bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FASlprgene dosage tunes the extent of lymphoproliferation and T cell differentiation in lupus
Authors: Bohat Ritu , Liang Xiaofang , Chen Yanping , Xu Chunyu , Zheng Ningbo , Guerrero Ashley , Jaffery Roshni , Egan Nicholas A. , Robles Adolfo , Hicks M. John , Du Yong , Chen Xiqun , Mohan Chandra , Peng Weiyi
Published: November 2023

Sle1andFaslprare two lupus susceptibility loci that lead to manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. To evaluate dosage effects ofFASlprin determining cellular and serological phenotypes associated with lupus, we developed a new C57BL/6 (B6) congenic lupus strain, B6.Sle1/Sle1.Faslpr/+(sle1homo.lprhet) and compared it with B6.Faslpr/lpr(lprhomo), B6.Sle1/Sle1(sle1homo), and B6.Sle1/Sle1.Faslpr/lpr(sle1homo.lprhomo) strains. Whereas Sle1homo.lprhomomice exhibited profound lymphoproliferation and early mortality, sle1homo.lprhetmice had a lifespan comparable to B6 mice, with no evidence of splenomegaly or lymphadenopathy. Compared to B6 monogenic lupus strains, sle1homo.lprhetmice exhibited significantly elevated serum anti-dsDNA antibodies and increased proteinuria. Additionally, Sle1homo.lprhetT cells had an increased propensity to differentiate into Th1 cells. Gene dose effects ofFaslprwere noted in upregulating serum IL-1α, IL-2, and IL-27. Taken together, sle1homo.lprhetmice emerge as a more faithful model of human SLE, ideal for genetic studies, autoantibody repertoire investigation, and for exploring Th1 effector cell skewing.
BatCRISPRi: Bacillus titratable CRISPRi for dynamic control inBacillus subtilis
Authors: Flórez Andrés F. , Castillo-Hair Sebastian , Gutierrez-Lopez Luis , Eaton Daniel , Paulsson Johan , Garner Ethan C.
Published: November 2023

The discovery of new genes regulating essential biological processes has become increasingly important, and CRISPRi has emerged as a powerful tool for achieving this goal. This method has been used in many model organisms to decrease the expression of specific genes and assess their impact on phenotype. Pooled CRISPRi libraries in bacteria have been particularly useful in discovering new regulators of growth, division, and other biological processes. However, these libraries rely on the induction of dCas9 via an inducible promoter, which can be problematic due to promoter leakiness. This is a widespread phenomenon of any inducible promoter that can result in the unwanted downregulation of genes and the emergence of genetic suppressors when essential genes are knocked down. To overcome this issue, we have developed a novel strategy that eliminates dCas9 leakiness and enables reversible knockdown control using the rapamycin-dependent degron system inBacillus subtilis. This degron system causes rapid degradation of dCas9, resulting in an almost instant reset of the system. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to achieve zero CRISPRi activity in the uninduced state and full activity in the induced state. This improved CRISPRi system will enable researchers to investigate phenotypic changes more effectively while reducing the undesirable effects of leaky expression and noise in their phenotypic data. Moreover, a rapid degradation system could serve as a tool for dynamic perturbation before compensation mechanisms or stress responses kick in. Finally, this approach can be adapted to other organisms and other promoter-inducible systems, potentially opening up strategies for tighter control of gene expression.
Metagenomic Analysis Reveals the Transfer of Antibiotic Resistance from Manure-Fertilized Soil to Carrot Microbiome
Authors: Yang Qing , Yu Kaiqiang , Huang Jianshi , Topp Edward , Xia Yu
Published: November 2023

Crops grown in manure-fertilized soil are more likely to be contaminated with antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) than when grown in unmanured soil, and therefore more likely to represent a route of ARG exposure to consumers. Existing studies scarcely focused on the residual ARGs on the carrot peel growing in the manured soil after the careful washing. In the present study, residual microbiome and resistome on the carrots surface (Daucus carotasubsp.sativus) at harvest after careful washing was investigated to reveal the impact of manure fertilization. Residual surface bacteria were recovered from the peel, and total bacterial DNA was extracted for the high-throughput sequencing-based metagenomic analysis. Despite the overall unaltered level of alpha diversity in both soil and carrot peel samples, manuring increased the resistome in soil significantly, but not on the carrot peel. The largely overlapped resistome detected on carrots grown with and without manuring, plus the pattern revealed by source tracking analysis indicated a soil-source of ARGs on carrots, whereas the beta-lactamasesCTX-M-84,OXY-4, andCTX-M-122only detected in the manured soil and on the carrot peel harvested from manured soil indicated that beta-lactamases appear to be transferred from manure to the carrot. The evident impact of soil resistome and community on carrot peel microbiome, plus the limited level of plasmid and integron mediated ARGs transfer suggested the main ARGs transfer pathway from manured soil to carrot peel was via the colonization of rhizosphere soil microbes. To further elucidate the ARG propagation within the soil-carrot system, a network was constructed to explore the pattern of nine types of concurrent ARGs genotypes carried by ten different host populations, emphasizing that the residual antibiotic resistance’s transfer via raw carrot represents a risk to human health even after extensive washing.
The genetic basis of dynamic non-photochemical quenching and photosystem II efficiency in fluctuating light reveals novel molecular targets for maize (Zea mays) improvement
Authors: Ferguson John N. , Caproni Leonardo , Walter Julia , Shaw Katie , Thein Min Soe , Mager Svenja , Taylor Georgia , Cackett Lee , Mathan Jyotirmaya , Vath Richard L. , Martin Leo , Genty Bernard , Pe Enrico , Lawson Tracy , Dell’Acqua Matteo , Kromdijk Johannes
Published: November 2023

Maize (Zea maysL.) is a major global crop species which uses C4 photosynthesis. Although C4 is typically considered to be more efficient than C3 photosynthesis, especially under warmer and drier conditions, there is substantial evidence that its efficiency can still be further improved, which may benefit crop performance. Improving photosynthetic efficiency via targeted manipulation of non-photochemical quenching has focused on a limited set of genes that are known to be important determinants of the NPQ response in C3 plants. The C4 pathway may alter NPQ responses but only relatively few studies have explored genetic variation in NPQ kinetics in species that perform C4 photosynthesis. In addition, studies of NPQ responses in field-grown plants of either C3 or C4 species are especially limited. Here we apply high-definition phenotyping of NPQ responses and photosynthetic efficiency and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping using a field-grown maize Multi-parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) population, which combines the allelic diversity of eight contrasting inbred lines. We find substantial and consistent variation for dynamic NPQ and PSII efficiency for two subsequent field seasons. Further exploration of candidate genes within three major QTL regions identified a strong impact of allelic variation in expression of the minor PSII antenna protein CP24 (LHCB6) on a major QTL for NPQ and efficiency of PSII photochemistry on chromosome 10.
Quality Control for Single Cell Analysis of High-plex Tissue Profiles using CyLinter
Authors: Baker Gregory J. , Novikov Edward , Zhao Ziyuan , Vallius Tuulia , Davis Janae A. , Lin Jia-Ren , Muhlich Jeremy L. , Mittendorf Elizabeth A. , Santagata Sandro , Guerriero Jennifer L. , Sorger Peter K.
Published: November 2023

Tumors are complex assemblies of cellular and acellular structures patterned on spatial scales from microns to centimeters. Study of these assemblies has advanced dramatically with the introduction of high-plex spatial profiling. Image-based profiling methods reveal the intensities and spatial distributions of 20-100 proteins at subcellular resolution in 103–107cells per specimen. Despite extensive work on methods for extracting single-cell data from these images, all tissue images contain artefacts such as folds, debris, antibody aggregates, optical aberrations and image processing errors that arise from imperfections in specimen preparation, data acquisition, image assembly, and feature extraction. We show that these artefacts dramatically impact single-cell data analysis, obscuring meaningful biological interpretation. We describe an interactive quality control software tool, CyLinter, that identifies and removes data associated with imaging artefacts. CyLinter greatly improves single-cell analysis, especially for archival specimens sectioned many years prior to data collection, such as those from clinical trials.
The small molecule CBR-5884 inhibits theCandida albicansphosphatidylserine synthase
Authors: Zhou Yue , Phelps Gregory A. , Mangrum Mikayla M. , McLeish Jemma , Phillips Elise K. , Lou Jinchao , Ancajas Christelle F. , Rybak Jeffrey M. , Oelkers Peter M. , Lee Richard E. , Best Michael D. , Reynolds Todd B.
Published: November 2023

Systemic infections byCandida spp.are associated with high mortality rates, partly due to limitations in current antifungals, highlighting the need for novel drugs and drug targets. The fungal phosphatidylserine synthase, Cho1, fromCandida albicansis a logical antifungal drug target due to its importance in virulence, absence in the host and conservation among fungal pathogens. Inhibitors of Cho1 could serve as lead compounds for drug development, so we developed a target-based screen for inhibitors of purified Cho1. This enzyme condenses serine and cytidyldiphosphate-diacylglycerol (CDP-DAG) into phosphatidylserine (PS) and releases cytidylmonophosphate (CMP). Accordingly, we developed anin vitronucleotidase-coupled malachite green-based high throughput assay for purifiedC. albicansCho1 that monitors CMP production as a proxy for PS synthesis. Over 7,300 molecules curated from repurposing chemical libraries were interrogated in primary and dose-responsivity assays using this platform. The screen had a promising average Z’ score of ∼0.8, and seven compounds were identified that inhibit Cho1. Three of these, ebselen, LOC14, and CBR-5884, exhibited inhibitory effects againstC. albicanscells, with fungicidal inhibition by ebselen and fungistatic inhibition by LOC14 and CBR-5884. Only CBR-5884 showed evidence of disruptingin vivoCho1 function by inducing phenotypes consistent with thecho1ΔΔ mutant, including a reduction of cellular PS levels. Kinetics curves and computational docking indicate that CBR-5884 competes with serine for binding to Cho1 with aKiof 1,550 ± 245.6 nM. Thus, this compound has the potential for development into an antifungal compound.
Engineering the microstructure and spatial bioactivity of MAP scaffolds in vitro instructs neovascularization in vivo
Authors: Anderson Alexa R. , Caston Eleanor L. P. , Riley Lindsay , Nguyen Long , Ntekoumes Dimitris , Gerecht Sharon , Segura Tatiana
Published: November 2023

In tissues where the vasculature is either lacking or abnormal, biomaterials can be designed to promote vessel formation and enhance tissue repair. In this work, we independently tune the microstructure and bioactivity of microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffolds to guide cell patterning in 3D and promote de novo assembly of endothelial progenitor-like cells into vessels. We implement bothin silicocharacterization andin vitroexperimentation to elucidate an optimal scaffold formulation for vessel formation. We determine that MAP scaffolds with pore volumes on the same order of magnitude as cells facilitate cell growth and vacuole formation. We achieve spatial control over cell spreading by incorporating adhesive microgels in well-mixed, heterogeneous MAP scaffolds. While we demonstrate that integrin engagement is the primary driver of network formation in these materials, introducing adhesive microgels loaded with heparin nanoparticles leads to the formation of vascular tubes after 3 days in culture. We then showin vivothat this unique scaffold formulation enhances vessel maturation in a wound healing model and instructs differential vascular patterning in the tumor microenvironment. Taken together, this work determines the optimal microstructure and ligand presentation within MAP scaffolds that lead to vascular constructsin vitroand facilitate neovascularizationin vivo.
miRNA-like secondary structures in maize (Zea mays) genes and transposable elements correlate with small RNAs, methylation, and expression
Authors: Martin Galen T. , Solares Edwin , Guadardo-Mendez Jeanelle , Muyle Aline , Bousios Alexandros , Gaut Brandon S.
Published: November 2023

RNA molecules carry information in their primary sequence and also their secondary structure. Secondary structure can confer important functional information, but it is also a signal for an RNAi-like host epigenetic response mediated by small RNAs (smRNAs). In this study, we used two bioinformatic methods to predict local secondary structures across features of the maize genome, focusing on small regions that had similar folding properties to pre-miRNA loci. We found miRNA-like secondary structures to be common in genes and most, but not all, superfamilies of RNA and DNA transposable elements (TEs). The miRNA-like regions map to a higher diversity of smRNAs than regions without miRNA-like structure, explaining up to 27% of variation in smRNA mapping for some TE superfamilies. This mapping bias is more pronounced among putatively autonomous TEs relative to nonautonomous TEs. Genome-wide, miRNA-like regions are also associated with elevated methylation levels, particularly in the CHH context. Among genes, those with miRNA-like secondary structure are 1.5-fold more highly expressed, on average, than other genes. However, these genes are also more variably expressed across the 26 nested association mapping founder lines, and this variability positively correlates with the number of mapping smRNAs. We conclude that local miRNA-like structures are a nearly ubiquitous feature of expressed regions of the maize genome, that they correlate with higher smRNA mapping and methylation, and that they may represent a trade-off between functional requirements and the potentially negative consequences of smRNA production.
De novo reconstruction of satellite repeat units from sequence data
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Chu Justin , Cheng Haoyu , Li Heng
Published: November 2023

Satellite DNA are long tandemly repeating sequences in a genome and may be organized as high-order repeats (HORs). They are enriched in centromeres and are challenging to assemble. Existing algorithms for identifying satellite repeats either require the complete assembly of satellites or only work for simple repeat structures without HORs. Here we describe Satellite Repeat Finder (SRF), a new algorithm for reconstructing satellite repeat units and HORs from accurate reads or assemblies without prior knowledge on repeat structures. Applying SRF to real sequence data, we show that SRF could reconstruct known satellites in human and well-studied model organisms. We also find satellite repeats are pervasive in various other species, accounting for up to 12% of their genome contents but are often underrepresented in assemblies. With the rapid progress in genome sequencing, SRF will help the annotation of new genomes and the study of satellite DNA evolution even if such repeats are not fully assembled.
Discussion of busy CEO and financial statement footnotes readability: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Yao Li
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss Harymawan et al. (2023) and suggest a few areas for improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper critically assesses Harymawan et al.’s (2023) position in the extant literature and discusses pertinent aspects.

Findings

This paper's primary focus is on Harymawan et al.’s (2023) conceptual development, especially chief executive officers' (CEOs) role in footnote disclosures.

Originality/value

This paper's viewpoints are relevant to readers interested in corporate textual disclosure and governance.
Familiarity and understanding of assistive technology among visually impaired users of libraries of special institutes of Haryana, India
Authors: Singh Dalip , Gupta Dinesh K.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Assistive technology (AT) is like the eyes of visually impaired users (VIUs) and plays a vital role in making them independent in accessing a wide range of library resources and services. It is a revolutionary way to improve the academic performance of VIUs and amalgamate them into mainstream library services. This paper aims to explore the familiarity and understanding of AT among VIUs in accessing library resources and services of three special institutes of Haryana state, India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey method, and data were collected using an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of closed-ended questions focused on participants’ familiarity, understanding and key barriers VIUs face in accessing existing AT facilities. Scope of the study is to include three special institutions’ libraries serving to VIUs in Haryana (India). Purposive sampling technique was adopted for data collection. The data are tabulated and analyzed with descriptive statistics methods using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0, and the results are presented in tables, diagrams and graphs.

Findings

The study found that most of the VIUs are highly familiar and reported an expert understanding of Daisy player and digital voice recorder, whereas refreshable Braille display, Braille printer/embosser and scanning and reading devices are least familiar with and reported poor understanding. In the software category, it is noted that VIUs are more familiar with screen reading and speech synthesizer software than other software, and participants confirmed a good understanding of the said software.

Practical implications

The literature review revealed that the majority of library staff in the institutions being investigated had limited knowledge about the availability of the most suitable AT tools. So, the study will be beneficial for them to select the most popular AT tools for their libraries to amalgamate VIUs. The study also highlights some barriers VIUs face in using the existing AT facility of their respective libraries that may be helpful for librarians to understand the root cause of low utilization of available AT tools and how to address this problem effectively. The study can also help policymakers in formulating AT policies for academic libraries. Findings will also help to develop a cost-effective AT workstation suiting the needs of VIUs.

Originality/value

This study will provide an idea to library professionals about which AT hardware and software are more popular among VIUs and useful for developing/improving cutting-edge AT facilities in their libraries to amalgamate VIUs in the mainstream of the library.
Hope theory as resistance: narratives of South Asian scholars in Australian academia
Authors: Sum Nicola , Lahiri-Roy Reshmi , Belford Nish
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Identity, positioning and possibilities intersect differently for South Asian women in white academia. Within a broader migrant community that defines Australian life, these identities and positioning imply great possibility, but pursuing such pathways within academia is a walk on the last strand of resilience. This paper explores this tension of possibilities and constraints, using hope theory to highlight the cognitive resistance evident in the narratives of three South Asian women in Australian academia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use collaborative autoethnography to share their narratives of working in Australian universities at three different stages of careers, utilising Snyder's model of hope theory to interrogate their own goal-setting behaviours, pathways and agentic thinking.

Findings

The authors propose that hope as a cognitive state informs resistance and enables aspirations to contribute within academia in meaningful ways whilst navigating the terrain of inequitable structures.

Originality/value

The authors' use of hope theory as a lens on the intersectional experiences of career making, building and progression is a new contribution to scholarship on marginalised women in white academe and the ways in which the pathways of resistance are identified.
Sustainable supply chain performance lesson from Malaysian manufacturing firms
Authors: Zailani Suhaiza , Rahman Muhammad Khalilur , Nizamani Asif Hussain , Aziz Azmin Azliza , Bhuiyan Miraj Ahmed , Gazi Md. Abu Issa
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of sustainable innovation and disruptive innovation on sustainable supply chain performance of manufacturing firms in Malaysia. The study also examined the moderating role of supply chain clockspeed in the relationship between sustainable innovation, disruptive innovation and sustainable supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 231 respondents in manufacturing firms in Malaysia. The data were analyzed using the partial least square-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique.

Findings

The findings revealed that sustainable innovation and disruptive innovation had a significant and positive effect on sustainable supply chain performance. Supply chain clockspeed moderated the relationship between sustainable innovation and sustainable supply chain performance. The findings also identified that there was no moderating effect on the relationship between disruptive innovation and sustainable supply chain performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study merely focuses on sustainable supply chain performance in Malaysian manufacturing firms. Samples from manufacturing firms in Malaysia were used in the current study, and the outcomes may vary for different nations.

Practical implications

To increase the firm’s commercial success, it is necessary to promote sustainable supply chain practices, including supply chain clockspeed, sustainable innovation and disruptive innovation.

Originality/value

This study adds to the body of knowledge by explaining the positive influence of sustainable innovation and disruptive innovation on sustainable supply chain performance in Malaysian manufacturing firms while also emphasizing the moderating role of supply chain clockspeed in this relationship. The contribution of this study could enable managers to develop sustainable supply chain performance in the manufacturing sector, based on sustainable innovation, disruptive innovation and supply chain clockspeed.
Women's contributions to rural development: implications for entrepreneurship policy
Authors: Ahl Helene , Berglund Karin , Pettersson Katarina , Tillmar Malin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Policy for women's entrepreneurship is designed to promote economic growth, not least in depleted rural areas, but very little is known about the contributions of rural women entrepreneurs, their needs or how the existing policy is received by them. Using a theoretical framework developed by Korsgaard et al. (2015), the authors analyse how rural women entrepreneurs contribute to rural development and discuss the implications for entrepreneurship policy. This paper aims to focus on the aforementioned objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors interviewed 32 women entrepreneurs in rural Sweden representing the variety of businesses in which rural Swedish women are engaged. The authors analysed their contributions to rural development by analysing their motives, strategies and outcomes using Korsgaard et al.’s framework of “entrepreneurship in the rural” and “rural entrepreneurship” as a heuristic, interpretative device.

Findings

Irrespective of industry, the respondents were deeply embedded in family and local social structures. Their contributions were substantial, multidimensional and indispensable for rural viability, but the policy tended to bypass most women-owned businesses. Support in terms of business training, counselling and financing are important, but programmes especially for women tend to miss the mark, and so does rural development policy. More important for rural women entrepreneurs in Sweden is the provision of good public services, including for example, schools and social care, that make rural life possible.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, the findings question the individualist and a-contextual focus of much entrepreneurship research, as well as the taken-for-granted work–family divide. How gender and how the public and the private are configured varies greatly between contexts and needs contextual assessment. Moreover, the results call for theorising place as an entrepreneurial actor.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, the authors advise future policymakers to gender mainstream entrepreneurship policy and to integrate entrepreneurship and rural development policy with family and welfare state policy.

Originality/value

The paper highlights how rural women respond to policy, and the results are contextualised, making it possible to compare them to other contexts. The authors widen the discussion on contributions beyond economic growth, and the authors show that policy for public and commercial services and infrastructure is indeed also policy for entrepreneurship.
What happened that day? Recall for events of a day that later became important
Authors: Harvey Madison B. , Price Heather L. , Luther Kirk
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore potential witnesses' memories for a day that was experienced an unremarkable. There may be instances in an investigation in which all leads have been exhausted, and investigators use a broad appeal for witnesses who may have witnessed something important. Investigators can benefit from knowing the types of information that may be recalled in such circumstances, as well as identifying specific methods that are effective in eliciting useful information.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study explored how the delay to recall and recall method influenced the recollection of a seemingly unremarkable day that later became important. Participants were asked to recall an experienced event that occurred either recently (a few weeks prior) or in the distant past (a year prior). Participants recalled via either a written method, in-person individual-spoken or collaborative-spoken interviews.

Findings

Results suggest an independent benefit for individual-spoken in-person recall (compared to written or collaborative-spoken recall) and recall undertaken closely after an event (compared to delayed recall). Both individual-spoken interviews as well as more recent recollection resulted in a greater number of overall details recalled. The authors further examined the types of details recalled that might be important to progressing an investigation (e.g. other witnesses and records).

Originality/value

The present work provides important implications for interviewing witnesses about a seemingly unremarkable event that later became important.
Ownership structure and agency costs: evidence from the insurance industry in Jordan
Authors: Tayeh Mohammad , Mustafa Rafe’ , Bino Adel
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study investigated the impact of corporate ownership structure on agency costs in the insurance industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The study sample included 23 insurance companies listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) from 2010 to 2019. Panel regression was used to account for the firm- and time-specific unobservable variables and system-GMM estimation was used to address endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The results show that managerial ownership positively (negatively) affects selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses (assets turnover), implying that unmonitored managers engage in activities that serve their own interests rather than those of shareholders. The largest shareholder's ownership has no impact on agency costs, implying that the ownership of the largest shareholder is irrelevant. However, as the wedge between the percentage of capital owned by the largest shareholders and managers increases, SG&A expenses (efficiency ratio) decrease (increases), indicating that the existence of large non-management shareholders reduces agency costs. After accounting for the endogeneity problem, the impact of ownership structure on agency costs measured by asset turnover remains robust.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to provide unique evidence and useful insights into the determinants of agency costs from a frontier market in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), with a focus on the insurance sector. Additionally, this study uses a new measure of separation between ownership and control by calculating the wedge between managers' and large shareholders' ownership.
Q&A with Kevin Bethune
Authors: Bethune Kevin
Published: November 2023

A designer/entrepreneur/engineer/author shares his thoughts about changes he's witnessed during his fascinating career, some inspirations that have taken him down non‐traditional paths, and insights about the future of the discipline.
Effect of3Dprinted replicas on the duration of third molar autotransplantation surgery: A controlled clinical trial
Authors: Lejnieks Miks , Akota Ilze , Jākobsone Gundega , Neimane Laura , Radzins Oskars , Uribe Sergio E.
Published: November 2023

Background/Aim

This study aimed to develop a protocol that combines cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT), software, and 3D printing to design 3D replicas for tooth autotransplantation. The goal was to evaluate the impact of this approach on the extraoral time of the donor teeth and the total surgical time, thereby enhancing surgical efficiency and outcomes.

Materials and Methods

A non‐randomized trial (protocol10.1186/ISRCTN13563091) was conducted at Riga Stradins University, enrolling 46 patients (13–22 years old) who required molar extraction and possessed a non‐erupted third molar. The patients were sequentially assigned to a 3D replica group (24 patients) or a control group (22 patients). The primary outcome measured was the extra‐alveolar time of the donor tooth, and the secondary outcome was the total duration of surgery. Both were assessed using a sample size capable of detecting a 10‐min difference. A generalized linear model adjusted for various factors was used to test for significant time differences (p < .05) between the groups.

Results

Forty‐six patients were included in this analysis. The effect of using 3D replicas was not statistically significant and was associated with a decrease in the extraoral time of the donor tooth in seconds (β = −9.35, 95% CI [−40.86, 22.16]). For the total surgical time in minutes, the use of 3D replicas had a statistically significant impact, reducing the operation duration in minutes (β = −13.42, 95% CI [−24.50, −2.34]). No early complications were observed in either group, with all teeth present at 3–4 weeks post‐surgery.

Conclusions

The integration of 3D printing technology can enhance the efficiency of autotransplantation surgeries, primarily by reducing surgical time.
Rapid migration of Mongolian oak into the southern Asian boreal forest
Authors: Tang Yang , Du Enzai , Guo Hongbo , Wang Yang , Peñuelas Josep , Reich Peter B.
Published: November 2023

The migration of trees induced by climatic warming has been observed at many alpine treelines and boreal–tundra ecotones, but the migration of temperate trees into southern boreal forest remains less well documented. We conducted a field investigation across an ecotone of temperate and boreal forests in northern Greater Khingan Mountains of northeast China. Our analysis demonstrates that Mongolian oak (Quercus mongolica), an important temperate tree species, has migrated rapidly into southern boreal forest in synchrony with significant climatic warming over the past century. The average rate of migration is estimated to be 12.0 ± 1.0 km decade−1, being slightly slower than the movement of isotherms (14.7 ± 6.4 km decade−1). The migration rate of Mongolian oak is the highest observed among migratory temperate trees (average rate 4.0 ± 1.0 km decade−1) and significantly higher than the rates of tree migration at boreal–tundra ecotones (0.9 ± 0.4 km decade−1) and alpine treelines (0.004 ± 0.003 km decade−1). Compared with the coexisting dominant boreal tree species, Dahurian larch (Larix gmelinii), temperate Mongolian oak is observed to have significantly lower capacity for light acquisition, comparable water‐use efficiency but stronger capacity to utilize nutrients especially the most limiting nutrient, nitrogen. In the context of climatic warming, and in addition to a high seed dispersal capacity and potential thermal niche differences, the advantage of nutrient utilization, reflected by foliar elementomes and stable nitrogen isotope ratios, is also likely a key mechanism for Mongolian oak to coexist with Dahurian larch and facilitate its migration toward boreal forest. These findings highlight a rapid deborealization of southern Asian boreal forest in response to climatic warming.
Predictors of the development of febrile neutropenia in chemotherapy for advanced germ cell tumors
Authors: Kobayashi Kota , Kishida Takeshi
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To identify the predictive factors for the development of febrile neutropenia (FN) in the course of chemotherapy for patients with germ cell tumors.

Methods

From January 2005 to December 2018, 80 patients were treated with induction chemotherapy for advanced germ cell tumors at Kanagawa Cancer Center Hospital, Japan. Of these, we retrospectively analyzed 267 cycles of chemotherapy. The incidence of FN was used as the objective variable. As predictive factors, we analyzed age, international germ cell consensus classification (IGCCC), laboratory data at the start of chemotherapy in each cycle, length of the largest metastatic lesion, number of cycles, and prophylactic use of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF).

Results

We finally analyzed 267 cycles in 78 patients. The median age was 36 years (15–64). There was a total of 267 cycles. FN occurred in 40 cycles (15%) in 31 patients (40%). The first cycle was accompanied by a significantly higher FN than the subsequent cycles (p < 0.001). The univariate analysis identified age ≧36 years (p = 0.001), creatinine clearance (CCr) <70 (p < 0.001), serum albumin <3.3 (p = 0.002), maximum tumor diameter ≧60 mm (p = 0.036), and first cycle as significant risk factors. The multivariate analysis identified age, CCr, and first cycle as independent predictive factors of FN development.

Conclusion

We identified older age, renal dysfunction, and first cycle of chemotherapy as predictive factors for FN. No statistically significant difference was shown in the usage of prophylactic G‐CSF. Special attention should be given to FN in patients with high‐risk factors.
NGOs’ responses to the challenges faced by orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Chegutu, Zimbabwe
Authors: Kabonga Itai
Published: November 2023

The present study investigates the role of non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) in addressing the multifaceted challenges encountered by orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in the rural Chegutu District of Zimbabwe. Employing a qualitative paradigm, a case study design was utilized to collect data through in‐depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to present the study's findings. NGO selection and participant sampling were purposive in nature. The challenges faced by OVC in Chegutu District encompass various dimensions, prominently, including increased school dropout rates due to poverty. Those who continue attending school encounter shortages of essential items such as uniforms and stationery. Additionally, inadequate clothing poses a challenge for OVC. Broader climate change–related calamities have further aggravated food scarcity in households housing OVC. NGOs have responded to these challenges by providing OVC with school fees, stationery, accommodation and uniforms to address educational needs and enhance prospects. Climate change impacts have necessitated the drilling of boreholes to facilitate nutritional gardens, thereby mitigating food insecurity and income constraints. NGOs have also empowered OVC households through community saving initiatives like internal savings and lending schemes, fostering income generation, and addressing education‐, food‐ and clothing‐related challenges. Furthermore, psycho‐social support groups have been established by NGOs to address the psychological and social issues faced by OVC. Drawing on the basic needs approach, the study reveals that NGOs significantly contribute to fulfilling the basic needs of OVC. However, some gaps in their approaches were identified, highlighting the potential for further improvement and refinement.
The effect of preinduction cervical length measurement with three different ultrasonographic methods on predicting delivery time
Authors: Akar Ayca Nazli , Ceyhan Venhar , Cundubey Cevat Rifat
Published: November 2023

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of preinduction cervical length (CL) measurement by transvaginal (TV), transperineal (TP), and transabdominal (TA) ultrasonography (USG) on the time of delivery and to compare these three sonographic methods in terms of superiority over one another.

Methods

This study included TV, TP, and TA CL measurements in pregnant women who were planned to undergo induction of labor at 37 weeks' gestation or later. The correlations between the said three methods and BISHOP scores were evaluated. These three methods were compared in terms of superiority in predicting the time of delivery.

Results

Pregnant women at 37–42 weeks' gestation undergoing labor induction were included, and all three methods were used for CL measurements. Three methods were correlated with each other (p < 0.001) and with BISHOP scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The correlation between all three methods and BISHOP scores indicates that TP and TA USG can be used instead of TV USG. On the other hand, while TA USG did not give a clear result in the accurate estimation of vaginal delivery time, TP, and TV USG gave both accurate and close results. When all these data are evaluated, it is concluded that TPU can be used safely instead of TVU, especially in patients receiving induction.
The transcriptional regulatory module CsHB5‐CsbZIP44 positively regulates abscisic acid‐mediated carotenoid biosynthesis in citrus (Citrus spp.)
Authors: Sun Quan , He Zhengchen , Wei Ranran , Zhang Yin , Ye Junli , Chai Lijun , Xie Zongzhou , Guo Wenwu , Xu Juan , Cheng Yunjiang , Xu Qiang , Deng Xiuxin
Published: November 2023

Carotenoids contribute to fruit coloration and are valuable sources of provitamin A in the human diet. Abscisic acid (ABA) plays an essential role in fruit coloration during citrus fruit ripening, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here, we identified a novel bZIP transcription activator called CsbZIP44, which serves as a central regulator of ABA‐mediated citrus carotenoid biosynthesis. CsbZIP44 directly binds to the promoters of four carotenoid metabolism‐related genes (CsDXR, CsGGPPs, CsBCH1 and CsNCED2) and activates their expression. Furthermore, our research indicates that CsHB5, a positive regulator of ABA and carotenoid‐driven processes, activates the expression of CsbZIP44 by binding to its promoter. Additionally, CsHB5 interacts with CsbZIP44 to form a transcriptional regulatory module CsHB5‐CsbZIP44, which is responsive to ABA induction and promotes carotenoid accumulation in citrus. Interestingly, we also discover a positive feedback regulation loop between the ABA signal and carotenoid biosynthesis mediated by the CsHB5‐CsbZIP44 transcriptional regulatory module. Our findings show that CsHB5‐CsbZIP44 precisely modulates ABA signal‐mediated carotenoid metabolism, providing an effective strategy for quality improvement of citrus fruit and other crops.
The needs of multiple birth families during the first 1001 critical days: A rapid review with a systematic literature search and narrative synthesis
Authors: Burlingham Martha , Maguire Laura , Hibberd Lorna , Turville Nathalie , Cowdell Fiona , Bailey Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Objective

Supporting families during the first 1001 days from conception to the age of two is vital for setting the emotional, cognitive, and physical building blocks for children's futures. Families with twins, triplets, or higher order multiples (multiple birth families) have unique challenges due to caring for more than one baby at the same time. Therefore, identifying the needs of multiple birth families is necessary to provide optimum support during the first 1001 critical days.

Design

A rapid review was undertaken to synthesize knowledge of the needs of multiple birth families in the United Kingdom (UK) during the first 1001 critical days. Findings from five databases (MEDLINE, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Web of Science) for peer‐reviewed studies and grey literature published between 2012 and 2022 were synthesized. Fifteen studies were reviewed using narrative synthesis.

Results

Multiple birth families have unique and complex emotional and practical needs across the first 1001 critical days, and in particular, the first‐year post birth, impacted further by complicated pregnancies and prematurity. Needs were identified within the four key themes: high risk pregnancy and birth; transformed reality of raising multiples; inadequate support; and positively affecting experiences. Health professional support was inconsistent and particularly lacking in intrapartum, postnatal, and community care including transition.

Conclusion

Multiple birth families’ needs should be considered in the design and delivery of care within the first 1001 critical days, especially within the first year after birth. Multiples specific advice across the first 1001 critical days is needed and training for health professionals to adapt universal advice for this population is one way to achieve this. Further research is needed to ensure this advice is evidence based and effective.
Distributive politics and electoral advantage in the 2022 Australian election
Authors: McAllister Ian , Biddle Nicholas
Published: November 2023

Distributive politics—or pork barreling—is prevalent across many political systems. It aims to influence the vote by directing discretionary spending to constituencies and/or groups of voters that are important for their re‐election. We term this the objective dimension to pork barreling. However, we argue that for pork barreling to deliver rewards, voters must also be aware that they are gaining a special benefit from government—the subjective dimension. Using a unique Australian dataset that matches spending on electoral areas with a large scale national survey that asked voters if their area had received special benefits, we clarify the mechanisms behind pork barreling. Our results show that about one in five voters believed that their electorate had received additional benefits. Objectively, spending was disproportionately directed to government‐held seats. Despite this largesse, we find that pork barreling had little or no effect on the vote in the 2022 Australian election.
Entrusting life to professionals: A phenomenological hermeneutical study of older persons' participation in prehospital emergency care involving municipal home care and ambulance services
Authors: Hjalmarsson Anna , Östlund Gunnel , Asp Margareta , Kerstis Birgitta , Holmberg Mats
Published: November 2023

Background

Participation in care is considered to promote safe and qualitative care. Care‐dependent older persons ageing in place have increased emergency care needs, which initiate inter‐organisational collaboration involving municipal home care and ambulance services. Previous research concludes that uncertainties exist regarding what participation in care means in clinical practice, which necessitates the need to illuminate the phenomenon for older persons in critical life situations.

Aim

This study aimed to illuminate meanings of participation in prehospital emergency care from the perspective of care‐dependent older persons experiencing acute illness at home.

Design

This study has a qualitative design with a lifeworld approach.

Method

A phenomenological hermeneutical method was used to analyse transcribed telephone interviews with eleven care‐dependent persons aged 70–93 years.

Results

Care‐dependent older persons' participation in prehospital emergency care means ‘Entrusting life to professional caregivers’ when being in helpless solitude and existentially unsafe, which emphasises a deepened interpersonal dependence. Meanings of participation in care from the perspective of older persons involve Being reassured in togetherness, Being pliant in trust of emergency expertise, Being enabled through the agency of professional caregivers, and Encountering readiness in the emergency care chain.

Conclusion

Care‐dependent older persons' participation in prehospital emergency care is existential and involves interpersonal dependence. Togetherness brings reassurance, safety and opportunity for emotional rest while accessing the professional caregivers' power, competence and abilities which provide opportunities for existence and movement towards well‐being and continued living.

Implications for practice

Prehospital emergency care from the perspective of care‐dependent older persons transcends organisational boundaries and includes the municipal mobile safety alarm service. The involved municipal and regional organisations need to provide support by implementing lifeworld‐led care models and care alternatives that enable professionals to recognise the existential dimension of participation in care.
Characterizing the Suture Pullout Force for Human Small Bowel
Authors: Gong Alex T. , Yau Shi-Wen Olivia , Erickson Hans B. , Toepfer Rudolph J. , Zhang Jessica , Deschmidt Aleah M. , Parsey Conner J. , Norfleet Jack E. , Sweet Robert M.
Published: November 2023

Performing a small bowel anastomosis, or reconnecting small bowel segments, remains a core competency and critical step for the successful surgical management of numerous bowel and urinary conditions. As surgical education and technology moves toward improving patient outcomes through automation and increasing training opportunities, a detailed characterization of the interventional biomechanical properties of the human bowel is important. This is especially true due to the prevalence of anastomotic leakage as a frequent (3.02%) postoperative complication of small bowel anastomoses. This study aims to characterize the forces required for a suture to tear through human small bowel (suture pullout force, SPOF), while analyzing how these forces are affected by tissue orientation, suture material, suture size, and donor demographics. 803 tests were performed on 35 human small bowel specimens. A uni-axial test frame was used to tension sutures looped through 10 × 20 mm rectangular bowel samples to tissue failure. The mean SPOF of the small bowel was 4.62±1.40 N. We found no significant effect of tissue orientation (p = 0.083), suture material (p = 0.681), suture size (p = 0.131), age (p = 0.158), sex (p = .083), or body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.100) on SPOF. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting human small bowel SPOF. Little research has been published about procedure-specific data on human small bowel. Filling this gap in research will inform the design of more accurate human bowel synthetic models and provide an accurate baseline for training and clinical applications.