bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BMP4 induces a p21-dependent cell state shift in glioblastoma linking mesenchymal transition to senescence
Authors: Niklasson Mia , Dalmo Erika , Segerman Anna , Rendo Veronica , Westermark Bengt
Published: June 2024

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) has emerged as a potential glioblastoma therapy due to its anti- proliferative effect via SOX2 downregulation and differentiation promotion. However, BMP4 responses vary across and within tumors. Our previous data indicate that BMP4 induces transition to a mesenchymal-like cell state. Mesenchymal transition is associated with therapy-resistance and tumor recurrence, as is senescence in cancer.

In this study, we investigated BMP4’s potential to induce senescence in primary glioblastoma cells, including proneural- and mesenchymal-like clones derived from the same tumor. BMP4 treatment induced senescence-associated genes and phenotypic changes such as cell enlargement, senescence- associated-β-gal expression, lamin B1 downregulation, and elevated p21 levels. The most robust senescence induction was observed in the mesenchymal-like clone, compared to its proneural counterpart. Notably, mesenchymal-like cells displayed high basal levels of p21 and other senescence- associated markers, suggesting a convergence of mesenchymal and senescent traits. p21 knockout abolished BMP4-induced senescence, maintaining proliferation and cell size despite SOX2 downregulation. Additionally, senolytic treatment effectively eliminated senescent cells through apoptosis, thereby favoring survival of cells retaining normal p21 levels.

Our findings demonstrate BMP4’s ability to induce p21-dependent senescence in glioblastoma, particularly in therapy-resistant mesenchymal-like cells. These insights provide potential therapeutic strategies targeting senescence pathways in this challenging disease.
Contrastive Learning for Robust Cell Annotation and Representation from Single-Cell Transcriptomics
Authors: Andrekson Leo , Mercado Rocío
Published: June 2024

Batch effects are a significant concern in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) data analysis, where variations in the data can be attributed to factors unrelated to cell types. This can make downstream analysis a challenging task. In this study, we present a novel DL approach using contrastive learning and a carefully designed loss function for learning a generalizable embedding space from scRNA-Seq data. We call this model CELLULAR: CELLUlar contrastive Learning for Annotation and Representation. When benchmarked against multiple established methods for scRNA-Seq integration, CELLULAR outperforms existing methods in learning a generalizable embedding space on multiple datasets. Cell annotation was also explored as a downstream application for the learned embedding space. When compared against multiple well-established methods, CELLULAR demonstrates competitive performance with top cell classification methods in terms of accuracy, balanced accuracy, and F1 score. CELLULAR is also capable of performing novel cell type detection. These findings assess the biological relevance of the model's learned embedding space by demonstrating the robustness of its cell representations across various applications. The model has been structured into an open-source Python package, specifically designed to simplify and streamline its usage for bioinformaticians and other scientists interested in cell representation learning.
Phosphate starvation-induced CORNICHON HOMOLOG 5 as endoplasmic reticulum cargo receptor for PHT1 transporters inArabidopsis
Authors: Chiu Chang-Yi , Tsai Cheng-Da , Wang Jhih-Yi , Tsai Ming-Hsuan , McGinness Alastair J. , Lung Hui-Fang , Kanno Satomi , Kriechbaumer Verena , Liu Tzu-Yin
Published: June 2024

Phosphate (Pi) is essential for plant growth and is acquired by the plasma membrane (PM) PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER 1 proteins (PHT1s). Enhancing the abundance of PHT1s at the cell surface under Pi limitation thus ensures plant productivity and sustainable agriculture. CORNICHON HOMOLOG proteins (CNIHs) are conserved eukaryotic cargo receptors that mediate the selective endoplasmic reticulum (ER) export of membrane proteins. We identified theArabidopsis thaliana CNIH5(AtCNIH5) as a Pi starvation-inducible gene preferentially expressed in the outer root cell layers above the meristem.AtCNIH5 co-localizes to theAtSAR1A/AtSEC16A/AtSEC24A-labeled ER exit sites and interacts withAtPHT1;1 and PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER TRAFFIC FACILITATOR1 (AtPHF1). Loss ofAtCNIH5confers reduced shoot Pi levels and decreasedAtPHT1s but increasedAtPHF1. The root hair and the epidermis within the transition/elongation zone of thecnih5mutant display a lower PM targeting efficiency ofAtPHT1;1. Moreover, dysfunctionalAtCNIH5 exerts a suppressive effect on the growth ofphf1and alleviates Pi toxicity in the Pi overaccumulatorpho2. However, thein vivoprotein–protein interaction and degradation assays indicated thatAtCNIH5 is not a direct target ofAtPHO2. Our findings unveil that low Pi-responsiveAtCNIH5 interplays withAtPHF1 to promote the PM targeting ofAtPHT1s in a cell type-dependent manner.
A disorder of consciousness rather than complete locked-in may be the final stage of ALS
Authors: Gobert F. , Merida I. , Maby E. , Seguin P. , Jung J. , Morlet D. , André-Obadia N. , Dailler F. , Berthomier Ch. , Otman A. , Bars D. Le , Scheiber Ch. , Hammers A. , Bernard E. , Costes N. , Bouet R. , Mattout J.
Published: June 2024

The end-stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS] is presumed to be a complete Locked-In Syndrome [cLIS], assuming an internally preserved consciousness that would not be accessible anymore from the outside. However, whether consciousness persists at this stage of ALS remains to be demonstrated. Shifting the perspective from cLIS (presupposed consciousness) to Cognitive Motor Dissociation (to-be-demonstrated consciousness), we attempted to demonstrate consciousness and communication with two cLIS-ALS patients using a multimodal awareness assessment battery. It involved complete neurophysiological assessments, passive and active auditory oddball paradigm (Subject-Own-Name/P300), an auditory-based Brain-Computer-Interface [BCI] and activation-task imaging using functional MRI or [15O]H2O PET. Wakefulness (long-term EEG), brain morphology (CT or MRI scans) and resting brain metabolism ([18F]fluoro-deoxy-glucose PET) were used to describe the underlying cLIS brain function.

While Patient 1 could initially follow simple commands, he failed twice to control the BCI. At follow-up, he showed no more evidence of command following and his oddball (Own Name - P300) cognitive responses has disappeared. At his unique evaluation, Patient 2 was neither able to follow simple commands nor to control the BCI.

Both patients had altered wakefulness, brain atrophy, and a global cortico-sub-cortical hypometabolism pattern compatible with a disorder of consciousness, regarded as an extreme form of an ALS-associated fronto-temporal dementia.

While it is not possible to firmly demonstrate the absence of awareness, each independent measure concurred with suggesting that a “degenerative disorder of consciousness” rather than a cLIS might be the final stage of ALS. In future cases, this dramatic cognitive decline should be anticipated before communication disappears to enable precise advance directives regarding end-of-life issues in case complete – and neurophysiologically confirmed – unresponsiveness occurs.

Altogether, the neuroimaging features distinguishing the mechanisms in this rare condition is a significant milestone to understand end-stage ALS. The present clinical study calls for further exploration of this terminal stage to determine the prevalence of this profile in whom communication seems hopeless.
New insights into the functions of ACBD4/5-like proteins using a combined phylogenetic and experimental approach across model organisms
Authors: Kors Suzan , Schuster Martin , Maddison Daniel C. , Kilaru Sreedhar , Schrader Tina A. , Costello Joseph L. , Islinger Markus , Smith Gaynor A. , Schrader Michael
Published: June 2024

Acyl-CoA binding domain-containing proteins (ACBDs) perform diverse but often uncharacterised functions linked to cellular lipid metabolism. Human ACBD4 and ACBD5 are closely related peroxisomal membrane proteins, involved in tethering of peroxisomes to the ER and capturing fatty acids for peroxisomal β-oxidation. ACBD5 deficiency causes neurological abnormalities including ataxia and white matter disease. Peroxisome-ER contacts depend on an ACBD4/5-FFAT motif, which interacts with ER-resident VAP proteins. As ACBD4/5-like proteins are present in most fungi and all animals, we combined phylogenetic analyses with experimental approaches to improve understanding of their evolution and functions. Notably, all vertebrates exhibit gene sequences for both ACBD4 and ACBD5, while invertebrates and fungi possess only a single ACBD4/5-like protein. Our analyses revealed alterations in domain structure and FFAT sequences, which help understanding functional diversification of ACBD4/5-like proteins. We show that theDrosophila melanogasterACBD4/5-like protein possesses a functional FFAT motif to tether peroxisomes to the ER via Dm_Vap33. Depletion of Dm_Acbd4/5 caused peroxisome redistribution in wing neurons and reduced life expectancy. In contrast, the ACBD4/5-like protein of the filamentous fungusUstilago maydislacks a FFAT motif and does not interact with Um_Vap33. Loss of Um_Acbd4/5 resulted in an accumulation of peroxisomes and early endosomes at the hyphal tip. Moreover, lipid droplet numbers increased and mitochondrial membrane potential declined, implying altered lipid homeostasis. Our findings reveal differences between tethering and metabolic functions of ACBD4/5-like proteins across evolution, improving our understanding of ACBD4/5 function in health and disease. The need for a unifying nomenclature for ACBD proteins is discussed.
Premature aging in aneuploid yeast is caused in part by aneuploidy-induced defects in Ribosome Quality Control
Authors: Escalante Leah E. , Hose James , Howe Hollis , Paulsen Norah , Place Michael , Gasch Audrey P.
Published: June 2024

Premature aging is a hallmark of Down syndrome, caused by trisomy of human chromosome 21, but the reason is unclear and difficult to study in humans. We used an aneuploid model in wild yeast to show that chromosome amplification disrupts nutrient-induced cell-cycle arrest, quiescence entry, and healthy aging, across genetic backgrounds and amplified chromosomes. We discovered that these defects are due in part to aneuploidy-induced dysfunction in Ribosome Quality Control (RQC). Compared to euploids, aneuploids entering quiescence display aberrant ribosome profiles, accumulate RQC intermediates, and harbor an increased load of protein aggregates. Although they have normal proteasome capacity, aneuploids show signs of ubiquitin dysregulation, which impacts cyclin abundance to disrupt arrest. Remarkably, inducing ribosome stalling in euploids produces similar aberrations, while up-regulating limiting RQC subunits or proteins in ubiquitin metabolism alleviates many of the aneuploid defects. Our results provide implications for other aneuploidy disorders including Down syndrome.
Differences in sensory nerve block between levobupivacaine and bupivacaine at low concentrations in humans and animals
Authors: Sakamoto Akiyuki , Tanaka Satoshi , Ishida Takashi , Kawamata Mikito
Published: June 2024

Physiochemical properties of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine are identical, but pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties differ due to stereoselective interactions at the molecular sites of action. An evaluation of nerve block characteristicsis essential for optimal clinical application. This study compared the sensory blocking characteristics of levobupivacaine to bupivacaine in humans and model animals. Levobupivacaine and bupivacaine were compared for sensory block efficacy using a randomized, double-blinded, crossover study design. Eighteen healthy volunteers were randomized to receive levobupivacaine or bupivacaine by subcutaneous injection into the forearm, followed by the other drug 1 week later with injection order counterbalanced across subjects. Tactile detection and mechanical pain thresholds were determined using von Frey hairs and thermal pain threshold using a thermal stimulator. Effects of levobupivacaine and bupivacaine, on the spiking activity of spinal dorsal horn (SDH) neurons evoked by innocuous or noxious stimuli were also compared in anesthetized Sprague–Dawley rats by in vivo extracellular recordings. There were no significant differences in mechanical and thermal pain thresholds following levobupivacaine or bupivacaine injection at 0.025%, 0.0625%, and 0.125%. There was also no significant difference in tactile detection threshold following levobupivacaine or bupivacaine injection at 0.125%. However, tactile detection threshold was significantly higher after administration of bupivacaine at 0.025% and 0.0625% compared to equivalent doses of levobupivacaine. Subcutaneous injection of bupivacaine at 0.05% also induced significantly greater inhibition of SDH neuron spiking activity evoked by innocuous stimuli compared to an equivalent dose of levobupivacaine, while there was no significant difference in suppression of spiking activity evoked by noxious stimuli. Low-dose bupivacaine induces greater suppression tactile sensation than low-dose levobupivacaine. Thus, low-dose levobupivacaine demonstrates relatively greater blocking selectivity for noxious over innocuous stimuli compared to low-dose bupivacaine. Levobupivacaine may be advantageous for applications where pain must be suppressed but non-nociceptive sensations maintained.
Influence of wind direction on flow over a cliff and its interaction with a wind turbine wake
Authors: Dar Arslan Salim , Porté-Agel Fernando
Published: June 2024

This work investigates the effect of wind direction on the flow over a cliff and its interaction with the wake of a wind turbine sited on the cliff. The cliff is modeled as a forward-facing step, and five wind directions are tested (θ=0∘, 15∘, 30∘, 45∘, and −45∘), where 0∘ represents a wind direction perpendicular to the cliff edge. The flow becomes increasingly three-dimensional with the increase in the wind direction magnitude and a cross-stream flow separation develops from the cliff leading edge. The turbulence kinetic energy decreases for wind directions higher than 15∘, which is due to the absence of the streamwise flow separation for higher wind directions. The cross-stream flow development in the base flow affects the shape of the turbine wake. A two-dimensional Gaussian fit is performed on the wake velocity deficit, which shows a slight departure from self-similarity in the lateral direction. The wake recovery slows down for wind directions higher than 15∘, which is consistent with the decrease in the wake growth rate for θ>15∘. The wake shows higher deflection and tilt angle for higher wind directions. Analysis of the streamwise momentum in the wake reveals that the advection terms play a role in slowing the wake recovery for higher wind directions.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Effect of an inquiry-based teaching sequence on secondary school students’ understanding of wave optics
Authors: Planinic Maja , Jelicic Katarina , Matejak Cvenic Karolina , Susac Ana , Ivanjek Lana
Published: June 2024

Wave optics is a mandatory part of Croatian secondary school physics curriculum for students in the final year of secondary school (age 18–19). Many physics education research studies have shown that it is a difficult physics topic for both university and secondary school students. An inquiry-based teaching sequence on wave optics, designed for eight 45-min teaching periods, was developed by the authors. The sequence included four investigative students’ experiments on the topics of interference, diffraction, and polarization of light, as well as several teacher demonstrations. The experimental group included six classes of students from six different Croatian urban secondary schools, who underwent the teaching intervention with the new inquiry-based sequence on wave optics, whereas the control group consisted of six classes from the same schools, taught in a predominantly lecturing way. Both groups were post-tested with the same instrument, the Conceptual Survey on Wave Optics (CSWO), to evaluate the research hypothesis that the new sequence might improve students’ conceptual understanding better than the traditional teaching. The results of the experimental and control groups were analyzed and compared using the Rasch analysis. The results show that the experimental group outperformed the control group in four out of five conceptual areas probed by the CSWO, suggesting that the new inquiry-based teaching sequence may contribute to stronger development of secondary school students’ conceptual understanding of wave optics, especially concerning typical wave optics patterns, reasoning from experiments, and explaining basic wave optics phenomena. A questionnaire on attitudes toward the teaching intervention was administered to students and it was found that students generally liked the inquiry-based teaching intervention and expressed positive attitudes to interactive, experimental, and collaborative aspects of physics teaching. The results are very promising, but their generalization may be limited by the selection of the students, as well as by the short duration of the teaching intervention and the relatively small breadth of the covered topics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Machine learning guided discovery of stable, spin-resolved topological insulators
Authors: Tyner Alexander C.
Published: June 2024

Identification of a nontrivial Z2 index in a spinful two-dimensional insulator indicates the presence of an odd, quantized (pseudo)spin-resolved Chern number, Cs=(C↑−C↓)/2. However, the statement is not biconditional. An odd spin-Chern number can survive when the familiar Z2 index vanishes. Identification of solid-state systems hosting an odd, quantized Cs and trivial Z2 index is a pressing issue due to the potential for such insulators to admit band gaps optimal for experiments and quantum devices. Nevertheless, they have proven elusive due to the computational expense associated with their discovery. In this work, a neural network capable of identifying the spin-Chern number is developed and used to identify the first solid-state systems hosting a trivial Z2 index and odd Cs. We demonstrate the potential of one such system, Ti2CO2, to support Majorana corner modes via the superconducting proximity effect.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Should I voice to improve workplace practices?
Authors: Rani Hira , Syed Obed Rashdi , Amin Muslim , Umrani Waheed Ali , Herjanto Halimin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study attempts to examine how employee orientations and paranoid arousal intersect and influence the voice behaviors of employees, as they significantly influence workplace practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a multi-source and multi-time-based survey, the data were collected from 37 supervisors and 270 employees in 80 branches of 11 microfinance banks. SmartPLS-4.1 was used to test the measurement and structural model. A total of 307 questionnaires were used for the data analysis.

Findings

This research presents the contrasting results of employee orientations with voice behavior. Results support the direct relationship between paranoid arousal and promotive-prohibitive voice behaviors. However, no support was found for approach-avoidance orientation and promotive-prohibitive voice behaviors.

Practical implications

Employees' ability to voice-out in organizations depends on several motivational factors, consolidated into three areas – organizational culture, leadership, and individual traits. Organizations must implement a culture of transparency and open communication. Participative and inclusive leadership styles increase the quality of relationships with employees, stimulating a promotive voice. A support system for employees is needed to advance in their careers, increasing promotive behaviors.

Originality/value

The study adds value to the existing body of knowledge by studying approach-avoidance orientations and voice behaviors through the lens of paranoid arousal in the framework.
Healthcare service quality: a systematic review based on PRISMA guidelines
Authors: Rauf Abdul , Muhammad Norhilmi , Mahmood Hamid , Aftab Muhammad
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive literature review focused on the concept of service quality within the healthcare sector. This research aims to categorize and analyze the various dimensions associated with service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review methodology was employed to accomplish current study goals, and specific criteria were utilized to select relevant research articles spanning the years from 2000 to 2023. Ultimately, 57 articles met the criteria and were included in the study.

Findings

Through a meticulous review of selected articles, our research identified and categorized 29 distinct measures for evaluating service quality in the healthcare sector. These measures were further grouped into five overarching categories, namely: overall service quality, personal characteristics, healthcare facility administration, patient attributes and the servicescape. Our investigation highlighted that the dimensions commonly utilized to assess service quality in healthcare primarily draw from the SERVQUAL framework. Additionally, there is significant emphasis on measurements related to the physical environment's quality, overall patient satisfaction and behavioral intention.

Originality/value

This review offers original value by synthesizing diverse literature on healthcare service quality, highlighting SEVQUAL dimensions and critical variables used for assessment. It provides insight into the subjective nature of service quality and varied sampling methods and contributes to enhancing service quality and patient satisfaction in healthcare settings.
The audit expectations gap firms listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange: empirical evidence on Palestinian stakeholders
Authors: Faza’ Mustafa , Badwan Nemer , Hamdan Montaser
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate the audit expectations gap among stakeholders in listed firms in Palestine. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether or not there is a gap in audit expectations between auditors and investors, auditors and board directors, as well as among auditors and financial managers and also among auditors and shareholders.

Design/methodology/approach

To attain its ultimate objective, this study was created using an exploratory descriptive methodology grounded in the use of quantitative methods. A structured questionnaire was used to gather study data from 81 respondents, and a statistical package for the social sciences-26 was then used for analysis.

Findings

The results of this research showed that there is a sizable difference in audit expectations among shareholders, financial managers and board directors, as well as among auditors and investors. The findings also demonstrate that, in comparison to the difference between auditors and financial managers, the gap between auditors and board directors and auditors and shareholders is very narrow.

Research limitations/implications

This investigation, which examines the audit expectations gap in great detail, has some significant limitations. This study was limited to the Palestinian market alone. Future research might compare or examine the variations in audit expectations in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Iran, among different countries. In addition, the demand for accurate and reliable financial reports has sparked a recent increase in interest in auditing, a long-standing sector that has expanded in recent years.

Practical implications

The study has several practical implications, for example, it underlines how crucial it is to make stakeholders aware of the limitations and difficulties related to the auditing process. By doing this, the situation that audit committees and listed firms find themselves in will be easier for investors, board directors, financial managers and shareholders to understand. The way that auditors and stakeholders communicate can help reduce this gap since it affects how much each party underestimates or understates the other’s obligations.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by analysing and identifying the causes of the audit expectations gap in companies listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange and providing useful insights and potential solutions to close or mitigate it. It also adds a new contribution to the literature related to the audit expectation gap. This investigation offers unambiguous evidence of a sizable discrepancy between audit expectations and actual performance in terms of formal auditor obligations as outlined by current law, as well as auditor reliability standards and practices, between auditors, board directors, investors, shareholders and financial managers in listed Palestinian firms.
A research on the Italian fiscal shell companies turnover
Authors: Pellegrini Antonio
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the turnover of Italian shell companies (SCs)/missing traders used for tax crimes, a predicate offence of money laundering. This research could be useful for Italian obliged entities to the Anti-Money Laundering Law to detect and report SCs, as soon as possible, to the Financial Intelligence Unit for Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses a sample of 32 SCs that are present in the Third Penal Section of the Italian Supreme Court in the period 2018–2020, involved in tax crimes and that have presented their balance sheets for two or more years. For SCs, the author computes the averages for: the turnover growth rate from first and the maximum turnover; the years between these two values; and the years in which SCs are active. Moreover, the author verifies if SCs are similar in terms of turnover by studying the relationship between the turnover growth rate and the first turnover and the reduction of turnover standard deviations.

Findings

SCs growth is very high and they reach, on average, their peak in less than three years; SCs are active, on average, for about four years; eventually, SCs exhibit a convergence process in turnover levels.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, there are no studies that analyse the SC turnover.
The study on the impact of environmental regulation on ecological innovation: considering the joint action of internal and external factors
Authors: Zhao Shuliang , Liu Li
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The impact of environmental regulations on ecological innovation is a contested issue in current research. However, there is no uniform consensus on existing conclusions. It is commonly accepted among scholars that external environment and organizational characteristics are key factors affecting ecological innovation. However, these are often analyzed in isolation, without consideration of the interaction between leadership and external environment. So this study aims to explore the impact of environmental regulation on ecological innovation by combining internal and external factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on institutional theory and leadership theory, this paper takes environmental regulation as the independent variable, environmental leadership as the intermediary variable and intellectual property protection level as the regulating variable to explore the impact mechanism of environmental regulation on ecological innovation.

Findings

The findings indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between environmental regulation and ecological innovation. Additionally, there is a positive correlation between environmental leadership and intellectual property protection level with ecological innovation. Furthermore, environmental leadership partially mediates the relationship between environmental regulation and ecological innovation. However, the level of intellectual property protection does not have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between environmental leadership and ecological innovation.

Originality/value

This paper proposes suggestions for regional ecological innovation based on the current policy and research situation to promote its development.
A conceptual framework for measuring and improving the resilience of biosecurity systems
Authors: Arndt Edith , Schneider Karen , Bland Lucie , Robinson Andrew , Gibert Anaïs , Camac James , Kompas Tom
Published: June 2024

Resilient systems can absorb and recover from disturbances and adapt to changed conditions to maintain system functionality. Uncertainty about the meaning of resilience and the attributes it requires has limited the application of resilience thinking in biosecurity. However, considering increasing pressures from trade, travel and climate change, enhancing the resilience of biosecurity systems is likely to be critical to reduce the impacts of pests and diseases on economies, societies and environments.

Here we provide a pathway for resilience thinking into risk management. Based on a literature review we discuss its benefits, develop an operational definition of resilience for biosecurity systems and identify the fundamental attributes that support resilience.

We show that resilient biosecurity systems can anticipate disturbances, cope with low‐probability high‐impact events and adapt to new and changing circumstances. The status of biosecurity system resilience can be measured using evaluative rubrics, which give decision‐makers an overall performance rating and insight into system weaknesses. General measures, objective functions and simulation approaches are potential avenues for quantifying biosecurity system resilience in practice.

Policy implications: Adopting resilience thinking into biosecurity risk management has the potential to reduce the damages caused by invading pests and diseases. If resilience thinking is used alongside traditional risk analysis, then regulators can more effectively address and prepare for the systemic consequences of high‐impact incursions and outbreaks of pests and diseases, which are unpredictable, low‐probability events. However, the design of resilience‐enhancing measures should be guided by economic principles and consider the rate of return of these measures over time.
Multimammate rat (Mastomys erythroleucus) capture‐mark‐recapture data in Bandia (Senegal) between 1984 and 2012
Authors: Granjon Laurent , Bâ Khalilou , Niang Youssoupha , Papillon Yves , Duplantier Jean‐Marc
Published: June 2024

Long‐term ecological data are of paramount importance to document the effects of global changes on biodiversity and dynamics of populations and communities. The site of Bandia, 70 km southeast of Dakar in western Senegal, has been the scene of numerous ecological studies since the 1970s. In the frame of projects led by researchers of the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), rodent populations were monitored at various periods using capture‐mark‐recapture (CMR) protocols on trapping grids that yielded important datasets on population dynamics and ecology of the main species present. Among them, the Guinea Multimammate Rat Mastomys erythroleucus proved to represent the dominant species. Thus, CMR data were collected on M. erythroleucus between (i) November 1975–March 1981, (ii) January 1983–October 1986, (iii) January 1997–April 2001, and (iv) June 2007–June 2012. Raw data from the 1975–1981 period were not available, but those from the three other periods are now in the IRD data repository DataSuds at https://doi.org/10.23708/YEA5AR. They represent 2556 (re)captures of 1296 M. erythroleucus individuals. They include the identity of each animal captured with some biological attributes (sex, weight at first capture, and reproductive activity), exact date and point of capture (via a trap‐specific code) at each trapping occasion, and additional comments that may help to interpret the data. This dataset concerning one of the most widespread rodent species of the Sahelo‐Sudanian bioclimatic belt provides information that can be used to address various questions such as outbreak prediction or effects of climate change. The complete data set for this abstract published in the Data Article section of the journal is also available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2024-05.1/jalter-en.
Bidirectional associations between perinatal allopregnanolone and depression severity with postpartum gray matter volume in adult women
Authors: Hare Megan M. , Barber Anita , Shaffer Scott A. , Deligiannidis Kristina M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Perinatal depression (PND) is a debilitating condition affecting maternal well‐being and child development. Allopregnanolone (ALLO) is important to perinatal neuroplasticity, however its relationship with depression severity and postpartum structural brain volume is unknown.

Method

We examined perinatal temporal dynamics and bidirectional associations between ALLO and depression severity and the association between these variables and postpartum gray matter volume, using a random intercept cross‐lagged panel model.

Results

We identified a unidirectional predictive relationship between PND severity and ALLO concentration, suggesting greater depression severity early in the perinatal period may contribute to subsequent changes in ALLO concentration (β = 0.26, p = 0.009), while variations in ALLO levels during the perinatal period influences the development and severity of depressive symptoms later in the postpartum period (β = 0.38, p = 0.007). Antepartum depression severity (Visit 2, β = 0.35, p = 0.004), ALLO concentration (Visit 2, β = 0.37, p = 0.001), and postpartum depression severity (Visit 3, β = 0.39, p = 0.031), each predicted the right anterior cingulate volume. Antepartum ALLO concentration (Visit 2, β = 0.29, p = 0.001) predicted left suborbital sulcus volume. Antepartum depression severity (Visit 1, β = 0.39, p = 0.006 and Visit 2, β = 0.48, p < 0.001) predicted the right straight gyrus volume. Postpartum depression severity (Visit 3, β = 0.36, p = 0.001) predicted left middle‐posterior cingulate volume.

Conclusion

These results provide the first evidence of bidirectional associations between perinatal ALLO and depression severity with postpartum gray matter volume.
The impact of high‐IgE levels on metabolome and microbiome in experimental allergic enteritis
Authors: Zubeldia‐Varela Elisa , Blanco‐Pérez Frank , Barker‐Tejeda Tomás Clive , Rojo David , Villaseñor Alma , Islam Jahidul , Gonzalez‐Menendez Irene , Laiño Jonathan , Krause Maren , Steigerwald Hanna , Martella Manuela , Quintanilla‐Martinez Leticia , Yu Philipp , Barbas Coral , Vieths Stefan , Nochi Tomonori , Barber Domingo , Toda Masako , Pérez‐Gordo Marina
Published: June 2024

Background

The pathological mechanism of the gastrointestinal forms of food allergies is less understood in comparison to other clinical phenotypes, such as asthma and anaphylaxis Importantly, high‐IgE levels are a poor prognostic factor in gastrointestinal allergies.

Methods

This study investigated how high‐IgE levels influence the development of intestinal inflammation and the metabolome in allergic enteritis (AE), using IgE knock‐in (IgEki) mice expressing high levels of IgE. In addition, correlation of the altered metabolome with gut microbiome was analysed.

Results

Ovalbumin‐sensitized and egg‐white diet‐fed (OVA/EW) BALB/c WT mice developed moderate AE, whereas OVA/EW IgEki mice induced more aggravated intestinal inflammation with enhanced eosinophil accumulation. Untargeted metabolomics detected the increased levels of N‐tau‐methylhistamine and 2,3‐butanediol, and reduced levels of butyric acid in faeces and/or sera of OVA/EW IgEki mice, which was accompanied with reduced Clostridium and increased Lactobacillus at the genus level. Non‐sensitized and egg‐white diet‐fed (NC/EW) WT mice did not exhibit any signs of AE, whereas NC/EW IgEki mice developed marginal degrees of AE. Compared to NC/EW WT mice, enhanced levels of lysophospholipids, sphinganine and sphingosine were detected in serum and faecal samples of NC/EW IgEki mice. In addition, several associations of altered metabolome with gut microbiome—for example Akkermansia with lysophosphatidylserine—were detected.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that high‐IgE levels alter intestinal and systemic levels of endogenous and microbiota‐associated metabolites in experimental AE. This study contributes to deepening the knowledge of molecular mechanisms for the development of AE and provides clues to advance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of allergic diseases.
Reproducibility of colposcopy quality indicators—A survey among members of the European Federation for Colposcopy
Authors: Randrup Tina Hovgaard , Leeson Simon , Ciavattini Andrea , Eldib Ahmed , Grigore Mihaela , van Haaften‐de Jong Anne‐Marie , Jariene Kristina , Kesic Vesna , Koiss Róbert , Kotaniemi‐Talonen Laura , Quaas Jens , Raud Terje , Zodzika Jana , Hammer Anne
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Colposcopy is an important part of the diagnostic work‐up of women with an abnormal cervical screening test as it is used to guide the collection of biopsies. Although quality assurance has been used in the evaluation of screening programs, not much is known about quality indicators for the diagnostics and treatment of screen‐positive women. Therefore, the European Federation for Colposcopy developed quality indicators aiming to support colposcopy practice across Europe. We performed a survey of colposcopy cases to determine if the quality indicators are understandable, relevant, and reproducible.

Material and Methods

We conducted a survey among all members of the European Federation for Colposcopy Quality and Standards Group from November 2022 to March 2023. Members were asked to collect information on a total of 17 quality indicators for 50 women who had been newly referred for colposcopy due to an abnormal screening test between January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Results were reported descriptively.

Results

We included data on 609 cases from 12 members across Europe. The majority of the quality indicators were either achieved or within reach of the agreed standard, often due to few countries with outlying data. One quality indicator had very low performance, although stratified results indicated that two countries had different clinical management of the patient type thereby skewing the results. In addition, discrepancies between the number of cases included in each quality indicator raised concerns regarding potential misunderstanding of the quality indicator and its objective.

Conclusions

Quality indicators on colposcopy must be understandable to those collecting data, highlighting the importance of validating quality indicators before data collection.
The effects of weather shock on income inequality: evidence from Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies
Authors: Hong Woo‐Hyung , Kim Wongi
Published: June 2024

This study empirically investigates the dynamic effects of weather shock on within‐country income inequality. Using panel data of 17 Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies, we estimate impulse responses via the local projection method. Moreover, temperature and precipitation shocks, defined as deviations of temperature and precipitation from their historical norms, are exploited to measure country‐specific weather shocks. The empirical results reveal the following. First, temperature and precipitation shocks deteriorate income inequality measured by the Gini index; these effects are long‐lasting. Moreover, asymmetric effects exist: heat waves and droughts more significantly increase income inequality than cold waves and floods. Lastly, current redistribution policies do not seem to effectively mitigate those adverse effects.
Diagnostic accuracy of preoperative adhesion mapping by ultrasonography for laparoscopic surgery in patients with past abdominal surgery with special reference to loose adhesion
Authors: Okabe Hirohisa , Masuda Toshiro , Tomita Masahiro , Ono Asuka , Kuroda Daisuke , Kuroki Hideyuki , Nitta Hidetoshi , Hibi Taizo , Baba Hideo , Sugita Hiroki
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Endoscopic surgery is widely accepted for both elective and emergent abdominal surgery. This study was performed to assess the accuracy of preoperative adhesion mapping by abdominal ultrasonography (US).

Methods

Intra‐abdominal intestinal adhesions on the abdominal wall in 50 patients with a history of abdominal surgery were prospectively assessed by the visceral slide test with US before laparoscopic surgery from 2019 to 2022. Adhesion was assessed in six separate abdominal zones during US. Actual adhesion on the abdominal wall was confirmed during laparoscopic surgery.

Results

The sliding distances in upper right, upper central, upper left, lower right, lower central, and lower left zones in patients with versus without intestinal adhesion were 4.4 versus 1.4 cm (P = .004), 3.4 versus 2.5 cm, 4.3 versus 1.3 cm (P = .011), 3.1 versus 1.5 cm (P = .0014), 3.3 versus 1.1 cm (P = .013), and 3.4 versus 0.8 cm (P = .0061), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed the optimal value of sliding distance as 2.5 cm and the area under the curve as 0.86. The specificity of US assessment of adhesion was lower in the central zone than in lateral zones. Loose adhesion mostly seen around the scar was attributed to either filmy tissue or omental adhesion, leading to visceral sliding during US.

Conclusion

This study revealed the reason for insufficient accuracy of preoperative US assessment of intestinal adhesion around the scar area because of loose adhesion. The upper lateral area might be optimal for first port insertion.
Articulating a Philippine grand strategy: Policy continuities on the South China Sea
Authors: Ibarra Edcel John A.
Published: June 2024

Does the Philippines have a grand strategy? The question is biased in favor of a negative answer. Odds are stacked against detecting a grand strategy in non‐great‐power states. Operationalizing grand strategy as a consistent pattern of behavior reduces bias, but odds are also stacked against observing policy continuities in the Philippines. Increasing the level of analysis, emphasizing outcomes over intentions, and enlarging the time scale can help. Applying these analytical techniques, I argue that a Philippine grand strategy is evident in continuities in the country's foreign and security policies on the South China Sea from 1995 to 2022 under the successive administrations of Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo, Aquino III, and Duterte. The grand strategy has five component policies: (1) bilateral diplomacy with China, (2) multilateral diplomacy through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), (3) grounding in the law of the sea, (4) maintaining the alliance with the US, and (5) modernizing the military.
Sex and intelligence quotient differences in age of diagnosis among youth with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Hare Carolynn , Leslie Alexandra C. , Bodell Lindsay P. , Kaufman Erin A. , Morton J. Bruce , Nicolson Robert , Kelley Elizabeth , Jones Jessica , Ayub Muhammed , Crosbie Jennifer , Schachar Russell , Anagnostou Evdokia , Segers Magali , Stevenson Ryan A.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental condition and is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Research suggests that some populations, such as females and individuals with high intelligence quotients may be a risk for late ADHD diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Our goal is to advance our understanding of ADHD diagnosis, by examining (1) how child sex and cognitive abilities together are related to the age of diagnosis and (2) whether symptom presentation, current internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and demographic factors are related to age of diagnosis.

Methods

Our analyses contained children who completed the required tests (N = 568) from a pre‐existing dataset of 1380 children with ADHD from the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network (pond‐network.ca). First, we conducted a moderation analysis with sex as the predictor, cognitive abilities as the moderator, and age of diagnosis as the outcome. Second, we conducted correlation analyses examining how symptom presentation, current internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and demographic factors are related to age of diagnosis.

Results

Higher IQ was related to a later age of diagnosis. Higher hyperactive–impulsive symptoms and externalizing symptoms were related to an earlier age of diagnosis. Internalizing symptoms were trend associated with a later age of diagnosis in girls. Higher socioeconomic status and non‐White maternal ethnicity were related to later age of diagnosis.

Conclusions

IQ, sex, ADHD symptomology, internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and socio‐demographic factors affect the age of diagnosis.
System‐justifying beliefs buffer against psychological distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Xu Ronghua , Ding Yi , Guo Yongyu , van Prooijen Jan‐Willem
Published: June 2024

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has had a detrimental effect on people's mental health. Drawing on the palliative function of ideologies, we suggest that people rely on system‐justifying beliefs to mitigate psychological distress during the pandemic. We conducted three studies with correlational and experimental designs to examine whether and how system‐justifying beliefs can buffer against psychological distress during COVID‐19, and whether this effect may vary across social classes. The results indicated that (a) system‐justifying beliefs alleviated psychological distress during the pandemic, (b) personal control mediated this relationship and (c) this effect was consistent across all social classes. This study provides robust evidence for the palliative function of system‐justifying beliefs during a massive global health crisis (i.e. COVID‐19).