bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRGEM: Cellular Reprogramming using mechanism-driven Gene Expression Modulation
Authors: Mahadik Avani , Nitin  , Jose Justin , Singh Vivek
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Regenerative medicine promises a cure for currently incurable diseases and pathological conditions. Its central idea is to leverage healthy cells to regenerate diseased cells, tissues or organs through the process of cellular reprogramming. The most common method to achieve this is by modulating the activity of specific transcription factors. However, the large number of protein-coding genes and transcription factors in humans and their complex interactions poses a challenge in identifying the most suitable ones for modulation. Here, we propose a computational workflow that facilitates the prediction of such transcription factors for achieving desired cellular reprogramming, along with highlighting their mechanistic basis in terms of the gene regulatory network of the target cell type.

Methods

In this paper, we propose a synergistic workflow that leverages existing computational tools: TransSynW, PAGA and SIGNET, a software – Cytoscape and two databases – TRRUST and UniProt. It uses single-cell transcriptome data of the starting and target cell types as inputs. We demonstrate this workflow by predicting suitable transcriptional modulations for reprogramming of human foreskin fibroblasts to oculomotor neurons.

Results

Using the workflow, we hypothesized the core drivers for specific cellular reprogramming along with their functional understanding for experimental applications. The workflow predicted the transcription factors for modulation and provided insight into their differential expression dynamics and influence on the predicted gene regulatory network of the target cells.

Conclusion

Our computational workflow helps extract meaningful predictive and mechanistic insights from high-dimensional biological data, which otherwise is difficult to accomplish from individual tools alone. We believe this workflow can help researchers generate mechanistically founded hypotheses for achieving desired cellular reprogramming as a step towards regenerative medicine.

Highlights

Combine computational tools as workflows to gain predictive and mechanistic insights

The workflow predicts suitable transcription factors for targeted cellular reprogramming

Gain insight into the influence of transcriptional modulation on gene regulatory network

The workflow generates mechanistically founded hypotheses for transcriptional modulation

Rationalized experimental design for targeted cellular reprogramming for regenerative therapies
Conformational landscape of the transcription factor ATF4 is dominated by disordered-mediated inter-domain coupling
Authors: Patel Urval , Siang Steven , Potoyan Davit , Roche Julien
Published: May 2023

Transient intramolecular interactions between transactivation domain and DNA binding domain of transcription factors are known to play important functional roles, including modulation of DNA binding affinity and specificity. Similar type of inter-domain interactions has recently been reported for the transcription factor ATF4/CREB-2, a key regulator of the Integral Stress Response. In the case of ATF4, transient coupling between the transactivation and basic-leucine zipper (bZip) domains regulates the degree of phosphorylation of the disordered transactivation domain achievable by the casein kinase CK2. Despite the crucial importance of these inter-domain interactions, their structural and molecular basis remain ill-determined. In the present study, we use a combination of experimental and computational techniques to determine the precise nature of the long-range contacts established between the transactivation and bZip domains of ATF4 prior to its association with protein partners and DNA. Solution NMR spectroscopy experiments reveal that the isolated bZip domain of ATF4 is predominantly disordered and display evidence of conformational dynamics over a wide range of timescales. These experimental findings are supported by multi-microsecond timescale all-atom molecular simulations that unveil the molecular basis of the long-range interactions between the transactivation and bZip domains of ATF4. We found that inter-domain coupling is primarily driven by disorder-mediated interactions between a leucine-rich region of the transactivation domain and the leucine-zipper region of the bZip domain. This study uncovers the role played by structural disorder in facilitating the formation of long-range intramolecular interactions that shape the conformational ensemble of ATF4 in a critical manner.
Zoledronate reduces loading-induced microdamage in cortical ulna of ovariectomized rats
Authors: Ning Bohao , Londono Irène , Laporte Catherine , Villemure Isabelle
Published: May 2023

As a daily physiological mechanism in bone, microdamage accumulation dissipates energy and helps to prevent fractures. However, excessive damage accumulation might bring adverse effects to bone mechanical properties, which is especially problematic among the osteoporotic and osteopenic patients treated by bisphosphonates. Some pre-clinical studies in the literature applied forelimb loading models to produce well-controlled microdamage in cortical bone. Ovariectomized animals were also extensively studied to assimilate human conditions of estrogen-related bone loss. In the present study, we combined both experimental models to investigate microdamage accumulation in the context of osteopenia and zoledronate treatment. Three-month-old normal and ovariectomized rats treated by saline or zoledronate underwent controlled compressive loading on their right forelimb to createin vivomicrodamage, which was then quantified by barium sulfate contrast-enhanced micro-CT imaging. Weeklyin vivomicro-CT scans were taken to evaluate bone (re)modeling and to capture microstructural changes over time. After sacrifice, three-point-bending tests were performed to assess bone mechanical properties. Results show that the zoledronate treatment can reduce cortical microdamage accumulation in ovariectomized rats, which might be explained by the enhancement of several bone structural properties such as ultimate force, yield force, cortical bone area and volume. The rats showed increased bone formation volume and surface after the generation of microdamage, especially for the normal and the ovariectomized groups. Woven bone formation was also observed in loaded ulnae, which was most significant in ovariectomized rats. Although all the rats showed strong correlations between periosteal bone formation and microdamage accumulation, the correlation levels were lower for the zoledronate-treated groups, potentially because of their lower levels of microdamage. The present study provides insights to further investigations of pharmaceutical treatments for osteoporosis and osteopenia. The same experimental concept can be applied in future studies on microdamage and drug testing.
Conformational Tuning Shapes the Balance between Functional Promiscuity and Specialization in ParalogousPlasmodiumAcyl-CoA Binding Proteins
Authors: Dani Rahul , Pawloski Westley , Chaurasiya Dhruv Kumar , Srilatha Nonavinakere Seetharam , Agarwal Sonal , Fushman David , Naganathan Athi N.
Published: May 2023

Paralogous proteins confer enhanced fitness to organismsviacomplex sequence-conformation codes that shape functional divergence, specialization, or promiscuity. Here, we resolve the underlying mechanism of promiscuous bindingversuspartial sub-functionalization in paralogs by studying structurally-identical Acyl-CoA Binding Proteins (ACBPs) fromPlasmodium falciparumthat serve as promising drug targets due to their high expression during the protozoan proliferative phase. Combining spectroscopic measurements, solution NMR, SPR and simulations on two of the paralogs, A16 and A749, we show that minor sequence differences shape nearly every local and global conformational feature. A749 displays a broader and heterogeneous native ensemble, weaker thermodynamic coupling and cooperativity, enhanced fluctuations, and a larger binding-pocket volume, compared to A16. Site-specific tryptophan probes signal a graded reduction in the sampling of substates in theholoform, which is particularly more apparent in A749, hinting at conformational-selection-like mechanism of binding. The paralogs exhibit a spectrum of binding affinities to different acyl-CoAs with A749, the more promiscuous and hence the likely ancestor, binding 1000-fold stronger to Lauroyl-CoA under physiological conditions. We thus demonstrate how minor sequence changes modulate the extent of long-range interactions and dynamics, effectively contributing to the molecular evolution of contrasting functional repertoires in paralogs.
Persistent hepatitis B virus and HIV coinfections in dually humanized mice engrafted with human liver and immune system
Authors: Hogan Glenn , Winer Benjamin Y. , Ahodantin James , Sellau Julie , Huang Tiffany , Douam Florian , Funaki Masaya , Chiriboga Luis , Su Lishan , Ploss Alexander
Published: May 2023

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB), caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV), remains a major medical problem. HBV has a high propensity for progressing to chronicity and can result in severe liver disease, including fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. CHB patients frequently present with viral coinfection, including HIV and hepatitis delta virus. About 10% of chronic HIV carriers are also persistently infected with HBV which can result in more exacerbated liver disease. Mechanistic studies of HBV-induced immune responses and pathogenesis, which could be significantly influenced by HIV infection, have been hampered by the scarcity of immunocompetent animal models. Here, we demonstrate that humanized mice dually engrafted with components of a human immune system and a human liver supported HBV infection, which was partially controlled by human immune cells, as evidenced by lower levels of serum viremia and HBV replication intermediates in the liver. HBV infection resulted in priming and expansion of human HLA-restricted CD8+ T cells, which acquired an activated phenotype. Notably, our dually humanized mice support persistent coinfections with HBV and HIV which opens opportunities for analyzing immune dysregulation during HBV and HIV coinfection and preclinical testing of novel immunotherapeutics.
Pichia pastorisgrowth - coupled heme biosynthesis analysis using metabolic modelling
Authors: Pentjuss Agris , Bolmanis Emils , Suleiko Anastasija , Didrihsone Elina , Suleiko Arturs , Dubencovs Konstantins , Liepins Janis , Kazaks Andris , Vanags Juris
Published: May 2023

Soy legHemoglobin is one of the most important and key ingredients in plant-based meat substitutes that can imitate the colour and flavour of the meat. In order to improve the high-yield production of legHemoglobin protein and its main component - heme in the yeastPichia pastoris, glycerol and methanol cultivation conditions were studied. Additionally,in-silicometabolic modelling analysis of growth-coupled enzyme quantity, suggests metabolic gene up/down-regulation strategies for heme production. First, cultivations and metabolic modelling analysis ofP. pastoriswere performed on glycerol and methanol in different growth media. Glycerol cultivation uptake and production rates can be increased by 50 % according to metabolic modelling results, but methanol cultivation – is near the theoretical maximum. Growth-coupled metabolic optimisation results revealed the best feasible upregulation (33 reactions) (1.47 % of total reactions) and 67 downregulation/deletion (2.98 % of total) reaction suggestions. Finally, we describe reaction regulation suggestions with the highest potential to increase heme production yields.
Targeted inhibition of SCFSKP2confers anti-tumor activities resulting in a survival benefit in osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Jichuan , Ferrena Alexander , Singh Swapnil , Zhang Ranxin , Viscarret Valentina , Al-Hardan Waleed , Aldahamsheh Osama , Borjihan Hasibagan , Singla Amit , Yaguare Simon , Tingling Janet , Zi Xiaolin , Lo Yungtai , Gorlick Richard , Schwartz Edward L. , Zhao Hongling , Yang Rui , Geller David S. , Zheng Deyou , Hoang Bang H.
Published: May 2023

Osteosarcoma(OS) is a highly aggressive bone cancer for which treatment has remained essentially unchanged for decades. Although OS is characterized by extensive genomic heterogeneity and instability,RB1andTP53have been shown to be the most commonly inactivated tumor suppressors in OS. We previously generated a mouse model with a double knockout (DKO) ofRb1andTrp53within cells of the osteoblastic lineage, which largely recapitulates human OS with nearly complete penetrance. SKP2 is a repression target of pRb and serves as a substrate recruiting subunit of the SCFSKP2complex. In addition, SKP2 plays a central role in regulating the cell cycle by ubiquitinating and promoting the degradation of p27. We previously reported the DKOAA transgenic model, which harbored a knock-in mutation in p27 that impaired its binding to SKP2. Here, we generated a novelp53-Rb1-SKP2triple-knockout model (TKO) to examine SKP2 function and its potential as a therapeutic target in OS. First, we observed that OS tumorigenesis was significantly delayed in TKO mice and their overall survival was markedly improved. In addition, the loss ofSKP2also promoted an apoptotic microenvironment and reduced the stemness of DKO tumors. Furthermore, we found that small-molecule inhibitors of SKP2 exhibited anti-tumor activities in vivo and in OS organoids as well as synergistic effects when combined with a standard chemotherapeutic agent. Taken together, our results suggest that SKP2 inhibitors may reduce the stemness plasticity of OS and should be leveraged as next-generation adjuvants in this cancer.
Tectonic Complex Impedes Diffusion through the Ciliary Transition Zone to Ensure Proper Sorting of Membrane Proteins
Authors: Truong Hanh M. , Cruz-Colón Kevin O. , Martínez-Márquez Jorge Y. , Willer Jason R. , Travis Amanda M. , Biswas Sondip K. , Lo Woo-Kuen , Bolz Hanno J. , Pearring Jillian N.
Published: May 2023

The primary cilium is a signaling organelle with a unique membrane composition maintained by a diffusional barrier residing at the transition zone. Many transition zone proteins, such as the tectonic complex, are linked to preserving ciliary composition; however, whether these proteins regulate active transport or physically impede membrane diffusion remains unknown. To understand tectonic’s role, we generated a photoreceptor specificTctn1knockout mouse. Loss of Tctn1 resulted in an absence of the entire tectonic complex yet had minimal effects on transition zone structure. Interestingly, we found that protein composition of the photoreceptor cilium was disrupted as non-resident membrane proteins accumulated in the cilium over time, ultimately resulting in photoreceptor degeneration. We further show that membrane proteins moved faster through the transition zone illustrating that the tectonic complex acts as a physical barrier to slow diffusion of membrane proteins so they can be properly sorted by ciliary transport carriers.
Use of Epivolve phage display to generate a monoclonal antibody with opsonic activity directed against a subdominant epitope on extracellular loop 4 ofTreponema pallidumBamA (TP0326)
Authors: Ferguson Mary , Delgado Kristina N. , McBride Shannon , Orbe Isabel C. , La Vake Carson J. , Caimano Melissa J. , Mendez Qiana , Moraes Trevor F. , Schryvers Anthony B. , Moody M. Anthony , Radolf Justin D. , Weiner Michael , Hawley Kelly L.
Published: May 2023

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirocheteTreponema pallidum(Tp), is resurging globally. Opsonic antibodies (Abs) targeting surface-exposed epitopes of the spirochete’s outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are believed to promote macrophage-mediated clearance of the bacterium during infection and are presumed to be key to vaccine development.Tp’s repertoire of outer membrane proteins includes BamA (β-barrelassemblymachinery subunitA/TP0326), the central component of the molecular machine that inserts newly exported OMP precursors into the OM lipid bilayer. BamA is a bipartite protein consisting of an 18-stranded β-barrel with nine extracellular loops (ECLs) and five periplasmic POTRA (polypeptidetransport-associated) domains. Antisera directed against BamA ECL4 promote internalization ofTpby rabbit peritoneal macrophages. Herein, we employed a novel two-stage, phage display strategy, termed “Epivolve” (forepitopeevolution), to generate five site-directed murine monoclonal Abs (mAbs) targeting a centrally located peptide (S2) of BamA ECL4. Each of the five mAbs demonstrated reactivity by immunoblotting and ELISA to nanogram amounts of BamA ECL4 displayed by aPyrococcus furiosusthioredoxin (PfTrx) scaffold (PfTrxBamA/ECL4). One mAb containing a unique amino acid sequence in both light and heavy chains showed activity in an opsonophagocytosis assay employing murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. Mice and rabbits hyperimmunized withPfTrxBamA/ECL4produced opsonic antisera that strongly recognized the ECL presented in a heterologous scaffold and overlapping ECL4 peptides including S2. In contrast, Abs generated duringTpinfection of mice and rabbits poorly recognized the peptides, indicating that S2 contains a subdominant epitope. Epivolve, which circumvents the natural immune response, can be utilized for the generation of mAbs that target subdominant opsonic epitopes in ECLs ofTpOMPs.
Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of camptothecin producing novel fungal endophyte -Alternaria burnsiiNCIM 1409
Authors: Natarajan Shakunthala , Pucker Boas , Srivastava Smita
Published: May 2023

Camptothecin is an important anticancer alkaloid produced by particular plant species. No suitable synthetic route has been established for camptothecin production yet, imposing a stress on plant-based production systems. Endophytes associated with these camptothecin-producing plants have been reported to also produce camptothecin and other high-value phytochemicals. A previous study identified a fungal endophyteAlternaria burnsiiNCIM 1409, isolated fromNothapodytes nimmoniana, to be a sustainable producer of camptothecin. Our study provides key insights on camptothecin biosynthesis in this recently discovered endophyte. The whole genome sequence ofAlternaria burnsiiNCIM 1409 was assembled and screened for biosynthetic gene clusters. Comparative studies with related fungi supported the identification of candidate genes involved in camptothecin synthesis and also helped to understand some aspects of the endophyte’s defense against the toxic effects of camptothecin. No evidence for horizontal gene transfer of the camptothecin biosynthetic genes from the host plant to the endophyte was detected suggesting an independent evolution of the camptothecin biosynthesis in this fungus.
SonicParanoid2: fast, accurate, and comprehensive orthology inference with machine learning and language models
Authors: Cosentino Salvatore , Iwasaki Wataru
Published: May 2023

Accurate inference of orthologous genes constitutes a prerequisite for comparative and evolutionary genomics. SonicParanoid is one of the fastest tools for orthology inference; however, its scalability and accuracy have been hampered by time-consuming all-versus-all alignments and the existence of proteins with complex domain architectures. Here, we present a substantial update of Sonicparanoid, where a gradient boosting predictor halves the execution time and a language model doubles the recall. Application to empirical large-scale and standardized benchmark datasets showed that SonicParanoid2 is up to 18X faster than comparable methods and also the most accurate. SonicParanoid2 is available athttps://gitlab.com/salvo981/sonicparanoid2
Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (E)-benzo[d][1,3]dioxole-5-carbaldehyde oxime
Authors: Radhakrishnan Rengaraj , Mustaphi Nour El Hoda , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Mague Joel T. , Thiruvalluvar Aravazhi Amalan
Published: May 2023

The asymmetric unit of the title molecule, C8H7NO3, consists of two molecules differing slightly in conformation and in their intermolecular interactions in the solid. The dihedral angle between the benzene and dioxolane rings is 0.20 (7)° in one molecule and 0.31 (7)° in the other. In the crystal, the two molecules are linked into dimers through pairwise O—H...N hydrogen bonds, with these units being formed into stacks by two different sets of aromatic π-stacking interactions. The stacks are connected by C—H...O hydrogen bonds. A Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most significant contacts in the crystal packing are H...O/O...H (36.7%), H...H (32.2%) and C...H/H...C (12.7%).
Attachment, psychological health and interpersonal functioning: a comparison of clinical and non-clinical groups of people with intellectual disability
Authors: Bateman Lucy , Flood Andrea , Gallichan Deanna Jayne , De Pascalis Leonardo
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Insecure and unresolved attachments have been linked to poorer psychological health and interpersonal functioning for people with intellectual disabilities (IDs), but research in this area is limited, especially for adults. Studies using the Adult Attachment Projective (AAP) have been restricted to clinical samples, where insecure and unresolved attachments are typically more prevalent. The purpose of this study is to compare clinical and non-clinical groups of adults with IDs on the AAP, plus measures of psychological health and interpersonal functioning, to investigate whether group differences found in the typically developing population are also present for adults with IDs.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional, between-group design was used. Adults with IDs (clinical group n = 11 and non-clinical group n = 13) completed measures of attachment, psychological distress/positive well-being and interpersonal functioning. Attachment classifications were compared in the clinical versus non-clinical groups. Measures of psychological distress, positive well-being and interpersonal functioning were compared between those with insecure-organised versus unresolved classifications.

Findings

No participants were classified as secure, and there were high rates of unresolved attachment. There were no differences between clinical and non-clinical groups with regards to the distribution of insecure-organised (i.e. dismissing or preoccupied) versus unresolved classifications. There were no differences between groups with regards to psychological distress, positive well-being or interpersonal functioning. The authors consider limitations in the method of group differentiation and suggest further research to better understand the development of internal working models of attachment in this population.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of only three to examine attachment state of mind in adults with IDs using the AAP and the first to examine differences between clinical and non-clinical groups.
Impact of asymmetric trust on construction project management performance: the mediating role of knowledge sharing
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Li Huimin , Zhang Ruirui , Yin Yilin , Sun Shaonan , Bai Juan , Liu Ruihua
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of asymmetric trust on construction project management performance in China's construction industry. Moreover, the authors explore the mediating role of two types of knowledge sharing (explicit knowledge sharing and tacit knowledge sharing) in explaining the association between asymmetric trust and project management performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model based on the research hypotheses proposed in this study was developed and a questionnaire survey was conducted with 271 professionals. The data collected was analyzed by the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that there is a significant and negative association between asymmetric trust and project management performance. Moreover, two types of knowledge sharing (explicit knowledge sharing and tacit knowledge sharing) have different degrees of impact on improving project management performance. In addition, tacit knowledge sharing is a mediator between asymmetric trust and project management performance.

Research limitations/implications

The data used in this study is from Chinese scenarios, so the research conclusions and application effects based on this are bound to have certain regional limitations. Besides, there are many factors that affect project management performance improving, and the relationships among them are so complex. The theoretical model proposed in this study may not be fully considered. Therefore, follow-up researchers can consider bringing more suitable variables into their researches, so that the theoretical researches can be more in line with the actual project management practice, and the specific mechanism for improving project management performance can be explained more deeply.

Originality/value

This research's value is as follows: Firstly, this paper contributes to the trust and relational governance literature by expanding the research perspective of mutual trust to asymmetric trust. Specially, this research designs a measurement scale for asymmetric trust and then reveals the impact mechanism of it on project management performance, which will certainly promote research paradigm change of trust. Secondly, this research is beneficial to knowledge sharing literature in the construction management field by expanding the research scope of knowledge sharing from a cross-organizational perspective.
The US monetary conditions and Dubai’s real estate market: twist or tango?
Authors: Rashad Ahmed Shoukry , Farghally Mahmoud
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The monetary policy is an important driver of the real estate sector’s performance. The recent wave of monetary tightening in 2022 in response to the cost-of-living crisis has been associated with the decline in housing prices across the globe. There are two main channels through which the US monetary policy may affect the real estate market in the dollar-pegged countries: the cost of serving mortgages (financing cost) and the exchange rate channel (for example, the appreciation of the US dollar and consequently the local currency). The exchange rate channel, which involves the appreciation of the US dollar and the subsequent effect on the local currency, is particularly significant in the case of Dubai, given how international the housing market in Dubai and might be viewed as a tradable good. Using recent data, the purpose of this study to evaluate the spillover impact of the US monetary policy on the housing market performance in the dollar-pegged countries using Dubai as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, this study collected unique longitudinal data on the volume of the monthly transactions of residential properties and performs a panel-data analysis using within-variation models. The changes in the interest rate policy in the USA are determined by the domestic inflation in the USA, thereby, representing an exogenous shock in the UAE.

Findings

The results are robust to different specifications and suggest that a strong negative correlation between the interest rate in the USA and the housing sector demand in Dubai. Fiscal policy measures can be taken to mitigate tighter financial conditions in case of policy misalignment.

Originality/value

Few studies have looked at the spillover impact of the global monetary conditions on the real estate market in the GCC region. This study fills this gap by exploring the impact of the US financial conditions on Dubai’s real estate, using panel data analysis.
Audit committee attributes and Islamic bank risk-taking behavior
Authors: Umar Umar Habibu , Abduh Muhamad , Besar Mohd Hairul Azrin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between audit committee (AC) attributes and the risk-taking behavior of Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used data generated from the annual reports of 43 full-fledged Islamic banks operating in 15 countries between 2010 and 2020.

Findings

The findings indicate that AC size, AC independence and the proportion of AC members from foreign countries have a significant negative relationship with the risk-taking of Islamic banks. However, AC meetings, AC gender diversity and the proportion of AC members with doctorate degrees have insignificantly influenced the risk-taking of Islamic banks.

Research limitations/implications

The study used only six AC attributes out of corporate governance mechanisms likely to affect the insolvency risk of full-fledged Islamic banks between 2010 and 2020.

Practical implications

The study sheds light on the effects of AC attributes on the risk-taking of Islamic banks. The findings could allow policymakers and regulators to provide policies and regulations that could improve AC’s oversight role in constraining Islamic banks from excessive risk-taking. Besides, this study can guide the board of directors in appointing AC members who can prevent Islamic banks from taking excessive risks.

Originality/value

This study provides clear and adequate empirical evidence showing how key audit committee attributes influence the risk-taking behavior of full-fledged Islamic banks.
Feeling present matters: effects of social presence on live-streaming workout courses’ purchase intention
Authors: Hou Jiayi , Han Boya , Chen Long , Zhang Ke
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to test the effects of social presence (SP) and other related factors, including trust, self-construal and brand familiarity, in affecting consumers’ purchase intention of live-streaming workout courses.

Design/methodology/approach

Three between-subjects, Web-based experimental studies were conducted. There were separately 108, 208 and 284 valid questionnaires collected in the three studies. Moderation and mediation analyses were performed to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

Users’ sense of SP when watching live-streaming courses positively affects their willingness to purchase courses, and users’ sense of trust plays a mediating role in the influence of users’ SP on their purchase intention. In addition, when users belong to dependent self-construal rather than independent self-construal, their trust in live-streaming courses plays a stronger mediating role in the influence of users’ SP on their purchase intentions. What is more, when users have high brand familiarity rather than low brand familiarity, their trust in online live-streaming plays a stronger mediating role in the influence of users’ SP on their purchase intentions.

Originality/value

This research delineates the effects of SP on the consumption of live-streaming courses, thus further adding to the understanding of the role of real-time interaction in determining consumer behavior. It also highlights the roles of self-construal and brand familiarity as mediating influences on the relationship between SP and consumer trust.
The interplay between physical and social servicescape: investigating negative CCI
Authors: Furrer Olivier , Landry Mikèle , Baillod Chloé , Yu Kerguignas Jie
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Negative customer-to-customer interactions (NCCI) occurring in physical service encounters can have a detrimental effect on a focal customer’s experience. This paper aims to explore how the interplay between the physical servicescape and the presence and behavior of other customers can lead to NCCI. Moreover, through an examination of customers’ responsibility attribution, the paper underlines the need for service organizations to manage this interplay.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors rely on a mixed approach with two studies grounded in the Stimulus–Organism–Response paradigm. In a preliminary quantitative study, the authors test a model of the effects of NCCI on customers’ attribution and behavioral outcomes using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Next, in a qualitative study, they collect and explore NCCI incidents in eight service industries relying on the critical incident technique (CIT).

Findings

When experiencing NCCI, customers attribute at least partial responsibility for their negative experience to the service provider. The findings of the CIT study reveal three interplay mechanisms leading to NCCI: when other customers’ behavior is triggered by the physical servicescape; when other customers’ behavior is incongruent with the behavioral norms set by the physical servicescape; and when the physical servicescape is altered by other customers’ misbehavior.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive, empirically grounded, understanding of the interplay between the physical and social servicescape, focusing on the presence and behavior of the other customers and its effect on the customer experience.
A real-time approach for failure detection in material extrusion process based on artificial neural network
Authors: Pan Wanbin , Jiang Hongyi , Wang Shufang , Lu Wen Feng , Cao Weijuan , Weng Zhenlei
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to detect the printing failures (such as warpage and collapse) in material extrusion (MEX) process effectively and timely to reduce the waste of printing time, energy and material.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is designed based on the frequently observed fact that printing failures are accompanied by abnormal material phenomena occurring close to the nozzle. To effectively and timely capture the phenomena near the nozzle, a camera is delicately installed on a typical MEX printer. Then, aided by the captured phenomena (images), a smart printing failure predictor is built based on the artificial neural network (ANN). Finally, based on the predictor, the printing failures, as well as their types, can be effectively detected from the images captured by the camera in real-time.

Findings

Experiments show that printing failures can be detected timely with an accuracy of more than 98% on average. Comparisons in methodology demonstrate that this approach has advantages in real-time printing failure detection in MEX.

Originality/value

A novel real-time approach for failure detection is proposed based on ANN. The following characteristics make the approach have a great potential to be implemented easily and widely: (1) the scheme designed to capture the phenomena near the nozzle is simple, low-cost, and effective; and (2) the predictor can be conveniently extended to detect more types of failures by using more abnormal material phenomena that are occurring close to the nozzle.
A cross‐sectional study examining the prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant Cutibacterium acnes isolated from patients with acne in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Sermswan Peerada , Sriharat Rakwaree , Saithong Supichcha , Laowansiri Matchima , Amornruk Nutchaya , Chiewchengchol Direkrit , Noppakun Nopadon , Asawanonda Pravit , Chatsuwan Tanittha , Kumtornrut Chanat
Published: May 2023

Cutibacterium acnes is associated with the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris (AV). The relationship between antibiotic‐resistant C. acnes and AV remains unclear. The authors aimed to determine the prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant C. acnes and investigate the association of acne severity with topical and systemic treatments in patients with acne. Samples were collected of inflammatory and noninflammatory acne, including closed and open comedones and erythematous papules/pustules from the face of patients with mild to severe acne. The samples were cultured under anaerobic conditions for the isolation of C. acnes. Antibiotic susceptibility tests for erythromycin, tetracycline, doxycycline, clindamycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were performed using the agar dilution method. From 153 patients, 143 viable C. acnes samples were isolated (93.5%). They were found resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (143/143, 100%), clindamycin (108/143, 75.5%), erythromycin (105/143, 73.4%), tetracycline (74/143, 51.7%), and doxycycline (73/143, 51.1%). There was no significant correlation between the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and acne severity. High‐level resistant C. acnes correlated with higher clinical severity of acne in patients taking doxycycline (τb = 0.3). The present prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant C. acnes was high in Thailand. Antibiotic stewardship in AV treatment should be encouraged to prevent further antibiotic resistance crises.
Bryophyte assembly rules across scales
Authors: Monteiro Juliana , Vieira Cristiana , Branquinho Cristina
Published: May 2023

Understanding how species assemble into communities is a central issue in community ecology. So far, most studies have focused on the assembly mechanisms of vascular plant communities, while the role of deterministic (environmental filtering and biotic interactions) and stochastic (e.g. dispersal limitation) processes structuring bryophyte assemblages remains poorly understood.

To evaluate how different assembly processes shape bryophyte communities in mountain streams, we examined functional trait patterns across spatial scales and along environmental gradients. To do so, we sampled 754 microhabitat plots (0.25 m2) nested within 165 sites (100‐m long stream segments) and 13 sub‐basins, located in the northwest and central‐west of Portugal. At each spatial scale, observed functional diversity indices (Functional Richness and Rao's quadratic entropy) were compared to random expectations derived from null models, followed by the analysis of changes in functional trait patterns along environmental gradients by fitting a series of generalized additive mixed models.

At local scales (site and microhabitat plot), coexisting species tended to be more functionally similar than expected, suggesting the prevalence of environmental filtering effects. In contrast, no significant deviations from random expectations were detected at the broadest spatial scale (sub‐basin), indicating the prevalence of stochastic processes. We found contrasting assembly processes along environmental gradients: environmental filtering prevailed in stressful environments, while competitive interactions were more important in favourable conditions.

Synthesis. Our results highlight the role of environmental filtering in bryophyte community assembly at fine spatial scales, emphasizing the importance of measuring environmental conditions at the same spatial scales where biotic interactions take place. In line with the stress‐dominance hypothesis, the relative importance of environmental filtering increased with abiotic stress. Thus, analysing functional trait patterns across different spatial scales and environmental gradients may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying community assembly.
Massive platelet‐rich thrombus formation in small pulmonary vessels in amniotic fluid embolism: An autopsy study
Authors: Yamashita Atsushi , Oda Tomoaki , Aman Murasaki , Wakasa Tomoko , Gi Toshihiro , Ide Rui , Todo Yusuke , Tamura Naoaki , Sato Yuichiro , Itoh Hiroaki , Asada Yujiro
Published: May 2023

Objective

To identify pulmonary/uterine thrombus formation in amniotic fluid embolism (AFE).

Design

Retrospective, observational.

Setting

Nationwide.

Population

Eleven autopsy cases of AFE and control cases.

Methods

We assessed pulmonary and uterine thrombus formation and thrombus area in AFE and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) as a control. The area of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, fibrin, neutrophil elastase, citrullinated histone H3 (a neutrophil extracellular trap marker) and mast cell chymase immunopositivity was measured in 90 pulmonary emboli, 15 uterine thrombi and 14 PTE.

Main outcome measures

Pathological evidence of thrombus formation and its components in AFE.

Results

Amniotic fluid embolism lung showed massive thrombus formation, with or without amniotic emboli in small pulmonary arteries and capillaries. The median pulmonary thrombus size in AFE (median, 0.012 mm2; P < 0.0001) was significantly smaller than that of uterine thrombus in AFE (0.61 mm2) or PTE (29 mm2). The median area of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa immunopositivity in pulmonary thrombi in AFE (39%; P < 0.01) was significantly larger than that of uterine thrombi in AFE (23%) and PTE (15%). The median area of fibrin (0%; P < 0.001) and citrullinated histone H3 (0%; P < 0.01) immunopositivity in pulmonary thrombi in AFE was significantly smaller than in uterine thrombi (fibrin: 26%; citrullinated histone H3: 1.1%) and PTE (fibrin: 42%; citrullinated histone H3: 0.4%). No mast cells were identified in pulmonary thrombi.

Conclusions

Amniotic fluid may induce distinct thrombus formation in the uterus and lung. Pulmonary and uterine thrombi formation may contribute to cardiorespiratory collapse and/or consumptive coagulopathy in AFE.
Evolving swabbing practices for COVID‐19 in a New Zealand emergency department during the early stages of an emerging pandemic
Authors: Randle Jennifer , Rogan Alice , Lockett Jessica , McLeod Melissa , Balm Michelle , Peckler Brad
Published: May 2023

Objective

To review if tests for suspected COVID‐19 were performed according to the Ministry of Health (MoH) case definitions, identify patterns associated with testing outside of the case definition, and discuss the potential impacts on hospital services.

Methods

This was a retrospective audit of patients presenting to the Wellington Hospital ED between 24 March 2020 and 27 April 2020 who were swabbed for COVID‐19 in ED. Swabs were audited against the March 15th and April 8th MoH COVID‐19 case definitions.

Results

Five hundred and thirty‐six COVID‐19 swabs for 518 patients were taken during the study period. There was poor alignment of testing with the March 15th case definition, with only 11.6% of the 164 swabs taken during this period meeting the case definition. Of the 145 swabs that did not meet the case definition, the majority (n = 119, 82.1%) met symptom criteria only. Alignment of testing with the wider April 8th case definition was much higher with 88.2% meeting criteria. Factors associated with being swabbed despite not meeting the case definitions included fever >38°, a diagnosis of cancer, subsequent hospital admission, and for the March case definition only ‘contact with a traveller’.

Conclusion

There were associations found between testing outside of criteria and specific variables potentially perceived as high‐risk. Poor alignment of testing with case definitions can impact hospital services through the (mis)use of limited laboratory testing capacity and implications for resource management. Improved communication and feedback between clinicians and policymakers may improve case definition implementation in a clinical setting.
SiPhyNetwork: An R package for simulating phylogenetic networks
Authors: Justison Joshua A. , Solis‐Lemus Claudia , Heath Tracy A.
Published: May 2023

Gene flow is increasingly recognized as an important macroevolutionary process. The many mechanisms that contribute to gene flow (e.g. introgression, hybridization, lateral gene transfer) uniquely affect the diversification of dynamics of species, making it important to be able to account for these idiosyncrasies when constructing phylogenetic models. Existing phylogenetic‐network simulators for macroevolution are limited in the ways they model gene flow.

We present SiPhyNetwork, an R package for simulating phylogenetic networks under a birth–death‐hybridization process.

Our package unifies the existing birth–death‐hybridization models while also extending the toolkit for modelling gene flow. This tool can create patterns of reticulation such as hybridization, lateral gene transfer, and introgression.

Specifically, we model different reticulate events by allowing events to either add, remove or keep constant the number of lineages. Additionally, we allow reticulation events to be trait dependent, creating the ability to model the expanse of isolating mechanisms that prevent gene flow. This tool makes it possible for researchers to model many of the complex biological factors associated with gene flow in a phylogenetic context.
Standardized blood volume changes monitored by capnodynamic hemodynamic variables: An experimental comparative study in pigs
Authors: Karlsson Jacob , Hallbäck Magnus , Svedmyr Anders , Lönnqvist Per‐Arne , Wallin Mats
Published: May 2023

Background

The capnodynamic method, based on Volumetric capnography and differential Fick mathematics, assess cardiac output in mechanically ventilated subjects. Capnodynamic and established hemodynamic monitoring parameters' capability to depict alterations in blood volume were investigated in a model of standardized hemorrhage, followed by crystalloid and blood transfusion.

Methods

Ten anesthetized piglets were subjected to controlled hemorrhage (450 mL), followed by isovolemic crystalloid bolus and blood re‐transfusion. Intravascular blood volume, and all hemodynamic variables, were determined twice after each intervention. The investigated hemodynamic variables were: cardiac output and stroke volume for capnodynamics and pulse contour analysis, respectively, pulse pressure and stroke volume variability and mean arterial pressure. One‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test for multiple comparisons were used to identify significant changes. Trending was assessed by correlation and concordance.

Result

Concordance against intravascular volume changes for capnodynamic cardiac output and stroke volume were 96 and 94%, with correlations r = .78 and .68, (p < .0001) with significant changes for 6 and 5 of the 6 measuring points, respectively. Mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure variation had a concordance of 85% and 87%, r = .67 (p < .0001) and r = −.45 (p < .0001), respectively, and both changed significantly for 3 of 6 measuring points. Pulse contour stroke volume variation, stroke volume and cardiac output, showed concordance and correlation of 76%, r = −.18 (p = .11), 63%, r = .28 (p = .01) and 50%, r = .31 (p = .007), respectively and significant change for 1, 1 and 0 of the measuring points, respectively.

Conclusion

Capnodynamic cardiac output and stroke volume did best depict the changes in intravascular blood volume. Pulse contour parameters did not follow volume changes in a reliable way.
Erythropoietin to treat anaemia in critical care patients: a multicentre feasibility study
Authors: Léger M. , Auchabie J. , Ferrandière M. , Parot‐Schinkel E. , Campfort M. , Rineau E. , Lasocki S.
Published: May 2023

Anaemia is common and associated with poor outcomes during and after critical illness. The use of erythropoietin to treat such anaemia is controversial with older studies showing mixed results. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of performing a large multicentre randomised controlled trial of erythropoietin in this setting. We randomly allocated patients staying in the ICU for ≥ 72 h with haemoglobin ≤ 120 g.l‐1 to either a weekly injection of erythropoietin (40,000 iu, maximum of five injections) or placebo (saline). The primary endpoint was feasibility (as measured by recruitment, randomisation and follow‐up rates, and protocol compliance). Secondary endpoints included biological efficacy and clinical outcomes. Forty‐two participants were recruited and randomly allocated, all participants received the allocated intervention, but one withdrew their consent and refused the use of their data, leaving 20 in the erythropoietin group and 21 in placebo group. Follow‐up was completed for all patients who survived. The overall recruitment rate was 73.7% with 8.4 participants recruited on average per month. The last haemoglobin measured before hospital discharge (or death) was similar between the groups with a mean (SD) haemoglobin of 107 (21) vs. 95 (25) g.l‐1, mean difference (95%CI) 11 (‐4–26), g.l‐1, p = 0.154. A large, multicentre randomised controlled trial of erythropoietin to treat anaemia in ICU patients is feasible and necessary to determine effects of erythropoietin on mortality in ICU anaemic patients.