bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving pulmonary infection diagnosis with metagenomic next-generation sequencing of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Long Ying , Xia Xianzhu , Feng Hao , Zhao Pingsen
Published: July 2024

Introduction. Inappropriate use of antibiotics and inadequate therapeutic regimens for early-stage pulmonary infections are major contributors to increased prevalence of complications and mortality. Moreover, due to the limitations in sensitivity of conventional testing, there is an urgent need for more diagnostically efficient methods for the detection and characterization of pathogens in pulmonary infections.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can contribute to the diagnosis and management of pulmonary infections.

Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical application and value of mNGS in the diagnosis of clinically suspected pulmonary infections by comparing with conventional testing.

Methodology. In this study, the diagnosis performance of mNGS was evaluated using bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from 143 patients with suspected lung infections. First, we conducted a prospective study on 31 patients admitted to Yuebei People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shantou University Medical College to investigate the clinical value. Then a retrospective analysis was performed by including more patients (n=112) to reduce the random error. Pathogens were detected by mNGS and conventional methods (culture and PCR). Then, the types and cases of detected pathogens, as well as the specificity and sensitivity, were compared between the two methods. We evaluated the performance of mNGS in detecting bacterial, fungal, viral and mixed infections in BALF. The effect of disease severity in pulmonary infections on the integrity of mNGS pathogen detection was also explored.

Results. The mNGS provided an earlier and more comprehensive pathogen profile than conventional testing, which in turn prompted a change in clinical medication, which led to improvement in eight patients (8/31=25.81 %) in the presence of other serious comorbidities. In a retrospective analysis, mNGS was much more sensitive than conventional testing in the diagnosis of pulmonary infections (95.33 % vs. 55.56 %; P<0.001), with a 39.77 % increase in sensitivity. The detection rate of mNGS for mixed infections was significantly higher than that of conventional testing methods for both common and severe pneumonia (48/67=71.64 % vs. 12/52=23.08 %, P<0.001; 44/59=74.58 % vs. 11/59=18.64 %, P<0.0001).

Conclusion. The sensitivity of mNGS in the diagnosis of pathogenic microorganisms in pulmonary infections far exceeds that of conventional culture tests. As a complementary method to conventional methods, mNGS can help improve the diagnosis of pulmonary infections. In addition, mNGS pathogen integrity detection rate was similar in common and severe pneumonia. We recommend the prompt use of mNGS when mixed or rare pathogen infections are suspected, especially in immunocompromised individuals and/or critically ill individuals.
The use of representative community samples to assess SARS-CoV-2 lineage competition: Alpha outcompetes Beta and wild-type in England from January to March 2021
Authors: Eales Oliver , Page Andrew J. , Tang Sonja N. , Walters Caroline E. , Wang Haowei , Haw David , Trotter Alexander J. , Le Viet Thanh , Foster-Nyarko Ebenezer , Prosolek Sophie , Atchison Christina , Ashby Deborah , Cooke Graham , Barclay Wendy , Donnelly Christl A. , O’Grady Justin , Volz Erik , Darzi Ara , Ward Helen , Elliott Paul , Riley Steven ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium†
Published: July 2024

Genomic surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 lineages informs our understanding of possible future changes in transmissibility and vaccine efficacy and will be a high priority for public health for the foreseeable future. However, small changes in the frequency of one lineage over another are often difficult to interpret because surveillance samples are obtained using a variety of methods all of which are known to contain biases. As a case study, using an approach which is largely free of biases, we here describe lineage dynamics and phylogenetic relationships of the Alpha and Beta variant in England during the first 3 months of 2021 using sequences obtained from a random community sample who provided a throat and nose swab for rt-PCR as part of the REal-time Assessment of Community Transmission-1 (REACT-1) study. Overall, diversity decreased during the first quarter of 2021, with the Alpha variant (first identified in Kent) becoming predominant, driven by a reproduction number 0.3 higher than for the prior wild-type. During January, positive samples were more likely to be Alpha in those aged 18 to 54 years old. Although individuals infected with the Alpha variant were no more likely to report one or more classic COVID-19 symptoms compared to those infected with wild-type, they were more likely to be antibody-positive 6 weeks after infection. Further, viral load was higher in those infected with the Alpha variant as measured by cycle threshold (Ct) values. The presence of infections with non-imported Beta variant (first identified in South Africa) during January, but not during February or March, suggests initial establishment in the community followed by fade-out. However, this occurred during a period of stringent social distancing. These results highlight how sequence data from representative community surveys such as REACT-1 can augment routine genomic surveillance during periods of lineage diversity.
WITHDRAWN: Mitogenomic phylogeny and divergence time estimation of Artemia Leach, 1819 (Branchiopoda: Anostraca) with emphasis on parthenogenetic lineages
Authors: Asem Alireza , Yang Chaojie , De Vos Stephanie , Mahmoudi Farnaz , Lidong Xia , Shen Chun-Yang , Hontoria Francisco , Rogers D. Christopher , Gajardo Gonzalo
Published: July 2024

Withdrawal statement

The authors have withdrawn this manuscript because the new version of this article has been developed based on the phylogenetic concept of “long branch length and long branch attraction (LBA)”and the validity of “relaxed clock and strict clock” methods for divergence time estimation. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as reference for the project. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
FUNDAMENTAL LIMITATIONS OF KILOHERTZ-FREQUENCY CARRIERS IN AFFERENT FIBER RECRUITMENT WITH TRANSCUTANEOUS SPINAL CORD STIMULATION
Authors: Keesey Rodolfo , Hofstoetter Ursula , Hu Zhaoshun , Lombardi Lorenzo , Hawthorn Rachel , Bryson Noah , Rowald Andreas , Minassian Karen , Seáñez Ismael
Published: July 2024

The use of kilohertz-frequency (KHF) waveforms has rapidly gained momentum in transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to restore motor function after paralysis. However, the mechanisms by which these fast-alternating currents depolarize efferent and afferent fibers remain unknown. Our study fills this research gap by providing a hypothesis-and evidence-based investigation using peripheral nerve stimulation, lumbar tSCS, and cervical tSCS in 25 unimpaired participants together with computational modeling. Peripheral nerve stimulation experiments and computational modeling showed that KHF waveforms negatively impact the processes required to elicit action potentials, thereby increasing response thresholds and biasing the recruitment towards efferent fibers. While these results translate to tSCS, we also demonstrate that lumbar tSCS results in the preferential recruitment of afferent fibers, while cervical tSCS favors recruitment of efferent fibers. Given the assumed importance of proprioceptive afferents in motor recovery, our work suggests that the use of KHF waveforms should be reconsidered to maximize neurorehabilitation outcomes, particularly for cervical tSCS. We posit that careful analysis of the mechanisms that mediate responses elicited by novel approaches in tSCS is crucial to understanding their potential to restore motor function after paralysis.
Aging trajectories of memory CD8+T cells differ by their antigen specificity
Authors: Sturmlechner Ines , Jain Abhinav , Hu Bin , Jadhav Rohit R. , Cao Wenqiang , Okuyama Hirohisa , Tian Lu , Weyand Cornelia M. , Goronzy Jörg J.
Published: July 2024

Memory T cells are a highly dynamic and heterogeneous population that is maintained by cytokine-driven homeostatic proliferation interspersed with episodes of antigen-mediated expansion and contraction which affect their functional state and their durability. This heterogeneity complicates studies on the impact of aging on global human memory cells, specifically, it is unclear how aging drives memory T cell dysfunction. Here, we used chronic infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) to assess the influence of age on memory states at the level of antigen-specific CD8+T cells. We find that in young adults (<40 years), EBV-specific CD8+T cells assume preferred differentiation states depending on their peptide specificity. By age >65-years, different T cell specificities had undergone largely distinct aging trajectories, which had in common a loss in adaptive and a gain in innate immunity signatures. No evidence was seen for cellular senescence or exhaustion. While naïve/stem-like EBV-specific T cells disappeared with age, T cell diversity of EBV-specific memory cells did not change or even increased. In summary, by controlling for antigen specificity we uncover age-associated shifts in gene expression and TCR diversity that have implications for optimizing vaccination strategies and adoptive T cell therapy.
Characterization of Eye and Adnexal Tissues in Dogs and Wolves: A Histological and Lectin-Histochemical Approach
Authors: López Abel Diz , Torres Mateo V. , Gómez Fabio Martínez , López-Beceiro Ana , Fidalgo Luis , Sanchez-Quinteiro Pablo , Ortiz-Leal Irene
Published: July 2024

This study explores the ocular anatomy and glandular components of domestic dogs compared to their ancestor, the wolf, with the aim of identifying evolutionary changes due to domestication and their implications for ocular pathologies. Utilizing histological and histochemical techniques, including hematoxylin-eosin, PAS, Alcian Blue, and lectins, this research conducts a detailed analysis of the canine and wolf ocular systems, particularly focusing on the eyelids, tarsal glands, and conjunctival tissues. Results indicate significant histological differences between the two species, particularly in the thickness and secretion levels of the conjunctival epithelia and the structure of the tarsal glands. Dogs exhibit a thicker epithelium with greater PAS and Alcian Blue positive secretion, suggesting enhanced ocular protection and lubrication adapted to domestic environments. Conversely, wolves display more concentrated glandular secretions and a predominance of acidic mucopolysaccharides, aligning with their adaptation to natural habitats. This study also highlights the translational value of dogs as models for human ocular diseases, given their anatomical and physiological similarities with humans. Such comparisons are essential as they provide insights that can lead to advancements in medical research and clinical applications, especially in the development of treatments for ocular surface disorders.
Rapid oxygen titration following cardiopulmonary resuscitation mitigates cerebral overperfusion and striatal mitochondrial dysfunction in asphyxiated newborn lambs
Authors: Badurdeen Shiraz , Galinsky Robert , Roberts Calum T. , Crossley Kelly J. , Zahra Valerie A. , Thiel Alison , Pham Yen , Davis Peter G. , Hooper Stuart B. , Polglase Graeme R. , Camm Emily J.
Published: July 2024

Asphyxiated neonates must have oxygenation rapidly restored to limit ongoing hypoxic-ischemic injury. However, the effects of transient hyperoxia after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) are poorly understood. We randomly allocated acutely asphyxiated, near-term lambs to cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 100% oxygen (“standard oxygen”, n=8) or air (n=7) until 5 minutes after ROSC, or to resuscitation in 100% oxygen immediately weaned to air upon ROSC (“rapid-wean”, n=7). From 5 minutes post-ROSC, oxygen was titrated to target preductal oxygen saturation between 90-95%. Cerebral tissue oxygenation was transiently but markedly elevated following ROSC in the standard oxygen group compared to the air and rapid-wean groups. The air group had a delayed rise in cerebral tissue oxygenation from 5 minutes after ROSC coincident with up-titration of oxygen. These alterations in oxygen kinetics corresponded with similar overshoots in cerebral perfusion (pressure and flow), indicating a physiological mechanism. Transient cerebral tissue hyperoxia in the standard oxygen and air groups resulted in significant alterations in mitochondrial respiration and dynamics, relative to the rapid-wean group. Overall, rapid-wean of oxygen following ROSC preserved striatal mitochondrial respiratory function and reduced the expression of genes involved in free radical generation and apoptosis, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy to limit cerebral reperfusion injury.
Imaging of developing human brains with ex vivo PSOCT and dMRI
Authors: Wang Hui , Blanke Nathan , Gong Dayang , Ortug Alpen , Alatorre Warren Jose Luis , Clickner Christopher , Ammon William , Nolan Jackson , Cotronis Zoe , van der Kouwe Andre , Takahashi Emi
Published: July 2024

The human brain undergoes substantial developmental changes in the first five years of life. Particularly in the white matter, myelination of axons occurs near birth and continues at a rapid pace during the first 2 to 3 years. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) has revolutionized our understanding of developmental trajectories in white matter. However, the mm-resolution ofin vivotechniques bears significant limitation in revealing the microstructure of the developing brain. Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) is a three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging technique that uses polarized light interferometry to target myelinated fiber tracts with micrometer resolution. Previous studies have shown that PSOCT contributes significantly to the elucidation of myelin content and quantification of fiber orientation in adult human brains. In this study, we utilized the PSOCT technique to study developing brains during the first 5 years of life in combination with ex vivo dMRI. The results showed that the optical properties of PSOCT quantitatively reveal the myelination process in young children. The imaging contrast of the optic axis orientation is a sensitive measure of fiber orientations in largely unmyelinated brains as young as 3-months-old. The micrometer resolution of PSOCT provides substantially enriched information about complex fiber networks and complements submillimeter dMRI. This new optical tool offers great potential to reveal the white matter structures in normal neurodevelopment and developmental disorders in unprecedented detail.
CardioMEA: Comprehensive Data Analysis Platform for Studying Cardiac Diseases and Drug Responses
Authors: Lee Jihyun , Duperrex Eliane , El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Hohn Alyssa , Saguner Ardan M. , Duru Firat , Emmenegger Vishalini , Cyganek Lukas , Hierlemann Andreas , Ulusan Hasan
Published: July 2024

In recent years, high-density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEAs) have emerged as a valuable tool in preclinical research for characterizing the electrophysiology of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). HD-MEAs enable the capturing of both extracellular and intracellular signals on a large scale, while minimizing potential damage to the cell. However, a gap exists between technological advancements of HD-MEAs and the availability of effective data-analysis platforms. To address this need, we introduce CardioMEA, a comprehensive data-analysis platform designed specifically for HD-MEA data that have been obtained from iPSC-CMs. CardioMEA features scalable data processing pipelines and an interactive web-based dashboard for advanced visualization and analysis. In addition to its core functionalities, CardioMEA incorporates modules designed to discern crucial electrophysiological features between diseased and healthy iPSC-CMs. Notably, CardioMEA has the unique capability to analyze both extracellular and intracellular signals, thereby facilitating customized analyses for specific research tasks. We demonstrate the practical application of CardioMEA by analyzing electrophysiological signals from iPSC-CM cultures exposed to seven antiarrhythmic drugs. CardioMEA holds great potential as an intuitive, user-friendly platform for studying cardiac diseases and assessing drug effects.
Unraveling the Role of Azobenzene-Based Photoswitchable Lipids in Controlling Innate Immune Response
Authors: Delova Anastasiia , Makhloutah Aline , Bernhard Yann , Pasc Andreea , Monari Antonio
Published: July 2024

Controlling the activation of the innate immune response, particularly through the use of suitable visible light sources, could pave the way for the development of innovative phototimmunotherapeutic strategies. In this contribution, we investigate the effects of the E/Z isomerization on a phosphatidylserine lipid containing an isomerizable azobenzene moiety, which has recently been shown to regulate the activation of natural killer cells and the production of cytokines [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 3863−3874]. Specifically, we examine how this isomerization affects interactions with the innate immune system’s TIM-3 receptors. Using long-range molecular dynamics simulations with enhanced sampling, we demonstrate that the Z isomer leads to a shallower binding and a less pronounced rigidification of the protein compared to the E isomer and the native lipid, which explains the less pronounced activation of the immune response.

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MicroRNA miR-92b-3p regulation of a cardiovascular gene regulatory network in the developing branchial arches
Authors: Goldsworthy Sian , Losa Marta , Bobola Nicoletta , Griffiths-Jones Sam
Published: July 2024

Vertebrate branchial arches (BAs) are a developmental paradigm, undergoing coordinated differentiation and morphogenesis to form various adult derivative tissues. MicroRNAs can strengthen gene regulatory networks (GRNs) to promote developmental stability. To interrogate the contribution of microRNAs to BA development, we generated a novel microRNA-sequencing dataset from mouse BAs. We identified 550 expressed microRNAs, of which approximately 20% demonstrate significant differential expression across BA domains. The three most posterior BAs and the connecting outflow tract (PBA/OFT) are enriched in biological processes linked to cardiovascular development. We identified enriched predicted microRNA-target interactions with PBA/OFT upregulated cardiovascular genes and validated transcripts encoding for two fundamental cardiac transcription factors (TFs),Gata6andTbx20,as targets of miR-92b-3p. Furthermore, we demonstrated that miR-92b-3p can downregulate endogenousGATA6andTBX20in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) undergoing cardiomyocyte differentiation, consistent with conservation of these microRNA-target interactions in a cardiogenic setting. miR-92b-3p has previously been shown to target two other cardiac TFs,Hand2andMef2D.Therefore, we hypothesise that miR-92b-3p acts to stabilise cardiovascular GRNs during PBA/OFT development, through acting in multiple microRNA-mediated coherent feedforward loops.
MACanalyzeR: scRNA-seq Analysis Tool Reveals PPARγHI Lipid-Associated Macrophages Facilitate Thermogenic Expansion in BAT
Authors: Ninni Andrea , Zaccaria Fabio , Verteramo Luca , Sciarretta Francesca , Silveira Loreana Sanches , Rosa-Neto José Cesar , Grumati Paolo , Rizzo Giuseppe , Cochain Clement , Williams Jesse W. , Ivanov Stoyan , Zhou Beiyan , Aquilano Katia , Lettieri-Barbato Daniele
Published: July 2024

Macrophages in brown adipose tissue (BAT) play a complex role in regulating its activity. However, the role of macrophages in regulating BAT activation/deactivation has not yet been comprehensively characterized. To elucidate this, we developed MACanalyzeR, a scRNAseq-based tool specifically designed to explore the macrophage features at molecular and metabolic level. MACanalyzeR was applied in scRNA-seq datasets obtained from BAT with thermogenic loss (db/db mice) and activation (High Fat Diet, HFD). Our computational approach revealed that macrophages accumulating in BAT upon these conditions resemble lipid-associated macrophages (LAMs) with foaming-like features. BAT LAMs also show a significant enrichment of genes associated with mitochondria and lysosomes. Interestingly, LAMs identified in BAT from HFD mice positively correlate with thermogenic genes and exhibit an enrichment in PPARγsignaling pathway, with an activated mitochondrial metabolism. Cell dynamic strategy, revealed that LAM with highPpargexpression levels (PpargHIGH) progressively accumulate during skeletal muscle regeneration, suggesting a potential role for this LAM subcluster in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Our findings suggestPpargHIGHLAMs as a subclass of macrophages potentially contributing in preserving tissue homeostasis associated with high energy demand conditions such as thermogenic and regenerative stimuli.
Thermal fluctuations for a three-beads swimmer
Authors: Ferretta R. , Di Leonardo R. , Puglisi A.
Published: July 2024

We discuss a microswimmer model made of three spheres actuated by an internal active time-periodic force, tied by an elastic potential, and submitted to hydrodynamic interactions with thermal noise. The dynamical approach we use, replacing the more common kinematic one, shows the instability of the original model and the need of a confining potential to prevent the evaporation of the swimmer. We investigate the effect of the main parameters of the model, such as the frequency and phase difference of the periodic active force, the stiffness of the confining potential, the length of the swimmer and the temperature and viscosity of the fluid. Our observables of interest are the averages of the swim velocity, the energy consumption rate, the diffusion coefficient, and the swimming precision, which is limited by the energy consumption through the celebrated thermodynamic uncertainty relations. An optimum for velocity and precision is found for an intermediate frequency. Reducing the potential stiffness, the viscosity, or the length is also beneficial for the swimming performance, but these parameters are limited by the consistency of the model. Analytical approximation for many of the relevant observables is obtained for small deformations of the swimmer. We also discuss the efficiency of the swimmer in terms of its maximum precision and of the hydrodynamic, or Lighthill, criterion, and how they are connected.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Probing elastic anisotropy on entropic interfaces
Authors: Yuan Ye , Azzari Paride , Mezzenga Raffaele
Published: July 2024

Liquid-liquid phase separation is vital in the formation of many biomolecular condensates, including cellular membraneless organelles. When semiflexible macromolecules are involved, the process switches from mostly enthalpy- to dominantly entropy-driven, changing the intrinsic nature of the interfaces and bringing new physical traits. Here, we present a concept to address the complexity of entropic interfaces where laser trapping and microscopy are combined to capture the behavior of probe colloidal particles onto liquid crystalline droplet surfaces. Hertz-Frank-Oseen contact theory is extended to calculate the elasticity of the droplet based on particle trajectories. We show that this method is sensitive enough to resolve the anisotropic elasticity originating from the collective molecular orientation of constitutive semiflexible mesogens, introducing a possible tool to assess biomechanics of cellular and molecular condensates.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Absence of
E2g
Nematic Instability and Dominant
A1g
Response in the Kagome Metal
CsV3Sb5
Authors: Liu Zhaoyu , Shi Yue , Jiang Qianni , Rosenberg Elliott W. , DeStefano Jonathan M. , Liu Jinjin , Hu Chaowei , Zhao Yuzhou , Wang Zhiwei , Yao Yugui , Graf David , Dai Pengcheng , Yang Jihui , Xu Xiaodong , Chu Jiun-Haw
Published: July 2024

Ever since the discovery of the charge density wave (CDW) transition in the kagome metal CsV3Sb5, the nature of its symmetry breaking has been under intense debate. While evidence suggests that the rotational symmetry is already broken at the CDW transition temperature (TCDW), an additional electronic nematic instability well below TCDW has been reported based on the diverging elastoresistivity coefficient in the anisotropic channel (mE2g). Verifying the existence of a nematic transition below TCDW is not only critical for establishing the correct description of the CDW order parameter, but also important for understanding low-temperature superconductivity. Here, we report elastoresistivity measurements of CsV3Sb5 using three different techniques probing both isotropic and anisotropic symmetry channels. Contrary to previous reports, we find the anisotropic elastoresistivity coefficient mE2g is temperature independent, except for a step jump at TCDW. The absence of nematic fluctuations is further substantiated by measurements of the elastocaloric effect, which show no enhancement associated with nematic susceptibility. On the other hand, the symmetric elastoresistivity coefficient mA1g increases below TCDW, reaching a peak value of 90 at T*=20  K. Our results strongly indicate that the phase transition at T* is not nematic in nature and the previously reported diverging elastoresistivity is due to the contamination from the A1g channel.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Operando pair distribution function analysis of nanocrystalline functional materials: the case of TiO2-bronze nanocrystals in Li-ion battery electrodes
Authors: Karlsen Martin A. , Billet Jonas , Tao Songsheng , Van Driessche Isabel , Billinge Simon J. L. , Ravnsbæk Dorthe B.
Published: July 2024

Structural modelling of operando pair distribution function (PDF) data of complex functional materials can be highly challenging. To aid the understanding of complex operando PDF data, this article demonstrates a toolbox for PDF analysis. The tools include denoising using principal component analysis together with the structureMining, similarityMapping and nmfMapping apps available through the online service `PDF in the cloud' (PDFitc, https://pdfitc.org/). The toolbox is used for both ex situ and operando PDF data for 3 nm TiO2-bronze nanocrystals, which function as the active electrode material in a Li-ion battery. The tools enable structural modelling of the ex situ and operando PDF data, revealing two pristine TiO2 phases (bronze and anatase) and two lithiated Li
x
TiO2 phases (lithiated versions of bronze and anatase), and the phase evolution during galvanostatic cycling is characterized.
What has scripting ever done for us? The CSD Python application programming interface (API)
Authors: Sykes Richard A. , Johnson Natalie T. , Kingsbury Christopher J. , Harter Jürgen , Maloney Andrew G. P. , Sugden Isaac J. , Ward Suzanna C. , Bruno Ian J. , Adcock Stewart A. , Wood Peter A. , McCabe Patrick , Moldovan Alexandru A. , Atkinson Francis , Giangreco Ilenia , Cole Jason C.
Published: July 2024

Since its first release in 2016, the Cambridge Structural Database Python application programming interface (CSD Python API) has seen steady uptake within the community that the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre serves. This article reviews the history of scripting interfaces, demonstrating the need, and then briefly outlines the technical structure of the API. It describes the reach of the CSD Python API, provides a selected review of its impact and gives some illustrative examples of what scientists can do with it. The article concludes with speculation as to how such endeavours will evolve over the next decade.
Understanding the factors that motivate South African home fibre users to protect their home networking devices: a protection motivation theory
Authors: Tekeni Luzuko , Botha Reinhardt A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

As home users are increasingly responsible for securing their computing devices and home networks, there is a growing need to develop interventions to assist them in protecting their home networking devices, which are vulnerable to attack. To this end, this paper aims to examine the motivating factors that drive South African fibre users to protect their home networking devices.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the protection motivation theory as the primary framework, a measurement instrument comprising 53 questionnaire items was developed to measure 13 constructs. The study collected empirical data from a sample of 392 South African home fibre users and evaluated the research model using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The evaluation showed a good fit, with 12 out of 15 predicted hypotheses being accepted for the final research model, contributing to the understanding of the factors that motivate home users to protect their home networking devices.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to model the factors that drive South African home fibre users to protect their home networking devices. Knowing these factors could help home internet service providers and security software vendors of home products to develop security interventions that could assist home fibre users to secure their home networking devices.
Managing paradoxes in the public sector: a systematic and problematizing review of macro-level concepts
Authors: Schädeli Daniela , Ritz Adrian
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This article investigates different terms and concepts of paradox dimensions in Public Administration because these terms are often used interchangeably. The aim is to reveal the theoretically based macro-level concepts and establish a common ground for a shared dialogue about managing paradoxes in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

This article uses a complementary review approach. First, a systematic literature review is executed to identify the macro-level paradox concepts and to capture their theoretical common ground. Second, the problematizing literature review aims to reflect Public Administration literature with literature from outside the field, mainly from Organization Studies and General Management.

Findings

For the most part, the macro-level paradox concepts in Public Administration are used to illustrate the context or situation of another research topic, rather than as standalone theories to be conceptually or empirically explored. In 63 out of 589 articles, we found a theoretical definition of the mentioned macro-level paradox concept. This definition refers mainly to the sources of paradoxical situations and focuses less on the decisions and reactions thereto. Based on the review findings, an analytical model for the management of paradoxical situations in the public sector is provided and applied, followed by recommendations for further research.

Originality/value

This article aims to combine the macro-level paradox concepts in Public Administration with the insights of Paradox Theory and reveals that paradoxes could be a core topic in the field. Scholars in Public Administration could approach paradoxical situations from their own perspective while simultaneously strengthening the field’s identity by encouraging multiperspectivity.
How do firms’ respond during recession – a review and future research agenda
Authors: K.N. Harini , Thomas Manoj T.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Over the years, the impact of the business cycle on firm strategy has been neglected in the area of strategic management and remains one of the most important but least developed research streams in management scholarship. Studies in this area are scattered across time and domains, therefore, there is a need to consolidate this fragmented literature to provide a comprehensive review and thus avenues for further research. This study aims to address this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the systematic literature review (SLR) method is used to select and examine research articles in the area of firm responses and decisions during recession. This SLR examines 127 studies and carries out a thematic synthesis of the literature.

Findings

Based on the SLR and thematic synthesis of the literature, the themes identified in this study include – severity of recession impact (Theme 1); firm specific characteristics (Theme 2); resource adjustment activities (Theme 3); and firm performance (Theme 4), based on these themes and analysis this paper maps and proposes various relationships and linkages in this research domain that can be explored further for the development of scholarship in this field of study.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills the need for a systematic review of the extant literature on firms’ responses during recession. The study synthesizes literature and carries out a thematic analysis from 1980 till the period February 2024 to provide directions to advance this domain of literature.
Artificial intelligence and unemployment dynamics: an econometric analysis in high-income economies
Authors: Masoud Najeb
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data science (DS) on unemployment rates across ten high-income economies from 2015 to 2023.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes a unique approach by employing a dynamic panel data (DPD) model with a generalised method of moments (GMM) estimator to address potential biases. The methodology includes extensive validation through Sargan, Hansen, and Arellano-Bond tests, ensuring the robustness of the results and adding a novel perspective to the field of AI and unemployment dynamics.

Findings

The study’s findings are paramount, challenging prevailing concerns in AI, ML, and DS, demonstrating an insignificant impact on unemployment and contradicting common fears of job loss due to these technologies. The analysis also reveals a positive correlation (0.298) between larger government size and higher unemployment, suggesting bureaucratic inefficiencies that may hinder job growth. Conversely, a negative correlation (−0.201) between increased labour productivity and unemployment suggests that technological advancements can promote job creation by enhancing efficiency. These results refute the notion that technology inherently leads to job losses, positioning AI and related technologies as drivers of innovation and expansion within the labour market.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s findings suggest a promising outlook, positioning AI as a catalyst for the expansion and metamorphosis of employment rather than solely a catalyst for automation and job displacement. This insight presents a significant opportunity for AI and related technologies to improve labour markets and strategically mitigate unemployment. To harness the benefits of technological progress effectively, authorities and enterprises must carefully evaluate the balance between government spending and its impact on unemployment. This proposed strategy can potentially reinvent governmental initiatives and stimulate investment in AI, thereby bolstering economic and labour market reliability.

Originality/value

The results provide significant perspectives for policymakers and direct further investigations on the influence of AI on labour markets. The analysis results contradict the common belief of technology job loss. The study’s results are shown to be reliable by the Sargan, Hansen, and Arellano-Bond tests. It adds to the discussion on the role of AI in the future of work, proposing a detailed effect of AI on employment and promoting a strategic method for integrating AI into the labour market.
Validation of erosion wear models for a stainless steel automobile exhaust manifold
Authors: Kona Srikar Sarma , Dugala Navdeep Sharma , Singh Gurmeet
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the erosion wear rate of a stainless steel automobile exhaust manifold, both computationally and physically.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiment was performed on a motorcycle exhaust manifold as well as on a 3D model, created using SolidWorks 2022 CAD software. The analysis was later achieved using ANSYS 19.2 simulation software using Fluent – code.

Findings

The analysis of solid particle erosion in the exhaust manifold revealed that erosion wear is concentrated predominantly at the extrados of the manifold, with the most significant wear occurring at the lowermost bend. The erosion wear rate increases with larger particulate sizes and varies among bends, with negligible wear observed in straight pipes. The SEM analysis further confirmed surface degradation, with rugged textures, pits and grooves indicating abrasive wear. Spine-like structures and fractured soot particles suggest erosive and abrasive forces caused by high-speed contact of exhaust gas compounds. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed significant carbon abundance, indicating carbonaceous compounds from fuel combustion, along with notable amounts of oxygen and iron, typical of oxidized metallic constituents. The discrete phase modeling (DPM) analysis highlighted peak particulate matter deposition at the first bend exit, with maximum concentrations observed at specific angles. This deposition is influenced by centrifugal force, leading to increased PM concentration at outer bend walls. Velocity magnitude contours showed asymmetrical flow profiles, with high turbulence levels and secondary flow induced by centrifugal effects in bend areas. Dynamic pressure contours revealed varying pressures at intrados and extrados, with maximum pressure observed at the intrados of the manifold’s bends. These findings provide valuable insights into erosion wear, particulate dispersion and flow dynamics within the exhaust manifold.

Originality/value

The study investigated an automobile exhaust manifold model using ANSYS Fluent code and DPM to analyze erosion wear rate phenomena and its various constituents. This analysis was conducted in comparison with a physically eroded sample. The study offers insights into the mechanism underlying the exhaust manifold of an automobile.
Immunohistopathological analyses of a case of pemphigus vegetans with antibodies against desmoglein 1 and desmocollins 1–3
Authors: Kimura Anri , Makino Teruhiko , Kitayama Shohei , Mizawa Megumi , Ishii Norito , Hashimoto Takashi , Shimizu Tadamichi
Published: July 2024

Pemphigus vegetans is a rare type of pemphigus characterized by vegetative lesions primarily localized to the intertriginous area. Despite its unique clinical presentation, the underlying pathomechanism remains unclear owing to the rarity of the disease. We report a case of pemphigus vegetans with antibodies against desmoglein 1 and desmocollins 1–3. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analyses were performed to address the pathogenesis of this disease. A 73‐year‐old man presented with multiple vegetative plaques with erythema on the trunk, groins, and extremities. Mucosal lesions were not observed. Laboratory examinations revealed mild leukocytosis with eosinophilia. A histopathological examination of the skin lesion showed epidermal hyperplasia and intraepidermal abscesses with marked infiltration of neutrophils and eosinophils, and infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils into the upper derms. Bacterial culture of the skin tissue was positive for Staphylococcus aureus. Direct immunofluorescence showed deposits of IgG and C3 on keratinocyte surfaces in the epidermis. Autoantibodies against desmoglein 1 and autoantibodies against desmocollin 1, desmocollin 2, and desmocollin 3 were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The diagnosis of pemphigus vegetans was made. Initiation of prednisolone (1.0 mg/kg/day) gradually improved his skin symptoms. We performed immunohistochemical analyses of the lesional skin, which revealed infiltration of CD3‐positive, CD4‐positive, and CD68‐positive cells in the upper dermis, but CD20‐ or CD56‐positive cells were negative. In addition, the present case showed more prominent infiltration of IL‐17A‐ and IL‐22‐positive cells in the upper dermis than in pemphigus foliaceus, a type of pemphigus with autoantibodies against desmoglein 1. Furthermore, these cells co‐expressed CD3 and CD68. We hypothesized that IL‐22 and IL‐17A produced by T cells and macrophages and their dysregulation might be involved in the pathogenesis of pemphigus vegetans. Additionally, skin colonization and/or infection with Staphylococcus aureus could potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.
Statins enhance extracellular release of hepatitis C virus particles through ERK5 activation
Authors: Aoki‐Utsubo Chie , Kameoka Masanori , Deng Lin , Hanafi Muhammad , Dewi Beti Ernawati , Sudarmono Pratiwi , Wakita Takaji , Hotta Hak
Published: July 2024

Statins, such as lovastatin, have been known to inhibit 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase. Statins were reported to moderately suppress hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication in cultured cells harboring HCV RNA replicons. We report here using an HCV cell culture (HCVcc) system that high concentrations of lovastatin (5–20 μg/mL) markedly enhanced the release of HCV infectious particles (virion) in the culture supernatants by up to 40 times, without enhancing HCV RNA replication, HCV protein synthesis, or HCV virion assembly in the cells. We also found that lovastatin increased the phosphorylation (activation) level of extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) in both the infected and uninfected cells in a dose‐dependent manner. The lovastatin‐mediated increase of HCV virion release was partially reversed by selective ERK5 inhibitors, BIX02189 and XMD8‐92, or by ERK5 knockdown using small interfering RNA (siRNA). Moreover, we demonstrated that other cholesterol‐lowering statins, but not dehydrolovastatin that is incapable of inhibiting HMG‐CoA reductase and activating ERK5, enhanced HCV virion release to the same extent as observed with lovastatin. These results collectively suggest that statins markedly enhance HCV virion release from infected cells through HMG‐CoA reductase inhibition and ERK5 activation.
Canopy facilitation outweighs elemental allelopathy in a metalliferous system during an exceptionally dry year
Authors: Randé Hugo , Michalet Richard , Nemer David , Delerue Florian
Published: July 2024

The elemental allelopathy hypothesis states that the metal‐rich litter of hyper‐accumulating species may have a detrimental impact on neighbouring plants giving a competitive advantage to hyper‐accumulators. Here, we aim to specify the conditions of application of this hypothesis in realistic field conditions, and its relative importance compared to other positive effects found in metalliferous systems.

We disentangled the litter‐induced elemental allelopathy and canopy effects of two metallophyte species (Arenaria multicaulis and Hutchinsia alpina) with different levels of leaf Zn and Cd accumulation on two ecotypes of Agrostis capillaris with different levels of metal tolerance. The experiment was conducted in two habitats with contrasting pollution levels in a former mining valley in the Pyrenees (France).

The metallophyte species that accumulates more metals (Hutchinsia alpina) showed a strong elemental allelopathy effect on the target with lower metal tolerance in the habitat with lower pollution level, while the metallophyte species that accumulates less metals (Arenaria multicaulis) had no litter effect. Both metallophyte species had positive canopy effects likely due to improvement of micro‐climatic conditions. The drought that occurred during the experiment may have influenced these canopy effects, increasing their importance during the course of the study. For Hutchinsia alpina, the positive canopy effects were stronger than the negative litter effects, resulting in overall positive effects on both target ecotypes.

Synthesis. Our results brought a better understanding of the occurrence of elemental allelopathy in metallophyte communities and its relative importance as compared to micro‐climatic facilitation in a global warming context.
Twenty‐three years of PCR‐based seafood authentication assay development: What have we learned?
Authors: Singh Maleeka , Young Robert G. , Hellberg Rosalee S. , Hanner Robert H. , Corradini Maria G. , Farber Jeffrey M.
Published: July 2024

Seafood is a prime target for fraudulent activities due to the complexity of its supply chain, high demand, and difficult discrimination among species once morphological characteristics are removed. Instances of seafood fraud are expected to increase due to growing demand. This manuscript reviews the application of DNA‐based methods for commercial fish authentication and identification from 2000 to 2023. It explores (1) the most common types of commercial fish used in assay development, (2) the type of method used, (3) the gene region most often targeted, (4) provides a case study of currently published assays or primer‐probe pairs used for DNA amplification, for specificity, and (5) makes recommendations for ensuring standardized assay‐based reporting for future studies. A total of 313 original assays for the detection and authentication of commercial fish species from 191 primary articles published over the last 23 years were examined. The most explored DNA‐based method was real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), followed by DNA sequencing. The most targeted gene regions were cytb (cytochrome b) and COI (cytochrome c oxidase 1). Tuna was the most targeted commercial fish species. A case study of published tuna assays (n = 19) targeting the cytb region found that most assays were not species‐specific through in silico testing. This was conducted by examining the primer mismatch for each assay using multiple sequence alignment. Therefore, there is need for more standardized DNA‐based assay reporting in the literature to ensure specificity, reproducibility, and reliability of results. Factors, such as cost, sensitivity, quality of the DNA, and species, should be considered when designing assays.
Evaluating the IL‐6 Family of Cytokines Throughout Equine Gestation
Authors: Fedorka Carleigh E. , Scoggin Kirsten E. , El‐Sheikh Ali Hossam , Troedsson Mats H. T.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The interleukin (IL)‐6 family of cytokines is grouped by a common receptor subunit (gp130), but functions in distinct but overlapping physiological activities, including regulation of acute phase reaction and the balance between effector and regulatory T cell populations—both of which play a role in successful pregnancy maturation.

Methods

Here, we aim to assess the expression profiles of members of the IL‐6 cytokine family throughout equine gestation. To do so, RNA Sequencing was performed on chorioallantois and endometrium of mares at 120, 180, 300, and 330 days of gestation (n = 4/stage), as well as 45‐day chorioallantois (n = 4) and diestrus endometrium (n = 3). Expression levels of members of the IL‐6 cytokine family including ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), cardiotrophin 1 (CT‐1), cardiotrophin‐like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1), galectin‐10, oncostatin M (OSM), and IL‐6, ‐11, and ‐27 were evaluated in addition to the receptors for IL‐6 (IL‐6R) and the common receptor subunit gp130. Additionally, peripheral concentration of IL‐6 was assessed.

Results

In the chorioallantois, differential expression of IL‐6, IL‐11, CNTF, CLCF1, OSM, and CT‐1 was noted. In the endometrium, the gestational age of pregnancy impacted the expression of IL‐11, CNTF, and CT‐1. Circulatory IL‐6 concentrations reached their highest concentrations at 120 days, with lesser concentrations noted at 45, 180, 300, and 330 days. Both IL‐6R and gp130 altered in expression throughout equine gestation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, members of the IL‐6 cytokine family appear to fluctuate constantly throughout equine pregnancy, with varying expression profiles noted when comparing individual members. Additionally, different expression profiles were noted when comparing chorioallantois, endometrium, and circulation, indicating that the function of the cytokine is tissue‐specific.