bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant non-canonical NF-κB signalling reprograms the epigenome landscape to drive oncogenic transcriptomes in multiple myeloma
Authors: Ang Daniel A. , Carter Jean-Michel , Deka Kamalakshi , Tan Joel H.L. , Zhou Jianbiao , Chen Qingfeng , Chng Wee Joo , Harmston Nathan , Li Yinghui
Published: January 2024

In multiple myeloma, abnormal plasma cells establish oncogenic niches within the bone marrow by engaging the NF-κB pathway to nurture their survival while they accumulate pro- proliferative mutations. Under these conditions, many cases eventually develop genetic abnormalities endowing them with constitutive NF-κB activation. Here, we find that sustained NF-κB/p52 levels resulting from such mutations favours the recruitment of enhancers beyond the normal B-cell repertoire. Furthermore, through targeted disruption of p52, we characterise how such enhancers are complicit in the formation of super-enhancers and the establishment ofcis-regulatory interactions with myeloma dependencies during constitutive activation of p52. Finally, we functionally validate the pathological impact of thesecis- regulatory modules on cell and tumour phenotypes usingin vitroandin vivomodels, confirmingRGS1as a novel p52-dependent myeloma driver. We conclude that the divergent epigenomic reprogramming enforced by aberrant non-canonical NF-κB signalling potentiates transcriptional programs beneficial for multiple myeloma progression.
shRNAI: a deep neural network for the design of highly potent shRNAs
Authors: Park Seokju , Park Sung-Ho , Oh Jin-Seon , Noh Yung-Kyun , Hur Junho K , Nam Jin-Wu
Published: January 2024

miRNA-mimicking short hairpin RNA (shRNAmir), which depends on whole miRNA biogenesis, has been used to elucidate the function of target genes and to develop therapeutic approaches due to its stable, robust downregulation. Despite efforts to design potent shRNAmir guide RNAs (gRNAs), biological features other than the sequence have not been fully considered. Here, we developed shRNAI, a convolutional neural network model for the prediction of highly potent shRNAmir gRNAs. The shRNAI model trained with gRNA sequences alone predicted more potent shRNAmir gRNAs than the existing algorithms. The shRNAI+ model, trained with the additional features of shRNAmir processibility and target site context, was further improved on both public and our experimental test datasets. Although the shRNAI models were trained on datasets generated with the CNNC motif-free shRNAmir backbone, they also exhibited better performance for the CNNC motif. Our study provides not only a rational framework for designing shRNAmir gRNAs for targets but also a means of designing optimal RNA interference drugs necessary for RNA therapeutics.
Menaquinone-specific oxidation byM. tuberculosiscytochromebdis redox regulated by the Q-loop disulfide bond
Authors: van der Velden Tijn T. , Waterham Caspar Y. J. , Jeuken Lars J. C.
Published: January 2024

CytochromebdfromMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtbd) is a menaquinol oxidase that has gained considerable interest as an antibiotic target due to its importance in survival under infectious conditions.Mtbdcontains a characteristic disulfide bond that has been hypothesized to confer a redox regulatory role during infection by constraining the movement of the menaquinone-binding Q-loop. Interference of reductants used in the standard activity assay of quinol oxidases has prevented testing of this hypothesis. Here, the role of the disulfide bond and quinone specificity ofMtbdhas been determined by the reconstitution of a minimal respiratory chain consisting of a NADH dehydrogenase andMtbd, both in detergent and native-like lipid environments. Comparison to cytochromebdfromEscherichia coli(Ecbd) confirms thatMtbdis under tight redox regulation and is selective for menaquinol, unable to oxidize either ubiquinol or demethylmenaquinol. Reduction of theMtbddisulfide bond resulted in a decrease in oxidase activity up to 90%, depending on menaquinol concentrations. In addition, the catalytic rates ofEcbdandMtbdare over 10 times lower with the natural lipophilic quinones in comparison to their often-used hydrophilic analogs. Additionally, unlikeEcbd, the activity ofMtbdis substrate inhibited at physiologically relevant menaquinol concentrations. We signifyMtbdas the first redox sensory terminal oxidase and propose that this enablesMtbdto adapt its activity in defence against reactive oxygen species encountered during infection byM. tuberculosis.
JNK1 And Downstream Signalling Hubs Regulate Anxiety-Like Behaviours In A Zebrafish Larvae Phenotypic Screen
Authors: Hong Ye , Sourander Christel , Hackl Benjamin , Patton Jedidiah S. , John Jismi , Paatero Ilkka , Coffey Eleanor
Published: January 2024

Current treatments for anxiety and depression show limited efficacy in many patients indicating that research into new underlying mechanisms is needed. Inhibition of JNK1 has been shown to evoke an anxiolytic-and antidepressant-like phenotype in mice however the downstream effectors that elicit these behavioural effects are unknown. Here we employ a zebrafish (D. Rerio) larvae behavioural assay to identify an antidepressant-/anxiolytic-like phenotype based on 2759 measured stereotypic responses to clinically proven antidepressant and anxiolytic (AA) drugs. Employing machine learning, we classify an AA phenotype from behavioural features measured during and after a startle battery in fish exposed to AA drugs (fluoxetine, imipramine, diazepam, lithium chloride, ketamine). We demonstrate that structurally independent JNK inhibitors replicate the AA classification with high accuracy, consistent with findings in mice. We go on to identify signalling hubs downstream from JNK1 by comparing phosphoproteome data from wildtype andJnk1-/-mouse brains, and test these hubs as possible mediators of the AA phenotype in zebrafish larvae. Among these, we find that AKT, GSK-3, 14-3-3ζ/ε and PKCε, when pharmacologically targeted, phenocopy clinically proven AA drugs. This assay shows promise as an early phase screening for compounds with anti-stress-axis/anxiolytic-like properties, and for mode of action analysis.
Diagnostic of head blight and leaf blotch diseases of wheat in Sweden using a mycobiome isolation approach
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Vilvert Elisa , Corrales Gutiérrez Miguel Ángel , Zhan Jiasui , Douchkov Dimitar , Desiderio Francesca , Vélëz Heriberto , Bourras Salim
Published: January 2024

Increasing the durability of crop resistance to plant pathogens has become a major concern in plant pathology. There are 32 diseases of agronomical importance in wheat, which makes disease management in this crop of worldwide importance extremely challenging. Two important groups of wheat pathogens driving the consumption of chemical fungicides in Sweden and worldwide are those causing head blight diseases and leaf blotch diseases. Swedish fields are regularly infested with head blight diseases typically driven by a complex ofFusariumand non-fusarium taxa includingF. graminearum,F. culmorum, while leaf blotches are typically caused byZymoseptoria tritici,Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, andParastagonospora nodorum. In this work, we present a survey of the larger diversity of taxa associated with head blight and leaf blotch diseases in Sweden, with the primary aim to assess the usefulness of such an approach to develop new understanding and tools for disease diagnostics and managementsensu lato. Here, we analyze nearly a thousand isolates collected from wheat fields across eight counties in Sweden and report the identification of pathogenic and non-pathogenic taxa as well as candidate biological control agents associated with head blight and leaf blotch diseases. We argue that such surveys represent an important tool for improving disease diagnostics, disease forecasting, and integrated management in wheat.
Feedback control of the heat shock response by spatiotemporal regulation of Hsp70
Authors: Garde Rania , Dea Annisa , Herwig Madeline F. , Pincus David
Published: January 2024

Cells maintain homeostasis via dynamic regulation of stress response pathways. Stress pathways transiently induce response regulons via negative feedback loops, but the extent to which individual genes provide feedback has not been comprehensively measured for any pathway. Here, we disrupted induction of each gene in theSaccharomyces cerevisiaeheat shock response (HSR) and quantified cell growth and HSR dynamics following heat shock. The screen revealed a core feedback loop governing expression of the chaperone Hsp70 reinforced by an auxiliary feedback loop controlling Hsp70 subcellular localization. Mathematical modeling and live imaging demonstrated that multiple HSR targets converge to promote Hsp70 nuclear localization via its release from cytosolic condensates. Following ethanol stress, a distinct set of factors similarly converged on Hsp70, suggesting that nonredundant subsets of the HSR regulon confer feedback under different conditions. Flexible spatiotemporal feedback loops may broadly organize stress response regulons and expand their adaptive capacity.
Comparative analysis of the plasma metabolome of migrating passerines during stopover: Novel insights into flight metabolism
Authors: Domer By Adi , Jasinska Weronika , Rosental Leah , Shochat Eyal , Alseekh Saleh , Fernie Alisdair R. , Brotman Yariv , Ovadia Ofer
Published: January 2024

During long distance migration, many birds may experience periods of either prolonged fasting, during endurance flights, or extensive feeding during stopovers. It was previously shown that habitat selection during stopover can largely affect the migration outcome of an individual. Despite decades of research of the avian metabolism during stopover and migration, many questions have remained unanswered, as such research mainly focused on targeted metabolites and fat metabolism. Here, we examined the plasma-metabolome of migrating passerines prior to their crossing the Sahara Desert. Birds were sampled at two sites populated by Pistacia trees, bearing fat-rich fruits, and at an additional site dominated by blooming Eucalyptus trees. The blood samples were analyzed using both GC-MS and LC-MS, using an untargeted approach. We found that birds from one of the sites had a distinguish metabolic profile, suggesting recent landing. Examination of metabolic pathways activated during stopovers indicated a crucial role for cycling glucose through the Cori and Cahill cycles in resting and recovery processes. This novel perspective, conducted on free-ranging birds, suggests the evolution of avian insulin resistance due to factors such as endurance exercise, fasting, and a preference for fatty acid oxidation during migration, akin to cell trauma recovery. Additionally, we investigated inter-site variations in birds’ metabolic profiles. Significant variations were observed in both polar and lipophilic metabolites among the sites. Differences in polar metabolites were primarily attributed to variations in the physiological state of the birds between sites, while distinctions in the lipophilic profiles of rested birds were linked to variations in their primary food sources. This study underscores the challenge of interpreting commonly used indicators for assessing migrating birds’ physiological states and site quality, which are predominantly derived from lipid metabolism, in complex ecological systems.
Experimental variables that impact outcomes inCaenorhabditis elegansaging stress response
Authors: Hull Bradford , Irby Isabella M. , Miller Kayla M. , Anderson Ally , Gardea Emily A. , Sutphin George L.
Published: January 2024

Cellular stress is a fundamental component of age-associated disease. Cells encounter various forms of stress – oxidative stress, protein misfolding, DNA damage, etc. – and respond by activating specific, well-defined stress response pathways. As we age, the burden of stress and resulting damage increases while our cells’ ability to deal with the consequences becomes diminished due to dysregulation of cellular stress response pathways. Many interventions that extend lifespan activate one or more stress response pathways or allow cells to maintain normal stress response later in life. The nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansis a commonly used model for both aging and stress response research. As such, stress response experiments are regularly conducted as part of studies focused on mechanisms of aging inC. elegans. However, experimental design across experiments in the field are highly variable, including stressor dose, age at exposure, culture type (liquid vs. solid), bacterial strain used as a food source, and environmental temperature. These differences can result in different experimental outcomes, making comparison of results between studies challenging. Here we evaluate several experimental variables that are variable in the published literature and find that each can meaningfully alter experimental outcomes for multiple stressors. Our goal is to raise awareness of the issue of experimental variability within the field and suggest a standardized experimental design to serve as a set of guidelines for future experiments. By adopting these guidelines as a starting point, and explicitly noting differences in specific experiments, we aim to promote rigor and reproducibility, ultimately fostering more interpretable and translatable outcomes in geroscience research.
ASY3 has dosage-dependent diverse effects on meiotic crossover formation
Authors: Chu Lei , Zhuang Jixin , Geng Miaowei , Zhang Yashi , Zhang Chunyu , Schnittger Arp , Yi Bin , Yang Chao
Published: January 2024

Crossovers create genetic diversity and are required for equal chromosome segregation during meiosis. Their number and distribution are highly regulated by different, yet not fully understood mechanisms including crossover interference. Crucial for crossover formation is the chromosome axis. Here, we explore the function of the axis protein ASY3. To this end, we use the allotetraploid speciesBrassica napusand due to its polyploid nature, this system allows a fine-grained dissection of the dosage of meiotic regulators. The simultaneous mutation of all fourASY3alleles results in defective synapsis and drastic reduction of crossovers, which is largely rescued by the presence of only one functionalASY3allele. Crucially, while the number of class I crossovers in mutants with two functionalASY3alleles is comparable to that in wildtype, this number is significantly increased in mutants with only one functionalASY3allele, indicating that reducing the dosage of ASY3 increases crossover formation. Moreover, the class I crossovers on each bivalent in mutants with one functionalASY3allele follow a random distribution, indicating compromised crossover interference. These results reveal the dosage-dependent distinct effects of ASY3 on crossover formation, and provide insights into the role of chromosome axis in patterning recombination.
How do German and French expatriates develop social networks?
Authors: Walther Matthias , Mayrhofer Ulrike , Dominguez Noémie
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This exploratory research aims to identify the types of social networks established by German and French expatriates.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the concepts of social capital and social networks, as well as the societal and cultural approaches, to investigate the way expatriates develop their social networks. The authors' empirical study is based on 40 semi-structured interviews conducted with German and French expatriates.

Findings

The authors' findings show that German expatriates mainly establish professional networks, whereas their French counterparts also focus on personal networks. They further indicate that managing social capital lies within the individual responsibility of German expatriates, whereas it is part of higher education institutions in France.

Originality/value

The authors highlight the way German and French expatriates manage their social networks and provide novel insights into the role played by higher education systems and the cultural characteristics of their home country context.
On the differences between CNNs and vision transformers for COVID-19 diagnosis using CT and chest x-ray mono- and multimodality
Authors: El-Ateif Sara , Idri Ali , Fernández-Alemán José Luis
Published: January 2024

Purpose

COVID-19 continues to spread, and cause increasing deaths. Physicians diagnose COVID-19 using not only real-time polymerase chain reaction but also the computed tomography (CT) and chest x-ray (CXR) modalities, depending on the stage of infection. However, with so many patients and so few doctors, it has become difficult to keep abreast of the disease. Deep learning models have been developed in order to assist in this respect, and vision transformers are currently state-of-the-art methods, but most techniques currently focus only on one modality (CXR).

Design/methodology/approach

This work aims to leverage the benefits of both CT and CXR to improve COVID-19 diagnosis. This paper studies the differences between using convolutional MobileNetV2, ViT DeiT and Swin Transformer models when training from scratch and pretraining on the MedNIST medical dataset rather than the ImageNet dataset of natural images. The comparison is made by reporting six performance metrics, the Scott–Knott Effect Size Difference, Wilcoxon statistical test and the Borda Count method. We also use the Grad-CAM algorithm to study the model's interpretability. Finally, the model's robustness is tested by evaluating it on Gaussian noised images.

Findings

Although pretrained MobileNetV2 was the best model in terms of performance, the best model in terms of performance, interpretability, and robustness to noise is the trained from scratch Swin Transformer using the CXR (accuracy = 93.21 per cent) and CT (accuracy = 94.14 per cent) modalities.

Originality/value

Models compared are pretrained on MedNIST and leverage both the CT and CXR modalities.
Unlocking e-commerce potential: micro and small enterprises strike back in the food and beverage industry
Authors: Macca Luca Simone , Shehzad Nazia , Kovacova Maria , Santoro Gabriele
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The recent pandemic period (COVID-19), while negatively impacting many companies, has contributed to the growth and adoption of online platforms such as marketplaces and e-commerce. This environment has led many companies, which previously acted only through offline channels, to adopt new technologies and online channels and develop new e-commerce strategies. Small and micro enterprises are most vulnerable due to their limited resources and lack of capabilities. For this reason, the main objective of this paper is to unveil the e-commerce implementation capabilities that micro and small enterprises should build and the challenges they must face when managing an e-commerce strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted an inductive qualitative research design approach focused on multiple case studies. The firms operate in the food and beverage industry.

Findings

The findings identify several e-commerce implementation capabilities that micro and small enterprises operating in the food and beverage industry should build to manage e-commerce strategies. These are related to outsourcing management, multichannel management, time management, internal stock management and marketplace choice. Moreover, the paper identifies key e-commerce implementation challenges these firms must cope with. These regard distribution management, potential loss of control, fresh product management and lack of resources, time and capabilities.

Originality/value

This research shows that proper capacity management in the implementation of micro and small enterprises e-commerce strategies is critical to achieving efficient results and preventing challenges that threaten such strategies. The research offers guidelines and frameworks for micro and small enterprises to understand how to manage e-commerce and face its challenges.
Augmented reality is the new digital banking – AR brand experience impact on brand loyalty
Authors: Butt Asad Hassan , Ahmad Hassan , Muzaffar Asif
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Consumers are increasingly embracing innovative technologies for enhanced experiences. This study delves into the banking consumer brand experience through the lens of augmented reality (AR). The focus is on mobile augmented reality applications within financial institutions, which contribute to a more enjoyable and immersive customer experience. Specifically, the research highlights the utilisation of mobile augmented reality applications by a Pakistani bank and examines its influence on consumer loyalty and sustained engagement, with a particular emphasis on the AR brand experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a comparative study between married and unmarried consumers with sample sizes of 178 and 172, respectively. The results were analysed through structural equation modelling using SmartPLS.

Findings

The study's outcomes show that AR brand experience for the unmarried sample category is positive and higher than a married one. This is an excellent opportunity for the banking sector in Pakistan to invest more in innovative technologies.

Originality/value

The current study investigates the brand experience in the banking sector from the perspective of AR technology which contributes to the AR literature.
Supply chain job and vocational fit: links to supervisor ability, benevolence and integrity
Authors: Meurs James A. , Lowman Graham H. , Gligor David M. , Maloni Michael J.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Supply chain has long faced a persistent workforce shortage. To help both organizations and the field create environments that are more conducive to employee retention, the authors investigate the outcomes of supply chain employee trust in their supervisor.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying person-environment fit theory, the authors evaluate the well-established antecedents to trust in supervisor ability, benevolence and integrity (ABI) relative to person-job (P-J) fit and person-vocation (P-V) fit of US supply chain employees.

Findings

Confirmatory factor analysis indicates that ABI is best modeled as dimensions of a second-order formative trust construct rather than as its antecedents. However, PLS-SEM provides somewhat unconvincing support for the impacts of ABI-trust. Instead, qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) delineates that all three ABI dimensions are not always needed for P-J and P-V fit in supply chain. Some employees respond to affective-based (i.e. benevolence) trust and others to cognitive-based (i.e. ability and integrity) trust.

Practical implications

The QCA results offer specific recommendations for supply chain organizations to enhance employee trust in supervisors to succeed in the struggle for labor.

Originality/value

The results counter extant trust theory, encouraging scholars to consider ABI as distinct dimensions of trust. The study also demonstrates the importance of considering QCA in supply chain research to meaningfully expand contributions to theory and practice.
Societal factors impacting young Black men in South Africa
Authors: Ntsanwisi Samuel
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study employs the social ecology model to comprehensively explore the complex challenges young Black men face in South Africa and aims to highlight the importance of collaboration in addressing these multifaceted issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A multidisciplinary approach combines insights from sociology, education and the health literature with regard to government reports and academic data, and provides a holistic analysis of challenges faced by young Black men. Furthermore, it emphasises formal and informal learning, social and environmental influences and health disparities.

Findings

Young Black men in South Africa encounter complex challenges throughout their developmental journey, including limited family support, educational barriers, financial constraints, societal expectations and health disparities. Therefore, collaboration among stakeholders is essential for creating an equitable and inclusive environment that supports their development.

Originality/value

This research provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by young Black men in South Africa by emphasising the interconnectedness of informal education, economic empowerment and healthcare. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies, cultural influences and international comparisons, informing evidence-based interventions for a more equitable society.
Learning design ecosystems thinking: defying the linear imperative and designing for higher education at-scale
Authors: Bryant Peter
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to posit an alternative learning design approach to the technology-led magnification and multiplication of learning and to the linearity of curricular design approaches such as a constructive alignment. Learning design ecosystem thinking creates complex and interactive networks of activity that engage the widest span of the community in addressing critical pedagogical challenges. They identify the pinch-points where negative engagements become structured into the student experience and design pathways for students to navigate their way through the uncertainty and transitions of higher education at-scale.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a conceptual paper drawing on a deep and critical engagement of literature, a reflexive approach to the dominant paradigms and informed by practice.

Findings

Learning design ecosystems create spaces within at-scale education for deep learning to occur. They are not easy to design or maintain. They are epistemically and pedagogically complex, especially when deployed within the structures of an institution. As Gough (2013) argues, complexity reduction should not be the sole purpose of designing an educational experience and the transitional journey into and through complexity that students studying in these ecosystems take can engender them with resonant, deeply human and transdisciplinary graduate capabilities that will shape their career journey.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is theoretical in nature (although underpinned by rigorous evaluation of practice). There are limitations in scope in part defined by the amorphous definitions of scale. It is also limited to the contexts of higher education although it is not bound to them.

Originality/value

This paper challenges the dialectic that argues for a complexity reduction in higher education and posits the benefits of complexity, connection and transition in the design and delivery of education at-scale.
Dealing with work overload in the IT industry
Authors: Mosquera Pilar , Soares Maria Eduarda
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Work overload has become a relevant issue in the Information Technology (IT) industry, with negative effects for individuals and organizations alike. This study aims to analyse the role of personal resources in a broad model regarding the effects of work overload on performance and well-being for the particular case of IT professionals. Considering the specificities of the IT industry, three personal resources were included in this study: one stable personality variable (conscientiousness) and two more malleable variables (work-life balance and psychological detachment).

Design/methodology/approach

To test the model, the authors use a sample of 144 IT Portuguese professionals. The authors collected data through an online questionnaire shared in social networks and IT social network communities. The authors use partial least squares (PLS) for data analysis.

Findings

The results show that work overload negatively impacts on employees’ life satisfaction, psychological detachment, work-life balance and task performance. Conscientiousness is positively related with two positive outcomes: task performance and life satisfaction. Work-life balance has a mediating effect in the relationship between work overload and life satisfaction.

Practical implications

These findings emphasize the need to promote conscientiousness in IT professionals, as well as reduce workload and promote family-friendly working environments to foster work-life balance and life satisfaction.

Originality/value

By testing this model, the authors aim to contribute to the current knowledge on the role of personal resources in the Job Demands-Resources model, which is still unclear and under-researched.
Electrical analysis of normal and aged high voltage transformer oil considering different size effects of Al2O3
Authors: Khodsuz Masume , Mashhadzadeh Amir Hamed , Samani Aydin
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Electrical characteristics of transformer oil (TO) have been studied during normal and thermal aging conditions. In this paper, breakdown voltage (BDV), partial discharge (PD), heat transfer results and the physical mechanisms considering the impact of varying the diameter of Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated. Different quantities of the two sizes of Al2O3 were added to the oil using a two-step method to determine the positive effect of NPs on the electrical and thermal properties of TO. Finally, the physical mechanisms related to the obtained experimental results have been performed.

Design/methodology/approach

The implementation of nanoparticles in this paper was provided by US Research Nanomaterials, Inc., USA. The provided Al2O3 NPs have an average particle size of 20–80 nm and a specific surface area of 138 and 58 m2/g, respectively, which have a purity of over 99%. Thermal aging has been done. The IEC 60156 standard has been implemented to calculate the BDV, and a 500-mL volume test cell (Apar TO 1020) has been used. PD test is performed according to Standard IEC 60343, and a JDEVS-PDMA 300 device was used for this test.

Findings

BDV tests indicate that 20 nm Al2O3 is more effective at improving BDV than 80 nm Al2O3, with an improvement of 113% compared to 99% for the latter. The analysis of Weibull probability at BDV indicates that 20 nm Al2O3 performs better, with improvements of 141%, 125% and 112% at probabilities of 1, 10 and 50%, respectively. The results of the PD tests using the PDPR pattern also show that 20 nm Al2O3 is superior. For the heat transfer test, 0.05 g/L of both diameters were used to ensure fair conditions, and again, the advantage was with 20 nm Al2O3 (23% vs 18%).

Originality/value

The effect of Al2O3 NP diameter (20 and 80 nm) on various properties of virgin and aged TO has been investigated experimentally in this paper to examine the effect of proposed NP on electrical improvement of TO.
Special feature on ecosystem engineers: Cross‐scale and cross‐system perspectives
Authors: Briones M. J. I.
Published: January 2024

Ecosystem engineers are those organisms that shape our ecosystems (directly and/or indirectly) by modulating the resource availability to other species. This definition has broadened our views of the different roles species play in their environments through a greater appreciation of organism‐mediated abiotic changes.

However, the term is still under debate due to misunderstandings in its interpretation and application. One of the reasons for the source of ambiguity is the difficulty of imagining an organism that does not affect its surrounding environment in a particular way.

Despite the controversy over the semantics, the concept has quickly gained acceptance as an important ecological driver of ecosystem functioning across different disciplines, most notably by expanding the original definition to include interactions among several species with ecosystem engineering capabilities.

The papers compiled in this special feature outline the new path for addressing not only how to measure/monitor these complex species interactions, including those with alien ecosystem engineers, but also to integrate their impactful legacy effects in enhancing ecosystem processes. This knowledge will lead the way to integrate ecosystem engineers into future protection, management and restoration efforts.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Interaction effects of pH and land cover on soil microbial diversity are climate‐dependent
Authors: Labouyrie Maëva , Ballabio Cristiano , Romero Ferran , Panagos Panos , Jones Arwyn , Tedersoo Leho , van der Heijden Marcel G. A. , Orgiazzi Alberto
Published: January 2024

Factors regulating the diversity and composition of soil microbial communities include soil properties, land cover and climate. How these factors interact at large scale remains poorly investigated. Here, we used an extensive dataset including 715 locations from 24 European countries to investigate the interactive effects of climatic region, land cover and pH on soil bacteria and fungi. We found that differences in microbial diversity and community composition between land cover types depended on the climatic region. In Atlantic, Boreal and Continental regions, microbial richness was higher in croplands and grasslands than woodlands while richness in Mediterranean areas did not vary significantly among land cover types. These differences were further related to soil pH, as a driver of bacterial and fungal richness in most climatic regions, but the interaction of pH with land cover depended on the region. Microbial community composition differed the most between croplands and woodlands in all regions, mainly due to differences in pH. In the Mediterranean region, bacterial communities in woodlands and grasslands were the most similar, whereas in other regions, grassland and cropland‐associated bacteria showed more similarity. Overall, we showed that key factors interact in shaping soil microbial communities in a climate‐dependent way at large scale.
The effect of incorporating microencapsulated Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 on the physicochemical and rheological properties of fortified Greek‐style yoghurt
Authors: Murua‐Pagola Beneranda , Abadía‐García Lucía , Vázquez‐Aguilar Maria Isabel , Amaya‐Llano Silvia L , Morales‐Sánchez Eduardo
Published: January 2024

This work evaluated the physicochemical and rheological properties of Greek‐style yoghurt supplemented with microencapsulated Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 cells. The microencapsulation was able to protect the probiotic cells during yoghurt fermentation, and up to 21 days of cold storage, as well as to the exposure under gastrointestinal conditions. Samples added with free cells showed the lowest values of G′ (867 ± 31.76) after 24 h of fermentation and the highest values of G′ and G″ after 14 days of cold storage. The yoghurt added with microencapsulated cells exhibited greater firmness and the lowest adhesiveness values.
Prediction of preterm birth in growth‐restricted and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age infants using maternal PlGF and the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio—A prospective study
Authors: Hong Jesrine , Crawford Kylie , Cavanagh Erika , da Silva Costa Fabricio , Kumar Sailesh
Published: January 2024

Objective

To assess the utility of placental growth factor (PlGF) levels and the soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1/placental growth factor (sFlt‐1/PlGF) ratio to predict preterm birth (PTB) for infants with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and those appropriate for gestational age (AGA).

Design

Prospective, observational cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary maternity hospital in Australia.

Population

There were 320 singleton pregnancies: 141 (44.1%) AGA, 83 (25.9%) early FGR (<32+0 weeks) and 109 (30.0%) late FGR (≥32+0 weeks).

Methods

Maternal serum PlGF and sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio were measured at 4‐weekly intervals from recruitment to delivery. Low maternal PlGF levels and elevated sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio were defined as <100 ng/L and >5.78 if <28 weeks and >38 if ≥28 weeks respectively. Cox proportional hazards models were used. The analysis period was defined as the time from the first measurement of PlGF and sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio to the time of birth or censoring.

Main outcome measures

The primary study outcome was overall PTB. The relative risks (RR) of birth within 1, 2 and 3 weeks and for medically indicated and spontaneous PTB were also ascertained.

Results

The early FGR cohort had lower median PlGF levels (54 versus 229 ng/L, p < 0.001) and higher median sFlt‐1 levels (2774 ng/L versus 2096 ng/L, p < 0.001) and sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio higher (35 versus 10, p < 0.001). Both PlGF <100 ng/L and elevated sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio were strongly predictive for PTB as well as PTB within 1, 2 and 3 weeks of diagnosis. For both FGR and AGA groups, PlGF <100 ng/L or raised sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio were strongly associated with increased risk for medically indicated PTB. The highest RR was seen in the FGR cohort when PlGF was <100 ng/L (RR 35.20, 95% CI 11.48–175.46).

Conclusions

Low maternal PlGF levels and elevated sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio are potentially useful to predict PTB in both FGR and AGA pregnancies.
Fibrinogen levels in severe trauma: A preliminary comparison of Clauss Fibrinogen, ROTEM Sigma, ROTEM Delta and TEG 6s assays from the FEISTY pilot randomised clinical trial
Authors: Auty Travis , McCullough James , Hughes Ian , Fanning Jonathon P , Czuchwicki Sarah , Winearls James
Published: January 2024

Objective

To describe the relationships between different methods of measuring functional fibrinogen levels in severely injured, bleeding trauma patients across multiple timepoints during hospitalisation.

Methods

In 100 adult trauma patients enrolled in the FEISTY pilot randomised clinical trial at four tertiary trauma centres in Australia, blood samples were collected prospectively. Consistency of agreement was calculated, comparing functional fibrinogen levels measured by four methods – ROTEM® Delta and Sigma FIBTEM A5, TEG® 6s CFF MA, and gold‐standard Clauss Fibrinogen.

Results

Comparing the ROTEM® Delta and new‐generation ROTEM® Sigma machine, consistency of agreement for FIBTEM A5, measured by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), was ≥0.73 across all analysed timepoints, with mean differences (Sigma minus Delta) of 0.10–3.57 mm. Corresponding values comparing the ROTEM® Sigma FIBTEM A5 and TEG® 6s CFF MA were ICC = 0.55–0.82 and ICC = 4.69–7.97 (CFF MA minus A5). Comparing ROTEM® Sigma FIBTEM A5 and Clauss Fibrinogen Analysis (CFA), among statistically significant simple linear regression models, R2 was 0.25–0.67, and comparing TEG® 6s CFF MA and CFA (CFA) 0.65–0.82, although not all differences were significant with the latter comparison. Relationships across all timepoints combined were Clauss Fibrinogen (CF) (g/L) = 0.21𝑥 + 0.004 (where 𝑥 = ROTEM® Sigma FIBTEM A5 in mm) and (g/L) = 0.16𝑥 − 0.06 (where 𝑥 = TEG® 6s CFF MA in mm).

Conclusions

The present study revealed acceptable agreement between four different assays measuring functional fibrinogen, with current‐ and previous‐generation ROTEM® machines (Sigma, Delta) performing similarly measuring functional fibrinogen via FIBTEM assay. This suggests that haemostatic resuscitation algorithms designed for the ROTEM® Delta can be applied to the ROTEM® Sigma to guide fibrinogen replacement.
A pilot, randomized clinical trial: Left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex intermittent theta burst stimulation improves treatment outcomes in veterans with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Padula Claudia B. , McCalley Daniel M. , Tenekedjieva Lea‐Tereza , MacNiven Kelly , Rauch Andrew , Morales Jairelisse Morales , Knutson Brian , Humphreys Keith , Williams Leanne M. , Durazzo Timothy C.
Published: January 2024

Background

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) offers a promising treatment avenue to modulate brain function in alcohol use disorder (AUD). To the best of our knowledge, this pilot study is the first randomized, double‐blind, sham‐controlled trial to deliver intermittent theta burst stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) among US veterans with AUD. We hypothesized that 20 sessions of real TMS are tolerable and feasible. As a secondary line of inquiry, we hypothesized that, relative to sham TMS, individuals receiving real TMS would experience greater reductions in 6‐month relapse rates, anhedonia, and alcohol cue‐reactivity.

Methods

Veterans (n = 17, one woman) were enrolled in a double‐blind, sham‐controlled trial (2–3 sessions/day; 7–10 days; 600 pulses/session; 20 sessions). Pre‐ and posttreatment assessments included responses to self‐report questionnaires and functional magnetic resonance imaging measures of alcohol cue‐reactivity. Alcohol consumption was assessed for 6 months. Linear mixed‐effects models were constructed to predict posttreatment craving, mood, and cue‐reactivity.

Results

Individuals who received active iTBS (n = 8) were less likely to relapse within 3 months after treatment than the sham‐treated group (n = 9) (OR = 12.0). Greater reductions in anhedonia were observed following active iTBS (Cohen's d = −0.59), relative to sham (d = −0.25). Alcohol cue‐reactivity was reduced following active iTBS and increased following sham within the left insula (d = −0.19 vs. 0.51), left thalamus (d = −0.28 vs. 0.77), right insula (d = 0.18 vs. 0.52), and right thalamus (d = −0.06 vs. 0.62).

Conclusions

Relative to sham, we demonstrate that 20 sessions of real left DLPFC iTBS reduced the likelihood of relapse for at least 3 months. The potential utility of this approach is underscored by observed decreases in anhedonia and alcohol cue‐reactivity—strong predictors of relapse among veterans. These initial data offer a valuable set of effect sizes to inform future clinical trials in this patient population.
Transparency or ambiguity? Voluntary IFRS adoption and earnings management in Japan
Authors: Tohara Yosuke
Published: January 2024

This study examines the mechanism of voluntary IFRS adoption on earnings management in Japan. Limited research clarifies how IFRS adoption influences earnings management. Using data from listed firms between 2011 and 2018, the multivariate regression results suggest that voluntary IFRS adoption in Japan increases the extent of discretionary accruals. Furthermore, the relation becomes more pronounced when firms have greater accounting opportunities and stronger cost incentives. The main findings hold after various robustness tests. This study fills the gap in the literature by investigating the mechanism that IFRS adoption enhances opportunities and motivation for earnings management through accounting ambiguity.
Reduced drug use as an alternative valid outcome in individuals with stimulant use disorders: Findings from 13 multisite randomized clinical trials
Authors: Amin‐Esmaeili Masoumeh , Farokhnia Mehdi , Susukida Ryoko , Leggio Lorenzo , Johnson Renee M. , Crum Rosa M. , Mojtabai Ramin
Published: January 2024

Background and aims

Total abstinence has historically been the goal of treatment for substance use disorders; however, there is a growing recognition of the health benefits associated with reduced use as a harm reduction measure in stimulant use disorders treatment. We aimed to assess the validity of reduced stimulant use as an outcome measure in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacological interventions for stimulant use disorder.

Design

We conducted a secondary analysis of a pooled dataset of 13 RCTs.

Setting and participants

Participants were individuals seeking treatment for cocaine or methamphetamine use disorders (N = 2062) in a wide range of treatment facilities in the United States.

Measurements

We validated reduced stimulant use against a set of clinical indicators drawn from harmonized measurements, including severity of problems caused by drug use, comorbid depression, global severity of substance use and improvement, severity of drug‐seeking behavior, craving and high‐risk behaviors, all assessed at the end of the trial, as well as follow‐up urine toxicology. A series of mixed effect regression models was conducted to validate reduction in frequency of use against no reduction in use and abstinence.

Findings

More participants reduced frequency of primary drug use than achieved abstinence (18.0% vs. 14.2%, respectively). Reduced use was significantly associated with decreases in craving for the primary drug [60.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 54.3%–64.7%], drug seeking behaviors (41.0%, 95% CI = 36.6%–45.7%), depression severity (39.9%, 95% CI = 30.9%–48.3%), as well as multiple measures of global improvement in psychosocial functioning and severity of drug‐related problems, albeit less strongly so than abstinence. Moreover, reduced use was associated with sustained clinical benefit at follow‐up, as confirmed by negative urine tests (adjusted odds ratio compared with those with no reduction in use: 0.50, 95% CI = 0.35–0.71).

Conclusion

Reduced frequency of stimulant use appears to be associated with meaningful improvement in various clinical indicators of recovery. Assessment of reduced use, in addition to abstinence, could broaden the scope of outcomes measured in randomized controlled trials of stimulant use disorders and facilitate the development of more diverse treatment approaches.
Validating the laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score: a prospective cohort study in a resource limited setting
Authors: Stallwood‐Hall Catrin , Binu Vineet , Rajendran Radhika K. , Hiremath Bharati V.
Published: January 2024

Background

Necrotising fasciitis is a rare and fulminant soft tissue infection. Prompt surgical debridement of the involved soft tissues and necrotic fascia is its definitive treatment, with any delay associated with increased mortality. The LRINEC score is a scoring system initially designed to aid in early diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis to facilitate early surgical intervention. This score utilizes common biochemical tests to produce a score of 0–13, stratifying patients into risk categories.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was designed including all patients presenting with severe soft tissue infection from June 2011 to January 2014. Exclusion criteria included: less than 15 years or above 90 years, antibiotics within 48 h of presentation or prior debridement of their soft tissue infection. All patients underwent routine blood investigations, required for calculation of the LRINEC score.

Results

The positive predictive value of the LRINEC score was 95.42%, whilst the negative predictive value was 81.16%. There was a statistically significant correlation between white cell count, serum creatinine, blood glucose level and positive histopathology. The mortality rate for patients with histopathologically‐confirmed necrotising fasciitis was 10%.

Conclusion

The LRINEC score is a clinical adjunct to risk stratify patients presenting to the emergency department with soft tissue infections. It utilizes common blood tests commonly to calculate a score, which risk stratifies patients. The use of this scoring system can facilitate better allocation of resources and aids in the decision to transfer patients in rural or regional settings, which are often complicated by being a resource limited environment.