bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy efficiency of grazing Hereford heifers classified by paternal residual feed intake
Authors: Marín María F , Naya Hugo , Espasandin Ana C , Navajas Elly , Devincenzi Thais , Carriquiry Mariana
Published: March 2024

Residual feed intake (RFI) has become a widely spread index of feed efficiency. Although most of beef cattle systems in the world are pasture based, RFI evaluation and research is usually performed in confinement conditions. In this context, residual heat production (RHP) estimated as the difference between actual and expected heat production (HP), could allow to identify efficient animals. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the relationship between paternal estimated breeding values (EBV) for RFI and beef heifer efficiency, measured as RHP, as well as its association with heifers’ productive and reproductive performance on grazing conditions. Seventy-one 25 ± 0.8-mo-old and seventy-four 24 ± 0.7-mo-old Hereford heifers were managed as contemporary groups in spring 2019 and 2020, respectively. Heifers were sired by 10 RFI-evaluated bulls and classified into three groups according to the paternal EBV for RFI: five bulls of low RFI (high efficiency, pHE), two bulls of medium RFI (medium efficiency), and three bulls of high RFI (low efficiency, pLE). The experimental period lasted 70 d prior to their first insemination where HP was determined by the heart rate-O2 pulse technique. In addition, reproductive performances during the first and second breeding and calving seasons were recorded. Heifers’ RHPs expressed as MJ/d and kJ/kg of body weight (BW)0.75/d were positively correlated with paternal RFI EBVs (P < 0.05; r > 0.60). Moreover, BW and average daily gain (ADG) were greater (P < 0.01) for pHE than pLE heifers while expressed as units of BW0.75/d, neither total HP nor metabolizable energy (ME) intake differed between groups, but pHE heifers had greater retained energy (RE; P < 0.01) and lower RHP (P < 0.05) than pLE ones. Gross energy efficiency (RE/ME intake) was greater (P < 0.001) for pHE than pLE heifers while the HP/ADG and RHP/ADG were reduced (P < 0.05) and feed-to-gain ratio (ADG/DM intake) tended to be greater (P = 0.07) for pHE than pLE heifers. In addition, during the first breeding and calving seasons, small but significant (P < 0.01) differences in reproductive responses between groups suggested an earlier pregnancy in pHE heifers than the pLE group, differences that disappeared during the second breeding and calving seasons. Thus, heifers sired by high-efficiency bulls measured as RFI were more efficient measured as RHP in grazing conditions, without significant differences in reproductive performance.
Mechanical memory based on chromatin and metabolism remodeling promotes proliferation and smooth muscle differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Na Jing , Shi Qiusheng , Yang Zhijie , Liu Yu , Chen Xinyuan , Wang Ziyi , Zheng Lisha , Fan Yubo
Published: March 2024

Stem cells respond and remember mechanical cues from the microenvironment, which modulates their therapeutic effects. Chromatin organization and energy metabolism regulate the stem cell fate induced by mechanical cues. However, the mechanism of mechanical memory is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of mechanical amplitude, frequency, duration, and stretch cycle on mechanical memory in mesenchymal stem cells. It showed that the amplitude was the dominant parameter to the persistence of cell alignment. F‐actin, paxillin, and nuclear deformation are more prone to be remolded than cell alignment. Stretching induces transcriptional memory, resulting in greater transcription upon subsequent reloading. Cell metabolism displays mechanical memory with sustained mitochondrial fusion and increased ATP production. The mechanical memory of chromatin condensation is mediated by histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation, leading to much higher smooth muscle differentiation efficiency. Interestingly, mechanical memory can be transmitted based on direct cell–cell interaction, and stretched cells can remodel the metabolic homeostasis of static cells. Our results provide insight into the underlying mechanism of mechanical memory and its potential benefits for stem cell therapy.
Leaders need to look in the mirror
Authors: Koch Josh
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

There is commonly a discrepancy between optimal physician leader behavior and actual physician leader behavior. Identifying and addressing this discrepancy is essential to optimize culture in high-risk care units.

Recent findings

Unit culture is directly linked to improving well tolerated and effective care. Adoption of strategies to better address bad behavior is necessary.

To address a toxic culture in a high-risk unit, physician leaders must first look inwards and take personal responsibility for their actions and words. It is a much easier task to talk about healthy culture than it is to walk it.
Altered lipid metabolism and the development of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease
Authors: Foster Christy , Gagnon Charles A. , Ashraf Ambika P.
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

An increasing amount of research has underscored the significant role of lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This comprehensive review examines the intricate relationship between lipoprotein abnormalities and the development of MAFLD.

Recent findings

Atherogenic dyslipidemia seen in insulin resistance states play a significant role in initiating and exacerbating hepatic lipid accumulation. There are also specific genetic factors (PNPLA3, TM6SF2, MBOAT7, HSD17B13, GCKR-P446L) and transcription factors (SREBP-2, FXR, and LXR9) that increase susceptibility to both lipoprotein disorders and MAFLD. Most monogenic primary lipid disorders do not cause hepatic steatosis unless accompanied by metabolic stress. Hepatic steatosis occurs in the presence of secondary systemic metabolic stress in conjunction with predisposing environmental factors that lead to insulin resistance. Identifying specific aberrant lipoprotein metabolic factors promoting hepatic fat accumulation and subsequently exacerbating steatohepatitis will shed light on potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

The clinical implications of interconnection between genetic factors and an insulin resistant environment that predisposes MAFLD is many fold. Potential therapeutic strategies in preventing or mitigating MAFLD progression include lifestyle modifications, pharmacological interventions, and emerging therapies targeting aberrant lipoprotein metabolism.
Evaluating aortomesenteric parameters in a tertiary center of Nepal for superior mesenteric artery syndrome diagnosis and risk factors: cross-sectional study
Authors: Sapkota Diwas , Adhikari Bikash Bikram , Shrestha Aimandu , Katwal Shailendra
Published: March 2024

Background and objectives:

This study examines aortomesenteric angle (AMA) and distance (AMD), which are critical in superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome. Addressing the scarcity of SMA cases, the research explores potential links with lower BMI and aims to establish normative data for diagnostic and predictive purposes, using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans across various BMI and sex categories.

Methodology:

A retrospective quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted on 189 patients undergoing abdominal contrast-enhanced CT scans between December 2019 and December 2020. Ethical clearance was obtained, and participants provided informed consent. Exclusion criteria targeted specific medical histories. Patient demographics, BMI categories, and imaging data were recorded. Helical 128-slice CT scans were employed, with sagittal-oblique multiplanar reconstructions for parameter assessments. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS 26.0, including Pearson correlation coefficients and mean calculations.

Results:

The study reveals a mean AMA of 54.07°±8.53° and a mean distance of 16.25±3.44 mm. Elevated BMI is found to positively correlate with AMA and distance, indicating that higher BMI values may augment these parameters, with an additional positive correlation observed between AMA and distance. No significant correlations are found with patient age or sex.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that decreased BMI may pose a potential risk for SMA syndrome, as evidenced by the observed correlations with aortomesenteric parameters. Understanding these normal values in the Nepalese population is critical for accurate diagnoses and predictions using CT scans. The research highlights the impact of demographic factors on these parameters and emphasizes their significance in clinical assessments related to SMA syndrome.
The Role and Professional Standards of the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner in Hospice and Palliative Care
Authors: Coats Heather , Henrichs Kelly
Published: March 2024

The adult/gerontology (gero) nurse practitioner (NP) delivers primary and/or specialty palliative care to persons and their families who live each day with a myriad of serious illnesses. In this role, the adult/gero NP uses their skill set to address the whole person (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual/existential) to improve the quality of life for persons they care for. This article is the fourth in a series of 6 highlighting the different roles of the adult/gero NP and the advanced certified hospice and palliative registered nurse, and how these 2 roles overlap. The purpose of this article was to provide details of education and certification pathways for these NP roles, describe the overlaps in clinical care, and illustrate how the adult/gero NP in palliative and hospice care can contribute to leadership in program development for care of persons and their families who live with serious illness.
A multidimensional approach to identifying high-performing trauma centers across the United States
Authors: Hamad Doulia M. , Subacius Haris , Thomas Arielle , Guttman Matthew P. , Tillmann Bourke W. , Jerath Angela , Haas Barbara , Nathens Avery B.
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

The differentiators of centers performing at the highest level of quality and patient safety are likely both structural and cultural. We aimed to combine five indicators representing established domains of trauma quality and to identify and describe the structural characteristics of consistently performing centers.

METHODS

Using American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program data from 2017 to 2020, we evaluated five quality measures across several care domains for adult patients in levels I and II trauma centers: (1) time to operating room for patients with abdominal gunshot wounds and shock, (2) proportion of patients receiving timely venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, (3) failure to rescue (death following a complication), (4) major hospital complications, and (5) mortality. Overall performance was summarized as a composite score incorporating all measures. Centers were ranked from highest to lowest performer. Principal component analysis showed the influence of each indicator on overall performance and supported the composite score approach.

RESULTS

We identified 272 levels I and II centers, with 28 and 27 centers in the top and bottom 10%, respectively. Patients treated in high-performing centers had significant lower rates of death major complications and failure to rescue, compared with low-performing centers (p < 0.001). The median time to operating room for gunshot wound was almost half that in high compared with low-performing centers, and rates of timely venous thromboembolism prophylaxis were over twofold greater (p < 0.001). Top performing centers were more likely to be level I centers and cared for a higher number of severely injured patients per annum. Each indicator contributed meaningfully to the variation in scores and centers tended to perform consistently across most indicators.

CONCLUSION

The combination of multiple indicators across dimensions of quality sets a higher standard for performance evaluation and allows the discrimination of centers based on structural elements, specifically level 1 status, and trauma center volume.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic /Care Management; Level IV.
Using Chest X-Ray to Predict Tube Thoracostomy in Traumatic Pneumothorax: A Single-Institution Retrospective Review
Authors: Srinivas Shruthi , Henderson Katelyn , Bergus Katherine C. , Jacobs Ayanna , Baselice Holly , Donnelly Edwin , Valdez Carrie , Tracy Brett M. , Coleman Julia R.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Traumatic pneumothorax (PTX) is a common occurrence in thoracic trauma patients, with a majority requiring tube thoracostomy (TT) for management. Recently, the “35-mm” rule has advocated for observation of patients with PTX less than 35 mm on chest computed tomography (CT) scan. This rule has not been examined in chest x-ray (CXR). We hypothesize that a similar size cutoff can be determined in CXR predictive of need for tube thoracostomy.

Methods

We performed a single-institution retrospective review of patients with traumatic PTX from 2018 – 2022, excluding those who underwent TT prior to CXR. Primary outcomes were size of pneumothorax on CXR and need for TT; secondary outcome was failed observation, defined as TT more than four hours after presentation. To determine the size cutoff on CXR to predict TT need, area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) analyses were performed and Youden’s index calculated (significance at p < 0.05). Predictors of failure were calculated using logistic regression.

Results

There were 359 pneumothoraces in 322 patients (94.4% blunt trauma, median injury severity score 14). Of these, 82 (22.8%) had a TT placed within the first four hours. Fifty-five of observed patients (21.2%) failed, and these patients had a larger PTX on CXR (8.6 mm [5.0 – 18.0 mm] versus 0.0 mm [0.0 – 2.3 mm] (p < 0.001)). CXR PTX size correlated moderately with CT size (r = 0.31, p < 0.001) and was highly predictive of need for TT insertion (AUC 0.75, p < 0.0001), with an optimal size cutoff predicting TT need of 38 mm.

Conclusion

CXR imaging size was predictive of need for TT, with an optimal size cutoff on CXR of 38 mm, approaching the “35-mm rule.” In addition to size, failed observation was predicted by presenting lactic acidosis and need for supplemental oxygen. This demonstrates this cutoff should be considered for prospective study in CXR.

Level of Evidence: III; Therapeutic/Care Management
Central nervous system adverse events of immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Farina Antonio , Villagrán-García Macarena , Vogrig Alberto , Joubert Bastien
Published: March 2024

Purpose of review

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) may trigger immune-related adverse events which rarely affect the central nervous system (CNS-irAEs). Over the past few years, cumulative data have led to the characterization of well defined syndromes with distinct cancer and antibody associations as well as different outcomes.

Recent findings

The most frequent CNS-irAE is encephalitis, which includes three main groups: meningoencephalitis, a nonfocal syndrome usually responsive to corticosteroids; limbic encephalitis, associated with high-risk paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS) antibodies (e.g. anti-Hu, anti-Ma2) and neuroendocrine cancers, characterized by poor treatment response and outcomes; and cerebellar ataxia, with variable outcomes (worse when high-risk PNS antibodies are detected). Additionally, a diffuse encephalopathy without inflammatory findings, with poor response to corticosteroids and high mortality has been described. The spectrum of CNS-irAEs also includes meningitis, myelitis, and rarer presentations. A subset of CNS-irAEs (i.e. limbic encephalitis and/or rapidly progressive cerebellar ataxia) is undistinguishable from ICI-naïve PNS.

The clinical and outcomes diversity of CNS-irAEs suggests different pathogenic mechanisms, which need to be understood to establish more effective and specific treatment modalities. It is crucial to identify biomarkers able to predict which patients will experience severe CNS-irAEs, to anticipate their diagnosis, and to predict long-term outcomes.
Combined DeRitis ratio and alkaline phosphatase on the Prediction of Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Miao Tong-Guo , Zhang Shi-Ya , Zhang Yun-Jing , Ma Dong , Nan Yuemin
Published: March 2024

Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a worse liver function, less treatment tolerance, and poor prognosis. Here, this study aims to explore whether a combination of the DeRitis ratio (AST/ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) index (briefly named DALP) availably predicts the occurrence risk of PVTT in patients with HCC. We performed a retrospective study enrolling consecutive patients with HCC from January 2017 to December 2020 in Hebei Medical University Third Hospital. ROC analysis was performed to estimate the predictive effectiveness and optimal cut-off value of DALP for PVTT occurrence in patients with HCC. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed the survival probabilities in each subgroup according to the risk classification of DALP value. Univariate and multivariate Logistics regression analyses were applied to determine the independent risk for poor prognosis. ROC analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off value for DALP was 1.045, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.793 (95% CI: 0.697-0.888). Based on the DALP classification (three scores: 0-2) with distinguishable prognoses, patients in the score 0 group had the best prognosis with a 1-year overall survival (OS) of 100%, whereas score 2 patients had the worst prognosis with 1-year OS of 72.4%. Similarly, there was a statistically different recurrence-free survival among the three groups. Besides, this risk classification was also associated with PVTT progression in HCC patients (odds ratio [OR]:5.822, P < 0.0001). Pathologically, patients in the score 2 group had more advanced tumors considering PVTT, extrahepatic metastasis, and ascites than those in score 0, 1 groups. Moreover, patients with a score of 2 had more severe hepatic inflammation than other groups. Combination of DeRitis ratio and ALP index presented a better predictive value for PVTT occurrence in patients with HCC, contributing to the tertiary prevention.
Evaluation of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) value of YiDiXie™-HS and YiDiXie™-SS
Authors: Sun Chen , Lu Chong , Zhang Yongjian , Wang Ling , Ge Zhenjian , Wen Zhenyu , Chen Wenkang , Li Yingqi , Wu Yutong , Lin Shengjie , Zhang Pengwu , Wang Wuping , Chen Siwei , Zhou Huimei , Li Xutai , Wang Shaobin , Xia Yong , Li Wei , Lan Wei , Cai Yongjiang , Ji Ling , Wang Haibo , Lai Yongqing
Published: March 2024

Background

Cancer is a serious threat to the whole of humanity. The Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) test is expected to solve the problem of “Universal cancer screening”. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the MCED value of two MCED tests, YiDiXie™-HS and YiDiXie™-SS, in multiple cancer types.

Patients and methods

11094 subjects were finally included in this study (the malignant tumor group, n = 4405; the normal control group, n = 6689). The malignant tumor group included all major solid and hematological malignant tumor types. The sensitivity and specificity of YiDiXie™-HS and YiDiXie™-SS were evaluated, respectively.

Results

The overall sensitivity of YiDiXie™-HS for different cancer types and stages was 90.1% (89.2% - 90.9%; 3971/4405), and its specificity was 89.7% (89.0% - 90.4%; 6002/6689). Its sensitivity increases with clinical stage: stage I, 85.6% (83.9% - 87.1%); stage II, 91.4% (89.6% - 93.0%); stage III, 93.9% (92.0% - 95.4%); and stage IV, 98.4% (96.9% - 99.2%). The overall sensitivity of YiDiXie™-SS for different cancer types and stages was 99.1% (98.8% - 99.3%; 4365/4405), and its specificity was 65.2% (64.0% - 66.3%; 4358/6689). Its sensitivity was basically comparable in each clinical stage: stage I, 98.6% (98.0% - 99.1%); stage II, 99.5% (98.9% - 99.8%); stage III, 99.5% (98.6% - 99.8%); stage IV, 99.8% (98.9% - 100.0%).

Conclusion

YiDiXie™-HS has a high sensitivity in all clinical stages of all cancer types. YiDiXie™-SS has an extremely high sensitivity in all clinical stages of all cancer types. YiDiXie™-HS and YiDiXie™-SS can replace existing cancer screening tests and are expected to solve the world problem of “Universal cancer screening”.

Clinical trial number

ChiCTR2200066840.
Proteogenomic analysis of air-pollution-associated lung cancer reveals prevention and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Zhang Honglei , Liu Chao , Wang Shuting , Wang Qing , Feng Xu , Jiang Huawei , Zhang Yong , Su Xiaosan , Li Gaofeng
Published: March 2024

Air pollution significantly impact lung cancer progression, but there is a lack of a comprehensive molecular characterization of clinical samples associated with air pollution. Here, we performed a proteogenomic analysis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) in 169 female never-smokers from the Xuanwei area (XWLC cohort), where coal smoke is the primary contributor to the high lung cancer incidence. Genomic mutation analysis revealed XWLC as a distinct subtype of LUAD separate from cases associated with smoking or endogenous factors. Mutational signature analysis suggested that Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is the major risk factor in XWLC. The BaP-induced mutation hotspot, EGFR-G719X, was present in 20% of XWLC which endowed XWLC with elevated MAPK pathway activations and worse outcomes compared to common EGFR mutations. Multi-omics clustering of XWLC identified four clinically relevant subtypes. These subgroups exhibited distinct features in biological processes, genetic alterations, metabolism demands, immune landscape, and radiomic features. Finally, MAD1 and TPRN were identified as novel potential therapeutic targets in XWLC. Our study provides a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians to explore prevention and treatment strategies for air-pollution-associated lung cancers.
Pretrauma cognitive traits predict trauma-induced fear generalization and associated prefrontal functioning in a longitudinal model of posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Szente László , Aliczki Manó , Balla Gyula Y. , Maróthy Róbert D. , Varga Zoltán K. , Varga Bendegúz Á. , Borhegyi Zsolt , Biró László , Demeter Kornél , Miskolczi Christina , Balogh Zoltán , Szebik Huba , Szilvásy-Szabó Anett , Kurilla Anita , Tóth Máté , Mikics Éva
Published: March 2024

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic psychiatric condition that develops in susceptible individuals exposed to traumatic stress, challenging clinicians to identify risk factors and mechanisms for mitigating vulnerability. Here we investigated behavioral predictors of high fear generalization, a core PTSD symptom, and its neural correlates longitudinally in rats. In a comprehensive behavioral test battery of emotional and cognitive function, pretrauma lower operant learning performance emerged as high predictor of fear generalization following trauma. Posttrauma operant training facilitated fear extinction, suggesting an overlap in neural circuits governing operant learning and fear expression. Neuronal activity mapping revealed significant changes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in high fear generalizers, with alterations in CRH/VIP+ interneuron functioning. Silencing prefrontalCrhexpression after fear memory consolidation enhanced mPFC activation and reduced fear expression, favoring resilience. These findings highlight operant learning and mPFC alterations as vulnerability markers and mediators of excessive fear generalization, with implications for prevention and targeted therapy in PTSD.
Comparing physiological impacts of positive pressure ventilation versus self-breathing via a versatile cardiopulmonary model incorporating a novel alveoli opening mechanism
Authors: Cabeleira MT , Anand DV , Ray S , Black C , Ovenden NC , Diaz-Zuccarini V
Published: March 2024

Mathematical models can be used to generate high-fidelity simulations of the cardiopulmonary system. Such models, when applied to real patients, can provide valuable insights into underlying physiological processes that are hard for clinicians to observe directly. In this work, we propose a novel modelling strategy capable of generating scenario-specific cardiopulmonary simulations to replicate the vital physiological signals clinicians use to determine the state of a patient. This model is composed of a tree-like pulmonary system that features a novel, non-linear alveoli opening strategy, based on the dynamics of balloon inflation, that interacts with the cardiovascular system via the thorax. A baseline simulation of the model is performed to measure the response of the system during spontaneous breathing which is subsequently compared to the same system under mechanical ventilation. To test the new lung opening mechanics and systematic recruitment of alveolar units, a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) test is performed and its results are then compared to simulations of a deep spontaneous breath. The system displays a marked decrease in tidal volume as PEEP increases, replicating a sigmoidal curve relationship between volume and pressure. At high PEEP, cardiovascular function is shown to be visibly impaired, in contrast to the deep breath test where normal function is maintained.
Identification of Key Regulators in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma using Network theoretical Approach
Authors: Bhattacharjee Kankana , Ghosh Aryya
Published: March 2024

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with poor clinical outcomes, which is mainly because of delayed disease detection, resistance to chemotherapy, and lack of specific targeted therapies. The disease’s development involves complex interactions among immunological, genetic, and environmental factors, yet its molecular mechanism remains elusive. A major challenge in understanding PDAC etiology lies in unraveling the genetic profiling that governs the PDAC network. To address this, we examined the gene expression profile of PDAC and compared it with that of healthy controls, identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs). These DEGs formed the basis for constructing the PDAC protein interaction network, and their network topological properties were calculated. It was found that the PDAC network self-organizes into a scale-free fractal state with weakly hierarchical organization. Newman and Girvan’s algorithm (leading eigenvector (LEV) method) of community detection enumerated four communities leading to at least one motif defined by G (3,3). Our analysis revealed 33 key regulators were predominantly enriched in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, Cell adhesion molecules, Leukocyte transendothelial migration pathways; positive regulation of cell proliferation, positive regulation of protein kinase B signaling biological functions; G-protein beta-subunit binding, receptor binding molecular functions etc. Transcription Factor and mi-RNA of the key regulators were obtained. Recognizing the therapeutic potential and biomarker significance of PDAC Key regulators, we also identified approved drugs for specific genes. However, it is imperative to subject Key regulators to experimental validation to establish their efficacy in the context of PDAC.
Savanna-forest dynamics: Encroachment speed, model inference and spatial simulations
Authors: Zelnik Yuval R. , Yatat-Djeumen Ivric Valaire , Couteron Pierre
Published: March 2024

1

Forest encroachment over savannas has been recurrently reported in the tropics over the last decades, especially in northern tropical Africa. However, process-based, spatially-explicit modelling of the phenomenon is still trailing broad scale empirical observations. In this paper, we used remotely-sensed diachronic data from Central Cameroon to calibrate a simple reaction-diffusion model, embodying dynamical interactions between grass and woody biomasses in the savanna biome. Landsat satellite image series over the Mpem and Djim National Park witnessed a dramatic extension of forest over the last five decades and our estimates of forest front speeds based on randomly sampled transects indeed yielded higher values (5-7 meters per year) than in the existing literature. We used simulations of the model to provide the first hitherto estimates of woody biomass dispersal coefficients. Since the region under study did not provide examples of savanna progression, estimates of grass dispersal proved inconsistent and we reverted to literature-based historical data to reach rough estimates. This paper demonstrates that broad scale remote sensing data allows for calibrating simple reaction-diffusion models of vegetation dynamics in the savanna biome. Once calibrated, such models become a general baseline of expected changes and a valuable tool to understand how spatial environmental factors (e.g., soil substrate) may locally modulate the overall dynamics.
Structural basis for Retriever-SNX17 assembly and endosomal sorting
Authors: Singla Amika , Boesch Daniel J. , Joyce Fung Ho Yee , Ngoka Chigozie , Enriquez Avery S. , Song Ran , Kramer Daniel A. , Han Yan , Juneja Puneet , Billadeau Daniel D. , Bai Xiaochen , Chen Zhe , Turer Emre E. , Burstein Ezra , Chen Baoyu
Published: March 2024

During endosomal recycling, Sorting Nexin 17 (SNX17) facilitates the transport of numerous membrane cargo proteins by tethering them to the Retriever complex. Despite its importance, the mechanisms underlying this interaction have remained elusive. Here, we report the structure of the Retriever-SNX17 complex determined using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Our structure reveals that the C-terminal tail of SNX17 engages with a highly conserved interface between the VPS35L and VPS26C subunits of Retriever. Through comprehensive biochemical, cellular, and proteomic analyses, we demonstrate that disrupting this interface impairs the Retriever-SNX17 interaction, subsequently affecting the recycling of SNX17-dependent cargos and altering the composition of the plasma membrane proteome. Intriguingly, we find that the SNX17-binding pocket on Retriever can be utilized by other ligands that share a consensus acidic C-terminal tail motif. By showing how SNX17 is linked to Retriever, our findings uncover a fundamental mechanism underlying endosomal trafficking of critical cargo proteins and reveal a mechanism by which Retriever can engage with other regulatory factors.
Deciphering Immune Complexity: Single-Cell Insights into Autoimmune Myocarditis Progression
Authors: Mamdouh Farag , Abdulsahib Waleed K. , Alshaya Dalal Sulaiman , Fayad Eman , Eid Refaat A. , Alsharif Ghadi , Alshehri Mohammed A. , Otifi Hassan M. , Soltan Mohamed A. , Eldeen Muhammad Alaa
Published: March 2024

Autoimmune myocarditis is a complex inflammatory response in the heart caused by abnormal immune system activity. We used modern single-cell technologies to analyze the complex gene expression patterns in autoimmune myocarditis tissue samples during several stages of inflammation: acute, subacute, and chronic. We identified the presence of T cell-monocyte complexes in both control and myocarditis samples from different phases using detailed analysis of vast single-cell RNA sequencing data. These complexes were notably more prevalent throughout the acute and subacute stages. Our investigation of gene ontology revealed their involvement in important processes as signal transduction, immune response control, and T cell proliferation and activation. We conducted a thorough analysis of trajectories, uncovering the step-by-step changes of macrophages into clusters linked to antigen presentation, oxidative stress responses, complement activation, and phagocytosis. Furthermore, our examination of neutrophil paths revealed their development and maturation from the bone marrow to distinct functional stages. Our analysis of cellular communication networks revealed consistent and phase-specific patterns, providing valuable information on how immune responses change as the disease progresses. We noted a substantial increase in BAFF signaling from normal to acute phases, while CHEMERIN signaling was upregulated from acute to chronic phases. The discoveries greatly improve our understanding of autoimmune myocarditis on a molecular level, providing a strong basis for creating personalized precision medicine treatments for each patient.

Graphical Abstract
The repetitive genome of theIxodes ricinustick reveals transposable elements have driven genome evolution in ticks
Authors: Ronai Isobel , de Paula Baptista Rodrigo , Paulat Nicole S. , Frederick Julia C. , Azagi Tal , Bakker Julian W. , Dillon Katie C. , Sprong Hein , Ray David A. , Glenn Travis C.
Published: March 2024

Ticks are obligate blood-feeding parasites associated with a huge diversity of diseases globally. The hard tickIxodes ricinusis the key vector of Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis in Western Eurasia.Ixodesticks have large and repetitive genomes that are not yet well characterized. Here we generate two high-qualityI.ricinusgenome assemblies, with haploid genome sizes of approximately 2.15 Gbp. We find transposable elements comprise at least 69% of the twoI. ricinusgenomes, amongst the highest proportions found in animals. The transposable elements in ticks are highly diverse and novel, so we constructed a repeat library for ticks using ourI.ricinusgenomes and the genome ofI.scapularis, another major tick vector of Lyme borreliosis. To understand the impact of transposable elements on tick genomes we compared their accumulation in the twoIxodessister species. We find transposable elements in these two species to be drivers of genome evolution in ticks. TheI.ricinusgenome assemblies and our tick repeat library will be valuable resources for biological insights into this important ectoparasite. Our findings highlight that further research into the impact of transposable elements on the genomes of blood-feeding parasites is required.
Fruit-In-Sight:a deep learning-based framework for secondary metabolite class prediction using fruit and leaf images
Authors: Krishnan Neeraja M , Kumar Saroj , Panda Binay
Published: March 2024

Fruits produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites of great economic value. Analytical measurement of secondary metabolites is tedious, time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, metabolite concentration varies greatly from tree to tree, making it difficult to choose trees for fruit collection. The current study tested whether deep learning-based models can be developed using fruit and leaf images alone to predict a metabolite’s concentration class (highorlow). We collected fruits and leaves (n = 1045) from neem trees grown in the wild across 0.6 million sq km, imaged those, measured concentration of five metabolites (azadirachtin, deacetyl-salannin, salannin, nimbin and nimbolide) using high-performance liquid chromatography and used those to train deep learning models for metabolite class prediction. The best model out of the seven tested (YOLOv5,GoogLeNet,InceptionNet,EfficientNet_B0,Resnext_50,Resnet18, andSqueezeNet) provided a validationF1score of 0.93 and a testF1score of 0.88. The sensitivity and specificity of the fruit model alone in the test set were 83.52 ± 6.19 and 82.35 ± 5.96 and 79.40 ± 8.50 and 85.64 ± 6.21, for thelowand thehighclass, respectively. The sensitivity was further boosted to 92.67± 5.25 for thelowclass and 88.11 ± 9.17 for thehighclass and the specificity to 100% for both classes, using a multi-analyte framework. We incorporated the model in an Android mobile AppFruit-In-Sightthat uses fruit and leaf images to decide whether to ‘pick’ or ‘not pick’ the fruits from a specific tree based on the metabolite concentration class. Our study provides evidence that images of fruits and leaves alone can predict the concentration class of a secondary metabolite without using extensive analytical laboratory procedures and equipment and makes the process of choosing the right tree for fruit collection easy and free of equipment and additional cost.
Multivalent 28S rRNA Is the Organizer of the Nucleolus’s Multi-layered Architecture
Authors: Wei Jieli , Zhang Yize , Ye Bingcheng , Fan Xueyuan , Hu Yucen , Xiang ShengQi , Ma Weirui
Published: March 2024

The nucleolus widely exists in all eukaryotic species. Throughout evolution, two types of nucleoli have emerged: bipartite, which has two-layered subcompartments, and tripartite, which features three nested sub-compartments: granular component (GC), dense fibrillar component (DFC), and fibrillar center (FC). FC and DFC form a core-shell architecture and are immersed by a large GC. However, factors that mediated the formation of the three-layered architecture remain largely unknown. Here, we discovered that rRNAs have specific localizations within the nucleolus, with 28S rRNA forming assemblies surrounding the DFC. Multivalent interactions of 28S rRNA drove the formation of the hollow shell structure of DFC, which mediated the development of a three-layered structure resembling nucleolar GC-DFC-FC. Moreover, in organisms with a tripartite nucleolus, 28S rRNA has evolved to acquire a higher degree of multivalency. Our data implies that the emergence of multivalency of 28S rRNA facilitates the transition of bipartite to tripartite nucleolus.
Magnetic structure, excitations, and field-induced transitions in the honeycomb lattice compound
Er2Si2O7
Authors: Islam M. , d'Ambrumenil N. , Khalyavin D. D. , Manuel P. , Orlandi F. , Ollivier J. , Ciomaga Hatnean M. , Balakrishnan G. , Petrenko O. A.
Published: March 2024

We investigate the magnetic properties of the monoclinic D-type Er2Si2O7 with a distorted honeycomb lattice using powder and single-crystal neutron scattering techniques, as well as single-crystal magnetization measurements. The powder neutron diffraction shows that below the ordering temperature, TN=1.85K, the compound forms a q=0 antiferromagnetic structure with four sublattices. For H∥a, magnetization measurements reveal a narrow but clearly visible plateau at one-third of the magnetization saturation value. The plateau's stabilization is accompanied by a significant increase of the magnetic unit cell, as the magnetic peaks with fractional indices are observed in single-crystal neutron diffraction experiments. At low temperatures, the inelastic neutron scattering measurements reveal the presence of low-energy, almost dispersionless excitations. Their spectrum is sensitive to the applied field, it significantly softens on the magnetization plateau, and demonstrates the behavior expected for a noncollinear Ising antiferromagnet away from the plateau.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fluctuating parametric drive of coupled classical oscillators can simulate dissipative qubits
Authors: Bernazzani Lorenzo , Burkard Guido
Published: March 2024

We investigate a system composed of two coupled oscillators subject to stochastic fluctuations in its internal parameters. In particular, we answer the question whether the well-known classical analogy of the quantum dynamics of two-level systems (TLSs), i.e., qubits, provided by two coupled oscillators can be extended to simulate the dynamics of dissipative quantum systems. In the context of nanomechanics, the analogy in the dissipation-free case has already been tested in multiple experimental setups, e.g., doubly clamped or cantilever string resonators and optically levitated particles. A well-known result of this classical analogy is that the relaxation and decoherence times of the analog quantum system must be equal, i.e., T1=T2, in contrast to the general case of quantum TLSs. We show that this fundamentally quantum feature, i.e., T1≠T2, can be implemented as well in the aforementioned classical systems by adding stochastic fluctuations in their internal parameters. Moreover, we show that these stochastic contributions can be engineered in the control apparatus of those systems, discussing, in particular, the application of this theory to levitated nanoparticles and to nanostring resonators.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
X-ray standing wave characterization of the strong metal–support interaction in Co/TiO
x
model catalysts
Authors: Tiwari Atul , Monai Matteo , Matveevskii Ksenia , Yakunin Sergey N. , Mandemaker Laurens D. B. , Tsvetanova Martina , Goodwin Melissa J. , Ackermann Marcelo D. , Meirer Florian , Makhotkin Igor A.
Published: March 2024

The strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) is a phenomenon observed in supported metal catalyst systems in which reducible metal oxide supports can form overlayers over the surface of active metal nanoparticles (NPs) under a hydrogen (H2) environment at elevated temperatures. SMSI has been shown to affect catalyst performance in many reactions by changing the type and number of active sites on the catalyst surface. Laboratory methods for the analysis of SMSI at the nanoparticle-ensemble level are lacking and mostly based on indirect evidence, such as gas chemisorption. Here, we demonstrate the possibility to detect and characterize SMSIs in Co/TiO
x
model catalysts using the laboratory X-ray standing wave (XSW) technique for a large ensemble of NPs at the bulk scale. We designed a thermally stable MoN
x
/SiN
x
periodic multilayer to retain XSW generation after reduction with H2 gas at 600°C. The model catalyst system was synthesized here by deposition of a thin TiO
x
layer on top of the periodic multilayer, followed by Co NP deposition via spare ablation. A partial encapsulation of Co NPs by TiO
x
was identified by analyzing the change in Ti atomic distribution. This novel methodological approach can be extended to observe surface restructuring of model catalysts in situ at high temperature (up to 1000°C) and pressure (≤3 mbar), and can also be relevant for fundamental studies in the thermal stability of membranes, as well as metallurgy.
Inclusive sponsorship activation and gender equity in sports: the case of orange company
Authors: Marceau Pascale , Pons Frank
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the determining factors of perceived altruism and attitude toward an inclusive sponsorship activation, as well as the impact of these variables on the attitude toward the sponsor.

Design/methodology/approach

Online survey data were obtained from 1,228 respondents from France, the UK and South Africa. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results show that the cause-brand fit has a strong positive impact on the perceived altruism toward the motivations underlying inclusive activation, while skepticism toward advertising has a very weak negative impact. In return, perceived altruism positively influences the attitude toward inclusive activation and sponsor attitude. Furthermore, this attitude toward inclusive activation is positively influenced by involvement in women’s soccer and France men’s national football team identification. The attitude toward inclusive activation also positively influences the attitude toward sponsor attitude. However, contrary to what had been advanced, identification with the France women’s national football team and the nationality of the respondents (French, British or South African) had no impact on the attitude toward inclusive activation, while the perceived importance of the cause had very weak impact on attitudes toward inclusive activation.

Originality/value

This study highlights the potential benefits of investing in inclusive sponsorship activations, particularly with respect to their positive impact on consumer attitude toward sponsor attitude. It also highlights the importance of establishing, in advance, a strong association between the brand image and the cause supported, so that the motivations underlying the inclusive activations are perceived as more altruistic.
How institutional disruptions impact the choice of MNC subsidiary control systems
Authors: Elango B.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study seeks to explicate how institutional disruptions impact multinational corporation (MNC) subsidiary control choices. It uses institutional theory to understand the influence of formal and informal institutions across countries on the type of control system employed in an MNC manufacturing subsidiary.

Design/methodology/approach

This study’s sample is based on a unique dataset from five trustworthy sources. We use multi-level models to account for the hierarchical nature of the sample of 1,630 multinational subsidiaries spread across 26 host countries by firms from 21 home countries.

Findings

The institutional distance between the host and the home country has a negative relationship with strategic control. In contrast, the home country’s power distance has a positive relationship with strategic control.

Originality/value

Study findings indicate the need to incorporate formal and informal institutional elements in the control system’s conceptual framing and design. This notion complements existing visualizations of optimizing MNC controls through extant articulations of minimizing governance costs through organizational design choices or strategic needs.
Analysing the interplay of isomorphic pressures, perceived benefits and top management support on social responsibility performance of Belt and Road megaprojects
Authors: Alqershy Mohammed Taha , Shi Qian , Anbar Diana R.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the social responsibility performance of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) megaprojects. Specifically, it examines the role of isomorphic pressures and the joint influence of perceived benefits and top management support on megaproject social responsibility performance (MSRP).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from institutional theory, social exchange theory, and top management literature, this study established a conceptual model featuring eleven hypotheses. Subsequently, a questionnaire survey was administered to collect data from 238 actively engaged participants in BRI megaprojects. Structural Equation Modelling was utilised to analyse the data.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that mimetic and coercive pressures positively influence MSRP. Perceived benefits and top management support significantly enhance MSRP. Moreover, perceived benefits and top management support partially mediate the effects of coercive and mimetic pressures. However, when it comes to normative pressures, their impact on MSRP is solely channelled through the support of top management.

Originality/value

This study is one of the early endeavours to explore the factors influencing the social responsibility performance of BRI megaprojects. It sheds light on the interplay between external pressures and internal factors in shaping social responsibility efforts in these projects. These findings are of particular significance for BRI actors and stakeholders, offering guidance for enhancing social responsibility strategies within the context of BRI megaprojects.