bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the inoculum size on thein vivoactivity of the aztreonam-avibactam combination in a murine model of peritonitis due toEscherichia coliexpressing CTX-M-15 and NDM-1
Authors: Benchetrit Laura , Amoura Ariane , Chosidow Samuel , Menestrel Alice Le , de Lastours Victoire , Chau Françoise , Dion Sara , Massias Laurent , Fantin Bruno , Lefort Agnès
Published: September 2024

Background

The combination of aztreonam (ATM) and avibactam (AVI) is an attractive option to treat infections caused by extended spectrumβ-lactamase plus NDM-1-producingEnterobacteriaceae. Since ATM activity was shown to be severely impacted by an increase in the inoculum sizein vitro, we wondered whether ATM-AVI activity could be impaired in high-inoculum infections.

Methods

We analyzed the impact of the inoculum size on ATM-AVI activityin vitroand in a murine model of peritonitis due to susceptibleE. coliCFT073-pTOPO and its isogenic derivatives producing NDM-1 (E. coliCFT073-NDM1) and CTX-M-15 plus NDM-1 (E. coliCFT073-CTXM15-NDM1). The impact of the inoculum size on bacterial morphology was studied by microscopic examination.

Results

In vitro, at standard (105) inoculum,E. coliCFT073-CTXM15-NDM1 was resistant to ATM but susceptible to the ATM-AVI combination. At high (107) inoculum, MICs of ATM alone and of the ATM-AVI combination reached > 512 and 64 mg/L respectively, against all tested strains. ATM led to bacterial filamentation when active against the bacteria, i.e., in monotherapy or in combination with AVI against susceptibleE. coliCFT073-pTOPO, and only in combination with AVI againstE. coliCFT073-CTXM15-NDM1.In vivo, increase in the inoculum led to a drastic decrease in the activity of ATM alone againstE. coliCFT073-pTOPO, and of ATM-AVI againstE. coliCFT073-CTXM15-NDM1.

Conclusion

Our results suggest a highin vivoimpact of the inoculum increase on the activity of ATM alone against ATM-susceptibleE. coli, and of ATM-AVI against CTX-M-15 plus NDM-1 producingE. coli. Clinicians must be aware of the risk of failures when using AZT-AVI in high inoculum infections.
DNA-templated spatially controlled proteolysis targeting chimeras for CyclinD1-CDK4/6 complex protein degradation
Authors: Zheng Rong , Prasad Abhay , Satyabola Deeksha , Xu Yang , Yan Hao
Published: September 2024

Constraining proximity-based drugs, such as proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), into its bioactive conformation can significantly impact their selectivity and potency. However, traditional methods for achieving this often involve complex and time-consuming synthetic procedures. Here, we introduced an alternative approach by demonstrating DNA-templated spatially controlled PROTACs (DTACs), which leverage the programmability of nucleic-acid based self-assembly for efficient synthesis, providing precise control over inhibitors’ spacing and orientation. The resulting constructs revealed distance- and orientation-dependent selectivity and degradation potency for the CyclinD1-CDK4/6 protein complex in cancer cells. Notably, an optimal construct DTAC-V1 demonstrated the unprecedented synchronous degradation of entire CyclinD1-CDK4/6 complex. This resulted in the effective cell cycle arrest in G1 phase, and further therapeutic studies showed its potent anti-tumor effects compared to inhibitors alone. These findings present a novel framework for PROTACs design, offering critical insights that may inform the development of other proximity-induced therapeutic modalities.
Efficient algorithms for dynamic aperture and momentum acceptance calculation in synchrotron light sources
Authors: Riemann Bernard , Aiba Masamitsu , Kallestrup Jonas , Streun Andreas
Published: September 2024

New algorithms useful for the calculation of dynamic aperture and momentum acceptance in circular accelerators, particularly synchrotron light sources, are developed and presented. The flood-fill tool from raster graphics inspired us to efficiently compute dynamic apertures by minimizing required trackings on stable initial coordinates, leading to several factors of speedup with respect to standard algorithms. A novel technique for momentum acceptance calculations, Fast Touschek Tracking, is developed. Thorough benchmarking using modern accelerator codes shows that the new technique can provide one or two orders of magnitude faster computation of local momentum acceptances with only limited loss of accuracy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Hydrodynamic hovering of swimming bacteria above surfaces
Authors: Htet Pyae Hein , Das Debasish , Lauga Eric
Published: September 2024

Flagellated bacteria are hydrodynamically attracted to rigid walls, yet past work shows a “hovering” state where they swim stably at a finite height above surfaces. We use numerics and theory to reveal the physical origin of hovering. Simulations first show that hovering requires an elongated cell body and results from a tilt away from the wall. Theoretical models then identify two essential asymmetries: the response of width-asymmetric cells to active flows created by length-asymmetric cells. A minimal model reconciles near- and far-field hydrodynamics, capturing all key features of hovering.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Addiction recovery stories: Dylan Suttie in conversation with Lisa Ogilvie
Authors: Suttie Dylan , Ogilvie Lisa
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine recovery through lived experience. It is part of a series that explores candid accounts of addiction and recovery to identify important components in the recovery process.

Design/methodology/approach

The G-CHIME model comprises six elements important to addiction recovery (growth, connectedness, hope, identity, meaning in life and empowerment). It provides a standard against which to consider addiction recovery. It has been used in this series, as well as in the design of interventions that improve well-being and strengthen recovery. In this paper, a first-hand account is presented, followed by a semi-structured e-interview with the author of the account. Narrative analysis is used to explore the account and interview through the G-CHIME model.

Findings

This paper shows that addiction recovery is a remarkable process that can be effectively explained using the G-CHIME model. The significance of each component in the model is apparent from the account and e-interview presented.

Originality/value

Each account of recovery in this series is unique, and as yet, untold.
Stability analysis of flying wing layout aircraft based on radial basis function neural network model
Authors: Zhang Wenqi , Liu Zhenbao , Wang Xiao , Wang Luyao
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To ensure the stability of the flying wing layout unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during flight, this paper uses the radial basis function neural network model to analyse the stability of the aforementioned aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a linear sliding mode control algorithm to analyse the stability of the UAV's attitude in a level flight state. In addition, a wind-resistant control algorithm based on the estimation of wind disturbance with a radial basis function neural network is proposed. Through the modelling of the flying wing layout UAV, the stability characteristics of a sample UAV are analysed based on the simulation data. The stability characteristics of the sample UAV are analysed based on the simulation data.

Findings

The simulation results indicate that the UAV with a flying wing layout has a short fuselage, no tail with a horizontal stabilising surface and the aerodynamic focus of the fuselage and the centre of gravity is nearby, which is indicative of longitudinal static instability. In addition, the absence of a drogue tail and the reliance on ailerons and a swept-back angle for stability result in a lack of stability in the transverse direction, whereas the presence of stability in the transverse direction is observed.

Originality/value

The analysis of the stability characteristics of the sample aircraft provides the foundation for the subsequent establishment of the control model for the flying wing layout UAV.
Supply chain risk management (SCRM) process: an analysis in the aerospace industry
Authors: Guerra João Henrique Lopes , Bernardi de Souza Fernando , Pires Silvio R. I. , Salgado Manoel Henrique , Sá Anderson Luiz Ribeiro de
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The study analysed the aerospace industry, a traditionally important sector for the topic of risk management, from three complementary perspectives: the supply chain risks present in the sector, the mitigation strategies adopted to face them, and the characteristics (dimensions) observed in the SCRM process of aerospace companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a quali–quantitative method: a survey was carried out, followed by interviews with professionals from companies belonging to different tiers of aerospace supply chains. Interviews helped to interpret the survey data and understand in more detail risk management in aerospace companies.

Findings

The study presents a panorama of the aerospace industry in terms of risk management. The sector’s turbulent environment is described as well as the strategies to prevent, minimise or postpone the impact of supply chain risks. In particular, ten dimensions that have been identified in the SCRM process of aerospace firms are discussed. These characteristics influence the objectives of this process and are related to resources, roles and responsibilities, incentives, development of competences and skills, scope (internal and external) and approaches to integrate decisions and actions in the context of the supply chain.

Originality/value

Articles that address the SCRM process usually focus on the process steps, whereas this study investigated dimensions that transcend these steps but whose discussion in the literature is still fragmented. It also analysed a reference sector for the topic from a broader perspective than others available in the literature (supply chain risks, mitigation strategies and characteristics of the SCRM process). Supply chain members with relationships with each other were investigated, a desirable approach for SCRM but still under-explored. The study also answers calls for industry-specific studies and research on emerging countries.
How knowledge-based HRM practices affects aspects of innovation capability through knowledge management: the moderating role of innovative culture
Authors: Nguyen Lien Thi , Le Phong Ba
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Given the important of knowledge resource and human capital for improving innovation competence, the purpose of this study is to examine the influence of knowledge-based HRM practices on product and process innovation of firms via the mediating role of knowledge management capability and moderating role of innovative culture.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used structural equation modeling and empirical data collected from 271 participants in 156 manufacturing and service firms to examine the level of how knowledge-based HRM practices and knowledge management affect product and process innovation under the moderating role of innovative culture.

Findings

The research findings confirm the mediating roles of knowledge management between knowledge-based HRM practices and two specific types of innovation namely product and process innovation. It also firstly reveals the positive moderating role of innovative culture in enhancing the effects of knowledge management on product innovation. The results underline the necessity of building an innovative climate and knowledge-based HRM practices to stimulate knowledge management for improving innovation capability of firms in the developing and emerging markets.

Research limitations/implications

The paper helps bring deeper insights to leaders and practitioners about the new knowledge-based approach that enhances innovation competence for organizations.

Originality/value

The paper significantly contributed to theoretical and practical initiatives on theory of HRM practices and knowledge management by showing different moderating and mediating mechanism thereby firms can follow to enhance innovation capability of firms in developing and emerging markets.
Pricing strategies in the Silicon Valley housing market: an update on TOM and recent events
Authors: Cheng Wan-Hsiu , Chiu Shih-Chieh , Yen Chia-Yueh , Yeh Fu-Chang
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the relationship between house prices and time-on-market (TOM) in Silicon Valley. Previous findings have been inconclusive due to variations in property characteristics. This paper highlights the discrepancy between listing and selling prices and identifies differences among housing types such as condominiums, detached houses and townhouses based on housing orientations and customer groups. Additionally, this study considers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Fed’s interest rate policies on the housing market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyze 63,853 transactions from the Bay East Board of Realtors’ Multiple Listing Service during 2018 to 2022. The study uses a multiple-stage methodology, including a nonlinear hedonic pricing model, search theory and two-stage least squares method to address concerns relating to endogeneity.

Findings

The Silicon Valley housing market shows resilience, with low-end properties giving buyers more bargaining power without significant price drops. High-end properties, on the other hand, attract more attention over time, leading to aggressive bidding and higher final sale prices. The pandemic, despite reducing housing supply, did not dampen demand, leading to price surges. Post-COVID, price correlations with TOM changed, indicating a more cautious buyer approach toward high premiums. The Fed’s stringent monetary policies post-2022 intensified these effects, with longer listing times leading to greater price disparities due to financial pressures on buyers and shifting dynamics in buyer interest.

Practical implications

Results reveal a nonlinear positive correlation between TOM and the price formation process, indicating that the longer a listed property is on the market, the greater the price changes. For low-end properties, TOM becomes significantly negative, while for high-end properties, the coefficient becomes significantly positive, with effects and magnitudes varying by type of dwelling. Moreover, external environmental factors, especially those leading to financial strain, can significantly impact the housing market.

Originality/value

The experience of Silicon Valley is valuable for cities using it as a development model. The demand for talent in the tech industry will stimulate the housing market, especially as the housing supply will not improve in the short term. It is important for government entities to plan for this proactively.
Effect of elastic deformation on squeezing film lubrication properties of soft tribocontacts with microstructured surface
Authors: Su Binbin , Zou Xianghe , Wang Zhaoxiang , Huang Lirong
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Inspired by the high-friction performance of the soft toe pads of tree frogs, this study aims to investigate the effect of elastic deformation on the lubrication properties of squeezing films inside soft tribocontacts with microstructured surface under wet conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

A one-dimensional hydrodynamic extrusion model was used to study the film lubrication characteristics of conformal contact. The lubrication characteristics of the extruded film, including load-carrying capacity, liquid flow and surface elastic deformation, were obtained through the simultaneously iterative solution of the fluid-governing and deformation equations.

Findings

The results show that the hydrodynamic pressure is approximating parabolically and symmetrically distributed in the contact area, and the peak value appears in the center of the extrusion surface. Elastic deformation increases the thickness of the liquid film, weakens the bearing capacity and homogenizes the liquid flow rate of inside soft friction contact. The magnitude of this effect greatly increases as the initial liquid film thickness decreases. Moreover, the elastic deformation directly affects the average film thickness of the extrusion contact. Narrow and shallow microchannels are found to result in a more prominent elastic deformation on the microstructured soft surface.

Originality/value

These results present a design for soft tribocontacts suitable for submerged or wet environments involving high friction, such as wiper blades, in situ flexible electrons and underwater robots.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0049/
Factors affecting SMEs’ choice of banks in Oman: an emphasis on Islamic banks
Authors: Miah Mohammad Dulal , Kassim Norizan Mohd. , Zain Mohammad , Usman Mohammad
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Commercial banks are the catalysts for meeting the financing needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However, not all commercial banks are equally attractive to SMEs because of differences in banking services’ key attributes. Moreover, customers’ preferences vary between Islamic and conventional banks. This paper aims to identify factors motivating SMEs to establish business ties with banks in Oman.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 217 SMEs through a questionnaire survey. The data were analyzed using a t-test and structural equation modeling (SEM). In addition, the research applies the theory of planned behavior as a theoretical framework.

Findings

The t-test results show that SMEs place greater emphasis on electronic banking, convenient locations, religious beliefs and favorable terms and conditions. The results from the SEM analysis show that the SMEs in Oman consider attractive packages, including favorable rates, transaction processing time, fees and the availability of technology-enabled services, when choosing a bank. Moreover, customers who are aware of Islamic banking products are optimistic about the future of Shariah-based banking.

Originality/value

As a Muslim-majority country, Oman lags behind its Gulf Cooperative Council peers in terms of the development of the Islamic banking system. For the success of this mode of financing, it is essential to know which factors SMEs prioritize to establish ties with Islamic banks. Hence, the research is expected to provide new information for bank management to devise financial products attractive to investors.
Exploring the relationship of green HRM practices with sustainable performance: the mediating effect of green innovation
Authors: Nguyen Loc Quoc , Nguyen Ty Nhu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This research has presented a paradigm model to explore the interrelationships among green human resource management practices, green innovation and sustainable performance, demonstrating its suitability within Vietnam's hospitality sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed-method approach, detailing the collection and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative data. In-depth interviews were carried out to examine various aspects of green human resource management practices. Following this, PLS-SEM statistical techniques were applied to survey responses to test the proposed hypotheses (N = 574).

Findings

This study identified several less common green human resource management practices, such as green job descriptions and analysis, green performance management, green health and safety, green involvement and empowerment and green discipline management that enhance green innovation and sustainable performance. Notably, the study highlighted the significant impact of green discipline management on green innovation and sustainable performance in the Vietnamese context.

Practical implications

The study emphasizes that hotel managers in Vietnam should recognize the crucial role of green innovation in effectively implementing green initiatives, as it is a key driver of sustainable performance in hotels.

Originality/value

This study developed a unique framework highlighting green innovation's mediating role. It demonstrates the relationships between green HR practices and environmental, economic and social performance, offering practical insights for hotel and business managers.
Company reputation and dividend payout
Authors: Houqe Muhammad Nurul , Michael Michael , Ali Muhammad Jahangir , Rahman Dewan
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between company reputation and dividend policy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, sample of 98,809 firm-year observations from 22 countries covering 2005–2016 were used.

Findings

Firm reputation concerns are associated with higher propensities to pay dividends and payout ratios. Further, this positive effect is more pronounced for firms with high free cash flows, high information asymmetry and low institutional monitoring. The results are robust to an instrumental variable approach, propensity score matching and the Heckman two-stage correction approach while addressing endogeneity concerns.

Practical implications

These findings have significant implications for various stakeholders, such as existing and potential investors, managers, policymakers and regulators, by providing insights into the relationship between corporate reputation and firm dividend payout decisions. Corporate reputation is highlighted as crucial for accessing finance, emphasizing the role of national regulators and policymakers in facilitating firms' efforts to improve their reputation. The study highlights the dynamics of corporate reputation and dividend payout, calling for proactive engagement from regulators and policymakers. Crafting policies conducive to reputation-building can enhance firms' financial prospects, indicating the need for strategic interventions at managerial, regulatory and policy levels. Understanding the influence of economic context is crucial for firms to tailor reputation management strategies and optimize funding opportunities in different economic environments.

Originality/value

Overall, results suggest that reputation serves as a disciplining mechanism, where firms will pay dividends to maintain their reputations.
Application of improved adaptive method of CEEMD and data-drive in fault diagnosis
Authors: Liu Ming-Hui , Xiong Jianbin , Li Chun-Lin , Sun Weijun , Zhang Qinghua , Zhang Yuyu
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The diagnosis and prediction methods used for estimating the health conditions of the bearing are of great significance in modern petrochemical industries. This paper aims to discuss the accuracy and stability of improved empirical mode decomposition (EMD) algorithm in bearing fault diagnosis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts the improved adaptive complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition (ICEEMD) to process the nonlinear and nonstationary signals. Two data sets including a multistage centrifugal fan data set from the laboratory and a motor bearing data set from the Case Western Reserve University are used to perform experiments. Furthermore, the proposed fault diagnosis method, combined with intelligent methods, is evaluated by using two data sets. The proposed method achieved accuracies of 99.62% and 99.17%. Through the experiment of two data, it can be seen that the proposed algorithm has excellent performance in the accuracy and stability of diagnosis.

Findings

According to the review papers, as one of the effective decomposition methods to deal with nonlinear nonstationary signals, the method based on EMD has been widely used in bearing fault diagnosis. However, EMD is often used to figure out the nonlinear nonstationarity of fault data, but the traditional EMD is prone to modal confusion, and the white noise in signal reconstruction is difficult to eliminate.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper only the top three optimal intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) are selected, but IMFs with less correlation cannot completely deny their value. Considering the actual working conditions of petrochemical units, the feasibility of this method in compound fault diagnosis needs to be studied.

Originality/value

Different from traditional methods, ICEEMD not only does not need human intervention and setting but also improves the extraction efficiency of feature information. Then, it is combined with a data-driven approach to complete the data preprocessing, and further carries out the fault identification and classification with the optimized convolutional neural network.
Management of bone health in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: A two‐center audit in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong
Authors: Thumbe Akanksha , Kumar Aman , Ajibade Adeola , Sapkota Hem , Sheeran Thomas P , Venkatachalam Srinivasan , So Ho , Gupta Latika
Published: September 2024

Background

Patients with inflammatory idiopathic myopathies (IIM) face elevated risks of osteoporosis and fragility fracture.

Aim

To evaluate current practice relating to bone health in adult patients with IIM in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong (HK).

Methods

Patients were identified from IIM patient lists. Demographics, osteoporosis risk factors, DXA scans, and bone protection treatment were recorded. Adherence to regional standards was evaluated for each center. Following this, in the United Kingdom, up‐to‐date DXA scans were performed.

Results

Of 136 patients identified, 51 met selection criteria (UK, n = 20, HK, n = 31). Mean age in the United Kingdom was 59 (IQR 54–66); in Hong Kong, 65 (IQR 52.5–70). Most were female (UK 70%; HK 77%), current or previous steroid treatment was common (UK 90%; HK 100%) and some had experienced fragility fracture (UK 15%; HK 9%). The mean daily dose of prednisolone that patients were prescribed during the study was 12.5 mg (UK) and 14.3 mg (HK). Some patients had had a DXA scan (UK 50%; HK 35%) though several were outdated. Among those with BMD measured (UK, n = 20; HK, n = 11), osteopenia prevalence was 35% (UK) and 36% (HK) while osteoporosis was 5% (UK) and 36% (HK). Notably, 25% (UK) and 64% (HK) exceeded treatment thresholds. Treatments included anti‐osteoporotic agents (UK 55%; HK 15%), Vitamin D/calcium supplements (UK 95%; HK 52%), or no treatment (UK 5%, HK 15%).

Conclusion

Poor compliance with guidelines exists in both centers, particularly around investigation and monitoring of bone health for IIM patients. Integrated care models and increased resource allocation to bone health are imperative to improve management of this aspect of IIM.
Incorporating telemetry information into capture‐recapture analyses improves precision and accuracy of abundance estimates given spatiotemporally biased recapture effort
Authors: Badger Janelle J. , Johnson Devin S. , Baird Robin W. , Bradford Amanda L. , Kratofil Michaela A. , Mahaffy Sabre D. , Oleson Erin M.
Published: September 2024

Natural populations that are rare, cryptic or inaccessible provide a monumental challenge to monitoring, as adequate data are extremely difficult to collect. Surveys often encompass only a small portion of a population's range due to difficult terrain or inclement weather, especially for populations with extensive ranges. Thus, to maximise encounters, sampling efforts may be largely opportunistic or biased to accessible areas. The resulting sparse and spatially biased data may be difficult to model, standardise across years and incorporate into an assessment or management framework. However, in many monitoring programs, there are usually multiple threads of data that, though each may have its own limitations, can be synthesised to reveal important ecological processes.

Here, we demonstrate a simple technique to incorporate two additional streams of data on the same population, telemetry and survey effort data, into capture‐recapture analyses to address spatiotemporal sampling bias using simulated data. Utilisation distributions (UDs) computed from telemetry data are overlaid with UDs of survey efforts, providing an ‘effort by animal space use’ overlap covariate for modelling detection in a Jolly–Seber open population model.

Using simulated data, we found that our method resulted in more accurate and precise estimates of abundance than traditional capture‐recapture models. We then applied this method to a 16 year photo‐identification capture‐recapture dataset (n = 143 individuals) along with telemetry data (n = 44 satellite tag deployments) collected from the endangered population of false killer whales resident to the main Hawaiian Islands.

Incorporating space use and effort into this analysis improved precision of abundance estimates relative to previous modelling endeavours.
The moderating effect of private information on the relation between financial reporting quality and corporate dividend efficiency
Authors: Aoki Yasuharu , Kochiyama Takuma
Published: September 2024

We examine the effect of private information on the linkage between financial reporting quality and dividends. While prior studies show that better reporting quality mitigates agency problems regarding dividends, this effect can depend on capital suppliers' private information sources. In a sample of Japanese firms, we measure dividend efficiency regarding over‐ and underpayments and use unique main bank relationships as a proxy for private information. Reporting quality enhances dividend efficiency, and this linkage is observed only for firms without main bank relationships. The results suggest that high‐quality reporting streamlines dividends, particularly when capital suppliers do not have private information sources.
Predicting the Dry Season Habitat Occupancy of African Savannah Elephant Using Vegetation Indices and Modelling Landscape Variability in a Mesic Protected Area
Authors: Mukomberanwa Nobert Tafadzwa , Taru Phillip , Utete Beaven , Madamombe Honest Komborero
Published: September 2024

African savannah elephants (Loxodonta africana) are key ecosystem engineers that migrate over large spatiotemporal scales foraging as they require copious amounts of food and water across habitable landscapes. Therefore a need to understand movement patterns arises in relation to vegetation type and landscape variability, moreso in forage depauparate arid areas such as Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) in Zimbabwe. The objectives of this study were to: (i) assess the performance of vegetation indices in modelling the distribution of African savannah elephants, and (ii) model future landscape variability in Gonarezhou National Park (GNP) in Zimbabwe. Maximum entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm was used to explore the relationship between vegetation indices and distribution of African savannah elephants in the GNP. The Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) performs better relative to other indices in modelling the distribution of African savannah elephants across all habitat types in the GNP. Cellular automata‐Artificial Neural Network (CA‐ANN) showed a significant future decrease (Kruskal Anova; p < 0.05) in landscape suitable to sustain large populations of African savannah elephants in the GNP by the year 2083. Future remote sensing reveals directional insights into the future consequences of current landscape management for African savannah elephant conservation which is a crucial in the sustainability of climate threatened arid protected areas such as the GNP.
Comparative analysis of formyl peptide receptor 1 and formyl peptide receptor 2 reveals shared and preserved signalling profiles
Authors: Pajonczyk Denise , Sternschulte Merle F. , Soehnlein Oliver , Bermudez Marcel , Raabe Carsten A. , Rescher Ursula
Published: September 2024

Background and Purpose

The pattern recognition receptors, formyl peptide receptors, FPR1 and FPR2, are G protein‐coupled receptors that recognize many different pathogen‐ and host‐derived ligands. While FPR1 conveys pro‐inflammatory signals, FPR2 is linked with pro‐resolving outcomes. To analyse how the two very similar FPRs exert opposite effects in modulating inflammatory responses despite their high homology, a shared expression profile on immune cells and an overlapping ligand repertoire, we questioned whether the signalling profile differs between these two receptors.

Experimental Approach

We deduced EC50 and Emax values for synthetic, pathogen‐derived and host‐derived peptide agonists for both FPR1 and FPR2 and analysed them within the framework of biased signalling. We furthermore investigated whether FPR isoform‐specific agonists affect the ex vivo lifespan of human neutrophils.

Key results

The FPRs share a core signature across signalling pathways. Whereas the synthetic WKYMVm and formylated peptides acted as potent agonists at FPR1, and at FPR2, only WKYMVm was a full agonist. Natural FPR2 agonists, irrespective of N‐terminal formylation, displayed lower activity ratios, suggesting an underutilized signalling potential of this receptor. FPR2 agonism did not counteract LPS‐induced neutrophil survival, indicating that FPR2 activation per se is not linked with a pro‐resolving function.

Conclusion and Implications

Activation of FPR1 and FPR2 by a representative agonist panel revealed a lack of a receptor‐specific signalling texture, challenging assumptions about distinct inflammatory profiles linked to specific receptor isoforms, signalling patterns or agonist classes. These conclusions are restricted to the specific agonists and signalling pathways examined.
Citizen science and color pattern analysis indicate unreported Batesian mimicry between Neotropical snakes
Authors: Serrano Filipe C. , Farhat Carolina , Díaz‐Ricaurte Juan C. , Martins Marcio
Published: September 2024

Batesian mimics decrease their chance of predation by their resemblance to different, dangerous or unpalatable species but this relationship is often inferred without quantitative approaches. Snakes are notorious Batesian mimics, especially the Neotropical genus Xenodon, which comprises species that are putative mimics of venomous snakes such as coral snakes (genus Micrurus) and lanceheads (or “fer‐de‐lance,” genus Bothrops). Herein, we propose that Xenodon severus is a batesian mimic of the sympatric and highly venomous Amazonian bushmaster (Lachesis muta), the longest viper in the world, and not of lanceheads (Bothrops spp.). We compiled all available photographs of X. severus from citizen science platforms and published literature to test this mimicry through a quantitative dorsal color pattern analysis between this species and both L. muta and a lancehead Bothrops brazili. We classified georeferenced photographs as potential “mimic” or “non‐mimic” and tested whether “mimics” were found on average closer to L. muta's range centroid than “non‐mimics.” The color pattern analysis showed that X. severus is more similar to L. muta than to B. brazili. Furthermore, “mimics” were significantly closer to the centroid of L. muta. Our results suggest that X. severus is likely a mimic of L. muta and that this relationship may vary across their distribution. Our findings highlight the significant role of citizen science platforms in assessing ecological relationships and the importance of using quantitative methods such as dorsal color pattern analysis to test mimicry.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of anuran assemblages across habitats and seasons in a Neotropical savanna
Authors: Barros Rafael Assis , Dorado‐Rodrigues Tainá Figueras , Valadão Rafael Martins , Strüssmann Christine
Published: September 2024

Differences between habitats and seasonal changes in climate are some of the main factors responsible for shaping diversity patterns and biological community structures. In this context, anurans are considered excellent models for ecological studies due to their high sensitivity to environmental changes. This study analyzed how differences between open and forested formations and seasonality influence the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of anuran assemblages in an area of Neotropical savanna. Parameters of taxonomic (species richness—SR), functional (functional diversity—SES.FD, functional dispersion—FDis, and functional redundancy—FR), and phylogenetic diversity (phylogenetic species variability—PSV and phylogenetic species richness—PSR) were used to quantify spatiotemporal changes in the anuran assemblages. Sampling was carried out over 15 months, using pitfall traps and active searches. In total, we recorded 598 individuals belonging to 21 species and seven families. Species composition, SR, and PSR differed between habitats and seasons, the latter two being higher in open formations during the rainy season. SES.FD differed seasonally and was higher in the dry season. FDis, FR, and PSV did not differ between treatments. Anurans from forested formations were functionally and phylogenetically clustered during the rainy season, while those from open formations were functionally clustered during the same season. Habitat type and seasonal variation were important in determining the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of the anuran assemblages. However, changes in climate and land use are expected to negatively impact the ecological and evolutionary diversity of these organisms in the Cerrado, reinforcing the importance of conservation policies and actions.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Modulating reward and aversion: Insights into addiction from the paraventricular nucleus
Authors: Huang Shihao , Shi Cuijie , Tao Dan , Yang Chang , Luo Yixiao
Published: September 2024

Background

Drug addiction, characterized by compulsive drug use and high relapse rates, arises from complex interactions between reward and aversion systems in the brain. The paraventricular nucleus (PVN), located in the anterior hypothalamus, serves as a neuroendocrine center and is a key component of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.

Objective

This review aimed to explore how the PVN impacts reward and aversion in drug addiction through stress responses and emotional regulation and to evaluate the potential of PVN as a therapeutic target for drug addiction.

Methods

We review the current literature, focusing on three main neuron types in the PVN—corticotropin‐releasing factor, oxytocin, and arginine vasopressin neurons—as well as other related neurons, to understand their roles in modulating addiction.

Results

Existing studies highlight the PVN as a key mediator in addiction, playing a dual role in reward and aversion systems. These findings are crucial for understanding addiction mechanisms and developing targeted therapies.

Conclusion

The role of PVN in stress response and emotional regulation suggests its potential as a therapeutic target in drug addiction, offering new insights for addiction treatment.
The value of patch testing with plants “as is” in diagnosing plant sensitization
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Mortz Charlotte G.
Published: September 2024

Background

The number of commercially available plant allergens/extracts is limited and therefore patch testing with fresh/dried plant material may be a necessary supplement in diagnosing plant allergy.

Objectives

To evaluate the usefulness of patch testing with plants “as is” compared to patch testing with commercial and in‐house produced plant test materials and to report on species eliciting positive patch test reactions.

Patients/Materials/Methods

Consecutive eczema patients, who were patch tested between January 2019 and December 2023 and who had at least one positive reaction to a plant allergen and/or extract and/or plant “as is” were included in the study.

Results

A total 57 out of 1893 patients tested (3%) were sensitised to plants. Compositae plants were the most frequent sensitizers, followed by tomato, tulipalin A, falcarinol, and Philodendron plants. In 12 patients (21%), the diagnosis was based on patch testing with fresh plants only. Occupational sensitization occurred in 32%. Other sensitizers included Hydrangea, Pelargonium zonale, and Monstera.

Conclusions

A large minority of plant‐sensitised patients would have been undiagnosed without patch testing with plants “as is.” Most of the culprit plants were known sensitizers, but not commercially available, and these and new species taken into cultivation makes patch testing with fresh plants unavoidable and worthwhile.
Computational drug discovery pipelines identify NAMPT as a therapeutic target in neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: Zhang Weijie , Lee Adam , Lee Lauren , Dehm Scott M. , Huang R. Stephanie
Published: September 2024

Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is an aggressive advanced subtype of prostate cancer that exhibits poor prognosis and broad resistance to therapies. Currently, few treatment options are available, highlighting a need for new therapeutics to help curb the high mortality rates of this disease. We designed a comprehensive drug discovery pipeline that quickly generates drug candidates ready to be tested. Our method estimated patient response to various therapeutics in three independent prostate cancer patient cohorts and selected robust candidate drugs showing high predicted potency in NEPC tumors. Using this pipeline, we nominated NAMPT as a molecular target to effectively treat NEPC tumors. Our in vitro experiments validated the efficacy of NAMPT inhibitors in NEPC cells. Compared with adenocarcinoma LNCaP cells, NAMPT inhibitors induced significantly higher growth inhibition in the NEPC cell line model NCI‐H660. Moreover, to further assist clinical development, we implemented a causal feature selection method to detect biomarkers indicative of sensitivity to NAMPT inhibitors. Gene expression modifications of selected biomarkers resulted in changes in sensitivity to NAMPT inhibitors consistent with expectations in NEPC cells. Validation of these markers in an independent prostate cancer patient dataset supported their use to inform clinical efficacy. Our findings pave the way for new treatments to combat pervasive drug resistance and reduce mortality. Furthermore, this research highlights the use of drug sensitivity‐related biomarkers to understand mechanisms and potentially indicate clinical efficacy.
Prominent tissue hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis obscuring primary cutaneous gamma/delta (γδ) T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Fisher Craig M. , Capen Steven F. , Bandino Justin P. , Holmes Allen R. , Lee Christine M.
Published: September 2024

Primary cutaneous gamma/delta (γδ) T‐cell lymphoma (PCGDTCL) is a rare, aggressive malignant neoplasm of γδ T lymphocytes arising within the skin and subcutis. We present a challenging case of PCGDTCL diagnosed in a 35‐year‐old male soldier who presented with constitutional symptoms, pancytopenia, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), disseminated lymphadenopathy, and cutaneous lesions on his extremities and back following a deployment to Iraq and Syria. Histopathologic evaluation of an excisional biopsy showed that PCGDTCL can be focal, localized to the subcutaneous adipose tissue, and obscured by predominant HLH in the surrounding tissues. Pathologists should recognize that the diagnosis of PCGDTCL may be confounded by florid HLH and require multiple biopsies and a comprehensive immunohistochemical panel.
Relationship between weight‐adjusted‐waist index and all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhang Tian‐Yu , Zhang Zi‐Meng , Wang Xue‐Ning , Kuang Hong‐Yu , Xu Qian , Li Hong‐Xue , Xu Cheng‐Ye , Zhao Kang‐Qi , Zhang Cong , Hao Ming
Published: September 2024

Aim

To investigate the relationship between the weight‐adjusted‐waist index (WWI) and all‐cause mortality as well as cardiovascular mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018 and the UK Biobank database. Restricted cubic spline curves and Cox proportional hazards models were employed to assess hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all‐cause mortality.

Results

In the UK Biobank database, compared with the lowest WWI quartile, the HR for all‐cause and cardiovascular death in the highest quartile was 1.846 (95% CI 1.687‐2.019) and 2.118 (95% CI 1.783‐2.517), respectively, in the fully adjusted model. In the NHANES database, compared with the lowest WWI quartile, the highest quartile had an HR of 1.727 (95% CI 1.378‐2.163) for all‐cause death and 1.719 (95% CI 1.139‐2.595) for cardiovascular death in the fully adjusted model.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that WWI has a long‐term synergistic negative impact on all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The WWI is an independent predictor of mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Cognitive behavioral phenotyping of DSCAM heterozygosity as a model for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Neff Ryan C. , Stangis Katherine A. , Beniwal Ujjawal , Hergenreder Ty , Ye Bing , Murphy Geoffrey G.
Published: September 2024

It is estimated that 1 in 36 children are affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States, which is nearly a twofold increase from a decade ago. Recent genetic studies have identified de novo loss‐of‐function (dnLoF) mutations in the Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (DSCAM) as a strong risk factor for ASD. Previous research has shown that DSCAM ablation confers social interaction deficits and perseverative behaviors in mouse models. However, it remains unknown to what extent DSCAM underexpression captures the full range of behaviors, specifically cognitive phenotypes, presented in ASD. Here, we conducted a comprehensive cognitive behavioral phenotyping which revealed that loss of one copy of DSCAM, as in the DSCAM2J+/−, that is, DSCAM heterozygous mice, displayed hyperactivity, increased anxiety‐like behavior, and motor coordination deficits. Additionally, hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory was affected, including impairments in working memory, long‐term memory, and contextual fear learning. Interestingly, implicit learning processes remained intact. Therefore, DSCAM LoF produces autistic‐like behaviors that are similar to those observed in human cases of ASD. These findings further support a role for DSCAM dnLoF mutations in ASD and suggest DSCAM2J+/− as a suitable model for ASD research.
Evaluation of the reliability and usability of CARE‐Radiology: A descriptive‐analytic study
Authors: Wang Mengshu , Luo Xufei , Estill Janne , Spruyt Karen , Kurokawa Ryo , Persaud Nav , Shimamura Yasuteru , Raison Holly , Franco Paolo Niccolò , Maino Cesare , Elkhayat Hussein , Galal Rehab A. , Kimura Daisuke , Omata Shingo , Ryzhkin Sergey A. , Izmailov Timur R. , Bashirov Rustem A. , Bian Zhaoxiang , Tian Jinhui , Lei Junqiang
Published: September 2024

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate the reliability and usability of the CARE‐Radiology checklist in assessing radiological case reports and provide a basis for its broader adoption and optimization.

Methods

Ten randomly selected radiological case reports published in scientific journals in 2020 were evaluated using the CARE‐Radiology checklist. Twenty‐six experts from 10 countries were invited to independently assess all ten reports. The reliability of the checklist was measured using Fleiss' Kappa, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Usability was evaluated by recording the time taken to complete the assessments and requesting the evaluators to rate each item on a Likert scale for its easiness of use.

Results

The median time for evaluating one radiological case report was 15 min. The overall agreement among evaluators showed moderate reliability with a Kappa value of 0.47 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.51. The mean compliance rate for the items of CARE‐Radiology was 61.8%, with some items exceeding 90% compliance. Items related to abstracts and keywords had the lowest compliance rates. The evaluators found most items easy to understand, with a few exceptions.

Conclusions

The CARE‐Radiology checklist is relatively easy for researchers to use and understand. Continuous feedback is necessary for future revisions and updates, to enhance the effectiveness of the checklist, and to improve user experience.