bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive profiling of social mixing patterns in resource poor countries: a mixed methods research protocol
Authors: Aguolu Obianuju Genevieve , Kiti Moses Chapa , Nelson Kristin , Liu Carol Y. , Sundaram Maria , Gramacho Sergio , Jenness Samuel , Melegaro Alessia , Sacoor Charfudin , Bardaji Azucena , Macicame Ivalda , Jose Americo , Cavele Nilzio , Amosse Felizarda , Uamba Migdalia , Jamisse Edgar , Tchavana Corssino , Briones Herberth Giovanni Maldonado , Jarquín Claudia , Ajsivinac María , Pischel Lauren , Ahmed Noureen , Mohan Venkata Raghava , Srinivasan Rajan , Samuel Prasanna , John Gifta , Ellington Kye , Joaquim Orvalho Augusto , Zelaya Alana , Kim Sara , Chen Holin , Kazi Momin , Malik Fauzia , Yildirim Inci , Lopman Benjamin , Omer Saad B.
Published: December 2023

Background

Low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionate burden of communicable diseases. Social interaction data inform infectious disease models and disease prevention strategies. The variations in demographics and contact patterns across ages, cultures, and locations significantly impact infectious disease dynamics and pathogen transmission. LMICs lack sufficient social interaction data for infectious disease modeling.

Methods

To address this gap, we will collect qualitative and quantitative data from eight study sites (encompassing both rural and urban settings) across Guatemala, India, Pakistan, and Mozambique. We will conduct focus group discussions and cognitive interviews to assess the feasibility and acceptability of our data collection tools at each site. Thematic and rapid analyses will help to identify key themes and categories through coding, guiding the design of quantitative data collection tools (enrollment survey, contact diaries, exit survey, and wearable proximity sensors) and the implementation of study procedures.

We will create three age-specific contact matrices (physical, nonphysical, and both) at each study site using data from standardized contact diaries to characterize the patterns of social mixing. Regression analysis will be conducted to identify key drivers of contacts. We will comprehensively profile the frequency, duration, and intensity of infants’ interactions with household members using high resolution data from the proximity sensors and calculating infants’ proximity score (fraction of time spent by each household member in proximity with the infant, over the total infant contact time) for each household member.

Discussion

Our qualitative data yielded insights into the perceptions and acceptability of contact diaries and wearable proximity sensors for collecting social mixing data in LMICs. The quantitative data will allow a more accurate representation of human interactions that lead to the transmission of pathogens through close contact in LMICs. Our findings will provide more appropriate social mixing data for parameterizing mathematical models of LMIC populations. Our study tools could be adapted for other studies.
Impact of electronic medical records on healthcare delivery in Nigeria: A Review
Authors: Olukorode Oreoluwa , Adedeji Oluwakorede Joshua , Adetokun Adetayo , Abioye Ajibola Ibraheem
Published: December 2023

Electronic medical records (EMRs) have great potential to improve healthcare processes and outcomes. They are increasingly available in Nigeria, as in many developing countries. The impact of their introduction has not been well studied. We sought to synthesize the evidence from primary studies of the effect of EMRs on data quality, patient-relevant outcomes and patient satisfaction. We identified and examined five original research articles published up to May 2023 in the following medical literature databases: PUBMED/Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, African Journals Online and Google Scholar. Four studies examined the influence of the introduction of or improvements in the EMR on data collection and documentation. The pooled percentage difference in data quality after introducing or improving the EMR was 142% (95% CI: 82% to 203%,p-value < 0.001). There was limited heterogeneity in the estimates (I2= 0%,p-heterogeneity = 0.93) and no evidence suggestive of publication bias. The 5thstudy assessed patient satisfaction with pharmacy services following the introduction of the EMR but neither had a comparison group nor assessed patient satisfaction before EMR was introduced. We conclude that the introduction of EMR in Nigerian healthcare facilities meaningfully increased the quality of the data.

Author Summary

Electronic medical records, or EMRs, offer the potential to improve healthcare in many developing nations, including Nigeria. The actual impact of these digital records hasn’t gotten enough attention, despite their growing availability. Our goal in doing this review was to compile and evaluate primary study data on the effects of EMRs on patient satisfaction, patient-related outcomes, and data quality in Nigeria. After searching through medical literature databases, we found five original research publications up to May 2023 that were suitable for our study. The impact of EMR implementation or upgrades on data collection and documentation was examined in four of these studies, while patient satisfaction with pharmacy services following EMR adoption was evaluated in the fifth study. Although the included studies did not quantitatively assess the impact of EMR adoption on patient satisfaction, we were able to conclude from the studies that the introduction of EMR in Nigerian healthcare facilities meaningfully increased the quality of the data
Non-communicable diseases Prevalence by HIV Status in East Africa: A protocol for a systematic review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kasango Asani , Daama Alex , Negesa Lilian
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Over the past decade, HIV care and treatment programs have grown exponentially, resulting in improved survival among persons living with HIV. In the same period, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases has been reported to be higher among people living with HIV as compared to their HIV-negative counterparts. In this review, we aim to assess the prevalence of non-communicable diseases stratified by HIV status in East Africa.

Methods

We plan to assess observational studies especially case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies and clinical trials. These studies will be related to non-communicable diseases and done in East Africa. This review will be for studies done in East Africa from 1stJan 2013 to 31stDec 2023. The team will search databases such as East African Medical Journal, PubMed, Pan African Medical Journal, Scopus, African Health Sciences Journal, African Index, Medicus, and African Journals Online among others. We will use subheadings such as HIV, NCDs, and East Africa to search for relevant Journals. The I2will be used to assess the heterogeneity of individual studies. All statistical analyses will be performed in STATA V15, and results will be graphically presented on a forest plot.

Discussion

With the rising burden of non-communicable diseases globally, there is much to learn whether the prevalence differs by HIV status or not.
Transcription attenuation in synthetic promoters in tandem formation
Authors: Chauhan Vatsala , Baptista Ines S. C. , Jagadeesan Rahul , Dash Suchintak , Ribeiro Andre S.
Published: December 2023

Closely spaced promoters are ubiquitous in prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomes. How their structure and dynamics relate remains unclear, particularly for tandem formations. To study their transcriptional interference, we engineered two pairs and one trio of synthetic promoters in non-overlapping, tandem formation, in single-copy plasmids. Fromin vivomeasurements inE. colicells, we found that promoters in tandem formation have attenuated transcription rates. The attenuation strength can be widely fine-tuned by the promoters’ positioning, natural regulatory mechanisms, and other factors, including the antibiotic rifampicin, which hampers RNAP promoter escape. From this, and supported by in silico models, we concluded that the attenuation emerges from premature terminations generated by collisions between RNAPs elongating from upstream promoters and RNAPs occupying downstream promoters. Moreover, we found that these collisions can cause one or both RNAPs to fall-off. The broad spectrum of possible, externally regulated, attenuation strengths in synthetic tandem promoters should make these structures valuable internal regulators of future synthetic circuits.
Distinct secretomes in p16- and p21- positive senescent cells across tissues
Authors: Saul Dominik , Jurk Diana , Doolittle Madison L. , Kosinsky Robyn Laura , Monroe David G , LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Robbins Paul D. , Niedernhofer Laura J. , Khosla Sundeep , Passos João F.
Published: December 2023

Senescent cells drive age-related tissue dysfunction via the induction of a chronic senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21Cip1and p16Ink4ahave long served as markers of cellular senescence. However, their individual roles remain incompletely elucidated. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive examination of multiple single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets spanning both murine and human tissues during aging. Our analysis revealed that p21Cip1and p16Ink4atranscripts demonstrate significant heterogeneity across distinct cell types and tissues, frequently exhibiting a lack of co-expression. Moreover, we identified tissue-specific variations in SASP profiles linked to p21Cip1or p16Ink4aexpression. Our study underscores the extraordinary diversity of cellular senescence and the SASP, emphasizing that these phenomena are inherently cell- and tissue-dependent. However, a few SASP factors consistently contribute to a shared “core” SASP. These findings highlight the need for a more nuanced investigation of senescence across a wide array of biological contexts.
Single-molecule imaging reveals a direct role of CTCF’s zinc fingers in SA interaction and cluster-dependent RNA recruitment
Authors: Huber Jonas , Tanasie Nicoleta-Loredana , Zernia Sarah , Stigler Johannes
Published: December 2023

CTCF is a zinc finger protein associated with transcription regulation that also acts as a barrier factor for topologically associated domains (TADs) generated by cohesin via loop extrusion. These processes require different properties of CTCF-DNA interaction, and it is still unclear how CTCF’s structural features may modulate its diverse roles. Here, we employ single-molecule imaging to study both full-length CTCF and truncation mutants. We show that CTCF enriches at CTCF binding sites (CBSs), displaying a longer lifetime than observed previously. We demonstrate that the zinc finger domains mediate CTCF clustering and that clustering enables RNA recruitment, possibly creating a scaffold for interaction with RNA-binding proteins like cohesin’s subunit SA. We further reveal a direct recruitment and an increase of SA residence time by CTCF bound at CBSs, suggesting that CTCF-SA interactions are crucial for cohesin stability on chromatin at TAD borders. Furthermore, we establish a single-molecule transcription assay and show that although a transcribing polymerase can remove CTCF from CBSs, transcription is impaired. Our study shows that context-dependent nucleic acid binding determines the multifaceted CTCF roles in genome organization and transcription regulation.
Biodegradable silica nanoparticles for efficient linear DNA gene delivery
Authors: Ramos-Valle Andrés , Kirst Henning , Fanarraga Mónica L.
Published: December 2023

Targeting, safety, scalability, and storage stability of vectors are still challenges in the field of nucleic acid delivery for gene therapy. Silica-based nanoparticles have been widely studied as gene carriers, exhibiting key features such as biocompatibility, simplistic synthesis and enabling easy surface modifications for targeting. However, the ability of the formulation to incorporate DNA is limited, which restricts the number of DNA molecules that can be incorporated into the particle, thereby reducing gene expression.

Here we use polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-generated linear DNA molecules to augment the coding sequences of gene-carrying nanoparticles, thereby maximizing nucleic acid loading and minimizing the size of these nanocarriers. This approach results in a remarkable 16-fold increase in protein expression six days post-transfection in cells transfected with particles carrying the linear DNA compared with particles bearing circular plasmid DNA. The study also showed that the use of linear DNA entrapped in DNA@SiO2resulted in a much more efficient level of gene expression compared to standard transfection reagents. The system developed in this study features simplicity, scalability, and increased transfection efficiency and gene expression over existing approaches, enabled by improved embedment capabilities for linear DNA, compared to conventional methods such as lipids or polymers, which generally show greater transfection efficiency with plasmid DNA. Therefore, this novel methodology can find applications not only in gene therapy but also in research settings for high throughput gene expression screenings.
Multi-variate statistical and machine learning reveals the interplay between sex and age in antibody responses tode novoSARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination
Authors: Cuperlovic-Culf Miroslava , Bennett Steffany , Galipeau Yannick , McCluskie Pauline S. , Arnold Corey , Bagheri Salman , Cooper Curtis L. , Langlois Marc-André , Fritz Jörg , Piccirillo Ciriaco A. , Crawley Angela M.
Published: December 2023

Prevention of negative COVID19 infection outcomes and infection/vaccine-acquired immunity is associated with the quality of antibody responses, whose variance by age and sex are poorly understood. Integrated, network approaches, identified sex and age effects in antibody responses and neutralization potential ofde novoinfection and vaccination throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Cluster analysis found neutralization values followed SARS-CoV-2 specific receptor binding RIgG, spike SIgG and S and RIgA levels based on COVID19 status. Stochastic behavior tests and other analytical methods revealed sex differences only in persons <40y.o. Serum IgA antibody titers correlated with neutralization only in females 40-60y.o. Network analysis found males could improve IgA responses after vaccination dose 2, unlike >60y.o. females. Complex correlation analyses found vaccination induced less antibody isotype switching and neutralization in older persons, especially in females. Sex dependent antibody & neutralization behavior decayed fastest in older males and with vaccination. Such sex and age characterization by machine learning can direct studies integrating cell mediated responses to define yet elusive correlates of protection and inform age and sex precision-focused vaccine design.
Pipeline for species-resolved full-length16S rRNA amplicon nanopore sequencing analysis of low-complexity bacterial microbiota
Authors: Tandon Disha , Dong Yuan , Hapfelmeier Siegfried
Published: December 2023

16S rRNA amplicon sequencing is a fundamental tool for characterizing prokaryotic microbial communities. While short-read 16S rRNA sequencing is a proven standard for examining complex microbiomes, it cannot achieve taxonomic classification beyond genus level. Third-generation sequencing technologies, particularly nanopore sequencing, have allowed for full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing enabling enhanced taxonomic resolution to species and strain levels.

Precise species-to-strain level classification is crucial in investigating low-complexity microbiota. This research presents an efficient pipeline using full-length 16S rRNA amplicon nanopore sequencing, spanning library prep to computational analysis for low-complexity microbiota composition analysis. We applied this pipeline to a defined intestinal bacterial community in gnotobiotic mice to evaluate different methods.

Our findings revealed that the proprietary barcoded universal primers 27F-1492R from Oxford Nanopore Technologies(ONT) 16S amplicon sequencing kit did not efficiently amplify the 16S rRNA gene ofBifidobacteriumspecies. Addressing this constraint, we designed degenerate primers and employed ONT’s native barcoding kit for library preparation. We developed a customized wet lab and bioinformatics pipeline for processing and classifying amplicon reads at the species level.

Validation of the protocol using a mock community DNA sample with known composition confirmed a reduced analytical bias. Additionally, our method surpassed Illumina short-read V3-V4 amplicon sequencing, achieving accurate species-level classification compared to Illumina’s genus-level accuracy.

This pipeline is tailored for analyzing the composition of low-complexity microbiota from natural ecosystems and synthetic/gnotobiotic communities. It is cost- and time-effective and therefore accessible for small-scale studies that would otherwise be hindered by the typically long turnaround times of NGS services.

Importance

16S rRNA amplicon sequencing is conventionally used to identify microbes and determine their composition in microbial communities. Deep amplicon sequencing of complex microbiomes is well established using short-read sequencing targeting variable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Short reads enable the classification of bacteria until the genus level in the taxa hierarchy, whereas long reads provide better chances of identifying bacteria to species and even strain levels. This study introduces a streamlined approach for analyzing simple microbial communities using full-length 16S rRNA amplicon nanopore long read sequencing. This approach surpasses Illumina sequencing in species accuracy, is cost-effective and time-efficient. Tailored for low-complexity microbiota, it facilitates studies in natural or synthetic communities, especially beneficial for smaller-scale projects with limited resources.
Probiotic bacteriaLacticaseibacillus rhamnosus L108andLacticaseibacillus delbrueckii R2increase lifespan and influence the expression ofCaenorhabditis eleganslongevity genes
Authors: Chelombitskaya D.S. , Teperin A.V. , Emelyantsev S.A. , Prazdnova E.V.
Published: December 2023

Annotation

Numerous studies have shown that probiotics hold great promise in slowing down the aging process and extending life expectancy. Bacteria of the genusLacticaseibacillushave been found to possess antioxidant, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the ability to regulate the expression of genes that control signaling defense mechanisms in model objects. In this study, we used the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansas a model organism to investigate the impact ofLacticaseibacillus rhamnosus L108(L.rhamnosus L108)andLacticaseibacillus delbrueckii R2on nematode lifespan and the expression levels of genes associated with healthy aging. Our results demonstrate that theLacticaseibacillus rhamnosusL108 strain exhibits antioxidant properties and increases the average lifespan of nematodes by 15%.Lacticaseibacillus delbrueckii R2also has a positive effect, extending the lifespan of the worms by 21.4%. Furthermore, analysis of longevity gene expression reveals a correlation between increased lifespan and activation of the insulin/insulin-like factor-1 pathway. Moreover, we observed a significant increase in the expression of the skn-1 gene, which encodes antioxidant proteins and enhances the antioxidant response. Our findings suggest that the expression of the skn-1 gene and the transcription factor SKN-1 are associated with activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Therefore, it seems that probiotic bacteriaLacticaseibacillus rhamnosus L108 and Lactobacillus delbrueckii R2have a positive effect on lifespan due to increased expression of genes that underlie the regulation of conserved signaling pathways related to host defense.
ERK3 Is Involved in Regulating Cardiac Fibroblast Function
Authors: Sahadevan Pramod , Dingar Dharmendra , Nawaito Sherin A. , Nair Reshma S. , Trépanier Joëlle , Sahmi Fatiha , Shi Yanfen , Gillis Marc-Antoine , Sirois Martin G. , Meloche Sylvain , Tardif Jean-Claude , Allen Bruce G.
Published: December 2023

ERK3/MAPK6, an atypical MAPK, activates MAP kinase-activated protein kinase (MK)-5 in selected cell types. MK5 haplodeficient mice show reduced hypertrophy and attenuated increase inCol1a1mRNA in response to increased cardiac afterload. In addition, MK5 deficiency alters cardiac fibroblast function. This study was to determine the effect of reduced ERK3 on cardiac hypertrophy following transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and fibroblast biology. Three wk post-surgery, ERK3, but not ERK4 or p38α, was co-immunoprecipitated with MK5 from both sham and TAC heart lysates. The increase in left ventricular mass and myocyte diameter was lower in TAC-ERK3+/-than TAC-ERK3+/+hearts, whereas ERK3 haploinsufficiency did not alter systolic or diastolic function. Furthermore, the TAC-induced increase inCol1a1mRNA abundance was diminished in ERK3+/-hearts. ERK3 immunoreactivity was detected in atrial and ventricular fibroblasts but not myocytes. In both quiescent fibroblasts and ‘activated’ myofibroblasts isolated from adult mouse heart, siRNA-mediated knockdown of ERK3 reduced the TGF-β-induced increase inCol1a1mRNA. In addition, intracellular type 1 collagen immunoreactivity was reduced following ERK3 depletion in quiescent fibroblasts but not myofibroblasts. Finally, knocking down ERK3 impaired motility in both atrial and ventricular myofibroblasts. These results suggest that ERK3 plays an important role in multiple aspects of cardiac fibroblast biology.
Chromatin profiling data indicate regulatory mechanisms for differentiation during development in the acoelHofstenia miamia
Authors: Bump Paul , Loubet-Senear Kaitlyn , Arnold Sarah , Srivastava Mansi
Published: December 2023

Chromatin profiling data can corroborate and generate hypotheses for regulatory events that underlie the control of gene expression in any biological process. Here, we applied the Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin (ATAC) sequencing to build a catalog of putative regulatory DNA during the process of embryonic development in an acoel. Acoels represent an enigmatic phylum-level lineage of animals, the Xenacoelomorpha, which is placed either as a sister-group to all other animals with bilateral symmetry or as an early-diverging ambulacrarian, two alternative phylogenetic placements that both position acoels equally well to inform the evolution of developmental mechanisms. We focused on the acoelHofstenia miamia, a.k.a. the three-banded panther worm, which has emerged as a new laboratory research organism for whole-body regeneration that also enables the study of development from zygote to hatching. We profiled chromatin landscapes over a time course encompassing many major morphological events, including gastrulation, axial patterning, and differentiation of tissues such as epidermis and muscle. Broad patterns of chromatin accessibility and predicted binding of various transcription factor (TF) motifs identified major biological processes and their putative regulators, and we noted that differential accessibility tended to precede major developmental transitions in embryogenesis. Focused analysis of TF binding combined with single-cell RNA-seq data provided regulatory linkages for genes in a previously hypothesized differentiation trajectory for epidermis and generated new hypotheses for gene regulatory networks associated with the formation of muscle. This work provides a platform for the identification of developmental mechanisms inHofsteniaand enables comparisons of embryogenesis in acoels to other animals as well as comparisons of embryogenesis to regeneration.
Discovery of a high-performance phage-derived promoter/repressor system for probiotic lactobacillus engineering
Authors: Blanch-Asensio Marc , Tadimarri Varun Sai , Wilk Alina , Sankaran Shrikrishnan
Published: December 2023

Background

TheLactobacillusfamily comprises many species of great importance for the food and healthcare industries, with numerous strains identified as beneficial for humans and used as probiotics. Hence, there is a growing interest in engineering these probiotic bacteria as live biotherapeutics for animals and humans. However, the genetic parts needed to regulate gene expression in these bacteria remain limited compared to model bacteria likeE. coliorB. subtilis. To address this deficit, in this study, we selected and tested several bacteriophage-derived genetic parts with the potential to regulate transcription in lactobacilli.

Results

We screened genetic parts from 6 different lactobacilli-infecting phages and identified one promoter/repressor system with unprecedented functionality inL. plantarumWCFS1. The phage-derived promoter was found to achieve expression levels nearly 9-fold higher than the previously reported strongest promoter in this strain and the repressor was able to almost completely repress this expression by reducing it nearly 500-fold.

Conclusions

The new parts and insights gained from their engineering will enhance the genetic programmability of lactobacilli for healthcare and industrial applications.
Structural basis of tRNA recognition by the m3C-RNA-methyltransferase METTL6 in complex with SerRS seryl-tRNA synthetase
Authors: Throll Philipp , Dolce Luciano G. , Lastres Palma Rico , Arnold Katharina , Tengo Laura , Basu Shibom , Kaiser Stefanie , Schneider Robert , Kowalinski Eva
Published: December 2023

Methylation of cytosine 32 in the anticodon loop of tRNAs to 3-methylcytosine (m3C) is crucial for cellular translation fidelity1. Misregulation of the RNA methyltransferases setting this modification can cause aggressive cancers and metabolic disturbances2,3. However, our understanding of the substrate selection and catalysis mode of the m3C RNA methyltransferases is currently still lacking. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the m3C tRNA methyltransferase METTL6 in complex with seryl-tRNA synthetase (SerRS) and their common substrate tRNASer. Through the complex structure, we identify the tRNA binding domain of METTL6. We show that SerRS acts as the tRNASersubstrate selection factor for METTL6. We reveal how METTL6 and SerRS jointly coordinate the long variable arm of tRNASerin their interface. We demonstrate that SerRS augments the methylation activity of METTL6 and that direct contacts between METTL6 and SerRS are necessary for efficient tRNASermethylation. Finally, based on the structure of METTL6 in complex with SerRS and tRNASer, we postulate a universal tRNA binding mode for m3C RNA methyltransferases including METTL2 and METTL8, suggesting that these mammalian paralogues use similar ways to engage their respective tRNA substrates and co-factors.
Packaging of supplemented urokinase into naked alpha-granules ofin vitro-grown megakaryocytes for targeted therapeutic delivery
Authors: Poncz Mortimer , Zaitsev Sergei V. , Ahn Hyunsook , Kowalska M. Anna , Bdeir Khalil , Camire Rodney M. , Cines Douglas B. , Stepanova Victoria
Published: December 2023

Our prior finding that uPA endogenously expressed and stored in the platelets of transgenic mice prevented thrombus formation without causing bleeding, prompted us to develop a potentially clinically relevant means of generating anti-thrombotic human plateletsin vitrofrom CD34+hematopoietic cell-derived megakaryocytes. CD34+-megakaryocytes internalize and store in α-granules single-chain uPA (scuPA) and a uPA variant modified to be plasmin-resistant, but thrombin-activatable, (uPAT). Both uPAs co-localized with internalized factor V (FV), fibrinogen and plasminogen, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), and interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3), but not with endogenous von Willebrand factor (VWF). Endocytosis of uPA by CD34+-\megakaryocytes was mediated in part via LRP1 and αIIbβ3. scuPA-containing megakaryocytes degraded endocytosed intragranular FV, but not endogenous VWF, in the presence of internalized plasminogen, whereas uPAT-megakaryocytes did not significantly degrade either protein. We used a carotid-artery injury model in NOD-scid IL2rγnull (NSG) mice homozygous for VWFR1326H(a mutation switching binding VWF specificity from mouse to human glycoprotein IbmlIX) to test whether platelets derived from scuPA-MKs or uPAT-Mks would prevent thrombus formation. NSG/VWFR1326Hmice exhibited a lower thrombotic burden after carotid artery injury compared to NSG mice unless infused with human platelets or MKs, whereas intravenous injection of either uPA-containing megakaryocytes into NSG/VWFR1326Hgenerated sufficient uPA-containing human platelets to lyse nascent thrombi. These studies suggest the potential to deliver uPA or potentially other ectopic proteins within platelet α-granules fromin vitro-generated megakaryocytes.

Key points

Unlike platelets, in vitro-grown megakaryocytes can store exogenous uPA in its α-granules.

uPA uptake involves LRP1 and αIIbβ3 receptors and is functionally available from activated platelets.
Navigating the landscape of academic coaching: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis
Authors: Mahdi Somayeh , Zeinabadi Hassanreza , Arasteh Hamidreza , Abbasian Hossein
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Academic coaching (AC) has gained a significant attention to support student success and achievement in higher education, management and psychology. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of AC literature to identify the top authors, research patterns, hotspots and research topics in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized a bibliometric analysis of articles published between 1987 and 2023, using descriptive and network analysis methods with tools such as RStudio, Biblioshiny, Excel and VOSviewer. The study also conducted functional, mapping and content analysis, to identify AC literature's key themes and research areas.

Findings

The results revealed an increasing interest in AC, with increased publications. However, there are gaps in geographical diversity and authorship. Most studies were conducted in the United States of America and the UK, and were published in education, psychology and coaching journals. Common themes included coaching, professional development, higher education and mentoring. Emerging research areas include: coaching efficacy in education, AC as an online learning support and professional learning communities. More studies are needed in different contexts and with larger sample sizes.

Originality/value

This comprehensive bibliometric analysis adds to the existing literature by presenting a detailed analysis of the field of AC, filling a gap in the current literature. The study's unique contribution is its examination of emerging research areas and themes in AC literature, providing directions for future research. This study is particularly relevant for researchers, practitioners and policymakers interested in understanding AC's state of the art and identifying promising areas for future research.
Nexus between environmental sustainability, energy intensity and food security: evidence from emerging economies
Authors: Hasan Md. Mahadi , Adnan A.T.M.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Growing food insecurity is a leading cause of fatalities, particularly in developing nations like Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. However, the rising energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are mostly associated with food production. Balancing the trade-offs between energy intensity and food security remains a top priority for environmentalists. Despite the critical role of the environment in food security, there is a scarcity of substantial studies that explore the statistical connections among food security, CO2 emissions, energy intensity, foreign direct investment (FDI) and per capita income. Therefore, this study aims to provide more precise and consistent estimates of per capita CO2 emissions by considering the interplay of food security and energy intensity within the context of emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the long-term relationships between CO2 emissions, food security, energy efficiency, FDI and economic development in emerging economies, this study employs correlated panel-corrected standard error, regression with Newey–West standard error and regression with Driscoll–Kraay standard error models (XTSCC). The analysis utilizes data spanning from 1980 to 2018 and encompasses 32 emerging economies.

Findings

The study reveals that increasing food security in a developing economy has a substantial positive impact on both CO2 emissions and energy intensity. Each model, on average, demonstrates that a 1 percent improvement in food security results in a 32% increase in CO2 levels. Moreover, the data align with the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory, as it indicates a positive correlation between gross domestic product (GDP) in developing nations and CO2 emissions. Finally, all experiments consistently demonstrate a robust correlation between the Food Security Index (FSI), energy intensity level (EIL) and exchange rate (EXR) in developing markets and CO2 emissions. This suggests that these factors significantly contribute to environmental performance in these countries.

Originality/value

This study introduces novelty by employing diverse techniques to uncover the mixed findings regarding the relationship between CO2 emissions and economic expansion. Additionally, it integrates energy intensity and food security into a new model. Moreover, the study contributes to the literature by advocating for a sustainable development goal (SDG)-oriented policy framework that considers all variables influencing economic growth.
Asymmetric modelling predicting migrants versus refugees starting new ventures
Authors: Crisan-Mitra Catalina , Martín-de Castro Gregorio
Published: December 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the entrepreneurship profiles of migrants and refugees relying on a neo-configurational approach that increases understanding of causal complexity, equifinality and causal asymmetry patterns to high entrepreneurial intentions in the two groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method, the authors analysed 52 respondents – migrants and refugees. The findings show the existence of equifinality in which different configurations can lead to high and low entrepreneurial intentions, underlying that traumatic experiences have a major role in entrepreneurial intention. It also demonstrates that core conditions are associated with refugee’s configurations and causal asymmetry. The cross-sectional character of this research impedes the searching for a better causal relationship. The lack of studies that approach the subject of refugees makes it challenging to develop a robust theory in this sense.

Findings

The paper highlights five main configurations – two related to migrants’ profile and three related to refugees’ profile – that enable expanding the current knowledge and practices to better customize practices to increase entrepreneurial intention.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research using a configurational approach to explore migrant and refugee entrepreneurship intention profiles.
Finding a generic fixed brake force distribution through optimizing hydraulic brake system parameters to prevent wheel lock
Authors: Banik Indranil , Nandi Arup Kumar , Mondal Bittagopal
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to identify a suitable generic brake force distribution ratio (β) corresponding to optimal brake design attributes in a diminutive driving range, where road conditions do not exhibit excessive variations. This will intend for an appropriate allocation of brake force distribution (BFD) to provide dynamic stability to the vehicle during braking.

Design/methodology/approach

Two techniques are presented (with and without wheel slip) to satisfy both brake stability and performance while accommodating variations in load sharing and road friction coefficient. Based on parametric optimization of the design variables of hydraulic brake using evolutionary algorithm, taking into account both the laden and unladen circumstances simultaneously, this research develops an improved model for computing and simulating the BFD applied to commercial and passenger vehicles.

Findings

The optimal parameter values defining the braking system have been identified, resulting in effective β = 0.695 which enhances the brake forces at respective axles. Nominal slip of 3.42% is achieved with maximum deceleration of 5.72 m/s2 maintaining directional stability during braking. The results obtained from both the methodologies are juxtaposed and assessed governing the vehicle stability in straight line motion to prevent wheel lock.

Originality/value

Optimization results establish the practicality, efficacy and applicability of the proposed approaches. The findings provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of hydraulic drum brake systems in modern automobiles, which can lead to safer and more efficient braking systems.
Mutually exclusive feeding yields Holling type III functional response
Authors: Lehtinen Sami O. , Perälä Tommi A. , Uusi‐Heikkilä Silva K. , Kuparinen Anna K.
Published: December 2023

Many generalist predators, including fish, insects and mammals, temporarily focus on their search behaviour and can switch between prey species. Flexible and rapid behavioural plasticity enables a predator to forage optimally, as guided by search image formation and prey switching in response to changing prey abundances.

More than half a century of studies have used Holling type III functional response to model the impact of this feeding behaviour on population dynamics, yet a mechanistic understanding for the pathway between individual behaviour and feeding rates remains poorly understood.

To understand this common feeding behaviour, we developed three mechanistic models using first‐principles to provide direct derivations for the relationship between observed individual behaviour and feeding rates.

The derived models yield three novel, generalised functional responses for predators characterised by prey switching and mutually exclusive feeding (i.e. feeding is limited to one prey species at a time). We show how these functional responses act as Holling type III response, and how they can be used to predict predators' diet compositions.

Our results demonstrate that several behavioural forms of prey switching, as displayed in a wide range of predator species, consistently produce type III conforming functional responses.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
JERUSALEM, A HOLY AND CREATIVE CITY: Advisory Practices and the Grounding of Urban Mobilities within the Context of Ethnic Conflict
Authors: Rullansky Ignacio
Published: December 2023

This article assesses how the agency of international advisors can provide policy recommendations that, instead of introducing urban policy initiatives for multicultural encounters, sharpen political and spatial segregation within the context of ethnic conflict. The article explores the variegated nature of neoliberalization and argues that the adoption of strategic planning and creativity discourses enables the development of a sophisticated political rationale for governing ethnic diversity. The analysis focuses on a range of advisory practices—including the role played by Michael Porter at the Harvard Business School and Richard Florida at the Creative Class Group in advising former Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat—in order to understand the dynamics of grounding imaginaries concerning a neoliberal role for the state and the depoliticization of the public sphere in a disputed city. By surveying official policy documents, journalistic interviews and two reports submitted by Porter and Florida to Barkat, the author examines how the branding of Jerusalem as a creative city involved managerial practices that classified the city's diverse population according to categories of creative and non‐creative labor rather than political subjects. The adoption of such discourses facilitated a novel approach for enhancing the state‐building ethno‐nationalistic project while at the same time reproducing the dynamics of occupation and annexation.
Blood pressure measurement and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A cohort study testing blood pressure variability and alternatives to 140/90 mmHg
Authors: Wilson Milly G. , Bone Jeffrey N. , Slade Laura J. , Mistry Hiten D. , Singer Joel , Crozier Sarah R. , Godfrey Keith M. , Baird Janis , von Dadelszen Peter , Magee Laura A.
Published: December 2023

Objective

To examine the association with adverse pregnancy outcomes of: (1) American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association blood pressure (BP) thresholds, and (2) visit‐to‐visit BP variability (BPV), adjusted for BP level.

Design

An observational study.

Setting

Analysis of data from the population‐based UK Southampton Women's Survey (SWS).

Population or sample

3003 SWS participants.

Methods

Generalised estimating equations were used to estimate crude and adjusted relative risks (RRs) of adverse pregnancy outcomes by BP thresholds, and by BPV (as standard deviation [SD], average real variability [ARV] and variability independent of the mean [VIM]). Likelihood ratios (LRs) were calculated to evaluate diagnostic test properties, for BP at or above a threshold, compared with those below.

Main outcome measures

Gestational hypertension, severe hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, preterm birth (PTB), small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infants, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.

Results

A median of 11 BP measurements were included per participant. For BP at ≥20 weeks’ gestation, higher BP was associated with more adverse pregnancy outcomes; however, only BP <140/90 mmHg was a good rule‐out test (negative LR <0.20) for pre‐eclampsia and BP ≥140/90 mmHg a good rule‐in test (positive LR >8.00) for the condition. BP ≥160/110 mmHg could rule‐in PTB, SGA infants and NICU admission (positive LR >5.0). Higher BPV (by SD, ARV, or VIM) was associated with gestational hypertension, severe hypertension, pre‐eclampsia, PTB, SGA and NICU admission (adjusted RRs 1.05–1.39).

Conclusions

While our findings do not support lowering the BP threshold for pregnancy hypertension, they suggest BPV could be useful to identify elevated risk of adverse outcomes.
Laparoscopic single anastomosis sleeve ileal bypass in the surgical management of morbid obesity: A single‐centre experience
Authors: Barakat Hosam , Hassan Alhassan , Elsheikh Mohamed , Abdelhamid Amir
Published: December 2023

Background

Single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) bypass is a recently developed two‐step bariatric operation that involves a sleeve gastrectomy followed by a side‐to‐side sleeve‐ileal anastomosis. While the primary outcomes are promising, more evidence is required before SASI can be considered a standard bariatric procedure.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate short‐term outcomes of SASI bypass regarding safety, efficacy and complications.

Methods

This retrospective study involved the analysis of 75 patients who underwent SASI between January 2019 and January 2022. The study examined patients’ characteristics, comorbidities, surgical technique, operative details, post‐operative weight loss and complications.

Results

Of the 88 patients who underwent SASI, 13 were excluded, leaving 75 participants for analysis. The mean age was 36.9 ± 8.3 years, and the mean body mass index was 49.23 ± 5.5 kg/m2. Among the participants, 19 patients (25.3%) had diabetes and 8 patients (10.6%) had hypertension. The mean operative time was 78.42 ± 13.18 min. The mean excess weight loss percentage was 25.53 ± 3.63, 43.33 ± 8.78, 63.51 ± 10.85, 82.11 ± 11.42 and 88.95 ± 8.69 at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. The diabetic remission rate was 100%, and the hypertension remission rate was 75%. Post‐operative complications were observed in 12 patients (16%), with most being minor. Notably, two patients underwent SASI reversal to sleeve gastrectomy due to excessive weight loss, and one patient experienced weight regain in the second post‐operative year.

Conclusion

SASI bypass emerges as a straightforward and highly effective bariatric procedure, with an acceptable complication rate. It is easy to perform and revise, offering not only excellent and sustained weight loss outcomes during short‐term follow‐up but also the resolution or improvement of obesity‐associated comorbidities.
Composition of Roman period pottery from Jerusalem revisited
Authors: Yellin Joseph
Published: December 2023

A study of the L'MLK jar handles based on neutron activation analysis reported an average chemical composition of Roman period pottery excavated in Jerusalem. Evidence was presented supporting the idea that the pottery, made of Motza clay, was made in Jerusalem or vicinity. Recently, the validity of the group composition as well as its assignment to Jerusalem as the origin of this composition was questioned. In this article, I present the unpublished data for individual pot shards comprising the chemical group and take a new look at the data on which the reported average composition was based. It is shown that the reported group composition is valid and that the suggestion that the group represents Hebron and not Jerusalem is not convincing but commends further exploration.
Qualitative and quantitative analyses in sulfated glycosaminoglycans, chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate, during 3T3‐L1 adipocytes differentiation
Authors: Cahyadi Danang Dwi , Warita Katsuhiko , Takeda‐Okuda Naoko , Tamura Jun‐ichi , Hosaka Yoshinao Z.
Published: December 2023

Chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate (CS/DS) is a member of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) found in animal tissues. Major CS/DS subclasses, O, A, C, D, and E units, exist based on the sulfation pattern in d‐glucuronic acid (GlcA) and N‐acetyl‐d‐galactosamine repeating units. DS is formed when GlcA is epimerized into l‐iduronic acid. Our study aimed to analyze the CS/DS profile in 3T3‐L1 cells before and after adipogenic induction. CS/DS contents, molecular weight (Mw), and sulfation pattern were analyzed by using high‐performance liquid chromatography. CS/DS synthesis‐ and sulfotransferase‐related genes were analyzed by reverse transcription real‐time PCR. CS/DS amount was significantly decreased in the differentiated (DI) group compared to the non‐differentiated (ND) group, along with a lower expression of CS biosynthesis‐related genes, chondroitin sulfate N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1 and 2, as well as chondroitin polymerizing factor. GAGs in the DI group also showed lower Mw than those of ND. Furthermore, the A unit was the major CS/DS in both groups, with a proportionally higher CS‐A in the DI group. This was consistent with the expression of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 12 that encodes chondroitin 4‐O‐sulfotransferase, for CS‐A formation. These qualitative and quantitative changes in CS/DS and CS/DS‐synthases before and after adipocyte differentiation reveal valuable insights into adipocyte development.