bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Term Weight Loss and Comorbidity Resolution of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy and Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and the Impact of Preoperative Weight Loss on Overall Outcome
Authors: Lucocq James , Homyer Kate , Geropoulos Georgios , Thakur Vikram , Stansfield Daniel , Joyce Brian , Drummond Gillian , Tulloh Bruce , de Beaux Andrew , Lamb Peter J. , Robertson Andrew G.
Published: August 2024

Background:

The impact of preoperative weight loss on long-term weight loss outcomes and comorbidity resolution in both laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) are poorly reported. Understanding this relationship is necessary to guide surgeons toward appropriate procedure and patient selection. The present study investigates long-term weight loss outcomes and comorbidity resolution following LSG and LRYGB and investigates the effect of preoperative variables on long-term outcomes.

Methods:

All patients who underwent LSG and LRYGB (2008-2022) in a tertiary referral centre were followed up prospectively. From 2010, a 12-week intensive preoperative information course (IPIC) became standard practice to optimize preoperative weight loss. Excess weight loss outcomes (EWL≥50% and ≥70%) were compared between LSG and LRYGB using multivariate logistic regression and the effect of preoperative weight loss on weight loss and comorbidity resolution, improvement, and exacerbation were reported.

Results:

A total of 319 patients (median age: 49 y; M:F, 75:244) were included (158 LSG: 161 LRYGB). During follow-up, 260 (81.5%) and 163 patients (51.1%) achieved EWL≥50% and ≥70%, respectively. Those with sustained EWL≥50% and EWL≥70% at the end of follow-up were more likely to have underwent a LRYGB versus a LSG (59.6% vs. 40.4%, P=0.002; 61.7% vs. 38.3%, P<0.001). IPIC and higher preoperative weight loss (HR: 2.59 to 3.72, P<0.001) increased rates of EWL≥50% and EWL70% for both procedures. Improvement or resolution of type-2 diabetes were significant (72.7%), but up to 27.3% of patients developed or suffered an exacerbation of a psychiatric illness.

Conclusions:

Excess weight loss outcomes are similar for LSG and LRYGB but LRYGB results in higher rates of sustained excess weight loss during long-term follow-up. Preoperative weight loss improves long-term weight loss. Comorbidity resolution is significant but rates of psychiatric illness exacerbation are high following metabolic and bariatric surgery.
Self-actualization of families with a cerebrovascular disease patient by nurses, and of self-actualization of nurses themselves: An integrative review based on Family Care/Caring Theory
Authors: Ota Hiroko , Hohashi Naohiro
Published: August 2024

Background and purpose

When caring for patients hospitalized with cerebrovascular disease, a caring phenomenon occurs between the patient’s family and the nurse, and according to Hohashi’s Family Care/Caring Theory, the family and the nurse achieve self-actualization. However, the contents of self-actualization through specific care/caring are unclear. The purpose of this integrative review was to clarify the self-actualization of the nurse as an outcome of family care/caring, and the self-actualization of other individuals (that is, the family) who are supported by nurses.

Methods

Conducting a search using Ichushi-Web, CiNii and J-STAGE, which are extensive Japanese literature databases, 1,061 original articles were identified using the keywords “cerebrovascular disease AND nurse.” The quality of the articles was assessed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. We conducted an integrative review of 11 articles describing transactions between nurses and families according to Toronto and Remington. Self-actualization of the nurse and self-actualization of other individuals were classified as subcategories and then as categories.

Results

Of the 11 studies utilized, 10 were qualitative studies and one was a quantitative descriptive study. Eight categories were identified for self-actualization of families with a cerebrovascular patient by nurses, including “Families can realize their hopes through the provision of an environment by nurses.” Three categories of self-actualization of the nurse were identified, including “Nurses can obtain a sense of satisfaction from the family.”

Conclusion

During the recovery process after hospitalization for cerebrovascular disease, a caring phenomenon occurs between the patient’s family and nurses, which can be understood using Family Care/Caring Theory. The family’s self-actualization and the nurse’s self-actualization were achieved through reciprocal concern between the two.
The impact of urban vs rural environments on driving in ageing
Authors: Morrissey Sol , Jeffs Stephen , Gillings Rachel , Khondoker Mizanur , Fisher-Morris Mary , Manley Ed , Hornberger Michael
Published: August 2024

Background and objectives

Older rural drivers are more dependent on driving than urban drivers to maintain community mobility due to reduced availability of transportation alternatives. Yet it is not understood how cognition impacts driving mobility and road safety across urban vs rural settings. The present study therefore aimed to establish whether cognitive changes impacted driving mobility and road safety differently across rural and urban older drivers.

Research Design and Methods

969 older drivers (mean age: 71.01) were recruited for a prospective cohort study. Participants completed self-reported driving behaviour and road traffic incident (RTI) history questionnaires before completing an objective cognitive testing battery to establish global cognitive functioning; and were invited back to repeat the study procedure one-year later.

Results

We find that older rural drivers have a greater driving mobility than older urban drivers and are less likely to reduce their driving mobility over time, as only urban residents with cognitive decline reduced their driving space. We further corroborate previous findings that RTI incidence is greater within urban areas and establish a distinct association between worse cognitive functioning and RTI risk solely in urban residents.

Discussion and implications

Overall, we show for the first time how the interaction of age-related cognitive changes with geographical settings impact driving mobility and road safety in urban and rural areas. This paves the way for informed policymaking and future research directions to navigate driving cessation and improved road safety in ageing.
Early Initiation of Fast-Track Care for Persons Living with HIV Initiating Dolutegravir-Based Regimens during a Period of Severe Civil Unrest in Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Authors: Marc Jean Bernard , Pierre Samuel , Ducatel Othnia , Homeus Fabienne , Zion Abigail , Rivera Vanessa R. , Dorvil Nancy , Severe Patrice , Guiteau Colette , Rouzier Vanessa , Katz Ingrid T. , Duchatelier Carl Frederic , Louis Forestal Guyrlaine Pierre , Jean Josette , Bernadin Guirlaine , Dumont Emelyne Droit , Riche Rose Cardelle B. , Pape Jean William , Koenig Serena P
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Differentiated service delivery (DSD) models have been widely implemented for patients who are established in HIV care. However, DSD has rarely been offered to those newly diagnosed with HIV. We conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of early fast-track care during the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of severe civil unrest at GHESKIO, in Haiti.

Methods

We conducted a pilot randomized trial among adults presenting with World Health Organization Stage 1 or 2 disease at HIV diagnosis to determine whether early fast-track care (at eight to 12 weeks after same-day HIV testing and ART initiation) was associated with superior outcomes, compared with standard care (deferred eligibility for fast-track care). All participants received tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine/dolutegravir (TLD), and HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL was required prior to initiating fast-track care. The primary outcome was 48-week HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL, with intention-to-treat analysis.

Results

From December 13, 2020, to August 19, 2022, 247 participants were randomized; 2 met protocol-specified criteria for late exclusions, leaving a study population of 245 (standard: 116; early fast-track: 129). All participants initiated TLD on the day of HIV diagnosis. In the standard group, 2 (1.7%) died, 106 (91.4%) were retained in care, and 78 (67.2%) received 48-week viral load testing; 66 (84.6% of those tested; 56.9% of those randomized) had HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL. In the early fast-track group, 1 (0.8%) died, 112 (86.8%) were retained in care, and 87 (67.4%) received 48-week viral load testing; 79 (90.8% of those tested; 61.2% of those randomized) had 48-week HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL. There was no difference in primary outcome (48-week HIV-1 RNA <200 copies/mL) between the early fast-track and standard groups (61.2% vs. 56.9%; RD: 0.043; 95% CI: -0.080, 0.167).

Conclusions

The provision of fast-track care as early as 8 weeks after TLD initiation is associated with high levels of retention in care and viral suppression in a setting of severe civil unrest, with no difference in outcome compared to deferred eligibility for fast-track care. Completion of 48-week viral load testing was suboptimal; low-cost point-of-care testing capacity may facilitate completion of viral load testing in this setting.
Analysis of Stochastic COVID-19 and Hepatitis B Co-infection Model with Brownian and Lévy Noise
Authors: Pobbi Michael A. , Moore Stephen E.
Published: August 2024

In this article, we formulate and analyze a mathematical model for the coinfection of HBV and COVID-19 that incorporates the effects of Brownian and Lévi noise. We studied the dynamics and effects of these diseases in a given population. First, we establish the basic reproduction number of the disease-free equilibrium point of the stochastic model by means of a suitable Lyapunov function. Additionally, we provided sufficient conditions for the stability of the model around the disease-free equilibrium points. Finally, using a few simulation studies, we demonstrate our theoretical results. In particularly, we derived threshold values for HBV only, COVID-19 only,, and coinfectionfor the stochastic model around disease-free equilibrium point. Next, the conditions for stability in the stochastic sense for HBV only, COVID-19 only submodels, and the full model are established. Furthermore, we devote our concentrated attention to sufficient conditions for extinction and persistence using each of these reproductive numbers. Finally, by using the Euler–Murayama scheme, we demonstrate the dynamics of the coinfection by means of numerical simulations.
An atlas of genetic effects on the monocyte methylome across European and African populations
Authors: Zhang Wanheng , Zhang Xiao , Qiu Chuan , Zhang Zichen , Su Kuan-Jui , Luo Zhe , Liu Minghui , Zhao Bingxin , Wu Lang , Tian Qing , Shen Hui , Wu Chong , Deng Hong-Wen
Published: August 2024

Elucidating the genetic architecture of DNA methylation is crucial for decoding complex disease etiology. However, current epigenomic studies are often limited by incomplete methylation coverage and heterogeneous tissue samples. Here, we present the first comprehensive, multi-ancestry human methylome atlas of purified human monocytes, generated through integrated whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and whole-genome sequencing from 298 European Americans (EA) and 160 African Americans (AA). By analyzing over 25 million methylation sites, we identified 1,383,250 and 1,721,167 methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTLs) incis-regions for EA and AA populations, respectively, revealing both shared (880,108 sites) and population-specific regulatory patterns. Furthermore, we developed population-specific DNAm imputation models, enabling methylome-wide association studies (MWAS) for 1,976,046 and 2,657,581 methylation sites in EA and AA, respectively. These models were validated through multi-ancestry analysis of 41 complex traits from the Million Veteran Program. The identified meQTLs, MWAS models, and data resources are freely available atwww.gcbhub.organdhttps://osf.io/gct57/.
Structural variants linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and other common age-related clinical and neuropathologic traits
Authors: Vialle Ricardo A , de Paiva Lopes Katia , Li Yan , Ng Bernard , Schneider Julie A , Buchman Aron S , Wang Yanling , Farfel Jose M , Barnes Lisa L , Wingo Aliza P , Wingo Thomas S , Seyfried Nicholas T , De Jager Philip L , Gaiteri Chris , Tasaki Shinya , Bennett David A
Published: August 2024

Advances have led to a greater understanding of the genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, the gap between the predicted and observed genetic heritability estimates when using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and small indel data remains. Large genomic rearrangements, known as structural variants (SVs), have the potential to account for this missing genetic heritability. By leveraging data from two ongoing cohort studies of aging and dementia, the Religious Orders Study and Rush Memory and Aging Project (ROS/MAP), we performed genome-wide association analysis testing around 20,000 common SVs from 1,088 participants with whole genome sequencing (WGS) data. A range of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (AD/ADRD) clinical and pathologic traits were examined. Given the limited sample size, no genome-wide significant association was found, but we mapped SVs across 81 AD risk loci and discovered 22 SVs in linkage disequilibrium (LD) with GWAS lead variants and directly associated with AD/ADRD phenotypes (nominalP< 0.05). The strongest association was a deletion of anAluelement in the 3’UTR of theTMEM106Bgene. This SV was in high LD with the respective AD GWAS locus and was associated with multiple AD/ADRD phenotypes, including tangle density, TDP-43, and cognitive resilience. The deletion of this element was also linked to lower TMEM106B protein abundance. We also found a 22 kb deletion associated with depression in ROSMAP and bearing similar association patterns as AD GWAS SNPs at theIQCKlocus. In addition, genome-wide scans allowed the identification of 7 SVs, with no LD with SNPs and nominally associated with AD/ADRD traits. This result suggests potentially new ADRD risk loci not discoverable using SNP data. Among these findings, we highlight a 5.6 kb duplication of coding regions of the geneC1orf186at chromosome 1 associated with indices of cognitive impairment, decline, and resilience. While further replication in independent datasets is needed to validate these findings, our results support the potential roles of common structural variations in the pathogenesis of AD/ADRD.
How does policy modelling work in practice? A global analysis on the use of epidemiological modelling in health crises
Authors: Hadley Liza , Rich Caylyn , Tasker Alex , Restif Olivier , Funk Sebastian
Published: August 2024

This study examines the use of epidemiological modelling to policymakers in Covid-19 outbreak response. Prior to Covid-19, there was little readiness of global health systems and many science-policy networks were assembled ad-hoc. Moreover, in the field of epidemiological modelling, one with significant sudden influence, there is still no international guidance or standard of practice on how modelled evidence should guide policy during major health crises. Here we use a multi-country case study on the use of epidemiological modelling in emergency Covid-19 response, to examine the effective organisation of crisis science-and-policy at different scales. We investigate Covid-19 modelling-policy systems and practices in 13 different countries, spanning all six UN geographic regions. Data collection takes the form of expert interviews with a range of national decision makers, scientific advisors, and modellers. We examine the use and organisation of modelling in health policy on a global scale, introducing a classification framework for modelling-policy systems and recommendations for future practice. Full analysis and interpretation of the breadth of interview responses is presented, providing evidence for the current and future use of modelling in health crises. We argue that long-standing relationships are fundamental to effective science-to-policy pathways and outline activities that scientists and policy actors could action in their own countries. This article serves as a first evidence base for the current use of modelling in a recent major health crisis.
Selecting sites for strategic surveillance of zoonotic pathogens: a case study in Panamá
Authors: Cobos Marlon E. , Dunnum Jonathan L. , Armién Blas , González Publio , Juárez Enós , Salazar Jacqueline R. , Cook Joseph A. , Colella Jocelyn P.
Published: August 2024

Surveillance and monitoring of zoonotic pathogens is key to identifying and mitigating emerging public health threats. Surveillance is often designed to be taxonomically targeted or systematically dispersed across geography, however, those approaches may not represent the breadth of environments inhabited by a host, vector, or pathogen, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of pathogen dynamics in their natural reservoirs and environments. As a case study on the design of pathogen surveillance programs, we assess how well 20 years of small mammal surveys in Panamá have sampled available environments and propose a multistep approach to selecting survey localities in the future. We use >8,000 georeferenced mammal specimen records, collected as part of a long-term hantavirus surveillance program, to test the completeness of country-wide environmental sampling. Despite 20 years of surveillance, our analyses identified a few key environmental sampling gaps. To refine surveillance strategies, we selected a series of core historically sampled localities, supplemented with additional environmentally distinct sites to more completely represent Panama’s environments. Based on lessons learned through decades of surveillance, we propose a series of recommendations to improve strategic sampling for zoonotic pathogen surveillance.
Aerolysin nanopore structure revealed at high resolution in lipid environment
Authors: Anton Jana S. , Iacovache Ioan , Juarez Juan F. Bada , Abriata Luciano A. , Perrin Louis W. , Cao Chan , Marcaida Maria J. , Zuber Benoit , Peraro Matteo Dal
Published: August 2024

Aerolysin is a β-pore-forming toxin produced by mostAeromonasbacteria which has attracted large attention in the field of nanopore sensing due to its narrow and charged pore lumen. Structurally similar proteins, belonging to the aerolysin-like family, are present throughout all kingdoms of life, but very few of them have been structurally characterized in a lipid environment. Here we present the first high-resolution atomic cryo-EM structures of aerolysin pre-pore and pore in a membrane-like environment. These structures allow the identification of key interactions, which are relevant for the pore formation and for positioning the pore barrel into the membrane with the anchoring β-turn motif now finally observed. Moreover, we elucidate at high resolution the architecture of key mutations and precisely identify four constriction rings in the pore lumen that are highly relevant for nanopore sensing experiments.
Identification ofCNTN2as a genetic modifier of PIGA-CDG through pedigree analysis of a family with incomplete penetrance and functional testing inDrosophila
Authors: Thorpe Holly J. , Pedersen Brent S. , Dietze Miranda , Link Nichole , Quinlan Aaron R. , Bonkowsky Joshua L. , Thomas Ashley , Chow Clement Y.
Published: August 2024

Loss of function mutations in the X-linkedPIGAgene lead to PIGA-CDG, an ultra-rare congenital disorder of glycosylation (CDG), typically presenting with seizures, hypotonia, and neurodevelopmental delay. We identified two brothers (probands) with PIGA-CDG, presenting with epilepsy and mild developmental delay. Both probands carryPIGAS132C, an ultra-rare variant predicted to be damaging. Strikingly, the maternal grandfather and a great-uncle also carryPIGAS132C, but neither presents with symptoms associated with PIGA-CDG. We hypothesized genetic modifiers may contribute to this reduced penetrance. Using whole genome sequencing and pedigree analysis, we identified possible susceptibility variants found in the probands and not in carriers and possible protective variants found in the carriers and not in the probands. Candidate variants included heterozygous, damaging variants in three genes also involved directly in GPI-anchor biosynthesis and a few genes involved in other glycosylation pathways or encoding GPI-anchored proteins. We functionally tested the predicted modifiers using aDrosophilaeye-based model of PIGA-CDG. We found that loss ofCNTN2, a predicted protective modifier, rescues loss ofPIGAinDrosophilaeye-based model, like what we predict in the family. Further testing found that loss ofCNTN2also rescues patient-relevant phenotypes, including seizures and climbing defects inDrosophilaneurological models of PIGA-CDG. By using pedigree information, genome sequencing, andin vivotesting, we identifiedCNTN2as a strong candidate modifier that could explain the incomplete penetrance in this family. Identifying and studying rare disease modifier genes in human pedigrees may lead to pathways and targets that may be developed into therapies.
Altering translation allowsE. colito overcome chemically stabilized G-quadruplexes
Authors: Cueny Rachel R , Voter Andrew F , McKenzie Aidan M , Morgenstern Marcel , Myers Kevin S , Place Michael M , Peters Jason M. , Coon Joshua J , Keck James L
Published: August 2024

G-quadruplex (G4) structures can form in guanine-rich DNA or RNA and have been found to modulate cellular processes including replication, transcription, and translation. Many studies on the cellular roles of G4s have focused on eukaryotic systems, with far fewer probing bacterial G4s. Using a chemical-genetic approach, we identified genes inEscherichia colithat are important for growth in G4-stabilizing conditions. Reducing levels of elongation factor Tu or slowing translation elongation with chloramphenicol suppress the effects of G4 stabilization. In contrast, reducing expression of certain translation termination or ribosome recycling proteins is detrimental to growth in G4-stabilizing conditions. Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses demonstrate that ribosome assembly factors and other proteins involved in translation are less abundant in G4-stabilizing conditions. Our integrated systems approach allowed us to propose a model for how RNA G4s can present barriers toE. coligrowth and that reducing the rate of translation can compensate for G4-related stress.
Human MeCP2 binds to promoters and inhibits transcription in an unmethylated S. cerevisiae genome
Authors: Howe LeAnn J. , Brown Joshua A. R. , Ausio Juan , Ling Maggie Y.M.
Published: August 2024

MeCP2 is a DNA-binding transcriptional regulator that is present at near-histone levels in mammalian cortical neurons. Originally identified as a DNA methylation reader, MeCP2 has been proposed to repress transcription by recruiting corepressors to methylated DNA. While some genome-wide occupancy studies support a preference for methylated DNA, others suggest that MeCP2 binding is more influenced by DNA sequence and accessibility than methylation status. Moreover, multiple studies also suggest a role for MeCP2 in gene activation. To clarify MeCP2 function we expressed MeCP2 inSaccharomyces cerevisiae, which lacks DNA methylation and known MeCP2 corepressors. We find that MeCP2 is toxic to yeast and globally inhibits transcription, indicating that MeCP2 can have significant functional impacts without DNA methylation or mammalian corepressors. A subset ofMeCP2mutations that cause the neurodevelopmental disorder Rett syndrome, particularly those that map to the DNA binding domain, alleviate the toxicity of MeCP2 in yeast. Consistent with the importance of DNA binding for toxicity in yeast, we show that MeCP2 binds to the yeast genome, with increased occupancy at GC-rich, nucleosome-depleted sequences. These findings present yeast as a useful tool for analyzing MeCP2 and reveal MeCP2 properties that are not strictly dependent on DNA methylation or mammalian corepressors.
Phosphate-dependent nuclear export via a novel NES class recognized by exportin Msn5
Authors: Fung Ho Yee Joyce , Mittal Sanraj R. , Niesman Ashley B , Jiou Jenny , Shakya Binita , Yoshizawa Takuya , Cansizoglu Ahmet E , Rout Michael P. , Chook Yuh Min
Published: August 2024

Gene expression in response to environmental stimuli is dependent on nuclear localization of key signaling components, which can be tightly regulated by phosphorylation. This is exemplified by the phosphate-sensing transcription factor Pho4, which requires phosphorylation for nuclear export by the yeast exportin Msn5. Unlike the traditional hydrophobic nuclear export signal (NES) utilized by the Exportin-1/XPO1 system, cryogenic-electron microscopy structures reveal that Pho4 presents a novel, phosphorylated 35-residue NES that interacts with the concave surface of Msn5 through two Pho4 phospho-serines that align with two Msn5 basic patches, unveiling a previously unknown mechanism of phosphate-specific recognition. Furthermore, the discovery that unliganded Msn5 is autoinhibited explains the positive cooperativity of Pho4/Ran-binding and proposes a mechanism for Pho4’s release in the cytoplasm. These findings advance our understanding of the diversity of signals that drive nuclear export and how cargo phosphorylation is crucial in regulating nuclear transport and controlling cellular signaling pathways.
Spontaneous calcium transients in hair cell stereocilia
Authors: Hussain Saman , Sedlacek Miloslav , Cui Runjia , Zhang-Hooks Wendy , Bergles Dwight , Bum-Shin Jung , Kindt Katie S. , Kachar Bechara
Published: August 2024

The hair bundle of auditory and vestibular hair cells converts mechanical stimuli into electrical signals through mechanoelectrical transduction (MET). The MET apparatus is built around a tip link that connects neighboring stereocilia that are aligned in the direction of mechanosensitivity of the hair bundle. Upon stimulation, the MET channel complex responds to changes in tip-link tension and allows a cation influx into the cell. Ca2+influx in stereocilia has been used as a signature of MET activity. Using genetically encoded Ca2+sensors (GCaMP3, GCaMP6s) and high-performance fluorescence confocal microscopy, we detect spontaneous Ca2+transients in individual stereocilia in developing and fully formed hair bundles. We demonstrate that this activity is abolished by MET channel blockers and thus likely originates from putative MET channels. We observe Ca2+transients in the stereocilia of mice in tissue explants as well asin vivoin zebrafish hair cells, indicating this activity is functionally conserved. Within stereocilia, the origin of Ca2+transients is not limited to the canonical MET site at the stereocilia tip but is also present along the stereocilia length. Remarkably, we also observe these Ca2+transients in the microvilli-like structures on the hair cell surface in the early stages of bundle development, prior to the onset of MET. Ca2+transients are also present in the tallest rows of stereocilia in auditory hair cells, structures not traditionally thought to contain MET channels. We hypothesize that this newly described activity may reflect stochastic and spontaneous MET channel opening. Localization of these transients to other regions of the stereocilia indicates the presence of a pool of channels or channel precursors. Our work provides insights into MET channel assembly, maturation, function, and turnover.
Addressing the problem of lysine glycation prediction in proteins via Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Que-Salinas Ulices , Martinez-Peon Dulce , Mendez Gerardo Maximiliano , Argüelles-Lucho P. , Reyes-Figueroa Angel D. , Scheckhuber Christian Quintus
Published: August 2024

A distinguishing feature of the metabolic disorder diabetes involves elevated damage to cellular proteins. The primary form of alteration arises from the chemical interaction between glycating agents such as methylglyoxal and proteinaceous arginine/lysine residues, causing structural and functional disruptions in target proteins. In this study, a curated version of the CPLM database to implement a recurrent neural network strategy for the classification of lysine glycation has been utilized. By using one physical property for the characterization of amino acids next to lysine sites (i.e., isoelectric point), it was possible to obtain a 59.6% accuracy for correctly predicting lysine glycation. When two properties were combined, i.e., mass and torsion angle, the accuracy increased to 59.9%. Overall, this approach can aid the task of narrowing down possible sites of lysine glycation in protein targets for further analysis.
Chromatin remodeler CHD4 establishes chromatin states required for ovarian reserve formation, maintenance, and germ cell survival
Authors: Munakata Yasuhisa , Hu Mengwen , Kitamura Yuka , Bynder Adam L. , Fritz Amelia S. , Schultz Richard M. , Namekawa Satoshi H.
Published: August 2024

The ovarian reserve defines female reproductive lifespan, which in humans spans decades due to the maintenance of meiotic arrest in non-growing oocytes (NGO) residing in primordial follicles. Unknown is how the chromatin state of NGOs is established to enable long-term maintenance of the ovarian reserve. Here, we show that a chromatin remodeler, CHD4, a member of the Nucleosome Remodeling and Deacetylase (NuRD) complex, establishes chromatin states required for formation and maintenance of the ovarian reserve. Conditional loss of CHD4 in perinatal mouse oocytes results in acute death of NGOs and depletion of the ovarian reserve. CHD4 establishes closed chromatin at regulatory elements of pro-apoptotic genes to prevent cell death and at specific genes required for meiotic prophase I to facilitate the transition from meiotic prophase I oocytes to meiotic arrested NGOs. In addition, CHD4 establishes closed chromatin at the regulatory elements of pro-apoptotic genes in male germ cells, allowing male germ cell survival. These results demonstrate a role for CHD4 in defining a chromatin state that ensures germ cell survival, thereby enabling the long-term maintenance of both female and male germ cells.
How air temperature and solar radiation impact life history traits in a wild insect
Authors: Gardner Alexandra S. , Maclean Ilya M.D. , Rodríguez-Muñoz Rolando , Ojanguren Alfredo F. , Tregenza Tom
Published: August 2024

Ectotherms are essential components of all ecosystems and rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature. For most terrestrial ectotherms the primary sources of heat are ambient temperature and solar radiation. Many insects can use movement to respond to changes in temperature and solar radiation in order to manage their body temperature and optimise life history traits. However, we lack the understanding of the relative importance of temperature and shade that we need to predict how the combined effects of changes in air temperature and cloud cover will impact terrestrial insect populations. We reared developing nymphs of the field cricket (Gryllus campestris) at high and low air temperature sites with partially shaded and unshaded treatments at each site. Given the broad altitudinal range of this species, we tested the possibility of local adaptation to these climate variables by rearing nymphs from high and low altitude genetic lineages in all treatment combinations. We found that development time was strongly affected by air temperature, but not by a substantial increase in shade. This suggests that developing crickets can compensate for an increase in shade, presumably because in unshaded conditions they forgo some opportunities to gain energy from the sun. We found that mass at adulthood was affected by an interaction between availability of sun (shading treatment) and air temperature. This indicates that changes in cloud cover will impact insects differently in warmer and cooler areas. We found no evidence for local adaptation in these traits. Our findings underscore the need to consider both ambient temperature and solar radiation in predicting the impacts of climate change on insect populations, as shifts in temperature and cloud cover may have complex and region-specific effects on these vital ecosystem components.
Optogenetic tools for inducing organelle membrane rupture
Authors: Nagashima Yuto , Eguchi Tomoya , Koyama-Honda Ikuko , Mizushima Noboru
Published: August 2024

Disintegration of organelle membranes induces various cellular responses and has pathological consequences, including autoinflammatory diseases and neurodegeneration. Establishing methods to induce membrane rupture of organelles of interest is essential to analyze the downstream effects of membrane rupture; however, the spatiotemporal induction of rupture of specific membranes remains challenging. Here, we develop a series of optogenetic tools to induce organelle membrane rupture by using engineered Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), whose primary function is to form membrane pores in the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) during apoptosis. When BAX is forced to target mitochondria, lysosomes, or the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by replacing its C-terminal transmembrane domain (TMD) with organelle-targeting sequences, the BAX mutants rupture their target membranes. To regulate the activity of organelle-targeted BAX, the photosensitive light-oxygen-voltage-sensing 2 (LOV2) domain is fused to the N-terminus of BAX. The resulting LOV2–BAX fusion protein exhibits blue light–dependent membrane-rupture activity on various organelles, including mitochondria, the ER, and lysosomes. Thus, LOV2–BAX enables spatiotemporal induction of membrane rupture across a broad range of organelles, expanding research opportunities on the consequences of organelle membrane disruption.
Machine learning-based study of open-charm hadrons in proton-proton collisions at the Large Hadron Collider
Authors: Goswami Kangkan , Prasad Suraj , Mallick Neelkamal , Sahoo Raghunath , Mohanty Gagan B.
Published: August 2024

In proton-proton and heavy-ion collisions, the study of charm hadrons plays a pivotal role in understanding the QCD medium and provides an undisputed testing ground for the theory of strong interaction, as they are mostly produced in the early stages of collisions via hard partonic interactions. The lightest open charm, D0 meson (cu¯), can originate from two separate sources. The prompt D0 originates from either direct charm production or the decay of excited open charm states, while the nonprompt stems from the decay of beauty hadrons. In this paper, using different machine learning (ML) algorithms such as XGBoost, CatBoost, and Random Forest, an attempt has been made to segregate the prompt and nonprompt production modes of the D0 meson signal from its background. The ML models are trained using the invariant mass through its hadronic decay channel, i.e., D0→π+K−, pseudoproper time, pseudoproper decay length, and distance of closest approach of D0 meson, using 8 simulated

p

p

collisions at s=13  TeV. The ML models used in this analysis are found to retain the pseudorapidity, transverse momentum, and collision energy dependence. In addition, we report the ratio of nonprompt to prompt D0 yield, the self-normalized yield of prompt and nonprompt D0, and explore the charmonium, J/ψ to open charm, D0 yield ratio as a function of transverse momenta and normalized multiplicity. The observables studied in this paper are well predicted by all the ML models compared to the simulation.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Holographic complexity and phase transition for AdS black holes
Authors: Jiang Hong-Yue , Wang Meng-Ting , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: August 2024

Recently, the complexity equals any gravitational observable conjecture has been proposed in [], which is an extension of the complexity equals volume proposal. These gravitational observables are referred to as generalized volumes. In this paper, we investigate the generalized volume complexity for black holes with one or two horizons respectively. We verify that the turning time is universal and independent of the Cauchy horizon. Not only does this phase transition occur once, but it may also occur two or more times depending on the number and height of the effective potential peaks. On the other hand, we confirm that the generalized volume complexity can be divided based on the shape of the effective potential. We then discuss the nonsmooth transition from the Reissner–Nordström–anti-de Sitter (AdS) black hole to the Schwarzschild-AdS black hole.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How and when compulsory citizenship behaviors affect knowledge hiding and employee innovative performance: toward a conceptual framework
Authors: Naqshbandi M. Muzamil , Farhana Said Thuraya , Hisa Adilah
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to synthesize and critically explore the available knowledge about the linkages between compulsory citizenship behavior, knowledge hiding and employee innovative performance through a systematic literature review. It proposes a conceptual framework, highlighting the core relationships between these constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

Using two databases (Dimensions and Scopus), the authors critically examine 93 peer-reviewed publications from 2006 to 2023 to identify the arguments supporting the associations between the studied constructs.

Findings

Through an integrative conceptual model, this study provides insights into the devastating impact of compulsory citizenship behavior on employee innovation performance, further suggesting how knowledge hiding may play a mediating role.

Research limitations/implications

The study's main limitation lies in its conceptual nature. Future research should empirically validate the model to gain richer perspectives into the linkages.

Originality/value

The existing body of literature lacks a comprehensive understanding of the nexus between compulsory citizenship behavior, knowledge hiding and employee innovative performance. This study is a pioneer since it explores the emerging concepts of compulsory citizenship behavior and knowledge hiding and accentuates their presence in the context of innovative performance at the individual level through coercive persuasion theory and cognitive dissonance theory.
Exploring the organizational and social drivers of social media analytics: the domino effect in Fintech innovation
Authors: Al-Omoush Khaled Saleh , Alghusin Nawaf Salem
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine organizational and social capital’s impact on adopting social media analytics (SMA) in the banking sector. It also explores the effects of SMA on competition analysis and Fintech innovation. Moreover, the study investigates the mediating impact of competition analysis on the relationship between SMA and Fintech innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 284 respondents and analyzed using the SEM-PLS path modeling technique.

Findings

The findings confirm a significant role of organizational and social capital in adopting SMA. This study also indicates a significant impact of SMA on competition analysis and Fintech innovation. Moreover, it reveals a significant mediating impact of competition analysis on the association between SMA and Fintech innovation.

Originality/value

This study provides invaluable contributions for both academic and banking industry professionals. The study aimed to fill the literature gap, where there is a lack of an integrated framework examining how organizational capital, social capital, SMA and competition analysis interact to create Fintech innovations in the banking sector. It also offers novel implications to banking sector stakeholders, providing them with a thorough understanding of SMA’s importance and pivotal role and the drivers of finding innovative Fintech solutions.
Journey of a university research institute: transition from multi-disciplinary to inter-disciplinary research in supporting sustainable development goals (SDGS)
Authors: Choo Ta Goh , Abdul Halim Sharina , Amir Sultan Mohamad Mahathir , Razali Wan Daraputri , Mokhtar Mazlin , Komoo Ibrahim
Published: August 2024

Purpose

University research institutes were established in Malaysian Universities to facilitate research activities that do not fit into discipline-oriented departments, including the multi- and inter-disciplinary research that goes beyond the single-disciplinary boundary. This paper aims to report on a case study of one university research institute established in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), known as the institute for environment and development (LESTARI). LESTARI conducts multi-disciplinary research that emphasises research and capacity building on issues related to sustainable development. The aims of this paper are to examine the research evolution undergone at LESTARI, and to ascertain its contribution towards sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

LESTARI was established two years after the Rio Conference held in 1992, with the aims of promoting sustainable development through research and capacity building. This paper uses a qualitative approach to evaluate the research evolution of LESTARI, and a quantitative analysis to ascertain LESTARI’s contribution to SDGs.

Findings

After almost 30 years of establishment, LESTARI has moved from multi-disciplinary research to inter-disciplinary research. Although the transition was based on respective research areas (e.g. chemicals management and geopark), the research maturity of LESTARI is shown in its transformation from conventional to translational research. LESTARI has proven its capability to conduct multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary research, and the research outputs are also contributing to the SDGs.

Practical implications

The LESTARI case study has shown that as long as a research institute has a firm and clear research direction, regardless of how it is evaluated and monitored (e.g. evaluated by SDGs), the research institute remains relevant in the context of its establishment.

Social implications

The findings from this paper serve to set LESTARI as an example for other university research institutes, whether in Malaysia or in other countries.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this contribution is the first that discusses the transition from multi-disciplinary research to inter-disciplinary research, as well as the contribution to SDGs, among university research institutes in Malaysia.
Construct validation of Urdu version of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory: evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Mustafa Nazia , Maqsood Aneela
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Mental health problems during the initial years of life are precursors of mental disorders in later life, as well as poor quality of life. However, understanding and assessing the quality of life among children is very challenging and requires appropriate assessment measures. Against this backdrop, this study aims to establish the evidence for the construct and convergent validity of Urdu version of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) in Pakistani children.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has a cross-sectional study design in which a sample of 291 primary school children (53.3% male children and 44.7% female children) were enrolled from 6 primary schools located in Rawalpindi District in 2021 through random sampling. Children’s ages ranged between 9 and 13 years (M = 10.51 years; SD = 0.73). Urdu translated version PedsQL, Rosenburg self-esteem scale (RSES), strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), difficulty subscale and socio-demographic form were administered in a group setting.

Findings

Confirmatory factor analysis showed model provided a better fit similar to three factors: social/school functioning; psychological functioning; and physical functioning with good alpha reliability for full scale as well for subscales (r = 0.87, r = 0.75, r = 0.77 and r = 0.73), respectively. Pearson’s correlation of the translated version with SDQ_difficulties (r = −0.33; p < 0.01) and RSES (r = −016; p < 0.01) depicted solid discriminant validity (r = −0.33; p < 0.01) and RSES showed good convergent validity (r = −0.16; p < 0.01). Hence; PedsQL, Urdu proved to be a reliable, valid and efficient tool for the assessment of quality of life among Pakistani children, and its three-factor structure model suggested previously for Pakistani children was confirmed.

Originality/value

This study is original work by the researcher as part of their PhD project.
Virtual reality in ergonomics by wearable devices: experiences from the automotive sector
Authors: Carnazzo Chiara , Spada Stefania , Lamacchia Sebastiano , Manuri Federico , Sanna Andrea , Cavatorta Maria Pia
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Preventive ergonomics is essential to protecting the health and safety of workers as is recognizing human variability. The purpose of this paper is to describe a Unity-based application designed for three-dimensional postural analysis and visualizations using motion capture data. Integration with virtual reality (VR) technologies allows the user to be immersed in the simulated working environment without the need for a physical prototype. The proposed application aims to facilitate the application of ergonomic principles in workplace design and assessment for a proactive, participatory and inclusive approach to worker well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed an application that leverages motion capturing techniques and VR technologies and aims to support the analysts in the ergonomic assessment of physical prototypes as well as future workplaces. An innovative postural prediction module helps the analyst understanding what postures different users are likely to assume in the interaction with the workplace from a single data record.

Findings

The functionalities of the proposed application are illustrated on some case studies, presenting how different information is made available and can support workplace analysts and designers in an industrial context.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into the experience and research carried out by an automotive company in the application of wearable sensors and VR to support a proactive and participatory approach to workplace ergonomics.