bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anex vivohuman precision-cut lung slice platform provides insight into SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and antiviral drug efficacy
Authors: Pechous Roger D. , Malaviarachchi Priyangi A. , Banerjee Srijon K. , Byrum Stephanie D. , Alkam Duah H. , Ghaffarieh Alireza , Kurten Richard C. , Kennedy Joshua L. , Zhang Xuming
Published: April 2023

COVID-19 has claimed millions of lives since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, and lung disease appears the primary cause of the death in COVID-19 patients. However, the underlying mechanisms of COVID-19 pathogenesis remain elusive, and there is no existing model where the human disease can be faithfully recapitulated and conditions for the infection process can be experimentally controlled. Herein we report the establishment of anex vivohuman precision-cut lung slice (hPCLS) platform for studying SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity and innate immune responses, and for evaluating the efficacy of antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2. We show that while SARS-CoV-2 continued to replicate during the course of infection of hPCLS, infectious virus production peaked within 2 days, and rapidly declined thereafter. Although most proinflammatory cytokines examined were induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection, the degree of induction and types of cytokines varied significantly among hPCLS from individual donors, reflecting the heterogeneity of human populations. In particular, two cytokines (IP-10 and IL-8) were highly and consistently induced, suggesting a role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Histopathological examination revealed focal cytopathic effects late in the infection. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses identified molecular signatures and cellular pathways that are largely consistent with the progression of COVID-19 in patients. Furthermore, we show that homoharringtonine, a natural plant alkaloid derived fromCephalotoxus fortunei, not only inhibited virus replication but also production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and ameliorated the histopathological changes of the lungs caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, demonstrating the usefulness of the hPCLS platform for evaluating antiviral drugs.

SIGNIFICANCE

Here we established anex vivohuman precision-cut lung slice platform for assessing SARS-CoV-2 infection, viral replication kinetics, innate immune response, disease progression, and antiviral drugs. Using this platform, we identified early induction of specific cytokines, especially IP-10 and IL-8, as potential predictors for severe COVID-19, and uncovered a hitherto unrecognized phenomenon that while infectious virus disappears at late times of infection, viral RNA persists and lung histopathology commences. This finding may have important clinical implications for both acute and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. This platform recapitulates some of the characteristics of lung disease observed in severe COVID-19 patients and is therefore a useful platform for understanding mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and for evaluating the efficacy of antiviral drugs.
Rab11 suppresses neuronal stress signaling by localizing Dual leucine zipper kinase to axon terminals for protein turnover
Authors: Kim Seungmi , Quagraine Yaw , Singh Monika , Kim Jung Hwan
Published: April 2023

Dual Leucine Zipper Kinase (DLK) mediates multiple neuronal stress responses, and its expression levels are constantly suppressed to prevent excessive stress signaling. We found that Wallenda (Wnd), theDrosophilaortholog of DLK, is highly enriched in the axon terminals ofDrosophilasensory neurons in vivo and that this subcellular localization is necessary for Highwire-mediated Wnd protein turnover under normal conditions. Our structure-function analysis found that Wnd palmitoylation is essential for its axon terminal localization. Palmitoylation-defective Wnd accumulated in neuronal cell bodies, exhibited dramatically increased protein expression levels, and triggered excessive neuronal stress responses. Defective intracellular transport is implicated in neurodegenerative conditions. Comprehensive dominant-negative Rab protein screening identified Rab11 as an essential factor for Wnd localization in axon terminals. Consequently,Rab11loss-of-function increased the protein levels of Wnd and induced neuronal stress responses. Inhibiting Wnd activity significantly ameliorated neuronal loss and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling triggered byRab11loss-of-function. Taken together, these suggest that DLK proteins are constantly transported to axon terminals for protein turnover and a failure of such transport can lead to neuronal loss. Our study demonstrates how subcellular protein localization is coupled to protein turnover for neuronal stress signaling.

Highlights

Wnd is highly enriched in axon terminals.

Wnd protein turnover by Hiw is restricted in the axon terminals.

Protein palmitoylation of Wnd and Rab11 activity is essential for Wnd axonal localization.

Rab11mutations and defective Wnd palmitoylation impair Wnd protein turnover leading to increased Wnd protein levels and neuronal loss.

Inhibiting Wnd activity mitigates neuronal stress response caused byRab11loss-of-function.
An efficient induction method for human spinal lower motor neurons and high-throughput image analysis at the single cell level
Authors: Setsu Selena , Morimoto Satoru , Nakamura Shiho , Ozawa Fumiko , Tomari Yukihide , Okano Hideyuki
Published: April 2023

This study presents a newly developed method to rapidly and efficiently induce human spinal lower motor neurons (LMNs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for elucidation of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathomechanism and drug screening. Previous methods had several limitations such as poor efficiency and low purity of LMN induction and labor intensiveness of the induction and evaluation procedures. Our new protocol achieved nearly 80% induction efficiency in only 2 weeks by combining a small molecule-based approach and transduction of transcription factors. To overcome cellular heterogeneity, we analyzed morphology and viability of iPSC-derived LMNs on a cell-by-cell basis using time-lapse microscopy and machine learning, thus establishing a highly accurate pathophysiological evaluation system. Our rapid, efficient, and simplified protocol and single cell-based evaluation method allow the conduct of large-scale analysis and drug screening using iPSC-derived motor neurons.
DeepCORE: An interpretable multi-view deep neural network model to detect co-operative regulatory elements
Authors: Chandrashekar Pramod Bharadwaj , Chen Hai , Lee Matthew , Ahmadinejad Navid , Liu Li
Published: April 2023

Gene transcription is an essential process involved in all aspects of cellular functions with significant impact on biological traits and diseases. This process is tightly regulated by multiple elements that co-operate to jointly modulate the transcription levels of target genes. To decipher the complicated regulatory network, we present a novel multi-view attention-based deep neural network that models the relationship between genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional patterns and identifies co-operative regulatory elements (COREs). We applied this new method, named DeepCORE, to predict transcriptomes in 25 different cell lines, which outperformed the state-of-the-art algorithms. Furthermore, DeepCORE translates the attention values embedded in the neural network into interpretable information, including locations of putative regulatory elements and their correlations, which collectively implies COREs. These COREs are significantly enriched with known promoters and enhancers. Novel regulatory elements discovered by DeepCORE showed epigenetic signatures consistent with the status of histone modification marks.
Dietary fibers benefits on glucose homeostasis require type 2 conventional dendritic cells in mice fed a high-fat diet
Authors: Gélineau Adélaïde , Marcelin Geneviève , Ouhachi Melissa , Dussaud Sébastien , Voland Lise , Baba Ines , Rouault Christine , Yvan-Charvet Laurent , Clément Karine , Tussiwand Roxane , Huby Thierry , Gautier Emmanuel L.
Published: April 2023

Diet composition impacts metabolic health and is now recognized to shape the immune system, especially in the intestinal tract. Nutritional imbalance and increased caloric intake are induced by high-fat diet (HFD) in which lipids are enriched at the expense of dietary fibers. Such nutritional challenge alters glucose homeostasis as well as intestinal immunity. Here, we observed that short-term HFD induced dysbiosis, glucose intolerance and decreased intestinal RORγt+CD4 T cells, including peripherally-induced Tregs and IL17-producing (Th17) T cells. However, dietary fiber supplementation of HFD-fed animals was sufficient to maintain RORγt+CD4 T cell subsets and microbial species known to induce them, alongside having a beneficial impact on glucose tolerance. Dietary fiber-mediated normalization of Th17 cells and amelioration of glucose handling required the cDC2 dendritic cell subset in HFD-fed animals, while IL-17 neutralization limited fibers impact on glucose tolerance. Overall, we uncover a novel and pivotal role of cDC2 in the control of the immune and metabolic effects of dietary fibers in the context of HFD feeding.
Radical fringe facilitates NOTCH1 and JAG1cisinteractions to sustain Hematopoietic stem cell fate
Authors: Thambyrajah Roshana , Maqueda Maria , Neo Wen Hao , Imbach Kathleen , Guillen Yolanda , Grases Daniela , Fadlullah Zaki , Gambera Stefano , Matteini Francesca , Wang Xiaonan , Calero-Nieto Fernando J. , Esteller Manel , Florian Maria Carolina , Porta Eduard , Benedito Rui , Göttgens Berthold , Lacaud Georges , Espinosa Lluis , Bigas Anna
Published: April 2023

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) develop within a short time window from the hemogenic endothelium in the aorta- gonads-and mesonephros (AGM) region during embryonic development. The first HSCs reside within Intra-aortic hematopoietic clusters (IAHC) along with hematopoietic progenitors (HPC). The signalling mechanisms that divert HSCs from HPCs are unknown. Notch signaling is essential for arterial specification, IAHC formation and HSC activity, but current studies on how Notch drives these different fates are inconsistent. To determine the role of Notch in the specification of hemogenic endothelium, HSC and/or HPCs, we extensively analyzed Notch dynamics in the period of HSC generation. We defined the expression pattern of Notch signalling molecules at the gene and protein level and established a molecular mechanism that reconcile previous studies demonstrating the loss of HSC activity in NOTCH1, JAG1 and RBPJ null mutants, the enhanced HSC generation by blocking specific Notch activities or the abrogation of emerging HSCs by high Notch activation. We now demonstrate that Notch activity is highest in a subset of Gfi1+ hemogenic endothelial cells and is gradually lost with HSC maturation. We uncover that the HSC phenotype is maintained through loss of Notch activity due to increasing levels of NOTCH1 and JAG1 interactions on the surface of the same cell (cis) that renders the NOTCH1 receptor from being activated. Forcing activation of the NOTCH1 receptor in IAHC cells activates a hematopoietic differentiation program and supports acis-inhibitory function for JAG1 and NOTCH1. Furthermore, we demonstrate that thiscis-inhibitory interaction is enabled by RADICAL FRINGE (RFNG), a glycosyltransferase that enhances the affinity of NOTCH1 to JAG1 incis. Finally, our results indicate that NOTCH1-JAG1cis-inhibition is necessary for preserving the HSC phenotype in the hematopoietic clusters of the aorta.
Pharmacological inhibition of CLK2 activates YAP by promoting alternative splicing of AMOTL2
Authors: Bulos Maya L. , Grzelak Edyta M. , Li-Ma Chloris , Chen Emily , Hull Mitchell , Johnson Kristen A. , Bollong Michael J.
Published: April 2023

Yes-associated protein (YAP), the downstream effector of the evolutionarily conserved Hippo pathway, promotes cellular proliferation and coordinates certain regenerative responses in mammals. Small molecule activators of YAP may therefore display therapeutic utility in treating disease states involving insufficient proliferative repair. From a high-throughput chemical screen of the comprehensive drug repurposing library ReFRAME, here we report the identification of SM04690, a clinical stage inhibitor of CLK2, as a potent activator of YAP driven transcriptional activity in cells. CLK2 inhibition promotes alternative splicing of the Hippo pathway protein AMOTL2, producing an exon-skipped gene product that can no longer associate with membrane-bound proteins, resulting in decreased phosphorylation and membrane localization of YAP. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which pharmacological perturbation of alternative splicing inactivates the Hippo pathway and promotes YAP dependent cellular growth.
Selective Inhibition of Facilitative Glucose Transporter 1 Improves Ultrafiltration Efficiency in Experimental Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Martus Giedre , Siddhuraj Premkumar , Erjefält Jonas S. , Lindström Martin , Bergling Karin , Öberg Carl M.
Published: April 2023

Local and systemic side-effects of glucose remain major limitations of peritoneal dialysis (PD). Glucose transport during PD is thought to occur via inter-endothelial pathways, but recent data indicated that some glucose is transferred via facilitative glucose channels. Here we used BAY-876, a potent and highly selective blocker of facilitative glucose channel 1 (GLUT1), in an experimental rat model of PD using either 1.5% or 2.3% glucose fluid in a 1-h dwell. We also sought to elucidate whether diffusion of radiolabeled [18F]-deoxyglucose in the opposite direction (plasma → dialysate) is also lowered by selective/non-selective GLUT inhibition. Results show that selective GLUT1 inhibition markedly improved UF and enhanced the sodium dip, but no alterations in glucose transport or [18F]-deoxyglucose diffusion could be detected. Non-selective GLUT-inhibition using phloretin showed similar improvements on water and sodium transport, but also markedly decreased diffusion capacity for [18F]-deoxyglucose. We conclude that selective GLUT1 inhibition improved the UF efficiency in terms of mL of water removed per gram glucose absorbed by almost 70% for 1.5% glucose, implicating a role for GLUT1 in glucose mediated osmotic water transport in PD. Selective inhibitors of facilitative glucose transporter 1 may be promising agents to improve UF efficacy in patients treated with PD.

Translational Statement

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is limited by systemic and local glucose toxicity. Here we used a highly selective inhibitor of facilitative glucose channel 1 (GLUT1) in a rat model of PD, and show marked, direct improvements in osmotic water removal (UF) per gram glucose absorbed. Inhibitors of GLUT1 may provide marked improvements in UF in patients on PD.
Plant genome evolution in the genusEucalyptusdriven by structural rearrangements that promote sequence divergence
Authors: ferguson Scott , Jones Ashley , Murray Kevin , Andrew Rose , Schwessinger Benjamin , Borevitz Justin
Published: April 2023

Genomes have a highly organised architecture (non-random organisation of functional and non-functional genetic elements within chromosomes) that is essential for many biological functions, particularly, gene expression and reproduction. Despite the need to conserve genome architecture, a surprisingly high level of structural variation has been observed within species. As species separate and diverge, genome architecture also diverges, becoming increasingly poorly conserved as divergence time increases. However, within plant genomes, the processes of genome architecture divergence are not well described. Here we use long-read sequencing andde novoassembly of 33 phylogenetically diverse, wild and naturally evolvingEucalyptusspecies, covering 1-50 million years of diverging genome evolution to measure genome architectural conservation and describe architectural divergence. The investigation of these genomes revealed that following lineage divergence genome architecture is highly fragmented by rearrangements. As genomes continue to diverge, the accumulation of mutations and subsequent divergence beyond recognition of rearrangements becomes the primary driver of genome divergence. The loss of syntenic regions also contribute to genome divergence, but at a slower pace than rearrangements. We hypothesise that duplications and translocations are potentially the greatest contributors toEucalyptusgenome divergence.
Effects of Repeat Test Exposure on Gait Parameters in Naïve Lewis Rats
Authors: Thurlow Nat A. , Chan Kiara M. , Yeater Taylor D. , Allen Kyle D.
Published: April 2023

Rodent gait analysis has emerged as a powerful, quantitative behavioral assay to characterize the pain and disability associated with movement-related disorders. In other behavioral assays, the importance of acclimation and the effect of repeated testing have been evaluated. However, for rodent gait analysis, the effects of repeated gait testing and other environmental factors have not been thoroughly characterized. In this study, fifty-two naïve male Lewis rats ages 8 to 42 weeks completed gait testing at semi-random intervals for 31 weeks. Gait videos and force plate data were collected and processed using a custom MATLAB suite to calculate velocity, stride length, step width, percentage stance time (duty factor), and peak vertical force data. Exposure was quantified as the number of gait testing sessions. Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate the effects of velocity, exposure, age, and weight on animal gait patterns. Relative to age and weight, repeated exposure was the dominant parameter affecting gait variables with significant effects on walking velocity, stride length, fore and hind limb step width, fore limb duty factor, and peak vertical force. From exposure 1 to 7, average velocity increased by approximately 15 cm/s. Together, these data indicate arena exposure had large effects on gait parameters and should be considered in acclimation protocols, experimental design, and subsequent data analysis of rodent gait data.
Dextromethorphan inhibits collagen transport in the endoplasmic reticulum eliciting an anti-fibrotic response inex-vivoandin vitromodels of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Khan Muzamil M , Zukowska Joanna , Jung Juan , Galea George , Tuechler Nadine , Halavatyi Aliaksandr , Tischer Christian , Haberkant Per , Stein Frank , Jung Ferris , Landry Jonathan , Khan Arif M. , Oorschot Viola , Becher Isabelle , Neumann Beate , Muley Thomas , Winter Hauke , Duerr Julia , Mall Marcus A , Savitski Mikhail , Pepperkok Rainer
Published: April 2023

Excessive deposition of fibrillar collagen in the interstitial extracellular matrix (ECM) of human lung tissue causes fibrosis, which can ultimately lead to organ failure. Despite our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, a cure for pulmonary fibrosis has not yet been found. In this study, we screened an FDA-approved drug library containing 712 drugs and found that Dextromethorphan (DXM), a cough expectorant, significantly reduces the amount of excess fibrillar collagen deposited in the ECM inin-vitrocultured primary human lung fibroblasts (NHLF) andex-vivocultured human precision-cut lung slice (hPCLS) models of lung fibrosis. Reduced extracellular fibrillar collagen levels in the ECM upon DXM treatment are due to a reversible trafficking inhibition of collagen type I (COL1) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in TANGO1 and HSP47 positive structures. Mass spectrometric analysis shows that DXM causes hyper-hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues on Collagen (COL1, COL3, COL4, COL5, COL7, COL12) and Latent-transforming growth factor beta-binding protein (LTBP1 and LTBP2) peptides coinciding with their secretion block. In addition, thermal proteome profiling of cells treated with DXM shows increased thermal stability of prolyl-hydroxylases such as P3H2, P3H3, P3H4, P4HA1 and P4HA2, suggesting a change in activity. Transcriptome analysis of pro-fibrotic stimulated NHLFs and hPCLS upon DXM treatment showed activation of an anti-fibrotic program via regulation of pathways such as those involved in the MMP-ADAMTS axis, WNT, and fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation. Taken together, the data obtained from both in-vitro and ex-vivo models of fibrogenesis show that Dextromethorphan has potent anti-fibrotic activity by efficient inhibition of COL1 membrane trafficking in the ER.
S2′ cleavage site plays a decisive role in expansion of Vero cell tropism by infectious bronchitis virus HV80, with Q855H promoting cell-to-cell fusion
Authors: Jiang Yi , Cheng Xu , Gao Mingyan , Dou Xinhong , Yu Yan , Shen Haiyu , Tang Mengjun , Zhou Sheng , Peng Daxin
Published: April 2023

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) has restricted cell tropism. Apart from the Beaudette strain, other IBVs cannot infect mammalian cell lines. The limited cell tropism of other IBVs has hindered the development of IBV vaccines and research on mechanisms of IBV infection. In a previous study, a new Vero-cell-adapted strain HV80 was obtained via serial chicken embryo and cell passaging of strain H120 and 17 mutations leading to amino acid substitutions occurred in replication gene 1a, S gene and E gene. This study, we constructed recombinants that expressed chimeric S glycoprotein, S1 or S2 subunit of strain H120, and demonstrated that mutations in S2 subunit were related to the Vero cell adaption of strain HV80. With a genome backbone of strain HV80 or H120, and expression of chimeric S2′ cleavage site of H120 or HV80, two recombinants demonstrated that the RRRR690/S motif at the S2′ cleavage site played a key role in Vero cell adaption of strain HV80. Another six amino acid substitutions in the S2 subunit of the recombinants showed that F692V enhanced the capability of invasion of HV80 strain, and Q855H induced the formation of syncytia. A transient transfection assay demonstrated different mechanisms for virus-to-cell fusion and cell-to-cell fusion induced by S glycoprotein. The PRRR690/S motif at the S2′ cleavage site could be activated by proteases in the process of cell-to-cell fusion, while H855Q substitution did not affect the cell invasion of HV80, but hindered the cell-to-cell fusion by blocking activation of the S2′ cleavage site.

IMPORTANCE

Infectious bronchitis is an acute respiratory disease that has caused large economic losses to the poultry industry. As a member of the gamma-coronaviruses, the restricted cell tropism of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) limits the development of cellular vaccines and research on infection mechanisms. As a strain that can replicate effectively in mammalian cell lines, studies of HV80’s adaptive mechanisms point a way for engineering other IBVs for adaptation in mammalian cell lines. In our study, different recombinants were constructed by reverse genetic techniques, and demonstrated the different mechanism between virus-to-cell and cell-to-cell fusion induced by HV80 S glycoprotein. The acquisition of a highly efficient S2′ cleavage site enabled the virus to invade Vero cells. The Q855H substitution played a key role in cell-to-cell fusion, and provided a more efficient model of infection in Vero cells. Our study provides new theoretical insights into mechanisms of IBV adaptation in mammalian cell lines.
Viral impacts on microbial activity and biogeochemical cycling in a seasonally anoxic freshwater lake
Authors: Tran Patricia Q. , Bachand Samantha C. , Peterson Benjamin , He Shaomei , McMahon Katherine , Anantharaman Karthik
Published: April 2023

Microbial biogeochemical cycling relies on alternative electron acceptors when oxygen is unavailable, yet the role of viruses (bacteriophages) in these processes is understudied. We investigated how seasonal anoxia impacts viral and microbial biogeochemical cycling, by using paired total metagenomes, viromes, and metatranscriptomes, that were collected weekly. Stratification and anoxia drove microbial community composition, but dataset origin impacted the interpretation of viral community structure, activity, and function. Importantly, taxa abundance did not correlate with activity for both microbes and viruses. We identified virus-host linkages for 116 phages across 55 distinct hosts, many of which expressed genes for aerobic methane oxidation, nitrogen fixation, denitrification, and sulfate reduction. Overall, this work demonstrates the breadth and dynamics of virus-host interactions in mediating biogeochemistry. Additionally, we propose that viral community detection, functional potential, and activity are sensitive to pre-sequencing decisions, which must be kept in mind when interpreting genomic data in a biologically meaningful way.
Characterization of self-dyed silk yarn with Rhodamine B dye for fashion applications
Authors: Tran Uyen Nguyen Tu , Phan Hung Ngoc , Hoang Thao Thanh , Le Nu Thi Hong , Bui Huong Mai
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The textile industry has consumed large quantities of water and discharged large volumes of wastewater in the dyeing process. The study aims to characterize self-dyed silk with Rhodamine B (RhB) for fashion applications to reduce textile hazards to the environment and increase the added value of silk.

Design/methodology/approach

Bombyx mori was fed with RhB-colored mulberry leaves (1500 ppm). The effects of self-dyeing were investigated via color strength K/S, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, tensile strength, color fastness to washing, rubbing, perspiration and light.

Findings

Self-dyed silk possesses effective coloration and impressive color fastness (4–5/5), higher crystalline index (CrI) (73.26 ± 2.28%), less thermal stability and tenacity, slight change in amino acid composition compared with the pristine and no existence of harmful aromatic azo amines and arylamine salts.

Practical implications

The application of self-dyed silk with RhB dye has expanded new technology into fashion industry, contributing partly to economic growth and adding value to silk in the global supply chain. Besides, the self-dyeing will yield practical values in the reduction of dyeing discharge in textile industry.

Originality/value

Self-dyed silk was characterized for textile applications in comparison with pristine silk in terms of color strength and fastness as well as determined its polymeric properties relating to crystallinity, morphology, chemical composition, tensile properties and thermal stability which have not been investigated before.
Digital transformation of the business models of Chinese sporting goods enterprises in the post-COVID-19 era: a knowledge-management perspective
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhang Xinkai , Pei Yujing
Published: April 2023

Purpose

From a knowledge-management perspective, this paper aims to analyze the digital transformation of the business models of traditional Chinese sporting goods companies in the context of the pandemic crisis and to explore the role of their digital transformation in coping with the crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

Using theoretical sampling, typical sporting goods companies are selected for case studies. We provide an in-depth analysis of how these companies achieve high performance levels through the digital transformation of their business models in the post-COVID-19 era and discuss the key role of knowledge management in this achievement.

Findings

Focusing on the challenges faced by Chinese sporting goods enterprises during the pandemic crisis from the knowledge-management perspective, we find that through the digital transformation of their business models, enterprises can improve their knowledge-management capabilities, enhance their flexibility to respond to sudden crises and maintain a higher level of corporate performance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has significant implications for sporting goods companies wishing to achieve high corporate performance through the digital transformation of their business models in the post-COVID-19 era. Future research should address the dynamic mechanism of the digital transformation of business models to improve enterprise knowledge-management capabilities and the impact mechanism of knowledge-management capabilities on interenterprise organizational resilience.

Originality/value

This paper proposes specific strategies in the process of the digital transformation of business models that are essential for improving enterprises’ internal and external knowledge-management capabilities.
Crossroads of Identities in Women Religious in Spain. Catholicism, Society and Second Vatican Council (1953–69)*
Authors: García‐Martín Verónica
Published: April 2023

This article examines the evolution and transformation of female religious life in Spain under Franco's regime, which began after the Spanish Civil War in 1939 and ended with the dictator's death in 1975. During the dictatorship, the public stance towards Catholicism made consecrated religious life one of the potential social undertakings for women at that time. The Concordat of 1953 corroborated National Catholicism, and women religious abided by a heritage sanctioned by this ideology. The Second Vatican Council parted ways with this tradition, and some women religious reassessed their role as females and consecrated women in their society. This article analyses how the renewal doctrine of the Council was received in Spain, particularly regarding female religious life, revealing the commonalities and differences of opinions and practices resulting from the break with National Catholic schematism, as well as the first manifestations of renewal among women religious.
Who needs a fine‐needle biopsy? A comparison of the ATA and ACR TI‐RADS guidelines in a single‐centre retrospective study
Authors: Chia Chi Fung , Tai Kai Chun Dora , Chick Wai Keung
Published: April 2023

The 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) and 2017 American College of Radiology: Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (ACR TI‐RADS) guidelines are two popular guidelines adopted to stratify sonographic risk of malignancy for thyroid nodules, and to select cases for fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). To understand the test performance of the two systems in predicting thyroid malignancy, 164 thyroidectomy cases performed in a regional hospital in Hong Kong between January 2021 and June 2022 were reviewed. Sonographic images of the index nodule in each case were retrospectively classified into different risk categories using the ATA and ACR TI‐RADS guidelines, respectively, followed by retrieval of cytological and pathological results, for comparison. The index nodule was proven malignant in 26.8% of cases in the final pathology. There was a strong and positive correlation between the ATA and ACR TI‐RADS risk categories assignment (rs = .931, p < .001). Recommending FNA according to the ATA had a better sensitivity for malignancy than using the ACR TI‐RADS (81.8% vs 72.7%), at the expense of a lower specificity (10.8% vs 40.8%). The sensitivity for malignancy of both systems could be further improved if all fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐avid nodules were investigated with FNA regardless of sonographic features and size. There was a statistically significant association between “nodules with FDG avidity and nodules recommended for FNA by the ACR TI‐RADS guideline” and an eventual malignant thyroid nodule (p = .002).
The complete mitochondrial genome of Pardosa pusiola (Araneae, Lycosidae) and its phylogenetic implications
Authors: Yi Jiequn , Liu Min , Liu Jianbai , Mao Yongkai , Lin Mingjiang , Xu Hanliang , An Yuxing , Wu Han , Li Jihu
Published: April 2023

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) is useful for identification and phylogenetic analyses among arthropods, but there are no sufficient mitogenome data for wolf spiders. To enrich the mitogenome database of wolf spiders, the complete mitogenome of Pardosa pusiola was sequenced by high‐throughput sequencing. It is 14,284 bp, comprising 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and a control region (CR). It represents a high bias toward A and T nucleotides with an A + T content of 76.49%. The mitogenome exhibited a negative AT skew (−0.13) and a positive GC skew (0.32). Most PCGs started with ATN codons and ended with TAA, TAG, or an incomplete T. In addition, most tRNAs had aberrant secondary structures with the absence of DHU arm or TΨC arm. Analysis performed with CREx software demonstrated that large‐scale rearrangements of tRNAs were observed in the mitogenome of P. pusiola as compared with the putative ancestral mitogenome. The Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic trees based on the 13 PCGs of 25 spiders had the same topology, which could be presented as (Araneidae + (Agelenidae + (Dictynidae + Desidae)) + (Salticidae + (Thomisidae + (Oxyopidae + (Pisauridae + Lycosidae))))). This study offers a useful genetic resource for the taxonomy and phylogeny of spiders.
Emergency department utilization, admissions, and revisits in the United States (New York), Canada (Ontario), and New Zealand: A retrospective cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Duffy Juliana , Jones Peter , McNaughton Candace D. , Ling Vicki , Matelski John , Hsia Renee Y. , Landon Bruce E. , Cram Peter
Published: April 2023

Background

Emergency department (ED) utilization is a significant concern in many countries, but few population‐based studies have compared ED use. Our objective was to compare ED utilization in New York (United States), Ontario (Canada), and New Zealand (NZ).

Methods

A retrospective cross‐sectional analysis of all ED visits between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2017, for adults ≥18 years using data from the State Emergency Department and Inpatient Databases (New York), the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System and Discharge Abstract Data (Ontario), and the National Non‐Admitted Patient Collection and the National Minimum Data Set (New Zealand). Outcomes included age‐ and sex‐standardized per‐capita ED utilization (overall and stratified by neighborhood income), ED disposition, and ED revisit and hospitalization within 30 days of ED discharge.

Results

There were 10,998,371 ED visits in New York, 8,754,751 in Ontario, and 1,547,801 in New Zealand. Patients were older in Ontario (mean age 51.1 years) compared to New Zealand (50.3) and New York (48.7). Annual sex‐ and age‐standardized per‐capita ED utilization was higher in Ontario than New York or New Zealand (443.2 vs. 404.0 or 248.4 visits per 1000 population/year, respectively). In all countries, ED utilization was highest for residents of the lowest income quintile neighborhoods. The proportion of ED visits resulting in hospitalization was higher in New Zealand (34.5%) compared to New York (20.8%) and Ontario (12.8%). Thirty‐day ED revisits were higher in Ontario (27.0%) than New Zealand (18.6%) or New York (21.4%).

Conclusions

Patterns of ED utilization differed widely across three high‐income countries. These differences highlight the varying approaches that our countries take with respect to urgent visits, suggest opportunities for shared learning through international comparisons, and raise important questions about optimal approaches for all countries.
Are Chinese or US Institutional Investors Better at Monitoring Corporate Earnings Management? Evidence from Chinese Stocks in the US Cross‐Listing Market
Authors: Chung Chune Young , Choi Wonseok
Published: April 2023

In this study, we empirically analyze Chinese firms listed on US exchanges to examine the standalone effects of geographic and market proximity on equity performance. In this regard, we find a negative association between Chinese institutional investors domiciled in the same country where investee firms are incorporated and improved earnings management. However, we find no significant relationship between US institutional ownership and earnings management. Hence, our findings support the geographic rather than the market proximity advantage. Furthermore, the geographic proximity advantage is more substantial in firms with high information opacity, and the results are not altered by choice of earnings management variables.
Cannabidiol reduces lipopolysaccharide‐induced nociception via endocannabinoid system activation
Authors: dos Santos Rafaela Silva , Veras Flávio Protassio , Netto Gonçalves Pedro , Sorgi Carlos Arterio , Faccioli Lúcia Helena , Vilela Luciano Rezende , Galdino Giovane
Published: April 2023

Bacterial infections are often accompanied by fever and generalized muscle pain. However, the treatment of pain with an infectious aetiology has been overlooked. Thus, we investigated the impact of cannabidiol (CBD) in bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced nociception. Male Swiss mice received intrathecal (i.t.) LPS injection, and the nociceptive threshold was measured by the von Frey filaments test. Spinal involvement of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor, toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), microglia and astrocytes were evaluated by i.t. administration of their respectively antagonists or inhibitors. Western blot, immunofluorescence, ELISA and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry were used to assess Cannabinoid CB2 receptors and TLR4 spinal expression, proinflammatory cytokines and endocannabinoid levels. CBD was administered intraperitoneally at 10 mg/kg. The pharmacological assay demonstrated TLR4 participation in LPS‐induced nociception. In addition, spinal TLR4 expression and proinflammatory cytokine levels were increased in this process. CBD treatment prevented LPS‐induced nociception and TLR4 expression. AM630 reversed antinociception and reduced CBD‐induced endocannabinoids up‐regulation. Increased spinal expression of the cannabinoid CB2 receptor was also found in animals receiving LPS, which was accompanied by reduced TLR4 expression in CBD‐treated mice. Taken together, our findings indicated that CBD is a potential treatment strategy to control LPS‐induced pain by attenuating TLR4 activation via the endocannabinoid system.
Structured group education programme and accompanying mHealth intervention to promote physical activity in women with a history of gestational diabetes: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Khunti Kamlesh , Sukumar Nithya , Waheed Ghazala , Gillies Clare , Dallosso Helen , Brough Chris , Davies Melanie J. , Fitzpatrick Claire , Gray Laura J. , Highton Patrick , Rowlands Alex , Schreder Sally , Yates Tom , Saravanan Ponnusamy
Published: April 2023

Aims

Assess effectiveness of a hybrid intervention targeting physical activity in women with prior gestational diabetes.

Methods

Randomised controlled trial with parallel arms. 293 women (35.1 ± 5.1 years; 40% ethnic minority) recruited from two hospitals and randomised to routine care or hybrid lifestyle intervention comprising two group sessions and access to a mobile web app. Primary outcome was a change in objectively measured physical activity at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included self‐efficacy for exercise, quality of life and anxiety and depression. Linear regression compared outcome measures between groups.

Results

83% of intervention participants attended at least one group session, of who 66% registered to use the app. There was a non‐significant increase in physical activity at 12 months (between‐group difference of 0.95 mg [95% CI: −0.46 to 2.37]), equivalent to approximately 500 steps per day. Intervention participants reported higher self‐efficacy for exercise (0.54, 95% CI: 0.05 to 1.102; p = 0.029), lower anxiety (−0.91, 95% CI: −1.74 to −0.09; p = 0.031), and higher quality of life (0.05, 95% CI: 0.004 to 0.09; p = 0.032), compared to controls.

Conclusions

The intervention improved confidence in exercise and quality of life. Further research is needed to improve participant engagement with physical activity interventions in multi‐ethnic populations with a history of gestational diabetes.
Uterine hemangiopericytoma with cardiac involvement and pulmonary metastasis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Li Jing , Li Yu , Xie Jinjie , He Yihua
Published: April 2023

Uterine hemangiopericytoma is extremely rare. This article describes a case of uterine hemangiopericytoma. The tumor involved the parauterine vein; extended into the inferior vena cava, right cardiac cavity, and pulmonary artery; and metastasized to the lungs. It was irregular in shape and exhibited the string‐of‐beads sign on echocardiography, and it was tightly attached to the right ventricular surface and pulmonary artery wall. The patient underwent tumor resection without adjuvant treatment. A pelvic nodule was found 3 months postoperatively and was considered a recurrent lesion.
Early triage echocardiography to predict outcomes in patients admitted with COVID‐19: a multicenter study
Authors: Peck Daniel , Beaton Andrea , Nunes Maria Carmo , Ollberding Nicholas , Hays Allison , Hiremath Pranoti , Asch Federico , Malik Nitin , Fung Christopher , Sable Craig , Nascimento Bruno ,   the CV‐19 investigators
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Cardiac involvement seems to impact prognosis of COVID‐19, especially in critically ill patients. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, evaluated by bedside triage echocardiography (echo), in patients admitted to emergency departments (ED) in the US with COVID‐19. We also assessed the feasibility of using cloud imaging for sharing and interpreting echocardiograms.

Methods

Patients admitted to three reference EDs with confirmed COVID‐19 underwent triage echo within 72 h of symptom onset with remote interpretation. Clinical and laboratory data, as well as COVID‐19 symptoms, were collected. The association between echo variables, demographics and clinical data with all‐cause hospital mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission was assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Three hundred ninety‐nine patients were enrolled, 41% women, with a mean age of 62±16 years. Mean oxygen saturation on presentation was 92.3± 9.2%. Compared to in‐hospital survivors, non‐survivors were older, had lower oxygen saturation on presentation, were more likely to have a chronic condition and had lower LV ejection fraction (50.3±19.7% vs. 58.0±13.6%) (P < .05). In the cohort, 101 (25%) patients had moderate/severe LV dysfunction, 131 (33%) had moderate/severe RV dysfunction. Advanced age and lower oxygen saturation were independently associated with death and ICU admission. LV and RV function, or other echo variables, were not independent predictors of outcomes.

Conclusion

In patients admitted with COVID‐19 undergoing early echo triage, the independent predictors of death and ICU admission were age and oxygen saturation. The inclusion of echo variables did not improve prediction of unfavorable outcomes.
Cardiovascular assessment in cirrhosis: is global longitudinal strain altered in cirrhosis? A meta‐analysis and review
Authors: Wilson Ryan , Ahmed Mohammad , Nudy Matthew , Farbaniec Michael
Published: April 2023

Background and aims

Evaluation of cardiac function and determining the potential risk of cardiac complications with liver transplantation has been both a topic of contention and discussion. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) imaging has been used to identify subclinical myocardial dysfunction in other pathologies; however, its use in the cirrhosis population is unclear. A meta‐analysis was performed to assess GLS values in patients with cirrhosis compared to healthy controls.

Methods

A literature search was conducted for studies that evaluated GLS in patients with cirrhosis compared to healthy controls published until September 18, 2020. Primary outcomes looked at differences in GLS values between these populations.

Results

Thirteen total studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Overall, 802 patients with cirrhosis and 540 healthy controls were included in the analysis. The GLS values were numerically more negative in the healthy control group versus patients with cirrhosis (raw mean difference ‐2.5%, 95% CI ‐3 to ‐1.9, P = < .001), I2 = 81%.

Conclusion

GLS can be used as an early marker of subclinical myocardial dysfunction. We noted a difference in GLS values in patients with cirrhosis compared to healthy control subjects in this meta‐analysis. Other traditional systolic and diastolic echocardiographic parameters were not found to be significantly different between patients with cirrhosis versus healthy controls. This may indicate utilization of GLS when screening for cardiac dysfunction prior to liver transplantation.
Environmental predictors of lake fish diversity across gradients in lake age and spatial scale
Authors: Martinsen Kenneth Thorø , Kristensen Emil , Baastrup‐Spohr Lars , Søndergaard Martin , Carl Henrik , Jeppesen Erik , Sand‐Jensen Kaj , Kragh Theis
Published: April 2023

Freshwater ecosystems have experienced a great loss of biodiversity in the recent century due to eutrophication and loss of habitats, particularly in agricultural lowlands. Some of these ecosystems have recently been re‐established, or entirely new lakes have been created to improve nutrient removal, biodiversity, and recreation.

Fish have an important structuring role in lake ecosystems, but little is known about the temporal development of fish species richness or composition in new or re‐established lakes, especially in comparison with natural lakes. We investigated the influence of environmental variables and landscape features on fish species richness and fish assemblage in drainage basins and in 34 new (between 0 and 99 years) and 193 natural lakes in Denmark, using structural equation modelling.

Fish species richness in drainage basins is influenced primarily by basin elevation, lake area, and salinity at the basin outlet; low‐salinity coastal regions are important migration pathways for many freshwater fish species, not just for anadromous or catadromous species. Land use does not appear to influence richness at the drainage basin scale, indicating that the influence of anthropogenic activities is minor or that significant effects thereof occurred a long time ago (decades to centuries).

The drainage basin richness defines the apparent pool of species that may colonise lakes within the basin, but the actual number of species is particularly influenced by stream network connectivity. Disconnected lakes have fewer species, a deficit that is sustained over long time scales.

In addition to the influence of stream connectivity, lake characteristics such as elevation, surface area, and water chemistry (alkalinity and pH) are also important predictors of fish species richness, whereas we did not find any effect of lake nutrient concentrations. The direct effect of land use was not evaluated. Ordination analysis shows that fish assemblage depends on both lake type (new/natural) and stream connectivity (connected/disconnected). Furthermore, species‐specific occurrences reveal some differences between new and natural lakes and indicate that stocking plays a role in new lakes.

While new and natural lakes may initially differ in terms of both how many and which species they contain, they converge over time in a process that can be enhanced by improving stream connectivity.