bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unlocking the potential ofUvaria chamae: A cream formulation for combattingStaphylococcus aureusskin infections
Authors: Togbé Eskyl , Koudokpon Hornel , Ayéna Aimé Césaire , Assogba Phénix , Hounsa Edna , Watara Amy , Agbodjento Eric , Ohouko Fréjus , Klotoé Jean Robert , Baba-Moussa Lamine , Dougnon Victorien
Published: June 2024

Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) skin infections remain a prevalent public health concern worldwide, posing ongoing challenges in treatment.Uvaria chamaeroots has demonstrated significant effectiveness againstS. aureus. This study aimed to propose a dermal formulation based onUvaria chamaefor treating bacterial skin infections. The antibacterial activity was first confirmed. Tests including the time-kill test, the erythromycin outer membrane permeability test, and the ATPase/H+ proton pump inhibition test were conducted to explore the antibacterial mode of action. A cream was prepared using the phase inversion technique and subjected to quality control and senso-rheological testing. The cream was tested for antibacterial activity and skin toxicity (OECD guideline 404). Thein vivoantibacterial effect and wound-healing potential of theUvaria chamaecream were then assessed on Wistar rat. The ethanolic extract ofUvaria chamaeroot exhibited bactericidal effects on the testedS. aureusstrains. In combination with erythromycin, the extract enhanced the permeability ofS. aureus’s outer membrane while inhibiting ATPase/H+ proton pumps. The pharmaceutical quality of the produced cream revealed acceptable macroscopic conditions and satisfactory homogeneity. Antibacterial activity evaluation showed significant activity at low concentrations. The cream’s healing properties indicated a significant decrease in wound diameter (p<0.05) over time, culminating in complete healing on day 13 for the treated group, with a retraction percentage of 99.99%. These findings support the safe use ofUvaria chamaeextracts in managingS. aureusskin infections and pave the way for pre-clinical testing and potential market introduction of this cream.
Giant transposons promote strain heterogeneity in a major fungal pathogen
Authors: Gluck-Thaler Emile , Forsythe Adrian , Puerner Charles , Stajich Jason E. , Croll Daniel , Cramer Robert A. , Vogan Aaron A.
Published: June 2024

Fungal infections are difficult to prevent and treat in large part due to strain heterogeneity. However, the genetic mechanisms driving pathogen variation remain poorly understood. Here, we determined the extent to whichStarships—giant transposons capable of mobilizing numerous fungal genes—generate genetic and phenotypic variability in the human pathogenAspergillus fumigatus. We analyzed 519 diverse strains, including 12 newly sequenced with long-read technology, to reveal 20 distinctStarshipsthat are generating genomic heterogeneity over timescales potentially relevant for experimental reproducibility.Starship-mobilized genes encode diverse functions, including biofilm-related virulence factors and biosynthetic gene clusters, and many are differentially expressed during infection and antifungal exposure in a strain-specific manner. These findings support a new model of fungal evolution whereinStarshipshelp generate variation in gene content and expression among fungal strains. Together, our results demonstrate thatStarshipsare a previously hidden mechanism generating genotypic and, in turn, phenotypic heterogeneity in a major human fungal pathogen.

Importance

No “one size fits all” option exists for treating fungal infections in large part due to genetic and phenotypic variation among strains. Accounting for strain heterogeneity is thus fundamental for developing efficacious treatments and strategies for safeguarding human health. Here, we report significant progress towards achieving this goal by uncovering a previously hidden mechanism generating heterogeneity in the major human fungal pathogenAspergillus fumigatus: giant transposons calledStarshipsthat span dozens of kilobases and mobilize fungal genes as cargo. By conducting the first systematic investigation of these unusual transposons in a single fungal species, we demonstrate their contributions to population-level variation at the genome, pangenome and transcriptome levels. TheStarshipatlas we developed will not only help account for variation introduced by these elements in laboratory experiments but will serve as a foundational resource for determining howStarshipsshape clinically-relevant phenotypes, such as antifungal resistance and pathogenicity.
Promiscuous NAD-dependent dehydrogenases enable efficient bacterial growth on the PET monomer ethylene glycol
Authors: Ren Minrui , Li Danni , Addison Holly , Noteborn Willem E. M. , Andeweg Els H. , Glatter Timo , de Winde Johannes H. , Rebelein Johannes G. , Lamers Meindert H. , Schada von Borzyskowski Lennart
Published: June 2024

Ethylene glycol is widely used as antifreeze agent and monomer of the ubiquitous plastic PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Its global production amounts to more than 50 million tons per year, and it constitutes an environmental pollutant of increasing concern. Although it is generally accepted that bacteria oxidize ethylene glycol to use it as growth substrate, the enzymes involved in this process are not well understood. Here we show that the soil bacteriumParacoccus denitrificansis able to assimilate ethylene glycol efficiently via NAD-dependent alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases. Using comparative proteome analysis, we identify a previously unknown gene cluster that is strongly expressed in the presence of ethylene glycol. We report the kinetic parameters and cryo-EM structures of EtgB and EtgA, the key enzymes encoded by thisetggene cluster. These novel biocatalysts pave the way for more efficient biotechnological conversion of ethylene glycol. We furthermore show that the transcriptional activator EtgR controls expression of theetggene cluster. Directed evolution ofP. denitrificanson ethylene glycol results in faster growing strains, which is enabled by increased activities of EtgB and EtgA. Bioinformatic analysis reveals that theetggene cluster and variants thereof are widely distributed among Proteobacteria, suggesting a previously underappreciated role of NAD-dependent dehydrogenases in microbial ethylene glycol assimilation.
Bacterial single-cell RNA sequencing captures biofilm transcriptional heterogeneity and differential responses to immune pressure
Authors: Korshoj Lee E. , Kielian Tammy
Published: June 2024

Biofilm formation is an important mechanism of survival and persistence for many bacterial pathogens. These multicellular communities contain subpopulations of cells that display vast metabolic and transcriptional diversity along with high recalcitrance to antibiotics and host immune defenses. Investigating the complex heterogeneity within biofilm has been hindered by the lack of a sensitive and high-throughput method to assess stochastic transcriptional activity and regulation between bacterial subpopulations, which requires single-cell resolution. We have developed an optimized bacterial single-cell RNA sequencing method, BaSSSh-seq, to studyStaphylococcus aureusdiversity during biofilm growth and transcriptional adaptations following immune cell exposure. We validated the ability of BaSSSh-seq to capture extensive transcriptional heterogeneity during biofilm compared to planktonic growth. Application of new computational tools revealed transcriptional regulatory networks across the heterogeneous biofilm subpopulations and identification of gene sets that were associated with a trajectory from planktonic to biofilm growth. BaSSSh-seq also detected alterations in biofilm metabolism, stress response, and virulence that were tailored to distinct immune cell populations. This work provides an innovative platform to explore biofilm dynamics at single-cell resolution, unlocking the potential for identifying biofilm adaptations to environmental signals and immune pressure.
Food prices in the United States during COVID-19: generalized facts on price inflation and volatility
Authors: Volpe Richard J. , Cai Xiaowei , Roldan Presley , Stevens Alexander
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic was a shock to the food supply chain without modern precedent. Challenges in production, manufacturing, distribution and retailing led to the highest rates of food price inflation in the US since the 1970s. The major goal of this paper is to describe statistically the impact of the pandemic of food price inflation and volatility in the US and to discuss implications for industry and for policymakers.

Design/methodology/approach

We use Bureau of Labor Statistics data to investigate food prices in the US, 2020–2021. We apply 16 statistical approaches to measure price changes and volatility and three regression approaches to measure counterfactuals of food prices, had the pandemic not occurred.

Findings

Food price inflation and volatility increased substantially during the early months of the pandemic, with a great deal of heterogeneity across food products and geographic regions. Food price inflation was most pronounced for meats, and contrary to expectations, highest in the western US Forecasting approaches demonstrate that grocery prices were about 7% higher than they would have been without the pandemic as of the end of 2021.

Originality/value

The research on COVID-19 and the food system remains in its nascent stage. As findings on food loss and waste, employment and wages, food insecurity and more proliferate, it is vital to understand how food prices were connected to these phenomena and affected. We also motivate several ideas for future work.
New ways of fostering sustainable employability in inter-organizational networks: an explorative study to understand the factors and mechanisms for their success
Authors: Courchesne Sarah A. , Stynen Dave , Semeijn Judith H. , Caniëls Marjolein C.J.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Organizations are increasingly joining inter-organizational networks to foster sustainable employability for their employees. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors and mechanisms central to their success as experienced by key stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

An explorative, qualitative approach was adopted, using four focus groups with network coordinators (N = 18) and HR professionals (N = 14). Fourteen Dutch inter-organizational networks were represented. Respondents were recruited through purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Thematic analysis was applied using open coding to generate themes.

Findings

The results of this study outline environmental, structural, and inter-personal factors and mechanisms that contribute to the success of inter-organizational networks that aim to foster sustainable employability for their employees. The environmental factors and mechanisms consist of challenges stemming from the labor market. The structural factors and mechanisms include: a network’s flat structure, flat fee, lack of informal rules, the allocation of roles and expectations for stakeholders and shared network activities. Lastly, the inter-personal factors and mechanisms are: communication among stakeholders, establishing reciprocity, interaction and collaboration between stakeholders, the valuation of trust, a convivial culture and shared vision among stakeholders. The dynamics between these factors and mechanisms are compared to other forms of inter-organizational networks. Furthermore, several recommendations for network coordinators and practitioners regarding the development of networks are presented.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the factors and mechanisms that are regarded by stakeholders as influencing the success of inter-organizational networks in their ability to foster sustainable employability for workers. We have identified a unique model that captures this new way of inter-organizational collaboration and builds on insights from literature on collaborative governance regimes, institutional fields and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Specifically, the model provides a framework that consists of environmental, structural and interpersonal factors and mechanisms for network success. This study increases our understanding of how collaborative efforts can be fostered beyond organizational boundaries and existing Human Resource Management practices.
Internationalization of higher education institutions: a comparative study in Taiwan and Japan
Authors: Chen Robin Jung-Cheng , Ho Sophia Shi-Huei , Huang Futao , Lu Ying-Yan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The internationalization of higher education institutions (HEIs) is the top stage of international relations among universities, and it is no longer regarded as a goal but as a means to improve the education of sustainability. As institutional commitments to internationalize higher education continue to grow, so does the need to critically consider the intended purposes and actual outcomes of the resulting programs and policies. This study aims to explore how institutional international policies influence outcomes of HEIs internationalization in the East Asian region, specifically in Taiwan and Japan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used quantitative design. 3,158 participants, including 1,192 participants from Taiwan and 1,966 participants from Japan, were randomly recruited to complete the Academic Profession in the Knowledge Society (APIKS), an international survey examining the change in academic work in HEIs. The study adopted quantitative data and used two variables (institutional international policies and outcomes of internationalization) with descriptive, correlational, and moderated multiple hierarchical regression analysis with SPSS computer software to answer the research questions.

Findings

The study showed that both Taiwanese and Japanese academics have high agreements on the outcomes of internationalization for enhancing academic quality and increasing mobility of students. In both countries, two institutional international policies of HEIs internalization-- clear internationalization strategies and funding for faculty members to undertake research abroad-- can significantly influence the process of internationalization in the teaching-oriented and research-oriented HEIs respectively.

Originality/value

This study provides insight into the relationship between institutional international policies and the outcomes of HEIs internationalization in Taiwan and Japan. It provides university leaders with empirical evidence for implementing managerial strategies of internationalization that promote education for sustainability in HEIs.
Viewing inclusion through the lens of democracy—Conceptualizations and enactments in three early childhood educational settings
Authors: Örberg Mimmi , Olsson Ingrid , Klang Nina
Published: June 2024

Research on inclusion in early childhood educational (ECE) settings points to the need for a deeper understanding of professionals' perceptions of the dilemmas and challenges situated in the varying contexts of these settings. Viewing inclusion as a complex phenomenon, this study uses the Deweyan theory of democracy as a lived experience to describe how professionals in three ECE settings understand the values of inclusion and democracy and how these values are enacted in their everyday practices of creating democratic communities. Three case studies were conducted, including individual interviews with head teachers, focus‐group interviews with professionals and semi‐structured observations in three ECE settings. The results show that the three settings present unique prerequisites and challenges for the building of democratic communities related to the varying views on inclusion and democracy. The understandings of values of inclusion and democracy and how these are enacted in the three ECE settings are discussed with regard to the possibilities and obstacles involved in the creation of democratic communities.
Diversity of soil fungi and entomopathogenic fungi in subtropical mountain forest in southwest China
Authors: Zheng Jiyang , Shi Jinduo , Wang Dun
Published: June 2024

Till now, the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in subtropical mountain forest was less studied. Here, the vertical distribution of forest soil fungi, entomopathogenic fungi, and their environmental influencing factors in a subtropical mountain in western China were investigated. Soil samples were collected from four elevations in a subtropical forest in Shaanxi. The results indicated a greater richness of soil fungi at middle elevations and soil fungi were more even at low elevation. Soil pH, available iron, available potassium, total potassium, and available zinc were the most important influencing factors affecting this vertical distribution of fungi. Interestingly, the Isaria genus was predominant while Metarhizium and Beauveria showed decreasing abundance. The presence of Isaria showed a significant positive correlation with both total phosphorus and available iron, while, available zinc was negatively correlated. Metarhizium was influenced by elevation, pH, available phosphorus, and available copper and Beauveria was influenced by soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total potassium, available potassium, and available zinc. Overall, as environmental factors affecting soil fungi, elevation, and plant species diversity were less important than soil physical and chemical properties. The virulence of isolated entomopathogenic fungi were tested against larvae of Tenebrio molitor, with mortality ranging from 31.11% to 100%. The above findings provide valuable data to deepen our understanding of the diversity of entomopathogenic fungi in subtropical mountain forests.
Pregnancy outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus compared to a high‐risk tertiary cohort and to standard population from the Austrian birth registry
Authors: Rosta Klara , Heinzl Florian , Kuczwara Valerie , Schindler Stefanie , Falcone Veronica , Catic Anja , Riedmann Marina , Leitner Hermann , Simader Elisabeth , Ritschl Valentin , Stamm Tanja , Szlatinay Alexandra , Mandl Peter , Mazzucato‐Puchner Antonia
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have a higher risk for fetal and maternal complications. We aimed to investigate maternal and fetal complications in pregnant women with SLE compared to a high‐risk pregnancy cohort (HR) from a tertiary university center and a standard‐risk general population (SR) from the Austrian Birth Registry.

Material and Methods

In this retrospective data analysis, we compared the incidence of fetal/neonatal and maternal complications of pregnancies and deliveries of women with SLE to age, body mass index and delivery date—matched high‐risk pregnancies from the same department, a progressive tertiary obstetric center and to a group of women, who represent pregnancies with standard obstetric risk from the Austrian Birth Registry.

Results

One hundred women with SLE were compared to 300 women with high‐risk pregnancies and 207 039 women with standard‐risk pregnancies. The incidence of composite maternal complications (preeclampsia, Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets [HELLP] syndrome, pregnancy‐related hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, maternal death, thromboembolic events) was significantly higher in the SLE as compared to the SR group (28% vs. 6.28% SLE vs. SR, p = 0.001). There was no difference between the SLE and the HR groups (28% vs. 29.6% SLE vs. HR group, p = 0.80). The incidence of composite fetal complications (preterm birth before 37 weeks of gestation, stillbirths, birthweight less than 2500 g, fetal growth restriction, large for gestational age, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, 5‐min Apgar <7) was also higher in the SLE than in the SR group (55% vs. 25.54% SLE vs. SR p < 0.001) while the higher incidence of adverse fetal outcome was detected in the HR than in the SLE group (55% vs. 75% SLE vs. HR group, p = 0.0005).

Conclusions

Although composite fetal risk is higher in the SLE group than in the general population, it is still significantly lower as compared to high‐risk pregnant women at a tertiary obstetric center. Prepregnancy counseling of women with SLE should put fetal and maternal risk in perspective, not only in relation to healthy, low risk cohorts, but also compared to mixed HR populations.
City size distribution of towns in the 17th century in Lower Silesia
Authors: Kosieradzka Angelika , Ludwig Bogna
Published: June 2024

This paper attempts to verify the hierarchy of towns in Lower Silesia on the basis of population data from the second decade of the 17th century, assuming that a statistically described distribution law applies. The analysis of the city size distribution was based on Gibrat's law and Zipf's rank‐size rule. This made it possible to verify the assumptions made at the outset and to estimate the population of towns of unknown size and designated rank. The research carried out suggests a revision of the estimates, especially for the largest cities in the region, which tend to be underestimated. Studies have also shown that the method can be extremely useful for verifying uncertain and incomplete historical demographic data.
Laparoscopically treated bowel obstruction secondary to a lesser omental hernia resulting from a previous laparoscopic total colectomy for ulcerative colitis: A report of two cases
Authors: Makutani Yusuke , Iwamoto Masayoshi , Daito Koji , Tokoro Tadao , Kawamura Junichiro , Ueda Kazuki
Published: June 2024

Lesser omental hernias are rare; however, they should be considered in symptomatic bowel obstruction subsequent to a subtotal or total colectomy. This report describes two cases of recurrent bowel obstruction secondary to lesser omental hernias after laparoscopic total colectomies for ulcerative colitis. Initially, these patients had been treated conservatively; however, due to symptom recurrence, surgical intervention was decided on. In both cases, laparoscopic surgery revealed lesser omental hernias. The small bowel, which had entered from the dorsal aspect of the stomach, was returned to the original position, and the lesser omentum was closed. The patients were discharged uneventfully, with no recurrent bowel obstruction during the follow‐up period. These cases highlight the importance of including internal hernias in the differential diagnosis relative to recurrent bowel obstruction, in patient subpopulations with a prior history of a subtotal or total colectomy. Confirmation by computed tomography is preferable.
Multilayered proteomics reveals that JAM‐A promotes breast cancer progression via regulation of amino acid transporter LAT1
Authors: Magara Kazufumi , Takasawa Akira , Takasawa Kumi , Aoyama Tomoyuki , Ota Misaki , Kyuno Daisuke , Ono Yusuke , Murakami Taro , Yamamoto Soh , Nakamori Yuna , Nakahashi Naoya , Kutomi Goro , Takemasa Ichiro , Hasegawa Tadashi , Osanai Makoto
Published: June 2024

Recent studies have shown that transmembrane‐type tight junction proteins are upregulated in various cancers compared with their levels in normal tissues and are involved in cancer progression, suggesting that they are potential therapeutic targets. Here, we demonstrated the expression profile and a novel role of junctional adhesion molecule‐A (JAM‐A) in breast cancer. Immunohistochemistry of surgical specimens showed that JAM‐A was highly expressed from carcinoma in situ lesions, as in other adenocarcinomas, with higher expression in invasive carcinomas. High expression of JAM‐A contributed to malignant aspects such as lymph node metastasis and lymphatic involvement positivity. In breast cancer cells, JAM‐A expression status affects malignant potentials including proliferation and migration. Multilayered proteomics revealed that JAM‐A interacts with the amino acid transporter LAT1 in breast cancer cells. JAM‐A regulates the expression of LAT1 and interacts with it on the whole cell membrane, leading to enhanced amino acid uptake to promote tumor growth. Double high expression of JAM‐A and LAT1 predicts poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Of note, an antibody against an extracellular domain of JAM‐A suppressed the proliferation of breast cancer cells. Our findings indicate the possibility of JAM‐A‐targeted therapy ideally combined with LAT1‐targeted therapy as a new therapeutic strategy against breast cancer.
Material hardship and telomere length in children
Authors: Moeckel Camille , Gaydosh Lauren , Schneper Lisa , Mitchell Colter , Notterman Daniel A.
Published: June 2024

Telomere length (TL) serves as a biomarker of exposure to stressors, including material hardship. Data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (1998–2015) were utilized to determine whether prior material hardship was associated with shorter salivary TL at years 9 and 15. 49% of the year 9 study population were female, 49% were Black, and 25% were Hispanic. At year 9 (N = 1990), regression analyses found a significant association between prior material hardship and shorter TL (β = −.005, p < .01). Additionally, at year 15 (N = 1874), material hardship experienced during infancy and toddlerhood was associated with shorter TL (β = −.009, p < .01), pointing toward infancy and toddlerhood as a sensitive period.
Methylation modifications in tRNA and associated disorders: Current research and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Wu Zhijing , Zhou Ruixin , Li Baizao , Cao Mingyu , Wang Wenlong , Li Xinying
Published: June 2024

High‐throughput sequencing has sparked increased research interest in RNA modifications, particularly tRNA methylation, and its connection to various diseases. However, the precise mechanisms underpinning the development of these diseases remain largely elusive. This review sheds light on the roles of several tRNA methylations (m1A, m3C, m5C, m1G, m2G, m7G, m5U, and Nm) in diverse biological functions, including metabolic processing, stability, protein interactions, and mitochondrial activities. It further outlines diseases linked to aberrant tRNA modifications, related enzymes, and potential underlying mechanisms. Moreover, disruptions in tRNA regulation and abnormalities in tRNA‐derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) contribute to disease pathogenesis, highlighting their potential as biomarkers for disease diagnosis. The review also delves into the exploration of drugs development targeting tRNA methylation enzymes, emphasizing the therapeutic prospects of modulating these processes. Continued research is imperative for a comprehensive comprehension and integration of these molecular mechanisms in disease diagnosis and treatment.
Src inhibition modulates AMBRA1‐mediated mitophagy to counteract endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in renal allograft fibrosis
Authors: Gui Zeping , Liu Xuzhong , Xu Zhen , Feng Dengyuan , Hang Zhou , Zheng Ming , Chen Hao , Fei Shuang , Sun Li , Tao Jun , Han Zhijian , Ju Xiaobin , Gu Min , Tan Ruoyun , Wang Zijie
Published: June 2024

Chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) poses a significant challenge in kidney transplantation, with renal vascular endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) playing a vital role. While renal vascular EndMT has been verified as an important contributing factor to renal allograft interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy in CAD patients, its underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Currently, Src activation is closely linked to organ fibrosis development. Single‐cell transcriptomic analysis in clinical patients revealed that Src is a potential pivotal mediator in CAD progression. Our findings revealed a significant upregulation of Src which closely associated with EndMT in CAD patients, allogeneic kidney transplanted rats and endothelial cells lines. In vivo, Src inhibition remarkably alleviate EndMT and renal allograft interstitial fibrosis in allogeneic kidney transplanted rats. It also had a similar antifibrotic effect in two endothelial cell lines. Mechanistically, the knockout of Src resulted in an augmented AMBRA1‐mediated mitophagy in endothelial cells. We demonstrate that Src knockdown upregulates AMBRA1 level and activates mitophagy by stabilizing Parkin's ubiquitination levels and mitochondrial translocation. Subsequent experiments demonstrated that the knockdown of the Parkin gene inhibited mitophagy in endothelial cells, leading to increased production of Interleukin‐6, thereby inducing EndMT. Consequently, our study underscores Src as a critical mediator of renal vascular EndMT and allograft interstitial fibrosis, exerting its impact through the regulation of AMBRA1/Parkin‐mediated mitophagy.
Ensemble modelling to predict the distribution of vulnerable marine ecosystems indicator taxa on data‐limited seamounts of Cabo Verde (NW Africa)
Authors: Vinha Beatriz , Murillo Francisco Javier , Schumacher Mia , Hansteen Thor H. , Schwarzkopf Franziska U. , Biastoch Arne , Kenchington Ellen , Piraino Stefano , Orejas Covadonga , Huvenne Veerle A. I.
Published: June 2024

Aim

Seamounts are conspicuous geological features with an important ecological role and can be considered vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs). Since many deep‐sea regions remain largely unexplored, investigating the occurrence of VME taxa on seamounts is challenging. Our study aimed to predict the distribution of four cold‐water coral (CWC) taxa, indicators for VMEs, in a region where occurrence data are scarce.

Location

Seamounts around the Cabo Verde archipelago (NW Africa).

Methods

We used species presence–absence data obtained from remotely operated vehicle (ROV) footage collected during two research expeditions. Terrain variables calculated using a multiscale approach from a 100‐m‐resolution bathymetry grid, as well as physical oceanographical data from the VIKING20X model, at a native resolution of 1/20°, were used as environmental predictors. Two modelling techniques (generalized additive model and random forest) were employed and single‐model predictions were combined into a final weighted‐average ensemble model. Model performance was validated using different metrics through cross‐validation.

Results

Terrain orientation, at broad scale, presented one of the highest relative variable contributions to the distribution models of all CWC taxa, suggesting that hydrodynamic–topographic interactions on the seamounts could benefit CWCs by maximizing food supply. However, changes at finer scales in terrain morphology and bottom salinity were important for driving differences in the distribution of specific CWCs. The ensemble model predicted the presence of VME taxa on all seamounts and consistently achieved the highest performance metrics, outperforming individual models. Nonetheless, model extrapolation and uncertainty, measured as the coefficient of variation, were high, particularly, in least surveyed areas across seamounts, highlighting the need to collect more data in future surveys.

Main Conclusions

Our study shows how data‐poor areas may be assessed for the likelihood of VMEs and provides important information to guide future research in Cabo Verde, which is fundamental to advise ongoing conservation planning.
Stroke outcomes following cardiac and aortic surgery are improved by the involvement of a stroke team
Authors: Harky Amer , Chow Vanessa Jane , Voller Calum , Goyal Kartik , Shaw Matthew , Bhawnani Anurodh , Kenawy Ayman , Wilson Ian , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Field Mark , Kuduvalli Manoj
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Post‐cardiac and aortic surgery stroke is often underreported. We detail our single‐centre experience the following introduction of comprehensive consultant‐led daily stroke service, to demonstrate the efficacy of a stroke team in recovery from stroke following cardiac and aortic surgeries.

Methods

This retrospective, single‐centre observational cohort study analysed consecutive patients undergoing cardiac and aortic surgery at our institution from August 2014 to December 2020. Main outcomes included stroke rate, predictors of stroke, and neurological deficit resolution or persistence at discharge and clinic follow‐up.

Results

A total of 12,135 procedures were carried out in the reference period. Among these, 436 (3.6%) suffered a stroke. Overall survival to discharge and follow‐up were 86.0% and 84.0% respectively. Independent risk factors for post‐operative stroke included advanced age (OR 1.033, 95% CI [1.023, 1.044], p < .001), female sex (OR 1.491, 95% [1.212, 1.827], p < .001), history of previous cardiac surgeries (OR 1.670, 95% CI [1.239, 2.218], p < .001), simultaneous coronary artery bypass graft + valve procedures (OR 1.825, 95% CI [1.382, 2.382], p < .001) and CPB time longer than 240 min (OR 3.384, 95% CI [2.413, 4.705], p < .001). Stroke patients managed by the multidisciplinary team demonstrated significantly higher rates of survival at discharge (87.3% vs. 61.9%, p = .001).

Conclusions

Perioperative stroke can be debilitating immediately long term. The involvement of specialist stroke teams plays a key role in reducing the long‐term burden and mortality of this condition.
Association of MASLD with the risk of extrahepatic cancers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of 18 cohort studies
Authors: Zhou Ben‐Gang , Jiang Xin , She Qiang , Ding Yan‐Bing
Published: June 2024

Background

Numerous recent studies have explored the association between metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and the risk of various extrahepatic cancers. However, the conclusions were inconclusive. The aim of this study was to clarify this relationship by conducting a robust meta‐analysis.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted on PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases to identify relevant cohort studies published prior to February 2024. Hazard ratios (HRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were combined using a random‐effects model in this meta‐analysis.

Results

Eighteen cohort studies (approximately 16.7 million participants) were finally included in this meta‐analysis. MASLD was linked to a higher risk of extrahepatic cancers, such as gastric (n = 10, HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.07–2.01), colorectal (n = 13, HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.16–1.53), pancreatic (n = 8, HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.11–1.79), biliary tract (n = 5, HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.18–1.37), thyroid (n = 6, HR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.02–2.09), urinary system (n = 10, HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25–1.69), breast (n = 11, HR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.08–1.26) and female genital organ cancers (n = 10, HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.11–1.66). However, there was no statistically significant association between MASLD and the risk of head and neck (n = 6, HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 99–1.07), oesophageal (n = 9, HR = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.86–1.86), lung (n = 9, HR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.92–1.10), prostate (n = 9, HR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.94–1.19) or small intestine cancer (n = 2, HR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.00–3.06).

Conclusions

This latest large‐scale meta‐analysis indicated that MASLD was associated with an increased risk of various extrahepatic cancers, such as gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, biliary duct, thyroid, urinary system, breast, skin and female genital cancers. Further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms underlying these associations.
Risk of breakthrough seizures depends on type and etiology of epilepsy
Authors: Doerrfuss Jakob I. , Graf Luise , Hüsing Thea , Holtkamp Martin , Ilyas‐Feldmann Maria
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study was undertaken to analyze whether the rate of breakthrough seizures in patients taking antiseizure medication (ASM) who have been seizure‐free for at least 12 months varies among different types and etiologies of epilepsy. Given the relative ease of achieving seizure freedom with ASM in patients with post‐ischemic stroke epilepsy, we hypothesized that this etiology is associated with a reduced risk of breakthrough seizures.

Methods

We defined a breakthrough seizure as an unprovoked seizure occurring while the patient was taking ASM after a period of at least 12 months without seizures. Data were analyzed retrospectively from a tertiary epilepsy outpatient clinic. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they either had a breakthrough seizure at any time or a seizure‐free interval of at least 2 years. Our primary endpoint was rate of breakthrough seizures. We conducted univariable and multivariable analyses to identify variables associated with breakthrough seizures.

Results

Of 521 patients (53% females, median age = 49 years) included, 29% had a breakthrough seizure, which occurred after a median seizure‐free interval of 34 months (quartiles = 22, 62). When controlling for clinically relevant covariates, breakthrough seizures were associated with post‐ischemic stroke epilepsy (odds ratio [OR] = .267, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .075–.946), genetic generalized epilepsy (OR = .559; 95% CI = .319–.978), intellectual disability (OR = 2.768, 95% CI = 1.271–6.031), and the number of ASMs previously and currently tried (OR = 1.203, 95% CI = 1.056–1.371). Of the 151 patients with breakthrough seizures, 34.3% did not reachieve terminal 12‐month seizure freedom at the last visit.

Significance

This is the first study to show an association between type and etiology of epilepsy and risk of breakthrough seizures. Our data suggest that epilepsies in which seizure freedom can be obtained more easily also exhibit a lower risk of breakthrough seizures. These findings may help to better counsel seizure‐free patients on their further seizure prognosis.
Wave of mutilation: Scavenging hermit crabs use social information to locate carcasses
Authors: Rowe Annie , Altisen Arantzazu Pagonabarraga , Dubosque Adèle , Hills Anna , Shah Akanksha , Vegh Anna , Veiros A. Li , Webster Mike M.
Published: June 2024

Carcasses are patchily distributed and often short‐lived resources, placing scavenging animals under pressure to locate them before they rot or are depleted by competitors. Scavengers may search for carcasses directly, or indirectly, using social information. Aggregations of feeding animals and their conspicuous competitive behaviour may be more readily detectable to searching scavengers than the carcass itself. Moreover, the actions of attendant scavengers upon the carcass, breaking it apart and releasing odour or chemical cues, may further enhance its detectability to others foraging nearby. Here we test this idea. In the first of two experiments performed in the field, we found that hermit crabs (Pagurus bernhardus) were attracted to shelled mussels (Mytilus edulis) that other hermit crabs were already feeding on. They showed no strong tendency to approach aggregations of conspecifics in the absence of food, nor conspecifics that were confined close to mussels but prevented from feeding on them. We speculated that through breaking up the carcass, the feeding hermit crabs released chemical cues and drifting particles of mussel tissue that further attracted other hermit crabs. We tested this in a second experiment, finding that finely chopped mussels attracted significantly more hermit crabs than did intact mussels. We suggest that scavenger feeding action upon carcasses makes these more detectable to others by releasing odour and particle plumes, a form of inadvertently produced social information.
Environmental effects on growth performance of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas cultured in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Pang Yumeng , Ono Tsuneo , Tanaka Takehiro
Published: June 2024

The Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) has been cultured for its flesh in the Seto Inland Sea, western Japan, over the last half‐century. Its production has been reported as ‘fluctuating’, yet little is known about changes in oyster growth performance throughout long‐term culturing in this locality. To effectively manage oyster production under future environmental challenges, this study investigated the long‐term environmental influences on oyster growth performance. Environmental data and oyster biological data were obtained from observations in Hinase waters, Seto Inland Sea, and compared for the two periods 1990 and 2015–2021. Water temperature has not significantly changed in this locality during the oyster culturing period. Lower salinity was found in July of 2015–2021 due to heavy seasonal rainfall, which had a negative impact on oysters, specifically on survival rate and total weight. A high growth rate and high meat weight at harvest were found in the individuals cultured during the period 2015–2021, yet oyster total weight showed no significant difference. Further research on shell characteristics is required to have a better understanding of oyster growth characteristics.
Cytokine release syndrome following durvalumab and tremelimumab in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report with cytokine and damage‐associated molecular pattern analysis
Authors: Ozaki Tomomi , Yumita Sae , Ogasawara Sadahisa , Fujiya Makoto , Tsuchiya Takahiro , Yoshino Ryohei , Sawada Midori , Akatsuka Teppei , Izai Ryo , Miwa Chihiro , Yonemoto Takuya , Fujimoto Kentaro , Unozawa Hidemi , Fujiwara Kisako , Kojima Ryuta , Kanzaki Hiroaki , Koroki Keisuke , Inoue Masanori , Kobayashi Kazufumi , Nakamura Masato , Kiyono Soichiro , Kanogawa Naoya , Kondo Takayuki , Nakagawa Ryo , Nakamoto Shingo , Kato Naoya
Published: June 2024

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a systemic inflammatory syndrome that causes fatal circulatory failure due to hypercytokinemia, and subsequent immune cell hyperactivation caused by therapeutic agents, pathogens, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. In recent years, CRS has emerged as a rare, but significant, immune‐related adverse event linked to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Furthermore, several previous studies suggested that damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) could be involved in malignancy‐related CRS. In this study, we present a case of severe CRS following combination therapy with durvalumab and tremelimumab for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, which recurred during treatment, as well as an analysis of cytokine and DAMPs trends. A 35‐year‐old woman diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent a partial hepatectomy. Due to cancer recurrence, she started a combination of durvalumab and tremelimumab. Then, 29 days post‐administration, she developed fever and headache, initially suspected as sepsis. Despite antibiotics, her condition worsened, leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation and hemophagocytic syndrome. The clinical course and elevated serum interleukin‐6 levels led to a CRS diagnosis. Steroid pulse therapy was administered, resulting in temporary improvement. However, she relapsed with increased interleukin‐6, prompting tocilizumab treatment. Her condition improved, and she was discharged on day 22. Measurements of inflammatory cytokines interferon‐γ, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and DAMPs, along with interleukin‐6, using preserved serum samples, confirmed marked elevation at CRS onset. CRS can occur after the administration of any immune checkpoint inhibitor, with the most likely trigger being the release of DAMPs associated with tumor collapse.
Life in the fast and slow lanes: contrasting timing of annual cycle events in high‐ and mid‐latitude breeding Whooper Swans (Cygnus cygnus)
Authors: Liu Wenxin , Zhang Junjian , Shimada Tetsuo , Liu Yanlei , Xie Yanbo , Batbayar Nyambayar , Higuchi Hiroyoshi , Damba Iderbat , Cao Lei , Fox Anthony D.
Published: June 2024

Shorter duration of ice‐free conditions at successively northern latitudes increasingly constrains large‐bodied waterbirds from completing their reproductive cycle before freeze‐up, affecting their migration and breeding schedules. We compared migration timing and duration of stay in summering areas between 127 tracked East Asian Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus breeding at high latitude (HLP, 67°N, Japan wintering) and mid‐latitude (MLP, 48°N, China wintering) based on tracking and remote‐sensing data. Adult breeding site arrival dates were positively correlated with latitude. HLP adults arrived just before 50% snow melt, and summered for 142 days (the duration of the ice‐free period there), just over the c.130 days required to hatch and raise cygnets to fledging. MLP adults arrived 3 weeks after 50% snow melt, and summered for c.209 days (c.80% of the total ice‐free period of 267 days), laying eggs c.33 days after arrival. These results suggest that HLP breeders were more likely to invest stored nutrients and energy brought from winter quarters and/or on migration to enable rapid egg‐laying post‐arrival at the breeding grounds (a more ‘capital’ breeding strategy). By contrast, MLP females appear able to obtain most, if not all, of their energetic and nutritional reproductive needs exogenously post‐arrival at breeding areas (a more ‘income’ breeding strategy). HLP individuals left the breeding grounds before MLP, but all departed before freeze‐up. Migration duration did not differ between the two groups, so differential summer residency times affected duration on wintering areas. We recommend follow‐up investigations of the relative degree of capital/income investment among birds from both groups and their effects on their respective demographics, population dynamics and growth rates.
A facile route to synthesis NixFe1−xFe2O4 ferrofluids with optimal rheological and magneto‐optical properties
Authors: Babukutty Blessy , Ponnamma Deepalekshmi , Jose Jiya , Nair Swapna S , Thomas Sabu
Published: June 2024

This study presents an easy method for synthesizing ultrafine NixFe1–xFe2O4 nanoparticles with adjustable composition (x = 0–.8), followed by their stabilization into ferrofluids. Structural identification of the crystalline structure, lattice points, and grain boundaries from the broadened diffraction peaks reveal an average crystalline size of the nanoparticles as 10–16.5 nm. Transmission electron microscopy images reveal spherical magnetite nanoparticles with a particle size ranging from 6 to 13 nm, consistent with diffraction studies. In ferrofluids, the NixFe1–xFe2O4 nanoparticles are stabilized in kerosene with oleic acid, a surfactant. Absorbance data of the ferrofluids is seen in the 200–400 nm wavelength region of UV–vis spectra. The magnetic properties of the samples are probed using a Superconducting Quantum Interference Device. The synthesized samples exhibit superparamagnetic behavior at room temperature (300 K). The saturation magnetization of the samples decreases with an increase in Ni composition (x = 0–.8), ranging from 54 to 28 emu/g. This study explores the magnetic and magneto‐optical properties of NixFe1–xFe2O4 ferrofluids. Magneto‐viscosity of ferrofluids is also studied, and the final application of such ferrofluids in data storage, catalysis, and biomedical applications is discussed.
Regulatory intensity and audit fees
Authors: Xu Hongkang
Published: June 2024

This study employs the measurement of the cost of compliance with all federal paperwork regulations to examine the association between regulatory intensity and audit fees at the company level. Using a sample of US companies from 2003 to 2019, I find that regulatory intensity is positively associated with audit fees, suggesting that firms facing a heavier burden of regulatory compliance tend to incur higher audit fees. The findings are supported by various robustness tests. I also document a positive association between regulatory intensity and audit report lag. Moreover, I find that the positive relation between regulatory intensity and audit fees is more pronounced among firms in high‐litigation industries, which are typically subject to elevated litigation risks. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing new evidence on the relationship between regulatory intensity and audit fees, utilizing a novel and rigorous measure that captures the intensity of a broad range of regulations.
Contradictions between perceptions and practices of caring in long‐term care of elderly people
Authors: NAY RHONDA
Published: June 2024

Care for elderly people in nursing homes is a subject of increasing interest as populations around the world age.

Numerous studies have been reported in relation to caring, how it is defined and what it means to nurses and clients in different contexts.

Nursing is equated with caring and yet reports of nursing home care frequently cite such uncaring practices as neglect, fostered dependency, infantilization and depersonalization.

The contradictions are explored with the aim of improving care of elderly people through greater understanding of how caring is perceived and practised.