bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of remote work on scrum-based information technology projects management: insights for success
Authors: Bany Mohammed Ashraf , Hmoud Hazar , Sultan Luay , Yaseen Husam 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis research examines how recent changes in working practices as a result of COVID-19 – most often making knowledge-based work for technologists remote to the main office – are influencing the success of software projects managed by the Scrum process model. It explores the relationship between remote working and aspects that past empirical research has identified as important to project success within Scrum.Design/methodology/approachThe research used SPSS for descriptive analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypotheses relationships using SmartPLS 4, using a quantitative research design, a questionnaire was used and distributed electronically to the intended sample, which includes IT project managers, developers and designers in Jordan who work in projects that use Scrum methodology for their IT projects.FindingsThe study found that working from home on Scrum projects had a significant influence on project success and highlighted the need to meet the three basic psychological requirements of autonomy, competence and relatedness. Furthermore, this research revealed that both the ability to work from home and the use of Scrum contribute to project success, with Scrum acting as a mediator.Originality/valueThis study provides an understanding of the impact of adapting to remote working on project success using the Scrum framework. By filling this gap in the literature, the study generates insights that can also be extrapolated to situations in which people do not need to work remotely after a pandemic but might still anticipate and plan for new types of disruptions in the workplace.
Intraspecific plant chemodiversity at the individual and plot levels influences flower visitor groups with consequences for germination success
Authors: Sasidharan Rohit , Grond Sean G. , Champion Stephanie , Eilers Elisabeth J. , Müller Caroline 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Chemodiversity, the diversity of specialised (secondary) metabolites, plays a crucial role in mediating interactions between plants and animals, including insect herbivores and mutualists. Chemodiversity can be observed at both the individual and the population level. However, the impacts of chemodiversity at these two levels on interactions between plants and floral visitors, mainly pollinators and floral herbivores (florivores), are only poorly understood.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of chemodiversity at both individual (chemotype) and plot level on pollinators and florivores, examining their mutual interactions. To investigate these questions, we used individuals of the perennial Tanacetum vulgare differing in their terpenoid composition, representing different chemotypes. We planted individuals of five distinct chemotypes in a common garden design with homogeneous (five plants of the same chemotype) and heterogeneous (five different chemotypes) plots and observed flower visits in dependence of individual chemotype and plot type. Seeds were collected from a subset of plants and germination rates determined.

Our findings revealed that chemodiversity at the plot level significantly influenced pollinator visitation, with more visits on plants of heterogeneous plots. We also observed marginally more pollinators on one of the chemotypes grown in homogeneous plots. In contrast, chemotype but not plot type had a significant effect on florivore visits. Pollinator and florivore species richness did not vary with plot type. Furthermore, a negative correlation was observed between pollinator and florivore visits in 1 year. Germination rates were positively correlated with pollinator visits and affected by chemotype but not by florivore visits or plot type.

Synthesis. Our study emphasises the significance of the spatial level at which plant chemistry is perceived by flower visitors, potentially influencing the germination success of plants. Exploring the ecology of these visitors and the varying selection pressures they exert on floral chemistry can help to elucidate the evolutionary processes that maintain chemodiversity in natural environments.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Daily living skill support for autistic people through a neurodiversity‐affirming practice lens
Authors: Morrison Chelsea , Cashin Andrew , Foley Kitty‐Rose 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionSupporting daily living skill (DLS) development for autistic people is a component of occupational therapy practice. DLSs are essential for an increased quality of life (QoL), independent living, and community participation. Autistic young people experience poorer outcomes in terms of QoL and independent living than non‐autistic peers. Finding a balance between targeted DLS support to maximise independent living and improve QoL, while avoiding attempts to ‘normalise’ or ‘change’ autistic people, presents as a dilemma for therapists striving to align with neurodiversity‐affirming practice.MethodsThis theoretical paper explored literature pertaining to DLS and the neurodiversity movement in the context of occupational therapy values and the Canadian Model of Occupational Participation. Consideration of whether targeted DLS support is neurodiversity‐affirming or whether occupational therapists are compelling autistic people to mimic behavioural norms perceived by society was discussed.ResultsDLSs are an important factor for maximising QoL, regardless of neurotype. Occupational therapy values align with the core tenets of the neurodiversity movement, and occupational therapists are equipped with the values and skills to support the development of DLSs utilising affirming practice.ConclusionOccupational therapists should critically reflect on their practice to ensure alignment with the professions core values and recent occupational therapy models, to ensure affirming practice. Further research investigating DLS and neurodiversity‐affirming practice would benefit occupational therapists striving to align with neurodiversity‐affirming practice.Consumer and Community InvolvementNo consumer or community involvement. Consumers have been considered throughout the development of this paper through their representation in the literature. This involved a process of reviewing the literature and considering it in the scope of the questions and how occupational therapy sits within the neurodiversity movement.PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARYIt is important to help autistic people to learn to do everyday things. Everyday things include activities like showering, cleaning, and cooking. These things are important so that autistic people can live on their own. It has shown that autistic young people are less likely to be able to do everyday activities on their own. It is important that therapists help autistic people learn how to do everyday things; however, do not try and change who they are. This is because completing everyday activities is an important part of QoL for all people.
Altered tubulin detyrosination due to SVBP malfunction induces cytokinesis failure and senescence, underlying a complex hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Launay Nathalie , Espinosa‐Alcantud Maria , Verdura Edgard , Fernández‐Eulate Gorka , Ondaro Jon , Iruzubieta Pablo , Marsal Maria , Schlüter Agatha , Ruiz Montserrat , Fourcade Stephane , Rodríguez‐Palmero Agustí , Zulaica Miren , Sistiaga Andone , Labayru Garazi , Loza‐Alvarez Pablo , Vaquero Alejandro , Lopez de Munain Adolfo , Pujol Aurora 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSenescence, marked by permanent cell cycle arrest may contribute to the decline in regenerative potential and neuronal function, thereby promoting neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we employed whole exome sequencing to identify a previously unreported biallelic missense variant in SVBP (p.Leu49Pro) in six patients from three unrelated families. These affected individuals present with a complex hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), peripheral neuropathy, verbal apraxia, and intellectual disability, exhibiting a milder phenotype compared to patients with nonsense SVBP mutations described previously. Consistent with SVBP's primary role as a chaperone necessary for VASH‐mediated tubulin detyrosination, both patient fibroblasts with the p.Leu49Pro mutation, and HeLa cells harboring an SVBP knockdown exhibit microtubule dynamic instability and alterations in pericentriolar material (PCM) component trafficking and centrosome cohesion. In patient fibroblasts, structural abnormalities in the centrosome trigger mitotic errors and cellular senescence. Notably, premature senescence characterized by elevated levels of p16INK4, was also observed in patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Taken together, our findings underscore the critical role of SVBP in the development and maintenance of the central nervous system, providing novel insights associating cytokinesis failure with cortical motor neuron disease and intellectual disability.
Ketogenic β‐hydroxybutyrate regulates β‐hydroxybutyrylation of TCA cycle‐associated enzymes and attenuates disease‐associated pathologies in Alzheimer's mice
Authors: Han Wanhong , Zhang Bingchang , Zhao Wenpeng , Zhao Wentao , He Jiawei , Qiu Xiansheng , Zhang Liang , Wang Xiuyan , Wang Yong , Lu Hanwen , Zhang Yaya , Xie Yuanyuan , Geng Yanyan , Zhao Wujie , Huang Qionghui , Zhang Yun‐wu , Wang Zhanxiang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLysine β‐hydroxybutyrylation (Kbhb) is a post‐translational modification that has recently been found to regulate protein functions. However, whether and how protein Kbhb modification participates in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains unknown. Herein, we carried out 4D label‐free β‐hydroxybutylation quantitative proteomics using brain samples of 8‐month‐old and 2‐month‐old APP/PS1 AD model mice and wild‐type (WT) controls. We identified a series of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle‐associated enzymes including citrate synthase (CS) and succinate‐CoA ligase subunit alpha (SUCLG1), whose Kbhb modifications were decreased in APP/PS1 mice at pathological stages. Sodium β‐hydroxybutyrate (Na‐β‐OHB) treatment markedly increased Kbhb modifications of CS and SUCLG1 and their enzymatic activities, leading to elevated ATP production. We further found that Kbhb modifications at lysine 393 site in CS and at lysine 81 site in SUCLG1 were crucial for their enzymatic activities. Finally, we found that β‐OHB levels were decreased in the brain of APP/PS1 mice at pathological stages. While ketogenic diet not only significantly increased β‐OHB levels, Kbhb modifications and enzymatic activities of CS and SUCLG1, and ATP production, but also dramatically attenuated β‐amyloid plaque pathologies and microgliosis in APP/PS1 mice. Together, our findings indicate the importance of protein Kbhb modification for maintaining normal TCA cycle and ATP production and provide a novel molecular mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of ketogenic diet on energy metabolism and AD intervention.
Quantitative Modeling to Characterize Maternal Inflammatory Response of Histologic Chorioamnionitis in Placental Membranes
Authors: Chou Teresa , Senkow Karolina J. , Nguyen Megan B. , Patel Payal V. , Sandepudi Kirtana , Cooper Lee A. , Goldstein Jeffery A. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTProblemThe placental membranes are a key barrier to fetal and uterine infection. Inflammation of the membranes, diagnosed as maternal inflammatory response (MIR) or alternatively as acute chorioamnionitis, is associated with adverse maternal‐fetal outcomes. MIR is staged 1–3, with higher stages indicating more hazardous inflammation. However, the diagnosis relies upon subjective evaluation and has not been deeply characterized. The goal of this work is to develop a cell classifier for eight placental membrane cells and quantitatively characterize MIR1–2.Method of StudyHematoxylin and eosin (H&E)‐stained placental membrane slides were digitized. A convolutional neural network was trained on a dataset of hand‐annotated and machine learning‐identified cells. Overall cell class‐level metrics were calculated. The model was applied to 20 control, 20 MIR1, and 23 MIR2 placental membrane cases. MIR cell composition and neutrophil distribution were assessed via density and Ripley's cross K‐function. Clinical data were compared to neutrophil density and distribution.ResultsThe classification model achieved a test‐set accuracy of 0.845, with high precision and recall for amniocytes, decidual cells, endothelial cells, and trophoblasts. Using this model to classify 53 073 cells from healthy and MIR1–2 placental membranes, we found that (1) MIR1–2 have higher neutrophil density and fewer decidual cells and trophoblasts, (2) Neutrophils colocalize heavily around decidual cells in healthy placental membranes and around trophoblasts in MIR1, (3) Neutrophil density impacts distribution in MIR, and (4) Neutrophil metrics correlate with features of clinical chorioamnionitis.ConclusionsThis paper introduces cell classification into the placental membranes and quantifies cell composition and neutrophil spatial distributions in MIR.
Evaluating the Prognostic Significance of Cystatin C Level Variations Pre‐ and Post‐Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation in the Recurrence of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Zhang Yu‐Yan , Ge Ji‐Yong , Ji Yuan , Zhu Yi , Zhu Zhen‐Yan , Wang Fang‐Fang 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence and alterations in cystatin C levels pre‐ and post‐radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA).MethodsThis study encompassed 114 patients diagnosed with persistent AF. Their serum cystatin C levels were assessed both prior to and 3 months after undergoing an RFCA procedure. The variance in cystatin C levels before and after RFCA is represented as ΔCystatin C. Subsequently, we compared these values between two groups: patients who did not experience a recurrence of AF (n = 79) and those who did experience a recurrence (n = 35).ResultsA significant reduction in cystatin C levels post‐RFCA in both groups, with a more pronounced decrease observed in the non‐recurrence group. Moreover, the recurrence group exhibited larger left atrial diameter and volume before RFCA compared to the non‐recurrence group. Cox regression analysis indicated that smaller reductions in serum cystatin C levels and greater left atrial volumes before RFCA were associated with an increased risk of recurrence, after adjusting for covariates. The receiver operating characteristic curve indicated an elevated probability of clinical recurrence of AF post‐RFCA in patients with a cystatin C decline < 0.08 mg/L (AUC 0.64). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with a cystatin C decline > 0.08 mg/L exhibited significantly higher rates of remaining free from recurrence following RFCA across a 24‐month follow‐up period (Log‐rank test p = 0.003).ConclusionsAlterations in ΔCystatin C levels pre and post‐RFCA in the initial phase could independently predict the recurrence of AF.
A review of emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomies in Far North Queensland
Authors: Sawyer Emily , Buschel Helen , Tang Hannah , Mouline Omar , Wu Roxanne 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundAccess to laparoscopic cholecystectomy is more limited for remote communities and Indigenous patients internationally. To date, studies exploring the incidence of gallstone disease and access to laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Australian regional communities are limited. This study examined the rates and outcomes of emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (EMLC) in Far North Queensland, specifically in Indigenous and remote populations.AimsWe retrospectively examined all patients who underwent an EMLC at Cairns Hospital between 2016 and 2021.ResultsOver the study period, 634 EMLCs were undertaken. The average annual rate of 56 cases per 100 000 was considerably lower than national estimates. However, rates of EMLC were significantly higher in remote communities and Indigenous patients compared with the remaining cohort. Patients from remote communities were more likely to have pre‐existing gallstone disease but were less likely to have been seen in a surgical outpatient clinic prior to admission. Despite this, surgical outcomes for EMLC were comparable to national and international standards.ConclusionThis study highlights the challenges in surgical healthcare provision for gallstone disease in a regional centre. The requirement for EMLC disproportionately effects geographically isolated communities and Australian Indigenous people. Addressing the healthcare barriers to management of GD in regional Australia should be a priority.
A genome‐wide association study reveals fetal genetic factor for gestation length on chromosome 21 in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Kurose‐Iwanaga Marina , Muraki Eiji , Sasaki Shinji 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGestation length (GL) in cattle is associated with neonatal health and the subsequent reproductive performance of dams. We performed a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using 25,144 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 4373 animals to detect genetic variants associated with GL as a fetal trait in Japanese Black cattle in Gifu Prefecture. We identified four significant SNPs on chromosome 21 in moderate linkage disequilibrium (LD). The minor allele of the most significant SNP has the effect on −2.47 days GL with a 0.019 allele frequency. Of the 4373 animals, 140 heterozygotes and one homozygote with the minor allele were traced back to a heterozygous sire. The 7.2 Mb LD region harbors three genes: gamma‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit beta3 (GABRB3), arrestin domain containing 4 (ARRDC4), and nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 2 (NR2F2, also known as COUP‐TFII). RNA expression analysis and its functions suggest that GABRB3, ARRDC4, and NR2F2 (COUP‐TFII) are involved in glucose production via the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis during the fetal stress response at gestation period termination. These results suggest that an increase in the allele frequency of the associated SNPs has an impact on genetic improvement by shortening the GL in the population.
Nicotinamide enhances Treg differentiation by promoting Foxp3 acetylation in immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Li Ju , Zhang Cheng , Hu Yuefen , Peng Jun , Feng Qi , Hu Xiang 
Published: October 2024

SummaryImbalanced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) homeostasis has been reported in multiple autoimmune diseases and supplementation with NAD+ precursors has consistently demonstrated positive therapeutic benefits for these conditions. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an acquired autoimmune disease, in which the decreased number and impaired function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) contribute to the main pathogenesis. Here we found NAD+ level was decreased in the plasma and CD4+ T cells of ITP patients. Supplementation with NAD+ precursor nicotinamide (NAM), but not nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), increased Treg frequency and ameliorated thrombocytopenia in an ITP murine model. Moreover, whilst both NAM and NMN restored cytosolic NAD+ level in the CD4+ T cells from ITP patients, only NAM promoted Treg differentiation. Mechanistically, Sirtuin1 (Sirt1), a major consumer of NAD+, was highly expressed in the CD4+ T cells of ITP patients, potentially contributing to the low level of NAD+. NAM, which could act as Sirt1 inhibitor, promoted Foxp3 acetylation and stability in induced Tregs derived from naïve CD4+ T cells of ITP patients. These findings suggest that NAM holds promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for restoring immune balance in ITP.
Baseline characteristics of Ghanaian children and adults enrolled in PIVOT, a randomised clinical trial of hydroxyurea in HbSC disease in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Segbefia Catherine I. , Smart Luke R. , Stuber Susan E. , Amissah‐Arthur Kwesi N. , Dzefi‐Tettey Klenam , Ekpale Priscilla , Mensah Enoch , Lane Adam C. , Ghunney William , Tagoe Lily Gloria , Oteng Alpha , Amoako Emmanuella , Latham Teresa S. , Dei‐Adomakoh Yvonne A. , Ware Russell E. 
Published: October 2024

SummaryHbSC disease is a common form of sickle cell disease with significant morbidity and early mortality. Whether hydroxyurea is beneficial for HbSC disease is unknown. Prospective Identification of Variables as Outcomes for Treatment (PIVOT, Trial ID PACTR202108893981080) is a double‐blind, randomised, placebo‐controlled phase II trial of hydroxyurea for people with HbSC, age 5–50 years, in Ghana. After screening, participants were randomised to placebo (standard of care) or hydroxyurea. The primary outcome is the cumulative incidence of haematological toxicities during 12 months of blinded treatment; secondary outcomes include multiple laboratory and clinical assessments. Between April 2022 and June 2023, 112 children and 102 adults were randomised, including 44% females and average age 21.6 ± 14.5 years. Participants had substantial morbidity including previous hospitalisations (93%), vaso‐occlusive events (86%), malaria (79%), often received transfusions (20%), with baseline haemoglobin 11.0 ± 1.2 g/dL and foetal haemoglobin 1.8% ± 1.5%. The spleen was palpable in six children and one adult, and ultrasonographic volumes were collected. Proliferative sickle retinopathy was common (30% children, 75% adults), but proteinuria was less common (3% children, 8% adults). Whole blood viscosity, ektacytometry, point‐of‐sickling, transcranial Doppler, near‐infrared spectrometry (NIRS), 6‐minute walk, and quality of life were also measured. Now fully enrolled, PIVOT will document the safety and potential benefits of hydroxyurea on clinical and laboratory outcomes in HbSC disease.
CDK8/19 inhibition triggers a switch from mitosis to endomitosis in cord blood megakaryocytes
Authors: Liu Zhi‐Jian , Thom Christopher , Nitulescu Ioana I. , Pelish Henry E. , Rimsza Lisa M. , Teruel‐Montoya Raul , Ferrer‐Marin Francisca , Shair Matthew D. , Sola‐Visner Martha 
Published: October 2024

SummaryNeonatal and adult megakaryocytes differ in proliferative capacity and ploidy levels, and neonatal and adult platelets differ in function, gene expression, and protein content. The mechanisms underlying these differences are incompletely understood. CDK8 and CDK19 are transcriptional kinases part of the CDK‐mediator complex, which regulates gene transcription in a cell‐specific manner. We discovered that cortistatin A, a potent highly selective inhibitor of CDK8/CDK19, significantly reduced cell expansion and increased ploidy in cord blood‐derived megakaryocytes. These phenotypic changes were associated with gene expression changes that partially overlapped developmentally regulated genes. These findings might have relevance for the management of developmental megakaryocyte disorders.