bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The US Individualism–Collectivism and Labor Investment Efficiency
Authors: Chowdhury Rajib , Cumming Douglas , Gorkhali Anjee
Published: December 2024

Research Question/Issue

We examine whether the variation in the ndividualism–collectivism dimension within the US affects labor investment efficiency.

Research Findings/Insights

Using the collectivism index developed by existing literature, we find that firms headquartered in collectivist states are more likely to deviate from the optimal level of hiring. The effect is stronger in firms with high agency problems and information asymmetry. Additional analyses suggest that collectivism induces more inefficiency in firms with larger boards, less independent boards, firms with high R&D intensity, and states that adopt antitakeover laws.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Overall, we find convincing evidence that cultural differences across US states contribute to labor investment decisions.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The study extends the existing literature on the effect of cultural dimensions on labor investment decisions, particularly in the context of the United States. It also extends our understanding of how cultural variations across headquarters states can adversely affect firm hiring and firing decisions.

Jel Classification

M14, G30, G34, G40
Impact of weight change on kidney transplantation outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Siriopol Dimitrie , Mahmoud Abdel‐Rahman Sama , Yilmaz Zeynep Y. , Ozbek Lasin , Guldan Mustafa , Copur Sidar , Tuttle Katherine R.
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim

Kidney transplant recipients frequently experience a wide range of metabolic complications, including weight changes, which significantly impact patient outcomes and graft function, yet the relationship between weight gain and transplant outcomes remains poorly understood. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to synthesise existing evidence on the influence of weight gain on patient and graft outcomes following kidney transplantation to enhance clinical practice and optimise post‐transplant care strategies.

Materials and Methods

A literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed and Scopus for peer‐reviewed studies published up to 8 August 2024. We included adult kidney transplant recipients (ages 18 years and older) with substantial and clinically relevant post‐transplant weight gain and a control group without such changes, focusing on outcomes including all‐cause mortality, graft survival, cardiovascular events and acute rejection.

Results

The pooled analysis, which included data from 11 studies, indicated no significant association between post‐transplant weight gain and the risk of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69 to 2.10, p = 0.51; I2 = 28%), cardiovascular events (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.43 to 2.01, p = 0.85; I2 = 32%) or acute rejection (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.68, p = 0.55; I2 = 9%). However, weight gain was significantly associated with an increased risk of graft failure (HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.05, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

Substantial and clinically relevant weight gain after kidney transplant was associated with a higher risk of graft failure. Within the timeframes of study observation, risks of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular events or acute rejection were not increased by weight gain in kidney transplant recipients.
Speckle Tracking Echocardiography‐Based Correlation Between Left Atrial Strain and Functional Capacity in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gupta Mohit D. , Agrawal Rupesh , Kunal Shekhar , Meenahalli Palleda Girish , Kumar Brijesh , Goyal Dixit , Bansal Ankit , Batra Vishal , Malhotra Rajeev Kumar , Yusuf Jamal
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The left atrium (LA) dilates and its function decreases as a chronic secondary change in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). LA strain is a more sensitive measure of LV filling pressure than LA volume and can be used to predict the functional capacity in HCM.

Objective

To analyze LA strain in patients with HCM and its correlation with exercise tolerance.

Methods

A total of 113 patients with HCM were enrolled. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation, 24‐h Holter monitoring, exercise stress testing, two‐dimensional echocardiography with LA strain analysis using speckle tracking imaging. Assessment of functional capacity was done in terms of metabolic equivalents (METs). HCM patients with METS >6.0 were included in Group A while those with METS ≤ 6.0 were included Group B. Correlation of various parameters of LA strain (left atrial reservoir strain [LASr], left atrial conduit strain [LAScd], and left atrial contraction strain [LASct]) was done with functional capacity.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 47 ± 10.77 years with the majority of them being males (71.9%). Group B patients had significantly lower LASr (12.95% ± 8.61% vs. 22.16% ± 16%; p < 0.001), LAScd (−7.28% ± 6.29% vs. −12.74% ± 8.40%; p < 0.001), and LASct (−7.44 ± 4.46 vs. −11.19 ± 6.53; p < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis reported LASr to be an independent predictor of METs and had a quadratic relationship with log‐odds with negative linear and positive quadratic coefficients. LASr was the strongest echocardiographic predictor of reduced METS with an AUC of 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68–0.88), sensitivity of 71.8%, and specificity of 82.9%.

Conclusion

LA strain parameters are associated with functional capacity in patients with HCM with lower LA strain values being associated with poor functional capacity.
Navigating the Spectrum of Double‐İnlet Left Ventricle Presentations: Contemporary Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ocal Aydın , Demirci Oya , Dizdarogulları Gizem Elif , Erol Nurdan , Yucel Ilker Kemal
Published: December 2024

Purpose

We presented the experience of a tertiary care center for maternal and fetal diseases and assessed the findings fetuses with double‐inlet left ventricle (DILV) regarding fetal echocardiography, prenatal course including fetal growth and death, and postnatal outcome.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients diagnosed with DILV via prenatal ultrasound in the maternal–fetal medicine department between 2015 and 2023 were included to evaluate important aspects of prenatal diagnosis and course, as well as postnatal management and outcome.

Results

There were 33 DILV cases prenatally diagnosed and postnatally confirmed. Genetic abnormality was detected in two (8%) of 25 fetuses that had undergone genetic tests. Pulmonary artery obstruction was observed in 10 (30.3%) fetuses; pulmonary stenosis was found in nine, and pulmonary atresia in one. Aortic arc abnormalities were found in 11 (33.3%) fetuses. The great arteries were malpositioned in the 29 (87.8%) fetuses. The median duration of follow‐up for the infants was 12 (2–96) months, and 22 (66.6%) of 33 cases survived. Among the 27 (81.8%) live births, 24 infants required univentricular palliation.

Conclusions

Remarkable implications of this study were that unless extra‐cardiac and genetic anomalies accompany DILV, the probability of a chromosomal anomaly is low; that univentricular repair could be performed in almost all cases; and that the major causes of poor prognosis may be related to the restrictive bulboventricular foramen and severe aortic obstruction. Although long‐term survival rates after univentricular repair appear to be high, these patients require long‐term follow‐up and repeated surgical procedures.
Research on the performance and strengthening mechanism of composite‐enhanced recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Liang Xianzhe , Qin Xiufen , Zuo Zhaonan , Chen Junchen , Pan Fu , Li Dajiang , Xian Chuanqi
Published: December 2024

The application of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) greatly promotes the sustainable development of engineering construction, and improving its performance can further expand its practical application range. In order to obtain higher performance RAC, this article selects two composite pre‐treatment methods: cement silica mortar wrapping organosilicon immersion, water glass soaking, and organic silicon soaking to enhance the performance of recycled aggregate (RA). Subsequently, the composite reinforced RAC was poured, and their mechanical and durability properties were tested. The strengthening mechanism of the composite pre‐treatment method was analyzed. The results show that compared with the single‐treatment method, the composite strengthening method has an effect of increasing the apparent density of RA by 0.2%∼4%, and the effects of reducing the crushing value and water absorption are increased by 0.5%∼7.2% and 0.4%∼4.7%, respectively; both composite strengthening methods can improve the mechanical and durability properties of RAC. Analysis of the samples using SEM, TG, and XRD showed that both composite strengthening methods filled the microcracks and pores on the surface of the old mortar layer of RA and promoted the hydration of cement in the transition zone between the RAC interfaces, thereby increasing the interface strength and improving the mechanical and durability properties of RAC.
Examining the potential impact of universal basic income on labor supply: Focusing on the South Korean models
Authors: Lee Seungju
Published: December 2024

One of the most contentious facets of universal basic income (UBI) debates revolves around its impact on labor supply. Against this backdrop, this study aims to replicate how labor supply responds to changes in net income caused by the implementation of UBI. Using data from the 15th wave of the National Survey of Taxes and Benefits (N = 9342) and a discrete choice simulation model, this study estimated labor supply outcomes under two specific UBI models. The results suggest that UBI exerts minimal negative effects on labor supply among full‐time and part‐time workers and appears to encourage labor force entry among unemployed individuals. These findings offer empirical evidence on UBI's effects, suggesting it may support labor participation without substantial disincentives for employment.
Factors associated with burnout among internationally educated nurses: A scoping review
Authors: Chen Guanhua , Ogata Yasuko , Sasaki Miki
Published: December 2024

Background

The increasing nursing shortage in the healthcare industry has become a concern in many countries. Recruiting certified nurses from outside a country is one strategy to address this shortage. While the hiring of internationally educated nurses (IENs) fills the labor gap, a supportive work environment is necessary to retain IENs in the field.

Methods

We conducted this scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PRISMA‐ScR guidelines. It is reported along with the PRISMA‐ScR checklist. A literature search was conducted across six electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Ichushi, and CNKI) on September 8, 2023, from which 722 articles were identified. Titles and abstracts were initially screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by a full‐text review of the selected articles. Eight articles satisfied the search criteria.

Findings

From the characteristics of the factors related to nurses’ burnout, all the components were categorized into organizational and individual factors. Organizational factors that contribute to higher burnout include poor professional‐practice environment, high patient‐to‐nurse ratios, lower job satisfaction, and working in hospital wards and private hospitals. Individual factors include being younger IENs, being single (not married), being female, possessing higher educational degrees, short duration of employment, religion (Muslim), job title as a staff nurse, high stress, poor local‐language capability, and first‐time employment in a host country.

Discussion

Individual factors are more specific to IENs’ backgrounds, whereas organizational factors are common to both internationally educated and host‐country nurses. Both factors should be considered to reduce burnout among IENs.

Implications for nursing

Healthcare organizations and administrators can develop targeted strategies to prevent and address the burnout experienced by IENs. Also providing understanding and support for religious backgrounds and language proficiency is crucial for alleviating intercultural stress. Through these measures, it is essential to create a work environment where internationally educated nurses can feel secure and comfortable.
The mediating role of nurses' spiritual well‐being between moral resilience and compassion fatigue: A multicenter structural equation model study
Authors: Alshammari Mohammed Hamdan , Alboliteeh Mohammad
Published: December 2024

Aims

To investigate the mediating role of spiritual well‐being in the association between compassion fatigue and moral resilience among nurses.

Background

Nurses are inevitably placed in situations of compassion fatigue. Their moral resilience and spiritual well‐being may play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of compassion fatigue. Nonetheless, spiritual well‐being, which mediates the influence between compassion fatigue and moral resilience, remains scarce among nurses.

Design

Cross‐sectional and correlational design.

Methods

Nurses (n = 465) from four government‐owned tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia were recruited and completed three self‐report scales from July to December 2023. Descriptive statistics (e.g., mean, standard deviation, frequency, and proportions) and inferential statistics (Spearman rho and structural equation modeling) were used for data analysis.

Results

The emerging model afforded acceptable model fit parameters. Moral resilience had a negative effect on compassion fatigue (β = –0.05, p = 0.003) and a positive influence on spiritual well‐being (β = 0.51, p = 0.003). Spiritual well‐being negatively influenced compassion fatigue (β = –0.90, p = 0.003). Moral resilience had a moderate, negative, indirect effect on compassion fatigue through the mediation of spiritual well‐being (β = –0.47, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Our study offered a model that validated the mediating role of spiritual well‐being in the association between moral resilience and compassion fatigue. Moral resilience directly and indirectly influences spiritual well‐being and compassion fatigue, respectively.

Implications for nursing practice and policy

Healthcare institutions that employ nurses must continually assess compassion fatigue levels and provide necessary interventions. Nurses, nurse managers, and healthcare institutions may leverage moral resilience to improve nurses’ spiritual well‐being while averting the negative effects of compassion fatigue. Healthcare institutions may incorporate spiritual care into their mainstream support interventions to enhance their compassion, reduce fatigue, and enhance their mental well‐being.
External Factors Influencing the Motivation and Performance of Staff in Their Nutritional Work With Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Røstad‐Tollefsen Helen K. , Venås Benedicte Hagen , Kolset Svein O. , Retterstøl Kjetil , Havdal Hanne Hennig , Nordstrøm Marianne
Published: December 2024

Background

Staff working in municipal care homes with adults with intellectual disabilities impact their diet significantly.

Aim

To explore how external factors influence staff's motivation and performance of nutritional work with these residents.

Method

Semi‐structured qualitative interviews with 11 staff using systematic text condensation for analysis.

Results

Five main themes were revealed: Need for the implementation of the official nutritional guidelines, lack of nutritional skills and knowledge, prioritisation of nutritional work tasks, staff's ethical dilemmas with the different legislations and management anchoring and collaboration.

Conclusions

Implementing systematic nutritional routines and clarifying nutritional work in practice were emphasised to promote continuity and better cooperation among the staff. This, and the need for increased nutritional competence in the municipality organisation, adequate framework conditions for nutritional work and practical and pedagogical measures for nutritional tasks, were crucial factors for staff's motivation, performance, consistency and equality in nutritional practice.
Hydrothermal Treatment Effectively Inhibits the Conversion of Rutin to Quercetin in Flos Sophorae Immaturus Compared With Dry Heating: Based on Degrading Kinetic Analysis
Authors: Gong Yuhong , Zhao Yuanyuan , Wang Dan , Fan Liuping , Zhao Xiaoyan
Published: December 2024

Flos sophorae immaturus (FSI) is rich in polyphenols and has been consumed as a health food. This study aimed to explore the impacts of dry heating (DH) and hydrothermal treatment (HT) on the phenolic content of FSI and their degrading kinetics, thereby elucidating the phenolic conversion patterns during processing at different temperatures. Results showed that DH led to a substantial decrease in total flavonoids and total phenols in FSI from 5 to 60 min at a maximum of 210°C. Conversely, FSI subjected to HT exhibited an opposing trend at a maximum of 90°C. Moreover, the highest rutin content (170.2 mg/g) was observed in HT‐FSI at 90°C for 120 min, whereas quercetin exhibited the lowest content (5.4 mg/g), indicating a potential termination of conversion. Correspondingly, the rutin‐degrading enzyme (RDE) activity of HT‐FSI (0.814 U) decreased beginning at 50°C for 120 min and reached the lowest level (0.015 U) when treated at 90°C for 60 min. In contrast, the RDE of DH‐FSI (0.463 U) was inactivated under the same processing conditions, yet its lowest level (0.041 U) remained significantly higher than that of HT‐FSI. Furthermore, the first‐order kinetics revealed that the activation energy of rutin extracted from the HT‐FSI (63.15 kJ/mol) was higher than that of the DH‐FSI (26.97 kJ/mol), suggesting that rutin conversion was much more difficult during HT. Overall, treating FSI with HT at 90°C for 60 min might be an effective method for rutin retention by inactivating RDE activity.
Editor spotlight: Interview with Kenji F. Tanaka, Senior Editor for the “Neurotools, Methods, and Neurochemistry Resources” category
Authors:   JNC Editorial Office, Gospodinov Daniel , Tanaka Kenji F.
Published: December 2024

Kenji F. Tanaka is a Professor in Brain Sciences at the Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine in Japan. He has been conducting research on glial cells for more than 20 years and is an expert in cell‐type‐specific and time‐controllable gene expression techniques. Kenji F. Tanaka has been a member of the JNC Editorial Board since 2019 and recently transitioned to the role of Senior Editor for the new JNC manuscript category: “Neurotools, Methods, and Neurochemistry Resources”. We interviewed him to learn about his goals as Senior Editor for this category, as well as key moments in his career and advice for young scientists.

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How Users' Personality Traits Predict Sentiment Tendencies of User‐Generated Content in Social Media: A Mixed Method of Configuration Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Yang Yongqing , Xu Jianyue , Zhao Ling , Land Lesley Pek Wee , Li Wenli
Published: December 2024

Objective

Social media content created by users with different personality traits presents various sentiment tendencies, easily leading to irrational public opinion. This study aims to explore the relationships between users' personality traits and sentiment tendencies of user‐generated content (UGC).

Method

We crawled 18,686 tweets of 1, 215 users from Twitter to figure out the relationships between personality traits and sentiment tendencies. This study utilizes Essays and Sentiment datasets to train machine learning models for the identification of personality traits and sentiment tendencies and then explores the configuration effect of personality traits on sentiment tendency via crisp‐set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (csQCA).

Result

The findings suggest that (1) one‐dimensional personality trait is not a necessary condition for the sentiment tendencies of UGC. (2) There are multiple equivalent configurations that lead to the sentiment tendencies of UGC.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the sentiment tendencies pattern of UGC can be discovered via the configurations of various dimensions of personality traits.
The Influence of Early Maladaptive Schemas on Recovery and Psychological Capital in Borderline Personality Disorder Clients: Findings From Rural Dwelling Sample
Authors: Hussein Ramadan Atta Mohamed , Abdelrazek Elfar Mira Naguib , Rahman Alzahraa Abdel Aziz Omar Abdel , Eweida Rasha Salah
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) are among the key vulnerability factors explaining the development and persistence of symptoms in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Furthermore, it was suggested that EMSs might impact recovery‐related outcomes, including psychological and recovery capital, among individuals with BPD.

Aims

To investigate the relationship among EMSs, psychological and recovery capital in individuals with BPD disorder.

Method

A descriptive correlational research design was conducted in Minya Outpatients' Psychiatric Hospital Clinic, using the Young Schema Questionnaire–Short Form (YSQ‐S2), Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) and Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS) to collect data from 200 individuals with BPD.

Result

The findings suggest that EMSs significantly correlated with the total psychological and recovery capital scores (0.119, 0.024 and −0.025, 0.05). Moreover, linear regression analyses exhibit that EMSs, regarding social isolation failure and vulnerability to harm, are significant negative predictors of recovery capital (t = −2.760, p = 0.006 and t = −3.919, p < 0.001, respectively).

Implication

The complex interplay between EMSs and recovery‐related outcomes provides valuable insights for planning and implementing structured psychotherapeutic interventions based on specific schema patterns. Our existing findings can also serve as a valuable reference for mental health nursing in clinical practice by enhancing their understanding of the underlying causes of maladaptive behaviours commonly seen in BPD, allowing them to tailor patient‐centred care interventions and thereby reduce the risk of relapse.
Genomic Islands of Divergence Between Drosophila yakuba Subspecies are Predominantly Driven by Chromosomal Inversions and the Recombination Landscape
Authors: Ferreira Erina A. , Moore Cathy C. , Ogereau David , Suwalski Arnaud , Prigent Stéphane R. , Rogers Rebekah L. , Yassin Amir
Published: December 2024

During the early stages of local adaptation and speciation, genetic differences tend to accumulate at certain regions of the genome leading to the formation of genomic islands of divergence (GIDs). This pattern may be due to selection and/or difference in the rate of recombination. Here, we investigate the possible causes of GIDs in Drosophila yakuba mayottensis, and reconfirm using field collection its association with toxic noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruits on the Mayotte island. Population genomics revealed lack of genetic structure on the island and identified 23 GIDs distinguishing D. y. mayottensis from generalist mainland populations of D. y. yakuba. The GIDs were enriched with gene families involved in the metabolism of lipids, sugars, peptides and xenobiotics, suggesting a role in host shift. We assembled a new genome for D. y. mayottensis and identified five novel chromosomal inversions. Twenty one GIDs (~99% of outlier windows) fell in low recombining regions or subspecies‐specific inversions. However, only two GIDs were in collinear, normally recombining regions suggesting a signal of hard selective sweeps. Unlike D. y. mayottensis, D. sechellia, the only other noni‐specialist, is known to be homosequential with its generalist relatives. Thus, whereas structural variation may disproportionally shape GIDs in some species, striking parallel adaptations can occur between species despite distinct genomic architectures.
Is the far right a global phenomenon? Comparing Europe and Latin America: A scholarly exchange
Authors: de Jonge Léonie , Georgiadou Vasiliki , Halikiopoulou Daphne , Kaltwasser Cristóbal Rovira , Tanscheit Talita
Published: December 2024

The purpose of the Exchange feature is to publish discussions that engage, advance and initiate new debates in the study of nations and nationalism. This Exchange article is on the subject of the global far right. In the first part, Léonie de Jonge and Talita Tanscheit briefly introduce the topic, emphasising the need for such a dialogue. In the remainder of the exchange, Vasiliki Georgiadou, Daphne Halikiopoulou and Cristóbal Rovira Kaltwasser address the following four questions: (1) Is the far right a global phenomenon? (2) What is causing it? (3) What are the implications of the rise of the far right for democracy? (4) What can we learn from comparing Europe and Latin America? By attempting to deprovincialise scholarship on the far right, our goal is to foster cross‐regional dialogue and highlight the importance of comparative research between these two regions.
Human Population and the Biosphere
Authors: Dasgupta Aisha , Dasgupta Partha
Published: December 2024

The neglect of population in national and international discourses on environment and development has led to a misleading picture of policy options. This article reconstructs the language in which extreme poverty and economic development are discussed by deploying recent advances in our understanding of the population–consumption–biosphere nexus. The new perspective is applied to examine both the global environmental impact and the effects on local ecosystems of individual choices over consumption and reproduction. The analytical apparatus developed here is then used on wide‐ranging evidence to explain and measure humanity's ecological overreach. The authors study the pressures people impose on their local ecosystems to show why persistently high population growth in the world's poorest regions is undermining their ecosystems, in some cases trapping communities in poverty.
Norwegian Public Health Nurses’ Perspectives on Their Role in High Schools—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nygård Idunn J. , Hallström Inger Kristensson , Sollesnes Ragnhild
Published: December 2024

Aim

Public health nurses working in high schools have few set tasks, and there is limited research available on their flexible role. Therefore, the aim of the study was to describe public health nurses’ perspectives on their role when working in Norwegian high schools.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design, with an inductive approach.

Sample

Eight public health nurses with at least 1‐year of experience working in high schools in Norway.

Methods

Individual, semi‐structured interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Public health nurses viewed clinical practice as being the main purpose of their role, and the role was founded on both physical and digital availability. Close collaboration within the school and with external collaboration partners was crucial when public health nurses executed their role. The flexible nature of the role presented navigational challenges for public health nurses, who needed to balance competing demands in a busy work environment. Nevertheless, public health nurses demonstrated a strong commitment to their role and experienced that they made a difference to the students they served and the schools in which they worked.

Conclusions

The study underlined the importance of recognizing the totality of the public health nursing role and the ethical challenges derived from navigating different perspectives of the role.
Social Media Savvy, It's More Than Just the #Hashtags: How the Use of Social Media in Transplant Infectious Diseases Can Impact the Field and Patients
Authors: Harris Courtney E. , Gupta Simran , Sax Paul E. , Vilchez Gabriel , Schwartz Ilan S. , Jandhyala Deeksha , Patel Pratik A. , Kumar Rebecca N. , Gorsline Chelsea A.
Published: December 2024

Social media provides platforms for transplant infectious diseases (TIDs) clinicians to network, exchange ideas, and educate each other and the broader public. A #TxIDChat on the social media platform X was conducted on the perceptions of social media in TID by the account @TxID_Fellows. This article examines the current usage of social media by TID clinicians, and its role in education, patient outreach, and networking. Guidance is also provided for trainees to help navigate a public space at the intersection of professional and social platforms.

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Evaluation of the clinical effect of a nationwide implementation of targeted routine antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis in Denmark
Authors: Thorup Emilie , Clausen Frederik Banch , Brodersen Thorsten , Dellgren Christoffer D. , Ekelund Charlotte , Haunstrup Thure Mors , Hansen Lone Munch , Hasslund Sys , Jørgensen Ditte , Jensen Lisa Neerup , Nørgaard Lone Nikoline , Sandager Puk , Steffensen Rudi , Sundberg Karin , Tabor Ann , Vedel Cathrine , Petersen Olav Bjørn , Dziegiel Morten Hanefeld
Published: December 2024

Background

In 2010, Denmark was the first country to implement a targeted routine antenatal anti‐D prophylaxis (tRAADP) program, offering fetal RHD genotyping to all nonimmunized D negative pregnant women. The program represented a shift from only postnatal prophylaxis to a combined antenatal and postnatal prophylaxis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of tRAADP in Denmark.

Study Design and Methods

This nationwide registry‐based cohort study included all D negative women who gave birth between 2004–2020, identified through the National Medical Birth Register and the Departments of Clinical Immunology in Denmark. The clinical effect of tRAADP was assessed by comparing the incidence of new D immunization between 2004–2009 (non‐tRAADP‐cohort) and 2011–2018 (tRAADP‐cohort).

Results

A total of 282 women were D immunized during pregnancy between 2004–2009 (non‐tRAADP‐cohort), and 167 between 2011–2018 (tRAADP‐cohort). The incidence of new D immunization decreased from 0.46% (95% CI 0.41–0.52) in the non‐tRAADP‐cohort to 0.22% (95% CI 0.19–0.25) in the tRAADP‐cohort. The risk reduction was statistically significant p < 0.001. Notably, in the tRAADP cohort 0.1% (95% CI 0.08–0.12) of new D immunizations occurred before the time of antenatal prophylaxis.

Discussion

tRAADP significantly reduced the incidence of new D immunization by more than half, thus demonstrating the expected effect. However, even with full adherence to the current program, some women with early fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) were still at risk. Future studies may evaluate the impact of administering an additional tRAADP dose earlier in the second trimester to prevent this.
Distinct impact modes of polygenic disposition to dyslexia in the adult brain
Authors: Soheili-Nezhad Sourena , Schijven Dick , Mars Rogier B. , Fisher Simon E. , Francks Clyde
Published: December 2024

Dyslexia is a common and partially heritable condition that affects reading ability. In a study of up to 35,231 adults, we explored the structural brain correlates of genetic disposition to dyslexia. Individual dyslexia-disposing genetic variants showed distinct patterns of association with brain structure. Independent component analysis revealed various brain networks that each had their own genomic profiles related to dyslexia susceptibility. Circuits involved in motor coordination, vision, and language were implicated. Polygenic scores for eight traits genetically correlated with dyslexia, including cognitive, behavioral, and reading-related psychometric measures, showed partial similarities to dyslexia in terms of brain-wide associations. Notably, microstructure of the internal capsule was consistently implicated across all of these genetic dispositions, while lower volume of the motor cortex was more specifically associated with dyslexia genetic disposition alone. These findings reveal genetic and neurobiological features that may contribute to dyslexia and its associations with other traits at the population level.
Investigation on
L
-rhamnose metabolism of
Loigolactobacillus coryniformis
subsp.
coryniformis
DSM 20001 and its propionate-containing fermentates
Authors: Elvan Gezer Mensure , Gravlund Fønss Kathrine , Bambace Maria Florencia , Marietou Angeliki , Sandberg Overby Sanne , Sundekilde Ulrik , Schwab Clarissa
Published: December 2024

Propionate is an important short-chain carboxylic acid (SCCA) that serves as an effective antimicrobial agent for food preservation. Previous research has highlighted that few
Lactobacillaceae
can synthesize propionate by metabolizing deoxyhexoses via the fermentation intermediate 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PD). In this study, we investigated propionate production by
Loigolactobacillus coryniformis
subsp.
coryniformis
DSM 20001 while utilizing L-rhamnose as the primary carbon source. We cultivated
L. coryniformis
in small-scale anaerobic bioreactors at 30°C and pH 6.5 for 72 h and monitored the expression of key genes associated with deoxyhexose metabolism using quantitative PCR. In addition, we assessed the contribution of individual SCCA to the antimicrobial activity of the fermentate against common foodborne pathogens, including
Escherichia coli
,
Salmonella enterica
,
Klebsiella oxytoca
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Candida albicans
,
Aspergillus niger
,
Penicillium roqueforti
, and
Penicillium purpurogenum
using broth dilution assays. During cultivation, we observed the production of up to 16 mM propionate, alongside other metabolites such as lactate (26 mM), formate (2 mM), and acetate (4 mM), derived from 32 mM L-rhamnose. Genes related to L-rhamnose utilization were upregulated within the initial 48 h, while genes involved in 1,2-PD utilization remained highly transcribed throughout fermentation. Comparing the antimicrobial efficacy of the fermentates to synthetic SCCA mixtures, bacterial indicator strains were more sensitive than molds and yeast. Propionate was the primary SCCA responsible for inhibitory activity; inhibition was reduced if indicator strains were able to use lactate.

IMPORTANCE

Worldwide, approximately 30% of food produced is lost. Despite the application of complementary treatment methods, microbial food spoilage can occur along the entire value chain. The rising concern about food waste has led to increasing interest in natural preservation approaches.
Lactobacillaceae
fermentative systems produce a variety of short-chain carboxylic acid (SCCA) with antimicrobial potential, and we present here fundamental insight into the only recently discovered deoxyhexose metabolism of
Loigolactobacillus coryniformis
producing the antimicrobial SCCA propionate. We developed a bioprocess to produce propionate from L-rhamnose under controlled conditions as a first step toward the exploitation of L-rhamnose metabolism in the production of antimicrobial fermentates for use in the food industry, potentially replacing chemical alternatives. Our investigations highlight the major contribution of propionate in antimicrobial activity but also indicate the issue of co-occurring fermentable metabolites, which can affect the efficiency of fermentates.
Evaluation of a new protocol for rapid identification of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
in blood cultures using the modified bile solubility test: Gram staining is still standing
Authors: Aupaix Antoine , Verroken Alexia , Rodriguez-Villalobos Hector
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to evaluate a new protocol of the bile solubility test performed directly on the blood from positive blood culture bottles to identify
Streptococcus pneumoniae
rapidly. Seventy-five positive blood cultures (PBC) showing Gram-positive cocci in pairs or chains on Gram stain, including 32
S. pneumoniae
isolates and three reference American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) isolates were included to evaluate the performance of a modified bile solubility test (MBST). One milliliter of blood from the PBC bottle was mixed with 0.5 mL of 10% desoxycholate or a saline solution. Both suspensions were analyzed after 10 min of incubation through a Gram stain to detect solubilization. This technique was compared with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry identification, performed on PBC following extraction or on colonies after short or standard incubation, and the optochin susceptibility test on colonies. The capsular serotypes were determined for all
S. pneumoniae
, and the Belgian National Reference Center confirmed the identification. All 32 clinical isolates and the ATCC isolate of
S. pneumoniae
were solubilized on the desoxycholate-treated slides, while the other species tested remained visually unchanged on both, the test and control slides. The MBST test demonstrated a 100% sensitivity and specificity with a mean turnaround time (TAT) of just 39 min, making it 14 h and 56 min faster than the optochin susceptibility test. This rapid variant of the bile solubility test appears to be a reliable method to identify
S. pneumoniae
directly from positive blood culture bottles, with a TAT of 39 min. It is a cost-effective, easy-to-perform, and time-efficient technique. Negative results should be interpreted cautiously, as they may result from mixed infections with
S. pneumoniae
and other Gram-positive cocci.
Tannic acid reactivates HIV-1 latency by mediating CBX4 degradation
Authors: Chen Cancan , Zhong Zhihan , Zhang Wanying , Xia Baijin , Wu Liyang , Liang Liting , Zhang Yiwen , Zhang Hui , Zhang Xu , Pan Ting , Li Linghua , Liu Bingfeng
Published: December 2024

HIV-1 can integrate viral DNA into host cell chromosomes and establish a long-term stable latent viral reservoir, a major obstacle in curing HIV-1 infection. The reactivation of latent proviruses with latency-reversing agents (LRAs) is a prerequisite for the eradication of viral reservoirs. Previous reports have shown that tannic acid (TA) exerts several biological functions, including antioxidant and antitumor activities. Here, we identified a novel function of TA as a reactivator of HIV-1 latency. TA showed similar features to the HIV-1 transactivator of transcription (Tat) and was able to reactivate a larger number of proviruses from various integration sites. TA also showed a strong synergistic effect with other LRAs acting on different signaling pathways. Further studies revealed that the polycomb repressive complex 1 component, chromobox protein homolog 4 (CBX4), is specifically degraded by TA through ubiquitination. CBX4 is associated with the tri-methylation at lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) which was enriched on HIV-1 long terminal repeat regions. The TA-induced CBX4 degradation decreased the H3K27me3 enrichment and subsequently enhanced the transcriptional activity of the integrated proviruses. These results suggest that TA is an efficient LRA aiming to a new target for HIV-1 latency, which could be developed to eradicate latent proviruses.

IMPORTANCE

HIV-1 remains a global health challenge, with its ability to integrate into the host genome and evade the effects of drugs. To overcome this obstacle, the “shock and kill” strategy was proposed, targeting the reactivation of latent HIV-1 for subsequent eradication through antiretroviral medication and immune system reinforcement. Here, we found a new reactivator for HIV-1 latency, tannic acid (TA), which can reactivate HIV-1 latency widely and deeply. Moreover, we demonstrated that TA could promote the interaction between the polycomb repressive complex 1 component CBX4 and the E3 ubiquitin ligase cullin 4A (CUL4A), resulting in CBX4 degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. These events reduce H3K27me3 enrichment in the HIV-1 long terminal repeat region, thereby promoting HIV-1 transcription and ultimately reactivating HIV-1 latent infection. Our work may facilitate the identification of new latency-reversing agents and provide more theoretical evidence for the molecular mechanism of HIV-1 latency.
Valine potentiates cefoperazone-sulbactam to kill methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Li Shao-hua , Tao Yuan , Yang Zhi-cheng , Fu Huan-zhe , Lin Hui-yin , Peng Xuan-xian , Li Hui
Published: December 2024

Metabolic state-reprogramming approach was extended from Gram-negative bacteria to Gram-positive bacterium methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) for identifying desired reprogramming metabolites to synergize existing antibiotic killing to MRSA. Metabolomics comparison between MRSA and methicillin-sensitive
Staphylococcus aureus
showed a depressed metabolic state in MRSA. Valine was identified as the most depressed metabolite/biomarker, and valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis as the most enriched metabolic pathway. Thus, valine was used as a reprogramming metabolite to potentiate existing antibiotic killing to MRSA. Among the tested antibiotics, valine synergized cefoperazone-sulbactam (SCF) to produce the greatest killing effect. The combined effect of SCF and valine was demonstrated in clinical MRSA isolates and in mouse systemic and thigh infection models. Underlying mechanisms were attributed to valine-induced the activation of the pyruvate cycle/the TCA cycle and fatty acid biosynthesis. The activated pyruvate cycle/the TCA cycle elevated proton motive force by NADH and the activated fatty acid biosynthesis promoted membrane permeability by lauric acid. Both together increased cefoperazone uptake, which outpaces efflux action and thereby intracellular drug is elevated to effectively kill MRSA. These results provide the combination of valine and SCF to produce a new drug candidate effective against MRSA.

IMPORTANCE

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is possibly the most infamous example of antibiotic resistance and new antibiotics are urgently needed to control it. The present study used metabolic state-reprogramming approach to identify an ideal biomarker as an antibiotic adjuvant for reversing the metabolic state of MRSA. The most repressed valine was identified as the adjuvant. Exogenous valine most effectively potentiated cefoperazone-sulbactam (SCF) to kill MRSA
in vitro
and
in vivo
. Viability of 18 clinical MRSA isolates was reduced by the top 276.64-fold in the presence of valine and SCF. In mouse models, lower bacterial load in liver, spleen, kidney, thigh, and higher survival were determined in the SCF + valine than valine or SCF alone. Valine promoted MRSA to increase SCF uptake that overcomes the efflux and enzymatic hydrolysis. It also extended the PAE of SCF. These occur because valine activates the pyruvate cycle to elevate proton motive force by NADH and increases membrane permeability by lauric acid. Therefore, the combination of valine and SCF is a new drug candidate effective against MRSA.
Supplemental Material: A systematic approach to mapping tectonic faults and documenting supporting geomorphology
Authors: Adam Rachel N. , al. et
Published: December 2024

Text file: Includes step-by step guide to implementing systematized fault mapping approach, geomorphic indicator ranking table, instruction for code to semi-automate fault confidence rankings for mapped fault traces, full analysis of the geomorphic indicator-to-rupture distance analysis by location, codebook used for listening sessions, glossary of terms used in the manuscipt, and the readme for the ZIP. ZIP: Contains pre-rupture fault map linework for eight earthquakes saved as .shp files, fault confidence ranking and geomorphic indicator ranking line work and symbology saved as shapefiles and style files, and the Matlab code to semi-automate the fault confidence ranking for mapped faults.
An Escherichia coli Strain for Plasmid DNA Production with a Low Endotoxin Level
Authors: Kharlampieva D. D. , Bobrovsky P. A. , Grafskaia E. N. , Lazarev V. N. , Manuvera V. A.
Published: December 2024

Plasmid DNA (pDNA) is one of the possible types of vectors used in gene therapy. Escherichia coli is the most common bacterium for the production of pDNA. Lipopolysaccharides are the main component of the outer membrane of E. coli. Lipopolysaccharides are strong endotoxins, and their presence in pharmacological substances is highly undesirable. One of the approaches to eliminating endotoxin contamination of target substances is knocking out the genes of the lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis pathway. Using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology, we obtained a mutant form of the E. coli strain SCS110. We knocked out the genes kdsD, gutQ, lpxM, lpxL, lpxP, pagP, and eptA. As a result, lipopolysaccharide contamination of pDNA samples isolated by different methods from the mutant E. coli SCS 110 was significantly lower (19 to 295 times) than in pDNA samples from the original strain.
Should We Expect Further Acceleration of the Earth’s Rotation in the Coming Years?
Authors: Malkin Z. M.
Published: December 2024

Recently, it has been suggested in the literature that the difference between universal and coordinated time UT1–UTC could reach a large positive value in the coming years [1]. This would make it necessary to introduce a negative leap second into UTC for the first time in history, which in turn will cause serious problems in time keeping and synchronization systems around the world. Based on the latest Earth’s rotation and universal time data published by the international Earth rotation and reference systems service (IERS) and their prediction, in this paper, we have shown that the acceleration trend observed over the past four years is likely to return to slowing down soon. Therefore, fears about the possible need to introduce a negative leap second into the UTC time scale in the next few years in the light of recent observational data have seen unfounded.
Postnatal betamethasone treatment in extremely preterm infants and risk of neurodevelopmental impairment: a cohort study
Authors: Löfberg Linn , Serenius Fredrik , Hellstrom-Westas Lena , Olhager Elisabeth , Ley David , Farooqi Aijaz , Stephansson Olof , Abrahamsson Thomas
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate if postnatal treatment with betamethasone in extremely preterm infants was associated with neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 6.5 years of age.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Extremely Preterm Infants in Sweden Study (gestational age <27 weeks, born 2004–2007).

Patients

428 children born extremely preterm were assessed at 6.5 years of age, 115 treated with betamethasone and 313 not treated.

Main outcome measures

NDI at 6.5 years of age. Evaluation at 6.5 years included cognitive testing with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition (WISC-IV), neurological examination and a medical record review.

Exposure

Treatment with postnatal betamethasone.

Main outcome

Moderate to severe NDI at 6.5 years of age, defined as a composite including cerebral palsy, and/or impairment in cognition, hearing and vision.

Results

Moderate to severe NDI was more prevalent in children treated with postnatal betamethasone (49% treated vs 26% not treated, p<0.001). Betamethasone-treated children had worse cognitive development with mean WISC-IV score of 75 (SD 13.7) vs 87 (SD 14.0, p<0.001). The effect was dose dependent: 1.35 mg/kg vs 1.0 mg/kg (p=0.01) in betamethasone-treated children with moderate to severe versus no or mild NDI, respectively. The differences remained after adjustment for potential confounders with logistic regression (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.80, 95% CI 1.14 to 3.21). The difference in NDI also remained after propensity score matching, with crude OR 2.82 (95% CI 1.42 to 5.61, p=0.003) and aOR 2.17 (95% CI 1.07 to 4.69, p=0.04).

Conclusion

Postnatal treatment with betamethasone is associated with increased risk of NDI at 6.5 years.