bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A broadly-neutralizing antibody againstEbolavirusglycoprotein that potentiates the breadth and neutralization potency of other antibodies
Authors: Donnellan Francesca R. , Rayaprolu Vamseedhar , Rijal Pramila , O’Dowd Victoria , Parvate Amar , Callaway Heather , Hariharan Chitra , Parekh Dipti , Hui Sean , Shaffer Kelly , Avalos Ruben Diaz , Hastie Kathryn , Schimanski Lisa , Müller-Kräuter Helena , Strecker Thomas , Balaram Ariane , Halfmann Peter , Saphire Erica Ollmann , Lightwood Daniel J. , Townsend Alain R. , Draper Simon J.
Published: June 2024

Ebolavirus disease (EVD) is caused by multiple species ofEbolavirus. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the virus glycoprotein (GP) are the only class of therapeutic approved for treatment of EVD caused byZaire ebolavirus(EBOV). Therefore, mAbs targeting multipleEbolavirusspecies may represent the next generation of EVD therapeutics. Broadly reactive anti-GP mAbs were produced; among these, mAbs 11886 and 11883 were broadly neutralizingin vitro. A 3.0 Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of EBOV GP bound to both mAbs shows that 11886 binds a novel epitope bridging the glycan cap (GC), 310pocket and GP2 N-terminus, whereas 11883 binds the receptor binding region (RBR) and GC.In vitro, 11886 synergized with a range of mAbs with epitope specificities spanning the RBR/GC, including 11883. Notably, 11886 increased the breadth of neutralization by partner mAbs against differentEbolavirusspecies. These data provide a strategic route to design improved mAb-based next-generation EVD therapeutics.
Consortium Profile: The Methylation, Imaging and NeuroDevelopment (MIND) Consortium
Authors: Schuurmans Isabel K. , Mulder Rosa H. , Baltramonaityte Vilte , Lahtinen Alexandra , Qiuyu Fan , Rothmann Leonardo Melo , Staginnus Marlene , Tuulari Jetro , Alexandra Burt S. , Buss Claudia , Craig Jeffrey M. , Donald Kirsten A. , Felix Janine F. , Freeman Tom P. , Grassi-Oliveira Rodrigo , Huels Anke , Hyde Luke W. , Jones Scott A. , Karlsson Hasse , Karlsson Linnea , Koen Nastassja , Lawn Will , Mitchell Colter , Monk Christopher S. , Mooney Michael A. , Muetzel Ryan , Nigg Joel T. , Belangero Síntia Iole Nogueira , Notterman Daniel , O’Connor Tom , O’Donnell Kieran J. , Pan Pedro Mario , Paunio Tiina , Ryabinin Peter , Saffery Richard , Salum Giovanni A. , Seal Marc , Silk Tim J. , Stein Dan J. , Zar Heather , Walton Esther , Cecil Charlotte A. M.
Published: June 2024

Epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation, show potential as biological markers and mechanisms underlying gene-environment interplay in the prediction of mental health and other brain-based phenotypes. However, little is known about how peripheral epigenetic patterns relate to individual differences in the brain itself. An increasingly popular approach to address this is by combining epigenetic and neuroimaging data; yet, research in this area is almost entirely comprised of cross-sectional studies in adults. To bridge this gap, we established the Methylation, Imaging and NeuroDevelopment (MIND) Consortium, which aims to bring a developmental focus to the emerging field of Neuroimaging Epigenetics by (i) promoting collaborative, adequately powered developmental research via multi-cohort analyses; (ii) increasing scientific rigor through the establishment of shared pipelines and open science practices; and (iii) advancing our understanding of DNA methylation-brain dynamics at different developmental periods (from birth to emerging adulthood), by leveraging data from prospective, longitudinal pediatric studies. MIND currently integrates 15 cohorts worldwide, comprising (repeated) measures of DNA methylation in peripheral tissues (blood, buccal cells, and saliva) and neuroimaging by magnetic resonance imaging across up to five time points over a period of up to 21 years (Npooled DNAm= 11,299; Npooled neuroimaging= 10,133; Npooled combined= 4,914). By triangulating associations across multiple developmental time points and study types, we hope to generate new insights into the dynamic relationships between peripheral DNA methylation and the brain, and how these ultimately relate to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric phenotypes.
Characterizing putative glycosyltransferases within the flagella glycosylation island (FGI) ofAeromonas hydrophilaATCC 7966T
Authors: Fulton Kelly M. , Mendoza-Barberà Elena , Tomás Juan M. , Twine Susan M. , Smith Jeffrey C. , Merino Susana
Published: June 2024

Motility is an important virulence factor for many pathogenic bacteria, enabling locomotion towards favourable conditions and away from hostile environments. Flagellar-mediated motility is driven by one or more flagellar filaments that extend outside of the cell and rapidly rotate to generate movement. These filaments are assembled through the polymerization of thousands of copies of structural flagellin proteins. It has been shown that flagellin glycosylation is often a prerequisite for proper flagella structure and function.Aeromonas hydrophilaATCC 7966T, a clinical and environmental pathogen, elaborates a single polar flagellum. The polar flagellin structural proteins FlaA and FlaB are glycosylated with a heterologous collection of complex penta- and hexa-saccharide chains. This study characterized the involvement of four genes with homology to known glycosyltransferases located within theA. hydrophilaATCC 7966Tflagellar glycosylation island (FGI) in the biosynthesis of the complex polysaccharide glycans modifying the polar flagellins. Deletion of genesAHA_4167,AHA_4169,AHA_4170, andAHA_4171were observed to have truncated glycans with sequentially shorter chain length, and all of these mutant strains had reduced motility compared to wild type bacteria.
Primary Human Neutrophils and Monocytes/Macrophages Migrate along Endothelial Cell Boundaries to Optimize Search Efficiency
Authors: Honig Nele , Teubert Christina , Lamparter Lucas , Keller Marius N. , Austermann Judith , Berger Philipp , Schmitz Anne , Rasch Christiane , Nüsse Harald , Klingauf Jürgen , Erpenbeck Luise , Roth Johannes , Galic Milos
Published: June 2024

Neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages are sentinels of inflammatory signals. To reach the sites of action, both cell types attach to and then transmigrate the endothelial cell layer that lines the luminal side of blood vessels. While it has been reported that neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages actively migrate along the surface of the vasculature, it remains elusive if and how these motion pattern augment the efficiency of the immune system. Here, we conducted co-culture experiments of primary human monocytes and neutrophils, respectively, with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Combining classical biomedical approaches with quantitative image analysis and numerical models, we find that immune cells simultaneously increase the number of sampled cells vs. traveled distance and sensitivity to chemokines by migrating along endothelial cell-cell boundaries. Collectively, these findings establish search optimization of neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages through limitation of motion pattern to cell-cell boundaries.
Rock2heterozygosity improves cognitive behavior and endothelial function in a mouse model of 16p11.2 deletion autism syndrome
Authors: Ouellette Julie , Lacoste Baptiste
Published: June 2024

Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase-2 (ROCK2) is a critical player in many cellular processes and has been incriminated in cardiovascular and neurological conditions. Recent evidence has shown that non-selective pharmacological ROCK inhibition ameliorates behavioral alterations in an autism mouse model of 16p11.2 haploinsufficiency. We had also revealed that 16p11.2-deficient mice display cerebrovascular abnormalities, including endothelial dysfunction. To investigate whether genetic blockage of ROCK2 also exerts beneficial effects on cognition and angiogenesis, we generated mice with both 16p11.2 and ROCK2 haploinsufficiency (16p11.2df/+;Rock2+/-). We find thatRock2heterozygosity on a16p11.2df/+background rescues recognition memory and slightly reduces repetitive behaviors. Furthermore, brain endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from16p11.2df/+;Rock2+/-mice display improved angiogenic capacity compared to ECs from16p11.2df/+littermates. Overall, this study implicatesRock2gene as a critical modulator in 16p11.2-associated alterations, highlighting its potential as a target for treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
Emerging Spin-Orbit Torques in Low-Dimensional Dirac Materials
Authors: Medina Dueñas Joaquín , García José H. , Roche Stephan
Published: June 2024

We report a theoretical description of novel spin-orbit torque components emerging in two-dimensional Dirac materials with broken inversion symmetry. In contrast to usual metallic interfaces where fieldlike and dampinglike torque components are competing, we find that an intrinsic dampinglike torque which derives from all Fermi-sea electrons can be simultaneously enhanced along with the fieldlike component. Additionally, hitherto overlooked torque components unique to Dirac materials emerge from the coupling between spin and pseudospin angular momenta, leading to spin-pseudospin entanglement. These torques are found to be resilient to disorder and could enhance the magnetic switching performance of nearby magnets.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dual-beam X-ray nano-holotomography
Authors: Flenner Silja , Kubec Adam , David Christian , Greving Imke , Hagemann Johannes
Published: June 2024

Nanotomography with hard X-rays is a widely used technique for high-resolution imaging, providing insights into the structure and composition of various materials. In recent years, tomographic approaches based on simultaneous illuminations of the same sample region from different angles by multiple beams have been developed at micrometre image resolution. Transferring these techniques to the nanoscale is challenging due to the loss in photon flux by focusing the X-ray beam. We present an approach for multi-beam nanotomography using a dual-beam Fresnel zone plate (dFZP) in a near-field holography setup. The dFZP generates two nano-focused beams that overlap in the sample plane, enabling the simultaneous acquisition of two projections from slightly different angles. This first proof-of-principle implementation of the dual-beam setup allows for the efficient removal of ring artifacts and noise using machine-learning approaches. The results open new possibilities for full-field multi-beam nanotomography and pave the way for future advancements in fast holotomography and artifact-reduction techniques.
Characterization of silicon pore optics for the NewAthena X-ray observatory in the PTB laboratory at BESSY II
Authors: Krumrey M. , Skroblin D. , Cibik L. , Collon M. , Vacanti G. , Barrière N. , Hauser E. , Bavdaz M.
Published: June 2024

The New Advanced Telescope for High ENergy Astrophysics (NewAthena) will be the largest space-based X-ray observatory ever built. It will have an effective area above 1.1 m2 at 1 keV, which corresponds to a polished mirror surface of about 300 m2 due to the grazing incidence. As such a mirror area is not achievable with an acceptable mass even with nested shells, silicon pore optics (SPO) technology will be utilized. In the PTB laboratory at BESSY II, two dedicated beamlines are in use for their characterization with monochromatic radiation at 1 keV and a low divergence well below 2 arcsec: the X-ray Pencil Beam Facility (XPBF 1) and the X-ray Parallel Beam Facility (XPBF 2.0), where beam sizes up to 8 mm × 8 mm are available while maintaining low beam divergence. This beamline is used for characterizing mirror stacks and controlling the focusing properties of mirror modules (MMs) – consisting of four mirror stacks – during their assembly at the beamline. A movable CCD based camera system 12 m from the MM registers the direct and the reflected beams. The positioning of the detector is verified by a laser tracker. The energy-dependent reflectance in double reflection through the pores of an MM with an Ir coating was measured at the PTB four-crystal monochromator beamline in the photon energy range 1.75 keV to 10 keV, revealing the effects of the Ir M edges. The measured reflectance properties are in agreement with the design values to achieve the envisaged effective area.
Revealing the structure of the active sites for the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO over Co single atom catalysts using operando XANES and machine learning
Authors: Martini Andrea , Timoshenko Janis , Rüscher Martina , Hursán Dorottya , Monteiro Mariana C. O. , Liberra Eric , Roldan Cuenya Beatriz
Published: June 2024

Transition-metal nitrogen-doped carbons (TM-N-C) are emerging as a highly promising catalyst class for several important electrocatalytic processes, including the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). The unique local environment around the singly dispersed metal site in TM-N-C catalysts is likely to be responsible for their catalytic properties, which differ significantly from those of bulk or nanostructured catalysts. However, the identification of the actual working structure of the main active units in TM-N-C remains a challenging task due to the fluctional, dynamic nature of these catalysts, and scarcity of experimental techniques that could probe the structure of these materials under realistic working conditions. This issue is addressed in this work and the local atomistic and electronic structure of the metal site in a Co–N–C catalyst for CO2RR is investigated by employing time-resolved operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) combined with advanced data analysis techniques. This multi-step approach, based on principal component analysis, spectral decomposition and supervised machine learning methods, allows the contributions of several co-existing species in the working Co–N–C catalysts to be decoupled, and their XAS spectra deciphered, paving the way for understanding the CO2RR mechanisms in the Co–N–C catalysts, and further optimization of this class of electrocatalytic systems.
Flight control system design of UAV with wing incidence angle simultaneously and stochastically varied
Authors: Uzun Metin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to simultaneously and stochastically maximize autonomous flight performance of a variable wing incidence angle having an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and its flight control system (FCS) design.

Design/methodology/approach

A small UAV is produced in Iskenderun Technical University Drone Laboratory. Its wing incidence angle is able to change before UAV flight. FCS parameters and wing incidence angle are simultaneously and stochastically designed to maximize autonomous flight performance using an optimization method named simultaneous perturbation stochastic approximation. Obtained results are also benefitted during UAV flight simulations.

Findings

Applying simultaneous and stochastic design approach for a UAV having passively morphing wing incidence angle and its flight control system, autonomous flight performance is maximized.

Research limitations/implications

Permission of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Turkish Republic is necessary for real-time flights.

Practical implications

Simultaneous stochastic variable wing incidence angle having UAV and its flight control system design approach is so useful for maximizing UAV autonomous flight performance.

Social implications

Simultaneous stochastic variable wing incidence angle having UAV and its flight control system design methodology succeeds confidence, excellent autonomous performance index and practical service interests of UAV users.

Originality/value

Creating an innovative method to recover autonomous flight performance of a UAV and generating an innovative procedure carrying out simultaneous stochastic variable wing incidence angle having UAV and its flight control system design idea.
Stiffness reliability analysis of harmonic drive considering contact pairs wear
Authors: Zhang Xian , Zhang Changming , Wang Peng , Yang Fan , Peng Chunlei
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the stiffness reliability of harmonic drive (HD) considering contact pairs wear.

Design/methodology/approach

In terms of theoretical calculation, the contact pairs wear of HD are calculated based on Archard wear formula and the relative motion characteristics of contact pairs. According to the motion trajectory of flexspline teeth, the teeth backlash and the number of meshing teeth, the meshing stiffness and overall stiffness of HD are analyzed considering the wear and its randomness of contact pairs. Combined with Monte Carlo Simulation, the stiffness reliability evaluation method considering contact pairs wear is proposed, and the result of this method is verified by the stiffness reliability result deduced from the stiffness degradation measurement data.

Findings

Considering contact pairs wear, during operation, the teeth backlash increases, the number of meshing teeth decreases, the meshing stiffness decreases, ultimately leading to a gradual decrease in the overall stiffness of HD. When only one type of contact pair wear is considered, the influence of flexspline and circular spline contact pair wear on HD stiffness reliability is greater. Compared with the stiffness reliability evaluation results obtained from the stiffness degradation data in the literature, the mathematic expectation of stiffness degradation failure life distribution obtained from the proposed method is relatively bigger.

Originality/value

The stiffness reliability evaluation method of HD considering contact pairs wear is firstly proposed. The stiffness reliability evaluation result from theoretical calculation is verified by the stiffness reliability results deduced from HD stiffness degradation measurement.
A robust approach for aspect-based sentiment analysis using deep learning and domain ontologies
Authors: Sharma Srishti , Saraswat Mala
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this research study is to improve sentiment analysis (SA) at the aspect level, which is accomplished through two independent goals of aspect term and opinion extraction and subsequent sentiment classification.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed architecture uses neighborhood and dependency tree-based relations for target opinion extraction, a domain–ontology-based knowledge management system for aspect term extraction, and deep learning techniques for classification.

Findings

The authors use different deep learning architectures to test the proposed approach of both review and aspect levels. It is reported that Vanilla recurrent neural network has an accuracy of 83.22%, long short-term memory (LSTM) is 89.87% accurate, Bi-LSTM is 91.57% accurate, gated recurrent unit is 65.57% accurate and convolutional neural network is 82.33% accurate. For the aspect level analysis, ρaspect comes out to be 0.712 and Δ2aspect is 0.384, indicating a marked improvement over previously reported results.

Originality/value

This study suggests a novel method for aspect-based SA that makes use of deep learning and domain ontologies. The use of domain ontologies allows for enhanced aspect identification, and the use of deep learning algorithms enhances the accuracy of the SA task.
Impedance-based null-space control of redundant torque-controlled robot
Authors: Zhang Leigang , Yu Hongliu , Cui Xilong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The null-space projection method is commonly adopted for controlling redundant robots, which undoubtedly requires the robot Jacobian matrix inverse. This paper aims to provide a novel control scheme, which enables null-space control of redundant robots without conflict with the main task space.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an impedance-based null-space control approach for redundant robots is proposed. The null-space degrees of freedom are separated from the primary task space by using the eigenvalue decomposition. Then, a joint impedance controller spans the null space and is reflected into the joint space to manage the redundancy. Finally, several experiments have been conducted to evaluate and validate the performance of the proposed approach in comparison with the null-space projection method under various situations.

Findings

Experiment results show that no significant differences were observed between the different filling eigenvalues in the proposed approach under different null-space dimensions and motion velocity. Besides, comparative experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve comparable results to the null-space projection method. Nevertheless, the suggested approach has benefits regarding the quantity of control parameters in addition to not requiring a Jacobian inverse. Notably, the performance of the proposed method will improve as the null-space dimension increases.

Originality/value

This study presents a new control method for redundant robots, which has advantages for dealing with the problems of controlling redundant robots compared to the existing methods.
Bundle manipulation: the use of accounting and textual obfuscation
Authors: Le Maux Julien , Smaili Nadia
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore whether managers and firms engage in bundle manipulation. It examines the effect of discretionary accruals and real activities manipulation on the level of complexity in annual reports.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings from the examination of the 1,435 annual reports of Canadian listed firms engaging in discretionary accruals and real activities manipulation indicate that these firms produce complex annual reports.

Findings

The authors, therefore, suggest that managers and firms use bundle manipulation, both accounting and textual, to mislead shareholders and stakeholders. The analyses also suggest that it is more difficult to detect the manipulation of real activities than discretionary accruals through textual analysis.

Originality/value

The authors propose an in-depth examination of how accruals and real activities manipulations affect the level of readability of firms’ reports. Furthermore, the authors suggest that firms engage in bundle manipulation, including accounting and textual manipulation. This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the relationship between accounting and linguistic manipulations. The study suggests that investors could use the complexity of annual reports to detect earnings management. More specifically, it seems that firms engaging in discretionary accruals produce complex annual reports.
Perceived service quality and risks towards satisfaction of online halal food delivery system: from the Malaysian perspectives
Authors: Osman Ismah , Omar Emi Normalina , Ratnasari Ririn Tri , Furqon Chairul , Sultan Mokh Adib
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to ascertain service quality (halal values, assurance, meal quality, reliability, security, system and traceability) and perceived risks (financial, quality, environment, social, time, psychology and health) and its influence on satisfaction, as well as trust concerning online halal food delivery system (OHFDS).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses quantitative methodology, through an online survey, by using purposive sampling across a sample size of 423 respondents. The analysis of data was conducted using SmartPLS.

Findings

The results of the findings indicate that assurance and halal values have an influence on satisfaction, as well as trust; nonetheless, only reliability has an impact on satisfaction. On the other hand, perceived health and financial risks have negative influence on trust and satisfaction toward OHFDS. In addition, perceived psychological and financial risks are found to have negative impacts on trust of OHFDS.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical value of this study is the testing of perceived service quality and risks concerning OHFDS in the same model, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of its impact on trust and satisfaction toward the online food service delivery industry. The results of this study may appear as a starting point for researchers who wish to conduct further studies on the same topic.

Practical implications

This study suggests that the service providers need to boost their efforts in establishing high quality service and, simultaneously, reduce perceived risks, to develop satisfaction and trust toward OHFDS.

Social implications

The long-term consequence of the business's achievement is that it makes it simpler for customers to have confidence in, be satisfied with and recommend the service providers to others.

Originality/value

A number of research investigations have been conducted among Muslims, specifically in the Asian region, which have yielded crucial data regarding consumer behavior toward halal products, such as food and tourism. This study, nonetheless, remains close with other studies on halal food, except that it adds together the knowledge of perceived quality and risks, as to gain a deeper understanding of the experience customers have on food, through online service delivery.
Are women more risk averse in investments? Brazilian evidence
Authors: De Sá Rachel Borges Cyrino , Tessmann Mathias Schneid , Pinto Alex Cerqueira
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate whether women exhibit greater risk-aversion behavior than men in investments by estimating the influence of gender on portfolio volatility.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on the volatility observed in the portfolio in the last six months, last twelve months and since the individual became a client at one of the largest financial institutions in Brazil – and in Latin America – that operates in the capital markets are used. In addition to the gender explanatory variable, socioeconomic variables such as age, marital status, suitability, residence in capitals and declared assets are controlled, and multiple linear regression models are controlled.

Findings

The results show that gender is statistically significant in all models estimated to explain the volatility of investment portfolios, saying that women are more risk averse than men.

Originality/value

These findings are useful for the scientific literature that investigates behavioral finance by bringing empirical evidence for Brazil.
More than words: PhD students and critical reading
Authors: FitzPatrick Beverly , Chong Mike , Tuff James , Jamil Sana , Al Hariri Khalid , Stocks Taylor
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Many PhD students have strong reading comprehension, but some struggle with how to read critically. The purpose of this study is to understand what reading looks like for PhD students, what they are doing when they read scholarly texts and how they bring these texts to life in meaningful ways.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a self-study using a phenomenological research approach. Five PhD students collected data on their academic reading for three weeks, including the references, purpose for reading, and what they did as part of the reading process. Second, students analyzed their reading processes according to Paul and Elder’s (2006) intellectual standards. Third, students participated in two semi-structured discussions about the standards in relation to doctoral reading.

Findings

Reading is inseparable from thinking, with Paul and Elder’s (2006) intellectual standards (e.g. clarity, relevance, logic and fairness) playing an essential role in the academic reading process. Alongside these cognitive aspects of reading, the affective domain also contributes to the reading process.

Originality/value

This study is important because being able to read scholarly work is crucial for completing doctoral programs, conducting research, and publishing. We suggest that just as we need to teach writing, we need to acknowledge that many doctoral students need guidance to read scholarly texts, they need to be educated on the intellectual standards, and supervisors must rest their assumptions about doctoral reading and explicitly teach these processes.
Towards a Synergistic Multi‐stakeholder Approach to CSR in Crisis: Learning from Large Global Firms’ Responses to COVID‐19
Authors: Bamiatzi Vassiliki , Brieger Steven A. , Manning Stephan , Shi Shiqianbao , Islam Tahir
Published: June 2024

Firms are increasingly expected to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) in reaction to external crises. Yet, we still know little about how they do it. This study discusses what we can learn from how large global firms responded to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Employing a cluster analysis on Fortune Global 500 firms, our findings reveal that to meet both institutional and economic pressures posed by the crisis, global firms adopted what we call a synergistic multi‐stakeholder approach by addressing the needs of multiple stakeholder groups simultaneously through transferable response strategies. These strategies varied by firm, ranging from donations and educational initiatives to collaboration and minimal support. We discuss the characteristics and potential drivers of each strategy. Our findings suggest that synergistic CSR strategies combine (social) value creation with operational efficiencies across stakeholder groups, with critical implications for how firms may respond to future disasters and crises.
Antidepressant‐associated diagnostic change from major depressive to bipolar disorder
Authors: Tondo Leonardo , Miola Alessandro , Pinna Marco , Contu Martina , Baldessarini Ross J.
Published: June 2024

Background

Anticipating diagnostic change from major depressive (MDD) to bipolar disorder (BD) can support better prognosis and treatment, especially of depression but is challenging and reported research results are inconsistent. We therefore assessed clinical characteristics associated with diagnostic change from MDD to BD with antidepressant treatments.

Methods

We compared characteristics of 3212 initially MDD patients who became (hypo)manic during antidepressant treatment to those with stable MDD diagnoses as well as with cases of stable, spontaneous BD, using standard bivariate and multivariate statistics.

Results

Among MDD patients, 6.69% [CI: 5.85–7.61] changed to BD, mostly type II (BD2, 76.7%). BD‐converters had higher rates of familial mood disorders (74.1% vs. 57.1%) or BD (33.7% vs. 21.0%) and 2.8‐years younger onset than stable MDD patients. They also had more prior depressive recurrences/year, years‐of‐illness, mood‐stabilizer treatment, divorces, fewer children, more suicide attempts and drug‐abuse, and higher intake cyclothymia, YMRS and MDQ scores. Predictors independently associated with diagnostic conversion were: more familial BD, depressions/year, unemployment, cyclothymic temperament, suicidal ideation or acts, and fewer children. BD‐converters vs. spontaneous BD cases had significantly more suicide attempts, BD2 diagnoses, and affected relatives. Converting to vs. spontaneous BD1 was associated with more ADHD, more suicidal ideation or behavior, MDI course, and younger onset; converting to vs. spontaneous BD2 had more episodes/year, unemployment, ADHD, substance abuse, suicidal ideation or attempts, and more relatives with BD.

Conclusions

Few (6.69%) initially MDD subjects converted to BD, most (76.7%) to BD2. Independent predictive associations with diagnostic change included: familial BD, more depressions/year, unemployment, cyclothymic temperament, suicidal behavior and fewer children. Notably, several characteristics were stronger among those changing to BD during antidepressant treatment vs. others with spontaneous BD.
The conversation about family planning and desire for children in mental healthcare: Patients' perspective versus Professionals' perspective in a mixed methods study
Authors: Schonewille Noralie N. , van den Eijnden Monique J. M. , Sahin Ruveyda , Jonkman Nini H. , van Kempen Anne A. M. W. , van Pampus Maria G. , Scheele Fedde , van den Heuvel Odile A. , Broekman Birit F. P.
Published: June 2024

Background

Reproductive health and mental health are intertwined, but studies investigating family planning needs and desire for children in mental healthcare are scarce.

Methods

We studied the experiences of (former) patients, those with close relationships with the (former) patients (close ones) and mental health professionals (MHP) on discussing family planning and desire for children in mental healthcare. We combined quantitative (two nationwide surveys) and qualitative data (four focus groups) in a mixed‐methods approach with sequential analytical design.

Results

Combined data from focus groups (n = 19 participants) and two surveys (n = 139 MHPs and n = 294 (former) patients and close ones) showed that a considerable group of MHPs (64.0%), patients (40.9%) and close ones (50.0%) found that family planning should be discussed by a psychiatrist. However, several obstacles impeded a conversation, such as fear of judgment, lack of time and knowledge and limited opportunity for in‐depth exploration of life themes in therapeutic relationships.

Conclusions

To increase the autonomy of patients in discussing family planning, we suggest MHPs explore the desire to discuss family planning with all patients in the reproductive phase of life, prior to discussing contraceptive care. MHPs should receive education about psychiatric vulnerability in relation to family planning and desire for children, and patients and close ones should be empowered to initiate a conversation themselves.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus and sperm quality: A case‐control study
Authors: Delbarba Andrea , Anelli Valentina , Bambini Francesca , Buoso Caterina , Facondo Paolo , Gatta Elisa , Girelli Angela , Cappelli Carlo , Ferlin Alberto
Published: June 2024

Background

The potential impact of diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) on male fertility is currently poorly defined. Hyperglycaemia and insulin deficiency may affect spermatogenesis. Some evidence suggests that men with DM1 have a significant reduction in progressive sperm motility, sperm morphology and semen volume, without significant changes in sperm concentration and count, but definite data are lacking.

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of DM1 on clinical parameters related to male fertility and semen analysis.

Materials and methods

We compared a court of 42 male DM1 patients with 43 nondiabetic subjects overlapping in age and remaining clinical data in an observational case‐control study. All subjects underwent a comprehensive andrological reproductive evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and semen analysis. We collected biochemical data in all patients with DM1, while diabetic patients with any alteration in semen parameters underwent sperm culture and scrotal ultrasound. In addition, all men completed the IIEF‐5 questionnaire (International Index of Erectile Function‐5) and the AMS (Aging Male Symptom score) questionnaire.

Results

Patients with DM1 had a higher prevalence of infertility, erectile dysfunction and worse semen parameters compared with controls. In particular, semen volume, total sperm count, and total and progressive sperm motility were significantly lower (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.048, and p = 0.022 respectively). In addition, the rate of semen anti‐sperm antibody positivity, the AMS score and FSH levels were higher.

Discussion and conclusion

Several mechanisms may contribute to these semen alterations in DM1 patients, such as oxidative damage to spermatogenesis, seminal infections and pelvic neurological changes. These data suggest that patients with DM1 should be counselled from an andrological‐reproductive point of view.
The Salvage Frontier: Place, Nature, and Neoliberalism in a Small Northern Town
Authors: Erickson Bruce
Published: June 2024

The transition to a neoliberal economy that has been happening in Northern Canada has promised increasing control over resources to residents. Yet, the neoliberal approach carries significant risk, especially as it attempts to extract profit from failed and abandoned public projects—what Anna Tsing calls “salvage accumulation”. In Churchill, Manitoba, the primary economic drivers—shipping and tourism—have turned the town as a place into a particular type of salvage commodity. Built upon abandoned infrastructure, non‐human nature, the collapse of other industries, and the changing climate, these industries rely upon the overall place image of Churchill to bring non‐market goods into the commodity process. This process removes local control of place image (and experience) yet still embeds the risk of the venture in the location itself. Salvage accumulation as an entrepreneurial practice unequally distributes the risk onto residents while allowing the profits to accrue elsewhere.
Direct Action at Home: Performative Spaces of Tenant Resistance in Los Angeles
Authors: Moatasim Faiza
Published: June 2024

Given the rising number of evictions in the United States, self‐organised and housing‐insecure tenants actively fight back against their harassment and displacement. Because of the high rate of informal evictions, housing struggles between tenants and landlords are not only fought in courts; they often take place at the homes that they themselves and their landlords occupy. How do precariously housed tenants resist their displacement, and turn domestic spaces into spaces of tenant protest and resistance? This article examines the performative capacity of residential buildings in tenant direct actions in Los Angeles. By protesting at their own homes and those of their landlords, tenant groups claim control over their domestic spaces and establish a direct correlation between the lavish lifestyles of their landlords and their own unliveable conditions. The performativity of residential buildings during actions emphasises the violence of landlord harassment and forced evictions, turns personal experiences of housing insecurity into public spectacles, and enacts corrections to power imbalances in rental arrangements. More than sites of collective actions, residential spaces provide material evidence of tenant exploitation and a means of visualising tenant power.
Birth weight, slowness in eating and feeding practices as independent determinants of rapid weight gain
Authors: Ortega‐Ramírez Ana Daniela , Murillo‐Zamora Efrén , Trujillo‐Hernández Benjamín , Delgado‐Enciso Iván , Sánchez‐Ramírez Carmen Alicia
Published: June 2024

Aim

Our aim was to identify independent determinants of rapid weight gain in infants at 3‐4, 6, and 12 months of age.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted on Mexican term infants in public and private settings between March 2021 and May 2023. Rapid weight gain was defined as a ≥0.67 SD change in weight‐for‐age‐Z‐score from birth to 3‐4, 6, and 12 months of age. Maternal and infant characteristics were described, and infant feeding practices, appetitive traits, weight, and length were analysed at 3‐4, 6, and 12 months of age. Rapid weight gain predictors were determined using generalised linear regression models.

Results

In total, 168 infants were recruited (55% boys). Small‐for‐gestational‐age status increased rapid weight gain risk 1.5 times, whereas large‐for‐gestational‐age status represented a 20%–30% decrease. Slowness in eating decreased the risk by 10%. Protective factors were older maternal age and higher educational level, whereas formula feeding, early complementary feeding, greater food enjoyment, and satiety responsiveness increased the risk.

Conclusions

Small for gestational age, slowness in eating, and feeding practices can be rapid weight gain predictors across the first year of life.
Faecal incontinence: Retentive, non‐retentive and when to suspect organic pathology
Authors: Di Lorenzo Carlo
Published: June 2024

Background

Faecal incontinence is a highly prevalent and very distressing condition that occurs throughout the entire paediatric age.

Aim

To summarise advances in the understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation and treatment of children with faecal incontinence due to either disorders of gut–brain interaction or organic diseases.

Methods

Literature review on prevalence, impact, diagnosis and treatment options for children with faecal incontinence, interspersed with observations from the author's lifelong career focused on evaluation of children with motility disorders.

Results

Faecal incontinence in children is most commonly due to unrecognised or insufficiently treated functional constipation with overflow incontinence. Non‐retentive faecal incontinence (NRFI) is probably more common than previously thought and is particularly challenging to treat. Organic diseases such as anorectal malformations (ARMs), Hirschsprung disease and spinal defects are often associated with faecal incontinence; in these conditions, faecal incontinence has a profound impact on quality of life. Recognition of the different pathophysiologic mechanisms causing the incontinence is essential for a successful treatment plan. A thorough physical examination and history is all that is needed in the diagnosis of the causes of faecal incontinence related to disorders of gut–brain interaction. Colonic transit studies or x‐rays may help to differentiate retentive from NRFI. Manometry tests are helpful in determining the mechanisms underlying the incontinence in children operated on for ARMs or Hirschsprung diseases. Multiple behavioural, medical and surgical interventions are available to lessen the severity of faecal incontinence and its impact on the daily life of affected individuals.

Conclusions

Recent advances offer hope for children with faecal incontinence.
Management of the child with refractory constipation
Authors: van der Zande Julia M. J. , Lu Peter L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Caring for children with constipation refractory to conventional treatment can be challenging and management practices vary widely.

Aims

To review recent advances in the evaluation and treatment of children with refractory constipation and to propose an algorithm that incorporates the latest evidence and our institutional experience.

Methods

We performed a literature review on diagnostic tests and treatment options for children with refractory constipation.

Results

Evaluation of a child with refractory constipation seeks to better understand factors contributing to an individual child's presentation. Anorectal manometry evaluating for a rectal evacuation disorder and colonic manometry evaluating for colonic dysmotility can guide subsequent treatment. For the child who has not responded to conventional treatment, a trial of newer medications like linaclotide can be helpful. Transanal irrigation offers a safe and effective alternative for families able to administer daily rectal treatment. Despite mixed evidence in children, pelvic floor biofeedback therapy can help some children with pelvic floor dyssynergia. For younger children unable to cooperate with pelvic floor therapy, or older children with refractory symptoms, internal anal sphincter botulinum toxin injection can be beneficial. Antegrade continence enema treatment can be effective for children with either normal colonic motility or segmental dysmotility. Sacral nerve stimulation is generally reserved for symptoms that persist despite antegrade continence enemas, particularly if faecal incontinence is prominent. In more severe cases, temporary or permanent colonic diversion and segmental colonic resection may be needed.

Conclusions

Recent advances offer hope for children with refractory constipation.
Serum sPD‐1 and sPD‐L1 as predictive biomarkers for HBsAg clearance in HBeAg‐negative CHB patients undergoing IFN‐based therapy
Authors: Chen Xiyao , Zhang Boxiang , Song Xin , Qian Tinglin , Zheng Xingrong , Zhang Yeqiong , Xu Wenxiong , Gao Zhiliang , Peng Liang , Xie Chan
Published: June 2024

Background and Aims

For chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, there is still a need to improve hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance rates. This study aimed to assess the predictive effectiveness of soluble programmed cell death‐1 (sPD‐1) and soluble programmed cell death ligand‐1 (sPD‐L1) for HBsAg clearance in HBeAg‐negative CHB patients undergoing peginterferon (Peg‐IFN)‐based antiviral treatment.

Methods

This study encompassed 280 patients undergoing treatment with Peg‐IFNα. Serum levels of sPD‐1 and sPD‐L1 were measured using ELISA kits at baseline, as well as at 12, 24 and 48 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study was the determination of HBsAg clearance at 48 weeks. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of HBsAg clearance.

Results

The clearance group demonstrated significantly lower serum sPD‐L1 levels compared to the non‐clearance group. While both groups exhibited an increase in sPD‐1 levels, only the clearance group showed a rise in sPD‐L1 levels. Multivariate analysis identified sPD‐L1 increase at 24 weeks, and HBsAg decline at 24 weeks as predictors for HBsAg clearance at 48 weeks. The combined use of these indicators showed a predictive performance for HBsAg clearance with an AUROC of 0.907 (95% CI: 0.861–0.953, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The study revealed an inverse relationship between the trends of sPD‐1/sPD‐L1 and HBsAg clearance during combined IFN and NAs treatment. Moreover, the magnitude of HBsAg reduction and sPD‐L1 increase emerged as significant predictors for HBsAg clearance.
From the front door to the basement: Invertebrate communities' structure as a proxy for determining cave zonation in Neotropics
Authors: Reis‐Venâncio Paulo C. , Ferreira Rodrigo L. , Souza‐Silva Marconi
Published: June 2024

In caves, the absence of natural light in deeper regions starkly contrasts with the entrance areas, which still exhibit a light gradient extending into the cave interior. This interplay with the structural gradient of the environment potentially exerts distinct influences on invertebrate communities residing in different cave light zones. To investigate this, we formulated a hypothesis positing that communities within distinct cave light zones respond differently to habitat structure and microclimatic conditions. Our approach involved a spatial multi‐scale sampling of invertebrates and the application of statistical analyses to contrast the responses of communities inhabiting photic and aphotic zones. Photic zone richness is influenced by factors such as air moisture, resource availability, root presence, and shelter diversity. In contrast, the richness of communities in aphotic zones is shaped by resource availability, the presence of roots, branches, and distance from the cave entrance. As expected, the richness in the photic zone surpasses that of the deeper regions, highlighting the challenges faced by invertebrates attempting to establish themselves in the aphotic zone. The species composition of faunal communities varied predictably from the entrance to the aphotic zone, and the three most important factors driving this variation were geographic distance, humidity, and distance from the entrance. The composition between these cave zones differs significantly, primarily due to the high number of obligate cave species predominantly inhabiting the aphotic region. Indeed, communities associated with different cave zones exhibit distinct responses to resource, microclimatic, and structural variables.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.