bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Camouflaging Endovascular Stents with an Endothelial Coat Using CD31 Domain 1-mimetic Peptides
Authors: Sénémaud J. , Skarbek C. , Song R. , Pan Z. , Lefevre I , Bianchi E. , Castier Y. , Nicoletti A. , Bureau C. , Caligiuri G.
Published: May 2023

Background

Endovascular stents and flow diverters have become widely used for the treatment of vascular diseases; however, their effectiveness is often limited by the deposition and activation of blood platelets and leukocytes. The foreignness of these devices often triggers pathologic local reactions that impede their integration and compromise their efficacy. In this study, we developed a method to camouflage endovascular stents and flow diverters by coating them with a surface that mimics healthy endothelium, in order to promote more effective device integration and prevent the activation of blood cells.

Methods

We designed peptides using domain 1 and/or domain 2 of human CD31 and synthesized the chosen peptide to coat clinical-grade nitinol flow diverters and cobalt chromium balloon expandable stents. The coated stents were implanted in adult rabbits and included control groups of uncoated devices and drug-eluting CoCr stents. The rabbits were monitored for 60 days, during which we assessed the integration of the devices under a physiologic confluence of endothelial cells.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the stents coated with the CD31-Domain 1 mimicking peptide promoted a smooth integration of the devices under a physiologic confluence of endothelial cells. By day 7, the coated stents were entirely covered by a smooth endothelium, unlike bare-metal and drug-eluting stents which remained largely exposed to the flowing blood. By day 60, the coated stents demonstrated superiority over both bare-metal and drug-eluting stents, as they resulted in the formation of a “neo-arterial” wall at the entrance of the aneurysmal sac.

Conclusion

Our method provides a promising step towards the development of more effective and biocompatible endovascular devices. The CD31 domain 1 coating prevented the pathologic local reaction at the site of stent implantation and promoted faster and more effective device integration. Further studies are necessary to investigate the efficacy and safety of CD31 domain 1 coatings on a larger scale, as well as their long-term durability and potential clinical applications.
DIVERSITY OF GENOME SIZE AND CHROMOSOME NUMBER IN HOMOTHALLIC AND HETEROTHALLIC STRAINS OF THECLOSTERIUM PERACEROSUM–STRIGOSUM–LITTORALECOMPLEX (DESMIDIALES, ZYGNEMATOPHYCEAE, STREPTOPHYTA)
Authors: Tsuchikane Yuki , Watanabe Misaki , Kawaguchi Yawako W , Uehara Koichi , Nishiyama Tomoaki , Sekimoto Hiroyuki , Tsuchimatsu Takashi
Published: May 2023

Members of theClosterium peracerosum–strigosum–littorale(C. psl.) complex are unicellular zygnematophycean algae, which are suggested to be closely related to land plants. A zygospore is typically formed as a result of conjugation between mating-type plus (mt+) and mating-type minus (mt−) cells during sexual reproduction in heterothallic strains. On the other hand, zygospores are formed between genetically identical cells in homothallic strains. In this study, we isolated novel homothallic strains in theC. psl.complex. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the polyphyly of homothallic strains, suggesting multiple transitions between homothallism and heterothallism in theC. psl.complex. We measured the 1C genome size of theC. psl.complex by using flow cytometry after staining nuclei with propidium iodide, which ranged from 0.53 to 1.42 Gbp. We counted chromosome numbers using confocal microscope images, finding that two homothallic strains had fewer chromosomes than four heterothallic strains. Genome size positively correlated with both the cell size and chromosome number. Chromosome numbers differed even within the same mating group, suggesting a mechanism tolerating chromosomal rearrangements during meiosis in theC. psl.complex.
A genetic toolbox for the turquoise killifish identifies sporadic age-related cancer
Authors: Rozenberg Itai , Franek Roman , Moses Eitan , Atlan Tehila , Diehl Mathias , Oron-Gottesman Adi , Bergman Marva , Astre Gwendoline , Rosental Benyamin , Goshtchevsky Uri , von Chrzanowski Henrik , Harel Itamar
Published: May 2023

Aging is accompanied by a progressive loss of tissue homeostasis, including declining stem-cell function and increased cancer susceptibility. The naturally short-lived African turquoise killifish has emerged as a powerful system for investigating vertebrate aging. However, a critical mass of advanced genetic tools for mechanistic studies has been largely missing. Here, we develop theKillibow, a multispectral transgenic line for life-long lineage tracing, an immunocompromisedrag2mutant for transplantation studies, and genetic mutants for investigating genomic instability and cancer (i.e.atmandtp53). We performed a series of experiments using this platform, including lineage tracing following germline stem-cell transplantation, and identifying naturally occurring age-related melanoma using engraftment intorag2mutants. Exploring tumor dynamics reveals an intriguing age-related interplay between genomic instability and adaptive immunity, accompanied by an evolutionarily conserved decline in immune functions. Together, this toolkit streamlines the investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the loss of tissue homeostasis during aging and disease.
Only three principal components account for inter-embryo variability of the spindle length over time
Authors: Cunff Yann Le , Chesneau Laurent , Pastezeur Sylvain , Pinson Xavier , Soler Nina , Fairbrass Danielle , Mercat Benjamin , Garcia Ruddi Rodriguez , Alayan Zahraa , Abdouni Ahmed , de Neidhardt Gary , Costes Valentin , Anjubault Mélodie , Bouvrais Hélène , Héligon Christophe , Pécréaux Jacques
Published: May 2023

How does inter-individual variability emerge? When measuring a large number of features per experiment/individual, this question becomes non-trivial. One challenge lies in choosing features to recapitulate high-dimension data. In this paper, we focus on spindle elongation phenotype to highlight how a data-driven approach can help. We showed that only three typical elongation patterns could describe spindle elongation in C.elegansone-cell embryo. We called them archetypes. These archetypes were automatically extracted from the experimental data using principal component analysis (PCA) rather than defined a priori. They accounted for more than 85% of inter-individual variability in a dataset of more than 1600 experiments across more than 100 different experimental conditions (RNAi, mutants, changes in temperature, etc.). The two first archetypes were consistent with standard measures in the field, namely the average spindle length and the spindle elongation rate both in late metaphase and anaphase. However, our archetypes were not strictly corresponding to these manually-set features. The third archetype, accounting for 6% of the variance, was novel and corresponded to a transient spindle shortening in late metaphase. We propose that it is part of spindle elongation dynamics in all conditions. It is reminiscent of the elongation pattern observed upon defects in kinetochore function. Notably, the same archetypes emerged when analysing non-treated embryos only at various temperatures. Interestingly, because these archetypes were not specific to metaphase or anaphase, it implied that spindle elongation around anaphase-onset is sufficient to predict its late anaphase length. We validated this idea using a machine-learning approach.

Despite the apparent variability in phenotypes across the various conditions, inter-individual differences between embryos depleted from one cell division-related protein have the same underlying nature as inter-individual differences naturally arising between wild-type embryos. The same conclusion holds when analysing embryos dividing at various temperatures. We thus propose that beyond the apparent complexity of the spindle, only three independent mechanisms account for spindle elongation, and contribute differently in the various conditions, meanwhile, no mechanism is specific to any condition.
Genomic survey maps differences in the molecular complement of vesicle formation machinery betweenGiardia intestinalisassemblages
Authors: Pipaliya Shweta V. , Dacks Joel B. , Croxen Matthew A.
Published: May 2023

Giardia intestinalisis a globally important microbial pathogen with considerable public health, agricultural, and economic burden. Genome sequencing and comparative analyses have elucidatedGiardia intestinalisto be a taxonomically diverse species consisting of at least eight different sub-types (assemblages A-H) that can infect a great variety of animal hosts, including humans. The best studied of these are assemblages A and B which have a broad host range and have zoonotic transmissibility towards humans where clinical Giardiasis can range from asymptomatic to diarrheal disease. Epidemiological surveys as well as previous molecular investigations have pointed towards critical genomic level differences within numerous molecular pathways and families of parasite virulence factors within assemblage A and B isolates.

In this study, we explored the necessary machinery for the formation of vesicles and cargo transport in 89 Canadian isolates of assemblage A and BGiardia intestinalis. There is considerable variability within the molecular complement of the endolysosomal ESCRT protein machinery, adaptor coat protein complexes, and ARF regulatory system. We report inter-assemblage, but no intra-assemblage variation within the trafficking systems examined. These include losses of subunits belonging to the ESCRTIII as well as novel lineage specific duplications in components of the COPII machinery, ARF1, and ARFGEF families (BIG and CYTH). Since assemblages A and B show differences in disease manifestation, our findings may well have clinical implications and even taxonomic, as the membrane trafficking system underpin parasite survival, pathogenesis, and propagation.
Orthogonal CRISPR screens to identify transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of human CD8 T cell function
Authors: McCutcheon Sean R. , Swartz Adam M. , Brown Michael C. , Barrera Alejandro , McRoberts Amador Christian , Siklenka Keith , Humayun Lucas , Isaacs James M. , Reddy Timothy E. , Nair Smita , Antonia Scott , Gersbach Charles A.
Published: May 2023

The clinical response to adoptive T cell therapies is strongly associated with transcriptional and epigenetic state. Thus, technologies to discover regulators of T cell gene networks and their corresponding phenotypes have great potential to improve the efficacy of T cell therapies. We developed pooled CRISPR screening approaches with compact epigenome editors to systematically profile the effects of activation and repression of 120 transcription factors and epigenetic modifiers on human CD8+ T cell state. These screens nominated known and novel regulators of T cell phenotypes with BATF3 emerging as a high confidence gene in both screens. We found that BATF3 overexpression promoted specific features of memory T cells such as increased IL7R expression and glycolytic capacity, while attenuating gene programs associated with cytotoxicity, regulatory T cell function, and T cell exhaustion. In the context of chronic antigen stimulation, BATF3 overexpression countered phenotypic and epigenetic signatures of T cell exhaustion. CAR T cells overexpressing BATF3 significantly outperformed control CAR T cells in both in vitro and in vivo tumor models. Moreover, we found that BATF3 programmed a transcriptional profile that correlated with positive clinical response to adoptive T cell therapy. Finally, we performed CRISPR knockout screens with and without BATF3 overexpression to define co-factors and downstream factors of BATF3, as well as other therapeutic targets. These screens pointed to a model where BATF3 interacts with JUNB and IRF4 to regulate gene expression and illuminated several other novel targets for further investigation.
Embedding stochastic dynamics of the environment in spontaneous activity by prediction-based plasticity
Authors: Asabuki Toshitake , Clopath Claudia
Published: May 2023

The brain learns an internal model of the environment through sensory experiences, which is essential for high-level cognitive processes. Recent studies show that spontaneous activity reflects such learned internal model. Although computational studies have proposed that Hebbian plasticity can learn the switching dynamics of replayed activities, it is still challenging to learn dynamic spontaneous activity that obeys the statistical properties of sensory experience. Here, we propose a pair of biologically plausible plasticity rules for excitatory and inhibitory synapses in a recurrent spiking neural network model to embed stochastic dynamics in spontaneous activity. The proposed synaptic plasticity rule for excitatory synapses seeks to minimize the discrepancy between stimulus-evoked and internally predicted activity, while inhibitory plasticity maintains the excitatory-inhibitory balance. We show that the spontaneous reactivation of cell assemblies follows the transition statistics of the model’s evoked dynamics. We also demonstrate that simulations of our model can replicate recent experimental results of spontaneous activity in songbirds, suggesting that the proposed plasticity rule might underlie the mechanism by which animals learn internal models of the environment.
Glutamate Transporters are Involved in Direct Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission in the Vertebrate Retina
Authors: Niklaus Stephanie , Glasauer Stella M.K. , Kovermann Peter , Farshori Kulsum F. , Cadetti Lucia , Früh Simon , Rieser Nicolas N. , Gesemann Matthias , Fahlke Christoph , Neuhauss Stephan C.F.
Published: May 2023

In the central nervous system of vertebrates, glutamate serves as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter. However, in the retina, glutamate released from photoreceptors causes hyperpolarization in postsynaptic ON-bipolar cells through a glutamate-gated chloride current, which seems paradoxical. Our research reveals that this current is modulated by two excitatory glutamate transporters, EAAT5b and EAAT7. These transporters are located at the dendritic tips of ON-bipolar cells and interact with all four types of cone photoreceptors. The absence of these transporters leads to a decrease in ON-bipolar cell responses, with eaat5b mutants being more severely affected than eaat5b/eaat7 double mutants, which also exhibit altered response kinetics. Biophysical investigations establish that EAAT7 is an active glutamate transporter with a predominant anion conductance. Our study is the first to demonstrate the direct involvement of postsynaptic glutamate transporters in inhibitory direct synaptic transmission at a central nervous system synapse.
The metaverse experience in luxury brands
Authors: Jiang Qi , Kim Miyea , Ko Eunju , Kim Kyung Hoon
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop the scale of the metaverse experience and examine the effect of the metaverse experience on consumer happiness in luxury brands.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was distributed to metaverse users from general participants in the Republic of Korea. To reach this goal, the domain of the metaverse experience is defined, items are created through qualitative interviews, the initial scale is refined and then the scale is tested. A total of 262 valid responses were used for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and 238 data were used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The hypothesis was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) and SmartPLS 3.0.

Findings

The results showed that the metaverse experience comprises three sub-constructs, namely fantasies, feelings and fun. Also, the metaverse experience affects consumer happiness positively in luxury brands.

Originality/value

This study investigates consumer experience in the metaverse environment. The authors examined the metaverse experience based on the experiential aspects of the consumption of luxury brands and develop the scale development of the metaverse experience. Furthermore, the relationship between metaverse experiences and consumer happiness provides a new perspective in studying metaverse marketing strategy and customer service creation.
The effects of diningscape on customer satisfaction and word of mouth
Authors: To Wai Ming , Leung Vincent W.S.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Restaurant dining is an important part of people's live, and the restaurant industry is one of the largest industries in the hospitality sector. Thus, this study explores the effects of restaurant diningscape on customer satisfaction and word of mouth.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a literature review on restaurant servicescape and special functions of dining spaces, diningscape was conceptualized as a multidimensional construct. Data were collected from 378 restaurant patrons using snowball sampling in Macao, China. The validity and reliability of constructs were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Structural equation modeling was used to validate the proposed hypotheses between constructs.

Findings

Results showed that diningscape has a second-order factor structure consisting of five dimensions, namely food and drinks, service quality, servicescape, social functions and soundscape. Diningscape positively influences customer satisfaction and word of mouth.

Practical implications

Social function is the dominant factor of diningscape while female customers are more sensitive towards food and drinks, service quality, servicescape and soundscape. Thus, restaurants should not overcrowd their premises. Additionally, restaurants must strive to provide a wide variety of food and drinks, show service intimacy and be decorated specially with appropriate sonic environment as female customers can have a big influence on where to dine.

Originality/value

The study reveals that diningscape is multidimensional and shall be characterized in a holistic manner. Additionally, it helps restaurant managers to focus on the more important features, such as social functions, and food and drinks that customers value most.
Exploring the impact of supply chain quality management on market performance: the mediating roles of supply chain integration and operational performance
Authors: Abdallah Ayman Bahjat , Alhyari Salah , Alfar Nour A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study examines the impact of supply chain quality management (SCQM) on supply chain integration (SCI), operational performance (OP) and market performance (MP). The mediating impacts of SCI and OP on the SCQM–MP relationship are also explored and the indirect impact of SCQM on OP via SCI is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The study population included all Jordanian manufacturing firms. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires filled out by a randomly selected sample of 267 participants from various industries. The model of this study was assessed for validity and reliability, which were found to be satisfactory. Research hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) with Analysis of a Moment Structures (AMOS) software.

Findings

The findings have important implications for the direct and indirect impacts of SCQM on MP. While the direct impact was found to be insignificant, SCI and OP were found to fully mediate the SCQM–MP relationship. The findings also demonstrated that the impact of SCI on OP was insignificant; likewise, the mediating impact of SCI on SCQM–OP was insignificant.

Originality/value

This study fills a knowledge gap regarding the impact of SCQM on MP. This study is one of the first studies to explore the mediating impacts of SC and operational capabilities in terms of SCI and OP on the SCQM–MP relationship. This study is also one of the first to explore the indirect impact of SCQM on OP via SCI. This study conceptualizes SCQM as collaborative quality management (OP) practices that are externally focused to include upstream and downstream members of the SC.
Servant leadership, innovative work behavior and innovative organizational culture: the mediating role of perceived organizational support
Authors: Ekmekcioglu Emre Burak , Öner Kürşad
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of servant leadership (SL) and innovative organizational culture (IOC) on employees' innovative work behavior (IWB). In addition, this paper attempts to examine the mediating role of perceived organizational support (POS) in these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 280 employees working in technopark companies located in Turkey, which require intensive IWB. Structural equation modeling and bootstrapping procedure were used to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The findings suggest that SL, and IOC are significantly and positively related to employees' IWB. The results also show that SL and IOC stimulate employees' IWB through POS.

Research limitations/implications

Because this study was carried out by employing a cross-sectional research design with data obtained from the same source, the inferences about the causality among the variables cannot be inferred.

Practical implications

The empirical findings suggest that organizations should make efforts to promote SL and improve IOC in order to harvest IWB from their employees. Moreover, organizations and managers need to recognize the importance of the POS by employees, and therefore form an adequate working environment, create and utilize policies and procedures accordingly.

Originality/value

This study suggests ways for organizations to enhance their innovativeness through IOC and SL applications in pursue of harvesting employees' IWB using POS by employees as mediator. This study is also original, in that no previous studies have investigated the mediating role of POS in the relationship between IOC, SL and IWB.
Which should come first? Examining diversity, equity and inclusion
Authors: Russen Michelle , Dawson Mary
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this critical review is to address issues with the current school of thought that diversity must come before inclusion in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) process and propose an alternate solution.

Design/methodology/approach

This review takes a critical constructionist lens such that changes in social norms have morphed over time, refining the meaning and implementation of DEI initiatives in research and the workplace. This review is framed within the context of hospitality organizations.

Findings

The conflicting results in DEI research (whether DEI practices are positive or negative) are explained by diversity being the core factor. It is proposed that inclusion is the starting place and determinant of success in creating a diverse workforce. If inclusion comes first and is followed by equitable treatment, then diversity (and diverse representation) naturally follows.

Research limitations/implications

This review offers a novel perspective on the relationship between diversity, equity and inclusion, which was previously ambiguous. Research rarely includes all three as variables in the past, and does not use diversity as an outcome, but rather as a starting point.

Originality/value

This research suggests that unless an organization begins with an inclusive climate, there will be no benefit to having diverse candidates, nor will there be long-term retention of a diverse staff. It is recommended to begin with inclusion, implement equitable practices and diversity will increase through the enacted and espoused values.
Growth effect of trade misinvoicing in Sub-Saharan Africa: the role of governance
Authors: Babatunde Musibau Adetunji , Afolabi Joshua Adeyemi
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The growing volume of trade misinvoicing in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) calls for serious concern, particularly given its effect on macroeconomic fundamentals. Despite the growing body of literature on the growth effect of trade misinvoicing, empirical evidence on the role of governance in moderating the effect is quite scarce, particularly for SSA. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the growth effect of trade misinvoicing in SSA as well as the moderating role of governance in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach

The feasible generalised least square estimator was applied to analyse relevant data, spanning 2009–2018, of 35 SSA countries. Governance indicators were classified into economic, political and institutional governance, and their individual role in moderating the nexus between trade misinvoicing and economic growth was explored.

Findings

This paper showed the presence of cross-sectional dependence among SSA countries and long-run convergence of the estimated variables. The empirical finding showed that trade misinvoicing has a negative growth effect in the selected SSA countries, but both economic and political governance are crucial in lowering the observed negative growth effect.

Practical implications

To curtail trade misinvoicing, SSA policymakers should go beyond just designing anti-money laundering policies to effectively implementing the policies for improved growth prospects. More so, the government of each SSA country must devise means of strengthening governance and building effective, accountable and transparent institutional frameworks that will constantly check and discourage trade misinvoicing activities.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper stems from its novel assessment of the role governance plays in moderating the growth effect of trade misinvoicing in SSA using the feasible generalised least square estimator. It also details the strategies needed to effectively tackle trade misinvoicing.
Understanding drivers of innovation in information technology companies using a grounded theory approach
Authors: Dani Mugdha Vinod , Gandhi Aradhana Vikas , Sharma Anshu
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Innovation is a process that enables organizations to sustain and prosper in a competitive business environment. This study aims to understand the key drivers of innovation within organizations from the lens of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a grounded theory approach based on semi-structured in-depth interviews of 20 professionals working in information technology (IT) firms. Judgmental sampling was adopted to select the respondents. Open coding, inductive analysis was conducted on the interview transcripts to generate relevant themes.

Findings

Emerging themes indicate that innovation within organizations can be triggered as a response to client requirements or the employees’ inherent urge to innovate. Certain factors such as user engagement, formal organizational processes and practices, informal collaborative practices, the role played by experts and leaders and upskilling were seen to enable innovative outcomes within organizations.

Practical implications

Findings from this study will allow leaders to activate the identified drivers by designing suitable organizational processes and strategies to nurture a successful innovation culture within their teams.

Originality/value

This grounded theory-based study looks at drivers of innovation within IT organizations from the perspective of employees.
Marine Bacteroidetes enzymatically digest xylans from terrestrial plants
Authors: Dutschei Theresa , Beidler Irena , Bartosik Daniel , Seeßelberg Julia‐Maria , Teune Michelle , Bäumgen Marcus , Ferreira Soraia Querido , Heldmann Julia , Nagel Felix , Krull Joris , Berndt Leona , Methling Karen , Hein Martin , Becher Dörte , Langer Peter , Delcea Mihaela , Lalk Michael , Lammers Michael , Höhne Matthias , Hehemann Jan‐Hendrik , Schweder Thomas , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: May 2023

Marine Bacteroidetes that degrade polysaccharides contribute to carbon cycling in the ocean. Organic matter, including glycans from terrestrial plants, might enter the oceans through rivers. Whether marine bacteria degrade structurally related glycans from diverse sources including terrestrial plants and marine algae was previously unknown. We show that the marine bacterium Flavimarina sp. Hel_I_48 encodes two polysaccharide utilization loci (PULs) which degrade xylans from terrestrial plants and marine algae. Biochemical experiments revealed activity and specificity of the encoded xylanases and associated enzymes of these PULs. Proteomics indicated that these genomic regions respond to glucuronoxylans and arabinoxylans. Substrate specificities of key enzymes suggest dedicated metabolic pathways for xylan utilization. Some of the xylanases were active on different xylans with the conserved β‐1,4‐linked xylose main chain. Enzyme activity was consistent with growth curves showing Flavimarina sp. Hel_I_48 uses structurally different xylans. The observed abundance of related xylan‐degrading enzyme repertoires in genomes of other marine Bacteroidetes indicates similar activities are common in the ocean. The here presented data show that certain marine bacteria are genetically and biochemically variable enough to access parts of structurally diverse xylans from terrestrial plants as well as from marine algal sources.
Gender and Mutual Fund Liquidity
Authors: Sehrish Saba , Naeem Muhammad Abubakr , Karim Sitara , Yarovaya Larisa
Published: May 2023

We examine whether US mutual funds managed by females have a higher portfolio liquidity than those of their male counterparts. Single female managers’ holdings are 8–25% more liquid than those of single‐male‐managed funds. When there is a transition from a male to a female manager, fund holdings liquidity increases compared with a male to male transition. The findings are consistent with the risk‐averse and conservative decision‐making behaviour of female managers. We do not find evidence to support the excessive trading hypothesis that predicts a higher portfolio liquidity for overconfident male fund managers. Our findings add to growing evidence that gender affects professionals’ investment choices.
Nutrient retention in tile‐fed and non‐tile reconstructed oxbows in north central Iowa
Authors: Pierce Sophie , Schilling Keith E.
Published: May 2023

Nutrient export from the agricultural Midwest threatens the Gulf of Mexico and new conservation practices are needed to reduce the loss of nutrient from subsurface tile drainage systems. Oxbows are natural waterbodies formed when a river cuts off a meander loop and water quality benefits of reconstructed oxbows are being increasingly recognized. In this study, we monitored four reconstructed oxbow sites (two tile‐fed, two non‐tile) over a 2‐year period in north‐central Iowa and assessed their capacity for NO3‐N and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) reductions. Water flow and quality monitoring of tiles, shallow groundwater, oxbow and receiving streams documented that the oxbows were dominated by tile drainage inputs. NO3‐N concentrations were highest in the drainage tiles flowing into the tile‐fed oxbows (mean 8–10 mg/L) and much lower in floodplain groundwater (<1–2 mg/L). Annual NO3‐N loads into the tile‐fed oxbows were substantially larger than input loads into the non‐tiled oxbows. For the two tile‐fed oxbows, the 2‐year NO3‐N retention efficiencies were very similar (0.76–0.77) and on a monthly basis, greater retention efficiencies were measured in summer and fall. DRP concentrations and loads into the tile‐fed oxbows were too low to allow for meaningful estimates of retention. Reconstructing oxbows to receive tile drainage water should be considered a sustainable conservation practice for tile drainage treatment in agricultural areas.
Metabololipidomic and proteomic profiling reveals aberrant macrophage activation and interrelated immunomodulatory mediator release during aging
Authors: Schädel Patrick , Czapka Anna , Gebert Nadja , Jacobsen Ilse Denise , Ori Alessandro , Werz Oliver
Published: April 2023

Macrophages adapt distinct pro‐inflammatory (M1‐like) and pro‐resolving (M2‐like) phenotypes with specific tasks in the immune response and tissue homeostasis. Altered macrophage responses with age are causative for unresolved inflammation, so‐called inflammaging, and lead to higher infection susceptibility with unfavorable progression. Here, we reveal molecular determinants of age‐related changes in phenotypic functions of murine peritoneal macrophages (PM) by employing comprehensive mass spectrometry‐based proteomics (4746 protein groups) and metabololipidomics (>40 lipid mediators). Divergent expression of various macrophage‐specific marker proteins and signaling pathways indicates aberrant PM phenotypes in old mice which detrimentally impact their capabilities to release immunomodulatory chemokines and cytokines. We show that aging strikingly compromises the polarization process of macrophages to adapt either pro‐inflammatory or pro‐resolving phenotypes, thereby yielding aberrant and afunctional macrophage subtypes that cannot be readily assigned to either a typical M1 or M2 phenotype. In particular, the phenotypic adaptation of the bacteria‐challenged metabololipidome in macrophages related to inflammation is severely limited by age, which persists across ex vivo polarization towards M1 and M2a macrophages. Our results establish distinct age‐associated PM phenotypes outside of the simplified M1 and M2 dichotomy and challenge the dogma of increased pro‐inflammatory macrophage pre‐activation due to aging by revealing maladaptive functions throughout all phases of inflammation, including resolution.
Unregistered pesticides: Prevalence, risks, and responses in Mali
Authors: Haggblade Steven , Keita Naman , Traoré Abdramane , Traoré Pierre , Diarra Amadou , Thériault Véronique
Published: April 2023

Improved agricultural inputs—including seeds, fertilizer, and pest control products—are necessary for raising farm productivity in Africa. Yet, in many locations, variable input quality and a proliferation of unregistered brands make product selection and calibration of optimal dosages difficult for farmers. Unregistered pesticides pose two specific quality problems: frequent underdosage and, in some cases, inclusion of banned substances. In response to widespread farmer complaints, this study estimates the prevalence of unregistered pesticide products by conducting a detailed survey of agricultural input retailers in 10 major agricultural markets across Mali. The article explores resulting risks and responses by private and public sector stakeholders through structured interviews with key informants in those same markets. The findings suggest widespread sales of low‐cost, unregistered pesticides. In the 10 markets surveyed, unregistered products accounted for 26% of total pesticide volumes sold, posing risks to farmers, traders, and the environment. In response, farmer support groups and pesticide trade associations have begun to fight back through education and awareness campaigns, agro‐input dealer training, farmer outreach, and in some cases, joint bulk procurement. To reinforce these initiatives, the survey results suggest two low‐cost indicators for spatially targeting regulatory enforcement efforts.
The psychology and social dynamics of fetal sex prognostication in China: Evidence from historical data
Authors: Hong Ze , Zinin Sergey
Published: May 2023

Fetal sex prognostication has been a common practice in many human societies, yet most of the prognosticative methods do not perform better than chance. Why do these ineffective prognostication practices recur across societies and persist for long periods of time? In this article, we use historical texts of four different genres in traditional China (oracle bone inscriptions, dynastic history, encyclopedia, and local gazetteers) to examine the social and cognitive factors that lead to the overestimation of the predictive accuracy of sex prognostication and place fetal sex prognostication into a more general framework to understand the persistence of ineffective cultural practices. In particular, we present a detailed historical analysis showing that individuals often entertain considerable uncertainty regarding the accuracy of sex prognostication and quantitative data demonstrating a significant bias toward selectively reporting successes in (fictionalized) historical texts. We conclude by discussing how such reporting bias combined with humans’ imperfect information processing may help explain the persistence of ineffective technologies, such as divination, and magic in general.
Effect of SLCO1B1 c.521T>C polymorphism on the lipid response to statins in people living with HIV on a boosted protease inhibitor‐containing regimen
Authors: Marzolini Catia , Cavassini Matthias , Braun Dominique L. , Hachfeld Anna , Bernasconi Enos , Calmy Alexandra , Schmid Patrick , Battegay Manuel , Elzi Luigia ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: April 2023

Aims

We previously observed that some individuals on HIV boosted protease inhibitor‐containing regimen do not achieve their lipid targets despite elevated statin concentrations. This study evaluated whether the common single polymorphism c.521T>C in SLCO1B1, associated with reduced statin uptake in the liver, could explain this observation.

Methods

People living with HIV in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study were eligible if they were on a boosted protease inhibitor concomitantly with a statin for at least 6 months and if their SLCO1B1 genotype was available. Furthermore, their lipids had to be documented before and after the introduction of the statin. The statin efficacy was defined as % change in total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol and triglycerides levels after statin initiation compared to pretreatment levels. Lipid response was adjusted for differences in potency and dose between statins.

Results

In total, 88 people living with HIV were included, of whom 58, 28 and 2 carried the SLCO1B1 TT, TC and CC genotypes, respectively. The change in lipid levels after statin initiation tended to be lower in carriers of the polymorphism although the difference was not statistically significant (TT vs. TC/CC: total cholesterol: −11.7 vs. −4.8%; low‐density lipoprotein– cholesterol: −20.6 vs. −7.4%; high‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol: 1.6 vs. 0%; triglycerides: −11.5 vs. −7.9%). In the multiple linear regression, change in total cholesterol was inversely correlated with the total cholesterol level prestatin treatment (coefficient −6.60, 95% confidence interval: −9.63 to −3.56, P < .001).

Conclusion

The lipid‐lowering effect of statins tended to be attenuated by SLCO1B1 polymorphism and progressively declined as total cholesterol under the boosted protease inhibitor treatment decreased.
The effect of vitamin C on nitroglycerin‐mediated vasodilation in individuals with and without the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 polymorphism
Authors: He Jerry D. , Parker John D.
Published: April 2023

Aims

To mediate its pharmacodynamic effects, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) requires bioactivation, by which it releases nitric oxide or a nitric oxide moiety. The exact mechanism of GTN bioactivation remains uncertain. Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH‐2) has been proposed as the primary enzyme responsible for this bioactivation process. Evidence for the importance of ALDH‐2 in GTN bioactivation has been inconsistent, particularly in human models. An alternative hypothesis suggests that decreased ALDH‐2 activity leads to accumulation of reactive cytotoxic aldehydes, which either inhibit the vasoactive product(s) of GTN or impair other enzymatic pathways involved in the bioactivation of GTN. We investigated the effect of supplemental vitamin C on vascular responses to GTN in healthy volunteers of East Asian descent, of whom 12 with and 12 without the ALDH‐2 polymorphism participated.

Methods

Subjects underwent 2 sequential brachial artery infusions of GTN at rates of 5, 11 and 22 nmol/min, separated by a 30‐min washout period. The GTN infusions were carried out in the presence and absence of vitamin C using a randomized, crossover design. Venous occlusion plethysmography was used to measure forearm blood flow responses to GTN.

Results

Compared to subjects with functional ALDH‐2, the variant group exhibited blunted hemodynamic responses to intra‐arterial GTN infusions, although this reduction in response was not statically significant. Contrary to our hypothesis, vitamin C had an inhibitory effect on GTN mediated vasodilation as compared to GTN during saline in both groups.

Conclusion

We conclude that vitamin C did not augment the acute vascular response to GTN in those with the ALDH‐2 polymorphism.
Using seconds‐resolved pharmacokinetic datasets to assess pharmacokinetic models encompassing time‐varying physiology
Authors: McDonough Matthew H. , Stocker Sophie L. , Kippin Tod E. , Meiring Wendy , Plaxco Kevin W.
Published: April 2023

Aim

Pharmacokinetics have historically been assessed using drug concentration data obtained via blood draws and bench‐top analysis. The cumbersome nature of these typically constrains studies to at most a dozen concentration measurements per dosing event. This, in turn, limits our statistical power in the detection of hours‐scale, time‐varying physiological processes. Given the recent advent of in vivo electrochemical aptamer‐based (EAB) sensors, however, we can now obtain hundreds of concentration measurements per administration. Our aim in this paper was to assess the ability of these time‐dense datasets to describe time‐varying pharmacokinetic models with good statistical significance.

Methods

We used seconds‐resolved measurements of plasma tobramycin concentrations in rats to statistically compare traditional one‐ and two‐compartmental pharmacokinetic models to new models in which the proportional relationship between a drug's plasma concentration and its elimination rate varies in response to changing kidney function.

Results

We found that a modified one‐compartment model in which the proportionality between the plasma concentration of tobramycin and its elimination rate falls reciprocally with time either meets or is preferred over the standard two‐compartment pharmacokinetic model for half of the datasets characterized. When we reduced the impact of the drug's rapid distribution phase on the model, this one‐compartment, time‐varying model was statistically preferred over the standard one‐compartment model for 80% of our datasets.

Conclusions

Our results highlight both the impact that simple physiological changes (such as varying kidney function) can have on drug pharmacokinetics and the ability of high‐time resolution EAB sensor measurements to identify such impacts.
Minimizing prescribing errors: A phenomenological exploration of the views and experiences of independent prescribing pharmacists
Authors: Roberts Joshua , Jaam Myriam , Paudyal Vibhu , Hadi Muhammad Abdul
Published: April 2023

Aims

This study aims to explore the views and experiences of independent prescribing (IP) pharmacists regarding prescribing errors and strategies to mitigate errors in practice.

Methods

One‐to‐one online semi‐structured interviews were conducted with IP pharmacists across the United Kingdom. Verbatim transcripts of the interview were generated and coded using NVivo® 12 software for thematic analysis. A mixed inductive and deductive approach was used to generate themes and sub‐themes which were then mapped onto the framework of factors that influence clinical practice proposed by Vincent et al.

Results

A total of 14 interviews were conducted. Participants linked the risk‐averse nature of a pharmacist, self‐perception of their roles as medicines experts, and previous experience of keeping checks on doctors' prescriptions as a dispenser often made them feel confident in prescribing. However, lacking adequate diagnostic skills, inadequate prescribing training programmes, and dealing with complex patients often made them feel vulnerable to committing errors. Organizational and system‐related factors such as work interruptions and increased workload were identified as other factors linked to prescribing errors.

Conclusions

Independent prescribing pharmacists use a variety of strategies to reduce the risk of prescribing errors. Promoting diagnostic competency in their area of practice, strengthening undergraduate and prescribing curricula, and addressing known organizational and system‐related factors linked to prescribing errors can minimize errors and promote patient safety.
Resilience and distress among young adults with chronic health conditions: A longitudinal study
Authors: Wright Erika , Elliott Timothy R. , Kwok Oi‐Man , Zhang Qiyue , Spooner Mikaela
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To test the beneficial associations of a resilient personality prototype among emerging adults with chronic health conditions (CHC) over an 8‐year period.

Design

Longitudinal, prospective observation study.

Methods

Data obtained from emerging adults in the Add Health project with a CHC and completed study measures at two time points (286 men, 459 women) were examined. Cluster analysis was used to identify a resilient personality prototype at the first time point, as defined in the Block model of personality. Differences between those with a resilient and non‐resilient prototype were examined. A structural equation model (SEM) tested the association of a resilience prototype with positive affect, perceived control and family relationships in predicting distress over time.

Results

A resilient personality profile was identified (n = 256). These individuals reported higher positive affect, greater perceived control and less distress at both measurement occasions than those without this profile (n = 489). Women reported more distress than men. SEM revealed the relationship of a resilient prototype to distress was explained by its beneficial association with positive affect and perceived control at the first assessment, and through its beneficial association with perceived control 8 years later. Gender independently predicted distress.

Conclusions

A resilient personality prototype appears to operate through its beneficial association with perceived control to prospectively predict distress reported by emerging adults with CHC. The self‐regulatory properties theoretically associated with a resilient personality prototype may function through perceptions of control which, in turn, prevent prolonged experiences of distress. Clinical implications are considered.