bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IP6 and PF74 affect HIV-1 Capsid Stability through Modulation of Hexamer-Hexamer Tilt Angle Preference
Authors: Garza Chris M , Holcomb Matthew , Santos-Martins Diogo , Torbett Bruce E. , Forli Stefano
Published: March 2024

The HIV-1 capsid is an irregularly shaped complex of about 1200 protein chains containing the viral genome and several viral proteins. Together, these components are the key to unlocking passage into the nucleus, allowing for permanent integration of the viral genome into the host cell genome. Recent interest into the role of the capsid in viral replication has been driven by the approval of the first-in-class drug lenacapavir, which marks the first drug approved to target a non-enzymatic HIV-1 viral protein. In addition to lenacapavir, other small molecules such as the drug-like compound PF74, and the anionic sugar inositolhexakisphosphate (IP6), are known to impact capsid stability, and although this is widely accepted as a therapeutic effect, the mechanisms through which they do so remain unknown. In this study, we employed a systematic atomistic simulation approach to study the impact of molecules bound to hexamers at the central pore (IP6) and the FG-binding site (PF74) on capsid oligomer dynamics, compared toapohexamers and pentamers. We found that neither small molecule had a sizeable impact on the free energy of binding of the interface between neighboring hexamers but that both had impacts on the free energy profiles of performing angular deformations to the pair of oligomers akin to the variations in curvature along the irregular surface of the capsid. The IP6 cofactor, on one hand, stabilizes a pair of neighboring hexamers in their flattest configurations, whereas without IP6, the hexamers prefer a high tilt angle between them. On the other hand, having PF74 bound introduces a strong preference for intermediate tilt angles. These results suggest that structural instability is a natural feature of the HIV-1 capsid which is modulated by molecules bound in either the central pore or the FG-binding site. Such modulators, despite sharing many of the same effects on non-bonded interactions at the various protein-protein interfaces, have decidedly different effects on the flexibility of the complex. This study provides a detailed model of the HIV-1 capsid and its interactions with small molecules, informing structure-based drug design, as well as experimental design and interpretation.
Human assembloid model of the ascending neural sensory pathway
Authors: Kim Ji-il , Imaizumi Kent , Thete Mayuri Vijay , Hudacova Zuzana , Jurjuţ Ovidiu , Amin Neal D. , Scherrer Grégory , Paşca Sergiu P.
Published: March 2024

The ascending somatosensory pathways convey crucial information about pain, touch, itch, and body part movement from peripheral organs to the central nervous system. Despite a significant need for effective therapeutics modulating pain and other somatosensory modalities, clinical translation remains challenging, which is likely related to species-specific features and the lack of in vitro models to directly probe and manipulate this polysynaptic pathway. Here, we established human ascending somatosensory assembloids (hASA)– a four-part assembloid completely generated from human pluripotent stem cells that integrates somatosensory, spinal, diencephalic, and cortical organoids to model the human ascending spinothalamic pathway. Transcriptomic profiling confirmed the presence of key cell types in this circuit. Rabies tracing and calcium imaging showed that sensory neurons connected with dorsal spinal cord projection neurons, which ascending axons further connected to thalamic neurons. Following noxious chemical stimulation, single neuron calcium imaging of intact hASA demonstrated coordinated response, while four-part concomitant extracellular recordings and calcium imaging revealed synchronized activity across the assembloid. Loss of the sodium channel SCN9A, which causes pain insensitivity in humans, disrupted synchrony across the four-part hASA. Taken together, these experiments demonstrate the ability to functionally assemble the essential components of the human sensory pathway. These findings could both accelerate our understanding of human sensory circuits and facilitate therapeutic development.
Controlling Drug Partitioning in Individual Protein Condensates through Laser-Induced Microscale Phase Transitions
Authors: Leppert Axel , Feng Jianhui , Railaite Vaida , Bohn Pessatti Tomas , Mörman Cecilia , Os-terholz Hannah , Maia Filipe R.N.C. , Linder Markus B. , Rising Anna , Landreh Michael
Published: March 2024

Gelation of protein condensates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) occurs in a wide range of biological contexts, from the assembly of biomaterials to the formation of fibrillar aggregates and is therefore of interest for biomedical applications. Soluble-to-gel (sol-gel) transitions are controlled through macroscopic processes such as changes in temperature or buffer composition, resulting in bulk conversion of liquid droplets into microgels within minutes to hours. Using microscopy and mass spectrometry, we show that condensates of an engineered mini-spidroin (NT2repCTYF) undergo a spontaneous sol-gel transition resulting in the loss of exchange of proteins between the soluble and the condensed phase. We find that liquid spidroin condensates absorb visible light, which enables us to control sol-gel transitions of individual droplets through laser pulses. Fluorescence microscopy reveals that laser-induced gelation significantly alters the interactions between droplet proteins and small molecules, which allows us to load single droplets with an anticancer drug. In summary, our findings demonstrate direct control of phase transitions in individual condensates opening new avenues for functional and structural characterization.

SYNOPSIS TOC

The liquid-to-solid transitions of phase-separated protein condensates are challenging to control. Leppertet al. show that condensates of engineered mini-spidroins gelate at slightly elevated temperatures. Using high-energy laser pulses at wavelengths that are absorbed by the droplets, the authors induce sol-gel transitions in single droplets. These gelated droplets are chemically stable and exhibit an increased ability to sequester drug molecules.
Regulatory Dynamics of Sch9 in Response to Cytosolic Acidification: From Spatial Reconfiguration to Cellular Adaptation to Stresses
Authors: Fujii Rui , Takeda Eigo , Itakura Eisuke , Matsuura Akira
Published: March 2024

The regulation of cellular metabolism in response to intracellular and extracellular conditions is critical for cell survival. InSaccharomyces cerevisiae, Sch9 is a well-established substrate of the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) and regulates metabolic pathways and stress responses. Sch9 is enriched on the vacuolar membrane through binding to PI(3,5)P2, and this localization is essential for TORC1-dependent phosphorylation. Previous studies have demonstrated that glucose starvation and oxidative stress cause the dissociation of Sch9 from the vacuolar membrane. However, the underlying mechanism and physiological significance of the change in Sch9 localization still require elucidation. In this study, we demonstrated that cytosolic pH is a regulator of Sch9 localization. We observed that multiple stress conditions that induce cytosolic acidification consistently led to the detachment of Sch9 from the vacuolar membrane. Furthermore, we confirmed that the affinity between Sch9 and PI(3,5)P2is pH-dependentin vitro. This pH-dependent localization switch of Sch9 is linked to selective regulation of the TORC1–Sch9 pathway. Impairment of the dissociation of Sch9 from the vacuolar membrane in response to cytosolic acidification resulted in deficient induction of the expression of the stress response gene and delayed the adaptive response to acetic acid stress. These findings indicate that the appropriate control of Sch9 localization is essential for metabolic reprogramming.
RNA Pol II–dependent transcription efficiency fine-tunes A-to-I editing levels
Authors: Szabo Brigitta , Mandl Therese C. , Woldrich Bernhard , Diensthuber Gregor , Martin David , Jantsch Michael F. , Licht Konstantin
Published: March 2024

A-to-I RNA editing is a widespread epitranscriptomic phenomenon leading to the conversion of adenosines to inosines, which are primarily interpreted as guanosines by cellular machines. Consequently, A-to-I editing can alter splicing or lead to recoding of transcripts. As misregulation of editing can cause a variety of human diseases, A-to-I editing requires tight regulation of the extent of deamination, particularly in protein-coding regions. The bulk of A-to-I editing occurs cotranscriptionally. Thus, we studied A-to-I editing regulation in the context of transcription and pre-mRNA processing. We show that stimulation of transcription impacts editing levels. Activation of the transcription factor MYC leads to an up-regulation of A-to-I editing, particularly in transcripts that are suppressed upon MYC activation. Moreover, low pre-mRNA synthesis rates and low pre-mRNA expression levels support high levels of editing. We also show that editing levels greatly differ between nascent pre-mRNA and mRNA in a cellular system, as well as in mouse tissues. Editing levels can increase or decrease from pre-mRNA to mRNA and can vary across editing targets and across tissues, showing that pre-mRNA processing is an important layer of editing regulation. Several lines of evidence suggest that the differences emerge during pre-mRNA splicing. Moreover, actinomycin D treatment of primary neuronal cells and editing level analysis suggests that regulation of editing levels also depends on transcription.
Transition-state theory reexamined
Authors: Weidenmüller Hans A.
Published: March 2024

Two quantum systems, each described as a random-matrix ensemble, are coupled to each other via a number of transition states. Each system is strongly coupled to a large number of channels. The average transmission probability is the product of three factors describing, respectively, formation of the first system from the entrance channel, decay of the second system through the exit channel, and transport through the transition states. Each of the transition states contributes a Breit-Wigner resonance. In general, the resonances overlap.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Aharonov-Bohm effect for confined matter in lattice gauge theories
Authors: Domanti Enrico C. , Castorina Paolo , Zappalà Dario , Amico Luigi
Published: March 2024

Gauge theories arise in physical systems displaying space-time local symmetries. They provide a powerful description of important realms of physics ranging from fundamental interactions to statistical mechanics, condensed matter, and, more recently, quantum computation. As such, a remarkably deep understanding has been achieved in the field. With the advent of quantum technology, lower energy analogs, capable of capturing important features of the original quantum field theories through quantum simulation, have been intensively studied. Here, we propose a specific scheme implementing an quantum simulation of lattice gauge theories constrained to mesoscopic spatial scales. To this end, we study the dynamics of mesons residing in a ring-shaped lattice of mesoscopic size pierced by an effective magnetic field. In particular, we find a type of Aharonov-Bohm effect that goes beyond the particlelike effect, reflecting the features of the confining gauge potential. The coherence properties of the meson are quantified by the persistent current and by specific features of the correlation functions. When the magnetic field is quenched, Aharonov-Bohm oscillations and correlations start a specific matter-wave current dynamics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Energetic cost of microswimmer navigation: The role of body shape
Authors: Piro Lorenzo , Vilfan Andrej , Golestanian Ramin , Mahault Benoît
Published: March 2024

We study the energetic efficiency of navigating microswimmers by explicitly taking into account the geometry of their body. We show that, whereas arguments based solely on propulsion efficiency lead one to conclude that needle-like swimmers are most energetically efficient, disk-like swimmers rotated by flow gradients naturally follow time-optimal trajectories. The coupling between body geometry and hydrodynamics thus leads to a generic trade-off between the energetic costs associated with propulsion and navigation, which is accompanied by the selection of a finite optimal aspect ratio. We derive from optimal control theory the steering policy ensuring overall minimum energy dissipation, and characterize how navigation performances vary with the swimmer shape. Our results highlight the important role of the swimmer geometry in realistic navigation scenarios.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Monolithic Selenium/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Nielsen Rasmus , Crovetto Andrea , Assar Alireza , Hansen Ole , Chorkendorff Ib , Vesborg Peter C.K.
Published: March 2024

Selenium is experiencing renewed interest as a promising candidate for the wide bandgap photoabsorber in tandem solar cells. However, despite the potential of selenium-based tandems to surpass the theoretical efficiency limit of single-junction devices, such a device has never been demonstrated. In this study, we present the first monolithically integrated selenium/silicon tandem solar cell. Guided by device simulations, we investigate various carrier-selective contact materials and achieve encouraging results, including an open-circuit voltage of Voc=1.68V from suns-Voc measurements. The high open-circuit voltage positions selenium/silicon tandem solar cells as serious contenders to the industrially dominant single-junction technologies. Furthermore, we quantify a pseudo fill factor of more than 80% using injection-level-dependent open-circuit voltage measurements, indicating that a significant fraction of the photovoltaic losses can be attributed to parasitic series resistance. This work provides valuable insights into the key challenges that need to be addressed for realizing higher efficiency selenium/silicon tandem solar cells.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Syntheses, crystal structures and intermolecular interactions of six novel pyrimidin-2-yl-substituted triaryltriazoles
Authors: Song Huijie , Peng Ri , Zuo Yi , Wang Tao , Zhu Dunru
Published: March 2024

Six new pyrimidin-2-yl-substituted triaryltriazoles, namely, 4-(4-R-phenyl)-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-5-(pyrimidin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazoles [L1
: R = methoxy (OCH3); L2
: R = methyl (CH3); L3
: R = nil (H); L4
: R = bromo (Br); L5
: R = chloro (Cl); L6
: R = fluoro (F)] have been successfully synthesized with yields in the range 68.3–81.7%. Compounds L1–6
have been characterized by UV–Vis, FT–IR, 1H NMR and ESI–MS spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. In addition, the structures of L2–6
and the ethanol monosolvate of L2
(L2
·C2H5OH) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A combination of intermolecular O—H...N, C—H...O, C—H...N and C—H...π hydrogen bonds connects the components of L2
·C2H5OH into a three-dimensional (3D) framework. A combination of three intermolecular C—H...N hydrogen bonds links the molecules of L2
or L3
into two different 3D networks. Both L4
and L5
show a similar 3D net structure through two intermolecular C—H...N hydrogen bonds and one kind of C—H...π interaction. However, L6
displays a more complicated 3D net structure via three intermolecular C—H...N hydrogen bonds and one kind of C—H...π interaction. Notably, an interaction between the π-electrons and the lone-pair p-electrons of a halogen atom (Br, Cl and F) is observed in L4–6
, which will further stabilize the 3D networks. The intermolecular interactions in L2
·C2H5OH and L2–6
were further investigated by 3D Hirshfeld surface analyses and 2D fingerprint plots to show that the prominent interactions are H...H, N...H/H...N and C...H/H...C contacts.
Identifying the hospital logistics key performance indicators for public hospitals in remote areas of Thailand
Authors: Sirisawat Pornwasin , Rodbundith Tipavinee Suwanwong , Hasachoo Narat
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate and classify the hospital logistics key performance indicators (KPIs) using the context of public hospitals in remote areas.

Design/methodology/approach

The public hospitals in northern Thailand were selected for the case study. The questionnaire was developed and used to collect data from hospital logistics experts. Then, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to evaluate the hospital logistics KPIs in each dimension.

Findings

This research found that the procurement management dimension is ranked highest. Information and technology management is the last rank in the hospital logistics KPIs used for public hospitals in remote areas.

Research limitations/implications

The public hospitals located in northern Thailand were selected for the case study. Fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods can be used to reduce the vagueness of the values.

Practical implications

The results from this study can be a guideline for hospitals to improve the efficiency of their logistics operations.

Social implications

The decision-makers in the hospital can use these results to improve the hospital’s logistics performance in the future, which could help increase the service level and the safety of the patients.

Originality/value

The hospital logistics KPIs were revised, and the crucial KPIs were prioritized for improving the hospital logistics using the AHP method.
ESD training for university teachers: which is more effective, the face-to-face or digital format? Results of an intervention study
Authors: Hemmer Ingrid , Koch Christoph , Peitz Anna
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the extent to which education for sustainable development (ESD) training enhances university teachers’ professional competence and whether it has the same effect in the digital as in the face-to-face format.

Design/methodology/approach

A training concept was developed based on the professional action competence model. Between 2018 and 2021, 19 training sessions were conducted with 183 university teachers: ten in face-to-face sessions and nine in the digital format. Questionnaires were administered before and after the training to determine its impact.

Findings

Overall, the training proved to be effective. There was a significant increase in professional knowledge and self-efficacy after the training, but there was no change in motivation. The face-to-face and digital formats proved to be equally effective.

Research limitations/implications

The long-term effect of the training could not be determined.

Practical implications

There should be regular ESD training and coaching for university teachers.

Originality/value

There has been little research on the effectiveness of ESD teacher training, and no comparison between the face-to-face and digital approaches exists. It has been possible to train a relatively large number of university teachers from a wide range of subject areas, about two-thirds of whom have had no previous ESD experience.
Social competence and SME performance: extending the nonfinancial perspective
Authors: John Elia
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of entrepreneurs’ social competence (SC) on small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data of 250 manufacturing SMEs were collected through a survey method. The influence of SC on performance was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

Overall, the findings suggest that SC dimensions have a positive influence on SME performance in terms of nonfinancial perspective. More clearly, the findings show that out of five dimensions of SC, which include social adaptability, social perception, social expressiveness, persuasiveness and impression management; social perception, persuasiveness and impression management have direct effect on customer perspective; persuasiveness, social expressiveness and social adaptability have a direct influence on internal business processes and social adaptability, social perception, impression management and social expressiveness are directly related with learning and growth. Contrary to expectations though, social perception and social adaptability were significantly and negatively associated with internal business processes and customer perspective, respectively, while there was no significant correlation between social expressiveness, persuasiveness and impression management with customer perspective, business processes and learning and growth in that order.

Practical implications

The current study affirms that SMEs managed by entrepreneurs and managers who possess high levels of SC, may have a better performance compared to those operated by entrepreneurs with low levels of SC. This justifies a need for SME entrepreneurs and managers to work hard to improve their SC capabilities.

Originality/value

This study is pertinent and unique because, it extensively examines each of the five dimensions of SC in relation to nonfinancial indicators of SME performance. Besides, the study also provides additional evidence of the impact of SC on SME performance by suggesting that entrepreneurs who are socially competent are more likely to own highly successful ventures.
How knowledge resources drive industrial chain carbon reduction: an analysis from the knowledge management perspective
Authors: Yang Yimin , Deng Xuhui , Wang Zilong , Yang Lulu
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the role and advantages of knowledge resources in the carbon emission reduction of the industrial chain, and how it can be used to promote the carbon emission reduction of the industrial chain, so that the industry can better achieve the saving of energy and the reduction of emission.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper argues that the traditional resource-plundering industrial chain production method can no longer meet the needs of sustainable development of the green and low-carbon industrial chain, and builds the coupling and coordination of knowledge technology innovation drive and industrial chain carbon emission reduction mechanism, in the four dimensions of industrial chain organization, government support, internet support and staff brainstorming, put forward suggestions for knowledge resources to drive carbon emission reduction in the industrial chain.

Findings

This paper holds that the use of knowledge resource advantages can better help industrial chain enterprises to carry out technological innovation, knowledge resource digital platform construction, knowledge resource overflow and transfer, application and management of network information technology, so as to reduce carbon emission in industrial chain.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the discussion about the high-quality implementation of the revitalization strategy of the industrial chain and also deepens research on the knowledge resource-driven carbon emission reduction of the industrial chain. Further, this paper enriches the role of knowledge resources in the industrial industry, and the theoretical results support the advantages of knowledge resource in the field of chain carbon emission reduction.
Understanding the impact of technological flexibility at different decision levels to reap enterprise resource planning benefits
Authors: Ahmed Waqar , Najmi Arsalan , Majeed Sohail
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a framework regarding Information Technology (IT) Flexibility in Supply Chain and its relationship with the benefits we could see from Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Furthermore, this research explores the moderating effect of Process Integration Capability in the relationship between IT flexibility and ERP benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

This research model will help organizations get additional benefits from their ERP systems that incurred huge costs, time and multiple resources at their implementation. The technique used for analyzing data is structural equation modeling (SEM), and data is collected from 107 respondents through a questionnaire from Business and IT Professionals.

Findings

The study findings reveal a positive and significant relationship between IT flexibility and ERP systems benefits; moreover, results also confirmed that the organization's process integration capability significantly increased the benefits of ERP systems. The findings also highlight empirical evidence about the significance of the top-to-bottom approach investing in IT flexibility and the bottom-to-top approach during the implementation of IT systems for successful implementations.

Practical implications

This study has various implications for practitioners that help them successfully implement and long-term viability of their IT infrastructure.

Originality/value

This study's findings will help IT managers and strategists make effective decisions for creating IT flexibility in alignment with the strategic goals to realize the desired results expected from ERP systems and implementations of new IT systems.
Facilitating feedback generation and group skill development through assessment design
Authors: Selvaretnam Geethanjali
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Large classes pose challenges in managing different types of skills (e.g. maths, subject-specific knowledge, writing, confidence and communication), facilitating interactions, enabling active learning and providing timely feedback. This paper shares a design of a set of assessments for a large undergraduate economics course consisting of students from diverse cultural backgrounds. The benefits, challenges and learning experiences of students are analysed.

Design/methodology/approach

Students worked in groups to complete an assessment with several questions which would be useful as a revision for the individual assessment, the following week. Survey questionnaires with Likert-type questions and open-ended questions were used to analyse the learning and skill development that occurred because of the group work. Responses to the open-ended survey questions were coded and analysed by identifying the themes and categorising the various issues that emerged.

Findings

This assessment design developed group working skills, created opportunities to interact and enhanced learning. The analysis of the responses found that working with peers enabled the students to generate their own feedback, clear doubts and learn to solve problems. Effective communication, planning meetings and working around the diverse group members’ strengths and weaknesses are some graduate skills that are developed in this group assessment. The challenges were arranging meetings, finalising assessments, engagement of group members and unreliable technology. However, the students found ways to overcome these challenges.

Originality/value

This assessment design can be useful in higher education practice by introducing a mechanism for authentic collaborative practice. This paper adds to the literature on peer interactions and group work and enables effective learning at scale.
Due responsibility and true responsibility: a moderated‐mediation model linking green‐harmonious human resource practice to employee organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Zhao Fuqiang , Zhu Hanqiu , Chen Yun
Published: March 2024

Enterprises have sought to explore appropriate human resource practices to cope with sustainability problems caused by increasingly severe environmental pollution and the imbalance of interest among multiple stakeholders. Our study tries to address this issue by systematically conceptualizing the construct of green‐harmonious human resource practice (GH‐HRP) and exploring how and when GH‐HRP promotes employee organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). In Study 1, we develop a four‐dimension, 16‐item GH‐HRP scale including green‐harmonious selection, responsibility consciousness development, harmonious win‐win compensation, and green‐harmonious activity participation. In Study 2, using three‐wave data from 390 supervisor‐employee dyads, we find that GH‐HRP facilitates employee OCB through the mediating role of duty orientation and meaning of work. Further, ethical leadership moderates the positive effects of GH‐HRP on duty orientation and meaning of work such that these effects are more pronounced when ethical leadership is high, thus fostering employees' engagement in OCB. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Platelet rich plasma alleviates endometritis induced by lipopolysaccharide in mice via inhibiting TLR4/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Xiaoqiang , Wang Yuqing , Wen Xiaoyang , Hao Cuifang , Ma Jinlong , Yan Lei
Published: March 2024

Background

Endometritis is an inflammatory reaction of the lining of uterus, leading to the occurrence of infertility. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been proven to exhibit extremely effective for the treatment of endometrium‐associated infertility, but the mechanism of its prevention for endometritis remains unclear.

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of PRP against endometritis induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and elucidate the mechanism underlying these effects.

Methods

Mouse model of endometritis was established by intrauterine perfusion of LPS. PRP intrauterine infusion was administered at 24 h after LPS induction. After another 24 h, the uterine tissues were harvested to observe histopathological changes, production of proinflammatory cytokines, variation of the Toll‐like receptor 4/nuclear factor κB (TLR4/NF‐κB) signaling pathways, and validated the anti‐inflammatory effect of PRP. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and concentration of nitric oxide (NO) were determined using assay kit. Proinflammatory chemokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)) were measured by ELISA and Real‐Time PCR. The activity of TLR4/NF‐κB pathway in uterine tissues was measured by Western blotting.

Results

Hematoxylin‐eosin staining (H&E) appeared that PRP remarkably relieved the impairment of uterine tissues. Detection of MPO activity and concentration of NO revealed that PRP treatment distinctly mitigated infiltration of inflammatory cells in mice with endometritis induced by LPS. PRP treatment significantly affected the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. PRP was also found to suppress LPS‐induced activation of TLR4/NF‐κB pathway.

Conclusion

PRP effectively alleviates LPS‐induced endometritis via restraining the signal pathway of TLR4/NF‐κB. These findings provide a solid foundation for PRP as a potential therapeutic agent for endometritis.
Transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in human spermatozoa associated with an ETosis‐like response
Authors: Hallak Jorge , Caldini Elia G. , Teixeira Thiago A. , Correa Maria Cassia Mendes , Duarte‐Neto Amaro N. , Zambrano Fabiola , Taubert Anja , Hermosilla Carlos , Drevet Joël R. , Dolhnikoff Marisa , Sanchez Raul , Saldiva Paulo H. N.
Published: March 2024

Background

Severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 can invade a variety of tissues, including the testis. Even though this virus is scarcely found in human semen polymerase chain reaction tests, autopsy studies confirm the viral presence in all testicular cell types, including spermatozoa and spermatids.

Objective

To investigate whether the severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 is present inside the spermatozoa of negative polymerase chain reaction‐infected men up to 3 months after hospital discharge.

Materials and methods

This cross‐sectional study included 13 confirmed moderate‐to‐severe COVID‐19 patients enrolled 30–90 days after the diagnosis. Semen samples were obtained and examined with real‐time polymerase chain reaction for RNA detection and by transmission electron microscopy.

Results

In moderate‐to‐severe clinical scenarios, we identified the severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 inside spermatozoa in nine of 13 patients up to 90 days after discharge from the hospital. Moreover, some DNA‐based extracellular traps were reported in all studied specimens.

Discussion and conclusion

Although severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 was not present in the infected men's semen, it was intracellularly present in the spermatozoa till 3 months after hospital discharge. The Electron microscopy (EM) findings also suggest that spermatozoa produce nuclear DNA‐based extracellular traps, probably in a cell‐free DNA‐dependent manner, similar to those previously described in the systemic inflammatory response to COVID‐19. In moderate‐to‐severe cases, the blood–testes barrier grants little defence against different pathogenic viruses, including the severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2. The virus could also use the epididymis as a post‐testicular route to bind and fuse to the mature spermatozoon and possibly accomplish the reverse transcription of the single‐stranded viral RNA into proviral DNA. These mechanisms can elicit extracellular cell‐free DNA formation. The potential implications of our findings for assisted conception must be addressed, and the evolutionary history of DNA‐based extracellular traps as preserved ammunition in animals’ innate defence might improve our understanding of the severe acute syndrome coronavirus 2 pathophysiology in the testis and spermatozoa.
The effects of intravenous hydration regimens in nulliparous women undergoing induction of labor: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kearney Lauren , Brady Susannah , Marsh Nicole , Davies‐Tuck Miranda , Nugent Rachael , Eley Victoria
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Labor is both a physiological and physical activity that requires energy expenditure by the woman. Despite this, women are often fasted in labor, with hydration requirements addressed predominantly by intravenous therapy. Little is known about how best to manage this in nulliparous women undergoing induction of labor, who can be prone to lengthy labors. Therefore, we undertook a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the effects of intravenous hydration regimens on nulliparous women undergoing induction of labor.

Material and methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted. Databases searched were PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science using the search strategy combination of associated key concepts for intravenous therapy and nulliparous laboring women. The primary outcome was excessive neonatal weight loss. Meta‐analyses for categorical outcomes included estimates of odds ratio (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) calculated; and for continuous outcomes the standardized mean difference, each with its 95% CI. Heterogeneity was assessed visually and by using the χ2 statistic and I2 with significance being set at p < 0.10.

Results

A total of 1512 studies were located and following screening, three studies met the eligibility criteria. No studies reported excessive neonatal weight loss. Increased rates of intravenous therapy (250 mL/h vs. 125 mL/h) during labor were not found to reduce the overall length of labor (mean difference −0.07 h, 95% CI −0.27 to 0.13 h) or reduce cesarean sections (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.45–1.23), when women were not routinely fasted.

Conclusions

Our review found no significant improvements for nulliparous women who received higher intravenous fluid volumes when undergoing induction of labor and were not routinely fasted. However, data are limited, and further research is needed.
Ethnic background as a risk factor for permanent brachial plexus birth injury: A population‐based study
Authors: Grahn Petra , Gissler Mika , Nietosvaara Yrjänä , Kaijomaa Marja
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Brachial plexus birth injury is the most common birth injury causing permanent disability in Finland. This study aimed to assess risk factors of a permanent brachial plexus birth injury and calculate the incidence.

Material and methods

This is a retrospective population‐based study including all deliveries between 2006 and 2022 in Southern Finland. The number of children born, obstetric data, and migrant status were gathered from the registries of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, and Statistics Finland. Race of the mothers of children with a permanent brachial plexus birth injury was recorded. The severity of permanent brachial plexus birth injury was assessed using the 3‐month Toronto test score. A lower score was indicative of a more severe injury (scored 0–10).

Results

One hundred of the 298 428 children born during the 17‐year study period sustained a permanent brachial plexus birth injury (0.34 per 1000). Mothers of children with a permanent brachial plexus birth injury had a higher body mass index (29 vs. 24 kg/m2) and their pregnancies were more often complicated by diabetes (28% vs. 12%), shoulder dystocia (58% vs. 0.3%), and/or assisted deliveries (45% vs. 10%) compared with all other mothers (p < 0.001). Thirty two of the 52 725 children born to migrant mothers had a permanent brachial plexus birth injury (0.61 per 1000). The incidence of permanent brachial plexus birth injury was 5.7 times higher among children of Black migrants from Africa (18/11 738, 1.53 per 1000) compared with children of native mothers (0.27 per 1000). Black mothers had a higher body mass index at the start of pregnancy (29 vs. 26 kg/m2, p = 0.02) compared with Caucasians. Children of Black mothers had a more severe injury compared with all others (p = 0.007) with a mean 3‐month Toronto test score of 4.2 (range 0.0–6.5, SD ±1.6) vs. 5.6 (range 0.0–9.3, SD ±2.2).

Conclusions

Shoulder dystocia and assisted delivery are the most important risk factors for a permanent brachial plexus birth injury. Black race was associated with a higher rate and a more severe permanent brachial plexus birth injury.
The impact of COVID‐19 on emergency department presentations for mental health disorders in Queensland, Australia: A time series analysis
Authors: Jones Philip M. , Sweeny Amy , Branjerdporn Grace , Keijzers Gerben , Marshall Andrea P. , Huang Ya‐Ling , Hall Emma J. , Ranse Jamie , Palipana Dinesh , Teng Yang D. , Crilly Julia ,   the COVERED COVID study investigators
Published: March 2024

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has been associated with detrimental effects on mental health and psychological well‐being. Although multiple studies have shown decreases in mental health‐related Emergency Department (ED) presentations early in the COVID‐19 pandemic, the medium‐term effects on mental health‐related ED presentations have remained less clear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on mental health ED presentations by comparing observed presentation numbers to predictions from pre‐pandemic data.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study tallied weekly ED presentations associated with mental health disorders from a state‐wide minimum dataset. Three time periods were identified: Pre‐Pandemic (January 1, 2018–March 8, 2020), Statewide Lockdown (March 9, 2020–June 28, 2020), and Restrictions Easing (June 29, 2020–June 27, 2021). Time series analysis was used to generate weekly presentation forecasts using pre‐pandemic data. Observed presentation numbers were compared to these forecasts.

Results

Weekly presentation numbers were lower than predicted in 11 out of 16 weeks in the Statewide Lockdown period and 52 out of 52 weeks in the Restrictions Easing period. The largest decrease was seen for anxiety disorders (Statewide Lockdown: 76.8% of forecast; Restrictions Easing: 36.4% of forecast), while an increase was seen in presentations for eating disorders (Statewide Lockdown: 139.5% of forecast; Restrictions Easing: 194.4% of forecast).

Conclusions

Overall weekly mental health‐related presentations across Queensland public EDs were lower than expected for the first 16 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic. These findings underline the limitations of emergency department provision of mental health care and the importance of alternate care modalities in the pandemic context.
Job quality in worker cooperatives: Beyond degeneration and intrinsic rewards
Authors: Dorigatti Lisa , Iannuzzi Francesco E. , Piro Valeria , Sacchetto Devi
Published: March 2024

While there are normally positive expectations concerning job quality in cooperatives, many studies have described a more complex picture. The extant literature has, however, found it difficult to deal with evidence of poor working conditions in these organisations. Some contributions downplay the relevance of this issue, arguing that poor extrinsic aspects of job quality are compensated by intrinsic rewards, as confirmed by higher levels of job satisfaction. Others focus on external market pressure and interpret bad labour conditions as a form of degeneration of originally good employment practices. Through a qualitative analysis of job quality in cooperatives in three sectors of the Italian economy (social services, hotel cleaning and meat processing), we advance a different argument: we contend that employment practices associated with poor job quality are not the result of difficult market conditions but are rather the key explanation for the quantitative expansion of this form of economic organisation, which has moved from being an instrument for promoting good employment to a way of ensuring lower labour costs and higher flexibility within outsourcing relationships.
Learning curve for intracorporeal robotic Padua ileal bladder: 10‐year functional assessment from a high‐volume single‐centre series
Authors: Tuderti Gabriele , Mastroianni Riccardo , Anceschi Umberto , Bove Alfredo Maria , Brassetti Aldo , Ferriero Mariaconsiglia , Misuraca Leonardo , Flammia Rocco Simone , Proietti Flavia , D'Annunzio Simone , Leonardo Costantino , Guaglianone Salvatore , Anselmi Marianna , Zampa Ashanti , Torregiani Giulia , Gallucci Michele , Simone Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To assess the impact of the learning curve (LC) on perioperative and long‐term functional outcomes of a consecutive single‐centre series of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy with Padua intracorporeal orthotopic neobladder.

Patients and Methods

Patients treated between 2013 and 2022 were included, with ≥1 year of follow‐up. The entire cohort was divided in tertiles. Categorical and continuous variables were compared. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to identify significant changes over the decade in linear slope of the 1‐year day‐ and night‐time continence. Uni‐ and multivariable Cox regression analyses identified predictors of day‐ and night‐time continence recovery. Day‐time continence was defined as ‘totally dry’ (no pads), night‐time continence as pad wetness ≤50 mL (one safety pad).

Results

Overall, 200 patients were included. The mean hospital stay (P = 0.002) and 30‐day complications (P = 0.04) significantly reduced over time; the LC significantly impacted on Trifecta achievement (P < 0.001). The 1‐year day‐ and night‐time continence probabilities displayed a significant improving trend (day‐time continence annual average percentage change [AAPC] 11.45%, P < 0.001; night‐time continence AAPC 10.05%, P = 0.009). The LC was an independent predictor of day‐ (hazard ratio [HR] 1.008; P < 0.001) and night‐time continence (HR 1.004; P = 0.03) over time.

Conclusion

Patients at the beginning of the LC had significantly longer hospitalisations, more postoperative complications, and lower Trifecta rates. At the 10‐year analyses, we observed a significant improving trend for both the 1‐year day‐ and night‐time continence probabilities, highlighting the crucial role of the LC. However, we are unable to assess the case volume needed to achieve a plateau in terms of day‐ and night‐time continence rates.
Efficacy and safety of tibial nerve stimulation using a wearable device for overactive bladder
Authors: Liao Limin , Li Xing , Chong Tie , Chen Qi , Xu Zhihui , Huang Banggao , Chen Min , Li Haoran , Wei Zhongqing , Shao Yunpeng , Lu Jianxin , Pang Ran , Li Xunhua , Wang Yiming
Published: March 2024

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a wearable, smartphone‐controlled, rechargeable transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) device in patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

Patients and Methods

This multicentre, prospective, single‐blind, randomised clinical trial included eligible patients with OAB symptoms who were randomly assigned to the stimulation group or sham group. The primary efficacy outcome was change from baseline in voiding frequency/24 h after 4 weeks of treatment. The secondary efficacy outcomes included changes in bladder diary outcomes (urgency score/void, nocturia episodes/day, micturition volume/void, and incontinence episodes/day), questionnaires on Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), and American Urological Association Symptom Index Quality of Life Score (AUA‐SI‐QoL) at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. Device‐related adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated.

Results

In the full analysis set (FAS), the mean (sd) change of voiding frequency/24 h in the stimulation group and sham group at 4 weeks were −3.5 (2.9) and −0.6 (2.4), respectively (P < 0.01). Similar results were obtained in the per‐protocol set (PPS): −3.5 (2.9) vs −0.4 (2.3) (P < 0.01). In the FAS and PPS, micturition volume/void significantly improved at 4 weeks (P = 0.01 and P = 0.02). PPBC improvement almost reached significance in the FAS (P = 0.05), while it was significant in the PPS (P = 0.02). In the FAS and PPS, AUA‐SI‐QoL significantly improved at 4 weeks in the two groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01), whereas there were no significant differences in urgency score/void, nocturia episodes/day or OABSS between the groups. Also, no device‐related serious AEs were reported.

Conclusions

The non‐invasive neuromodulation technique using the novel ambulatory TTNS device is effective and safe for treating OAB. Its convenience and easy maintenance make it a new potential home‐based treatment modality. Future studies are warranted to confirm its longer‐term efficacy.
Hasta la Raiz: Cultivating racial‐ethnic socialization in Latine families
Authors: Perez‐Brena Norma J. , Bámaca Mayra Y. , Stein Gabriela Livas , Gomez Elisa
Published: March 2024

Familial racial‐ethnic socialization (RES) helps youth build tools of cultural resilience by providing messages regarding race and ethnicity that enable them to negotiate and survive the demands of a racialized society. Thus, RES is an important caregiving task for historically minoritized families, including Latine families in the United States. In this article, we review research on RES in Latine families, which has focused primarily on RES processes in middle childhood to adolescence, to provide an evidence‐informed conceptual model delineating the youth, parental, dyadic/familial, and sociohistorical factors that shape how Latine families engage in RES. We argue that it is important to focus on which RES messages are provided, how families provide these messages, and the concomitant family processes that support RES efforts that result in culturally adaptive outcomes. We also review research on this topic to identify where evidence supports the role of these factors in the delivery of RES and to identify new directions for research and intervention.