bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of vertical sleeve gastrectomy prior to pregnancy on bone mass, microarchitecture and material properties in the female rat
Authors: Couchot Malory , Schmitt Françoise , Mermet Morgane , Fassot Céline , Mabilleau Guillaume
Published: May 2024

Obesity is a major public health issue worldwide. Despite various approaches to weight loss, the most effective technique for reducing obesity, as well as diabetes and associated diseases, is bariatric surgery. Increasingly, young women without children are undergoing bariatric surgery, vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) being the most common procedure nowadays. However, despite several reports suggesting bone loss after VSG, little is known about the potential additive effects of gestation and lactation after VSG to bone health. This study investigated the combined effects of pre-gestational VSG and subsequent gestation/lactation on bone metabolism in a rat model fed a high fat high sugar (HFHS) diet, with a focus on bone biomechanics, mass, microarchitecture and material properties. Furthermore, bone mass and remodelling was followed longitudinally by microCT prior to surgery, 4 weeks post-surgery, after weaning and at sacrifice. Significant alterations in bone mass and microarchitecture, characterized by changes in trabecular thickness and number, as well as changes in bone formation and resorption were influenced by both surgery and reproductive demands. Mechanical testing at sacrifice demonstrated compromised long bone fragility, in rat with HFHS regardless of the surgical procedure (Sham or VSG). Furthermore, analysis of bone material properties highlighted potential disruptions in the pattern of bone mineralization in sham and VSG animals fed a HFHS diet. These findings underscore the complex interplay between pre-gestational VSG and subsequent gestation/lactation in modulating bone metabolism. Understanding these combined effects is essential for optimizing surgical strategies and developing targeted interventions to mitigate potential bone-related complications associated with VSG in reproductive-aged individuals.
Individual variation in breeding phenology and postnatal development in northern bats (Eptesicus nilssonii)
Authors: Fjelldal Mari Aas , van der Kooij Jeroen
Published: May 2024

Bats inhabiting northern latitudes are faced with short reproductive seasons during which they must produce and rear pups before fattening up in time to survive the winter hibernation. Therefore, the timing of parturition has considerable impacts on future fitness prospects for mother and pup; however, little is known about individual variation in breeding phenology and its consequences for postnatal development within bat populations. Here, we studied the phenology of breeding inEptesicus nilssoniiacross seven years using data collected by day-to-day monitoring of a breeding colony in Norway (60.1°N) for which the identity and age of each mother (N = 8) and pup (N = 28) were known. By applying mixed-effect models, we found that arrival at the colony was largely dependent on late spring temperatures for all females, but that there were strong and consistent individual differences in arrival time across years. Females generally arrived ∼31.6 days (± 0.8 SE) before giving birth but could delay the timing of parturition by leaving the colony during early gestation if faced with poor weather conditions. However, females arriving late expressed shorter gestations, and pups born later in the season were born smaller but had higher growth rates during the most rapid growth period (<10 days old). The within-individual effects suggest that the higher growth rates could be due to mothers compensating for late parturition rather than by improved food availability. Date of parturition did not influence adult body size in pups. Pups became volant at the earliest only 13.1 days after birth (mean: 15.3 ± 1.6 SD) and approached adult flight patterns during their first flight week. Our unique results suggest thatE. nilssoniiis highly adapted to a short breeding season and is able to buffer unfavourable weather conditions to avoid slowing pup development, although the mechanistic drivers remain unknown.
Higher-Order Interactions in Auxotroph Communities Enhance Their Resilience to Resource Fluctuations
Authors: Wang Tong , George Ashish B. , Maslov Sergei
Published: May 2024

Auxotrophs are prevalent in microbial communities, enhancing their diversity and stability—a counterintuitive effect considering their dependence on essential resources from other species. To address the ecological roles of auxotrophs, our study introduced a novel consumer-resource model that captures the complex higher-order interactions within these communities. We also developed an intuitive graphical and algebraic framework, which assesses the feasibility of auxotroph communities and their stability under resource fluctuations and biological invasions. Validated against experimental data from syntheticE. coliauxotroph communities, the model accurately predicted outcomes of community assembly. Our findings highlight the critical role of higher-order interactions and resource dependencies in maintaining the diversity and stability of microbial ecosystems dominated by auxotrophs.
Functions of the AP2/ERF family transcription factor AIL7 in immunity against soilborne clubroot pathogen in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jayawardhane Kethmi Nirmani , Somarathna Tharangani , Manoli Victor P. , Hwang Sheau-Fang , Strelkov Stephen E. , Singer Stacy D. , Chen Guanqun
Published: May 2024

Soilborne pathogens can be highly devastating, and clubroot, caused byPlasmodiophora brassicae, is particularly destructive to cruciferous plants. Although many AP2/ERF family transcription factors (TFs) have crucial physiological functions, very little is known regarding their functions in the context of soilborne diseases. Here we investigated the roles of AINTEGUMENTA-LIKE 7 (AIL7), an AIL sub-family TF in the AP2/ERF family, in plant immunity against clubroot. Unexpectedly, bothAIL7overexpression and mutant Arabidopsis lines exhibited increased tolerance toP. brassicae. Subsequent analysis revealed significant transcriptional alterations in genes linked to pathogen response, along with notable differences in genes associated with salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) defense pathways, compared to wild-type plants. Interestingly, there was a tendency for up-regulation of SA- and JA-related genes inAIL7overexpression and mutant lines in the absence, rather than presence, ofP. brassicae. Subsequent phytohormone analyses confirmed these results. Taken together, AIL7 has an important role in maintaining constitutive systemic acquired resistance, involving phytohormone mediated defense, and this, rather than an accumulation of SA followingP. brassicaechallenge, primes the plants for improved clubroot resistance, which would shed light on exploring the functions of other AP2/ERF family TFs in plant immunity against soilborne pathogens.
MRI-T2 Relaxometry is Increased in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Indications of Acute Brain Abnormalities after Injury
Authors: Bedggood Mayan J. , Essex Christi A. , Theadom Alice , Murray Helen , Hume Patria , Holdsworth Samantha J. , Faull Richard L.M. , Pedersen Mangor
Published: May 2024

Intro

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common condition, particularly pervasive in contact sports environments. A range of symptoms can accompany this type of injury and negatively impact people’s lives. As mTBI diagnosis and recovery largely rely on subjective reports, more objective injury markers are needed.

Methods

The current study compared structural brain MRI-T2 relaxometry between a group of 40 male athletes with mTBI within 14 days of injury and 40 age-matched male controls.

Results

Voxel-averaged T2 relaxometry within the grey matter was increased for the mTBI group compared to controls (p< 0.001), with statistically increased T2 relaxometry particularly in superior cortical regions.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate subtle brain abnormalities can be identified in acute mTBI using MRI-T2 relaxometry. These brain abnormalities may reflect inflammation present in the brain and could constitute an objective injury marker to supplement current subjective methods that dominate clinical decisions regarding diagnosis and prognosis. Future research should validate this potential marker with other data types, such as blood biomarkers or histological samples.

Significance Statement

Current understandings of brain pathology underlying mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) has many gaps and recovery is variable and largely based on subjective reports. Objective markers of injury are required to enhance diagnostic and prognostic capabilities and improve recovery trajectories. Our findings suggest that quantitative MRI-T2 relaxometry times are increased acutely following mTBI compared to controls, possibly indicative of neuroinflammatory processes post-injury. MRI-T2 relaxometry could represent an objective injury marker acutely following mTBI and be utilized to supplement clinical decision making. Insight into mTBI neuropathology could lead to safer, more efficient return to sport, work or education.
Culture-free Rapid Isolation and Detection of Bacteria from Whole Blood at Clinically Relevant Concentrations
Authors: Miguélez M. Henar Marino , Osaid Mohammad , Larsson Jimmy , Kandavalli Vinodh , Elf Johan , van der Wijngaart Wouter
Published: May 2024

Rapid detection and antibiotic susceptibility profiling of bacterial agents in the blood of sepsis patients are crucial for determining appropriate treatment. The low bacteria concentrations and high abundance of blood cells currently necessitate culture-based diagnostic methods, which can take several days. Here, we introduce a method to isolate bacteria from whole blood with high separation power by smart centrifugation, followed by detection through microscopy in microfluidic traps within 2 h without the need for blood culture. We detectedE. coli, K. pneumonia, orE. faecalisfrom spiked samples of healthy human donor blood at clinically relevant concentrations as low as 9, 7 and 32 colony-forming units per ml of blood, respectively. This rapid isolation of living bacteria from blood at clinically relevant concentrations opens possibilities for rapid phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing for bloodstream infections without blood culture.
The differential virulence of Fusarium strains causing corneal infections and plant diseases is associated with accessory chromosome composition
Authors: Ayhan Dilay Hazal , Abbondante Serena , Martínez-Soto Domingo , Milo Shira , Rickelton Katherine , Sohrab Vista , Kotera Shunsuke , Arie Tsutomu , Marshall Michaela Ellen , Rocha Marina Campos , Haridas Sajeet , Grigoriev Igor V. , Shlezinger Neta , Pearlman Eric , Ma Li-Jun
Published: May 2024

Fusarium oxysporumis a cross-kingdom pathogen. While some strains cause disseminated fusariosis and blinding corneal infections in humans, others are responsible for devastating vascular wilt diseases in plants. To better understand the distinct adaptations ofF. oxysporumto animal or plant hosts, we conducted a comparative phenotypic and genetic analysis of two strains: MRL8996 (isolated from a keratitis patient) and Fol4287 (isolated from a wilted tomato [Solanum lycopersicum]).In vivoinfection of mouse corneas and tomato plants revealed that, while both strains cause symptoms in both hosts, MRL8996 caused more severe corneal ulceration and perforation in mice, whereas Fol4287 induced more pronounced wilting symptoms in tomato.In vitroassays using abiotic stress treatments revealed that the human pathogen MRL8996 was better adapted to elevated temperatures, whereas the plant pathogen Fol4287 was more tolerant of osmotic and cell wall stresses. Both strains displayed broad resistance to antifungal treatment, with MRL8996 exhibiting the paradoxical effect of increased tolerance to higher concentrations of the antifungal caspofungin. We identified a set of accessory chromosomes (ACs) and protein-encoding genes with distinct transposon profiles and functions, respectively, between MRL8996 and Fol4287. Interestingly, ACs from both genomes also encode proteins with shared functions, such as chromatin remodeling and post-translational protein modifications. Our phenotypic assays and comparative genomics analyses lay the foundation for future studies correlating genotype with phenotype and for developing targeted antifungals for agricultural and clinical uses.

Importance

Fusarium oxysporumis a cross-kingdom fungal pathogen that infects both plants and animals. In addition to causing many devastating wilt diseases, this group of organisms was recently recognized by the World Health Organization as a high-priority threat to human health. Climate change has increased the risk ofFusariuminfections, asFusariumstrains are highly adaptable to changing environments. Deciphering fungal adaptation mechanisms is crucial to developing appropriate control strategies. We performed a comparative analysis ofFusariumstrains using an animal (mouse) and plant (tomato) host andin vitroconditions that mimic abiotic stress. We also performed comparative genomics analyses to highlight the genetic differences between human and plant pathogens and correlate their phenotypic and genotypic variations. We uncovered important functional hubs shared by plant and human pathogens, such as chromatin modification, transcriptional regulation, and signal transduction, which could be used to identify novel antifungal targets.
Association of Interleukin-6 gene (rs1800795) variant with waist-hip-ratio and Insulin resistance: A cross sectional study in adult women
Authors: Gupta Abhishek , Singh Arun Kumar , Gupta Priyanka , Shah Komal , Gupta Vani
Published: May 2024

Obesity is a major contributing factor to metabolic disorders and public health problems worldwide. The goal of the current study was to determine if the Interleukin-6 gene rs1800795 variant is linked to waist-hip-ratio (WHR) and insulin resistance (IR) in North Indian adult women. The WHO guidelines were followed by 37 women who had a WHR >0.85 and 35 women who had a WHR <0.85, out of the 72 women who took part in the study. Every adult woman underwent anthropometric measures. Fasting blood glucose, serum Insulin, lipid levels, and IL-6 levels were measured, and IR was computed. The RFLP technique was used to polymorphise the IL-6 gene (174 G>C) variant. The study group’s Insulin, HOMA-IR, BMI, lipid profile, TC/HDL ratio, HDL/LDL ratio, and serum IL-6 level were shown to differ significantly from the control. The percentage frequency of the IL-6 mutant genotype GC+CC (89.19%) and mutant allele C (75.68%) was higher in the study group (WHR >0.85). According to the findings, WHR, TC, TG, and HOMA-IR were substantially correlated (all p <0.05) with the mutant genotype GC+CC of the IL-6 174 G>C gene. This study indicates that the IL-6 rs1800795 gene (174 G>C) variant was substantially linked with metabolic risk variables, such as WHR and HOMA-IR.
A surgery-informed precision approach to determining brain targets for real-time fMRI neurofeedback modulation in chronic pain
Authors: Liu Dan , Mi Yiqi , Li Menghan , Nigri Anna , Grisoli Marina , Kendrick Keith M , Becker Benjamin , Ferraro Stefania
Published: May 2024

Objective

Despite the promising results of neurofeedback with real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI-NF) in the treatment of various psychiatric and neurological disorders, few studies have investigated its effects in acute and chronic pain and with mixed results. The lack of clear neuromodulation targets, rooted in the still poorly understood neurophysiopathology of chronic pain, has probably contributed to these inconsistent findings. In contrast, functional neurosurgery (funcSurg) approaches targeting specific brain regions have been shown to reduce pain in a considerable number of patients with chronic pain, however, their invasiveness limits their use to patients in critical situations. In this work, we sought to redefine, in an unbiased manner, rt-fMRI-NF future targets informed by the long tradition of funcSurg approaches.

Methods

using independent systematic reviews, we identified the targets of the rt-fMRI-NF (in acute and chronic pain) and funcSurg (in chronic pain) studies and characterized their underlying functional networks using a subset of high spatial resolution resting-state fMRI data (7T MRI data from the Human Connectome Project). After applying principal component analysis to reduce the number of identified networks, we performed a quantitative functional and anatomical annotation of these networks with a large-scale meta-analytic approach. Finally, we characterized the functional networks, defining their degree of overlap with canonical intrinsic brain networks (default mode, salience, and somatosensory) and their neurotransmitter profile.

Results

As expected, the rt-fMRI-NF and funcSurg targets were different, except for the middle cingulate cortex, and showed different characteristics in terms of their functional connectivity. Our findings indicate that targets of rt-fMRI-NF primarily encompass hubs within the default mode network and, to a lesser extent, within the salience network. In contrast, funcSurg targets predominantly involve hubs within the sensorimotor system (primarily the motor system), with less robust involvement of the salience network. Notably, 3 out of 4 derived funcSurg rs-fMRI networks correlated significantly with the distribution map of noradrenaline transporters, further supporting the functional relevance of the funcSurg networks as targets for the treatment of chronic pain.

Conclusion

Key hubs of the sensorimotor networks, in particular the motor system, may represent promising targets for the therapeutic application of rt-fMRI-NF in chronic pain in particular in neuropathic pain patients. Our results also suggest that the antinociceptive effects of the funcSurg approaches could be, at least partially, linked to the restoration of abnormal noradrenergic system activation.
Improving The Care of Critically Ill Patients: Lessons Learned from The Promotion of Essential Emergency and Critical Care In Tanzania: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kaliza Aneth Charles , Mlunde Linda , Schell Carl Otto , Khalid Karima , Sawe Hendry , Ba Elibariki Mkumbo , Kigombola Andrew , Mwandalima Isihaka , Sylvanus Erasto , Kilindimo Said , Lugazia Edwin , Masuma Janeth Stanslaus , Baker Tim
Published: May 2024

Objective

To describe the lessons learned during the promotion of a new approach to the care of critically ill patients in Tanzania - Essential Emergency and Critical Care (EECC)

Design

A descriptive qualitative study using thematic analysis of structured interviews

Setting and Participants

The study was conducted in Tanzania, involving eleven policy makers, researchers and senior clinicians who participated in the promotion of EECC in the country.

Results

The five thematic lessons that emerged from the promotion of EECC in Tanzania were: (i) ensure early and close collaboration with the government and stakeholders; (ii) conduct research and utilize evidence; (iii) prioritize advocacy and address misconceptions about EECC; (iv) leverage events and embed activities in other health system interventions and (v) employ a multifaceted implementation strategy.

Conclusion

The results from this study show the efficacy of a holistic, comprehensive approach in promoting EECC as each strategy reinforces the others. This approach led the to the successful promotion of EECC and the development of a National Strategic Plan for EECC by the government of Tanzania.

Article Summary

Strengths and Limitations of this study:

Strengths

High credibility of findings due to the in-depth qualitative data collection process and the inclusion of diverse participants, which continued until data saturation was reached.

Mitigation of personal biases by iterative sharing of findings with participants and key stakeholders

Weaknesses

The purposeful selection of participants may have missed some stakeholders with alternative viewpoints and experiences.

We were unable to transcribe the interviews, instead, a codebook and audio recordings were used for cross-referencing which may have led some relevant information being missed.
GSK-3α-BNIP3 axis promotes mitophagy in human cardiomyocytes under hypoxia
Authors: Marzook Hezlin , Gupta Anamika , Jayakumar Manju N. , Saleh Mohamed A. , Tomar Dhanendra , Qaisar Rizwan , Ahmad Firdos
Published: May 2024

Dysregulated autophagy/mitophagy is one of the major causes of cardiac injury in ischemic conditions. Glycogen synthase kinase-3alpha (GSK-3α) has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases. However, the precise role of GSK-3α in cardiac mitophagy remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the role of GSK-3α in cardiac mitophagy by employing AC16 human cardiomyocytes under the condition of acute hypoxia. We observed that the gain-of-GSK-3α function profoundly induced mitophagy in the AC16 cardiomyocytes post-hypoxia. Moreover, GSK-3α overexpression led to increased ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction in cardiomyocytes, accompanied by enhanced mitophagy displayed by increased mt-mKeima intensity under hypoxia. Mechanistically, we identified that GSK-3α promotes mitophagy through upregulation of BNIP3, caused by GSK-3α-mediated increase in expression of HIF-1α and FOXO3a in cardiomyocytes post-hypoxia. Moreover, GSK-3α displayed a physical interaction with BNIP3 and, inhibited PINK1 and Parkin recruitment to mitochondria was observed specifically under hypoxia. Taken together, we identified a novel mechanism of mitophagy in human cardiomyocytes. GSK-3α promotes mitochondrial dysfunction and regulates FOXO3a -mediated BNIP3 overexpression in cardiomyocytes to facilitate mitophagy following hypoxia. An interaction between GSK-3α and BNIP3 suggests a role of GSK-3α in BNIP3 recruitment to the mitochondrial membrane where it enhances mitophagy in stressed cardiomyocytes independent of the PINK1/Parkin.
Assessment of Awareness and Knowledge of Human Papillomavirus Transmission and Prevention Among Tertiary Institution Students in the Plateau Central Senatorial District, Nigeria
Authors: Rume Juliana , Morhason-Bello Imran O. , Oladokun Adesina
Published: May 2024

This cross-sectional study investigates awareness/knowledge about human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, transmission, prevention, and HPV vaccine among tertiary institution students in Plateau State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among students from two tertiary institutions in Plateau State, Nigeria. The study participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. A well-designed questionnaire was used for data collection. Students’ responses were analysed to assess their awareness and knowledge regarding HPV transmission, prevention, and vaccination. A composite score was obtained for general HPV knowledge. A score of more than 70.0% indicated good knowledge. The distribution of the variables was examined using frequency distribution and descriptive statistics. The chi-square test was performed for bivariate analysis. Logistics regression was performed to examine the odds of having good HPV knowledge among the students. Level of significant was set at 95%.

Of 425 students in this study, 302 (71.1%) were female and 123 (28.9%) were male. There was low awareness of HPV among students, with higher awareness among the females 66 (23.1%) than the males 26 (22.2%) (p = .853). Both female 77 (26.1%) and male students 31 (26.72%) had low awareness of HPV vaccination. Among all participants, only 19 (5%) demonstrated good knowledge of HPV. Students who were employed significantly had good knowledge of HPV compared to those who were unemployed.

There is low awareness and general knowledge of HPV and its vaccination among tertiary institution students in Plateau State, Nigeria. The students’ employment status is associated with their knowledge of HPV.
Reliability and Structure of Diabetes Diet Adherence Scale (D-DAS): A Follow-up Study among Type 2 Diabetes Patients of India
Authors: Kushwaha Savitesh , Srivastava Rachana , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Sagar Vivek , Khanna Poonam
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Measuring dietary adherence is essential while prescribing a diet plan for type 2 diabetes. This study aims to develop and validate a diabetes diet adherence scale (D-DAS) among type 2 diabetes patients in India.

Methods

A four-month non-randomised follow-up study was conducted among (n=120) type 2 diabetes patients attending the outpatient clinic. The adherence to the prescribed diet plan was determined using the D-DAS scale, and the impact of the prescribed diet plan was assessed at the endline. Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to determine the underlying dimensions of the scale, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with multiple reliability measures was used to determine the reliability and construct validity of the scale.

Results

Adherence was 53.85%, and no significant difference was observed in baseline and endline fasting blood glucose. MCA revealed dimensions explaining 68.4% of the variance. CFA showed high reliability (McDonald’s ω and Guttman’s λ2=0.836). D-DAS demonstrated a reliable underlying construct (composite reliability=0.90, average variance explained=0.56).

Conclusion

D-DAS is a reliable and valid scale for measuring dietary adherence among type 2 diabetes patients in India. Adherence was moderate, suggesting the need for targeted interventions to improve dietary compliance and diabetes management.
EFFICACY OF SIBUTRAMINE AND TOPIRAMATE COMBINATION IN WEIGHT LOSS: RETROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY ON BRAZILIAN ADULTS
Authors: Yamamoto Heloisa Harumi , Napoli Thiago Fraga , Salles João Eduardo Nunes
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Obesity is a chronic, prevalent, multifactorial disease, stigmatized and linked to multiple long-term complications, which makes the treatment currently available below of the expectations from what is necessary to combat it. Because of this limitation, off-label medications for the treatment of obesity, such as topiramate, have been widely used, in association with on-label medications, such as sibutramine, in order to achieve more effective weight loss.

Objective

Compare the effectiveness of the combination of sibutramine and topiramate with sibutramine monotherapy in weight loss in obese adults in regular follow-up. An effective weight loss is expected in the association group, due to complementary mechanisms of act, and antagonistic side effects of drugs, leading to greater weight loss and therapeutic adherence.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective cohort study with analysis of 66 medical records, distributed equally between groups. A weight loss of ≥ 5% was considered as an effectiveness criterion.

Results

The group treated with the association, after a mean follow-up period of 52 weeks, had a mean weight loss of 9.0%±8.2, against 5.3% ± 4.7 for the monotherapy group (p= 0.011). In the analysis of subgroups by weight loss categories, patients treated with the combination had an odds ratio of 6,7, to achieve ≥15% weight loss than the monotherapy group (OR=6.7, 95%CI=[1, 3; 33.7]).

Conclusion

A more effective weight loss was observed in the group treated with the combination of sibutramine and topiramate, when compared to the monotherapy group, after 52 weeks.
Cell differentiation controls iron assimilation in a choanoflagellate
Authors: Leon Fredrick , Espinoza-Esparza Jesus M. , Deng Vicki , Coyle Maxwell C. , Espinoza Sarah , Booth David S.
Published: May 2024

Marine microeukaryotes have evolved diverse cellular features that link their life histories to surrounding environments. How those dynamic life histories intersect with the ecological functions of microeukaryotes remains a frontier to understand their roles in essential biogeochemical cycles1,2. Choanoflagellates, phagotrophs that cycle nutrients through filter feeding, provide models to explore this intersection, for many choanoflagellate species transition between life history stages by differentiating into distinct cell types3–6. Here we report that cell differentiation in the marine choanoflagellateSalpingoeca rosettaendows one of its cell types with the ability to utilize insoluble ferric colloids for improved growth through the expression of a cytochrome b561 iron reductase (cytb561a). This gene is an ortholog of the mammalian duodenal cytochrome b561 (DCYTB) that reduces ferric cations prior to their uptake in gut epithelia7and is part of an iron utilization toolkit that choanoflagellates and their closest living relatives, the animals, inherited from a last common eukaryotic ancestor. In a database of oceanic metagenomes8,9, the abundance ofcytb561atranscripts from choanoflagellates positively correlates with upwellings, which are a major source of ferric colloids in marine environments10. As this predominant form of iron11,12is largely inaccessible to cell-walled microbes13,14, choanoflagellates and other phagotrophic eukaryotes may serve critical ecological roles by first acquiring ferric colloids through phagocytosis and then cycling this essential nutrient through iron utilization pathways13–15. These findings provide insight into the ecological roles choanoflagellates perform and inform reconstructions of early animal evolution where functionally distinct cell types became an integrated whole at the origin of animal multicellularity16–22.
Diagnostic Performances of GPT-4o, Claude 3 Opus, and Gemini 1.5 Pro in “Diagnosis Please” Cases
Authors: Sonoda Yuki , Kurokawa Ryo , Nakamura Yuta , Kanzawa Jun , Kurokawa Mariko , Ohizumi Yuji , Gonoi Wataru , Abe Osamu
Published: May 2024

Backgrounds

Large language models (LLMs) are rapidly advancing and demonstrating high performance in understanding textual information, suggesting potential applications in interpreting patient histories and documented imaging findings. LLMs are advancing rapidly and an improvement in their diagnostic ability is expected. Furthermore, there has been a lack of comprehensive comparisons between LLMs from various manufacturers.

Purpose

We tested the diagnostic performance of the latest three major LLMs (GPT-4o, Claude 3 Opus, and Gemini 1.5 Pro) usingRadiologyDiagnosis Please cases, a monthly diagnostic quiz series for radiology experts.

Materials and Methods

Clinical history and imaging findings as provided textually by the case submitters were extracted from 324 quiz questions fromRadiologyDiagnosis Please cases. The GPT-4o, Claude 3 Opus, and Gemini 1.5 Pro generated the top three differential diagnoses. Diagnostic performance among the three LLMs were compared using Cochrane’s Q and post-hoc McNemar’s tests.

Results

The diagnostic accuracies for the primary diagnosis were 41.0%, 54.0%, and 33.9% for GPT-4o, Claude 3 Opus, and Gemini 1.5 Pro, respectively. When considering the accuracy of any of the top three differential diagnoses, the rates improved to 49.4%, 62.0%, and 41.0%, respectively. Significant differences in diagnostic performance were observed among all pairs of the models.

Conclusion

In a comparison of the latest LLMs, Claude 3 Opus outperformed GPT-4o and Gemini 1.5 Pro in solving radiology quiz cases. These models appear capable of assisting radiologists when supplied with accurate evaluations and worded descriptions of imaging findings by radiologists.

Summary statement

Claude 3 Opus achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy, followed by GPT-4o and Gemini 1.5 Pro, in a comparison of their performance on 324 text-basedRadiologyDiagnosis Please cases..

Key Results

This study compared the diagnostic performances of the latest three major large language models, GPT-4o, Claude 3 Opus, and Gemini 1.5 Pro, using clinical history and textualized imaging findings inRadiologyDiagnosis Please cases.

The top three differential diagnoses generated by GPT-4o, Claude 3 Opus, and Gemini 1.5 Pro achieved diagnostic accuracies of 49.4%, 62.0%, and 41.0%, respectively, with statistically significant differences between each model’s performance.
Statistical analysis plan (SAP): Risk of revision for different types of cup fixation in elderly patients with primary hip osteoarthritis. A study of XXX,XXX primary total hip arthroplasties from the Nordic Arthroplasty Register Association (NARA)
Authors: Latifi Roshan , Kornvig Simon , Ardebili Maziar Mohaddes , Varnum Claus , Overgaard Søren
Published: May 2024

Uncemented fixation of THA components are increasingly used. Although cemented femoral component fixation in total hip arthroplasty has shown better results in older patients, less is known about the cup side.
Lifestyle patterns in the Peruvian population: analysis of tobacco, alcohol and fruit/vegetable consumption based on a nine-year national survey
Authors: Vera-Ponce Víctor Juan , Zuzunaga-Montoya Fiorella E. , Vásquez-Romero Luisa Erika Milagros , Loayza-Castro Joan A. , Gutierrez De Carrillo Carmen Inés , Chenet Stella M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

A population’s lifestyle is a factor in public health and general well-being; thus, three indicators are alcohol consumption, smoking activity, and a healthy diet.

Objectives

The study aimed to determine the trends and factors associated with alcohol consumption, smoking activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was based on the National Survey of Demography and Family Health (ENDES) database between 2014 and 2022. Smoking status was categorized as never smoker, former smoker, current smoker, and daily smoker; alcohol consumption was classified as not having consumed in the last 12 months, non-excessive consumption in the previous 30 days, and excessive consumption. Fruit and vegetable consumption was divided into whether five or more servings were consumed, and it was formed separately into three or more portions for fruit and two more portions for vegetables.

Results

The overall prevalence of lifestyles, starting with daily smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and consumption of fewer than five portions of fruits and vegetables per day, are 1.55%, 3.06%, and 91.02%, respectively. Significant differences were found between each of them in terms of age, sex, and socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

The current study observed slight changes in the prevalence of daily and current smokers. Additionally, an increase in excessive alcohol consumption in 2020, followed by a decrease in 2022, was found. The study draws attention to the troubling scarcity of fruit and vegetable intake within the population, underscoring potential health risks posed by inadequate consumption of these nutritious foods. The study not only found significant divergences in wellness practices relating to gender, age, and area but also highlighted how accounting for such elements in public health intervention strategies is paramount by emphasizing the need to consider those variances.
ConservedCis-Acting Range Extender Element Mediates Extreme Long-Range Enhancer Activity in Mammals
Authors: Bower Grace , Hollingsworth Ethan W. , Jacinto Sandra , Clock Benjamin , Cao Kaitlyn , Liu Mandy , Dziulko Adam , Alcaina-Caro Ana , Xu Qianlan , Skowronska-Krawczyk Dorota , Lopez-Rios Javier , Dickel Diane E. , Bardet Anaïs F. , Pennacchio Len A. , Visel Axel , Kvon Evgeny Z.
Published: May 2024

While most mammalian enhancers regulate their cognate promoters over moderate distances of tens of kilobases (kb), some enhancers act over distances in the megabase range. The sequence features enabling such extreme-distance enhancer-promoter interactions remain elusive. Here, we usedin vivoenhancer replacement experiments in mice to show that short– and medium-range enhancers cannot initiate gene expression at extreme-distance range. We uncover a novel conservedcis-acting element,RangeEXtender (REX), that confers extreme-distance regulatory activity and is located next to a long-range enhancer ofSall1. The REX element itself has no endogenous enhancer activity. However, addition of the REX to other short– and mid-range enhancers substantially increases their genomic interaction range. In the most extreme example observed, addition of the REX increased the range of an enhancer by an order of magnitude, from its native 71kb to 840kb. The REX element contains highly conserved [C/T]AATTA homeodomain motifs. These motifs are enriched around long-range limb enhancers genome-wide, including the ZRS, a benchmark long-range limb enhancer ofShh. Mutating the [C/T]AATTA motifs within the ZRS does not affect its limb-specific enhancer activity at short range, but selectively abolishes its long-range activity, resulting in severe limb reduction in knock-in mice. In summary, we identify a sequence signature globally associated with long-range enhancer-promoter interactions and describe a prototypical REX element that is necessary and sufficient to confer extreme-distance gene activation by remote enhancers.
Brown Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle Coordinately Contribute to Thermogenesis in Mice
Authors: Izumi-Mishima Yuna , Tsutsumi Rie , Shiuchi Tetsuya , Fujimoto Saori , Taniguchi Momoka , Okamatsu-Ogura Yuko , Yoneshiro Takeshi , Kuroda Masashi , Nomura Kazuhiro , Sakaue Hiroshi
Published: May 2024

Endotherms increase the rate of metabolism in metabolic organs as one strategy to cope with a decline in temperature of the external environment. However, an additional major contributor to maintenance of body temperature in a cold environment is contraction-based thermogenesis in skeletal muscle. Here we show that impairment of hind limb muscle contraction by cast immobilization suppresses skeletal muscle thermogenesis and activates brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis as a compensatory mechanism. BAT utilizes free branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) derived from skeletal muscle as an energy substrate for thermogenesis, and interleukin-6 released by skeletal muscle stimulates BCAA production in muscle for support of BAT thermogenesis. Our findings suggest that BAT and skeletal muscle cooperate to maintain body temperature in endotherms.
Strain patterns with ultrasound for improved assessment of abdominal aortic aneurysm vessel wall biomechanics
Authors: Lorenzen Ulver S. , Bracco Marta I. , Zielinski Alexander H. , Broda Magdalena , Avril Stéphane , Rouet Laurence , Eiberg Jonas P. ,   the COACH Research Collaborative
Published: May 2024

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are an important cause of death. Small AAAs are surveyed with ultrasound (US) until a defined diameter threshold, often triggering a CT scan and surgical repair. Nevertheless, 5-10 % of AAA ruptures are below threshold, and some large AAAs never rupture. AAA wall biomechanics may reveal vessel wall degradation with potential for patient-centred risk assessment. This clinical study investigated AAA vessel wall biomechanics and deformation patterns, including reproducibility.

Methods

In 50 patients with AAA, 183 video clips were recorded by two sonographers. Prototype software extracted AAA vessel wall principal strain characteristics and patterns. Functional principal component analysis (FPCA) derived strain pattern statistics.

Results

Strain patterns demonstrated reduced AAA wall strains close to the spine. The strain pattern ‘topography’ (i.e., curve phases or ‘peaks’ and ‘valleys’) had a 3.9 times lower variance than simple numeric assessment of strain amplitudes, which allowed for clustering in two groups with FPCA. A high mean reproducibility of these clusters of 87.6 % was found. Median pulse pressure-corrected mean principal strain (PPPS) was 0.038 %/mmHg (interquartile range: 0.029 to 0.051 %/mmHg) with no correlation to AAA size (Spearman’s ρ = 0.02, FDR-P = 0.15). Inter-operator reproducibility of PPPS was poor (limits of agreement: ±0.031 %/mmHg).

Discussion

Strain patterns challenge previous numeric stiffness measures based on AP-diameter and are reproducible for clustering. This study’s PPPS aligned with prior findings, although clinical reproducibility was poor. In contrast, US-based strain patterns hold promising potential to enhance AAA risk assessment beyond traditional diameter-based metrics.
Game on: a systematic exploration of gamification in logistics and supply chain management
Authors: Khan Mohd Ziyauddin , Kumar Ashwani , Singh Harshit Kumar , Ashraf Syed Abdullah
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study systematically reviews the existing literature on the application of gamification in logistics and supply chain management (LSCM). This study aims to categorise the literature in various logistics and supply chain domains, to conceptualise the gamification framework pertinent in the context of LSCM and to provide a research agenda for scholars in the area.

Design/methodology/approach

The study’s methodology adopts the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis framework to conduct a systematic literature review. Forty relevant papers published from 2012 to 2023 are included in the analysis.

Findings

Augmented reality, blockchain, education, sustainability and warehousing have been identified as the key focus areas in which gamification is applied. Furthermore, the paper highlights different research approaches used to study these domains, maps the literature with gamification constructs (affordances, psychological outcomes and behavioural outcomes) and provides potential research avenues for future scholars.

Research limitations/implications

This review offers evidence of the impact of gamification on workforce dynamics, employee motivation, job satisfaction, trust, employee engagement and productivity. The study significantly contributes to the academic community by offering a conceptual framework and meaningful avenues for future researchers.

Originality/value

This research work contributes to the gamification, logistics and supply chain literature by providing a more comprehensive and methodical knowledge of the field. This study adds to the body of knowledge by offering a reference framework for future scholars based on a synthesis of the studies published so far in the area.
An assessment of top managers’ commitment to business performance: a case study of the coffee processing industry in Guji Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Warie Gemechu Hotessa , Bariso Elfneh Udessa , Huluka Admassu Tesso
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze top management commitment to business performance in the context of coffee processing firms in Guji Zone, Ethiopia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted on coffee processing firms in Guji Zone, Ethiopia, using a mixed approach with a descriptive and explanatory design. A systematic, simple random sampling technique was used to draw a sample. A total of 345 respondents were actively involved in the survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to analyze the data through SPSS-20.

Findings

The results indicate that members of top management in the sector were committed to promoting their business performance. The findings of the study also reveal that top management commitment has significant and positive effects on the overall business performance of coffee processing firms.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to the coffee processing industry and generalization of the results to other sectors may be questionable. Similarly, the study was presented using primary data only. Thus, future researchers will be advised to strengthen their findings using the secondary data.

Practical implications

The study’s implications have contributed to theoretical, practical and managerial perspectives. The findings validate and refine existing theories, provide practical insights for coffee processing firms and offer guidance for managerial decision-making and leadership development.

Originality/value

Up to the time of the authors' literature review, no study with a similar topic on coffee processing firms in the Guji Zone was found and it is believed to be the first literature evidence for future researchers.
Impact of credit expansion and contraction on unemployment
Authors: Ozili Peterson , Oladipo Olajide
Published: May 2024

Purpose

We investigate the impact of private credit expansion and contraction on the unemployment rate in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Credit expansion and contraction are measured using a three-level criterion. The fixed effect panel regression model was used to estimate the impact of private credit contraction and expansion on the unemployment rate in ECOWAS countries.

Findings

Private credit contraction significantly increases the unemployment rate in ECOWAS countries. Private credit expansion does not have a significant effect on the unemployment rate. Real GDP growth has a significant negative effect on the unemployment rate which supports the prediction of the Okun’s Law while the inflation rate has a positive and insignificant effect on the rate of unemployment in ECOWAS countries which contradicts the prediction of the Phillips curve.

Practical implications

Policymakers in ECOWAS countries need to be cautious when introducing policies that lead to private credit contraction as it could increase unemployment. Policymakers in ECOWAS countries should also find the “threshold” below which private credit contraction will worsen the unemployment rate and introduce policy measures to ensure that private credit contraction does not fall below the threshold.

Originality/value

The literature has not examined the factors leading to tight labor markets or unemployment in West African countries.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-12-2023-0939.
CEO power and corporate tax avoidance in emerging economies: does ownership structure matter?
Authors: Dakhli Anissa
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study how CEO power impact corporate tax avoidance. In particular, this paper aims to empirically examine the moderating impact of institutional ownership on the relationship between CEO power and corporate tax avoidance.

Design/methodology/approach

The multivariate regression model is used for hypothesis testing using a sample of 308 firm-year observations of Tunisian listed companies during the 2013-2019 period.

Findings

The results show that CEO power is negatively associated with corporate tax avoidance and that institutional ownership significantly accentuates the CEO power’s effect on corporate tax avoidance. This implies that CEOs, when monitored by institutional investors, behave less opportunistically resulting in less tax avoidance.

Practical implications

Our findings have significant implications for managers, legislators, tax authorities and shareholders. They showed that CEO duality, tenure and ownership can mitigate the corporate tax avoidance in Tunisian companies. These findings can, hence, guide the development of future regulations and policies. Moreover, our results provide evidence that owning of shares by institutional investors is beneficial for reducing corporate tax avoidance. Thus, policymakers and regulatory bodies should consider adding regulations to the structure of corporate ownership to promote institutional ownership and consequently control corporate tax avoidance in Tunisian companies.

Originality/value

This study differs from prior studies in several ways. First, it addressed the emerging market, namely the Tunisian one. Knowing the notable differences in institutional setting and corporate governance structure between developed and emerging markets, this study will shed additional light in this area. Second, it proposes the establishment of a moderated relationship between CEO power and corporate tax avoidance around institutional ownership. Unlike prior studies that only examined the simple relationship between CEO power and corporate tax avoidance, this study went further to investigate how institutional ownership potentially moderates this relationship.