bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haemophilus Influenzae bloodstream infection and third-generation cephalosporins susceptibility testing: a comparative case study using EUCAST and CLSI guidelines
Authors: Merlino John , Rizzo Sophia , English Suzanne , Baskar Sai Rupa , Siarakas Steven , Mckew Genevieve , Fernanado Shelanah , Gray Timothy
Published: September 2023

Introduction. In this comparative case study, we discuss clinically-relevant discrepancies of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) interpretation for ceftriaxone against a non-typable, beta-lactamase negative, ampicillin-resistant (BLNAR) Haemophilus influenzaeisolated from a blood culture.
Case report: A 74 year old man presented with a 3-day illness characterised by shortness of breath and dry cough, and was noted to be febrile and hypoxic on admission. A blood culture bottle flagged positive with Gram-negative coccobacilli, later identified as Haemophilus influenzae with the patient commenced on ceftriaxone. The isolate was beta-lactamase negative and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) using disc diffusion revealed the isolate resistant to ceftriaxone and ampicillin by EUCAST methodology, with the patient subsequently changed to amoxicillin/clavulanate. Further AST using the CLSI methodology in parallel demonstrated discrepant results between the two susceptibility methods. The patient recovered without complications.
Conclusion. This discrepancy could lead to inconsistent reporting of susceptibilities between laboratories, and consequently antibiotic prescribing, especially for invasive isolates. As more laboratories adopt EUCAST methodologies for AST interpretation in Australia and globally, it is important for clinicians to consider the clinical implications of these methodological discrepancies.
Neorhizobium turbinariae sp. nov., a coral-beneficial bacterium isolated from Turbinaria peltata
Authors: Sun Hao , Miao Zhiyuan , Liu Shuai , Liu Xuerui , Chen Bogui , Liao Baolin , Xiao Baohua
Published: September 2023

Coral reef ecosystems are facing decline due to climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction and pollution. Bacteria play an essential role in maintaining the stability of coral reef ecosystems, influencing the well-being and fitness of coral hosts. The exploitation of coral probiotics has become an urgent issue. A short-rod shaped aerobic bacterium, designated NTR19T, was isolated in a healthy coral Turbinaria peltata from Daya Bay, Shenzhen, PR China. Its cells were Gram-negative, motile with a polar flagellum. The activities of catalase and oxidase were positive. Strain NTR19T grew at 10–41 °C (optimum, 28 °C), with NaCl concentrations of 0–4 % (w/v; optimum, 0.5 %) and at pH 5.0–9.5 (optimum, pH 7.0–7.5). The predominant fatty acids (>10 %) were summed feature 8 (57.6 %), C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c (12.6 %) and C16 : 0 (12.0 %). The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phospholipid and phosphatidylcholine. The major respiratory quinone was Q-10. The draft genome was 4.68 Mbp with 61.2 mol% DNA G+C content. In total, 4477 coding sequences were annotated and there were 64 RNA genes. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and average amino acid identity (AAI) values between strain NTR19T and the related

Neorhizobium

species were 78.23–79.70% and 80.26–80.50 %, respectively. This strain encoded many proteins for the activities of catalase and oxidase in the genome. Strain NTR19T was clearly distinct from its closest neighbours

Rhizobium oryzicola

ACCC 05753T and

Neorhizobium petrolearium

ACCC 11238T with the 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 96.86 and 96.36 %, respectively. The results of phylogenetic analysis, as well as ANI and AAI values, revealed that strain NTR19T belongs to

Neorhizobium

and was distinct from other species of this genus. The physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic characteristics also supported the species novelty of strain NTR19T. Thus, strain NTR19T is considered to be classified as a novel species in the genus

Neorhizobium

, for which the name Neorhizobium turbinariae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NTR19T (=JCM 35342T=MCCC 1K07226T).
Immune Correlates of Hyperglycemia and Vaccination in a Non-human Primate Model of Long-COVID
Authors: Palmer Clovis S , Perdios Chrysostomos , Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed , Mudd Joseph , Datta Prasun , Maness Nicholas J. , Lehmicke Gabrielle , Golden Nadia , Hellmer Lihn , Coyne Carol , Green Kristyn Moore , Midkiff Cecily , Williams Kelsey , Tiburcio Rafael , Fahlberg Marissa , Boykin Kyndal , Kenway Carys , Russell-Lodrigue Kasi , Birnbaum Angela , Bohm Rudolf , Blair Robert , Dufour Jason , Fischer Tracy , Saied Ahmed A , Rappaport Jay
Published: September 2023

Hyperglycemia, and exacerbation of pre-existing deficits in glucose metabolism, are major manifestations of the post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Our understanding of lasting glucometabolic disruptions after acute COVID-19 remains unclear due to the lack of animal models for metabolic PASC. Here, we report a non-human primate model of metabolic PASC using SARS-CoV-2 infected African green monkeys (AGMs). Using this model, we have identified a dysregulated chemokine signature and hypersensitive T cell population during acute COVID-19 that correlates with elevated and persistent hyperglycemia four months post-infection. This persistent hyperglycemia correlates with elevated hepatic glycogen, but there was no evidence of long-term SARS-CoV-2 replication in the liver and pancreas. Finally, we report a favorable glycemic effect of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine, administered on day 4 post-infection. Together, these data suggest that the AGM metabolic PASC model exhibits important similarities to human metabolic PASC and can be utilized to assess therapeutic candidates to combat this syndrome.
Survey of white-footed mice in Connecticut, USA reveals low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and infection with divergent betacoronaviruses
Authors: Earnest Rebecca , Hahn Anne M. , Feriancek Nicole M. , Brandt Matthew , Filler Renata B. , Zhao Zhe , Breban Mallery I. , Vogels Chantal B.F. , Chen Nicholas F.G. , Koch Robert T. , Porzucek Abbey J. , Sodeinde Afeez , Garbiel Alexa , Keanna Claire , Litwak Hannah , Stuber Heidi R. , Cantoni Jamie L. , Pitzer Virginia E. , Olarte Castillo Ximena A. , Goodman Laura B. , Wilen Craig B. , Linske Megan A. , Williams Scott C. , Grubaugh Nathan D.
Published: September 2023

Diverse mammalian species display susceptibility to and infection with SARS-CoV-2. Potential SARS-CoV-2 spillback into rodents is understudied despite their host role for numerous zoonoses and human proximity. We assessed exposure and infection among white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) in Connecticut, USA. We observed 1% (6/540) wild-type neutralizing antibody seroprevalence among 2020-2022 residential mice with no cross-neutralization of variants. We detected no SARS-CoV-2 infections via RT-qPCR, but identified non-SARS-CoV-2 betacoronavirus infections via pan-coronavirus PCR among 1% (5/468) of residential mice. Sequencing revealed two divergent betacoronaviruses, preliminarily namedPeromyscus coronavirus-1and-2. Both belong to theBetacoronavirus 1species and are ∼90% identical to the closest known relative,Porcine hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis virus. Low SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence suggests white-footed mice may not be sufficiently susceptible or exposed to SARS-CoV-2 to present a long-term human health risk. However, the discovery of divergent, non-SARS-CoV-2 betacoronaviruses expands the diversity of known rodent coronaviruses and further investigation is required to understand their transmission extent.
Incidence and Predictors of Mortality among Neonates Admitted for Congenital Heart Disease in Public Comprehensives Specialized Hospitals, Amhara Region, Ethiopia 2023
Authors: Ayfokru Abatwoy , Shewasinad Sisay , Ahmed Fuad , Tefera Mitku , Nigusie Genet , Getaneh Emawaysh
Published: September 2023

Background

Congenital heart disease is typically defined as a structural abnormality of the heart and great vessels present at birth. The incidence and mortality of congenital heart disease in neonates vary worldwide and it is the leading cause of birth defects, morbidity and mortality.

Objective

to assess incidence and predictors of mortality among neonates admitted for congenital heart disease in public comprehensives specialized hospitals Amhara region, Ethiopia a Retrospective follow-up study 2023

Method

Institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 583 neonates with congenital heart disease admitted to Amhara region public comprehensive specialized hospitals from January 1st2018 to December 30th, 2022. The study subjects was selected using simple random sampling techniques. Data were entered into EPI data version 4.6, then exported to STATA version 16. The log-rank test and Kaplan Meier failure curve was used to estimate and compare the probability of death. First bivariable then multivariable regression was done. After computing a hazard ratio with a 95% confidence interval, variables with a p-value of 0.05 or lower was considered to be significant predictors of mortality

Results

Out of 583 congenital heart disease neonate 9.9% were developed death. The incidence rate of mortality among congenital heart disease neonates was 11.9% per 1000 with 4844 person-days of observation (95% CI;-0.009-0.015). In this study were found to be Sepsis(AHR:2.24(95%CI:-1.184.23),Cyanoticcongenital heart disease(AHR:3.49(95%CI:1.93-6.28), Home delivery(AHR:1.9(95%,CI:1.06-3.6), had maternal history of Gestational diabetes multiuse (AHR: 1.94 (95% CI 1.04-3.61). Neonates having another congenital malformations. (AHR 2.49(1.33-4.67). neonates have been Airway resuscitation needed during delivery (AHR: 0.43(95%CI: 0.18-0.98). were found to be a significant predictors of Congenital heart disease neonatal mortality.

Conclusion and recommendation

The incidence rate of neonatal mortality among congenital heart disease neonate was high as compared to findings of other studies. sepsis, cyanotic congenital heart disease, home delivery, maternal history of gestational diabetes malts, others congenital malformation and Airway resuscitations needed during delivery were significant predictors of mortality for neonates with congenital heart disease. Hence, giving special attention to patients with identified predictors should be better
Prognostic Insights from Longitudinal Multicompartment Study of Host-Microbiota Interactions in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Kitsios Georgios D. , Sayed Khaled , Fitch Adam , Yang Haopu , Britton Noel , Shah Faraaz , Bain William , Evankovich John W. , Qin Shulin , Wang Xiaohong , Li Kelvin , Patel Asha , Zhang Yingze , Radder Josiah , Cruz Charles Dela , Okin Daniel A , Huang Ching-Ying , van Tyne Daria , Benos Panayiotis V. , Methé Barbara , Lai Peggy , Morris Alison , McVerry Bryan J.
Published: September 2023

Critical illness can disrupt the composition and function of the microbiome, yet comprehensive longitudinal studies are lacking. We conducted a longitudinal analysis of oral, lung, and gut microbiota in a large cohort of 479 mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory failure. Progressive dysbiosis emerged in all three body compartments, characterized by reduced alpha diversity, depletion of obligate anaerobe bacteria, and pathogen enrichment. Clinical variables, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunosuppression, and antibiotic exposure, shaped dysbiosis. Notably, of the three body compartments, unsupervised clusters of lung microbiota diversity and composition independently predicted survival, transcending clinical predictors, organ dysfunction severity, and host-response sub-phenotypes. These independent associations of lung microbiota may serve as valuable biomarkers for prognostication and treatment decisions in critically ill patients. Insights into the dynamics of the microbiome during critical illness highlight the potential for microbiota-targeted interventions in precision medicine.
Pharmacokinetic effects of a single-dose nutritional ketone ester supplement on brain ketone and glucose metabolism in alcohol use disorder – a pilot study
Authors: Li Xinyi , Young Anthony J. , Pereira-Rufino Lais S. , Shi Zhenhao , Byanyima Juliana , Vesslee Sianneh , Reddy Rishika , Pond Timothy , Elliott Mark , Reddy Ravinder , Doot Robert K. , van der Veen Jan-Willem , Kranzler Henry R. , Reddy Nanga Ravi Prakash , Dubroff Jacob G. , Wiers Corinde E.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Acute alcohol intake decreases brain glucose metabolism and increases brain uptake of acetate, a metabolite of alcohol. Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) show elevated brain acetate metabolism at the expense of glucose, a shift in energy utilization that persists beyond acute intoxication. We recently reported that nutritional ketosis and administration of ketone bodies as an alternative energy source to glucose reduce alcohol withdrawal severity and alcohol craving in AUD. However, the regional effects of nutritional ketosis on brain ketone (beta-hydroxybutyrate [BHB]) and glucose metabolism have not been studied in AUD.

Methods

Five participants with AUD underwent two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sessions and 4 participants with AUD underwent two positron emission tomography (PET) sessions with18F-fluorodeoxyglucose. All participants completed one session without KE intervention and one session during which they consumed 395 mg/kg(R)-3-hydroxybutyl(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate Ketone Ester (KE) intervention (TdeltaS Global Inc.) before the scan. The order of the sessions was randomized. For the PET cohort, blood glucose and ketone levels were assessed and voxel-wise maps of the cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (CMRglc) were computed at each session. For the MRI cohort, brain anterior cingulate BHB levels were assessed using magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results

A single dose of KE elevated blood BHB and anterior cingulate BHB levels compared to baseline. Moreover, blood glucose levels were lower with KE than baseline, and whole-brain CMRglc decreased by 17%. The largest KE-induced CMRglc reductions were in the frontal, occipital, cortex, and anterior cingulate cortices.

Conclusion

These findings provide preliminary evidence that KE administration elevates ketone and reduces brain glucose metabolism in humans, consistent with a shift from glucose to ketones as a brain energy source. Average reductions in CMRglc of 17% are similar to global average reductions documented with administration of 0.25-0.5 g/kg of alcohol. Documenting the clinical and neurometabolic effects of nutritional ketosis will yield fundamental knowledge as to its potential beneficial effects as a treatment for AUD and its underlying neural mechanisms.
The Application of Label-free Detection Using a Tapered Optical Fiber System for Head and Neck Cancer and Infectious Biomolecules
Authors: Collet Casey , Deng Cong , Ranathunga Chaminda , Banerjee Partha P. , Lin De-Chen , Sinha Uttam
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with high morbidity and mortality due to late detection. Tapered optical fiber sensors (TOFS) are biosensors with the potential application as a point-of-care device for detection of HNSCC biomarkers. TOFS uses optical fibers as transduction elements and antigen-antibody binding for the detection of target biomolecules. The present TOFS system was designed to achieve high specificity, sensitivity, and repeatability. To explore its application in HNSCC, we targeted the proinflammatory cytokine IL-8, known for its role in promoting tumorigenicity, metastasis, and angiogenesis in HNSCC. To validate our proof-of-concept experiment, a viral surrogate of SARS-CoV-2, Human Coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43), was also tested.

Methods

Our TOFS system contains four main parts: the tapered optical fiber, reservoir (cell), laser light source, and photodetector. The fiber is bitapered with a narrow waist region that anchors antibodies to detect target biomolecules. Light is transduced by the laser to the fiber where it travels through the down-taper region to the tapered waist followed by the up-tapered region and ultimately transmitted to the photodetector. The tapered waist facilitates the transformation of a single mode light to multiple modes, which reverts to a single mode of light as it continues through the up-taper region. Biomolecules introduced to the waist region alter the effective refractive index, which is reflected in the phase change of the wavelength. This is detected by the photodetector and quantified using Fouier analysis. Our tapered fibers were designed with antigen-antibody complexes targeting IL-8 and HCoV-OC43 to validate our TOFS design across two different antigens.

Results

TOFS with tethered mouse anti-human IgG (28nm) bound to dissolved IL-8 (14 nm) produces a measurable phase shift. As little as 10pg/ml or 7.1X105IL-8 molecules/μl was detected by the prototype device and the phase change represented in real-time the binding dynamic of IL-8 to the tethered IgG. To validate our proof-of-concept experiment, HCoV-OC43 dissolved in saliva was detected with a sensitivity of 50 viruses/mL.

Conclusions

TOFS device is a highly sensitive system capable of detecting proteins, viruses, and other biomolecules. Selectivity of the system is guaranteed by specific antigen-antibody binding, supported by the detection of IL-8 and HCoV-OC43 at the femtomolar level. The long-term goal for TOFS is its application as a point-of-care device used for detection, monitoring, and surveillance of HNSCC as well as detection of other pathogens in the clinical setting.
Swine influenza A virus isolates containing the pandemic H1N1 origin matrix gene elicit greater disease in the murine model
Authors: Curran Shelly J. , Griffin Emily F. , Ferreri Lucas M. , Kyriakis Constantinos S. , Howerth Elizabeth W. , Perez Daniel R , Tompkins S. Mark
Published: September 2023

Since the 1990’s, endemic North American swine influenza A viruses (swFLUAV) contained an internal gene segment constellation referred to as the triple reassortment internal gene (TRIG) cassette. In 2009, the H1N1 pandemic (pdmH1N1) virus spilled back into swine, but did not become endemic. However, the pdmH1N1 did contribute the matrix gene segment (pdmM) to the swFLUAVs circulating in the pig population; which replaced the classical swine matrix gene (swM) found in the TRIG cassette, suggesting that the pdmM has a fitness benefit. Others have shown that swFLUAV containing the pdmM have greater neuraminidase activity and transmission efficiency compared to viruses containing the swM gene segment. We hypothesized that the matrix gene could also affect disease and utilized two infection models, resistant BALB/c and susceptible DBA/2 mice, to assess swFLUAV pathogenicity. We infected BALB/c and DBA/2 mice with a panel of H1 and H3 swFLUAVs containing the swM or pdmM gene and measured lung virus titers, morbidity, mortality, and lung histopathology. H1 influenza strains containing the pdmM gene caused greater morbidity and mortality in both resistant and susceptible murine strains, while H3 swFLUAVs caused no clinical disease. However, both H1 and H3 swFLUAVs containing the pdmM replicated to higher viral titers in the lungs and pdmM containing H1 viruses induced greater histological changes compared to swM H1 viruses. While the surface glycoproteins contribute to swFLUAV pathogenicity, and other genes also influence disease, these data suggest that the origin of the matrix gene also contributes to pathogenicity of swFLUAV viruses in mice.
CellPolaris: Decoding Cell Fate through Generalization Transfer Learning of Gene Regulatory Networks
Authors: Feng Guihai , Qin Xin , Zhang Jiahao , Huang Wuliang , Zhang Yiyang , Cui Wentao , Li Shirui , Chen Yao , Liu Wenhao , Tian Yao , Liu Yana , Dong Jingxi , Xu Ping , Man Zhenpeng , Liu Guole , Liang Zhongming , Jiang Xinlong , Yang Xiaodong , Wang Pengfei ,   The X-Compass Project Consortium, Yang Ge , Wang Hongmei , Wang Xuezhi , Tong Ming-Han , Zhou Yuanchun , Zhang Shihua , Chen Yiqiang , Wang Yong , Li Xin
Published: September 2023

Cell fate changes are determined by gene regulatory network (GRN), a sophisticated system regulating gene expression in precise spatial and temporal patterns. However, existing methods for reconstructing GRNs suffer from inherent limitations, leading to compromised accuracy and application generalizability. In this study, we introduce CellPolaris, a computational system that leverages transfer learning algorithms to generate high-quality, cell-type-specific GRNs. Diverging from conventional GRN inference models, which heavily rely on integrating epigenomic data with transcriptomic information or adopt causal strategies through gene co-expression networks, CellPolaris employs high-confidence GRN sources for model training, relying exclusively on transcriptomic data to generate previously unknown cell-type-specific GRNs. Applications of CellPolaris demonstrate remarkable efficacy in predicting master regulatory factors and simulating in-silico perturbations of transcription factors during cell fate transition, attaining state-of-the-art performance in accurately predicting candidate key factors and outcomes in cell reprogramming and spermatogenesis with validated datasets. It is worth noting that, with a transfer learning framework, CellPolaris can perform GRN based predictions in all cell types even across species. Together, CellPolaris represents a significant advancement in deciphering the mechanisms of cell fate regulation, thereby enhancing the precision and efficiency of cell fate manipulation at high resolution.
Neuronal aging is associated with declined autophagy caused by reduced functionality of cGAS-STING signaling
Authors: Passarella Sergio , Brandes Karina , Dankert Evelyn , Cavalli Paola , Kröger Andrea , Dieterich Daniela C. , Landgraf Peter
Published: September 2023

The lifelong maintenance of cognitive abilities in an increasingly aging human society is one of the major challenges of future research and medical services. For this, a better understanding of the cellular aging processes in the mammalian brain is a fundamental requirement. In particular, the functioning of postmitotic neurons, which require special strategies for lifelong functionality, is still elusive in many details. Among many other hallmarks of neuronal aging, the impairment of autophagy as an essential element of cellular homeostasis is of particular importance. However, the mechanisms for regulating these processes have not yet been fully elucidated. Establishing anin vitromodel from primary cortical cells of the mouse brain, which shows the characteristic features of cellular senescence that are also observed in the total brain, we found the accumulation of dsDNA in the cytosol of neurons. Since dsDNA is a trigger for the activation of the cGAS-STING signaling and its primordial function is a non-canonical activation of autophagy, we analyzed its impact on aging neurons. We were able to demonstrate that the age-dependent downregulation of cGAS- STING signaling in neurons leads to an inhibition of autophagy at different levels. In contrast, activation of STING led to a complete rescue of autophagy in old neurons. Additionally, we found no evidence for age dependent cGAS-STING mediated IFN-I production. Hence, we propose that the primary function of cGAS-STING signaling in neurons is to maintain autophagy rather than contribute to age-related inflammation, and thus represents a target for therapeutic intervention.
SHIP1 modulation and proteome characterization of microglia
Authors: Ahat Erpan , Shi Zanyu , Chu Shaoyou , Bui Hai Hoang , Mason Emily R. , Soni Disha M. , Roth Kenneth D , Chalmers Michael James , Oblak Adrian L , Zhang Jie , Gutierrez Jesus A , Richardson Timothy
Published: September 2023

Microglia, the resident macrophage in brain, has gained significant attention due to their involvement in neurodegenerative diseases. Disease associated microglia (DAM) have been identified at sites of amyloid-beta plaques and neurodegeneration. Understanding microglial states in the aging brain has become crucial, especially with the discovery of numerous Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk and protective variants in genes such asTREM2, CD33, APOE, ABCA7, PLCG2,andINPP5D, which are essential to microglia function1. Here we present a thorough examination of microglia-like cell lines and primary mouse microglia at the proteomic and transcriptomic levels to help illuminate the roles these genes and the proteins they encode play in various cell states. This analysis serves as a guide to the exploration of potential therapeutic targets in the context of neurodegeneration. INPP5D, which encodes the SHIP1 protein, is essential for microglia function. SHIP1 has emerged as a target of interest having been nominated as a therapeutic target by three teams within the Accelerating Medicines Partnership for Alzheimer’s Disease (AMP-AD)2. In this study, we compared the proteomic profiles of wildtype, SHIP1 heterozygous knockout, and homozygous knockout primary microglia. Our findings revealed significant proteomic alterations only in the homozygous knockout of the SHIP1 gene, revealing its impact on the microglial proteome. Additionally, we compared the proteomic and transcriptomic profiles of BV2 and HMC3 cells with primary mouse microglia because these cell lines are often used as microglial cellular models. Our results demonstrated a substantial similarity between the proteome of BV2 cells and mouse primary cells, while notable differences were observed between BV2 and human HMC3 cells, with some shared characteristics. Since SHIP1 functions as a lipid phosphatase that modulates phosphatidylinositol (PI) species, we conducted lipidomic analysis to quantify different phosphatidylinositols (PIs), phosphatidylinositol monophosphate (PIPs), and polyphosphoinositides (PPIs) in the HMC3 and BV2 cells. Under basal conditions, PI(3,4,5)P3 and PI(3,4)P2 species were detected at extremely low levels, making confident quantification challenging; however, PIP species within the overall pool were significantly changed upon SHIP1 overexpression in HMC3. This in-depth proteomic analysis of both mouse and human microglia, complemented by targeted lipidomic studies, enhances our understanding of these cellular models. The similarities between primary mouse microglia and the BV2 cell line is especially encouraging, supporting the use of this model for further investigations into the role that SHIP1 and other potential drug targets may play in the regulation of microglial states.
Undergraduates’ reactions to errors mediates the association between growth mindset and study strategies
Authors: Chouvalova Anastasia , Navlekar Anisha S. , Mills Devin J. , Adams Mikayla , Daye Sami , Anda Fatima De , Limeri Lisa B.
Published: September 2023

Background

Students employ a variety of study strategies to learn and master content in their courses. Strategies vary widely in their effectiveness for promoting deep, long-term learning, yet most students use ineffective strategies frequently. Efforts to educate students about effective study strategies have revealed that knowledge about effective strategies is by itself insufficient for encouraging widespread and lasting changes. An important next step is to uncover factors that influence the decisions students make about study strategy use. We explored the association between beliefs about intelligence (mindset, universality, and brilliance) and study strategies. The most effective study strategies are error-prone, and beliefs about intelligence carry implications for whether errors are a normal and even beneficial part of the learning process (e.g., growth mindset) or signs of insufficient intelligence (e.g., fixed mindset). Therefore, we hypothesized that beliefs about and reactions to errors would mediate a relationship between beliefs about intelligence and study strategies. We tested this hypothesis by surveying 345 undergraduates enrolled in an introductory biology class at a public, research-active university in northwestern United States.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the internal structure of all measures functioned as expected in our sample. We fit a structural equation model to evaluate our hypothesized model. We found that mindset, but not universality nor brilliance, predicts variance in both beliefs about errors and reactions to errors. In turn, adaptive reactions to errors (but not beliefs about errors) are associated with the use of highly effective study strategies and spacing study sessions. There was a significant indirect relationship between growth mindset and spacing of study sessions.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence for a mechanism explaining the association between students’ mindset beliefs and academic outcomes: believing that intelligence is improvable is associated with more adaptive reactions to making errors, which correlates with choosing more error-prone and therefore more effective study strategies. Future interventions aimed at improving students’ study strategies may be more effective if they simultaneously target reacting adaptively to errors and emphasize that intelligence is improvable.
Differential mutation accumulation in plant meristematic layers
Authors: Amundson Kirk R , Marimuthu Mohan Prem Anand , Nguyen Oanh , Sarika Konsam , DeMarco Isabelle J , Phan Angelina , Henry Isabelle M , Comai Luca
Published: September 2023

The upper plant body is formed by the continued growth of shoot apical meristems. In angiosperms, meristems are organized in three cell layers that tend to remain clonally isolated. Somatic variants emerge when mutant cells overtake part or all of a meristem. During sexual reproduction, only one layer, the L2, contributes to the next generation by forming gametes. The L2 is known to frequently invade and replace the L3, while L1-L2 separation is persistent. The role of different meristem layers in mutation accumulation is unknown. We discovered a potato periclinal chimera in which the L2 and L3, but not the L1, are marked by a chromosomal translocation. This enabled the identification of plants regenerated from leaf protoplasts originating from either the L1 or L2+L3. Leveraging these layer-specific clones, we identified and compared mutations that accumulated in the layers in the clonal parent for several decades. Here we show that the L1 accumulates mutations at 1.9 times the rate of the L2, indicating that plants might protect the germline by mechanisms that reduce the rate of mutation accumulation in the L2. In contrast to these layer-specific mutations, we found no evidence of somatic mutation fixation in all three meristem layers. Our findings highlight how periclinal chimeras are formed by independent mutational processes in which a mutation-prone epidermal layer could increase clonal variation.
The anticancer chemotherapy drug 5-Fluorouracil has positive interaction with antibiotics and can select for antibiotic resistance inStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Henderson Sara R. , Aras Leila H. , Evans Benjamin A.
Published: September 2023

Antibiotic resistance is a major global issue in healthcare and understanding the drivers of resistance is key in developing effective strategies to counter it. Many non-antibiotic drugs, such as cancer chemotherapy drugs, can have antimicrobial properties but their effects on bacteria in the context of infection and drug resistance have only recently begun to be explored. Here we investigate the antimicrobial properties of the cancer drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the common human commensal and pathogenStaphylococcus aureus. 5-FU can be metabolized byS. aureusand ultimately results in the inhibition of ThyA, involved in the folate synthesis and thymine synthesis pathways. Bacterial growth was inhibited by 5-FU, and the drug had additive or synergistic interactions with the antibiotics trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole. The addition of thymidine overcame the inhibitory effects of 5-FU. Strains ofS. aureusevolved in the presence of 5-FU developed mutations in the thymidine kinase genetdk, likely inhibiting the thymine salvage pathway. In mixtures of clinical trimethoprim-resistantS. aureusstrains and sensitive strains, the presence of 5-FU conferred a large fitness advantage to the resistant strains and selected for them over the sensitive strains. Together these data show that 5-FU has antimicrobial effects againstS. aureuswith these effects targeting the same pathway as existing antibiotics, and that the use of 5-FU in patients may be selecting for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
1.7 GHz long-term evolution radiofrequency electromagnetic field with efficient thermal control has no effect on the proliferation of different human cell types
Authors: Goh Jaeseong , Suh Dongwha , Jeon Sangbong , Lee Youngseung , Kim Nam , Song Kiwon
Published: September 2023

Long-term evolution (LTE) radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) is widely used in communication technologies. As a result, the influence of RF-EMF on biological systems is a major public concern, and its physiological effects remain controversial. In our previous study, we showed that continuous exposure of various human cell types to 1.7 GHz LTE RF-EMF at specific absorption rate (SAR) of 2 W/Kg for 72 h can induce cellular senescence. To understand the precise cellular effects of LTE RF-EMF, we elaborated the 1.7 GHz RF-EMF cell exposure system used in the previous study by replacing the RF signal generator and developing a software-based feedback system to improve the exposure power stability. This refinement of the 1.7 GHz LTE RF-EMF generator facilitated the automatic regulation of RF-EMF exposure, maintaining target power levels within a 3% range and a constant temperature even during the 72-h exposure period. With the improved experimental setup, we examined the effect of continuous exposure to 1.7 GHz LTE RF-EMF at up to SAR of 8 W/Kg of adipose tissue-derived stem cells and Huh7, HeLa, and B103 cells. Surprisingly, the proliferation of all cell types, which displayed different growth rates, did not change significantly compared with that of the unexposed controls. However, when the thermal control system was turned off and the subsequent temperature increase induced by the RF-EMF was not controlled during continuous exposure to SAR of 8 W/Kg LTE RF-EMF, cellular proliferation increased by 35.2% at the maximum. These observations strongly suggest that the cellular effects attributed to 1.7 GHz LTE RF-EMF exposure were primarily due to the induced thermal changes, rather than the RF-EMF exposure itself.
Regulation of the mouse ventral tegmental area by melanin-concentrating hormone
Authors: Spencer C Duncan , Miller Persephone A , Williams-Ikhenoba Jesukhogie G , Nikolova Ralitsa G , Chee Melissa J
Published: September 2023

Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) acts via its sole receptor MCHR1 in rodents and is an important regulator of homeostatic behaviors like feeding, sleep, and mood to impact overall energy balance. The loss of MCH signaling by MCH or MCHR1 deletion produces hyperactive mice with increased energy expenditure, and these effects are consistently associated with a hyperdopaminergic state. We recently showed that MCH suppresses dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, which principally receives dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), but the mechanisms underlying MCH-regulated dopamine release are not clearly defined. MCHR1 expression is widespread and includes dopaminergic VTA cells. However, as the VTA is a neurochemically diverse structure, we assessedMchr1gene expression at glutamatergic, GABAergic, and dopaminergic VTA cells and determined if MCH inhibited the activity of VTA cells and/or their local microcircuit.Mchr1expression was robust in major VTA cell types, including most dopaminergic (78%) or glutamatergic cells (52%) and some GABAergic cells (38%). Interestingly, MCH directly inhibited dopaminergic and GABAergic cells but did not regulate the activity of glutamatergic cells. Rather, MCH produced a delayed increase in excitatory input to dopamine cells and a corresponding decrease in GABAergic input to glutamatergic VTA cells. Our findings suggested that MCH may acutely suppress dopamine release while disinhibiting local glutamatergic signaling to restore dopamine levels. This indicated that the VTA is a target of MCH action, which may provide bidirectional regulation of energy balance.

Significance Statement

Role of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) on energy balance may converge on the dopamine system via the mesolimbic pathway, as loss of MCH or MCH receptor (MCHR1) signaling increases hyperactivity and energy expenditure associated with a hyperdopaminergic state. MCH can suppress dopamine release within the mesolimbic pathway, but its underlying mechanism is not known. We thus determined if MCH could inhibit dopamine release through direct actions within the ventral tegmental area (VTA). We found that MCH directly inhibited dopaminergic VTA cells, but MCH also disinhibited excitatory input to dopamine cells. Therefore, we showed that the VTA is a putative target site supporting dopamine-dependent actions of MCH.
Crystal structure and synthesis of the bis(anthracene)dicuprate dianion as the dipotassium salt, [K(tetrahydrofuran)2]2[{Cu(9,10-η2-anthracene)}2], the first anionic arene complex of copper
Authors: Young Victor G. , Brennessel William W. , Ellis John E.
Published: September 2023

Reactions of (tricyclohexylphosphane)copper(I) chloride with two equivalents of potassium anthracene (KAn) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at 200 K provides air-sensitive but thermally stable (at 293 K) solutions from which yellow crystalline blocks of bis[bis(tetrahydrofuran-κO)potassium] bis(μ-anthracene-κ2
C
9:C
10)dicopper, [K(THF)2]2[{Cu(9,10-η2-C14H10)}2] or [K(C4H8O)2]2[Cu2(C14H10)2], 1, were isolated in about 50% yield. Single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis of 1 confirmed the presence of the first known (arene)cuprate. Also, unlike all previously known homoleptic (anthracene)metallates of d-block elements, which contain metals coordinated only to terminal rings, the organocuprate unit in 1 contains copper bound to the 9,10-carbons of the central ring of anthracene. No other d- or f-block metal is known to afford an anthracene or other aromatic hydrocarbon complex having the architecture of organodicuprate 1.
Comparison of damping techniques in non-linear spring-mass systems for power transformers under short-circuit condition
Authors: Koczka Gergely , Leber Gerald
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The simplified modeling of many physical processes results in a second-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) system. Often the damping of these resonating systems cannot be defined in the same simplified way as the other parameters due to the complexity of the physical effects. The purpose of this paper is to develop a mathematically stable approach for damping resonances in nonlinear ODE systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Modifying the original ODE using the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a linearized state leads to satisfying results.

Findings

An iterative approach is presented, how to modify the original ODE, to achieve a well-damped solution.

Practical implications

The method can be applied for every physical resonating system, where the model complexity prevents the determination of the damping.

Originality/value

The iterative algorithm to modify the original ODE is novel. It can be used on different fields of the physics, where a second-order ODE is describing the problem, which has only measured or empirical damping.
Case study on the construction path of olfactory space in Jiangsu University Library
Authors: Yu Yingying , Su Wencheng , Liu Guifeng
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This article explores the scientific construction of library olfactory space, based on the case of the olfactory space in the Jiangsu University library. It specifically focuses on understanding the interaction between the physical architectural space of the library and users’ olfactory perception and behavioral activities, with the ultimate goal of creating a deeply integrated olfactory experience in the Jiangsu University Library.

Design/methodology/approach

In this article, an empirical research method was used to gather perceptions from 30 university student users regarding the library olfactory space and to understand their olfactory preferences and requirements for its construction. Through qualitative analysis of the interview texts, the study identified correlations between user perceptions and elements of the library olfactory space.

Findings

The qualitative analysis of user interview texts and results from the library olfactory space design experiment contributed to the design proposal for the Jiangsu University Library olfactory space. The design proposal for the Jiangsu University Library olfactory space is provided and includes library architecture, activity context, functional services, olfactory experience design and technological applications.

Research limitations/implications

This case study takes the environment, development strategy and user needs of the Jiangsu University Library as its unique research background and as such is not universal or generalizable to other libraries.

Originality/value

This article differs from others by advocating for the innovative architectural spatial design of libraries through olfactory experience, breaking the traditional perception of libraries as solely through visual and auditory senses.
Intention to use technology for micro-credential programs: evidence from technology acceptance and self-determination model
Authors: Miao Miao , Ahmed Mansoora , Ahsan Noman , Qamar Bushra
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The study aims to investigate students' attitudes toward using technology for micro-credential programs (MCPs) and their behavioral intention toward using MCPs for learning and enhancing their skills. The study also intends to investigate the moderating influence of labor market conditions (LMC).

Design/methodology/approach

A closed-ended questionnaire is employed to collect data from 474 participants through a convenience sample, from the university students in Karachi. Two theoretical frameworks are used in the study: technology acceptance model (TAM) and self-determination theory (SDT). The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique is used to analyze data.

Findings

Findings reveal significant and positive relationships between all variables, except controlled motivation (CM) and perceived challenges. Moreover, the moderation results ascertain that the labor market does not moderate the relationship between attitude toward using technology for MCPs and students' behavioral intention toward using MCPs for learning.

Originality/value

The study seeks to understand students' attitudes and behavioral intentions toward using technology for MCPs. Also, the moderating effect of LMC is highlighted in understanding the impact of the attitude to use technology (AT) for MCPs and behavioral intentions in higher educational institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan. The study highlights intuitive practical implications for students of HEIs, universities and digital credential program providers.
Global responsible leadership traits and employee sustainable performance in Malaysia: a gender comparative analysis
Authors: Chin Chee Hua , Sim Siew Chen , Thong Jun Zhou , Chin Ying Sin
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aims to address existing gaps in the literature and theories by investigating the influence of responsible leadership traits on employees’ sustainable performance (E-SuPer) in the Malaysian service sector. Specifically, the authors focus on three key responsible leadership traits: relationship building, relational governance and sharing orientation. Additionally, the authors explore how these traits interact with leader-member exchange (LMX) and whether gender plays a role in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 235 usable responses were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. Multi-group analysis (MGA) was employed to examine the moderating impact of gender.

Findings

The results showed that both relationship building and relational governance significantly affect E-SuPer among organisations in the service industry. LMX was found to be a significant moderating condition influencing the association between responsible leaders’ sharing orientation and E-SuPer. Interestingly, the MGA results suggest that the effect on male employees was greater than on female employees across the relationships examined. The findings suggest that responsible leadership traits are essential for sustainable employee performance, but there is room for improvement in how these traits are perceived by female employees.

Social implications

The present study contributes to gender equality agenda, supports the sustainable development goals, adds to the growing body of knowledge on the relationship between responsible leadership traits and E-SuPer within one of the most important economic sectors in Malaysia and sheds lights on the moderating effect of LMX.

Originality/value

This study investigates how responsible leadership traits affect E-SuPer in the service industry, particularly among male and female employees. Moreover, this study is one of the early investigations into the significance of responsible leadership within Malaysian service sector and offers valuable information for industry actors to improve their management approaches.
Predicting hotel booking cancelation with machine learning techniques
Authors: Yoo Myongjee , Singh Ashok K. , Loewy Noah
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a model that accurately forecasts hotel room cancelations and further determines the key cancelation drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

Predictive modeling, specifically the machine learning methods, is used to forecast room cancelations and identify the main cancelation factors.

Findings

By using three different classification algorithms, this study demonstrates that hotel room cancelation can be accurately predicted using XGBoost, as well as the ensemble method involving Support Vector Machine, Random Forest and XGBoost.

Originality/value

This study attempted to forecast hotel room cancelations by applying a relatively new method, machine learning. By implementing predictive modeling, one of the most emerging and innovative research methods, this study ultimately provides prediction suggestions in various aspects and levels for hotel management operations.
Are we making progress in developing knowledge management strategies that support organizational performance?
Authors: Kaushal Sanjay , Nyoni Austin Milward , Sharma Aarti
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to establish the emerging trend of studies on knowledge management (KM) strategy from 2007 to 2021 and identify the most studied constructs, methodologies used and gaps, thereby suggesting future directions.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by items on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, the study analyzed 46 articles published within the 15 years under review.

Findings

An upward trend in KM strategy studies published from 2007 to 2021 emerged, indicating researchers' growing interest in the topic. Further, the studies reaffirmed the essence of having a KM strategy alongside other functional strategies for an organization's outstanding performance. Key KM strategy antecedents were identified: resource availability, communication, business environment, stakeholder participation, organizational culture and incentives. The need to align the KM strategy and other functional strategies with the overall business strategy was also established as critical. Finally, gaps in study methodologies and extant literature were identified, leading to suggestions for future directions.

Originality/value

The study provides valuable insights regarding the emerging trend of studies on KM strategy over the 15 years, identification of methodologies used in the studies and the most studied constructs. To this effect, the study's uniqueness lies in the identified gaps and recommendations made for future research directions as it strives to bridge the identified gaps.