bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial contamination on the white coats of medical laboratory students at a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Nayak Kusumakshi , Shetty Seema , Poojary Akshaya , Prabhu Thejaswini
Published: November 2024

Background:

White coats might be a potential source of infection and play a huge role in transmitting pathogenic bacteria in hospital setup as well as in the community.

Objective:

This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the bacterial contamination on white coats of students working in diagnostic laboratories and determine their antibacterial susceptibility.

Methods:

Swabs were collected from the sleeves and pockets of the white coat of 96 students working in various diagnostic labs in a tertiary care hospital and processed for bacteriological analysis based on standard procedures.

Results:

Among 96 white coats, bacterial contamination was observed in 63 white coats. Pockets of the white coats were highly contaminated with pathogenic bacteria than sleeves. Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated only from 13 white coats. The majority were Staphylococcus epidermidis, followed by Micrococcus luteus. All isolates of S. aureus were susceptible to antibiotics used. Few isolates of A. baumannii were resistant to ampicillin and amoxicillin. One isolate of P. aeruginosa exhibited resistance to Cefoperazone.

Conclusion:

White coats of students working in diagnostic labs were contaminated with both pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria, which can cause cross contamination and increase the spread of nosocomial infection. Bacteria resistant to antibiotics can lead to treatment complications. Thus, policies should be prepared and followed to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission by following routine laboratory practices such as hand washing, frequent cleaning of white coats and disinfecting other fomites.
Sequencing analysis of efflux pump and porin genes among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from different sources
Authors: Saidmurad Mustafa Azm , AL-Jubori Sawsan Sajid
Published: November 2024

Background:

Efflux pumps are multidrug resistance mechanisms that play a crucial role in the antibiotic resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of efflux pump genes among P. aeruginosa isolated from different sources.

Methods:

Forty clinical isolates that were primarily identified as P. aeruginosa were obtained from different laboratories of teaching hospitals in Baghdad/Iraq. Their identification was confirmed by using 16s rDNA as a housekeeping gene (HKG). To study different six types of efflux pump and porin genes, specific primers were used to detect mex A1, mex R, mex X, mex Y, oprD1, and oprJ1 genes followed by sequencing the amplified fragment, which was analyzed by Geneious software.

Results:

The results of amplification showed that all the 40 isolates (100%) were compatible with P. aeruginosa. Antibiotic sensitivity test (AST) for 14 antimicrobial agents was tested using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method and the result of the resistance pattern was as follows: 100% for SXT and F, 95% for TGC, 80% for CIP, 60% for LEV, 55% for FEP, 50% for AK, 47.5% for TOB, 40% for CAR, 35% for PRL, 27.5% for IMP, 25% for CAZ, 22.5% for ATM, 7.5% for COL, while the percentage of EP and porin genes among the total isolates as following: mex X 100%, 97.5% for oprD1, 95% for mexR, 92.5% for each mex Y and oprJ1, mex A 82.5%. The results explained that the most resistant six isolates in AST were resistant to 11–13 antimicrobial agents that harbored all six types of efflux pumps and porin genes and these isolates were obtained from urine and burn specimens.

Conclusion: our study demonstrated a high prevalence of efflux pumps and porin genes among P. aeruginosa isolates from different sources, indicating the significant role of efflux pumps in antibiotic resistance. These findings highlight the need for continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistance mechanisms and the development of new strategies to combat MDR P. aeruginosa infections.
Postbiotics and their therapeutic effects: a review
Authors: Köktürk Seda Nur , Yardimci Hülya
Published: November 2024

The microbiota is an ecosystem composed of microorganisms living in various parts of the body. The large majority of microorganisms live in the gastrointestinal system. The relationship between the microbial habitat and the host is complicated and dynamic. As a result, the microbiota plays a significant role in the development of numerous diseases. The use of probiotics to enhance the microbiota of the gastro-intestinal system attracts attention. However, it's reported in the literature that probiotics have side effects such as systemic infection, harmful metabolic activities, overstimulation of the immune system, gene transfer, and mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Consequently, the term “postbiotic” known as the structural components of probiotic bacteria and their metabolites has become increasingly important in recent years. Postbiotics can be grouped as lipid, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin, co-factor, organic acid, peptidoglycan according to their main components, or immunomodulator, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypo-cholesterolemic, antiobesogenic antiproliferative according to their physiological effects. Postbiotics have been reported to have positive impacts on some diseases by interacting with the microbial community and host. In this review, it was aimed to investigate the concept of postbiotics, the interaction of postbiotics with the gut microbiota and the host, and the effects of postbiotics on various diseases. As the number of studies on postbiotics is increasing day by day, it's aimed that this review will shed light on future studies. More research is required in this area to examine the effects of postbiotics on health and disease in a more comprehensive manner.
Exceptional prevalence of blaNDM-1 gene producing Enterobacter cloacae ssp. dissolvens isolated from hospitals in Baghdad
Authors: Shakir Sinaa Mahdi , Hussein Nadheema Hammood , Al-Kadmy Israa M.S. , Taha Butheina Mohammed , Hussein Jumaah Dakel , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Hetta Helal F.
Published: November 2024

Background and aim:

Hereine, we report for the first time the spread of balNDM-1 and other Extended spectrum B lactemase (ESβL) related genes among carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae ssp. dissolvens isolated from hospitals in Baghdad/Iraq.

Methods:

Thirty-one clinical and environmental Enterobacter spp. were isolated. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by VITEK-2 system, Uniplex PCR amplification was carried out for detection of blaNDM-1 and bla
OXA-48, Multiplex PCR for detection other Metalo B lactemase (MBL) genes For the detection of genes, which are blaIMP, blaVIM, blaSIM, blaGIM, and blaSPM.

Results:

Among thirty-one Enterobacter spp. isolates, 5 (16.12%) isolates classified as resistant to imipenem and meropenem together, according to MIC results, all isolates show high level of resistance 31 (100%) isolates to (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and cefazolin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin), while resistance level ranged from 25 (80.6%) isolates to (ampicillin), 19 (61.3%) isolates resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 17 (54.8%) resistant to gentamicin,15 (48.4%) resistant to ceftriaxone,11 (35.5%) isolates resistant to nitrofurantoin, 8 (25.8%)isolates resistant to cefepime piperacillin/tazobactam and tetracycline, whereas 6 (19.4%) islates resistant to aztreonam, 5 (16.1%) isolates resistant to meropenem, and finally 2 (6.5%) isolates resistant to levofloxacin.

One isolate out of 5 which resistant to imipenem gave positive result in bla

NDM−1
and Pre-

NDM-1
gene, 2 isolates show positive result in bla

VIM
gene, all 5 isolates show positive resistant to IMI gene, While, none of these isolates gave any result in SIM, GIM, SPM and bla
OXA-48 genes

Conclusion:

Carbapenem consider the last treatment to ESβL resistant isolates, but recently reported these isolates developed resistance towards antibiotics and produce carbapenemase and especially new-delhi-metallo-β-lactamase-1 (blaNDM-1) and cause increase the epidemiological situation resistance around the world.
Molecular identification and characterization and phylogenetic study in Escherichia coli in Baghdad province
Authors: Mohammed Haneen N. , Al Marjani Mohammed F. , Authman Sawsan H.
Published: November 2024

The study involved a total of 112Escherichia coliisolates that were obtained from diverse origins. It took place within the jurisdiction of Baghdad Province. The isolates were classified into distinct phylogenetic groups using Quadruplex Clermont's innovative methodology. Phylogenetic typing was determined using the multiplex PCR technique. The findings of the present investigation reveal that the phylogenetic group B2 exhibited the highest prevalence rate (34.8%), followed by phylogenetic groups C (21.4%), D (16.9%), and A (10.7%). The remaining groups, namely B1 (5.3%), E (4.4%), F (2.6%), and unknown (3.5%), exhibited comparatively lower prevalence rates. Furthermore, the present study has identified a significant correlation between cephalosporins and phylogenetic groupings ofE. coli. The cephalosporin groups were found to be associated with a significant proportion of antibiotic resistance patterns, whereas the carbapenem groups exhibited the lowest association. The biofilm formation was detected in 78.5% (88/112) of the isolates, and 95.5% (107/112) of the strains exhibited multiresistance. The group B2 exhibited the highest prevalence of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation, with a percentage of 33.6% (36/107) and 35% (31/88).
A comprehensive review of urinary tract infections: pathophysiology, antibiotic resistance, and therapeutic strategies, with emphasis on herbal alternatives
Authors: Boddu Suhasini , R. Karthikeyan , Mandava Kiranmai
Published: November 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are pervasive and affect individuals of all ages, presenting a significant global health concern. The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, recurrent infections, and the associated economic burden necessitate a comprehensive understanding of UTI pathophysiology and therapeutic approaches. This review explores epidemiology, risk factors, and the microbiology of UTIs. It delves into antibiotic and nonantimicrobial therapies, emphasizing the challenges posed by bacterial resistance. The authors scrutinize herbal medicines as alternatives to combat multidrug resistance, discussing their safety, potential benefits, and limitations. The review calls for innovative strategies, including vaccine development, and stresses the importance of antibiotic stewardship. Methodologically, the review incorporates diverse sources and databases, offering a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge. In conclusion, the authors advocate for continued research into novel UTI therapies, considering the complexities of bacterial resistance and the promising role of medicinal plants in addressing this global health challenge. Afterwards, a total of 134 articles from the years 2010 to 2024 were used to create the final bibliometric dataset. Griffith University is an exceptionally productive university, demonstrating significant worldwide impact. Terreni M. is recognized as the author with the greatest number of published works, while the work written by Azami et al. in 2019 is considered the most impactful publication. The purpose of these outcomes is to offer a comprehensive comprehension of UTIs and the utilization of herbal medications as inhibitors of multidrug resistance.
Molecular epidemiology of Omicron's CH.1.1 lineage: evidence of recombination event
Authors: Al Qurashi Yasir , Alansari Maymuna , Almutiri Renad , Alabbasi Rageed , Ali Rabab A.
Published: November 2024

The genome of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant is highly modified and contagious because of natural selection, which has resulted in rapid genomic evolution and the emergence of several lineages. The spike (S) protein's high number of amino acid variations in the receptor binding domain (RBD) have increased its binding affinity to the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and thus the transmissibility. However, recombination is a critical event in the evolution of RNA viruses, especially the positive single-stranded RNA viruses such as the viruses of the Coronaviridae family. The recombination event is caused by co-infection, which occurs when the genomes of lineages combine within a host cell, giving rise to a lineage with new genomic characteristics. This molecular epidemiological study demonstrates that CH.1.1, a designated lineage primarily found in Europe, is a possible recombinant derived from the likely parental BM.4 and BA.2.75.2 Omicron lineages. Regarding the genomic analysis for the possible recombination, the genomes of Wuhan/WIV04, CH.1.1, BM.4, and BA.2.75.2 were uploaded as FASTA file from the GISAID platform and aligned by UGEN software. Dissimilarity percentages were counted based on the Distance Matrix Hamming dissimilarity count. Through the genomic analysis, we identified significant amino acid variations from the hypothetical parental lineages and CH.1.1. However, the hypothesis of the possibility that CH.1.1 arises from these parental lineages is supported by their circulation simultaneously in Austria in July 2022. The dissimilarity percentage between CH.1.1 and the parental lineages, in addition to the shared inherited amino acid variations in CH.1.1.
Humoral response 24 months after the first COVID-19 vaccination in people with HIV with and without diabetes
Authors: Bering Louise , Heftdal Line Dam , Heidari Safura-Luise , Hamm Sebastian Rask , Hansen Cecillie Bo , Møller Dina Leth , Pries-Heje Mia , Fogh Kamille , Hasselbalch Rasmus Bo , Pérez-Alós Laura , Gerstoft Jan , Benfield Thomas , Berg Selina Kikkenborg , Christensen Anne Vinggaard , Birk Nina Marie , Hilsted Linda Maria , Ostrowski Sisse Rye , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth , Sørensen Erik , Grønbæk Kirsten , Bundgaard Henning , Iversen Kasper , Garred Peter , Nielsen Susanne Dam
Published: November 2024

People with HIV (PWH) and people with diabetes mellitus have increased risk of severe COVID-19, but little is known about humoral response to COVID-19 vaccines in PWH with DM. We investigated SARS-CoV-2 antireceptor-binding domain (anti-RBD) immunoglobulin G (IgG) geometrical concentrations and neutralizing antibody capacity (nAB) in PWH with and without diabetes mellitus. Anti-RBD IgG and nAB in COVID-19-vaccinated PWH were not associated with diabetes mellitus-status or HbA1c 24 months after the initial COVID-19 vaccination.
Benign, but Ominous, Pseudotumor in the Post-Sleeve Gastrectomy Hiatal Hernia: A Case Series
Authors: Consul Nikita , Cheng Monica , Scholz Francis J.
Published: November 2024

We have incidentally observed a finding not yet described in the literature, on both cross-sectional imaging and fluoroscopy, to correlate with increased obstructive symptoms in our post sleeve gastrectomy patients. This case series aims to show postsurgical imaging cases with the common underlying finding of a pseudotumor associated with hiatal herniae and obstructive symptoms. Because this clinical presentation may, in some cases, warrant postsurgical revision, knowledge of the imaging findings and their potential clinical significance is useful to radiologists who interpret routine cross-sectional imaging examinations as well as fluoroscopic evaluations of these post sleeve gastrectomy patients.
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ACCUMULATION OF DIFFERENT VARIANTS OF THE SARS-COV-2 VIRUS (WUHAN, DELTA, OMICRON) IN THE ORGANS OF MODEL ANIMALS
Authors: Chernov A.S. , Kazakov V.A. , Gogleva I.S. , Savenko S.V. , Schukina V.N. , Loginova S.Ya. , Borisevich S.V. , Smirnov I.V. , Telegin G.B. , Belogurov A.A.
Published: November 2024

Background

The genotypic variability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has proven to be extremely high, and the emergence of new strains raises concerns about their possible high virulence, transmissibility, and ability to bypass responses of the body’s immune system induced by previous infection or vaccination. Therefore, one of the main tasks is to study the pathogenesis of various variants of the virus using experimental animal biomodels of SARS-CoV-2 to quickly find methods and approaches to fighting new viruses.

Methods

60 humanized mice of the C57BL/6-Tgtn (CAG-human AEC2-IRES-Luciferase-WPRE-polyA) line (hACE2) were used. Mice were infected intranasally at different doses with three variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: Wuhan, Delta and Omicron.

Results

We showed that humanized hACE2 mice, when infected with all three variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, showed typical pathological changes in lung consistency comparable to those found in COVID-19 in humans. All mice developed interstitial pneumonia, characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and thickening of the alveolar septa, characteristic of vascular damage.

Conclusions

At a dose of 4 lg plaque-forming unit (PFU), all variants showed 100% mortality. A dose-dependent effect was established only for the Wuhan and Delta variants. In a comparative assessment of different variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in a humanized mouse model of hACE2, it was found that the Delta variant leads to more severe damage compared to Wuhan or Omicron.
Is an earlier onset of focal epilepsy associated with atypical language lateralization? A systematic review, meta-analysis and new data
Authors: Prentice Freya , Chehabeddine Lara , Eriksson Maria Helena , Murphy Jennifer , Sepeta Leigh N. , Gaillard William D. , Berl Madison M. , Liégeois Frédérique , Baldeweg Torsten
Published: November 2024

Right and bilateral language representation is common in focal epilepsy, possibly reflecting the influence of epileptogenic lesions and/or seizure activity in the left hemisphere. Atypical language lateralization is assumed to be more likely in cases of early seizure onset, due to greater language plasticity in childhood. However, evidence for this association is mixed, with most research based on small samples and heterogenous cohorts. In this preregistered meta-analysis we examined the association between age at seizure onset and fMRI-derived language lateralization in individuals with focal epilepsy. The pooled effect size demonstrated a correlation between an earlier onset and rightward language lateralization in the total sample (r=0.1, p=.005, k=58, n=1240), with no difference in the correlation between left and right hemisphere epilepsy samples (Q=62.03, p=.302). In exploratory analyses of the individual participant data (n=1157), we demonstrated strong evidence that a logarithmic model fits the data better than a linear (BF=350) or categorical model with 6 years of age as a cut-off (BF=36). These findings indicate that there is a small but significant relationship between age at seizure onset and language lateralization. The relationship was consistent with theories of language plasticity proposing an exponential decline in plasticity over early childhood. However, given that this effect was subtle and only found in larger sample sizes, an early age at seizure onset would not serve as a good indicator of atypical language lateralization on the individual patient level.
Single cell variant to enhancer to gene map for coronary artery disease
Authors: Amrute Junedh M. , Lee Paul C. , Eres Ittai , Lee Chang Jie Mick , Bredemeyer Andrea , Sheth Maya U. , Yamawaki Tracy , Gurung Rijan , Anene-Nzelu Chukwuemeka , Qiu Wei-Lin , Kundu Soumya , Li Daniel Y. , Ramste Markus , Lu Daniel , Tan Anthony , Kang Chul-Joo , Wagoner Ryan E. , Alisio Arturo , Cheng Paul , Zhao Quanyi , Miller Clint L. , Hall Ira M. , Gupta Rajat M. , Hsu Yi-Hsiang , Haldar Saptarsi M. , Lavine Kory J. , Jackson Simon , Andersson Robin , Engreitz Jesse M. , Foo Roger S-Y , Li Chi-Ming , Ason Brandon , Quertermous Thomas , Stitziel Nathan O.
Published: November 2024

Although genome wide association studies (GWAS) in large populations have identified hundreds of variants associated with common diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD), most disease-associated variants lie within non-coding regions of the genome, rendering it difficult to determine the downstream causal gene and cell type. Here, we performed paired single nucleus gene expression and chromatin accessibility profiling from 44 human coronary arteries. To link disease variants to molecular traits, we developed a meta-map of 88 samples and discovered 11,182 single-cell chromatin accessibility quantitative trait loci (caQTLs). Heritability enrichment analysis and disease variant mapping demonstrated that smooth muscle cells (SMCs) harbor the greatest genetic risk for CAD. To capture the continuum of SMC cell states in disease, we used dynamic single cell caQTL modeling for the first time in tissue to uncover QTLs whose effects are modified by cell state and expand our insight into genetic regulation of heterogenous cell populations. Notably, we identified a variant in theCOL4A1/COL4A2CAD GWAS locus which becomes a caQTL as SMCs de-differentiate by changing a transcription factor binding site for EGR1/2. To unbiasedly prioritize functional candidate genes, we built a genome-wide single cell variant to enhancer to gene (scV2E2G) map for human CAD to link disease variants to causal genes in cell types. Using this approach, we found several hundred genes predicted to be linked to disease variants in different cell types. Next, we performed genome-wide Hi-C in 16 human coronary arteries to build tissue specific maps of chromatin conformation and link disease variants to integrated chromatin hubs and distal target genes. Using this approach, we show that rs4887091 within theADAMTS7CAD GWAS locus modulates function of a super chromatin interactome through a change in a CTCF binding site. Finally, we used CRISPR interference to validate a distal gene,AMOTL2, liked to a CAD GWAS locus. Collectively we provide a disease-agnostic framework to translate human genetic findings to identify pathologic cell states and genes driving disease, producing a comprehensive scV2E2G map with genetic and tissue level convergence for future mechanistic and therapeutic studies.
Detecting PI3K and TP53 Pathway Disruptions in Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Among Hispanic/Latino Patients
Authors: Monge Cecilia , Waldrup Brigette , Manjarrez Sophia , Carranza Francisco , Velazquez-Villarreal Enrique
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives

This study aims to characterize PI3K and TP53 pathway alterations in Hispanic/Latino patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), focusing on potential differences compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients. Understanding these differences may shed light on the molecular basis of CRC health disparities.

Methods

Using cBioPortal, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis to evaluate CRC mutations within the PI3K and TP53 pathways. CRC cases were stratified by age and ethnicity: (1) early-onset (<50 years) versus late-onset (≥50 years) and (2) early-onset in Hispanic/Latino patients compared to early-onset in NHW patients. Mutation frequencies were assessed using descriptive statistics, with chi-squared tests comparing proportions between early-onset Hispanic/Latino and NHW groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated to assess overall survival for early-onset Hispanic/Latino patients, stratified by the presence or absence of PI3K and TP53 pathway alterations.

Results

Significant differences were noted when comparing early-onset CRC in Hispanic/Latino patients to early-onset CRC in NHW patients. PI3K pathway alterations were more prevalent in early-onset CRC among Hispanic/Latino patients (90.5% vs. 41.5%, p = 9.279e-5), with mTOR alterations also significantly higher in this group (14.3% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.043). No significant differences were observed between early-onset and late-onset CRC cases within the Hispanic/Latino cohort. Additionally, Hispanic/Latino patients with early-onset CRC showed improved clinical outcomes when TP53 pathway alterations were present (p =5.4e-4).

Conclusions

These findings highlight the distinct role of PI3K and TP53 pathway disruptions in early-onset CRC among Hispanic/Latino patients, suggesting that pathway-specific mechanisms may drive cancer health disparities. Insights from this study could inform the potential development of precision medicine approaches and targeted therapies aimed at addressing these disparities and improving outcomes for diverse patient populations.
Comparing machine learning models for predicting mutation status in Acute Myeloid Leukemia patients using RNA-seq data
Authors: Silva Raíssa , Riedel Cédric , Reboul Jerome , Ruffle Florence , Gallopin Mélina , Boureux Anthony , Commes Thérèse
Published: November 2024

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease. The current AML classifications are based mainly on molecular markers, including cytogenetics features, fusion genes, and the presence or absence of mutations. In this study, we investigated mutation status in AML patients through RNA-seq data in link with differential gene expression. We applied seven machine learning algorithms to identify the presence or absence of NPM1, IDH1/IDH2, and FLT3-ITD mutations, reaching 95%, 93%, and 87% accuracy, respectively. In each case, the best performing models were complex models, suggesting highly complex biological processes at work behind AML.
Anti-HIV-1 HSPC-based gene therapy with safety kill switch to defend against and attack HIV-1 infection
Authors: Guo Qi , Parikh Keval , Zhang Jian , Brinkley Alexander , Chen Grace , Jakramonpreeya Natnicha , Zhen Anjie , An Dong Sung
Published: November 2024

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC)-based anti-HIV-1 gene therapy holds promise to provide life-long remission following a single treatment. Here we report a multi-pronged anti-HIV-1 HSPC-based gene therapy designed to defend against and attack HIV-1 infection. We developed a lentiviral vector capable of co-expressing three anti-HIV-1 genes. Two are designed to prevent infection, including a short-hairpin RNA (CCR5sh1005) to knock down HIV-1 co-receptor CCR5 and a membrane anchored HIV-1 fusion inhibitor (C46). The third gene is a CD4-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) designed to attack HIV-1 infected cells. Our vector also includes a non-signaling truncated human epidermal growth factor receptor (huEGFRt) which acts as a negative selection-based safety kill switch against transduced cells. Anti-HIV-1 vector-transduced human CD34+ HSPC efficiently reconstituted multi-lineage human hematopoietic cells in humanized bone marrow/liver/thymus (huBLT) mice. HIV-1 viral load was significantly reduced (1-log fold reduction, p <0.001) in transplanted huBLT mice. Anti-huEGFR monoclonal antibody Cetuximab (CTX) administration significantly reduced huEGFRt+ vector-modified cells (>4-fold reduction, p <0.01) in huBLT mice. These results demonstrate that our strategy is highly effective for HIV-1 inhibition, and that CTX-mediated negative selection can deplete anti-HIV-1 vector-modified cells in the event of unwanted adverse effects in huBLT mice.
Strain-modulated magnetic droplet precession in spin-torque nano-oscillators
Authors: Zhou Sai , Zheng Cuixiu , Xu Haoxiang , Liu Yaowen
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we present a promising method for modulating the frequency of magnetic droplets using strain induced by an adjacent piezoelectric layer. This strain results in significant changes in droplet frequency (∼6 GHz) and variations in diameter or mode, while maintaining a fixed current density of 1.4×1012A/m2 under both high and low fields. By applying strain pulses, we successfully modulate the magnetic droplet frequency, paving the way for potential implementation of digital binary frequency shift-keying modulation technique with magnetic droplets. Moreover, the effects of Oersted field and the Zhang-Li torque induced by lateral current have also been discussed, showing a minimal impact on the oscillation frequencies, especially at high fields.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Nonlinear thermoelectric probes of anomalous electron lifetimes in topological Fermi liquids
Authors: Hofmann Johannes , Rostami Habib
Published: November 2024

In two-dimensional Fermi liquids (FLs), odd-parity Fermi surface deformations have anomalously slow relaxation rates that are suppressed as T4 with temperature T, distinct from the standard FL T2 scaling. We demonstrate here that these long-lived modes, which are often hidden in linear response, have a significant impact on nonlinear transport by establishing a direct proportionality of nonlinear thermoelectric currents to the anomalously large relaxation time. These currents exist in topological time-reversal invariant FLs, and their magnitude is characterized by topological heat capacitance terms that we refer to as the and the . We quantify the effect in bismuth telluride, which is an efficient thermoelectric and a topological insulator with a hexagonal Fermi surface. The proposed field-induced thermoelectric currents are well within the range of current experiments. Our findings demonstrate the potential to explore topological and many-body effects in FLs through the nonlinear thermoelectric response, urging further experimental studies.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Enhancing sustainable consumer practices: the role of environmental knowledge in adopting BORS services
Authors: Yao Xinyu , Liu Yanfeng , Qi Guanqiu
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examined the impact of environmental factors on consumers’ intention to use buy online in-store returns (BORS) services. Specifically, it investigates how integrating environmental knowledge and consequence awareness into the theory of planned behavior (TPB) influences consumers’ intention to adopt BORS services.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using statistical methods to explore the relationships between attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, environmental factors and intention to use BORS services.

Findings

The findings indicate that attitude, subjective norm and environmental knowledge significantly increase consumers’ intention to use BORS services. Additionally, the interaction of attitude and environmental knowledge further enhances consumers’ intention to use BORS services.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the limited literature on the drivers of consumers’ adoption of BORS services by integrating environmental factors with TPB. It provides new insights into how targeted environmental education and promotion activities can influence consumers’ behavior toward sustainable practices, providing valuable strategies for retailers to support sustainable development goals.
Work passion in recruiting messages
Authors: David Jannifer Gregory , Groth Rachel , Alto Taylor
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To facilitate a goal of hiring more employees with work passion, this research investigates the content job seekers include in recruiting messages to determine if this content changes with job seekers’ work passion.

Design/methodology/approach

Study participants were full-time professionals who wrote recruiting messages for their current jobs and answered questions about their work passion and work histories. These recruiting messages were content analyzed for themes. The percentages of recruiting message content for each theme were entered as endogenous variables in a structural equation model with harmonious and obsessive work passion are exogenous variables.

Findings

A significantly positive relationship was found between participants’ harmonious work passion and the amount of passion-related content in their recruiting messages.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that organizations may consider including more passion-related content in recruiting messages, if their recruiting strategy aims to attract more high-work-passion job applicants.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies on the role of work passion in recruiting messages. This study also uses a unique combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Construction and demolition waste management in the United Arab Emirates through the 3R principle
Authors: Saradara Shadeedha Mohamed , Lara Juan Carlos Flores , Swarnakar Vikas , Rauf Abdul , Qureshi Rubina , Fadel Mutasem El , Khalfan Malik Mansoor Ali
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study reviews policies, green building regulations, key performance indicators (KPIs) and management methods related to construction and demolition waste (CDW) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It aims to develop a holistic framework based on the 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) principles to assess the current status of circular economy (CE) deployment and identify key determinants for efficient CDW management.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was used, including desk-based searches, systematic literature reviews and searches of official government websites to review existing CDW management policies and methods in the UAE. Scholarly databases were reviewed to identify CDW management challenges from a 3R perspective. A conceptual CE framework based on the 3R principles was developed using the study's findings.

Findings

The study provides a comprehensive review of CDW management in the UAE, analyzing associated management challenges in the construction sector. It proposes a holistic 3R principles-based framework, emphasizing strategic steps in the building lifecycle, site waste management (SWM) plans, drivers for circular construction and systematic adoption guidelines for effective CE deployment to achieve sustainable CDW management in the UAE construction sector.

Originality/value

This study explores existing policies and challenges in CDW management in the UAE and offers a 3R principles-based framework for CE deployment in the construction sector. It provides valuable insights for manufacturers of recycled products and for integrating circularity into construction projects’ design and procurement processes.
Byju’s in trouble
Authors: Kumar KBS , Perepu Indu
Published: November 2024

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: determine the conditions founders encounter when their company is not on the right track; examine the importance of ethics in entrepreneurship; draw up a broad framework to understand the degree of trouble an organization is in and how far it has gone since the early warning signs of trouble; and formulate a comprehensive solution for entrepreneurial founders to extricate their ventures from a crisis.

Case overview/synopsis

India-based Edtech company Byju’s was facing a slew of challenges as of mid-2023. Its founder and CEO Byju Raveendran needed to steer the company out of trouble.

Complexity academic level

Post Graduate/Executive Education.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS3: Entrepreneurship.
Participation in the digital transformation of healthcare: a review of qualitative studies
Authors: Wieslander Lisabet , Bäckström Ingela , Häggström Marie
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to identify how health professionals perceive participation in implementation of new technology in healthcare organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative systematic review based on the PRISMA diagram, was conducted using qualitative synthesis. NVivo software was used for thematic analysis. The searches were performed in PubMed, CINAHL and Scopus.

Findings

A total of 15 articles were included in the review, four themes describing how participation of health professionals in digital transformation affects the outcomes were identified, and three themes describing the factors that are necessary to promote participation. The underlying latent theme of an unmet desire to participate in the digital transformation was also identified in the analysis.

Originality/value

The digital transformation of healthcare is complex and faces many obstacles if not managed correctly. Professional participation in the implementation seems to be essential for success. Focus on increased resources and planning during early stages, as well as teamwork and ethical reflection is important addressing the challenges that professionals face in digital transformation of healthcare.
Workplace health promotion interventions in EU-27 public administrations
Authors: Cantonnet María Luisa , Aldasoro Juan Carlos , Iradi Jon
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The objective of this article is to make an exploratory study about European public administrations (public administration, public agencies, public law entities, entities dependent on the public administration and public universities) in relation to workplace health promotion interventions. The sample was extracted from the ESENER-3 (Third European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks) (EU-OSHA, 2019) and consists of 7,981 public entities from the EU-27 countries. Four WHPI have been studied: healthy nutrition interventions, sports activities after working hours, back exercises at work and prevention of addictions.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory study. The sample was extracted from the ESENER-3 (Third European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks) (EU-OSHA, 2019) and consists of 7,981 public entities from the EU-27 Public Administration. In total, 45,420 establishments were interviewed.

Findings

Different patterns have been observed when implementing workplace health promotion interventions in the EU-27 public administration. The promotion of sports activities outside working hours is the one with the highest level of implementation in European public administration. On the other hand, the measure with the least implementation level is the promotion of healthy nutrition.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study are that the studied items are nominal and comprise more than two categories, so it has not been possible to develop a correlation analysis.

Practical implications

The EU-27 public administrations can see which workplace health promotion interventions need to be improved.

Originality/value

Differences that may exist in the adopted workplace health promotion interventions by European public administrations have not yet been addressed in depth by the literature.
Artificial intelligence’s impact on oral healthcare in terms of clinical outcomes: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: AlQaifi Faten , Tengilimoglu Dilaver , Arslan Aras Ilknur
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) applications on oral healthcare, focusing on clinical outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic approach was used to gather articles from databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar from 2010 to 2024. The selection criteria included articles published in English, focusing solely on clinical applications of AI in dentistry. Articles such as conference proceedings, editorial material and personal opinions were excluded. The articles were analyzed and visualized using Rayyan software, Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer.

Findings

Results indicate that 120 publications were authored by 58 scholars from 92 institutions across 29 countries, with a notable surge since 2018. This analysis showed the significant emphasis on the use of deep learning, demonstrating its high accuracy and performance in oral healthcare, often exceeding that of dentists. It also proved that even though AI is sometimes seen as an auxiliary tool, many studies revealed that AI has a performance near dental professionals’ levels. Findings concluded that the majority of studies indicate that AI is generating better clinical outcomes in oral healthcare.

Practical implications

This study provides dental professionals with insights on integrating AI for better diagnosis and treatment. Policymakers and healthcare institutions can use these findings to inform AI adoption and training strategies.

Originality/value

It presents novel and valuable findings that can benefit various stakeholders by shedding light on the present scenario and potential future paths of AI integration in oral healthcare, contributing to its overall advancement.
A thematic analysis of factors influencing small and medium enterprise adoption of social media marketing: a TOE framework perspective
Authors: Nazir Muhammad Arsalan , Rizwan Hadia , Zhu Xiaoxian
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the factors influencing the adoption of social media marketing by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. By investigating the drivers and challenges/barriers affecting the adoption of social media marketing tools among SMEs, this study provides practical guidance to SMEs seeking to utilize social media platforms for marketing purposes in a developing context such as Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework as a theoretical framework, qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews with representatives of SMEs in Pakistan, followed by thematic analysis of the data.

Findings

The research identifies several key factors influencing the adoption of social media marketing by Pakistani SMEs. These factors include doubts regarding the benefits of social media, alignment with regulatory requirements, challenges related to tracking social media performance, resistance from senior management (older employees), the positive influence of competitive pressure and the Covid-19 pandemic, political instability and increased government taxes on digital services. Stakeholders such as marketing professionals, academics, policymakers, government authorities and SME owners and managers can benefit from these findings.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the academic literature on the adoption of social media marketing by SMEs, especially within emerging economies. It enriches theoretical understanding of adoption processes and factors, filling gaps in existing knowledge and laying a foundation for future research in this domain. Using the TOE framework, the study reveals that when all factors are adequately considered, SMEs can transition from traditional marketing methods and embrace social media as a digital marketing strategy to enhance performance, profitability, and gain a competitive advantage over their rivals.
Tightly coupled robust positioning of visual-inertial-wheel encoders in visually challenging environments
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Li Aimin , Li Haopeng , Chen Fei , Shen Ruiying
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Wheeled robots have been widely used in People’s Daily life. Accurate positioning is the premise of autonomous navigation. In this paper, an optimization-based visual-inertial-wheel odometer tightly coupled system is proposed, which solves the problem of failure of visual inertia initialization due to unobservable scale.The aim of this paper is to achieve robust localization of visually challenging scenes.

Design/methodology/approach

During system initialization, the wheel odometer measurement and visual-inertial odometry (VIO) fusion are initialized using maximum a posteriori (MAP). Aiming at the visual challenge scene, a fusion method of wheel odometer and inertial measurement unit (IMU) measurement is proposed, which can still be robust initialization in the scene without visual features. To solve the problem of low track accuracy caused by cumulative errors of VIO, the local and global positioning accuracy is improved by integrating wheel odometer data. The system is validated on a public data set.

Findings

The results show that our system performs well in visual challenge scenarios, can achieve robust initialization with high efficiency and improves the state estimation accuracy of wheeled robots.

Originality/value

To realize robust initialization of wheeled robot, wheel odometer measurement and vision-inertia fusion are initialized using MAP. Aiming at the visual challenge scene, a fusion method of wheel odometer and IMU measurement is proposed. To improve the accuracy of state estimation of wheeled robot, wheel encoder measurement and plane constraint information are added to local and global BA, so as to achieve refined scale estimation.
Large changes in vegetation composition seen over the last 50 years in British limestone pavements
Authors: Stevens Carly J.
Published: November 2024

Limestone pavements contain a unique flora, dominated by ferns with a mix of herbaceous species more often found in woodlands, heathlands and grasslands. The crevices between the rocks are known as grikes, they provide a shaded habitat which, depending on pavement structure, can protect plants from grazing. Despite being of conservation importance and supporting a number of rare and scarce plant species there has been very little research into vegetation change in limestone pavements.

This study repeated a survey originally conducted between 1972 and 1975. The Ward and Evans survey visited 535 limestone pavement units spread across England, Scotland and Wales and recorded grike vegetation. This study was able to resurvey 516 of those pavements and repeat the survey using the original methods. Expansion of tree and shrub cover has been observed in some pavements but not previously quantified so tree cover was assessed using historic aerial photographs and satellite imagery.

On average species richness per pavement increased but there was a very wide range of change in species richness across individual pavement units ranging from a loss of 56 species to an increase of 38. Dissimilarity averaged 0.41. The area of pavement covered by trees or large shrubs increased by 62% between the two surveys but the number of pavements with zero tree cover also increased.

Breaking down pavement units into those with low (<5%), medium (5%–30%) and high (>30%) current tree cover shows that species richness increased in open pavements but was reduced in pavements with high tree cover. Pavement units with high tree cover also showed higher dissimilarity and lower levels of indicators of disturbance. In pavements with high tree cover Ellenberg light (L) values were significantly lower than in open pavements. Open pavements showed higher levels of competitive species (based on Grime CSR values) but no change difference in Ellenberg nutrient (N) values.

Vegetation in limestone pavements has changed considerably in the period between the two surveys with negative effects of high tree and shrub cover particularly problematic. There is an urgent need for investigation to support management decisions in this habitat.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The values dimension of policy success and failure: Considering two Australian rural adjustment policies
Authors: Botterill Linda Courtenay
Published: November 2024

In 1992, Australia introduced a National Drought Policy comprising a number of policies each focused on achieving a common goal of a self‐reliant, productive farm sector capable of managing the challenges of climate variability. This paper considers two of these policies, one of which has been an acknowledged success and the other that is generally regarded as a failure. The paper assesses these schemes against the criteria proposed by Luetjens et al. and concludes that analysing policies in values terms is a more effective way of understanding, and potentially predicting, policy success and failure.

Points for practitioners

Policy is more likely to succeed if there is an alignment between the purpose underpinning a policy agency and the nature of the policy problem.

Policy can fail where the values of the agency and the target population for the policy differ.

Policy success is more likely where there is a single, clear goal embodying a single value priority rather than multiple values that are in conflict.