ)). This shows that even a naive partitioning and low-order splitting formula can yield, through our divide-and-conquer formalism, superior scaling to qubitization for large Λ. We compare the relative costs of these two algorithms on systems that are relevant for applications such as the spontaneous emission of photons and the photoionization of electrons. We observe that for different parameter regimes, one method can be favored over the other. Finally, we give new algorithmic and circuit-level techniques for gate optimization, including a new way of implementing a group of multicontrolled-X gates that can be used for better analysis of circuit cost.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Polarized X-ray diffraction anomalous near-edge structure study on the orbital physics of thin WSe2 layers
Authors: Chen Shih-Lun , Wu Tai-Sing , Huang Hung-Lung , Chen Sheng-Fu , Soo Yun-Liang , Jeng Horng-Tay , Hung Hsueh-Hsing
Published: March 2024

The electronic structures at band edges play an important role in the physical properties of few-layer and monolayer WSe2. In this study, polarization-dependent diffraction anomalous near-edge structure (DANES) is applied to measure and analyse the electronic orbitals of few-layer WSe2. By selecting diffraction geometries with the electric field perpendicular or parallel to the c axis of few-layer WSe2, this method can separately probe the in-plane and out-of-plane orbital components involved at the band edges. The WSe2 (00.8) surface normal was aligned and the preferred orientation of few-layer WSe2 grown on an Al2O3 (00.1) substrate was identified. DANES was then performed for Se K-edge WSe2 00.8 and 11.0 reflections to examine the W 5d orbitals hybridized with the Se 4p orbitals: these two DANES spectra exhibit fairly anisotropic valence orbital characteristics in few-layer WSe2. Coupled with first-principles calculations, these results allow the identification of the in-plane and out-of-plane orbital distribution and hybridization in WSe2. At the conduction band edge, the contributions of px
and py
orbitals are predominant over pz
and the splitting of the p-orbital energy levels has been confirmed. Hence DANES is shown to be a useful synchrotron X-ray technique that can help identify the valence orbital structure of various 2D transition metal dichalcogenides.
VitroJet: new features and case studies
Authors: Henderikx Rene J. M. , Mann Daniel , Domanska Aušra , Dong Jing , Shahzad Saba , Lak Behnam , Filopoulou Aikaterini , Ludig Damian , Grininger Martin , Momoh Jeffrey , Laanto Elina , Oksanen Hanna M. , Bisikalo Kyrylo , Williams Pamela A. , Butcher Sarah J. , Peters Peter J. , Beulen Bart W. A. M. M.
Published: March 2024

Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy has become a widely adopted method in structural biology due to many recent technological advances in microscopes, detectors and image processing. Before being able to inspect a biological sample in an electron microscope, it needs to be deposited in a thin layer on a grid and rapidly frozen. The VitroJet was designed with this aim, as well as avoiding the delicate manual handling and transfer steps that occur during the conventional grid-preparation process. Since its creation, numerous technical developments have resulted in a device that is now widely utilized in multiple laboratories worldwide. It features plasma treatment, low-volume sample deposition through pin printing, optical ice-thickness measurement and cryofixation of pre-clipped Autogrids through jet vitrification. This paper presents recent technical improvements to the VitroJet and the benefits that it brings to the cryo-EM workflow. A wide variety of applications are shown: membrane proteins, nucleosomes, fatty-acid synthase, Tobacco mosaic virus, lipid nanoparticles, tick-borne encephalitis viruses and bacteriophages. These case studies illustrate the advancement of the VitroJet into an instrument that enables accurate control and reproducibility, demonstrating its suitability for time-efficient cryo-EM structure determination.
The determinants of corporate anti-corruption disclosures: evidence from construction companies in the Asia-Pacific
Authors: Utami Evy Rahman , Barokah Zuni
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinants of anti-corruption disclosures by construction firms in Asia-Pacific countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprises construction companies from seven Asia-Pacific countries from 2015 to 2019. The authors hand-collected data on anti-corruption disclosures by using content analysis.

Findings

This study provides empirical evidence that government ownership, country-level accounting competence and high-quality auditors increase companies’ anti-corruption disclosures. Meanwhile, this study finds that uncertainty avoidance does not affect companies’ anti-corruption disclosures.

Practical implications

This study has a number of implications. First, government and professional accountant organizations need to improve accountants’ knowledge and competence through education, training and continuous professional development. Second, public accounting firms need to ensure the quality of their auditors, particularly in the technical competence in financial and nonfinancial reporting. Finally, universities must improve and update their curriculum regarding nonfinancial reporting issues.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to examine anti-corruption disclosure practices in the most corrupted settings, i.e. the construction industry in Asia-Pacific countries. It uses the isomorphism perspective to explain the influence of government ownership, country-level accounting competence and high-quality auditors on anti-corruption disclosure transparency. The number of prior studies investigating this association is very limited. Moreover, disclosures of anti-corruption information are complex and sensitive; thus, coercive, normative and mimetic pressures are required to achieve higher transparency and sustainability.
How supervisors and coworkers enable workplace practices to foster success for employees with mental health and/or addiction challenges
Authors: Packalen Kelley A. , Sobchuk Kaitlyn , Qin-Wang Kelly , Cheetham Jenelle , Hildebrand Jaclyn , Fecica Agnieszka , Lysaght Rosemary
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The goal of this study was to understand which employee-focused workplace practices and priorities – more formally known as human resource (HR) practices and priorities – employees with mental health and/or addiction challenges (MHAC) valued and how they perceived the day-to-day implementation of those practices and priorities in the workplace integration social enterprises (WISEs) that employed them.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-two WISE workers who self-identified as having serious MHAC participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed and coded to identify ways that employees did or did not feel supported in their WISEs.

Findings

Participants identified three HR practices and two HR priorities as important to establishing an inclusive workplace that accommodated their MHAC. The extent to which individual participants felt included and accommodated, however, was shaped by interactions with their supervisors and coworkers.

Originality/value

By evaluating the salience of WISEs’ employee-focused workplace practices and priorities through the lens of the employees themselves, our study articulates the critical role that interactions with coworkers and supervisors have in determining whether HR practices and priorities have the intended effect on worker experience.
Abusive supervision, dehumanization, knowledge hiding behavior and psychological capital – a daily diary method study
Authors: Ahmed Ishfaq , Mohamed Makhbul Zafir Khan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Knowledge is the source of competitive advantage, but when shared at all levels. Unfortunately, there is a universal unruly present in the form of knowledge hiding at employees’ level, but the causes and remedies are still vague as past studies have rarely investigated the causes of daily knowledge hiding behavior. Against this backdrop, this study aims to entail a daily diary method investigation of the role of daily abusive supervision in daily employees’ knowledge hiding through the mediation of dehumanization and moderation of psychological capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for this study is collected using a daily diary method approach, which estimates the daily workplace events and their continuous influence on employees’ feelings (i.e. dehumanization) and actions (knowledge hiding). The daily responses of 279 respondents were considered useful for analysis purposes.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that the daily events of abusive supervision have both direct and indirect (through dehumanization) influence on employees’ daily knowledge hiding behavior. Moreover, psychosocial capital has a significant conditional influence in the relationships of negative workplace treatments (abusive supervision and dehumanization) and their outcomes (i.e. knowledge hiding).

Research limitations/implications

The study provides some theoretical and practical insights by providing the explanatory and coping mechanism between continuous abusive supervision and daily knowledge hiding behavior.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of literature that has focused on daily episodes of abusive supervision, dehumanization and knowledge hiding behavior. Furthermore, the moderating role of psychological capital has also been rarely investigated.
Nietzsche’s three metamorphoses of the spirit and Schopenhauer’s primordial suffering: an organizational culture change model redefining spirituality in the workplace
Authors: Georgiadis Vasileios , Sarigiannidis Lazaros
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The paper redefines workplace spirituality (WS/WPS) by transcending the existential vacuum (in psychiatric terms a sense of lack of meaning of human existence and thus of work), leading to the development of workplace creativity, productivity and satisfaction, targeting operational profitability and organizational optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

Spirituality is analyzed philosophically, following the Nietzschean definition in response to Schopenhauer’s primordial suffering. Philosophical syncretism yields a viable organizational culture change model of spiritualizing the workplace. For this purpose, specific techniques are proposed which are combined with those already applied to various large companies and organizations.

Findings

Spirituality in the workplace acts as a catalyst for developing beneficial qualities by increasing employee job satisfaction, organizational efficiency and business profitability, when equally responding to stakeholders’ needs.

Practical implications

The suggested change model holistically fosters organizational, operational, individual and collective effectiveness through work place spirituality redefined.

Originality/value

For the first time spirituality in the workplace is discussed under a brand new perspective, resulting in an interdisciplinary emerging model, contributing to the field by providing guidance to academics and practitioners to its auspicious implementation through organizational culture change.
Integrating sustainability with corporate governance: a framework to implement the corporate sustainability reporting directive through a balanced scorecard
Authors: Hristov Ivo , Searcy Cory
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The growing importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, as well as related performance planning, measuring and reporting, has spurred interest in linking corporate sustainability and performance management systems (PMSs). In this context, the aim of this paper is to provide companies with a framework for implementing the requirements of the corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD) through a sustainability balanced scorecard (SBSC). The framework will further the integration of sustainability with corporate governance.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework was grounded in the relevant literature and the CSRD requirements.

Findings

This paper provides companies with a novel framework for implementing the requirements of the CSRD through a SBSC. The framework specifies four key steps (i.e. identifying material themes, initial assessment, strategic formulation and action, and sustainability reporting) to integrate sustainability with corporate governance.

Practical implications

The framework supports managers’ decision-making processes in linking sustainability with strategy and providing a basis for integrating sustainability with corporate governance in organizations. The paper provides a way to practically address the CSRD requirements.

Originality/value

This is the first study integrating the emerging CSRD requirements with corporate governance. The paper advances discussion and debate by management scholars on how a SBSC can be practically implemented, providing details on how this may be achieved.
The relationship between legitimacy and cooperation with the police - an empirical assessment
Authors: TK Vinod Kumar
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The police require the cooperation of the public to ensure security in society. People cooperate with the police because they share norms and values reflected in the law and police action. Police face challenges in obtaining the cooperation of the public. There are studies examining the relationship between the legitimacy of the police and cooperation with the police. Using Tankebe's (2013) model of legitimacy as a multidimensional concept, this study examines the relationship between legitimacy and cooperation with the police in India.

Design/methodology/approach

For examining the relationship, the study uses data collected from a survey of 705 victims of crime in India who had interacted with the police. The research questions were examined using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

On the basis of the analyses, the study concludes that legitimacy is a multidimensional concept encompassing police lawfulness, procedural justice, distributive justice and effectiveness. The legitimacy of the police has both a direct impact on cooperation with the police and the obligation to obey as a mediating variable. The study indicates that legitimacy is an important antecedent to cooperation with the police, which has significant policy implications.

Originality/value

The study is significant as there are no studies examining the relationship between the legitimacy of police and cooperation with the police in India, which is a non-Western developing country and the largest democracy in the world. The present research is the first study of this nature.
Bi-objective optimization of an EDM process with Cu-MWCNT composite tool using single-valued neutrosophic grey relational analysis
Authors: Mandal Prosun , Chatterjee Srinjoy , Chakraborty Shankar
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In many of today’s manufacturing industries, such as automobile, aerospace, defence, die and mould making, medical and electrical discharge machining (EDM) has emerged as an effective material removal process. In this process, a series of discontinuous electric discharges is used for removing material from the workpiece in the form of craters generating a replica of the tool into the workpiece in a dielectric environment. Appropriate selection of the tool electrode material and combination of input parameters is an important requirement for performance enhancement of an EDM process. This paper aims to optimize an EDM process using single-valued neutrosophic grey relational analysis using Cu-multi-walled carbon nanotube (Cu-MWCNT) composite tool electrode.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes the application of grey relational analysis (GRA) in a single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy environment to identify the optimal parametric intermix of an EDM process while considering Cu-MWCNT composite as the tool electrode material. Based on Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array, nine experiments are conducted at varying combinations of four EDM parameters, i.e. pulse-on time, duty factor, discharge current and gap voltage, with subsequent measurement of two responses, i.e. material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear rate (TWR). The electrodeposition process is used to fabricate the Cu-MWCNT composite tool.

Findings

It is noticed that both the responses would be simultaneously optimized at higher levels of pulse-on time (38 µs) and duty factor (8), moderate level of discharge current (5 A) and lower level of gap voltage (30 V). During bi-objective optimization (maximization of MRR and minimization of TWR) of the said EDM process, the achieved values of MRR and TWR are 243.74 mm3/min and 0.001034 g/min, respectively.

Originality/value

Keeping in mind the type of response under consideration, their measured values for each of the EDM experiments are expressed in terms of linguistic variables which are subsequently converted into single-valued neutrosophic numbers. Integration of GRA with single-valued neutrosophic sets would help in optimizing the said EDM process with the Cu-MWCNT composite tool while simultaneously considering truth-membership, indeterminacy membership and falsity-membership degrees in a human-centric uncertain decision-making environment.
Global conservation genomics of blue whales calls into question subspecies taxonomy and refines knowledge of population structure
Authors: Attard C. R. M. , Sandoval‐Castillo J. , Lang A. R. , Vernazzani B. G. , Torres L. G. , Baldwin R. , Jenner K. C. S. , Gill P. C. , Burton C. L. K. , Barceló A. , Sironi M. , Jenner M.‐N. M. , Morrice M. G. , Beheregaray L. B. , Möller L. M.
Published: March 2024

Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) are the largest living animal and, like other baleen whales, became endangered due to whaling. Here, we used population genomics to infer the number, distribution and other characteristics of subspecies and populations. We used the largest DNA dataset in blue whales, both in terms of genomic markers (16,661 SNPs and mtDNA) and geographic coverage (n = 276 for SNPs; n = 531 for mtDNA). We found greatest divergence among the eastern Pacific, Indo‐western Pacific and Antarctic blue whales. There were indications that natural selection in different environments promoted divergence among these groupings. Within these regions, there was divergence between the eastern North and eastern South Pacific, and among the eastern Indian Ocean, the western South Pacific and the northern Indian Ocean. There was no divergence within the Antarctic. These findings are consistent with the current classification of Antarctic and Indo‐western Pacific blue whales in the Southern Hemisphere as different subspecies but call into question the subspecies taxonomy of eastern Pacific blue whales. The study shows that opposite breeding seasons on either side of the equator do not necessarily inhibit connectivity across the equator, and reinforces that population structure needs to be well understood to conserve the diversity within species.
Use of hydroxocobalamin to treat intraoperative vasoplegic syndrome refractory to vasopressors and methylene blue during liver transplantation
Authors: Pai Sher‐Lu , Torp Klaus D. , Insignares Vianca C. , DeMaria Samuel , Giordano Chris R. , Logvinov Ilana I. , Li Zhuo , Chadha Ryan , Aniskevich Stephen
Published: March 2024

Introduction

For patients with catecholamine‐resistant vasoplegic syndrome (VS) during liver transplantation (LT), treatment with methylene blue (MB) and/or hydroxocobalamin (B12) has been an acceptable therapy. However, data on the effectiveness of B12 is limited to case reports and case series.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients undergoing LT from January 2016 through March 2022. We identified patients with VS treated with vasopressors and MB, and abstracted hemodynamic parameters, vasopressor requirements, and B12 administration from the records. The primary aim was to describe the treatment efficacy of B12 for VS refractory to vasopressors and MB, measured as no vasopressor requirement at the conclusion of the surgery.

Results

One hundred one patients received intraoperative VS treatment. For the 35 (34.7%) patients with successful VS treatment, 14 received MB only and 21 received both MB and B12. Of the 21 patients with VS resolution after receiving both MB and B12, 17 (89.5%) showed immediate, but transient, hemodynamic improvements at the time of MB administration and later showed sustained response to B12.

Conclusion

Immediate but transient hemodynamic response to MB in VS patients during LT supports the diagnosis of VS and should prompt B12 administration for sustained treatment response.
Risk factors and outcomes of bloodstream infection from a urinary source in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Eichenberger Emily M. , Donzo Maja Wichhart , Anderson Rebecca , Karadkhele Geeta , Pouch Stephanie M. , Larsen Christian P.
Published: March 2024

Background

Bacteriuria is common among kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Risk factors and outcomes associated with bloodstream infection due to a urinary source (BSIU) in KTR are poorly understood.

Methods

This single center case‐control study from 2010 to 2022 compared KTR with BSIU to those with bacteria without bloodstream infection (BU). Multivariable logistic regression identified BSIU risk factors, and Cox models assessed its impact on graft failure.

Results

Among 3435 patients, who underwent kidney transplantation at Emory Hospital, 757 (22%) developed bacteriuria, among whom 142 (18.8%) were BSIU. Male sex, presence of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Pseudomonas species in urine culture, urethral stricture, neuromuscular bladder disorder, and history of diabetes‐induced renal failure were independently associated with increased odds of BSIU (Male sex: aOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.52, 3.47, E. coli: aOR 5.14, 95% CI 3.02, 9.13; K. pneumoniae aOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.65, 6.27, Pseudomonas spp aOR 3.06, 95% CI 1.25, 7.18; urethral stricture: 4.10, 95% CI 1.63, 10.3, neuromuscular bladder disorder aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.09, 3.53, diabetes: aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.08, 2.49). BSIU was associated with increased hazard of graft failure (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.05, 2.20).

Conclusion

Close monitoring is warranted for male KTR with bacteriuria, those with urine cultures positive for Pseudomonas spp, K. pneumoniae, or E. coli, as well as KTR with a history of diabetes‐induced renal failure, urethral stricture, or neuromuscular bladder disorder due to their risk for developing BSIU. Future research should explore strategies to mitigate BSIU risk in these high‐risk KTR and reduce the associated risk of long‐term graft failure.
Clinical performance of the iPREDICTLIVING tool for the prediction of the post‐transplant recipient and living donor outcomes in a European cohort
Authors: Almeida Manuela , Ribeiro Catarina , Silvano José , Pedroso Sofia , Tafulo Sandra , Martins La Salete , Ramos Miguel , Malheiro Jorge
Published: March 2024

A living donor kidney transplant (LDKT) is the best treatment for ESRD. A prediction tool based on clinical and demographic data available pre‐KT was developed in a Norwegian cohort with three different models to predict graft loss, recipient death, and donor candidate's risk of death, the iPREDICTLIVING tool. No external validations are yet available. We sought to evaluate its predictive performance in our cohort of 352 pairs LKDT submitted to KT from 1998 to 2019. The model for censored graft failure (CGF) showed the worse discriminative performance with Harrell's C of .665 and a time‐dependent AUC of .566, with a calibration slope of .998. For recipient death, at 10 years, the model had a Harrell's C of .776, a time‐dependent AUC of .773, and a calibration slope of 1.003. The models for donor death were reasonably discriminative, although with a poor calibration, particularly for 20 years of death, with a Harrell's C of .712 and AUC of .694 with a calibration slope of .955. These models have moderate discriminative and calibration performance in our population. The tool was validated in this Northern Portuguese cohort, Caucasian, with a low incidence of diabetes and other comorbidities. It can improve the informed decision‐making process at the living donor consultation joining clinical and other relevant information.
Lived experience allyship in mental health services: Recommendations for improved uptake of allyship roles in support of peer workforces
Authors: Reeves Verity , Loughhead Mark , Teague Courtney , Halpin Matthew Anthony , Procter Nicholas
Published: March 2024

Inclusion of service users in the design and delivery of mental health services is clearly articulated throughout Australian mental health action plans and stated as an expectation within contemporary mental health policy. International and local Australian research demonstrates benefits for the inclusion of lived experience workers in service users' recovery journey; however, persistent challenges and barriers limit their effective integration into transdisciplinary mental health service teams. Non‐lived experience workers who actively advocate and champion the inclusion of lived experience or peer workers, known as allies, are acknowledged and recognised as enablers for effective integration of peer workers to service teams. In this discursive paper, authors present recommendations for further development of allyship roles within leadership positions of mental health organisations in Australia. Leaders are in a position to influence the allocation of resources, redress power inequalities and facilitate opportunities for the inclusion of lived experience expertise across all levels of mental health organisations. This paper makes recommendations for areas of learning and unlearning ingrained bias and assumptions which may be detrimental to integration of lived experience workforces and hinder movement toward greater adoption of recovery‐orientated service delivery.
Optimal Calibration of Items for Multidimensional Achievement Tests
Authors: Hassan Mahmood Ul , Miller Frank
Published: March 2024

Multidimensional achievement tests are recently gaining more importance in educational and psychological measurements. For example, multidimensional diagnostic tests can help students to determine which particular domain of knowledge they need to improve for better performance. To estimate the characteristics of candidate items (calibration) for future multidimensional achievement tests, we use optimal design theory. We generalize a previously developed exchange algorithm for optimal design computation to the multidimensional setting. We also develop an asymptotic theorem saying which item should be calibrated by examinees with extreme abilities. For several examples, we compute the optimal design numerically with the exchange algorithm. We see clear structures in these results and explain them using the asymptotic theorem. Moreover, we investigate the performance of the optimal design in a simulation study.
Addressing the gaps in evaluation of new drugs for older adults: Strategies from the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) Geriatric Committee
Authors: Hilmer Sarah N. , Schwartz Janice , Petrovic Mirko , Walker Lauren E. , Thürmann Petra , Le Couteur David G.
Published: March 2024

The International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) Geriatric Committee aims to improve the use of drugs in older adults and develop new therapeutic approaches for the syndromes and diseases of old age through advocacy, education, and research. In the present paper, we propose strategies relevant to drug development and evaluation, spanning preclinical and the full range of clinical studies. Drugs for older adults need to consider not only age, but also other characteristics common in geriatric patients, such as multimorbidity, polypharmacy, falls, cognitive impairment, and frailty. The IUPHAR Geriatric Committee's position statement on ‘Measurement of Frailty in Drug Development and Evaluation’ is included, highlighting 12 key principles that cover the spectrum of translational research. We propose that where older adults are likely to be major users of a drug, that frailty is measured at baseline and as an outcome. Preclinical models that replicate the age, frailty, duration of exposure, comorbidities, and co‐medications of the proposed patients may improve translation. We highlight the potential application of recent technologies, such as physiologically based pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modeling informed by frailty biology, and Artificial Intelligence, to inform personalized medicine for older patients. Considerations for the rapidly aging populations in low‐ and middle‐income countries related to health‐care and clinical trials are outlined. Involving older adults, their caregivers and health‐care providers in all phases of research should improve drug development, evaluation, and outcomes for older adults internationally.
Application of Piezosurgery in Revision Surgery through Posterior Approach for Infection after Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation: Technique Note with Case Series
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Qing , Wang Gaoju , Li Guangzhou
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Pyogenic spondylitis after vertebral augmentation (PSVA) is a severe complication and even threatens the life of patients. How to deal with infectious bone cement is a big problem for surgeons. The application of piezosurgery has advantages in removal the infectious bone cement in limb bone and spinal laminectomy, but it is rarely used in PSVA. So, the present study aimed to introduce the application of piezosurgery in revision surgery for PSVA and report the preliminary radiological and clinical results.

Methods

The data of nine patients with PSVA who had undergone revision surgery were retrospectively reviewed between May 2017 and January 2023 in our hospital. The technique of removal of infectious bone cement and lesion by piezosurgery and the reconstruction of the spinal stability were described, and the operation time and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. Postoperatively, radiographs and computed tomography scans were reviewed to evaluate the condition of bone cement removal, control of infection, and bone fusion. Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) were assessed pre‐ and postoperatively, and clinical outcomes were assessed using Odom's criteria.

Results

All patients achieved satisfactory tainted bone cement cleaning and restoration of spinal alignment. The surgical time was 258.8 ± 63.2 (160–360) min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 613.3 ± 223.8 (300–900) mL. The VAS score decreased from 7.0 (6–8) points preoperatively to 2.4 (1–4) points postoperatively. The ODI index decreased from 71% (65%–80%) preoperatively to 20% (10%–30%) postoperatively. The patient's VAS and NDI scores after operation were significantly improved compared with those before surgery (p ≤ 0.05). Odom's outcomes were good for all patients in the last follow‐up, and all patients reported satisfactory results.

Conclusions

Piezosurgery can effectively remove large blocks of infectious bone cement through a posterior approach while avoiding nerve and spinal cord damage. We cautiously suggest that a one‐stage posterior approach using piezosurgery is an alternative option for surgical treatment of PSVA.
Distinctive volcanic ash–rich lacustrine shale deposition related to chemical weathering intensity during the Late Triassic: Evidence from lithium contents and isotopes
Authors: Liu Quanyou , Li Peng , Jiang Lei , Jin Zhijun , Liang Xinping , Zhu Dongya , Pang Qian , Zhang Rui , Liu Jiayi
Published: March 2024

The Late Triassic Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) witnessed enormous climate change closely associated with volcanic activity. However, the coupling relationship between volcanic activity and climate change, which may be linked to chemical weathering, has not yet been fully uncovered. We used lithium contents and isotopes of volcanic ash (VA)–bearing lacustrine shale to constrain their deposition pathways and response to climate changes, i.e., weathering intensity, during the Late Triassic era. Elevated δ
7
Li (i.e., >2.5‰) and low Li contents (i.e., <65 microgram per gram) in shale likely document the direct depositing of volcanic lithium from airborne VA, which mainly inherited Earth’s interior δ
7
Li signal. By contrast, shale yields markedly high lithium contents (i.e., >135 microgram per gram), alongside relatively low δ
7
Li (i.e., <0‰), likely implying waterborne VA dominated by intensified weathering under a super humidity climate. Hence, this study provides evidence for the differential VA-rich shale deposition model related to chemical weathering states synchronous with climate changes during the CPE period.
Cervical lymphadenitis from Mycobacterium avium complex
Authors: Coe Jared , Puius Yoram , Jain Harsh , Meyerowitz Eric A
Published: March 2024

We present an instructive case of cervical lymphadenitis in a young man without a history of HIV infection. The patient developed spontaneous left-sided neck swelling that progressed over 4 months. CT imaging demonstrated a necrotic left-sided neck mass within the cervical lymph node chain. He was initially prescribed azithromycin and rifampin for presumed cat scratch disease with improvement but incomplete resolution of symptoms. Blood cultures ordered 2 months later grewMycobacterium aviumcomplex (MAC) and the patient had an excellent clinical response to MAC therapy. Here, we review the case, including presentation and management, and describe the implications for the immune status of the host and long-term considerations for treatment.
Reconstruction of an obliterated Eustachian tube: transnasal lighted guidewire catheter stenting
Authors: Hsue Victor Bor-Chang , Wong Yu-Tung , Wu Arthur , Tang Dennis
Published: March 2024

An obliterated Eustachian tube (ET) is a rare occurrence that can lead to chronic otitis media (OM) and aural fullness even with treatment. Our study presents a review of the literature on methods of stenting the ET. We additionally present a case of a man with mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the ET who underwent a radical nasal pharyngectomy with reconstruction and adjuvant radiation, and who had symptoms of intolerable otorrhea after tympanostomy tube placement to treat aural fullness and mucoid OM. We used a novel method of stenting the ET using a transnasal lighted guidewire catheter and steroid eluting stents placed along the entire medial ET. Previously described methods in the literature were unable to be used due to the complex middle ear anatomy filled with granulation tissue and the lack of a visible nasopharyngeal ET ostium available for straightforward placement of the stent. The procedure was successful, and postoperatively, the patient experienced decreased otorrhea.
Nodular lesions of the buttock for 20 years: the challenge of chromoblastomycosis in non-endemic settings
Authors: Osborne William , Langman Gerald , Ladoyanni Evmorfia , Chue Amy
Published: March 2024

Chromoblastomycosis is an implantation mycosis of the skin caused by certain species of melanised fungi. A man in his 50s, born in Kerala but living in England for 14 years, presented with a nodular lesion on his left buttock, which had been present for 20 years. Biopsy revealed muriform cells and fungal culture isolatedFonsecaea spp, consistent with a diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis. Treatment with oral terbinafine was initiated and changed to itraconazole based on results of antifungal susceptibility. Drug intolerance and low drug levels of itraconazole necessitated change to voriconazole and topical terbinafine. Despite long-term combined therapy, the lesions worsened, and the patient opted for surgical excision abroad. Recurrence was evident at surgical sites and combined therapy continues. Chromoblastomycosis is an insidious and burdensome neglected tropical disease. Within non-endemic countries, diagnosis remains challenging. A travel history and appropriate fungal investigations are vital.
Persistent bleeding following biopsy of an epidermoid cyst within the parotid gland
Authors: Ren Tianchi , Zhou Kevin
Published: March 2024

Epidermoid cysts are benign lesions most commonly found in the skin but which can arise in many other locations including, very rarely the salivary glands. This rarity often leaves them off standard differential lists and can create a diagnostic dilemma. A patient with an incidentally detected parotid mass on MRI underwent core biopsy, which was unfortunately complicated by formation of a pseudoaneurysm and persistent arterial bleeding requiring coil embolisation. The histology showed only keratinous material and, in retrospect, the signal characteristics of the mass were entirely typical of an epidermoid cyst. Recognition of this common, benign entity in a very rare location can obviate the need for invasive tests and potential complications and direct management to more appropriate imaging follow-up.