bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of Tuberculosis Monitoring Encouragement Adherence Drive (TMEAD) for improving treatment adherence amongst drug-resistant Tuberculosis patients in Ahmedabad City, Gujarat
Authors: Travedi Poonam , Raval Devang , Malik Danish , Saha Somen , Saxena Deepak , Halkarni Nishad , Doshi Rahul , Rajpurohit Sukan , Rao Raghavendra , Joshi Madhav
Published: October 2023

Abstarct

Background

Treatment Adherence among Tuberculosis (TB) patients is a critical challenge globally and in India. Digital technology has appeared as a tool for providing patient centric monitoring support to improve TB patients’ drug adherence. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the acceptability and effectiveness of such devices for enhancing adherence among drug-resistant TB (DRTB). The present study aims to document the feasibility of using the Tuberculosis Monitoring Encouragement Adherence Drive (TMEAD) and treatment adherence amongst DRTB patients.

Methods

A longitudinal follow-up study of DRTB patients was conducted in Ahmedabad. A total of 22 Tuberculosis Units (TUs) from Ahmedabad’s rural and urban regions were included in the study based on the high load of DR-TB patients. Two hundred patients were enrolled per the inclusion criteria, and the TMEAD device was deployed to the enrolled patients and followed up monthly for six months to document drug adherence and various challenges.

Result

More than 80.5% of the patients used the device, and the point drug adherence was 92% among the patients who used the device. About 19.5% did not use the device, and the reasons for the non-use of the device include non-functional devices and alarms, charging, and incomplete refilling with prescribed drugs. The other significant issues include the social stigma regarding the disease and the fear of disclosure of TB.

Conclusion

The present study revealed that the acceptability of TMEAD and patient reported drug adherence were high. However, there were various disease and device related challenges. The implementation of TMEAD can be improved through the design modification. Further large-scale research is required to document the effectiveness of the device and scale up.
Excess deaths in China during SARS-CoV-2 viral waves in 2022-2023
Authors: Jha Prabhat , Brown Patrick E , Lam Teresa , Morawski Ed , Reid Angus
Published: October 2023

Background

The extent to which the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 raised death rates in China during its viral wave of December 2022-January 2023 remains undocumented.

Methods

We worked with an established national survey organization to survey 8,004 adults in all 31 administrative areas of China to ask about deaths in families since January 2020. We examined agespecific death rates, focusing on deaths above age 60 years, and at 15-59 years. We compared these to the United Nations (UN) estimates of age-specific mortality in 2019.

Findings

The survey participants were broadly similar to the 2020 census and other national surveys in age, sex, region, and smoking status, but had lower SARS-CoV-2 vaccination rates and higher education levels. There were no differences between reporting of deaths during the Omicron period versus earlier. The survey captured 456 deaths, of which 329 occurred at ages 60+ years and 212 were women. At ages 60+ years, death rates per 1000 rose 242% (95%CI 128-398%) during December 2022-January 2023. Deaths at ages 15-59 years did not rise appreciably. The UN estimates approximately 675,000 deaths per month at ages 60+ years in 2019. If rates doubled nationally as in our survey, China had approximately 1·35 million excess deaths over the two months.

Interpretation

China experienced a sharp but short increase in excess deaths among its elderly during the Omicron wave. If death registry data corroborate our estimates of substantial excess deaths in China, the worldwide estimates of excess deaths to 2023 may need upward adjustment.

Funding

Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Bidirectional relationship between olfaction and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kim Jonggeol J. , Bandres-Ciga Sara , Heilbron Karl ,   23andMe Research Team, Blauwendraat Cornelis , Noyce Alastair J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Hyposmia (loss of smell) is a common early symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The shared genetic architecture between hyposmia and PD is unknown.

Methods

We leveraged genome-wide association study (GWAS) results for self-assessment of ‘ability to smell’ and PD diagnosis. Linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and Local Analysis of [co]Variant Association (LAVA) were used to identify genome-wide and local genetic correlations. Mendelian randomization was used to identify potential causal relationships.

Results

LDSC found that sense of smell negatively correlated at a genome-wide level with PD. LAVA found negative correlations in four genetic loci nearGBA1, ANAPC4, SNCA, andMAPT. Using Mendelian randomization we found evidence for strong causal relationship between PD and liability towards poorer sense of smell, but weaker evidence for the reverse direction.

Conclusions

Hyposmia and PD share genetic liability in only a subset of the major PD risk genes. While there was definitive evidence that PD can lower the sense of smell, there was only suggestive evidence for the reverse. This work highlights the heritability of olfactory function and its relationship with PD heritability and provides further insight into the association between PD and hyposmia.
Cancer-mediated Axonal Guidance of Sensory Neurons in a Microelectrode-based Innervation MPS
Authors: van der Moolen Matthijs , Lovera Andrea , Ersoy Fulya , Mommo Sacha , Loskill Peter , Cesare Paolo
Published: October 2023

Despite recent advances in the field of microphysiological systems (MPS), availability of models capable of mimicking the interactions between the nervous system and innervated tissues is still limited. This represents a significant challenge in identifying the underlying processes of various pathological conditions, including neuropathic, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. In this study, we introduce a compartmentalized 3D coculture system that enables physiologically relevant tissue innervation while recording neuronal excitability. By integrating custom microelectrode arrays into tailored glass chips microfabricated via selective laser-etching, we developed an entirely novel class of innervation MPSs (INV-MPS). This INV-MPS allows for manipulation, visualization, and electrophysiological analysis of individual axons innervating complex 3D tissues. Here, we focused on sensory innervation of 3D tumor tissue as a model case study since cancer-induced pain represents a major unmet medical need. The system was compared with existing nociception models and successfully replicated axonal chemoattraction mediated by nerve growth factor (NGF). Remarkably, in the absence of NGF, 3D cancer spheroids cocultured in the adjacent compartment induced sensory neurons to consistently cross the separating barrier and establish fine innervation. Moreover, we observed that crossing sensory fibers could be chemically excited by distal application of known pain-inducing agonists only when cocultured with cancer cells. To our knowledge, this is the first system showcasing morphological and electrophysiological analysis of 3D-innervated tumor tissuein vitro, paving the way for a plethora of studies into innervation-related diseases and improving our understanding of underlying pathophysiology.

Significance Statement

MPSs integrating innervated tissues are crucial as alternatives to animal models and to enhance the translation of non-clinical research to humans, as nerve fibers play a pivotal role in many organs. To address this need, we developed the INV-MPS, enabling parallelized electro-physiological recording from 3D cocultures of peripheral neurons with complex tissues. We demonstrate the ability of cancer spheroids to direct axonal growth and modulate excitability of nociceptive fibers in a 3D setting. We anticipate that this model will be applicable for closely monitoring innervation in various tissues, including somatic and visceral organs. The INV-MPS, hence, has tremendous potential for human-relevant drug discovery, creating opportunities for more ethical and clinically translatable approaches to study innervation in disease.
Unveiling the A-to-I mRNA editing machinery and its regulation and evolution in fungi
Authors: Feng Chanjing , Xin Kaiyun , Du Yanfei , Zou Jingwen , Xing Xiaoxing , Xiu Qi , Zhang Yijie , Zhang Rui , Huang Weiwei , Wang Qinhu , Jiang Cong , Wang Xiaojie , Kang Zhensheng , Xu Jin-Rong , Liu Huiquan
Published: October 2023

A-to-I mRNA editing occurs during fungal sexual reproduction with an unknown mechanism. Here, we demonstrated that the eukaryotic tRNA-specific heterodimeric deaminase FgTad2-FgTad3, not typically associated with mRNA editing, is responsible for A-to-I mRNA editing inFusarium graminearum. This editing capacity relies on the interaction between FgTad3 and a sexual stage-specific protein called Ame1. The interaction emerged in Sordariomycetes. Key residues involved in the interaction have been identified. Expression and activity of FgTad2-FgTad3 are regulated through alternative promoters, alternative translation initiation, and post-translational modifications. FgTad2-FgTad3-Ame1 efficiently edits target mRNAs in yeasts, bacteria, and human cells, with significant implications for developing base editors in therapy and agriculture. This study reveals mechanisms, regulation, and evolution of RNA editing in fungi, emphasizing protein-protein interactions in controlling enzyme function.
Genomic Analysis of Diverse EnvironmentalAcinetobacterIsolates Identifies Plasmids, Antibiotic Resistance Genes, and Capsular Polysaccharides Shared with Clinical Strains
Authors: Tobin Liam , Jarocki Veronica M. , Kenyon Johanna , Drigo Barbara , Donner Erica , Djordjevic Steven P. , Hamidian Mehrad
Published: October 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii, an important pathogen known for its widespread antibiotic resistance, has been the focus of extensive research within its genus, primarily involving clinical isolates. Consequently, data on environmentalA. baumanniiand otherAcinetobacterspecies remain limited. Here, we utilised Illumina and Nanopore sequencing to analyse the genomes of tenAcinetobacterisolates representing six different species sourced from aquatic environments in South Australia. All ten isolates were phylogenetically distinct compared to clinical and other non-clinicalAcinetobacterstrains, often tens of thousands of SNPs from their nearest neighbours. Despite the genetic divergence, we identified pdifmodules (sections of mobilised DNA) carrying clinically important antimicrobial resistance genes in species other thanA. baumannii, including carbapenemaseoxa58,tetracycline resistance genetet(39) and macrolide resistance genesmsr(E)-mph(E).All of these pdifmodules were located on plasmids with high sequence homology to those circulating in globally distributedA. baumanniiST1 and ST2 clones. The environmentalA. baumanniiisolate characterised here (SAAb472; ST350) did not possess any native plasmids; however, it could capture two clinically important plasmids (pRAY and pACICU2) with high transfer frequencies. Furthermore,A. baumanniiSAAb472 possessed virulence genes and a capsular polysaccharide type analogous to clinical strains. Our findings highlight the potential for environmentalAcinetobacterspecies to acquire and disseminate clinically important antimicrobial resistance genes, underscoring the need for further research into the ecology and evolution of this important genus.

IMPORTANCE

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to human, animal, and environmental health. Studying AMR in environmental bacteria is crucial to understand the emergence and dissemination of resistance genes and pathogens, and to identify potential reservoirs and transmission routes. This study provides novel insights into the genomic diversity and AMR potential of environmentalAcinetobacterspecies. By comparing the genomes of aquaticAcinetobacterisolates with clinical and non-clinical strains, we revealed that they are highly divergent yet carry pdifmodules that encode resistance to antibiotics commonly used in clinical settings. We also demonstrated that an environmentalA. baumanniiisolate can acquire clinically relevant plasmids and carries virulence factors similar to those of hospital-associated strains. These findings suggest that environmentalAcinetobacterspecies may serve as reservoirs and vectors of clinically important genes. Consequently, further research is warranted to comprehensively understand the ecology and evolution of this genus.
Biochemical and functional characterization of the p.A165T missense variant of mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component 1 in HepG2 cells
Authors: Hou Wangfang , Watson Christian , Cecconie Ted , Bolaki Menaka N. , Brady Jennifer J. , Lu Quinn , Gatto Gregory J. , Day Tovah A.
Published: October 2023

Recent genome-wide association studies have identified a missense variant p.A165T in mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component 1 (mARC1) that is strongly associated with protection from all-cause cirrhosis and improved prognosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The precise mechanism of this protective effect is unknown. Substitution of alanine 165 with threonine is predicted to affect mARC1 protein stability and to have deleterious effects on its function. To investigate the mechanism, we have generated a knock-in mutant mARC1 A165T in human hepatoma HepG2 cells, enabling characterization of protein subcellular distribution, stability, and biochemical functions of the mARC1 mutant protein expressed from its endogenous locus. Compared to wild-type (WT) mARC1, we found that the A165T mutant exhibits significant mislocalization outside of its traditional location anchored in the mitochondrial outer membrane and reduces protein stability, resulting in lower basal levels. We evaluated the involvement of the ubiquitin proteasome system in mARC1 A165T degradation and observed increased ubiquitination and faster degradation of the A165T variant. In addition, we have shown that HepG2 cells carrying theMTARC1p.A165T variant exhibit lower N-reductive activity on exogenously-added amidoxime substratesin vitro. The data from these biochemical and functional assays suggest a mechanism by which theMTARC1p.A165T variant abrogates enzyme function which may contribute to its protective effect in liver disease.
Weighted burden analysis of rare coding variants in 470,000 exome-sequenced UK Biobank subject characterises effects on hyperlipidaemia risk
Authors: Curtis David
Published: October 2023

A previous study of 200,000 exome-sequenced UK Biobank participants investigating the association between rare coding variants and hyperlipidaemia had implicated four genes,LDLR,PCSK9,APOC3andIFITM5, at exome-wide significance. In addition, a further 43 protein-coding genes were significant with an uncorrected p value of <0.001. Exome sequence data has become available for a further 270,000 participants and weighted burden analysis to test for association with hyperlipidaemia was carried out in this sample for the 47 genes highlighted by the previous study. There was no evidence to implicateIFITM5butLDLR,PCSK9,APOC3,ANGPLT3,ABCG5andNPC1L1were all statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. These six genes were also all exome-wide significant in the combined sample of 470,000 participants. Variants impairing function ofLDLRandABCG5were associated with increased risk whereas variants in the other genes were protective. Variant categories associated with large effect sizes are cumulatively very rare and the main benefit of this kind of study seems to be to throw light on the molecular mechanisms impacting hyperlipidaemia risk, hopefully supporting attempts to develop improved therapies.

This research has been conducted using the UK Biobank Resource.
Impaired emotion recognition inCntnap2-deficient mice is associated with hyper-synchronous prefrontal cortex neuronal activity
Authors: Mohapatra Alok Nath , Jabarin Renad , Ray Natali , Netser Shai , Wagner Shlomo
Published: October 2023

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show difficulty in recognizing emotions in others, a process termed emotion recognition. While human fMRI studies linked multiple brain areas to emotion recognition, the specific mechanisms underlying impaired emotion recognition in ASD are not clear, partially due to the lack of appropriate tests in animal models. Here, we employed an emotional state preference (ESP) task to show thatCntnap2-knockout (KO) mice, an established ASD model, do not distinguish between conspecifics according to their emotional state. We assessed brain-wide local-field potential (LFP) signals during various social behavior tasks and found thatCntnap2-KO mice exhibited higher LFP theta and gamma rhythmicity than did C57BL/6J mice, even at rest. Specifically,Cntnap2-KO mice showed increased theta coherence, especially between the prelimbic cortex (PrL) and the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, during social behavior. Moreover, we observed significantly increased Granger causality of theta rhythmicity between these two brain areas, across all types of social behavior. Finally, optogenetic stimulation of PrL pyramidal neurons in C57BL/6J mice impaired their social discrimination abilities, including ESP behavior. Together, these results suggest that increased activity of PrL pyramidal neurons and their augmented synchronization with specific brain regions are involved in the impaired emotion recognition exhibited byCntnap2-KO mice.
The impact of CEO power on corporate tax avoidance: the moderating role of institutional ownership
Authors: Oussii Ahmed Atef , Klibi Mohamed Faker
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between chief executive officer (CEO) power and the level of tax avoidance of Tunisian listed companies. It also examines the moderating role of institutional ownership in this association.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample comprises 306 firm-year observations of companies listed on the Tunis Stock Exchange during the 2013–2020 period.

Findings

The results indicate that CEO power reduces tax avoidance levels. Moreover, the relationship between CEO power and tax avoidance is more pronounced in the presence of institutional ownership, suggesting that CEOs act less opportunistically when monitored by institutional investors, which results in a reduction in tax avoidance.

Practical implications

This study suggests that CEO power and institutional shareholders’ influence are important factors in determining firms’ avoidance behavior. This study has significant implications for shareholders and regulatory bodies. Indeed, shareholders apprehend the impact of appointing a powerful CEO on tax avoidance practices. This study may also provide regulators with new insights into the influence of CEO power dimensions and institutional ownership on tax aggressiveness.

Originality/value

This study fills the gap in the accounting literature by investigating how CEO power may impact tax avoidance behavior and provides empirical evidence on the moderating impact of institutional ownership on this relationship in an emerging economy context characterized by a weakly protected investor setting.
Nature-love and sustainable consumption behaviors: does the construal level of psychological distance matter?
Authors: Elsotouhy Mohamed M. , Ghonim Mohamed A. , Khalifa Nada , Khashan Mohamed A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Despite the importance of emotional variables in shaping individuals' consumption behavior, nature-love still needs to be addressed concerning various aspects of sustainable consumption behavior (SCB). Considering the dimensions of nature-love, this study aims to investigate the effect of passion-for-nature, intimacy-with-nature and commitment-to-nature on SCB. Furthermore, this study aims to incorporate the construal levels of psychological distance (PD) as a moderating variable between the tested variables to add a more in-depth understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from a sample of 311 individuals from Egypt using the snowball sampling method and the ten-time rule technique. The data was analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings indicate that passion-for-nature and intimacy-with-nature have a significant positive effect on green purchasing, reusability and recycling. On the other hand, commitment-to-nature has a significant positive effect on both green purchasing and reusability. Additionally, a high PD acts as a moderator between the relationships tested. The findings have been discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to integrate PD as a moderator between the relationships tested. Additionally, this paper is the first empirical research investigating these relationships in developing economies.
The economics of emissions in rice production: a survey-data-driven approach in Vietnam
Authors: Chu Long
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on scrutinizing the economics of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Vietnam's rice production sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using surveyed data from household rice producers, the smallest available production scale, the author delves into the economics of GHG emissions, constructs a data-driven bottom-up marginal abatement cost curve for Vietnam’s rice production, and evaluates the impacts of carbon pricing on production outputs and GHG emissions.

Findings

The author’s estimates reveal that the average profit earned per tonne of GHG emissions is $240/tCO2. Notably, the profit earning per tonne of GHG emissions varies substantially across producers, indicating significant opportunities for improvement among low-efficiency producers. The analysis suggests that a reasonable carbon price would yield a modest impact on the national rice output. The quantitative analysis also reaffirms that the primary driver of GHG emissions in Vietnam’s rice production stems from non-energy inputs and industrial processes rather than the utilisation of energy inputs, emphasizing the importance of improving cultivation techniques.

Originality/value

This research is original.
Identifying the technological position of semiconductor laser developers: a patent-based analytical perspective
Authors: Chang Shu-Hao
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Defining and validating a map of related technologies is critical for managers, investors and inventors. Because of the increase in the applications of and demand for semiconductor lasers, analyzing the technological position of developers has become increasingly critical. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to adopt the technological position analysis to identify mainstream technologies and developments relevant to semiconductor lasers.

Design/methodology/approach

Correspondence analysis and k-means cluster analysis, which are data mining techniques, are used to reveal strategic groups of major competitors in the semiconductor laser market according to their Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent applications.

Findings

The results of this study reveal that PCT patent applications are generally obtained for masers, optical elements, semiconductor devices and methods for measuring and that technology developers have varying technological positions.

Originality/value

Through position analysis, this study identifies the technological focuses of different manufacturers to obtain information that can guide the allocation of research and development resources.
Socioeconomic status of international students and its relation to the brain drain: evidence from Greek PhD holders
Authors: Labrianidis Lois , Sykas Theodosis , Sachini Evi , Karampekios Nikolaos
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The study examines potential differences in socioeconomic status (SES) and emigration patterns between Greek international students (IS) and non-international students (non-IS) and their relationship to the brain drain from Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on a unique database including all the Greek PhD holders and provides detailed information on their SES and mobility patterns. Furthermore, an individual-level SES index is constructed including both human capital and socioeconomic indicators to estimate the magnitude of the brain drain in terms of the SES that emigrated abroad between 1,985 and 2,018.

Findings

First, Greek IS have a higher educational, professional and economic status compared to Greek non-IS. Moreover, they exhibit a more international profile, inasmuch as they are more likely to remain abroad after graduation to seek employment. Second, the magnitude of the brain drain in terms of SES emigrated abroad (22.5% of the total) is greater than in terms of individuals who moved abroad (13.4% of the total). Specifically, the SES that outflows with an additional Greek skilled emigrant (that is, an additional IS and non-IS residing abroad) is 1.1 times greater than the SES that remains in Greece with an additional non-IS residing in Greece.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the scientific discussion that relates the SES of IS and highly skilled migrants to brain drain and fills the gap in the relevant literature.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-09-2022-0607.
“Not so good vibrations”: five collaborative autoethnographic accounts of Brian Wilson, his life, music, rock “n” recovery’
Authors: Hopkinson Patrick , Niklasson Mats , Bryngelsson Peter , Voyce Andrew , Carson Jerome
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of the life of the musician Brian Wilson from five different perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a mixed method of collaborative autoethnography, psychobiography and digital team ethnography to try and better understand the life and contributions of Brian Wilson.

Findings

Each of the five contributors provides different insights into the life and music of Brian Wilson.

Research limitations/implications

While the focus of this paper is on a single individual, a case study, the long and distinguished life of Brian Wilson provides much material for discussion and theorising.

Practical implications

Each individual presenting to mental health services has a complex biography. The five different contributions articulated in this paper could perhaps be taken as similar to the range of professional opinions seen in mental health teams, with each focusing on unique but overlapping aspects of the person’s story.

Social implications

This account shows the importance of taking a biological-psychological-social-spiritual and cultural perspective on mental illness.

Originality/value

This multi-layered analysis brings a range of perspectives to bear on the life and achievements of Brian Wilson, from developmental, musical, psychological and lived experience standpoints.
Sustainable mobility governance in smart cities for urban policy development – a scoping review and conceptual model
Authors: Anthony Jnr Bokolo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study is to propose a governance model and key performance indicators on how policymakers can contribute to a more accessible, inclusive and sustainable mobility within and across smart cities to examine sustainable urban mobility grounded on the rational management of public transportation infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed desk research methodology grounded on secondary data from existing documents and previous research to develop a sustainable mobility governance model that explores key factors that influence future urban policy development. The collected secondary data was descriptively analyzed to provide initiatives and elements needed to achieve sustainable mobility services in smart cities.

Findings

Findings from this study provide evidence on how cities can benefit from the application of data from different sources to provide value-added services to promote integrated and sustainable mobility. Additionally, findings from this study discuss the role of smart mobility for sustainable services and the application for data-driven initiatives toward sustainable smart cities to enhance mobility interconnectivity, accessibility and multimodality. Findings from this study identify technical and non-technical factors that impact the sustainable mobility transition.

Practical implications

Practically, this study advocates for the use of smart mobility and data-driven services in smart cities to improve commuters' behavior aimed at long-term behavior change toward sustainable mobility by creating awareness on the society and supporting policymakers for informed decisions. Implications from this study provide information that supports policymakers and municipalities to implement data-driven mobility services.

Social implications

This study provides implications toward behavioral change of individuals to adopt a more sustainable mode of travels, increase citizens’ quality of life, improve economic viability of business involved in providing mobility-related services and support decision-making for municipalities and policymakers during urban planning and design by incorporating the sustainability dimension into their present and future developments.

Originality/value

This paper explores how urban transportation can greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provides implications for cities to improve accessibility and sustainability of public transportation, while simultaneously promoting the adoption of more environmentally friendly means of mobility within and across cities. Besides, this study provides a detailed discussion focusing on the potential opportunities and challenges faced in urban environment in achieving sustainable mobility. The governance model developed in this study can also be utilized by technology startups and transportation companies to assess the factors that they need to put in place or improve for the provision of sustainable mobility services.
Zalewski and the Future of Irish Public Law
Authors: Hickey Tom
Published: October 2023

Irish judges have tended to ‘jealously guard’ the judicial power, vested as it is by Article 34.1 of the Constitution in the courts alone. And they have jealously guarded their control over the articulation of public law norms. It is they who get to decide what counts as fair procedure in this or that non‐judicial body – not the non‐judicial actors operating at the coalface. But in Zalewski v Workplace Relations Commission a majority of the Supreme Court has signaled a shift away from the rigid judicial ‘centralism’ that has prevailed for a century in the Irish legal system. The judges have departed from the formulaic approach to assessing what counts as judicial power, preferring instead a purposive approach more in line with comparator countries. They have revived a ‘saver’ provision of the Constitution (Article 37.1) expressly providing for ‘the exercise of limited functions and powers of a judicial nature’ by bodies other than courts. And they have indicated that courts and lawyers do not have a monopoly on authority in respect of public law norms. Things remain in flux, however, because there are conflicting messages in the majority judgment in respect of this more ‘pluralist’ conception of public law.
Development of engineered endolysins with in vitro intracellular activity against streptococcal bovine mastitis‐causing pathogens
Authors: Vander Elst Niels , Bert Joni , Favoreel Herman , Lavigne Rob , Meyer Evelyne , Briers Yves
Published: October 2023

Bacteriophage‐derived endolysins are a novel class of antimicrobials known to rapidly kill bacteria, including antibiotic‐resistant strains. We here engineered endolysins against the bovine mastitis pathogens Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus dysgalactiae, also targeting intracellular survival and biofilm formation. For this purpose, high‐throughput DNA assembly was used to create a library with >80,000 theoretical endolysin variants for screening of their bacteriolytic activity against Gram‐positive isolates from (sub)clinically affected cows. This lytic activity was evaluated by turbidity reduction and time‐kill assays in phosphate‐buffered saline and pasteurized whole cow's milk to allow a rank up of the most potent leading candidates. A top candidate was selected with a 4.0 log killing efficacy against S. uberis, also showing similar activity against S. agalactiae and S. dysgalactiae. This top candidate eradicated S. uberis biofilm and showed intracellular activity in two bovine mammary epithelial cell lines as was confirmed by confocal microscopy. A potentiating effect on cloxacillin, a beta‐lactam penicillin used to intramammarily treat bovine Gram‐positive mastitis, was observed for this top candidate endolysin in raw cow's milk from (sub)clinically infected udders. Our in vitro results indicate that engineered endolysins may have a future role as add‐on in the treatment of bovine streptococcal mastitis.
Effect of ultrasound‐guided thoracic paravertebral block on perioperative analgesia in elderly patients undergoing video‐assisted thoracic lobectomy in China: An interventional clinical randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gong Chanjuan , Ma Rong , Li Bing , Wen Li , Ding Zhengnian
Published: October 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic effect and safety of ultrasound‐guided thoracic paravertebral block (UG‐TPVB) in Chinese elderly patients undergoing video‐assisted thoracic lobectomy (VATL) and to study the influence of aging factors on these effects.

Methods

This study was a single‐center, single‐blind, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. A total of 300 patients scheduled for VATL were recruited and randomly divided into the UG‐TPVB group (T group) and conventional anesthesia group (C group) according to the recruitment order, and subgroups were set up according to whether the age was ≥65 years old or not. The postoperative 12, 24, and 48 h static/dynamic visual analog scale (VAS) scores, intraoperative fentanyl consumption, postoperative extubation time, post‐anesthesia care unit (PACU) stay time, hospitalization days, postoperative complications, and other indicators were compared between the two groups.

Results

The postoperative 12, 24, and 48 h static/dynamic VAS scores of the T group were significantly lower than those of the C group. The intraoperative fentanyl consumption, postoperative extubation time, PACU stay time, and postoperative hospitalization days were significantly lower than those of the C group. The incidence of postoperative 48 h urinary retention in the T group was significantly lower than that in the C group. These advantages showed no significant difference or slight difference between elderly patients and nonelderly patients, indicating that UG‐TPVB did not influence the analgesic effect and safety of VATL patients by age or age difference.

Conclusion

UG‐TPVB is an effective and safe perioperative analgesia method for elderly VATL patients. Its application improves the quality of life and prognosis of elderly VATL patients.
Graph embedding and transfer learning can help predict potential species interaction networks despite data limitations
Authors: Strydom Tanya , Bouskila Salomé , Banville Francis , Barros Ceres , Caron Dominique , Farrell Maxwell J. , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Mercier Benjamin , Pollock Laura J. , Runghen Rogini , Dalla Riva Giulio V. , Poisot Timothée
Published: October 2023

Metawebs (networks of potential interactions within a species pool) are a powerful abstraction to understand how large‐scale species interaction networks are structured.

Because metawebs are typically expressed at large spatial and taxonomic scales, assembling them is a tedious and costly process; predictive methods can help circumvent the limitations in data deficiencies, by providing a first approximation of metawebs.

One way to improve our ability to predict metawebs is to maximize available information by using graph embeddings, as opposed to an exhaustive list of species interactions. Graph embedding is an emerging field in machine learning that holds great potential for ecological problems.

Here, we outline how the challenges associated with inferring metawebs line‐up with the advantages of graph embeddings; followed by a discussion as to how the choice of the species pool has consequences on the reconstructed network, specifically as to the role of human‐made (or arbitrarily assigned) boundaries and how these may influence ecological hypotheses.
Mutual Aid as a Praxis for Critical Environmental Justice: Lessons from W.E.B. Du Bois, Critical Theoretical Perspectives, and Mobilising Collective Care in Disasters
Authors: McKane Rachel G. , Greiner Patrick Trent , Pellow David
Published: October 2023

We build on the critical environmental justice (CEJ) framework by exploring mutual aid as a means of practising and realising transformative environmental justice that allows activists to build environmentally resilient and just communities beyond the state. We draw on the work of W.E.B. Du Bois, the Black Radical Tradition, and other critical approaches to demonstrate how mutual aid offers a meaningful point of conjunction for uniting ideological approaches to environmental justice that are often understood as being at odds with one another. To demonstrate this in action, we provide brief examples on the proliferation and longevity of mutual aid in times of disaster, including the 1927 Mississippi floods, Hurricane Katrina, the Nashville tornados, and the Texas power outages. Through these accounts, we seek to demonstrate how environmental justice organisations can and have advanced collective liberation using mutual aid as a critical orientation rooted in community based care and empowerment.
Parents underestimate fatigue in younger children aged 5–7 years with asthma but not in older children
Authors: Taminskiene Vaida , Vaitkaitienene Egle , Turner Steve , Valiulis Algirdas , Stukas Rimantas , Kostiuk Olena , Prokopciuk Nina , Juskiene Izabele , Valiulis Arunas
Published: October 2023

Aim

To assess fatigue in children aged 2–17 years with asthma from both child and parent perspectives and describe associated factors.

Methods

Fatigue scores were self‐reported by children aged 5–17 years old and proxy‐reported by parents or carers for all children. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Multidimensional Fatigue Scale was used. Fatigue scores ranged from 0 to 100, higher scores meant less fatigue.

Results

There were 527 children and parents enrolled. The mean overall fatigue score by self‐report was 72.7 ± 15.8 and by proxy report was 75.8 ± 16.3. Self‐reported fatigue score was lower in children aged 5–7 years (71.5 ± 15.9) compared to proxy‐reported score (76.3 ± 15.5). Proxy and self‐reported fatigue scores were similar between parents and older children. Fatigue scores were lower in association with poor asthma control and receipt of social support. Lower self‐reported, but not proxy‐reported, fatigue score was related to asthma severity. Lower proxy‐reported, but not self‐reported, fatigue score was related to the child being older and having shortness of breath.

Conclusion

Parents underestimated the fatigue of younger children aged 5–7 years, but fatigue scores were similar between parents and older children. Both clinical and social factors are associated with fatigue in children with asthma.
Formation of Intra‐Epidermal bodies (IEBs) is associated with giant macrophage‐like cells that patrol fish epidermis
Authors: DePasquale Joseph A.
Published: October 2023

Intra‐epidermal bodies (IEBs) are large dynamic circular structures that form within fish scale epidermis. IEBs are believed to reflect the sequestering of intra‐epidermal debris, such as damaged or dead cells, within the epidermis. The present report describes an association between a giant cell that patrols the epidermis and the formation of IEBs. The giant cell, likely macrophage‐related, is a broadly spread cell with lengths up to ~90 μm and average spread areas >600 μm2. Time‐lapse video microscopy was used to monitor formation of IEBs and determine any association between the IEB and the giant cells. Giant cells were observed to form IEBs, and as an IEB dissipated a giant cell was observed to exit the area previously occupied by the IEB. These observations suggest the IEB is a transitional form of the giant cell, serving as a temporary compartment to isolate and initiate breakdown of the debris scavenged by the giant cell.
The effect of MultiSensory Music Drama on the interactive engagement of students with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Authors: Johnels Linn , Wandin Helena , Dada Shakila , Wilder Jenny
Published: October 2023

Background

Interactive engagement, specifically attention and initiation, are considered important skills for facilitating development and learning in students with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Prior research has suggested that music therapy and multisensory storytelling are two promising interventions for supporting interactive engagement in this population. However, there are no known/published studies that have investigated the effect of combining relevant elements from musical interaction and multisensory storytelling for this group of students. This study aims to determine the effect of a novel educational approach—MultiSensory Music Drama (MSMD)—on the interactive engagement of students with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.

Methods

A single‐case experimental design, specifically an ABAB design across three participants, was used to describe the effect of MSMD on interactive engagement when compared with a control activity. School staff members' perceptions of student interactive engagement and social validity were obtained.

Findings

Coded video observations showed significantly higher levels of interactive engagement during MSMD for all three participants when compared to the control activity. Furthermore, the ratings on the interactive engagement from school staff members improved for two of the three participants. Finally, school staff members scored the social validity and perceived educational usefulness of the MSMD as very high.

Conclusions

The findings provide initial evidence that MSMD may be effective in supporting the interactive engagement of some students with severe/profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.
A global meta‐analysis of the impacts of forest fragmentation on biotic mutualisms and antagonisms
Authors: Siegel Tovah , Magrach Ainhoa , Laurance William F. , Luther David
Published: October 2023

Forest fragmentation is a grave threat to biodiversity. Forests are becoming increasingly fragmented with more than 70% now < 1 km from forest edge. Although much is known about the effects of forest fragmentation on individual species, much less is understood about its effects on species interactions (i.e., mutualisms, antagonisms, etc.). In 2014, a previous meta‐analysis assessed the impacts of forest fragmentation on different species interactions, across 82 studies. We pooled the previous data with data published in the last 10 years (combined total 104 studies and 168 effect sizes). We compared the new set of publications (22 studies and 32 effect sizes) with the old set to evaluate potential changes in species interactions over time given the global increase in fragmentation rates. Mutualisms were more negatively affected by forest fragmentation than antagonisms (p < 0.0001). Edge effects, fragment size, and degradation negatively affected mutualisms, but not antagonisms, a different finding from the original meta‐analysis. Parasitic interactions increased as fragment size decreased (p < 0.0001)—an intriguing result at variance with earlier studies. New publications showed a more negative mean effect size of forest fragmentation on mutualisms than old publications. Although research is still limited for some interactions, we identified an important scientific trend: current research tends to focus on antagonisms. We concluded that forest fragmentation disrupts important species interactions and that this disruption has increased over time.
Species‐level correlates of land‐use responses and climate‐change sensitivity in terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Etard Adrienne , Newbold Tim
Published: October 2023

Land‐use and climate change are major pressures on terrestrial biodiversity. Species’ extinction risk and responses to human pressures relate to ecological traits and other characteristics in some clades. However, large‐scale comparative assessments of the associations between traits and responses to multiple human pressures across multiple clades are needed. We investigated whether a set of ecological characteristics that are commonly measured across terrestrial vertebrates (ecological traits and geographic range area) are associated with species’ responses to different land‐use types and species’ likely sensitivity to climate change. We aimed to test whether generalizable patterns in response to these pressures arise across both pressures and across vertebrate clades, which could inform assessments of the global signature of human pressures on vertebrate biodiversity and guide conservation efforts. At the species level, we investigated associations between land‐use responses and ecological characteristics with a space‐for‐time substitution approach, making use of the PREDICTS database. We investigated associations between ecological characteristics and expected climate‐change sensitivity, estimated from properties of species realized climatic niches. Among the characteristics we considered, 3 were consistently associated with strong land‐use responses and high climate‐change sensitivity across terrestrial vertebrate classes: narrow geographic range, narrow habitat breadth, and specialization on natural habitats (which described whether a species occurs in artificial habitats or not). The associations of other traits with species’ land‐use responses and climate‐change sensitivity often depended on species’ class and land‐use type, highlighting an important degree of context dependency. In all classes, invertebrate eaters and fruit and nectar eaters tended to be negatively affected in disturbed land‐use types, whereas invertebrate‐eating and plant‐ and seed‐eating birds were estimated to be more sensitive to climate change, raising concerns about the continuation of ecological processes sustained by these species under global changes. Our results highlight a consistently higher sensitivity of narrowly distributed species and habitat specialists to land‐use and climate change, which provides support for capturing such characteristics in large‐scale vulnerability assessments.